bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Netherlands Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Foreign Policy: a Retrospective
Authors: Baehr Peter R.
Published: December 2017

The article contains some retrospective observations by a former chairman on the role and function of the former Netherlands Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Foreign Policy (1983–1996). It focuses on the independence of the Committee and the possible impact of its advisory reports, either requested or unrequested by the Government. The use of external experts is discussed, and the crucial role of the Chairman and the Secretary of the Committee. In 1997 the Committee was replaced by a more overall Advisory Council on International Affairs which merged the committees on human rights, on peace and security, on development cooperation and (a new one) on European integration. This has served to somewhat downgrade the institutional ‘prestige’ of each of the subjects – e.g. the chairman of the committee on human rights does no longer have direct access to the Foreign Minister. On the other hand, the new arrangement has the advantage that there is a much closer cooperation among the various advisory committees.
Multiculturalism, Human Rights, and Cultural Relativism: Canadian Civic Leaders Discuss Women's Rights and Gay and Lesbian Rights
Authors: Howard-Hassmann Rhoda E.
Published: December 2017

Although the relationship among multiculturalism, human rights and cultural relativism is much discussed by academics, there is very little, if any, information on how ordinary citizens think through these concepts. This paper investigates the attitudes of 78 civic leaders in one multicultural society, Canada, to these concepts by asking them the questions, ‘Should all religious or ethnic groups have to support women's/gays’ rights?’ The choice of women's and gays’ rights reflects the centrality of the role of women, and of the family, in most cultures. The research finds that citizens are best described as weak cultural relativists. They are concerned to protect the cultures and religions of those who are seen to be different in Canadian society, but not at the expense of the basic human right of equality. They prefer persuasion and education to a strict ‘the law is the law’ approach to conforming to Canadian values. They are not concerned that minority groups’ values will undermine Canadian values, as they understand that through the process of socialisation, values change once immigration to Canada takes place. These civic leaders tend to agree with Kymlicka's perspective, that minorities should be protected from majorities, but not at the expense of the rights of individuals within the minority communities.
Is a Political Science of Human Rights Possible?
Authors: Freeman Michael
Published: December 2017

The political science of human rights rests on a philosophical contradiction. The contemporary conception of human rights derives from the ‘classical’ conception of natural rights, which was based on the philosophy of natural law. Modern social science derives from nineteenth-century positivism, which arose precisely to refute the philosophy of natural tow, and to exclude the concept of natural rights from scientific discourse. The concept of human rights retains from its natural-law heritage its inherent prescriptive character, but it is, for that reason, not a proper object of scientific study by the canons of positivism. I show how this philosophical confusion affects the contemporary political science of human rights. I argue that the political science of human rights should be interdisciplinary between philosophy and social science, between the social sciences, and between political science and international relations. Law should be removed from its hegemonic role in human-rights studies, and relocated correctly within this interdisciplinary approach.
Dealing with Complaints against the Police in Romania, Bulgaria and Poland: A Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Uildriks Niels
Published: December 2017

In this article the functioning of the police complaints proceedings in Romania, Bulgaria and Poland is assessed from a human rights perspective. The relevant national laws are assessed in terms of the international legal standards and the complaints procedures are measured specifically against yardsticks of the systems’ effectiveness and independence. With the longest recent democratic tradition, Poland turns out to have by far the most effective system of dealing with complaints against the police. This is likely to have had a considerable impact on shaping how much the new democratic Polish police act within the rule of law. A comparison of the three countries indicates that it is the practical operational independence, rather than the formal structure of the police investigative bodies that is of significance in determining whether complaints are dealt with adequately. In the Polish system, the police investigators have an adequate capacity to carry out their work, coupled with the will to instigate both criminal and disciplinary proceedings against police officers committing such offences. It has proved an effective approach for curbing police human rights violations. As such, the Polish system can serve as a model for other Eastern European countries that are still confronted with institutionalised abuse of human rights by the police. On account of its success, Poland now appears to be in a situation in which the less serious abuses can also be dealt with more informally and less by penally oriented approaches found in some Western European models.
Part A: Articles: Denouement of the Deaths on the Rock: the Right to Life of Terrorists
Authors: Joseph Sarah
Published: December 2017

This paper analyses the controversial judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in McCann and Others vs. UK. The case concerned the infamous 1988 shootings by British counterterrorist forces of three members of the Irish Republican Army in Gibraltar. McCann was the first case in which the European Court considered allegations of violations of Article 2 of the European Convention, which guarantees the right to life. A narrow majority of the Court, in a judgment which outraged the UK Government, found the UK had breached Article 2. This paper appraises the various components of the McCann judgment, including discussion of previous relevant Article 2 jurisprudence and analysis of McCann's ramifications regarding the use of potentially lethal force by law enforcers in Europe.
Extradition as the Violation of Human Rights. The Jurisprudence of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Authors: De Merieux Margaret
Published: December 2017

