bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media and the politics of the sacral: freedom of expression in Tunisia after the Arab Uprisings
Authors: Farmanfarmaian Roxane
Published: February 2017

In 2011, calls for ‘dignity’ led the mantra for change in the Arab Uprisings. ‘Dégage!’ (‘Clear out!’) was hurled against Tunisia’s President Ben Ali and his fellow Arab dictators’ coercive paradigms that robbed citizens of agency and censored their convictions. During the exceptional politics that ensued, Tunisia’s liberated media exemplified the independence the revolution had achieved. Yet, how free expression was constituted grew increasingly contentious as the media’s lens projected ambiguities in practices surrounding religious and political norms – what Harald Wydra terms ‘sacral symbolisms’ – within the popular imaginary. This implicated interpretations of what was publicly acceptable and dignified and what was not. The media’s engagement with freedom of expression and its significations went through three stages. First, ‘Dégage’, or ‘freedom from’, was celebrated as an erasure of humiliation. The disharmony of competing symbolisms took on new import, however, as the second aspect of constructing dignity, ‘freedom to’, became a contested political and cultural space. Mediation of free expression became a site of power politics and appropriation, creating ‘red lines’ that curtailed certain liberties to secure others, thereby recasting the contention as ‘freedom for whom’. This third stage, in train, remains a realm of mediated uncertainty.
‘In the case of Africa in general, there is a tendency to exaggerate’: representing mass atrocity in Africa
Authors: Wahutu J Siguru
Published: February 2017

Based on an analysis of print media and journalists’ interviews, this article examines the representation of atrocity and mass violence in Africa. It specifically focuses on the atrocities in Darfur and Rwanda and compares African and Western coverage of them. It argues that since representations (just as the knowledge that anchors them) are highly dependent on one’s social location, it is necessary to understand multiple representations of the same atrocity. Although the literature on representation of Africa has been critical of Western representations of Africa, this article argues that including African representations of the same provides for a more nuanced understanding. It uses interview data from Kenya and South Africa, both of which have had peacekeeping engagements in Sudan. Kenya and South Africa also have media fields that are more robust and freer than many other countries in the continent.
Petrifying Earth Process: The Stratigraphic Imprint of Key Earth System Parameters in the Anthropocene
Authors: Zalasiewicz Jan , Steffen Will , Leinfelder Reinhold , Williams Mark , Waters Colin
Published: February 2017

The Anthropocene concept arose within the Earth System science (ESS) community, albeit explicitly as a geological (stratigraphical) time term. Its current analysis by the stratigraphical community, as a potential formal addition to the Geological Time Scale, necessitates comparison of the methodologies and patterns of enquiry of these two communities. One means of comparison is to consider some of the most widely used results of the ESS, the ‘planetary boundaries’ concept of Rockström and colleagues, and the ‘Great Acceleration’ graphs of Steffen and colleagues, in terms of their stratigraphical expression. This expression varies from virtually non-existent (stratospheric ozone depletion) to pronounced and many-faceted (primary energy use), while in some cases stratigraphical proxies may help constrain anthropogenic process (atmospheric aerosol loading). The Anthropocene concepts of the ESS and stratigraphy emerge as complementary, and effective stratigraphic definition should facilitate wider transdisciplinary communication.
The role of prosodic structure in the L2 acquisition of Spanish stop lenition
Authors: Cabrelli Amaro Jennifer
Published: February 2017

This study tests the hypothesis that late first-language English / second-language Spanish learners (L1 English / L2 Spanish learners) acquire spirantization in stages according to the prosodic hierarchy (Zampini, 1997, 1998). In Spanish, voiced stops [b d g] surface after a pause or nasal stop, and continuants [β̞ ð̞ ɣ̞] surface postvocalically, among other contexts. We adopt an Optimality Theoretic analysis of the phenomenon that assumes that postvocalic continuants surface due to the ranking of prosodic positional faithfulness constraints below a markedness constraint that prohibits stops in postvocalic position. L1 English speakers are presumed to start with a ranking in which prosodic positional faithfulness outranks the markedness constraint. In line with the Gradual Learning Algorithm (Boersma and Hayes, 2001), gradual demotion of the relevant faithfulness constraints is predicted in L2 Spanish, extending the prosodic domain until continuants surface postvocalically across domains. A cross-section of 44 L1 English / L2 Spanish learners and a control group ( n = 5) completed a recitation task, and data were analysed acoustically for manner of articulation and degree of constriction. Results partially align with Zampini’s impressionistic data: Learners first produce underlying stops as postvocalic approximants at the onset of the syllable (word-medial position), followed by the onset of the prosodic word (word-initial position). Unlike Zampini’s findings, there is no evidence for an intermediate stage of acquisition across the boundary of a word and its clitic. Advanced L2 learners produce continuants in postvocalic position at all applicable prosodic levels, which we take to indicate acquisition of the target ranking. We also examined whether learners’ postvocalic continuants are lenited to the same degree as the control group, and whether degree of lenition changes across development. The difference in degree of lenition between controls and learners lessens at higher levels of the prosodic hierarchy as acquisition progresses, and several advanced learners produce target-like segments across prosodic levels.
Trends in place of death: The role of demographic and epidemiological shifts in end-of-life care policy
Authors: Kalseth Jorid , Theisen Ole Magnus
Published: February 2017

Background:

Surveys suggest that most people prefer to die at home. Trends in causes of mortality and age composition could limit the feasibility of home deaths.

