bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models of Hospital Drug Policy in the UK
Authors: Cotter Siobhan M. , McKee Martin
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Pharmacists in UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals have a long tradition of involvement in the development of drug policy. This paper describes various approaches that have been employed in the development and implementation of drug policy in hospitals and examines the evidence for their effectiveness and acceptability in the context of a changing health service.

Methods:

A series of focused interviews was conducted with a range of staff, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and managers at eight hospitals. Interview sites were selected on the basis of a national survey of clinical pharmacy roles and were broadly representative of UK NHS hospitals. Interview data were analysed using constant comparison and analytic induction.

Results:

Three models used in the development of drug policy were identified: A ‘traditional’ model, in which a drug and therapeutics committee establishes a hospital-wide formulary which is implemented by pharmacists; a ‘combined’ model, in which there is much more emphasis on tailoring policies and feedback to specialties or clinical directorates; and a ‘medical control’ model, in which prescribing decisions are made by individual doctors without reference to explicit policies and with little active pharmacy involvement. Pharmacy involvement was seen as vital to the development of effective policies but hospital-specific factors influenced the choice of model at particular sites.

Conclusions:

Hospitals may be moving towards the ‘combined’ model which could have advantages in the current internal market within the NHS. However, evaluations of the various approaches to drug policy should help inform this decision.
Informing Prescribing Allocations at District Level in England
Authors: Rice Nigel , Carr-Hill Roy , Roberts David , Lloyd David
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To derive a predictive model based on the morbidity, demographic and socio-economic characteristics of district populations to explain variations in prescribing costs in England.

Method:

Inter-relations between morbidity, demographic, socio-economic, general practice supply characteristics and net ingredient cost per age, sex and temporary resident originated prescribing unit (ASTRO-PU) were explored statistically for 90 districts in England using 1994 cost data. The possibility of mutual inter-relationship between ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ was examined; then the associations between a range of factors and prescribing costs were estimated using ordinary least squares regression and the predictive power of the possible models was systematically examined.

Results:

Whilst there was a relatively weak relationship between the supply factors that were measured, there did not appear to be any reciprocal relationship. Three parsimonious models estimated using ordinary least squares multiple regression techniques based on combinations of permanent sickness, low birth weight and the proportion of general practitioners registered for postgraduate certificate of education were identified. The models explained up to 61% of variation between districts in prescribing costs.

Conclusions:

‘Need’ and ‘supply’ characteristics are independently associated with variations in prescribing costs at district level. The negative association between the proportion of general practitioners eligible for postgraduate education allowance and prescribing costs may reflect ‘better’ prescribing but could not be introduced into a resource allocation formula without introducing perverse incentives. The combination of permanent sickness and low birth weight complement each other by providing a proxy measure of morbidity mostly applicable to adult males (permanent sickness) and mothers (low birth weight being a measure of maternal health). These variables should be considered further for use in the process of allocating resources for prescribing to districts.
Implementing Quality: A Study of the Adoption and Implementation of Quality Standards in the Contracting Process in a General Practitioner Multifund
Authors: Baeza Juan I. , Calnan Michael
Published: February 2018

The increase in managerialism in the 1980s and the 1990 NHS reforms have had major implications for the regulation of providers. Purchasers of health care in the UK are now expected to specify three factors in their contracts: Volume, cost and quality. This paper focuses on one of these: I.e. the quality standards purchasers now include within their health service contracts. The case study is of a general practitioner multifund and the analysis focuses on how quality standards are derived and adopted in outpatient contracts. The data were derived from in-depth face-to-face interviews with the key participants in the contracting process. The evidence shows that the standards were derived and adopted with very little participation from the providers. The impact of the quality standards on hospitals consultants' behaviour was negligible, there was very little monitoring of the standards by the multifund, and providers accepted standards which they knew they could not meet. It is concluded that this non-participatory method of developing the quality standards is likely to mean that their impact on service delivery will be limited.
Variation in Hospital Use and Avoidable Patient Morbidity
Authors: Taroni Francesco , Repetto Francesca , Louis Daniel Z. , Moro Maria Luisa , Yuen Elaine J. , Gonnella Joseph S.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To determine whether geographical areas with relatively low overall hospitalization rates have higher population-based rates of admission of patients with advanced stages of disease.

Methods:

Age- and sex-standardized hospital admission rates were calculated for the residents of the 80 Local Health Units in Lombardia, Italy. Using the Disease Staging classification, advanced stage admissions were identified for six common medical and surgical conditions, which it was presumed would reflect untimely hospital admission. Standardized rates of advanced stage admissions were compared in areas with overall high hospitalization rates (high-use areas) and low hospitalization rates (low-use areas).

