bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global banks or global investors? The case of European debt flows
Authors: Sweeney Robert
Published: August 2017

A consensus is emerging that in order to understand the global financial landscape one needs to pay attention to the key institutions that are said to dominate it, namely large banking entities. This paper challenges that consensus as applied to eurozone-centred debt flows. Though bank-centred approaches are well equipped to explain a significant portion of cross-border debt dynamics through carry trades, there is little evidence this constituted the central mechanism for channelling flows. The expansion of debt flows is instead explained by depressed returns on fixed income instruments and the ensuing asset-liability mismatches which led investors to move into financial sector debt and yield-producing securitized assets. An investor-centred as opposed to a bank-centred understanding of debt flows has important financial stability and policy implications.
Assessing the Needs of Parents of Children Diagnosed With Cancer in China: A Psychometric Study Developing a Needs Assessment Tool
Authors: Ji Qingying , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer A. , Zhang Anao , Streeter Calvin L. , Jones Barbara L. , Chen Yuting
Published: August 2017

The psychosocial well-being of parents remains integral to the treatment and recovery of children diagnosed with cancer. However, limited research addresses the unique needs of this population. To better understand the supportive care needs of parents of children with cancer, this study tested the reliability and stability of the factorial structure of a revised version of the Cancer Patient Needs Questionnaire (rCPNQ) with Chinese parents of children who have cancer. Analysis of the generalizability of the rCPNQ with this population was determined through principle components analysis with varimax rotation. Reliability coefficient and split sample analyses were performed to determine reliability and stability of the resulting factors. The principal components analysis resulted in a 6-dimension, 8-factor, 29-item survey. Each of the factors had Cronbach’s α ≥ .74, indicating satisfactory internal consistency and reliability of the survey with the Chinese population. Similar loadings on splitting of the samples reflects the stability of the factors. Study results provided a preliminary understanding of the needs of Chinese parents of children with cancer and demonstrated that the rCPNQ offers a reliable measure for nurses and other health care providers to partner with Chinese parents throughout their children’s treatment and survivorship to determine areas for support.
Supporting Parents’ Pain Care Involvement With Their Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Qualitative Interpretive Description
Authors: Bettle Amanda , Latimer Margot , Fernandez Conrad , Hughes Jean
Published: August 2017

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience pain from the disease, treatment, and procedures. Parents can be effective in managing their child’s pain, but little is systematically known about how they do this. Appreciative inquiry was used to frame the study within a strengths-based lens and interpretive descriptive methods were used to describe pain sources, parents’ pain care role, and key structures supporting parents pain care involvement. Eight paediatric oncology clinic nurses and 10 parents participated. Six key themes per group were identified. Parent themes included establishing therapeutic relationships, relearning how to care for my child, overcoming challenges and recognizing pain, learning parent specific strategies, empowering to take active pain care role, and maintaining relationships. Nurse themes included establishing therapeutic relationships, preparing parents to care for their child, facilitating pain assessment, teaching parents best pain care, empowering parents, and maintaining relationships. These findings can be used to guide clinical practice and future research.
Infusing a Peer-to-Peer Support Program With Adventure Therapy for Adolescent Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Karoff Maggie , Tucker Anita R. , Alvarez Tony , Kovacs Patricia
Published: August 2017

Background: Key findings from the literature on treatment interventions with youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) indicate that the most successful approaches allow frequent opportunities for uncontrived social interactions and are customizable to the needs of individuals and the group. Adventure therapy meets these criteria while providing opportunities for processing here-and-now behaviors in relation to life beyond school. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present one model of a peer-mediated adventure therapy program with high school students with ASD. Methodology/Approach: A case example is presented to highlight one student’s experience in the program over 3 years. The Social Skills Improvement System was administered on an annual basis for this student, and scores were analyzed to assess progress. Findings/Conclusions: Preliminary data for one student over 3 years indicate an overall increase in social skills and overall decrease in problem behaviors. The case example illuminates the rationale for using adventure therapy with youth ASD due to opportunities for uncontrived interaction, a group-driven process, and emphasis on the here-and-now. Implications: While the small evaluation and case example provided preliminary support for utilizing adventure in peer-mediated interventions with youth with ASD, further research is needed for more in-depth program evaluation and understanding.
Single and multiple crack localization in beam-like structures using a Gaussian process regression approach
Authors: Corrado N , Durrande N , Gherlone M , Hensman J , Mattone M , Surace C
Published: August 2017

