bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiota of wild rodents: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Viney Mark
Published: July 2018

The gut microbiota can have important, wide-ranging effects on its host. To date, laboratory animals, particularly mice, have been the major study system for microbiota research. It is now becoming increasingly clear that laboratory animals often poorly model aspects of the biology of wild animals, and this concern extends to the study of the gut microbiota. Here, the relatively few studies of the microbiota of wild rodents are reviewed, including a critical assessment of how the gut microbiota differs between laboratory and wild rodents. Finally, the many potential advantages and opportunities of wild-animal systems for research into the gut microbiota are considered.
Do Trustful Leadership, Organizational Justice, and Motivation Influence Whistle-Blowing Intention? Evidence From Federal Employees
Authors: Ugaddan Reginald G. , Park Sung Min
Published: July 2018

Organizational and societal mechanisms that ensure whistle-blowing in the public sector are required. Although many studies have explored a set of whistle-blowing determinants, few have explored the relationship and role of individual and attitudinal factors in influencing whistle-blowing in the public sector. To close this gap, this study considers the theoretical lenses of social exchange and self-determination theories, proposing that trustful leadership and organizational justice are the most likely factors to predict whistle-blowing intention when it is mediated by public service motivation (PSM) and extrinsic motivation. Using the Merit Principles Survey 2010 by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, the study tests a partial mediation model employing structural equation modeling. The results suggest that PSM and extrinsic motivation partially mediate the relationship of trust in leadership and organizational justice and whistle-blowing intention. Finally, the study’s limitations and theoretical, empirical, and practical implications, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
A study of big data evolution and research challenges
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Rani Rinkle
Published: July 2018

The world is already into the information age. The huge growth of digital data has overwhelmed the traditional systems and approaches. Big data is touching almost all aspects of our life and the data-driven discovery approach is an emerging paradigm for computing. The ever-growing data provides a tidal wave of opportunities and challenges in terms of data capture, storage, manipulation, management, analysis, knowledge extraction, security, privacy and visualisation. Though the promise of big data seems to be genuine, still a wide gap exists between its potential and realisation. In last few years, there is a huge surge in research efforts in academia as well as industry to have a better understanding of big data. This article discusses the following: (1) big data evolution including a bibliometric study of academic and industry publications pertaining to big data during the period 2000–2017, (2) popular open-source big data stream processing frameworks and (3) prevalent research challenges which must be addressed to realise the true potential of big data.
Weak Theology and Organization Studies
Authors: Deslandes Ghislain
Published: July 2018

This article demonstrates the pre-eminent position which the term oikonomia (household management) occupied in the first few centuries of Christian theology, opening up avenues which have been left virtually unexplored by modern management scientists. This first level of analysis reveals that the essence of management is inevitably associated with the concepts of non-power, burden and weakness. I then pursue this line of inquiry to look at the role occupied by the notion of ‘weakness’ in the postmodern theology developed by Gianni Vattimo and John Caputo, before extending the scope of this analysis to contemporary debates in the field of organization studies, revealing an entirely different vision of the figure of ‘manager’ from that championed in post-Taylorian ‘scientific’ management, with its emphasis on the behavioural and technical aspects of her/his role. The article concludes by looking at the theoretical and practical implications of ‘weak’ management.
Multimodal Discursivity: Framing European Union Borders in Live-Blogs
Authors: Cvetkovic Ivana , Pantic Mirjana
Published: July 2018

More than one million refugees fleeing war-torn areas reached Europe in 2015, making migrant (im)mobility and border dynamics breaking news in media reports. In this context, traditional news media’s adoption of live-blogs was particularly significant in the coverage. This new online news format offered frequently updated coverage and reader interactivity as events unfolded and through multiple modalities of communication, including text, photos, videos, social media posts, maps, graphics, hyperlinks, computer-generated visualizations, and readers’ comments. This study employs critical multimodal discourse analysis to examine the framing of the European Union borders in live-blogs produced for four European news outlets online. It discusses the three main frames that emerged from analysis—border management, borders as lived spaces, and borders as politically constructed spaces—and their implications for the construction of discourse on migration.
Use of mirtazapine in patients with chronic breathlessness: A case series
Authors: Lovell Natasha , Bajwah Sabrina , Maddocks Matthew , Wilcock Andrew , Higginson Irene J
Published: July 2018

Background:

Breathlessness remains a common and distressing symptom in people with advanced disease with few effective treatment options. Repurposing of existing medicines has been effective in other areas of palliative care, for example, antidepressants to treat pain, and offers an opportunity to deliver improved symptom control in a timely manner. Previous case series have shown reduced breathlessness following the use of sertraline (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cases:

Six cases where mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant, was used to treat chronic breathlessness in advanced lung disease.

