bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedural Justice in International Criminal Courts: Assessing Civil Parties’ Perceptions of Justice at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Authors: Killean Rachel
Published: February 2016

Procedural justice advocates argue that fair procedures in decision making processes can increase participant satisfaction with legal institutions. Little critical work has been done however to explore the power of such claims in the context of mass violence and international criminal justice. This article critically examines some of the key claims of procedural justice by exploring the perceptions of justice held by victims participating as Civil Parties in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (eccc). The eccc has created one of the most inclusive and extensive victim participation regimes within international criminal law. It therefore provides a unique case study to examine some of claims of ‘victim-centred’ transitional justice through a procedural justice lens. It finds that while procedural justice influenced civil parties’ overall perceptions of the Court, outcomes remained of primary importance. It concludes by analysing the possible reasons for this prioritisation.
The African Court of Justice and Human and Peoples’ Rights ‘International Criminal Law Section’: Promoting Impunity for African Union Heads of State and Senior State Officials?
Authors: Ssenyonjo Manisuli , Nakitto Saidat
Published: February 2016

On 27 June 2014 the African Union (au) Assembly adopted a protocol entitled ‘Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights’. This Protocol contains an annex entitled ‘Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human and Peoples’ Rights’. The Protocol and the Statute annexed to it provide for the establishment of a regional court in Africa to be known as the ‘African Court of Justice and Human and Peoples’ Rights’ (African Court). This Court will, among others, exercise criminal jurisdiction over a wide range of international crimes involving individual criminal responsibility and corporate criminal liability over legal persons (with the exception of States), which goes beyond any other international court or hybrid tribunal. This article considers reasons for establishing a regional court in Africa with criminal jurisdiction and examines the likely effectiveness of the African Court focussing on the wide jurisdiction conferred on the Court; the impact of immunity from criminal prosecution granted to serving au heads of State and other undefined ‘senior State officials’; and the need to strengthen national criminal jurisdictions to enable them to prosecute international crimes in Africa.
Lectotypification of Panicum salzmannii, basionym of Isachne salzmannii (Poaceae, Micrairoideae)
Authors: Rodrigues Rodrigo Sampaio , Dórea Marcos Da Costa , Filgueiras Tarciso De Sousa , De Oliveira Reyjane Patrícia
Published: February 2016

In Poaceae, many species names now accepted in distinct genera were originally described in Panicum Linnaeus (1753: 55), such as P. salzmannii Trinius ex Steudel (1854: 95), which is now recognized as a species of Isachne Brown (1810: 196) [i.e., P. salzmannii is the basionym of I. salzmannii (Trin. ex Steud.) Renvoize (1984a: 184)].
“El Niño Like” Hydroclimate Responses to Last Millennium Volcanic Eruptions
Authors: Stevenson Samantha , Otto-Bliesner Bette , Fasullo John , Brady Esther
Published: February 2016

The hydroclimate response to volcanic eruptions depends both on volcanically induced changes to the hydrologic cycle and on teleconnections with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), complicating the interpretation of offsets between proxy reconstructions and model output. Here, these effects are separated, using the Community Earth System Model Last Millennium Ensemble (CESM-LME), by examination of ensemble realizations with distinct posteruption ENSO responses. Hydroclimate anomalies in monsoon Asia and the western United States resemble the El Niño teleconnection pattern after “Tropical” and “Northern” eruptions, even when ENSO-neutral conditions are present. This pattern results from Northern Hemisphere (NH) surface cooling, which shifts the intertropical convergence zone equatorward, intensifies the NH subtropical jet, and suppresses the Southeast Asian monsoon. El Niño events following an eruption can then intensify the ENSO-neutral hydroclimate signature, and El Niño probability is enhanced two boreal winters following all eruption types. Additionally, the eruption-year ENSO response to eruptions is hemispherically dependent: the winter following a Northern eruption tends toward El Niño, while Southern volcanoes enhance the probability of La Niña events and Tropical eruptions have a very slight cooling effect. Overall, eruption-year hydroclimate anomalies in CESM disagree with the proxy record in both Southeast Asia and North America, suggesting that model monsoon representation cannot be solely responsible. Possible explanations include issues with the model ENSO response, the spatial or temporal structure of volcanic aerosol distribution, or data uncertainties.
Refinement of habituation procedures in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Kärrberg L , Andersson L , Kastenmayer R J , Ploj K
Published: February 2016

