bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension Improved after Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Lee Li‐Ang , Li Hsueh‐Yu , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Huang Yu‐Shu , Hsu Jen‐Fu , Wu Che‐Ming , Huang Chung‐Guei
Published: December 2014

Objective

To report improvements in childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension after adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty consecutive patients (36 boys and 14 girls; median age, 7.0 years) who underwent plasma knife–assisted total tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for OSA between January 2010 and March 2013 were assessed with the body mass index z score, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP at baseline and at ≥6 months postoperatively. Changes in these parameters were statistically analyzed using nonparametric tests with the bootstrap approach.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 9.6 months. Postoperatively, the median AHI significantly reduced from 9.8 to 1.6 (P <. 001). Although the median systolic BP and diastolic BP insignificantly changed in the overall group, both were significantly reduced in children with preoperative hypertension (systolic: from 119.0 to 113.0 [P =. 038]; diastolic: from 79.0 to 68.0 [P =. 005]). Accordingly, the hypertension rate significantly reduced from 34% to 14% (P =. 006). However, the change in OSA severity was not well correlated with the change in hypertension severity. In multiple logistic regression analysis with forward selection, a combination of preoperative hypertension and severe OSA was a significant predictor of postoperative hypertension (relative risk, 15.4; 95% confidence interval, 3.7‐64.3; P <. 001).

Conclusion

The decreased hypertension rate indicates that a reduction of the AHI is not all that matters after adenotonsillectomy in childhood OSA. However, patients with preoperative severe OSA and hypertension need careful management of their elevated BP despite surgical treatment.
Routine Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Vocal Fold Movement Impairment without an Apparent Cause
Authors: Chen Diane W. , Young Alex , Donovan Donald T. , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: December 2014

Objective

Routine computed tomography (CT) for vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) without an apparent cause is common. However, given increased cancer risk associated with ionizing radiation exposure, our purpose is to evaluate the utility of routine scans for these patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Houston, Texas.

Subjects and Methods

A 5‐year review of patients with VFMI diagnosed at an academic institution was conducted. For patients without an apparent cause (eg, recent head, neck, or cardiothoracic surgery or known malignancy), CT head/neck and chest was performed to evaluate the recurrent laryngeal nerve course. Data included demographics, symptoms, radiography, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed via χ2 analysis.

Results

Of 406 patients with VFMI, 47 (11%) patients had no apparent cause clinically. Routine CT revealed abnormalities in 10 (21%) patients, of which only 3 (6%) could account for VFMI: benign thyroid adenoma (1), papillary thyroid cancer (1), and an esophageal mass (1). The most common lesion detected involved the thyroid. Demographic data and symptom type were not significantly associated with detection of a VFMI‐attributable lesion on CT. Overall, routine CT did not identify a focal etiology in 94% patients with VFMI without an apparent cause.

Conclusion

Routine pan‐CT evaluation failed to reveal an etiology in 94% of patients with VFMI without an apparent cause. Patients may be subjected to health risks associated with radiation exposure without significant diagnostic benefit. Further studies should consider more judicious use of CT in the context of risk factors and safer imaging modalities as the initial diagnostic step.
Sartorial Orientalism: Cross-cultural Dressing in Colonial Algeria and Metropolitan France in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Thoral Marie-Cecile
Published: December 2014

This article will address the broad issue of the role of dress as a means and an indicator of cross-cultural encounters in a colonial context through the example of metropolitan France and colonial Algeria (1830–1930). It will assess the links between imperial power relations and cross-cultural dressing. The example of colonial Algeria is particularly relevant for a study of the inner motivations, expectations and tensions at stake in sartorial Orientalism as it was then home to three communities with very different cultures and dressing patterns: French settlers, Algerian Muslims and Algerian Jews.
Louis XIV, Duke Leopold I and the Neutrality of Lorraine, 1702–1714
Authors: McCluskey Phil
Published: December 2014

During the War of the Spanish Succession, the duke of Lorraine trod a difficult path in his attempts to maintain the independence of his state. While Louis XIV agreed in principle to respect his neutrality, the French nevertheless imposed significant restrictions on the duke’s sovereignty. The Grand Alliance, meanwhile, viewed Leopold’s neutrality with suspicion and refused to assist him unless he publicly declared for the coalition. The dissonance in views regarding the status of Lorraine reflected a long-term clash of sovereignties in the region, between France, Lorraine and the Holy Roman Empire. It also reflected the evolving status of neutrality in international relations, as well as attendant tensions within the European dynastic system: though the duke’s policy of neutrality may have saved Lorraine from potential devastation in the war, it severely impeded his dynasty’s ambitions.
Martín de Roa, S.J. (1559–1637) and the Consolidation of Catholic Literary Culture in Spain
Authors: Roldán-Figueroa Rady
Published: December 2014

