bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childcare markets and maternal employment: A typology
Authors: Flynn Lindsay
Published: February 2017

How does the structure of a country’s childcare market influence maternal employment? Childcare markets vary across countries, leading mothers to rely on various forms of care depending on what is available to them in both the public (state-provided) and private (non-state) childcare markets. Maternal employment is higher in countries that combine comprehensive childcare policies with an available and affordable private care market. When aspects of either the public or private market are lacking, the employment of mothers, and especially mothers with young children, is lower. This article proposes a fourfold classification scheme based on the type of ‘penalty’ that women experience in the labour market as mothers. It then links each penalty to distinct policy structures of childcare markets and shows that the four penalties are visible at both the country and individual level. By articulating how public and private care markets work in concert to shape maternal employment, this article adds to a literature that to date has focused primarily on the role of public childcare in reconciling work and family.
New trajectories of unionization in the Nordic Ghent countries: Changing labour market and welfare institutions
Authors: Høgedahl Laust , Kongshøj Kristian
Published: February 2017

Unemployment insurance funds (the ‘Ghent system’), subsidized by the state and controlled by the labour movement, have contributed to high trade union densities in the Nordic countries. However, dependence on these funds as a recruiting mechanism makes trade union membership sensitive to institutional changes to unemployment insurance benefits and the institutional set-up surrounding and regulating them. In this article, we investigate recent institutional changes in the three Nordic countries following the Ghent model, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, and analyse the consequences for union and fund membership. These countries have witnessed different combinations of two types of reform, less attractive unemployment benefits plus new institutional alternatives to the traditional union-run funds, and this has led to different outcomes in each country. Benefit retrenchment and increased contributions led to a sharp decline in fund membership in Sweden, whereas this trend is less pronounced in Finland and Denmark. Instead, the main trend here has been a shift from union-led to alternative forms of fund membership, but in different ways.
Successful treatment of refractory systemic lupus erythematosus using proteasome inhibitor bortezomib followed by belimumab: description of two cases
Authors: Sjöwall C , Hjorth M , Eriksson P
Published: February 2017

Although the putative therapeutic options for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are steadily increasing, refractory disease is indeed a major challenge to many clinicians and patients. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib – approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma since the beginning of this century – was recently reported successful in twelve cases of refractory SLE by German colleagues. Herein, we describe two Swedish SLE cases with refractory renal and pulmonary manifestations that were rescued by bortezomib as induction of remission followed by monthly doses of belimumab. The patients were carefully monitored with regard to disease activity and renal function. Anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies, complement proteins and lymphocyte subsets were analysed in consecutive samples. In December 2016, the patients had been in clinical remission post bortezomib administration for a period of 28 and 22 months, respectively. Potential benefits of using belimumab as maintenance therapy to prevent regeneration of autoreactive B cell clones are discussed.
Deriving percentage study weights in multi-parameter meta-analysis models: with application to meta-regression, network meta-analysis and one-stage individual participant data models
Authors: Riley Richard D , Ensor Joie , Jackson Dan , Burke Danielle L
Published: February 2017

Many meta-analysis models contain multiple parameters, for example due to multiple outcomes, multiple treatments or multiple regression coefficients. In particular, meta-regression models may contain multiple study-level covariates, and one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis models may contain multiple patient-level covariates and interactions. Here, we propose how to derive percentage study weights for such situations, in order to reveal the (otherwise hidden) contribution of each study toward the parameter estimates of interest. We assume that studies are independent, and utilise a decomposition of Fisher’s information matrix to decompose the total variance matrix of parameter estimates into study-specific contributions, from which percentage weights are derived. This approach generalises how percentage weights are calculated in a traditional, single parameter meta-analysis model. Application is made to one- and two-stage individual participant data meta-analyses, meta-regression and network (multivariate) meta-analysis of multiple treatments. These reveal percentage study weights toward clinically important estimates, such as summary treatment effects and treatment-covariate interactions, and are especially useful when some studies are potential outliers or at high risk of bias. We also derive percentage study weights toward methodologically interesting measures, such as the magnitude of ecological bias (difference between within-study and across-study associations) and the amount of inconsistency (difference between direct and indirect evidence in a network meta-analysis).
Model selection in multivariate semiparametric regression
Authors: Li Zhuokai , Liu Hai , Tu Wanzhu
Published: February 2017

