bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Anaphes Haliday (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from India and Indonesia
Authors: ANWAR PRINCE TARIQUE , ZEYA SHAHID BIN , HUBER JOHN T.
Published: June 2019

Two species of Anaphes Haliday with distinctive females are described from India (A. triapitsyni Anwar & Zeya, sp. nov.) or from India and Indonesia (A. kailashchandrai Anwar & Zeya, sp. nov.). The only other Anaphes species known to occur in India is A. quinquearticulatus Huber & Triapitsyn because previous records of A. pallipes (Ashmead) and A. pullicrurus (Girault) are based on misidentifications. These latter two names are therefore removed from the faunal list of India. An illustrated key to females of the three described species of Anaphes known from India is given. The described species of Anaphes known from Australia are also briefly reviewed, with type material of four previously unillustrated species being newly imaged and compared to the Indian species.
Identification of Haplothrips species from Malesia (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae)
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: June 2019

A key is provided to 13 species of Haplothrips recorded from Malesia, the tropical biogeographic region that extends from Peninsular Malaysia to New Guinea. Three new synonyms are established, and H. aliceae sp.n. is described from Sarawak, Timor-Leste and Thailand. In contrast to recent treatments of Haplothrips, one of the most common members of the genus in Australia, H. angustus Hood is recognised as a syn.n. of H. ganglebaueri Schmutz that is widespread from Iran to Indonesia. Difficulties in distinguishing between three of the most common flower-living, Southeast Asian, species of this genus are discussed: H. anceps Hood from northern Australia, H. chinensis Priesner from Hong Kong, and H. brevitubus (Karny) from Japan.
Językowy obraz duszy w młodopolskich ekfrazach inspirowanych dziełami malarskimi Arnolda Böcklina
Authors: Bagińska Lucyna
Published: June 2019

The linguistic image of the soul in Polish early modernist ekphrases inspired by Arnold Böcklin’s paintingsThis article presents the results of a reconstruction of the linguistic image of the soul as an element of the represented world in the ekphrases by Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Maria Poraska, Zuzanna Rabska, Wanda Aleksandra Stanisławska, Lucjan Rydel and Karol Łepkowski. Their genesis lies in the fascination with works by Arnold Böcklin, one of the most famous painters of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The article focuses on the axiological aspect and opens with a definition of the terms ekphrase and work of art. The analyses of the poems mainly rely on the tools of cognitive linguistics: profiling, conceptual metaphor and amalgamate. Językowy obraz duszy w młodopolskich ekfrazach inspirowanych dziełami malarskimi Arnolda BöcklinaCelem artykułu jest przedstawienie rezultatów rekonstrukcji językowego obrazu duszy jako motywu świata przedstawionego ekfraz takich autorów i autorek, jak: Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Maria Poraska, Zuzanna Rabska, Wanda Aleksandra Stanisławska, Lucjan Rydel, Leopold Staff i Karol Łepkowski, których geneza wynika z fascynacji wymienionych twórców malarstwem Arnolda Böcklina, jednego z najpopularniejszych artystów tworzących na Zachodzie Europy na przełomie XIX i XX wieku. W odtwarzaniu językowego obrazu duszy szczególnie eksponuję aspekt aksjologiczny pojęcia. Sposoby jego konceptualizacji i wartościowania w wierszach zestawiam z objaśnieniami leksemu dusza w języku ogólnym również z przełomu XIX i XX wieku, czyli z czasu, w którym powstawały badane ekfrazy. Rozważania zaczynam od zdefiniowania terminów „ekfraza” oraz „dzieło malarskie”. W artykule pojawią się też niezbędne informacje na temat kontekstu estetyczno-filozoficznego przełomu XIX i XX wieku jako tła dla wątku aksjologicznego przedstawianego zagadnienia. W analizie wyekscerpowanego z wierszy wymienionych autorów materiału językowego (nie we wszystkich utworach wystąpiły jednostki językowe przyporządkowane analizowanemu pojęciu) wykorzystuję przede wszystkim narzędzia językoznawstwa kognitywnego: profilowanie, metaforę pojęciową i amalgamat. Stosując je, opiszę nie tylko konceptualizacje i aksjologię pojęcia ‘dusza’ w badanych wierszach wymienionych poetów, ale też ukażę takie przestrzenie poezji w interpretacji utworów literackich, które przy zastosowaniu tradycyjnej poetyki umknęłyby uwadze badacza.
Actuator fault detection and isolation on a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle modeled as a linear parameter-varying system
Authors: Guzmán-Rabasa Julio Alberto , López-Estrada Francisco Ronay , González-Contreras Brian Manuel , Valencia-Palomo Guillermo , Chadli Mohammed , Pérez-Patricio Madain
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the design of a fault detection and diagnosis system for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle under partial or total actuator fault. In order to control the quadrotor, the dynamic system is divided in two subsystems driven by the translational and the rotational dynamics, where the rotational subsystem is based on a linear parameter-varying model. A robust linear parameter-varying observer applied to the rotational subsystem is considered to detect actuator faults, which can occur as total failures (loss of a propeller or a motor) or partial faults (degradation). Furthermore, fault diagnosis is done by analyzing the displacements of the roll and pitch angles. Numerical experiments are carried out in order to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
The Fall of the Alberto Fujimori Government: New Evidence and Interpretations
Authors: Santander Joo Carlos Ugo , Domínguez Avila Carlos Federico
Published: June 2019

