bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of treated eggplant peel as a low-cost adsorbent for water treatment toward elimination of Pb2+: Kinetic modeling and isotherm study
Authors: Karimi Darvanjooghi Mohammad Hossein , Davoodi Seyyed Mohammadreza , Dursun Arzu Y , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Karimpour Iman , Ameri Elham
Published: January 2018

In this study, treated eggplant peel was used as an adsorbent to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solution. For this purpose batch adsorption experiments were performed for investigating the effect of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, solute concentrations, and temperature. In order to assess adsorbent’s physical and chemical properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used. The results showed that the adsorption parameters for reaching maximum removal were found to be contact time of 110 min, adsorbent dose of 0.01 g/ml, initial lead(II) concentration of 70 ppm, pH of 4, and temperature of 25°C. Moreover, for the experiments carried out at pH > 4 the removal occurred by means of significant precipitation as well as adsorption. Furthermore, these results indicated that the adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics model implying that during the adsorption process strong bond between lead(II) and chemical functional groups of adsorbent surface took place. The process was described by Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99; maximum adsorption capacity 88.33 mg/g). Also thermodynamics of adsorption was studied at various temperatures and the thermodynamic parameters including equilibrium constant (K), standard enthalpy change, standard entropy change, and standard free energy changes were obtained from experimental data.
Evaluating the dose-dependent mechanism of action of trazodone by estimation of occupancies for different brain neurotransmitter targets
Authors: Settimo Luca , Taylor David
Published: January 2018

Trazodone is a drug that was introduced in the clinic almost 40 years ago. It is licensed to treat depression, but it is also commonly used off-label to treat insomnia. A recent study shows that it could be promising in preventing neurodegeneration in mice, and clinical trials to assess its possible beneficial effects on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are expected to start soon in humans. In this study, we describe the dose-dependent pharmacology of trazodone by carrying out pharmacokinetic simulations aiming to predict the brain concentrations of trazodone for different drug-dosing regimens and calculating occupancy for 28 different targets for which published trazodone-binding data are available. Our study indicates that low doses of trazodone (typically 50 mg daily) should suffice to block specific receptors responsible for the hypnotic effect, and to provide the protective effect against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration that could be beneficial in dementia. Higher doses are required for an antidepressant effect. The occupancy of specific receptors at therapeutic doses also explains peculiar side effects reported by patients treated with trazodone (e.g. dry-mouth, hypotension and priapism).
Role of cortical microbleeds in cognitive impairment: In vivo behavioral and imaging characterization of a novel murine model
Authors: Bergeron Sandrine , Chen Yaohua , Auger Florent , Deguil Julie , Durieux Nicolas , Skrobala Emilie , Barus Romain , Potey Camille , Cordonnier Charlotte , Pasquier Florence , Ravasi Laura , Bordet Régis , Gautier Sophie
Published: January 2018

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) could contribute to cognitive impairment in the general population and in patients with dementia. We designed a study to (i) develop a murine model of CMBs, (ii) assess whether CMBs affect cognition in this model and (iii) assess whether this model is sensitive to pharmacological modulation. Male C57Bl6/J mice were stereotactically administered collagenase to induce cortical lesion analysed by MRI at 24 h. CMB-mice were assessed at six weeks post-lesion for cognitive performances (Barnes maze and Touchscreen automated paired-associated learning (PAL) task) and for cerebral metabolism (in vivo PET/CT with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)). CMB-model sensitivity to pharmacological modulation was assessed by administering atorvastatin (5 mg/kg/day) over the follow-up period. CMB mice were compared to naïve littermates. Collagenase at 0.8 µU/µl appeared suitable to induce reproducible and reliable CMBs. At six weeks, a decline in learning, spatial and visuospatial memory was significantly observed in CMB-mice. Brain metabolism was impaired in all cortex, striatum and the ipsilateral dentate gyrus. A significant improvement in cognition performances was depicted under atorvastatin. In this novel murine model of CMBs, we validated that CMBs lowered cognitive performances and affected regional metabolism. We also proved that this CMB-model is sensitive to pharmacological modulation.
Perception and Practice of HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Among Secondary School Adolescents in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Adekunle D. , Oke Olalekan A. , Adedokun Babatunde O. , Runsewe-Abiodun Tamramat I.
Published: January 2018

