bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Public Role of Religion in Modern Ghanaian Society
Authors: Max-Wirth Comfort
Published: June 2018

This article lends its voice to the discussion on Charles Taylor’s Varieties of Religion Today: William James Revisited, which critiques William James’s view that the public dimensions of religion will be less real and less necessary and, therefore, will decrease in modern societies. The article uses Ghana as a case study to show that religion is still a public phenomenon in modern African societies. Religion has always been a crucial part of Ghanaian public life, including politics, although today it finds expression in the context of pentecostal Christianity. As the religious phenomenon with the strongest presence in contemporary Ghana, Pentecostalism informs the lives of many. Nowadays, during political elections, voters would consider whether or not a candidate exhibits pentecostal religious qualities in deciding to vote him or her into office. Likewise, politicians use religious communities and leaders for the purposes of mobilizing voters or organizing constituencies. Furthermore, religious language has come to dominate political discourse and debates with politicians casting their messages and visions in religious (mostly biblical) imagery and allusions to appeal to worshipping populations both imaginatively and emotionally. In demonstrating the increasing public quality of religion in modern societies, this article identifies some of the strategies Ghanaian politicians use to play on the pentecostal imaginations of the Ghanaian populace, all in a bid to secure political power. This article argues that while religion is a private experience in modern Western societies, it is public and mainstream and influences almost all facets of life in modern Africa, particularly Ghanaian politics.
Finland’s Changing Stance on Armed Measures: How Does it Correspond to International Law?
Authors: Tuura Heini
Published: June 2018

The article examines the effects of Bill HE 72/2016 (‘Act on the Provision and Reception of International Assistance’), which was introduced in spring 2016 by the incumbent Finnish Government. The Bill inducts notable changes to Finland’s policy on armed activities. Due to legislative constraints, the State was previously almost completely incapable of both requesting and delivering international help that amounted to armed measures. Bill HE 72/2016 aims to drastically change this position, and thus enables a wide range of armed activities. While a legislative change is warranted, the effects of the Bill may be far more far-stretching than anticipated by its drafters. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine if the Bill manages to properly regulate the new Finnish position on armed measures, and what improvements it could have benefitted from.
Ongoing Tension in the Air
Authors: Lee Jae Woon , Li Xiongfeng
Published: June 2018

Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) requires foreign aircrafts to identify themselves to local authorities and maintain contact with air traffic control while in the zone. ADIZ has an ambiguous legal grounding in international law. Since its inception, no comprehensive discussion on the topic has been conducted in the area of international law. When China declared its ADIZ over the waters off its eastern seaboard in November 2013, ADIZ suddenly received much attention. Although the conflict has come to a lull at the moment, a tinderbox still exists in the region and many legal questions about ADIZ remain. Although the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council was asked to address the issue of ADIZ, any legal solution from the ICAO Council is hardly anticipated. This article suggests that the ICAO should consider advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality and proportionality of ADIZ.
Local and Remote Responses of Atmospheric and Oceanic Heat Transports to Climate Forcing: Compensation versus Collaboration
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , He Chengfei , Lu Feiyu
Published: June 2018

We present a theoretical study on local and remote responses of atmosphere and ocean meridional heat transports (AHT and OHT, respectively) to climate forcing in a coupled energy balance model. We show that, in general, a surface heat flux forces opposite AHT and OHT responses in the so-called compensation response, while a net heat flux into the coupled system forces AHT and OHT responses of the same direction in the so-called collaboration response. Furthermore, unless the oceanic thermohaline circulation is significantly changed, a remote climate response far away from the forcing region tends to be dominated by the collaboration response, because of the effective propagation of a coupled ocean–atmosphere energy transport mode of collaboration structure. The relevance of our theory to previous CGCM experiments is also discussed. Our theoretical result provides a guideline for understanding of the response of heat transports and the associated climate changes.
Plasma Galectin-3 and Sonographic Measures of Carotid Atherosclerosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Oyenuga Abayomi , Folsom Aaron R. , Fashanu Oluwaseun , Aguilar David , Ballantyne Christie M.
Published: June 2018

Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that plays a role in the regulation of several conditions that are associated with atherosclerosis. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association of plasma galectin-3 concentrations with sonographic measures of carotid atherosclerosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Linear regression was used to determine the difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) by categorical and continuous representations of galectin-3. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio and 95% CI, separately, for dichotomized cIMT (75th percentile = 0.9 mm) and carotid plaque and/or shadowing. Compared to those in the first quintile of galectin-3, those in the fifth quintile of galectin-3 level had higher cIMT (mean difference: 0.020 mm after multivariable adjustment; P trend = .04). Moreover, compared to those in the lowest galectin-3 quintile, those in the highest galectin-3 quintile had higher odds of carotid plaque/and or shadowing (odds ratio 1.13 after multivariable adjustment; P trend = .014). Higher levels of galectin-3 are associated with greater carotid atherosclerosis. Our findings provide support for the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and suggest galectin-3 as a possible target for intervention in the prevention or management of atherosclerotic disease.
Factors Impacting Online Ratings for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Calixto Nathaniel E. , Chiao Whitney , Durr Megan L. , Jiang Nancy
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To identify factors associated with online patient ratings and comments for a nationwide sample of otolaryngologists.

