bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A counterfactual analysis of regulatory changes in Hungary: Could the FX lending crisis have been avoided?
Authors: Siklós Dóra
Published: June 2016

The main purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to estimate the effect of the tightening of regulatory capital requirements on the real economy in periods of credit upswing. Second, it intends to show whether applying a counter-cyclical capital buffer measure as set down in the Basel III rules could have helped to reduce the pace of FX lending growth in Hungary, mitigating the buildup of vulnerabilities in the run-up to the global financial crisis. In order to answer these questions, we use a Vector Autoregression-based approach with the aim of understanding the impact of shocks to capital adequacy in the pre-crisis period. Our results suggest that although regulatory authorities could have slowed down the increase in lending temporarily, they would not have been able to avoid the upswing of FX lending by requiring counter-cyclical capital buffers even if such a tool had been available and even if they had reacted quickly to accelerating credit growth. Our results also suggest that a more pronounced tightening might have reduced FX lending substantially, but at the expense of real GDP growth. The reason is that unsustainable fiscal policy led to a trade-off between economic growth and the build-up of new vulnerabilities in the form of FX lending.
Estimating the impact of income tax on personal savings in Serbia: The two channels approach
Authors: Randjelovic Sasa
Published: June 2016

This paper provides an empirical evaluation of the effects of income taxation on personal savings in Serbia, by taking into account both transmitting channels: the direct impact of capital income tax on the rate-of-return and the indirect impact of labour income tax on disposable income. The estimated elasticity of bank deposits to the rate of return of 0.3 and the estimated elasticity of employment income to a labour tax wedge of −0.38 suggest that income tax function aimed at minimising the efficiency losses should not considerably differentiate the tax burden on labour and capital income. We show that in the case of the introduction of a revenue-neutral income tax, with a single marginal tax rate of 15% and considerably larger labour income exemption, households’ savings in Serbia would decline by 0.27%. This means that the negative impact of a rise in the capital income tax wedge on savings would prevail over the positive effects of a labour tax wedge cut. The results imply that the overall possibility to boost savings using tax policy is modest.
Intra-industry trade in the Visegrad countries: Does the linder hypothesis hold?
Authors: Grančay Martin , Grančay Nóra , Vveinhardt Jolita
Published: June 2016

In 1961, Staffan Linder attacked mainstream trade economics by diverging from the generally accepted factor endowments theory and focusing on alternative explanations of why countries trade with each other. He was among the first economists to recognise the growing importance of intraindustry trade and presented his hypothesis that the more similar the per capita income levels of countries, the more they tend to trade with each other. This observation has since become one of the main pillars of modern trade theory. The present paper assesses the empirical validity of the Linder hypothesis in the Visegrad countries. Using a variant of the gravity model, it finds that when controlling for other factors, the Visegrad countries tend to trade more with countries with similar per capita income levels than with significantly richer or poorer countries. This observation is consistent with the Linder hypothesis. OLS regressions, Tobit regressions, and robustness checks all support the hypothesis.
The investment attractiveness of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange to Sovereign Wealth Funds
Authors: Urban Dariusz
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to shed some light on the factors determining the investment decisions of Sovereign Wealth Funds. Using the financial data from companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, the author employs a logit model to analyse the probability that firms are targeted for investment by the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund. These findings suggest that not only the growth of earnings per share increases the probability of such investment, but that also a company whose shares have been bought by the Government Pension Fund Global has, on average, a higher level of earnings per share than companies not targeted by the Fund. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the investment activities of the world’s largest Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Convergence in R&D intensity across European countries: A fractional integration approach
Authors: Altuzarra Amaia
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the convergence in R&D expenditure across 21 European Union countries is examined by applying fractional integration analysis. Data are annual and cover the period 1990–2010. Results show that there is certain degree of convergence in R&D intensity. However, the speed of the convergence varies across countries. For most of the countries, the speed of convergence is higher in the R&D expenditures of governments than in the R&D expenditures of higher education institutions and businesses. Differences in the speed of convergence could be explained by differences in industry structures, in cultural trajectories, in macroeconomic conditions, or in internationalisation. The more dissimilar countries are in terms of these factors the more likely they are to have divergent paths. Furthermore, differences in R&D convergence by institutional sectors could be due to the different goals of each sector and to the relative weight of each sector in the entire economy.
Those Who Pay Have a Say: A View on Oncology Drug Pricing and Reimbursement
Authors: Newcomer Lee N.
Published: June 2016

