bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement Invariance of the Ruminative Responses Scale Across Gender
Authors: Whisman Mark A. , Miranda Regina , Fresco David M. , Heimberg Richard G. , Jeglic Elizabeth L. , Weinstock Lauren M.
Published: May 2018

Although women demonstrate higher levels of rumination than men, it is unknown whether instruments used to measure rumination have the same psychometric properties for women and men. To examine this question, we evaluated measurement invariance of the brooding and reflection subscales from the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS) by gender, using data from four samples of undergraduates from three universities within the United States ( N = 4,205). A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis revealed evidence for configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the covariance structure of the 10-item version of the RRS. There were statistically significant latent mean differences between women and men, with women scoring significantly higher than men on both brooding and reflection. These findings suggest that the 10-item version of the RRS provides an assessment of rumination that is psychometrically equivalent across gender. Consequently, gender differences in brooding and reflection likely reflect valid differences between women and men.
Moderator Role of Monitoring in the Inhibitory Control of Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Ramos-Galarza Carlos , Pérez-Salas Claudia
Published: May 2018

Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze the role of monitoring in the causal relationship between inhibitory control and symptoms of combined ADHD. Method: It has been conducted a quantitative investigation of two phases. Results: In the first study, a moderation model was analyzed ( N = 144 adolescents with combined ADHD), where monitoring was considered as a moderating variable in the causal relationship between the inhibitory control and the symptomatology of ADHD F(3, 140) = 28.03, p < .001; R2 = .37. In the second study, the model through an experimental study was tested ( N = 52 adolescents with and without ADHD) where it was found that adolescents with ADHD improve in their inhibitory control when they receive external support to the monitoring F(1, 50) = 21.38, p < .001, η2 = .30. Conclusion: Results suggest that monitoring compensates the poor performance of inhibitory control in adolescents with ADHD, which is a contribution to the theoretical construction of ADHD and to the treatments proposed for this condition because it goes beyond the classic conception of a causality chain among the deficit of inhibitory control and ADHD symptomatology to propose a new explanation about this disorder, where neuropsychology intervention of monitoring would diminish ADHD’s symptomatology impact on adolescents.
Hip resurfacing in patients with severe osteoarthritis and blocked medullary canal
Authors: Pritchett James W.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of hip resurfacing in patients with femoral deformities or retained femoral implants. Implant removal and conversion total hip replacement (CTHR) have been associated with increased operative time, blood loss, and cost. Removing intramedullary nails in particular can be difficult and can result in a more difficult recovery and/or complications. Hip resurfacing can be performed with a blocked femoral canal and has the possible additional benefits of a less-complex procedure, improved functional outcomes, better patient survivorship, and a possibly less-complicated revision should a failure occur.

Materials and methods:

The author performed hip resurfacing in 61 patients (65 hips) with a blocked femur who had been advised elsewhere that they could not undergo THR without also undergoing additional surgical procedures. The perioperative complexity of resurfacing was evaluated by recording operative time, blood loss and functional outcomes using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Implant survivorship was evaluated by the need for revision surgery.

Results:

At 9 years’ mean follow-up (range 5–19 years), 59 of the 61 patients presented for postoperative evaluation. The mean operative time was 104 minutes and the mean blood loss was 300 cc. The mean HHS improved from 41 to 92 ( p < 0.001) and the mean SF-12 physical and mental scores improved from 26 to 49 and from 44 to 54, respectively ( p < 0.001). None of the procedures failed or required revision.

Conclusion:

Canal-sparing hip resurfacing is a successful and less complicated option than CTHR when there is deformity or retained implant blocking the femoral canal.
Palliative Curriculum Re-imagined: A Critical Evaluation of the UK Palliative Medicine Syllabus
Authors: Abel Julian , Kellehear Allan
Published: May 2018

The UK Palliative Medicine Syllabus is critically evaluated to assess its relationship and relevance to contemporary palliative care policy and direction. Three criteria are employed for this review: (1) relevance to non-cancer dying, ageing, caregivers, and bereaved populations; (2) uptake and adoption of well-being models of public health alongside traditional illness and disease models of clinical understanding; and (3) uptake and integration of public health insights and methodologies for social support. We conclude that the current syllabus falls dramatically short on all 3 criteria. Suggestions are made for future consultation and revision.
Discussion on the influence of driving parameters of civilian cars on motor oil degradation
Authors: Wei Lei , Duan Haitao , Chen Song , Jia Dan , Jin Yongliang , Qian Xuzheng , Liu Jianfang , Li Jian
Published: May 2018