Methods:

Ratings, demographic information, and written comments were obtained for a random sample of otolaryngologists from HealthGrades.com and Vitals.com . Online Presence Score (OPS) was based on 10 criteria, including professional website and social media profiles. Regression analyses identified factors associated with increased rating. We evaluated for correlations between OPS and other attributes with star rating and used chi-square tests to evaluate content differences between positive and negative comments.

Results:

On linear regression, increased OPS was associated with higher ratings on HealthGrades and Vitals; higher ratings were also associated with younger age on Vitals and less experience on HealthGrades. However, detailed correlation studies showed weak correlation between OPS and rating; age and graduation year also showed low correlation with ratings. Negative comments more likely focused on surgeon-independent factors or poor bedside manner.

Conclusion:

Though younger otolaryngologists with greater online presence tend to have higher ratings, weak correlations suggest that age and online presence have only a small impact on the content found on ratings websites. While most written comments are positive, deficiencies in bedside manner or other physician-independent factors tend to elicit negative comments.
Aimless or flexible? Does uncertainty in adolescent occupational expectations matter in young adulthood?
Authors: Sikora Joanna
Published: June 2018

While research on adolescent occupational expectations is voluminous, it either ignores students who do not report any career plans or imputes their answers. Consequently, little is known about the potential consequences that not having clear occupational expectations in adolescence might have for educational and occupational attainment in young adulthood. Therefore, this article presents evidence from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth (LSAY), which followed students between 2006 and 2016, to consider whether occupational uncertainty in this cohort is better understood as strategic role exploration or structured aimlessness. Uncertainty persists over time as students who do not report career plans at age 16 tend to be occupationally uncertain also seven years later. However, it is occupational uncertainty in young adulthood, not in adolescence, that better predicts the lack of university degree and lower expected life-time earnings at age 26.
Being Responsible: How Managers Aim to Implement Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Hunoldt Michael , Oertel Simon , Galander Anne
Published: June 2018

Focusing on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation process, we analyze how institutional complexity that arises from tensions between social and environmental elements and economic and technical concerns is managed by CSR managers. We further question how these micro-level processes interact with organizational-level processes over time. Our research is a 24-month qualitative process study in which we followed CSR managers. The study’s results allow us to distinguish between four strategies that CSR managers use to promote CSR implementation and to cope with tensions. Our results further indicate that organizational characteristics influence the intensity with which these strategies are applied and that the intensity of strategy application affects organizational behavior in the course of time. Through the discussion of these findings, our study contributes to the research on micro-level processes that occur in response to complex institutional demands as well as to the development of a comprehensive, multilevel approach to CSR implementation.
The emergence and evolution of an external actor’s regional role: An interactionist role theory perspective
Authors: Klose Stephan
Published: June 2018

The regional roles external actors play, such as ‘China’s role in Africa’ or ‘the US role in East Asia’, have long been popular subjects of analysis in the international relations literature. Yet, the emergence and evolution of these roles remains remarkably under-theorized. While some ‘new regionalist’ scholars have discussed the dynamics of an external actor’s regional involvement by referring to the concepts of ‘penetration’ and ‘socialization’, neither concept, this article argues, is sufficiently equipped to capture how external actors come to aspire and realize their regional roles. To address this shortcoming, the article employs an interactionist role theory perspective, which draws on the work of social psychologist George Herbert Mead. In following this perspective, the article argues that external actors develop regional role aspirations as they draw on their creativity and reflexivity to overcome experienced uncertainties. To realize these aspirations, the article suggests, external actors seek to cast significant others into corresponding roles. Alter-casting, the article argues in this context, is critical for understanding the (re)constitution of an external actor’s regional role, and thus a region’s social structure.
Acculturative Family Distancing, Mother–Daughter Relationship, and Well-Being Among Asian Americans
Authors: Ko Stacy Y. , Wei Meifen
Published: June 2018