Four recommendations are made to address the high costs of cancer therapy: remove coverage mandates from state and federal insurance law, create performance transparency for drug regimens, cap profit margins for administering drugs, and place every patient with a genetic mutation in a clinical trial.
Getting Past No in Cancer Care
Authors: Kolodziej Michael
Published: June 2016

This article examines the potential impact of several proposals for controlling the rapidly increasing costs of cancer care.
2015 Homer W. Smith Award: The Podocyte from Periphery to Center Stage
Authors: Kerjaschki Dontscho
Published: June 2016

This overview summarizes selected major developments over the last 40 years in understanding podocyte biology and its involvement in glomerular disease subjectively from my perspective. Serendipity has played a major role in my contributions to investigative nephrology that range from basic mechanisms of immune deposit formation in experimental membranous nephropathy to the role of a microRNA in FSGS. This review emphasizes the importance of continuous reality checks of experimental results obtained in vitro or with genetically modified animals with human disease.
Zygmund’s Type Inequality to the Polar Derivative of a Polynomial
Authors: Pukhta M.S.
Published: June 2016

In this paper we improve a result recently proved by Irshad et al. [On the Inequalities Concerning to the Polar Derivative of a Polynomial with Restricted Zeroes, Thai Journal of Mathematics, 2014 (Article in Press)] and also extend Zygmund's inequality to the polar derivative of a polynomial.
All that glitters is not gold”: continuities in international order and limits to global south reconfiguration
Authors: Actis Esteban , Zelicovich Julieta
Published: June 2016

La literatura actual sobre Relaciones Internacionales ha observado, desde hace bastante tiempo, que el poder internacional está experimentando un proceso de transformación y que nos enfrentamos a un "reconfiguración del Sur global." Sin embargo, nuestra opinión es que estas declaraciones exageran la profundidad y la naturaleza de las transformaciones. En este artículo vamos a poner adelante para la discusión de los conceptos ampliamente utilizados de "reconfiguración del orden internacional" y "democratización de las relaciones internacionales" y tratar de poner a prueba su alcance y los límites. Nuestra hipótesis es que, a pesar de que desde el comienzo del siglo XXI una redistribución de los recursos, principalmente económicos ha tenido lugar a nivel mundial, las normas, los principios, las instituciones y las políticas que han estructurado el sistema internacional desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX tienen sin cambio. El discurso mantenido por potencias emergentes es una de la reforma del sistema, pero en sus acciones que tratan de converger con los poderes tradicionales, siguiendo el camino del orden liberal. Para el resto del "Sur" esta situación no plantea nuevas posibilidades para influir y participar en el sistema internacional, pero replica las asimetrías y dependencias del orden imperante.
África, a nova fronteira estratégica no desenvolvimento global: a geopolítica de Cabo Verde no contexto da cedeao
Authors: Monteiro Nataniel Andrade
Published: June 2016

El artículo busca comprender los desafíos del desarrollo que se imponen a Cabo Verde, pasados los treinta y ocho años de la firma del Tratado Constitutivo para su integración en la Comunidad Económica de los Estados de África Occidental (CEDEAO). El raciocinio céntrico de la estrategia de Cabo Verde después de la independencia pasó por una apuesta activa en las relaciones internacionales, esencialmente en la movilización de la ayuda pública para el desarrollo. Esta movilización basada en la aceptación de las obligaciones internacionales y de los principios de la reciprocidad diplomática, expresamente con Europa, los Estados Unidos de América y China. Procedemos a una investigación exploratoria que es complementada por un análisis interpretativa, de modo a responder a las cuestiones clave de esta investigación. Como recomendación geoestratégica, creemos que en un contexto sacudido por la crisis financiera internacional que ha afectado directa o indirectamente los compañeros estratégicos de Cabo Verde. Sería ventajoso que el archipiélago (re)centralizase su geopolítica de integración en África, particularmente en el ámbito de la Comunidad Económica de los Estados de África Occidental, aprovechando el continente como nueva frontera de desarrollo.
The new hideout of cockroaches? the expansion of the Mexican organized crime in the northern triangle of Central America
Authors: Arratia Actis Esteban
Published: June 2016

