bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Clinical Outcomes of a Pharmacist-Managed Diabetes Clinic to Usual Physician-Based Care
Authors: Schultz Jordan L. , Horner Kathleen E. , McDanel Deanna L. , Miller Michelle L. , Beranek Randi L. , Jacobsen Ryan B. , Sly Nichole J. , Miller Aaron C. , Mascardo Lisa A.
Published: May 2017

Background:

This study analyzed the impact of a pharmacist-managed diabetes clinic on clinical outcomes compared to usual care received from primary care providers (PCPs). This comparison may more definitively demonstrate the value of pharmacist management of chronic disease states.

Methods:

Retrospective observational cohort study conducted in patients referred to a pharmacist-managed pharmacotherapy (PT) clinic from July 2009 to October 2014.

Results:

For the primary outcome, the absolute change in A1c during the usual care phase was +1.53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.96, P < .0001) versus an absolute change of −1.63% (95% CI: −1.28 to −1.97, P < .0001) in the intervention phase. For secondary outcomes, diabetes-related hospitalizations (10 vs 6, P = .104) and emergency room (ER) visits (27 vs 8, P = .049) decreased in the intervention phase compared to the usual care phase. The rate of diabetes-related interventions made per patient per year in the usual care phase was 2.7 versus 11.1 in the intervention phase ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Patients referred to the PT clinic had worsening blood glucose control prior to referral, and their control improved after referral to the clinic. Furthermore, there was an improvement in all diabetes-related outcomes in the intervention phase compared to the usual care phase.
Shimmy model for electric vehicle with independent suspensions
Authors: Mi Tian , Stepan Gabor , Takacs Denes , Chen Nan
Published: May 2017

A 5-degrees-of-freedom shimmy model is established to analyse the dynamic responses of an electric vehicle with independent suspensions. Tyre elasticity is considered by means of Pacejka’s magic formula. Under the nonslip assumption for the leading contact point, tyre–road constraint equations are derived. Numerical simulation is conducted with different structural parameters and initial conditions to observe the shimmy phenomenon. Simulation results indicate that Hopf bifurcation occurs at a certain vehicle forward speed. Moreover, suspension structural parameters, such as caster angle, affect wheel shimmy. The linearized model of the system presents the stability boundaries, which agree with the simulation results. The results of this study not only provide a theoretical reference for shimmy attenuation, but also validate the effectiveness of the provided model, which can be used in further dynamic analysis of vehicle shimmy.
Field study using additional rails and an approach slab as a transition zone from slab track to the ballasted track
Authors: Heydari-Noghabi H , Zakeri JA , Esmaeili M , Varandas JN
Published: May 2017

An abrupt change in the stiffness of railway tracks at the junction between slab track and ballasted track causes increased dynamic loads, asymmetric settlements, damage of track components, and, consequently, increased maintenance costs. Due to this, a transition zone is usually built at the junction between the ballasted and the ballastless tracks to reduce the aforementioned problems. One of the methods suggested as a transition zone in these areas is to use a combination of an approach slab and additional rails. This study evaluates the dynamic behavior of this type of transition zone using field tests and also compares its performance with a transition zone built only with an approach slab. Hence, in the Tehran–Karaj railway line, two types of transition zones were constructed: one including only the approach slab and the other one including additional rails and an approach slab. Then, by conducting some field tests, the dynamic behavior of the track in these two types of transition zones was examined. The results of the field measurements show that for the analyzed case study, at the combined transition zone with additional rails and an approach slab, instead of a sudden increase in rail displacements from the slab track to the ballasted track (i.e. by 53%), initially, in the first part of the transition zone (with additional rails and an approach slab), the deflections increase by an average of 31%, and then in the second part of the transition zone (with additional rails only) the deflections increase additionally by 11%.
An assessment of the evolution of Kenya’s solid waste management policies and their implementation in Nairobi and Mombasa: analysis of policies and practices
Authors: Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , Ziraba Abdhalah K , Aboderin Isabella , Amugsi Dickson , Muindi Kanyiva , Mberu Blessing
Published: May 2017

This paper provides a summary of the priorities and strategies stipulated by the major solid waste management (SWM) policies in Kenya. It also provides a brief assessment of their implementation in Nairobi and Mombasa, drawing on data from a 2016 community-based study. We found that SWM policies have evolved to specificity in terms of focus, functions and scope. There was a shift from criminalizing solid waste action or inaction to promoting good practices; from generic acts to specific ones; and from centralized mandates to more decentralized responsibilities. However, SWM remains a critical concern and a major challenge in Nairobi and Mombasa as a result of weak institutional structures and capacity, weak enforcement of regulatory frameworks, and the control of the sector by criminal cartels.
Benefit of adjunct universal rectal screening for Chlamydia genital infections in women attending Canadian sexually transmitted infection clinics
Authors: Thanh Nguyen X , Akpinar Ilke , Gratrix Jennifer , Plitt Sabrina , Smyczek Petra , Read Ron , Jacobs Philip , Wong Tom , Singh Ameeta E
Published: May 2017