New evidence and interpretations regarding the end of the authoritarian Alberto Fujimori regime and the Peruvian democratic transition of 2000 suggest that preexisting electoral and institutional rules intrinsic to the authoritarian regime contributed to a process of regime change. Thus Peru can be seen as one of the few Latin American nations in which the transition was caused by a rupture in contrast to the pacted-reform/rupture transitions most common in the region.

Nuevas evidencias e interpretaciones sobre el fin del régimen autoritario de Alberto Fujimori y la transición democrática en 2000 sugieren que las elecciones y las reglas institucionales preexistentes y propias de la naturaleza de un régimen autoritario contribuyeron a un proceso de cambio de régimen. Así, Perú puede ser considerado entre los pocos países en el concierto latinoamericano en los que se estableció una transición por ruptura a diferencia de las transiciones por pactada-reforma/ruptura predominante en la region.
Learning Experiences of Highly Able Learners With ASD: Using a Success Case Method
Authors: Wu I-Chen , Lo C. Owen , Tsai Kuei-Fang
Published: June 2019

Empirical studies investigating twice-exceptional students’ learning experiences and intricate needs remain scarce to date. Even though highly able learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASDs) demonstrate potential for high achievement and/or creative productivity, they also face potential psychosocial distresses such as anxiety disorders and poor self-concept. This study aimed to explore positive educational opportunities for highly able learners diagnosed with ASD. Using a success case method, the researchers invited two fifth-grade highly able learners with ASD to participate in this study. Data collection included interviews, observations, questionnaires, and supplementary artifacts. Adopting a general inductive analysis approach and a Glaserian coding paradigm, the researchers identified a core category, supportive school context (SSC), along with three subcategories: (a) curriculum flexibility, (b) strength-based approaches, and (c) safe environment. The findings could provide effective pedagogical strategies for teachers, school administrators, and parents. Furthermore, we rendered several suggestions for future research.
YouTube as a Guide for Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler Technique
Authors: Eudaley Sarah T. , Dabbs William S. , Chamberlin Shaunta’ M.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Consumers are involved more than ever in their health care, with many utilizing the Internet for health information. YouTube is a convenient and vast source of health education videos. Pharmaceutical companies, health organizations, providers, and others post instructional videos for the use of the Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler device on sites like YouTube. Therefore, review of content and quality is important to ensure consumers are directed to the best information available.

Objective:

Assess content and quality of YouTube videos demonstrating Respimat Soft Mist inhaler technique.

Methods:

YouTube was queried May 16, 2018 using the term “Respimat inhaler.” The first 35 unique videos in English with instructions for use were assessed. Technical quality of each video was evaluated using a validated scale and content assessed using manufacturer/package insert.

Results:

Of 35 videos reviewed, median duration was 2 minutes 50 seconds (interquartile range [IQR]: 1 minute 23 seconds-4 minutes 22 seconds). Target audience was laypeople for 97% (n = 34) of videos. The source was a professional organization for 70% (n = 24). Most (74%, n = 24) received the maximum quality score of 5. Commonly omitted steps included documentation of the discard date (74%), repetitive dose activation until spray is visible (49%), and pointing inhaler to the back of the throat (43%).

Conclusions:

Proper technique is crucial for patients to achieve optimal results from inhaled medications. While many videos are available through YouTube for demonstration of Respimat Soft Mist inhaler technique, some omitted key steps. Thorough and repetitive patient education should be provided, and augmented with reputable online sources.
Comparing the Relationship Between Nominal and Real Effective Exchange Rates During the Last Two Devaluations in Algeria
Authors: Bilal Boubellouta , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: June 2019

This article examines the impact of nominal effective exchange rate on real effective exchange rate in Algeria, using autoregressive distributed lag bounds test approach with monthly time series data from 2008 to 2017. Empirical results suggest that the nominal devaluation leads to real devaluation not only in the long run but also in the short run in Algeria for both devaluations. But all coefficients estimated for the second devaluation are low compared to the first devaluation. Our analysis shows that reducing the import through devaluation of the dinar led to a significant increase in import prices. However, the present study shows that taking into account all of the structural problems of the Algerian economy, the devaluation of the dinar may lead to more severe inflation than anticipated by the Algerian government.
Building the Eviction Economy: Speculation, Precarity, and Eviction in Detroit
Authors: Seymour Eric , Akers Joshua
Published: June 2019