Variable selection in semiparametric mixed models for longitudinal data remains a challenge, especially in the presence of multiple correlated outcomes. In this paper, we propose a model selection procedure that simultaneously selects fixed and random effects using a maximum penalized likelihood method with the adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalty. Through random effects selection, we determine the correlation structure among multiple outcomes and therefore address whether a joint model is necessary. Additionally, we include a bivariate nonparametric component, as approximated by tensor product splines, to accommodate the joint nonlinear effects of two independent variables. We use an adaptive group least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to determine whether the bivariate nonparametric component can be reduced to additive components. To implement the selection and estimation method, we develop a two-stage expectation-maximization procedure. The operating characteristics of the proposed method are assessed through simulation studies. Finally, the method is illustrated in a clinical study of blood pressure development in children.
Modelling Effects of Tariff Liberalisation on India’s Key Export Sectors: Analysis of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Khorana Sangeeta , Narayanan Badri G.
Published: February 2017

Trade agreements are increasingly being negotiated between developed and emerging economy partners. An example is the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for which negotiations began in 2007. There has been a debate on the potential effects of the proposed FTA and how this can impact on India’s key export sectors. Our study addresses this aspect from a global computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling perspective. Using the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) framework, we analyse trade and welfare impacts of the proposed FTA between the EU and India. Two scenarios are modelled: first, complete and immediate elimination of tariff on all goods traded and second, selective tariff elimination on textiles, wearing apparel and leather goods—products in which India has a comparative advantage. Results under both scenarios show that India enjoys positive welfare effects though there is a possibility of trade diversion. Under scenario 1, India loses due to a negative terms of trade (ToT) effect. Under scenario 2, with selective sectoral liberalisation, gains are mainly concentrated in the textiles, wearing apparel and leather sectors. There is a positive output effect from change in demand for factors of production, suggesting that the proposed FTA could lead to relocation of labour-intensive production to India.

JEL Classification: F15, F47, F62
The Effects of Employee Commitment in Transnational Higher Education: The Case of International Branch Campuses
Authors: Wilkins Stephen , Butt Muhammad Mohsin , Annabi Carrie Amani
Published: February 2017

Higher education is a labor intensive activity and strong organizational performance depends upon employee commitment. This study analyses antecedents and consequences of employee commitment in universities that are involved in transnational higher education, with a focus on identifying differences between the employees at home and foreign branch campuses. The data for the study were obtained using a questionnaire that was completed by both teaching and non-teaching staff at three institutions in the United Kingdom, three institutions in Malaysia, and two institutions in the United Arab Emirates. A conceptual model was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that employees at international branch campuses are not as motivated and committed to their organizations as their counterparts at home campuses. The findings suggest that institutions need to employ different and customized human resource strategies at home and foreign campuses, specifically with the aim of improving employee commitment and performance at the foreign campuses.
Development of Cable-Exciting System for Evaluating Modal Damping of Stay Cables
Authors: Kim Nam-Sik , Jeong Woon
Published: February 2017

One of the effective alternatives to suppress hazardous vibration of stay cables is to use cable dampers. In order to design the cable damper optimally, it is necessary to exactly estimate the dynamic characteristics of existing cables. To estimate more reliable dynamic properties of stay cables, precise excitations inducing forced vibration are needed. Hence, in this paper, a cable-exciting system (cable exciter) controlled digitally is developed. A design formula for the cable exciter is also derived by the solution of the equation of motion of a cable-exciter system. The performance of the cable exciter is verified by sine sweeping tests and resonance tests for a cable model in a laboratory. Also from those tests, more reliable dynamic properties of the cable model are obtained. Thus, it is ascertained that modal damping of stay cables is proportional to the amplitude of cable vibration.
Active Vibration Control of a Modular Robot Combining a Back-Propagation Neural Network with a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Li Yangmin , Liu Yugang , Liu Xiaoping
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a genetic algorithm based back-propagation neural network suboptimal controller is developed to control the vibration of a nine-degrees-of-freedom modular robot. A finite-element method is used to model the modules of the robot, and the entire system dynamic equation is established using the substructure synthesis method. Then the joint stiffness parameters are identified based on the experimental modal analysis experiment. After modeling the whole structure with the models of the robotic modules and the joint parameters, simulations of the vibration control for the modular robot in several configurations are carried out. It is shown that the control method presented in this paper is effective at suppressing the residual vibrations of the modular robot.
An adaptive PID-like controller for vibration suppression of piezo-actuated flexible beams
Authors: Sangpet Teerawat , Kuntanapreeda Suwat , Schmidt Rüdiger
Published: February 2017