Orogastric gavage, while a common method for delivering experimental substances in mice, has been shown to induce stress. To minimize the associated stress with this procedure, sham gavage prior to the start of experiment is a common method for habiutating mice. We investigated whether handling and restraint could replace sham treatment in the acclimatization protocol. Mice were either undisturbed, hand-restrained for 10 s or sham-gavaged daily for six days prior to eight days of twice daily gavage. The results showed that repetitive restraint and gavage had no differences in body weight after eight days of treatment compared with the body weights at the start of treatment, whereas animals left undisturbed lost significant weight once treatment began. These data suggest that procedure refinement by replacing sham treatment with hand restraint is sufficient to acclimatize mice to the stress associated with gavage.
Domestic Violence in Sylhet, Bangladesh: Analysing the Experiences of Abused Women
Authors: Das Tulshi Kumar , Bhattacharyya Rituparna , Alam Md. Fakhrul , Pervin Amina
Published: February 2016

The presence of domestic violence (DV) within marriages is a universal phenomenon and Bangladesh is no exception. The current study explores the nature, pattern and intensity of DV perpetrated against married women, along with an investigation into the socio-economic and cultural factors behind this phenomenon, specifically, in Sylhet, Bangladesh. For this, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 42 victims of DV who sought help from two social welfare organisations that explicitly dealt with the problem of abused women in Sylhet. The victims stated that their husbands, along with their in-laws, perpetrated multiple forms of physical, psychological and sexual abuse on them. The study revealed that there were multiple reasons behind the presence of DV, including, demands for dowry, poverty, a wife’s financial and emotional dependency, extramarital affairs, polygyny, the desire for a male child, an ingrained culture of violence and so on. The victims, it appeared, struggled to remain in wedlock despite repeated instances of abuse. In the absence of any viable alternatives, these women sought the help of organisations as the violence in their domestic spaces spiraled out of control. The study concluded that a continuing state of DV seemed almost inevitable in this region and was a reflection of a woman’s subordinate status in society emanating from hegemonic patriarchal values and traditions.
“The Light of Reason”: Reading the Leviathan with “The Werckmeister Harmonies”
Authors: Shapiro Michael J.
Published: February 2016

In this essay I stage an encounter between Hobbes’s Leviathan and two versions of the “The Werckmeister Harmonies” (a chapter in Laszlo Krasznahorkai’s novel The Melancholy of Resistance [1998] and a film version of the story by the director Bela Tarr [2000]). The story contains a number of Hobbes icons, for example, an enormous stuffed whale and a “Prince,” both of which arrive with a circus that comes to a Hungarian town and precipitates fear and chaos. I argue that the story thinks (differently within the two genres) both with and against Hobbes, enabled by Hobbes’s aesthetic style (which I elaborate) while at the same time challenging the historical prescience of his political philosophy. Sorting the diverse ontologies of the story’s main characters helps us better appreciate Hobbes as a writer and distance ourselves from Hobbes’s solution to political disorder.
Communal Risk Information Sharing: Motivations Behind Voluntary Information Sharing for Reducing Interdependent Risks in a Community
Authors: Liao Wang , Yuan Y. Connie , McComas Katherine A.
Published: February 2016

This article extends our understanding of risk communication related to communal risk and risk information sharing. Building on research from risk communication, organizational behavior, and social psychology, it examines individual-, relation-, and community-level motivations to share information about a devastating plant disease. This disease can bring about substantial economic risk to everyone in a farming community. We tested our hypotheses using a national sample of U.S. tomato and potato growers ( N = 452). Our findings show that growers were motivated to share information about a communal risk based on (a) individual-oriented concerns for economic costs, (b) relation-oriented concerns for reciprocation and the information recipient’s trustworthiness, and (c) community-oriented concerns comprising a sense of shared responsibility and community cohesiveness.
Using Big Data to manage safety-related risk in the upstream oil & gas industry: A research agenda
Authors: Tan Kim Hua , Ortiz-Gallardo Víctor G , Perrons Robert K
Published: February 2016

Despite considerable effort and a broad range of new approaches to safety management over the years, the upstream oil & gas industry has been frustrated by the sector’s stubbornly high rate of injuries and fatalities. This short communication points out, however, that the industry may be in a position to make considerable progress by applying “Big Data” analytical tools to the large volumes of safety-related data that have been collected by these organizations. Toward making this case, we examine existing safety-related information management practices in the upstream oil & gas industry, and specifically note that data in this sector often tends to be highly customized, difficult to analyze using conventional quantitative tools, and frequently ignored. We then contend that the application of new Big Data kinds of analytical techniques could potentially reveal patterns and trends that have been hidden or unknown thus far, and argue that these tools could help the upstream oil & gas sector to improve its injury and fatality statistics. Finally, we offer a research agenda toward accelerating the rate at which Big Data and new analytical capabilities could play a material role in helping the industry to improve its health and safety performance.
A Comparison of the Use and Quality of Antidiabetic Medication Regimens Between Non-Hispanic Black and White Adults With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes in the US
Authors: Perez Alexandra , Elrod Shara , Sanchez Jesus
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of clinical guideline–recommended antidiabetic therapies among whites and blacks with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A secondary data analysis based on NHANES 2003-2012 cohort data including non-Hispanic black and white adults with uncontrolled (A1C ≥6.5%) type 2 diabetes.

