bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of sample stability for a quantitative faecal immunochemical test and comparison of two sample collection approaches
Authors: Mellen Samantha , de Ferrars Maria , Chapman Claire , Bevan Sarah , Turvill James , Turnock Daniel
Published: March 2018

Background

Faecal immunochemical testing is increasingly being used to triage symptomatic patients for suspected colorectal cancer. However, there are limited data on the effect of preanalytical factors on faecal haemoglobin when measured by faecal immunochemical testing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability of faecal haemoglobin in faeces and to compare two methods of faecal haemoglobin sampling for faecal immunochemical testing.

Methods

Six patients provided faeces for faecal haemoglobin measurement which were transferred into specialized collection devices at baseline and at 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after storage at either room temperature or 4°C. A total of 137 patients returned both faeces transferred into the specialized collection device and faeces in a standard collection pot. A quantitative immunoturbidometric method was used to measure faecal haemoglobin and results were compared categorically. Discrepant results were assessed against diagnosis.

Results

Faecal haemoglobin concentration declined rapidly within a day of storage at room temperature but results remained ≥10 μg Hb/g faeces in 5/6 patients after two days. A faecal haemoglobin result ≥10 μg Hb/g faeces was obtained in 4/6 patients after storage for seven days at 4°C. Results obtained when patients used specialized collection devices were significantly different from results obtained when faeces was transferred into the specialized collection device in the laboratory.

Conclusion

There is considerable heterogeneity in the sample stability of faecal haemoglobin; therefore, samples should be transferred rapidly into specialized collection devices to prevent false-negative results. Use of collection devices by patients can lead to false-positive results compared with their use in a laboratory.
Development of a rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of serum dexamethasone and its clinical verification
Authors: Hawley James M , Owen Laura J , Debono Miguel , Newell-Price John , Keevil Brian G
Published: March 2018

Background

Measurement of serum dexamethasone during the overnight dexamethasone-suppression test has been recommended to reduce false-positive results when investigating Cushing’s syndrome or increasingly commonly found adrenal incidentalomas. Despite this, there remains a paucity of well-validated dexamethasone methods currently available. Here, we describe the development of a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry serum dexamethasone assay and verify its utility in a cohort of postmenopausal females.

Method

Isotopically labelled internal standard was added to samples prior to supported liquid extraction. Extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in the positive electrospray ionization mode. Multiple reaction monitoring was used to detect dexamethasone and its corresponding internal standard transitions. Normal healthy postmenopausal women ( n = 95) were recruited and underwent an overnight dexamethasone suppression test, with serum dexamethasone and cortisol measurements at 09:00 after administration of oral dexamethasone 1 mg at 23:00 the night before.

Results

Mean intra- and inter-assay imprecision were 4.1% and 2.9%, respectively, for dexamethasone concentrations of 1.5, 6.0 and 12.0 nmol/L. Matrix effects were found to be negligible at 106–109% with recovery ranging from 96 to 100%. The limit of quantitation was 0.25 nmol/L, and structural analogue analysis proved the method to be robust against interferences. Applying a serum dexamethasone cut-off of >3.3 nmol/L was associated with a serum cortisol ≤50 nmol/L in 84/95 individuals.

Conclusion

We have developed a sensitive and robust liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of serum dexamethasone. The method can be used to identify false-positive results during the overnight dexamethasone suppression test or for pharmacokinetic studies.
Before It Gets Better: The Short-Term Employment Costs of Regulatory Reforms
Authors: Bassanini Andrea , Cingano Federico
Published: March 2018

The article exploits long time series of industry-level data in a group of OECD countries to analyze the short-term labor market effects of reforms that lower barriers to entry and dismissal costs. Estimates show that both policies induce non-negligible transitory employment losses. The strength of these effects varies depending on the underlying industry and labor market structure, and on cyclical conditions: The employment cost of deregulation is higher in economic downturns and negligible in good times. These findings prove robust to a set of specification and sensitivity checks and are confirmed after standard reverse causality and falsification tests.
The Affordable Care Act and the Faltering Revolution in Behavioral Health Care
Authors: Rochefort David A.
Published: March 2018

Often described in such terms as a “revolution” and a “game-changer” for the behavioral health sector in the United States, the Affordable Care Act has helped to enhance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders while encouraging service system innovations at the organizational level. However, tens of millions of Americans still lack health insurance, insurance companies are resisting the implementation of parity coverage rules, and inequalities in the financing and organization of care continue to worsen in key respects. This article examines these difficulties and their political-economic nature, highlighting the need for a single-payer framework if the task of reform is to be fulfilled.
The Price of Demanding Peace: The Case of Academics for Peace in Turkey
Authors: Aksu Tanık Feride
Published: March 2018