Adding universal rectal screening to urogenital screening should positively impact rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) incidence in affected populations. A dynamic Markov model was used to evaluate costs and outcomes of three rectal CT screening strategies among women attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Alberta, Canada: universal urogenital-only screening (UG-only), additional selected (exposure-based) rectal screening (UG+SR), and additional universal rectal screening (UG+UR). The model included two mutually exclusive health states: infected and susceptible. Additionally, the model included two rounds of transmission: male sex partners of women infected with rectal-only CT and female sex partners of those men. CT complications impacting patients’ quality of life (QALY) were considered. Alberta and Canadian data were used to estimate model inputs. We used a health care perspective, a time period of 10 years, and a discount rate of 3% for analyses. Compared to UG-only screening, the incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were CA$34,000 and CA$49,000 per QALY gained for UG+SR and UG+UR screening strategies, respectively. Compared to UG+SR, the ICER was CA$62,000 per QALY gained for the UG+UR strategy. Both adjunct selected and universal rectal screening strategies are cost effective compared to UG-only screening, and UG+UR screening is cost effective when compared to UG+SR screening.
Yaw control of an unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter using linear active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Ding Li , Ma Rui , Wu Hongtao , Feng Chun , Li Qilin
Published: May 2017

In this article, a yaw channel controller with linear active disturbance rejection control is proposed for high-performance attitude tracking of an unmanned helicopter. In this control scheme, the linear extended state observer serves as a compensator, which can effectively reject parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. In this case, the attitude tracking controller is designed according to the input–output relation of yaw model. As a controlled plant, the yaw dynamical model is first obtained through the system identification method. Subsequently, in order to optimize the linear active disturbance rejection control applied to yaw control, an artificial bee colony algorithm is introduced to solve the problem of parameter tuning. Finally, comparative studies are carried out. The results from simulation and flight experiment show that the proposed controller provides better performances than the traditional controller.
Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of rosemary and thyme in gentamicin-treated rats
Authors: Hegazy AM , Abdel-Azeem AS , Zeidan HM , Ibrahim KS , Sayed EM El
Published: May 2017

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis; RM) and thyme ( Thymus vulgaris; TV) are used as remedies. We designed this work to investigate the preventive effect of aqueous extracts of RM or TV on the gentamicin (GM)-induced hepatotoxicity and abnormalities of lipid profile in rats. Both plant extracts exhibited an in vitro antioxidant activity as determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Radical scavenging activity for TV extract was 48.7% and for RM extract was 25.6%. Polyphenolic determination by high-performance liquid chromatography for both extracts revealed that catechin, coumarin, cinnamic acid and rutin were detected in both extracts. RM extract had higher values than TV extract in all except rutin. Ferulic acid and quercetin were also detected in TV extract and sinapic acid and oleuropein were detected in RM extract. In rats given GM intraperitoneally for 10 days and coadministered either RM extract or TV extract orally, both aqueous extracts demonstrated similar hepatoprotective effects manifested by approximate normalization of plasma liver enzymes (AST and ALT), bilirubin level and total protein concentration compared with the group given GM only. Abnormal lipid parameters and raised hydrogen peroxide levels were ameliorated by both extracts. Pancreatic lipase activity was markedly reduced by RM extract. Also, the atherogenic index value was significantly reduced by both extracts as compared to that of GM group. DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed tissue damage by GM and its amelioration by the extracts. These findings suggest that RM and TV extracts could be helpful in ameliorating some aspects of gentamicin toxicity.
From Offender Rehabilitation to the Aesthetic of the Victim
Authors: Mehozay Yoav
Published: May 2017

This article analyzes the role played by crime victims in social control in the postindustrial United States in the last three decades of the 20th century. Through a synthesis between Zygmunt Bauman’s work on late modernity and Pierre Dardot’s and Christian Laval’s conceptualization of neoliberalism, the article reviews the increasing centrality of the crime victim in penal discourse, particularly in light of the ‘aesthetic turn’ proposed by Bauman and others as representing a deep transition in the way social problems and political actions are understood. More precisely, a society governed by aesthetics is concerned with superficial manifestations of social harms. As such, under this aesthetic turn, public attitudes and criminal justice policies in the United States since the 1970s have related to ideal victims who are devoid of social context. Victims play a symbolic role in amplifying punitive emotions but are denied meaningful services. The article concludes with a call to rethink the ethos of the victim with an eye toward reducing the structural pathologies, such as inequality, poverty, or racial discrimination, that inflict so much harm on so many.
Smoke into Sound: A pilot randomised controlled trial of a music cravings management program for chronic smokers attempting to quit
Authors: Dingle Genevieve A. , Carter Nicholas A.
Published: May 2017