A large proportion of Nigerian adolescents are sexually active and the country has one of the highest HIV prevalence among youths globally. This study was done to assess the perception and practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing (HCT) among secondary school adolescents in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using multistage sampling method. The results showed that despite high level of HCT awareness, majority of the adolescents (62.9%) had negative attitude toward it. The practice of HCT was poor among majority of the respondents as less than 15% of the adolescents had ever done HCT. This study recommends that adolescents should be better informed on the locations of the health centers within the community and services rendered by them. Peer education on HCT should also be intensified in schools to promote positive healthy sexual lifestyles among adolescents.
Intra- and inter-observer agreement in the visual interpretation of interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in malignant lymphoma: influence of clinical information
Authors: Arimoto Maya Kato , Nakamoto Yuji , Higashi Tatsuya , Ishimori Takayoshi , Ishibashi Mana , Togashi Kaori
Published: January 2018

Background

Interim PET/CT is widely performed in lymphoma patients in clinical practice and clinical trials. Visual assessment using a 5-point scale is proposed for PET/CT interpretation, but intra- and inter-observer variation is not fully investigated.

Purpose

To investigate intra- and inter-observer variations in the reporting of interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in lymphoma patients, and the influence of clinical information on the interpretation.

Material and Methods

Three expert readers from different institutions interpreted interim PET/CT images of 42 consecutive patients with malignant lymphoma twice, with and without clinical information. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated using the kappa statistic on a patient and a region basis.

Results

On a patient basis, intra-observer agreement, inter-observer agreement without information, and inter-observer agreement with information were within the ranges 0.48–0.62, 0.51–0.62, and 0.42–0.76, respectively. In the evaluation of lymph nodes, intra-observer agreement, inter-observer agreement without information, and inter-observer agreement with information were within the ranges 0.78–0.92, 0.80–0.82, and 0.77–0.83, respectively. Observer agreements were in almost perfect to substantial agreement categories for most lymphatic organs, but were generally low for the other organs.

Conclusion

The intra- and inter-observer agreements in evaluating interim PET/CT were relatively low for extranodal lesions, but they were substantial to almost perfect when interpreting nodal regions in malignant lymphoma, irrespective of the provision of clinical information, although memory at the first interpretation might have affected the intra-observer results.
The role of PET and MRI in evaluating the feasibility of skin-sparing mastectomy following neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Malya Fatma Umit , Kadioglu Huseyin , Bektasoglu Huseyin Kazim , Gucin Zuhal , Yildiz Seyma , Guzel Mehmet , Erdogan Ezgi Basak , Yucel Serap , Ersoy Yeliz Emine
Published: January 2018

Objective

To investigate the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating the feasibility of skin-sparing mastectomy in patients with locally-advanced breast cancer (LABC) who will undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) by evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of PET and MRI compared with skin biopsy results before and after NAC treatment.

Methods

Patients with LABC who were treated with NAC between November 2013 and November 2015 were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, radiological and histopathological features of the patients were recorded.

Results

A total of 30 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 52.6 years (range, 35–70 years). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting skin involvement in LABC was 100%/10% (62%/85%) with MRI and 60%/80% (12%/92%) with PET before (after) NAC, respectively. When radiological skin involvement was assessed in relation to the final histopathological results, the preNAC PET results and histopathological skin involvement were not significantly different; and there was no difference between postNAC MRI and histopathological skin involvement.

Conclusions

As preNAC PET and postNAC MRI more accurately determined skin involvement, it might be possible to use these two radiological evaluation methods together to assess patient suitability for skin-sparing mastectomy in selected patients.
Stability of two anterior fixations for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine: biomechanical evaluation of anterior pedicle screw-plate fixation
Authors: Wu Hai-hao , Tang Tao , Yu Xiao , Pang Qing-jiang
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the stability of anterior pedicle screw-plate (APSP) fixation and anterior vertebral body screw-plate (AVBSP) fixation for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine.

Methods

Six fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens of the lower cervical spine were prepared. After measurement of the range of motion (ROM) in the intact state, the specimens were prepared as three-column injury models. The models were stabilized by AVBSP or APSP fixation. The ROM of the models in the two states was measured. The ROM in the two states was compared.

Results

The ROM of the intact state in all directions was significantly smaller than that of the AVBSP state and significantly larger than that of the APSP state. The ROM of the AVBSP state in all directions was significantly larger than that of the APSP state.

Conclusions

This study shows that APSP fixation can provide sufficient stability for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine. The primary stability of our models using APSP fixation is superior to that of AVBSP fixation. These results suggest that APSP can be used for three-column injury in the lower cervical spine.
Relationship between antimicrobial-resistance programs and antibiotic dispensing for upper respiratory tract infection: An analysis of Australian data between 2004 and 2015
Authors: Wu Jianyun , Taylor Daniel , Ovchinikova Ludmila , Heaney Aine , Morgan Tessa , Dartnell Jonathan , Holbrook Rachel , Humphreys Lauren , Weekes Lynn , Blogg Suzanne
Published: January 2018

Objective

NPS MedicineWise aims to ensure that medicines are prescribed and used in a manner consistent with current evidence-based best practice. A series of nationwide educational and advertising interventions for general practitioners and consumers were implemented in Australia between 2009 and 2015 with the aim of reducing antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The work described in this paper quantifies the change in antibiotic dispensing following these interventions.

