bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Longitudinal Effects of a Core Mathematics Program on Evidence-Based Teaching Practices in Mathematics
Authors: Doabler Christian T. , Nelson Nancy J. , Kennedy Patrick C. , Stoolmiller Mike , Fien Hank , Clarke Ben , Gearin Brian , Smolkowski Keith , Baker Scott K.
Published: February 2018

Accumulating research has established explicit mathematics instruction as an evidence-based teaching practice. This study utilized observation data from a multi-year efficacy trial to examine the longitudinal effects of a core kindergarten mathematics program on the use of explicit mathematics instruction among two distinct groups of teachers: one group that used standard practices in Year 1 of the efficacy trial and the core program in Year 2, and a second group that used the core program in both years. Targeted teaching practices consisted of teacher models, student practice opportunities, and teacher-provided academic feedback. Implementation of the program in Year 2 was found to increase the mean rates of teaching practices of teachers who used standard teaching practices in Year 1. Effect sizes are also suggestive of a positive impact of a second year of implementation with the core program. Implications for designing explicit mathematics programs and investigating evidence-based practices in future research are discussed.
An Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the Early Identification System–Student Report
Authors: Huang Francis L. , Reinke Wendy M. , Thompson Aaron , Herman Keith C. ,   County Schools Mental Health Coalition
Published: February 2018

An identified barrier to the widespread adoption of universal socioemotional and behavioral screening in schools may be that existing instruments may be too burdensome or costly to administer. As a result, the County Schools Mental Health Coalition came together to develop a common assessment system, the Early Identification System (EIS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the EIS-student report, using a sample of third- to eighth-grade students. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic models were used with one exploratory ( n1 = 450) and two holdout samples ( n2 = 450, n3 = 940). A six correlated factor model was supported showing adequate model fit, reliability (range = .73-.90), and convergent validity. Results suggest that the EIS is a promising, cost-free, and quick-to-administer universal screening tool that may assist educators and school psychologists identify students at risk of future socioemotional and behavioral difficulties.
Writing for My Future: Transition-Focused Self-Advocacy of Secondary Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Cuenca-Carlino Yojanna , Mustian April L. , Allen Ruth D. , Whitley Samuel F.
Published: February 2018

Nine high school students with emotional and behavioral disorders received instruction on how to write argumentative essays to self-advocate for their transition-focused needs. A special education teacher and paraprofessional received training on the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) model of writing instruction. They provided instruction to students 3 days a week, 40 min each session, for 12 to 14 days of strategy instruction. The teacher and the paraprofessional provided instruction with high fidelity. Using a single-subject multiple-probe-across-groups design, findings indicated a functional relation between SRSD instruction and all students’ writing skills. Students’ essays increased for organizational quality and self-advocacy in writing. Furthermore, students’ writing self-efficacy increased as a result of instruction. Teacher and student interviews revealed an overall satisfaction with SRSD procedures and results.
Enhancing Return on HR Investment: Risk Management With Real Options Approach
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: February 2018

Return on human resources (HR) investment may not remain stable over time for organizations, due to changes in business conditions. The “real options” approach enables organizations to evaluate investment opportunities of HR in uncertain environments and highlights how these investments create value through future choices (i.e., HR options). HR options are “investments in the human capital pool of an organization that provides the capability to respond to future contingent events.” This research applies this logic to analyze the uncertainties associated with HR in organizations and discuss how organizations manage these uncertainties through HR “options” that are capabilities generated by various HR management practices. With appropriate HR capabilities, organizations are able to manage uncertainties proactively. Research emphasizes that certain HR management practices create HR options in terms of reducing uncertainties of return, volume and costs. Research also underscores that effective compensation and benefits practices reduce uncertainties of costs significantly.
Investigation of the recycling of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhu Peng , Xu Anchang , Bao Limin
Published: February 2018

There is limited information on the recycling of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTPs). Furthermore, existing research has been conducted in laboratories on a very small scale. In this article, we propose an effective and simple technology for recycling of FRTPs, which can be conducted on a large scale. To accelerate the rate of resin dissolution, prepared FRTPs were cut into small pieces. The obtained pieces were used to manufacture recycled chopped fabric tape-reinforced thermoplastics (R-CTTs). The feasibility of the recycling technology was confirmed by comparing the mechanical properties of the composites made from virgin materials (virgin chopped fabric tape-reinforced thermoplastics (V-CTTs)) and recycled materials. There was a significant improvement of the tensile properties with the increase of the specimen thickness. The strength of the materials was more sensitive to the length of the chopped tape than the modulus. Fibers in both V-CTT and R-CTT were well connected with the resins, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.
Where Should I Start? On Default Values for Slider Questions in Web Surveys
Authors: Liu Mingnan , Conrad Frederick G.
Published: February 2018