Case management:

All cases received mirtazapine at a starting dose of 15 mg, prescribed under the care of their primary care physician. Cases had been receiving mirtazapine for a variable time period (2 weeks to 5 months) at the time of the interviews.

Case outcome:

All cases reported less breathlessness and being able to do more. They described feeling more in control of their breathing, and being able to recover more quickly from episodes of breathlessness. Some cases also reported beneficial effects on anxiety, panic, appetite and sleep. No adverse effects were reported.

Discussion:

Patients with chronic breathlessness in this case series reported benefits during mirtazapine treatment. To determine the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating breathlessness and improving quality of life in chronic lung disease, blinded randomised trials are warranted.
Surgical treatment for terrible triad injury of the elbow with anteromedial coronoid fracture through a combined surgical approach
Authors: Liu Guanyi , Hu Jingen , Ma Weihu , Li Ming , Xu Rongming , Pan Zhijun
Published: July 2018

Summary

Objective

To report the results of the surgical treatment of terrible triad injury with anteromedial coronoid fracture through a combined surgical approach.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated data from patients who underwent surgery to repair terrible triad injuries and anteromedial coronoid fractures. Surgical treatment involved radial head repair or replacement, medial and lateral collateral ligament repair, and coronoid fracture fixation through combined approaches. Evaluations were performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the elbow.

Results

Twenty-two patients (15 males, seven females; mean ± SD age, 47.5 ± 11.4 years) were enrolled in this study. Fracture union and concentric reduction of both the ulnotrochlear and radiocapitellar articulations were achieved in all patients. The mean ± SD follow-up was 31.6 ± 11.9 months. The mean ± SD arc of flexion–extension was 110.3° ± 26.3° and arc of forearm rotation was 139.5° ± 17.1°. The mean ± SD MEPS was 88.1 ± 12.2 points, with results classified as excellent in eight elbows, good in ten, and fair in four. Six patients had radiographic signs of post-traumatic arthritis. Three patients required secondary surgeries.

Conclusion

Combined surgical approaches can be considered for the treatment of terrible triad injuries in association with anteromedial coronoid fractures.
Difference as practice: Diffracting geography and the area studies turn
Authors: Sharp Deen
Published: July 2018

After decades of geography and area studies drifting apart, I argue there has been an area studies turn in geography. The long divergence between the two, however, has resulted in a certain misunderstanding by geographers of what area studies scholarship is and what this field can contribute to the discipline. Area studies should not be considered as an approach that merely concentrates on the representation of difference but rather as a milieu in which difference is practiced and geographical concepts can be ‘diffracted’. Area studies can offer geography new ways to think about its place in, and entanglement with, the world.
Minimum Wages, Employment, and College Enrollment
Authors: Wescher Lance , Hutchinson Travis , Rannou Anna
Published: July 2018

Most studies of the effects of minimum wage laws look exclusively at the labor market. This article investigates the less-researched topic of the effects of a minimum wage increase on enrollment in undergraduate higher education institutions in the United States. With a higher opportunity cost of pursuing an education given a higher minimum wage, potential students may opt to work instead of attend college. Conversely, if an increase in the minimum wage raises the unemployment rate for young workers, more people may enroll in college, as they are unable to find employment. Using restricted geocode variables and panel data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97) over a period of time in which every state saw an increase in its effective minimum wage, we find that higher minimum wages do correspond to lower levels of college enrollment. We use a multinomial probit model to examine how tradeoffs are made between employment and college enrollment. Finally, we examine the transition path between college enrollment and employment.

JEL Classification: I23, J24, and E24.
As an emerging economy, should Malaysia adopt carbon taxation?
Authors: Wong Kum Yeen , Chuah Joon Huang , Hope Chris
Published: July 2018

On 1 July 2014, the Australian Government announced the abolition of its new carbon tax policy barely two years into implementation. The Australia’s policy U-turn raises a very important question: Should an emerging economy such as Malaysia adopt carbon and climate change policy as part of a larger tax reform? In order to answer this, the key issues, main driving forces and barriers in the use of carbon tax as an incentive-based instrument for economic and environmental policies purposes are examined. With the recent global climate challenges and the fiscal needs of the national budget, it is submitted that the implementation of a carbon tax framework in Malaysia should be regarded not as an ultimate goal in itself but as a starting point to develop the right behavioural response for a better and more comprehensive national fiscal and climate policy reform in the future.
Semiparametric analysis of correlated and interval-censored event-history data
Authors: Pak Daewoo , Li Chenxi , Todem David
Published: July 2018