Methods

Antibiotic dispensing data between 2004 and 2015 were obtained from a national claims database. A Bayesian structural time series model was used to forecast a series of antibiotic dispensing volumes expected to have occurred if the interventions had not taken place. These were compared with the volumes that were actually observed to estimate the intervention effect.

Results

On average, 126,536 fewer antibiotics were dispensed each month since the intervention programs began in 2009 (95% Bayesian credible interval = 71,580–181,490). This change represents a 14% total reduction in dispensed scripts after the series of intervention programs began in 2009.

Conclusions

Continual educational intervention programs that emphasise the judicious use of antibiotics may effectively reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for the treatment of URTIs at a national level.
Stylet angulation of 70 degrees reduces the time to intubation with the GlideScope®: A prospective randomised trial
Authors: Lee Yong-Cheol , Lee Jiwon , Son Je-Do , Lee Jae-Yoon , Kim Hyun-Chang
Published: January 2018

Objective

The GlideScope® videolaryngoscope provides a good view of the glottis. However, directing and inserting an endotracheal tube is sometimes difficult during intubation with the GlideScope®. In this study, we compared two GlideScope® stylet angulations (90° vs. 70°) in terms of the time to intubation.

Methods

In total, 162 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the 90 group ( n = 79), a 90° stylet was used. In the 70 group ( n = 78), a 70° stylet was used. The time to intubation was recorded. The number of intubation attempts was assessed.

Results

The time to intubation was significantly shorter in the 70 than 90 group [26.0 (23.0–32.0) vs. 37.0 (30.0–43.0) s, respectively]. The first-time intubation success rate was significantly higher and the number of failed intubations was significantly lower in the 70 than 90 group (100% vs. 87% and 0% vs. 6%, respectively).

Conclusions

This investigation suggests that a 70° angle stylet is superior to a 90° angle stylet for GlideScope® intubation. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02547064
Spontaneous fetal femoral fracture: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Mingming , Xu Dapeng , Zhang Aiguo , Shen Jun
Published: January 2018

Spontaneous fetal femoral fractures are uncommon in the paediatric setting. The major clinical presentations of a spontaneous fetal femoral fracture are femoral angulation, shortness of the femur and even a marked fracture line. This case report describes a spontaneous fetal femoral fracture of the right femur, which was detected by routine ultrasonography during the 19th week of gestation in a 24-year-old woman. On routine follow-up visits, the angulation of the right femur in the fetus gradually improved. A caesarean section was undertaken at 39 weeks +5 days of gestation and an X-ray was taken on the second day after birth, which showed that the fracture had healed and the callus had been absorbed. The lengths of the two femurs of the baby were not equal; the right femur was 84 mm, which was 11 mm shorter than the left femur. In cases like this, postnatal follow-up is essential so that an operation can be carried out in a timely manner when the deformity is apparent.
Salivary metabolomics profile of patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer as revealed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yantao , Wang Daoming , Zeng Chunwei , Liu Yichen , Huang Guangyuan , Mei Zhanlong
Published: January 2018

Objective

We compared the salivary nontargeted metabolite profiles between patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) and healthy individuals to investigate the metabolic alterations associated with RAU.

Methods

Saliva samples were collected from 45 patients with RAU and 49 healthy individuals, and the salivary metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolomic profiles were then analyzed using multivariate and univariate statistical methods, and enrichment of the metabolites in various biological pathways was assessed.

Results

In total, 206 significant differentiating metabolites (Wilcoxon test, false discovery rate [FDR] of <0.05) were identified between patients with RAU and healthy individuals. These metabolites were implicated in tryptophan metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and other metabolic pathways. Two commonly circulating steroids, estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, were significantly lower in the saliva of patients with RAU (Wilcoxon test, FDR < 0.05, power > 0.9). Principal component analysis and partial least-squares discriminant analysis revealed metabolic perturbations involving RAU, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with several metabolites showed good diagnostic ability for RAU.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that patients with RAU are characterized by metabolic imbalances. Psychogenic factors, endocrinopathies, and immunosuppression may contribute to the onset of RAU.
Safety and efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser system in patients taking oral anticoagulants
Authors: Eken Alper , Soyupak Bülent
Published: January 2018

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser system for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients taking oral anticoagulants.