Web surveys have expanded the set of options available to questionnaire designers. One new option is to make it possible to administer questions that respondents can answer by moving an on-screen slider to the position on a visual scale that best reflects their position on an underlying dimension. One attribute of sliders that is not well understood is how the position of the slider when the question is presented can affect responses—for better or worse. Yet the slider’s default position is under the control of the designer and can potentially be exploited to maximize the quality of the responses (e.g., positioning the slider by default at the midpoint on the assumption that this is unbiased). There are several studies in the methodology literature that compare data collected via sliders and other methods, but relatively little attention has been given to the issue of default slider values. The current article reports findings from four web survey experiments ( n = 3,744, 490, 697, and 902) that examine whether and how the default values of the slider influence responses. For 101-point questions (e.g., feeling thermometers), when the slider default values are set to be 25, 50, 75, or 100, significantly more respondents choose those values as their answers which seems unlikely to accurately reflect respondents’ actual position on the underlying dimension. For 21- and 7-point scales, there is no significant or consistent impact of the default slider value on answers. The completion times are also similar across default values for questions with scales of this type. When sliders do not appear by default at any value, that is, the respondent must click or touch the scale to activate the slider, the missing data rate is low for 21- and 7-point scales but higher for the 101-point scales. Respondents’ evaluation of the survey difficulty and their satisfaction level with the survey do not differ by the default values. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Curricular and Pedagogical Oppression: Contradictions Within the Juggernaut Accountability Trap
Authors: Kavanagh Kara M. , Fisher-Ari Teresa R.
Published: February 2018

Nested within a 5-year examination of Teach for America (TFA) corps members’ experiences with learning to teach, this article focuses on the salient theme of “Reform Models” found in data collected when a highly publicized testing cheating scandal was breaking in this urban district. Using constructivist grounded theory, researchers analyzed 5,897 daily reflections written during a year-long, initial certification course. Rigorous, comprehensive, and collaborative data analysis utilizing a multirater/multistage/multiyear process, including ATLAS.ti, researchers’ memos, audit trails, and emic perspectives of participant–researchers, assured trustworthiness. Analysis revealed federal accountability policies and education reforms that had profound and negative influences on literacy curriculum, pedagogy, teaching, learning, and classroom practice.
VMAT2 Inhibitors for Tardive Dyskinesia—Practice Implications
Authors: Peckham Alyssa M. , Nicewonder Jessica A.
Published: February 2018

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible, debilitating, hyperkinetic movement disorder that can result from dopamine receptor antagonists. Prompt recognition and resolution of symptoms are instrumental in preventing disease irreversibility, though current treatment options have fallen short of robust, effective, and long-term symptom control. In April 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 2 new vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors, deutetrabenazine and valbenazine, for chorea related to Huntington’s disease and tardive dyskinesia, respectively. These agents were pharmacologically modified from tetrabenazine, a VMAT2 inhibitor used off-label in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. Despite FDA-labeled indications of deutetrabenazine and valbenazine, each agent was explored as a treatment option for those with tardive dyskinesia. In this study, the pharmacologic modifications of the 2 new VMAT2 inhibitors are described, with detailed explanation as to how these may impact clinical practice. The associated case series, observational studies, and clinical trials exploring their use in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia are reported with expert opinion on practice implication.
Getting on their level: Preschool teachers embodying the ideal preschooler
Authors: Bailey Denise E
Published: February 2018

An ethical commitment to liberating children has led childhood scholars to overlook pedagogies that afford children’s active participation. This article thus shows how preschool teachers contribute to less hierarchical moments of intergenerational interaction with their students, facilitating opportunities for agency. Teachers do so by embodying the ideal preschooler, becoming readable to children as affiliative through their bodies. The author describes these practices and highlights the ideological contexts that facilitate their emergence, and then explores contexts that limit, constrain, or change them.
Modeling, identification, and controller design for hydraulic anti-slip braking system
Authors: Moaveni Bijan , Barkhordari Pegah
Published: February 2018