The decision of the Human Rights Committee in Kindler vs. Canada1 marked its first substantive decision on the subject of the violation of human rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) consequent upon extradition by a State Party, and making the extradition itself a violation of Covenant obligations. Two cases have followed — Chitat Ng vs. Canada2 and Cox vs. Canada.3 The requesting State in all cases was the United States and given the increase in the numbers of requests for extradition between Canada and that country, from 29 in 1980 to 88 in 1992 and the enthusiasm of Canadian lawyers for proceedings before the Committee, ‘litigation’ in this area is likely to form a significant part of the Committee's work in the future. The ensuing comment analyses the decisions and the issues raised.
Protocol No. 11 to the European Convention for Human Rights: A Drastic Revision of the Supervisory Mechanism under the ECHR
Authors: Klerk Yvonne
Published: December 2017

The supervisory mechanism under the European Convention on Human Rights is threatening to collapse under the weight of its own success. Protocol No. 11, which was adopted in May 1994, should offer a solution to the problems. This protocol embodies a drastic revision of the present mechanism. In this article the new mechanism is analysed. According to the author, Protocol No. 11 has some major disadvantages. Nevertheless, the new mechanism should be preferred to the present one. In the final analysis therefore, the author expresses the hope that Protocol No. 11, in spite of itself, soon enters into force.
Part A: Articles: A Non-Governmental Human Rights Strategy for Peacekeeping?
Authors: Marx Reinhard
Published: December 2017

The human rights movement has never accepted that human rights belong to the domestic jurisdiction, but the new model of peacekeeping, which to some extent is based on a human rights component, causes severe problems for the movement, particularly because of its selectivity and its often biased implementation. This obstacle to an impartial combat against massive human rights violations and a wide range of other problems make it difficult for the movement to develop a consistent and plausible policy on peacekeeping. Although the international community may have good reasons to deploy soldiers in order to save lives and to bring an end to genocide, a supportive attitude by the human rights movement may jeopardise its principles of impartiality and non-violent campaigning and hence weaken the system of protection of human rights. But it has to be underscored that massive human rights violations will cause a moral dilemma for the movement if it cannot justify its neutral position on compelling grounds.
Nuclear Testing and Human Rights
Authors: Kadelbach Stefan
Published: December 2017

On 4 December 1995, the European Commission of Human Rights dismissed a complaint filed by inhabitants of French Polynesia against the decision of the President of the French Republic to resume underground nuclear testing in the South Pacific. The case raises a series of issues regarding both substantive human rights law and procedural law which are of general interest for human rights litigation in cases of degradation of the environment. The decision misses the opportunity to elaborate on how to protect human fights against potentially harmful activities when the risk incurred is in dispute. Thus, it raises more questions than it answers.
Discrimination and Lawful Distinction in Employment – The Approach by the ILO
Authors: Nielsen Henrik Karl
Published: December 2017

The Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) is among the most widely ratified Conventions in the World. Its Article 1(2) stipulating that discrimination does not cover distinctions, exclusions or preferences based on the inherent requirements of a particular job has given rise to a number of problems relating to occupational bans restricting the access to employment of persons supporting certain political parties. Such bans are found in Germany and a number of Eastern European countries. Considering the recent development in national law and in the case law of the ILO supervisory bodies the article analyses the concept of ‘inherent requirements of a Particular job’ in Article 1(2).
Human Rights and ‘Early Warning’ in the United Nations
Authors: Stavropoulou Maria
Published: December 2017

This article examines the role of the United Nations in the early warning of human rights crises. It suggests that though slow in acting, the political bodies of the United Nations have provided the Secretariat, as well as independent human rights mechanisms within the human rights system, with a mandate for early warning in the area of human rights. For a variety of reasons, however, this process is at present only partially functioning. The article explores these reasons and makes a number of recommendations as to how to strengthen the early warning capacity of the United Nations in the area of human rights.
Rules of Law from Westport to Wladiwostok. Separate Opinions in the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Bruinsma Fred J. , De Blois Matthijs
Published: December 2017

