bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Effects of Favorable and Unfavorable Information on Decision Making Under Ambiguity
Authors: Peysakhovich Alexander , Karmarkar Uma R.
Published: December 2015

Most daily decisions involve uncertainty about outcome probabilities arising from incomplete knowledge, i.e., ambiguity. We explore how the addition of partial information affects these types of choices using theoretical and empirical methods. Our experiments in both gain and loss domains demonstrate that when such information supports a favorable outcome, it strongly increases valuation of an ambiguous financial prospect. However, when information supports an unfavorable outcome, it has significantly less impact. We find that two mechanisms drive this asymmetry. First, unfavorable information decreases estimates of a good outcome occurring but also reduces aversive uncertainty. These factors act in opposition, minimizing the effects of unfavorable information. Second, when information can be subjectively interpreted, unfavorable information is less likely to be integrated into evaluations. Our findings reveal mechanisms not captured by traditional models of decision making under uncertainty and highlight the importance of increasing the salience of unfavorable information in uncertain contexts to promote unbiased decision making.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2233 .

This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, behavioral economics.
Effect of Guided Discovery learning model in mastering of Force and Motion subject
Authors: P Parno
Published: December 2015

This research aims to describe students’ mastering of the basic concept about Force and Motion through the Guided Discovery learning model. This research uses pre-experimental one-group pretest-post test design. The research subjects are 25 students in sixth semester in the physics education department who are taking the Capita Selecta of School Physics course. This research uses the Basic Concept Mastering about Forceand Motion Test, and the Students Response Questionnaire for Learning Process instruments. The test data is analyzed using an average normalized gain secure, andthe question naire data are analyzed descriptively. The results show that student (1) has an average of mastering of the basic concept 75.38, an average normalized gain score of individual 0.556 that is smaller than an average normalized gain score of class 0.568 (medium category), and (2) gives a positive response for the learning process, namely 58.33% agree and 38.22% strongly agree, on the Force and Motion topic.
Identification of subsurface fault using schlumberger configuration geoelectricity method. Case study in Opak River Yogyakarta
Authors: Lutfinur Ismi , K Khumaedi , Susanto Hadi
Published: December 2015

The Opak river is formed by fault. The earthquake in Yogyakarta on May 27th, 2006 had activated the Opak’s fault and caused secondary fault. The fault had made destruction of the infrastructure. This research aimed to determine the description of subsurface structure and to identify the location of the underground fault. The Schlumberger configuration of geoelectrical method was used for identifying the fault in the research area. The data collected in three lines of each which the length is 75 meters. The datas were processed by Res2dinv and Surfer 10.0. Based on the result of the process, the resistivity value are 5-1077 Ωm and the discontinue plane of the contour profile resistivity at depth function. The discontinuities of resistivity value can be interpreted the fault plane. The position of the fault in line A is 38 m, while on the line B and C, the fault locations are located at 33 m from the start point of the measurement. The faults in lines A, B, and C are straight with the strike N 113° E.
Desain Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) berbasis D-D Neutron Generator 2,45 MeV untuk Uji Fasilitas BNCT
Authors: Gulo Desman P. , T. Suryasatriya , Santosa Slamet , Sardjono Y.
Published: December 2015

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is one of the cancer treatments that are being developed in nowadays. In order to support BNCT treatment for cancer that exists in underneath skin like breast cancer, the facility needs a generator that is able to produce epithermal neutron. One of the generator that is able to produce neutron is D-D neutron generator with 2.45 MeV energy. Based on the calculation of this paper, we found that the total production of neutron per second (neutron yield) from Neutron Generator (NG) by PSTA-BATAN Yogyakarta is 2.55×1011 n/s. The energy and flux that we found is in the range of quick neutron. Thus, it needs to be moderated to the level of epithermal neutron which is located in the interval energy of 1 eV to 10 KeV with 109 n/cm2s flux. This number is the recommendation standard from IAEA. Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) is needed in order to moderate the quick neutron to the level of epithermal neutron. One part of BSA that has the responsibility in moderating the quick neutron to epithermal neutron is the moderator. The substance of moderator used in this paper is MgF2 and A1F3. The thickness of moderator has been set in in such a way by using MCNPX software in order to fulfill the standard of IAEA. As the result of optimizing BSA moderator, the data obtain epithermal flux with the total number of 4.64×108 n/cm2/s for both of moderators with the thickness of moderator up to 15 cm. At the end of this research, the number of epithermal flux does not follow the standard of IAEA. This is because the flux neutron that is being produced by NG is relatively small. In conclusion, the NG from PSTA-BATAN Yogyakarta is not ready to be used for the BNCT treatment facility for the underneath skin cancer like breast cancer.
Identification of Hydrothermal Aquifer Zone using Geo-Electrical Method in Kaloling Sinjai District
Authors: L Lantu , Suriamihardja D. A. , Imran A. M. , Harianto Tri
Published: December 2015