This study modeled and identified the hydraulic subsystem of an anti-slip braking system using input–output data of experiments on a test car. A simulation was prepared based on the results of the identification process, and it was validated by comparing the simulation results with those of the experimental tests. A novel control approach is introduced to obtain the optimal slip ratio during braking. This method does not require vehicle longitudinal velocity for the control algorithm but requires information about the road condition (dry, wet, etc.). An online identification algorithm to detect the road condition is introduced. The main benefits of the proposed control system in comparison with previous versions are improving the braking performance, simplicity of the control strategy, and considering the operational constraints which facilitate the control system implementation. The simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experimental results demonstrated the success of the modeling, identification, and proposed control approach.
If citizens protest, do water providers listen? Water woes in a Tanzanian town
Authors: Nganyanyuka Kapongola , Martinez Javier , Lungo Juma , Georgiadou Yola
Published: February 2018

Tanzania’s urban citizens are still insufficiently supplied with safe drinking water by their water utilities. However, instead of collectively clamouring for improvements, citizens channel their protests individually to water authorities. This paper aims to shed light on citizens’ protest strategies and the responses they elicit from the water authorities. It draws on extensive fieldwork carried out in a Tanzanian town, which revealed four protest strategies employed by citizens: “stay and speak up”, “speak up and leave”, “resignation” and “leave and remain silent.” The study reveals a substantial mismatch between citizens’ protest strategies and the formal/informal complaint mechanisms of the water authority. This has negative implications for underprivileged citizens and for broadly defined “access to water”.
Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Overweight, Physical Activity, and Screen Time Among School-Aged Children in Urban China: The Shanghai Study
Authors: Zhu Xihe , Haegele Justin A. , Tang Yan , Wu Xueping
Published: February 2018

This study reports the prevalence and demographic correlates of overweight, as well as meeting physical activity and screen time guidelines, in Chinese children. A representative sample of school-aged children ( n = 49 549) in Shanghai were participants. Children’s anthropometrics were objectively measured; their physical activity and screen time, and demographic variables including age, sex, skill proficiency, sport affiliation, and transportation mode were self-reported. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. The prevalence of overweight was 24.9%, meeting physical activity guidelines was 20.5%, and meeting screen time guidelines was 73.5%. Boys (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50-1.71) had higher overweight prevalence than girls. Girls (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.97) and those without sport affiliation (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.42-0.54) were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than their counterparts. Girls were more likely than boys to meet screen time recommendations (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.22-1.37). Children’s sex, sport affiliation, and skill proficiency are factors that policymakers can use to improve body weight status, physical activity participation, and screen time.
Shared decision-making in psychiatry: a study of patient attitudes
Authors: Nott Josie , Mcintosh Aspen , Taube Clare , Taylor Mark
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Shared decision-making (SDM) is promoted as beneficial in mental healthcare, despite a dearth of supportive evidence. We aimed to obtain patients’ perspective on SDM in a ‘real world’ hospital sample.

Methods:

Structured validated questionnaires were used to examine SDM with regard to treatment choices, and whether SDM influences attitudes towards treatment. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to assess decision-making capacity.

Results:

A total of 109 individuals participated, with 60% reporting experiencing SDM. SDM positively correlated with positive attitudes to medication. Those detained under the Mental Health Act had lower levels of SDM.

Conclusions:

SDM leads to more positive attitudes towards medication and may improve adherence with treatment. SDM may particularly benefit those subject to involuntary treatment and is not onerous to practice.
Dark and Bright—Two Sides of Family-Centered Care in the NICU: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mirlashari Jila , Valizadeh Sousan , Navab Elham , Craig Jenene W. , Ghorbani Fatemeh
Published: February 2018

Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have an important role in implementing family-centered care (FCC). The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of NICU nurses on implementing FCC. An interpretative phenomenological study was conducted and 11 employed nurses were interviewed from April 2015 to February 2016. The data were analyzed through the Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner approach. Four main themes of “strain to achieve stability,” “bewildered by taking multiple roles,” “accepting the family,” and “reaching bright horizon” were extracted. This study provided deeper understanding about nurses’ perceptions of FCC implementation. In Muslim developing countries, FCC implementation is challenging and nurses are under extra pressure because of a shortage in nursing workforce; however, having positive experiences with family participation and valuing theism beliefs allowed them to support family involvement. Support of nurses to take FCC strategies in the NICU is needed by officials overseeing the health care system.
Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Authors: Elshorbagy Hatem Hamed , Barseem Naglaa Fathy , Abdelghani Waleed Elsayed , Suliman Hany Abdelaziz Ibrahim , Al-shokary Ashraf Hamed , Abdulsamea Sameh Elsayed , Elsadek Akram Elshafey , Abdel Maksoud Yehia Hamed , Nour El Din Dalia Mohamed Abd El-Hassib
Published: February 2018

