bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A culture of informality
Authors: Canclini Néstor García
Published: July 2018

This article offers an ethnographic account of informality, showing the complicity between the formal sector and the informal economy. Taking the reader on a car journey of urban disorganisation and traffic jams in Mexico City, the analysis shows how informality has become part of an everyday social contract. It is argued that the diverse world of informal practices, working as a popular survival strategy, is also entrenched in the workings of formal institutions, which draw on under-the-counter agreements and exchanges with the illegal economy, be that in the construction of public works in the city, in film and clothes piracy or in the public provision of water, transport, light or Internet services. The global hegemonic system could not function without these agreements: the transition from informality to illegality is slippery. If Mexico City is a global city it is not just for participating in the networks of transnational corporations, consulting firms and international tourism; it is also because of its networks with super brands in legal and illegal production. The article concludes by suggesting that an informal system of production, transactions and distribution of goods and services linking entrepreneurs from all continents can position the city on a global scale through non-hegemonic globalisation.
Sociopolitical obstacles to Christian unity in Myanmar: A missiological appraisal
Authors: Curtis Steve
Published: July 2018

In addition to the challenges of competing religious and secular worldviews in Myanmar, there are also a number of inherent social and political realities, which hinder intertribal Christian unity, that must be addressed missiologically. This article considers, first, the theme of isolation in Myanmar’s social construct: specifically, the reality of the “plural society”; the way in which tribes are identified independently of one another (ethnonyms); and the way in which the tribes (as in-groups) view outgroups (“image theory”). Then, it considers the mistrust that has developed in the wake of political destabilization and human rights concerns, while recognizing the political fluidity presently on display in Myanmar’s apparent climate of rapprochement.
Francis of Assisi, Christology, and mission
Authors: Smither Edward
Published: July 2018

In recent years, global theologians of mission have emphasized a posture of mission from below—missional engagement from a place of weakness and vulnerability. In part a reaction to the mistakes of Christendom and Christian mission’s alliance with political and economic power, mission from below aims to recover first-century mission that emulates the way of Christ and the apostles. This approach to mission is also relevant in contexts today where Christian freedom (for worship and witness) is limited by tyrannical or resistant governments. As we strive to be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves in contemporary mission, it seems fruitful to explore the theology of mission of a medieval Italian mendicant monk who ministered to Muslims during the Crusades. In this article, following a brief narrative of Francis of Assisi’s (1181–1226) life and journey in mission, I will focus on Francis’s Christology and how that shaped his approach to mission among Muslims and others. Finally, I will conclude with some reflections for what the church on mission today might gain from Francis.
Type II aortopulmonary window with tetralogy of Fallot: successful repair
Authors: Kynta Reuben Lamiaki , Rawat Sanjib , Thingnam Shyam KS , Manoj Rohit Kumar , Sharma Ashwani Kumar
Published: July 2018

Aortopulmonary window associated with tetralogy of Fallot is a rare cardiac anomaly. An 8-month-old boy presented with failure to thrive and recurrent chest infections. Echocardiography and imaging studies revealed a type II aortopulmonary window with tetralogy of Fallot. Corrective surgery in the form of patch closure of the aortopulmonary window and intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot was carried out successfully.
GSK-3β inhibition confers cardioprotection associated with the restoration of mitochondrial function and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress in sevoflurane preconditioned rats following ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Yujia , Ge Chunlin , Chen Junfeng , Tang Kun , Liu Jianjun
Published: July 2018

Background:

Sevoflurane has been shown to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in animals, while its cardioprotection is lost if the ischemic insult is too long. In this study, we proposed a prevailing hypothesis that GSK-3β inhibitor-mediated activation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway provides additional cardioprotection in sevoflurane preconditioned rats following I/R injury.

Methods:

Rats were subjected to treatment with TDZD-8, a GSK-3β inhibitor, 5 minutes prior to sevoflurane preconditioning and 30-minute ischemia and 120-minute reperfusion. Furthermore, in order to find out whether this cardioprotection is linked with mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), we isolated mitochondria from rat hearts perfused with TDZD-8 and determined the alternations of ERS markers.

Results:

Sevoflurane preconditioning or GSK-3β inhibitor treatment prevented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, phosphorylated GSK-3β and accelerated total β-catenin expression levels, reduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) activity, promoted the recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased the expression levels of GRP78, caspase-12 and C/EBP homology protein (CHOP) in rats under I/R condition, suggesting sevoflurane preconditioning or TDZD-8 activate the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, improve mitochondria function and suppress ERS occurrence.