A crack or a localized damage in a structure provokes a discontinuity in the rotation. Consequently, mode-shapes are nonsmooth at the damage position and the first derivative (strictly related to the rotation) presents a jump discontinuity. Based on this simple concept, a new approach has been developed in order to predict the location of the mode-shape derivative discontinuities, and therefore the location of damage, without the need to directly differentiate. This approach applies a Gaussian process regression to the mode-shape data, using a covariance function which allows for a nonsmooth point; this point, which indicates the crack position, can be determined by a maximum likelihood algorithm. Using a finite-element model of a cracked beam, the performance of this methodology has been analyzed for the case of single crack and multiple cracks, for increasing amounts of noise. The effects of several parameters (damage position, damage severity, number of measurement points and of considered mode-shapes) on the approach accuracy have also been investigated. Finally, the method has been verified using experimental data coming from a vibrating steel beam with a cut. Results are encouraging and indicate that further developments of the technique for nondestructive testing of beam-like structures would be highly worthwhile.
A novel composite vibration control method using double-decked floating raft isolation system and particle damper
Authors: Lei Xiaofei , Wu Chengjun , Wu Hengliang
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a composite vibration control method that uses a double-decked floating raft isolation system and particle dampers to control the severe vibration of a heavy compressor set. In view of the structural characteristics of the compressor set, a mechanical impedance method is employed to investigate the acceleration transfer ratios of the double-decked floating raft isolation system, and to design three isolating schemes. Numerical results indicate that the particle damping technology does not disturb the isolating performance of the double-decked floating raft isolation system while reducing only its acceleration amplitude. To improve the damping performance of particle dampers, an anti-resonance method and a co-simulation technique are used to optimize the installation location of the particle dampers, as the damping effect is related to the vibrating velocity at the damper’s position. Furthermore, two types of particle damper—cylindrical and cuboid—are designed, based on conclusions drawn from experiments using the anti-resonance method. The damping effectiveness of the particle damper scheme is also examined using the co-simulation technique; results indicate that the proposed installation scheme can effectively suppress the vibration of the compressor rack. In addition, the presented schemes using the composite vibration control method are verified and compared in on-site experiments, and results demonstrate that the third isolating scheme presented, combined with particle damping technology, is best in controlling vibration of the compressor set.
Active and Passive Control for Acceleration Reduction of an Aeroelastic Typical Wing Section
Authors: Silva Gefferson C , Silvestre Flávio J , Donadon Maurício V , Santos Osmar S , Guimarães Neto Antônio B , da Silva Roberto G. A , Versiani Thiago de S. S , Gonzalez Pedro J , Bertolin Rafael M
Published: August 2017

The main concern related to the flutter phenomenon is predicting and avoiding it. This paper describes the application of a flexural-torsional flutter testbed for acceleration reduction by applying active and passive model-based control. The model consists of the 2D typical section, with aerodynamic loads estimated by an unsteady time-domain formulation based on Wagner’s function. The active control architecture consists of a stability augmentation system with output feedback and gain scheduling via the linear-quadratic regulator theory and actuation by servomechanism. The passive control employs a shape-memory alloy to provide additional torsional stiffness. Experimental results show considerable reduction of oscillations at a relative low cost for both active and passive control strategies, and that the use of shape memory alloys in aeroelastic stability problems is promising.
Specialization as an Organizing Principle: The Case of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Authors: Carey Kathleen , Mitchell Jean M.
Published: August 2017

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) recently have grown to become the dominant provider of specific surgical procedures in the United States. While the majority of ASCs focus primarily on a single specialty, many have diversified to offer a wide range of surgical specialties. We exploited a unique data set from Pennsylvania for the years 2004 to 2014 to conduct an empirical investigation of the relative cost of production in ASCs over varying degrees of specialization. We found that for the majority of ASCs, focus on a specialty was associated with lower facility costs. In addition, ASCs appeared to be capturing economies of scale over a broad range of service volume. In contrast to studies of cost efficiency in specialty hospitals, our results provide evidence that supports the focused factory model of production in the ASC sector.
“A Super Wild Story”: Shared Human–Pigeon Lives and the Questions They Beg
Authors: Rautio Pauliina
Published: August 2017

The three coincidentally shared human–pigeon lives discussed in this article challenge the established conceptualization that when species meet habituation occurs, a smoothing over of differences over time because it does not account for the dynamic, affectionate, and productive nature of shared human–pigeon lives. The concept refrain works better. Concepts like habituation and refrain can be thought of as answers to questions posed by the world. Concepts are answers insomuch as they are certain ways of thinking about and acting within the world—always excluding other ways. In living and working with answers, as we do, it is easy to forget the original questions: What did the world ask of us again, and could there be other possible answers? In this article, the kind of answer that refrain is is mapped through three cases of human–pigeon lives. Rather than mechanistic and anthropocentric, refrain is an answer that directs our attention to what is dynamic, unpredictable, productive, and nonanthropocentric. It also offers possibilities to pose new questions.
Thinking Without Method
Authors: Jackson Alecia Youngblood
Published: August 2017