Whereas lawyers usually pay only attention to the added value of majority judgments in courts, we have taken an interest in the separate opinions of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court). The jurisdiction of this court stretches from Westport (Ireland) to Wladiwostok (Russia), and from Iceland to Cyprus. Member States of the Council of Europe have a right to select a national for the Court, and are politically expected to accept the Court's jurisdiction. The Preamble of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) states that the participating European countries have ‘a common heritage of political traditions, ideals, freedom and the rule of law’. Article 51(2) ECHR entitles any judge to deliver a separate opinion, and pursuant to Article 43 the judge of the State in the dock sits ex officio. These two articles taken together inspired us to hypothesise about the separate opinion: does a judge dissent more often if the majority finds a violation of the Convention by his/her own country? A separate concurring opinion might be understood if we consider the judge as an intermediary between the international court and national audiences. Both ways, separate opinions are seen as expressions of a national orientation. On the basis of a quantitative research of the voting pattern from 1991 to 1995 we may conclude that the Court has become a truly international court, since it does not show any impact of national backgrounds. However, underneath the surface of figures we found some striking examples of national bias in separate opinions. In the second half of this article we bring them together under the heading of conservatism and judicial restraint – a separate undercurrent of the Court's mainstream of liberalism and judicial activism. There is not just one rule of law in Europe, there are many rules of law. But to see them you have to look beyond the majority judgment.
Towards a New Universalism; Reconstruction and Dialogue
Authors: Pollis Adamantia
Published: December 2017

The main focus of this paper is to propose a research agenda for human rights scholars which may lead to a genuine universal notion of human rights. A brief survey of three dichotomies that characterise the human rights field is followed by a probing of the presuppositions, in particular communalism, embedded in the Western notion of individual civil and political rights and the sphere of personal autonomy in communal cultures. Such an investigation, in conjunction with a cross-cultural dialogue and massive socioeconomic changes, can lead to a reconstructed formulation of human rights which integrates elements from the diverse notions extant today. This in turn can facilitate accountability of all States to an agreed upon doctrine of human rights.
Police Torture in France
Authors: Uildriks Niels
Published: December 2017

In this article the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Selmouni v. France is analysed and its possible legal implications discussed. In particular attention is paid to its possible impact on French police malpractice and the kind of response given by the authorities towards such allegations. In addition to the strictly legal implications of the case, reference will be made to a number of authoritative recent reports on police malpractice in France. This facilitates an assessment of the extent to which the Selmouni Case is indicative of police human rights violations in France as well as the possible impact of the case on curbing such violations.
The Subtlety of Peace: A New Testament Challenge to Modern State Violence
Authors: Givens Tommy
Published: December 2017

In order to offer a substantive Christian challenge to modern state violence, the particular character of the modern state cannot be ignored. Nor can New Testament teaching on peace be reduced to flat and generalized ethical imperatives. The subtlety of peace is neglected if either of these two tendencies goes unchecked. After thus framing the question of a Christian response to modern state violence, itself the product of Christian agency among other factors, I offer a New Testament challenge to modern state violence along two lines: (1) refusing the sacrificial political economy characteristic of the modern state, laboring instead at a christological dynamic of gift that takes account of the relative position of agents in the inherited distribution of power and expects more from the strong; (2) observing the limits of state representation for addressing vulnerability to violence, indeed its complicity in that vulnerability, and investing in scales of community commensurate with the subtlety of peace.
Study on material removal for nanochannels fabrication using atomic force microscopy tip-based nanomilling approach
Authors: Geng Yanquan , Li Hao , Yan Yongda , He Yang , Zhao Xuesen
Published: December 2017

In the present study, an atomic force microscopy tip-based nanomilling approach is used to fabricate nanochannels on a poly(methyl methacrylate) surface. A silicon atomic force microscopy tip is employed for all the scratching tests. Results show that the material removal state is obviously different from the conventional single scratch process. Chips can be formed during the nanomilling operations and the height of the material pile-up can thus be reduced. The generation of chips may be attributed to the changes of the cutting angle and the feed value during one complete rotation of the scratching process. Moreover, this particular implementation of the atomic force microscopy scratching technique is proved to form nanochannels, following a two-step process during one complete rotation: the first half cycle forms the outer profile and the second half cycle generates the inner profile and increases the machined depth. The scratching trajectories to obtain the outer profile and inner profile are studied in detail. Finally, the change of machined depth in one scratching cycle for the nanomilling process is also investigated. It is anticipated that this method could be employed to fabricate nanochannel used in nanofluidic applications.
Derivation of design formula for a shifted spherical involute bevel gear pair
Authors: Jeong Min Hwa , Park Noh Gill , Lee Hyoung Woo
Published: December 2017