This study examined how mother–daughter connectedness may moderate: (a) the effect of acculturative family distancing (AFD) on psychological well-being (PWB), (b) the effect of mother–daughter conflict on PWB, and (c) the mediation effect of AFD on PWB through mother–daughter conflict. Four hundred and ten Asian American students completed an online survey. Our first hypothesis was not supported; the relation between AFD and PWB was significantly negative for those with higher connectedness but not significant for those with lower connectedness. We found support for the second and third hypotheses, whereby the associations were significantly negative at very low levels of connectedness, significantly positive at very high levels of connectedness, and not statistically significant at low, moderate, or high levels of connectedness. Our findings highlight the protective nature of connectedness in the mother–daughter relationship, which challenges the notion that cultural differences within Asian American families are necessarily associated with negative outcomes.
Increasing flexural performance of hybrid sandwich panels by using strain hardening cementitious base composite and glass fiber-reinforced polymer
Authors: Abdolpour Hassan , Garzón-Roca Julio , Mameghani Pouya HMH
Published: June 2018

The present paper explores different techniques for increasing flexural performance of composite sandwich panels made of hand-layup glass fiber reinforced polymer skins and low density closed cell polyurethane foam core. An experimental program compares the performance of simple panels face to the use of transversal and longitudinal internal glass fiber reinforced polymer ribs and the installation of a strain hardening cementitious base composite top layer over the panels. Based on the experimental results, finite element models are also developed to simulate the flexural behavior of tested panels and conducted an in depth analysis of the techniques studied. Obtained experimental and numerical results show that the use of internal glass fiber reinforced polymer ribs (especially in longitudinal direction) along with the use of strain hardening cementitious base composite significantly and effectively increases the flexural performance of sandwich panels. The high stiffness to weight ratio capacity of the panels attained by applying the proposed method enables its use in rehabilitation of historical places. Furthermore, the proposed techniques could be helpful for strengthening available composite sandwich panels.
Evaluation methods for predicting the elastic constants of C/Epoxy plain-weave composites by considering the realistic mesostructures
Authors: Jiang Shan-yuan , Wang Hao , Wang Zhong-wei
Published: June 2018

Variabilities of mesostructures existing in textile composites can affect their mechanical properties. Most of the deterministic mechanical models are based on the assumptions of ideal Representative Volume Element, which cannot predict the mechanical properties accurately. Two analytical models predicting the elastic constants of C/Epoxy plain-weave composites by considering the realistic mesostructures are presented in this paper. These models utilize the variable metric stochastic theory to introduce the fluctuations of yarn feature parameters (yarn path and elliptical cross-section parameters) into the model of macro elastic properties. C/Epoxy plain-weave composite is taken as an example to quantify the influences of realistic yarn feature parameters on the elastic constants of the composite. The predicted elastic constants by analytical models and finite element method are verified by the results of mechanical experiments. It can be concluded that for C/Epoxy plain-weave composite the stochastic fluctuations of yarn feature parameters reduce in-plane elastic moduli by a maximum of 4%, and increase the in-plane shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio by a maximum of 15% and 33%, respectively.
Numbers and Attitudes towards Welfare State Generosity
Authors: Jensen Carsten , Kevins Anthony
Published: June 2018

Between pro-retrenchment politicians and segments of the media, exaggerated claims about the generous benefits enjoyed by those on welfare are relatively common. But to what extent, and under what conditions, can they actually shape attitudes towards welfare? This study explores these questions via a survey experiment conducted in the UK, examining: (1) the extent to which the value of the claimed figure matters; (2) if the presence of anchoring information about minimum wage income has an impact; and (3) whether these effects differ based on egalitarianism and political knowledge. Results suggest that increasing the size of the claimed figure decreases support in a broadly linear fashion, with anchoring information important only when (asserted) benefit levels are modestly above the minimum wage income. Egalitarianism, in turn, primarily matters when especially low figures are placed alongside information about minimum wage, while low-knowledge respondents were more susceptible to anchoring effects than high-knowledge ones.
Interculturality in the Language Class – Teachers’ Intercultural Practices in Ecuador
Authors: Fernández-Agüero María , Chancay-Cedeño Carlos
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to identify how Ecuadorian university teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) tackle intercultural teaching practice in their classrooms. To this end, we studied the reported intercultural practices of 68 EFL university teachers from Ecuadorian Region 4. Quantitative data drawn from a questionnaire were analysed through descriptive statistics. The results suggest that the activities put into practice emphasize the development of intercultural attitudes rather than knowledge or skills. Furthermore, the data indicate that these teachers often focus on the culture of certain English-speaking countries, but they do not pay sufficient attention to other foreign cultures and give little importance to the students’ local culture, and to the comparison between cultures. In conclusion, these teachers’ reported practices suggest they would benefit from using strategies to introduce and discuss interculturality in their lessons, to raise intercultural awareness and to help their students develop the appropriate skills to deal with intercultural encounters. Indications are provided in this respect.
Network-level comparison of various Forward Collision Warning algorithms
Authors: Tawfeek Mostafa H , El-Basyouny Karim
Published: June 2018