Background: The role of nutrients and dietary factors in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the serum vitamin D level in children with a diagnosis of ADHD. The secondary objective was to detect the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in those with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A total of 50 children with ADHD and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. We measured the serum level of vitamin D. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were subdivided into 2 groups: one with vitamin D supplementation and the other without vitamin D supplementation. Further assessment and follow-up of children with ADHD was done. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were performed at baseline and follow-up in all cohorts with an ADHD diagnosis. Results: The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency was significantly greater in children with ADHD compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Children with ADHD had significantly ( P = 0.0009) lower values of serum vitamin D (17.23 ± 8.98) than the control group(31.47 ± 14.42). The group receiving vitamin D supplementation demonstrated improvement in cognitive function in the conceptual level, inattention, opposition, hyperactivity, and impulsivity domains. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation in children with ADHD may improve cognitive function.
The Risk of Community-Acquired Enteric Infection in Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hafiz Radwan A. , Wong Chia , Paynter Stuart , David Michael , Peeters Geeske
Published: February 2018

Background: Previous meta-analyses suggest that users of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a higher risk of developing enteric infections compared with nonusers. These previous meta-analyses have considerable heterogeneity, and it is not clear whether the effect of PPIs is different for different types of microorganisms. Objective: The aim of this study is to update previous meta-analyses, concentrating on enteric infection in community settings and exploring potential sources of heterogeneity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases (all available years until November 2017). PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched using specific keywords related to PPI therapy and community-acquired enteric infection. Eligible studies were selected based on prespecified criteria. Results: A total of 9 observational studies evaluating community-acquired enteric infection were eligible, including 12 separate analyses. The meta-analysis showed that PPI users have an increased risk of developing community-acquired enteric infection (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 4.28; 95% CI = 3.01-6.08). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies ( I2 = 85%; P < 0.001), which was partly explained by type of microorganism. The strength of the association was similar for Salmonella (pooled OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 2.75-8.54; I2 = 58.7%; P = 0.064) and Campylobacter (pooled OR = 5.09; 95% CI = 3-8.64; I2 = 81%; P < 0.001) but lower for studies that combined all bacteria (pooled OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 0.96-6.14; I2 = 94.3%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: PPI users have an increased risk of developing community-acquired enteric infections compared with nonusers. The heterogeneity was partially explained by type of microorganism; the association is stronger for Salmonella and Campylobacter than for all bacteria combined.
The Importance of Calibration in Clinical Psychology
Authors: Lindhiem Oliver , Petersen Isaac T. , Mentch Lucas K. , Youngstrom Eric A.
Published: February 2018

Accuracy has several elements, not all of which have received equal attention in the field of clinical psychology. Calibration, the degree to which a probabilistic estimate of an event reflects the true underlying probability of the event, has largely been neglected in the field of clinical psychology in favor of other components of accuracy such as discrimination (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve). Although it is frequently overlooked, calibration is a critical component of accuracy with particular relevance for prognostic models and risk-assessment tools. With advances in personalized medicine and the increasing use of probabilistic (0% to 100%) estimates and predictions in mental health research, the need for careful attention to calibration has become increasingly important.
From Family Involvement to Family Inclusion in Nursing Home Settings: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Authors: Puurveen Gloria , Baumbusch Jennifer , Gandhi Preet
Published: February 2018

The provision of care work by families plays an integral role in the quality of life of older adults living in a nursing home setting. This critical interpretive synthesis examines family members’ perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in nursing home settings and interrogates the structural and relational barriers and enablers to family involvement as they relate to fostering an inclusive environment. Electronic databases and published literature were searched for empirical studies that were conducted in a nursing home setting and described involvement from the perspective of family members. Thirty-two articles published between 2006 and 2016 were included in the review. Although involvement comprised a variety of roles and responsibilities, it was grounded in family–resident relationships, influenced by family–staff relationships, and deeply affected by broader sociopolitical factors. We conclude that involvement should be understood as a democratic process with supporting policies and programs to encourage family inclusion in facility life.
Effectiveness and Safety of LMWH Treatment in Patients With Cancer Diagnosed With Non-High-Risk Venous Thromboembolism: Turkish Observational Study (TREBECA)
Authors: Ozaslan Ersin , Ozkan Metin , Cicin Irfan , Benekli Mustafa , Kocer Murat , Uysal Mukremin , Oksuzoglu Berna , Isikdogan Abdurrahman , Cubukcu Erdem , Elkiran Emin T. , Dane Faysal , Aliustaoglu Mehmet , Sevinc Alper , Karaoglu Aziz , Ulas Arife , Gokoz-Dogu Gamze
Published: February 2018