Methods

All consecutive patients admitted for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia from November 2012 to October 2016 and who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 180-W GreenLight XPS laser were included in the study. The perioperative outcomes examined were the operating time, laser time, energy usage, and duration of postoperative catheterization. Functional parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume), prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen concentration were examined at baseline and 3 months. Perioperative complications, if any, were noted.

Results

All functional parameters (International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum urinary flow rate, and post-void residual urine volume) significantly improved from baseline to 3 months. A small number of patients experienced at least one minor adverse event. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events between patients who were and were not taking anticoagulants.

Conclusions

Photoselective vaporization with a 180-W laser is an efficacious and safe treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, even in patients taking anticoagulant medications.
An Introduction to Institutional Economics: Tools for Understanding Evolving Economies
Authors: Mayhew Anne
Published: January 2018

The analytical approach, that is, the Original Institutional Economics (OIE), is shown to be founded on three interrelated concepts—enculturation, empiricism in aid of both understanding and policy, and evolution—that are crucial to understanding economic systems. The theoretical framework that has been constructed by institutional economists over the past 100 or so years is explored as are some of the theoretical controversies of recent decades. Differences and similarities between OIE and textbook economics, as well as noninstitutionalist heterodox approaches to economics, are delineated. Finally, three recent works of Institutional Economics—a study of the use of consumer credit, of the labor market associated with casinos, and differences among markets—are used to illustrate the OIE approach in use.

JEL Classifications: A12, B15, B25, B40
The practice of the European Court of Human Rights when striking out applications
Authors: Lambert Abdelgawad Elisabeth
Published: January 2018

This paper analyses how the European Court of Human Rights has applied Article 37 of the European Convention on Human Rights that gives it the power to strike out pending cases in the current context of an overwhelmed Court by individual applications. This article shows that the Court’s interpretation of Article 37, while being casuistic and pragmatic, has evolved along the principles of subsidiarity and procedural justice and that the Court has used its discretion, notably to end cases regarding the expulsion of migrants. Yet this tool has not been a way of disposing repetitive applications which account for half of the pending cases.
Fluidic thrust vector control based on counter-flow concept
Authors: Wu Kexin , Kim Heuy Dong , Jin Yingzi
Published: January 2018

Computational studies are conducted on the supersonic nozzle to investigate the possibility of utilizing counter-flow in fluidic thrust vector control. In this work, the design Mach number of the symmetric supersonic nozzle is set to be 2.5. For the validation of methodology, numerical results are compared with experimental data referred from the literature. Two-dimensional numerical simulations are based on well-assessed standard k–ɛ turbulence model with standard wall functions. Second-order accuracy is ensured to reveal more details of flow field. The system thrust ratio, deflection angle, and secondary mass flow ratio were studied for a wide range of nozzle pressure ratios and secondary pressure ratios. The results indicate that deflection angle and secondary mass flow ratio are found to be decreased with increasing nozzle pressure ratio as well as system thrust ratio. The secondary mass flow ratio and deflection angle decrease with the increase of secondary pressure ratio, and system thrust ratio increases with the increasing of secondary pressure ratio. The secondary mass flow rate remains under 2.4% of the primary flow to obtain efficient thrust vector control at high Mach number.
Calling for a Pro-Love Movement: A Contextualized Theo-Ethical Examination of Reproductive Health Care and Abortion in the United States
Authors: Whitten-Andrews Jeanie
Published: January 2018

In the midst of extreme and dualistic religio-political debates regarding women’s sexual wellness and abortion, one begins to wonder what a new theo-ethical approach might look like which rejects overly-simplistic, harmful understandings of such crucial issues. What might it look like to truly centre women’s full human experiences, loving each other in a way that addresses harm and meets tangible needs? This article examines the complex inequitable structural and institutional realities of sexual wellness and abortion through an intersectional theo-ethical lens. The article then proceeds to suggest a new socio-religio-political ‘Pro-Love’ philosophy, undergirded by foundational theological understandings of justice-oriented love, and situated within the broad fields of Feminist, Liberation, Process, and Queer Theologies, within the Christian tradition. The suggested approach requires systematically addressing root issues affecting the lack of equitable access to sexual wellness and the racist/sexist/classist structures forcing women into under-resourced and unsafe environments, leading to high demand for abortion services.
Locating Prayerful Submission for Feminist Ecumenism: Holy Saturday or Incarnate Life?
Authors: Poe Shelli M.
Published: January 2018