Conclusions:

Taken together, the findings obtained from the study support the concept that sevoflurane preconditioning confers cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury and GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling activation mediated by TDZD-8 as a novel target to prolong cardioprotection by sevoflurane anaesthesia.
Home-city geographies: Urban dwelling and mobility
Authors: Blunt Alison , Sheringham Olivia
Published: July 2018

Developing an agenda to conceptualise the connections between the domestic and the urban, this paper focuses on urban domesticities (homemaking in the city), domestic urbanism (the city as home) and the home-city geographies that connect them. Home-city geographies examine the interplay between lived experiences of urban homes and the contested domestication of urban space. Reflecting the ways in which urban homes and the ability to feel at home in the city are shaped by different migrations and mobilities, the paper demonstrates that not only home and the city, but also urban dwelling and mobility, are intertwined rather than separate.
Gain of function of sporadic/familial hemiplegic migraine-causing SCN1A mutations: Use of an optimized cDNA
Authors: Bertelli Sara , Barbieri Raffaella , Pusch Michael , Gavazzo Paola
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Familial hemiplegic migraine 3 is an autosomal dominant headache disorder associated with aura and transient hemiparesis, caused by mutations of the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1. While a gain-of function phenotype is generally assumed to underlie familial hemiplegic migraine, this has not been fully explored. Indeed, a major obstacle in studying in vitro neuronal sodium channels is the difficulty in propagating and mutagenizing expression plasmids containing their cDNAs. The aim of this work was to study the functional effect of two previously uncharacterized hemiplegic migraine causing mutations, Leu1670Trp (L1670W) and Phe1774Ser (F1774S).

Methods

A novel SCN1A containing-plasmid was designed in silico and synthesized, and migraine mutations were inserted in this background. Whole-cell patch clamp was performed to investigate the functional properties of mutant Nav1.1 transiently expressed in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells.

Results and conclusions

We generated an optimized Nav1.1 expression plasmid that was extremely simple to handle and used the novel plasmid to study the functional effects of two migraine mutations. We observed that L1670W, but not F1774S, reduced current density and that both mutations led to a dramatic increase in persistent sodium currents, a depolarizing shift of the steady state-inactivation voltage-dependence, and a faster recovery from inactivation. The results are consistent with a major gain-of function effect underlying familial hemiplegic migraine 3. Our optimization strategy will help to characterize in an efficient manner the effect in vitro of mutations of neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels.
Frontal infrared thermography in healthy individuals and chronic migraine patients: Reliability of the method
Authors: Antonaci Fabio , Rossi Elena , Voiticovschi-Iosob Cristina , Dalla Volta Giorgio , Marceglia Sara
Published: July 2018

Background

The use of frontal infrared thermography in the diagnosis of primary headaches provided scattering results due to measurement fluctuations and different types of headaches or research protocols.

Objective

This study aims to assess the reliability of frontal infrared thermography in healthy individuals and provide a preliminary evaluation in chronic migraine patients using a commercial infrared thermal camera.

Methods

Thermographic images were acquired in 20 controls and 15 patients at three consecutive time-points in two daily sessions. The Side Difference and Asymmetry Index parameters were defined. The reproducibility of the measurements, the correlation of Asymmetry Index and Side Difference with clinical evaluations and patient perceptions, and the ability of the parameters to discriminate between patients and controls were investigated.

Results

We reported a good reproducibility of the measurements (Inter-class Correlation Coefficient > 0.75 and Coefficient of Variation < 13.4%), independent from external factors. The Side Difference was significantly different between patients and controls (  p < 0.001). The Asymmetry Index showed good correlation with the side of unilateral pain (  p = 0.0056).

Conclusions

Frontal infrared thermography can be used to quantify the difference between the right and the left side of frontal vascular changes in chronic migraine patients, provided that standardized conditions are satisfied.
Free Markets and the Decline of Democracy
Authors: Weeks John
Published: July 2018

Well into the twenty-first century, it is difficult to find a major country in which democratic institutions are not under stress, in many cases under aggressive attack. In the United States, the government has fallen under the control of a profoundly antidemocratic regime. In Europe, long-standing authoritarian tendencies have enjoyed a quantum leap under the neoliberal austerity regime fostered by the German government with the cover of the European Commission. This paper discusses the source of this near universal twenty-first-century tendency to authoritarianism.