We propose a semiparametric multi-state frailty model to analyze clustered event-history data subject to interval censoring. The proposed model is motivated by an attempt to study the life course of dental caries at the tooth level, taking into account the multiplicity of caries states and the intra-oral clustering of observations made at periodic time points. Of particular interest is the study of the intra-oral distribution of processes leading to carious lesions, and whether this distribution varies with gender. The model assumes, in view of the covariate profile, a proportionality of the transition intensities conditional on subject-level frailties, coupled with a linear spline approximation of the log baseline intensities. The model estimation is conducted using a penalized likelihood where the smoothing parameters are estimated as reciprocal variance components under a mixed-model representation. A Bayesian method is proposed to predict tooth-level caries transition probabilities, which can be used for tailoring tooth-level caries treatment and prevention plans. Intensive simulation studies indicate that the model fitting and prediction perform reasonably well under realistic sample sizes. The practical utility of the methods is illustrated using data from a longitudinal study on oral health among children from low-income families residing in the city of Detroit, Michigan.
From the “smart city” to the “smart metropolis”? Building resilience in the urban periphery
Authors: de Falco Stefano , Angelidou Margarita , Addie Jean-Paul D
Published: July 2018

The “smart city” has risen to global prominence over the past two decades as an urban planning and development strategy. As a broad but contested toolkit of technological services and policy interventions aimed at improving the efficacy and efficiency of urban systems, the “smart city” is subject to several pressing critiques. This paper acknowledges these concerns, but recognizes the potential of “urban intelligence” to enhance the resiliency of metropolitan areas. As such, we focus on an under-researched dimension of smart city urbanism: its application in peripheral urban areas. The paper introduces a threefold typology of: (a) geographic (spatial); (b) hard (material); and (c) soft (social) urban peripherality. Second, it reviews the concept of urban resilience and considers how its central characteristics can inform the objectives and implementation of “smart city” infrastructures and planning. Six European smart city plans are assessed via a qualitative content analysis, to identify the target of smart city actions; the characteristics of urban resilience mobilized; and the spatial focus of planned interventions. The comparative analysis reveals a variegated set of smart-city approaches. Notably, “smart” actions aimed at enhancing social innovation are the most common type of intervention, while overall there remains a strong tendency for smart urbanism to focus on the urban core. We conclude by calling for a research agenda addressing smartness in, of, and for, peripheral urban spaces and communities.
Prophylactic metoclopramide use in trauma patients given tramadol: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Choo Kim Hoon , Manikam Rishya A/L , Yoong Khadijah Poh Yuen , Kandasamy Vanitha A/P
Published: July 2018

Background:

Tramadol is a common analgesia used in Emergency Department for trauma patients. However, it causes multiple side effects, most notably nausea and vomiting.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to determine whether routine administration of prophylactic metoclopramide in patients receiving intravenous tramadol for injuries of extremities is beneficial.

Method:

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 200 trauma patients requiring tramadol for acute pain in Emergency & Trauma Department of Sarawak General Hospital. Patients were randomised into two groups, group one received metoclopramide 10 mg intravenously while group two received placebo. Nausea severity (measured on a visual analogue scale) before and after tramadol administration, number of episodes of vomiting and patients’ demographic data were recorded.

Results:

A total of 191 patients were recruited, in which the metoclopramide group had 96 patients while the placebo group had 95 patients. In total, 5 out of 191 patients had significant worsening of nausea severity and all were from the placebo group (5.26%). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029, Fisher’s exact test). Only 1 out of 191 patients vomited and was from the placebo group. No adverse reaction was reported in both groups of patients.

Conclusion:

Routine administration of intravenous metoclopramide may be beneficial in musculoskeletal trauma patients receiving tramadol.
A low frequency underwater metastructure composed by helix metal and viscoelastic damping rubber
Authors: Gao Nansha , Zhang Yongyan
Published: July 2018

We report an underwater metastructure with excellent acoustic absorption that is constructed by perforating a helix structure into viscoelastic damping rubber. Finite element method results show that this metastructure can achieve the low frequency and broadband acoustic absorption below 1000 Hz. Waveform transformation, multiple scattering, and reflection energy dissipation mechanisms are the critical factors affecting the absorption performance. Different geometries and materials of the helix structure can adjust the acoustic absorption to a great extent. The proposed metastructure provides more possibilities for underwater acoustic manipulation applications.
Associations of Anthropometric Characteristics, Dietary Habits, and Aerobic Capacity With Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Health-Science Students
Authors: Zarrazquin Arizaga Idoia , Atucha Ainhoa Fernández , Kortajarena Maider , Torres-Unda Jon , Irazusta Amaia , Ruiz-Litago Fátima , Irazusta Jon , Casis Luis , Fraile-Bermúdez Ana Belen
Published: July 2018