Aim:

To examine the effect of changes in decedents’ age, gender and cause of death on the pattern of place of death using data on all deaths in Norway for the period 1987–2011.

Design:

Population-based observation study comparing raw, predicted, as well as standardised shares of place of death isolating the effect of demographic and epidemiological changes. The analysis was bolstered with joinpoint regression to detect shifts in trends in standardised shares.

Setting/participants:

All deaths (1,091,303) in Norway 1987–2011 by age, gender and cause of death. Place of death at home, hospital, nursing home and other.

Results:

Fewer people died in hospitals (34.1% vs 46.2%) or at home (14.2% vs 18.3%), and more in nursing homes (45.5% vs 29.5%) in 2011 than in 1987. Much of the trend can be explained by demographic and epidemiological changes. Ageing of the population and the epidemiological shift represented by the declining share of deaths from circulatory diseases (31.4% vs 48.4%) compared to the increase in deaths from neoplasms (26.9% vs 21.8%) and mental/behavioural diseases (4.4% vs 1.2%) are the strongest drivers in the shift in place of death. Joinpoint regression shows important differences between categories.

Conclusion:

Demographic and epidemiological changes go a long way in explaining shifts in place of death. The analyses reveal substantial differences in trends between different decedent groups.
Dual-energy CT with virtual monochromatic images and metal artifact reduction software for reducing metallic dental artifacts
Authors: Cha Jihoon , Kim Hyung-Jin , Kim Sung Tae , Kim Yi Kyung , Kim Ha Youn , Park Gyeong Min
Published: February 2017

Background

Metallic dental prostheses may degrade image quality on head and neck computed tomography (CT). However, there is little information available on the use of dual-energy CT (DECT) and metal artifact reduction software (MARS) in the head and neck regions to reduce metallic dental artifacts.

Purpose

To assess the usefulness of DECT with virtual monochromatic imaging and MARS to reduce metallic dental artifacts.

Material and Methods

DECT was performed using fast kilovoltage (kV)-switching between 80-kV and 140-kV in 20 patients with metallic dental prostheses. CT data were reconstructed with and without MARS, and with synthesized monochromatic energy in the range of 40–140-kiloelectron volt (keV). For quantitative analysis, the artifact index of the tongue, buccal, and parotid areas was calculated for each scan. For qualitative analysis, two radiologists evaluated 70-keV and 100-keV images with and without MARS for tongue, buccal, parotid areas, and metallic denture. The locations and characteristics of the MARS-related artifacts, if any, were also recorded.

Results

DECT with MARS markedly reduced metallic dental artifacts and improved image quality in the buccal area ( P < 0.001) and the tongue ( P < 0.001), but not in the parotid area. The margin and internal architecture of the metallic dentures were more clearly delineated with MARS ( P < 0.001) and in the higher-energy images than in the lower-energy images ( P = 0.042). MARS-related artifacts most commonly occurred in the deep center of the neck.

Conclusion

DECT with MARS can reduce metallic dental artifacts and improve delineation of the metallic prosthesis and periprosthetic region.
Retrospective analysis of a surgical innovation using the IDEAL framework: radical cystectomy with epidural anaesthesia
Authors: Gerullis Holger , Ecke Thorsten H. , Barski Dimitri , Bantel Carsten , Weyland Andreas , Uphoff Jens , Jansen Thomas , Wawroschek Friedhelm , Winter Alexander
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To retrospectively analyse experience of radical cystectomy using spinal/epidural anaesthesia and to classify this method using the IDEAL criteria.

Methods

Data from patients who had undergone radical cystectomy using spinal/epidural anaesthesia were evaluated retrospectively, focusing on clinical data, intraoperative and perioperative parameters and postoperative complications. Current literature reporting on this technique was reviewed and, together with the present study, evaluated according to the IDEAL recommendations.

Results

Three male patients aged 66–79 years who had undergone radical cystectomy with epidural anaesthesia were identified. The operating time ranged from 159–261 min and only minor complications occurred. Between 2013 and 2015, three published studies reported experiences with radical cystectomy with epidural/spinal anaesthesia; one was prospective and two were retrospective in nature and they included a total of 55 patients. According to the IDEAL classification, the present study corresponds to stage 1 (idea) and overall the surgical technique can be ranked as stage 2a (development).