The article traces the life and work of Martín de Roa, S.J. (1559–1637). It argues that he occupied an important place in the formation of seventeenth-century Catholic literary culture in Spain. 1 His literary production is discussed against the backdrop of Spanish religious literature of the period and is evaluated in connection to his institutional location as a member of the Society of Jesus. Inventories of private book collections as well as citations or quotations in the written works of learned authors are carefully examined to establish the circulation and appropriation of his writings. The article analyses how the Real Academia Española appropriated his writings for the Diccionario de la lengua castellana, published between 1726 and 1739. The article closes with a study of Roa’s Vida de Doña Ana Ponce de León, Condesa de Feria, y después monja en el Monasterio de santa Clara de Montilla (Córdoba 1604), which highlights his post-Tridentine construction of femininity and masculinity.
Beyond Victimization: Contentious Food Politics in Belgium during World War I
Authors: Vrints Antoon
Published: December 2014

Hunger and dependence on aid among broad sections of the population are often used as a symbol of Belgium’s suffering during World War I. However, to view food consumption and politics from the perspective of victimization does not do justice to the complexity of this history. The reductionist nature of such an approach can be demonstrated by an analysis of the many protests in occupied and liberated Belgium to defend claims to food. Far from resignedly accepting the deprivations of war, various groups within the Belgian population repeatedly attempted to defend their claims to food and thus influenced food politics. In the course of these protests, there was a more pronounced return to a seemingly archaic repertoire of actions than was the case in other countries during the war, an indication that Charles Tilly’s unequivocal thesis of modernization and nationalization of social protest is far too linear. Apparently obsolete forms appeared to function again within the specific context of the occupation, in which a number of structural long-term developments were temporarily reversed.
Regional skill ecosystems to assist young people making education employment linkages in transition from school to work
Authors: Dalziel Paul
Published: December 2014

A feature of regional development in New Zealand over the last two decades has been ongoing skill shortages reported by employers at the same time as unemployment has been relatively high. This paper addresses that issue with findings from a five-year trans-disciplinary research programme on education employment linkages for young people. The author’s contribution to that programme focused on employer-led channels at the regional level, investigating how employment opportunities and requirements in a region are communicated to young people as they make education choices. This paper pays particular attention to the role of career offices in post-school education institution, drawing on the skill ecosystem metaphor introduced initially by David Finegold in 1999 and developed more recently by the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training in Australia in collaboration with a research team led by John Buchanan at the University of Sydney.
Doctors’ and nurses’ views and experience of transferring patients from critical care home to die: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Coombs Maureen , Long-Sutehall Tracy , Darlington Anne-Sophie , Richardson Alison
Published: December 2014

Background:

Dying patients would prefer to die at home, and therefore a goal of end-of-life care is to offer choice regarding where patients die. However, whether it is feasible to offer this option to patients within critical care units and whether teams are willing to consider this option has gained limited exploration internationally.

Aim:

To examine current experiences of, practices in and views towards transferring patients in critical care settings home to die.

Design:

Exploratory two-stage qualitative study

Setting/participants:

Six focus groups were held with doctors and nurses from four intensive care units across two large hospital sites in England, general practitioners and community nurses from one community service in the south of England and members of a Patient and Public Forum. A further 15 nurses and 6 consultants from critical care units across the United Kingdom participated in follow-on telephone interviews.

Findings:

The practice of transferring critically ill patients home to die is a rare event in the United Kingdom, despite the positive view of health care professionals. Challenges to service provision include patient care needs, uncertain time to death and the view that transfer to community services is a complex, highly time-dependent undertaking.

Conclusion:

There are evidenced individual and policy drivers promoting high-quality care for all adults approaching the end of life encompassing preferred place of death. While there is evidence of this choice being honoured and delivered for some of the critical care population, it remains debatable whether this will become a conventional practice in end of life in this setting.
Inviting parents to take part in paediatric palliative care research: A mixed-methods examination of selection bias
Authors: Crocker Joanna C , Beecham Emma , Kelly Paula , Dinsdale Andrew P , Hemsley June , Jones Louise , Bluebond-Langner Myra
Published: December 2014

Background:

Recruitment to paediatric palliative care research is challenging, with high rates of non-invitation of eligible families by clinicians. The impact on sample characteristics is unknown.

Aim:

To investigate, using mixed methods, non-invitation of eligible families and ensuing selection bias in an interview study about parents’ experiences of advance care planning (ACP).

Design:

We examined differences between eligible families invited and not invited to participate by clinicians using (1) field notes of discussions with clinicians during the invitation phase and (2) anonymised information from the service’s clinical database.