Rear-end collisions represent a quarter to one-third of the total number of collisions occurring on North American roads. Consequently, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) algorithms have been developed to mitigate this type of critical collision by warning drivers about an impending rear-end event. The algorithms are typically tested to ensure their effectiveness in reducing specific events, such as rear-end conflicts and/or collisions, or by assessing the change in the frequency and severity of braking maneuvers. Such assessments are usually microscopic in nature and deal with isolated (independent) situations. This paper aims at assessing six FCW algorithms at a network level with varying market penetration rates using a calibrated micro-simulation model. The algorithms were assessed in terms of their safety (rear-end conflicts frequency), mobility (travel times), and environmental impacts (emissions and fuel consumption). Based on the results of this study, most of the FCW algorithms did not have a significant effect on mobility nor environmental impacts at various market penetration rates. On the contrary, all the algorithms showed significant safety improvements, in terms of reducing rear-end conflicts, as the market penetration rates increased. The only exception was a single algorithm that tends to be more conservative in terms of braking distance. The results showed that situational improvements (on a driver level) caused by using FCW systems will generally translate into systematic improvements (on a network level). This is important due to the anticipated gradual increase in intelligent vehicles, which are expected to be equipped with FCW systems, on our roads soon.
Self-organization models of urban traffic lights based on digital infochemicals
Authors: Zou Guangyu , Yilmaz Levent
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a self-organizing model to design effective traffic signaling strategies in order to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. The proposed traffic signaling system is based on a pattern model of self-organization, i.e., digital infochemicals (DIs), which are analogous to chemical substances that convey information between interactive elements mediated via the environment. In the context of traffic systems, the DIs refer to information generated by vehicles and dissipated by the urban transportation infrastructure. Based on the exploratory analysis with one single intersection, we demonstrate that the DI-based strategy performs significantly better than both the fixed and trigger-based scheduling strategies in terms of queue length and waiting time under both fixed and dynamic traffic demands.
Citoyens, piété et démocratie. Réflexions sur l’occultation des corps croyants, l’intimité et le droit au secret
Authors: Amiraux Valérie
Published: June 2018

This article is based on ongoing fieldwork conducted in France and Quebec with Muslim women who stopped wearing a headscarf. It offers a puzzle for reflection: what is achieved when a sign of religious affiliation disappears (in this instance, wearing a headscarf)? The first part of the article describes the general framework in which public conversations about the visible piety expressed by Muslim women has been discussed in public spaces. The second part looks at the double bind in which Muslim women have been placed by being asked, on the one hand, to be as discrete as possible when expressing their religiosity and, on the other, to behave in full transparency. How and under which conditions can these women ‘find a place’ in the public space (Joseph, 1995) of secular societies? To conclude, the article invites reflection on the role of secrecy, the impossibility as well as the necessity of the secret in society in order to be able to consider the proper room available for pious female citizens in democratic secular societies.
Cultural Tourism Clusters: Social Capital, Relations with Institutions, and Radical Innovation
Authors: Martínez-Pérez Ángela , Elche Dioni , García-Villaverde Pedro M. , Parra-Requena Gloria
Published: June 2018

Radical innovation is a key factor for competitiveness in cultural tourism clusters. There is an open debate about the specific effect of relationships with cluster agents (bonding capital) on radical innovation due to redundancy of information and lock-in. This article aims to identify factors that influence radical innovation in the context of cultural tourism clusters. The empirical study uses original data on 215 firms located in UNESCO World Heritage Cities in Spain. The findings show that relationships with firms outside a cluster (bridging capital) reinforce the positive effect of relationships with agents within a cluster on radical innovation. However, relationships with local institutions weaken this effect. Combining relationships with internal agents and external ones is suggested. This study also advocates a more active role for local institutions as bridging agents.
Seeking the “museum of the future”: Public exhibitions of science, industry, and the social, 1910–1940
Authors: Charles Loïc , Giraud Yann
Published: June 2018