Results

Blacks were more likely to have the highest levels of A1C compared to whites (A1C >9% = 29.8% vs 16.2%). There was no statistical difference in the use of recommended regimens across racial group (blacks 60.5% vs whites 66.0%). Blacks and whites who were most uncontrolled were least likely to be on recommended regimens (A1C 6.5%-7.4%: 78.5%, A1C 7.5%-9%: 57.2%; and A1C >9%: 54.1%). This pattern was most pronounced among blacks compared to whites but was not statistically different. Use of recommended therapies decreased 29.0 percentage points for blacks and 20.1 percentage points among whites from an A1C level of 6.5% to 7.4% to >9%, respectively. The total proportion of blacks and whites on intensified non-insulin triple or insulin-based therapies were 38.9% and 41.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Even though blacks were more likely than whites to have the highest A1C, no significant differences were found in the use of clinical–guideline recommended regimens or other regimen use outcomes. Along with lifestyle modification, further intensification of antidiabetic regimens may help improve glycemic control and other disparities between blacks and whites.
Improved Delivery of Fat From Human Breast Milk via Continuous Tube Feeding
Authors: Mokha Jasmeet S. , Davidovics Zev H.
Published: February 2016

Background: Human breast milk is used sparingly in infants with intestinal failure due to observations from studies using syringe pumps that show loss of macronutrients with continuous feeding. Because of the potential benefits of using human milk, we sought to assess macronutrient losses using human milk as continuous tube feeds as done in the inpatient and home setting using a feeding bag and pump. Methods: Using in vitro simulations of human milk to assess macronutrient losses with continuous tube feeds, hourly samples were analyzed using the SpectraStar Near‐Infrared Analyzer (Unity Scientific, Columbia, MD). Effects of agitation and positional changes of the feeding bag on macronutrient delivery were investigated in 249 total samples. Pairwise comparisons were performed using repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Results: Significant fat losses were observed at all rates at hours 1–4, averaging to 73% at 5 mL/h. Caloric losses correlated strongly with fat losses. Significant gains in the fat content (+116% at hour 4 at 5 mL/h) were seen in the preinfusion aliquots (feeding bags). Horizontal positioning and continuous agitation of the feeding bag only partially limited fat losses. Fat delivery at 5 mL/h was significantly enhanced to 87% when the feeding bag was placed in an inverted position and improved further up to 98% with higher infusion rates. No carbohydrates and proteins losses were seen. Conclusions: Enabling the delivery of the human milk from the top of the feeding bag optimizes fat delivery and limits losses. Such top infusing feeding bags should be developed and could decrease healthcare costs for intestinal rehabilitation programs.
Emergence, Construction, and Authorial Intent in Community-based Projects
Authors: Murphy John W. , Schlaerth Christian A.
Published: February 2016

The focus of community-based projects is participation. This idea has both an epistemological and a logistical dimension. Local knowledge is supposed to guide these investigations, while community members should participate in every phase of a project. In fact, some critics argue that they should control these undertakings. In this way, the “authorial intent” of these persons can be given serious attention, thereby improving social services. These requirements, in many ways, take the usual debate between quantitative and qualitative methodologies in a new direction.
IBSA’s Global Role: An African Perspective
Authors: Zondi Siphamandla , Moore Candice
Published: February 2016

Established in 2003 with a promise to impact global governance for the benefit of developing countries, the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA trilateral forum) celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2013 under the shadow of a global financial crisis and overshadowed by the rise of the BRICS platform in which IBSA countries were prominent. That it failed to hold its anniversary summit in 2013 for reasons that are not yet clear signified the challenge that IBSA faced in asserting its role as a mechanism for Global South agency in a changing world.
Medium and Message: Globalization and innovation in the production field of Indian fashion
Authors: Khaire Mukti , Hall Erika V.
Published: February 2016

How do unconventional innovations become accepted in creative industries? To uncover the process by which conventions changed in the field of Indian fashion, we analysed the content of all 586 articles on fashion published in India’s leading fashion magazine during a 20-year period. The results of this exploratory analysis indicate that a regulatory change triggered economic liberalization in India, and the resultant globalizing forces facilitated interdiscursivity in the fashion media. As a result, the conventions of the global fashion paradigm permeated the Indian media discourse, gained acceptance, and came to co-exist with the previous “local” model of fashion and its conventions. This process increased the visibility of innovations that were previously peripheral in the field. The findings offer initial insights into the processes of change in creative industries, which are characterized as being relatively difficult to alter. The results have implications for organizational research in the areas of creative industries and innovation.
Organizations and Violence: The Child as Abject-Boundary in Ireland’s Industrial Schools
Authors: Kenny Kate
Published: February 2016