Escalation of violence resulted with more violence in 2015 in Turkey. Two hundred and sixty-eight officially confirmed round-the-clock (all day long) and/or open-ended curfews in 11 cities and at least 47 districts of Turkey have occurred. 1,809,000 residents, and the fundamental rights of these people have been explicitly violated. On January 11, 2016, 1,128 academics signed a petition and made a declaration. Immediately after the declaration witch hunt started. This report aims to display the case of Academics for Peace Petition.
Patterns of Health Care Utilization for Noncommunicable Diseases in a Transitional European Country: Results From the National Health Survey
Authors: Janković Janko , Šiljak Sladjana , Marinković Jelena , Kovač Bojan , Janković Slavenka
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to assess possible differences in health services utilization among people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special reference to NCD multimorbidity. In addition, the relationship between self-perceived health and health care utilization was assessed. Data were retrieved from the 2010 National Health Survey. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 4,673 persons aged 18 years and older were identified in the households, of which 4,128 were interviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the effects of NCDs on health care utilization in RS. Respondents with NCD multimorbidity more frequently visited family physicians (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.34 − 3.19), dentists (OR, 1.57; CI, 1.28 − 1.92), private doctors (OR, 2.14; CI, 1.74 − 2.64), and urgent care departments (OR, 2.30; CI, 1.75 − 3.03) than their counterparts without NCDs. They also had more hospital admissions (OR, 2.03; CI, 1.56 − 2.64). This is the first study to address the relationship between health care utilization and NCDs in the population of RS. Further research is needed to explore how best to organize health care to meet the needs of people in RS with NCDs, especially with NCD multimorbidity.
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”: Democracy, the Secretary of State for Health and Blame Shifting Within the English National Health Service
Authors: Benbow David I
Published: March 2018

The English National Health Service (NHS) has suffered from a democratic deficit since its inception. Democratic accountability was to be through ministers to Parliament, but ministerial control over and responsibility for the NHS were regarded as myths. Reorganizations and management and market reforms, in the neoliberal era, have centralized power within the NHS. However, successive governments have sought to reduce their responsibility for health care through institutional depoliticization, to shift blame, facilitated through legal changes. New Labour’s creation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Monitor were somewhat successful in reducing ministerial culpability regarding health technology regulation and foundation trusts, respectively. The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition created NHS England to reduce ministerial culpability for health care more generally. This is pertinent as the NHS is currently being undermined by inadequate funding and privatization. However, the public has not shifted from blaming the government to blaming NHS England. This indicates limits to the capacity of law to legitimize changes to social relations. While market reforms were justified on the basis of empowering patients, I argue that addressing the democratic deficit is a preferable means of achieving this goal.
Society and ‘good woman’: A critical review of gender difference in depression
Authors: Maji Sucharita
Published: March 2018

Background:

Worldwide, women are found to suffer from depression significantly more than men. This has puzzled the scientists since no biological explanation can completely resolve the matter.

Method:

Extant empirical work has been conducted to solve the mystery of the issue. However, most of the research has pivoted their attention to biology. Therefore, based on the previous literature from the disciplines of medicine, psychology and sociology, the author aimed at looking and reviewing the matter critically. Specifically, the present critical review aims at conceptualising the psychological, social and cultural factors in the context of gender difference in depression.

Discussion:

The work reveals that psychological variables such as women’s unique attachment patterns, relational self-construal, as well as a macro-level issue like power dynamics based on gender, and the skewed division of labour play an important role in gender difference in depression. The work also suggests that focusing solely on biological underpinnings may result in losing the entire scenario; therefore, social and cultural issues that place women in a socially disadvantaged position are equally important.
Inter laminar failure behavior in laminate carbon nanotubes-based polymer composites
Authors: Tarfaoui M , El Moumen A , Lafdi K , Hassoon OH , Nachtane M
Published: March 2018

Delamination progressive in carbon nanotubes reinforced composites under applied Short Beam Shear test was studied. Experimental characterization was carried out using ASTM D2344 standard norms for different carbon nanotubes mass fractions ranging from 0 to 4%. Failure modes and the delamination were experimentally characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Kayence microscopy to assess the failure behavior. The numerical model was created under ABAQUS software based on the cohesive zone models. The numerical model was formulated according to the damage mechanics. In these models, the cohesive interaction was implanted between elements of each fabric ply to control the initiation and the propagation of the delamination for different carbon nanotubes fractions. The force–displacement curves vs. carbon nanotubes added were obtained for the numerical model and shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The effect of carbon nanotubes on the progressive delamination was elucidated.
Children’s emerging ability to discriminate L1-varieties
Authors: Kaiser Irmtraud , Kasberger Gudrun
Published: March 2018