JEL Classification: A13, B52
Anisotropic cytocompatible electrospun scaffold for tendon tissue engineering elicits limited inflammatory response in vitro
Authors: Fotticchia Andrea , Musson David , Lenardi Cristina , Demirci Emrah , Liu Yang
Published: July 2018

Tendon tears are a relevant concern for today’s national health systems because of their social impact and high recurrence rate. The current gold standard for fixing tendon tears is surgical repair; however, this strategy is not able to fully re-establish tendon integrity and functionality. Tissue engineering approaches aim at promoting tissue regeneration by delivering the opportune signals to the injured site combining biomaterials, cells and biochemical cues. Electrospinning is currently one of the most versatile polymer processing techniques that allows manufacturing of nano- and micro-fibres substrates. Such fibrous morphology is deemed to be an ideal substrate to convey topographical cues to cells. Here we evaluated the potential of polycaprolactone processed by means of electrospinning technology for tendon tissue engineering. Fibrous free-of-defects substrate with random and aligned fibres were successfully fabricated. Rat tenocytes were used to assess the cytocompatibility of the substrates for application as tendon tissue engineered devices. Tenocytes were able to proliferate and adapt to the substrates topography acquiring an elongated morphology, which is the precondition for oriented collagen deposition, when seeded on aligned fibres. Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Rt-PCR) also revealed the overall maintenance of tenocyte phenotype over 7 days culture. To verify suitability for in vivo implantation, the level of inflammatory cytokine genes expressed by THP-1 cells cultured in presence of electrospun polycaprolactone substrates was evaluated. Inflammatory response was limited. The novel preliminary in vitro work presented herein showing tenocytes compatibility and limited inflammatory cytokines synthesis suggests that electrospun polycaprolactone may be taken into consideration as substrate for tendon healing applications.
An Exploration of Barriers Facing Physicians in Diagnosing and Treating Obesity
Authors: Hite Ashley , Victorson David , Elue Rita , Plunkett Beth A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To determine whether primary care physicians can accurately assess body mass index (BMI) by visual inspection and to assess barriers related to the diagnosis and management of obesity.

Design:

Prospective Survey Study.

Setting:

Hospitals and Clinics.

Subjects:

Primary care providers in the fields of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology.

Measures:

Measures investigated included providers visual assessment of BMI, BMI knowledge, diagnosis and management of obese patients, and perceived barriers to treatment.

Analysis:

Top and bottom quartiles and total scores were determined for responses regarding the reported management of obesity, reported comfort with care, and reported barriers to care and used as the cut point. Statistical analyses were utilized to examine relations and compare groups.

Results:

206 (74%) of the 280 eligible providers completed the survey. The accuracy of visual assessment of BMI was 52%. Physicians were more likely to underestimate BMI than overestimate (36% ± 4% vs 12% ± 6%, respectively, P < .001). Although 91% of providers report routinely calculating BMI, only 61% routinely discuss BMI. Providers feel comfortable providing exercise (72%) and dietary counseling (61%). However, fewer are comfortable prescribing medical (16.4%) and surgical options (36%).

Conclusion:

Visual assessment of BMI is not reliable. Primary care physicians in our study population do not consistently discuss obesity with their patients and many report insufficient knowledge with regard to treatment options. Further studies are needed to determine whether these results are valid for other physicians in various practice settings and to mid-level providers. In addition, research is needed that investigate how collaboration with providers outside the medical field could reduce the burden on physicians in treating patients with overweight or obesity.
Enrollment Strategies, Barriers to Participation, and Reach of a Workplace Intervention Targeting Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Mullane Sarah L. , Rydell Sarah A. , Larouche Miranda L. , Toledo Meynard John L. , Feltes Linda H. , Vuong Brenna , Crespo Noe C. , Gaesser Glenn A. , Estabrooks Paul A. , Pereira Mark A. , Buman Matthew P.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To review enrollment strategies, participation barriers, and program reach of a large, 2-year workplace intervention targeting sedentary behavior.

Approach:

Cross-sectional, retrospective review.

Setting:

Twenty-four worksites balanced across academic, industry, and government sectors in Minneapolis/Saint Paul (Minnesota) and Phoenix (Arizona) regions.

Participants:

Full-time (≥30+ h/wk), sedentary office workers.

Methods:

Reach was calculated as the proportion of eligible employees who enrolled in the intervention ([N enrolled/(proportion of eligible employees × N total employees)] × 100). Mean (1 standard deviation) and median worksite sizes were calculated at each enrollment step. Participation barriers and modifications were recorded by the research team. A survey was sent to a subset of nonparticipants (N = 57), and thematic analyses were conducted to examine reasons for nonparticipation, positive impacts, and negative experiences.

Results:

Employer reach was 65% (56 worksites invited to participate; 66% eligible of 56 responses; 24 enrolled). Employee reach was 58% (1317 invited to participate, 83% eligible of 906 responses; 632 enrolled). Postrandomization, on average, 59% (15%) of the worksites participated. Eighteen modifications were developed to overcome participant-, context-, and research-related participation barriers.