Setting:

Families were eligible for the ACP study if their child was receiving care from a UK-based tertiary palliative care service (Group A; N = 519) or had died 6–10 months previously having received care from the service (Group B; N = 73).

Results:

Rates of non-invitation to the ACP study were high. A total of 28 (5.4%) Group A families and 21 (28.8%) Group B families ( p < 0.0005) were invited. Family–clinician relationship appeared to be a key factor associated qualitatively with invitation in both groups. In Group A, out-of-hours contact with family was statistically associated with invitation (adjusted odds ratio 5.46 (95% confidence interval 2.13–14.00); p < 0.0005). Qualitative findings also indicated that clinicians’ perceptions of families’ wellbeing, circumstances, characteristics, engagement with clinicians and anticipated reaction to invitation influenced invitation.

Conclusion:

We found evidence of selective invitation practices that could bias research findings. Non-invitation and selection bias should be considered, assessed and reported in palliative care studies.
The Times (and Brands) are a Changin’
Authors: Conejo Francisco , Wooliscroft Ben
Published: December 2014

Gaski’s commentary of Conejo and Wooliscroft’s “ radical” (2015) “Brands Defined as Semiotic Marketing Systems” is rebutted. We reaffirm the need to update the AMA’s stagnant 80-year-old brand definition while addressing six issues: 1) That we don’t repudiate the AMA definition; 2) that we don’t present just another brand definition; 3) that definitions do change; 4) that products and brands are distinct concepts; 5) that the commentary does not properly address the Semiotic Brand System; and 6) that the commentary distracts from the real, more important question at hand, of whether the AMA brand definition is still viable.
Space-compatible strain gauges as an integration aid for the James Webb Space Telescope Mid-Infrared Instrument
Authors: Samara-Ratna Piyal , Sykes Jon , Bicknell Chris , Pye John , Jessen Niels Christian , Nøgaard-Nielsen Hans Ulrik
Published: December 2014

Space instruments are designed to be highly optimised, mass efficient hardware required to operate in extreme environments. Building and testing is extremely costly, and damage that appears to have no impact on performance at normal ambient conditions can have disastrous implications when in operation. The Mid-Infrared Instrument is one of four instruments to be used on the James Webb Space Telescope which is due for launch in 2018. This telescope will be successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and is the largest space-based astronomy project ever to be conceived. Critical to operation of the Mid-Infrared Instrument is its primary structure, which provides both a stable platform and thermal isolation for the scientific instruments. The primary structure contains strain-absorbing flexures and this article summarises how these have been instrumented with a novel strain gauge system designed to protect the structure from damage. Compatible with space flight requirements, the gauges have been used in both ambient and cryogenic environments and were successfully used to support various tasks including integration to the spacecraft. The article also discusses limitations to using the strain gauge instrumentation and other implications that should be considered if such a system is to be used for similar applications in future.
Sleep Disturbance and Neurocognitive Function During the Recovery From a Sport-Related Concussion in Adolescents
Authors: Kostyun Regina O. , Milewski Matthew D. , Hafeez Imran
Published: December 2014

Background:

Sleep disturbances are a hallmark sign after a sport-related concussion (SRC). Poor sleep has been shown to adversely affect baseline neurocognitive test scores, but it is not comprehensively understood how neurocognitive function is affected by disrupted sleep during recovery from a concussion.

Purpose:

To identify the correlation between adolescent athletes’ neurocognitive function and their self-reported sleep quantity and sleep disturbance symptoms during recovery from SRC.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognition Testing (ImPACT) data were retrospectively collected for 545 adolescent athletes treated for SRC at a sports medicine concussion clinic. Patients were stratified into groups based on 2 criteria: self-reported sleep duration and self-reported sleep disturbance symptoms during postinjury ImPACT testing. Sleep duration was classified as short (<7 hours), intermediate (7-9 hours), and long (>9 hours). Sleep disturbance symptoms were self-reported as part of the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) as either sleeping less than normal, sleeping more than normal, or having trouble falling asleep. One-way analyses of variance were conducted to examine the effects that sleep duration as well as self-reported sleep disturbance symptoms had on composite scores. A total of 1067 ImPACT tests were analyzed: test 1, 545; test 2, 380; and test 3, 142.

Results:

Sleeping fewer than 7 hours the night before testing correlated with higher PCSS scores ( P < .001), whereas sleeping longer than 9 hours correlated with worse visual memory ( P = .01), visual motor speed ( P <.001), and reaction time ( P = .04) composite scores. With regard to self-reported sleep disturbance symptoms, patients demonstrated worse composite scores during ImPACT testing when they self-reported sleeping more than normal (ImPACT test 1: verbal memory, P < .001; visual motor speed, P = .05; reaction time, P = .01; ImPACT test 2: verbal memory, P < .001; visual memory, P < .001; visual motor speed, P < .001; reaction time, P = .01). Adolescent patients recovering from SRC demonstrated higher (worse) PCSS scores ( P < .001) when they sensed that their sleep had been disrupted.