Children in Austria are exposed to a large amount of variation within the German language. Most children grow up with a local dialect, German standard language and ‘intermediate’ varieties summarized as ‘Umgangssprache’. Using an ABX design, this study analyses when Austrian children are able to discriminate native varieties of their L1 German (standard German vs local dialect). The results show children’s early ability to register differences and similarities on an across-speaker level when sentences are held constant (i.e. to discriminate translation equivalents in the two varieties) and a later, rather sudden emergence of more abstract categories of the varieties, which encompass different phonological and lexical variables and enable children to match sentences which also differ lexically. In sum, discrimination ability seems to be relatively stable and consistent at the age of 8/9. Other than age, the mother’s educational background, language variation at home and the immediate sociolinguistic setting (urban/rural) predict children’s discrimination performance.
The Peterson Proactive Developmental Attention Model: A Framework for Nurturing the Rest of the Whole Gifted Child
Authors: Peterson Jean Sunde , Jen Enyi
Published: March 2018

The Peterson Proactive Developmental Attention (PPDA) model offers a framework for affective curriculum for gifted children and adolescents and for both formal or informal interaction with individuals. The model was developed in authentic clinical and educational settings in response to perceived needs but was also informed by considerable research focused on the social and emotional development of gifted youth. The proactive, developmental, and attention components are explained here, and findings from three studies of the model attest to its usefulness. The model is adaptable to a wide age range and can enhance communication across achievement levels, cultural groups, and socioeconomic levels. The small- and large-group applications can be facilitated by laypersons with brief training.
Rattling Europe’s ordoliberal ‘iron cage’: the contestation of austerity in Southern Europe
Authors: Papadopoulos Theodoros , Roumpakis Antonios
Published: March 2018

This article explains the popular revolt against austerity in Southern Europe as the outcome of profound politico-economic changes that are shaped by the transformation of the European Union’s (EU’s) macro-economic governance. It comprises three parts. The first part demonstrates how ordoliberalism – the Germanic variant of (neo)liberal economic thinking – was embedded in the EU’s new macro-economic governance, in processes that constitutionalise austerity and remove democratic controls over the economy. The second part examines the impact of austerity-driven reforms on welfare and employment in the aftermath of the sovereign debt crisis. These reforms undermined the social reproduction of Southern Europe’s familistic welfare model by destabilising three key pillars of social protection: employment security for households’ primary earners; small property ownership; and pension adequacy. The third part analyses the emergence of anti-austerity social politics in Southern Europe, both parliamentary and grassroots, and assesses their effectiveness in light of the collapse of public trust in both EU and domestic political institutions. The article concludes with our reflections on the fragility of EU’s integration process under the hegemony of ordoliberalism.
Perception of music-induced emotions in patients with somatoform disorders compared to healthy controls
Authors: Firle Carl , Teufel Martin , Blumenstock Gunnar , Smolka Robert , Erschens Rebecca , Windthorst Petra , Zipfel Stephan , Junne Florian
Published: March 2018

Although music therapy has become a widespread approach used in the multimodal treatment of psychosomatic disorders, this is the first study investigating the perception of music-induced emotions (PoMIE) in patients with somatoform disorders. For the purposes of this study, n = 23 patients (PG) with somatoform disorder (F45) were assessed for PoMIE within an experimental design. Additionally, n = 25 healthy controls were included as a control group (CG) matched for age and gender. A questionnaire including the dimensional (valence, arousal) and the discrete (basic emotions) model were applied to assess PoMIE. At t0, the PG gave lower ratings of the emotion happiness, F(1, 48) = 1.24, p < .01, than the CG. Significantly higher ratings of fear were observed in the PG than in the CG. At t1, the PG gave higher ratings of happiness for happy-targeted music stimuli than at t0, t(22) = 2.35, p < .05. Higher ratings of fear in the PG compared to the CG also persisted after inpatient therapy, t(46) = −2.48, p < .05. The results suggest a lower perception of happiness and a higher perception of fear in the PG. A multimodal, inpatient therapy seems to influence the happiness perception of music-induced emotions in PG. The results may inform the further evaluation of music therapy interventions.
Using psycholinguistic inquiry to measure emotional response to music: A feasibility study
Authors: Yinger Olivia Swedberg , Springer D Gregory
Published: March 2018

Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software, which can analyze elements of language, has been used to measure emotional responses to film clips, yet the viability of LIWC to study emotional responses to music has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using LIWC software to measure emotional responses to music. Undergraduate education majors ( N = 56) listened to two 90-second musical excerpts, one happy and one sad. After each excerpt, participants wrote about induced and perceived emotional responses. A repeated-measures ANOVA used to analyze effects of excerpt, writing prompt, emotion and order revealed a significant main effect for emotion ( p = .01). Significant interactions were found between emotion and excerpt ( p < .001) and between excerpt, prompt and emotion ( p = .005). Participants used significantly more positive emotion words than negative emotion words to describe the happy excerpt, and the reverse was true for the sad excerpt. Both writing prompts elicited the expected differences in emotional response; however, the perceived emotion prompt resulted in greater contrasts between positive and negative emotion words than the induced emotion prompt. Results indicate that it is feasible to use LIWC to measure emotional responses to music.
‘Civil skepticism’ and the social construction of knowledge: A case in dendroclimatology
Authors: Ramírez-i-Ollé Meritxell
Published: March 2018

Early Science and Technology Studies (STS) scholars recognized that the social construction of knowledge depends on skepticism’s parasitic relationship to background expectations and trust. Subsequent generations have paid less empirical attention to skepticism in science and its relationship with trust. I seek to rehabilitate skepticism in STS – particularly, Merton’s view of skepticism as a scientific norm sustained by trust among status peers – with a study of what I call ‘civil skepticism’. The empirical grounding is a case in contemporary dendroclimatology and the development of a method (‘Blue Intensity’) for generating knowledge about climate change from trees. I present a sequence of four instances of civil skepticism involved in making Blue Intensity more resistant to critique, and hence credible (in laboratory experiments, workshops, conferences, and peer-review of articles). These skeptical interactions depended upon maintaining communal notions of civility among an increasingly extended network of mutually trusted peers through a variety of means: by making Blue Intensity complementary to existing methods used to study a diverse natural world (tree-ring patterns) and by contributing to a shared professional goal (the study of global climate change). I conclude with a sociological theory about the role of civil skepticism in constituting knowledge-claims of greater generality and relevance.
Childhood Trauma and Psychopathic Features Among Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Farina Anne S. J. , Holzer Katherine J. , DeLisi Matt , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: March 2018

Despite growing interest in psychopathic personality features in juvenile offenders, few studies have examined the relationship between childhood trauma and psychopathy. The present study utilized two datasets: 253 adolescents in a residential facility for juvenile offenders in Pennsylvania and 723 institutionalized delinquents in Missouri. Zero-order correlations and linear regression techniques were employed for boys and girls to examine the relationships between trauma, assessed using the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument Version 2 (MAYSI-2) Traumatic Experiences Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and psychopathy as measured by the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Short Form (PPI-SF). Results indicate that psychopathy is significantly correlated with childhood trauma. For the Missouri data, trauma significantly predicted psychopathy scores for both boys and girls. These results suggest that nuanced understanding of traumatic history of these adolescents may not only be a pathway to psychopathy but also a critical part of their overall assessment and treatment plan.
Elite entrepreneurship education: Translating ideas in North Korea
Authors: Wainwright Thomas , Kibler Ewald , Heikkilä Jukka-Pekka , Down Simon
Published: March 2018

The recent geographies of education literature have drawn attention to the role of elite business education in circulating new ideas. Our paper presents an ethnography based in North Korea to examine the introduction of an international business education for young generations of North Korean elites (‘donjus’). Drawing on extant literature on translation, our study shows how the translation of entrepreneurial ideas between market-orientated economies and North Korea’s political economy creates different legitimacy tensions within teaching space, and how those tensions are managed to help translate ideas, making them relevant for the local economy. In conclusion, we introduce new understanding into how business schools function as a hub of idea translation and foster the (re-)production of economic elites in an institutional space, where commercial entrepreneurship is still illegal.
A decade of battle against PM2.5 in Beijing
Authors: Liu Lun , Silva Elisabete A , Liu Jianzheng
Published: March 2018

PM2.5 pollution has been a major environmental concern in Chinese cities for the past decade. In order to understand how pollution has proceeded, we produced a calendar view of the daily concentration of PM2.5 in Beijing from 2008 to 2017. The graphic shows that the pollution in Beijing intensified from 2008 to 2011 and then began to alleviate in 2012. The reduction has become more significant since 2015. However, air quality still falls below the international standard for healthy air and it is still early for Beijing to declare victory in the battle against PM2.5.
Computerizing carceral space: Coded geographies of criminalization and capture in New York City
Authors: Jefferson Brian Jordan
Published: March 2018

