bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Factors as Predictors of Blood Product Transfusion Requirements in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ghaffaripour Sina , Mahmoudi Hilda , Khosravi Mohammad B. , Sahmeddini Mohammad Ali , Eghbal Hossein , Sattari Hossein , Kazemi Kourosh , Malekhosseini Seyed Ali 
Published: July 2017

Context Intraoperative transfusion can affect the chance of graft survival in liver transplantation, a complicated operation with massive blood loss. Verification of factors that are predictive of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion increases the quality of anesthesia management. Objective To assess use of blood and blood products between 2002 and 2008 and to evaluate factors associated with blood loss and requirement for blood products in adult patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation via piggyback technique. Design Medical charts and anesthesia records from 261 eligible adult recipients of an orthotopic liver transplant between March 2002 and May 2008 were reviewed. Setting Shiraz Liver Transplantation Center, the only active liver transplantation center in Iran. Main Outcome Measures Potential influencing factors in blood loss and transfusion, including sex, preoperative hemoglobin level, international normalized ratio, primary diagnosis, platelet count, creatinine level, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, central venous pressure, and total anesthesia time, were measured and subjected to multivariable analysis. Results Mean blood loss was 54.2 (SD, 47.9) mL/kg, the mean (SD) for amounts of blood products transfused was 25.3 (19.5) mL/kg for packed red blood cells, 2.6 (3.3) units for fresh frozen plasma, and 1.7 (3.1) units for platelets. Seven recipients (2.7%) underwent transplantation without intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells, whereas 25 patients (9.6%) received more than 10 units of red blood cells intraoperatively. Multivariable analysis showed that no preoperative factor was a predictor of blood loss or requirement for intraoperative transfusion. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and packed red blood cells was significantly lower in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 than in 2003 to 2004 ( P< .001).
The Rhythm Forms of Philip Cady Hayden
Authors: Gerber Casey L. 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the study was to examine the teaching methods of Philip C. Hayden (1854–1925), an influential music educator during the early part of the twentieth century. Hayden is known for organizing the April 1907 meeting of music supervisors in Keokuk, Iowa, to demonstrate his teaching method that resulted in the formation of the Music Supervisors National Conference. He based his teaching on the premise that students should be educated in ear training before they are exposed to eye training. For this reason, he proposed teaching melodic concepts through the use of rhythm forms. The rhythm forms were based on frequently occurring tonal patterns paired with rudimentary rhythms. The seven rhythm forms employed by Hayden were presented in a sequential manner and advanced from easier to more difficult as the students progressed through the grades. One fundamental idea in the study of the rhythm forms was the use of the beat as a unit. This differed from previously established methods that did not group rhythms into patterns as related to the beat. The tonal patterns paired with rhythm forms were taught through imitation, dictation, and improvisation. Only after the students had abundant experience with a specified rhythm form, using imitation, dictation, and creation, were they allowed to read them in printed music. Through the use of the rhythm forms, Hayden believed that, by the eighth grade, all students should develop understanding of all musical elements through reading and dictation.
A Human Factors Guide for Aviation Maintenance
Authors: Parker James F. 
Published: July 2017

Safety considerations require that air carrier maintenance be of the highest quality and essentially error-free. Economic considerations require that maintenance activities be as efficient as possible. Success in meeting both safety and economic goals depends on the performance of those working in the aviation maintenance community. A human factors guide can be of value in supporting and enhancing the performance of aviation maintenance personnel. One end product of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program on “Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance” is a guidebook presenting human factors information oriented specifically toward the air carrier maintenance workforce. The Human Factors Guide presents established principles of job design and work. Coverage is broad and includes a variety of topics considered important in determining maintenance effectiveness and in the control of maintenance error. The preparation of the Human Factors Guide was done in a manner to ensure that needs of users were addressed. Size and format were selected in terms of user preferences. Information obtained through a series of FAA-sponsored human factors meetings plus that gained from a survey of maintenance personnel guided both the selection of topics and the presentation of materials.
The Effect of Polarity on Object Recognition in Thermal Images
Authors: Brickner Michael S. , Zvuloni Amir 
Published: July 2017