Using as case studies the initiatives developed by two museum curators, the Belgian bibliographer Paul Otlet (1868–1944) and the Austrian social scientist Otto Neurath (1882–1945), and their subsequent collaboration with an extended network of scientists, philanthropists, artists, and social activists, this article provides a portrait of the general movement toward the creation of a new form of museum: the “museum of the future,” as Neurath labeled it. This museum would be able to enlighten the people by showing the nature of modern industrial civilization. The promoters of the “museum of the future” intended to reform museum practices by organizing exhibitions of social facts, but also by integrating several dimensions – architecture, commerce, entertainment, pedagogy, and science and technology – to create a holistic frame to address their audience. However, the effortlessly circulating museum Neurath and Otlet envisioned stood in sharp contrast to the many, often immaterial, boundaries they encountered in their attempt to implement their vision. Ever-growing nationalism, the professionalization of social science, and the increasing commercialization of scientific vulgarization are some of the factors that help explain their failure.
On Frontline Workers as Bureau-Political Actors: The Case of Civil–Military Crisis Management
Authors: Kalkman Jori Pascal , Groenewegen Peter
Published: June 2018

We focus attention on the public policy-making influence of frontline bureaucrats. They are increasingly operating in interorganizational partnerships and networks in which they develop collaborative relations with frontline workers of other public organizations. We theorize that their embeddedness in local interorganizational environments induces and enables them to defy locally inappropriate policies and to pursue locally relevant policies as policy entrepreneurs simultaneously. The case study of policy-making in Dutch civil–military crisis management demonstrates that this “frontline bureaucratic politics” bears considerably on policy outcomes. We conclude that viewing frontline workers as bureau-political actors enhances our understanding of public policy-making in interorganizational arrangements.
The Infectiousness of Crowds: Crowding Experiences Are Amplified by Pathogen Threats
Authors: Wang Iris M. , Ackerman Joshua M.
Published: June 2018

People sometimes perceive social environments as unpleasantly crowded. Previous work has linked these experiences to incidental factors such as being hungry or hot and to the relevance of the social environment for an individual’s current goals. Here, we demonstrate that crowding perceptions and evaluations also depend on specific, active threats for perceivers. Eight studies test whether infectious disease threats, which are associated with crowded conditions, increase such reactions. Across studies, pathogen threat made dense social environments seem more crowded and generated more negative affect toward these environments. These perceptions and negative feelings were more influenced by pathogen threat relative to other threats of physical danger. Finally, reactions to pathogen threat affected people’s choice of crowded versus uncrowded environments to inhabit. This research suggests that interpretations of social environments depend on the unique threats and opportunities those environments afford to individuals.
Experimental evidence of structural representation of hands in early infancy
Authors: Jubran Rachel , White Hannah , Chroust Alyson , Heck Alison , Bhatt Ramesh S.
Published: June 2018

Hands convey important social information, such as an individual’s emotions, goals, and desires, are used to direct attention through pointing, and are a major organ for haptic perception. However, very little is known about infants’ representation of human hands. In Experiment 1, infants tested in a familiarization/novelty preference task discriminated between images of intact hands and images that contained first-order structure distortions (i.e., with locations of fingers altered to result in an unnatural configuration). In Experiment 2, infants tested in a spontaneous preference task exhibited a preference for scrambled hand images over intact images, indicating that 3.5-month-olds have gained sufficient sensitivity to the configural properties of hands to discriminate between intact versus scrambled images without any training in the laboratory. In both procedures, infants’ performance was disrupted by the inversion of images, suggesting that infants’ performance in upright conditions was not based on low-level features. These results indicate that sensitivity to the structure of hands develops early in life. This may lay the foundation for the development of the functional use of hand information for social communication.
Letter to Turing
Authors: Longo Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

This personal, yet scientific, letter to Alan Turing, reflects on Turing's personality in order to better understand his scientific quest. It then focuses on the impact of his work today. By joining human attitude and particular scientific method, Turing is able to “immerse himself” into the phenomena on which he works. This peculiar blend justifies the epistolary style. Turing makes himself a “human computer”, he lives the dramatic quest for an undetectable imitation of a man, a woman, a machine. He makes us see the continuous deformations of a material action/reaction/diffusion dynamics of hardware with no software. Each of these investigations opens the way to new scientific paths with major consequences for contemporary live and for knowledge. The uses and the effects of these investigations will be discussed: the passage from classical AI to today's neural nets, the relevance of non-linearity in biological dynamics, but also their abuses, such as the myth of a computational world, from a Turing-machine like universe to an encoded homunculus in the DNA. It is shown that these latter ideas, which are sometimes even made in Turing's name, contradict his views.
Reliability and Factor Structure of the Maternal Interactive Beliefs Questionnaire Translated into Persian
Authors: Younesian Sharifeh , Sullivan Karen A. , Gilmore Linda , Yadegari Fariba
Published: June 2018