Geothermal energy is one of the natural resources which  emerged on the subsurface ofthe earth can be in a gaseous form (the vapor heat) or in the form of hydrothermal. The geothermal Panggo that located at watersheds of Kalamisu river, was one of the three sources of hydrothermal system  existing in district Sinjai East. The existence of the geothermal system in this area will much give many advantagest if managed optimally. This research aims to map the spread of the hydrothermal aquifer zone at the subsurface and it potentials in Panggo village base on electrical properties. Methods used in this research were geo-electrical using Wenner and Schlumberger configurations.At all these research area, it is found the presence of zones which has low resistivity (< 20 Ωm), and it is interpreted as the spread of hydrothermal zones. The hydrothermal system appears at subsurface allegedly caused by the geological fault of Kalamisu across this region.
Development of Web Based Learning Material in Physics Subject for Kalor and Temperature Material
Authors: Kurniawan Fatwa Aji , S Sulhadi , Yulianto Agus
Published: December 2015

It has been done, the research which aims to develop a web-based teaching materials on the subjects of physics subject with subject mater of temperature and heat. This study using a modified model of the 4D development by eliminating the deployment phase. The validation of product development conducted by validator media experts and experts matter of physics, whereas small-scale trials conducted by physics teacher and 10 students. Validator review results stating that the quality of the product development were included in the category very well with the average percentage rating of 83.93%. The percentage value assigned by media expert by 75% in the good category and the percentage of the value provided by a matter expert 92.85% were in the very good category. Experiments by physics teacher to obtain result of equal to 94.44% were in the very good category and the average percentage of the test results by the students of 90.5% were in the very good category. The characteristics of the products developed include material composition using the curriculum in 2013, there was a recording facility and the results of evaluation of students' activities, there were feedback evaluation results were immediately known by the students and there were some links related to the material either youtube or other learning website.
Identification of Cracked Zone in Sutami dam Using Geoelectrical Method
Authors: Fitriah Fina , S Sunaryo , Susilo Adi
Published: December 2015

We identified the craked zones based on geoelectrical resistivity method in Sutami Dam. There are four lines measurement of geoelectrical resistivity method with a length of 380-400 meters. The direction of each line is from the northeast to the southwest. All of the tracks are located at the top of Sutami Dam i.e. two tracks in the upstream and the others in the downstream. From the analysis we found that the lithology is detected by geoelectrical resistivty method showed two layers of design of Sutami Dam. The two layers that are detected are transition zone and filter zone. Transition zone consists of sandstone rock containing water (0.922 Ωm-9.57 Ωm) and dry sandstone (>9.57 Ωm-320 Ωm). Filter zone consists of sand (>320 Ωm-4410 Ωm). Cracked zones spread in the upstream, downstream, and roadway at the top of Sutami Dam which are indicated by the presence of low resistivity (0.922 Ωm-9.57 Ωm) based on 3D processing of data of geoelectrical resistivity. The distribution of cracked zone indicates that Sutami Dam is susceptible to ground movement.
Interpretation of Oil Seepage of Source Rock Based Magnetic Survey in Cipari Cilacap District
Authors: Raharjo Sukmaji Anom , S Sehah
Published: December 2015

