bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single, Continuously Applied Control Policy for Modeling Reaching Movements with and without Perturbation
Authors: Li Zhe , Mazzoni Pietro , Song Sen , Qian Ning
Published: November 2017

It has been debated whether kinematic features, such as the number of peaks or decomposed submovements in a velocity profile, indicate the number of discrete motor impulses or result from a continuous control process. The debate is particularly relevant for tasks involving target perturbation, which can alter movement kinematics. To simulate such tasks, finite-horizon models require two preset movement durations to compute two control policies before and after the perturbation. Another model employs infinite- and finite-horizon formulations to determine, respectively, movement durations and control policies, which are updated every time step. We adopted an infinite-horizon optimal feedback control model that, unlike previous approaches, does not preset movement durations or use multiple control policies. It contains both control-dependent and independent noises in system dynamics, state-dependent and independent noises in sensory feedbacks, and different delays and noise levels for visual and proprioceptive feedbacks. We analytically derived an optimal solution that can be applied continuously to move an effector toward a target regardless of whether, when, or where the target jumps. This single policy produces different numbers of peaks and “submovements” in velocity profiles for different conditions and trials. Movements that are slower or perturbed later appear to have more submovements. The model is also consistent with the observation that subjects can perform the perturbation task even without detecting the target jump or seeing their hands during reaching. Finally, because the model incorporates Weber's law via a state representation relative to the target, it explains why initial and terminal visual feedback are, respectively, less and more effective in improving end-point accuracy. Our work suggests that the number of peaks or submovements in a velocity profile does not necessarily reflect the number of motor impulses and that the difference between initial and terminal feedback does not necessarily imply a transition between open- and closed-loop strategies.
Galen in Syriac: Rethinking Old Assumptions
Authors: Bhayro Siam
Published: November 2017

This article challenges a series of common assumptions regarding the Syriac translations of Galen: first, about the quality of the sixth-century Syriac translations; second, about the status and role of Syriac as a scientific language; and, third, about economic forces and the motivation for excellence in translation. Finally, the circumstances that produced so many incorrect assumptions, and permitted them to persist for so long, are briefly discussed.
Checklist of the echinoderm fauna of the Adriatic Sea
Authors: DESPALATOVIĆ MARIJA , CVITKOVIĆ IVAN , ŽULJEVIĆ ANTE
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a checklist of echinoderm species in the Adriatic Sea. The checklist is based on the review of the available literature data, with temporal coverage from the end of the 18th century to the present day, including the most recent investigations of benthic communities. A total of 108 species have been recorded: 2 species from class Crinoidea, 23 species from class Asteroidea, 22 species from class Ophiuroidea, 22 species from class Echinoidea and 39 species from class Holothuroidea. Non-indigenous echinoderm species have not been observed.
The Sodhi kings in the Kaliyuga: The genealogy of the Sikh Gurus in the Bachitar Natak
Authors: Syan Hardip Singh
Published: November 2017

In the late seventeenth century Mughal India, Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikh army became politically and militarily opposed to the policies of Emperor Aurangzeb in the Punjab country. The Sikhs were not unique in this regard as across Aurangzeb’s Empire credible insurgencies began undermining Mughal authority. While an earlier historiography of this era reasoned that such revolts were caused by Aurangzeb’s abandonment of secularism for Islamic fundamentalism, contemporary research has provided a more nuanced analysis by exploring the history and ideas of the rebels. In this article, I explore how the Sikh community engaged in a dialogue on Kshatriyahood which was both specific to the Punjab country and similar to dialogues found across Mughal India. In addition, my article explores the social history of caste in medieval and early modern Punjab and the contested identities of Kshatriyahood and Brahminhood.
Right to Service Acts in India— Fundamental Governance Reforms or an Exercise in Political Rhetoric?: A Case Study of Delhi Administration
Authors: Garg Manish
Published: November 2017

Right-based approach to governance became popular in India in the first decade of present century with the passage of legislations conferring Right to Information, Right to Work in rural areas, and Right to Primary Education upon its citizens. This article examines the next step in that direction—passage of Right to Service (RTS) Acts by a number of Indian States thereby providing its citizens the right to time-bound delivery of notified public services. These Acts not only empower citizens to make claims against the government if the rights are violated but also serve as a tool for the politicians and the senior bureaucrats to control lower bureaucracy. This article traces the genealogy of RTS Acts in Citizen’s Charter movement of the1990s in the UK and evaluates their progress and results with the help of various theories and concepts used for improving the public service delivery. How inept implementation has thwarted the promise of accountability inherent in these Acts will be seen in detail while piercing the veil of statistical data.
Dealing with Inequities in India and China: A Comparative Study of Welfare Provisions
Authors: Gupta Asha
Published: November 2017