Although the reason is not clear, mileage is commonly recommended as an indicator to evaluate the oil drain interval of a car. This paper tries to investigate whether the mileage is the most suitable indicator to evaluate the oil drain interval based on scientific experiments and data analysis method. Three civilian cars and motor oils (contained mineral oil, semisynthetic oil, and synthetic oil) were subjected to road tests under urban traffic condition. The real-time driving parameters comprising speed, mileage, idle time, engine operation time, and number of starts were obtained by on-board diagnostic system. Synchronous oil samples were collected about every 30 days. The physicochemical properties and component changes of experimental oils were analyzed in laboratory. The effects of driving parameters on oil properties were studied with the improved grey relational analysis method. The results show that the influencing factors of driving parameters on motor oil degradation were different in different experimental cars. The influence of mileage on oil degradation was not obvious. The idle time of engine, engine operation time, and number of starts were the three most significantly influential factors on oil deterioration after comprehensive analysis of the three experimental cars.
The influence of national holiday structure on domestic tourism expenditure
Authors: Wei Xiang , Huang Songshan (Sam) , Yap Ghialy , Wu Xinfang , Taivan Ariuna
Published: May 2018

This study attempted to examine the influence of national holiday structure on the domestic tourism expenditure in the context of China. Using a multiprovincial survey data set from China National Tourism Administration, we developed a utility–consumption model to empirically analyze the consumption effects of Weekend Getaway, Paid Leave, National Day Golden Week Holiday, and National Festivals and Memorial Days (NFMDs). Results show that while the consumption effects of the first three types of holiday are significant and robust, the effect of NFMDs on tourism consumption is not statistically significant. This suggests that the first three types of holiday in China may function more effectively than NFMDs in promoting willingness to travel and tourist consumption. Policy recommendations and implications are discussed based on the study results.
The effectiveness of telemedicine on body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jen-Wu , Lin Yi-Ying , Wu Nai-Yuan
Published: May 2018

Object

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine on changes in body mass index for overweight and obese people as well as for diabetes and hypertension patients.

Methods

A systematic review of articles published before 31 August 2014, was conducted using searches of Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus. The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials that compared telemedicine interventions with usual care or standard treatment in adults and reported a change in body mass index. A meta-analysis was conducted for eligible studies, and the primary outcome was a change in body mass index. Subgroup analysis was performed for the type of telemedicine, main purpose of intervention, and length of intervention.

Results

Twenty-five randomised controlled trials comprising 6253 people were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The length of intervention ranged from nine weeks to two years. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in body mass index changes (pooled difference in means = –0.49, 95% confidence interval –0.63 to –0.34, p < 0.001) between the telemedicine and control groups. The subgroup analyses found that either Internet-based or telephone-based intervention was associated with greater changes in body mass index than in controls. Telemedicine intervention was effective in improving body mass index whether it was used for diabetes control, hypertension control, weight loss, or increasing physical activity and was also effective for people with and without diabetes or hypertension. However, only interventions with a duration ≥ 6 months significantly decreased body mass index compared to controls.

Conclusion

Both patients with chronic disease and overweight/obese people could benefit from telemedicine interventions. We suggest that an effective telemedicine approach should be longer than six months and emphasise the importance of post-interventional follow-ups.
Exploring the benefits of collaborative prewriting in a Thai EFL context
Authors: McDonough Kim , De Vleeschauwer Jindarat , Crawford William J.
Published: May 2018

Although second language (L2) collaborative writing research has demonstrated that texts composed collaboratively are more accurate than individually-written texts, few studies have explored whether collaborative prewriting yields similar benefits. This study investigated whether collaborative prewriting, i.e. interacting with peers during the prewriting phase followed by individual writing, led to higher accuracy, complexity, or analytic ratings than individual prewriting. It also explored the relationship between these text features and student talk during collaborative prewriting. English L2 university students in Thailand ( n = 57) were randomly assigned to write a problem and solution paragraph with either collaborative or individual prewriting. Their texts were analysed in terms of accuracy (errors/word) and complexity (coordination and subordination), and were rated using analytic rubrics (content, organization, language). Transcripts of the collaborative prewriting discussions were analysed in terms of the topic of student talk (content, organization, language, task management, off-task talk). The results showed that the collaborative prewriting texts were more accurate and received higher ratings than the individual prewriting texts. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between prewriting time and accuracy. Implications for the use of collaborative prewriting tasks in settings for English as a foreign language (EFL) are discussed.
Surface roughness effect on rotor broadband noise
Authors: Cheng Baofeng , Han Yiqiang , Brentner Kenneth S , Palacios Jose , Morris Philip J , Hanson David , Kinzel Michael
Published: May 2018