Uno de los efectos más latentes ocasionados por la estrategia de confrontación abierta al crimen organizado, mantenida en México desde el sexenio pasado, ha sido el traslado de los principales grupos criminales hacia el Triángulo Norte de América Central. A partir de ese escenario, el presente artículo de investigación tiene como objetivo responder la siguiente pregunta: ¿Por qué aquel territorio se ha transformado en el nuevo centro de operaciones para los principales carteles mexicanos? Para tal efecto, se analizan, bajo un enfoque cualitativo, los principales factores que han facilitado la expansión del crimen organizado mexicano en esa área geográfica. Luego, se abordan las conexiones y dinámicas entre los carteles mexicanos y otras organizaciones criminales operativas en esa subregión como los transportistas y maras. Finalmente, se evalúa la viabilidad de una alianza estratégica entre dos actores con mayor preponderancia en la escena criminal de aquella zona: Los Zetas y Mara Salvatrucha. El trabajo concluye que, por su ubicación geográfica, sus fronteras porosas, su debilidad institucional y creciente sofisticación de sus grupos criminales locales −transportistas− y maras, el Triángulo Norte de Centroamérica ofrece amplias oportunidades para la expansión del narcotráfico mexicano.
El papel geopolítico de la corte internacional de justicia en America del Sur: el caso Perú – Chile (2008-2014)
Authors: Manzano Iturra Karen Isabel , Jiménez Cabrera Diego Ignacio
Published: June 2016

Chile y Perú han desarrollado una nueva etapa de tensiones en sus relaciones internacionales. Tras el fallo de la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ), se ha generado un escenario en donde ninguno de los dos países obtuvo el resultado deseado. Más que el fracaso jurídico de los agentes en obtener sus pretensiones de máxima, el proceso ha exhibido dos resultados: 1) el fracaso de la diplomacia como una herramienta creíble para sostener y concretar negociaciones de buena fe, y; 2) la incapacidad de acordar condiciones de acumulación y distribución del poder geopolítico en el Cono Sur. Así, la Corte Internacional de Justicia se ha convertido, en un actor de relevancia para comprender la construcción de una nueva narrativa geopolítica.
La identidad estratégica Argentina y el ascenso de Brasil. Las bases ideacionales de una política de defensa cooperativa
Authors: Vitelli Marina Gisela
Published: June 2016

En el marco de la reciente discusión académica sobre las respuestas de las potencias secundarias de América del Sur frente al ascenso internacional de Brasil este trabajo atiende el interrogante ¿por qué Argentina no contrabalanceó el creciente poder brasileño? Concretamente, ponemos bajo análisis la participación activa de Argentina en la constitución y actuación del Consejo de Defensa Sudamericano, teniendo en cuenta que este organismo fue interpretado como una iniciativa de construcción del liderazgo regional brasileño en la dimensión estratégico-militar. Argumentamos que la política de defensa cooperativa argentina se explica en virtud de la existencia de un consenso surgido de actores parlamentarios que influyeron sobre la política de defensa desde la vuelta de la democracia. Relativizamos, así, aquellos análisis que buscan explicar la ausencia de una estrategia argentina de contrapeso hacia Brasil a partir de variables como la inestabilidad política y la debilidad del sistema de partidos. Para sostener esta hipótesis realizamos un estudio detallado de los actores de la política de defensa argentina democrática, de sus interacciones domésticas y regionales durante el período comprendido en este trabajo, así como las ideas relativas a la defensa nacional y la cooperación regional, variables que trascienden los análisis existentes.
Mosque as a Model of Learning Principles of Sustainable Architecture
Authors: Adi Swambodo Murdariatmo
Published: June 2016

The mosque is an integral part of the circuit-worship rituals of Islam. For Muslims in Indonesia, the role of the mosque as a place of worship, examines religion and some other activities occupy a strategic position not only as a religious symbol but more emphasis on the function of the space as a public building. Utilization of space in public buildings as well as space-ritual-social space will have meaning for the people in view of adaptation space used. Awareness of the importance of effective space utilization and management of water resources wisely in support of the ritual apply the principles of sustainable architecture will have a positive impact for the people to give directions as to how the principle of austerity-not wasteful in Islam can be applied. This paper will discuss about the process of continuous learning from the essence of understanding of the mosque as a model in implementing the process of life, taking into account the principles of simplicity, functional and wisdom, especially in the efficiency of utilization of local resources. The method used in this research is qualitative descriptive, which is explained the theory and based on literature and accompanied by case study that have implemented the principles. The output of this application of the principles of sustainable architecture in the planning and use of mosques as a place in the relationship with God and with fellow human relations can be a model for the faithful to deal with wisely challenge natural resource constraints, especially for future generations.
On The Fabrication of Cultural Memory: History Theme Malls in Dubai
Authors: Biln John
Published: June 2016