Flexible structures have been increasingly utilized in many applications because of their light-weight and low production cost. However, being flexible leads to vibration problems. Vibration suppression of flexible structures is a challenging control problem because the structures are actually infinite-dimensional systems. In this paper, an adaptive control scheme is proposed for the vibration suppression of a piezo-actuated flexible beam. The controller makes use of the configuration of the prominent proportional-integral-derivative controller and is derived using an infinite-dimensional Lyapunov method. In contrast to existing schemes, the present scheme does not require any approximated finite-dimensional model of the beam. Thus, the stability of the closed loop system is guaranteed for all vibration modes. Experimental results have illustrated the feasibility of the proposed control scheme.
Productive Aporias and Inten(t/s)ionalities of Paradigming: Spacetimematterings in an Introductory Qualitative Research Course
Authors: Kuby Candace R. , Christ Rebecca C.
Published: February 2017

We seek to illustrate the inten(t/s)ional ways we tried to create spaces for thinking about paradigms as polyphonic and proliferating. We also share the joyful tensions of this work (hence, inten(t/s)ionalities) and specific pedagogical practices that we believe created a space for students to lean into and explore paradigms not only as a thing but also as a doing—paradigming. Our focus is to discuss (a) how some of Barad’s posthumanist theoretical concepts (e.g., ethico-onto-epistemology and intra-action) became pedagogical inspiration, and (b) through a diffractive reading of data with Barad’s concept of spacetimemattering, we were able to explore what was produced in the course. As we read posthumanist theory, the concepts not only shaped our methodology (i.e., diffractive analysis) but also became pedagogy. A posthumanist paradigm shaped our pedagogical practices as we believe that students are (becoming) qualitative inquirers through a knowing/being/doing in a material world of humans and nonhumans intra-acting.
No Right to Rest: Police Enforcement Patterns and Quality of Life Consequences of the Criminalization of Homelessness
Authors: Robinson Tony
Published: February 2017

Laws restricting the behaviors of homeless people in public places are proliferating. Proponents argue that such “quality of life” laws will encourage homeless people to move off the streets and into services, and thereby improve their quality of life. Critics argue that these laws target vulnerable individuals and show little evidence of improving the lives of homeless people. To inform this debate, this article reports data from two separate surveys of Colorado homeless residents regarding their experiences with quality of life policing, supplemented by a review of police data regarding contacts, ticketing, and arrests of homeless people. The data reveal that the oft-stated goal of improving the quality of life of homeless residents through “tough love” policing campaigns has not been met. Instead, most homeless residents report their lives have become more challenging, more stressful, and less safe following expansion of quality of life policing.
Psychometric Properties of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale Completed by Juvenile Corrections Staff
Authors: Bussing Regina , Gagnon Joseph C. , Garvan Cynthia W. , Ribuffo-Duggan Cecelia , Houchins David
Published: February 2017

Objective: This research tests the psychometric performance of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale (VADTRS) completed by juvenile corrections (JC) staff. Method: With institutional review board (IRB) approval and appropriate consents/assents, data were collected from case managers ( n = 18), teachers ( n = 9), youth ( n = 261), and an administrative database. Separate psychometric analyses were conducted for case managers and teachers. Results: For both respondent groups, 2-week retest reliability and internal consistency were high for all four VADTRS subscales, and confirmatory factor analysis suggested fit with previously reported VADTRS subscale structure. Significant correlations of VADTRS with respective Revised Behavior Problem Checklist subscale scores indicated good concurrent validity. Discriminative validity was strong for ADHD, but not for conduct subscales. Interrater agreement was poor, similar as reported in other settings. Conclusion: Acceptable VADTRS psychometric performance among two JC staff groups supports guideline-consistent practice of obtaining standardized rating scale information from JC staff to enhance the quality of ADHD treatment.
ADHD and SCT Symptomatology in Relation to College Students’ Use of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies
Authors: Shelton Christopher R. , Addison William E. , Hartung Cynthia M.
Published: February 2017

Objective: The present study examined the relation between self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and ADHD and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptomatology. Method: Participants were 303 college students, aged 18 to 25 ( M = 20.04, SD = 1.45), from a Midwestern university who completed the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), and a shortened, generalized version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results: Among college students, inattention symptomatology was consistently predictive of deficits in use of value, expectancy, and self-regulation strategies, while SCT symptomatology was only predictive of deficits in the use of self-regulation strategies. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the relation between SCT symptomatology and SRL strategy use in college students. The findings revealed that SRL strategy use differs between college students exhibiting ADHD or SCT symptomatology. Remediation focusing on these deficits would likely increase academic achievement. Clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Where the Wild Things Are
Authors: de Rond Mark , Tunçalp Deniz
Published: February 2017