What role do organizations play in the enactment of large-scale violence against a specific group of people? In this paper, I depart from existing literature that focuses on violence within organizations, and instead emphasize the influence of external actors. Specifically, I examine the ways in which supporting organizations can first legitimate, and then actively maintain, violence against a group of vulnerable people. Drawing upon a unique, recently-published archive of data, these ideas are developed through an analysis of a case study in which large-scale violence was carried out on a vulnerable group: Ireland’s industrial school children. I draw on Kristeva’s notion of abjection to show how an excluded, distasteful ‘other’ is discursively co-constructed such that violence is seen as acceptable, and then actively maintained in the abject position as a boundary object that encompasses shared meanings across different organizations. Contributions include a framework for understanding the role of organizations in the perpetration of large-scale violence, which highlights how violence can be legitimated via the construction of subjects as abject boundary objects in extreme cases, and how this abject position can be maintained through inter-organizational dynamics comprising excessive rules and regulation, the suppression of care, and active policing. Finally, scholarship on boundary objects is extended by this paper’s interrogation of the ‘dark side’ of this inter-group phenomenon, an area that is rarely studied.
Marital quality and loneliness in later life
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E.
Published: February 2016

Loneliness is not merely an unpleasant experience but is harmful for older adults’ health and well-being as well. While marriage buffers against loneliness in later life, even married adults experience loneliness, and aspects of adults’ marriages may either protect against or actually foster loneliness among spouses. The current study analyzed dyadic data from 1,114 opposite-sex married Irish couples who participated in the initial wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (2009–2011) in order to extend findings of two prior dyadic studies of marital quality and loneliness in the U.S. to older married couples in Ireland and to directly compare two theoretical and methodological frameworks used by these studies to explain associations between husbands’ and wives’ reports of marital quality and loneliness in later life. Results revealed that both spouses’ perceptions of positive and negative marital quality were significantly related with husbands’ and wives’ loneliness and that spouses’ reports of loneliness were significantly related with one another. Findings also indicated that associations between marital quality and loneliness were similar for Irish and American couples in later life. Comparison of differing modeling strategies suggested that emotional contagion may serve as a pathway for dyadic partner effects.
The individual in an ICT world
Authors: Xinaris Charis
Published: February 2016

This article explores contemporary engagement with social media and other forms of information and communications technology in relation to identity formation and the individual. It is argued that in an information and communications technology world, the materialization as well as the materiality of identity is of a performative nature and it is subject to a negotiation of being both online and offline. This negotiation is associated with being recognized as having established a presence online. In the web of connected knowledge, exchange of information and multiple identifications, the individual comes into being through its participation in a complex system of watching and being watched. With a primary focus on what has come to be termed as participatory culture – a term which has also been criticized for masking its ambivalent nature behind the celebration of the birth of the ‘prosumer’ – often exemplified in the use of or participation in social media (an aspect of being online), the article tries to elucidate the darker sides of ‘being’ on social media through an examination of surveillance and sousveillance as they contribute to the (de)construction of the individual in an information and communications technology world.
Description of load progression and pain response during progressive resistance training early after total hip arthroplasty: secondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mikkelsen Lone R , Petersen Annemette K , Mechlenburg Inger , Mikkelsen Søren , Søballe Kjeld , Bandholm Thomas
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To describe a progressive resistance training intervention implemented shortly after total hip arthroplasty, including a detailed description of load progression, pain response and adverse events to the training.

Design:

Secondary analyses of data from the intervention group in a randomized controlled trial.

Subjects:

This study reports data from the intervention group ( n = 37).

Interventions:

The protocol described supervised progressive resistance training of the operated leg two days/week in addition to home-based exercise five days/week and for 10 weeks. The relative load progressed from 12 repetition maximum to 8 repetition maximum during 10 weeks for the exercises: knee extension, hip abduction, -flexion and -extension.

Main measures:

Training load in kilograms (kg) for each exercise, hip pain during, before and after exercise using the Visual Analog Scale and adverse events during the initial four weeks of training.

Results:

The majority of patients experienced only moderate hip pain during exercise (range in median across exercises and sessions: 5–35 mm Visual Analog Scale) and mild pain at rest (median: 1–18 mm Visual Analog Scale), both of which decreased over time ( p < 0.001), despite a substantial increase in absolute training load (67%–166 % across exercises, p < 0.001). Out of 152 training sessions, short term pain response (an increase >20 mm Visual Analog Scale) occurred in 13 patients in 24 training sessions.

Conclusion:

Progressive resistance training as described in the present study can be implemented shortly following total hip arthroplasty with substantial load progression and no overall exacerbation of postoperative pain. Some patients may experience a short term pain response.