The development of shifted spherical involute bevel gear will lead to increased flexibility and convenience in the design of the cross-axis gear system. The shifted spherical involute bevel gear is identified by the axis angle change between the crown rack and work piece. The new design formula for the shifted spherical involute bevel gear pair was derived mathematically from the condition that the arc length sum of the pinion and gear base cones is same as that of the disk of action. Using the formula, it was shown that a bevel gear pair can fit the design requirements with great flexibility. The gear transmission error of the designed and CNC processed gear pair was directly measured to experimentally verify its validity.
Control of diesel engines with electrically assisted turbocharging through an extended state observer based nonlinear MPC
Authors: Song Kang , Upadhyay Devesh , Xie Hui
Published: December 2017

A two-layer controller for a diesel engine equipped with an electrically assisted turbocharger is proposed. A previously identified control-oriented plant model is used for control design. A GT-SUITE based high fidelity engine model is used as the plant. The high-level controller is designed based on the active disturbance rejection control method and uses an extended state observer for added robustness. The high-level controller tracks the boost pressure and intake manifold oxygen concentration. The low-level controller seeks to deliver the desired compressor power through an optimal affine split between the exhaust turbine power and the electric power. The optimal power split is determined by an optimal vane position for the variable geometry turbine. The corresponding optimization problem is solved using a nonlinear model predictive control algorithm that is adapted for fast numerical solution. Controller validation is conducted on the GT-SUITE engine model over the FTP-75 cycle. Results confirm the effectiveness the proposed control design and also illustrate engine performance benefits of an assisted turbocharging system, in terms of transient response (~70% reduction in accumulated boost pressure tracking error) and fuel economy (~4.4% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption) relative to a conventionally boosted system.
A pantograph arcing model for electrified railways with different speeds
Authors: Gao Guoqiang , Zhang Tingting , Wei Wenfu , Hu Yi , Wu Guangning , Zhou Ning
Published: December 2017

Pantograph arcing is an unavoidable phenomenon in electrified railways, which not only causes damage to the carbon strip and the catenary contact line but also results in voltage surge and electromagnetic interference. In recent years, there are more cases of pantograph arcing due to the increase in speed of trains. Therefore, it is essential to understand the basic electrical characteristics of pantograph arcing at different running speeds of trains. In this work, a pantograph arcing model was proposed, which considers the effects of the speed of a train on the arc-dissipated power. An overall electrical model, concerning the traction power system and the traction drive system, was further established. The results indicated that the running speed of trains significantly influenced the arcing voltage, duration of arcing, and the zero-crossing time. A qualitative relation between the average power of the arc and the speed of the train was also presented. Finally, field tests were carried out, and comparisons between the field testing data and the calculated results were made, which validate the accuracy of the developed model.
The nonaxismmetric endwall aerodynamic optimization design for a large turbine cascade with a midgap
Authors: He Lei , Liu Hao , Zhu Xiaocheng , Hua Ouyang , Du Zhaohui
Published: December 2017

The nonaxisymmetric endwall has been verified to be an effective method in reducing the endwall secondary flow loss. Some assembly features, such as the midgap in the hub of real aircraft engines, may have an influence on the endwall secondary flow. In the present work, a nonaxisymmetric endwall with midgap structure is designed for a large linear turbine cascade. A nonaxisymmetric endwall optimization design procedure is developed to minimize the total pressure loss coefficient at the passage exit. The profile of the endwall is designed using automatic numerical optimization with the Kriging surrogate method. The numerical simulation based on a transition shear stress transport model is used as the aerodynamic evaluation tool for the optimization system. When the midgap is considered in the design, mixing loss between midgap flows and main flow is significantly reduced. However, the loss relative to the passage vortex is increased to some extent.
Study on drag reduction mechanism of rotating disk with micro-grooves
Authors: Wen Suping , Wang Wenbo , Wang Jian
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the drag reduction mechanism of a rotating disk with micro-grooves. The flow characteristics of the micro-grooved disk at various rotating Reynolds numbers are investigated using experiments and large-eddy simulations. The results show that fluid in the gap between the disks undergoes circumferential movement, but fluid within the micro-grooves undergoes radial movement because of the dual function of wall rejection and boundary layer blockage. As a result, fluid within the micro-grooves moves very slowly and quietly. Hence, quiet and slow-moving fluid within the micro-grooves increases the thickness of the viscous sublayer and recedes mixed layer and suppresses the unstable motion. The mean relative velocity gradient of the immersed surface on the grooved disk becomes much lower than that of a smooth disk, and the contact area between the walls and the high-speed fluid is diminished. An interaction phenomenon between the micro-grooves and the gap could be discovered due to the micro-groove unenclosed structure. The interaction phenomenon makes the quiet fluid within the micro-grooves also suppresses the outside flow. Accordingly, a micro-grooved rotating disk has an obvious drag reduction effect compared with a rotating smooth disk.
The systematic study of how subtle forms of bias related to prosocial behavior operate in racial and gender relations
Authors: Abad-Merino Silvia , Dovidio John F. , Tabernero Carmen , González Ignacio
Published: December 2017

