bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water as a Human Right – Water as an Essential Service: Does it Matter?
Authors: Vandenhole Wouter , Wielders Tamara
Published: April 2017

Two questions inform this article. First, the question is examined whether a human rights approach (‘water as a human right’) and a commercial approach (‘water as an economic good and essential service’) can be reconciled. A second, and related, question is whether it really matters which approach is taken. An answer to this question will be sought by analysing whether the same or similar guarantees are being offered, in particular in the context of liberalisation and/or privatisation of drinking water services and the disconnection from water services. Also, the environmental dimension will be scrutinised. After examining similarities and parallels in both approaches, and the level of protection offered, it is concluded that it does make a difference indeed whether water is considered as an essential service or as a human right. While both concepts act as a safeguard, human rights may prove to be the stronger one, at least as far as State actors are concerned.
National Preventive Mechanisms under the Optional Protocol to the Torture Convention: One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Murray Rachel
Published: April 2017

The international human rights system is traditionally based on State organs implementing the obligations set out in the treaties to which the State is party. Over recent years, however, some new actors, for example, national human rights institutions are starting to appear and be recognised on the international plane that do not fit easily into the State/non-State actor dichotomy. This article explores the innovative contribution of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) to these developments with its requirement that States set up National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), independent bodies to carry out visits to places of detention, but which will also have some relationship with the international committee established under the Protocol, the Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT). OPCAT sets up a triangular relationship between the State, the SPT and the NPM. Many issues remain undeveloped and many are already looking to the international committee, the SPT, to provide some more guidance to States and NPMs themselves on how these bodies should function and the role they should play. This article examines various models of NPMs, how States decide who to designate, what independence means, what is the role of an NPM and how should their effectiveness be measured, as well as to whom the NPM should be accountable, if anyone, and to whom it should report.
Right to Free Elections: Emerging Guarantees or Two Layers of Protection?
Authors: Golubok Sergey
Published: April 2017

The article analyses the drafting history and background of the ‘political clause’ of the European Convention on Human Rights – Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 which provides for the right to free elections. It discusses main concepts developed by the Strasbourg Court's jurisprudence concerning that clause. Special attention is devoted to the new trends in the case-law, including gradual emergence of procedural obligations under Article 3, its interplay with other substantive provisions of the Convention, the influence of the ‘soft-law’ instruments emanating from other organs of the Council of Europe, primarily texts of the Venice Commission. In conclusion, two options regarding further development of the Court's case-law on the right to free elections are proposed: the avenue of newly emerging guarantees and the avenue of two (narrower and wider) layers of protection.
Human Rights Fact-Finding. The European Court of Human Rights at a Crossroads
Authors: Leach Philip , Paraskeva Costas , Uzelac Gordana
Published: April 2017

This article seeks to examine the effectiveness of the fact-finding activities undertaken by the European Court of Human Rights (and the former Commission). It argues that while some fact-finding missions have revealed certain weaknesses in the past, the very conduct of such missions remains indispensable – in the interests both of litigants and the credibility of the Strasbourg system itself. Therefore, some greater thought needs to be given to practical ways and means to fully tap the Court's fact-finding potential.
Transitional Justice and Cultural Contexts: Learning from the Universality Debate
Authors: Viaene Lieselotte , Brems Eva
Published: April 2017

Whenever a society faces the difficult process of substantial political transition after a period of gross human rights violations, the issues of justice, reconciliation, truth and reparation appear on the agenda. They form the key concepts of the emerging global paradigm of transitional justice. This booming field is faced with several unresolved and contested issues one of which is a criticism based on local and cultural particularities. In this article it is argued that it is useful to draw lessons from the universality-diversity debate in international human rights law and confront them with local and cultural challenges that arise in the transitional justice context. It seems that the ideal of inclusiveness that remains hard to realise in human rights law, despite theoretical consensus, might have better chances of being put in practice in transitional justice initiatives.
Corporate Due Diligence as a Tool to Respect Human Rights
Authors: Lambooy Tineke
Published: April 2017

This article aspires to assist companies and human rights analysts to determine why, when and how human rights impact assessments can be integrated into existing corporate due diligence processes. It elaborates on the approach proposed by Professor Ruggie, the UN Special Representative on human rights and business. His policy framework relies, amongst others, on ‘the corporate responsibility to respect human rights’, that is to act with ‘due diligence’ to avoid infringing on the rights of others. In this article, the corporate and human rights law origins and application of ‘due diligence’ are explored. Subsequently, the concept of due diligence as catered for in the Ruggie policy framework is discussed, and suggestions are offered as to how this can be practically applied in business transactions. Dilemmas are identified.
New Mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council
Authors: Freedman Rosa
Published: April 2017