R. Marie Griffith and Sarah Coakley suggest that feminist ecumenism across the evangelical-liberal spectrum is valuable for feminist studies of religion and theologies. In this context, I trace the conversation that has arisen around the idea of adopting ‘submission’ vis-à-vis the Christian notion of kenosis, and turn it in a new direction. I argue that Coakley’s apophatically cruciform understanding of submission in contemplative prayer contrasts with womanist approaches like that of Delores Williams. Drawing on Williams’ considerations of atonement and Friedrich Schleiermacher’s understanding of prayer, I offer ‘incarnational submission’ as a way to acknowledge the value of prayerful submission while avoiding its potentially oppressive features.
Angling the Trinity from the Margin of Power: Vernacular Trinitarian Theology in Hadewijch of Brabant and Feminist Theology
Authors: Sasongko Nindyo
Published: January 2018

In the wake of discourses in Trinitarian Theology, one can see that the debates still centre around male theologians, past and present. This study explores a theological voice from the margins of power through the thought of the thirteenth-century Beguine mystic Hadewijch of Brabant. I contend that Hadewijch can be seen on par with those great male theologians. Through her reading of William of St. Thierry and her fluency in Latin, she attained great knowledge of scripture and of the doctors of the church, and, as such, she can be seen as one of the creative theologians of her time. I will focus on her view of the Trinity and how such a view was deemed dangerous by those at the centre of power. Finally, I will show aspects of her Trinitarian view which can be appreciated by theologians of today.
Looking at China’s Belt and Road Initiative from the Central Asian Perspective
Authors: Kohli Harinder
Published: January 2018

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a potentially transformational geopolitical development initiative, launched by China, which encompasses 65 countries, accounting for roughly 32 percent of global GDP, 39 percent of global merchandize trade, and 63 percent of the world’s population. The BRI, also referred to as the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and the twenty-first century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), is a geopolitical initiative put forth by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which goes well beyond building infrastructure along the ancient “silk road.” The initiative seeks to develop a wide network of connectivity and cooperation spanning the entire Eurasian land mass and parts of Africa, including Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North and East Africa. The magnitude of investments anticipated under the BRI is massive. According to the Chinese government, US$890 billion worth of investments have already been disbursed under the BRI umbrella, with an expected total Chinese investment of US$4 trillion over the course of the initiative. Developments suggest that BRI could ultimately evolve beyond a mere Chinese-financed initiative. However, the bulk of BRI-related investments still appear to be conceived, driven, and primarily financed by China and financial institutions controlled by Beijing. This could change, however, as national governments that host BRI projects, multilateral institutions, and private sector gets more actively involved.
Peaceful Nuclear Tests, Eco-friendly Reactors, and the Vantage Point of Tamasha
Authors: Nizaruddin Fathima
Published: January 2018

The article analyzes the role of the documentary form in building pronuclear narratives around the Indian nuclear project. It situates the nuclear films made by two state institutions, Films Division of India (Films Division) and Vigyan Prasar, as part of a network of expert statements, documentary assertions, and state violence that bring into being a pronuclear reality. Through the insights gained from my practice-based enquiry, which led to the production and circulation of a film titled Nuclear Hallucinations, I argue that the certainty of the pronouncements of such documentaries can be unsettled by approaching them as a tamasha. I rely on the multiple connotations of the word tamasha in the South Asian context and its ability to turn solemn assertions into a matter of entertainment or a joke. This vantage point of tamasha vis-à-vis the Indian nuclear project builds upon the strategies of antinuclear documentaries that resist the epistemological violence of pronuclear assertions. In this article, I explore the role of comic modes and irony in forming sites of tamasha to create trouble within the narratives that position nonviolent antinuclear protestors as “antinational” elements. The article also expands on how the point of view of tamasha can engender new solidarities, which can resist the violence of the Indian nuclear project by forming new configurations of possibilities.
How Systems Cohere: Niira Radia in 2017
Authors: Anirban Gupta-Nigam
Published: January 2018

Why do mediatized political scandals fail to effect discernable transformations of a systemic kind? This article offers one possible answer to this question by revisiting the media event known as “the Radia tapes scandal” to think through the reasons why, despite its explosive contents, the scandal changed little in the day-to-day workings of Indian political life. I argue that the noneventful temporality of mediatized political scandals is important to attend to because it is in the sphere of the everyday that we might be able to discern how corruption mediates relations between states and publics. That is to say: scandals do not change systems because systems rely on corruption, leaks, and information flows to render themselves stable. By fixating on leaks as a political tool, we run the risk of taking a system’s self-representation of disorder at face value. In making these points, I historicize the Radia affair within a longer arc of mediated corruption scandals in India and then juxtapose the leaks themselves to an artwork by the collective, CAMP.
Transient Spaces and Places: Inside an 80s Cinema Hall in Lahore
Authors: Nabi Hira
Published: January 2018

The space of cinema in Pakistan is a tense, fraught, constantly shifting territory. It has often come under direct attack for being a corrupting Westernizing influence upon society. It has also been made vulnerable as part of a larger scheme of privatization of public and semi-public spaces, and increasing forms of capitalist globalization.

