bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portable Weather Applications for General Aviation Pilots
Authors: Ahlstrom Ulf , Ohneiser Oliver , Caddigan Eamon 
Published: April 2016

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the potential benefits and impact on pilot behavior from the use of portable weather applications. Method: Seventy general aviation (GA) pilots participated in the study. Each pilot was randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group and flew a simulated single-engine GA aircraft, initially under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The experimental group was equipped with a portable weather application during flight. We recorded measures for weather situation awareness (WSA), decision making, cognitive engagement, and distance from the aircraft to hazardous weather. Results: We found positive effects from the use of the portable weather application, with an increased WSA for the experimental group, which resulted in credibly larger route deviations and credibly greater distances to hazardous weather (≥30 dBZ cells) compared with the control group. Nevertheless, both groups flew less than 20 statute miles from hazardous weather cells, thus failing to follow current weather-avoidance guidelines. We also found a credibly higher cognitive engagement (prefrontal oxygenation levels) for the experimental group, possibly reflecting increased flight planning and decision making on the part of the pilots. Conclusion: Overall, the study outcome supports our hypothesis that portable weather displays can be used without degrading pilot performance on safety-related flight tasks, actions, and decisions as measured within the constraints of the present study. However, it also shows that an increased WSA does not automatically translate to enhanced flight behavior. Application: The study outcome contributes to our knowledge of the effect of portable weather applications on pilot behavior and decision making.
Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Sheridan Thomas B. 
Published: April 2016

Objective: The current status of human–robot interaction (HRI) is reviewed, and key current research challenges for the human factors community are described. Background: Robots have evolved from continuous human-controlled master–slave servomechanisms for handling nuclear waste to a broad range of robots incorporating artificial intelligence for many applications and under human supervisory control. Methods: This mini-review describes HRI developments in four application areas and what are the challenges for human factors research. Results: In addition to a plethora of research papers, evidence of success is manifest in live demonstrations of robot capability under various forms of human control. Conclusions: HRI is a rapidly evolving field. Specialized robots under human teleoperation have proven successful in hazardous environments and medical application, as have specialized telerobots under human supervisory control for space and repetitive industrial tasks. Research in areas of self-driving cars, intimate collaboration with humans in manipulation tasks, human control of humanoid robots for hazardous environments, and social interaction with robots is at initial stages. The efficacy of humanoid general-purpose robots has yet to be proven. Applications: HRI is now applied in almost all robot tasks, including manufacturing, space, aviation, undersea, surgery, rehabilitation, agriculture, education, package fetch and delivery, policing, and military operations.
Refinement of a model of repeated cerebrospinal fluid collection in conscious rats
Authors: Amen Eva Maria , Brecheisen Muriel , Sach-Peltason Lisa , Bergadano Alessandra 
Published: April 2016

The cannulation of the cisterna magna in rats for in vivo sampling of cerebrospinal fluid serves as a valuable model for studying the delivery of new drugs into the central nervous system or disease models. It offers the advantages of repeated sampling without anesthesia-induced bias and using animals as their own controls. An established model was retrospectively reviewed for the outcomes and it was hypothesized that by refining the method, i.e. by (1) implementing pathophysiological-based anesthesia and analgesia, (2) using state-of-the-art peri-operative monitoring and supportive care, (3) increasing stability of the cement–cannula assembly, and (4) selecting a more adaptable animal strain, the outcome in using the model – quantified by peri-operative mortality, survival time and stability of the implant – could be improved and could enhance animal welfare. After refinement of the technique, peri-operative mortality decreased significantly (7 animals out of 73 compared with 4 out of 322; P = 0.001), survival time increased significantly (36 ± 14 days compared with 28 ± 18 days; P < 0.001), as well as the stability of the cement–cannula assembly (47 ± 8 days of adhesion compared with 33 ± 15 days and 34 ± 13 days using two other cement types; P < 0.001). Overall, the 3R concept of Russell and Burch was successfully addressed and animal welfare was improved by (1) the reduction in the total number of animals needed as a result of lower mortality or fewer euthanizations due to technical failure, and frequent use of individual rats over a time frame; and (2) improving the scientific quality of the model.
Acute Mastoiditis and Cholesteatoma
Authors: Shaffer Howard L. , Gates George A. , Meyerhoff William L. 
Published: April 2016