The magnetic survey had been conducted in Village of Cipari, District of Cipari, Region of  Cilacap to interpret to the location of the oil seepage source rock. Boundary of the research area is 108.75675°E – 108.77611°E and 7.42319°S – 7.43761°S. The observed total magnetic data is corrected and reducted to obtain the local magnetic anomaly data. The local magnetic anomaly data is applied to model the subsurface bodies anomalies based on the Mag2DC for Windows software. With be supported the geological information, the some bodies anomalies are interpreted as the basaltic igneous rock (c = 0.0051), the alternately of sandstone and claystone and insert of marl from Halang Formation (c = 0.0014), the breccia from Kumbang Formation (c = 0.0035), the alternately of sandstones and claystone with insert of marl and breccia from Halang Formation (c = 0.0036), the claystone from Tapak Formation (c = 0.0015), the alternately of sandstones and claystone with insert of marl and compacted breccia from Halang Formation (c = 0.0030), and the alternately of sandstone and claystone from   Halang Formation (c = 0.0020). The plantonic foraminifer fossils as resources of oil seepage are estimated in the sedimentaries rocks, where the oil flows from those rocks into the         reservoir (source rock). Based on the interpretation results, the source rock is above basaltic igneous rock with the approximate position is 108.76164°W and 7.43089°S; and the depth is 132.09 meters below the average topographic.
Transposition of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulae: improving the cosmetic effect without compromising patency
Authors: Dellen David van , Junejo Muneer , Khambalia Hussein , Campbell Babatunde
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Subjects who undergo haemodialysis are living longer, which necessitates increasingly complex procedures for formation of arteriovenous fistulas. Basilic veins provide valuable additional venous ‘real estate’ but surgical transposition of vessels is required, which required a cosmetically disfiguring incision. A minimally invasive transposition method provides an excellent aesthetic alternative without compromised outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review was made of minimally invasive brachiobasilic fistula transpositions (using two short incisions of <4 cm) between February 2005 and July 2011. Primary endpoints were one-year patency as well as the perioperative and late complications of the procedure.

Results

Thirty-one patients underwent 32 transposition procedures (eight pre-dialysis cases; 24 haemodialysis patients). All patients were treated with a minimally invasive method. Thirty-one procedures resulted in primary patency, with the single failure refashioned successfully. The only indication for a more invasive approach was intraoperative complications (two haematomas). All other complications presented late and were amenable to intervention (one aneurysm, one peri-anastomotic stricture).

Conclusion

Formation of arteriovenous fistulae using minimally invasive methods is a novel approach that ensures fistula patency with improved aesthetic outcomes and without significant morbidity.
Clinical outcomes of the very elderly undergoing enhanced recovery programmes in elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Khan MA , Pandey S
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) have been shown to improve short-term outcomes after major colorectal surgery. Benefits of the ERP in patients who are very elderly (VE) are less well understood. We aimed to evaluate the role of the ERP in the VE population, which for the purpose of this study was defined as any patient aged 75 years or over.

Methods

A prospectively compiled database was used to identify all patients aged ≥75 years who underwent elective colorectal resection in our unit between January 2011 and September 2012. These data were analysed to study the short-term outcomes in these patients and compared with those of patients aged <75 years.

Results

Overall, 352 patients underwent elective surgery during this period; 106 were identified as VE. The median length of stay (LOS) in the VE group was 7 days (5 days in non-VE group; p=0.002). Two-thirds (62%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. The median LOS of VE patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery was 6 days (11 days for open surgery; p=0.003). A third (33%) of the VE cohort was discharged by day 5. Of these patients, 85% underwent laparoscopic surgery. There was no statistical difference in overall complication rates (VE vs non-VE).

Conclusions

Accepting that some VE patients may stay in hospital for longer, this study supports our current policy of including everyone in the ERP regardless of age. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery appear to benefit, with a shorter LOS. Further large scale trials are required to support the results of this study and to identify long-term outcomes.
Compliance of ENT emergency surgery with the Royal College of Surgeons standards
Authors: Sharma S , Yao A , Mahalingam S , Persaud R
Published: December 2015

Introduction

In 2011 The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) set out best practice standards for emergency surgery. This national pilot audit aimed to determine the compliance of otolaryngology departments in England with these published guidelines.

Methods

A 26-item online questionnaire was devised that encompassed all the 36 best practices as set out by the RCS for ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery. This was sent to ENT trainees and consultants based at units in England providing emergency ENT services.

Results

Data were obtained from 55 of the 102 units (response rate: 54%). A mean compliance of 71% was achieved (range: 25–94%). No units achieved all of the best practices. The standards with the highest compliance included 24-hour availability of blood transfusion and haematology opinion for patients with epistaxis, availability of a consultant or ST3/equivalent for immediate discussion of severe post-tonsillectomy bleeding, 24-hour access to blood transfusion for arrest of haemorrhage and immediate theatre access for arrest of haemorrhage. The areas with the lowest compliance were provision of a pathway for angiography/embolisation for epistaxis and provision of an equipped ENT room on a paediatric ward.

