bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Parental and Child Physical Activity in a Rural Community
Authors: Larsen Heath , Dinkel Danae , Warehime Shane , Berg Kris
Published: August 2017

This study examined the relationship between parental and child physical activity (PA) in a rural community. Forty-one children and at least 1 parent wore pedometers to measure step count over the course of 4 days. Parents also completed a PA survey assessing parental support for PA, parental enjoyment for PA, perceived importance of PA, and their own PA levels. Parental PA level and mothers' support for PA were moderately associated with their child's PA levels. Thus, future PA promotion efforts could focus on encouraging parents, primarily mothers, to be more active to help improve their child's PA levels.
Collective Efficacy, Physical Activity, and Health Outcomes Among Mothers
Authors: Dlugonski Deirdre , Das Bhibha M. , Martin Tiesha R. , Palmer Autumn
Published: August 2017

Motherhood is associated with low rates of physical activity that increase disease risk. Most theory-based approaches to increasing physical activity focus on personal rather than social factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among perceptions of community collective efficacy and objectively measured physical activity, self-efficacy, social support, and health. Mothers completed questionnaires and wore a pedometer for 7 days. There was a significant, positive association between physical activity and collective efficacy-social cohesion subscale. In the regression analysis, only age and social support were independent predictors of physical activity. Future studies should examine relationships among collective efficacy and social support and physical activity.
Associations of Immigration Transition to Cardiovascular Symptoms Experienced in Menopausal Transition
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Ko Young , Chee Eunice , Chee Wonshik
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the associations of immigration transition to cardiovascular symptoms among 4 major racial/ethnic groups of 1054 midlife women in the United States. This was a secondary analysis of the data from 2 large national survey studies. The instruments included questions on background characteristics and immigration transition and the Cardiovascular Symptom Index for Midlife Women. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics including hierarchical multiple regressions. Immigrants reported fewer numbers (t = 5.268, P < .01) and lower severity scores (t = 5.493, P < .01) of cardiovascular symptoms compared with nonimmigrants. Self-reported racial/ethnic identify was a significant factor influencing cardiovascular symptoms (P < .01).
Optimization of an Arterialized Venous Fasciocutaneous Flap in the Abdomen of the Rat
Authors: Casal Diogo , Mota-Silva Eduarda , Pais Diogo , Iria Inês , Videira Paula A. , Tanganho David , Alves Sara , Mascarenhas-Lemos Luís , Martins Ferreira José , Ferraz-Oliveira Mário , Vassilenko Valentina , O’Neill João Goyri
Published: August 2017

Background:

Although numerous experimental models of arterialized venous flaps (AVFs) have been proposed, no single model has gained widespread acceptance. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the survival area of AVFs produced with different vascular constructs in the abdomen of the rat.

Methods:

Fifty-three male rats were divided into 4 groups. In group I (n = 12), a 5-cm-long and 3-cm-wide conventional epigastric flap was raised on the left side of the abdomen. This flap was pedicled on the superficial caudal epigastric vessels caudally and on the lateral thoracic vein cranially. In groups II, III, and IV, a similar flap was raised, but the superficial epigastric artery was ligated. In these groups, AVFs were created using the following arterial venous anastomosis at the caudal end of the flap: group II (n = 13) a 1-mm-long side-to-side anastomosis was performed between the femoral artery and vein laterally to the ending of the superficial caudal epigastric vein. In group III (n = 14), in addition to the procedure described for group II, the femoral vein was ligated medially. Finally, in group IV (n = 14), the superficial caudal epigastric vein was cut from the femoral vein with a 1-mm-long ellipse of adjacent tissue, and an end-to-side arterial venous anastomosis was established between it and the femoral artery.

Results:

Seven days postoperatively, the percentage of flap survival was 98.89 ± 1.69, 68.84 ± 7.36, 63.84 ± 10.38, 76.86 ± 13.67 in groups I–IV, respectively.