Conclusion:

Adolescent patients who perceive that their sleep is somehow disrupted after SRC may report a greater number of concussion symptoms during their recovery. In addition, the study results suggest that sleeping more than normal may identify an individual who continues to be actively recovering from concussion, given the correlation between lower neurocognitive function and this self-reported symptom.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Contralateral Autogenous Patellar Tendon Graft
Authors: Shelbourne K. Donald , Beck Matthew B. , Gray Tinker
Published: December 2014

Background:

Few surgeons use a contralateral patellar tendon autograft for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction because of concern for donor site morbidity.

Hypothesis:

There will be no difference in quadriceps muscle strength or International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores in patients with contralateral grafts compared with patients with ipsilateral grafts.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Between 2007 and 2009, a total of 279 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with autogenous patellar tendon graft from the contralateral knee met the inclusion criteria of unilateral knee involvement, no arthritic changes preoperatively, and minimum 2-year follow-up objective and subjective evaluations. A control group was obtained of 58 patients who had the same inclusion criteria and were of the same age but who underwent surgery with ipsilateral graft. Patients underwent a goal-directed and sequential postoperative rehabilitation program that first emphasized controlling a hemarthrosis and obtaining full knee range of motion immediately after surgery, followed by increasing leg strength and performing functional activities. The rehabilitation for the contralateral donor site emphasized high-repetition/low-resistance exercises beginning the day after surgery. The IKDC subjective data were compared between surgery groups. Quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated in both knees compared with the preoperative values obtained in the noninvolved knee and between knees at 2 years postoperatively.

Results:

Quadriceps muscle strength compared with the preoperative normal value (mean ± SD) was 105% ± 29% in the ipsilateral ACL-reconstructed knee versus 114% ± 28.4% in the contralateral donor knee ( P < .01) and 116% ± 25% in the contralateral ACL-reconstructed knee ( P = .0339). Mean side-to-side strength (ACL-reconstructed knee/opposite knee) was 98.4% ± 13.6% in the contralateral group versus 92.9% ± 13.0% in the ipsilateral group ( P < .01). The mean total IKDC score was 92.4 ± 9.6 for the contralateral donor knee. The mean IKDC total score for the ACL-reconstructed knee was 88.8 ± 12.3 in the contralateral group and 88.9 ± 11.2 in the ipsilateral group ( P = .626).

Conclusion:

After ACL reconstruction with contralateral patellar tendon graft, patients can achieve strength symmetry between legs after surgery without experiencing adverse subjective symptoms after graft harvest. Furthermore, strength return can be superior with a contralateral graft than with an ipsilateral graft.
On the Perversity of an Imagined Psychological Solution to very real Social Problems of Unemployment (Work-lessness) and Social Exclusion (Worth-lessness): A Group Analytic Critique
Authors: Scanlon Christopher
Published: December 2014

This article explores some ethical and professional implications of social policies that aim to achieve social inclusion through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for the un(der)employed (the work-less) and the ‘socially excluded’ (the worth-less) in the UK. A major ethical concern at the heart of this critique is that such policies establish a boundary between domains of inclusion and domains of exclusion that perversely maintain the very problem they are designed to solve. The article explores how we, as a society, are invited to live in a split world and to hold contradictory conceptualizations about un(der)employment, (workless-ness) and social exclusion (worthless-ness). On the one hand we seem to know that these problems are a consequence of the vagaries and vicissitudes of national and international economic policies, yet on the other hand are invited to believe that these problems are a result of individuals’ psychological failures. In these ways dissembling conversations about an ‘imagined’ psychological depression replaces conversations about the very real socio-political and economic ‘depression’ that underlies it—and ‘psychotherapy’ is in danger of becoming the medium through which this dissembling is operationalized.
Exploratory Bifactor Analysis of the WJ-III Achievement at School Age via the Schmid–Leiman Orthogonalization Procedure
Authors: Dombrowski Stefan C.
Published: December 2014