Where the study of organizations involves prolonged or deep engagement with informants, the research experience can generate psychodynamic reactions. Countertransference—or the redirection of a researcher’s emotional response onto informants—is one such reaction and can influence data collection, analysis, and presentation. The methodological question then is how to identify and act on countertransference reactions during research. Drawing on psychoanalytic approaches, we suggest that researchers’ dreams can serve as methodological resources in enhancing reflexive practice. We illustrate our approach with an autoethnographic account of 199 days of fieldwork with a Cambridge Boat Race crew and outline several recommendations to help organizational researchers keen to see how they and their dreams are implicated in their work.
Cutaneous cryptococcosis in a patient taking fingolimod for multiple sclerosis: Here come the opportunistic infections?
Authors: Carpenter Adam F , Goodwin Shikha J , Bornstein Peter F , Larson Andrew J , Markus Christine K
Published: February 2017

Background:

Fingolimod is an oral disease-modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, which acts by sequestering lymphocytes within lymph nodes.

Objective:

To describe a case of extrapulmonary cryptococcosis in a patient taking fingolimod.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 47-year-old man developed a non-healing skin lesion approximately 16 months after starting treatment with fingolimod. Biopsy revealed cryptococcosis. Fingolimod was discontinued and the lesion resolved with antifungal therapy.

Conclusion:

Despite few reported opportunistic infections in the pivotal clinical trials and first few years post-marketing, there has been a recent increase in reported AIDS-defining illnesses in patients taking fingolimod. Neurologists should be alert for opportunistic infections in their patients using this medication.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in two natalizumab-treated stepsisters: An intriguing coincidence
Authors: Bacchetta Frédéric , Mathias Amandine , Schluep Myriam , Du Pasquier Renaud
Published: February 2017

Background:

Natalizumab, a treatment used in multiple sclerosis (MS), is associated with cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Objective:

We describe two cases of PML in related but not genetically apparented natalizumab-treated MS patients who are stepsisters.

Reported cases/outcomes:

While Patient 1 developed PML, Patient 2 was on natalizumab and had contacts with Patient 1. Patient 2 was diagnosed with PML 5 months after Patient 1.

Conclusion:

The clinical and temporal data highly suggest that there was JC virus (JCV) transmission from one patient to the other with development of PML as primo-infection in Patient 2.
Cultural resources as a factor in cultural tourism attraction
Authors: Herrero-Prieto Luis César , Gómez-Vega Mafalda
Published: February 2017

The article involves a study along the line of performance analysis of tourist destinations, yet taking the regions as territorial units and cultural tourism as a tourist flow to be explored. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the technical efficiency of regions in attracting greater flows of cultural tourism considering their own cultural resources available in the medium term. The analysis will be carried out at a regional disaggregation level in Spain, and one hypothetical production function will be designed to link cultural resources and demand. We adopt a two-stage procedure to evaluate regional efficiency as cultural destinations: first, measuring performance by non-parametric methods; and second, analysing how other external variables might determine these efficiency ratios. In this case, we consider indicators representing reputation, accessibility, the omnivorous nature of cultural tourism as well as the scope to the regional cultural sector. The findings of this research have implications for economic development and regional disparity analysis and may also prove to be of potential interest vis-à-vis economic policy.
Cultural participation of tourists – Evidence from travel habits of Austrian residents
Authors: Zieba Marta
Published: February 2017

This article examines how the individual characteristics of tourists and the attributes of a trip affect the decision that those visitors would choose cultural participation as their primary travel reason. In particular, we examine the effect of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of tourists and of the attributes of their trip, on both the likelihood and the frequency of their cultural participation. The data was gathered based on a national telephone survey in Austria, known as ‘The Travel Habits of Austrian Residents’ which has been conducted over the years 2008 and 2009. Using observations of 8587 respondents and their 14,646 trips, a series of logistic and negative binomial regressions were employed. The findings of this study have practical implications for cultural managers both in Austria and in global markets. Although tourism is often promoted as a way to escape from everyday routines, the actual choice of cultural consumption in the tourism arena appears to be dictated by individual characteristics of tourists. Nevertheless, factors related to the character of a trip are also significant in determining cultural participation of tourists.
Development of city tourism and well-being of urban residents
Authors: Tokarchuk Oksana , Gabriele Roberto , Maurer Oswin
Published: February 2017