Conclusion:

An optimized AVF can be produced using the vascular architecture described for group IV.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN THE VITREOUS OF PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION TREATED WITH INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS
Authors: MATO-GONDELLE TAMARA , Bande Manuel F. , Paniagua Laura , Rodríguez-Cid María J. , Abraldes Maximino , Fernández Maribel , Blanco-Teijeiro María J. , Piñeiro Antonio
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

We aimed to assess the relationship of repeated intravitreal injection of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor, the main treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration, with changes in vitreous ultrasonographic findings in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected data from 41 patients (41 age-related macular degeneration eyes, 41 control eyes) on age, sex, number of injections, and type of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (ranibizumab, aflibercept). Ocular ultrasonography was performed with open eyelids, under topical anesthesia, and using carbomers as ultrasonographic gel. Topographic, quantitative, and kinetic ultrasonography was performed in all eye quadrants using a 10-MHz posterior pole probe, and vitreous reflectivity was assessed.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 79 (range: 59−94) years, with a mean of five intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections (range: 1−13). No significant ultrasonographic differences were found relative to the incidence of partial or complete posterior vitreous detachment. Vitreous hyperechogenicity increased in the treated eye (P < 0.001), and the vitreous reflectivity range increased with the number of injections (P = 0.041, R2 = 0.214). However, the type of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor used and the time elapsed since the last intravitreal injection was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

These preliminary results indicate a proportional increase in ultrasonographic reflectivity of vitreous gel with the number of injections.
The Effect of Interprofessional Rounds on Length of Stay and Discharge Destination for Patients Who Have Had Lower Extremity Total Joint Replacements
Authors: Ronnebaum Julie , Utley Cindy
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To determine whether inclusion of interprofessional rounds (IPR) during hospitalization affects patient length of stay and discharge destination (eg, home and skilled nursing facility) following total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective medical record review was conducted for 300 patients who underwent a total hip arthroplasty or a total knee arthroplasty. These patients were categorized into groups based on whether IPRs were received or not received (NR) between the dates of January 2011 and February 2013. Patient demographics and functional outcomes, length of hospital stay, and discharge destination were analyzed for each group.

Results:

Length of stay was shorter for patients who received IPR (n = 150) compared with those who did not (NR) (n = 150), P < .001. For functional outcomes, ambulation distance was significantly longer for patients in the IPR group. A significant difference was not found between the groups and discharge destination.

Conclusions:

The inclusion of IPRs may have a positive effect on decreasing the length of stay in the hospital and on ambulation distance for patients who have had a total hip arthroplasty or a total knee arthroplasty. Further studies are recommended to further investigate the benefits of including IPRs in other patient populations.
Physical Therapy Intervention for an Individual With Severe Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Rosenfeldt Anson. B. , Covert Stephanie
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

Individuals can develop refractoriness to platelet transfusions, defined as a platelet count that does not rise after transfusion. This report describes the complex physical mobility needs of an individual who incurred platelet refractoriness and physical deconditioning after undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

Case Description:

A 47-year-old man with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome was admitted to an inpatient hospital setting and underwent an allogenic HSCT. After the transplant, he developed thrombocytopenia refractory to platelet transfusion with accompanying physical deconditioning. At the time of the physical therapy evaluation, the patient required moderate assistance for transfers and moderate assistance to ambulate 2 ft.

Intervention:

Over the course of 8 physical therapy sessions, the patient's platelet count ranged from 1000/μL to 6000/μL. The sessions focused on functional mobility with modifications to reduce joint and muscle strain.

Results:

No bleeding events occurred as a result of the physical therapy intervention. Following the 8 physical therapy sessions, the patient was able to ambulate 150 ft, ascend/descend several stairs, and complete the 5-time sit-to-stand test in 18.9 seconds. The patient's 6-Clicks score improved from 12 (60%-79% functional impairment) to 24 (0% functional impairment).

Discussion:

Despite severe thrombocytopenia, the patient made significant improvements in mobility. It is critical for therapists to consider the entire clinical situation when weighing the risk and benefits of mobilizing individuals with chronic thrombocytopenia.
Red, Itchy Rash on Arms and Trunk
Authors: McGowan Maria A. , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: August 2017

Teledermatology is a term to describe the provision of dermatologic medical services through telecommunication technology. This is a teledermatology case of a red, itchy rash on the arms and trunk.
Minoxidil Use in Alopecia
Authors: Zito Patrick M. , Hin Nady
Published: August 2017

By definition, a drug is a medicine or substance that exerts a physiologic effect on an organism. In dermatology, various medications and substances are utilized on a daily basis, ranging from topical treatments to anesthetics in micrographic surgery. The purpose of this section is to focus on some of the more common substances, specifically how they work, how they are utilized, and their routine alternatives (if available). The mechanism of action, usage, and alternative options of the medication minoxidil are discussed.
White, Sclerotic Lesions of the Head, Neck, and Fingers
Authors: Masoud Melanie , Wahjudi Ingrid , Moncrieff Norma , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: August 2017