The structure of academic achievement measures has been rarely investigated in the literature apart from that which appears in the instruments’ technical manuals. This is concerning, given the widespread use of academic achievement instruments when making educational decisions about children. The Woodcock–Johnson III (WJ-III) Achievement for school-aged children (age 9-19) was investigated using exploratory bifactor analysis via the Schmid–Leiman (SL) orthogonalization procedure. This is the first time the SL has been applied to an academic achievement measure. The results revealed a unidimensional model of academic achievement across the standard 11 subtest battery, a two- or three-factor model at age 9 to 13 in the extended battery, and a two-factor model at age 14 to 19 across the extended battery. Forcing the four-factor fit in the standard battery required extracting eigenvalues as low as 0.67 and yielded areas of both convergence with and divergence from the structure posited in the Technical Manual. Forcing the six-factor fit across the extended battery yielded Heywood Cases, a lack of convergence of the factor solution, and the need to truncate iterations at 2 to force the fit. The results of this study indicate that the WJ-III Achievement is a solid model of general achievement across the 9 to 19 age range. Examination of omega coefficients, the divergent factor structure, and the small amount of variance accounted for by the lower order factors suggest caution when interpreting beyond this level (i.e., the academic clusters). Implications for interpretation of the WJ-III Achievement at age 9 to 19 are discussed.
Community Responses to “Stop-and-Frisk” in New York City
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Slocum Lee Ann
Published: December 2014

This study seeks to conceptualize individual and neighborhood conditions that affect the ability of residents to enact collective responses to intense policing practices such as “stop-and-frisk.” Drawing on prior research, we formulate four hypotheses that could jointly or independently shape mobilization around issues of policing: (a) neighborhood organizational infrastructure, (b) resident activism, (c) attitudes toward neighborhood change, and (d) perceptions of police performance. We provide a preliminary exploration of these arguments by combining administrative reports with surveys and observations in the South Bronx. Our descriptive work suggests that despite the lack of a robust local community response to high levels of police stops, this section of the city has many community organizations, significant levels of resident involvement, and general optimism regarding neighborhood change. There is some indication that residents may be willing to put up with frequent “hassles” from the police in exchange for less crime.
Risk of Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Veterans
Authors: Blonigen Daniel M. , Bui Leena , Elbogen Eric B. , Blodgett Janet C. , Maisel Natalya C. , Midboe Amanda M. , Asch Steven M. , McGuire James F. , Timko Christine
Published: December 2014

Empirical research on recidivism risk among justice-involved veterans (JIVs) is limited. Using the risk-need-responsivity model, we conducted a systematic review of research on risk factors for recidivism among JIVs to identify the gaps in this literature and provide recommendations for future research. Substance abuse and indicators of antisociality were consistently linked to justice involvement in veterans; however, the evidence for negative family/marital circumstances and lack of positive school/work involvement was mixed. Several known risk factors for reoffending among civilian offenders (i.e., antisocial cognitions and associates; lack of prosocial activities) were marked by little to no empirical studies among veterans. Posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, particularly when combined with anger and irritability issues, may be veteran-specific risk factors for violent offending. The implications of these findings for policy and practice and challenges to implementing risk assessments with JIVs are discussed.
Examining the Influence of Jessica’s Law on Reported Forcible Rape
Authors: Dierenfeldt Rick , Carson Jennifer Varriale
Published: December 2014

Since the 1990s, several measures intended to deter sexual offending have been instituted by state governments. A recent example is Jessica’s Law. First adopted in Florida, variations of Jessica’s Law have since been enacted by the majority of states. The impact of this legislation on forcible rape remains unexplored. Using a general deterrence framework, we apply Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling to monthly Uniform Crime Report (UCR) aggregations of reported forcible rape from 2000 to 2011 in states requiring lifetime electronic monitoring of convicted sex offenders as a condition of Jessica’s Law. Results indicate a null relationship between Jessica’s Law and reported forcible rape. Policy implications related to the efficacy of sex offender legislation and alternatives for reducing sexual offending are discussed.
Development of green thermoplastic composites from Centella spent and study of its physicomechanical, tribological, and morphological characteristics
Authors: Syed Murtuza Ali , Syed Akheel Ahmed
Published: December 2014

To enhance biodegradability of plastics and to utilize Centella spent (CTS) gainfully, green composites were prepared using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and CTS. The green composites were fabricated by extrusion, followed by injection molding. HDPE/CTS composites were fabricated with 10, 20, and 30 wt% of CTS using maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene (MA- g-PE) as compatibilizer. The fabricated composites were tested for physicomechanical and tribological properties, which included water absorption, density, tensile properties, and three-body abrasive wear test. Tensile modulus of composites increased from 579 MPa to 950 MPa (64% improvement) with increase in filler addition from 0% to 30%. The experimentally obtained tensile property values including tensile strength, tensile modulus, and tensile elongation at break were compared with theoretical model values. The effects of 150, 300, 450, and 600 m abrading distances and 23.5 and 33.5 N normal loads at 200 r/min on the abrasive wear characteristics were studied using dry sand/rubber wheel abrasive test rig. Incorporation of CTS filler lowered the abrasion resistance of HDPE/CTS composites. The surface morphology of tensile-fractured specimens and worn surface features of composite specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy.
Open Government Data
Authors: Carrasco Carlos , Sobrepere Xavier
Published: December 2014