Thermal imaging (TI) systems, transform the distribution of relative temperatures in a scene into a visible TV image. TIs differ significantly from regular TV images. Most TI systems allow their operators to select preferred polarity which determines the way in which gray shades represent different temperatures. Polarity may be set to either black hot (BH) or white hot (WH). The present experiments were designed to investigate the effects of polarity on object recognition performance in TI and to compare object recognition performance of experts and novices. In the first experiment, twenty flight candidates were asked to recognize target objects in 60 dynamic TI recordings taken from two different TI systems. The targets included a variety of human placed and natural objects. Each subject viewed half the targets in BH and the other half in WH polarity in a balanced experimental design. For 24 out of the 60 targets one direction of polarity produced better performance than the other. Although the direction of superior polarity (BH or WH better) was not consistent, the preferred representation of the target object was very consistent. For example, vegetation was more readily recognized when presented as dark objects on a brighter background. The results are discussed in terms of importance of surface determinants versus edge determinants in the recognition of TI objects. In the second experiment, the performance of 10 expert TI users was found to be significantly more accurate but not much faster than the performance of 20 novice subjects.
The Preferences Scale: Multinational Assessment of a New Measure of Morningness
Authors: Smith Carlla S. , Folkard Simon , Schmieder Robert A. , Parra Luis F. , Spelten Evelien , Almirall Helena 
Published: July 2017

Several self-report scales have been developed to measure morningness, or the preference for early morning or late evening activity (i.e., larks vs. owls). This individual difference in human circadian (time-of-day) rhythms has applications in the selection and placement of shiftworkers for night work in industry. Researchers have recently questioned the suitability of existing scales for people with alternate sleep-wake schedules and lifestyles. These factors may also render existing scales inappropriate for use in some cultures. To address this deficiency, we developed a new morningness scale (the preferences scale) that is not yoked to specific times of the 24-hour day and has a simplified response format. Data on the preferences scale were collected from university students (total N=1,212) in four countries (U.S., England, Holland, and Spain). Responses on external validity measures (self-rated alertness over the waking day and actual and preferred arise and bed times) and another morningness scale (for comparative purposes) were also collected. Although scale statistics (aggregate and by country) suggest that the psychometric properties of the preferences scale were adequate, scale mean differences existed across countries. These results may indicate cultural, as well as the established biological, differences in morningness. However, a more thorough psychometric assessment is needed to substantiate this possibility.
The Task Analysis Process for a New Reactor
Authors: Staples L.J 
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the application of the methodologies of Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and Tabular Task Analysis (TTA), incorporating Human Error Analysis during the detailed design phase of a new reactor. The MAPLE-X10 reactor, currently being developed by AECL Research, is a dedicated isotope production facility, scheduled for commissioning at Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario in 1994. The task analysis process developed for MAPLE-X10 consists of the representation and analysis of task data. The aim is to ensure compatibility between the design of MAPLE-X10 and the characteristics and capabilities of the diverse users of the system. Compatibility will lead to enhanced safety, operability and maintainability. Each stage of the task analysis process is described and discussed, emphasizing the practical application of Hierarchical Task Analysis for task representation, and Tabular Task Analysis for detailed analysis of tasks during which human error may have safety or production related consequences. The benefits of applying the methods of Hierarchical Task Analysis and Tabular Task Analysis to the MAPLE-X10 project are highlighted. These include clear representation of the organization of tasks and interactions between systems in the HTA, continuous feedback to design and operations personnel regarding identified mismatches between existing procedures and the design intent, and cost effectiveness. The multiple uses of the information elicited during the task analysis process are also discussed in this paper. These include design verification, the identification of training requirements and the development / verification of operating procedures. In addition the task analyses provide a framework for other assessments to be completed for the project, such as Human Reliability Analysis, Workload Assessment, Communications Analysis and Training Needs Analysis for Mature Operations.
High Definition Systems Usability Test Tool (HUTT): A Human-Computer Interface Prototyping Tool
Authors: Heasly Christopher C. , Dutra Lisa A. , Kirkpatrick Mark , Seamster Thomas L. , Lyons Robert A. 
Published: July 2017

The High Definition Systems Usability Test Tool (HUTT) was developed to demonstrate and assess different human-computer interface (HCI) concepts for generic operator console positions within an advanced naval tactical display environment. To facilitate a “rapid prototyping” approach to interface development, HUTT was developed as a general purpose tool. The HUTT can be used by the human factors engineer as a rapid prototyping tool enabling quick construction and evaluation of alternative interface concepts. Changes to the organization and operation of a prototype can be made quickly, ensuring that more time can be spent on evaluation as compared to development. The demonstration will focus on the uses and operation of the HUTT. Demonstration participants will be shown how to develop, install and modify the OSF/Motif compliant graphics (pull-down menu structure and window contents) and the functionality of the HUTT to reflect changes in interface concepts.
A Study of the Effect of Night Extension SpLintage on Post Fasciectomy Dupuytren's Patients
Authors: Glassey Nicole 
Published: July 2017