The change of helicopter rotor broadband noise due to different surface roughness during ice accretion is investigated. Comprehensive rotor broadband noise measurements are carried out on rotor blades with different roughness sizes and rotation speeds in two facilities: the Adverse Environment Rotor Test Stand facility at The Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Maryland Acoustic Chamber. In both facilities, the measured high-frequency broadband noise increases significantly with increasing surface roughness height. Rotor broadband noise source identification is conducted and the broadband noise related to ice accretion is thought to be turbulent boundary layer-trailing edge noise. Theory suggests turbulent boundary layer-trailing edge noise scales with Mach number to the fifth power, which is also observed in the experimental data confirming that the dominant broadband noise mechanism during ice accretion is trailing edge noise. A correlation between the ice-induced surface roughness and the broadband noise level is developed. The correlation is strong, which can be used as an ice accretion early detection tool for helicopters, as well as to quantify the ice-induced roughness at the early stage of rotor ice accretion. The trailing edge noise theories developed by Ffowcs Williams and Hall, and Howe both identify two important parameters: boundary layer thickness and turbulence intensity. Numerical studies of two-dimensional airfoils with different ice-induced surface roughness heights are conducted to investigate the extent that surface roughness impacts the boundary layer thickness and turbulence intensity (and ultimately the turbulent boundary layer-trailing edge noise). The results show that boundary layer thickness and turbulence intensity at the trailing edge increase with the increased roughness height. Using Howe’s trailing edge noise model, the increased sound pressure level of the trailing edge noise due to the increased displacement thickness and normalized integrated turbulence intensity are 6.2 and 1.6 dB for large and small accreted ice roughness heights, respectively. The estimated increased sound pressure level values agree reasonably well with the experimental results, which are 5.8 and 2.6 dB for large and small roughness height, respectively.
Predictive Validity of Kindergarten Progress Monitoring Measures Across the School Year: Application of Dominance Analysis
Authors: Clemens Nathan H. , Hsiao Yu-Yu , Simmons Leslie E. , Kwok Oi-man , Greene Emily A. , Soohoo Michelle M. , Henri Maria A. , Luo Wen , Prickett Christopher , Rivas Brenna , Otaiba Stephanie Al
Published: May 2018

Although several measures are available for monitoring kindergarten reading progress, little research has directly compared them to determine which are superior in predicting year-end reading skills relative to other measures, and how validity may change across the school year as reading skills develop. A sample of 426 kindergarten students who were considered to be at risk for reading difficulty at the start of kindergarten were monitored across the year with a set of paper-based progress monitoring measures and a computer-adaptive test. Dominance analyses were used to determine the extent to which each measure uniquely predicted year-end reading skills relative to other measures. Although the computer-adaptive test was the most dominant predictor at the start of the year over letter sound fluency, letter naming fluency, and phoneme segmentation fluency, letter sound fluency was most dominant by December. Measures of fluency reading real words administered across the second half of the year were dominant to all other assessments. The implications for measure selection are discussed.
Research Impact and International Collaboration: A Study of Ecuadorian Science
Authors: Castillo José Antonio , Powell Michael A.
Published: May 2018

Scientific performance in Ecuador has been traditionally low; however, in recent years, government has put various policies in place aimed at improving outcomes. This is an analysis of scientific impact of Ecuadorian publications using bibliometric tools for the 2006-2015 period. Impact of publications produced by Ecuadorian researchers is low; however, it highly increased with international collaboration mostly from North America and Europe, what allowed the publication of articles in journals of high level and prestige.
Resilience in engineered resilient systems
Authors: Buchanan Randy K , Goerger Simon R , Rinaudo Christina H , Parnell Greg , Ross Adam , Sitterle Valerie
Published: May 2018

Dynamically transforming mission contexts in conjunction with ever-increasing budgetary constraints provides great impetus for the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify resilient systems early in the design process. The engineered resilient systems (ERS) community of interest (COI) research efforts focus on identifying and quantifying methods to perform systems engineering analysis in a model-based physics-driven environment. Research conducted has approached resiliency from various perspectives, including inherent resilience, mission and platform resilience, and value-driven resilient tradespace. This article examines resilience in an ERS context and presents multiple perspectives of resilience for consideration when developing modeling and simulation platforms to support analysis of systems under acquisition consideration.
Exposure to Radioactive Emanations of Medical Personnel in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Sierra-Diaz E. , Gaxiola-Perez E. , Beas-Ruiz Velasco C. , Sedano-Portillo I. , Gonzalez-Gonzalez C. A. , Adel-Dominguez M. , Davila-Radilla F.
Published: May 2018