Chronic smokers display greater cravings and higher dependence on nicotine than smokers who successfully quit, which indicates a need for novel interventions that address cravings. Smoke into Sound is an online interactive program that uses personalised music-listening to assist participants to manage emotional states and cravings that act as cues for their smoking. This study describes a pilot randomised trial of Smoke into Sound (MUSIC) in comparison to current best practice cognitive behaviour therapy programs delivered online and by telephone (CBTE) or by telephone only (CBTT). Participants were 55 chronic smokers aged 18 to 66 years (45% females) who completed an online questionnaire before being randomly assigned to one of the three conditions: MUSIC, CBTE or CBTT. The 38 participants remaining 6 weeks later completed a post-program online questionnaire to assess smoking status; craving strength; self-efficacy for cessation; and confidence in regulating emotions without smoking. Almost half (45%) of the sample had stopped smoking at the post-program assessment, with similar proportions of participants in each condition no longer smoking. Participants in the MUSIC and CBTE conditions had greater reductions in craving strength and improvements in emotion regulation than those in the CBTT. The findings indicate that chronic smokers responded equally well to the music emotion regulation strategies as to the CBT strategies for smoking cessation. Smoke into Sound is the first program to our knowledge that applies music psychology theory to an intervention for addictive behaviour.
Testing the beneficial effects of singing in a choir on mood and stress in a longitudinal study: The role of social contacts
Authors: Linnemann Alexandra , Schnersch Anna , Nater Urs M.
Published: May 2017

Choir singing has mood-enhancing and stress-reducing effects. However, most of the studies are cross-sectional, and longitudinal evidence on the nature of these effects is warranted. Especially as choir singing is a musical group activity, the question arises whether social factors influence these beneficial effects. A total of 44 healthy singers (mean age 22.98 ± 2.18 years) in an amateur student choir completed questionnaires regarding their current mood and experience of stress before and after each of a total of 13 choir sessions (two performances, two practice days, and nine regular rehearsals). Additionally, after each choir session, singers rated the quantity and quality of their social contacts within the choir by means of a social network map. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we found that singers reported better mood and lower stress after singing. Longitudinal analyses showed that these beneficial effects of singing fluctuated over time, decreasing in the run-up to the first performance and increasing thereafter. Likewise, they decreased after the practice days and increased thereafter. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of singing in a choir were not associated with social contacts within the choir. Singing in a choir had positive effects on mood and stress longitudinally. The type of choir session (rehearsal, practice day, performance) affected these beneficial effects. Social contacts within the choir might be more relevant in samples that specifically attend choirs to seek social contact.
Health status and preventive health behavior of music students during university education: Merging prior results with new insights from a German multicenter study
Authors: Spahn Claudia , Voltmer Edgar , Mornell Adina , Nusseck Manfred
Published: May 2017

Musicians are at high risk of developing playing-related health problems. A considerable number of musicians suffer from severe health issues even during their university education. In previous studies using similar music student populations, health status and preventive health behavior could be classified into three groups. The first group of students did not report playing-related health problems and did not engage in preventive activities. The second group of students experienced rather low-level playing-related health problems and practiced preventive activities. The third group reported a rather high frequency of playing-related health problems and all of them were taking medication. These results were obtained from studies done at one German university of music. In order to compare these results with a nationwide sample of music students, a multicenter study at five German universities of music was performed. A total of 288 music students participated in the first survey at the beginning of their university education, 142 in the second survey at the start of their third semester and 75 in the third survey at the start of the last year of their university education. The data was analyzed using the same methods as the prior studies. The results confirmed the group classifications identified in previous studies. While approximately half the students indicated that they participated in preventive health behavior in the first survey, in the following two surveys more than three-quarters of the students reported practicing such activities during the course of their university education. Nevertheless, in all three surveys a large number (about a third) of music students reported playing-related health problems.
Design and demonstration of a flexible matrix composite morphing control surface for air gap control in a Fowler flap
Authors: Doepke Brady , Kim Daewon , Philen Michael
Published: May 2017