The patient presented here is a 68-year-old man with mildly itchy white lesions on the head, neck, and fingers for 7 years. This article guides the reader to identify a diagnosis based on the symptoms and appearance of the lesions, discusses the differential diagnoses, and presents the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Reactive Osteochondromatous Lesion of the Femoral Neck in a Highly Active Preadolescent Patient: Is This the Pathogenesis of a Cam Deformity?
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Kobayashi Naomi , Inaba Yutaka , Kubota So , Yukizawa Yohei , Choe Hyonmin , Kato Ikuma , Ohashi Kenichi , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: August 2017

Here, we present a rare case of a preadolescent boy with a prominent bony bump on the femoral neck. The main histological feature was concordant with a reactive osteochondromatous lesion possibly induced by repetitive microtrauma, probably because of overtraining as a soccer goalkeeper. The nature of this pathological change is consistent with the growth of a cam deformity. Especially in the preadolescent age group, we should note that repetitive use of the same joint kinematics may induce a prominent cam deformity.
TRest as a New Diagnostic Variable for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm: A Prospective Cohort Analysis of 124 Athletes
Authors: Barrera-Ochoa Sergi , Correa-Vazquez Eva , Gallardo-Calero Irene , Haddad Sleiman , Sallent Andrea , Soldado Francisco , Campillo-Recio David , Mir-Bullo Xavier
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

To measure the accuracy of currently used intracompartmental pressure (ICP) diagnostic variables for forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and a new ICP diagnostic variable, TRest, the recovery time between the maximum ICP and return to resting pressure.

Design:

Retrospective cohort. Level evidence IV.

Setting:

University-affiliated tertiary hospital.

Participants:

Patients with suspected forearm CECS, 1990 to 2014.

Interventions:

All patients underwent physical examination and exertional stress test, preceded and followed by measuring ICP in all suspicious CECS. Surgery was proposed when indicated. Minimum follow-up was 18 months. Final diagnosis was established at the final follow-up.

Main Outcome Measures:

Intracompartmental pressure measurements: PRest (baseline/pre-exercise pressure), P1 min (pressure 1 minute after exercise), P5 min (pressure 5 minutes after exercise), and TRest. Patients rated their pain and completed Quick-DASH in all follow-ups. Patients ultimately were classified into 4 groups (true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives) for each ICP measurement relative to the final diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results:

A total of 124 male athletes were diagnosed with CECS, 27 bilateral. Accuracy with standard ICP diagnostic variables was lower (sensitivity 73.5%, specificity 84.2%, positive predictive value 97%, and negative predictive value 31.4%) than with TRest (SN 100%, SP 94.7%, PPV 99.3%, and NPV 100%); 23% of patients would have been missed following the standard ICP diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions:

Diagnostic thresholds for current standard ICP measurements should be lowered. TRest, a new measure, might be more accurate.
Concomitant Panniculectomy Affects Wound Morbidity but Not Hernia Recurrence Rates in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Giordano Salvatore , Garvey Patrick B. , Baumann Donald P. , Liu Jun , Butler Charles E.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Studies of abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy have reported contradictory results. The authors hypothesized that patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy experience more wound healing complications but similar rates of hernia recurrence compared with abdominal wall reconstruction alone.

Methods:

Of 548 consecutive patients, 305 patients (55.7 percent) underwent abdominal wall reconstruction alone and 243 (44.3 percent) underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy. Mean follow-up was 30 months. The authors compared these two groups’ postoperative complications and outcomes before and after propensity score analysis.

Results:

Abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy patients had a significantly higher overall complication rate (38.3 percent versus 29.2 percent; p = 0.025) and a trend toward a higher surgical-site occurrence rate (27.6 percent versus 20.7 percent; p = 0.06) compared with abdominal wall reconstruction alone. There were significantly higher incidences of skin dehiscence (19.3 percent versus 12.5 percent; p = 0.032), fat necrosis (10.7 percent versus 3.6 percent; p = 0.002), and infection abscess (9.5 percent versus 4.3 percent; p = 0.023) but no significant difference in hernia recurrence (6.9 percent versus 11.5 percent; p = 0.27) at long-term follow-up. Propensity score analysis yielded 188 pairs of matched patients with no significant differences in overall complication and hernia recurrence rates. Significantly higher rates of fat necrosis (9.6 percent versus 4.3 percent; p = 0.041) and abscess (10.1 percent versus 3.2 percent; p = 0.007) were observed in the abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy group.