Acute coalescent mastoiditis is an uncommon sequela of acute otitis media. It occurs principally in the well‐pneumatized temporal bone. The findings of fever, pain, postauricular swelling, and otorrhea are classic. Cholesteatoma, on the other hand, being associated with chronic infection, usually occurs in the sclerotic temporal bone. The signs and symptoms are insidious in nature and consist of chronic discharge and hearing loss which result from its mass, bone erosion, and secondary infection.Of 17 consecutive cases of acute mastoiditis over a six‐year period, four were atypical because they were complications of chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma, yet they had the physical findings of acute mastoiditis‐sub‐periosteal abscess and purulent otorrhea, plus radiographic evidence of mastoid coalescence.
Age‐related changes in schwann cells of the internal branch of the rat superior laryngeal nerve
Authors: Choo Daniel , Malmgren Leslie T. , Rosenberg Seth I. 
Published: April 2016

While previous studies have examined the role of neurons in age‐related changes of laryngeal sensory nerve function, investigators have not focused on the significant role of Schwann cells in the aging process. This investigation used an electron microscopic morphometric technique to systematically study Schwann cells of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve of three Wistar rat age groups: Young = 3 to 5 months; old = 25 months; very old = 29 to 31 months. In Schwann ceils of myelinated axons, a substantial and significant reduction (p = 0.0127) in mitochondrial volume fraction was found between the young and old groups, and also between the young and very old groups (young = 0.0034, old = 0.00175, very old = 0.0019). The volume fraction of compact myelin also showed a trend (p = 0.0683) toward decreasing with age. The volume fractions of cytoplasm, nuclei, and lipofuscin granules showed no significant age‐related changes (lipofuscin in myelinating Schwann cells: Young = 0.0025, old = 0.0020, veryold = 0.0051; lipofuscin in non‐myelinating Schwann cells: Young = 0.012, old = 0.0061, very old = 0.0051). Our observations on mitochondria lead to two possible conclusions regarding energy availability in aged Schwann cells. One possibility is that aged cells have a decreased energy requirement, which is reflected in the decreased mitochondrial densities in old and very old specimens. The other possibility is the reduced mitochondrial volume fractions are independent of cellular energy requirements and are indicative of some aging or pathologic process. In view of the “giant” mitochondria and other degenerative Schwann cell features noted in this and earlier studies, the latter possibility seems to be a more reasonable explanation of our findings.
Measuring participation as defined by the World Health Organization in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Psychometric properties of the Ghent Participation Scale
Authors: Van de Velde Dominique , Coorevits Pascal , Sabbe Lode , De Baets Stijn , Bracke Piet , Van Hove Geert , Josephsson Staffan , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Vanderstraeten Guy 
Published: April 2016

Objective: To examine the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, discriminant validity and responsiveness of the Ghent Participation Scale. Design: Cross-sectional study with a test–retest sample. Setting: Six outpatient rehabilitation centres in Belgium. Subjects: A total of 365 outpatients from eight diagnostic groups. Measures: The Ghent Participation Scale, the Impact on Participation and Autonomy, the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation and the Medical outcome study Short Form SF-36. Results: The Ghent Participation Scale was found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α between 0.75 and 0.83). At item level, the test–retest reliability was good; weighted kappas ranged between 0.57 and 0.88. On the dimension level intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.80 and 0.90. Evidence for construct validity came from high correlations between the subscales of the Ghent Participation Scale and four subscales of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy (range, r = −0.71 to −0.87) and two subscales of the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (range, r = 0.54 to 0.72). Standardized response mean ranged between 0.23 and 0.68 and the area under the curve ranged between 68% and 88%. Conclusion: The Ghent Participation Scale appears to be a valid and reliable method of assessing participation irrespective of the respondent’s health condition. The Ghent Participation Scale is responsive and is able to detect changes over time.
An experimental test of the effect of acute anxious arousal and anxiety sensitivity on negative reinforcement smoking
Authors: Farris Samantha G , Zvolensky Michael J 
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Although anxiety sensitivity has been reliably associated with smoking-anxiety comorbidity, there has not been a test of whether this construct moderates the effect of acute anxious arousal on actual smoking behavior. The present study utilized an experimental design to test the moderating role of anxiety sensitivity on laboratory-induced anxious arousal in terms of smoking urges and topography (puff style). Method: Participants were adult daily smokers ( n=90; Mage=43.6 SD =9.7); average 15.8 cigarettes per day). A between-subjects design was used; participants were randomly assigned to complete a biological challenge procedure consisting of either a single vital capacity inhalation of 35% carbon dioxide (CO2)-enriched air mixture or compressed room air. Smoking urges and smoking topography (puff behavior) were assessed before and after the challenge. Results: Results revealed a significant interaction between anxiety sensitivity and experimental condition ( b=−9.96, p=0.014), such that high anxiety sensitive smokers exposed to 35% CO2-enriched air reported significantly lower levels of smoking urges, relative to low anxiety sensitive smokers; the conditional effect of anxiety sensitivity was not observed for the room air condition. There were no significant interaction effects of experimental manipulation by anxiety sensitivity for any of the smoking topography outcomes. Discussion: The present results suggest for smokers with higher levels of anxiety sensitivity, the acute experience of anxious arousal is related to decreased subjective smoking urges. These data invite future research to explore the reasons for dampened smoking urges, including cardiorespiratory symptom severity.
Life-threatening perianaesthetic complications in five cats undergoing biliary tract surgery: case series and literature review
Authors: Monticelli Paolo , Stathopoulou Thaleia Rengina , Lee Karla , Adami Chiara 
Published: April 2016