Comparative studies of India and China are in vogue all over the world for various reasons. But not much has been written about the recent welfare provisions in these countries—both of them have huge populations and vast inequities to deal with. Both of them had been under planned economies and have been dealing with economic liberalisation since the 1980s. China started the process a decade ahead of India. It could do so being run by an authoritarian party, whereas India had to face a lot of resistance being a democracy. In both the countries, the state had to come forward to deal with socio-economic and regional inequities enhanced in the process of neo-liberalism. We find a shift in these countries from welfare to paternalism, from redistribution in the name to equity to social protection through social insurance, from government benevolence to contribution-based provisions, etc. The article seeks to compare and contrast the recent social protection and welfare provisions that are low-cost but effective on massive scale and draw some important lessons. An attempt is made to understand the emergence of new laws and find out how they are conceptualised and operationalised. It also covers the risks involved in direct cash transfers and redefining the relationship among state, market and society in ensuring the wellbeing of the most disadvantaged citizens. The methodology adopted is analytical, comparative and empirical.
Book Review: Alka Dhameja and Sweta Mishra (Eds) (2016), Public Administration: Approaches and Applications
Authors: Sharma Arvind K.
Published: November 2017

Alka Dhameja and Sweta Mishra (Eds) (2016), Public Administration: Approaches and Applications. Delhi, Chennai: Pearson, 53(liii)+394 pp. ISBN 978-93-325-5507-5.
Left–Right Orientation and Electoral Choices: Divergences in the Relationships With Authority and Out-Groups
Authors: Passini Stefano , Villano Paola
Published: November 2017

New political parties and movements have recently grown across Europe. These parties often state their distance from the classic left–right juxtaposition, even if their voters still place themselves in the left–right continuum. The aim of the present research was to focus on the Italian political context and to analyze differences between left of center and right of center self-positioned people on attitudes concerning authority–individual and intergroup relationships. The results confirm the hypotheses. Left of center voters have lower attitudes of authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, prejudice, and ethnocentrism; they are less supportive of harsh punitive methods toward delinquents; and attach more importance to democratic values as compared with right of center voters. These differences are significant also considering voters within the same party. Although participants have declared they vote for the same party/movement, the voters who place themselves on the left of center indeed appear to have different views from those on the right of center, as concerns the relationship with authority and attitudes toward minorities.
What Happens to a Nursing Home Chain When Private Equity Takes Over? A Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: Bos Aline , Harrington Charlene
Published: November 2017

We analyzed what happens to a nursing home chain when private equity takes over, with regard to strategy, financial performance, and resident well-being. We conducted a longitudinal (2000-2012) case study of a large nursing home chain that triangulated qualitative and quantitative data from 5 different data sources. Results show that private equity owners continued and reinforced several strategies that were already put in place before the takeover, including a focus on keeping staffing levels low; the new owners added restructuring, rebranding, and investment strategies such as establishing new companies, where the nursing home chain served as an essential “launch customer.”
Can Survey Item Characteristics Relevant to Measurement Error Be Coded Reliably? A Case Study on 11 Dutch General Population Surveys
Authors: Bais Frank , Schouten Barry , Lugtig Peter , Toepoel Vera , Arends-Tòth Judit , Douhou Salima , Kieruj Natalia , Morren Mattijn , Vis Corrie
Published: November 2017

Item characteristics can have a significant effect on survey data quality and may be associated with measurement error. Literature on data quality and measurement error is often inconclusive. This could be because item characteristics used for detecting measurement error are not coded unambiguously. In our study, we use a systematic coding procedure with multiple coders to investigate the extent to which the coding of item characteristics could be done reliably. For this purpose, we constructed an item characteristics scheme that is based on typologies of characteristics. High intercoder reliability indicates a clear relation between item characteristic, item content, and measurement error. Our results show that intercoder reliability is often low, especially for item characteristics that are hard to code due to subjectivity. Low intercoder reliability complicates comparisons between studies about item characteristics and measurement error. We give suggestions for coping with low intercoder reliability.
Simple and innovative method of removal of unfavourable root: technical note
Authors: Vaithilingam Yuvaraj , TS Balaji , Rajendran Saravanan , Jude Nithin Joseph , Kumar G Suresh
Published: November 2017

Extraction of teeth is one of the most commonly performed minor oral surgical procedures. However, some clinical situations render routine extractions challenging. Here we report such a situation and a simple and innovative technique that involves the use of braided stainless steel wire to remove an unfavorable palatally inclined left upper lateral incisor with least damage to adjacent structures.
Revisit coal consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth nexus in China and India using a newly developed bootstrap ARDL bound test
Authors: Lin Feng-Li , Inglesi-Lotz Roula , Chang Tsangyao
Published: November 2017