Conclusions:

Abdominal wall reconstruction with concurrent panniculectomy is associated with higher wound morbidity but similar surgical-site occurrence and hernia recurrence rates at long-term follow-up. The authors believe that panniculectomy can be safely performed when indicated.
A New Method for Reconstruction of Vermilion Deficiency in Cleft Lip Deformity: The Bi-Winged Myomucosa Switch Flap
Authors: Chung Kyung Hoon , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: August 2017

Background:

This study reviewed the method of using the bi-winged myomucosa switch flap for correction of secondary cleft lip deformity in patients with vermilion mucosa deficiency, lack of the central tubercle, and disproportionate lip projection, obviating the conventional Abbe flap when the prolabium has acceptable philtrum and Cupid’s bow definition.

Methods:

The technique was applied to adult patients with secondary vermilion deficiency after primary bilateral cleft lip repair. The flap consisted of the transverse vermilion mucosa and the superior part of the orbicularis oris muscle from the lower lip. It was elevated, leaving a central cuff of muscle and mucosa tissue for blood supply, and tapered down bilaterally. The flap was transposed cephalically and inset to the deficient upper vermilion. Division of the pedicle was performed 2 weeks later. The preoperative and postoperative vermilion heights were measured, and the upper-to-lower vermilion ratios were calculated.

Results:

All consecutive patients tolerated the operations without perioperative or flap complications. The vermilion discrepancy was corrected in all cases. The vermilion height and projection were improved in the upper lip and the prominent lower lip was reduced. The average vermilion ratio was 0.38 before and improved to 1.00 after surgery, as compared with the norm of 0.96. Adequate lip function and mobility were maintained. All patients expressed satisfaction after surgery.

Conclusion:

The described technique of bi-winged myomucosa switch flap is an effective method for reconstruction of upper lip vermilion deficiency with excellent aesthetic outcome.
Evolution of plasticity and adaptive responses to climate change along climate gradients
Authors: Kingsolver Joel G. , Buckley Lauren B.
Published: August 2017

The relative contributions of phenotypic plasticity and adaptive evolution to the responses of species to recent and future climate change are poorly understood. We combine recent (1960–2010) climate and phenotypic data with microclimate, heat balance, demographic and evolutionary models to address this issue for a montane butterfly,
Colias eriphyle
, along an elevational gradient. Our focal phenotype, wing solar absorptivity, responds plastically to developmental (pupal) temperatures and plays a central role in thermoregulatory adaptation in adults. Here, we show that both the phenotypic and adaptive consequences of plasticity vary with elevation. Seasonal changes in weather generate seasonal variation in phenotypic selection on mean and plasticity of absorptivity, especially at lower elevations. In response to climate change in the past 60 years, our models predict evolutionary declines in mean absorptivity (but little change in plasticity) at high elevations, and evolutionary increases in plasticity (but little change in mean) at low elevation. The importance of plasticity depends on the magnitude of seasonal variation in climate relative to interannual variation. Our results suggest that selection and evolution of both trait means and plasticity can contribute to adaptive response to climate change in this system. They also illustrate how plasticity can facilitate rather than retard adaptive evolutionary responses to directional climate change in seasonal environments.
Natural selection on thermal preference, critical thermal maxima and locomotor performance
Authors: Gilbert Anthony L. , Miles Donald B.
Published: August 2017

Climate change is resulting in a radical transformation of the thermal quality of habitats across the globe. Whereas species have altered their distributions to cope with changing environments, the evidence for adaptation in response to rising temperatures is limited. However, to determine the potential of adaptation in response to thermal variation, we need estimates of the magnitude and direction of natural selection on traits that are assumed to increase persistence in warmer environments. Most inferences regarding physiological adaptation are based on interspecific analyses, and those of selection on thermal traits are scarce. Here, we estimate natural selection on major thermal traits used to assess the vulnerability of ectothermic organisms to altered thermal niches. We detected significant directional selection favouring lizards with higher thermal preferences and faster sprint performance at their optimal temperature. Our analyses also revealed correlational selection between thermal preference and critical thermal maxima, where individuals that preferred warmer body temperatures with cooler critical thermal maxima were favoured by selection. Recent published estimates of heritability for thermal traits suggest that, in concert with the strong selective pressures we demonstrate here, evolutionary adaptation may promote long-term persistence of ectotherms in altered thermal environments.
A dangerous context changes the way that rats learn about and discriminate between innocuous events in sensory preconditioning
Authors: Holmes Nathan M. , Westbrook R. Frederick
Published: August 2017