A full-scale commercial aircraft morphing control surface using flexible matrix composite actuators was designed and demonstrated in this research. The muscle-like flexible matrix composite actuator is ideal for morphing structures as it deforms while actuating with the structure, and the hydraulically driven actuator can operate at pressures similar to existing aircraft hydraulic systems. Through a series of parameter studies performed with finite element models, an active spoiler was designed to control the gap between a spoiler and deployed Fowler flap. A full-scale prototype was then fabricated and tested under pseudo-aerodynamic loads. The prototype demonstrated that it can achieve the necessary deflections under the given loading condition. A closed-loop control system that allows the tip deflection of the spoiler to be precisely controlled under loading was designed.
Family Support as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Loneliness and Suicide Risk in College Students
Authors: Chang Edward C. , Chang Olivia D. , Martos Tamás , Sallay Viola , Lee Jerin , Stam Kayla R. , Batterbee Casey N.-H. , Yu Tina
Published: May 2017

In this study, we examined loneliness and family support as predictors of suicide risk (viz., depressive symptoms and suicide ideation) in college students. The sample was comprised of 456 Hungarian college students. Results of conducting hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for sex and age, indicated that the inclusion of family support provided further incremental validity in predicting both depressive symptoms and suicide ideation, beyond the variance accounted for by loneliness. Moreover, consistent with the notion that family support might buffer the negative effects of loneliness on suicide risk, evidence for a significant Loneliness × Family Support interaction effect in predicting both indices of suicide risk was found. Thus, beyond the role of loneliness in predicting suicide risk in college students, the present findings are the first to show how family support both additively and interactively represents a positive psychological resource that should be considered in understanding suicide risk among students.
Bayesian Posterior Odds Ratios
Authors: Hicks Tyler , Rodríguez-Campos Liliana , Choi Jeong Hoon
Published: May 2017

To begin statistical analysis, Bayesians quantify their confidence in modeling hypotheses with priors. A prior describes the probability of a certain modeling hypothesis apart from the data. Bayesians should be able to defend their choice of prior to a skeptical audience. Collaboration between evaluators and stakeholders could make their choices more defensible. This article describes how evaluators and stakeholders could combine their expertise to select rigorous priors for analysis. The article first introduces Bayesian testing, then situates it within a collaborative framework, and finally illustrates the method with a real example.
Early Stages of Pattern or Practice Police Misconduct Reform
Authors: Chanin Joshua
Published: May 2017

This essay focuses on two significant blind spots in knowledge of the Justice Department’s (DOJ) pattern or practice police misconduct initiative: (a) DOJ investigation of alleged systemic police misconduct and (b) the negotiation that defines the terms of the settlement agreements between the DOJ and jurisdictions found to have engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful activity. This article will discuss each stage in some detail, beginning with a description of the relevant federal and state or local stakeholders involved and the key decisions they face throughout the investigation and negotiation processes. The article goes on to address several points of criticism, including the ambiguous legal and evidentiary standards underlying the DOJ’s investigation process and the insularity and opaqueness that characterize settlement negotiation, while considering how each affects the process of implementation and the sustainability of the organizational change at issue and the broad goals of the initiative.
Pain and adverse behavior in declawed cats
Authors: Martell-Moran Nicole K , Solano Mauricio , Townsend Hugh GG
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of onychectomy (declawing) upon subsequent development of back pain and unwanted behavior in cohorts of treated and control cats housed in two different locations.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. In total, there was 137 declawed and 137 non-declawed cats, of which 176 were owned cats (88 declawed, 88 non-declawed) and 98 were shelter cats (49 declawed and 49 non-declawed). All cats were physically examined for signs of pain and barbering. The previous 2 years of medical history were reviewed for documented unwanted behavior such as inappropriate elimination and biting with minimal provocation and aggression. All declawed cats were radiographed for distal limb abnormalities, including P3 (third phalanx) bone fragments. The associations of declaw surgery with the outcomes of interest were examined using χ2 analysis, two sample t-tests and manual, backwards, stepwise logistic regression.

Results

Significant increases in the odds of back pain (odds ratio [OR] 2.9), periuria/perichezia (OR 7.2), biting (OR 4.5) and barbering (OR 3.06) occurred in declawed compared with control cats. Of the 137 declawed cats, 86 (63%) showed radiographic evidence of residual P3 fragments. The odds of back pain (OR 2.66), periuria/perichezia (OR 2.52) and aggression (OR 8.9) were significantly increased in declawed cats with retained P3 fragments compared with those declawed cats without. Optimal surgical technique, with removal of P3 in its entirety, was associated with fewer adverse outcomes and lower odds of these outcomes, but operated animals remained at increased odds of biting (OR 3.0) and undesirable habits of elimination (OR 4.0) compared with non-surgical controls.