I have been curious about the cinema theater as a site for reception of cinematic content as well as a negotiated space of classed, ethnic and gendered relations. In this extract from a conversational interview, I chat with a Lahori cinemagoer about his memories of cinemagoing in the 1980s. It was a chance to rediscover the city that I grew up in, but in a different time and through someone else’s memories. We talk about his navigation and knowledge of the city’s infrastructure, its possibilities and its limits, all the while locating cinema at the heart of his transgressions under Zia’s military dictatorship
Law, Love, and Marriage: Television News and the Production of Publicity in North India
Authors: Ibrahim Amrita
Published: January 2018

Journalism’s mandate is a paradoxical one: to publicize stories of social injustice and sustain their visibility in the public domain, while battling the decay of publicity that is inherent in the very genre of information that is daily news. In this article, I argue that the legitimacy and credibility that Hindi crime journalists create for stories relies on their keen understanding of a complex terrain of institutional scripts and social actions from which the news stories themselves emerge. Analyzing a breaking news story on Hindi channels in 2011, featuring a secret marriage, kinship role inversion, and a woman’s public plea for protection from family intimidation, the article explores the complex interpenetration of journalistic, institutional, and social scripts that make up the fraught terrain of “love marriage” in North India. I show, first, how journalists remediate the authority of photographic images through the news image to secure credibility for the story; second, how they locate the story within local and global discourses of criminality and “honor” that fits it into recognizable journalistic storylines. I conclude by suggesting that the production of publicity in television news, in which industrial constraints and the pressure for ratings plays a substantial role, nevertheless relies on existing institutional discourses and social norms with respect to the framing of love, marriage, and criminality. To understand how 24-hour news cycles generate sensationalism, we cannot ignore the sociological ground from which the news stories emerge and through which they circulate to reinforce or reinvent normative cultural scripts.
Book Review: Meraj Ahmed Mubarki, Filming Horror: Hindi Cinema, Ghosts and Ideologies and Meheli Sen, Haunting Bollywood: Gender, Genre, and the Supernatural in Hindi Commercial Cinema
Authors: Nair Kartik
Published: January 2018

Meraj Ahmed Mubarki, Filming Horror: Hindi Cinema, Ghosts and Ideologies. Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2016, 216 pp., US$45 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-9-3515-0872-4.

Meheli Sen, Haunting Bollywood: Gender, Genre, and the Supernatural in Hindi Commercial Cinema. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2017, pp. 264, US$27.95. ISBN 978–1-4773–1158–5.
Book Review: Anand Pandian, Reel World: An Anthropology of Creation
Authors: Wilkinson Clare M.
Published: January 2018

Anand Pandian, Reel World: An Anthropology of Creation. Durham, NC and London: Duke University Press, 2015, 360 pp., US $26.95. ISBN: 978-0-8223-6000-1.
Barbed Wire Border Fencing: Exclusion and Displacement at the Indo-Bangladesh Borderland
Authors: Datta Abhimanyu
Published: January 2018

The Government of India decided to fence the entire India–Bangladesh border to prevent the illegal immigration from Bangladesh and to prevent the cross-border illegal and antisocial activities. Since the year 1986, the Government of India started the initiative to construct the border fencing in phase manner. The single wire border fencing which was created in the first phase has been replaced by the composite type of barbed wire border fencing a few years ago. Now the border fencing along the international border between India and Bangladesh has become a structural barrier for the Indian families living at the Country’s territorial edge. The families trapped in the geographical space between actual line of partition and the border fencing are living a restricted and deprived life within the limited land.

This study is basically focused on the impact of the border fencing on the citizenship rights of the Indian fenced out families. This article will discuss how the defensive policies of the Government are affecting the citizen’s rights at the border regions of the country and subsequently resulting in displacement.
A Potato Market Integration Analysis for India
Authors: Salmensuu Olli
Published: January 2018

We constructed co-integration relation and Engle–Granger type error-correction models for the wholesale potato markets of three Indian regions. In addition to the standard result of the existence of error-correction mechanisms in Indian potato markets, the chosen setting allows for inspection of how these market areas differ in their return to the co-integrating relation. The northern area differed from the other market relations studied with its slower return to equilibrium, 8.0–8.6 weeks compared to 5.0–6.3 weeks. The result may indicate that the Delhi and Agra markets are central playing grounds for speculators, speculators manipulating potato prices farther and longer time away from the natural price relation. Short-run or same-week elasticities between the markets studied ranged from 0.12 to 0.34. Long-run elasticities ranged from 0.55 to 1.11. Short-run effect has to be multiplied by approximately four to obtain the long-run effect.