Evictions have recently gained attention as a problem affecting millions of households worldwide. This study contributes to knowledge on the conditions leading to housing insecurity and evictions by examining the role of foreclosure markets in feeding portfolios of slum landlords and contract sellers in Detroit’s single-family residential neighborhoods. Leveraging data from tax foreclosure auctions and eviction filings from 2005 to 2017, we link foreclosure sales to subsequent eviction cases and estimate the neighborhood-level impact of prior year tax sales on current year evictions. We separately examine the acquisition size and eviction rate of major individual auction buyers. These findings shed light on the contemporary construction of eviction economies in distressed cities through foreclosure markets and investors’ methods for profiting from the constrained housing options of low-income and credit-impaired households.
Conditions of a Feminine Man: Rumors of a “Hermaphrodite” Pastrycook in Nineteenth-Century Sweden
Authors: Holmqvist Sam
Published: June 2019

The pastrycook Aron Forss was a well-known person in his hometown Uppsala in the 1840’s and 1850’s, famous both for his popular café and for his femininity. This article analyses the rumors that surrounded his person, using paintings, newspaper clippings, and memoirs written by his former customers. Through his business, Forss could lay claim on normative masculinity through the rousing bourgeois ideals of financial success and craftsmanship. Being a successful businessman was a way of securing social acceptance and respectability. However, it was apparently not enough. In order to sustain his business, Forss was forced to put up with harassments. Some of his costumers treated him much like other women in public places were treated—as objects of sexual advance. Several of Forss’s contemporaries describe him with particular fascination. By describing Forss as a spectacle, he is made an exception to the rules of social appropriateness.
Castleman Disease Presenting as a Parapharyngeal Mass: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Choi David Leo , Brannock Kristina , Tang Alice L
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Masses in the parapharyngeal space often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to an inaccessible location for biopsy and proximity to critical neurovascular structures of the neck. The aims of this study are to describe a rare case of Castleman disease (CD) presenting in the parapharyngeal space.

Methods:

Case report of a 38-year-old male presenting to a tertiary care center and literature review.

Results & conclusions:

The parapharyngeal space is an unusual location for CD. Surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists must be aware of this disease entity within the differential diagnosis to provide appropriate perioperative counseling for patients.
Workplace Harassment Interventions and Labour Process Theory: A Critical Realist Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Quinlan Elizabeth , Robertson Susan , Carr Tracey , Gerrard Angie
Published: June 2019

Workplace harassment, from a labour process theoretic perspective, is a consequence of the convergence of several historical trends that affect the way work is organized under contemporary capitalism. On this view, interventions such as communication skills training, complaint procedures, and workplace policies have limited chance of eliminating harassment in the workplace. However, there is minimal research identifying, testing, and refining the theories accounting for how and why particular interventions work and under what circumstances. Our critical realist evaluation of the workplace harassment intervention literature responds to this gap. The mid-range theory of workplace harassment interventions presented in this article derives from the synthesized literature, augmented by Habermasian theory of social transformation to elaborate intervention mechanisms as lifeworld impulses. The provisional propositions of the mid-range theory are offered to inspire their empirical testing for the theory’s further refinement.
Eating with our eyes (closed): Effects of visually associating animals with meat on antivegan/vegetarian attitudes and meat consumption willingness
Authors: Earle Megan , Hodson Gordon , Dhont Kristof , MacInnis Cara
Published: June 2019

Negative attitudes toward vegetarians/vegans (i.e., veg*ns) are common, particularly among those who desire/like/consume meat more. In two studies, we replicated and extended past work, showing that visual reminders of meat’s animal origins (vs. images of meat alone) decreased meat consumption willingness via increased empathy for animals, distress about meat consumption, and disgust for meat. We also assessed how animal–meat reminders influence antiveg*n attitudes. In Study 1 ( N = 299) experimental animal–meat reminders (vs. meat-alone images) indirectly reduced negative attitudes toward veg*ns via increased empathy and distress (together, but not independently). The same manipulation in Study 2 ( N = 280) lowered antiveg*n attitudes through greater empathy and lowered veg*n threat through greater distress. Implications for promoting less antiveg*n attitudes are discussed.
Experimental assessment of diesel engine cylinder deactivation performance during low-load transient operations
Authors: Allen Cody M , Joshi Mrunal C , Gosala Dheeraj B , Shaver Gregory M , Farrell Lisa , McCarthy James
Published: June 2019

Fuel-efficient aftertreatment thermal management in modern diesel engines is a difficult challenge, especially during low-load operation. This study explores the performance of cylinder deactivation in a diesel engine during low-load operation following highway cruise through experimental evaluation of two drive cycles, specifically extended idle and repeated heavy heavy-duty diesel truck creep cycles. Cylinder deactivation operations are shown to maintain comparable aftertreatment thermal management performance to conventional thermal management operation while reducing fuel up to 40% during extended idle operation. This fuel efficiency improvement coincides with engine-out emission reductions of 72% for soot and 52% for NOx. Cylinder deactivation also shows improved thermal management compared to a more fuel-efficient conventional operation.
The effect of nature sounds and earplugs on anxiety in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Akarsu Kamile , Koç Ayşegül , Ertuğ Nurcan
Published: June 2019

Background:

Percutaneous coronary interventions cause anxiety in patients, although these procedures are lifesaving.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nature sounds and earplug interventions on the anxiety of patients after percutaneous coronary interventions.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial design was used in this study. A total of 114 patients who were scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were allocated to three groups in a randomized manner: two intervention groups (nature sound group, earplug group) and one control group. The Visual Analog Scale, State Anxiety Inventory and physiological parameters were used to measure anxiety. Data were collected from the patients at three time points: immediately before, immediately after and 30 minutes after the interventions.