The United Nations Human Rights Council was created in 2006 to universally protect and promote human rights. Failures of the Council's predecessor, the Human Rights Commission, had been attributed to politicisation and bias. In order to overcome these and other Commission failings, two new mechanisms were created to assist the new body with fulfilling its mandate. Universal Periodic Review provides a mechanism for examining the human rights records of all UN Member States during a four year cycle. Special Sessions enable the Council to deal with grave human rights crises as they occur. However, these mechanisms have been used by States and regional groups to achieve political aims. This article examines these mechanisms in order to assess whether the Council is adhering to its founding principles and whether it is effectively protecting and promoting human rights.
The Inflation of the Margin of Appreciation by the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Kratochvíl Jan
Published: April 2017

The doctrine of the margin of appreciation, despite being repeatedly used by the European Court of Human Rights, is still to some extent mysterious. Given the doctrine's ambiguity, this article first endeavours to describe it and identify its different usages. It then argues that there is an inflation of the doctrine by its unnecessary application in a number of cases. This excessive use is considered to be unfortunate because the doctrine has a role to play in specifically circumscribed circumstances where it varies the strictness of scrutiny conducted by the Court. Based on the existent case law of the Court, the article provides a set of distinct tests that the Court can apply when invoking a particular margin of appreciation and argues for a predictable and consistent use of the doctrine.
An Analysis of China's Statements on Human Rights at the United Nations (2000–2010)
Authors: Kinzelbach Katrin
Published: April 2017

This article examines whether and how the People's Republic of China challenges international human rights norms based on a qualitative analysis of human rights debates at the United Nations in the period 2000–2010. The study differentiates between framing and implication contests and is focused on China's statements on four main issues: the validity of norms; the UN's monitoring of human rights compliance; the relationship between sovereignty and human rights; and the interaction of civil and political with economic, social and cultural rights. China's human rights diplomacy at the United Nations is shown to be highly consistent; it primarily contests implications of human rights rather than the norms themselves. Although China has so far not provided an alternative normative frame to human rights, it is argued that the contestation is nonetheless serious as it facilitates a gradual erosion of established norms and instruments.
An Empirical Look at the Amicus Curiae Practice of Human Rights NGOs before the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Van den Eynde Laura
Published: April 2017

This article explores the practice of third-party interventions by human rights nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Although permitted for over two decades, this practice has not been exhaustively documented. The approach adopted in this research has been to carefully review the Court's database and to collect the amicus curiae briefs themselves, ranging from 1986 to 2013. This approach enables an accurate depiction of the amicus curiae activity before the Court in terms of figures. First, this research confirms the numerical increase of amicus participation. A little more than 140 human rights NGOs have been identified as third-party interveners before the Court: in addition to the traditional UK-based charities and large transnational human rights organisations, the Court is more and more confronted with the presence of smaller and more specialized groups, as well as, recently, conservative groups. Finally, the results challenge the assumption that the presence of human rights NGOs acting as amici increases the likelihood that the Court finds a violation.
Welfare State Reform and Social Rights
Authors: De Schutter Olivier
Published: April 2017

In all rich countries, though at different speeds, the Welfare State has been going through an important reform process since the mid-1990s. We have witnessed a gradual merger between social assistance and unemployment assistance, as the former was made increasingly conditional upon the beneficiary actively seeking work and as the levels and the duration of unemployment benefits were drastically lowered; a contractualisation of the relationship between job-seekers and public employment agencies, with a view to “responsibilising” both; and the imposition of a duty to accept “suitable” employment, with a generally broadened definition of what is suitable employment, based on the idea that the job-seeker should be “flexible” and encouraged to adapt to the exigencies of the employment market. This article assessses the contribution of human rights bodies to the discussion about the transformation of welfare. It makes three proposals explaining how the human rights response could be strengthened and made more relevant.
Government-Sponsored Population Policies and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Pereira Ricardo
Published: April 2017

This paper examines whether indigenous peoples' right to reproductive autonomy can be established from the right to self-determination and to health under international human rights law, and the extent to which their reproductive health rights can be effectively protected against government-sponsored population policies. Historically there have been instances of government population policies targeting specifically or primarily indigenous peoples. This includes the US sterilisation programmes in the 1970s and Australia's removal of Aboriginal children to live with foster white families (1900–1969), as well as in more recent years Peru's family planning programme (1996–2000). The past decade has seen some important developments in this field, in particular the Australian Government's symbolically important ‘apology’ to the ‘Stolen Generation’ in 2008, and the proposal for a state Stolen Generations (Compensation) Bill 2014, which, if adopted, could provide a measure of reparation for past policies. At the global level a number of important initiatives on population policies have developed, the most recent being the second international conference on population and development in Cairo in 2014. This paper argues that the right to self-determination, to health and to prior and informed consent, which includes the right to self-government and autonomy, must also include the indigenous right to reject government policies that subject communities to birth control programmes.
Proposals for Improving the UN Human Rights Programme
Authors: Nowak Manfred
Published: April 2017