Case series summary The aim of this case series was to describe the intra- and early postanaesthetic complications occurring in five cats undergoing major surgeries involving the gallbladder and the biliary tree. The five cases of this series were admitted to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals between June and December 2015, and were all overseen by the same senior anaesthesist. Pre-existing pancreatitis was a common finding. Observed life-threatening events were persistent, unresponsive hypotension in the absence of major blood loss, which occurred mainly during surgical manipulation of the biliary tract, and postoperative renal failure. Relevance and novel information Biliary surgery carries the potential for life-threatening complications in cats. The pathogenesis of such morbidities is likely to be multifactorial. The perianaesthetic use of haemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution may be considered as an alternative treatment option when hypotension is unresponsive to fluids and traditional positive inotropes and vasopressors.
A specialist’s perspective on the value of generalist practice: A qualitative network analysis
Authors: Raeymaeckers Peter 
Published: April 2016

Summary Social work practice is increasingly confronted with the dilemma of specialisation versus generalism. This article embraces the idea of a network that combines the strengths of specialist and generalist service organisations. We focus on the role of generalist service providers in a network of specialist organisations. We conduct 25 interviews with social workers in a network of service organisations in a single district in Antwerp, Belgium. Social workers ( n = 15) from specialist service organisations are interviewed to determine how they perceive collaboration with social workers from generalist service organisations. We also include the perspectives of 10 respondents affiliated with generalist service agencies. Findings The results show that generalists facilitate interactions between specialists and their clients. Their holistic perspective on the complex problems of very vulnerable clients allows them to fulfil critical functions such as brokering information and mediating when conflicts arise. Application Our analysis provides a better understanding of the role of generalist organisations in a network of specialist service organisations. This article concludes that further research on the importance of collaboration, networks and generalist practice is necessary to further develop a research agenda that focuses on how social work is able to address the complex problems of vulnerable target groups.
Medical social workers’ perceptions of obesity
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri 
Published: April 2016

Summary Professionals’ perceptions of patients’ health conditions are significant factors which influence the quality of treatment they provide. This study aimed to assess medical social workers’ perceptions of their patients’ obesity (“obesity representations”), as well as the relationship between these representations and knowledge about obesity, attitudes toward obesity, and personal exposure to obesity. A convenience sample of 105 medical social workers completed illness representations (dimensions included cause, timeline, consequences, control, coherence, timeline cycle, emotional representation) questionnaires, as well as attitudes toward obese patients, obesity risk knowledge, personal exposure to obesity, and sociodemographic questionnaires. Findings Medical social workers perceived obesity as being associated with severe consequences and as being controlled by one’s own behavior and through treatment. The medical social workers also expressed high negative emotional representations and significantly high percentage of them held negative attitudes toward obese patients. Multiple regression analyses revealed that personal exposure to obesity and attitudes toward obese patients emerged as significant predictors of timeline, emotional representations, and treatment control. Applications The study findings encourage the development of training and support programs, which will deal with the feelings of fear and anger that may accompany the care of obese patients. In addition, the findings can also aid in assessing and evaluating medical social workers’ obesity representations.
Framing the ‘child at risk’ in social work reports: Truth-telling or storytelling?
Authors: Roets Griet , Roose Rudi , De Wilde Lieselot , Vanobbergen Bruno 
Published: April 2016