We compared the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in patients with cancer who are at low risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Patients were treated by medical oncologists in Turkey at 15 sites, where they were enrolled and followed up for a period of 12 months. Due to the study design, there was no specific treatment protocol for LMWH. Primary end points were efficacy and the time to change in VTE status. Of the included 250 patients, 239 (95.6%), 176 (70.4%), 130 (52.0%), and 91 (36.4%) completed their day 15, month 3, month 6, and month 12 visits, respectively. Number of patients treated with enoxaparin, bemiparin, and tinzaparin were 133, 112, and 5, respectively. Anticoagulant therapy provoked thrombus resolution in 1.2% and 12.7% of patients using enoxaparin and bemiparin, respectively ( P = .004). Thrombus resolution was observed in 81 more patients at month 3 visit. This ratio was 35 (40.2%) of 87 and 46 (54.1%) of 85 patients administered enoxaparin and bemiparin at the third visit, respectively ( P = .038). Thrombus resolution was observed in 21 more patients during month 6 visit. This ratio was 5 (7.7%) of 65 and 15 (23.4%) of 64 patients administered enoxaparin and bemiparin at the fourth visit, respectively ( P = .022). The LMWH was discontinued in only 2 patients due to gastrointestinal bleeding. This pioneering study shows bemiparin is more effective than enoxaparin in thrombosis resolution and has a similar tolerability profile.
Help Wanted: Realigning Journalism Education to Meet the Needs of Top U.S. News Companies
Authors: Wenger Deb Halpern , Owens Lynn C. , Cain Jason
Published: February 2018

Journalism programs working to stay current with industry practice often struggle to do so without forgoing traditional journalism skills and attributes. This longitudinal study involves content analysis of more than 1,800 jobs posted in either 2010 or 2015 by companies listed among the top 10 newspaper and broadcast journalism companies in the United States. The researchers found an increased demand for employee skills in social media and audience engagement, and a significant trend toward seeking candidates that exhibit web/multimedia skills, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
Cryosurgery + 5% 5-Fluorouracil for Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Bowen’s Disease
Authors: Soong Laura C. , Keeling Christopher P.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) are 2 types of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) that are amenable to treatment with topical 5-fluorouracil, cryosurgery, or topical imiquimod, among other destructive and surgical modalities. There are few studies examining the effectiveness of combination therapy with 5% 5-fluorouracil and cryosurgery for the treatment of sBCC and SCCis.

Objectives:

Our objective was to study the clinical cure rate achieved with the regimen of cryosurgery and a 3-week course of 5% 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of biopsy-proven sBCC and SCCis.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients treated with cryosurgery and a 3-week course of 5% 5-fluorouracil was performed. Immunocompetent patients with biopsy-proven sBCC or SCCis who completed the treatment and attended a follow-up appointment at 6 months were included in the study.

Results:

On clinical examination, 30 sBCC lesions of the 34 that were assessed and 31 SCCis lesions of the 33 that were assessed demonstrated no evidence of recurrence. The clinical cure rates were found to be 73% (sBCC) and 82% (SCCis), with the inclusion of patients that were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions:

This approach may represent a suitable option for select patients for the treatment of SCCis. Further studies with a longer follow-up duration, documentation of histologic cure, and tolerability of this regimen for SCCis are needed. The effectiveness of cryosurgery and 5-fluorouracil for sBCC requires further study.
Atopy Associated With Positive Patch Test and Possible Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Kirchhof Mark G. , de Gannes Gillian C.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Atopy is a genetic predisposition to the development of allergic reactions and the increased production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) upon exposure to environmental antigens. Clinical manifestations of atopy include asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC).

Objective:

To determine if cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reactions (CDHRs) as assessed by patch testing are higher among patients with a history of atopy and with a familial predisposition to atopy.

Methods:

For this study, we reviewed the patch test database of the UBC Contact Dermatitis Clinic over a 4-year time span. A personal history of asthma, AD, and ARC was recorded. In addition, a family history was obtained and manifestations of atopy in family members were noted.

Results:

A total of 1515 patients were included in this study. Our data show that the odds ratio (OR) of a positive patch test with a personal history of atopy was 1.39, while the OR of a positive patch test with a family history of atopy was 1.69. Conversely, a personal history of respiratory atopy did not significantly affect the probability of a positive patch test, with an OR of 1.03.