The second World Conference on Human Rights to be held in Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993 has the chance of making use of the increased commitment to human rights, of many governments in both the North and the South for the goal of strengthening the UN human rights mechanisms by means of far-reaching reforms. In this article proposals are presented for improving the UN human rights program. The main features of the proposals are the transformation of the Trusteeship Council into a Human Rights Council with an overall mandate for the promotion, protection, prevention and enforcement of human rights; the establishment of a new Human Rights Commission, composed of independent experts, as the main UN body responsible for identifying future human rights violations and making recommendations to the Council for efficient preventive action. Situations of gross and systematic violations of human rights, identified as such by the Human Rights Council should in all cases be regarded as matters falling within the competence of the Security Council and requiring enforcement actions by that body. Other proposals concern a consolidated reporting procedure before an enlarged Human Rights Committee and the examination of individual and inter-State complaints by a UN Court of Human Rights. Furthermore, the creation of an International Criminal Court with a general jurisdiction for all crimes under international law and the establishment of a Special Commissioner for Human Rights is suggested. This Commissioner, in addition to carrying out human rights documentation, research, training and a development cooperation programme, should be entrusted with an independent mandate to initiate procedures for the prevention, protection and enforcement of human rights.
Are Collective Rights Anti-Human?
Authors: Juviler Peter
Published: April 2017

This essay first establishes necessary distinctions among collective group and solidarity rights, so as to bring out the potentially explosive import of collective rights to ‘internal’ self-determination. There follow arguments to this effect against recognizing collective rights to ethnic self-determination. In the words of one strong critique of ‘internal’ self-determination, it ‘(1) hinders the self-determination of individuals; (2) it prevents the recognition of mutual needs and interests between people within existing political communities; and (3) it exacerbates international tensions by giving just cause to all nationalist claims to statehood.’ In short, this critique goes, claims of collective rights to ethnic self-determination are anti-human because a threat to individual human rights, anti-human threats to existing diverse communities, and anti-human threats to peace. Arguing against this viewpoint with the situation in the post-Soviet successor states particularly in mind, the essay closes with reflections on implications of its arguments for law and action.
The Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Foreign Policy in the Netherlands
Authors: Flinterman C. , Klerk Y.S.
Published: April 2017

In this article an overview is given of the functioning of the Dutch Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Foreign Policy. First, the history of the Advisory Committee and its institutional aspects is described. Subsequently, a survey of the advisory reports which the Advisory Committee has published so far and of their effects is given. Finally, the authors say a few words about the usefulness of a commission like the Advisory Committee and look into its future.
Root Causes and International Law: Refugee Flows in the 1990's
Authors: Gilbert Geoff
Published: April 2017

This article calls for a change of approach with regard to dealing with the refugee flows seen in the 1980s and 1990s and focuses on tackling the root causes of such flows. As such, it represents a move away from considering refugees merely in relation to rights s/he might be accorded in the receiving state. Experience tells us that there are three major causes of refugee flows: gross human rights violations, wars and natural disasters. The paper seeks to examine ways to mitigate / prevent the gross human rights violations, wars and the effects of natural disasters which are the root causes of refugee flows. Some of this involves enforcement of pertinent laws ( e.g. Geneva Conventions of 1949), but may require non-legal action, such as trade penalties for violating states and a reduction in the arms trade. Furthermore, other steps include greater use of intervention and early warning mechanisms and imposing responsibility on the source state for causing the flow.
Rethinking Sex Equality as a Human Right
Authors: Loenen Titia
Published: April 2017

This article critically examines the way the principle of sex equality is interpreted by several international, (quasi) judicial bodies. It argues that the current, mainly formal approach to equality and discrimination is in need of a fundamental reinterpretation towards a more substantive one, as formal equality often leads to the exclusion of those, like women, who do not fit the dominant models or standards. Though the role of the courts in striving for substantive legal equality is necessarily limited given the division of powers between the courts and the legislature in the democratic state, courts can contribute more than they currently do. In this respect it is held that the concept of indirect discrimination as developed in the case law of the ECJ provides openings for a more substantive approach to equality and discrimination and should be adopted by human rights courts as well. Further, the article argues for a new, asymmetrical model of equality analysis, based on the acknowledgement that the prohibition of discrimination is primarily directed at protecting historically ‘sensitive’ groups (like women), that is groups which have experienced or are still experiencing systemic forms of discrimination and disadvantage and not just isolated instances of disadvantageous treatment.
Scientists & Human Rights: An Historical Partnership
Authors: Claude Richard Pierre
Published: April 2017