Conclusion:

A high proportion of worksites and employees approached to participate in a sedentary behavior reduction intervention engaged in the study. Interventions that provide flexible enrollment, graded participant engagement options, and adopt a participant-centered approach may facilitate workplace intervention success.
Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid USA Using the Mental Health Beliefs and Literacy Scale
Authors: Banh My K. , Chaikind Jeremy , Robertson Hillary A. , Troxel Mary , Achille Justine , Egan Caroline , Anthony Bruno J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

This study assessed the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the United States with a theoretically based and psychometrically sound measure, the Mental Health Beliefs and Literacy Scale (MBLS).

Design:

Online MBLS surveys were administered pre-MHFA training, 3-weeks post-training, and 6-months posttraining.

Setting:

Mental Health First Aid trainings carried out across the United States.

Participants:

Six hundred sixty-two trainees were contacted, and 273 (41%) completed the presurvey. Of those, 63% filled out the postsurvey and 35% completed the 6-month survey. Seventy-six individuals completed all 3 surveys.

Intervention:

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour education program to help the general public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse; to date, almost 1 million people have been trained.

Measure:

The MLBS, based on the Unified Theory of Behavior Change framework, consists of attitudinal, social-, and skill-based constructs affecting the intention to perform and achievement of MHFA actions and reports of their actual completion.

Analysis:

Change across time points was assessed using multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:

Significant short- and longer term changes were found in internally consistent constructs tapping positive beliefs about MHFA actions, the confidence and intention to perform them as well as mental health literacy.

Conclusion:

The MBLS documented strong positive effects of MHFA training that were greater in individuals without prior mental health training, the intended targets of MHFA efforts.
Eating-Related and Psychological Outcomes of Health at Every Size Intervention in Health and Social Services Centers Across the Province of Québec
Authors: Bégin Catherine , Carbonneau Elise , Gagnon-Girouard Marie-Pierre , Mongeau Lyne , Paquette Marie-Claude , Turcotte Mylène , Provencher Véronique
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To report the outcomes of a Health at Every Size (HAES) intervention in a real-world setting.

Design:

Quasi-experimental design evaluating eating behaviors and psychological factors.

Setting:

The HAES intervention is offered in Health and Social Services Centers in Québec (Canada).

Participants:

For this study, 216 women (body mass index [BMI]: 35.76 [6.80] kg/m2) who participated to the HAES intervention were compared to 110 women (BMI: 34.56 [7.30] kg/m2) from a comparison group.

Intervention:

The HAES intervention is composed of 14 weekly meetings provided by health professionals. It focuses on healthy lifestyle, self-acceptance, and intuitive eating.

Measures:

Eating behaviors (ie, flexible restraint, rigid restraint, disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger, intuitive eating, and obsessive-compulsive eating) and psychological correlates (ie, body esteem, self-esteem, and depression) were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, postintervention, and 1-year follow-up.

Analysis:

Group, time, and interaction effects analyzed with mixed models.

Results:

Significant group by time interactions were found for flexible restraint ( P = .0400), disinhibition ( P < .0001), susceptibility to hunger ( P < .0001), intuitive eating ( P < .0001), obsessive–compulsive eating ( P < .0001), body-esteem ( P < .0001), depression ( P = .0057), and self-esteem ( P < .0001), where women in the HAES group showed greater improvements than women in the comparison group at short and/or long term.

Conclusion:

The evaluation of this HAES intervention in a real-life context showed its effectiveness in improving eating-, weight-, and psychological-related variables among women struggling with weight and body image.
Non-legalistic activism from the social margin: Informal workers with pneumoconiosis in Shenzhen
Authors: Fan Lulu , Ng Kenneth Tsz Fung
Published: July 2018

This article, contrary to existing studies, argues that informal workers suffering from pneumoconiosis, an occupational illness, prefer to engage in collective action. Migrant workers mobilize collective action through kinship networks and urban ties, which in turn attracts media coverage and encourages external agents to be involved. Local bureaucracies facing mounting pressure usually provide workers with a one-off compensation. The authors, however, note that increasing activism carried out by such workers has been constrained by the current incomplete stage of proletarianization, and resulting, therefore, in ‘non-legalistic, cellular activism’, which has not yet introduced any significant changes with regard to the root causes of pneumoconiosis.
The community philanthropic foundation: A new form of independent public service provider for China?
Authors: Weng Shihong , Christensen Tom
Published: July 2018