The author relies on Deleuze’s critique of the dogmatic image of thought to produce the conditions under which new concepts are created. Putting together a network of concepts such as the outside, the encounter, and force, the author invents thinking without method, an emergent, fragmented strategy that forms the outside of stratified qualitative research methods. The author draws upon some of her previous work to experiment with a new starting place for inquiry.
Components of Brief Admission as a Crisis Intervention for Patients With a Borderline Personality Disorder: Results of a Delphi Study
Authors: Helleman Marjolein , Goossens Peter J. J. , van Achterberg Theo , Kaasenbrood Ad
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Brief admission (BA) is a widely used intervention for patients with a borderline personality disorder but it has not yet clearly defined and still lacks clear operational standards. To fully develop this intervention, the relevant components need to be identified and clearly documented. OBJECTIVE: To obtain consensus on the components of BA as a crisis intervention for patients with a borderline personality disorder. DESIGN: Modified Delphi study. RESULTS: Consensus of 100% was reached for the components: “BA plan must be developed together with the patient”; “The BA intervention should be mentioned in the care plan for the patient”; “Not all behavior on the part of the patient has to be accepted during a BA”; and “The BA can only be offered together with treatment by a community care professional.” CONCLUSION: Consensus on the components of BA was reached for 82 of the 90 components. This indicates a substantial degree of agreement on what BA should entail.
Skills and Strategies of African American Parents in the Management of ADHD: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Saulsberry Alexandria , Bansa Melishia , DeFrino Daniela , Dallas Constance M.
Published: August 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study is to use a strengths-based approach to determine African American parents’ skills and strategies for management of children with ADHD. Method: Four focus groups were conducted to identify African American parent beliefs about appropriate ADHD management. Sixteen parents participated and reported having a total of 21 children diagnosed with ADHD. Results: Participants discussed several parenting challenges but advocated for the child by working closely with the child’s school and physician. They also managed relationships with family members to protect the child from possible physical or emotional harm. However, parents desired more social support for management of ADHD. Conclusion: African American parents possess key skills and strategies in their management of children with ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the roles and responsibilities of extended family members for children with this disorder, and to identify the social supports parents access to aid with ADHD management.
Effects of Teaching Health Care Workers on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pesticide Poisonings in Uganda
Authors: Sibani Claudia , Jessen Kristian Kjaer , Tekin Bircan , Nabankema Victoria , Jørs Erik
Published: August 2017

Background:

Acute pesticide poisoning in developing countries is a considerable problem, requiring diagnosis and treatment. This study describes how training of health care workers in Uganda affects their ability to diagnose and manage acute pesticide poisoning.

Method:

A postintervention cross-sectional study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 326 health care workers in Uganda were interviewed on knowledge and handling of acute pesticide poisoning. Of those, 173 health care workers had received training, whereas 153 untrained health care workers from neighboring regions served as controls.

Results:

Trained health care workers scored higher on knowledge of pesticide toxicity and handling of acute pesticide poisoning. Stratification by sex, profession, experience, and health center level did not have any influence on the outcome.

Conclusions:

Training health care workers can improve their knowledge and treatment of pesticide poisonings. Knowledge of the subject is still insufficient among health care workers and further training is needed.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Axial Skeleton in Patients With Spondyloarthritis: Distribution Pattern of Inflammatory and Structural Lesions
Authors: Hoffstetter Patrick , Al Suwaidi Mohammed H , Joist Alexander , Benditz Achim , Fleck Martin , Stroszczynski Christian , Dornia Christian
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

Spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the musculoskeletal system driven by systemic enthesitis and typically involving the axial skeleton, ie, the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The purpose of this study was to assess the distribution pattern of inflammatory and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in spondyloarthritis.

Methods:

Retrospective study of 193 patients with axial spondyloarthritis who received MRI of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. We quantitatively assessed inflammatory and structural lesions using established MRI-based scoring methods. The significance of the differences between gender, HLA-B27 status, and spine and sacroiliac involvement was determined.