This article examines how computer software mediates the way cities conceptualize relations between corrections, law enforcement, and urban space. Focusing on New York City, it builds on concepts from carceral geography and geographic studies of software to decipher the “coded spaces” of corrections and law enforcement, or spaces whose existence and morphology are partially determined by software. It does so through discourse analysis of technical documents from New York City criminal justice agencies and specialized publications on applications of software in corrections and law enforcement. In analyzing these materials, the article demonstrates how the New York City Department of Corrections and Community Supervision envisions software as a medium for embedding coded spaces of continuous surveillance, discipline, and capture across the city. It also chronicles how the New York City Police Department articulates software as a means of establishing functionally similar spaces of its own, albeit on larger scales. In each instant, authorities perceive software as a means of establishing intracity coded spaces in which correctional supervision looks more like policing, and policing more like correctional supervision. The article suggests that this coded dimension of surveillance, discipline, and human capture indicate new horizons for the geography of the carceral state, and merit further empirical investigation to understand their technicity.
Nonsurgical Treatments of Patellar Tendinopathy: Multiple Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Are a Suitable Option: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Andriolo Luca , Altamura Sante Alessandro , Reale Davide , Candrian Christian , Zaffagnini Stefano , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Background:

Patellar tendinopathy is a condition characterized by anterior knee activity–related pain. It has a high incidence among athletes engaged in jumping sports and may become a chronic condition. Nonoperative management is the first choice in these patients, and several nonsurgical treatment options have been proposed. Nonetheless, clear indications on the most effective approach to address patellar tendinopathy are still lacking.

Purpose:

To analyze the evidence on nonoperative options to treat chronic patellar tendinopathy through a systematic review of the literature and to perform a meta-analysis to identify the most effective nonsurgical option.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

The search was conducted with the PubMed and Cochrane databases on January 4, 2017. All clinical English-language reports of any level of evidence on nonsurgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy were included. The quality of each article was assessed by use of the Coleman score. A meta-analysis was performed on all articles reporting the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment scale for patellar tendinopathy to evaluate the results of the most described treatments.

Results:

A total of 70 studies involving 2530 patients were included in the qualitative data synthesis. The Coleman score showed an overall poor study quality. The most described treatment groups that could be included in the meta-analysis were reported in 22 studies on eccentric exercise, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Single and multiple PRP injections were evaluated separately. Eccentric exercise therapies obtained the best results ( P < .05) at short-term (<6 months, mean 2.7 ± 0.7 months). However, multiple injections of PRP obtained the best results ( P < .05), followed by ESWT and eccentric exercise, at long-term follow-up (≥6 months, mean 15.1 ± 11.3 months).

Conclusion:

The literature documents several nonsurgical approaches for the treatment of chronic patellar tendinopathy with important limitations in terms of study quality. The available evidence showed an overall positive outcome, but some differences have been highlighted. Eccentric exercises may seem the strategy of choice in the short-term, but multiple PRP injections may offer more satisfactory results at long-term follow-up and can be therefore considered a suitable option for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.
Performance and Return to Sport After Tommy John Surgery Among Major League Baseball Position Players
Authors: Jack Robert A. , Burn Matthew B. , Sochacki Kyle R. , McCulloch Patrick C. , Lintner David M. , Harris Joshua D.
Published: March 2018

Background:

The anterior bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus stress at the elbow and is often injured among overhead throwing athletes. Despite prevention strategies, injuries to the elbow UCL are on the rise.

Purpose:

To determine (1) the return-to-sport (RTS) rate of Major League Baseball (MLB) position players after elbow medial UCL reconstruction, (2) postoperative career length and games per season, (3) pre- and postoperative performance, (4) postoperative performance versus matched control players, and (5) whether position players changed positions after UCL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

MLB players who underwent elbow UCL reconstruction were identified (cases). Demographic and performance data were collected for each player. Matched controls were identified. RTS in MLB was defined as playing in at least 1 MLB game after UCL reconstruction. Comparisons between case and control groups and pre- and postoperative time points were made via paired samples Student t tests.

Results:

Thirty-three players (34 surgical procedures) were identified with a mean ± SD age of 30.2 ± 4.2 years and a mean experience in the MLB of 6.3 ± 3.9 years at the time of surgery. Twenty-eight players (84.8%) were able to RTS in MLB at a mean 336.9 ± 121.8 days. However, players ≥30 years old demonstrated a significantly lower RTS rate (53.3%) than players <30 years old (89.4%; P < .05). Catchers had a significantly shorter postoperative career length (2.8 ± 1.8 years) versus matched controls (6.1 ± 1.9 years; P < .05). Outfielders had a significantly lower wins above replacement postoperatively (0.8 ± 0.7) versus preoperatively (1.5 ± 1.1; P < .05). There were no performance differences between cases and matched controls. Twelve players (48%) returned to a different position postoperatively.