There have been growing calls for new theories understand public governance with respect to service provision collaboration involving nonprofit and for-profit actors. In this article, we develop a framework for analyzing whether and how independent public service providers change cross-sector collaboration. We examine new forms of collaboration in nonprofit organizations in China. Based on a discussion of the effectiveness of public service delivery by community philanthropic foundations in three Chinese cities, our analysis reveals that the new type of collaboration entities are attempting to meet unfulfilled public needs. Outside the government’s hierarchical structure, nonprofit and for-profit actors jointly form independent organizations to address public issues. However, because public governance systems are more centralized in China than in many Western countries, the country faces major challenges in the production and delivery of public goods and in implementing service reforms. This article extends the existing research discourse on public governance and cross-sector collaboration.
Design and kinematic analysis of a spherical parallel manipulator using concurrent planar parallelogram linkages
Authors: Chen Genliang , Yu Weidong , Wang Hao , Wang Jiepeng
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the design of a novel spherical parallel manipulator. The spherical parallel manipulator consists of three identical limbs and each of them is formed by a planar parallelogram linkage, a universal joint, and a revolute one, successively. Its mobility is analyzed using the reciprocal screws. After that, the kinematics is analyzed in detail, including inverse kinematic modeling, which is validated by a numerical example, inverse Jacobian analysis, singularity analysis, and manipulability analysis, which shows a relatively good performance of force transmission. Then based on the analysis, one prototype is fabricated to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the design. In the end, some conclusions are drawn and future works are discussed.
Impact-angle-constrained reentry guidance law guaranteeing convergence before attainment of desired line-of-sight range
Authors: Jiang Chunwang , Zhou Guofeng , Lv Rui , Tu Haifeng , Yang Fengjun , Du Xiao
Published: July 2018

For reentry vehicle attacking a stationary target on the ground, impact-angle-constrained guidance law guaranteeing convergence before attainment of desired line-of-sight range is studied in this paper. Initially, a novel guidance model is established, in which line-of-sight range is treated as an independent variable, describing the relative motion between the vehicle and the target. Subsequently, a guidance law with impact angle constraint is designed based on the guidance model, which is presented in the form of normal overload. Compared with traditional guidance laws, the proposed one guarantees line-of-sight angular rate converges to zero and line-of-sight angle converges to the commanding impact angle before line-of-sight range decreases to the desired value. Finally, comparisons among proportional navigation guidance, optimal navigation guidance, and the proposed guidance are carried out by numerical simulation, which demonstrate the correctness and advantage of the novel guidance model and guidance law. The guidance model and guidance law proposed in this paper provide a new way for the design of fast convergent guidance law with impact angle constraint.
The management of occupational noise–induced hearing loss in the mining sector in Africa: A systematic review – 1994 to 2016
Authors: Moroe Nomfundo , Khoza-Shangase Katijah , Kanji Amisha , Ntlhakana Liepollo
Published: July 2018

Literature into exposure to occupational noise in developing countries suggests that the prevalence of occupational noise–induced hearing loss is still high. There is also evidence that the mining industry is aware of this epidemic; however, the efforts to curb occupational noise–induced hearing loss are currently unsuccessful. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore and document current evidence reflecting trends in the management of occupational noise–induced hearing loss in the mining industry in Africa from 1994 to 2016. A systematic literature review was conducted in line with the Cochrane collaboration guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Electronic bibliographic databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed and Scopus MEDLINE were searched. A total of 1212 titles and abstracts were identified; of which only nine papers formed part of this study. The results indicated that there is a dearth of research on the management of occupational noise–induced hearing loss in Africa. The limited research on the management of occupational noise–induced hearing loss focuses on some aspects of the hearing conservation programme pillars and not on all the pillars as suggested by some scholars in the field. Furthermore, these studies had small sample sizes thereby, minimizing their generalization. There is therefore a need for more studies on the management of occupational noise–induced hearing loss in the mining sector, as there is evidence to suggest that occupational noise–induced hearing loss in African countries is still on the rise.
An R-based forecasting approach for efficient demand response strategies in autonomous micro-grids
Authors: Panagiotidis Paraskevas , Effraimis Andrew , Xydis George A
Published: July 2018

The main aim of this work is to reduce electricity consumption for consumers with an emphasis on the residential sector in periods of increased demand. Efforts are focused on creating a methodology in order to statistically analyse energy demand data and come up with forecasting methodology/pattern that will allow end-users to organize their consumption. This research presents an evaluation of potential Demand Response programmes in Greek households, in a real-time pricing market model through the use of a forecasting methodology. Long-term Demand Side Management programs or Demand Response strategies allow end-users to control their consumption based on the bidirectional communication with the system operator, improving not only the efficiency of the system but more importantly, the residential sector-associated costs from the end-users’ side. The demand load data were analysed and categorised in order to form profiles and better understand the consumption patterns. Different methods were tested in order to come up with the optimal result. The Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average modelling methodology was selected in order to ensure forecasts production on load demand with the maximum accuracy.
Adaptation strategy on regulated markets of power companies in Poland
Authors: Borowski Piotr F
Published: July 2018