This study revisits coal consumption, CO2 emissions and economic growth nexus for both China and India using a newly developed Bootstrap ARDL model over the period of 1969–2015. Empirical results indicate no long-run relationship among these three variables for both China and India, and Granger causality test based on Bootstrap ARDL model indicates a feedback between coal consumption and economic growth, between economic growth and CO2 emissions and between coal consumption and CO2 emissions in China. However, we find a one-way Granger causality running from coal consumption to economic growth and the feedback hypothesis is confirmed between economic growth and CO2 emissions and between coal consumption and CO2 emissions in India. The coefficients signal that coal consumption is an important factor towards the promotion economic growth in both China and India. For China, higher economic growth reduces CO2 emissions, while for India, it further increases CO2 emissions. Our empirical results have important policy implications for the government conducting effective energy polices to promote economic growth in both China and India.
Fair Value Exposure, Auditor Specialization, and Banks’ Discretionary Use of the Loan Loss Provision
Authors: Bratten Brian , Causholli Monika , Myers Linda A.
Published: November 2017

In this study, we examine whether banks’ use of the loan loss provision (LLP) to manage earnings is associated with (a) the extent to which banks hold assets subject to fair value reporting and (b) the use of an industry specialist auditor. We find that banks with a greater proportion of assets subject to fair value reporting (i.e., higher fair value exposure) use less LLP-based earnings management but more transaction-based earnings management (i.e., earnings management achieved by timing the realization of gains/losses). We also find that banks engaging industry specialist auditors use less LLP-based earnings management. Our findings suggest that banks’ use of the LLP to manage earnings is more limited when they have access to alternative earnings management tools and when they engage an auditor with more industry knowledge. Our results should be informative to regulators, members of the banking industry, and academics interested in the earnings management behavior of banks.
Meeting Report: Tissue-based Image Analysis
Authors: Saravanan Chandra , Schumacher Vanessa , Brown Danielle , Dunstan Robert , Galarneau Jean-Rene , Odin Marielle , Mishra Sasmita
Published: November 2017

Quantitative image analysis (IA) is a rapidly evolving area of digital pathology. Although not a new concept, the quantification of histological features on photomicrographs used to be cumbersome, resource-intensive, and limited to specialists and specialized laboratories. Recent technological advances like highly efficient automated whole slide digitizer (scanner) systems, innovative IA platforms, and the emergence of pathologist-friendly image annotation and analysis systems mean that quantification of features on histological digital images will become increasingly prominent in pathologists’ daily professional lives. The added value of quantitative IA in pathology includes confirmation of equivocal findings noted by a pathologist, increasing the sensitivity of feature detection, quantification of signal intensity, and improving efficiency. There is no denying that quantitative IA is part of the future of pathology; however, there are also several potential pitfalls when trying to estimate volumetric features from limited 2-dimensional sections. This continuing education session on quantitative IA offered a broad overview of the field; a hands-on toxicologic pathologist experience with IA principles, tools, and workflows; a discussion on how to apply basic stereology principles in order to minimize bias in IA; and finally, a reflection on the future of IA in the toxicologic pathology field.
I Am There … but Not Quite: An Unfaithful Mirror That Reduces Feelings of Ownership and Agency
Authors: O'Sullivan Noreen , de Bezenac Christophe , Piovesan Andrea , Cutler Hannah , Corcoran Rhiannon , Fenyvesi David , Bertamini Marco
Published: November 2017

The experience of seeing one's own face in a mirror is a common experience in daily life. Visual feedback from a mirror is linked to a sense of identity. We developed a procedure that allowed individuals to watch their own face, as in a normal mirror, or with specific distortions (lag) for active movement or passive touch. By distorting visual feedback while the face is being observed on a screen, we document an illusion of reduced embodiment. Participants made mouth movements, while their forehead was touched with a pen. Visual feedback was either synchronous (simultaneous) with reality, as in a mirror, or asynchronous (delayed). Asynchronous feedback was exclusive to touch or movement in different conditions and incorporated both in a third condition. Following stimulation, participants rated their perception of the face in the mirror, and perception of their own face, on questions that tapped into agency and ownership. Results showed that perceptions of both agency and ownership were affected by asynchrony. Effects related to agency, in particular, were moderated by individual differences in depersonalisation and auditory hallucination-proneness, variables with theoretical links to embodiment. The illusion presents a new way of investigating the extent to which body representations are malleable.
The Differential Influence of Drinking, Sensation Seeking, and Impulsivity on the Perpetration of Unwanted Sexual Advances and Sexual Coercion
Authors: Wilhite Emily R. , Fromme Kim
Published: November 2017