There is a growing quantity of data being generated in all aspects of our lives. Individuals and organizations produce and collect a broad range of different types of data in order to perform their tasks. Governments are particularly significant in this respect, not only because of the quantity and centrality of the data they collect, but also because most government data are public data by law and, therefore, could be made openly available for public use. Despite a growing consensus that Open Government in general and Open Data in particular are good both for governments and for society at large, there is no clear way to enable empirical analysis and quantitative measurements of Open Government Data initiatives. Our research uses a holistic approach proposed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that includes all stages in the deployment of an Open Government Data initiative, namely strategy, implementation, organization, communication, interaction, and Impact. The analysis shows that Spanish municipalities can be divided into three groups: municipalities that are performing reasonably well (A), municipalities that are doing something but not as much as the first group (B), and municipalities that are doing very little or almost nothing (C). The research also draws two basic similarities between groups A and B and two types of differences between them. Another conclusion is that the different dimensions explain partly (more than the 72% of the variance) the difference between actual and expected performances supporting indirectly the OECD’s framing and the probable existence of a pathway toward successful Open Government Data projects.
Assessing Public Preferences and the Level of Transparency in Government Using an Exploratory Approach
Authors: Cucciniello Maria , Bellè Nicola , Nasi Greta , Valotti Giovanni
Published: December 2014

Any information disclosed by governments should serve the purpose it is meant to fulfill. This is an underlying pillar of transparency. Our article assesses whether the information citizens consider to be most relevant for interaction with the authorities is actually disclosed. Our research was conducted on the population of the 117 Italian provincial capitals. A sample of 500 Italian citizens were interviewed with the purpose of understanding which type of information they consider most relevant, given the choice of institutional, political, financial, and service delivery–related information. The results indicate that Italian provincial capitals currently fail to publish the information that citizens consider to be most relevant: Despite differences in opinions among users, the sample we analyzed tends to rate the importance of service-delivery transparency and financial transparency higher than institutional or political transparency, whereas most information disclosed by Italian provincial capitals is associated with data they are obliged to disclose in order to comply with transparency regulations.
The Institutional Digital Divide
Authors: Brown Heath
Published: December 2014

Concerns about a digital divide in U.S. politics that separates those who have and do not have access to technology have persisted for decades. Those concerns are prominent for immigrants and ethnoracial minorities who have tended to participate in politics, in general, and digital politics, in particular, at lower levels than others. Less attention has focused on the role representative nonprofits play in using technology to share political information and whether there is an institutional dimension to the digital divide. This article examines the adoption of social media by immigrant-serving nonprofits in the context of mobilization around elections. The findings suggest that responding organizations have adopted social media slowly and that key internal and external factors seem to relate to social media adoption. Hispanic American organizations were the fastest to adopt social media and have continued to be a technology leader. However, certain immigrant communities, especially the Asian American community, have been particularly slow to adopt social media suggesting that a digital divide exists within the population of immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations. These findings can be used by the leaders and managers of nonprofits to inform future decisions about the integration of technology into their operations.
Learning from others: an experimental test of Brownian motion uncertainty models
Authors: Glick David , Myers C Daniel
Published: December 2014

Models of decision-making with outcome uncertainty are common in political science and related fields. Recent work in flagship journals has challenged canonical work by modeling outcome uncertainty as Brownian motion. This theoretical innovation has resonated because it is highly tractable and captures intuitively important realities of many decisions in ways that earlier models cannot. As theoretically attractive as the new models are, they have not yet been evaluated empirically. This is especially important because Brownian motion models place actors in more cognitively demanding situations than previous models. We offer what we believe to be the first experimental test of actors’ ability to behave in ways consistent with the Brownian motion model by evaluating subjects’ ability to rationally learn from another actor’s experiences. We show that subjects adjust their actions in response to the Brownian motion uncertainty. However, they deviate from optimal behavior in important ways, particularly in more complex situations.
A five-axis tool length compensation method using the numerical control program with macro variable
Authors: Xu Rufeng , Chen Zhitong , Meng Fanjun , Guo Qianjian
Published: December 2014