Conclusions

Radical cystectomy with epidural anaesthesia is feasible and applicable for those who are not fit for general anaesthesia. The present study confirmed the functional results of this technique, which can be classified as IDEAL stage 2a on the basis of published studies.
Using Acute Performance on a Comprehensive Neurocognitive, Vestibular, and Ocular Motor Assessment Battery to Predict Recovery Duration After Sport-Related Concussions
Authors: Sufrinko Alicia M. , Marchetti Gregory F. , Cohen Paul E. , Elbin R.J. , Re Valentina , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: February 2017

Background:

A sport-related concussion (SRC) is a heterogeneous injury that requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach for diagnosis and management, including symptom reports, vestibular/ocular motor assessments, and neurocognitive testing.

Purpose:

To determine which acute (eg, within 7 days) vestibular, ocular motor, neurocognitive, and symptom impairments predict the duration of recovery after an SRC.

Study Design:

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Sixty-nine patients with a mean age of 15.3 ± 1.9 years completed a neurocognitive, vestibular/ocular motor, and symptom assessment within 7 days of a diagnosed concussion. Patients were grouped by recovery time: ≤14 days (n = 27, 39.1%), 15-29 days (n = 25, 36.2%), and 30-90 days (n = 17, 24.6%). Multinomial regression was used to identify the best subset of predictors associated with prolonged recovery relative to ≤14 days.

Results:

Acute visual motor speed and cognitive-migraine-fatigue symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of recovery times of 30-90 days and 15-29 days relative to a recovery time of ≤14 days. A model with visual motor speed and cognitive-migraine-fatigue symptoms within the first 7 days of an SRC was 87% accurate at identifying patients with a recovery time of 30-90 days.

Conclusion:

The current study identified cognitive-migraine-fatigue symptoms and visual motor speed as the most robust predictors of protracted recovery after an SRC according to the Post-concussion Symptom Scale, Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, and Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS). While VOMS components were sensitive in identifying a concussion, they were not robust predictors for recovery. Clinicians may consider particular patterns of performance on clinical measures when providing treatment recommendations and discussing anticipated recovery with patients.
Commonly Consumed Foods
Authors: Ayogu Rufina , Edeh Raphael , Madukwe Edith , Ene-Obong Henrietta
Published: February 2017

Background:

Commonly consumed foods may be nutritionally inadequate. Schoolchildren may be at risk of undernutrition as a result of this.

Objective:

To assess the nutrient and energy values of commonly consumed foods and determine their contributions to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) of schoolchildren (6-15 years).

Methods:

List of commonly consumed foods was obtained through focus group discussions with parents of schoolchildren. Ninety randomly selected schoolchildren were visited at home on 3 consecutive days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) during which their portion sizes of these foods were obtained. Aliquots of these foods were collected, wrapped in polyethylene bags, and kept frozen until analysis. The samples were analyzed using standard methods. Percentage contributions of the nutrients to RNI were calculated. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results:

Results per 100 g showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla ( akpaka) sauce had the highest moisture (76.91%), ash (6.9%), iron (13.51%), and vitamin A (44.0 retinol equivalent [RE]). Steamed bambara groundnut pudding ( okpa) had the highest protein (15.08%). Maize + pigeon pea ( ayaraya oka) had the highest fat (15.76%). Tomato stew proved superior in carbohydrate (28.15%) and energy (194.6 kcal). Pterocarpus soyauxii ( oha) soup contained the highest fiber (4.13%). Yam + pigeon pea ( ayaraya ji) had the highest zinc (4.97 mg). Contributions to RNI were protein (5.0%-134.0%), carbohydrate (0.6%-9.9%), energy (4.9%-38.8%), iron (1.5%-168.8%), vitamin A (0.0%-18.7%), and zinc (1.2%-166.0%).

Conclusion:

Most foods did not meet one-third of the schoolchildren’s RNI for vitamin A, zinc, iron, protein, carbohydrate, and energy. Nutrition education on nutrient adequacy is recommended.
Effects of drying pretreatment and particle size adjustment on the composting process of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves
Authors: Zhao Gui-Hong , Yu Yan-Ling , Zhou Xiang-Tong , Lu Bin-Yu , Li Zi-Mu , Feng Yu-Jie
Published: February 2017