There are startling rates of sexual coercion across college campuses, underscoring the importance of identifying risk factors and intervening early to prevent perpetration of these unwanted sexual events. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of impulsivity, sensation seeking, and alcohol use on the odds of perpetrating unwanted sexual advances (i.e., forced fondling, kissing, or petting) and sexual coercion (i.e., sexual intercourse through arguments, pressure, or physical force) during the subsequent 6 years. Male participants ( N = 901) were part of a 6-year longitudinal study, which explored alcohol use and associated behavioral risks throughout emerging adulthood. Participants provided self-reported surveys across 6 years, starting the summer before their start of college. Using logistic regression models, these analyses examined the main effects and interactions of impulsivity, sensation seeking, and alcohol use, measured during the summer before the start of college, on the odds of perpetrating one or multiple instances of unwanted sexual advances and sexual coercion across the subsequent 6 years. Results indicated that higher levels of sensation seeking and heavier drinking on drinking days during high school contributed to greater odds of being a one-time perpetrator of unwanted sexual advances during the next 6 years. Conversely, impulsivity, but not alcohol use, was associated with greater risk of perpetrating multiple instances of both unwanted sexual advances and sexual coercion. Alcohol use did not significantly moderate the influence of personality on perpetration. These results underscore the importance of early intervention and using impulsivity and sensation seeking to tailor current prevention efforts to decrease the likelihood of sexual coercion perpetration during college.
A fast online bandwidth empirical mode decomposition scheme for avoidance of the mode mixing problem
Authors: Momeni Massouleh SH , Hosseini Kordkheili Seyed Ali , Navazi H Mohammad
Published: November 2017

The main objective of this work is to propose a scheme to extract intrinsic mode functions of online data with an acceptable speed as well as accuracy. For this purpose, an individual block framework method is firstly employed to extract the intrinsic mode functions. In this method, buffers are selected such that they overlap with their neighbors to prevent the end effect errors with no need for the averaging process. And in order to avoid the mode mixing problem, a bandwidth empirical mode decomposition scheme is developed to effectively improve the results. Through this scheme, an auxiliary function made of both high- and low-frequency components corresponding to noise and dominant frequency is added to data for the strengthening of the components for the better extraction of intrinsic mode functions during sifting process. An index criterion as well as a threshold limit is also introduced to separate high- and low-frequency parts of data at desired frequency range. Advantages of the proposed scheme are assessed and comparisons with the available methods are presented. Solution of different types of examples and experimentally generated data for two faulty ball bearings reveals that the present easily implemented scheme achieves results with lower computational efforts and accuracy.
Unsteady winglet-cavity tip on leakage flow in a high-pressure turbine stage of low-aspect ratio
Authors: Zhou Zhihua , Chen Shaowen , Wang Songtao
Published: November 2017

In an unshrouded high-pressure turbine, the upstream vane wake, vane–blade interaction and blade tip leakage flow indicate complex and unsteady flow characteristics. Considering a high-pressure turbine stage of low-aspect ratio, the effects of the flat tip, cavity tip and winglet-cavity tip on the unsteady flow characteristics are investigated by numerical simulation. The exit Mach number and Reynolds number based on the chord of vane are 0.9 and 5.5×105, respectively. The pressure ratio of stage is 2.4. The time-resolved results indicate that the winglet-cavity tip scheme has smaller time variation of the total performance parameters and obtains a smaller tip leakage mass flow and a higher turbine stage efficient than the other cases. The vane–rotor interaction affects the pressure distribution at the region of blade leading edge remarkably and leads to a large time variation of tip leakage mass flow at the front of blade tip. The unsteady aerodynamic performance is analyzed with entropy-increase distribution at stage outlet and the vane–rotor interaction is discussed by the entropy-increase phase–time and phase–phase diagrams at blade outlet. Compared with the flat tip and cavity tip, the upper passage vortex loss is reduced obviously by the winglet-cavity tip. Thus, it is evaluated that the improvement of turbine stage coefficient with winglet-cavity tip results from the reduction of the upper passage vortex loss.
A new method for evaluating the normal rake angle and inclination angle on medical needles
Authors: Xu Yingqiang , Qin Xuemei , Liu Guowei , Tan Lei , Dong Hongjian , Wei Pengpeng , Zhang Qinhe , Zhang Hongcai
Published: November 2017