Four experiments used a sensory preconditioning protocol to examine how a dangerous context influences learning about innocuous events. In Experiments 1, 2, and 3, rats were exposed to presentations of a tone followed immediately or 20-sec later by presentations of a light. These tone–light pairings occurred in a context that was either familiar and safe, or equally familiar but dangerous, that is, it was a context in which rats had been exposed to footshock. Rats were next exposed to parings of the light and shock and then tested with the tone (and light). The experiments showed that a dangerous context permits formation of a tone–light association under circumstances that preclude formation of that same association in a safe context (Experiments 1 and 2), and that this facilitative effect on associative formation depends on the content being currently dangerous rather than having been dangerous in the past (Experiment 3). Experiment 4 examined whether a dangerous context facilitates discrimination between two innocuous events. In a safe or dangerous context, rats were exposed to a tone that signaled the light and then to a white noise presented alone. Subsequent to conditioning of the light, the tests revealed that rats that had been exposed to these tone–light and white noise alone presentations in a dangerous context froze to the tone but not to the noise, whereas those exposed in a safe context froze to both the tone and the white noise. The results were related to previous evidence that the amygdala is critical for processing information about innocuous stimuli in a dangerous but not a safe context. They were attributed to an amygdala-based enhancement of arousal and/or attention in a dangerous context, hence the facilitation of associative formation and enhanced discriminability in this context.
Mortgage decisions in Swedish housing co-operatives
Authors: Hullgren Maria
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight co-ops mortgage choice strategy and factors that influence the board’s master mortgage decisions in Swedish co-op associations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through a pre-study interviewing chair persons in co-ops in Stockholm followed up by a more extensive questionnaire. Answers from these are tested by logistic regression and compared to hypotheses based on earlier findings on mortgage choice on a household level and additional findings from the interviews.

Findings

The mortgage choice in co-ops seems to be more dependent on financial similarities than physical location. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios have a dominant influence in that co-ops with high LTV ratios have a lower preference for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). When checking for location, the media and individual chair persons also seem to affect the choice. Overall, there seems to be awareness in co-ops boards about the potential financial effects of their mortgage choice.

Practical implications

The negative connection between high LTV ratios and ARMs implies that boards try to make their mortgage expenditure more predictable. This reduces liquidity risks which may be of importance for financially constrained owners. Findings indicate that co-ops are risk averse and that the short-term threat for increasing interest costs is low. This is of value to both homebuyers and the financial industry.

Originality/value

This paper examines factors influencing mortgage choices in an organizational context such as co-op associations. The master mortgage in a co-op can have major influence on members financial situation but, to the author’s knowledge, a similar study has never been done before, neither in an international nor a Swedish context.
Health behaviour in the face of cultural conflict: perceptions of immigrant Muslim women
Authors: Sabir Ghezal , Sevenhuysen Gustaaf P. , Fieldhouse Paul , Roger Kerstin Stieber
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe immigrant Muslim women’s perceived barriers and facilitators to health behaviours relating to the interface between the cultural backgrounds of the participants and the predominant culture in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was taken to conduct ten in-depth semi-structured interviews followed by three focus groups with immigrant women in Winnipeg, Canada. A demographic questionnaire, acculturation scale, and interview guides were used for data collection. Constant comparison analytic method was utilised to extract and refine themes.

Findings

A total of 32 adult Muslim women who had emigrated from 14 countries in Asia and Africa participated in this study. Most of the participants had medium to high levels of acculturation and enculturation. Through the in-depth analysis of the participants’ insights, these factors emerged as determinants of health behaviours related to cultural interactions: changes in gender role, mistrusting the unfamiliar, feelings of alienation, new construction of time, and reconstruction of private and public spheres. These themes display the participants’ conceptual and practical adaptations in Canada.

Research limitations/implications

The perspectives of those with poor spoken English language skill and the participants’ history of immigration were not obtained in this study limiting the study’s findings.

Practical implications

This paper reveals factors that potentially influence immigrant Muslim women’s health behaviours and should be considered when designing health promotion programs for similar groups.

Originality/value

This is the first paper focusing on cultural determinants of immigrant Muslim women’s health behaviour in a non-metropolitan Canadian city. Findings can help health promoters design culturally competent programs for this growing population to garner its greater participation.
Sport league website: an effective marketing communication tool for corporate sponsors
Authors: Kim Doyeop , Walker Matthew , Heo Jun , Koo Gi-Yong
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Although high-profile sport league website sponsorships have increased in popularity over the last decade, academic research on the topic has not kept pace, resulting in little knowledge of ways to improve the effectiveness of this sponsorship type. This paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study examined the influence of three website-related variables (i.e. website interactivity, website fit, and website credibility), while controlling for a sponsor-related variable (i.e. sponsor familiarity), on consumer attitude toward the sponsor ad and willingness to click on its banner ad. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated three main effects. Practical implications are discussed with limitations and suggestions for future research.