Results:

Hospitalization at advanced stages of disease in the low-use areas were significantly higher for the six conditions combined (55.9 vs 43.0 per 100 000; P=0.005), and for external hernia, appendicitis and uterine fibroma, but not for bacterial pneumonia, diverticular disease and peptic ulcer. For the six study conditions combined, residents of overall low-use areas were 30% more likely to be admitted with advanced stages of disease.

Conclusion:

Low overall hospitalization rates were found to be associated with greater severity of illness at hospitalization and potentially avoidable morbidity for some conditions. Policies aimed at curbing unnecessary hospital admission should consider preserving access for appropriate treatment.
Beyond Ethnic Categories: Why Racism Should be a Variable in Health Services Research
Authors: Parker Hilda
Published: February 2018

Racism can affect health by making people ill, exacerbating existing illness, and by inequality in access to and utilisation of health services. Recent British publications assessing the methods used in studies of ethnicity primarily considered the status of the variables ‘ethnicity’ and ‘race’ and advised on the use of appropriate categories. Such scrutiny of ethnicity research is welcomed, yet authors rarely emphasise the importance of racism as a variable. This paper discusses why racism matters as a variable and poses suggestions for its absence from British health services research. Reference is made to US research to demonstrate that this focus is important and feasible. Health services research that considers ethnicity and excludes the effect of racism may result, at best, in an incomplete understanding. At worst, this omission could itself be perceived as a racist practice.
Exposure to stressful events during a peacekeeping mission may have a price: The impact on trait of negative and positive affect and mental health
Authors: Álvares Roberta Sonia Rodrigues , Mendonça-de-Souza Ana Carolina Ferraz , Duarte Antônio Fernando Araujo , Gameiro Thaís Medeiros , Fischer Nastassja Lopes , Souza Wanderson Fernandes , Coutinho Evandro da Silva Freire , Figueira Ivan , Volchan Eliane , Souza Gabriela Guerra Leal
Published: February 2018

We evaluated the participants’ negative affect, positive affect, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression symptoms before and after a peacekeeping mission. Depression symptoms and positive affect after mission were significantly associated with exposure to stressful events during the mission, controlled by the respective characteristics before mission. Negative affect and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after mission had a tendency to be associated with exposure to stressful events during the mission, controlled by the respective characteristics before mission. In conclusion, even in healthy and physically active male peacekeepers, those more exposed to stressful events could be more vulnerable to present negative outcomes.
Fatherhood in a Changing Society: Shifts in Male Fertility Patterns
Authors: Kyzlinková Renata , Šťastná Anna
Published: February 2018

The fertility pattern in the Czech Republic, as in other central and eastern European countries, has undergone dynamic transformation over the last quarter of a century. This study aims to contribute to the debate on the influence of structural and situational variables on fertility in low-fertility countries and extends the debate by introducing the viewpoint of male reproduction. The aim is to identify the factors influencing the transition to fatherhood among Czech men and to discuss intergenerational changes in reproductive patterns. The data employed are taken from the Czech Generations and Gender Survey (2008). The transition to first child was analysed using the event history modelling method. The results revealed that the transition to fatherhood is positively influenced by co-residence partnerships (especially marriage), by having completed a tertiary-level education and by living independently. Conversely, the likelihood is significantly reduced by student status, the absence of a relationship, and having a considerably older partner. Employing the cohort approach, it was determined that the factors which influence male transition to first birth change over time. The clear linear impact of education on the transition to fatherhood apparent with respect to older cohorts no longer applies. Moreover, the influence of the family of origin, which made up a significant factor with respect to older cohorts, has all but disappeared in the youngest cohorts. Only marriage retains its dominant role with concern to predicting the transition to fatherhood across all cohorts.
Gay porn networks
Authors: Brennan Joseph
Published: February 2018

Gay porn networks offer audiences diverse pornographies under a single offering. This article considers how specialist, online gay pornographic sites are made viable via networks, providing an overview of the 10 most popular gay porn networks currently in operation, and making connections between them via qualitative reading. By recognizing the potential for alternative pornographies within these networks, yet not reifying gay porn networks to the production of solely non-mainstream offerings, the article invites a more nuanced assessment of the complexity of the online gay porn commercial environment. Encompassing a total of 50 sites across 10 networks, the study’s broad approach allows for an overview of the most successful networks currently available, with a particular emphasis on branded identity, themes and the construction of studio vs network identities.
Veracity in big data: How good is good enough
Authors: Reimer Andrew P , Madigan Elizabeth A
Published: February 2018