Electric utilities (power companies), which include production, transmission, distribution, and trade of electricity play an important role in a national economy. Many scientific institutions undertook the research concerning the issues of the power sector. The main reason was to find an answer to the question: Which of the developed strategies that ensure energy security of the country concerning with energy distribution and resources management should be taken into consideration? Should the companies adopt the strategy of adaptation or perhaps the strategy of breakthrough? If they follow the adaptation course, should it be a passive or active adaptation, and which circumstances are the most important? These questions were constantly analyzed by the author in his research realized among the power companies.
Power management and second-order sliding mode control for standalone hybrid wind energy with battery energy storage system
Authors: Krim Youssef , Abbes Dhaker , Krim Saber , Faouzi Mimouni Mohamed
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this article is to provide a high performance control of a renewable distributed generator to guarantee an electric power quality and jointly reduce the mechanical stress despite any possible uncertainties such as the random nature of wind speed, the presence of parameters uncertainties, and external perturbations acting on the system (sudden load variation). The renewable distributed generator integrating a wind generator associated with a batteries module is considered as an energy storage device and a variable load. The proposed method is designed by a power management supervisor and a sliding mode control technique. First, the power management supervisor is used to monitor the power flows transferred between the different system devices depending on the load variation and on the intermittency of wind production. In fact, it enables to ensure the balance at the continuous, Direct Current (DC) bus between the powers supplied by the renewable distributed generator and those demanded by the load. In addition, it prevents batteries from exceeding its maximum or minimum state of charge ( SOCbat) by keeping it at an acceptable level [30%, 90%]. Second, a second-order sliding mode control based on the super-twisting algorithm is suggested to control the two subsystems (generator side and load side converters). The main target of the first one is to extract the maximum wind power taking into account the parameter variations and the fluctuating nature of wind. The second one is to investigate a second-order sliding mode control of active and reactive load power quantities, which provides better results in terms of attenuation of the harmonics present in the load voltage and current while considering the sudden load variations. In addition, a proportional–integral controller is also designed and simulated to establish a comparison framework. According to the simulation results, the second-order sliding mode control successfully deals with the nonlinearity of the renewable distributed generator compared with the proportional–integral performance.
Polynomial regression with heteroscedastic measurement errors in both axes: Estimation and hypothesis testing
Authors: Cheng Chi-Lun , Tsai Jia-Ren , Schneeweiss Hans
Published: July 2018

This article investigates point estimation and hypothesis testing in a polynomial regression model with heteroscedastic measurement errors present in both response and regressor variables. For point estimation, the adjusted least squares method and its modifications are developed. These methods can treat both functional and structural models, and models with or without an equation error. For hypothesis testing, the Wald-type and score-type tests are discussed. Their performance is investigated in a simulation study. Applications of these methods are also illustrated with real datasets.
Accommodation in Youths’ Mental Health: Evidence and Issues
Authors: Kagan Elana R. , Frank Hannah E. , Kendall Philip C.
Published: July 2018

Accommodation refers to the ways in which parents or other family members modify routines or expectations to alleviate a child’s symptoms and emotional distress. In the context of youth obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, accommodation contributes to both the development and the maintenance of the disorder. We review the literature on accommodation in youths, including evidence for the central role that accommodation plays in the maintenance of OCD and anxiety. We then highlight several issues requiring further research, including the role of accommodation in other disorders and settings.
The disqualification of dual citizens from Parliament: Three problems and a solution
Authors: Hobbs Harry , Pillai Sangeetha , Williams George
Published: July 2018

Since August 2017, the rule in s 44(i) of the Australian Constitution that dual citizens are incapable of being chosen for or sitting in federal Parliament has led to the disqualification or resignation of 15 parliamentarians. This disruption may yet continue, with outstanding questions remaining about several sitting members. In this article, we outline three key problems with s 44(i), as well as a durable solution.
Theoretical study and experimental identification of elastic-magnetic vibration isolation system
Authors: Mofidian S M Mahdi , Bardaweel Hamzeh
Published: July 2018

A vibration isolation system featuring a combination of elastic and magnetic springs and viscous and magnetic damping is presented. A mechanical flat spring houses a permanent magnet that is levitated between two stationary magnets. A prototype of the isolator is manufactured. COMSOL models are developed for the mechanical and magnetic springs. Measured data and model simulations show that the magnets arrangement results in nonlinear magnetic spring with negative linear stiffness. The mechanical spring exhibits linear behavior with positive stiffness. Experiments are performed and a nonlinear dynamic model is developed. The fabricated isolator is characterized at low and high acceleration levels. Results from model show good agreement with measured data at lower acceleration levels. Slight mismatch between model and experiment is evident at higher accelerations. This mismatch is due to the existence of lateral vibrations that are not accounted for in the unidirectional model. Results show that the combination of mechanical flat spring and magnetic spring reduces the resonant frequency of the isolator. In addition, results confirm the ability of the isolator to attenuate vibrations higher than 11.91 Hz when excited at 2.4525 [m s−2].
Tiredness, Fatigue, and Exhaustion as Perceived by Recreational Marathon Runners
Authors: Olson Karin , Zimka Oksana , Pasiorowski Ashley , Iregbu Sandra , Boulé Normand G.
Published: July 2018