Conclusions

This audit has highlighted that the majority of departments in England are providing a good standard of ENT emergency care. There is room for improvement in certain areas, such as the provision of an embolisation pathway in the context of refractory epistaxis. We hope that this audit will encourage ENT departments to evaluate their current provision of emergency care and institute changes (where necessary) to maintain and improve their practices.
The burden of bone, native joint and soft tissue infections on orthopaedic emergency referrals in a city hospital
Authors: Howell A , Parker S , Tsitskaris K , Oddy MJ
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Bone, native joint and soft tissue infections are frequently referred to orthopaedic units although their volume as a proportion of the total emergency workload has not been reported previously. Geographic and socioeconomic variation may influence their presentation. The aim of this study was to quantify the burden of such infections on the orthopaedic department in an inner city hospital, determine patient demographics and associated risk factors, and review our current utilisation of specialist services.

Methods

All cases involving bone, native joint and soft tissue infections admitted under or referred to the orthopaedic team throughout 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Prosthetic joint infections were excluded.

Results

Almost 15% of emergency admissions and referrals were associated with bone, native joint or soft tissue infection or suspected infection. The cohort consisted of 169 patients with a mean age of 43 years (range: 1–91 years). The most common diagnosis was cellulitis/other soft tissue infection and the mean length of stay was 13 days. Two-thirds of patients (n=112, 66%) underwent an operation. Fifteen per cent of patients were carrying at least one blood borne virus, eleven per cent were alcohol dependent, fifteen per cent were using or had been using intravenous drugs and nine per cent were homeless or vulnerably housed.

Conclusions

This study has shown that a significant number of patients are admitted for orthopaedic care as a result of infection. These patients are relatively young, with multiple complex medical and social co-morbidities, and a long length of stay.
Waterlow score as a surrogate marker for predicting adverse outcome in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Gillick K , Elbeltagi H , Bhattacharya S
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Introduced originally to stratify risk for developing decubitus ulcers, the Waterlow scoring system is recorded routinely for surgical admissions. It is a composite score, reflecting patients’ general condition and co-morbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Waterlow score can be used as an independent surrogate marker to predict severity and adverse outcome in acute pancreatitis.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, a consecutive cohort was studied of 250 patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, all of whom had their Waterlow score calculated on admission. Primary outcome measures were length of hospital stay and mortality. Secondary outcome measures included rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and development of complications such as peripancreatic free fluid, pancreatic necrosis and pseudocyst formation. Correlation of the Waterlow score with some known markers of disease severity and outcomes was also analysed.

Results

The Waterlow score correlated strongly with the most commonly used marker of disease severity, the Glasgow score (analysis of variance, p=0.0012). Inpatient mortality, rate of ICU admission and length of hospital stay increased with a higher Waterlow score (Mann–Whitney U test, p=0.0007, p=0.049 and p=0.0002 respectively). There was, however, no significant association between the Waterlow score and the incidence of three known complications of pancreatitis: presence of peripancreatic fluid, pancreatic pseudocyst formation and pancreatic necrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated good predictive power of the Waterlow score for mortality (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.73), ICU admission (AUC: 0.65) and length of stay >7 days (AUC: 0.64). This is comparable with the predictive power of the Glasgow score and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions

The Waterlow score for patients admitted with acute pancreatitis could provide a useful tool in prospective assessment of disease severity, help clinicians with appropriate resource management and inform patients.
The role of transnasal oesophagoscopy in the management of globus pharyngeus and non-progressive dysphagia
Authors: Sanyaolu LN , Jemah A , Stew B , Ingrams DR
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Transnasal oesophagoscopy is a relatively new method of examining the upper aerodigestive tract via the nasal passage as an outpatient procedure without the need for sedation. It has been shown to be a well tolerated, safe and accurate technique, that can therefore be used in the investigation of patients thought to have globus pharyngeus and other non sinister causes of dysphagia.

Methods

A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing transnasal oesophagoscopy were analysed retrospectively.

Results

The main indications for this procedure were non-progressive dysphagia (n=68, 45%) and globus pharyngeus (n=60, 40%). Transnasal oesophagoscopy was normal in 65% of patients and 42% of patients were discharged from clinic at the same appointment with no further investigation. The most common positive findings were laryngeal erythema (13%) and oesophagitis (10%).