Psychological research and theory have traditionally focused on bias and conflict between separate groups. Our central thesis is that the processes that shape hierarchical group relations within a society are distinctive and typically operate in ways that are frequently subtle rather than blatant. The challenges of detecting new subtle forms of bias are receiving considerable attention in the field of social psychology, internationally. Although explicit hostility toward minority groups seems to have faded in modern societies, cross-cultural data show that the status, resources, and the power of women and ethnic/racial minorities remain unequal. The present literature review integrates the findings of cross-cultural research showing the role of paternalistic legitimizing ideas and behavior for establishing, maintaining, and reinforcing group hierarchy and the disadvantage of members of traditionally underrepresented groups. Specifically, we explain how intergroup helping relations can be used as a mechanism to maintain social advantage in racial and gender relations. These theoretical and experimental insights help illuminate the dynamics of relations between socially linked groups and the nature of contemporary bias. We also highlight how this perspective suggests novel and productive directions for future research.
Effect on oxidative stress, hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters, and genotoxic damage of mad honey intake in rats
Authors: Eraslan G , Kanbur M , Karabacak M , Arslan K , Siliğ Y , Soyer Sarica Z , Tekeli MY , Taş A
Published: December 2017

A total of 66 male Wistar rats were used and six groups (control: 10 animals and experimental: 12 animals) were formed. While a separate control group was established for each study period, mad honey application to the animals in the experimental group was carried out with a single dose (12.5 g kg−1 body weight (b.w.); acute stage), at a dose of 7.5 g kg−1 b.w. for 21 days (subacute stage), and at a dose of 5 g kg−1 b.w. for 60 days (chronic stage). Tissue and blood oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters in the liver (cytochrome P450 2E1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-cytochrome b5 reductase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome c reductase (CYTC), GSH S-transferase (GST), and GSH), and micronucleus and comet test in some samples were examined. Findings from the study showed that single and repeated doses given over the period increased MDA, NO, and HNE levels while decreasing/increasing tissue and blood antioxidant enzyme activities. From hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters, GST activity increased in the subacute and chronic stages and CYTC activity increased in the acute period, whereas GSH level decreased in the subacute stage. Changes in tail and head intensities were found in most of the comet results. Mad honey caused oxidative stresses for each exposure period and made some significant changes on the comet test in certain periods for some samples obtained. In other words, according to the available research results obtained, careless consumption of mad honey for different medical purposes is not appropriate.
A Bayesian framework for performance assessment and comparison of imaging biomarker quantification methods
Authors: Smith Brian J , Beichel Reinhard R
Published: December 2017

Quantitative biomarkers derived from medical images are being used increasingly to help diagnose disease, guide treatment, and predict clinical outcomes. Measurement of quantitative imaging biomarkers is subject to bias and variability from multiple sources, including the scanner technologies that produce images, the approaches for identifying regions of interest in images, and the algorithms that calculate biomarkers from regions. Moreover, these sources may differ within and between the quantification methods employed by institutions, thus making it difficult to develop and implement multi-institutional standards. We present a Bayesian framework for assessing bias and variability in imaging biomarkers derived from different quantification methods, comparing agreement to a reference standard, studying prognostic performance, and estimating sample size for future clinical studies. The statistical methods are illustrated with data obtained from a positron emission tomography challenge conducted by members of the NCI's Quantitative Imaging Network program, in which tumor volumes were measured manually and with seven different semi-automated segmentation algorithms. Estimates and comparisons of bias and variability in the resulting measurements are provided along with an R software package for the technical performance analysis and an online web application for sample size and power analysis.
Social Network Sites and Well-Being: The Role of Social Connection
Authors: Clark Jenna L. , Algoe Sara B. , Green Melanie C.
Published: December 2017

In the early days of the Internet, both conventional wisdom and scholarship deemed online communication a threat to well-being. Later research has complicated this picture, offering mixed evidence about how technology-mediated communication affects users. With the dawn of social network sites, this issue is more important than ever. A close examination of the extensive body of research on social network sites suggests that conflicting results can be reconciled by a single theoretical approach: the interpersonal-connection-behaviors framework. Specifically, we suggest that social network sites benefit their users when they are used to make meaningful social connections and harm their users through pitfalls such as isolation and social comparison when they are not. The benefits and drawbacks of using social network sites shown in existing research can largely be explained by this approach, which also posits the need for studying specific online behaviors in future research.
Not Noble Savages After All: Limits to Early Altruism
Authors: Wynn Karen , Bloom Paul , Jordan Ashley , Marshall Julia , Sheskin Mark
Published: December 2017