The Maternal Interactive Beliefs Questionnaire (Johnston and Wong, 2002) assesses maternal beliefs about children’s language development. This study investigated the psychometric properties of a Persian translation of this questionnaire. The translation followed the protocol of the World Health Organization. Psychometric properties were evaluated using data from 301 Iranian mothers of children aged two to five years. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the total scores were calculated for comparative purposes, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the underlying structure. A principal component analysis revealed two components (accounting for 14.46% and 7.57% of the variance, respectively). The first component represented supportive maternal beliefs. The second component represented directive maternal beliefs. Cronbach’s alpha for components one, two and the total scores were acceptable (0.73, 0.71, and 0.73, respectively), and the test–retest reliability of the total score was high (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.97). Consistent with previous research, the findings indicated that the translated survey is reliable to be used with Iranian mothers. The novel finding is that the survey has two underlying and theoretically plausible components; therefore, the use of a total scale score is cautioned. We recommend future testing of the two components.
Joint BAP NAPICU evidence-based consensus guidelines for the clinical management of acute disturbance: De-escalation and rapid tranquillisation
Authors: Patel Maxine X , Sethi Faisil N , Barnes Thomas RE , Dix Roland , Dratcu Luiz , Fox Bernard , Garriga Marina , Haste Julie C , Kahl Kai G , Lingford-Hughes Anne , McAllister-Williams Hamish , O’Brien Aileen , Parker Caroline , Paterson Brodie , Paton Carol , Posporelis Sotiris , Taylor David M , Vieta Eduard , Völlm Birgit , Wilson-Jones Charlotte , Woods Laura
Published: June 2018

The British Association for Psychopharmacology and the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care and Low Secure Units developed this joint evidence-based consensus guideline for the clinical management of acute disturbance. It includes recommendations for clinical practice and an algorithm to guide treatment by healthcare professionals with various options outlined according to their route of administration and category of evidence. Fundamental overarching principles are included and highlight the importance of treating the underlying disorder. There is a focus on three key interventions: de-escalation, pharmacological interventions pre-rapid tranquillisation and rapid tranquillisation (intramuscular and intravenous). Most of the evidence reviewed relates to emergency psychiatric care or acute psychiatric adult inpatient care, although we also sought evidence relevant to other common clinical settings including the general acute hospital and forensic psychiatry. We conclude that the variety of options available for the management of acute disturbance goes beyond the standard choices of lorazepam, haloperidol and promethazine and includes oral-inhaled loxapine, buccal midazolam, as well as a number of oral antipsychotics in addition to parenteral options of intramuscular aripiprazole, intramuscular droperidol and intramuscular olanzapine. Intravenous options, for settings where resuscitation equipment and trained staff are available to manage medical emergencies, are also included.
Provably safe robot navigation with obstacle uncertainty
Authors: Axelrod Brian , Kaelbling Leslie Pack , Lozano-Pérez Tomás
Published: June 2018

As drones and autonomous cars become more widespread, it is becoming increasingly important that robots can operate safely under realistic conditions. The noisy information fed into real systems means that robots must use estimates of the environment to plan navigation. Efficiently guaranteeing that the resulting motion plans are safe under these circumstances has proved difficult. We examine how to guarantee that a trajectory or policy has at most [Formula: see text] collision probability ([Formula: see text]-safe) with only imperfect observations of the environment. We examine the implications of various mathematical formalisms of safety and arrive at a mathematical notion of safety of a long-term execution, even when conditioned on observational information. We explore the idea of shadows that generalize the notion of a confidence set to estimated shapes and present a theorem that allows us to understand the relationship between shadows and their classical statistical equivalents such as confidence and credible sets. We present efficient algorithms that use shadows to prove that trajectories or policies are safe with much tighter bounds than in previous work. Notably, the complexity of the environment does not affect our method’s ability to evaluate whether a trajectory or policy is safe. We then use these safety-checking methods to design a safe variant of the rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) planning algorithm.
Short-segment decompression and fixation for thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures with neurological deficits
Authors: Lin Cheng-Li , Chou Po-Hsin , Fang Jing-Jing , Huang Kuo-Yuan , Lin Ruey-Mo
Published: June 2018

Objective

We assessed our results of short-segment decompression and fixation for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficits.