Trial Registration (primary trial):

NCT01214954
A study of the psychometric properties of 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in a large population of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Saltychev Mikhail , Bärlund Esa , Mattie Ryan , McCormick Zachary , Paltamaa Jaana , Laimi Katri
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To assess the validity of the Finnish translation of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0).

Design:

Cross-sectional cohort survey study.

Setting:

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine outpatient university clinic.

Subjects:

The 501 consecutive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Main measures:

Exploratory factor analysis and a graded response model using item response theory analysis were used to assess the constructs and discrimination ability of WHODAS 2.0.

Results:

The exploratory factor analysis revealed two retained factors with eigenvalues 5.15 and 1.04. Discrimination ability of all items was high or perfect, varying from 1.2 to 2.5. The difficulty levels of seven out of 12 items were shifted towards the elevated disability level. As a result, the entire test characteristic curve showed a shift towards higher levels of disability, placing it at the point of disability level of +1 (where 0 indicates the average level of disability within the sample).

Conclusions:

The present data indicate that the Finnish translation of the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 is a valid instrument for measuring restrictions of activity and participation among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
‘I think you just learnt as you went along’ – community clergy’s experiences of and attitudes towards caring for dying people: A pilot study
Authors: Goodhead Andrew , Speck Peter , Selman Lucy
Published: February 2016

Background:

Spiritual distress is a factor associated with poor outcomes at the end of life. Timely interventions, assessing and meeting spiritual distress, among patients are contained within nationally agreed guidance. Community clergy are well placed to work alongside healthcare professionals and chaplains to meet spiritual needs.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews among Christian clergy in two South East London boroughs and a self-completed Death Anxiety Questionnaire.

Results:

Fourteen clergy were interviewed from six Christian denominations. Participants described their experiences of ordination training and how helpful this had been for their work among Christian communities. Respondents were invited to discuss their knowledge of and involvement with palliative care services. Each interviewee also accounted for their understanding of pastoral care and spiritual care and considered whether any differences existed between these terms and, if so, what they were. Overall, clergy lacked any detailed formal training and had little experience of working with or relating to palliative care providers. Recommendations are made to improve educational opportunities and working relationships.

Conclusions:

Creating opportunities for clergy and palliative care staff to meet and undertake shared training will enhance the quality and level of care for people dying at home who wish to receive spiritual support. Enabling clergy to develop links with local palliative care centres will enhance confidence for both clergy and staff.
Probing imagined tempo for music: Effects of motor engagement and musical experience
Authors: Jakubowski Kelly , Farrugia Nicolas , Stewart Lauren
Published: February 2016

Both musically trained and untrained adults can reproduce the tempo of familiar music with high precision. However, conflicting evidence exists as to how well representations of tempo are preserved within musical imagery. The present study investigated whether previous conflicting evidence might result from the use of different tasks to measure imagined tempo. Tempo judgments for familiar music were collected in a repeated-measures design using two imagined music tasks and one perceived music task. In one imagined music task participants tapped in time to the beat of the imagined music (Imagery (motor) task), while in the other they did not move in time with the music and instead adjusted a click track to the beat (Imagery (non-motor) task). Overall, performance was most accurate on the perceived music task, in which all musical cues were present. Performance on the Imagery (motor) task was also significantly more accurate than performance on the Imagery (non-motor) task. Training and active engagement with music positively predicted imagery task performance, whereas perceived music task performance was influenced by properties related to the song stimuli, such as familiarity and the original, recorded tempo. Results are discussed in relation to previous literature on auditory–motor interactions and musical expertise.
Automaticity and affective responses in valence transfer: Insights from the crossmodal auditory-visual paradigm
Authors: Weinreich André , Gollwitzer Anton
Published: February 2016

The current study examined valence transfer in the crossmodal paradigm in order to test the generalizability of the phenomenon and to contribute to a better understanding of the underlying processes. Western European participants evaluated Asian ideographs to be more visually pleasant when in the presence of pleasant sounds than when in the presence of neutral or unpleasant sounds (Experiment 1). Experiment 2 was conducted to reduce the demand characteristics, and to investigate the involvement of affective responses. We measured facial electromyography (EMG) and skin conductance responses (SCR) from participants evaluating ideographs while a piece of music was playing in the background. Evaluative judgments of the ideographs reflected subtle variance of valence within the piece of music. The extent of this valence transfer depended on the extent of SCRs within the respective trial. In addition, ideograph judgments were accompanied by concordant affective responses within facial EMG. The findings suggest that valence transfer from brief stimuli can be generalized to the crossmodal paradigm, occurs even if the experimental procedure obscures the purpose of investigation (i.e., automatically), and that affective responses are involved.
Mixed qualitative-simulation methods
Authors: Millington James D. A. , Wainwright John
Published: February 2016