Dubai, one of the most mobile cities in the world, is rapidly cementing its image as a global city and icon of Islamic tolerance. Dubai’s economic opportunities, relative safety and geographic centrality in the heart of the Middle East make it attractive to a wide range of economic and political migrants from across the region. This article asks how a city which is overwhelmingly populated by members of a highly mobile and diverse non-citizen workforce could construct a plausible sense of collective memory, a fundamental requirement for any meaningful social cohesion. In considering this question, the article reviews two well-known history-themed commercial centers, Ibn Batutta Mall and the Khan Murjan in Wafi Mall. Each of these emphasize Arab-Islamic cultural heritage and the region’s long history of trade and transit. Both malls highlight culturally significant journeys documented in historical manuscripts. The article concludes that in constructing a complex experience which maps immediate spatial movement onto well-known travel narratives, the Ibn Battuta and Khan Murjan centers provide scaffolds for a cultural memory essentially “made to order” for a population who share, if little else, a profound sense of dislocation, flow and perpetual movement.
"Mosque Architecture” Or Architecture of Mosque: A New Notions of Bengal During the Muslim Rule
Authors: Ahmed Sumaiya
Published: June 2016

The mosque constitutes one of the most highly developed forms of religious architecture. With the rapid expansion of the Muslim community through conquests as well as missionary activities, it became necessary to set aside an enclosed area in cities or large towns for the purpose of established communal worship. Mosque architecture in the Muslim period exposes clearly its sacred identity, even it is continuously remarked, but in secular architecture, the ideas are not spiritually motivated in a cosmic sense. Definitely a structural idea and use of materials as well as its functional and aesthetic use play a role in determining what is expressed by it. The development of understanding of functional and aesthetic use of materials and technique with effective manner is depending on assimilated technologies. Integrated process of standard materials, skilled labor, innovative idea and socioeconomic as well as geographical factors may regard to constructing any magnificent architecture. The present study is an attempt to analyse and develop the structure, structural decoration and use of materials and design of the mosques during the Muslim period in Bengal.
Rationalizing the Permissibility of Mosque Decoration
Authors: Omer Spahic
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses the subject of mosque decoration and some of the criteria which determine its permissibility or otherwise. Some aspects of the matter are somewhat sensitive and double-edged. Thus, the paper presents an objective, balanced and scientific account of the theme, steering clear of the sentimental aspects of the evidences often put forth by both the proponents and opponents of mosque decoration. The main thrusts of the paper are the issues pertaining to the legitimacy of decoration in general, the subject of the function of mosques vis-à-vis their decoration, as well as the broad guidelines that regulate mosque decoration emphasizing the decoration of the mihrab (praying niche) area and the qiblah wall. The paper concludes that in principle mosque decoration is permissible so long as it conforms to the requirements of the Islamic spirituality and the quintessence of genuine Islamic art and architecture.
Muallaf Center Design as an Implementation of Psycological and Economical Effect for Muallaf in Malaysia
Authors: Yudha Ansfiksia Eka Poetra , Setiyowati Ernaning
Published: June 2016

Mualaf is the term to represent people who just moves to Islam from other religion. Mualaf Center is an important place for mualaf to get information about Islam. There are some reasons and factors that make a not-Moslem hesitates about their religion and decides to move to Islam.  These circumstances make them need a psychological and economical guidance as the effects after they become mualaf. There are 6.3% from total citizen becomes mualaf in Malaysia. This number is in the not-Moslem society, so the effect of becoming mualaf can be perceived especially the psychological and economical effects. Therefore, mualaf center can be a good place for mualaf to get a guidance and consultation. This paper discusses mualaf center design based on the issues and problems about mualaf in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to find a recommendation design for mualaf center based on the issue in Malaysia. The discussion uses literature study method which will be analyzed descriptively. So the result of the discussion is a summary of design criteria that proper with the issue. This design criterion will be integrated using relevant design theme approach, i.e. sustainable architecture. The design criteria that is already integrated is the availability of guidance and consultation facilities, also entrepreneur practice facility toward psychological and economical effects. With by the guidance in this mualaf center, the mualaf will be capable of adapting to the social environment around them and also can rebuild their economic life as before in islamic ways.
Online and Offline Friendship Among Italian Adolescent Girls Following a Non-Traditional School Track
Authors: Zucchetti Giulia , Giannotta Fabrizia , Rabaglietti Emanuela
Published: June 2016

Background: There is still a question of whether online friendship predicts changes in face-to-face friendship (Reduction Hypothesis) or face-to-face friendship predicts changes in online friendship (Compensation Hypothesis) during adolescence.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare these two hypotheses to determine which comes first: online friendship or offline friendship.