Methods

We evaluated 20 elderly patients (age, 60–89 years; mean, 73.2 years) with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures and neurological deficits. They underwent short-segment decompression and fixation and followed up for 40.6 (range, 24–68) months. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to measure back pain and disability. We also analyzed patients’ radiologic findings and neurological status. Perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

At the latest follow-up, the average VAS score for back pain and ODI scores had significantly improved. The radiologic assessment showed significant improvements in local kyphosis, anterior vertebral height, and the vertebral wedge angle compared with the original measures. Neurological function also improved in 18 of 20 patients. No major complications occurred perioperatively. Our techniques included preservation of the posterior ligament complex, decortication of facet joints for fusion, no tapping to increase the screw insertional torque, pre-contouring of the rods according to the “adaptive” curve obtained from postural reduction, and postoperative spinal bracing.

Conclusions

Posterior short-segment decompression and fixation could be an effective surgical option for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurological deficits.
Impact of daytime continuous veno-venous haemofiltration on treatment of paediatric tumour lysis syndrome
Authors: Wang Yamei , Lu Jing , Tao Yuhong
Published: June 2018

Objective

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is well suited for treating metabolic abnormalities and renal insufficiency associated with tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). However, there is controversy regarding the choice of time for CRRT, the selection of CRRT models, and methods of decreasing complications of CRRT. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of daytime continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) for treating paediatric TLS.

Methods

The clinical features, technique-related complications, and prognosis were prospectively analysed in eight paediatric patients with TLS who were supported by daytime CVVH in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2007 to July 2016.

Results

Seven patients were boys and one was a girl. All of the patients had hyperphosphataemia, and there were four cases of hyperkalaemia, four cases of hyperuricaemia, and two cases of hypocalcaemia. All of the patients received one to 10 CVVH treatments. Urine output, renal function, serum uric acid levels, and potassium, phosphate, and calcium levels returned to normal in all of the patients, but recovery of renal function was relatively slow. No significant adverse reactions were observed. All of the patients recovered and were discharged.

Conclusion

Daytime CVVH is a safe and effective treatment for paediatric TLS.
Application of cystourethroscopy during tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children
Authors: Deng Bifan , Tang Weiguang , Su Feiqun , Li Hua , Lai Wanqiang , Xie Ruibin , Yan Ruqing , Chen Qiangwen , Zhou Lianxing , Liu Shaofeng
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study aimed to describe preliminary experiences associated with removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies (TFBs) by cystourethroscopy (CU).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 127 paediatric cases of TFB removal by CU at our centre from January 2009 to August 2016. Data that were extracted from the medical records included age, sex, location and nature of the TFBs, operation time, and complications.

Results

All TFBs were successfully removed by CU. The mean time of the procedure was 3.38 ± 2.86 minutes. A total of 102 (80.31%) patients had successful removal of TFBs by CU during the initial trial, 19 (14.96%) were successfully treated in the second trial, and six (4.72%) required a third trial. Otolaryngologists with 2, 5, and 7 years of professional CU training showed a mean TFB removal time of 3.38 ± 2.13, 3.40 ± 3.60, and 3.37 ± 2.86 minutes, respectively. In the operations, oxygen saturation fell below 90% at an average occurrence of 0.39 times, but no patients showed a decrease below 85%. Only one patient experienced laryngeal oedema after the procedure.

Conclusion

CU is a useful technique and minimizes complications and operational risks during removal of paediatric TFBs.
Prison Climate and Its Role in Reducing Dynamic Risk Factors During Offender Treatment
Authors: Stasch Joanna , Yoon Dahlnym , Sauter Julia , Hausam Joscha , Dahle Klaus-Peter
Published: June 2018

Although several offender treatment experts have suggested that therapeutic relationships play an important role in offender treatment, empirical finding supporting those arguments are scarce. The present study has therefore examined the relationship between prison climate, treatment motivation, and their influence on changes in risk factors in N = 215 inmates and detainees in four correctional facilities in Berlin, Germany. The inmates’ perception of prison climate significantly correlated with their attitudes towards treatment. More positive climate in terms of therapeutic hold and more positive treatment attitude in terms of trust in therapy were also the best predictors of stronger decreases in dynamic risk factors measured by the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R). Our results support the importance of treatment relationship factors within the course of offender rehabilitation.
Misconduct Within the “Four Walls”: Does Organizational Justice Matter in Explaining Prison Officers’ Misconduct and Job Stress?
Authors: Boateng Francis D. , Hsieh Ming-Li
Published: June 2018