Assuming that science and human values are inextricably intertwined, this essay reviews the historical origins of ‘science activism’ and some of the debates linked to the modern concept of the ‘citizen scientist’. The post-World War II period is shown to be a turning point toward enlarged notions of scientific responsibility, newly informed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Scientists contributed to debate over the need for such a Declaration in 1948, and have ever increasingly come to rely on its protection, as seen by contemporary examples of scientists and science associations in one country invoking human rights norms to protest political repression of scientists in other countries. Moreover, recent technological and cultural changes are linked not only to scientists defending abused colleagues overseas, called for by the late Andre Sakharov, but more positively, examples are given of science in the service of human rights.
The Draft UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: What is it? What Does it Mean?
Authors: Coulter Robert T.
Published: April 2017

The draft UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, now before the UN Commission on Human Rights, is a far-reaching and innovative document that has resulted from more than 10 years of debate, lobbying and drafting by indigenous representatives, human rights experts and members of the UN Sub-Commission's Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The level and nature of indigenous participation in this elaboration of human rights standards has been unprecedented. The draft Declaration sets forth basic human rights that flow from long-established principles of international law and widely accepted concepts of human rights. The detailed provisions of the draft Declaration would reach out to protect indigenous communities as well as indigenous individuals from the discrimination, the deprivations and the abuses that they so often endure. The author praises the draft for its thoroughness and adherence to principle. The article summarizes and analyses the provisions of the draft Declaration and calls for others to provide futher commentary and analysis.
The Right to the Environment. Emerging Implications in Theory and Praxis
Authors: Prakash Sanjeev
Published: April 2017

In this article the author describes recent thinking and development concerning a human right to the environment. The general framing of the linkage between human rights and the environment and the uncertainty and complexity of scientific knowledge about environmental problems have both contributed to an amount of contention over the value of a right to the environment. The article analyzes the linkage between human rights and processes of environment and development and discusses the relevance of environmental issues to the observance of established rights such as those to life and health. It then explores the definition, scope, substance and procedural aspects of the proposed right to the environment. While there is a growing consensus that the right to the environment can essentially be taken as a procedural right, the procedures and mechanisms through which it is monitored, supervised and enforced will take time to evolve. In an afterword the author reflects on some characteristic responses to the introduction of ‘new’ rights into the present human rights framework.
Church-Based Recruitment to Reach Korean Immigrants: An Integrative Review
Authors: Park Chorong , Jang Myoungock , Nam Soohyun , Grey Margaret , Whittemore Robin
Published: April 2017

Although the Korean church has been frequently used to recruit Korean immigrants in research, little is known about the specific strategies and process. The purpose of this integrative review was to describe recruitment strategies in studies of Korean immigrants and to identify the process of Korean church-based recruitment. Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Four stages of church-based recruitment were identified: initiation, endorsement, advertisement, and implementation. This review identified aspects of the church-based recruitment process in Korean immigrants, which are different from the Black and Hispanic literature, due to their hierarchical culture and language barriers. Getting permission from pastors and announcing the study by pastors at Sunday services were identified as the key components of the process. Using the church newsletter to advertise the study was the most effective strategy for the advertisement stage. Despite several limitations, church-based recruitment is a very feasible and effective way to recruit Korean immigrants.
L-Carnitine supplementation to reverse hyperammonemia in a patient undergoing chronic valproic acid treatment: A case report
Authors: Maldonado Cecilia , Guevara Natalia , Silveira Alicia , Fagiolino Pietro , Vázquez Marta
Published: April 2017

Valproic acid is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant that has also gained attention in the psychiatric setting. With respect to safety, valproic acid may induce a seemingly rare condition, hyperammonemia, which can induce a wide variety of symptoms ranging from irritability to coma. The proposed mechanism of hyperammonemia involves depletion of carnitine and overproduction of a toxic metabolite, 4-en-valproic acid, both of which impair the urea cycle and thus ammonia elimination. Carnitine is a commonly used antidote for acute intoxication of valproic acid, but is not a therapeutic option for management of chronic adults with adverse effects related to valproic acid. We herein report a case involving a woman with epilepsy who developed hyperammonemia after a change in her anticonvulsant therapy. She reported increased seizures and gastrointestinal disturbances. Her ammonia, valproic acid, 4-en-valproic acid, and carnitine levels were monitored. Her ammonia level was elevated and her carnitine level was at the inferior limit of the population range. She was supplemented with carnitine at 1 g/day. After 1 month, her ammonia level decreased, her carnitine level increased, and her seizures were better controlled. Carnitine supplementation was useful for reversal of her hyperammonemia, allowing her to continue valproic acid for seizure control.
The Importance of Space and Time in Aggravated Assault Victimization
Authors: Breetzke Gregory D.
Published: April 2017