Method: Eighty adolescent girls between the ages of 14 and 19 years (mean, 16.07 years; standard deviation, 1.28 years) on a non-traditional school track completed self-report questionnaires. Two wave longitudinal models were tested with the use of cross-lagged analysis to compare the hypotheses.

Results: Analysis showed that negative face-to-face friendship quality predicted online friendship but that the opposite was not true.

Conclusions: The study’s findings underlined the compensation role of online friendship for girls with poor or unsatisfactory offline social worlds. The implications of this information and suggestions for clinicians and professionals to use to enhance adolescent social skills and to promote appropriate use of the Internet will be discussed.
How Prevalent Are Autistic Traits Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? A Qualitative Review of the Literature
Authors: Uchida Mai , Faraone Stephen V. , Joshi Gagan , Spencer Andrea , Kenworthy Tara , Woodworth K. Yvonne , Biederman Joseph
Published: June 2016

Background: Twin, family, and linkage studies have indicated that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) share a portion of their heritable etiology. This suggests that individuals with ADHD may manifest different forms of ASDs that may range from fully developed syndromic forms of the disorder to milder manifestations of ASD symptomatology, which will henceforth be referred to as autistic traits.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to conduct a literature search to examine the current body of knowledge regarding the prevalence of autistic traits (operationalized as the presence of autistic symptoms in the absence of a diagnosis of ASD) among children with ADHD and the associated morbidity of such traits.

Method: A systematic literature search in PubMed was conducted to discover all controlled studies published in the English language that systematically assessed the presence of autistic traits in children with ADHD who did not meet the criteria for ASDs. Three articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this qualitative review.

Results: Only three scientific papers that met our a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. These articles described findings obtained from clinical samples and identified a prevalence of autistic traits among children with ADHD that ranged from 7% to 60%. As compared with children with ADHD without these traits, the presence of autistic traits in children with ADHD was associated with more severe dysfunction in a wide range of non-overlapping domains and in the social and communication domains in particular.

Conclusions: Although this study was limited by the small amount of available literature about this subject, these findings suggest that a sizeable subset of children with ADHD manifest autistic traits and that the presence of these traits is associated with increased dysfunction and social and communication deficits.
Recognition Memory for High and Low Associative Stimuli in Autistic Individuals with Outstanding Memory Skill
Authors: Neumann Nicola , Braun Christoph , Dubischar-Krivec Anna M. , Bölte Sven
Published: June 2016

Background: Individuals with autism exhibit typical recognition memory performance, but they show a reduced use of context and relational processing in more complex memory tasks. It is unclear whether the same is true for autistic individuals with exceptional memory skill for whom superior rote memory skill has been assumed.

Objective: In this study, we investigated recognition memory for high and low associative stimuli in autistic memory experts. In accord with the rote memory notion, we expected an equal recognition performance for high and low associative stimuli and superior memorizing of nonsense material compared to control participants.

Method: Seven autistic memory experts and seven typically developed control subjects, matched according to age, sex, handedness, and full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ), were examined on a continuous old-new recognition paradigm, including high or low associative pseudowords and shapes. Memory expertise was characterized as a currently present outstanding memory skill above the subject’s general level of ability and above the general population and was validated through direct clinical observation or some form of credible evidence.

Results: Our hypotheses were partially corroborated with autistic memory experts recognizing high and low associative shapes equally well in contrast to control participants who showed superior recognition of high associative shapes. However, memory experts did not outperform control participants in the recognition of low associative shapes. There were no differences for the recognition of pseudowords.

Conclusions: Findings do not indicate enhanced memory for nonsense material, but a failure to make use of semantic features of abstract stimuli as assumed for autism as a whole.
Child Abuse Management Units: How can Mental Health Services be Further Improved?
Authors: Greger Hanne K. , Jozefiak Thomas , Myhre Arne K.
Published: June 2016

Background: Child abuse is a broad term that includes physical, sexual, and emotional (e.g., psychological, verbal) abuse. There are huge variations with regard to the level of severity and the consequences of abuse. Because child abuse is such a sensitive topic, it is a challenging task to conduct studies concerning this subject.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify areas that could be improved to offer better health care services to patients. Therefore, routine assessments, the characteristics of the cases, and the types of follow up were emphasized.

Method: The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services provided an exception from the principle of informed consent so that this study could be conducted. We had access to the medical records of all children between the ages of 0 and 14 years old who were referred to the regional child abuse management unit in 2006 and 2007. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed.