Results:

In total, 174 patients (90.2%) showed a sacroiliac involvement and 120 patients (62.2%) a combined involvement of the sacroiliac joints and the spine. An isolated sacroiliac involvement was found in 54 patients (28.0%) and an isolated spine involvement in 19 patients (9.8%). The sacroiliac joint was significantly more involved in men than in women ( P < .01), and men had significantly higher scores for structural lesions ( P < .001). The subgroup of HLA-B27–positive patients showed a significantly higher percentage of sacroiliac involvement compared with HLA-B27–negative patients ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Spondyloarthritis is a systemic disorder predominantly involving the sacroiliac joints. However, the entire axial skeleton may be affected. In particular, HLA-B27–negative women show atypical manifestations without sacroiliac involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging in spondyloarthritis should cover the entire axial skeleton, ie, sacroiliac joints and the spine to meet the pathophysiology of this disorder and capture the true extent of inflammatory and structural lesions.
Association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphisms and Nephropathy in Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Authors: Wyawahare Mukta , Neelamegam Revathy , Vilvanathan Saranya , Soundravally R , Das AK , Adithan C
Published: August 2017

Background:

Genetic polymorphisms of the angiotensin-renin pathway have been thought to influence the development of diabetic nephropathy. However, there are conflicting results regarding this association in previous studies on populations with varying ethnicity.

Aims:

Primary aim was to compare the frequency of distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene (insertion/deletion [I/D]) polymorphism in Tamilian Indian type 2 diabetic individuals with and without microalbuminuria. Secondary objective was to compare the frequency of distribution of the 3 genotypes in diabetic patients with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) < 30 mg/dL, urinary ACR = 30 to 300 mg/dL, and urinary ACR > 300 mg/dL.

Methods:

A total of 179 consecutive diabetic individuals between 40 and 70 years, from Puducherry and Tamilnadu of Dravidian descent participated in the study conducted from 2012 to 2014. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 40 years and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus for ≥5 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on ACR values. Group 1 consisted of 50 individuals with urinary ACR < 30 mg/g of creatinine, and group 2 consisted of 129 individuals with urinary ACR > 30 mg/g. Angiotensin I–converting enzyme ( ACE) gene polymorphism was determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method using a primer pair flanking the polymorphic region of its intron 16. Furthermore, group 2 patients were subdivided into those with urinary ACR = 30 to 300 mg/g of creatinine and those with urinary ACR > 300 mg/g of creatinine, and distribution of ACE gene polymorphism was compared in the three groups.

Statistics:

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Independent Student t test was used to compare mean values between the 2 groups. Odds ratio was calculated for testing association between ACE gene (I/D) polymorphism and presence of microalbuminuria. P < .05 was considered significant. Comparison of ACE genotypes among 3 groups of patients (ACR < 30 mg/g, ACR = 30-300 mg/g, and ACR > 300 mg/g) was done using 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni multiple comparison test as post hoc analysis.

Conclusions:

Heterozygous I/D genotype was more frequent in the study population (45.8%) than the other genotypes. There was no difference in the genotype distribution in patients with varying levels of albuminuria.
Political parties, formal selection criteria, and gendered parliamentary representation
Authors: Bjarnegård Elin , Zetterberg Pär
Published: August 2017

Political parties sometimes set up formal criteria to define the pool of potential candidates. This article represents the first large-scale comparative analysis of potential unintended gendered consequences of these formal selection criteria for parliamentary representation. Using unique data on 101 political parties in 32 African, Asian, and postcommunist European countries, we find that there is indeed a relationship between formal selection criteria and men’s and women’s political representation. Criteria that concern ethnic or geographic background and intraparty experiences are harmful to women. On the other hand, gendered consequences are not as pronounced as a result of criteria concerning qualifications or requirements in relation to electability. Taken together, the analysis points to the need to pay increased attention to formal selection criteria and how this under-researched aspect of candidate selection shapes the parliamentary representation of underrepresented groups.
Family Coaching as a delivery modality for evidence-based prevention programs
Authors: Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Swendeman Dallas , Rotheram-Fuller Erin , Youssef Maryann K
Published: August 2017

Family Coaching is proposed as a new delivery format for evidence-based prevention programs (EBPPs). Three recent developments in health promotion support the potential efficacy of Family Coaching: (1) renewed interest in integrated prevention programs for multiple risk factors and behavior changes, (2) broad and long-term impacts of family-based interventions, and (3) popular acceptance of “coaching” as a nonstigmatizing, goal-focused intervention strategy. Family coaches are community members and paraprofessionals trained in common elements of EBPP. Family Coaching has specific goals, is short term, and has definable outcomes. Coaches frame the program’s goals to be consistent with the family’s values, normalize the family’s experience, assess their strengths, and help the family set goals and develop skills and routines to problem solve challenging situations. Broad dissemination of EBPP will be facilitated with delivery formats that are flexible to meet families’ priorities and providers’ desires and capacities to tailor programs to local contexts.
Lagging skills contribute to challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability
Authors: Maddox Brenna B , Cleary Patrick , Kuschner Emily S , Miller Judith S , Armour Anna Chelsea , Guy Lisa , Kenworthy Lauren , Schultz Robert T , Yerys Benjamin E
Published: August 2017