Hollow needles are the most frequently used medical equipment. The design of a hollow needle that best enables medical procedures requires a better understanding of needle tip geometry. Calculating the cutting angles of a needle for a complex surface topology is difficult. This article proposes a new method based on non-Euclidean geometry for the analysis of biopsy needle tip. The method can be used to calculate the cutting angles on any pipe needle. To verify the validity of this method, the normal rake angle and inclination angle on four types of needles (bias bevel needle, cylinder surface needle, curved surface needle and Cournand-type needle) were investigated. It was found that calculation of the cutting angles was simple and convenient using this method, especially for the curved surface needles. Images of the cutting angles from the Cournand-type needles revealed that the smaller bevel angle [Formula: see text] resulted in a higher normal rake angle [Formula: see text] and inclination angle [Formula: see text]. As [Formula: see text] increased, the range of the normal rake angle [Formula: see text] became larger at first and then became smaller.
Import Dependence and Food and Nutrition Security Implications
Authors: Bhattacharjya Souvik , Chaudhury Saswata , Nanda Nitya
Published: November 2017

Pulses are the staple sources of protein for Indians and contribute significantly to their nutritional security. However, limited growth in domestic production, has led to India’s increased import dependence. India’s import of pulses almost doubled in the last ten years and is currently estimated to be more than 3 million tonnes. Imports account for 15–20 per cent of total domestic production. The article presents the factors behind stagnating pulses production, India’s vulnerability to pulses import shortage and thereby food security implications. It also suggests strategies to promote sustainable supply of pulses to ensure food security.

JEL: Q130, Q180, Q170, Q020, F680
The Role of Focal Laser in the Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Era
Authors: Crosson Jason N , Mason Lauren , Mason John O
Published: November 2017

Introduction:

To review important studies examining focal laser for diabetic macular edema (DME), to examine real-world data regarding actual treatments patients are receiving, to present long-term visual outcomes in real-world practice, and to suggest an evidence-based approach for the use of focal laser.

Methods:

This study is a review of landmark studies evaluating focal laser and pharmacologic therapy for DME. In addition, the authors include a retrospective review of 102 consecutive eyes of 53 patients in our practice setting in rural Alabama. A chart review was performed, and patients were included if they were diagnosed with DME and were treated with both focal laser and bevacizumab. Bevacizumab and focal laser were given on a “as needed basis” at the discretion of one treating physician (J.O.M.). Worse visual acuity or worsening macular edema were indications for additional treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at baseline and at the end of treatment (mean of 5 years) in the medical record. Primary outcome measures were BCVA, patients with better than 20/40 BCVA, patients with worse than 20/200 BCVA, and patients with stable BCVA.

Results:

Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are the first-line treatment for DME, but real-world claims data suggest that diabetic patients cannot come in for monthly injections as in large clinical trials. In our series, after a mean of 5 lasers and 5.5 injections, 90% of eyes had stable or better BCVA, 65% were ≥20/40, and only 13% were ≤20/200.

Conclusions:

Laser treatment for DME remains an important adjunctive therapy
Study on Defense Mechanisms to Cope With Stress Due to Stigma Among People Living With HIV/AIDS Reported in Eastern India: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Mukherjee Ayan , Lahiry Sandeep , Mukherjee Anindya , Choudhury Shouvik , Sinha Rajasree
Published: November 2017

Aim:

To explore the stigmatizing pattern in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and assess coping strategies adopted for quality of life (QOL) appraisal.

Methods:

In the background of a descriptive, cross-sectional research design, PLWHA attending HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) outpatient clinic at Medical College, Kolkata (n = 120) were enrolled through “snowball sampling.” A brief semistructured interview schedule was used to elicit data on socio-demographics. Stigma was assessed using a 4-point scale (40-item). Quality of life was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality-of-Life) scale (26-item).

Results:

About 96.7% reported being stressed. Stigma was mostly confronted in socio-familial context. Fear of being stigmatized was much higher compared with those who actually faced stigma (69.2% vs 27.5%; P < .01). Quality of life negatively correlated with internalizing of stigma in the psychological domain ( P < .01). Proportion experiencing actual stigma (women vs men: 79% vs 74%) experienced an above moderate QOL. Multiple defense mechanisms were identified. “Altruism,” “Anticipation,” and “Humor” were the most preferred defense strategies. However, such coping strategies appeared to be self-taught and only modestly helpful in managing perceived stigma.

Conclusions:

People living with HIV/AIDS should avoid internalizing stigmatized feeling and engage in social activities to work toward a better QOL.
Skiing all the way to the polls: Exploring the popularity of personalized posts on political Instagram accounts
Authors: Larsson Anders Olof
Published: November 2017

While research has gauged the degree to which political actors focus on their personal rather than their more public sides in their communication efforts, few studies have assessed the extent to which personalized content succeeds in gaining traction among online followers. The current study does just that, focusing on the Instagram accounts operated by Norwegian parties and party leaders. Results indicate that party leaders emerge as more successful than parties in gaining attention through ‘likes’ and comments and that they offer personalized content to higher degrees than the parties they represent. While personalized content might lead to increased political engagement among citizens, the fact that personalization ‘works’ in terms of gaining attention might also skew political PR and marketing towards excessive use of such themes.
Models of care in tele-ophthalmology: A scoping review
Authors: Caffery Liam J , Taylor Monica , Gole Glen , Smith Anthony C
Published: November 2017