Conclusion:

The RTS rate for MLB position players after elbow UCL reconstruction is similar to that of pitchers. Catchers had a significantly shorter career length than that of matched controls. Outfielders performed worse postoperatively versus preoperatively. There is a high rate of position change after Tommy John surgery for infielders and outfielders.
Nutrient characterisation and bioenergy potential of common Nigerian food wastes
Authors: Longjan Gurumwal George , Dehouche Zahir
Published: March 2018

Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of yam, cassava, cocoyam/taro, beans/cowpea, egusi/melon seeds and among the largest producers of groundnut/peanut, plantain, corn/maize and ugwu/pumpkin leaves. These food crops generate unavoidable food wastes that can contribute to environmental degradation through unsanctioned waste disposal methods. Such food wastes can be utilised as feedstock for the anaerobic digestion (AD) process to produce renewable energy. In order to determine the suitability of the food wastes as biofuel feedstock, they were experimentally analysed. Their waste content was determined, characterised and used to evaluate their bio-methane potential. The tests were performed using standard proximate analytical methods while the bioenergy potential of the samples was determined using the Baserga model. Results indicated a specific waste index range of 0.2–1.5, with corn having the highest waste proportion. The proximate analysis results of the wastes were within the range of common AD feedstocks such as energy crops and plant by-products. The bio-methane potentials of the samples varied widely with results ranging from 35–460 m3 tonne−1 on fresh weight and (5.4–6.2) × 105 m3 kg−1 on volatile solid basis. The methane potential varied between 51% and 58% of produced biogas. The energy potential of the food wastes was 31 TWh yr−1 which can make a substantial contribution to the bioenergy production of the country and meet up to the energy demand of 4.7 × 107 Nigerian households. Further studies would be required to determine the actual biogas yields of the food wastes.
#deflategate: Sports journalism and the use of image repair strategy on Twitter
Authors: Sheffer Mary Lou , Schultz Brad , Tubbs Willie
Published: March 2018

This study investigated how different groups of sports journalists covered the NFL “deflategate” scandal through social media, specifically in terms of employing image repair strategies via Twitter. Image repair strategy is typically used within public relations, but its use within journalism has not been examined. A content analysis revealed that while many journalists employed objective reporting, many others engaged in a variety of repair strategies, notably minimization and stonewalling. Discussion and implications focused on two main issues: conflicts of interest between journalists and sports organizations, and the evolving role of social media in crisis coverage.
Location-based news in mobile news apps: Broadcast leads in geolocated news content, newspapers lag behind
Authors: Schmitz Weiss Amy
Published: March 2018

This study investigates which news organizations are using location-based services, particularly with geolocating content in their mobile apps, and how they are doing so. Based on findings from a content analysis of 173 mobile news apps by top U.S. media outlets (i.e., radio, television, newspaper, digital-only), broadcast mobile apps had location-based services enabled more than other media outlets. Two news radio stations had geolocated their news content.
A Neglected Population: Media Consumption, Perceived Risk, and Fear of Crime Among International Students
Authors: Shi Luzi
Published: March 2018

The 4.5 million international students worldwide bring in multifold benefits to the advancement of culture, economy, and national security in education host countries. Surprisingly, few prior studies have explored international students’ fear of crime, which may harm their mental and physical health and undermine their educational achievements. The current study aims to fill in this research void by investigating international students’ fear of crime in line with the cultivation theoretical framework, which postulates that media consumption cultivates fear of crime. The analyses draw on a sample of 398 international students attending nine different public and private universities across the United States. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), I investigate the extent and correlates of students’ fear of crime. The findings reveal that international students are more fearful in the United States than in their home countries. SEM results show that controlling for students’ fear in their home countries, attention paid to crime news is positively related to fear in the United States, through perceived victimization risk. The SEM results also suggest that exposure to non-U.S. social media (e.g., WeChat and Weibo) is positively related to respondents’ fear of crime, whereas exposure to U.S. social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) is not related to fear of crime. The current study highlights the importance of studying the impact of fear of crime and social media use on international students.
Chemical Contaminants in Raw and Pasteurized Human Milk
Authors: Hartle Jennifer C. , Cohen Ronald S. , Sakamoto Pauline , Barr Dana Boyd , Carmichael Suzan L.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Environmental contaminants ranging from legacy chemicals like p,p’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to emerging chemicals like phthalates are ubiquitous.

Research aims/questions:

This research aims to examine the presence and co-occurrence of contaminants in human milk and effects of pasteurization on human milk chemical contaminants.

Methods:

We analyzed human milk donated by 21 women to a milk bank for 23 chemicals, including the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) isomers that are known to sequester in adipose tissue, along with the current-use and nonpersistent pesticides chlorpyrifos and permethrin, phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA). Human milk was analyzed raw and pasteurized for these chemicals using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the POPs and high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for non-POPs.

Results:

Within the different chemical classes, PBDE47, PCB153, ppDDE, and MEHHP (phthalate metabolite) had the highest median concentrations and were observed in all samples. We also observed chlorpyrifos and BPA in all samples and permethrin in 90% of the samples tested. Only two chemicals, chlorpyrifos and permethrin, were susceptible to substantial degradation from pasteurization, a standard method for processing donated human milk.