Many children with autism spectrum disorder display challenging behaviors. These behaviors are not limited to those with cognitive and/or language impairments. The Collaborative and Proactive Solutions framework proposes that challenging behaviors result from an incompatibility between environmental demands and a child’s “lagging skills.” The primary Collaborative and Proactive Solutions lagging skills—executive function, emotion regulation, language, and social skills—are often areas of weakness for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether these lagging skills are associated with challenging behaviors in youth with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Parents of 182 youth with autism spectrum disorder (6–15 years) completed measures of their children’s challenging behaviors, executive function, language, emotion regulation, and social skills. We tested whether the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions lagging skills predicted challenging behaviors using multiple linear regression. The Collaborative and Proactive Solutions lagging skills explained significant variance in participants’ challenging behaviors. The Depression (emotion regulation), Inhibit (executive function), and Sameness (executive function) scales emerged as significant predictors. Impairments in emotion regulation and executive function may contribute substantially to aggressive and oppositional behaviors in school-age youth with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Treatment for challenging behaviors in this group may consider targeting the incompatibility between environmental demands and a child’s lagging skills.
The diverging dictionaries of science and law
Authors: Likwornik Helena , Chin Jason , Bielinski Maya
Published: August 2017

Scientific evidence is easily misunderstood. One of the most insidious instances of misunderstanding arises when scientific experts and those receiving their evidence assign different meanings to the same words. We expect scientific evidence to be difficult to understand. What is unexpected, and often far more difficult to detect, is the incorrect understanding of terms and phrases that appear familiar. In these circumstances, misunderstandings easily escape notice. We applied an evidence-based approach to investigating this phenomenon, asking two groups, one with legal education and one with scientific education, to define five commonly-used phrases with both lay and scientific connotations. We hypothesised that the groups would significantly diverge in the definitions they provided. Employing a machine learning algorithm and the ratings of trained coders, we found that lawyers and scientists indeed disagreed over the meanings of certain terms. Notably, we trained a machine learning algorithm to reliably classify the authorship of the definitions as scientific or legal, demonstrating that these groups rely on predictably different lexicons. Our findings have implications for recommending avoidance of some of these particular words and phrases in favour of terminology that promotes common understanding. And methodologically, we suggest a new way for governmental and quasi-governmental bodies to study and thereby prevent misunderstandings between the legal and scientific communities.
Parenting children with Down syndrome: Societal influences
Authors: Huiracocha Lourdes , Almeida Carlos , Huiracocha Karina , Arteaga Jorge , Arteaga Andrea , Blume Stuart
Published: August 2017

Most studies of parenting children with Down syndrome (DS) have been conducted in industrialized countries. They suggest that sensitive communication on the part of professionals, and social support, can lead to acceptance and positive adjustments in the family. This study examined the impact of a diagnosis of DS on Ecuadorian families, in particular at how the diagnosis had been communicated and received, as well as the feelings and experiences which followed. Despite considerable progress in recent years, Ecuador is still marked by discriminatory attitudes which affect children with disabilities and their families, and by the persistence of widespread poverty. This qualitative study, conducted in Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city, is based on a focus group discussion and four in-depth interviews with Ecuadorian parents of DS children attending a specialist center in the city. The study shows that, reflecting the effects of status differences and lack of appropriate training, professionals rarely communicate a DS diagnosis in an appropriate manner. Further, it is shown that lack of social support, and the widespread stigmatization confronting children with DS and their families, hinder development of positive and empowering adjustments that would best serve the child’s and the family’s interest.
Access to primary care child weight management programs: Urban parent barriers and facilitators to participation
Authors: Kulik Noel L , Thomas Erica M , Iovan Samantha , McKeough Margaret , Kendzierski Stephanie , Leatherwood Stacy
Published: August 2017

The prevalence and comorbidities of childhood obesity among low-income urban children are a significant health issue in the United States. Programs designed to assist families are underutilized. The aim of this study is to describe barriers and facilitators relevant to intervention program participation from the perspective of parents who have children who are overweight or obese. Systematic thematic analysis of focus groups and semi-structured interviews with parents from multiple urban pediatrics and family medicine practices were used to gather data. A framework analysis approach was used and a codebook of themes was developed. Transcripts were coded independently by the research team and consensus among researchers was reached. Forty-eight parents participated in the study. Perceived barriers to participation included (1) varied referral process (lack of follow-up or varying referral experience), (2) costs (time and program fee), (3) logistics (location and program schedule), and (4) child motivation. Perceived facilitators to participation included (1) systematic referral process (in-office referral and timely follow-up), (2) program content and organization, and (3) no cost. Multiple barriers and facilitators affect weight management program participation among families, which should be specifically targeted in future obesity interventions in order to effectively reach urban, minority parents and children.
Inequality in OECD countries
Authors: Thévenot Celine
Published: August 2017