Conclusions

Transnasal oesophagoscopy is a useful adjunct to the management of patients with the symptoms of globus pharyngeus and non-progressive dysphagia.
The management of vacuum neck drains in head and neck surgery and the comparison of two different practice protocols for drain removal
Authors: Kasbekar AV , Davies F , Upile N , Ho MW , Roland NJ
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The management of vacuum neck drains in head and neck surgery is varied. We aimed to improve early drain removal and therefore patient discharge in a safe and effective manner.

Methods

The postoperative management of head and neck surgical patients with vacuum neck drains was reviewed retrospectively. A new policy was then implemented to measure drainage three times daily (midnight, 6am, midday). The decision for drain removal was based on the most recent drainage period (at <3ml per hour). A further patient cohort was subsequently assessed prospectively. The length of hospital stay was compared between the cohorts.

Results

The retrospective audit included 51 patients while the prospective audit included 47. The latter saw 16 patients (33%) discharged at least one day earlier than they would have been under the previous policy. No adverse effects were noted from earlier drain removal.

Conclusions

Measuring drainage volumes three times daily allows for more accurate assessment of wound drainage, and this can lead to earlier removal of neck drains and safe discharge.
Acute brain trauma
Authors: Martin GT
Published: December 2015

In the 20th century, the complications of head injuries were controlled but not eliminated. The wars of the 21st century turned attention to blast, the instant of impact and the primary injury of concussion. Computer calculations have established that in the first 5 milliseconds after the impact, four independent injuries on the brain are inflicted: 1) impact and its shockwave, 2) deceleration, 3) rotation and 4) skull deformity with vibration (or resonance). The recovery, pathology and symptoms after acute brain trauma have always been something of a puzzle. The variability of these four modes of injury, along with a variable reserve of neurones, explains some of this problem.
Glomus tumour
Authors: Sethu C , Sethu AU
Published: December 2015

Glomus tumours are rare tumours accounting for only 1–5% of soft tissue tumours of the hand. They are described classically in the subungual region. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with a late diagnosis of a glomus tumour that had caused her excruciating pain. Clinical examination was positive for Hildreth’s sign and the Love test. Magnetic resonance imaging delineated the tumour, which was excised and confirmed histologically. This case highlights the continued delay in diagnosis of glomus tumours as well as the use of imaging in diagnosis and planning of surgery.
Heller oesophagomyotomy as treatment for achalasia after gastric bypass for morbid obesity
Authors: Nguyen D , Dip F , Lo Menzo E , Szomstein S , Rosenthal R
Published: December 2015

When achalasia is unrecognised during the preoperative phase in patients who have undergone bariatric procedures, a late Heller oesophagomyotomy may be used as the treatment modality to prevent the development of megaoesophagus. We present the case of a 66-year-old man with achalasia 3 years after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure.
Socioeconomic deprivation and age are barriers to the online collection of patient reported outcome measures in orthopaedic patients
Authors: Jenkins PJ , Sng S , Brooksbank K , Brooksbank AJ
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Questionnaires are used commonly to assess functional outcome and satisfaction in surgical patients. Although these have in the past been administered through written forms, there is increasing interest in the use of new technology to improve the efficiency of collection. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of internet access for a group of orthopaedic patients and the acceptability of online survey completion.

Methods

A total of 497 patients attending orthopaedic outpatient clinics were surveyed to assess access to the internet and their preferred means for completing follow-up questionnaires.

Results

Overall, 358 patients (72%) reported having internet access. Lack of access was associated with socioeconomic deprivation and older age. Multivariable regression confirmed increased age and greater deprivation to be independently associated with lack of internet access. Out of the total group, 198 (40%) indicated a preference for assessment of outcomes via email and the internet.

Conclusions

Internet access was not universal among the patients in our orthopaedic clinic. Reliance on internet collection of PROMs may introduce bias by not including results from patients in older age groups and those from the more deprived socioeconomic groups.
Short and long-term cosmesis of cervical thyroidectomy scars
Authors: Dordea M , Aspinall SR
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Multiple surgical approaches to the thyroid gland have been described via cervical or extracervical routes. Improved cosmesis, patient satisfaction, reduced pain (procedure dependent) and early discharge have all been reported for minimally invasive approaches with similar safety profiles and long-term outcomes to conventional surgery. This review summarises the current evidence base for improved cosmesis with minimally invasive cervical approaches to the thyroid gland compared with conventional surgery.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken. The MEDLINE®, Embase™ and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles.