Across geography there has been variable engagement with the use of simulation and agent-based modelling. We argue that agent-based simulation provides a complementary method to investigate geographical issues which need not be used in ways that are epistemologically different in kind from some other approaches in contemporary geography. We propose mixed qualitative-simulation methods that iterate back-and-forth between ‘thick’ (qualitative) and ‘thin’ (simulation) approaches and between the theory and data they produce. These mixed methods accept simulation modelling as process and practice; a way of using computers with concepts and data to ensure social theory remains embedded in day-to-day geographical thinking.
Accuracy of Intravenous Electrocardiography Confirmation of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Edakkanambeth Varayil Jithinraj , McMahon Megan T. , Okano Akiko , Vallumsetla Nishanth , Bonnes Sara L. , Andrews James C. , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: February 2016

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life‐saving therapy for patients with intestinal failure. Safe delivery of hyperosmotic solution requires a central venous catheter (CVC) with tip in the lower superior vena cava (SVC) or at the SVC–right atrium (RA) junction. To reduce cost and delay in use of CVC, new techniques such as intravascular electrocardiogram (ECG) are being used for tip confirmation in place of chest x‐ray (CXR). The present study assessed for accuracy of ECG confirmation in home PN (HPN). Methods: Records for all patients consulted for HPN from December 17, 2014, to June 16, 2015, were reviewed for patient demographics, diagnosis leading to HPN initiation, and ECG and CXR confirmation. CXRs were subsequently reviewed by a radiologist to reassess location of the CVC tip and identify those that should be adjusted. Results: Seventy‐three patients were eligible, and after assessment for research authorization and postplacement CXR, 17 patients (30% male) with an age of 54 ± 14 years were reviewed. In all patients, postplacement intravascular ECG reading stated tip in the SVC. However, based on CXR, the location of the catheter tip was satisfactory (low SVC or SVC‐RA junction) in 10 of 17 patients (59%). Conclusion: Due to the high osmolality of PN, CVC tip location is of paramount importance. After radiology review of CXR, we noted that 7 of 17 (41%) peripherally inserted central catheter lines were in an unsatisfactory position despite ECG confirmation. With current data available, intravenous ECG confirmation should not be used as the sole source of tip confirmation in patients receiving HPN.
From Resistance to Invitations: How Men Voluntarily in Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence May Contribute to the Development of a Working Alliance
Authors: Lømo Bente , Haavind Hanne , Tjersland Odd Arne
Published: February 2016

The high drop-out rate and modest outcome for men in treatment for intimate partner violence (IPV) have highlighted the question of how therapists can establish an effective working alliance with these clients. The aim of this study was to conceptualize the variety of ways in which male clients using violence against a female partner might present themselves to form a working alliance that might appeal to them. We studied how 20 men voluntarily in individual IPV treatment contributed at the beginning of therapy to forming an alliance with therapists skilled in such treatment. The first therapy session in 10 drop-out and 10 completed cases was transcribed verbatim and analyzed qualitatively, following guidelines drawn from the constructionist grounded theory. The analysis resulted in a conceptual model of gateways and invitations to an alliance. Gateways are themes that have the potential to open a path toward collaboration on personal change. Each of the three gateways identified, comprised solide and weak invitations to an alliance: (a) presenting reasons for seeking treatment—as their own choice, as avoidance, or as a mistake; (b) presenting notions of change—as their own need to change their violent behavior, as ambivalence toward the project, or as a need to change the partner; and (c) disclosing and describing violence—as a personal narrative, as a scene, as a fragment of their life, or as something else. Implications for therapists’ understanding of clients’ motivational goals, negotiation of alliance, and disclosure of violence early in therapy are discussed.
Cognitive Deficits in Healthy Elderly Population With “Normal” Scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination
Authors: Votruba Kristen L. , Persad Carol , Giordani Bruno
Published: February 2016