Interpersonal crimes such as aggravated assault greatly impacts upon an individuals’ sense of personal safety and security as the crime results in a physical injury. Understanding where and when aggravated assaults are most likely to occur is therefore vital to minimize the victimization risk associated with this crime. The main aim of this study is to explore the relative importance of space and time in aggravated assault victimization. This was done using national level aggravated assault data (2008-2010) obtained from New Zealand Police and census data from Statistics New Zealand. Both the spatial and temporal distribution of aggravated assault are outlined to examine their association with aggravated assault victimization. Aggravated assault is found to cluster in space but not in time. The relationships between aggravated assault risk in space and time and a suite of social, economic, and lifestyle variables was then examined. A clear socioeconomic gradient was found between aggravated assault risk by space and all neighborhood characteristics with high-risk neighborhoods having greater residential mobility and ethnic/racial diversity, as well as being more deprived, having higher rates of unemployment, and lower median household incomes. No clear pattern emerged between aggravated assault by time and the selected neighborhood characteristics. The policy implications of these findings in terms of policing and diversity conclude.
“Our Victims Define Our Borders”: Commemorating Yugoslav Partisans in the Italo-Yugoslav Borderland
Authors: Klabjan Borut
Published: April 2017

This article is part of the special section titled From the Iron Curtain to the Schengen Area, guest edited by Wolfgang Mueller and Libora Oates-Indruchová.

This article discusses local cultures of remembrance of Yugoslav partisans fallen during World War II in Trieste, now part of Italy, and investigates the role of memory activists in managing vernacular memory over time. The author analyses the interplay between memory and the production of space, something which has been neglected in other studies of memory formation. On the basis of local newspaper articles, archival material, and oral interviews, the essay examines the ideological imprint on the local cultural landscape, contributing to a more complex understanding of memory engagement. The focus is on grassroots initiatives rather than state-sponsored heritage projects. This article argues that memory initiatives are not solely the outcome of national narratives and top–down ideological impositions. It shows that official narratives have to negotiate with vernacular forms of memory engagement in the production of a local mnemonic landscape.
The Complex Association Between Fear of Falling and Mobility Limitation in Relation to Late-Life Falls: A SHARE-Based Analysis
Authors: Litwin Howard , Erlich Bracha , Dunsky Ayelet
Published: April 2017

Objective: This study examines fear of falling (FOF) in relation to falls in light of mobility limitation. Method: Data on community-dwelling older Europeans, aged 65+, were drawn from two consecutive waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The analysis regressed fall status in 2013 on reported FOF 2 to 3 years earlier, controlling for previous falls. Results: FOF predicted subsequent falls when mobility limitation was low to moderate. However, the effect of FOF on fall probability was reversed when mobility limitation was high. Discussion: The analysis underscores a complex association between FOF and mobility limitation in relation to late-life falls. People who are worried about falling tend to fall more. Those having high mobility limitation but lacking FOF are also more likely to fall. In cases of considerable mobility limitation, FOF may act as a protective buffer. The less worried in this group, however, may be subject to greater falling, and thus require greater attention.
The science of therapeutic images
Authors: Cummings Connor
Published: April 2017

The Netherne Hospital in Surrey is perhaps the most prestigious site in the history of British art therapy, associated with the key figures Edward Adamson and Eric Cunningham Dax, whose pioneering work involved the setting-up of a large studio for psychiatric patients to create expressive paintings. What is little-known, however, is the work of the designated scientist for psychiatric research, Hungarian Jewish émigré Francis Reitman, who was charged with an overall scientific analysis of the artistic products of the studio. Schooled in the biological psychiatric tradition of Ladislas J. Meduna in Budapest prior to his exile to the Maudsley Hospital in 1938 – and committed to treatments such as leucotomy and electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) – Reitman was an unusual candidate for research into the unconscious processes behind art and psychosis. Yet he authored two highly popular and widely reviewed books on his analyses of the abundant artistic output created by patients with schizophrenic diagnoses at the Netherne. In his Psychotic Art (1950) and Insanity, Art and Culture (1954), Reitman compared such schizophrenic images with those produced by artists under the influence of mescaline and examined the artistic output of patients having undergone leucotomy. This article draws on archival materials and Reitman’s original research publications in order to reconstruct his theory of schizophrenic art within the complex context of postwar British psychiatry, negotiating as he did between biologically reductive understandings of Freudian and Jungian psychoanalytic categories, and ultimately synthesizing concepts from both. It also analyses Reitman’s implicit theory of the therapeutic mechanism of art in the treatment of psychiatric patients.
Multistage rotational optimization using unified Jacobian–Torsor model in aero-engine assembly
Authors: Ding Siyi , Jin Sun , Li Zhimin , Chen Hua
Published: April 2017