JEL: Q13, Q18, R12, R32
From governance to government: Banking union, capital markets union and the new EU
Authors: Epstein Rachel , Rhodes Martin
Published: January 2018

European banking union and Capital markets union have emerged as two of the key pillars of European integration since the post-2008 financial crisis. Neither were anticipated prior to the financial crisis, nor was the rapidity of their construction. Both imply the same critical shifts in Europe’s institutional political economy. The first relocates national oversight and authority to supranational institutions (a political shift), while the second increases the power and responsibility of market actors by reducing national controls (an economic shift). If banking union aims to break the hold of national governments over banking entities to foster a less fragmented and more efficient European union banking market, capital markets union aims to remove national-level impediments to a single market for capital in which jurisdictional differences are minimized, investor freedoms maximized and business gains access to a greater range of financial resources.
Impact of an assertive community treatment model of care on the treatment of prisoners with a serious mental illness
Authors: McKenna Brian , Skipworth Jeremy , Tapsell Rees , Pillai Krishna , Madell Dominic , Simpson Alexander , Cavney James , Rouse Paul
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

This study aims to describe the impact of a mental health assertive community treatment prison model of care (PMOC) on improving the ability to identify prisoner needs, provide interventions and monitor their efficacy.

Methods:

We carried out a file review across five prisons of referrals in the year before the implementation of the PMOC in 2010 ( n = 423) compared with referrals in the year after ( n = 477).

Results:

Some improvements in the identification of needs and providing interventions were detected. There was increased use of medication management and clinically significant improvement in addressing engagement with families. Monthly multi-disciplinary team face-to-face contact improved.

Conclusions:

Meeting the needs of mentally ill prisoners is challenged by the complexity of the custodial environment. Improvements made resulted from changing the model of care, rather than adding new resources.
Physical and psychological health of carers of young people with first episode psychosis
Authors: Poon Abner Weng Cheong , Curtis Jackie , Ward Philip , Loneragan Celia , Lappin Julia
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Carers of people with psychosis may experience psychological distress and caregiving burden. However, few studies have examined both psychological and physical health of carers of young people with first episode psychosis (FEP).

Method:

A total of 32 young people with FEP and 42 of their carers were recruited from a mental health service. Standardised scales were administered to assess carers’ psychological distress and risk for development of Type 2 diabetes. Their body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured.

Results:

A total of 24% ( n = 10) of carers experienced high/very high psychological distress and 39.0% ( n = 16) had high risk for Type 2 diabetes. It was common for carers to be overweight ( n = 33, 78.6%) and to have hypertension ( n = 14, 33.3%). Carers’ higher levels of psychological distress were associated with shorter duration of illness in the young person.

Conclusions:

Caring for a young person with FEP is associated with poor physical and psychological health. Findings show the importance of supporting carers’ physical and psychological health early in treatment of young people with FEP.
Using a television documentary to prevent suicide in men and boys
Authors: Schlichthorst Marisa , King Kylie , Spittal Matthew , Reifels Lennart , Phelps Andrea , Pirkis Jane
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

We investigated whether a documentary about masculinity and suicidality ( Man Up) could raise males’ awareness of societal pressures to conform to masculine norms and influence their likelihood of connecting with their male friends and seeking help.

Methods:

We conducted a repeat cross-sectional survey, posting versions of the survey online before and after Man Up was screened.

Results:

1287 male respondents completed the survey; 476 completed the pre-screening survey, 811 the post-screening survey (192 had not viewed Man Up, 619 had). Those who had viewed Man Up were more likely to desire closer relationships with their male friends than those who had not, and had greater awareness of societal pressures on males, but were no more likely to seek help. Almost all respondents who saw Man Up indicated they would recommend it to others, and most said it changed the way they thought about the term ‘man up’. They indicated they would be likely to undertake a number of adaptive actions following the show, and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Conclusions:

Man Up appeared to effectively address factors that place males at heightened risk of suicide.
Use of ECT in the presence of acute bilateral posterior vitreous detachmanet
Authors: Taye Tesema , Dobranici Letitia , Fisher Mark , Cullum Sarah
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

We describe a case of acute bilateral posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in a 71-year-old female, which developed during a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression. The risks and benefits of continuing ECT were assessed and the patient completed the full course of 16 ECT treatments without further ophthalmic complications.