This retrospective study examined the effect of night extension splinting on finger joint range of motion, pain, grip strength and hand function in post-fasciectomy Dupuytren's patients. In a group of 31 subjects, divided into those that had worn a night extension splint for the first three months of their rehabilitation and those that had never worn a night extension splint, assessment outcomes were collected retrospectively from the records at the subject's first assessment and at three months postoperatively. Statistical analysis between the two groups demonstrated that night extension splinting at three months post-fasciectomy for these subjects did not aid the maintenance of finger joint extension and reduced the rate of hand function resumption. However, night splintage did not cause a reduction in finger joint flexion. Night extension splinting for these subjects did not affect the recovery of hand grip strength nor did it affect the resolution of pain. Routine use of night extension splintage did not achieve the aim of maintaining finger joint range of extension in these subjects. However, it would be inappropriate to apply these findings to the general population of Dupuytren's patients or alter any treatment regimes on the basis of these results due to the limitations of the study and the small sample size. It is suggested that more individual treatment programmes are appropriate rather than the routine regimes. A further prospective randomised controlled study with a larger sample size would be necessary to re-evaluate these findings.
An Exploration of the Developing Role of Hand Therapists as Extended Scope Practitioners
Authors: Ellis Bridget , Kersten Paula 
Published: July 2017

Extended scope practitioners (ESPs) are specialist occupational therapists and physiotherapists working beyond their recognised scope of practice. The aims of this study were to identify the number, training and scope of practice of hand therapists working as ESPs. Thirty-five ESPs were identified and sent a questionnaire examining aspects of their practice. Thirty-two ESPs (91%) replied. The findings show that the ESPs worked in four models of practice: own clinic environment, rheumatology, preoperative and post-operative clinics. Their activities included making diagnoses, injections, joint aspirations and wound care. ESPs referred patients for surgery, investigative procedures and therapy. Training was largely experiential and there were unmet training needs. It can be concluded from this study that ESPs are undertaking aspects of care that traditionally have been undertaken by doctors and nurses. The development of ESPs has training implications.
Self-Reported Hand Functional Ability measured by the DASH in Individuals with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Adams Jo , Burridge J , Mullee M , Hammond Alison , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: July 2017

Self-report accounts of functional ability are important for clinicians to gain insight into individuals’ perspectives of the personal impact of injury or disease. This short report describes a study of self-report upper limb ability using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire in a sample of people with early rheumatoid arthritis. The DASH is a reliable and valid tool for use within rheumatology. The most difficult upper limb tasks to complete were reported to be activities that required sustained force and power, followed by tasks that required fine finger movements and prehension tasks. The DASH questionnaire proved to be an outcome measure that discriminated well between different levels of reported functional upper limb ability; it was reported to be easy to complete by patients, and was straightforward and quick to score. The compact summary score makes it a useful clinical and research tool and one that can be recommended in an early rheumatoid arthritis population.
Scar Management in Hand Therapy – is our Practice Evidence Based?
Authors: Jones Laura 
Published: July 2017

Hand therapists use a range of interventions for the management of scars in order to maintain tissue mobility and joint motion for effective hand function. This is well supported within the literature, however it is also suggested that there is a poor evidence base for the treatments that are so widely accepted by clinicians. A review of the recent literature and research findings was conducted in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the modalities being used. Research in support of some of the techniques utilised within scar management programmes is limited, with anecdotal evidence and clinical experience continuing to prevail in the choice of treatment. Clinicians need a more credible evidence base to support their interventions and further large-scale research is required.
The Use of Splinting in the Non-Surgical Treatment of De Quervain's Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Coldham Fiona 
Published: July 2017

Background The application of splinting in the treatment of de Quervain's disease is widespread. However, given its cost and the potential limitation to daily activities, clinicians must be confident of splinting's efficacy before utilising it. Objectives To determine whether there is any clinical evidence to support the use of splinting in the non-surgical treatment of de Quervain's disease. Search Strategy: A search was conducted using the Cochrane clinical trials register (November 2004 of The Cochrane Library), Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE databases. Selection Criteria Due to the paucity of available literature, all studies investigating the use of splinting for de Quervain's disease were included in this review (both randomized and non-randomized). This included studies comparing the use of splinting with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections. Data collection and analysis All trials judged as fitting the selection criteria by the reviewer, were assessed for methodological quality. The trials were grouped into four categories that related to the type of treatment. Main results In all, there were five studies, involving a total of 524 symptomatic wrists from 494 patients that all met the inclusion criteria. Comprehensive details of the individual studies are presented in the review and in tabular form. Reviewer's conclusions There are many treatment options available to treat de Quervain's disease, including splintage for various lengths of time and in different positions; steroid injections with or without splintage; local electrotherapy and massage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this review, splinting has performed poorly in comparison to steroid injections, especially in those patients with more severe symptoms.
Grip Strength and Dexterity: A Study of Variance between Right- and Left-Handed Healthy Individuals
Authors: Hodges Lucy , Adams Jo 
Published: July 2017