For revolving components like compressor stages in aero-engine, it is critical to ensure that the overall concentric performance of the assembly is extremely excellent to satisfy the requirements of vibration-free and noise-free. However, in practical production, it is hard to meet the target requirement by manual adjustments; in virtual assembly, it is difficult to build an effective deviation propagation model with traditional methods. This article focuses on two points: one is the assembly technique of multistage rotational optimization and the other is the deviation propagation model for revolving components assembly. The revolution joint was introduced in the unified Jacobian–Torsor model to provide the rotary regulating effects. This modified model has advantages of being able to consider rotating optimization, geometric tolerance, and percentage contribution compared with other mathematical methods. General formulas for the n-stage components assembly were derived including the deviation propagation function and optimization destination expression. Comparisons between three assembly techniques and experiments were made to prove the suggested method was feasible and of high practicability. It can be integrated with computer-aided design systems to propose assistance for operators in assembling stage or redesign parts tolerances where FEs’ percentage contributions can be obtained in design preliminary stage.
Effect of titanium nitride coating for improvement of fire resistivity of polymer composites for aerospace application
Authors: Venkatesan Ganesh , Jithin PR , Rajan T Vignesh , Pitchan Mohan Kumar , Bhowmik Shantanu , Rane R , Mukherjee S
Published: April 2017

A significant attempt has been made to enhance the flammability property of polymer composites that are used in the aircraft structural application. With cumulative interest in carbon fabric reinforced epoxy polymeric composites, it is imperative to enhance the fire-resistant property of these materials. In this context, work has been carried out to investigate the improvement in the fire resistance property of epoxy/carbon fabric reinforced laminate using titanium nitride as a coating material. In addition, the influence of thickness of the coating over the improvement in the fire resistance properties was also studied using cone calorimeter test. X-ray diffraction spectrum confirms the titanium nitride coating over the surface of the composites. Thermogravimetric analysis of uncoated and coated epoxy/carbon fabric laminate of 3.24 µm shows the decomposition temperature of 325 ℃ and 340 ℃, respectively. By increasing the coating thickness of the titanium nitride to 0.01 mm, there is an increase in the decomposition temperature, which is around 360 ℃. Limiting oxygen index value of the uncoated and varied thickness coated epoxy/carbon fabric laminate evidently shows that increase in the thickness of the titanium nitride coating leads to enhancement of the limiting oxygen index value up to 15%. Time-to-ignition has also been calculated theoretically by employing the linear conduction theory, which revealed an upsurge of 65 s when compared to basic epoxy/carbon fabric composites. The above findings visibly designate that the titanium nitride coating as well as the coating thickness significantly plays a vital role in improving the fire resistance property of epoxy/carbon fabric laminates.
Environmental changes related to the 8.2-ka event and other climate fluctuations during the middle Holocene: Evidence from two dystrophic lakes in NE Poland
Authors: Fiłoc Magdalena , Kupryjanowicz Mirosława , Szeroczyńska Krystyna , Suchora Magdalena , Rzodkiewicz Monika
Published: April 2017

Multi-proxy palaeoecological data (pollen, diatom, Cladocera) about the environment during the middle-Holocene from Suchar II and Suchar Wielki, dystrophic lakes, in NE Poland are presented. Fluctuations in the pollen concentration, indicative of changes in pollen productivity and shifts in woodland composition, document the considerable instability of the climate in NE Poland between 9200 and 5750 cal. yr BP. The recognised colder events were dated to ca. 9050–8950, 8700–7800, 7600–7250, 7100–6600 and 6050–5900 cal. yr BP. All these coolings are expressed as decreases in the pollen concentration of thermophilous taxa such as Corylus avellana, Ulmus, Quercus, Tilia cordata t. and Fraxinus exelsior. The most pronounced was the second of these cold climatic anomalies, which lasted about nine centuries and can be equated with the 8.2-ka event. Significant cooling at that time is confirmed by the appearance of cold-water species of cladocerans and diatoms.
Caring in nursing homes to promote autonomy and participation
Authors: Hedman Maria , Häggström Elisabeth , Mamhidir Anna-Greta , Pöder Ulrika
Published: April 2017

Background:

Autonomy and participation are threatened within the group of older people living in nursing homes. Evidence suggests that healthcare personnel act on behalf of older people but are still excluding them from decision-making in everyday care.