The use of radioactive emanations has been of great importance for the performance of endourology procedures, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (NLP). The damage to health caused by radiation has been a sensitive issue. The objective of this work was to determine the dose received by the surgeon during NLP and the total dose generated by the fluoroscope. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from a cohort study with a duration of 18 months that included 101 patients. Radiation was measured with dosimeter during the last 6 months. During the last 6 months of the study, 34 patients were submitted to surgery. The average age was 47 years. Average fluoroscopy time was 58.3 second (24-122 seconds) in both male and female groups, with 57.16 seconds and 58.95 seconds per case, respectively ( P = .6). Radiation emitted during 6 months for the 34 patients was 330.5 mGy. The total radiation measured by the dosimeter was 1 mSv, which is equivalent to 0.3% of the total radiation applied during the procedures. Doses measured by the dosimeter on the surgeon were within the recommended annual doses although dose received by the hands exceeds the authorized limits (500 mSv/y).
Ovarian cyst removal influences ovarian reserve dependent on histology, size and type of operation
Authors: Henes Melanie , Engler Tobias , Taran Florin-Andrei , Brucker Sara , Rall Katharina , Janz Birthe , Lawrenz Barbara
Published: May 2018

Previous publications suggest a reduction in the ovarian reserve following ovarian surgery. The influence of the underlying disease, histology, size of the ovarian cyst and type of procedure remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an ovarian operation on the ovarian reserve, based on the anti-Müllerian hormone levels. The anti-Müllerian hormone values were determined by means of a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In total, 52 patients with one or more ovarian cysts of different histologic entities treated at the Department of Women’s Health at the Women’s University Hospital in Tübingen were included in the study. Anti-Müllerian hormone was determined before and after surgery. The patients were 28 (range = 18–40) years old on average. There was a statistically significant decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone from 3.94 ± 3.18 to 3.14 ± 2.57 ng/mL (p = 0.001). In 80.8%, the cysts were unilateral, and in over 90.4%, a complete cyst extirpation was performed. A statistically significant reduction was seen in follicular cysts (4.72 ± 3.84 to 3.76 ± 2.91 ng/mL; p = 0.039) and endometriosis cysts (2.55 ± 1.87 to 1.72 ± 1.39 ng/mL; p = 0.024). Also, the size of the cysts had an influence on the ovarian reserve, only larger ovarian cysts with a diameter of 5 cm or more showed a statistically significant reduction in anti-Müllerian hormone. Our data showed a significant decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone levels after surgery on the ovaries. If this results in a long-term reduced ovarian reserve or is merely a short-term reaction to the procedure needs to be clarified. However, concerning young women, the indication of surgery should be given cautiously as—at least temporarily—a reduction in the ovarian reserve can occur.
Characterisation of football trajectories for assessing flight performance
Authors: Ward Matthew , Passmore Martin , Spencer Adrian , Tuplin Simon , Harland Andy
Published: May 2018

Much discussion surrounds the flight of association footballs (soccer balls), particularly where the flight may be perceived as irregular. This is particularly prevalent in high-profile competitions due to increased camera coverage and public scrutiny. All footballs do not perform in an identical manner in flight. This article develops methods to characterise the important features of flight, enabling direct, quantitative comparisons between ball designs. The system used to generate the flight paths included collection of aerodynamic force coefficient data in a wind tunnel, which were input into a flight model across a wide range of realistic conditions. Parameters were derived from these trajectories to characterise the in-flight deviations across the range of flights from which the aerodynamic performance of different balls were statistically compared. The amount of lateral movement in flight was determined by calculating the final lateral deviation from the initial shot vector. To quantify the overall shape of the flight, increasing orders of polynomial functions were fitted to the flight path until a good fit was obtained with a high-order polynomial indicating a less consistent flight. The number of inflection points in each flight was also recorded to further define the flight path. The orientation dependency of a ball was assessed by comparing the true shot to a second flight path without considering orientation-dependent forces. The difference between these flights isolated the effect of orientation-dependent aerodynamic forces. The article provides the means of quantitatively describing a ball’s aerodynamic behaviour in a defined and robust mathematical process. Conclusions were not drawn regarding which balls are good and bad; these are subjective terms and can only be analysed through comprehensive player perception studies.
Impact of an optimized colonoscopic screening program for patients with Lynch syndrome: 6-year results of a specialized French network
Authors: Perrod Guillaume , Samaha Elia , Rahmi Gabriel , Khater Sherine , Abbes Leila , Savale Camille , Perkins Geraldine , Zaanan Aziz , Chatellier Gilles , Malamut Georgia , Cellier Christophe
Published: May 2018

Background:

Despite colonoscopic screening, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains frequent in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an optimized colorectal screening program within a French dedicated network.

Methods:

All LS patients followed at our institution were consecutively included in the Prédisposition au Cancer Colorectal-Ile de France (PRED-IdF) network. Patients were offered an optimized screening program allowing an adjustment of the interval between colonoscopies, depending on bowel preparation, chromoendoscopy achievement and adenoma detection. Colonoscopies were defined as optimal when all the screening criteria were respected. We compared colonoscopy quality and colonoscopy detection rate before and after PRED-IdF inclusion, including polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma detection rate (ADR) and cancer detection rate (CDR).