This article recalls the state of play of inequality levels and trends in OECD countries, with a special focus on Nordic countries. It sheds light on explaining the drivers of the rise in inequality and its economic consequences. It addresses in particular the issue of redistribution through taxes and transfers. It concludes with an overview of policy packages that should be considered to address the issue of rising inequalities.
‘As parents congregated at parties’: Responsibility and blame in media representations of violence and school closure in an Indigenous community
Authors: Carden Clarissa
Published: August 2017

This article considers the discourses of responsibility and blame emerging from newspaper reportage of a crisis in the remote Indigenous community of Aurukun in Northern Queensland, Australia. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the sociology of racism and add to the existing body of scholarship on the ways in which deracialised media discourse can nevertheless be racist. The month of May 2016 saw violence perpetrated by young people against the teachers and principal of the community’s only school. Teachers were evacuated to the regional city of Cairns on 10 May due to violence in the community and fears for their safety. They returned on 18 May, only to be evacuated again on 25 May. These events form the focus of the reportage analysed in this article. The way in which three primary groups of players – parents, teachers and police – are portrayed in mainstream print media is analysed in order to ascertain how responsibility and blame are apportioned in relation to these events.
Book Review: Jakimow, Tanya 2015: Decentring Development: Understanding Change in Agrarian Societies
Authors: Fischer Harry W.
Published: August 2017

Jakimow, Tanya 2015: Decentring Development: Understanding Change in Agrarian Societies. Houndsmills, Basingstoke and Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. xi + 200 pp. $90.00 (hardback), $69.99 (eBook). ISBN 978 1 137 46642 6 (hardback), 978 1 137 46643 3 (eBook).
In the European Union we trust: European Muslim attitudes toward the European Union
Authors: Isani Mujtaba , Schlipphak Bernd
Published: August 2017

Recent research has indicated that Arab Muslims are skeptical of Western institutions such as the European Union. Do European Muslims hold comparable attitudes toward the European Union? In this article we develop a two-step argument based on a transfer of satisfaction logic. We build on both American politics literature on immigrant trust in the host country's national political actors and on European Union literature assuming a transfer of trust from the national to the international level. Our expectation is that European Muslims should be more favorable toward the domestic political actors and, as a result, toward the European Union than their Christian and agnostic counter-parts. Our empirical evidence suggests the plausibility of the transfer of satisfaction argument while other factors seem to be of minor influence.
Figurative frames: A critical vocabulary for images in information visualization
Authors: Byrne Lydia , Angus Daniel , Wiles Janet
Published: August 2017

Critical analyses provide information visualization practitioners with insight into the range and suitability of different techniques for visualization. Theory provides the necessary models and vocabulary to deconstruct, explain and classify visualizations, allowing the analysis and comparison of alternate designs, and evaluation of their success. While the critical vocabulary for information visualization in general is well developed, the same cannot be said for ‘hybrid’ information visualizations which combine abstract representation of data with figurative elements such as illustrations. Figurative elements are widely used in information visualization in practice and are increasingly recognized as beneficial for memorability. However, the information encoded by a figurative image and how that information contributes to the overall content of the visualization lacks robust definition within visualization theory. To support critical analysis of hybrid visualization, we provide a model of the information content of a figurative image, which we call the figurative frame model. We use the model to classify hybrid visualizations along two dimensions: information density in the images (defined as the number of features and preserved measurements) and integration of figurative and abstract forms of representation. The new vocabulary for analysing hybrid visualizations reveals how the figurative images expand the expressiveness of information visualization by integrating descriptive and abstract information and allows the formulation of new measures of visualization quality which can be applied to hybrid visualizations.
Hybrid data fusion approach for fault diagnosis of fixed-axis gearbox
Authors: Vanraj  , Dhami SS , Pabla BS
Published: August 2017

Intelligent fault diagnosis system based on condition monitoring is expected to assist in the prevention of machine failures and enhance the reliability with lower maintenance cost. Most machine breakdowns related to gears are a result of improper operating conditions and loading, hence leads to failure of the whole mechanism. With advancement in technology, various gear fault diagnosis techniques have been reported which primarily focus on vibration analysis with statistical measures. However, acoustic signals posses a huge potential to monitor the status of the machine but a few studies have been carried out till now. This article describes the implementation of Teager–Kaiser energy operator and empirical mode decomposition methods for fault diagnosis of the gears using acoustic and vibration signals by extracting statistical features. A cross-correlation-based fault index that assists the automatic selection of the sensitive Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) containing fault information has also been described. The features extracted by all combinations of signal processing techniques are sorted by order of relevance using floating forward selection method. The effectiveness is demonstrated using the results obtained from the experiments. The fault diagnosis is performed with k-nearest neighbor classifier. The results show that the hybrid of empirical mode decomposition–Teager–Kaiser energy operator techniques employs the advantages traits of one or the other technique to generate overall improvement in diagnosing severity of local faults.
Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients
Authors: Liu Yu-Jiang , Qian Lin-Xue , Liu Dong , Zhao Jun-Feng
Published: August 2017