Veracity, one of the five V’s used to describe big data, has received attention when it comes to using electronic medical record data for research purposes. In this perspective article, we discuss the idea of data veracity and associated concepts as it relates to the use of electronic medical record data and administrative data in research. We discuss the idea that electronic medical record data are “good enough” for clinical practice and, as such, are “good enough” for certain applications. We then propose three primary issues to attend to when establishing data veracity: data provenance, cross validation, and context.
Study on transient emission spikes reduction of a heavy-duty diesel engine equipped with a variable intake valve closing timing mechanism and a two-stage turbocharger
Authors: Zhou Xiaobo , Liu Erxi , Sun Dezeng , Su Wanhua
Published: February 2018

The overall performance and emission during a speed/torque versus time transient cycle are investigated in a heavy-duty truck engine equipped with an intake valve closing timing mechanism and a two-stage turbocharger system (high-pressure turbine is variable geometry turbine). The performance discrepancy analysis between steady-state and transient operation is completed based on a fairly optimized steady-state baseline. The result shows that during the transient operation, the transient NOx emission can track the steady-state baselines much better than particle matter, and the cumulative NOx in transients is even lower than the cumulative NOx of the steady-state baselines, while the rising particle matter emissions mainly due to appearance in particle matter emission spikes during the cycle. And the transient particle matter spikes appeared almost in two typical transient conditions: sharp acceleration from idling and abrupt load transients. The instantaneous equivalence ratio (Φ) is found to be the main physical factor governing particle matter spikes formation in transients. Particle matter spikes become prominent when Φ cannot track the steady-state baseline well or Φ rises over a critical value of 0.8. The control strategy of intake valve closing timing mechanism-variable geometry turbine-exhaust gas recirculation to bridge the gap of Φ between the steady-state and the transients has been established, which effectively cut down the emission spikes, reducing particle matter emissions by 32.9% with almost no change in NOx.
Caregivers’ interactions with health care services – Mediator of stress or added strain? Experiences and perceptions of informal caregivers of people with dementia – A qualitative study
Authors: Laparidou Despina , Middlemass Jo , Karran Terence , Siriwardena A Niroshan
Published: February 2018

Background

There are an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2015, being cared for usually by family members or friends (informal caregivers). The challenges faced by informal caregivers often lead to increased levels of stress, burden and risk of care-recipient institutionalisation.

Aim

The overarching aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of informal caregivers of people with dementia when interacting with the health care system, and whether the support received acted as a mediator of caregiver stress. The secondary aim was to investigate healthcare professionals’ views and current practice regarding people with dementia and their interactions with informal caregivers.

Method

We employed a qualitative research design, using focus groups and one face-to-face interview with a purposive sample of informal caregivers and healthcare professionals in Lincolnshire, UK. Data were collected between March and July 2015. We used the stress-process model of stress in caregivers as a theoretical framework.

Results

We interviewed 18 caregivers and 17 healthcare professionals. Five themes, mapped to the stress-process in caregivers’ model, captured the main challenges faced by caregivers and the type of support they wanted from health care services. Primary stressors included the challenge of diagnosing dementia; caregivers’ needs and expectations of an in-depth knowledge and understanding of dementia from healthcare professionals; and need for carer education. Secondary role strain included lack of support and mismatch of communication and expectations. Caregiver involvement in monitoring care and disease was a potential mediator tool.

Conclusions

Fragmentation of dementia care services, lack of training for healthcare professionals and the dearth of information for caregivers means health care services are only partially fulfilling a support role. In turn, lack of support may be intensifying caregiver stress leading to worsening in their health and well-being; thus, potentially increasing the risk of institutionalisation of their care-recipient.
Court rulings involving individuals with dementia in Israel: A qualitative perspective
Authors: Doron Israel (Issi) , Werner Perla , Spanier Benny , Lazar Ori
Published: February 2018

Background

Individuals with dementia may appear before the courts in different roles. Despite the growing interest in the rights of older persons with dementia, relatively little empirical data exist regarding their actual interactions and experiences in court.

Methods

This study used a qualitative, textual analysis methodology. A total of 281 Israeli legal court cases, which addressed issues relating to dementia, were analyzed.

Results

Four key themes were found in the legal texts: (1) The legal construction of dementia and its relationships to old age; (2) The importance of procedural justice; (3) The implications and outcomes of the legal process; and (4) The legal implications to the society as a whole.