This study investigated whether healthy older adults with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores above 23 exhibit cognitive impairment on neuropsychological tests. Participants completed the MMSE and a neuropsychological battery including tests of 10 domains. Results were compared to published normative data. On neuropsychological testing, participants performed well on measures of naming and recall but showed mild to moderate impairment in working memory and processing speed and marked impairment in inhibition, sustained attention, and executive functioning. Almost everyone (91%) scored at least 1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean in at least 1 domain. The median number of domains in which individuals scored below 1 SD was 3.0 of 10.0, whereas over 21% scored below 1 SD in 5 domains or more. With the strictest of definitions for impairment, 20% of this population scored below 2.0 SDs below the norm in at least 2 domains, a necessary condition for a diagnosis of dementia. The finding that cognitive impairment, particularly in attention and executive functioning, is found in healthy older persons who perform well on the MMSE has clinical and research implications in terms of emphasizing normal variability in performance and early identification of possible impairment.
Age Differences in Cancer Treatment Decision Making and Social Support
Authors: Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Palmer-Wackerly Angela L. , Dailey Phokeng M. , Wojno Julianne C. , Krieger Janice L.
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the decision-making (DM) styles of younger (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older (≥60 years) cancer survivors, the type and role of social support, and patient satisfaction with cancer treatment DM. Method: Adult cancer survivors ( N = 604) were surveyed using Qualtrics online software. Results: Older adults reported significantly lower influence of support on DM than younger adults. The most common DM style for the age groups was collaborative DM with their doctors. Younger age was a significant predictor of independent ( p < .05), collaborative with family ( p < .001), delegated to doctor ( p < .01), delegated to family ( p < .001), and demanding ( p < .001) DM styles. Discussion: Despite having lower received social support in cancer treatment DM, older adults were more satisfied with their DM than younger and middle-aged adults. Health care workers should be aware of different DM styles and influence of social networks to help facilitate optimal patient DM and satisfaction.
A “snapshot” of physical activity and food habits among private school children in India
Authors: Staab Erin M , Cunningham Solveig A , Thorpe Sara , Patil Shailaja S
Published: February 2016

Concerns about increasing obesity in poorer parts of the world, including India, have often been premised in terms of global shifts in activity levels and caloric consumption. Lifestyle changes have been documented in large cities, but we do not know whether these changes are reaching young people in less urban locations. This study used photo journals to explore children’s perceptions of their food and activity habits in a remote Indian city. Children expressed interest in active pastimes, learning, and health, and indicated traditional, modern, local, and global influences in their lives. Findings offer context for research and interventions.
Characterization of the static behavior of electrically actuated micro-plates using extended Kantorovich method
Authors: Moeenfard Hamid , Maleki Sattar
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a new approach based on Extended Kantorovich Method to simulate the static response of micro-plates to electrostatic actuation. The presented model accounts for the electric force nonlinearity of the excitation as well as the applied in-plane loads. Using a one term Galerkin approximation and following the extended Kantorovich procedure, the nonlinear partial differential equation governing the micro-plate deflection reduces to two un-coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients which can be solved iteratively with rapid convergence to yield the desired solution. A parametric study has also been performed to characterize the effect of various design parameters such as applied in-plane loads and micro-plate aspect ratio to pull-in limits of micro-plates. Results in some specific cases have been validated, comparing them with other theoretical and experimental findings reported in the literature as well as the results of the finite element simulation of the problem. It is shown that rapid convergence, high precision and independency of initial guess function make extended Kantorovich method an effective and accurate design tool for design optimization of micro-plates under electrostatic actuation.
Looking Under the Hood of Third-Party Punishment Reveals Design for Personal Benefit
Authors: Krasnow Max M. , Delton Andrew W. , Cosmides Leda , Tooby John
Published: February 2016

Third-party intervention, such as when a crowd stops a mugger, is common. Yet it seems irrational because it has real costs but may provide no personal benefits. In a laboratory analogue, the third-party-punishment game, third parties (“punishers”) will often spend real money to anonymously punish bad behavior directed at other people. A common explanation is that third-party punishment exists to maintain a cooperative society. We tested a different explanation: Third-party punishment results from a deterrence psychology for defending personal interests. Because humans evolved in small-scale, face-to-face social worlds, the mind infers that mistreatment of a third party predicts later mistreatment of oneself. We showed that when punishers do not have information about how they personally will be treated, they infer that mistreatment of other people predicts mistreatment of themselves, and these inferences predict punishment. But when information about personal mistreatment is available, it drives punishment. This suggests that humans’ punitive psychology evolved to defend personal interests.
Subclinical pulmonary abnormalities in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Veiga C S , Coutinho D S , Nakaie C M A , Campos L M A , Suzuki L , Cunha M T , Leone C , Silva C A , Rodrigues J C
Published: February 2016

Objective

The aims of this study were to analyze the pulmonary function of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients and to identify possible correlations between the high-resolution computed chest tomography (HRCT) score, disease activity, disease cumulative damage, and the participants’ quality of life.

Methods

Forty cSLE patients, median age: 14.1 years (range: 7.4–17.9), underwent spirometry and plethysmography. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), HRCT, disease activity, disease cumulative damage, and quality of life were assessed.