Summary In the field of child welfare and protection, the notion of the ‘child at risk’ implies a central ground and legitimation for intervention yet is extremely ambiguous, since it can be constructed in radically different ways in practice. This construction process might involve challenges to professional assessment and intervention, since dealing with this complex notion is about more than tools, (risk) management and protocols. We focus on the practice of writing reports as an exemplary practice in which social workers exercise their power while assessing and constructing the child as ‘at risk’. Two approaches of social workers in interpreting the complexity of situations where children are potentially at risk are considered: truth-telling and storytelling. We report on a qualitative study conducted with 152 social work students in which we explore how they construct reports. Findings In our analysis, we identify three major issues in the construction of the ‘child at risk’ when social work students approach report writing as an open-ended and reflexive practice of storytelling: recognisability, comprehensibility and stigmatisation. Applications The normative judgment processes in social work are complex, determined by the analysis of situations in which the child may potentially be constructed as being at risk. Dealing with this complexity therefore requires reflexivity of social workers regarding their perceptions and interpretations at stake in practice. We argue that normative judgment in risk assessment should be an essential area for exploration in social work education.
Comparing cardiac output monitors and defining agreement: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Crossingham Iain R , Nethercott Daniel R , Columb Malachy O 
Published: April 2016

Background Measuring cardiac output is common in critical care and perioperative medicine. Different monitoring systems are often judged against others in comparative studies. There is no agreed standard or definition on which to base the conclusions of such studies. Objectives To review comparative studies of cardiac output monitors using an agreement:tolerability index (ATI) as a measure of monitor precision. To compare the ATI of a monitor with the conclusions of authors regarding agreement and clinical utility. Design Systematic review of comparative studies of cardiac output monitoring systems. The precision of each monitor was standardised against an ATI using a tolerability interval based on the normal range for cardiac index. The conclusions of each study were described as positive, neutral or negative, depending on whether authors reported the monitor to be acceptably precise and/or clinically useful. Comparison was made between the precision of a monitor and the likelihood of it being favoured by authors. Data sources PubMed was searched up to March 2012. Eligibility criteria Studies published in English that compared two or more methods for measuring cardiac output in adult humans. Results A total of 213 papers documenting 409 separate comparisons of two methods of measuring cardiac output were included. ATIs for the different comparisons varied from 0.07 to 6.84 (where an ATI < 1 indicates acceptable agreement, 1–2 marginal and >2 unacceptable agreement). Thirty-one percent of authors defined their own terms for acceptable agreement. ATI was only moderately correlated with the conclusions of the authors (Spearman rho = 0.47, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Authors should define what constitutes acceptable agreement a priori when reporting comparative studies of cardiac output monitors. The ATI and the tolerability interval may be a useful basis for helping define acceptable precision.
Efficacy of topical local anaesthesia to reduce perioperative pain for endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saha Sunita , Tiwari Alok , Hunns Charlotte , Refson Jonathan , Abidia Ahmed 
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Tumescent local anaesthesia via multiple injections in the perivenous space leads to intraoperative and postoperative pain during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). We considered whether the application of topical local anaesthesia reduces pain caused by these injections. Methods: Eligible patients undergoing local anaesthetic EVLA were recruited and randomized to either application of topical local anaesthesia or water-based gel (placebo) to the inner thigh over the marked great saphenous vein. Varicose vein severity was classified using the American venous forum clinical etiological anatomical pathological (CEAP) classification score for chronic venous disorders and the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ) score. Visual analogue pain scores attributable to the varicose veins or tumescent injections were recorded before the procedure, immediately postprocedure and prior to discharge. Secondary outcome measures were extra analgesia requirement during or immediately postoperatively. Analysis was performed using the unpaired Student’s t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: A total of 52 patients underwent the procedure. Eight patients were excluded from analysis due to failure to complete the procedure or incomplete data. In the remaining 44 patients (24 local anaesthesia, 20 placebo), no statistical difference was noted in age, gender distribution or the severity of varicose veins assessed preoperatively by the clinician (CEAP classification score, median = 2 in both groups) and patient (AVVQ, mean placebo = 21.59, local anaesthesia = 17.53, p = 0.264) between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in pain scores between the placebo and topical local anaesthetic group at baseline (23.0 versus 20.44, p = 0.57), immediately postoperatively (23.35 versus. 19.75, p = 0.44) or predischarge (20.9 versus 13.75, p = 0.68). Conclusions: Topical local anaesthesia is of no benefit in EVLA of varicose vein to reduce patient experience of perioperative pain.