Conclusions

The legal narratives, which surround legal cases that deal with dementia in Israel, reveal an internal tension between stigmatic and anti-stigmatic narratives. This complex reality raises the need for further research and for a clearer judicial policy.
KernelGraph: Understanding the kernel in a graph
Authors: Shi Jianjun , Ji Weixing , Zhang Jingjing , Gao Zhiwei , Wang Yizhuo , Shi Feng
Published: February 2018

The Linux kernel has grown to 20 million lines of code, which have been contributed by almost 14,000 programmers. The complexity of the Linux kernel challenges the kernel maintenance and makes comprehending the kernel more difficult for developers learning the kernel. Automated tool support is crucial for comprehending such a large-scale program involving a high volume of code. In this article, we present KernelGraph, which enhances understanding of the Linux kernel by providing a visual representation of kernel internals. KernelGraph resembles online map systems and facilitates kernel code navigation in an intuitive and interactive way. We describe the key techniques used in KernelGraph to process the vast amount of information in the kernel codebase quickly. We also implemented two applications built atop KernelGraph to enhance kernel comprehension. KernelGraph was presented to 30 participants, who were asked several questions about their kernel comprehension in a controlled study. Our experimental results show that, compared with other source code comprehension tools, KernelGraph improves kernel comprehension by enabling people to visually browse the kernel code and by providing an effective means for exploring the kernel structure. The ability to switch seamlessly between high-level views and source code significantly reduces the gap between source code and high-level mental representation. KernelGraph can be easily extended to support visualizations of other large-scale codebases.
The influence of the centre bow and wet-deck geometry on motions of wave-piercing catamarans
Authors: Shabani Babak , Lavroff Jason , Holloway Damien S , Davis Michael R , Thomas Giles A
Published: February 2018

The effects of tunnel height and centre bow length on the motions of a 112-m wave-piercer catamaran with an above-water centre bow were investigated through model tests. Five alternative centre bow configurations were considered, and multiple series of model tests were conducted in regular head sea waves. The results showed that both heave and pitch increased over a wide range of wave encounter frequency as the wet-deck height of the catamaran model increased. However, increasing the length of the centre bow showed an increase in the pitch but a decrease in the heave for a limited range of wave encounter frequency near the heave and pitch resonance frequencies of the catamaran model. The positions of minimum vertical displacement were found to be aft of the longitudinal centre of gravity, between 20% and 38% of the overall length from the transom. Increase in the wet-deck height and consequently the archway clearance between the main hulls and centre bow also resulted in an increase in the vertical displacement relative to the undisturbed water surface in the centre bow area. The results also indicated the vulnerability to wet-deck slamming for the different bow and wet-deck designs.
Practical continuous fractional-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode control of underwater hydraulic manipulators with valve deadband compensators
Authors: Wang Yaoyao , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao
Published: February 2018

For the multi-degrees of freedom control problem of underwater hydraulic manipulators with non-ignorable valve deadband and strong lumped nonlinearities and uncertainties, a practical continuous fractional-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode control design together with a deadband compensator is presented and studied. The presented method contains three parts a time delay estimation utilized to nearly estimate and compensate the extremely complicated system dynamics, a continuous fractional-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode used to ensure high control performance against the strong lumped nonlinearities and uncertainties, and a valve deadband compensator used to compensate for the non-ignorable valve deadband. The proposed method is model-free thanks to the time delay estimation, and can ensure satisfactory control performance thanks to the continuous fractional-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode and deadband compensator. Stability of the closed-loop control system including the deadband compensator is proved rigorously. Finally, practical 2-degrees of freedom experiments are performed, and corresponding results effectively demonstrate the superiorities of the newly presented controller with deadband compensator.
A critical review of daylighting metrics for residential architecture and a new metric for cold and temperate climates
Authors: Dogan T , Park YC
Published: February 2018

Residential architecture constitutes one of the largest market segments in the construction sector. However, the attention that it is given in the field of daylight performance simulation is surprisingly low. This poses the question of whether existing daylighting metrics are well suited for residential design. Findings from 79 references are summarized, and a critical review of current climate-based daylighting metrics in the context of residential architecture is provided. It is found that existing workflows often overlook relevant aspects of daylight in residential spaces, such as diurnal and seasonal availability of daylight and access to direct sunlight. Hence, a concept for a new climate-based, annual evaluation framework that overcomes these shortcomings, called the residential daylight score, is introduced.
HealthyhornsTXT: A Text-Messaging Program to Promote College Student Health and Wellness
Authors: Glowacki Elizabeth M. , Kirtz Susan , Hughes Wagner Jessica , Cance Jessica Duncan , Barrera Denise , Bernhardt Jay M.
Published: February 2018