Results:

Between January 2010 and January 2016, 144 LS patients were consecutively included (male/female = 50/94, mean age = 51 ± 13 years and mutations: MLH1 = 39%, MSH2 = 44%, MSH6 = 15%, PMS2 = 1%). A total of 564 colonoscopies were analyzed, 353 after inclusion and 211 before. After PRED-IdF inclusion, 98/144 (68%) patients had optimal screening colonoscopies versus 33/132 (25%) before ( p < 0.0005). The optimal colonoscopy rate was 304/353 (86%) after inclusion versus 87/211 (41%) before, ( p < 0.0001). PRED-IdF inclusion was associated with a reduction of CRC occurrence with a CDR of 1/353 (0.3%) after inclusion versus 6/211 (2.8%) before ( p = 0.012). ADR and PDR were 99/353 (28%) versus 60/211 (28.8%) ( p > 0.05) and 167/353 (48.1%) versus 90/211 (42.2%) ( p > 0.05), respectively after and before inclusion.

Conclusions:

An optimized colonoscopic surveillance program in LS patients seems to improve colonoscopic screening quality and might possibly decrease colorectal interval cancer occurrence. Long-term cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.
Brain, immune system and selenium: a starting point for a new diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Achilli Cesare , Ciana Annarita , Minetti Giampaolo
Published: May 2018

The clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is based primarily on neuropsychological tests, which assess the involutive damage, and imaging techniques that evaluate morphologic changes in the brain. Currently available diagnostic tests do not show complete specificity and do not permit accurate differentiation between AD and other forms of senile dementia. The correlation of these tests with laboratory investigations based on biochemical parameters could increase the certainty of diagnosis. In recent years, several biochemical markers for the diagnosis of AD have been proposed, but in most cases they show a limited specificity and their application is invasive, requiring, in general, sampling of cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, the use of a peripheral biochemical marker could represent a valuable complement for the diagnosis of this disease. Several studies have shown a relationship between neurodegenerative disorders typical of the ageing process, weakening of the immune system and alterations in the levels of selenium and of the antioxidant selenoenzymes in brain tissues and blood cells. Among blood cells, neutrophil granulocytes uniquely express the selenoenzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 (MsrB1). In a preliminary analysis carried out on neutrophils from subjects affected by AD, we observed a significant decline in MsrB1 activity compared to normal subjects. Therefore, we deem it of particular interest to explore the potential use of MsrB1 as a selective peripheral marker for the diagnosis of AD.
Optimal maintenance strategy selection based on a fuzzy analytical network process
Authors: Borjalilu Naimeh , Ghambari Mahmoud
Published: May 2018

Maintenance is one of the most crucial issues in today’s competitive manufacturing environment. Nowadays, productive methods are used in manufacturing plants to improve operations capabilities, which alternatively change business environmental factors leading to a competitive market. Consequently, selection and illustration of an optimal maintenance strategy play a significant role in achieving these goals. Also, lack of an integrated model is felt, one that consists of available criteria and options, a systematic approach in setting maintenance instructions and robust maintenance decision-making. So, based on the fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) method, which composes criteria and options, a new approach to selecting optimal maintenance strategy is proposed in this article. Here, using multi-attribute decision-making in conjunction with application of fuzzy numbers structure has been regarded as an efficacious method for determining the significance of each criterion and option. The criteria that are considered in the FANP method are organization, safety, administration, staff, and technical requirements. The options (strategies) that are taken into consideration in this study are time-based preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, condition-based maintenance, reliability-centered maintenance, and predictive maintenance. After implementing the method proposed for a 5-MW powerhouse (a case study undertaken for the purpose of this study), the predictive maintenance strategy was selected. According to expert opinions, it is the administrative and staff requirements that must be highlighted for selecting the best strategies.
Predicting the Likelihood of Lodging CMBS Loan Default
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: May 2018

This study investigates whether the traditional underwriting loan metrics, loan-to-value (LTV), debt coverage ratio (DSCR), and debt yield (DY) ratio, can predict lodging commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) loan defaults. Using a data set of 5,266 fixed-rate lodging whole loans that were securitized into CMBS between 1996 and 2015, the results of the study provide evidence of significant relationships between all three metrics and the likelihood of default. The LTV varies positively with default, while the DSCR and DY are negatively related to default. These results hold for a subsample analysis of loans originated prior to the global financial crisis (GFC). Finally, the results show the DY spreads to be adequate proxies for the DY ratio.
Conservation Science and Practice Must Engage With the Realities of Complex Tropical Landscapes
Authors: Boedhihartono Agni K. , Bongers Frans , Boot Rene G. A. , van Dijk Jerry , Jeans Helen , van Kuijk Marijke , Koster Harko , Reed James , Sayer Jeffrey , Sunderland Terry , Turnhout Esther , van Vianen Josh , Zuidema Pieter A.
Published: May 2018