Several studies have investigated grip strength between dominant and non-dominant hands. However, few studies have investigated dominance specific differences and considered dexterity. This observational study investigated the differences in grip strength and dexterity of the dominant and non-dominant hands using a sample of 18 right- and 12 left-handed healthy individuals, and compared findings within and between these groups. The Jamar® grip dynamometer and the Purdue Pegboard Test were used to measure grip strength and dexterity. Right-handed individuals demonstrated significant differences in grip strength and dexterity between the dominant and non-dominant hands (p=0.03 and p<0.01, respectively), while left-handed individuals did not (p=0.45 and p=0.29, respectively). Between-group comparisons found that left-handed individuals were significantly more dexterous with their non-dominant hand compared with the right-handed group. Hand dominance appears to have a considerable effect on hand function and should therefore inform clinicians’ use and interpretation of functional hand assessments when testing right- and left-hand dominant patients.
Patients’ Concerns With The Journey Through Flexor Tendon Rehabilitation – A Prospective Patient-Centred Satisfaction Survey
Authors: A Branford Olivier , L Pratt Anna , Burr Nikki , Grobbelaar Adriaan 
Published: July 2017

Flexor tendon rehabilitation is an involved and protracted process during which everyday activities are difficult. The aim of this study was to conduct a patient-centred satisfaction assessment, tailored to hand therapy patients undergoing flexor rehabilitation, to gain an understanding of their experience, and to identify potential areas for improving the quality of their care. A prospective questionnaire survey, incorporating elements of generic patient-centred and upper limb outcome measures, was completed, over a six month period, by consenting hand therapy patients during their rehabilitation at three, seven and 12 weeks post-flexor-tendon surgery. Forty-three subjects fitted the inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-two subjects (74%) gave informed written consent and were recruited to this study. Two thirds (12 out of 18) of males and all females had difficulties with everyday activities at seven weeks. More females (7 out of 8 [88%]) than males (11 out of 18 [61%]) responded that life was not in their control. Five out of eight females and six out of 14 males reported feeling concerned about their hand at 12 weeks. Interestingly, approximately 40% of respondents wanted more information throughout rehabilitation, with half of females requesting more at seven and 12 weeks. This study suggests that there should be a strong therapist-led emphasis on providing verbal and written information throughout flexor rehabilitation to increase knowledge and reduce associated anxiety. The importance of this in improving patients’ experience of the process cannot be overestimated.
Audit of a Therapist-led Clinic for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Primary Care
Authors: A Storey Philip , Dipcot Helen Dear , J Bradley Mary , Couchman Louise , D Burke Frank 
Published: July 2017

An audit was designed to evaluate the effect on waiting times, did not attend (DNA) rates and quality of clinical management of a hand therapist-led clinic for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in Primary Care, and to investigate whether the clinic acted as an effective threshold mechanism for the Pulvertaft Hand Centre consultant clinics. Following a period of training with a senior consultant at the Pulvertaft Centre, an experienced hand therapist from the Centre worked out in Primary Care seeing patients with a provisional diagnosis of CTS who had been referred directly from General Practitioners (GPs). The referrals were assisted by the use of a local referral protocol. Tinel's and Phalen's tests were performed and areas of sensory loss were documented. A Levine Questionnaire was completed by the patient at an initial appointment and subsequently at review four to eight weeks later. Grip and pinch measurements were taken using a Jamar® Dynamometer. Mild and moderate CTS can be effectively managed by a community-based Hand Therapy Clinic. Forty five percent of GP-referred CTS patients were successfully managed without referral onto the Hand Centre and did not require further treatment for CTS in the subsequent two years. The consultation length was 30 minutes per patient at the therapist-led clinic, compared with 15 minutes at the Hand Centre. Waiting times were reduced from 90 to 20 days, and the clinic had a low (3%) DNA rate. Wrist splints were expertly chosen and fitted and patients were educated and empowered about their condition. The Hand Therapy Clinic acted as a useful threshold mechanism for Tertiary Care Hand Centre CTS referrals, removing 46% of CTS referrals from the Hand Centre clinics. The proportion of Hand Clinic-referred patients requiring carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) was therefore increased to 62% from 33%. This community-based, hand therapist-led clinic for CTS management is consistent with current Health Service initiatives.