Objective: Text-messaging interventions positively affect health behaviors, but their use on college campuses has been limited. Text messaging serves as a relatively affordable way to communicate with large audiences and is one of the preferred modes of communication for young adults. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a campus-wide, health text–messaging program. Participants: The subscriber pool consisted of approximately 6,000 undergraduate students from a large, southern university. From that pool, 1,095 participants (64% female; 41% White) completed a posttest survey. Method: Text messages covered a range of health topics and information about campus resources. Research was conducted from August through December 2015. Process data were collected throughout the semester; participants’ attitudes were assessed via an online survey at the program’s conclusion. Results: Students demonstrated engagement with the messages throughout the semester as evidenced by replies to text-back keywords and clicks on website links embedded within messages. Messages about sleep, stress management, and hydration were considered most relevant. The majority of participants (61%) reported increased awareness regarding their health. Conclusions: Text-messaging interventions are a feasible strategy to improve college student health.
Pukeko Pictures and the Kiwi DIY Spirit: Building Global Partnerships from the End of the World
Authors: Potter Anna , O’Regan Tom
Published: February 2018

Wellington, New Zealand is a major international screen production base for movies including Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. New Zealand production companies like Jackson’s Weta Group producing content for international markets benefit from local policy settings that support such productions. In 2008, a group of long-time Jackson collaborators including Richard Taylor established Pukeko Pictures. In a small country with a deregulated media system, no dedicated public service broadcaster, and minimal supports for children’s television, Pukeko is a successful, globally oriented producer of children’s content. This article examines the strategies that underpin Pukeko Pictures’ production portfolio, which includes the 2015 reboot Thunderbirds Are Go, and a preschool coproduction with China. The combination of dispersed production practices, local subsidies, and quality infrastructure contribute to Pukeko Pictures’ success. We suggest, however, that strategic international relationships managed by Taylor are also critical to Pukeko Pictures developing a significant foothold in transnational television services.
The Role of Musk in Relieving the Neurodegenerative Changes Induced After Exposure to Chronic Stress
Authors: Abd El Wahab Manal Galal , Ali Soad Shaker , Ayuob Nasra Naeim
Published: February 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect induced by musk on Alzheimer’s disease—such as neurodegenerative changes in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).

Material and Methods:

Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 10); control, CUMS, CUMS + fluoxetine, CUMS + musk. At the end of the experiment, behavior of the mice was assessed. Serum corticosterone level, hippocampal protein level of the glucocorticoid receptors, and brain-derived neurotropic factor were also assessed. Hippocampus was histopathologically examined.

Results:

Musk improved depressive status induced after exposure to CUMS as evidenced by the forced swimming and open field tests and improved the short-term memory as evidenced by the elevated plus maze test. Musk reduced both corticosterone levels and the hippocampal neurodegenerative changes observed after exposure to CUMS. These improvements were comparable to those induced by fluoxetine.

Conclusion:

Musk alleviated the memory impairment and neurodegenerative changes induced after exposure to the chronic stress.
Corporate Agriculture and the Exploitation of Life in Portal 2
Authors: Wills Melissa A.
Published: February 2018

This article examines the agricultural dimensions of Portal 2 and two of its key paratexts, arguing that the game’s potato motif functions as a satire of industrial agricultural practice, dramatizing both the vastness of corporate power and the plight of its silenced victims. I argue for an understanding of the potato as a biotechnological product, drawing from a range of contemporary and historical texts to establish its role in a long history of exploitation and social inequality. These aspects enable the game’s establishment of a cohesive narrative in which potato science originates Aperture Science’s ascent and growing corruption, in a trajectory that culminates in its brutal exploitation of human test subjects. The game also celebrates rebellion against that corruption through the dynamics of gameplay and the development of its main character as a rival biological power.
Playful Furniture
Authors: Kultima Annakaisa , Nummenmaa Timo , Tyni Heikki , Alha Kati , Stenros Jaakko , Kankainen Ville , Holopainen Jussi , Mäyrä Frans
Published: February 2018

Are shaggy seats which make cute noises playful or disruptive in a conference setting? This article pushes the limits of game scholars’ lusory attitude by breaching an academic seminar with a playful experiment. Five MurMur Moderator seats, interactive and interruptive furniture prototypes, were set up at a game research seminar where they were used as ambient elements during the presentations. The experience was evaluated by observation, accompanied with seminar tweets, and by conducting a small survey after the seminar. The experiences of the participants varied from enthusiastically positive to strong negative feelings. Through this experiment, we were able to explore the important issue of polarized attitudes of adults toward play and provide some food for thought for the future design of adult play.
Alibis for Adult Play
Authors: Deterding Sebastian
Published: February 2018