Conclusions and relevance

Declawing cats increases the risk of unwanted behaviors and may increase risk for developing back pain. Evidence of inadequate surgical technique was common in the study population. Among declawed cats, retained P3 fragments further increased the risk of developing back pain and adverse behaviors. The use of optimal surgical technique does not eliminate the risk of adverse behavior subsequent to onychectomy.
Fatigue after a first attack of suspected multiple sclerosis
Authors: van der Vuurst de Vries Roos M , van den Dorpel Jan JA , Mescheriakova Julia Y , Runia Tessel F , Jafari Naghmeh , Siepman Theodora AM , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Steyerberg Ewout W , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: May 2017

Background:

Fatigue is reported by more than 75% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In an earlier study, we showed that fatigue is not only a common symptom in patients at time of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS; fatigued 46%) but also predicts subsequent diagnosis of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). The course of fatigue after CIS is unknown.

Objective:

We aimed to explore the long-term course of fatigue after CIS.

Methods:

In this study, 235 CIS patients, aged 18–50 years, were prospectively followed. Patients filled in the Krupp’s Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and annually. After reaching CDMS diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was obtained annually. Mixed-effects models were used to analyse longitudinal FSS measurements.

Results:

Fatigue at baseline was an independent predictor for CDMS diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR): 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–4.4). The evolution of FSS was the same in CIS patients who remained monophasic and patients who were diagnosed with CDMS during follow-up. However, FSS increased by 0.86 units after reaching CDMS diagnosis ( p = 0.01). After this increase, the FSS course remained unaltered ( p = 0.44).

Conclusion:

Fatigue, which is often present at time of CIS, probably persists over time and increases after a second attack.
Prevalence and costs of defensive medicine: a national survey of Italian physicians
Authors: Panella Massimiliano , Rinaldi Carmela , Leigheb Fabrizio , Knesse Sanita , Donnarumma Chiara , Kul Seval , Vanhaecht Kris , Di Stanislao Francesco
Published: May 2017

Objective

To identify the prevalence of the practice of defensive medicine among Italian hospital physicians, its costs and the reasons for practising defensive medicine and possible solutions to reduce the practice of defensive medicine.

Methods

Cross-sectional web survey.

Main outcome measures

Number of physicians reporting having engaged in any defensive medicine behaviour in the previous year.

Results

A total of 1313 physicians completed the survey. Ninety-five per cent believed that defensive medicine would increase in the near future. The practice of defensive medicine accounted for approximately 10% of total annual Italian national health expenditure.

Conclusions

Defensive medicine is a significant factor in health care costs without adding any benefit to patients. The economic burden of defensive medicine on health care systems should provide a substantial stimulus for a prompt review of this situation in a time of economic crisis. Malpractice reform, together with a systematic use of evidence-based clinical guidelines, is likely to be the most effective way to reduce defensive medicine.
Determining the reliability and validity of online reputation databases for lodging
Authors: Díaz Manuel Rodríguez , Rodríguez Tomás F Espino
Published: May 2017

Online reputation is a strategic factor in determining the competitiveness and marketing capacity of lodging companies. The influence of online opinions on customers’ decisions is increasing, and, consequently, the online reputation is a new marketing tool to capture clients and reach sales objectives in the lodging industry. In this context, the reliability and validity of customer evaluations available on websites is an essential key to competing in a tourism market influenced by the development of the Internet. The objective of this study is to analyze three of the most important online reputation websites in tourism in order to establish the reliability and validity of the scales used in customer reviews. The results demonstrated that the three websites analyzed fulfill the conventional statistical criteria of reliability and validity. However, a new type of validity is formulated in this study in order to test the capacity of the scales to determine the similarities or differences between tourism goods and services. Nonparametric tests were carried out, demonstrating that although the three websites meet the conventional statistic criteria of reliability and validity, only Booking.com has the capacity to differentiate between destinations.
Selective non-operative management of anterior abdominal stab wounds with emphasis on the value of follow-up abdominal CT scanning
Authors: Fouda El Yamani , Magdy Alaa , Emile Sameh Hany
Published: May 2017

Background and aim

Selective non-operative management of patients with penetrating abdominal stabs is the preferred treatment strategy. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of non-operative management with emphasis on the value of follow-up abdominal CT scanning in management of patients with penetrating anterior abdominal stab.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective chart review of stable patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds. Patients were divided in terms of initial decisions into two groups: laparotomy group and non-operative management group. Abdominal CT scan was performed for patients in the non-operative management group on admission and follow-up CT scanning was performed in cases of clinical and/or biochemical deterioration.

Results

The laparotomy group included 82 patients and 68.2% of them had unnecessary laparotomies. The non-operative management group comprised 97 patients and 90.7% of them did not require subsequent laparotomy. Abdominal CT scan had a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 100% in detection of intra-abdominal injuries. Follow-up CT scanning detected bowel injuries missed by initial CT scan in three patients. The non-operative management group had significantly lower post-operative complication rate than the laparotomy group (4.1% vs. 18.3%), with a significantly shorter length of stay.