Results: One hundred and six children were referred to the child abuse management unit. For the majority of these patients (80.2%), sexual abuse was the only concern. The children presented diverse psychological and somatic symptoms and problems. Psychosocial functioning was in general not properly described in the records. Four out of five of the children were referred to services for follow up after the first examination in the child abuse management unit. Only 36% of the children were referred to child protective services.

Conclusion: This study revealed that psychosocial functioning is seldom documented and that psychological symptoms could be described more reliably and in more detail. A systematic approach may be helpful for health care providers, and we suggest the implementation of valid evidence-based instruments, such as the Child Behavior Checklist and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale.
Modeling Patterns of Negative Life Events and Mental Health in Faroese Adolescents
Authors: Petersen Tóra , Armour Cherie , Elklit Ask
Published: June 2016

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify naturally occurring typologies of Faroese adolescents on the basis of their exposure to traumatic and negative life events. It was hypothesized that underlying typologies of trauma and negative life events would be uncovered. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that males would be overrepresented in classes characterized by the endorsement of a wide range of trauma and negative life events. On the basis of prior research, it was also hypothesized that females had endorsed more traumas of a sexual nature and that males had endorsed more traumas of a violent nature. Finally, post-traumatic stress, negative affectivity, and somatization were examined in the different typologies.

Methods: Latent class analyses were conducted with the use of data collected from a self-report questionnaire survey from 687 Faroese eighth graders (85% response rate). The questionnaire included a traumatic and negative life event list, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire—Part IV, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist.

Results: Three classes of adolescents were identified on the basis of their exposure to potentially traumatic and negative life events. The baseline class (81.3%) had a low probability of the endorsement of all potentially traumatic and negative life events, except threats of violence and bullying. This group had low scores for post-traumatic symptoms, negative affectivity, and somatization. Class 2 (13.7%) comprised mainly males and had the highest probability of endorsement of threats of violence, physical assault, and bullying; this group also had high scores for post-traumatic stress symptoms, negative affectivity, and somatization. Finally, Class 1 (5.0%) consisted of adolescents with a relatively high risk of exposure to all potentially traumatic events and negative life events, except threats of violence. This group had the highest scores for post-traumatic stress symptoms, negative affectivity, and somatization.

Conclusions: The present study can be said to be a concise picture of trauma exposure and its consequences among Faroese adolescents, and it is thereby a valuable tool for the national planning of preventive and interventional strategies and for empirically founded economic prioritization. These results emphasize the importance of choosing a trauma-informed strategy in various disciplines, such as pediatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, social work, and school psychology when the aim is to provide the appropriate intervention.
A multicenter, randomized, controlled study of Training Executive, Attention, and Motor Skills (TEAMS) in Danish preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Rationale and description of the intervention and study protocol
Authors: Vibholm Helle Annette , Pedersen Jesper , Holm Anne , Krue Søren
Published: June 2016

Background:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that is often detected during the preschool years. Neuroimaging data indicate that children with ADHD have brains that are characterized by growth and functional anomalies. Data suggest that the diminution of ADHD symptoms is correlated with improved neural functioning and growth. On the basis of these findings, interventions that target neural growth, which indicates neural development, can possibly lead to a more enduring treatment for ADHD. Training Executive, Attention, and Motor Skills (TEAMS) is a non-pharmacological neurocognitive intervention program that targets preschool children with ADHD. The program is designed to stimulate neurocognitive growth through physical activity and play in combination with psychoeducation and guidance for the parents.

Population:

Children between the ages of three and six years from Region Zealand in Denmark who have been diagnosed with ADHD are offered participation in the trial. According to a calculation of the strength needed to result in a statistically significant outcome, the estimated group size should be, at minimum, 87 children. On the basis of Region Zealand’s visitation history records, the cohort is expected to include approximately 100 to 120 children.

Method:

The intervention groups participate in eight weekly group sessions that consist of separate parent and children’s groups. The control groups receive the standard treatment program as outlined by the clinical guidelines of Region Zealand. The ADHD Rating Scale-IV and the Danish version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire are used to assess ADHD symptom severity before and after the intervention and to monitor the duration of the outcome. A comparative analysis of data from the intervention and control groups will illustrate the study’s results.

Study aim:

This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group study with the primary aims of testing the TEAMS concept and investigating whether the intervention significantly lowers ADHD symptoms and increases the functionality level after the intervention as compared with the control group. A secondary aim is to monitor the duration and endurance of the outcome for six months after the intervention. This study is currently in progress. Full results and conclusions will be reported after the study’s completion in 2015.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Indirect Self-Harm Among Danish High School Students
Authors: MAhl Bo , la Cour Peter , Skandsen Annika
Published: June 2016

Background:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and indirect self-harm are prevalent among adolescents, but it is rare to see them described as related topics.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between the frequencies of NSSI and indirect self-harm (e.g., eating problems, alcohol and drug use) and how this may be influenced by gender.