Conclusions:

As the incidence of PVD increases with age, and ECT is used more frequently in elderly people with depression, we recommend paying attention to ophthalmic symptoms as part of the routine clinical monitoring of ECT side effects. If ophthalmic symptoms occur, the risks and benefits of ECT need to be weighed up including consultation with an ophthalmologist.
A Prospectus on the Anthropology of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Stewart Alex
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the possible payoffs from investing scholarly attention in the anthropology of entrepreneurship, and considers the central topics, themes, and methods of this research. Ways in which to invest are suggested.
Entrepreneurship's Contribution to Economics
Authors: Kirchhoff Bruce A.
Published: January 2018

Recent evidence of entrepreneurship's significant contribution to economic growth and development challenges the dominance of general equilibrium theory in macroeconomic thought. Microeconomics has long criticized the assumptions of the neoclassical economic model which underlies general equilibrium theory but has not swayed the grasp that general equilibrium theory has over macroeconomic policy formulation. Yet, general equilibrium theory does not incorporate entrepreneurship; on the contrary, the assumptions of this model exclude entrepreneurship as an economic variable.

Now, however, as microeconomic research finds more and more evidence confirming the importance of new business formation and growth, general equilibrium theory remains incapable of adapting to this reality. And, this theory frequently produces policy prescriptions that favor large, established firms over new, small firms.

This paper describes the weaknesses of general equilibrium theory that are relevant to entrepreneurship. Then, after reviewing the growing evidence supporting entrepreneurship, it describes Schumpeter's model of creative destruction and demonstrates how entrepreneurship empirical research supports this model. It concludes by urging economists to desert general equilibrium theory and search for a new macro-theory that incorporates entrepreneurship.
Acting as If: Differentiating Entrepreneurial from Organizational Behavior
Authors: Gartner William B. , Bird Barbara J. , Starr Jennifer A.
Published: January 2018

This paper suggests that entrepreneurship is the process of “emergence.” An organizational behavior perspective on entrepreneurship would focus on the process of organizational emergence. The usefulness of the emergence metaphor is explored through an exploration of two questions that are the focus of much of the research in organizational behavior: “What do persons in organizations do?” (we will explore this question by looking at research and theory on the behaviors of managers), and “Why do they do what they do?” (ditto for motivation). The paper concludes with some implications for using the idea of emergence as a way to connect theories and methodologies from organizational behavior to entrepreneurship.
Strategic Management's Potential Contributions to a Theory of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Sandberg William R.
Published: January 2018

The article offers an overview of strategic management and its various schools of thought, followed by a summary of the field of entrepreneurship and its own disagreements over definition and boundaries. It suggests that strategic management might help resolve such disagreements through its focus on “the entrepreneurial work of the organization,” which is based on variables that describe the organization's industry, resources, processes, and strategy. Finally, the article both describes and proposes contributions of strategic management to entrepreneurship theory, specifically addressing issues of new business creation, innovation, opportunity seeking, risk assumption, top management teams, and group processes in strategic decisions.
Research on Women Business Owners: Past Trends, a New Perspective and Future Directions
Authors: Brush Candida G.
Published: January 2018

The number of women starting and owning their own businesses has grown dramatically over the past decade. Concurrent with this trend, there has been an increase in the number of research studies focusing on or including women business owners in their samples. This paper reviews empirical research studies on women business owners and their ventures, classifies the studies in a framework, and summarizes trends emerging from this research. To guide future research, a new perspective on women-owned businesses is proposed and research questions, methods, and implications are discussed.
Differences in Management Practices of Founding and Nonfounding Chief Executives of Human Service Organizations
Authors: Miller Lynn E. , Simmons Karen A.
Published: January 2018

Drawing hypotheses from theories of organizational life cycles, this survey compared the management practices of 37 founding and 133 nonfounding chief executives of human service organizations. The differences observed are interpreted as suggesting that founders may be more likely than nonfounders to manage in ways that afford them greater ability to direct and oversee organizational matters.
The Creation Corridor: Environmental Load and Pre-Organization Information-Processing Ability
Authors: Hansen Eric L , Allen Kathleen R.
Published: January 2018

A model of the relationships between pre-organlzational Information processing and environmental load specifies an interaction effect on new organization creation. The model proposes that levels of Information-processing ability In pre-organlzational networks can be either superoptimal or suboptimal relative to the levels of environmental load encountered by intending entrepreneurs. Either condition will reduce the likelihood that the entrepreneurs’ Intentions will be realized. However, when an appropriate balance between Information-processing ability and environmental load Is achieved, the likelihood of new organization creation increases. Environmental load Is described in terms of information load and information diversity. Entrepreneurs’ information-processing ability is specified In terms of pre-organlzational size, interconnectivity, and frequency of communication.