Results:

The respiratory rates and the Visual Analog Scale and State Anxiety Inventory scores of patients in the nature sound and earplug groups immediately after and 30 minutes after the interventions were significantly lower than those of the control group ( p < 0.05). No differences were found when comparing respiratory rates, Visual Analog Scale scores and State Anxiety Inventory scores between patients in the nature sound group and patients in the earplug group ( p > 0.05). No changes were observed in the pulse and systolic/diastolic blood pressure values of patients in the control and intervention groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

It was determined that nature sounds and earplug interventions are effective in reducing the anxiety of patients following percutaneous coronary intervention.
(Un)Mind the gap: How organizational actors cope with an identity–strategy misalignment
Authors: Wenzel Matthias , Cornelissen Joep P. , Koch Jochen , Hartmann Michael , Rauch Madeleine
Published: June 2019

In this article, we explore how organizational actors cope with a perceived misalignment between their organization’s identity and strategy. Based on an inductive, interpretive case study at a public broadcasting organization, we identify three cognitive tactics through which organizational members cope with an identity–strategy misalignment: contextualization, abstraction, and fatalism. Furthermore, we show that the enactment of these cognitive coping tactics coincides with specific strategy-related tasks that prioritize different aspects of an organization’s identity and, therefore, invokes different conceptions of the identity–strategy misalignment. Based on these findings, we develop a framework that conceptualizes how organizational members cope with an identity–strategy misalignment. We end the article by discussing the implications of our study for further research on the linkages between organizational identity and strategy.
Repeated 0.2-Gy γ-Ray Irradiation Attenuates the Inflammatory Process and Endotoxin Damage Induced by Lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Dong Suhe , Qian Wen , Liu Tingting , Liu Hu , Du Jicong , Zhao Hainan , Gao Fu , Cai Jianming
Published: June 2019

Endotoxin damage is an acute, multi-organ disease, the most typical symptoms of which are liver injury and inflammatory cytokine storm. Endotoxin tolerance is described as the pretreatment of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) before the toxin invasion, which is consistent with the adaptive response induced by low-dose radiation (LDR). In this study, we verified that LDR could resist the endotoxin damage by suppressing the increase of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, and NO, to improve the survival and relieve the inflammatory cell infiltration, in which low dose of LPS performed consistently with LDR.
Gestational Arsenic Trioxide Exposure Acts as a Developing Neuroendocrine-Disruptor by Downregulating Nrf2/PPARγ and Upregulating Caspase-3/NF-ĸB/Cox2/BAX/iNOS/ROS
Authors: Ahmed R. G. , El-Gareib A. W.
Published: June 2019

The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of gestational administrations of arsenic trioxide (ATO; As2O3) on fetal neuroendocrine development (the thyroid-cerebrum axis). Pregnant Wistar rats were orally administered ATO (5 or 10 mg/kg) from gestation day (GD) 1 to 20. Both doses of ATO diminished free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine levels and augmented thyrotropin level in both dams and fetuses at GD 20. Also, the maternofetal hypothyroidism in both groups caused a dose-dependent reduction in the fetal serum growth hormone, insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), and IGF-II levels at embryonic day (ED) 20. These disorders perturbed the maternofetal body weight, fetal brain weight, and survival of pregnant and their fetuses. In addition, destructive degeneration, vacuolation, hyperplasia, and edema were observed in the fetal thyroid and cerebrum of both ATO groups at ED 20. These disruptions appear to depend on intensification in the values of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and H2O2, suppression of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and activation of mRNA expression of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, cyclooxygenase-2, Bcl-2–associated X protein, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the fetal cerebrum. These data suggest that gestational ATO may disturb thyroid-cerebrum axis generating fetal neurodevelopmental toxicity.
Two-layer reading positions in comments on online news discourse about China
Authors: He Juan
Published: June 2019

Reading experience is viewed as ‘interactive and negotiable’ for different reading positions are created in readers’ responses to the same news report. To understand the differences between ‘ preferred reading’ and actual readings, this article, drawing on the context models and the Appraisal framework, analyzes 785 readers’ comments attached to 23 hard news stories sourced from the China Daily mobile application (APP) and the People’s Daily Online website. The study combines corpus semantic tagging analysis for readers’ choices of evaluative lexis with a manual analysis of Appraisal resources for reading position construction based on a whole text perspective. The results show that readers are likely to use Appraisal resources strategically to defend their own opinions against other commenters or affiliate with large numbers of potential readers without commenting. Furthermore, comments were found to be directed either at the text or at other commenters, and through this a number of different reading positions were revealed. The readers’ context models are the cognitive link between discourse properties and social strategies in the process of news understanding.
The efficacy and safety of rifaximin-α: a 2-year observational study of overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Oey Rosalie C. , Buck Lennart E.M. , Erler Nicole S. , van Buuren Henk R. , de Man Robert A.
Published: June 2019

Background:

After 5  years since the registration of rifaximin-α as a secondary prophylaxis for overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in the Netherlands, we aimed to evaluate the use of hospital resources and safety of rifaximin-α treatment in a real-world setting.