Many cities consider development of cultural tourism as opportunity to sustain employment and economic growth of the area. However, increasing tourists’ flows affect local economies and lives of local residents in a number of ways, not excluding negative effects. Careful consideration of benefits and pitfalls of the development of city tourism is necessary in order to sustain balanced urban development. In the present article, we evaluate experience of tourism development in 10 German cities—capitals of German cultural tourism. Our analysis is focused on the effect of city tourism on the well-being of urban residents. To address this issue, we study the effect of tourists’ nights spent in the centers of cultural tourism on the satisfaction with life of urban residents. Based on the results of the study, we suggest policy implications for the development of urban tourism that leads to improvements of the quality of life of locals.
How to quantify and characterize day trippers at the local level
Authors: Suriñach Jordi , Casanovas Josep A. , André Marién , Murillo Joaquim , Romaní Javier
Published: February 2017

This article presents a methodology for the operational definition, quantification and characterization of day trippers, for use at the local or regional levels. The methodology stresses the importance of such concepts as ‘daily urban systems’, ‘functional areas’, ‘travel-to-work areas’ and other similar aggregations to define what is one of the main features of tourism: ‘usual environment’. Different systems are developed for the quantification of day trippers, based on both primary (fieldwork) and secondary data, and we apply both to the case of a comarca in the Province of Barcelona (Catalonia). The results show the relevance of the phenomenon of ‘same-day trips’ (for tourism) and the interest for defining and characterizing this phenomenon correctly in order to implement tourism policies that address the different profiles presented by day trippers.
A hybrid empirical–analytical model for predicting the roll motion of prismatic planing hulls
Authors: Tavakoli Sasan , Ghadimi Parviz , Sahoo Prasanta K , Dashtimanesh Abbas
Published: February 2017

During the last 5 years, there have been some major advances in roll motion modeling of planing boats. In this article, previous studies have been reviewed, and an attempt has been made to propose a relatively straightforward method for computing roll motion coefficients and thus predicting the roll response of a planing vessel in calm water on a straight path with constant speed. The proposed method has been developed by modifying, combining, and using previous empirical and analytical methods. Roll restoring moment is determined by implementing an asymmetric parameter in previous relations of lift of planing hulls. Also, an empirical method is proposed for computing righting arm of this moment. Roll damping is computed using previous relations related to damping of lift force and considering the asymmetrical effects. Roll added mass is obtained by utilizing an analytical approach for the roll of a flat plate. However, an effective half-wetted beam computed by asymmetrical effects has been proposed for this purpose. Finally, it has been suggested that current hypothesis be used for time-domain simulation. Validity of the proposed method is evaluated by comparing the obtained righting moment, response amplitude operator, and roll hydrodynamic coefficients against previously published experimental data. This comparison confirms that the proposed method has relatively good accuracy against experimental results. Using the current method, the influence of Froude beam number on roll hydrodynamic coefficients and roll responses has been investigated. It is observed that increase in Froude beam number results in a decrease in roll added mass and an increase in the roll damping. It has also been concluded that for larger load coefficients, the roll hydrodynamic coefficients are larger. Results associated with roll response indicate that an increase in Froude beam number would yield an increase in the amplitude of the response. However, an increase in load coefficient results in a decrease in the response.
The activation of the kynurenine pathway in a rat model with renovascular hypertension
Authors: Bartosiewicz Jacek , Kaminski Tomasz , Pawlak Krystyna , Karbowska Malgorzata , Tankiewicz-Kwedlo Anna , Pawlak Dariusz
Published: February 2017

Hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to many health problems. The mechanisms underlying this process are still not fully understood. The kynurenine pathway may be involved in the occurrence and progression of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of peripheral kynurenine pathway in rats with renovascular hypertension in Goldblatt 2K1C model. Hypertension was induced in the experimental groups by constricting the renal artery of the left kidney of the rats. Determination of tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine pathway metabolites was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography in plasma and tissues obtained at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after the surgical intervention or sham surgery. Levels of Ang II were evaluated using commercial immuno-enzymatic ELISA kits. Surgical treatment led to increased values of mean blood pressure and systolic blood pressure, whereas Trp concentrations were decreased in experimental animals compared to appropriate controls. Simultaneously, the considerable increment of kynurenine pathway components and a significant increase in the activity of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase were observed in rats with developed hypertension in comparison with controls. There were no differences between Ang II levels in controls and experimental groups. The inverse relationship was between plasma Trp and both SBP and Ang II values, and Trp independently affected Ang II concentrations in hypertensive rats. In contrast, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase activity and plasma kynurenine metabolites positively correlated with blood pressure values as well as with Ang II levels in these animals. Moreover, kynurenine was independently connected with MBP. Renovascular hypertension influences kynurenine pathway and leads to an imbalance in Trp and its metabolite levels. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase and part of the kynurenine metabolites in plasma and tissues positively correlated with blood pressure values and Ang II levels. Although the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear, our experiment showed a link between renovascular hypertension and activation of kynurenine pathway.