The objective of this review was to identify and describe telehealth models of care for ophthalmic services. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify how ophthalmic care can be delivered by telehealth. We searched the PubMed database to identify relevant articles which were screened based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. For included articles, data were extracted, categorised and analysed. Synthesis of findings was performed narratively. The scoping review included 78 articles describing 62 discrete tele-ophthalmic models of care. Tele-ophthalmic models of care can be used for consultative service, screening, triage and remote supervision. The majority of services were for general eye care and triage ( n = 17; 26%) or emergency services ( n = 8; 12%). The most common conditions for disease-specific models of care were diabetic retinopathy ( n = 14; 21%), and glaucoma ( n = 8; 12%). Most models of care involved local clinicians capturing images and transmitting them to an ophthalmologist for assessment. This scoping review demonstrated tele-ophthalmology to be feasible for consultation, screening, triage and remote supervision applications across a broad range of ophthalmic conditions. A large number of models of care have been identified and described in this review. Considerable collaboration between patient-end clinicians and substantial infrastructure is typically required for tele-ophthalmology.
Closing the health gap
Authors: Marmot Michael
Published: November 2017

One way of characterising the good society is one that has achieved a high degree of health equity. For a low-income country, one route to this achievement is to increase national income. But other features of society come to the fore, for low, middle and high-income societies alike. In England, my review of health inequalities highlighted: good early child development, education and life long learning, employment and working conditions, having enough income to lead a healthy life, healthy and sustainable places to live and work, taking a social determinants approach to prevention. Taking action on these requires commitment and cross-government action.
Activating the past in the Ferguson protests: Memory work, digital activism and the politics of platforms
Authors: Smit Rik , Heinrich Ansgard , Broersma Marcel
Published: November 2017

This article analyzes the Facebook page Justice for Mike Brown—set up during the 2014 Ferguson protests—in order to rethink the role of memory work within contemporary digital activism. We argue that, as a particular type of discursive practice, memory work on the page bridged personal and collective action frames. This occurred in four overlapping ways. First, the page allowed for affective commemorative engagement that helped shape Brown’s public image. Second, Brown’s death was contextualized as part of systematic injustice against African Americans. Third, the past was used to legitimize present action, wherein the present was continually connected to the past and future. And fourth, particular discursive units became recognizable symbolic markers during the protests and for future recall. Based on this typology, we show that memory work, although multidirectional and in flux, is stabilized by the interactions between the page administrator, users, and Facebook’s operational logic.
Ecological habitus intergenerationally reproduced: The children of Czech ‘voluntary simplifiers’ and their lifestyle
Authors: Pelikán Vojtěch , Galčanová Lucie , Kala Lukáš
Published: November 2017

The intergenerational reproduction of values and lifestyles has been at the centre of attention for the social sciences for several decades. However, only rarely has this topic been examined from the perspective of environmentally friendly lifestyles. In this article, we build on unique longitudinal research that includes generations of parents and children from Czech ‘voluntarily simple’ families. Drawing on sociological theories of consumption and the Bourdieusian concept of habitus, we deal with the question of whether and how the intergenerational transmission of eco-habitus emerges. The original research with the parents – called ‘the Colourful’ – was conducted by the Czech sociologist Hana Librová in 1992, 2002 and 2015. We participated in the third wave, conducting 12 in-depth interviews with the Colourful and supplementing it with 21 interviews with their adult children, focusing on how they look back on their childhood and in what respect their lifestyles and attitudes differ from those of their parents. We describe the reproduction of the Colourful’s habitus and identify the main lines of influence that may play a role in this process: positive reflections on a non-affluent childhood, awareness of the values behind simplicity, a liberal model of upbringing, the higher cultural capital of the families, the family atmosphere, religiosity and diverse experiences among siblings related to their birth order. We show that while for the Colourful it was typical to revolt against parents, their own habitus has been reproduced relatively successfully.
Casting a critical eye on the positioning of the Western expatriate teacher
Authors: Burke Lydia E Carol-Ann
Published: November 2017

This article contributes to the body of research addressing the challenges of expatriate teaching appointments. It is written in the form of a critical incident analysis. Rather than focus the lens of concern on the preparedness, adaptability, and potential culture shock of the teacher who travels into an unfamiliar work context, postcolonial theory is used to focus on the knowledge-power dynamics that come into play when Western teachers take up positions in once-colonised countries of lower economic status than the teacher’s home country.
Nonenhanced MRI Planning for Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Comparison With Contrast-Enhanced CT Angiography
Authors: Piacentino Filippo , Fontana Federico , Micieli Camilla , Angeretti Maria G. , Cardim Larissa Nocchi , Coppola Andrea , Molinelli Valeria , Piffaretti Gabriele , Novario Raffaele , Fugazzola Carlo
Published: November 2017