There is a growing disconnect between the international conferences where grand solutions for tropical conservation are designed and the complex local realities in tropical landscapes where plans need to be implemented. Every tropical landscape is different and no “one size will fit all.” There is a tendency for global processes to prescribe simple generalized solutions that provide good sound bites that can be communicated with political actors and the media. Sustainable outcomes in tropical landscapes require locally adapted, unique approaches supported by long-term processes of learning and adaptation. Tropical biologists and conservationists can play a key role by establishing effective local–global links and by directly engaging in local policy discourses while remaining connected to evolving political imperatives.
The (in)visible ‘mother’: Diabetes specialist nurses in Swedish primary healthcare
Authors: Boström Eva , Öresland Stina
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to explore how diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) discursively construct and reconstruct their professional position in their working relationships with physicians and thereby the relation with patients in primary healthcare in Sweden. Twenty-nine DSNs working in diabetes care from 21 primary healthcare centres were included in focus-group interviews. The interviews were analysed using discourse analysis. From a social constructionist perspective, findings showed that the working relationship between the DSNs, physicians and thereby the relation with patients was discursively constructed as a relationship within a gendered discourse. The DSNs constructed their subject position metaphorically as ‘mothers’ in this relationship. The construction of doing gender implies that the DSNs became visible as biological women, but invisible in being perceived as competent, well-educated professionals, because skills such as multitasking and versatility are often associated with female abilities.
CATT polymorphism in MIF gene promoter is closely related to human pulmonary tuberculosis in a southwestern China population
Authors: Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai , Voravuthikunchai Supayang P
Published: May 2018

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is deemed as an immunoregulatory and proinflammatory cytokine related to the progression of tuberculosis. A CATT short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphism at position −794 in the MIF gene promoter region is associated with the susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). To investigate whether macrophage MIF gene mif CATT variants are associated with susceptibility to retreatment cases of TB and drug-resistant TB prevalence, genotyping of MIF −794 CATT polymorphism and quantifying of serum MIF were performed to associate MIF−794 CATT polymorphism with new patients and retreatment cases. Significant increases in MIF −794 CATT genotypes 7/8 and allele CATT 8 were observed in TB patients. Significant differences in the genotypic frequencies of MIF −794 CATT (5/X + 6/X vs 7/7 + 7/8) were demonstrated upon comparing the total cases and the new cases of TB with the controls. Significant differences in the allelic frequencies of MIF −794 CATT (5 + 6 vs 7 + 8) were observed in the total cases and new cases of TB. No differences in the genotypic frequencies of the MIF −794 CATT (5/X + 6/X vs 7/7 + 7/8) were observed between the retreatment cases and the controls or between the new cases and retreatment cases. In conclusion, the MIF −794 CATT genotypes 7/8 and allele CATT 8 were highly associated with TB; no differences in the genotypic frequencies of the MIF −794 CATT (5/X + 6/X vs 7/7 + 7/8) were observed between the new cases and retreatment cases.
Working Beyond the Bell
Authors: Winburn Amanda , Reysen Rebekah , Suddeath Eric , Perryman Mandy
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to explore workaholism tendencies and their relationship to the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction within a school counselor population. Results indicate that school counselors employed in high school settings experience significantly higher levels of workaholism tendencies than those at the elementary or middle school level, and school counselors with neurotic tendencies are most likely to be workaholics. Data also showed that school counselors with higher levels of workaholism have lower life satisfaction. We discuss implications for school counselor training and practice.
Communicating While Transgender: Apprehension, Loneliness, and Willingness to Communicate in a Canadian Sample
Authors: Heinz Matthew
Published: May 2018

This mixed-methods study draws on quantitative and qualitative data on interpersonal communication measures and experiences of Canadian transgender people under the framework of Meyer’s minority stress model. Based on administration of three surveys (Willingness to Communicate; Personal Report of Communication Apprehension; and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Loneliness scales), the participants in this study rated higher on communication apprehension and loneliness and were less willing to communicate than broader population means. The 44 participants identified key communication stressors in interactions with cisgender individuals and generated recommendations to facilitate less stressful communication climates. Communication climate, social isolation, and cisnormativity emerged as fundamental themes affecting interpersonal communication dynamics.
Emerging Adults’ Evaluation of Their Treatment in an Outpatient Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program
Authors: Arcaro Justin A. , Tremblay Paul F. , Summerhurst Carolyn , Wammes Michael , Dash Pamela , Osuch Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate emerging adults’ (EAs) perspectives of treatment from an outpatient program specializing in mood and anxiety disorders for EAs. A sample of 22 participants between the ages of 18 and 27 participated in semistructured interviews at least 19 months after the start of treatment. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts of these interviews based on the procedure outlined in Braun and Clarke. A description of the analysis and themes was presented to a subset of participants to evaluate authenticity and credibility of the researchers’ interpretations. Participants reported lasting improvements in symptom reduction and functioning, which were accompanied by self-acceptance and feeling empowered to actively affect change in their life. They also viewed treatment as an investment in their mental health and well-being. These results reveal characteristics of intervention strategies valued by EAs that can contribute to long-term improvements.
Taking Clinical Legal Education from Classrooms to Streets: A Practical Perspective to Solving Social Problems
Authors: Nwedu Cosmos Nike
Published: May 2018