Conclusions

Non-operative management is the optimal management strategy for stable patients with penetrating anterior abdominal stab to decrease unnecessary laparotomy rates, hospital stay and costs. Follow-up abdominal CT scanning facilitated the decision making for patients selected for non-operative management and is highly sensitive in the diagnosis of patients who require subsequent exploration.
Still the Dark Continent? Towards contextual methodological approaches to management development research in foreign multinational firms in Africa
Authors: Oppong Nana Yaw
Published: May 2017

Following the widespread implementation of liberalization policies across the continent and resultant ‘subsidiarity’ of the industrial sectors by mostly Western multinational firms, management development in Africa has been dominated by Western approaches. The alternative is contextualization of research approaches that take into account the cultural and societal values of the people being researched. The article therefore proposes two methodologies believed to be contextual to management development research in multinational firms in Africa. These include indigenous methodology and postcolonial methodology. The two methodologies are complemented by appropriate data collection and analytical approaches, which have also been suggested. Data for this conceptual paper were mainly from review of extant popular and academic literature. The article concludes that applying the proposed methodologies could help tackle the neocolonial influence in African industries to decolonize indigenous people from Western hegemony and management development approaches that do not tackle the development problems of indigenous managers. Theoretically, the article contributes to literature on postcolonial management and organizational studies and, practically, contributes to alternative and appropriate approach to research into managerial skills development problems in Africa.
Individualized sex equality in transforming Finnish academia
Authors: Lätti Johanna
Published: May 2017

This article examines the equality agenda in the context of Finnish university reform in the 21st century. In Finland, the academic regime went through an organizational transformation after the Universities Act in 2009. However, little attention has been paid to the questions of sex or equality. Since the policy influences on equality in education and work are increasingly transnational, this article also observes the role of gender mainstreaming in universities’ equality agenda. The appearance of sex equality is analysed through a variety of documentary materials. The findings indicate the balance between higher educational demands and tightening requirements on equality promotion. Equality work, as a part of human resources, is seen through legislation and provides common good and market advantages. The aims seek to ensure similar treatment between individuals and case-specific anti-discrimination, separating spheres of academic work and private life. The focus is on subjective rights on economic rewards and career opportunities. Yet, confused by the abstract principle of gender mainstreaming, the individually oriented view diverges from the traditional Nordic equality model. The study suggests an evaluation of key concepts and assumptions of equality politics in higher education institutions.
Academic couples, parenthood and women’s research careers
Authors: Vohlídalová Marta
Published: May 2017

The paper focuses on dual-career academic couples, how they combine careers and parenthood and how their strategies translate into employment pathways of researchers, and especially women researchers. Based on sixteen in-depth interviews with dual-career academic couples, the analysis identified two types of partnerships which differed in terms of how they combined work and parenthood and how they harmonized his and her career: ‘traditional couples’ and ‘egalitarian couples’. While most previous research on dual-career couples analyses the individual level, this investigation considers the couple as a point of departure. The analysis is framed by the linked-lives approach, which studies partners’ work paths as mutually interrelated. The analysis shows that in dual-career academic couples, women’s careers are often perceived to be secondary to men’s careers, but there were differences between women who built their careers before 1989 and contemporary young women researchers. It is argued that gender ideologies have different effects depending on the institutional conditions in which the ideologies are enacted. It is suggested that the paper contributes an important dimension to explanations of the gap in the position of men and women in the academic labour market.
Testing the concept of academic housework in a European setting: Part of academic career-making or gendered barrier to the top?
Authors: Heijstra Thamar M , Einarsdóttir Þorgerður , Pétursdóttir Gyða M , Steinþórsdóttir Finnborg S
Published: May 2017

In the labour market women’s jobs have frequently been conceptually and literally tied to housework and hence thought of as unskilled and therefore undervalued. Although academic institutions have undergone changes, the fact that women still carry the main responsibility for domestic and caring tasks continues to follow them into the academic work environment. In this explorative study we focus on the gendered aspects of undervalued work in academia by examining how academic housework manifests itself in different academic contexts and how early career academics in six European countries contend with it. We will link the undervalued academic work to housework in a double sense. Firstly, we will discuss how domestic housework affects the working conditions of academic women and men differently in their early career. Secondly, we will approach academic work through the lenses of academic housework, hence making use of the notion of ‘housework’ in a transferred and more figurative meaning. The discussion is aimed at developing a new conceptual framework in the analysis of gendered academic careers. In this way the topic of academic housework, which seems to be accompanied by social taint, may become more easily discussable within the academic work environment.
Work–life interferences in the early stages of academic careers: The case of precarious researchers in Italy
Authors: Bozzon Rossella , Murgia Annalisa , Poggio Barbara , Rapetti Elisa
Published: May 2017