Background:

To assess whether noncontrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (NC-MRI) is an alternative to contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) for aortoiliac measurements before endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods:

This study encompasses 30 patients admitted for elective EVAR (27 men and 3 women). Two expert readers (vascular radiologist and vascular surgeon) reviewed CTA images in consensus and chose the proper endograft for each patient. Subsequently, a vascular radiologist and a resident radiologist (observer 1 and 2) reviewed CTA and NC-MRI examinations in a double-blind way and completed standard measurements. The interobserver and intermodality agreement was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Furthermore, the correlation between the endograft size chosen by the first pair and the second pair of observers was evaluated.

Results:

Concerning all measurements, no significant difference was found. Both CTA and NC-MRI angiographic measurements showed strong correlation. Interobserver ICCs for CTA and NC-MRI showed ranges of 0.62 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92) and 0.56 to 0.99 (mean: 0.91); intermodality ICCs for observer 1 and 2 showed ranges of 0.64 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92) and 0.56 to 0.99 (mean: 0.92). The CTA and NC-MRI vascular measurements correlated strongly, except for both external iliac artery diameters. The choice of stent size was always the same between the 2 observers; furthermore, graft size was always in agreement with that selected prospectively.

Conclusion:

Computed tomography angiography remains the standard of reference for EVAR planning; NC-MRI can be an option for patients with contraindications for CTA, in particular those with renal impairment.
Changes in Anthropometry and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Young Men During Their First Year of Study at a University of Physical Education
Authors: Kȩska Anna , Lutosławska Grażyna , Mazurek Krzysztof , Czajkowska Anna , Tkaczyk Joanna , Iwańska Dagmara
Published: November 2017

This study aims to determine main health-related anthropometric and metabolic parameters in young physically active male students in their first year of study. Sixty one male students from a Polish university of physical education were studied twice–at the beginning of their first and second academic years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition were measured. Plasma levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), leptin, cortisol, and insulin, as well as insulin resistance (IR) using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) were determined. In 64% of the participants body weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly increased during the study. An average students’ weight gain amounted to 1.2 kg. In most of the subjects it resulted from the increase of fat-free mass ( r = .886, p < .001). TSH and leptin levels did not change, but a significant increase of cortisol levels and a tendency toward decreased insulin levels and also HOMA-IR values were observed. However, there were no significant correlations identified between the changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The study revealed that body weight gain seen in male students during their first year at the university of physical education was mainly due to the increase in fat-free mass. Apart from anthropometrics, changes in their insulin and cortisol levels were also detected, but further studies are required to evaluate these findings. The documented insufficient energy and carbohydrates consumption in physically active male students proves the need for nutritional education among them.
The use of osteochondral flaps in the treatment of carpal disorders
Authors: Higgins James P. , Bürger Heinz K.
Published: November 2017

Vascularized osteochondral flaps have been described for use in reconstruction of the wrist, providing the benefits of osteochondral grafts in addition to the benefit of osseous and subchondral perfusion via the microvascular pedicle. Various harvest sites have been described including the medial and lateral femoral trochlea and the proximal third metatarsal. The reconstructed surfaces described include the cartilage surfaces of the scaphoid, lunate, capitate and radius. The ability to transfer analogous osteochondral surfaces poses the possibility for new motion-preserving alternatives for difficult articular problems previously treated with salvage procedures. A description of the procedures and reported outcomes are provided, as well as a discussion of the role of these procedures in the future of wrist surgery.
Vascular medicine and thrombectomy in stroke
Authors: Fischer Sebastian , Weber Werner
Published: November 2017

The treatment of stroke caused by intracranial vessel occlusion with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was the only evidence-based treatment option for a long time. Nevertheless the response rate was disappointing in large vessel occlusions. Five studies that evaluated the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy published in 2015 proved a significant clinical benefit for selected patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. These results are the basis for extensive technical, institutional, and personal structural changes in the neurovascular field of stroke treatment. This review gives an overview of the current status of mechanical thrombectomy and future expectations and challenges are discussed.
Determining relationship between strategic human resource management practices and organizational commitment
Authors: Al Adresi Alaeldeen , Darun Mohd Ridzuan
Published: November 2017