Impact statement

As hypertension is a major health problem, our research has focused on the connection between the kynurenine pathway and hypertension. We assessed the levels of the main metabolites of dietary tryptophan and analyzed its levels in terms of high blood pressure. The results of our work indicated that in the renovascular rat’s model of hypertension, an alteration of the kynurenine pathway occurred. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated in a comprehensive manner the alteration of the kynurenine pathway under the condition of elevated blood pressure. On the one hand, the work supports a better understanding of pathophysiological basics of the occurrence of hypertension, and on the other hand it provides potential opportunities to treat this disease.
Changing Bodies, Ambivalent Subjectivities, and Women’s Punishment
Authors: Chamberlen Anastasia
Published: February 2017

This article seeks to explore the punishment–body relation by looking at women’s experience of imprisonment and their embodied identities. It traces the situational construction of bodies and subjectivities, and maps changes in women’s self-perceptions and body-image in and out of prison. Through examples from a qualitative study I conducted with women who experienced punishment in England, I show that while punishment targets the prisoner’s body and often succeeds in inscribing and stigmatizing it with painful experiences and scarred identities, the prisoner maintains a sense of subjectivity and self in custody through her body. She relies on it to make sense of her lived experiences, to survive punishment and often to resist its lasting effects, and uses it to reconstruct and manage an ambivalent, embodied identity. From this perspective, I propose that the prisoner body is understood as both the object and as the subject of modern punishment.
Neglected, Protected, Ejected: Latin American Women Caught by Crimmigration
Authors: Dingeman Katie , Arzhayev Yekaterina , Ayala Cristy , Bermudez Erika , Padama Lauren , Tena-Chávez Liliana
Published: February 2017

The United States deported 24,870 women in 2013, mostly to Latin America. We examine life history interviews with Mexican and Central American women who were apprehended, detained, and experienced different outcomes. We find that norms of the “crimmigration era” override humanitarian concerns, such that the state treats migrants as criminals first and as persons with claims for relief second. Removal and relief decisions appear less dependent on eligibility than geography, access to legal aid, and public support. Women’s experiences parallel men’s but are often worsened by their gendered statuses. Far from passively accepting the violence of crimmigration, women resist through discourse and activism.
Leading Healthy Lives: Lifestyle Medicine for Medical Students
Authors: Malatskey Lilach , Essa-Hadad Jumanah , Willis Thomas A. , Rudolf Mary C. J.
Published: February 2017

Background. Doctors have a special role in helping patients make lifestyle changes, and they are more credible and effective if they are role models. Yet few medical schools have incorporated lifestyle medicine into their curricula. We ascertained the influence of a lifestyle medicine curriculum during the first year of medical school. Methods. The curriculum, involving 140 students, consisted of one intensive day at medical school entry and 16 hours of teaching 8 months later. It addressed students’ own lifestyle choices and topics related to lifestyle medicine. A survey was delivered at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results. A total of 114 students completed the first survey and 64 the second. They rated the course highly for personal and professional value. At baseline, students exhibited lifestyle behaviors typical for young adults and showed an appreciation of the physician’s role in lifestyle change. However, over time they showed a significant reduction in quality of lifestyle, with increased stress, weight gain, and fast food consumption and less exercise. Conclusions. Although lifestyle medicine knowledge is valued by medical students, a 24-hour intensive lifestyle medicine curriculum delivered over 3 days appears to be ineffective in preventing worsening lifestyle behaviors over the course of the year. This is especially concerning as physicians are unlikely to provide effective guidance if they cannot sustain healthy behaviors themselves.
A modular telerehabilitation architecture for upper limb robotic therapy
Authors: Simonetti Davide , Zollo Loredana , Vollero Luca , Iannello Giulio , Guglielmelli Eugenio
Published: February 2017

Several factors may prevent post-stroke subjects from participating in rehabilitation protocols, for example, geographical location of rehabilitation centres, socioeconomic status, economic burden and lack of logistics surrounding transportation. Early supported discharge from hospitals with continued rehabilitation at home represents a well-defined regimen of post-stroke treatment. Information-based technologies coupled with robotics have promoted the development of new technologies for telerehabilitation. In this article, the design and development of a modular architecture for delivering upper limb robotic telerehabilitation with the CBM-Motus, a planar unilateral robotic machine that allows performing state-of-the-art rehabilitation tasks, have been presented. The proposed architecture allows a therapist to set a therapy session on his or her side and send it to the patient’s side with a standardized communication protocol; the user interacts with the robot that provides an adaptive assistance during the rehabilitation tasks. Patient’s performance is evaluated by means of performance indicators, which are also used to update robot behaviour during assistance. The implementation of the architecture is described and a set of validation tests on seven healthy subjects are presented. Results show the reliability of the novel architecture and the capability to be easily tailored to the user’s needs with the chosen robotic device.
The experience of 50 years of comprehensive schooling in Scotland
Authors: Howieson Cathy , Croxford Linda , Murphy Daniel
Published: February 2017