Conclusion:

We detected 19 of 23 chemicals in all of our prepasteurized milk and 18 of 23 chemicals in all of our pasteurized milk. Pasteurization did not affect the presence of most of the chemicals. Future research should continue to explore human milk for potential chemical contamination and as a means to surveil exposures among women and children.
Integrating Spiritual Care During Interprofessional Simulation for Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Huehn Susan L. , Kuehn Mary Beth , Fick Katherine E.
Published: March 2018

Interprofessional educational experiences for baccalaureate nursing students are essential to prepare them for interprofessional communication and collaborative interprofessional teamwork. The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to understand the experience of baccalaureate nursing students utilizing the hospital chaplain while caring for a suicidal patient in the emergency department during simulation. The need for interprofessional education is documented in the literature, but there are very few comprehensive, successful projects integrating spiritual care for nurse educators to use as models. This project can serve as a model of a successful interprofessional education initiative involving preprofessional nursing students and chaplain services. Overall, nursing students found the learning experience to be beneficial in preparation for professional practice on a collaborative interprofessional health care team.
Aneurin Bevan’s long shadow over 70 years of the British National Health Service
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: March 2018

The years approaching the 70th anniversary of the British National Health Service (NHS) have seen some re-assessment of the role of the Labour party in general, and Minister of Health, Aneurin Bevan in particular, in the creation of the NHS. It is clear that Bevan casts a long shadow over the NHS. In terms of ‘history as invocation’, Bevan can be invoked in different ways. Put another way, different Bevans cast a variety of shadows. This article explores: Bevan as the embodiment of the NHS; Bevan as rhetoric; Bevan as trust; and Bevan as reassurance. It concludes that Bevan has rightly cast his long shadow over the 70 years of the NHS. However, it is important to recognise the different Bevan reference points for their different reasons. However, there is one surprising omission. As a present to the NHS on its 70th birthday, perhaps it is time to rename this type as a ‘Bevan’ system?
Computed tomography analysis of impact response of lightweight sandwich panels with micro lattice core
Authors: Abrate S , Epasto G , Kara E , Crupi V , Guglielmino E , Aykul H
Published: March 2018

One of the main focuses in transportation engineering is the application of sandwich materials in order to create safer and efficient vehicles. The main focus of this study was the application of 3D computed tomography for analyzing the responses of sandwich panels with micro lattice core subjected to impact loading. Micro lattice specimens were manufactured using Ti-6Al-4V powder by means of a direct metal laser sintering system. A theoretical model was applied for predicting the failure initiation loads under impact loading. The predictions presented good consistency with the experimental measurements. The 3D computed tomography system was used for the analysis of the collapse modes of the micro lattice sandwich panels after low-velocity impact tests. Experimental and theoretical results proved that lightweight sandwich panels with micro lattice cores are excellent energy absorbers and, therefore, they could have significant applications in the transportation industry.
Vibratory synchronization transmission of two cylindrical rollers in a super-resonant vibrating system with symmetrical structure
Authors: Gu Dawei , Wen Bangchun , Zhang Juqian
Published: March 2018

In this paper, vibratory synchronization transmission of two cylindrical rollers (CRs) with dry friction in a vibrating system excited by two co-rotating exciters is investigated. By virtue of the averaging method of modified small parameters, the synchronization criterion for two exciters and the criterion of vibratory synchronization transmission for two cylindrical rollers are obtained. The stability criterion of synchronous state is acquired based on the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. The effects of system parameters on the ability of synchronization, vibratory synchronization transmission and stability, are quantitatively discussed, which provide a theoretical basis for the project design. Finally, an experiment on a corresponding vibratory synchronization transmission bench is performed to examine the results of the theoretical analysis and numerical discussion. Experimental results will show good agreement with the numerical results. In engineering, certain types of vibratory crusher or vibratory mill can be developed according to the vibratory synchronization transmission theory of two cylindrical rollers.
Naphtha storage fraction and green house gas emissions in the Korean petrochemical industry
Authors: Park Hi-Chun , Patel Martin K
Published: March 2018