Methods:

We carried out prospective identification of all patients using rifaximin-α for overt HE. We assessed hospital resource use, bacterial infections, and adverse events during 6-month episodes before and after rifaximin-α initiation.

Results:

During 26 months we included 127 patients [71.7% male; median age 60.8 years (interquartile range: 56.2–66.1); median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score 15.0 (interquartile range: 12.1–20.4); 98% using lactulose treatment]. When comparing the first 6 months after rifaximin-α initiation with the prior 6 months, HE-related hospital admissions decreased (0.86 to 0.41 admissions/patient; p < 0.001), as well as the mean length of stay (8.85 to 3.79 bed days/admission; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding HE-related intensive care unit admissions (0.09 to 0.06 admission/patient; p = 0.253), stay on the intensive care unit (0.43 to 0.57 bed days/admission; p = 0.661), emergency department visits (0.66 to 0.51 visits/patient; p = 0.220), outpatient clinic visits (2.49 to 3.30 bed visits/patient; p = 0.240), or bacterial infections (0.41 to 0.35 infections/patient; p = 0.523). Adverse events were recorded in 2.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

The addition of rifaximin-α to lactulose treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the number and length of HE-related hospitalizations for overt HE. Rifaximin-α treatment was well tolerated.
Mieux comprendre les défis de la médicalisation de la prévention du VIH en France : la prophylaxie préexposition au prisme des sciences sociales
Authors: Carillon Séverine , Girard Gabriel
Published: June 2019

Résumé :

Le recours aux traitements antirétroviraux pour la prévention du VIH transforme en profondeur le contexte des interventions dans ce domaine. La prophylaxie pré-exposition (Prep) en constitue l’une des facettes les plus visibles. Pour autant, l’utilisation de la Prep en France s’avère limitée. L’outil peine à trouver son public parmi les populations ciblées. Comment expliquer la sous-utilisation d’une approche de prévention dont la haute efficacité est pourtant démontrée ? Les réponses à cette question gagneraient à s’enrichir des sciences humaines et sociales tant pour penser les conditions de l’appropriation de l’outil par les publics ciblés que pour identifier les impensés et les logiques qui sous-tendent son déploiement. Loin de se limiter au VIH, la réflexion critique sur le recours aux médicaments comme outils de prévention ouvre des questions pertinentes pour le champ de la promotion de la santé.
The UK’s Strategic Partnership with China beyond Brexit: Economic Opportunities Facing Political Constraints
Authors: Irwin Crookes Paul , Farnell John
Published: June 2019

This analysis examines the opportunities and challenges facing the United Kingdom (UK) government in building a closer economic partnership with China beyond Brexit. While showing how the goals of each side overlap in key areas of mutual interest, evidence is presented to explain how fundamental imbalances persist in trade and investment relations due to China’s economic management system. The authors further argue that political constraints imposed on the UK by the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) as economic partners will constrain the British government’s room for manoeuvre when negotiating with the Chinese. The analysis identifies potential modalities for achieving some improvement in UK-China bilateral links by drawing on the outcome of the Switzerland-China Free Trade Agreement but concludes that political factors will continue to limit outcomes and that a major transformation of UK-China economic relations is not a realistic prospect for the foreseeable future.
What does Africa’s young leadership mean for the continent’s early childhood development future? And what stands in its way?
Authors: Makokoro Patrick
Published: June 2019

Africa’s emerging leadership is made up of young people who have energy, passion, and vision for the continent. Harnessed well, this passion and energy will ensure African countries will be able to benefit from an array of human capital that can take the early childhood development agenda on the continent forward. But many challenges stand in the way of the emerging young leadership – and it is essential that we give our children and youth the tools to overcome them. Early Childhood Development is a pillar and tool that can assist young leaders to pick up their role in the development of their nations and continent. Early investments in young children through early childhood development programmes that support a strong start and foundation have been proven to be cost-effective. As the continent boasts of a young population, how prepared are the youth to lead in early childhood development in the future that lies ahead? It is essential that young people be a central and active pillar in the continents development agenda and participate in early childhood development. For the transformation and development process of the continent to forge ahead, leadership capacity promotion in early childhood development must be a priority to help create a secure, prosperous, and peaceful continent. The author highlights some capacity promotion initiatives that he has participated in and the role they have played in building leadership capacity in early childhood development.
Pelvic obliquity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis planned for posterior spinal fusion: A preoperative analysis of 311 lower limb axis films
Authors: Chan Chris Yin Wei , Naing Kyaw Soe , Chiu Chee Kidd , Mohamad Siti Mariam , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

To analyze the incidence, pattern, and contributing factors of pelvic obliquity among Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients who will undergo surgery.