Primarily, this article examines the role of organizational justice in understanding prison officers’ behavior. The authors surveyed 169 correctional officers across five correctional facilities in Ghana to explore the role of three organizational justice dimensions in prison misconduct and job stress. Results from the negative binomial and ordinal logistic analyses revealed the significant contributions of two dimensions of organizational justice in explaining misconduct and stress among officers. Officers who had higher perceptions of distributive fairness and interaction in the organization had lower odds of receiving misconduct-related complaints. Also, greater interaction was found to be associated with reduced job stress among prison officers. In addition, several officers’ characteristics were found to predict the number of times officers received misconduct complaints.
Vancouver Declaration on Global Headache Patient Advocacy 2018
Authors: Dodick David , Edvinsson Lars , Makino Tomohiko , Grisold Wolfgang , Sakai Fumihiko , Jensen Rigmor , Balch Alan , Ruiz de la Torre Elena , Henscheid-Lorenz Deborah , Craven Audrey , Ashina Messoud
Published: June 2018

Background

Headache disorders comprise the three most prevalent medical disorders globally and contribute almost 20% to the total burden of neurologic illness. Although the experience of a recurrent headache disorder tends to be highly individualized, patient preferences tend to be a low priority in guidelines for the management of patients with headache.

Methods

In September 2017, the first Global Patient Advocacy Summit was convened, bringing together patients, patient advocates, patient advocacy organizations, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, scientists, and regulatory agencies to advance issues of importance to patients affected by headache worldwide.

Results

Presentations and discussion covered multiple issues, such as improving access to appropriate medical care; incorporating the insights of independent patient advocates and advocacy organizations; leveraging the insights, experience and influence of leading health and neurological organizations; and raising awareness of the role of regulatory agencies in disease advocacy. Attendees agreed that it is important to understand and promote the global, regional, and local interests of people with headache disorders, as well as challenge the pervasive stigma associated with headache. They also agreed that those with severe, recurrent, or disabling headache disorders should have reliable access to competent medical care; healthcare professionals should have access to adequate training in Headache Medicine; global benchmarks should be established for accurate diagnosis and the use of evidence-based treatments in patients with headache; and that information is needed about consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of headache, particularly in regard to patient preferences.

Conclusion

Based on the group’s consensus around these issues, a series of statements was developed, and they are collectively presented herein as the Vancouver Declaration on Global Headache Patient Advocacy 2018.
Travel Behavior Classification: An Approach with Social Network and Deep Learning
Authors: Cui Yu , He Qing , Khani Alireza
Published: June 2018

Uncovering human travel behavior is crucial for not only travel demand analysis but also ride-sharing opportunities. To group similar travelers, this paper develops a deep-learning-based approach to classify travelers’ behaviors given their trip characteristics, including time of day and day of week for trips, travel modes, previous trip purposes, personal demographics, and nearby place categories of trip ends. This study first examines the dataset of California Household Travel Survey (CHTS) between the years 2012 and 2013. After preprocessing and exploring the raw data, an activity matrix is constructed for each participant. The Jaccard similarity coefficient is employed to calculate matrix similarities between each pair of individuals. Moreover, given matrix similarity measures, a community social network is constructed for all participants. A community detection algorithm is further implemented to cluster travelers with similar travel behavior into the same groups. There are five clusters detected: non-working people with more shopping activities, non-working people with more recreation activities, normal commute working people, shorter working duration people, later working time people, and individuals needing to attend school. An image of activity map is built from each participant’s activity matrix. Finally, a deep learning approach with convolutional neural network is employed to classify travelers into corresponding groups according to their activity maps. The accuracy of classification reaches up to 97%. The proposed approach offers a new perspective for travel behavior analysis and traveler classification.
Comparative Structural Evaluation of Transit Travel Demand using Travel Survey and Smart Card Data for Metropolitan Transit Financing
Authors: Spurr Tim , Leroux Antoine , Chapleau Robert
Published: June 2018

Lrge metropolitan areas often comprise multiple municipalities and multiple transit-operating agencies that share infrastructure and passengers. In such cases, financing mechanisms are devised to share costs and revenues among the various jurisdictions. Using Montréal, Canada, as a case study, this paper investigates whether a large sample household travel survey (HTS) can provide sufficiently accurate and detailed information to form the basis for a metropolitan transit financing framework. The evaluation is made possible by the existence of a smart card (SC) fare collection system, deployed across the region, which provides, with some processing, an independent source of transit trip information. The structure of transit travel demand, as measured by SC and the HTS, were compared. The structural elements examined included the types of fare product used, the temporal distribution of trips during a typical weekday, and the spatial and temporal distribution of trips over the multiple networks serving the metropolitan area. The results of the comparison showed that the HTS constitutes a simplified portrayal of transit demand that over-represents symmetrical travel patterns prevalent during peak periods and under-represents other travel patterns. An important consequence of this bias is the over-representation of travel between the suburbs and downtown. Two theoretical allocation scenarios were designed to evaluate the potential effects of these differences on metropolitan-level cost- and revenue-sharing. A simple experiment showed the effects to be significant.