Findings

This study found three important things. First, website interactivity played an important role in attitude toward the ad and willingness to click on the banner ad. Second, website fit influenced attitude toward the ad and willingness to click on the banner ad. Third, website credibility influenced attitude toward the ad.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that in order to maximize online sports sponsorship outcomes, companies must keep in mind that the interactivity between the web users and the site should be regarded as the most pragmatic result which could come from the online sports sponsorship territory.
Human robot interaction for manipulation tasks based on stroke gesture recognition
Authors: Li Jiajun , Tao Jianguo , Ding Liang , Gao Haibo , Deng Zongquan , Luo Yang , Li Zhandong
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the usage of stroke gestures in manipulation tasks to make the interaction between human and robot more efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a set of stroke gestures is designed for typical manipulation tasks. A gesture recognition and parameter extraction system is proposed to exploit the information in stroke gestures drawn by the users.

Findings

The results show that the designed gesture recognition subsystem can reach a recognition accuracy of 99.00 per cent. The parameter extraction subsystem can successfully extract parameters needed for typical manipulation tasks with a success rate about 86.30 per cent. The system shows an acceptable performance in the experiments.

Practical implications

Using stroke gesture in manipulation tasks can make the transmission of human intentions to the robots more efficient. The proposed gesture recognition subsystem is based on convolutional neural network which is robust to different input. The parameter extraction subsystem can extract the spatial information encoded in stroke gestures.

Originality/value

The author designs stroke gestures for manipulation tasks which is an extension of the usage of stroke gestures. The proposed gesture recognition and parameter extraction system can make use of stroke gestures to get the type of the task and important parameters for the task simultaneously.
Measurement of wheel-terrain contact angle for WMRs on rough terrain using laser scanning sensor
Authors: Xu He , Xu Yan , Wang Peiyuan , Yu Hongpeng , Ani Ozoemena Anthony , Gao X.Z.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a novel measurement approach for wheel-terrain contact angle using laser scanning sensors based on near-terrain perception. Laser scanning sensors have rarely been applied to the measurement of wheel-terrain contact angle for wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) in previous studies; however, it is an effective way to measure wheel-terrain contact angle directly with the advantages of simple, fast and high accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

First, kinematics model for a WMR moving on rough terrain was developed, taking into consideration wheel slip and wheel-terrain contact angle. Second, the measurement principles of wheel-terrain contact angle using laser scanning sensors was presented, including “rigid wheel - rigid terrain” model and “rigid wheel - deformable terrain” model.

Findings

In the proposed approach, the measurement of wheel-terrain contact angle using laser scanning sensors was successfully demonstrated. The rationality of the approach was verified by experiments on rigid and sandy terrains with satisfactory results.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel, fast and effective wheel-terrain contact angle measurement approach for WMRs moving on both rigid and deformable terrains, using laser scanning sensors.
Detecting humans in the robot workspace
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical insight into a selection of robotic people detection technologies and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper first discusses people-sensing technologies which seek to extend the capabilities of human-robot collaboration by allowing humans to operate alongside conventional, industrial robots. It then provides examples of developments in people detection and tracking in unstructured, dynamic environments. Developments in people sensing and monitoring by assistive robots are then considered and finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

Robotic people detection technologies are the topic of an extensive research effort and are becoming increasingly important, as growing numbers of robots interact directly with humans. These are being deployed in industry, in public places and in the home. The sensing requirements vary according to the application and range from simple person detection and avoidance to human motion tracking, behaviour and safety monitoring, individual recognition and gesture sensing. Sensing technologies include cameras, lasers and ultrasonics, and low cost RGB-D cameras are having a major impact.

Originality/value

This article provides details of a range of developments involving people sensing in the important and rapidly developing field of human-robot interactions.
The Pransky interview: Dr Jun Ho Oh, Professor and Director of Humanoid Robot Research Center, KAIST; Cofounder, Rainbow Robotics Co.
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The following paper is a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry PhD-turned-entrepreneur regarding the commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewee is Dr Jun Ho Oh, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Director of KAIST’s Hubolab. Determined to build a humanoid robot in the early 2000s to compete with Japan’s humanoids, Dr Oh and KAIST created the KHR1. This research led to seven more advanced versions of a biped humanoid robot and the founding of the Robot for Artificial Intelligence and Boundless Walking (Rainbow) Co., a professional technological mechatronics company. In this interview, Dr Oh shares the history and success of Korea’s humanoid robot research.