Methods:

In total, 311 patients underwent erect whole spine anteroposterior, lateral and lower limb axis films. Radiographic measurements included Transilium Pelvic Height Difference (TPHD; mm), Hip Abduction-Adduction angle (H/Abd-Add; °), Lower limb Length Discrepancy (LLD; mm), and Pelvic Hypoplasia (PH angle; °). The incidence and severity of pelvic obliquity were stratified to Lenke curve subtypes in 311 patients. The causes of pelvic obliquity were analyzed in 57 patients with TPHD ≥10 mm.

Results:

The mean Cobb angle was 64.0 ± 17.2°. Sixty-nine patients had a TPHD of 0 mm (22.2%). The TPHD was <5 mm in 134 (43.0%) patients, 5–9 mm in 104 (33.4%) patients, 10–14 mm in 52 (16.7%) patients, 15–19 mm in 19 (6.1%) patients, and ≥20 mm in only 2 (0.6%) patients. There was a significant difference between the Lenke curve types in terms of TPHD ( p = 0.002). L6 curve types had the highest TPHD of 9.0 ± 6.3 mm followed by L5 curves, which had a TPHD of 7.1 ± 4.8 mm. In all, 44.2% of L1 curves and 50.0% of L2 curves had positive TPHD compared to 66.7% of L5 curves and 74.1% of L6 curves which had negative TPHD. 33.3% and 24.6% of pelvic obliquity were attributed to PH and LLD, respectively, whereas 10.5% of cases were attributed to H/Abd-Add positioning.

Conclusions:

76.4% of AIS cases had pelvic obliquity <10 mm; 44.2% of L1 curves and 50.0% of L2 curves had a lower right hemipelvis compared to 66.7% of L5 curves and 74.1% of L6 curves, which had a higher right hemipelvis. Among patients with pelvic obliquity ≥10 mm, 33.3% were attributed to PH, whereas 24.6% were attributed to LLD.
Uncemented extensive porous titanium-coated long femoral stem prostheses are effective in treatment of Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures: A retrospective mid- to long-term follow-up study
Authors: Wang Qiuru , Li Donghai , Kang Pengde
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of revision surgery for Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) after total hip arthroplasty using an uncemented extensive porous titanium-coated long femoral stem prosthesis (solution prosthesis) with or without cortical strut allograft.

Methods:

A total of 34 patients with Vancouver type B2 PFFs who underwent revision hip arthroplasty using a posterolateral approach and received a solution prosthesis at our institution from December 2006 to January 2014 were retrospectively recruited. Patients were asked to assess their walking ability and pain status using a questionnaire. Limb function, pain, and physical and mental health were assessed using the Harris Hip score, University of California-Los Angeles score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, and Short Form-12 Health Survey score. Patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the surgery. Fracture union and stress shielding were assessed by radiography, and computed tomography was used to assess stem fixation. Single-photon emission computed tomography performed to assess radionuclide distribution in patients given cortical strut allografts. Patients were asked about their condition before PFF and evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and annually after surgery. Any complications during follow-up were recorded.

Results:

Of the 34 patients, 29 completed follow-up. There was no significant difference in patient’s health before PFF or at the last follow-up. Fracture union was achieved in all patients. Mild-to-moderate stress shielding occurred in three patients, and no patients exhibited femoral stem loosening or obvious subsidence. Radionuclides were concentrated in the cortical strut transplantation area, and the cortical strut was integrated with the host femur. The incidence of postoperative complications was low.

Conclusions:

Revision surgery using the solution prosthesis with or without cortical strut allograft is effective in treating Vancouver type B2 PFFs, with satisfactory mid- and long-term clinical and radiological outcomes.
Tackling distribution-related shortages of medicines: An Italian case study evaluated in the European Union framework
Authors: Di Giorgio Domenico , Scrofina Giuseppe , Scognamiglio Barbara , Di Carluccio Nadia , Tulimiero Romina , Pietrosanto Adriano , Petrone Pierluigi , De Iure Mila , Chimenti Maria Grazia , Pozzetti Elisabetta , Giacomazzi Maurizio , Berno Riccardo , Lupo Monica , Giaccone Mario , Pani Marcello , Cesta Emanuele , Cruciani Oscar , Maione Carla , Gramazio Marta , Derossi Gianpaolo
Published: June 2019