Method:

Questionnaires about NSSI (e.g., cutting, burning, scratching, hitting oneself) and indirect self-harm were distributed to high school students in the Copenhagen area (N = 5650; response rate 53%; females 60.8%).

Results:

A total of 21.5% of the survey respondents had engaged in NSSI (lifetime prevalence), and 16.2% had practiced NSSI within the previous year. Gender differences in NSSI methods were identified. A total of 53.9% of the students had engaged in one or more types of indirect self-harm. The correlation between NSSI and indirect self-harm is twice as high for males (0.44; P ` .001) as compared with females (0.20; P ` .001).

Conclusions:

Clinicians must be aware of both NSSI and indirect self-harm. A positive correlation is seen, especially among young males. Males often perform other kinds of NSSI as compared with females, and clinicians must look for gender-specific signs of NSSI. It is argued that NSSI can be perceived as a “social pathology,” but it is also indicated that NSSI and indirect self-harm can be evaluated as an expression of ordinary behavior among modern high school students that must not be medicalized.
Latent Classes of Symptoms related to Clinically Depressed Mood in Adolescents
Authors: Blom Eva Henje , Forsman Mats , Yang Tony T. , Serlachius Eva , Larsson Jan-Olov
Published: June 2016

Background:

The diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is based only on adult symptomatology of depression and not adapted for age and gender. This may contribute to the low diagnostic specificity and validity of adolescent MDD. In this study, we investigated whether latent classes based on symptoms associated with depressed mood could be identified in a sample of adolescents seeking psychiatric care, regardless of traditionally defined diagnostic categories.

Methods:

Self-reports of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Development and Well-Being Assessment were collected consecutively from all new patients between the ages of 13 and 17 years at two psychiatric outpatient clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Those who reported depressed mood at intake yielded a sample of 21 boys and 156 girls. Latent class analyses were performed for all screening items and for the depression-specific items of the Development and Well-Being Assessment.

Results:

The symptoms that were reported in association with depressed mood differentiated the adolescents into two classes. One class had moderate emotional severity scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and mainly symptoms that were congruent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for MDD. The other class had higher emotional severity scores and similar symptoms to those reported in the first class. However, in addition, this group demonstrated more diverse symptomatology, including vegetative symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, conduct problems, body dysmorphic symptoms, and deliberate vomiting. The classes predicted functional impairment in that the members of the second class showed more functional impairment.

Limitations:

The relatively small sample size limited the generalizability of the results of this study, and the amount of items included in the analysis was restricted by the rules of latent class analysis. No conclusions about gender differences between the classes could be could be drawn as a result of the low number of boys included in the study.

Conclusions:

Two distinct classes were identified among adolescents with depressed mood. The class with highest emotional symptom severity score and the most functional impairment had a more diverse symptomatology that included symptoms that were not congruent with the traditional diagnostic criteria of MDD. However, this additional symptomatology is clinically important to consider. As a result, the clinical usefulness of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders during the diagnostic process of adolescent depression is questioned.
Psychological Difficulties among Children and Adolescents with Ethnic Danish, Immigrant, and Refugee Backgrounds
Authors: Leth Ingrid , Niclasen Janni , Ryding Else , Baroud Yasmine , Esbjarn Barbara H.
Published: June 2016

Objective:

This study investigated and compared the prevalence of psychological difficulties among Danish, immigrant, and refugee children.

Methods:

We enrolled 332 children between the ages of 8 and 18 years (148 Danish children, 81 immigrant children, and 67 children with refugee backgrounds), all from low-income areas of residence. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Symptoms Checklist, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Revised Childrenâ€™s Anxiety and Depression Scale were applied.

Results:

We found significant differences among the groups, with Danish children reporting lower levels of conduct problems than both immigrant children (P ` .01) and refugee children (P ` .05). Refugee children also reported more peer problems (P ` .05), more symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (P ` .01), and more separation anxiety symptoms (P ` .05) than the Danish children. No significant differences with regard to age or gender were found among the groups.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that, although immigrant children had higher levels of conduct problems than ethnic Danish children, they did not suffer from higher levels of internalizing psychological difficulties. However, refugee children were at higher risk for psychological difficulties associated with both externalizing and internalizing.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Severity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Preschoolers: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Tandon Mini , Lessov-Schlaggar Christina N. , Tillman Rebecca , Hovell Melbourne F. , Luby Joan
Published: June 2016

Background:

Less is known about the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) on mental health as compared with other medical disorders.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to examine the following: 1) the association of SHS exposure with childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) and disruptive disorders; and 2) the association of maternal recall of a child’s SHS exposure and that child’s exposure as measured by bioassay.