Conclusion:

We conclude from our study that patients with a personal or family history of atopy have an increased risk of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). These results provide further evidence for the link between atopy and ACD and suggest that children of atopic parents should avoid potential contact allergens and would likely benefit from prophylactic emollient use.
Not what to wear? Employers’ liability for dress codes?
Authors: Middlemiss Sam
Published: February 2018

This article argues that in the United Kingdom currently there is a lack of an effective legal basis for challenging the imposition by employers of unfair or discriminatory dress codes in the workplace on employees or workers. Given the breadth of this topic, it will not be possible to also consider appearance or grooming standards such as outlawing beards or banning piercings or tattoos. Also consideration will be restricted to the aspects of discrimination which are contentious or most affected by dress codes or have not been dealt with in detail elsewhere namely sex and transgender discrimination. It is sadly the case that there is often uncertainty on the part of both employers and employees about when dress codes are acceptable or not and this should be addressed. There have been a number of research studies and legal cases highlighted recently which make this article timely. The cases tend to support the employers managerial prerogative to impose dress restrictions. Of recent interest is an incident where a woman was sent home from work on her first day for not wearing high heels which caused a public outcry, of which, more later. Clearly dress codes are often contentious and can lead to the discontent of employees and workers. In the absence of adequate legal protection in the United Kingdom, this article will examine what steps should be taken by management and legislators to deal with the problem of dress codes.
Music as a way out: How musicking helped a collaborative rock band of ex-inmates
Authors: Tuastad Lars , Stige Brynjulf
Published: February 2018

This article explores how the members of Me and THE BAND, a rock band consisting of three ex-inmates and a music therapist, experienced playing together, how it helps them, and whether and how this can be related to the concept of self-help. Focus group interviews were conducted to explore the members’ experiences, analysis was grounded in a hermeneutic philosophical understanding and the theoretical framework is based in a community music therapy approach. The study indicates how musicking helped the band members of Me and THE BAND’its to create agency, structure, meaning and community. The band appeared to function through collaborative processes, and the music therapists as facilitator need to prepare the qualities of equality, mutuality and participation. As a conclusion, the members of Me and THE BAND’its do not identify as being a self-help group, although they clearly report that musicking helps them. The crux of this paradox is that it is important for the group members to identify as a band, but they still include self-help concepts and traditions. They maintain their own uniqueness and independence, while making musicking a possible way out of criminality.
British strategy and outer space: A missing link?
Authors: Bowen Bleddyn E
Published: February 2018

Britain sees itself as a significant power which upholds global norms and deploys expeditionary military force around the world. But no matter what role Britain wants for itself, it cannot do so without spacepower and considering its freedom of action in the common of outer space. This reality of international relations in the 21st century is a missing link in British strategic thought. This article provides context for a discussion of Britain in space and on whether it should acquire an Earth observation capability, as it is an essential pillar of critical infrastructure and military capabilities that enables what freedom of action is purchased by new aircraft carriers and 5th generation aircraft. The United Kingdom is assess as a secondary space power relative to other major space powers, and considers the risks posed to it by its military integration with America and commercial and space industrial integration with Europe.
Who wouldn’t want more efficiency? Analysing the construction of efficiency as a ‘truth’ within policy discourses
Authors: O’Keeffe Patrick
Published: February 2018

The discourse of Australian public policy refers regularly to the concept of ‘efficiency’ as though the meaning of this term is self-evident and shared by all stakeholders in the policy process. Efficiency is constructed as a primary objective of policy, as an ambition which is unequivocally ‘good’. This focuses discussion on what policy change is needed to maximise efficiency, rather than the more pertinent question, of ‘Why efficiency?’ This article examines how efficiency is described and justified in a collection of Australian policy documents produced in the past 25 years by government departments, agencies and inquiries, and by mainstream lobby groups and consulting firms. These policy documents portray efficiency as essential in raising consumers’ living standards. In turn, living standards are narrowed, centring on satisfaction of consumers’ wants through markets, by firms. I build on Pusey’s argument that efficiency injures, rather than improves, quality of life for many people. Measures in the interests of maximising efficiency, such as casualisation, outsourcing and disaggregation of jobs, have contributed to an increasingly insecure existence for many, particularly those on society’s margins. As a result, I argue that rather than seeking to maximise efficiency for the betterment of society, efficiency is pursued in spite of society.
Internet governance as joint effort: (Re)ordering search engines at the intersection of global and local cultures
Authors: Mager Astrid
Published: February 2018