In this article, we report the results of a study that was part of a five-study concept development project. Our goal was to learn about the nature of illness by exploring variations in the manifestations of fatigue, a symptom that is prevalent in both ill (cancer, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome) and selected nonill (recreational marathon runners, shift workers) populations. In this article, we report results of our study of recreational marathon runners, obtained from unstructured interviews with 13 runners between the ages 19 and 49 years using ethnoscience as the design. Key findings with implications for practice are the importance of planning recovery periods following large energy expenditures, the value of using dissociative strategies to manage tiredness, and the usefulness of associative strategies and support systems to manage fatigue. Future studies could explore whether these strategies would be useful for management of tiredness and fatigue in other populations.
Heart Failure Patients’ Perceptions of Received and Wanted Information: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Andersson Lena , Nordgren Lena
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate heart failure patients’ perceptions of received and wanted information and to identify differences regarding received and wanted information in relation to sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Patients with heart failure ( n = 192) were recruited from six primary health care centers in Sweden. Data were collected by a postal questionnaire. A majority of the respondents had received information about the condition and the medication. Within primary health care, most respondents had been informed about medication. The respondents wanted more information about continued care and treatment, medication, and the condition. There were significant differences between sociodemographic groups concerning what information they wanted. Clinical nurses can support patients with heart failure by using evidence-based methods that strengthen the patients’ self-efficacy and by individualized information that increases patients’ knowledge and improves their self-care behaviors. Future studies are needed to identify informational needs of particular fragile groups of patients.
Description of Mandibular Improvements in a Series of Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Deformational Plagiocephaly Treated With Physical Therapy
Authors: Fenton Regina , Gaetani Susan , MacIsaac Zoe , Ludwick Eric , Grunwaldt Lorelei
Published: July 2018

Background:

Many infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) have deformational plagiocephaly (DP), and a small cohort also demonstrate mandibular asymmetry (MA). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate mandibular changes in these infants with previous computed tomography (CT) scans who underwent physical therapy (PT) to treat CMT.

Methods:

A retrospective study included patients presenting to a pediatric plastic surgery clinic from December 2010 to June 2012 with CMT, DP, and MA. A small subset of these patients initially received a 3D CT scan due to concern for craniosynostosis. An even smaller subset of these patients subsequently received a second 3D CT scan to evaluate for late-onset craniosynostosis. Patients were treated with PT for at least 4 months for CMT. Initial CT scans were retrospectively compared to subsequent CT scans to determine ramal height asymmetry changes. Clinical documentation was reviewed for evidence of MA changes, CMT improvement, and duration of PT.

Results:

Ten patients met inclusion criteria. Ramal height ratio (affected/unaffected) on initial CT was 0.87, which significantly improved on subsequent CT to 0.93 ( P < .05). None of the patients were diagnosed with craniosynostosis on initial CT. One patient was diagnosed with late-onset coronal craniosynostosis on subsequent CT.

Conclusions:

We identified a small cohort of infants with MA, CMT, and DP. These patients uniformly demonstrated decreased ramal height ipsilateral to the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle. Ramal asymmetry measured by ramal height ratios improved in all infants undergoing PT.
Ewing Sarcoma Presenting as a Congenital Scalp Mass
Authors: Haas Jacqueline A. , Rice Dahlia , Morrison Clinton S.
Published: July 2018

Ewing sarcoma is a locally aggressive, highly malignant tumor most commonly seen in the skeletal system. The “Ewing family of tumors” also includes other tissue types that are not common, such as soft tissue origin classified as extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES) or primitive neuroendocrine origin. Age of onset most often occurs within the first 2 decades of life. Congenital presentation of EES is exceedingly rare. We report the first described case to our knowledge of congenital EES originating from the scalp.
Legislative Gender Diversity and the Resolution of Civil Conflict
Authors: Best Rebecca H. , Shair-Rosenfield Sarah , Wood Reed M.
Published: July 2018

Policy makers and scholars have shown increased interest in gendered approaches to peacemaking, even as evidence of women’s impact on peace processes has remained unclear. In this paper, we explore the influence of gender diversity among decision-making elites on the outcome of ongoing civil conflicts. Specifically, we argue that increased female representation within the national legislature increases the likelihood that a conflict terminates in a negotiated settlement. However, the impact of legislative female representation on conflict termination is conditioned by the power of the legislature vis-à-vis the executive, suggesting that gender diversity exerts a greater impact in states with more authoritative legislatures. We evaluate our hypotheses using data on the manner of conflict termination and the proportion of women in national legislatures between 1945 and 2009. Our results show support for the central argument, suggesting that increasing female representation within legislative bodies increases the likelihood of war termination via negotiated settlement.
Core Dynamics for the Mass Communication History Course
Authors: Ingold Charles H.
Published: July 2018