The main characteristic of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves is their high nicotine content. Aerobic composting is an effective method to decrease the nicotine level in tobacco leaves and stabilize tobacco wastes. However, high levels of nicotine in discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves complicate tobacco waste composting. This work proposes a drying pretreatment process to reduce the nicotine content in discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves and thus enhance its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to a suitable level for composting. The effect of another pretreatment method, particle size adjustment, on composting efficiency was also tested in this work. The results indicated that the air-dried (nicotine content: 1.35%) and relatively long discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves (25 mm) had a higher composting efficiency than damp (nicotine content: 1.57%) and short discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves (15 mm). When dry/25 mm discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves mixed with tobacco stems in an 8:2 ratio was composted at a temperature above 55 °C for 9 days, the nicotine content dropped from 1.29% to 0.28%. Since the discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves was successfully composted to a fertile and harmless material, the germination index values increased to 85.2%. The drying pretreatment and particle size adjustment offered ideal physical and chemical conditions to support microbial growth and bioactivity during the composting process, resulting in efficient conversion of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves into a high quality and mature compost.
Using a Two-Stage System Evaluation Approach to Explore the New Adoption of an Information System in the Mobile Era
Authors: Chen Ruey-Shin , Liu I-Fan
Published: February 2017

Currently, e-learning systems are being widely used in all stages of education. However, it is difficult for school administrators to accurately assess the actual usage performance of a new system, especially when an organization wishes to update the system for users from different backgrounds using new devices such as smartphones. To allow school administrators to conduct upgrades of e-learning systems that take into consideration students' current usage conditions, this study proposed a two-stage system evaluation approach to explore the adoption of new systems. We collected 352 samples in Stage I. The goal of this Stage I was to propose a research model to understand the usage intentions of college students toward campus e-learning systems and also the factors which showed significant differences between PC and smartphone usage. A total of 30 trained students participated in Stage II. The goal of Stage II was to propose a system performance evaluation method to evaluate the performance of the new and existing systems according to the concerned factors of smartphone users after actual system use. Finally, based on our research model and system performance evaluation method, we put forward conclusions and suggestions that schools could use as references for future system procurements and updates.
Anesthetic-Related Neurotoxicity and Neuroimaging in Children: A Call for Conversation
Authors: Bjur Kara A. , Payne Eric T. , Nemergut Michael E. , Hu Danqing , Flick Randall P.
Published: February 2017

Each year millions of young children undergo procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia. An increasing proportion of the anesthetics used are provided to optimize diagnostic imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging. Concern regarding the neurotoxicity of sedatives and anesthetics has prompted the US Food and Drug Administration to change labeling of anesthetics and sedative agents warning against repeated or prolonged exposure in young children. This review aims to summarize the risk of anesthesia in children with an emphasis on anesthetic-related neurotoxicity, acknowledge the value of pediatric neuroimaging, and address this call for conversation.
Empowerment and Intimate Partner Violence in Pakistan: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Murshid Nadine Shaanta , Critelli Filomena M.
Published: February 2017

Using empowerment theory, the current study examines antecedents of lifetime experience of intimate partner violence, intimate partner violence experienced in the last 12 months, emotional violence, and husbands’ controlling behaviors toward their wives in Pakistan. Using data from a subsample of 658 women from the nationally representative Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-2013, this study examined whether empowerment variables, such as household decision-making power, economic decision-making power, and adherence to patriarchy, operationalized as justification of wife beating, contribute to intimate partner violence using logistic regression analyses. Results indicate that adherence to patriarchal norms, household decision-making power, and higher education was found to be associated with lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence. Adherence to patriarchal norms, economic decision-making power, and higher education was found significantly associated with intimate partner violence in the past 12 months. Adherence to patriarchal norms was significantly associated with experiencing emotional violence as well as controlling behaviors by husbands. In conclusion, women’s adherence to patriarchal norms is a reflection of the patriarchal society in which they live; indeed, this was found to be the most important predictor of women’s experience of intimate partner violence, when different types of violence were assessed. Implications for social work practice are discussed.
Post-Traumatic Stress, Mother’s Emotion Regulation, and Parenting in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Gurtovenko Kyrill , Katz Lynn Fainsilber
Published: February 2017

Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are high among female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), and children of parents experiencing PTSS are at heightened risk for a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Parenting has significant influence on child adjustment, and although links have been found between parental psychopathology and maladaptive parenting, little is known about the factors that may explain this relation. The current study examines mother’s emotion regulation (ER) as a factor influencing the relation between mother PTSS and parenting around children’s emotions in a study sample of sixty-four female survivors of IPV and their 6- to 12-year-old children. Mothers reported on their own PTSS and their parenting. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was used as a psychophysiological index of mother’s ER. Experiential components of mother’s ER was also measured by observer coding of the Meta-Emotion Interview, a structured assessment that asks parents about their attitudes toward and experiences with emotions, including their regulation of emotions. Mother’s RSA reactivity moderated the relation between PTSS and negative parenting. There was also a significant indirect relation between mothers’ PTSS symptom severity and supportive parenting reactions through mothers’ self-report of ER. Results suggest that mother’s ER abilities represent factors that significantly affect associations between maternal PTSS and parent’s emotion socialization practices. Implications for assessment and intervention with families exposed to the stress of IPV are discussed.
Depression and Intimate Partner Violence Among African American Women Living in Impoverished Inner-City Neighborhoods
Authors: Mugoya George C. T. , Witte Tricia , Bolland Anneliese , Tomek Sara , Hooper Lisa M. , Bolland John , George Dalmida Safiya
Published: February 2017