Findings

Dr Oh received his BSc in 1977 and MSc in Mechanical Engineering in 1979 from Yonsei University. Oh worked as a Researcher for the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute before receiving his PhD from the University of California (UC) Berkeley in mechanical engineering in 1985. After his PhD, Oh remained at UC Berkeley to do Postdoctoral research. Since 1985, Oh has been a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST. He was a Visiting Professor from 1996 to 1997 at the University of Texas Austin. Oh served as the Vice President of KAIST from 2013-2014. In addition to teaching, Oh applied his expertise in robotics, mechatronics, automatic and real-time control to the commercial development of a series of humanoid robots.

Originality/value

Highly self-motivated and always determined, Dr Oh’s initial dream of building the first Korean humanoid bipedal robot has led him to become one of the world leaders of humanoid robots. He has contributed widely to the field over the nearly past two decades with the development of five versions of the HUBO robot. Oh led Team KAIST to win the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) and a grand prize of US$2m with its humanoid robot DRC-HUBO+, beating 23 teams from six countries. Oh serves as a robotics policy consultant for the Korean Ministry of Commerce Industry and Energy. He was awarded the 2016 Changjo Medal for Science and Technology, the 2016 Ho-Am Prize for engineering, and the 2010 KAIST Distinguished Professor award. He is a member of the Korea Academy of Science and Technology.
Money laundering detection system (MLD) (a complementary system of Rastin banking)
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to define a new system for detecting money-laundering activities by comparing tax payments (especially value-added tax) data to banking transactions data.

Design/methodology/approach

A money laundering detection (MLD) system provides the necessary bases for detecting deception and fraud. Though MLD is a complementary system of the Rastin Banking system, it can also be installed and executed separately.

Findings

The underground economic activities can be detected and traced by comparing banking information and transaction information in MLD system. It needs to force the direct transactors or other related forms of transaction to perform their money operations through the banks. In the next step, the tax information of transactors (in a chain of transactions) can be compared with them, and the incompatibility of the two sets of data will explore money-laundering operations.

Research limitations/implications

This system is novel and needs to be more elaborate to remove further practical problems and specific cases.

Practical implications

MLD system provides necessary protection for those who perform legal economic activities by detecting financial criminals.

Social implications

Money laundering harms individual and public rights as well as economies. Financial crimes, tax evasion, smuggling, conspiracy, embezzlement and various other offences are included in the general definition of money laundering, so detecting them will lead to important economic improvements in the society as well as international community.

Originality/value

MLD system provides structural and electronic bases for computerized tax data and banking data comparison.
A critical analysis of the effects of the Central Bank of Nigeria foreign exchange policy on financial inclusion, anti-money laundering measures and fundamental rights
Authors: Esoimeme Ehi Eric
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Following the drop in crude oil prices from a peak of US$114 per barrel in July 2014 to as low as US$33 per barrel in January 2016, the country’s reserves have suffered great pressure from speculative attacks, round tripping and front loading activities by actors in the foreign exchange (forex) market. The fall in oil prices also implied that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monthly foreign earnings had fallen from as high as US$3.2bn to current levels of as low as US$1bn. The net effect of these combined forces unfortunately is the depletion of the nation’s forex reserves. As of June 2014, the stock of forex reserves stood at about US$37.3bn but has declined to around US$28.0bn as of today. To avoid further depletion of reserves, the CBN adopted a number of policies including the prioritisation of the most critical needs for forex. This paper aims to critically analyse the effects of these policies on financial inclusion, anti-money laundering (AML) measures and human rights. Its aim is also to determine whether CBN’s Forex Policy does strike a fair balance between financial stability, inclusion, AML measures and human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies mainly on primary and secondary data drawn from the public domain. It also relies on documentary research.

Findings

This paper determined that the CBN forex policy does not strike a fair balance between financial stability, inclusion, AML measures and human rights.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the effect of the most recent CBN Forex Policies on financial inclusion, AML measures and human rights. It does not address the older policies. Also, it does not address other vulnerable groups like low-income households. Its focus is on the under-served group.