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. A total of 474 benign thyroid nodules in 435 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation from September 2012 to August 2015 were included. Nodule volume and thyroid function were measured before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and subsequently after every 6 months. The nodule volume reduction rate and changes of thyroid function were evaluated. The volume of all thyroid nodules significantly decreased after ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. The average volume was 13.07 ± 0.95 ml before treatment, and 1.14 ± 0.26 ml at 12-months follow-up. The mean volume reduction rate was 90% and the final volume reduction rate was 94%. The volume reduction rate of mainly cystic nodules was significantly higher than that of simple solid and mainly solid nodules (all P < 0.05). The pretreatment volume of nodules was positively correlated with the final volume reduction rate at final follow-up ( P = 0.004). No serious complications were observed after treatment. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided microwave ablation is an effective and safe technique for treatment of benign thyroid nodules, and has the potential for clinical applications.

Impact statement

Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. It can significantly reduce the nodule volume, improve the patients’ clinical symptoms, has less complication, guarantees quick recovery, meets patients' aesthetic needs, and shows less interference on the physiological and psychological aspects of the body. MWA should be a good complement to traditional open surgery and has potentials in clinical applications.
A user-centric Internet of Things platform to empower users for managing security and privacy concerns in the Internet of Energy
Authors: Martínez Juan A , Hernández-Ramos José L , Beltrán Victoria , Skarmeta Antonio , Ruiz Pedro M
Published: August 2017

Current worldwide energy challenges require the synergy of multidisciplinary actions and activities affecting different stakeholders, such as governments, utility companies, and citizens. In recent years, these needs are being addressed through the integration of the Smart Grid paradigm with the so-called Internet of Things, in order to make energy decisions aware of data from devices that are physically deployed on a smart city. However, to address such concerns, many of the scenarios from this resulting ecosystem, require huge amounts of data in order to make efficient and effective decisions about energy distribution and saving. In this sense, the application of proper security mechanisms to allow the selective disclosure of information to the intended parties is crucial to guarantee that users’ privacy is not harmed. In this work, we propose the application of specific attribute-based access control technologies to protect the energy data that are outsourced from different devices. This integration is part of the ongoing work within MiMurcia Smart City project, which is intended to provide an integral platform to build a more sustainable and efficient city.
Dynamic CT Scan of the Normal Scapholunate Joint in a Clenched Fist and Radial and Ulnar Deviation
Authors: Kelly Paul M. , Hopkins John G. , Furey Andrew J. , Squire Daniel S.
Published: August 2017

Background: Injuries to the scapholunate can have severe long-term effects on the wrist. Early detection of these injuries can help identify pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the motions of the scapholunate joint in normal wrists in a clenched fist and through radial and ulnar deviation using novel dynamic computed tomography (CT) imaging. Methods: Fifteen participants below 40 years of age consented to have their wrist scanned. Eight participants were randomized to have the right wrist scanned and 7 the left wrist. Volunteers were positioned at the back of the gantry with the wrist placed on the table, palmar side down. Participants began with the hand in a relaxed fist position and then proceeded through an established range of motion protocol. Dynamic CT imaging was captured throughout the range of motion. Results: The movement in the healthy scapholunate joint through a clenched fist and radial and ulnar deviation is minimal. The averages were 1.19, 1.01, and 0.95 mm, representing the middle, dorsal, and volar measurements, respectively. Conclusions: This novel dynamic CT scan of the wrist is a user-friendly way of measuring of the scapholunate distance, which is minimal in the normal wrist below 40 years of age.
Scaling up family planning in Sierra Leone: A prospective cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Keen Sarah , Begum Hashina , Friedman Howard S , James Chris D
Published: August 2017