Most of the early five-axis computer numerical control systems do not have the function of five-axis tool length compensation. When the tool length changes in five-axis machining, the original numerical control program will not be able to continue to be utilized. At the moment, the cutter location file needs to be post-processed again to generate the new numerical control program through modifying the value of the pivot length. In order to solve the above problem, this article proposes a five-axis tool length compensation method using the numerical control program with macro variable for five-axis machine tools with dual rotary heads or with a rotary head and table. First, by analyzing the structure of the specific five-axis machine tool, a kinematics model of the five-axis machine tool was established and solved. Second, a post-processor for the five-axis machine tool was developed, and the pivot length as a macro variable was written into the numerical control program through the post-processor. Moreover, the five-axis tool length compensation was implemented by modifying the macro variable of pivot length in the numerical control program. Finally, a turbine blade was machined on a five-axis machine with a rotary head and table, the generated cutter location file was converted into the numerical control program with macro variables by using the proposed method, and the generated numerical control program was simulated on the solid cutting simulation software. Simulated results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the proposed method can be widely applied to early five-axis machine tools without the function of five-axis tool length compensation.
Transactional sex and prevalence of STIs: a cross-sectional study of MSM and transwomen screened for an HIV prevention trial
Authors: Solomon Marc M , Nureña César R , Tanur Judith M , Montoya Orlando , Grant Robert M , McConnell Jeff
Published: December 2014

Few studies have characteri sed the degree of engagement in transactional sex among men and transgender women who have sex with men and explored its association with sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus in Ecuador. We screened 642 men who have sex with men and transgender women for a pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trial (iPrEx) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 2007–2009. We analysed the association of degree of engagement in transactional sex and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus using chi-square and analysis of variance tests. Although just 6.2% of those who screened self-identified as sex workers, 52.1% reported having engaged in transactional sex. Compared to those who had never been paid for sex, those who had been paid were more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection (56.6% vs . 45.0%, p = 0.007) and trended toward s a higher human immunodeficiency virus prevalence (16.6% vs . 10.4%, p = 0.082) at screening. Transgender women compared to other men who have sex with men were more likely to have sexually transmitted infections diagnosed at screening (75.6% vs . 50.0%, p = 0.001). Transactional sex is practiced widely but occasionally among the men who have sex with men and transgender women in Guayaquil who screened for the iPrEx study; however, engaging in transactional sex may not lead to a sex worker self-identification. Both transactional sex and being a transgender woman are associated with sexually transmitted infections prevalence.
Multi-objective robust controller design for spacecraft hovering around elliptical orbital target
Authors: Zhou Yang , Yan Ye , Huang Xu
Published: December 2014

This research investigates the state-feedback control approach for spacecraft hovering around elliptical orbital target. An uncertain hovering model subject to parameter uncertainties and exogenous disturbances is used to describe the relative motion of two spacecraft. The process of spacecraft hovering is divided into two steps: orbital transfer control and hovering maintenance control. A bi-objective robust controller design algorithm is presented for the orbital transfer, in which fuel optimization and pole placement are taken into account. And then, we derive sufficient conditions for the multi-objective robust hovering maintenance control considering H2 performance, H∞ performance and pole placement. By applying Lyapunov approach, the controller design problems are transferred into convex optimization problems subject to linear matrix inequality constraints. Numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control laws for orbital transfer and hovering maintenance. The orbital transfer process can be achieved with continuous thrust with an upper bound of fuel consumption. The obtained hovering maintenance controller can handle parameter uncertainties and exogenous disturbances effectively, and the accuracy of relative position meets the demand of spacecraft hovering.
Sample size calculation for treatment effects in randomized trials with fixed cluster sizes and heterogeneous intraclass correlations and variances
Authors: Candel Math JJM , van Breukelen Gerard JP
Published: December 2014

When comparing two different kinds of group therapy or two individual treatments where patients within each arm are nested within care providers, clustering of observations may occur in both arms. The arms may differ in terms of (a) the intraclass correlation, (b) the outcome variance, (c) the cluster size, and (d) the number of clusters, and there may be some ideal group size or ideal caseload in case of care providers, fixing the cluster size. For this case, optimal cluster numbers are derived for a linear mixed model analysis of the treatment effect under cost constraints as well as under power constraints. To account for uncertain prior knowledge on relevant model parameters, also maximin sample sizes are given. Formulas for sample size calculation are derived, based on the standard normal as the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic. For small sample sizes, an extensive numerical evaluation shows that in a two-tailed test employing restricted maximum likelihood estimation, a safe correction for both 80% and 90% power, is to add three clusters to each arm for a 5% type I error rate and four clusters to each arm for a 1% type I error rate.
Do Asset Pricing Models Explain Size, Value, Momentum and Liquidity Effects? The Case of an Emerging Stock Market
Authors: Dash Saumya Ranjan , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: December 2014

This article examines whether the alternative asset pricing models and more specifically the liquidity-augmented multifactor models can explain the effect of size, value, momentum and liquidity on cross section of stock returns in India during September 1995 to March 2011. We employ time series and panel data methodology to carry out the analysis. Our findings suggest that the value and liquidity effects are often explained, but the explanatory power of size and short-run past return or momentum effect remain consistent irrespective of alternative asset pricing models risk adjustment process. The liquidity-augmented multifactor models are found to have better explanatory power than to the other alternative multifactor models. The relative performance of liquidity-augmented multifactor modes for capturing the role of firm characteristics on stock returns varies across the individual firms’ liquidity sensitivity and the aggregate market liquidity conditions.