Many scholars draw on evidence from evolutionary biology, behavioral economics, and infant research to argue that humans are “noble savages,” endowed with indiscriminate kindness. We believe this is mistaken. While there is evidence for an early-emerging moral sense—even infants recognize and favor instances of fairness and kindness among third parties—altruistic behaviors are selective from the start. Babies and young children favor people who have been kind to them in the past and favor familiar individuals over strangers. They hold strong biases for in-group over out-group members and for themselves over others, and indeed are more unequivocally selfish than older children and adults. Much of what is most impressive about adult morality arises not through inborn capacities but through a fraught developmental process that involves exposure to culture and the exercise of rationality.
Impact of ethical factors on job satisfaction among Korean nurses
Authors: Jang Yujin , Oh Younjae
Published: December 2017

Background:

Although numerous studies on job satisfaction among nurses have been conducted, there is a lack of research considering the ethical perspectives of leadership and organizational climate in job satisfaction.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of the ethical climate and ethical leadership as perceived by nurses on job satisfaction in South Korea.

Research design:

A descriptive and correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 263 nurses from four general hospitals in South Korea.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Institute Review Board of Hallym University before data collection.

Results:

Job satisfaction was positively correlated with ethical climate and ethical leadership. The ethical climate in relationship with hospitals and people orientation leadership were influential factors in the level of job satisfaction among nurses.

Discussion:

Organizations in the nursing environment should pay attention to improving the ethical climate with acceptable ethical norms in the workplace and nurse leaders should respect, support and genuinely care about their nurses in ethical concerns.
What Factors Matter for Choice of Livelihood among the Older Workers in Sri Lanka?
Authors: Bandara Samanthi
Published: December 2017

Having a stable livelihood not only gives a financial safeguard for ageing but also works as a policy solution for rapid ageing. Like many other countries, Sri Lanka is also confronting a rapid ‘population ageing’ phenomenon. Population ageing not only affects structural changes in the population but also impacts a country’s macroeconomic and social conditions. Enforcing human resource policy solutions to retain older workers in the labour force longer is one of the measures which can prevent the economy, as well as individual households, from the excess burden of old age dependents. This study aims to investigate the factors which explain the choice of livelihood of persons aged over 50 years. Two multinomial logit models were used to determine the factors affecting labour force participation and sector participation (public, private and self-employed). Varme’s occupation choice model (2000) was employed as the theoretical model. Entering to different job opportunities is mostly concentrated in the urbanized cities and job opportunities in less-developed districts are limited only to the public sector. In addition, lower educated people have less chance to engage in employment, and a majority of them are unemployed. Higher educated people mostly work in public sector, than in the private sector. Accordingly, effective policy decision needs to be taken to redistribute the benefits of economic development equitably.
A rare case report of Russell’s viper snakebite with ischemic stroke
Authors: Pothukuchi VK , Chepuri VR , Natta Kalyani , Madigani Nagaraju , Kumar Alok
Published: December 2017

Ischemic stroke following snakebite is rare. We report a case of a 55-year-old male who developed headache with expressive aphasia following a Russell’s viper bite. Computed tomography scan of the brain revealed infarcts in bilateral frontal lobes. The possible mechanisms for cerebral infarction in this scenario are discussed, which include disseminated intravascular coagulation, toxin-induced vasculitis, and endothelial damage. In viper bites, whenever there is any central nervous system manifestations or deficits, immediate computed tomography scan of the brain should be taken to delineate the underlying pathology, whether hemorrhagic or ischemic, as treatments differ in both situations. Although ischemic stroke is rare in viper bites, if the treatment is started early, the neurological deficits can be minimized.
Is there a diagnostic value for the platelet indices patients in pulmonary embolism?
Authors: Çevik İbrahim , Narcı Hüseyin , Dündar Güllü Akbaydoğan , Ayrık Cüneyt , Babuş Seyran B
Published: December 2017

Background:

Pulmonary embolism is a common disease with a high mortality risk. It has recently been reported that platelet indices may be diagnostic in pulmonary embolism.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of platelet indices in acute pulmonary embolism.