Availability of human medicines is affected by problems associated with both manufacturing and distribution-related issues. The lack of definition of “shortages” or “unavailability” of medicines in European regulation represents an obstacle to the set up of proper preventive and counteracting measures. In this review, we describe how, within this framework, Italy started a program of shared activities, involving central and local authorities, police forces, and private stakeholders’ associations through an “ ad hoc technical forum,” that reduced the extent of the problem, at least in the short term, as demonstrated through some indicators defined by considering the key medicines affected by unavailability due to distribution-related issues. These measures should be strengthened and complemented with others so as to ensure their effectiveness in the long term.
Opioid prescribing practices following elective surgery in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Authors: Biskup Mathew , Dzioba Agnieszka , Sowerby Leigh J. , Monteiro Eric , Strychowsky Julie
Published: June 2019

Background

Prescription opioid abuse has become a major issue across the world and especially in North America. Canada has the second highest number of opioid prescriptions per capita in the world, second only to the United States, with numbers continuing to rise in recent years. Surgeons play a critical role in this discussion as they are responsible for the management of post-operative pain in their patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the opioid prescribing practices of Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons in Canada and determine factors that may influence these practices.

Methods

The online survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Questions surveyed the respondents’ demographics and opioid prescribing practices for common pediatric and adult elective surgeries.

Results

The survey was sent to 670 surgeons and trainees and 121 responses were received (18%). There was representation across all subspecialties with a mix of community and academic surgeons. The most commonly prescribed opioid was Codeine/Acetaminophen, 48.2% ( n = 53), in the adult population, and Morphine, 47.1% ( n = 41), in the pediatric population. The median total oral morphine equivalents prescribed across all adult surgeries was 123.75 mg (24.75 doses). The surgery with the highest oral morphine equivalents prescribed was tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy for both adult and pediatric patients, with a median of 150 mg (30 doses) for adults and 4.5 mg/kg (23 doses) for pediatrics. Gender, training years, year in residency, or reported level of conservatism did not predict the dose prescribed to either adult or pediatric patients. Due to the relatively low response rate, the generalizability of these results is unclear.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a wide variability in opioid prescriptions across procedures and within each individual procedure. This variability reflects the lack of guidelines available for post-operative opioid prescribing and suggests that some Otolaryngologists may be prescribing higher doses of opioids than required. Opportunities for improving patient safety and resource stewardship regarding optimal prescribing practices should be explored.
Learning 3D joint constraints from vision-based motion capture datasets
Authors: Murthy Pramod , Butt Hammad T. , Hiremath Sandesh , Khoshhal Alireza , Stricker Didier
Published: June 2019

Realistic estimation and synthesis of articulated human motion must satisfy anatomical constraints on joint angles. A data-driven approach is used to learn human joint limits from 3D motion capture datasets. We represent joint constraints with a new formulation (s
1,s
2,τ) using swing-twist representation in exponential maps form. Our parameterization is applied on Human3.6M dataset to create the lookup-map for each joint. These maps enable us to generate ‘synthetic’ datasets in entire joint rotation space of a given joint. A set of neural network discriminators is then trained with synthetic datasets to learn valid/invalid joint rotations. The discriminators achieve accuracy of [94.4−99.4%] for different joints. We validate precision-accuracy trade-off of discriminators and qualitatively evaluate classified poses with an interactive tool. The learned discriminators can be used as ‘priors’ for human pose estimation and motion synthesis.
Homelessness and severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries: scoping review
Authors: Smartt Caroline , Prince Martin , Frissa Souci , Eaton Julian , Fekadu Abebaw , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: June 2019

Background

Despite being a global problem, little is known about the relationship between severe mental illness (SMI) and homelessness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Homeless people with SMI are an especially vulnerable population and face myriad health and social problems. In LMICs, low rates of treatment for mental illness, as well as differing family support systems and cultural responses to mental illness, may affect the causes and consequences of homelessness in people with SMI.

Aims

To conduct a systematic, scoping review addressing the question: what is known about the co-occurrence of homelessness and SMI among adults living in LMICs?

Method

We conducted an electronic search, a manual search and we consulted with experts. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, assessed publications for eligibility and appraised study quality.

Results

Of the 49 included publications, quality was generally low: they were characterised by poor or unclear methodology and reporting of results. A total of 7 publications presented the prevalence of SMI among homeless people; 12 presented the prevalence of homelessness among those with SMI. Only five publications described interventions for this population; only one included an evaluation component.

Conclusions

Evidence shows an association between homelessness and SMI in LMICs, however there is little information on the complex relationship and direction of causality between the phenomena. Existing programmes should undergo rigorous evaluation to identify key aspects required for individuals to achieve sustainable recovery. Respect for human rights should be paramount when conducting research with this population.

Declaration of interest

None.
Voltage-gated calcium channel blockers for psychiatric disorders: genomic reappraisal
Authors: Harrison Paul J. , Tunbridge Elizabeth M. , Dolphin Annette C. , Hall Jeremy
Published: June 2019

We reappraise the psychiatric potential of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). First, voltage-gated calcium channels are risk genes for several disorders. Second, use of CCBs is associated with altered psychiatric risks and outcomes. Third, research shows there is an opportunity for brain-selective CCBs, which are better suited to psychiatric indications.
Towards a new model for producing evidence-based guidelines: a qualitative study of current approaches and opportunities for innovation among Australian guideline developers
Authors: McDonald Steve , Elliott Julian H. , Green Sally , Turner Tari
Published: June 2019

Background: Many organisations in Australia undertake systematic reviews to inform development of evidence-based guidelines or would like to do so. However, the substantial resources required to produce systematic reviews limit the feasibility of evidence-based approaches to guideline development. We are working with Australian guideline developers to design, build and test systems that make creating evidence-based guidelines easier and more efficient.