The social meanings of play sit at odds with norms of responsible and productive adult conduct. To be “caught” playing as an adult therefore risks embarrassment. Still, many designers want to create enjoyable, nonembarrassing play experiences for adults. To address this need, this article reads instances of spontaneous adult play through the lens of Erving Goffman’s theory of the interaction order to unpack conditions and strategies for nonembarrassing adult play. It identifies established frames, segregated audiences, scripts supporting smooth performance, managing audience awareness, role distancing, and, particularly, alibis for play: Adults routinely provide alternative, adult-appropriate motives to account for their play, such as child care, professional duties, creative expression, or health. Once legitimized, the norms and rules of play themselves then provide an alibi for behavior that would risk being embarrassing outside play.
Video Games, Dystopia, and Neoliberalism: The Case of BioShock Infinite
Authors: Pérez-Latorre Óliver , Oliva Mercè
Published: February 2018

An ideological analysis of video games should include both the narrative and ludic dimensions, since there can be frictions between these two dimensions and they can even contradict one another. This article’s main aim is to analyze BioShock Infinite, an illustrative case study of these conflicts. On the one hand, it is a video game that portrays a dystopian narrative, aligning itself with this genre’s critical progressive tradition; on the other hand, its gameplay has an accentuated neoliberal bent. The analysis of BioShock Infinite also helps us to critically discuss certain trends in game design in contemporary mainstream video games that connect with and reinforce neoliberal values.
Tusslers, Beatdowns, and Brothers: A Sociohistorical Overview of Video Game Arcades and the Street Fighter Community
Authors: Skolnik Michael Ryan , Conway Steven
Published: February 2018

Alongside their material dimensions, video game arcades were simultaneously metaphysical spaces where participants negotiated social and cultural convention, thus contributing to identity formation and performance within game culture. While physical arcade spaces have receded in number, the metaphysical elements of the arcades persist. We examine the historical conditions around the establishment of so-called arcade culture, taking into account the history of public entertainment spaces, such as pool halls, coin-operated entertainment technologies, video games, and the demographic and economic conditions during the arcade’s peak popularity, which are historically connected to the advent of bachelor subculture. Drawing on these complementary histories, we examine the social and historical movement of arcades and arcade culture, focusing upon the Street Fighter series and the fighting game community (FGC). Through this case study, we argue that moral panics concerning arcades, processes of cultural norm selection, technological shifts, and the demographic peculiarities of arcade culture all contributed to its current decline and discuss how they affect the contemporary FGC.
Virtuality and Depiction in Video Game Representation
Authors: Klevjer Rune
Published: February 2018

This article seeks to clarify the role of the image in video game representation. I argue that virtuality is incompatible with depictive representation and that the distinction between virtual environments and interactive depiction is important in game theory and analysis. In the first part, I combine a critical modification of Kendall Walton’s concept of reflexive representation with Edmund Husserl’s concept of image consciousness, in order to clarify the ontological difference between physical models and depictive images. In the second part, I discuss the relationship between physical models and virtual things, and the difference between photographic depiction and screen-mediated prosthetic vision. Finally, I show how this theoretical framework can help clarify the nature of interactive depiction in games.
Methodology, Representation, and Games
Authors: Carr Diane
Published: February 2018

This article is about textual analysis, methodology, and representations (of bodies, identities and social groups) in digital games. The issues under consideration include textual analysis as procedure, the role of fragmentation in textual analysis, game ontology and the remit of textual analysis, and the role of the player-as-analyst in relation to subjectivity and embodied interpretation. These issues are discussed using a combination of game studies literature, film theory, and literary theory–and with reference to Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011).
On Being a Feminist in Games Studies
Authors: Humphreys Sal
Published: February 2018

This article is an exploration of the importance of feminist analysis and researcher reflexivity in the context of a field where gender inequality is widespread––in games, in the games industry, in the dominant voices in games journalism, games communities, and in games research. Using a framework of intersectionality to understand how the concept of marginality is deployed within this area is important for understanding how power is exerted. Recent outspoken misogyny has brought to the surface some of the underlying gender inequality within games cultures but also points to areas that researchers in the field need to be alive to in their own work.
Analysis of control and correction options of mobile robot trajectory by an inertial navigation system
Authors: Pivarčiová Elena , Božek Pavol , Turygin Yuri , Zajačko Ivan , Shchenyatsky Aleksey , Václav Štefan , Císar Miroslav , Gemela Boris
Published: February 2018