Whenever the discourse of clinical legal education (CLE) ascends, the likely injudicious assumption that may come to one’s mind, especially of a layman is that, it concerns only classroom or clinically confined pedagogy marked by simulations; in-house law student learning activities that end up with their regular experiences of the learning processes. However, CLE in reality, beyond parochial thinking is a socio-legal justice tool for addressing motley challenges of humanity particularly those that confront poverty-stricken and vulnerable citizens who are always undid from equal opportunities and access to the court system. Thus, this article argues that CLE transcends what goes on in typical classrooms or law clinics. The article explores different realistic clinical legal education justice initiatives (CLEJIs) that university and law school students can work with in fostering social justice in a wider societal context. To achieve this purpose, the article considers a rethink of the concept of CLE to capture its historical rationales against definitional setback offered by some authors. It further highlights some critical issues indispensable for the sustainability of CLE initiatives around the world. While the argument of this study draws upon existing findings, it presents new ideas achieved through synthesis of thinking in a qualitatively analytical perspective.
How to Teach Factual Analysis: Assessing an Indian Evidence Law Course
Authors: Sharma Ajay Kr
Published: May 2018

This article experientially narrates the innovative use of certain fact-finding and analysis methods, namely, ‘an investigation problem’, the Wigmorean chart method and the probability theory with Bayesian analysis (with the case law demonstrating its pragmatic application and limitation), by the author, an Indian law teacher, in teaching his ‘law of evidence’ course. This marks a departure from the conventional way of teaching evidence law in India, which presents its own challenges. In the course of this article, the author vividly shares his teaching experiences, discusses the academic resources used, highlights the key learning outcomes derived in administering these components, and delineates their overall positive impact on the learning of the subject. He further validates these experiences on the basis of the results of an empirical study conducted by him, in which a large number of his students voluntarily participated and gave their feedbacks. The results demonstrate the efficacy of these factual analysis methods individually, and their positive correlation with the increased understanding and knowledge of this course. This is descriptively demonstrated by the results obtained from Kendall’s Tau-b correlation which, along with the graphics, show a significant monotonic relationship between the said three methods and their cumulative contribution in terms of the overall learning of the subject. This empirical study also demonstrates an overall match between the author’s teaching experience as an evidence law teacher in teaching the avowed fact analysis methods, and his evidence law class’ experience as the students learning them, which is crucial for every effective teaching–learning exercise. After discussing important literature on teaching fact analysis and evidence law, the author concludes by justifying his overall use of the ‘hybrid approach’ in teaching his ‘law of evidence’ course. Consequentially, this study seeks to inspire other evidence law teachers to pedagogically assimilate similar methods in their curricula.
Magnesioleydetite and straβmannite, two new uranyl sulfate minerals with sheet structures from Red Canyon, Utah
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Plášil Jakub , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Nash Barbara P. , Marty Joe
Published: May 2018