Results

A total of 57 papers thyroid papers were identified. Of those, 20 reported some form of cosmetic outcome assessment. There were 6 randomised controlled trials with 412 patients (evidence level 2B), 7 cohort studies with 3,073 patients (level 3B) and 7 non-comparative case series with 1,575 patients (level 4). There was significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of wound closure technique, timing of scar assessment and scar assessment scales (validated and non-validated). Most studies performed early scar assessments, some using non-validated scar assessment tools.

Conclusions

Assessment of cosmesis is complex and requires rigorous methodology. Evidence from healing/remodelling studies suggests scar maturation is a long-term process. This calls into question the value of early scar assessment. Current evidence does not support minimally invasive surgical approaches to the thyroid gland if improved long-term cosmesis is the goal.
Medical therapy for polycystic liver disease
Authors: Khan S , Dennison A , Garcea G
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Somatostatin analogues and rapamycin inhibitors are two classes of drugs available for the management of polycystic liver disease but their overall impact is not clearly established. This article systematically reviews the literature on the medical management of polycystic liver disease. The outcomes assessed include reduction in liver volume and the impact on quality of life.

Methods

The English language literature published between 1966 and August 2014 was reviewed from a MEDLINE®, PubMed, Embase™ and Cochrane Library search. Search terms included ‘polycystic’, ‘liver’, ‘sirolimus’, ‘everolimus’, ‘PCLD’, ‘somatostatin’, ‘octreotide’, ‘lanreotide’ and ‘rapamycin’. Both randomised trials and controlled studies were included. References of the articles retrieved were also searched to identify any further eligible publications. The studies included were appraised using the Jadad score.

Results

Seven studies were included in the final review. Five studies, of which three were randomised trials, investigated the role of somatostatin analogues and the results showed a mean reduction in liver volume ranging from 2.9% at six months to 4.95 ±6.77% at one year. Only one randomised study examined the influence of rapamycin inhibitors. This trial compared dual therapy with everolimus and octreotide versus octreotide monotherapy. Liver volume reduced by 3.5% and 3.8% in the control and intervention groups respectively but no statistical difference was found between the two groups (p=0.73). Two randomised trials investigating somatostatin analogues assessed quality of life using SF-36®. Only one subdomain score improved in one of the trials while two subdomain scores improved in the other with somatostatin analogue therapy.

Conclusions

Somatostatin analogues significantly reduce liver volumes after six months of therapy but have only a modest improvement on quality of life. Rapamycin inhibitors do not confer any additional advantage.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours of the respiratory system and the impact of the varying patterns
Authors: Lodhia JV , Christensen TD , Trotter SE , Bishay ES
Published: December 2015

Inflammatory fibroblastic tumours are very rare. They are mostly located in the respiratory system. We present three cases of patients with fibroblastic tumours. The diversity of inflammatory fibroblastic tumours in the respiratory system and the surgical considerations are discussed. Our recommendation is that treatment should include a complete resection to prevent local recurrence and malignant transformation, and follow-up review should reflect the procedure carried out, especially in terms of the anatomical location and the extent of the surgical procedure performed.
Length of stay and cost analysis of neonates undergoing surgery at a tertiary neonatal unit in England
Authors: Shetty S , Kennea N , Desai P , Giuliani S , Richards J
Published: December 2015

Introduction

There is a lack of knowledge on the average length of stay (LOS) in neonatal units after surgical repair of common congenital anomalies. There are few if any publications reporting the activity performed by units undertaking neonatal surgery. Such activity is important for contracting arrangements, commissioning specialist services and counselling parents. The aim of this study was to describe postnatal LOS for infants admitted to a single tertiary referral neonatal unit with congenital malformations requiring surgery.

Methods

Data on nine conditions were collected prospectively for babies on the neonatal unit over a five-year period (2006–2011). For those transferred back to their local unit following surgery, the local unit was contacted to determine the total LOS. Only those babies who had surgery during their first admission to our unit and who survived to discharge were included in the study. Cost estimates were based on the tariffs agreed for neonatal care between our trust and the London specialised commissioning group in 2011–2012.