The article deals with the research of the supplementation of industrial robot effector trajectory’s control systems by an inertial navigation system. The method of reverse validation and location of an object in a navigated reference system does not require additional calibration. The goal of the research is to verify the assumption that it is possible to control and correct the programmed mobile robot trajectory by implementing an inertial navigation system even in a case when the inertial navigation system is used as the only trajectory control device. The data obtained are processed by the proposed and detailed application.
Practicing leadership-as-practice in content and manner
Authors: Raelin Joseph A , Kempster Stephen , Youngs Howard , Carroll Brigid , Jackson Brad
Published: February 2018

A collective and collaborative response to an article appearing in Leadership’s “Leading Questions” department is prepared by a team subscribing to the leadership-as-practice approach. The focus is to represent the manner in which leadership-as-practice operates as a leadership theory and in its communal practice orientation. Among the themes addressed are leadership-as-practice’s theory development, its contribution in comparison to critical leadership theory, its approach to power, and its practicality. Emerging issues in leadership-as-practice theory and application are also reviewed.
Modelling and performance analysis of an earth-to-air heat exchanger in a pilot installation
Authors: Rosa N , Santos P , Costa JJ , Gervásio H
Published: February 2018

Earth-to-air heat exchanger is an efficient complement to the space heating and cooling systems. An earth-to-air heat exchanger system consists of a set of subterranean pipes leading outdoor air to a ventilation room and by collecting geothermal energy saves some energy. This article presents testing of an earth-to-air heat exchanger installation in a residential building in Coimbra (Portugal) during 1 year. An analytical model is developed and verified with data from the system monitoring. Many variables affect the outcome of the model and they are included in the parametric study, namely, pipe length and diameter, air velocity, pipe wall material and type of soil. While the difference between outlet and inlet air temperatures is proportional to the pipe length and ground thermal conductivity and inversely proportional to pipe diameter and air velocity, the evaluation is made in terms of a coefficient of performance. For that, the most important factor is the air velocity while material of the pipe does not have a significant effect.
The constitutively active PKG II mutant effectively inhibits gastric cancer development via a blockade of EGF/EGFR-associated signalling cascades
Authors: Wu Yan , Yuan Miaomiao , Su Wenbin , Zhu Miaolin , Yao Xiaoyuan , Wang Ying , Qian Hai , Jiang Lu , Tao Yan , Wu Min , Pang Ji , Chen Yongchang
Published: February 2018

Type II cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG II) is a membrane-anchored enzyme expressed mainly in the intestinal mucosa and the brain, and is associated with various physiological or pathological processes. Upregulation of PKG II is known to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of PKG II has been shown to be dependent on the inhibition of the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and blockade of EGFR downstream signal transduction in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether similar phenomena/mechanisms exist in vivo and whether these effects are independent of cGMP or cGMP analogues. In the present work, nude mice with transplanted orthotopic tumours were infected with adenovirus encoding cDNA of constitutively active PKG II mutant (Ad-a-PKG II) and the effect of constitutively active PKG II (a-PKG II) on tumour development was detected. The results showed that a-PKG II effectively ameliorated gastric tumour development through delaying the growth, inducing the apoptosis, and inhibiting the metastasis and angiogenesis. The effect was related to blockade of EGFR activation and abrogation of the downstream signalling cascades. These findings provide novel insight which will benefit the development of new cancer therapies.
Perioperative dialogue on postoperative recovery measured by the use of pain medication, psychopharmaceutical agents and length of hospital stay
Authors: Swenne Christine Leo , Hjelte Louise , Härdne Emma , Friberg Carin , Arakelian Erebouni
Published: February 2018

The effects of perioperative dialogue have been studied using qualitative methods, describing patient satisfaction with their care. However, they have not been studied in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis who undergo major surgery, nor with quantitative variables. The aim was to study the use of pain medication and length of hospital stay following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients who received, versus those who did not receive, perioperative dialogue. The study had a quantitative, retrospective and comparative design including 89 audits. Of these, 37 patients received perioperative dialogues, and 52 patients did not (the control group). The result showed that by postoperative day six, patients who received a perioperative dialogue experienced pain less frequently than patients in the control group. However, no differences between the groups were noted with regard to pain medication consumption and length of hospital stay. To ease their worries, all patients in both groups used benzodiazepines. The perioperative dialogue may be studied quantitatively, but it must involve the patient, who is an equal partner in the dialogue. Structured validated self-reporting measures may be used systematically before and after surgery in order to evaluate the perioperative dialogue using quantitative measures.
Protective and Harmful Effects of Religious Practice on Depression Among Jewish Individuals With Mood Disorders
Authors: Pirutinsky Steven , Rosmarin David H.
Published: February 2018