In this article, I investigate Internet governance in practice by focusing on search engines, Google in particular. Building on science and technology studies–grounded Internet governance research, I ask how different stakeholders interpret governing by algorithms, the governing of algorithms, and the limits of various governing modes when considering local specificities. To answer these questions, I conducted 18 qualitative interviews with key experts involved in search engine governance from four distinct societal domains: policy, law, civil society, and the IT sector (from Austria and/or the European level). In this analysis, I show that perceptions of search engine governance are shaped not only in specific cultural contexts but also within particular social groups and their situated knowledges. I further elaborate how joint efforts are imagined as a means to challenge powerful search engines and their governing abilities cutting through different societal arenas and areas of expertise. Finally, I discuss implications of this analysis regarding the complex relationship between global technology and local cultures.
Dementia management strategies associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms of elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Delfino Lais Lopes , Komatsu Ricardo Shoiti , Komatsu Caroline , Neri Anita Liberalesso , Cachioni Meire
Published: February 2018

This study aims to investigate the association between management and communication strategies and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms presented by elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease. One hundred and thirty-four family caregivers answered a questionnaire with socio-demographic data and questions regarding the care context, the Small Communication Strategies Scale, the Dementia Management Strategy Scale, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Caregivers used the criticism management strategy more when the elderly presented hallucination, agitation, depression, anxiety, irritability, nighttime behavior, and appetite abnormalities. The encouragement strategy was more significantly used only in the presence of euphoria/elation. The caregivers who used the most active management strategy were those who cared for the elderly with delirium, hallucination, agitation, depression, anxiety, irritability, and appetite and eating abnormalities. The use of communication strategies did not differ between groups with or without neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is concluded that criticism management and active management strategies are strongly associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The results of this study may be useful for planning treatment interventions that aim to modify the use of management strategies used by caregivers.
Repetition Is the Feature Behind the Attentional Bias for Recognizing Threatening Patterns
Authors: Shabbir Maryam , Zon Adelynn M. Y. , Thuppil Vivek
Published: February 2018

Animals attend to what is relevant in order to behave in an effective manner and succeed in their environments. In several nonhuman species, there is an evolved bias for attending to patterns indicative of threats in the natural environment such as dangerous animals. Because skins of many dangerous animals are typically repetitive, we propose that repetition is the key feature enabling recognition of evolutionarily important threats. The current study consists of two experiments where we measured participants’ reactions to pictures of male and female models wearing clothing of various repeating (leopard skin, snakeskin, and floral print) and nonrepeating (camouflage, shiny, and plain) patterns. In Experiment 1, when models wearing patterns were presented side by side with total fixation duration as the measure, the repeating floral pattern was the most provocative, with total fixation duration significantly longer than all other patterns. Leopard and snakeskin patterns had total fixation durations that were significantly longer than the plain pattern. In Experiment 2, we employed a visual-search task where participants were required to find models wearing the various patterns in a setting of a crowded airport terminal. Participants detected leopard skin pattern and repetitive floral pattern significantly faster than two of the nonpatterned clothing styles. Our experimental findings support the hypothesis that repetition of specific visual features might facilitate target detection, especially those characterizing evolutionary important threats. Our findings that intricate, but nonthreatening repeating patterns can have similar attention-grabbing properties to animal skin patterns have important implications for the fashion industry and wildlife trade.
Fully automated vision-based loosened bolt detection using the Viola–Jones algorithm
Authors: Ramana Lovedeep , Choi Wooram , Cha Young-Jin
Published: February 2018