Family planning is commonly regarded as a highly cost-effective health intervention with wider social and economic benefits. Yet use of family planning services in Sierra Leone is currently low and 25.0% of married women have an unmet need for contraception. This study aims to estimate the costs and benefits of scaling up family planning in Sierra Leone. Using the OneHealth Tool, two scenarios of scaling up family planning coverage to currently married women in Sierra Leone over 2013–2035 were assessed and compared to a ‘no-change’ counterfactual. Our costing included direct costs of drugs, supplies and personnel time, programme costs and a share of health facility overhead costs. To monetise the benefits, we projected the cost savings of the government providing five essential social services – primary education, child immunisation, malaria prevention, maternal health services and improved drinking water – in the scale-up scenarios compared to the counterfactual. The total population, estimated at 6.1 million in 2013, is projected to reach 8.3 million by 2035 in the high scenario compared to a counterfactual of 9.6 million. We estimate that by 2035, there will be 1400 fewer maternal deaths and 700 fewer infant deaths in the high scenario compared to the counterfactual. Our modelling suggests that total costs of the family planning programme in Sierra Leone will increase from US$4.2 million in 2013 to US$10.6 million a year by 2035 in the high scenario. For every dollar spent on family planning, Sierra Leone is estimated to save US$2.10 in expenditure on the five selected social sector services over the period. There is a strong investment case for scaling up family planning services in Sierra Leone. The ambitious scale-up scenarios have historical precedent in other sub-Saharan African countries, but the extent to which they will be achieved depends on a commitment from both the government and donors to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system post-Ebola.
Bicycle change strategy for uphill time-trial races
Authors: Roa Sergio D , Muñoz Luis E
Published: August 2017

In uphill time-trial cycling races, riders have to travel along routes characterized by high-gradient variations in the shortest time possible. Due to this gradient variation, the appropriate selection among time-trial bicycles and traditional road bicycles is essential to reduce the power demand. For some uphill courses, the bicycle selection is not necessarily unique, with the possibility of a bicycle change during the race to take advantage of the performance of each type of bicycle for specific sections of the route. In this study, a method for planning the bicycle-changing strategy is proposed. A dynamic model to predict the race time for two types of bicycles is implemented, and an optimization problem for minimizing the race time is presented. A case study is analyzed in which the uphill time-trial route of the Giro d’Italia 2014 is studied in the context of professional cyclists’ performance. It was found that the use of the bicycle change strategy led to a time saving of about 43 s with respect to the time obtained when using only a road bicycle. It was also found that a combination of the bicycle change strategy with an optimal pacing strategy led to a time saving of about 92 s.
Sclerostin antibodies in osteoporosis: latest evidence and therapeutic potential
Authors: McClung Michael R.
Published: August 2017

Sclerostin is an osteocyte-derived glycoprotein that inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and activation of osteoblast function, thereby inhibiting bone formation. It plays a vital role in the regulation of skeletal growth. In adults, sclerostin secretion is modulated by skeletal loading (increased secretion with immobilization; less with weight bearing) and by hormonal/cytokine actions on the osteocyte. Sclerostin deficiency syndromes in humans and animals are characterized by high bone mass of normal quality. In animal models of osteoporosis, inhibition of sclerostin by monoclonal antibodies induces osteoblast activity and new bone formation, normalizing bone mass and improving bone architecture and strength. In recently completed clinical trials, anti-sclerostin antibody therapy results in marked increases in bone mineral density and rapid and substantial reduction in fracture risk. This review will focus on these recent studies and anticipate the role of anti-sclerostin therapy in the management of patients with osteoporosis.
Intravenous vernakalant in comparison with intravenous flecainide in the cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation
Authors: Pohjantähti-Maaroos Hanna , Hyppölä Harri , Lekkala Maria , Sinisalo Emma , Heikkola Antti , Hartikainen Juha
Published: August 2017

Background:

Pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation is a reasonable alternative for electrical cardioversion in acute atrial fibrillation. We compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous vernakalant and intravenous flecainide in patients with recent-onset (< 48 h) atrial fibrillation.

Methods:

A total of 200 consecutive patients, 100 patients undergoing cardioversion with intravenous vernakalant and 100 patients undergoing cardioversion with intravenous flecainide, were included in this single centre non-randomized retrospective study. The primary endpoint was conversion to sinus rhythm within 120 minutes from the drug administration.

Results:

Cardioversion was successful in 67% of patients treated with vernakalant and in 46% of patients treated with flecainide ( p=0.003). Vernakalant (odds ratio 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.08–3.69, p=0.029) and female gender (odds ratio 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.22–15.05, p=0.012) were significant predictors of successful cardioversion. The success rate of cardioversion was lowest among men treated with flecainide (36.9%). Patients treated with vernakalant were discharged earlier from the emergency department compared with those treated with flecainide (8.2 ± 4.7 h vs. 12.0 ± 6.0 h, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the complication rate between the groups. Vernakalant treated patients were older (59.3 ± 12.5 vs. 55.4 ± 13.0 years, p=0.03), had higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (1.4 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, p = 0.002) and were more often on beta-blocker medication (59% vs. 42%, p= 0.016) than flecainide treated patients.

Conclusion:

Vernakalant was safe, more effective and faster than flecainide in the cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation. The difference in efficacy was especially apparent among men.