Methods:

The study group was composed of 61 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and a control group of 67 subjects without pulmonary embolism. Patient age, sex, leukocyte and platelet number, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, red blood cell distribution width, C-reactive protein, D-Dimer, and troponin I levels were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference between age and platelet number of pulmonary embolism and control group. In pulmonary embolism group, platelet distribution width level was significantly high (p = 0.002), whereas mean platelet volume level was significantly lower (p = 0.038). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a mean platelet volume cut-off of 9 fL had a sensitivity of 35%, a specificity of 89.55%, and area under the curve of 0.589 for pulmonary embolism, while a platelet distribution width cut-off of 12.8 fL had a sensitivity of 61%, a specificity of 71.64%, and area under the curve of 0.661. Platelet distribution width and D-dimer levels had a significant positive correlation with each other, whereas there was no significant correlation between mean platelet volume and D-dimer.

Conclusion:

Platelet distribution width values of the pulmonary embolism group were higher than those of control group. Although the area under the curve of platelet distribution width is slightly better than for platelet number or mean platelet volume, it does not seem that this parameter has better diagnostic accuracy than the other two.
Aortic dissection: A life-threatening stroke mimicker
Authors: Ahmad Nurul Huda , Tan Toh Leong
Published: December 2017

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency, and despite medical advances, its diagnosis is often shrouded by the diversity of its clinical presentation. Physician must have high index of suspicion, especially in those with unusual combination of features that may occur in acute painless dissection. We report a case of a man presented with right-sided weakness and syncope associated with pulse deficits at multiple levels. Physical examination of the lower limb is consistent with acute limb ischemia. Computed tomogram thorax done after emergency embolectomy revealed extensive Stanford type A aortic dissection down to the level of abdominal aortic bifurcation. The diagnosis of aortic dissection is delayed due to his atypical symptoms, which is likely resulted from malperfusion syndrome of aortic dissection.
The endovascular emergency treatment of an acute carotid artery dissection after Krav Maga training—a case report
Authors: Janczak Dariusz , Ziomek Agnieszka , Lesniak Michal , Malinowski Maciej , Pormanczuk Kornel , Janczak Dawid , Dorobisz Tadeusz , Chabowski Mariusz
Published: December 2017

Carotid artery dissection accounts for 20%–30% of all ischemic strokes in young patients aged <50 years. Recent guidelines on carotid disease management do not differentiate between traumatic and spontaneous dissection. We present a case of a 36-year-old male patient with the right internal carotid artery dissection treated with two XACT Abbot 6–8 mm × 40 mm stents placement after he was strangled during Krav Maga training. It is the most effective way to prevent the imminent stroke in the penumbral region. The safety and outcome of stent placement in internal carotid artery dissection remains unclear and further randomized trials are needed.
Staff perceptions toward emergency clinical pharmacists in a Saudi Arabian academic emergency department
Authors: Abualenain Jameel Talal , Bakhsh Hussain Talal
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

In Saudi Arabia, the establishment of pharmacy services as a part of the emergency department is relatively new and has been run by non-residency-trained pharmacists and limited to non-emergency services. We sought to explore emergency department staff members’ perceptions of clinical emergency pharmacy services in an academic emergency department.

Method:

In this survey study, 24 questions were sent to all emergency department staff 9 months after establishing an emergency pharmacist program with the goal of improving medication safety and quality of care.

Results:

Most, 122 out of 145 (84%), emergency department staff members responded to the survey. All 41 emergency department providers completed the survey, compared to 81 (78%) nurses. Half of the respondents had less than 1 year of experience working with emergency pharmacist. Two-thirds (66%) had consulted an emergency pharmacist at least once; however, 68% of providers had no contact with the emergency pharmacist. Almost half (46%) agreed that the emergency pharmacist’s contribution to medication safety was maximized through the order review process, and more than three-fourths (77%) agreed that an emergency pharmacist should review all orders. Most respondents agreed that the emergency pharmacist improves the quality of care (89%), is an integral part of the emergency department team (86%), is more useful if located in the emergency department (87%); it is helpful if he or she checks medication orders before they are carried out (88%), enhances the emergency department staff’s ability to deliver safe, quality care during medical resuscitations (85%), and is a valuable educator serving both patients (88%) and emergency department staff (77%). All respondents were in positive agreement with the different specific functions for the emergency pharmacist role.