Many damage detection methods that use data obtained from contact sensors physically attached to structures have been developed. However, damage-sensitive features such as the modal properties of steel and reinforced concrete are sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. These uncertainties are difficult to address with a regression model or any other temperature compensation method, and these uncertainties are the primary causes of false alarms. A vision-based remote sensing system can be an option for addressing some of the challenges inherent in traditional sensing systems because it provides information about structural conditions. Using bolted connections is a common engineering practice, but very few vision-based techniques have been developed for loosened bolt detection. Thus, this article proposes a fully automated vision-based method for detecting loosened civil structural bolts using the Viola–Jones algorithm and support vector machines. Images of bolt connections for training were taken with a smartphone camera. The Viola–Jones algorithm was trained on two datasets of images with and without bolts to localize all the bolts in the images. The localized bolts were automatically cropped and binarized to calculate the bolt head dimensions and the exposed shank length. The calculated features were fed into a support vector machine to generate a decision boundary separating loosened and tight bolts. We tested our method on images taken with a digital single-lens reflex camera.
Intensive care decision-making: Identifying the challenges and generating solutions to improve inter-specialty referrals to critical care
Authors: Power Nicola , Plummer Nicholas R , Baldwin Jacqueline , James Fiona R , Laha Shondipon
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Decision-making regarding admission to UK intensive care units is challenging. Demand for beds exceeds capacity, yet the need to provide emergency cover creates pressure to build redundancy into the system. Guidelines to aid clinical decision-making are outdated, resulting in an over-reliance on professional judgement. Although clinicians are highly skilled, there is variability in intensive care unit decision-making, especially at the inter-specialty level wherein cognitive biases contribute to disagreement.

Method

This research is the first to explore intensive care unit referral and admission decision-making using the Critical Decision Method interviewing technique. We interviewed intensive care unit ( n = 9) and non-intensive care unit ( n = 6) consultants about a challenging referral they had dealt with in the past where there was disagreement about the patient’s suitability for intensive care unit.

Results

We present: (i) a description of the referral pathway; (ii) challenges that appear to derail referrals (i.e. process issues, decision biases, inherent stressors, post-decision consequences) and (iii) potential solutions to improve this process.

Discussion

This research provides a foundation upon which interventions to improve inter-specialty decision-making can be based.
Essential prescribing tips for GP Associates-in-Training
Authors: Gookey Gill , Knox Richard , Salema Nde-Eshimuni , Marsden Kate , Bell Brian , Bassi Mindy , Silcock Nick , Swanwick Glen , Avery Anthony
Published: February 2018

Prescribing is an essential role in general practice but it is also, at times, a high risk activity. GP Associates-in-Training (GP AiTs) have been highlighted as needing further support to reduce the risk of prescribing errors. This article highlights some common prescribing errors to help GP AiTs to review their prescribing and develop prescribing habits to avoid errors. The general practice workforce is changing and there are more pharmacists working in general practice. This article describes the role of clinical pharmacists in prescribing safety and in supporting GP AiTs.
Poverty and health: The challenges for GPs
Authors: Shahid Hina J.
Published: February 2018

Poverty and poor health are closely linked in a complex relationship. The prevalence of poverty in the UK is growing, resulting in widening health inequalities. Poverty affects the social determinants of health on multiple levels, compromising economic stability, education, social and community contact, lifestyle and healthcare access, and the physical environment. It is associated with an increased prevalence of a range of physical and mental health disorders, with some groups particularly sensitive to the health impacts of poverty, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, refugee and asylum seekers, gypsy and travelling communities, and the homeless. GPs have an important role in identifying the health risks associated with poverty and in supporting individuals and families.
The role of early colonoscopy in patients presenting with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roshan Afshar Ira , Sadr Mo Seyed , Strate Lisa L. , Martel Myriam , Menard Charles , Barkun Alan N.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

The use of early colonoscopy in the management of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is controversial, with disparate evidence. We aim to formally characterize the utility of early colonoscopy (within 24 h) in managing acute LGIB.

Design:

A systematic literature search to August 2016 identified fully published and abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing early colonoscopy in acute LGIB. Single-arm studies were also included to define incidence. Primary outcomes were overall rebleeding rates and time to rebleeding. Secondary outcomes included mortality, surgery, length of stay (LOS), definite cause of bleeding and adverse events (AEs). Odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated.

Results:

Of 897 citations, 10 single-arm, 9 observational studies, and 2 RCTS were included (25,781 patients). Rebleeding was no different between patients undergoing early colonoscopy and controls (seven studies, OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.49–1.62), or RCT data only (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.52–1.62). Early colonoscopy detected more definitive sources of bleeding (OR = 4.12, 95% CI 2.00–8.49), and was associated with shorter LOS colonoscopy (WMD = −1.52, 95% CI −2.54 to −0.50 days). No other differences were noted between early and late colonoscopy. AEs occurred in 4.0%, (95% CI 2.9%; 5.4%) of early colonoscopies. Included studies were of low quality, with significant heterogeneity for some outcomes.

Conclusion:

Early colonoscopy in acute LGIB does not decrease rebleeding, mortality or need for surgery, but is associated with increased detection of definitive sources of bleeding, shorter LOS, with low complication incidence. However, the quality of evidence is low, highlighting the need for additional high-level studies.