Results

The median LOS for the conditions studied was: gastroschisis 35 days (range: 19–154 days), oesophageal atresia 33 days (range: 9–133 days), congenital diaphragmatic hernia 28 days (range: 7–99 days), intestinal atresia 24 days (range: 6–168 days), Hirschsprung’s disease 21 days (range: 15–36 days), sacrococcygeal teratoma 17 days (range: 12–55 days), myelomeningocoele 15.5 days (range: 8–24 days), anorectal malformation 15 days (range: 6–90 days) and exomphalos 12 days (range: 3–228 days). The total neonatal bed day costs for the median LOS ranged from £8,701 (myelomeningocoele) to £23,874 (gastroschisis). The cost of surgery was not included.

Conclusions

There is wide variation in LOS for the same conditions in a single neonatal unit. This can be explained by different types and severity within the same congenital anomalies, different surgeons and other clinical confounders (eg sepsis, surgical complications, associated anomalies). These data will enable us to give more detailed information to families following prenatal or postnatal diagnosis. They also allow more detailed planning of resource allocation for neonatal admissions.
Addison’s disease as a presentation of metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: Srinivasan B , Patel M , Ethunandan M , Ilankovan V
Published: December 2015

Melanoma accounts for 5% of all skin cancers. The risk of metastasis is related to the thickness of the tumour, and can affect local, regional and distant sites. Adrenal metastasis from melanoma of the head and neck is uncommon and often asymptomatic. Addison’s disease as a presentation of metastatic melanoma is extremely rare and we are unaware of previous reports in the world literature. We report a case of a patient with metastatic melanoma presenting with signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease.
Standardising public service: the experiences of call-centre workers in the Canadian federal government
Authors: Norene Pupo  , Andrea Noack
Published: December 2015

This paper explores the impact of the adoption of neoliberal economic policies and practices on public sector jobs within the Canadian Federal government. In recent years, employment in the public sector has been increasingly shifted to a call-centre format, thereby transforming the working conditions of public servants as well as access to services enjoyed by Canadians. By adopting work practices, technologies and managerial techniques usually found within the private sector, we argue that the call-centre format fundamentally transforms the notion of public ‘service’ from secure employment and a dynamic career to that of a routine, Taylorised job. In this process, standardised interactions redefine the notion of public service and the role of the public servant.
Prospects for trade unions and labour organisations in India's IT and ITES industries
Authors: Andrew Stevens  , Vincent Mosco
Published: December 2015

Drawing on interviews conducted with trade unionists and labour activists in 2008, this article addresses nascent unions and professional associations operating in India's information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) industries. This work builds upon the literature that is developing around unionisation within knowledge- and information-based workplaces, and is particularly informed by the work of Mosco and McKercher (Mosco & McKercher, 2008; McKercher & Mosco, 2006, 2007), whose research focuses on knowledge worker mobilisation. Such an approach, as adopted here, requires reflection on India's industrial relations regime and the IT and ITES industries’ political-economic framework in the broader context of the new international division of labour, based on the increasingly fragmented commodity production chains that are distributed throughout the globe. The central theoretical model is grounded on a critical political economy of communication (Mosco, 2009).
Transnational corporations as financial groups
Authors: Claude Serfati
Published: December 2015

Whilst the 2008 crisis provided evidence of the strong (not to say devastating) interrelations between production and finance, giving a boost to the ‘financialisation’ approach, there is a need, forty years after the initial research on transnational corporations (TNCs), to re-explore the nature of these organisations. Issues that require investigation include the reshaping of international trade and production, the close interactions between non-financial TNCs and financial (bank and non-bank) TNCs, the development of global networks, and the strength of the relationships entertained by most of these companies with ‘their’ governments. A basic hypothesis of this paper, which is focused on non-financial TNCs, is that they cannot only be defined by the fact that they are bigger and more internationalised than other firms. The paper argues that, on the contrary, they constitute a category of their own, based upon a centralisation of financial assets and a specific organisational structure (with the core role held by the holding company). TNCs, organised and structured as groups of enterprises, are a locus for a global valorisation of capital, where productive and financial valorisation are closely intertwined. In the context of a global macro-economic regime of accumulation dominated by finance capital, financial logic takes on a preeminent role in the strategies of TNCs. Unfettered deregulation of financial markets and a multiplication of financial innovations (products and institutions) have given a further boost to the transformation of TNCs, which can be defined as financial groups with industrial activities.
Reactivity of Callovo-Oxfordian Claystone and its Clay Fraction With Metallic Iron: Role of Non-Clay Minerals in the Interaction Mechanism
Authors: Rivard Camille , Pelletier Manuel , Michau Nicolas , Razafitianamaharavo Angelina , Abdelmoula Mustapha , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Villiéras Frédéric
Published: December 2015