JEL Classification: G11, G12, G14, G15
The Influence of E-disclosure on the Ex-Ante Cost of Capital of Listed Companies in Brazil
Authors: Mendes-Da-Silva Wesley , Onusic Luciana Massaro , Bergmann Daniel Reed
Published: December 2014

The aim of this article is to show the existence of a relationship between voluntary disclosure via corporate websites and the ex-ante cost of capital of companies listed on the BM&FBovespa. Ordinary least-squares regression equations produced the following results: (a) on average, the companies listed on the New Market showed a lower cost of capital (≈3.3 percentage points lower); (b) on average, the companies deemed to be the most aggressive showed a higher cost of capital (≈3 percentage points higher than the conservative companies); and (c) the metrics of corporate website disclosure did not appear to be related to cost of capital.

JEL Classification: E32, E44, G31, G32
Regime-Switching Behaviour in the Conditional Volatility of MENA Stock Market Returns
Authors: Bahloul Slah , Abid Fathi
Published: December 2014

The objective of this article is to investigate the behaviour of the time-varying volatility in 11 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries’ stock market using a three-state Markov regime switching model over the period from 30 October 2006 to 21 October 2011. We find that MENA stock market volatility can be characterised by three regimes: tranquil period with low volatility of volatility, turmoil regime with high volatility of volatility and crisis regime with extremely high volatility of volatility. Besides, the Granger causation effects from the MSCI World index to MENA stock markets are stronger and statistically significant especially in crisis regime.

JEL Classification: F30, G01, G15
Antecedents of double-entry bookkeeping and Buddhist Temple Accounting
Authors: Liyanarachchi Gregory Asoka
Published: December 2014

This article extends Liyanarachchi (2009) by tracing evidence of Littleton’s (1927) seven antecedents of bookkeeping that may have supported the development of Buddhist Temple Accounting (BTA) in ancient Sri Lanka. The article contextualizes the seven antecedents within the socio-economic activities of the time, including the economic significance of Indian Ocean trade. This shows that although Littleton’s (1927) antecedents and a vibrant socio-economic setting were present in Sri Lanka, these supported the development of a simple accounting method which did not use double-entry bookkeeping. To explain this anomaly, the article discusses BTA vis-à-vis three other medieval developments of accounting: English manorial accounting, and early partnership and agency accounting in Italy. This shows that when societies experienced a need for accountability they successfully harnessed various capabilities of accounting to meet that need. However, the resulting accounting methods were as divergent as the socio-economic needs that motivated them. The findings support claims that accounting has “a basic core that is timeless” (Mattessich, 1998a: 200) and its development is socio-environment-specific (Perera, 1986, 1989), but challenge the view that certain preconditions would lead to double-entry bookkeeping (Littleton, 1927).
Mural art therapy for young offenders hospitalised with a mental illness
Authors: George Oleen , Kasinathan John
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To describe a mural art therapy project completed within an adolescent unit of a secure forensic psychiatric hospital.

Method:

The planning, implementation and consecutive stages of the mural art therapy project are described. Pertinent themes are identified.

Results:

A cohort of adolescent forensic inpatients was engaged in a group therapeutic process involving collaboration, design and the completion of an art mural. The participants generally approved of the project and identified themes of gaining a sense of achievement, empowerment, teamwork, involvement and ownership. The art mural transformed and improved the visual and spatial environment of the Adolescent unit courtyard.

Conclusions:

Mural art therapy was acceptable to young offenders hospitalised with mental illness, which has relevance for adolescent psychiatric units and youth detention centres.
A guide to clinical research supervision for psychiatrists: a mentoring approach
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C , Kisely Steve , Macfarlane Matthew D , Siskind Dan , Smith Geoff , Macfarlane Stephen
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

To provide a guide for clinically-based psychiatrist supervisors of research projects for early career researchers.

Methods:

This paper will describe a mentoring framework for supervision, for psychiatrist clinical research supervisors and early career researchers.

Results:

The domains discussed include, across various aspects of a study: the role of the supervisor, project management, and where and when to seek advice.

Conclusions:

Supervision of clinical research can be a professionally rewarding experience for psychiatrists, as well as early career researcher supervisees.