Considering King’s “core knowledge” for college courses in journalism history, a set of “core dynamics” is proposed to provide additional perspective and suitability for courses in general mass communication history. The core dynamics approach aims to help media history courses impart advanced understanding of what forces, patterns, and processes have made things the way they are in the mass media, and in addition provides a framework for understanding current and future developments as they unfold.
Seduction and Desire: The Power of Spectacle
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: July 2018

In this article, I explore the implications of the current political situation for qualitative inquiry. I look at some of the historical roots of neoliberalism, and of qualitative inquiry, and at the clash between them that is evidenced in the Trilateral Commission’s governability report. That report found, in the mid-1970s, that the citizens had become too radical, thus making democracy unaffordable. Their protests, the report claimed, were interfering with the flow of global capital. Within that broader historical and political framework I look at the advent of the Trump Presidency and analyze it as spectacle and as seduction, and I look at the implications of his presidency for our work as qualitative researchers.
Growth Effects of VAT Evasion and Enforcement
Authors: McClellan Chandler
Published: July 2018

Lower tax revenues have a theoretically mixed effect on growth as they create more disposable income for investment but simultaneously reduce funds for public goods. This study combines firm-level data on tax evasion and enforcement from seventy-nine countries with macroeconomic data to examine the effects of tax enforcement measures and tax revenue shortfall on economic growth. This study finds that while increased enforcement measures reduce growth, high tax revenue collection serves to increase growth. These results suggest that reforms focusing on increasing revenue without resorting to greater enforcement measures are desirable.
A Systematic Social Observation Study of Police De-Escalation Tactics
Authors: Todak Natalie , James Lois
Published: July 2018

This study analyzes 131 police–citizen interactions observed during Fall 2016 and coded through systematic social observation. We assessed how often officers use de-escalation tactics, factors associated with their use, and the relationship between de-escalation and calm citizen demeanor. We found officers frequently employed de-escalation tactics, including the “respect” tactic of treating citizens in a respectful manner, the “human” tactic of getting on the citizen’s level and reducing power imbalances, and the “honest” tactic of being up front about the facts of the situation. Officers were more influenced by citizen demeanor than demographics in their use of de-escalation. The use of several tactics, including “human” (reducing the power differential between the cop and the citizen) and “calm” (the officer making an effort to control his or her own emotions), was associated with calm citizen demeanor. Directions for future research on this important topic are offered.
Shelter housing for cats: Practical aspects of design and construction, and adaptation of existing accommodation
Authors: Wagner Denae , Hurley Kate , Stavisky Jenny
Published: July 2018

Practical relevance:

Not every cat shelter will have purpose-built accommodation but housing designed with the basic needs of cats in mind, whether purpose-built or adapted from existing housing, will improve the experience of cats passing through the facility.

Challenges:

Designing and building accommodation for cats in shelters should be a thoughtful process. There is a range of different housing types available. A variety of factors, such as expected length of stay, type of cat, cost and disease risk, will influence which design is most appropriate.

Aims:

This review, the second in a two-part series, provides an overview of some of the essential requirements for housing shelter cats, either singly or in groups. Specific practical aspects of housing, including design, space allowances, cage furnishings and suitable construction materials, are discussed, and suggestions made for upgrading existing housing where extensive rebuilding is not feasible or realistic.

Evidence base:

There is a relatively small body of empirical evidence to inform shelter design recommendations. The recommendations in this article are based on a careful review of the available evidence, some of which has come from allied fields such as the care of experimental animals. Where evidence is not yet available, recommendations have been based on field experience and collective expert opinion.
AAFP Feline Anesthesia Guidelines
Authors: Robertson Sheilah A , Gogolski Susan M , Pascoe Peter , Shafford Heidi L , Sager Jennifer , Griffenhagen Gregg M
Published: July 2018

Aim:

The overarching purpose of the AAFP Anesthesia Guidelines (hereafter referred to as the ‘Guidelines’) is to make anesthesia and sedation safer for the feline patient.

Scope and accessibility:

It is noteworthy that these are the first exclusively feline anesthesia guidelines authored by an expert panel, making them particularly useful as an extensively referenced, practical resource for veterinary practice teams. Because much of the key content is presented in tabular or visual format, the Guidelines have a high level of accessibility and convenience that invites regular usage. While the recommendations in the Guidelines focus primarily on client-owned cats, the content is also applicable to community-sourced animals with an unknown medical history.