Magnesioleydetite (IMA2017-063), Mg(UO2)(SO4)2·11H2O, and straβmannite (IMA2017-086), Al(UO2)(SO4)2F·16H2O, are two new minerals from mines in Red Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, USA. Magnesioleydetite occurs in the Markey mine and straβmannite occurs in both the Markey and Green Lizard mines. Both minerals are secondary phases found in efflorescent crusts on the surfaces of mine walls. Magnesioleydetite occurs in irregular aggregates (to ~0.5 mm) of blades (to ~0.2 mm) exhibiting the following properties: transparent to translucent; pale green–yellow colour; vitreous lustre; white streak; non-fluorescent; brittle; Mohs hardness ≈ 2; irregular fracture; one perfect cleavage on {001}; and calculated density = 2.463 g/cm3. Straβmannite occurs in irregular aggregates (to ~0.5 mm) of equant crystals (to ~0.2 mm) exhibiting the following properties: transparent; light yellow–green colour; vitreous to greasy lustre; nearly white streak; bright greenish-blue fluorescence; somewhat brittle, Mohs hardness ≈ 1½; irregular fracture; one good cleavage on {001}; measured and calculated densities of 2.20(2) and 2.173 g/cm3, respectively; optically biaxial (–); α = 1.477(2), β = 1.485(2) and γ = 1.489(2) (white light); 2Vmeas.= 72(2)°; dispersionr>v(slight); orientationY=b,X∧c= 20° (in obtuse β); pleochroism withX= nearly colourless,Y= pale green–yellow andZ= light green–yellow (X<Y<Z). The empirical formulas for magnesioleydetite and straβmannite are (Mg0.56Fe0.26Zn0.11Mn0.01)Σ0.94(U0.99O2)(S1.015O4)2·11H2O and Al1.00Na0.16(U0.99O2)(S1.00O4)2[F0.58(OH)0.42]·16H2O, respectively. Magnesioleydetite is monoclinic,C2/c,a= 11.3513(3),b= 7.7310(2),c= 21.7957(15) Å, β = 102.387(7)°,V= 1868.19(16) Å3andZ= 4. Straβmannite is monoclinic,C2/c,a= 11.0187(5),b= 8.3284(3),c= 26.6727(19) Å, β = 97.426(7)°,V= 2427.2(2) andZ= 4. The structures of magnesioleydetite (R1= 0.016 for 2040I> 2σIreflections) and straβmannite (R1= 0.0343 for 2220I> 2σIreflections) each contain uranyl-sulfate sheets based on the protasite-anion topology.
Independent factors associated with wearing different types of outdoor footwear in a representative inpatient population: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Barwick Alex L. , van Netten Jaap J. , Reed Lloyd F. , Lazzarini Peter A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Footwear can have both a positive and negative impact on lower limb health and mobility across the lifespan, influencing the risk of foot pain, ulceration, and falls in those at risk. Choice of footwear can be influenced by disease as well as sociocultural factors, yet few studies have investigated the types of footwear people wear and the profiles of those who wear them. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with outdoor footwear type worn most often in a representative inpatient population.

Methods

This study was a secondary data analysis of a cohort of 733 inpatients that is highly representative of developed nations' hospitalised populations; 62 ± 19 years, 55.8% male, and 23.5% diabetes. Socio‐demographic, medical history, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, foot deformity, foot ulcer history, amputation history and past foot treatment variables were collected. Participants selected the footwear type they mostly wore outside the house in the previous year from 16 types of footwear. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent factors associated with outdoor footwear types selected.

Results

The most common outdoor footwear types were: running shoes (20%), thongs/flip flops (14%), walking shoes (14%), sandals (13%) and boots (11%). Several socio‐demographic, medical history and foot‐related factors were independently associated (Odds Ratio; 95% Confidence Interval)) with different types of footwear. Running shoes were associated with male sex (2.7; 1.8–4.1); thongs with younger age (0.95 for each year; 0.94–0.97), being female (2.0; 1.2–3.1) and socio‐economic status (3.1; 1.2–7.6); walking shoes with arthritis (1.9; 1.2–3.0); sandals with female sex (3.8; 2.3–6.2); boots with male sex (9.7; 4.3–21.6) and inner regional (2.6; 1.3–5.1) and remote (3.4; 1.2–9.5) residence (all, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We profiled the types of outdoor footwear worn most in a large diverse inpatient population and the factors associated with wearing them. Sex was the most consistent factor associated with outdoor footwear type. Females were more likely to wear thongs and sandals and males boots and running shoes. Overall, this data gives insights into the socio‐demographic, medical and other health factors that are related to footwear choice in a large diverse population primarily of older age.
Adolescent affective symptoms and mortality
Authors: Archer Gemma , Kuh Diana , Hotopf Matthew , Stafford Mai , Richards Marcus
Published: May 2018

Background

Little is known about the relationship between adolescent affective problems (anxiety and depression) and mortality.

Aims

To examine whether adolescent affective symptoms are associated with premature mortality, and to assess whether this relationship is independent of other developmental factors.

Method

Data (n= 3884) was from Britain's oldest birth cohort study – the National Survey of Health and Development. Adolescent affective symptoms were rated by teachers at ages 13 and 15 years: scores were summed and classified into three categories: mild or no, moderate and severe symptoms (1st–50th, 51st–90th and 91st–100th percentiles, respectively). Mortality data were obtained from national registry data up to age 68 years. Potential confounders were parental social class, childhood cognition and illness, and adolescent externalising behaviour.

Results

Over the 53-year follow-up period, 12.2% (n= 472) of study members died. Severe adolescent affective symptoms were associated with an increased rate of mortality compared with those with mild or no symptoms (gender adjusted hazard ratio 1.76, 95% CI 1.33–2.33). This association was only partially attenuated after adjustment for potential confounders (fully adjusted hazard ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.20–2.15). There was suggestive evidence of an association across multiple causes of death. Moderate symptoms were not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Severe adolescent affective symptoms are associated with an increased rate of premature mortality over a 53-year follow-up period, independent of potential confounders. These findings underscore the importance of early mental health interventions.

Declaration of interest

None.