Objective:

The purpose was to describe registered nurses’ experience of caring for older people in nursing homes to promote autonomy and participation.

Research design:

A descriptive design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews. Analysis was inspired by Giorgi’s method.

Participants and research context:

A total of 13 registered nurses from 10 nursing homes participated.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical approval was obtained from the Regional Research Ethics Committee. Informed consent was achieved and confidentiality guaranteed.

Findings:

The essence of caring for older people in nursing homes to promote autonomy and participation consisted of registered nurses’ awareness of older people’s frailty and the impact of illness to support health and well-being, and awareness of acknowledgement in everyday life and trusting relationships. Paying attention to older people by being open to the persons’ wishes were aspects that relied on registered nurses’ trusting relationships with older people, their relatives and surrounding healthcare personnel. The awareness reflected challenges in caring to promote older people’s right to autonomy and participation in nursing homes. Registered nurses’ strategies, hopes for and/or concerns about development of everyday life in nursing homes were revealed and mirrored their engagement in caring for older people.

Discussion and conclusion:

Awareness of older people’s frailty in nursing homes and the importance of maintained health and well-being were described as the main source for promoting autonomy and participation. Everyday life and care in nursing homes needs to be addressed from both older people’s and healthcare personnel’s perspectives, to promote autonomy and participation for residents in nursing homes.
Beyond Brand Personality: Building Consumer–Brand Emotional Relationship
Authors: Becheur Imene , Bayarassou Oula , Ghrib Hela
Published: April 2017

This research aims to study the relationships between brand personality and commitment towards brands. More specifically, the study objective is to determine whether brand personality is the antecedent of brand love, and then, if brand love has an impact on affective commitment to the brand. The methodology used is purely quantitative involving a sample of 210 respondents who were asked to indicate their perception about brand love, brand personality and emotional commitment towards seven global brands which enjoy string awareness with the target sample: Coca-Cola, Converse, Hello Kitty, Nina Ricci, Nutella, PlayStation and Starbucks. Measurement scales were adopted from the literature related to the concept of brand personality and its subsequent relation with two major emotional factors: love and commitment. Results show significant relationships between the agreeableness dimension of brand personality and brand love. The significance and magnitude of these relationships vary across the brands. Results also demonstrate an impact of brand love on emotional commitment to the brand for the overall research model but not for each brand studied separately. This article has relevant managerial implications since it demonstrates that the nature and the strength of the relationship that consumers hold with brands, is directly affected by brand personality. Thus, the current study will help marketers to understand the need of having agreeable brands when companies thrive to create love and affective commitment to their brands. This can be used in developing positioning strategies for the brands.
Tumor collision of uterine adenocarcinoma and leiomyosarcoma in a goat
Authors: Dockweiler Jenna C. , Cossic Brieuc , McDonough Sean P. , Fubini Susan L. , Le Kayla M. , Donnelly Callum G. , Gilbert Robert O. , Cheong Soon Hon
Published: April 2017

An aged mixed-breed goat doe was presented with a 9-mo history of serosanguineous vaginal discharge. Vaginal speculum examination revealed serosanguineous discharge but otherwise no abnormalities. Transrectal ultrasonography showed normal ovaries and multifocal cystic lesions within the uterus. Ovariohysterectomy was recommended because of a strong suspicion of neoplasia. Multiple, non-resectable masses were noted in and around the uterus intraoperatively, and euthanasia was elected. Autopsy revealed multiple masses within the uterus, cervix, and lung parenchyma. Histologically, the masses within the uterus represented a likely collision tumor of primary adenocarcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. Our report highlights the importance of obtaining biopsy samples of all masses because the lesions described showed significantly different biological behavior. This information is vital to guide treatment and prognosis.
Congenital amelanotic melanoma in a crossbred heifer calf
Authors: Winslow Christine M. , Wood Jason , Gilliam John N. , Breshears Melanie A.
Published: April 2017

A large, pedunculated cutaneous mass protruding from the left flank fold and an enlarged left prefemoral lymph node were found on examination of a 3-d-old crossbred Aberdeen Angus heifer. The calf was asymptomatic aside from peripheral lymphadenopathy, and the mass, along with the left prefemoral lymph node, was surgically excised. Histologic examination of the mass and the lymph node revealed a homogeneous population of neoplastic cells that stained positively with immunohistochemical stains S100 and melan A, supporting a diagnosis of congenital amelanotic melanoma with nodal metastasis. Two months later, the calf became acutely recumbent and was euthanized after clinical examination revealed widespread metastasis. Gross autopsy revealed widely disseminated metastases that involved vertebral bodies, spinal cord, heart, kidneys, lungs, oral mucosa, multiple lymph nodes, and the marrow cavity of several long bones. Our case serves as a reminder that, although rare, congenital neoplasms occur in bovids and have the potential for aggressive, metastatic behavior.
Experimental characterization of a dielectric elastomer fluid pump and optimizing performance via composite materials
Authors: Ho Sheldon , Banerjee Hritwick , Foo Yoke Yin , Godaba Hareesh , Aye Winn Maung Maung , Zhu Jian , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: April 2017