This paper shows for a Korean case study how the naphtha storage fraction and CO2 emissions from naphtha use in the petrochemical industry can be estimated. We have used the Non-Energy use Emission Accounting Tables model to estimate CO2 emissions by subtracting the carbon stored in products from the total carbon input. We also value the country’s naphtha storage fraction by calculating carbon storage in basic chemicals. The naphtha storage fraction and associated CO2 emissions from non-energy use depend on the production and trade structure of a country. Therefore, it is reasonable for Korea (with its large production and net exports of chemicals) to estimate a county-specific storage fraction. The naphtha storage fraction estimated using the Non-Energy use Emission Accounting Tables model was over 90% in Korea between 2011 and 2015. It is much higher than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default fraction of 75%. A revision of the naphtha storage fraction from 75 to 90% is proposed for Korea. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change allows countries to apply their own values that more accurately represent their country’s situation. The Korean government is advised to consider this finding in its national emission accounting.
Frequency of Equus caballus papillomavirus in equine aural plaques
Authors: Mira Juliana , Herman Mariana , Zakia Luiza S. , Olivo Giovane , Araújo João P. , Borges Alexandre S. , Oliveira-Filho José P.
Published: March 2018

Despite the reported association between aural plaques and the presence of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV), there are few data regarding the distribution of viral types in different geographic regions or possible correlations for different papillomaviruses and lesion characteristics. We detected the presence and frequency of EcPV (1–7) DNA in aural plaque biopsies of horses from different regions of Brazil and identified the patterns of these infections or coinfections and their possible association with lesion severity. A total of 108 aural plaque biopsies from horses in the 5 geopolitical regions of Brazil were examined. We performed PCR to detect EcPV DNA in the biopsies. At least 1 type of EcPV was detected in 97% of the samples. EcPV coinfection was observed in 59% of the samples. Compared to the other viruses, EcPV-4 was found at the highest frequency in coinfection (84%) or individually identified (32%). EcPV-2 and -7 were not detected. No significant association was found between lesion characteristics (type and distribution) and either the viral type detected or the presence of coinfection. EcPV is widely distributed in Brazil, both isolated and in coinfection; the viral type does not appear to influence the clinical characteristics of equine aural plaques.
Blastomyces dermatitidis pneumonia in a llama
Authors: Jankovsky Jennie M. , Donnell Robert L.
Published: March 2018

A 20-y-old female llama ( Lama glama) was euthanized after a history of chronic dyspnea and osteoarthritis. At autopsy, the lungs were covered by clear gelatinous material and expanded by firm, variably discrete, tan-white nodules up to 8 cm diameter containing tan-white, viscous material. The tracheobronchial lymph nodes were firm and enlarged up to 6 × 4 × 3 cm; the thoracic aorta and carotid arteries were lined by hard, tan-white, mineralized intimal plaques. Histologic examination of lung revealed numerous 10–20 μm diameter yeasts with clear 1–2 μm thick double-contoured walls, central basophilic nuclei, and frequent broad-based budding, consistent with Blastomyces dermatitidis. DNA sequencing confirmed the diagnosis. B. dermatitidis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary disease in llamas.
Development and validation of a real-time PCR specific for the leukotoxin gene of Bibersteinia trehalosi
Authors: Killion Halcyon J. , Edwards William , Jennings-Gaines Jessica , Wood Mary , Fox Karen , Sondgeroth Kerry
Published: March 2018

A real-time PCR assay for the leukotoxin gene of Bibersteinia trehalosi was developed and validated to better identify this pathogen, which is a cause of respiratory disease in bighorn sheep. The specificity of the PCR primers was evaluated with DNA from 59 known isolates of the Pasteurellaceae family. For validation, 162 field samples were compared using both the new assay and an indirect method using 2 sets of published protocols. The real-time PCR assay was found to be specific for the leukotoxin gene of B. trehalosi and provides a rapid and direct approach for detecting leukotoxin-producing forms of this organism from samples containing mixed species of leukotoxin-positive Pasteurellaceae.
“Hopefully This Will All Make Sense at Some Point”: Meaning and Performance in Illness Blogs
Authors: Heilferty Catherine McGeehin
Published: March 2018

Aims: To analyze the narratives of illness blogs created by parents of children with cancer. Background: The profound effects of the childhood cancer experience on family members and the turn to the Internet by parents for help in the process are gaining research attention. Design: The qualitative study design involved secondary narrative analysis of 14 illness blogs: 9 by the parents of children with neuroblastoma and 5 by the parents of children with leukemia. Daily blog entries were analyzed as individual units of illness experience expression and in relation to one another to identify thematic and linguistic similarities. Methods: The initial analysis of these illness blogs resulted in identification of the quest for balance as a primary theme. Narratives in parents’ childhood cancer illness blogs illustrated themes of performance. During this initial analysis, however, the author repeatedly asked, “Why are they writing this? And why publish this?” A second analysis of the data answered these questions of why parents blog about the experience. Results: Narrative analysis resulted in the discovery of 6 main reasons that parents wrote and published the childhood cancer experience online: to report, explain, express, reflect, archive, and advocate. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that incorporation of parent writing may improve family-–provider communication, enhance the family-health care professional relationship, enhance safety by preventing medical errors, improve reporting of clinical trial data such as adverse events, and improve satisfaction.