The year 2015 was the 50th anniversary of the introduction of comprehensive schooling in Scotland. This article outlines the two models of comprehensive schooling pursued over this period: the first which aimed to promote a universal, common system, and the second, from around 2000, which has prioritised diversity and choice. Equality (in its various forms) is one of the underpinning principles of comprehensive schooling, and the article considers the impact of comprehensive reform on inequalities, in particular, in respect of social class. It concludes that Scotland has been largely successful in achieving equality of opportunity, has made some progress towards equality of value but equality of outcome has proved elusive. The article highlights the continuing impact of the wider social determinants of inequality and of the selective function of education. It raises concerns that recent reforms, in particular, the Senior Phase of Curriculum for Excellence, may be exacerbating social inequalities in outcomes.
Modified Rankin scale as a determinant of direct medical costs after stroke
Authors: Dewilde Sarah , Annemans Lieven , Peeters Andre , Hemelsoet Dimitri , Vandermeeren Yves , Desfontaines Philippe , Brouns Raf , Vanhooren Geert , Cras Patrick , Michielsens Boudewijn , Redondo Patricia , Thijs Vincent
Published: February 2017

Background

Resource use in the acute and subacute phases after stroke depends on the degree of disability.

Aims

To determine if direct costs after stroke also vary by level of disability as measured using the modified Rankin scale at the chronic stage after stroke.

Methods

In a multicentre study, we collected acute and chronic in- and outpatient resource use in survivors of ischemic stroke stratified by levels of disability according to the modified Rankin Scale. Statistical inference on costs at each level of the modified Rankin Scale was estimated using a general linear model for the first three months, the first year, and any subsequent year after ischemic stroke.

Results

A total of 569 survivors of ischemic stroke with a mean age of 71.7 years were enrolled (41% female) from 10 academic and nonacademic centers. Costs varied substantially over time and with each modified Rankin Scale level. The total average costs in the first year were estimated $33,147 per patient, ranging from $9,114 for modified Rankin Scale 0 to $83,236 for modified Rankin Scale 5. In the second year, medical costs were on average $14,039, varying from $2,921 to $39,723 for patients with modified Rankin Scale 0–5. The level of disability based on the modified Rankin Scale was a major determinant of resource use, irrespective of age, gender, atrial fibrillation, and vascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Long-term resource use after stroke is high and is mainly driven by degree of disability as measured by the modified Rankin scale.
‘Putin is playing chess and I think we are playing marbles.’ Vladimir Putin’s ‘soft power’ and the American Right
Authors: Popkova Anna
Published: February 2017

The crisis in Ukraine and the Russian annexation of Crimea negatively affected Russia’s image in the United States and in Western Europe. At the same time, the dynamic of the Russian–U.S. relations during the crisis prodded several prominent American right-wing politicians and commentators to make statements about Vladimir Putin that reflected their own ‘desire for a tough leader who will dispense with niceties and embrace power’. This article explores the phenomenon of Vladimir Putin’s ‘popularity’ among the American conservatives through qualitative textual analysis of the coverage of his persona in several right-wing publications and blogs. The project engages with the concept of ‘soft power’ by raising the following conceptual question: can a leader who ‘wrestles bears and drills for oil’ leverage these characteristics as a type of ‘soft power’ when it comes to ‘winning the hearts and minds’ of certain international constituencies and under particular international circumstances?
The discursive reconstruction of memory and national identity: The anti-war memorial the Island of Ireland Peace Park
Authors: Poulter John
Published: February 2017

This article explores how the Island of Ireland Peace Park, opened in 1998 in Belgium, intervenes in the discursive construction of national identity using the ‘memory’ of the First World War. Analysing memory as a discourse, it examines how the texts within the Park and their use in practices produce meanings which challenge the hierarchical binary of ‘Irish/British’, itself a product, in part, of previous memory work involving the war, and thus present the possibility of reimagined forms of subjectivity and reconceived senses of national identity. It goes on to argue that the Park’s design as an unheroic anti-war memorial also intertextually challenges identities dependent on engagement in physical conflict on the island. In both ways, the Park works as part of the ‘Northern Ireland Peace Process’ and can be read not only as a monument to the dead of the First World War but also as a ‘Troubles’ memorial.
Amnesiology: Towards the study of cultural oblivion
Authors: Plate Liedeke
Published: February 2017