Method:

Sixty children had their saliva collected and assayed for cotinine when they were 4 years old and again when they were 6 years old. Phone interview data were collected to assess maternal recall of the children’s exposure to SHS at these ages. The children were assessed annually for ADHD and disruptive disorders. Repeated measures analysis of exposure level by child characteristics was performed.

Results:

Greater ADHD and conduct disorder severity scores were associated with greater child smoke exposure (ADHD severity, P = .043; conduct disorder severity, P = .035). A large proportion of mothers reported that their children had no exposure to SHS, despite high levels of measured cotinine in the children’s saliva.

Conclusions:

An association between SHS exposure and ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms was found. Children and parents may benefit from parent education regarding the deleterious effects of SHS.
How do Girls with Low Functioning Autism Compare to Boys with Autism and Typically Developing Girls with regard to Behavior, Cognition, and Psychopathology?
Authors: Nguyen Camilla , Ronald Angelica
Published: June 2016

Background:

The female autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype is currently underresearched. Girls with ASD may differ from boys with ASD, yet few studies have tested this hypothesis, particularly among low functioning individuals. This study compared girls and boys with predominantly low functioning ASD and typically developing girls during middle and late childhood across autism symptoms, cognition, sensory overresponsivity, and co-occurring psychopathology.

Methods:

Three mental-age–matched groups were compared: girls with ASD (N = 27), boys with ASD (N = 27), and typically developing girls (N = 17). Their ages ranged from 7 to 19 years old. The majority of individuals in the ASD sample had an intelligence quotient of less than 70. Participants were assessed on standard social cognition and attention to detail tasks. Parents completed behavior questionnaires.

Results:

Mean levels of autism symptoms were not significantly different for boys and girls with ASD, and they were significantly higher than those of typically developing girls. There were some weak trends for boys with ASD to show more compulsive behavior, inattention/hyperactivity and taste sensory overresponsivity than girls with ASD, but differences were not significant after controlling for multiple comparisons. The Block Design task, assessing attention to detail, showed a significant sex difference, with boys with ASD outperforming both girls with ASD and typically developing girls.

Conclusions:

Predominantly low functioning girls with ASD differed from typically developing girls but did not differ from boys with ASD with regard to their levels of autism symptoms, sensory overresponsivity, or co-occurring psychopathology. These data feed into debates about whether ASD assessment tools require sex-specific criteria and to what degree treatment should be tailored to the sex of the individual.
Underidentification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Females: A Case Series Illustrating the Unique Presentation of this Disorder in Young Women
Authors: Trubanova Andrea , Donlon Katharine , Kreiser Nicole L. , Ollendick Thomas H. , White Susan W.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed more often in males than females, with the male-to-female gender ratio reported to be around 4.3:1 to 5:1. It is possible that the underrecognition of ASD in females partially contributes to this uneven ratio. Recent attention has been placed on understanding the processes that give rise to this gender difference in ASD prevalence. Socialization may contribute to the unique presentation of ASD in females, which may underlie this condition’s subsequent underidentification in this group.

Objective:

The purpose of this case series is to demonstrate how symptoms of ASD may uniquely manifest in females without co-occurring intellectual impairment.

Method:

An examination of three case examples of young women diagnosed with ASD will illustrate the processes that contribute to the atypical manifestation and underidentification of ASD in females.

Results:

Across cases, the females in this study demonstrated shared symptom presentations within three domains: 1) unique core symptom manifestation (insistence on sameness, lack of social engagement, and social processing difficulties); 2) heightened psychiatric comorbidities with internalizing disorders (anxiety, depression, and borderline personality traits); and 3) emotional dysregulation. These three domains reflect specific processes that may help to explain the underidentification of ASD in females via diagnostic overshadowing.

Conclusions:

Consideration of atypical symptom presentations, heightened comorbidities, and emotion regulation difficulties may help with the understanding of why ASD symptoms in females are commonly underidentified or identified later than they are in males. Social difficulties in combination with internalizing psychiatric disorders and emotional dysregulation may lead to the development of a specific symptom presentation in females that obscures the detection of ASD symptoms. Suggestions for clinical practice are made to promote the accurate identification of ASD and to inform case formulation and treatment planning.