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to study the relative importance of dietary habits and aerobic capacity in parameters related to cardiovascular risk in 271 female and 95 male health-science students (mean age = 19.1 ± 1.4 years). In females, fatty-meat consumption predicted triglycerides (β = .649, p < .001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL; β = −.242, p = .001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL; β = .373, p < .001) cholesterol levels. Consumption of nuts, legumes, and complex carbohydrates predicted triglyceride (β = −.099, p = .074), HDL (β = .231, p = .001), and LDL (β = −.155, p = .025) levels, respectively. Aerobic capacity (β = −.245, p < .001) and fatty-meat intake (β = .230, p < .001) predicted diastolic blood pressure (BP); body mass index (BMI) predicted systolic BP (β = .340, p < .001). In males, body fat percentage was the strongest predictor of triglycerides (β = .348, p = .004), cholesterol (β = .366, p = .006), HDL (β = −.378, p = .004), and LDL (β = .271, p = .043) levels. Aerobic capacity (β = −.263, p = .013) and fatty-meat consumption (β = .334, p = .005) independently predicted triglyceride levels. Nut (β = −.286, p = .013) and fatty-meat intake (β = .361, p = .002) predicted systolic BP, while BMI predicted diastolic BP (β = .209, p = .045). As health sciences students, these participants are future health professionals; targeting such populations is important for chronic disease prevention.
Meet markets: Grindr and the politics of objectifying others
Authors: Goldberg Greg
Published: July 2018

Critics have faulted Grindr and similar apps for commodifying social relations; instead of treating potential partners as ‘human beings’, Grindr users are thought to treat each other as objects to be consumed and disposed of at whim. Focusing on Tim Dean’s critique of online cruising in his book Unlimited Intimacy, this article interrogates the assumption that objectification is politically toxic and proposes that it may have something politically useful to offer. Inspired by the ‘antisocial thesis’ in queer theory, and in particular work by Leo Bersani, the article argues that being treated as an object usefully preserves a gap between oneself and one’s potential partner, thwarting the desire to know, speak for, and act in the interest of others – a tendency that may appear altruistic but has annihilative ends. The article frames this gap in terms of both mediation and market relations.
Modal testing and detection of pretension deviation in a cable dome structure
Authors: Liu Hong-Chuang , Dong Shi-Lin , Liang Hao-Qing
Published: July 2018

Pretension deviation may cause stiffness degradation and overstress that can compromise the safety of tensile structures, which can be diagnosed by modal identification. This article presents modal tests on a 1:10 scaled model of a herringbone-ribbed cable dome structure. An optimal sensor placement scheme is proposed to observe the geometric stiffness change induced by pretension deviation. Based on the tests, different output-only modal identification techniques were implemented. A substructure strategy was adopted to overcome the limited measurement quantity and provide localized diagnoses. The experimental results show that operational modal analysis methods based on output-only data can effectively identify major modes of massive structures. The sensitivity of modal characteristics to pretension deviation is also evaluated via experimental comparisons, and modifications are implemented in an analytical finite element model to approximate the test model. The identified modal information can help locate stiffness degradation and thereby pretension loss in tensile structures. A modified modal strain energy method is proposed to detect pretension loss from decentralized testing and is verified by the test results.
Nonlinear dynamic behaviour of joint effects on a 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator
Authors: Shan Xianlei , Cheng Gang
Published: July 2018

Clearance, friction, and local elastic and plastic deformation of joint, which can be called joint effects, may cause nonlinear dynamic behaviour of mechanisms. In the paper, nonlinear dynamic behaviour of joint effects on a 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator was studied. There are 10 spherical joints in the 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator, and the dynamic characteristics of the spherical joints directly affect the overall output performance since they are connected to the moving platforms. Therefore, the joint effects of spherical joint and its effect are studied. To study the effect of the irregular clearance (size of the clearance varies with the attitude) of spherical joint due to manufacturing tolerance and wear, the spherical surface is approximated as an ellipsoid. In addition, the contact force models of spherical joint with variable contact stiffness were established under dry friction and lubrication condition, respectively. And then considering the contact forces of the spherical joints, the overall dynamic model of the 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator was established. Based on the overall dynamic model, the influence of joint effects on the dynamic characteristics of the 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator was studied, and the correctness of theoretical models was verified through experiments. The results from the simulation and experiments indicate that joint effects can cause nonlinear dynamic characteristics and have important influence on the dynamic performance of the 2(3PUS+S) parallel manipulator.
Moral Distinction: Religion, musical taste and the moral cultural consumer
Authors: Aarons Haydn
Published: July 2018