It is generally accepted that memory is a dialectic involving both remembering and forgetting. Also, there is agreement among cultural memory scholars that acts of memory seek to counter the effects of forgetting: they serve the imperative to remember and impede the work of forgetting. This article develops the concept of amnesiology to explore forgetting and forgetfulness not as a failure of memory but as a made condition, produced and reproduced. Focusing on Jonathan Safran Foer’s Tree of Codes, a book which was carved out of Bruno Schulz’s The Street of Crocodiles, it inquires into the relationship between memory performance and the production of oblivion and explores the role of language and literature in it. As I argue, the die-cut pages of Tree of Codes invite reflection on the narrative and technological dimensions of memory as well as on the role silence, repression and absence play in it as technologies of forgetting.
Congenital heart disease and pregnancy: A contemporary approach to counselling, pre-pregnancy investigations and the impact of pregnancy on heart function
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Gatzoulis Michael , Steer Philip
Published: February 2017

Cardiac disease in pregnancy is a challenging clinical problem. The number of women pursuing pregnancy and the underlying complexity of their cardiac disease is increasing, such that heart disease is now the leading cause of maternal mortality in developed countries. Women with congenital heart disease make up the majority of these cases and although maternal mortality is infrequent, a good outcome is only achieved though meticulous multidisciplinary care, beginning with pre-pregnancy counselling. All women with congenital heart disease should be assessed and be referred for pre-conception counselling prior to pregnancy and should receive thorough clinical assessment prior to pregnancy. In some conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension or severe/progressive aortic dilatation, pregnancy is of very high risk and women should be made aware of such risks. In such circumstances, if women choose to proceed with pregnancy, it is paramount that they are cared for by multidisciplinary teams who have experience and expertise of managing such conditions to minimise risks and optimise outcome.
Intraosseous Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Proximal Phalanx of the Fifth Toe and Review of the Literature: A Case Study
Authors: Richardson Marcus P. , Foster James R. , Logan Daniel B.
Published: February 2017

Intraosseous epidermal inclusion cysts (IEpC) are benign bone tumors that often present in the phalanges of the fingers, but rarely are seen in the lower extremity. These tumors often present following surgery, and have a similar clinical and radiographic presentation to osteomyelitis. The lack of defining characteristics makes preoperative diagnosis of these tumors very difficult. It is crucial to differentiate these tumors from malignant lesions with similar presentation. This case study presents our treatment of this osseous tumor and reviews the available literature describing this condition.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Case report
A SERVQUAL-Based Framework for Assessing Quality of International Branch Campuses in UAE
Authors: Datta Khyati Shetty , Vardhan Julie
Published: February 2017

The quality of education provided in management institutions is a matter of debate in every country. With a rapid growth in the economy, the quality of management education provided in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also been a topic in the forefront. The burgeoning growth in this sector, with mushrooming “branch campuses” from around the world in the UAE, has led policy makers to reflect on the importance of quality of management education being imparted. The main purpose of this article is to explore the quality of management education in the UAE, and the study draws on the SERVQUAL model for the same. The study investigates the five dimensions (responsiveness, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and reliability) of service quality and identifies the gap between the perception and expectation, examining service standards across seven branch campus universities for management education providers in the UAE. A questionnaire survey with 300 university students from seven different branch campus universities in the UAE was conducted. The key findings of the study revealed a significant difference between the student’s expectations from management education and their perception in all five dimensions of service quality. The gaps were compared across the five dimensions, and the highest and the lowest service quality gaps were given to assurance and responsiveness, respectively.
Evaluation of the Small Business Innovation Research Program in Japan
Authors: Inoue Hiroyasu , Yamaguchi Eiichi
Published: February 2017

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program conducted by the Japanese government is intended to enable the rapid growth of small firms. Using comprehensive empirical data, this study examines the performances of firms that are directly affected by the program. First, to provide an outline, this study compares the changes in sales, employment, and the number of patents between SBIR awardees and matched firms. It cannot be shown that SBIR awardees have better performance using those indices. Second, this study conducts regression analyses to control for firm sizes, multiple awards, technological levels, the value of venture capital in a region, and population in regions. As a result, this study does not find that SBIR awardees have advantages after applying these detailed controls. This study shows that further detailed investigation is required to prove the benefit of the SBIR program.