Mental health correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization including negative physical and mental health outcomes are well documented. However, certain subgroups of African American women, such as those living in impoverished, urban communities, are underrepresented in most studies and may experience IPV at higher rates. Furthermore, the circumstances of this women including poverty makes them at risk to IPV and its consequences. The present study estimated the prevalence of IPV victimization and its association with depression in a sample of low-income African American women participating in the Mobile Youth and Poverty Study. Participants in this study were caregivers of adolescents living in extremely impoverished conditions and were part of the Mobile Youth Survey, a community-based, longitudinal, multiple cohort survey conducted between the years 1998 and 2011. Data for the current study were collected between the years 2001 and 2010. The dependent variable was depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D). The independent variable was IPV measured using a subsample of items from the Conflict Tactics Scale. Nearly three quarters (73.6%, n = 489) of the sample experienced some form of IPV and 49.1% ( n = 326) had a CES-D depression score of 16 or greater indicating mild to severe depression symptoms. The highest proportion of women who met the CES-D criteria for depression were those experiencing the most severe IPV irrespective of category (i.e., physical, psychological, or combined). Logistic regression analyses showed that women reporting the most severe abuse, irrespective of category, were significantly more likely to meet the CES-D criteria for depression. In addition, low education and receipt of economic assistance were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The combination of poor economic conditions and IPV may predispose African American women living in impoverished, urban communities to mental health outcomes such as depression.
The Influence of Fantasy Proneness, Dissociation, and Vividness of Mental Imagery on Male’s Aggressive Sexual Fantasies
Authors: Bartels Ross M. , Harkins Leigh , Beech Anthony R.
Published: February 2017

Many researchers have studied the prevalence and content of men’s aggressive sexual fantasies, including their link with rape-supportive cognition. However, little to no research has examined the link between imaginal ability and the use of such fantasies. Based on existing research and theory, we propose that men who hold hostile beliefs toward women will use aggressive sexual fantasies more often if they possess a greater ability to engage in a “rich fantasy life.” Operationally, we argue this involves (a) a proneness to fantasize in general, (b) an ability to vividly envision mental imagery, and (c) frequent experiences of dissociation. To test this, the present study hypothesized that a latent variable termed “rich fantasy life,” via “hostile beliefs about women,” influences the use of “aggressive sexual fantasies.” A sample of 159 community males was recruited. Each participant completed a measure of fantasy proneness, dissociation, and vividness of mental imagery, along with two measures that assess hostile beliefs about women. Assessing how often the participants fantasized about rape-related and sadistic themes provided a measure of aggressive sexual fantasies. Structural equation modeling (along with bootstrapping procedures) indicated that the data had a very good fit with the hypothesized model. The results offer an important contribution to our understanding of aggressive sexual fantasies, which may have implications for clinical assessment and treatment. The limitations of the study are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
County Sales Tax, Crime Rate, and Prison Bed Use in Florida: Implications for the Misuse of Prison Space
Authors: Sever Brion
Published: February 2017

The tragedy of the commons occurs when a resource is held in common and there is no mechanism to discourage overconsumption. This study tests for the existence of a commons problem in the Florida Correctional System by comparing county prison bed use with county prison beds purchased through sales tax across all 67 counties in Florida from 1989 through 1995. County crime measures and other prison use considerations are tested to determine if there is justification for county overuse of prison space. The data indicate that the tragedy of the commons does exist in the Florida Correctional System. Several counties are consuming a disproportionate number of prison beds, and this overconsumption is largely unjustified by their crime rates. This study suggests that the commons problem within the Florida Correctional System could be avoided or at least reduced.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Diverting Felony Drug Offenders to Residential Treatment as Measured by Recidivism
Authors: Dynia Paul , Sung Hung-En
Published: February 2017

The Kings County District Attorney's Office (Brooklyn, New York) initiated the Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Prison program (DTAP) to divert nonviolent, drug-addicted offenders who are prison bound to residential drug treatment. The goal of DTAP is to treat offenders in community-based facilities without endangering public safety and to decrease their recidivism following treatment. Official rearrest rates were examined for 487 comparable defendants. Of DTAP participants, 4% were rear-rested during treatment, whereas 13% of the nonparticipants were rearrested during the pretrial and sentence periods. Of DTAP completers, 23% were rearrested during the 3-year period following treatment completion, which was less than half the rate for DTAP failures and nonparticipants. The authors conclude that when appropriate screening and monitoring procedures are implemented, diverting drug felons to residential treatment is at least as safe as traditional prosecution and sentencing and that successful completion of treatment is much more effective in reducing recidivism than completion of traditional sentences.
Including Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Brady Bill Background Checks: The Alaska Experience
Authors: Trostle Lawrence C. , Barnes Allan R. , Atwell Cassie L.
Published: February 2017