This study examines the impact of religious identity and religious practice on musical taste preferences. Extant research on cultural consumption and musical preferences in sociology is overwhelmingly concerned with stratification perspectives emphasising the class-based forms of cultural and social distinction. Using nationally representative data, findings indicate that religious identity and religious practice make a considerable impact on the musical taste preferences of Australians. Two key patterns evidencing the religious impact on musical cultural consumption are presented here: (1) strong denominational differences in musical preferences between various Christian groups and the non-religious, and (2) a marked separation of musical preferences between those who demonstrate a high level of religiosity and those who do not, controlling for a range of social background factors. The findings expand on the insights of stratification-based analyses associated with this field through what I contend to be a neglected moral dimension to cultural consumption and the emergence of a moral cultural consumer. Finally, the work exemplifies, in a novel way, the continuing relevance of sites of religious identification and practice in secular contexts of late modernity in the West.
Early detection of dementia: The knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Cheuk Wing , Lam Tai Pong , Wong Kwai Wing , Chao Vai Kiong David
Published: July 2018

Background

Dementia affects people worldwide and its prevalence is growing. Early detection of dementia by primary care physicians can be beneficial; thus, their knowledge and attitudes about this issue are important.

Objective

To assess primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes about the early detection of dementia in Hong Kong.

Methods

This was a mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) study. Four focus groups with a purposive sample of 31 primary care physicians were interviewed, and a questionnaire-survey was completed and returned by 437 primary care physicians.

Results

Participants all agreed that the early detection of dementia would benefit patients and primary care physicians should be capable of making such diagnoses. Confidence in making an early diagnosis varied; physicians tended to overlook symptoms in the early stages. All agreed that more training is needed at the post-graduate level of medical education.

Conclusions

Participants had positive attitudes towards early detection of dementia; however, their confidence and ability to make an early diagnosis varied.
The politicisation and securitisation of religious education in Greek–Cypriot schools
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos , Loukaidis Loizos , Antoniou Marios
Published: July 2018

This article is based on a year-long ethnographic research project on religious education (RE) in Greek–Cypriot schools and provides empirical evidence about the complexities emerging from teachers’ attempts to address peace and security issues in a ‘conflict-affected society’. The study shows that the reproduction of peace and security issues through RE is not the only possibility within a conflict-affected society; however, RE can be one of the tools to challenge normative ways of politicisation and securitisation by reframing pedagogical practices to instill cracks in the normative regime. These findings have two important implications. The first implication concerns teachers’ important role in creating the pedagogical conditions that address issues of peace, conflict, politics and religion in productive ways; and the second implication is that teachers need to be provided with opportunities for teacher training and institutional support, if they are going to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of politicisation and securitisation on RE.
The Effect of Education on Political Knowledge: Evidence From Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C. , Dawes Christopher T.
Published: July 2018

Political scientists have long been interested in the determinants of political knowledge. In many studies, education is the strongest predictor of political knowledge. However, some studies have found that education has no effect on knowledge once confounding variables are taken into account. In addition, some recent work suggests that education remains the strongest predictor of knowledge even after accounting for confounders like personality traits and intelligence. We provide new evidence on the effect of education on political knowledge by utilizing the co-twin control design. By looking at the relationship between education and knowledge within monozygotic twin pairs, we are able to circumvent sources of confounding of the relationship due to genetic factors and early-life family environment because monozygotic twins share both. We find that the relationship between education and political knowledge is highly confounded by genes and/or familial environment. The results from a naive model that does not take into account unobserved family factors indicate that education has a positive and statistically significant effect on political knowledge. However, in a twin fixed-effects model that accounts for confounding due to genetic factors and familial socialization, we find that the effect of education on political knowledge drops substantially and is not statistically significant at conventional levels.
The Self-Determination Inventory–Student Report: Confirming the Factor Structure of a New Measure
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Little Todd D. , Grandfield Elizabeth , Raley Sheida , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Lang Kyle M. , Shaw Leslie A.
Published: July 2018