Methods: To understand the evidence needs of guideline developers and to inform the development of potential tools and services, we conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with Australian guideline developers. Developers were involved in different types of guidelines, represented both new and established guideline groups, and had access to widely different levels of resources.

Results: All guideline developers recognised the importance of having access to timely evidence to support their processes, but were frequently overwhelmed by the scale of this task. Groups developing new guidelines often underestimated the time, expertise and work involved in completing searching and screening. Many were grappling with the challenge of updating and were keen to explore alternatives to the blanket updating of the full guideline. Horizon-scanning and evidence signalling were seen as providing more pragmatic approaches to updating, although some were wary of challenges posed by receiving evidence on a too-frequent basis. Respondents were aware that new technologies, such as machine learning, offered potentially large time and resource savings.

Conclusions: As well as the constant challenge of managing financial constraints, Australian guideline developers seeking to develop clinical guidelines face several critical challenges. These include acquiring appropriate methodological expertise, investing in information technology, coping with the proliferation of research output, feasible publication and dissemination options, and keeping guidance up to date.
Updating the study of perceptual mechanisms in the process of training cadets in Moscow regional branch of the Moscow university of the MIA of Russia named V. Ya. Kikot.
Authors: Иванов Роман , Ivanov Roman
Published: June 2019

The article discusses relevance of the study of perceptual mechanisms in the process of training cadets in Moscow regional branch of the Moscow university of the MIA of Russia named V. Ya. Kikot. The author notices the necessity of taking under control (self-reflection) these perceptual mechanisms to get opportunity to change them for effective development cadet’s professional skills, systematization of perception mental processes. Besides understanding the specific of perception takes the key for awareness logic and mental processes another men. Trainee needs it for improvement their consciousness. In particular the author focuses attention on most important physiological and psychological problems of perception which appear during the actualization perceptual processes.

Also the article pays especial attention for disadvantages of the learning system which does not let understand the importance of perceptive process and use it.

After the author plans the system of learning perceptual processes and gives theoretical and practical foundation.
International monetary and financial system
Authors: Зенкина Елена , Zenkina Elena
Published: June 2019

Transformation of the world monetary mechanism during an era of formation of post-industrial economy is shown in the textbook. A new role of the monetary relations in post-industrial economy and also the main directions of integration of Russia into the system of the international monetary relations are considered. Trends in development of a world monetary system, including formation of a new monetary system (Initial coin offering) and development of cryptocurrencies as new instrument of mutual settlements are stated.
Ethiopian Renaissance or How to Turn Dysfunctional into Functional
Authors: Hanna Rubinkowska-Anioł
Published: June 2019

African Renaissance is a term which is used to describe new era in African history and strongly serves propaganda reasons. The aim of the article is to analyse the role of this notion in terms of Ethiopia, i.e. how the term is being employed in Ethiopian politics and propaganda. It is stressed that even though the term itself is a new introduction, the idea of building a strong state on the basis of grand tradition has been used in Ethiopian history on several occasions. Nowadays, the best examples of references to Renaissance by the state’s propaganda are to be found in symbolical meaning of the widely discussed and controversial project of construction the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Blue Nile. Other aspects of how the term is being employed can be seen in a propaganda film material produced by the Foreign Ministry of Ethiopia in 2015 with the view to advertise the achievements of the government.
Promoting Clean Technology Adoption: To Subsidize Products or Service Infrastructure?
Authors: Ma Guangrui , Lim Michael K. , Mak Ho-Yin , Wan Zhixi
Published: June 2019

Clean technology products (e.g., electric vehicles and solar photovoltaic panels) are key to sustainable development of sectors such as transportation and energy. Often, adoption of such products relies on development of supporting service infrastructure, for example, charging networks or energy-storage systems, and is often hindered by the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma: firms are reluctant to make capital-intensive investments before sufficient consumer adoption, and consumers hesitate to adopt without supporting infrastructure. Aiming to overcome this issue, the article examines the efficacy of two forms of government subsidies (as well as their combination), namely service infrastructure subsidy and product subsidy. Although both types of subsidies are generally conducive to clean-technology adoption, the study finds that these subsidies can be detrimental under certain conditions. In particular, the former may cause early adopters to delay their purchase, and the latter may interfere with the firm’s investment incentives and lead to reduced overall adoption. The article identifies the optimal subsidy strategy that follows a “sandwich rule:” it is optimal to provide only the product subsidy when the infrastructure deployment cost is sufficiently high or sufficiently low; however, it is optimal to subsidize both if the cost falls in the moderate range.