Due to high involvement of human resource management (HRM), it has been a challenge for the organization to manage the external turbulence like war or government policy changes. This makes the HRM department play a crucial role to manage their employees together with the welfare of the organization. The main purpose of the article is to investigate the relationship between strategic HRM (SHRM) practices and organizational commitment (OC). Hypothesis was developed considering seven key SHRM practices and OC and subsequently testing based on data from 52 oil and gas companies in Libya. The findings using structural equation modeling revealed that employees are more committed to the organization when they get best SHRM. Internal career ladders on job training and pay for performance were the key SHRM practices identified that influence employee’s commitment toward the organization. Further, it was shown that the employees are more concerned of their job security and dynamic working environment. Employees with the help of organizational support will be able to contribute to enhance OC.
Cardiac structure and function predicts functional decline in the oldest old
Authors: Leibowitz David , Jacobs Jeremy M , Lande-Stessman Irit , Gilon Dan , Stessman Jochanan
Published: November 2017

Background

This study examined the association between cardiac structure and function and the deterioration in activities of daily living (ADLs) in an age-homogenous, community-dwelling population of patients born in 1920–1921 over a five-year follow-up period.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

Patients were recruited from the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study, which has followed an age-homogenous cohort of Jerusalem residents born in 1920–1921. Patients underwent home echocardiography and were followed up for five years. Dependence was defined as needing assistance with one or more basic ADL. Standard echocardiographic assessment of cardiac structure and function, including systolic and diastolic function, was performed. Reassessment of ADLs was performed at the five-year follow-up.

Results

A total of 459 patients were included in the study. Of these, 362 (79%) showed a deterioration in at least one ADL at follow-up. Patients with functional deterioration had a significantly higher left ventricular mass index and left atrial volume with a lower ejection fraction. There was no significant difference between the diastolic parameters the groups in examined. When the data were examined categorically, a significantly larger percentage of patients with functional decline had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular hypertrophy. The association between left ventricular mass index and functional decline remained significant in all multivariate models.

Conclusions

In this cohort of the oldest old, an elevated left ventricular mass index, higher left atrial volumes and systolic, but not diastolic dysfunction, were predictive of functional disability.
Fractography of clinically fractured, implant-supported dental computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing crowns
Authors: Lohbauer Ulrich , Belli Renan , Cune Marco S , Schepke Ulf
Published: November 2017

Today, a substantial part of the dental crown production uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. A recent step in restorative dentistry is the replacement of natural tooth structure with pre-polymerized and machined resin-based methacrylic polymers. Recently, a new CAD/CAM composite was launched for the crown indication in the load-bearing area, but the clinical reality forced the manufacturer to withdraw this specific indication. In parallel, a randomized clinical trial of CAD/CAM composite crowns luted on zirconia implant abutments revealed a high incidence of failure within the first year of service. Fractured crowns of this clinical trial were retrieved and submitted to a fractographic examination. The aim of the case series presented in this article was to identify failure reasons for a new type of CAD/CAM composite crown material (Lava Ultimate; 3M Oral Care, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA) via fractographic examinations and analytical assessment of luting surfaces and water absorption behavior. As a result, the debonding of the composite crowns from the zirconia implant abutments was identified as the central reason for failure. The adhesive interface was found the weakest link. A lack of silica at the zirconia surface certainly has compromised the bonding potential of the adhesive system from the beginning. Additionally, the hydrolytic stress released from swelling of the resin-based crown (water absorption) and transfer to the luting interface further added to the interfacial stress and most probably contributed to a great extend to the debonding failure.
Antibody response against HERV-W env surface peptides differentiates multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Arru Giannina , Sechi Elia , Mariotto Sara , Farinazzo Alessia , Mancinelli Chiara , Alberti Daniela , Ferrari Sergio , Gajofatto Alberto , Capra Ruggero , Monaco Salvatore , Deiana Giovanni A , Caggiu Elisa , Mameli Giuseppe , Sechi Leonardo A , Pietro Sechi Gian
Published: November 2017

Background

A specific humoral immune response against HERV-W envelope surface (env-su) glycoprotein antigens has been reported in serum of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it has not been evaluated to date in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Objective

The objective of this paper is to investigate whether antibody (Ab) response against HERV-W env-su antigenic peptides differs between NMOSD and MS.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 36 patients with NMOSD, 36 patients with MS and 36 healthy control individuals (HCs). An indirect ELISA was set up to detect specific Abs against HERV-W env-su peptides.

Results

Our data showed that two antigenic peptides, particularly HERV-Wenv93–108 and HERV-Wenv248–262, were statistically significantly present only in serum of MS compared to NMOSD and HCs. Thus, the specific humoral immune response against HERV-W env-su glycoprotein antigens found in MS is widely missing in NMOSD.

Conclusion

Increased circulating serum levels of these HERV-W Abs may be suitable as additional biomarkers to better differentiate MS from NMOSD.