Alaska has recently implemented major changes in its ability to capture when a domestic violence restraining order has been issued and in its ability to make this information available to the authorities for the purposes of Brady Bill handgun application background checks. Curiously, as the number of cases of domestic violence has increased dramatically, the number of handgun applications has decreased sharply. The article follows these events of recent years and points out the problems faced by policy makers in trying to understand the impact of the changes on future incidents of domestic violence.
Neural Network Methods Applied to Character Recognition
Authors: Wilson C. L. , Blue J. L.
Published: February 2017

Neural network methods show great promise for providing highly accurate, noise resistant, parallel algorithms and data organization for a wide range of problems where “humanlike” recognition ability is needed. One specific area of recognition, the conversion of images of handwritten to computer representation, is used in this paper to explore the two major types of machine learning—supervised learning and self-organization—and to demonstrate the capabilities of neural network algorithms.
Computing in Graduate Education in Public Administration: An Assessment of Current Practices and Future Needs
Authors: Brudney Jeffrey L. , Brown Mary Maureen
Published: February 2017

This article addresses current practices and future needs in education in computing in graduate-level programs in public administration and affairs. Based on a survey of MPA-granting institutions, it shows that most public administration programs have incorporated computing applications into curricula beyond conventional courses in statistics and research methodology. To meet the needs of future public managers for computing skills, however, further enhancement of curricula will prove necessary. For this purpose, the article identifies a potential curriculum in computing in public administration. The curriculum is tailored to the distinctive demands and challenges of the public sector environment.
Up the ANTe
Authors: Smith Sue , Kempster Steve , Barnes Stewart
Published: February 2017

This article explores the role of educators in supporting the development of entrepreneurial leadership learning by creating peer learning networks of owner-managers of small businesses. Using actor-network theory, the authors think through the process of constructing and maintaining a peer learning network (conceived of as an actor-network) and frame entrepreneurial leadership learning as a network effect. The article has significance for theory and practice in terms of understanding the dynamics, challenges and opportunities involved in the construction and ongoing maintenance of networks and how to stimulate entrepreneurial leadership learning.
Investigations on the axial cutting force during drilling of carbon fiber composite material
Authors: Wu Mingyang , Chen Yong , Yu Guangbin , Gao Yongbin , Tong Mulin
Published: February 2017

Carbon fiber composite materials have been widely applied in national defense fields, including aviation and aerospace, as well as civilian areas, such as automobile, electronic information, and high-speed machinery. During drilling, the cutting force significantly influences the workpiece machining quality and the insert service life. In this article, a simulation study using a polycrystalline diamond insert to drill carbon fiber composite materials was conducted in order to analyze the features of axial drilling force. Drilling experiments were carried out using various cutting parameters, and experimental results were compared to the simulation results. A regression analysis of the experimental data was made, and a cutting force model was constructed. The research results provide a foundation for the parameters optimization of carbon fiber composite material drilling processes.
Improving data collection and information retrieval for monitoring sexual health
Authors: Lau R K W , Catchpole M
Published: February 2017

Recent advances in information technology (IT) offer a wealth of new tools to enhance data collection and information processing. Used in conjunction with established statistical techniques, these advances could be applied to develop a better understanding of demographic and behavioural factors in the acquisition and spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Successful implementation of these technologies will, however, require significant investment of resources, closer working between clinical specialties, and dealing with the fundamental concerns many clinicians as well as patients have over collection of personal data. An important first step towards realizing some of these benefits for data on STIs would be the disaggregation of data collected from genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
Safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of penile genital warts in uncircumcised men when applied three times weekly or once per day
Authors: Gollnick H , Barasso R , Jappe U , Ward K , Eul A , Carey-Yard M , Milde K
Published: February 2017

This dose-escalation study was performed to evaluate safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of uncircumcised men with penile warts associated with the foreskin. The cream was applied 3 times/week (n=34) or once per day (n=30) over 8 ± 2h. Imiquimod 5% cream was safe in both treatment groups. However, the 3 times/week regimen was better tolerated with a lower incidence of local skin reactions. In both groups, the 2 most frequently reported local skin reactions were erythema and erosion; they were more severe with the once-daily dosing. The most frequently reported application site reactions were burning, pruritus and irritation or pain (once-daily patients only). Total clearance was achieved in 62% of the patients in the 3 times/week group and by 57% in the once-daily group. Thus, imiquimod 5% cream administered 3 times/week was the optimal dosing regimen in the treatment of penile warts in uncircumcised men.
The absence of hyperbilirubinaemia is highly predictive of treatment failure in advanced HIV-infected patients treated with indinavir
Authors: Nouts C , Bonarek M , Morlat P , Delevaux I , Bonnet F , Lacoste D , Bernard N , Beylot J
Published: February 2017