Research suggests that religious practice has a small but consistent inverse relationship with depression, but recent work within the Jewish population has been equivocal. Following the behavioral model of depression, one explanation is that religious activity may provide positive reinforcement. We hypothesized that this would be true only for those who intrinsically value religion, and conversely, religious practice may be depressogenic for individuals lacking intrinsic motivation. We tested this possibility in a longitudinal sample of 160 Jewish individuals meeting DSM–IV criteria for a mood disorder. Multilevel autoregressive growth modeling suggested that controlling for past depressive symptoms, past intrinsic religiosity, and religious practice jointly predicted future depression. Individuals with high religious practice and high intrinsic religiosity reported lower future depressive symptoms, whereas those with high practice and low intrinsic religiosity reported higher depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that religious practice can have both protective and harmful effects, depending on internal values.
The Effects of Adolescent Self-Regulated Learning on Engagement in a College Access Program: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ellis James M. , Helaire Lumas J.
Published: February 2018

College access programs (CAPs) aim to promote college readiness for adolescents, particularly those who may be the first in their family to go to college. Self-regulated learning is a critical component of college readiness. There is limited information about how self-regulated learning beliefs or intentions influence adolescent engagement in CAPs. Using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding framework, the purpose of this study was to examine direct and indirect effects of adolescent self-regulated learning beliefs (i.e., attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control) and intentions on participation in activities offered by a regional, federally funded CAP program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs; GEAR UP). Structural equation modeling was the analytic technique. We found positive relationships between self-regulated learning beliefs (perceived behavioral control), intentions, and GEAR UP participation. Implications and directions for future research on self-regulated learning within the context of CAP initiatives are discussed.
The Need for a Public Health Competency-Based Education for Integrative Health Care
Authors: Taren Douglas , Kligler Benjamin , Lebensohn Patricia , Brooks Audrey J. , Maizes Victoria
Published: February 2018

Integrative health care (IH) is an approach to health that utilizes biomedical and social determinants of health to promote health and prevent disease, focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and utilizing not only the clinician–patient relationship but also how the family and community contribute to health promotion and disease. IH is a nascent area of practice within public health training. However, many people with a graduate degree in public health have a clinical profession that contributes to integrative primary health. To support the development of a competency-based education for IH, the National Center for Integrative Primary Healthcare convened an interprofessional leadership team to develop 10 “meta-competencies” in integrative primary health care. Following the development of the meta-competencies, individual members of the leadership team worked with colleagues within their profession to develop subcompetencies for specific professions for each meta-competency, including public health. The meta-competencies and public health subcompetencies were used to develop an online 33-hour introductory IH course: “Foundations in Integrative Health.” The public health subcompetencies were used to guide the development of a case study for a 6-hour unit, “Interprofessional Practice in Community Settings and Systems at Large,” on how to conduct and utilize a community health assessment that focused on health equity issues related to diabetes, which can also be taken as a stand-alone course.
Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging to identify stroke onset within 6 h in patients with large vessel occlusions
Authors: Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Christensen Soren , Norrving Bo , Laage Rico , Thomalla Götz , Kemp Stephanie , Lansberg Maarten , Thijs Vincent , Albers Gregory W , Lemmens Robin
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Mechanical thrombectomy within 6 h after stroke onset improves the outcome in patients with large vessel occlusions. The aim of our study was to establish a model based on diffusion weighted and perfusion weighted imaging to provide an accurate prediction for the 6 h time-window in patients with unknown time of stroke onset.

Patients and methods

A predictive model was designed based on data from the DEFUSE 2 study and validated in a subgroup of patients with large vessel occlusions from the AXIS 2 trial.

Results

We constructed the model in 91 patients from DEFUSE 2. The following parameters were independently associated with <6 h time-window and included in the model: interquartile range and median relative diffusion weighted imaging, hypoperfusion intensity ratio, core volume and the interaction between median relative diffusion weighted imaging and hypoperfusion intensity ratio as predictors of the 6 h time-window. The area under the curve was 0.80 with a positive predictive value of 0.90 (95%CI 0.79–0.96). In the validation cohort (N = 90), the area under the curve was 0.73 ( P for difference = 0.4) with a positive predictive value of 0.85 (95%CI 0.69–0.95).

Discussion

After validation in a larger independent dataset the model can be considered to select patients for endovascular treatment in whom stroke onset is unknown.

Conclusion

In patients with large vessel occlusion and unknown time of stroke onset an automated multivariate imaging model is able to select patients who are likely within the 6 h time-window.