This paper addresses the topic of work–life interferences in academic contexts. More specifically, it focuses on early career researchers in the Italian university system. The total availability required from those who work in the research sector is leading to significant transformations of the temporalities of work, especially among the new generation of researchers, whose condition is characterized by a higher degree of instability and uncertainty. Which are the experiences of the early career researchers in an academic context constituted by a growing competition for permanent positions and, as a consequence, by a greatly increased pressure? Which are the main gender differences? In what elements do Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines differ from Social Sciences and Humanities? The collected narratives reveal how the ongoing process of precarization is affecting both the everyday working activities and the private and family lives of early career researchers, with important consequences also on their future prospects.
Images, ideals and constraints in times of neoliberal transformations: Reproduction and profession as conflicting or complementary spheres in academia?
Authors: Bomert Christiane , Leinfellner Stefanie
Published: May 2017

The article deals with structural, cultural and habitual concepts, principles and ideals of parenthood in the German academic working context. It focuses on social processes of transformation and reconfiguration of reproduction and profession, which means within work and family spheres and especially within academia in times of neoliberalism, economisation and globalisation. Discursive and biographical research results of two German research projects will be linked to trace current developments of gender relations concerning the compatibility of scientific work and family. Using an analytical governmental perspective, we reveal findings concerning the subject and identity formations of scientists and parents. The insights and conclusions obtained will be discussed and evaluated in terms of the interdependencies between the spheres of production and reproduction in neoliberalism.
“Navigating” through a scientific career: A question of private and professional configurational supports
Authors: Fusulier Bernard , Barbier Pascal , Dubois-Shaik Farah
Published: May 2017

Men and women remain in unequal positions in coping with their scientific and academic careers. Several of the mechanisms dissuading or preventing women from pursuing scientific careers have already been described in the literature: women getting stuck with paltry, undervalued tasks, thus manufacturing a “sticky floor”; structuring the scientific field around a masculine habitus; and the “Matilda” effect for women. An additional cause of these inequalities is observed in the relationship between the private and professional aspects of the individuals’ lives. The university transmits a “gendered order” in its organizational structures, principles, customs and habits, in short in the practice of scientific work. That is due in particular to the ancient structuring of the university around a male figure: the “university professor” or “scientist” entirely invested in his work, freed from domestic necessities by an invisible carer (he or she who ‘cares’ for him), so he can devote himself to science. Hence the university was constructed on a “greedy” model expecting a total, voluntary and impassioned engagement in work, coupled with a model of work/family dissociation. Based on a research programme dealing with post-doctoral researchers and recently tenured researchers*, this article analyses the role of their private life and how it relates to the professional sphere in their experience of scientific work. In this respect, it provides some explanatory elements on both the greater vulnerability of women-mothers in the university game and on the configurational supports (configurations of professional life and private life) needed to offset that vulnerability.
Transabdominal Ultrasonography-Defined Optimal and Definitive Bladder-Filling Protocol With Time Trends During Pelvic Radiation for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Umesh Mahantshetty , Kumar Deepak P. , Chadha Pranav , Choudary Rajiv , Kembhavi Seema , Thakur Meenakshi , Reena Engineer , Chopra Supriya , Shrivastava Shyamkishore
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

Advanced radiotherapy techniques have emphasized on the importance of accurate target volume localization and delineation. The aim of this study was to determine time taken to achieve moderate bladder volume under physiological conditions, using transabdominal ultrasound.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with cervical cancer undergoing radical radiation with or without concomitant chemotherapy underwent serial ultrasound to estimate bladder filling. With a strict bladder protocol of consuming 1000 mL of water orally over 30 minutes after emptying the bladder, ultrasound was done after 45 minutes from bladder emptying time and repeated at 15-minute interval till 300 (25) mL filling was achieved and repeated every week.

Results:

Forty-six patients with weekly ultrasound for bladder-filling documentation were evaluated. The mean (standard deviation) bladder volume measured at 45 minutes was 220 (93), 210 (95), 195 (91), 195 (96), and 190 (85) mL (average: 200; median: 195 mL) for the first to fifth week, respectively, and the mean (standard deviation) volume at 75 minutes was 300 (95), 310 (80), 290 (80), 295 (80), and 285 (70) mL (average: 295; median: 300 mL). The mean (standard deviation) time for bladder filling to 300 mL in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth week was 57 ( 13.5), 67 (16.6), 66 (16.7), 66 (15.5), and 69 (17.1) minutes, respectively.