In order to determine prognostic factors associated with treatment failure (TF) in advanced HIV-infected patients treated with a regimen including indinavir, a prospective cohort study of 80 patients was set up between 1 March and 31 December 1996. TF time was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, from treatment induction to the first of the following events: treatment modification for adverse event or lack of significant virological and/or immunological response, AIDS-defining diagnosis or death. Date of point was 31 December 1998. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox model. At baseline, 60% of the patients were AIDS-free, median viral load and CD4+ count were respectively 4.8 log/ml and 79/μl. After a median follow-up of 26 months, 70% of the patients experienced a TF in a median time of 8 months. Seventy-two per cent presented an hyperbilirubinaemia (>2 mg/dl). In multivariate analysis, initial AIDS stage (hazard ratios [HR]=1.94, P=0.04) and digestive intolerance (HR=2.32, P=0.003) were predictive of TF. Conversely, hyperbilirubinaemia was associated with a better outcome (HR=0.35, P<0.0001). These 2 latter parameters very likely reflected patients' treatment compliance.
Reproductive health and STDs among clients of a women's health mobile clinic in rural Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Patten J H , Susanti I
Published: February 2017

Recent studies in Indonesia have reported significant levels of STDs in low-risk urban groups. To gather data on rural women, a prevalence study was undertaken in Bali utilizing a women's health mobile clinic. Rural (n=312) women were tested for vaginal reproductive tract infections (RTIs) by on-site wet mount, for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by unamplified DNA (Gen-Probe) test, and for syphilis by rapid plasma reagin (RPR). Results were: candidiasis 5.8%; bacterial vaginosis (BV) 37.2%; trichomoniasis 15.1%; gonorrhoea 0.7%; chlamydial infection 5.6%; syphilis 0%. Overall 55.1% had at least one RTI and 19.2% had at least one STD. Reported non-monogamy, pain with urination and genital lesions, observed cervical friability and cervical motion tenderness were associated with cervical STD infection (P<0.05). We conclude that there is a need for improved services for STD prevention and RTI/STD management in rural Bali, and for condom promotion.
Chlamydia trachomatis detection — is it doctor dependent?
Authors: Riddell L A , Sherrard J
Published: February 2017

The accuracy of tests for chlamydia depends, among other things, upon the quality of the clinical specimen. Most chlamydia tests do not allow comment on specimen quality. It has been shown that examination of Papanicolaou stains or Diff-Quik stains of endocervical secretions can be used to assess the quality of endocervical sampling. This study has found that by analysing surrogate markers, such as the rates of inadequate cervical cytology and chlamydia detection rates in patients not identified as chlamydia contacts, it is possible to identify doctors performing less well in cervical sampling without the need for extra tests.
Maternal fluoride exposure during gestation and lactation decreased learning and memory ability, and glutamate receptor mRNA expressions of mouse pups
Authors: Sun Z , Zhang Y , Xue X , Niu R , Wang J
Published: February 2017

Previous investigations demonstrated that high fluoride (F) exposure may adversely affect the neurodevelopment and learning and memory ability. However, whether maternal F exposure during gestation and lactation can influence the learning, memory ability, and glutamate receptor expressions of offspring has not yet been elucidated. Hence, in the present study, maternal mice were exposed to F (25, 50, or 100 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water) during gestation and lactation. Results showed that exposure to 100 mg/L NaF significantly enhanced the number of total arm entries and working memory errors of offspring in the radial arm maze test compared to the control group. However, no difference was observed in open-field behaviors. For the subtypes of glutamate receptors in hippocampus, expression of GluR2 mRNA was significantly reduced by 25, 50, and 100 mg/L NaF. Besides, F exposure also suppressed the expression of NR2A, NR2B, and mGluR2 mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner, where NR2A was significantly suppressed by 50 mg/L NaF and NR2B and mGluR2 by 100 mg/L NaF. However, no significant changes were observed in GluR1 and mGluR5 mRNA expression levels. Collectively, these findings suggested that F can pass through the cord blood and breast milk and may have deleterious impact on learning and memory of the mouse pups, which was mediated by reduced mRNA expression of glutamate receptor subunits.
Comparison of beta-binomial regression model approaches to analyze health-related quality of life data
Authors: Najera-Zuloaga Josu , Lee Dae-Jin , Arostegui Inmaculada
Published: February 2017