Originality/value

While many have written papers on CBN’s forex policies, none of those papers critically analysed the effects of these policies on financial inclusion, AML and fundamental rights. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for example, analysed the impact of these polices on the financial services sector; the manufacturing sector; food and household products; tyre and rubber industry; pharmaceutical sector, oil and gas sector; free trade zone sector; furniture manufacturers; and foam manufacturers. It made no mention of inclusion, money laundering and fundamental rights. Also, Vincent Haruna analysed the effect of these policies on Nigerians, particularly those engaged in international trade, and those who have children studying abroad. He neither specifically addressed financial inclusion nor did he make any mention of human rights and money laundering.
The current challenges of money laundering law in Russia
Authors: Defossez Delphine
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the new Russian law on Money laundering. Globalisation has turned the international financial systems into a paradise for money launderers. As much as globalisation has expanded opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the new Russian law on money laundering which brought some changes to the existing system was introduced in Russia in 2002. Even though it has improved the regulation on money laundering greatly, it has failed to efficiently combat terrorism. Overall, the Russian anti-money laundering regime has proved ineffective in terms of meeting its stated purposes of combating organised crime and terrorism. The limited success of the Russian anti-money laundering law stems largely from the fact that Russian banking system is structurally weak.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the problems through literature review. Also, the problem will be looked at from an international law perspective, explaining why Russian efforts will not be efficient as long as no consensus is reached at international level.

Findings

This paper starts from the premise that Russian made great effort to comply with international recommendations but that its law fails to efficiently deal with terrorism finance partly due to the fact that no consensus exists at international level as to the definition of the terrorism. Furthermore, the doubt persists as to the real aim pursued by Russian Government while enacting the money laundering law.

Originality/value

Few papers have been published about money laundering in Russia, but none of them look at the problem of the lack of definition of terrorism at international level to explain the deficiencies of the system in place.
South Pacific transnational money laundering typologies
Authors: Chelliah John , Prasad Anita
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present typologies of transnational money laundering in South Pacific island countries, thereby filling a gap in the extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on seven significant transnational money laundering cases involving South Pacific island nations. It provides analyses of the modus operandi of criminals and classifies those according to typologies from anti-money laundering authorities and bodies.

Findings

Typologies of money laundering have arrived through a content analysis of seven cases involving transnational money laundering destined for South Pacific island nations. The typologies which have emerged show the predominant forms of transnational money laundering in this region. This knowledge could be useful to government policy-makers and financial institutions pursuing anti-money laundering initiatives.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of academic research into typologies of transnational money laundering involving the South Pacific. This paper makes a useful contribution to the extant literature by providing the most recent typologies in this respect.
Cross‐Border Residential Lending: Theory and Evidence from the European Sovereign Debt Crisis
Authors: Luque Jaime
Published: August 2017

We examine bank strategies to rebalance residential mortgage portfolios toward other geographical regions in the context of the European sovereign debt crisis. For banks in Greece, Ireland, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Spain (GICIPS), we find evidence of flight‐to‐quality if banks were undercapitalized and had high funding cost, and evidence of risky‐lending if banks were undercapitalized but without funding problems. For banks in core safe European countries, we find evidence of flight‐to‐quality among banks with high capital ratios, and risky‐lending among banks with low funding cost. We rationalize these empirical results with a general equilibrium model of cross‐border mortgage lending.
Rare Death Via Histamine Poisoning Following Crab Consumption: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Ping , Bian Ligong , Hong Shijun
Published: August 2017

Histamine poisoning (scombroid food poisoning) is a toxicity syndrome that results from eating spoiled fish. To date, however, few poisoning (or mortality) cases have been reported in relation to crab consumption. Here, we describe a very uncommon case in which a 37‐year‐old woman and her 14‐year‐old son ate cooked crabs (Scylla serrata), resulting in the death of the female. Samples of vomitus, food residue, liver tissue, gastric content, intestinal content, and cardiac blood were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Toxicological analysis revealed that histamine concentrations were very high in the cooked crab (47.08 mg/100 g) and intestinal content (22.54 mg/100 g). Comparing our toxicological results, police investigations, and family member statements, it can be assumed that the decedent ingested spoiled crabs, and by excluding other causes of death, lethal intoxication with histamine poisoning was confirmed.
Estimating Biological Characteristics With Virtual Laser Data
Authors: Mullins Ryan A. , Albanese John
Published: August 2017

Laser scanning technology is increasingly being used in forensic anthropological research to obtain virtual data for archival purposes and post hoc measurement collection. This research compared the measurement accuracy of two laser scanners—the FARO Focus3D 330X and the FARO Freestyle3D—against traditionally obtained (i.e., by hand) control data (N = 454). Skeletal data were collected to address a novel question: the ability of laser scanning technology to produce measurements useful for biological characteristic estimation, such as sex and stature. Results indicate that both devices produced measurements very similar to control (c. 3‐mm average absolute error), but also illuminate a tendency to under‐measure. Despite these findings, the virtual data produced sex and stature estimates that varied little from control‐produced estimates, signifying the usefulness of virtual data for preliminary biological identification when the skeletal elements are no longer available for physical analysis.