Results

Pulmonary abnormalities were evident in 19/40 (47.5%) cSLE patients according to spirometry/DLCO. Forced expired volume in one second (FEV1%) was the parameter most affected (30%). The HRCT showed some abnormality in 22/30 patients (73%), which were minimal in 43%. Signs of airway affects were found in 50%. Twelve patients were hospitalized due to cSLE-related pulmonary complications before the study began (median discharge: 2.1 years earlier). Total lung capacity (TLC%), vital capacity (VC%), forced vital capacity (FVC%), and FEV1% were significantly lower in the group with hospitalization compared to the group without hospitalization ( p = 0.0025, p = 0.0022, p = 0.0032, and p = 0.0004, respectively). Of note, DLCO was positively correlated with disease duration ( r = +0.4; p = 0.01). The HRCT-score was negatively correlated with FEV1/VC ( r = −0.63; p = 0.0002), FEV1 ( r = −0.54; p = 0.018), FEF25%–75% ( r = −0.67; p < 0.0001), and HRCT-score was positively correlated with resistance ( r = +0.49; p = 0.0056).

Conclusions

Almost half of patients with cSLE had subclinical pulmonary abnormalities, especially airway abnormalities. The cSLE-related pulmonary complications seem to determine long-term functional damage.
Concept Maps for Evaluating Learning of Sustainable Development
Authors: Shallcross David C.
Published: February 2016

Concept maps are used to assess student and cohort learning of sustainable development. The concept maps of 732 first-year engineering students were individually analyzed to detect patterns of learning and areas that were not well understood. Students were given 20 minutes each to prepare a concept map of at least 20 concepts using paper and pen. The maps were then analyzed using three different methods. The first method considers only the structure of the map by quantifying its features. The second method considers the content and comprehensiveness of the map by classifying every concept included using a new taxonomy. The third method scores the maps against a rubric that considers the correctness of the maps’ propositions as well as the maps’ comprehensiveness and complexity. The results show that concept maps are a useful tool in assessing the knowledge and understanding of sustainable development concepts and that the students surveyed have a good awareness about the technical, social and environmental aspects of the domain. They did not include many concepts relating to equity and economic impact of sustainable development policies.
Should ketamine be used for the clinical treatment of depression?
Authors: Arunogiri Shalini , Keks Nicholas A , Hope Judy
Published: February 2016

Objective:

There has been widespread interest from the public and media in the potential of ketamine as a novel treatment for depression. This paper reviews whether current evidence supports the use of ketamine for the clinical treatment of depression.

Conclusions:

Clinical trials have investigated the use of intravenous ketamine for the treatment of depressive symptoms over the past 15 years. However, there remain many unanswered questions regarding its effectiveness, safety, and the route, dose and regimen for repeated administration. Experts have also raised concerns regarding ketamine’s adverse effects, abuse potential and the risk of addiction. At this stage, the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression remains in the realm of research settings.
Rate of community treatment orders and readmission orders following reconfiguration of community mental health services
Authors: O’Donoghue Brian , Brophy Lisa , Owens Nicholas , Rasic Milana , McCullough Belinda , Huang Beatrice , Vine Ruth , McKenna Brian
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Community treatment orders (CTOs) are a controversial practice as they extend the practice of involuntary treatment into the community. This study aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the rate of CTOs and revocation (readmission) orders following the implementation of a recovery-orientated model across four adult mental health services.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted prior to and after the reconfiguration of services. Population data for those aged 15 to 65 were obtained from a census and rate rates were calculated.

Results:

Prior to the reconfiguration, there were 893 individuals subject to a CTO and 136 of these individuals had a revocation of their CTO (i.e. were involuntarily readmitted). This represented a rate of 100.8 individuals on CTOs per 100,000 population and a rate of 15.4 revocations per 100,000 population. Following the reconfiguration, the rate of CTOs increased by 10% and there was a trend for the rate of revocation orders to have decreased by 17%.

Conclusions:

Rates of CTOs and readmissions varied across services and further research is warranted to identify factors associated with these increased rates. Additionally, the very high rate of CTOs in the catchment areas warrants further examination.
Building Better Digital Badges
Authors: McDaniel Rudy , Fanfarelli Joseph
Published: February 2016

Background. Digital badges are used in games and simulations for purposes such as incentivizing learning, identifying progress, increasing time on task, and credentialing. Designing effective badges is complicated by psychological factors mediating the processes of recognizing, orienting toward, and acquiring badges.

Aim. This article analyzes digital badges through mechanics and psychology. This approach involves understanding the underlying logics of badges as well as the experiential nature of badges-in-use. The proposed model provides additional insight about badges and recommends design strategies to complement existing scholarship.

Procedure. This article examines an existing model of completion logic for digital badges. This model is expanded upon by pairing these formal mechanics with relevant psychological theory, summarizing key principles that pertain to how people interact with badges. It then considers three dimensions of badges-in-use—social, cognitive, and affective—reviewing examples and analyzing the relationship of badging to debriefing.

Outcome. Understanding the relationships between formal completion logics and the psychological experience of badging allows designers to better design, deploy, and critique badging systems, leading to more effective implementations within simulation and gaming contexts. A design matrix and a series of design recommendations for badging are derived from the presented perspectives.