Health-related quality of life has become an increasingly important indicator of health status in clinical trials and epidemiological research. Moreover, the study of the relationship of health-related quality of life with patients and disease characteristics has become one of the primary aims of many health-related quality of life studies. Health-related quality of life scores are usually assumed to be distributed as binomial random variables and often highly skewed. The use of the beta-binomial distribution in the regression context has been proposed to model such data; however, the beta-binomial regression has been performed by means of two different approaches in the literature: (i) beta-binomial distribution with a logistic link; and (ii) hierarchical generalized linear models. None of the existing literature in the analysis of health-related quality of life survey data has performed a comparison of both approaches in terms of adequacy and regression parameter interpretation context. This paper is motivated by the analysis of a real data application of health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, where the use of both approaches yields to contradictory results in terms of covariate effects significance and consequently the interpretation of the most relevant factors in health-related quality of life. We present an explanation of the results in both methodologies through a simulation study and address the need to apply the proper approach in the analysis of health-related quality of life survey data for practitioners, providing an R package.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Teaching, Researching, and Textbook Writing for Introduction to Management: An Essay With Some Lessons Learned
Authors: Dyck Bruno
Published: February 2017

This essay describes innovations made and lessons learned while teaching introduction to management courses during a 25-year career. The essay describes how teaching two approaches to management increases students’ critical and ethical thinking, and reverses the tendency for business students to become increasingly materialistic and individualistic. It also describes ways to supplement and enhance teaching facts related to management theory (“knowing”) by providing assignments where students put their knowledge into practice (“doing”) and reflect on what sorts of managers they want to become (“being”). Present and future teaching needs, especially related to addressing socioecological externalities caused by business, are also discussed.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Two Educational Methods on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Palliative Care Consultation Services Among Nursing Staff: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Authors: Pan Hsueh-Hsing , Wu Li-Fen , Hung Yu-Chun , Chu Chi-Ming , Wang Kwua-Yun
Published: February 2017

This experimental study investigated long-term effectiveness of two educational methods on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about palliative care consultation services (PCCS) among nurses, recruited from a medical center located in Northern Taiwan in 2015, using a stratified cluster sampling method, with 88 participants in multimedia (experimental) and 92 in traditional paper education (control) group. Data were collected using KAP-PCCS questionnaire before education, immediately after, and 3rd and 6th month after education. Results showed that both K-PCCSI and P-PCCSI significantly increased immediately after, and at the 3rd month after education for the experimental group; the K-PCCSI remained significantly higher for the experimental group at the 6th month. The highest increase in scores for both K-PCCSI and P-PCCSI was observed at the 3rd month. There was no significant change in A-PCCS in both groups after follow-up periods, when compared before education. Therefore, using multimedia every 3 months to continue strengthening their knowledge may increase the referrals of terminal patients to PCCS.
Evaluation of Topical Metronidazole Gel in Acne Rosacea
Authors: Aronson Iris K. , Rumsfield Jean A. , West Dennis P. , Alexander Julia , Fischer James H. , Paloucek Frank P.
Published: February 2017

Topical metronidazole gel (0.75%) was compared to placebo gel in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face clinical trial for the treatment of 59 patients with acne rosacea. Statistically significant differences in inflammatory lesions, erythema, and global assessments were seen at three, six, and nine weeks post-baseline in favor of the active treatment side. It did not, however, alter the telangiectatic component of the disease. No known drug-related side effects were detected, and the low topical dose along with low serum levels of metronidazole indicate a high safety profile for this therapeutic agent. This work suggests that metronidazole gel, as specifically formulated, is safe and effective in reducing the symptomatology of acne rosacea.
Efficacy of Adjunctive Carbamazepine in the Treatment of Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Herrera John M. , Sramek John J. , Costa Jerome F.
Published: February 2017

Six treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients were given a ten-week single-blind trial of carbamazepine. Treatment resistance was determined on the basis of documented failure to respond to treatment with at least three neuroleptic drugs from two different chemical classes. The adjunctive use of carbamazepine resulted in a significant improvement of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These symptoms are often poorly responsive to conventional antipsychotic drugs. Therefore, controlled studies should be performed to further assess the possible efficacy of carbamazepine in schizophrenia.
Economic Examination of Cefoperazone Therapy
Authors: Jacobs Jake , Wyant Susan
Published: February 2017

Medical records of 1137 patients from 35 hospitals were reviewed to examine the total cost of care for patients receiving cefoperazone as initial therapy compared to a control group receiving alternative agents. The direct costs of care measurable through a retrospective review of patient records were examined, including the cost of antibiotic acquisition, drug administration, laboratory testing, and room and board. Results of a regression analysis show that cefoperazone as initial therapy is associated with lower costs for all factors studied except acquisition cost.

Antibiotic acquisition averaged $24 per patient mora for the cefoperazone group (p < 0.01). However, for cefoperazone patients drug administration was $63 less (p <0.0001), laboratory testing costs averaged $9 less (p = 0.22), and costs associated with room and board charges were $80 less (p = 0.40). Total costs averaged $3073 per cefoperazone patient and $3228 per control patient (p = 0.20).

These data suggest that the previously accepted definitions of antimicrobial costs (i.e., cost per gram, cost per dose, cost per day) may no longer be adequate in this era of cost containment. In order to make sound clinical decisions with lowest total costs, practitioners should identify how and where costs are incurred.