The Self-Determination Inventory–Student Report (SDI-SR) was developed to address the need in the field for new, theoretically aligned measures of self-determination. The purpose of this study was to establish the most robust and efficient set of items to assess the self-determination of adolescents with and without disabilities on the SDI-SR. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), using mean and covariance structures, was used to evaluate the factor structure of the SDI-SR to inform decisions on scale reduction. The items were tested across 20 groups generated by crossing disability (i.e., no disability, learning disability, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and other health impairment) and race/ethnicity (i.e., White, Black, Hispanic, and Other) groups. A robust set of 21 items that align closely with their associated constructs were identified. These 21 items showed strong measurement properties, including measurement invariance at the item level across the 20 groups. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
A reduced-order approach to the adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control of the constrained manipulator
Authors: Liang Yanbing , Shi Heng , Tian Guangyuan
Published: July 2018

A reduced-order approach to the adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control of the constrained manipulator is proposed. Based on the Udwadia–Kalaba motion constraint equation, the dynamic equation of the constrained manipulator with both ideal and non-ideal constraints is obtained. Considering the uncertainty of the terminal non-ideal constrained force and the chattering phenomenon of sliding mode control, the adaptive fuzzy and the sliding mode control method are combined to control the constrained manipulator. Because the system is constrained, the model order reduction method is innovatively used in the control algorithm. The stability of the system is proved by Lyapunov theorem. For demonstrating the effectiveness of the control algorithm, the 2-degree-of-freedom manipulator is taken as the research object. Finally, the high-precision control of the manipulator is achieved and the chattering phenomenon caused by the sliding mode control is weakened.
A two-stage Markov model–aided frequency-duration technique for reliability analysis of phasor measurement unit microwave communication networks
Authors: Appasani Bhargav , Mohanta Dusmanta Kumar
Published: July 2018

The necessity for effective real-time monitoring and control, coupled with the developments in the fields of communication and sensor technologies, led to the emergence of the smart grid. The phasor measurement unit has emerged as an important sensor for the smart grid. The phasor measurement unit communication network is another crucial component which transfers the real-time sensor data measured by the phasor measurement unit to the phasor data concentrator for subsequent monitoring and control. Thus, its reliable operation is essential. The key parameters for assessment of reliability are the failure rate and the steady-state availability. This article presents a two-stage Markov model–aided frequency-duration technique for the reliability analysis of the phasor measurement unit microwave communication networks. Microwave communication network is a complex system as it requires several intermediate relaying towers or the microwave repeaters for communication feasibility. The Markov model explores the transition to the different system states and the frequency-duration approach estimates the frequency and duration of each of these states, thereby providing a simple and elegant means to compute the failure rates of a complex system. It provides a generalized expression for evaluating the systems availability and aids in diagnosing the components that are more prone to failure. Subsequently, this approach is used for the optimal placement of the phasor measurement units such that their resultant microwave communication networks are maximally available. Case study results for the Eastern power grid of India are presented to validate the credibility of the proposed approach.
Vanishing Girls, Mysterious Blacks
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Wagemans Johan
Published: July 2018

Participants had to indicate the location of points on what might be called “amodal contours” in some works of art. The works represented mutually quite different cases. In one case, there were not even scattered modal cues, thus the amodal contour had to be hallucinated on the basis of generic familiarity. Here, observers indicated coherent geometrical structures (to a good approximation a smooth curve), although at idiosyncratic locations. In another case, we presented an ambiguous image that led to much more “fuzzy” amodal completions. We also presented an image that had at least some similarity to a configuration treated by Kanizsa. Here, observers were coherent and they mutually agreed, so the scarce modal cues apparently largely dictated the awareness.
The “flashpacker” and the “unplugger”: Cell phone (dis)connection and the backpacking experience
Authors: Rosenberg Hananel
Published: July 2018

The cellular phone’s unique characteristics—its mobility, its portability, and the constant availability that it enables—challenge the feasibility of solitary spaces in individuals’ lives. These spaces—for example, cultural “timeouts,” leisure, and backpacking travel—necessitate a certain degree of cutting oneself off from one’s daily routine, which is threatened by the constant presence of one’s cell phone. This study examines the role of cell phones in young adults’ backpacking experience. Using questionnaires ( n = 105) and in-depth interviews ( n = 14) with “cellular backpackers” and “cell-free backpackers,” the study shows how an attempt is made to reduce availability and attain maximum control over the scope and timing of communication, using a variety of avoidance practices. Those practices derived from the personal narrative structure of the backpacking experience as an escapist, “dropping-off-the-radar” one, and as an attempt to preserve the trek as a space that is cut off and isolated from a technology-saturated environment. In addition, it was found that backpackers care a great deal about their parents’ position when making their decisions whether to take their phones with them and when to use them. In this regard, the article continues the discussion on the metaphor of the cell phone as a transitional object, applying this concept from childhood and adolescence to the twenties and thirties, the ages of most backpackers. On another level, the article addresses the mobile phone’s unique function as an antistatus symbol, in a way that contradicts its function in an ordinary context.
What can we learn from second generation digital natives? A qualitative study of undergraduates’ views of digital health at one London university
Authors: Cowey Aasha E , Potts Henry W W
Published: July 2018

Objectives

We live in a digital age and opportunities within healthcare are increasing, ranging from patient portals to wearable devices. Today’s undergraduates are second generation digital natives and are at a critical point of becoming more autonomous in their healthcare interactions. This study aims to understand their experiences of both digital and broader healthcare. This will enable a better understanding of implications for national policy, individual healthcare organisations and further research.