Dielectric elastomer is a class of soft actuators with exceptionally high strain capabilities and energy density. It is being studied for wide range of various applications and has been hypothesized to be a good material for biomedical blood pumps. We performed experimental characterization of a simple dielectric elastomer fluid pump to test this feasibility. We achieved substantial flow rates (10 mL/s) and actuation pressure (45 mm Hg) and found that dielectric elastomer fluid pump performance can exhibit significant resonance effects, with drastic reduction in performance at non-resonance frequencies. The elastomer, VHB™, a soft acrylic polymer, is frequently used to fabricate dielectric elastomer due to high deformation abilities and dielectric constant but has a well-known shortcoming of high viscoelasticity, which severely limited the dielectric elastomer pumps’ performance except at very low frequencies. In this study, we demonstrated that the introduction of a thin elastic and non-viscous layer to the VHB, such as latex, to form a composite dielectric elastomer could address this limitation. The composite dielectric elastomer pump has an increased resonance frequency, significantly improved performances at frequencies of 0.75–2 Hz, and higher maximum achievable actuation volume, flow rate, actuation pressures, and power output. Remaining challenges of realizing a dielectric elastomer blood pump are discussed.
Provider and Patient Determinants of Generic Levothyroxine Prescribing: An Electronic Health Records–Based Study
Authors: Romanelli Robert J. , Nimbal Vani , Dutcher Sarah K. , Pu Xia , Segal Jodi B.
Published: April 2017

Background: Despite the availability of generic levothyroxine products for more than a decade, uptake of these products is poor. Objective: We sought to evaluate determinants of generic prescribing of levothyroxine. Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis of electronic health records data between 2010 and 2013, we identified adult patients with a levothyroxine prescription from a primary-care physician (PCP) or endocrinologist. We used mixed-effect logistic regression models with random intercepts for prescribing provider to examine predictors of generic levothyroxine prescribing. Models include patient, prescription, and provider fixed-effect covariates. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were generated. Between-provider random variation was quantified by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Study patients (n = 63 838) were clustered among 941 prescribing providers within 25 ambulatory care clinics. The overall prevalence of generic prescribing of levothyroxine was 73%. In the multivariable mixed-effect model, patients were significantly less likely to receive generic levothyroxine from an endocrinologist than a PCP (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.33-0.55; P < 0.001). Women were less likely to receive generic levothyroxine than men from endocrinologists (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.59-0.78; P < 0.001) but not from PCPs. Between-provider variation in generic prescribing was 18.3% in the absence of fixed-effect covariates and could be explained marginally by patient, prescription, and provider factors (ICC = 15.9%). Conclusions: Generic levothyroxine prescribing differed by PCPs and endocrinologists. Residual variation in generic prescribing, after accounting for measurable factors, indicates the need for provider interventions or patient education aimed at improving levothyroxine generic uptake.
Democracy, Policy Interdependence, and Labor Rights
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan
Published: April 2017

In this study, I examine how domestic regimes mitigate pressure from economically competing states to reduce the protection of labor rights. I argue that democratic states provide higher protection and are more resistant to this downward policy pressure for two main reasons. Directly, democracy empowers workers through freedom of association and enfranchisement. Indirectly, democracy offers better protection of property rights, which lessens the need to use labor rights as an economic incentive. I also argue that this resistance to the downward pressure is more pronounced in practice than in law. These expectations are supported through spatial analyses of a new global dataset on association and collective-bargaining rights for the period 1994–2012. The results remain robust to alternative measures of labor rights, different model specifications, and various econometric estimators.
Destination Image Versus Risk Perception
Authors: Perpiña Laura , Camprubí Raquel , Prats Lluís
Published: April 2017

The literature on destination image and risk perception studies was reviewed to provide tourism researchers with a summary of the key cognitive attributes identified in both literatures. A content analysis was conducted, and the main findings revealed an overlap between the attributes assessing each concept in terms of cognition. This is due to the fact that image studies tend to describe the attributes of tourism destinations positively, whereas risk studies tend to adopt the negative version of them. Theoretical implications and suggestions for future research studies are discussed.