Conclusion:

The emergency department staff believes that an emergency pharmacist is an important part of the emergency department team, acts to maximize medication safety, contributes to the education of emergency department staff and patients, and improves the quality of care.
von Willebrand disease type 1 in Doberman Pinscher dogs: genotyping and prevalence of the mutation in the Buenos Aires region, Argentina
Authors: Crespi Julian A. , Barrientos Laura S. , Giovambattista Guillermo
Published: December 2017

von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited coagulopathy in dogs, particularly in Doberman Pinschers. We developed a pyrosequencing-based assay to estimate the frequency of the c.7437G>A mutation associated with vWD type 1 in the Doberman Pinscher population of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We found a 0.41 frequency for the mutated allele, which varied significantly within families (family 1 = 0.43, family 2 = 0.58, unrelated animals = 0.35). The use of a popular founder male carrier of mutant allele A increased vWD incidence within a family and in the general population. The mode of inheritance was confirmed as autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. No differences were found between sexes and coat colors. Pyrosequencing was a good complement to clinical and coagulation tests for vWD type 1 diagnosis and a useful alternative for detecting the c.7437G>A mutation.
Measuring the Effects of an Animal-Assisted Intervention for Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Parents: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McCullough Amy , Ruehrdanz Ashleigh , Jenkins Molly A. , Gilmer Mary Jo , Olson Janice , Pawar Anjali , Holley Leslie , Sierra-Rivera Shirley , Linder Deborah E. , Pichette Danielle , Grossman Neil J. , Hellman Cynthia , Guérin Noémi A. , O’Haire Marguerite E.
Published: December 2017

Objective: This multicenter, parallel-group, randomized trial examined the effects of an animal-assisted intervention on the stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer and their parents. Method: Newly diagnosed patients, aged 3 to 17 years (n = 106), were randomized to receive either standard care plus regular visits from a therapy dog (intervention group), or standard care only (control group). Data were collected at set points over 4 months of the child’s treatment. Measures included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory™, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Pediatric Inventory for Parents, and child blood pressure and heart rate. All instruments were completed by the child and/or his/her parent(s). Results: Children in both groups experienced a significant reduction in state anxiety ( P < .001). Parents in the intervention group showed significantly decreased parenting stress ( P = .008), with no changes in stress among parents in the control group. However, no significant differences between groups over time on any measures were observed. Conclusions: Animal-assisted interventions may provide certain benefits for parents and families during the initial stages of pediatric cancer treatment.
Bridging the Cultural Divide Between Oncology and Palliative Care Subspecialties: Clinicians’ Perceptions on Team Integration
Authors: Tartaglione Erica V. , Vig Elizabeth K. , Reinke Lynn F.
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

Palliative care improves symptom burden, distress, patient and family satisfaction, and survival for patients with cancer. Oncology professional societies endorse the integration of palliative care into routine care for patients with advanced cancers. Despite this, cultural differences between medical subspecialties and the limited number of clinicians trained in palliative care lower the adoption of integrated care models. We assessed oncologists’ and palliative care clinicians’ perceptions about integrating oncology and palliative care using a nurse delivering palliative care to patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with 7 oncology clinicians and 12 palliative care clinicians purposively sampled across 6 geographically diverse Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAs). Oncologists were asked about their perspectives and experiences with consulting palliative care services. Palliative care clinicians were asked about their experiences with receiving consultations from subspecialties. Both were asked about utilizing a registered nurse to deliver telephone-based palliative care to patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Interviews were analyzed using traditional content analysis approaches.

Results:

We identified 2 main themes: (1) tensions, differences, and mistrust between services occur in the least integrated teams and (2) open communication, sharing common goals, and promoting oncology “buy in” build trust and foster collaboration between teams. Clinicians described qualities important to possess to promote successful adoption of a nurse-led model of palliative care.

Conclusions:

Integration between oncology and palliative care among the 6 VA medical centers varies considerably. Nurses delivering palliative care embedded in oncology teams may facilitate the integration of these subspecialties.
“Can You Repeat That?” Teaching Active Listening in Management Education
Authors: Spataro Sandra E. , Bloch Janel
Published: December 2017

Listening is a critical communication skill and therefore an essential element of management education. Active listening surpasses passive listening or simple hearing to establish a deeper connection between speaker and listener, as the listener gives the speaker full attention via inquiry, reflection, respect, and empathy. This article offers a method and tools for teaching active listening that can be implemented in online, hybrid, or face-to-face platforms. We begin by reviewing the great demand for listening skills, in light of how little time is spent on listening instruction compared with that on speaking instruction. We then present a set of learning materials and a procedure for using them that includes both pre- and posttests, multimedia learning materials, and exercises that enhance skill development. We follow the learning plan with analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data, showing support for the suggested method. These results fit with our personal experience of consistent success with the method across student levels (graduate and undergraduate) and platforms (online and face-to-face). Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the presentation and some implications for teaching listening in management education.