Methods

Undergraduates aged 18–21 participated in individual interviews or focus groups. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Negative member checking and feedback on emerging themes from both participants and experts were used to increase the validity of the study.

Results

Twenty-four undergraduates participated in the study, including a high proportion of international students. Thematic analysis revealed 16 themes. Six key themes explored in this paper are: generation gap; impact on healthcare professionals (HCPs); use of technology to replace or enhance HCP interactions; use of technology to support administration/transactional activities; paper vs electronic; and personally held health and fitness data.

Conclusion

This paper highlights recommendations for the undergraduate cohort and wider populations including better articulation of benefits, making digital options more personalised and interactive, and raising awareness of dangerous ‘obsessive’ behaviour around health and fitness apps. Some of our findings challenge the assumption that this generation will automatically accept digital initiatives, including the importance this cohort continues to place on face-to-face interactions. In response, we offer some suggestions to improve awareness, utilisation and acceptance of digital health.
A rehabilitation programme for people with multimorbidity versus usual care
Authors: Barker Kathryn , Holland Anne E , Lee Annemarie L , Ritchie Kathryn , Boote Claire , Lowe Stephanie , Pazsa Fiona , Thomas Lee , Turczyniak Monica , Skinner Elizabeth H
Published: July 2018

Background:

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions, is common in clinical practice. Rehabilitation for people with multimorbidity may provide access to a rehabilitation programme that can address common symptoms and risk factors for multiple chronic diseases.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the feasibility of a rehabilitation programme compared to usual medical care (UMC) in people with multimorbidity and (2) gather preliminary data regarding clinical effects and impact on functional exercise capacity, activities of daily living, health-related quality of life and resource utilization.

Design:

A pilot feasibility parallel randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Adults with multimorbidity were randomized to the rehabilitation programme (intervention) or UMC (control). The duration of the rehabilitation programme was 8 weeks and comprised exercise (1 h, twice weekly) and education (1 h, once weekly). The UMC group did not participate in a structured exercise programme.

Results:

One hundred people were screened to recruit 16 participants, with a 71% completion rate for the intervention group. The rehabilitation group achieved a mean (standard deviation) improvement in 6-minute walk distance of 44 (41) m and the UMC group of 23 (29) m.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that it would be feasible to conduct a larger randomized control trial investigating a rehabilitation programme for people with multimorbidity. Low uptake of the study suggests that refinement of the inclusion criteria, recruitment sources and programme model will be needed to achieve the number of participants required.
A Biomechanical and Structural Comparison of Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone of the Glenoid and Humeral Head
Authors: Loy Bo Nasmyth , Zimel Melissa , Gowda Ashok Laxman , Tooley Trevor Richard , Maerz Tristan , Bicos James , Guettler Joseph
Published: July 2018

Background:

The underlying cause of glenohumeral arthritis is poorly understood. Glenohumeral arthrosis patterns have been classified and described, and differential contact stresses within the joint have been implicated as a cause of joint degeneration, but the intrinsic cause of degeneration patterns in the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) remains largely unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to assess morphological and mechanical differences in articular cartilage (AC) and subchondral bone (SCB) of the glenoid and humeral head in matched cadaveric specimens. We hypothesized that there would be significant zone-dependent differences between the intrinsic characteristics (AC thickness, SCB thickness, compressive forces) of the glenoid and humeral head.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten human cadaveric GHJs (mean age, 60.2 years) were dissected to expose articular surfaces to facilitate biomechanical testing. A 2-mm and 6-mm osteochondral plug was harvested at 5 zones (central, anterior, posterior, inferior, superior) on the glenoid and humeral head (N = 200 plugs). Each 2-mm core was histologically sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. AC thickness measurements were taken using light microscopy. The 6-mm plugs were imaged using micro–computed tomography to measure SCB thickness. After imaging, AC specimens were removed from the SCB and tested in confined compression. The compressive aggregate modulus (HA0), compressive stiffening coefficient (β), and compressive modulus at 16% strain (HA0.16) and at 50% strain (HA0.50) were calculated.