Conclusion:

Bladder filling to a definitive moderate volume at a reasonably fixed time period in each week of radiation is well tolerated, feasible, and measurable by weekly transabdominal ultrasound measurements.
Principle of lex mitior, Is that you? – Case note on C-218/15, Paoletti and others
Authors: Rosanò Alessandro
Published: May 2017

The principle of applying the more lenient sanction – also called principle of lex mitior - constitutes a general principle of national criminal laws as well as a general principle of Union law, as confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union over time. In the case analysed here, a reference for a preliminary ruling was made in order to understand whether said principle applied to the case of some Italian nationals who had organised the illegal entry into Italy of some Romanian nationals. More specifically, given that the illegal acts had been carried out before the accession of Romania to the European Union, the Court was asked if Romania's subsequent accession could have had any effects on the criminal offence of facilitation of illegal immigration.
Pretrial detention
Authors: Coventry Thea
Published: May 2017

Intuitively setting European Union (EU)-wide common standards on pretrial detention appears advisable: It strengthens fair trial standards for persons accused of criminal offences and aids cooperation among the judiciary of Member States. However, at second glance, the European Parliament and Council’s competence to act appears somewhat shaky. This article examines whether the EU has competence to legislate on pretrial detention under Article 82(2) of the Treaty for the Functioning of the EU.
Appearance and rapid evolution of thoraco-abdominal intramural hematoma after TEVAR
Authors: Cervi Edoardo , Nodari Franco , Botteri Emanuele , Mazzeo Girolomina , Stefano Bonardelli
Published: May 2017

Some studies consider the different physical properties of the stent graft when compared with the blood vessel on the basis of vascular lesions that may require further intervention. We present a case in which a patient developed an intramural hematoma at the distal landing of previous thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) that required the relining with a flared prosthesis. During follow-up, we observed the appearance of more caudal hematoma. We decided to observe this lesion with close radiological controls. In order to prevent serious complication after the induction of TEVAR, accurate planning of the procedure is very important to study the impact of the prosthesis implanted in the cardiovascular system. In particular, oversize, radial forces and length of coverage have been taken into account. The adherence to follow-up is very important to precociously detect the lesions to avoid the onset of complication.
Quality of Care for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in the Primary Care Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Ontario, Canada
Authors: Nash Danielle M. , Brimble Scott , Markle-Reid Maureen , McArthur Eric , Tu Karen , Nesrallah Gihad E. , Grill Allan , Garg Amit X.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Patients with chronic kidney disease may not be receiving recommended primary renal care.

Objective:

To use recently established primary care quality indicators for chronic kidney disease to determine the proportion of patients receiving recommended renal care.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study using administrative data with linked laboratory information.

Setting:

The study was conducted in Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2012.

Patients:

Patients over 40 years with chronic kidney disease or abnormal kidney function in primary care were included.

Measurements:

In total, 11 quality indicators were assessed for chronic kidney disease identified through a Delphi panel in areas of screening, monitoring, drug prescribing, and laboratory monitoring after initiating an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Methods:

We calculated the proportion and cumulative incidence at the end of follow-up of patients meeting each indicator and stratified results by age, sex, cohort entry, and chronic kidney disease stage.

Results:

Less than half of patients received follow-up tests after an initial abnormal kidney function result. Most patients with chronic kidney disease received regular monitoring of serum creatinine (91%), but urine albumin-to-creatinine monitoring was lower (70%). A total of 84% of patients age 66 and older did not receive a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescription of at least 2-week duration. Three quarters of patients age 66 and older were on an ACE inhibitor or ARB, and 96% did not receive an ACE inhibitor and ARB concurrently. Among patients 66 to 80 years of age with chronic kidney disease, 65% were on a statin. One quarter of patients age 66 and older who initiated an ACE inhibitor or ARB had their serum creatinine and potassium monitored within 7 to 30 days.

Limitations:

This study was limited to people in Ontario with linked laboratory information.

Conclusions:

There was generally strong performance across many of the quality of care indicators. Areas where more attention may be needed are laboratory testing to confirm initial abnormal kidney function test results and monitoring serum creatinine and potassium after initiating a new ACE inhibitor or ARB.
Norwegian and Swedish nursing students’ concerns about dying
Authors: Hall-Lord Marie Louise , Petzäll Kerstin , Hedelin Birgitta
Published: May 2017

Providing care for dying patients is demanding for nurses. The aim of this study was to investigate Norwegian and Swedish nursing students’ concerns about dying and sense of coherence in their first and third year. Further, to describe the students’ experiences of caring for dying patients during their education. Nursing students in their first and third year in Norway ( n = 64) and Sweden ( n = 79) responded to the questionnaire Concerns about Dying and Sense of Coherence Scale. Interviews were conducted with 11 students. In their third year, both groups reported reduced concerns with regard to their own death. Norwegian students with no experience in healthcare before education reported more concerns about dying patients. Caring for a dying patient was experienced as a challenge to endure, perform and learn. There is a need to develop teaching methods and to give individualized support to nursing students during their education.