Results:

The overall AC thickness was significantly greater on the glenoid. The glenoid also had significantly thicker AC at the inferior, posterior, and superior zones as well as significantly higher SCB thickness overall and significantly greater SCB thickness at the anterior and central zones. The glenoid had significantly greater overall HA0.50 and HA0.50 values at the superior zone and had a significantly greater overall compressive stiffening coefficient (β).

Conclusion:

The glenoid had thicker AC, thicker SCB, and greater compressive stiffness at high strain.

Clinical Relevance:

These intrinsic differences may help better elucidate the cause of differential degeneration patterns between the glenoid and humeral head.
Relationships Between Frequency of Moderate Physical Activity and Longevity: An 11-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Rennemark Mikael , Jogréus Claes , Elmståhl Sölve , Welmer Anna–Karin , Wimo Anders , Sanmartin-Berglund Johan
Published: July 2018

Objectives: Moderate physical activity gains survival. There are, however, several variables that may affect this relationship. In this study, the relationship between moderate physical activity and longevity was investigated, taking into account age, gender, smoking habits, cohabitation status, body mass index, leg strength and balance, education level and cognitive function. Method: A sample of 8,456 individuals aged 60 to 96 years, representative of the Swedish population, was included. Participants were followed from 2004 to 2015. Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the predictive value of physical activity on longevity. Results: Participants still alive in the follow-up measure were more physically active on a moderate level. Being active 2 to 3 times a week or more was related to a 28% lower risk of not being alive at the follow-up measure. Discussion: The low frequency of physical activity, necessary for survival benefits should be considered in public health programs.
The Role of Reflection in Narrative Medicine
Authors: Murphy John W , Franz Berkeley A , Schlaerth Christian
Published: July 2018

Reflection has become an important tool for physicians and other medical practitioners. However, many forms of reflection exist in the health care literature, with each having particular implications for successful clinical practice. Very little attention has been given to whether reflection is a vital part of narrative medicine and which forms of reflection might be compatible with this approach to patient care. In this article, the most common types of reflection are compared and discussed, specifically regarding their potential role in narrative medicine. Reflection that encourages practitioners to focus on the various perspectives shared within a medical encounter is both in line with the tenets of narrative medicine and has important consequences for patient empowerment.
Access to and delivery of acute ischaemic stroke treatments: A survey of national scientific societies and stroke experts in 44 European countries
Authors: Aguiar de Sousa Diana , von Martial Rascha , Abilleira Sònia , Gattringer Thomas , Kobayashi Adam , Gallofré Miquel , Fazekas Franz , Szikora Istvan , Feigin Valery , Caso Valeria , Fischer Urs
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Acute stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment significantly improve the outcome for patients with ischaemic stroke, but data on access and delivery throughout Europe are lacking. We assessed best available data on access and delivery of acute stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment throughout Europe.

Methods

A survey, drafted by stroke professionals (ESO, ESMINT, EAN) and a patient organisation (SAFE), was sent to national stroke societies and experts in 51 European countries (World Health Organization definition) requesting experts to provide national data on stroke unit, intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment rates. We compared both pooled and individual national data per one million inhabitants and per 1000 annual incident ischaemic strokes with highest country rates. Population estimates were based on United Nations data, stroke incidences on the Global Burden of Disease Report.

Results

We obtained data from 44 European countries. The estimated mean number of stroke units was 2.9 per million inhabitants (95% CI 2.3–3.6) and 1.5 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 1.1–1.9), highest country rates were 9.2 and 5.8. Intravenous thrombolysis was provided in 42/44 countries. The estimated mean annual number of intravenous thrombolysis was 142.0 per million inhabitants (95% CI 107.4–176.7) and 72.7 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 54.2–91.2), highest country rates were 412.2 and 205.5. Endovascular treatment was provided in 40/44 countries. The estimated mean annual number of endovascular treatments was 37.1 per million inhabitants (95% CI 26.7–47.5) and 19.3 per 1000 annual incident strokes (95% CI 13.5–25.1), highest country rates were 111.5 and 55.9. Overall, 7.3% of incident ischaemic stroke patients received intravenous thrombolysis (95% CI 5.4–9.1) and 1.9% received endovascular treatment (95% CI 1.3–2.5), highest country rates were 20.6% and 5.6%.

Conclusion

We observed major inequalities in acute stroke treatment between and within 44 European countries. Our data will assist decision makers implementing tailored stroke care programmes for reducing stroke-related morbidity and mortality in Europe.