In order to better understand the possible interactions between steel canisters and a claystone host rock, in this case the Callovo-Oxfordian rock (COx), the present study investigated in detail, under conditions relevant to high-level radioactive waste repositories (anoxic conditions, temperature of 90°C), the reactions between metallic iron and: (1) COx; (2) the clay fraction extracted from COx (CF); and (3) mixtures of CF with quartz, calcite, or pyrite. Batch experiments were then carried out in the presence of NaCl-CaCl2 background electrolyte, for durations of 1, 3, and 9 months. Solid and liquid end-products were characterized by a combination of techniques including liquid analyses, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption at 77 K, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The interaction between CF and metallic iron appeared to proceed by means of pathways similar to those illustrated in previous studies on interactions between metallic iron and purified clays. In spite of the many similarities with previous studies, significant differences were observed between the behavior of COx and CF, particularly in terms of pH and Eh evolution, iron consumption, chemical composition of the neoformed particles, and textural evolution. Such differences demonstrate the important role played by non-clay minerals in reaction pathways. The addition of carbonates or pyrite to CF did not lead to significant change in reactivity. In contrast, under the conditions used in the present study, i.e. for relatively low iron:clay ratios, the presence of quartz strongly influenced reaction pathways. In the presence of quartz, magnetite was observed only in trace abundances whereas the amounts of magnetite were significant in experiments without quartz. Furthermore, filamentous serpentine particles with a small Al:Si ratio appeared which could develop from an FeSiAl gel that only forms in the presence of quartz. Considering that most clay rocks currently being considered for radioactive waste disposal contain significant amounts of quartz, the results obtained in the present study may be of significant interest for predicting the long-term behavior of clay barriers in such sites.
Moving Us Toward a Theory of Individual Quality of Life
Authors: Schalock Robert L. , Verdugo Miguel A. , Gomez Laura E. , Reinders Hans S.
Published: December 2015

This article discusses three steps involved in moving us toward a theory of individual quality of life: developing a conceptual model, integrating theory components, and applying and evaluating the theory. Each of the proposed steps is guided by established standards regarding theory development and use. The article concludes with a discussion of criteria that can be used to evaluate the theory and the contribution that a theory of individual quality of life would make to the field of disability.
The “Fake Marriage” Test in Taiwan: Gender, Sexuality, and Border Control
Authors: Chen Mei-Hua
Published: December 2015

According to many reports, migrant sex workers often use marriages of convenience to cross national borders in order to avoid laws criminalizing commercial sex in many destination countries. Taiwan is one of the countries developing strategies to prevent this illicit migration, particularly through the application of a fake marriage test. Based on in-depth interviews with eighteen Chinese migrant sex workers and thirteen officers of Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA), this article argues, first, that the discourse of “national security” has been widely drawn on to justify Taiwan’s rigid border control at the expense of stigmatized Chinese prostitutes who have been scapegoated. Border control is therefore not only racialized or classed but also sexualized, to the extent that all Chinese migrant women are considered potential prostitutes. Second, this article reveals how the exclusion of and hostility toward Chinese sex workers are simultaneously linked with a gender regime that seeks to exclude Chinese spouses who deviate from Taiwanese gender and social norms. The border is therefore a contested site where gender, sexuality, and nationality are interwoven.
Surviving Socialism: Private Industry and the Transition to Socialism in China, 1945–1958
Authors: Cliver Robert K.
Published: December 2015

During the 1950s, China’s hybrid economy recovered from years of war and crisis. China’s Communist revolutionaries and “national capitalists” ( minzu zibenjia 民族资本家) cooperated in this effort and were often successful, but the relationship was not unproblematic. This article focuses on the survival strategies of factory owners in the silk industry during what the Chinese Community Party terms the “socialist transformation of private industry and commerce.” This process was initiated and mobilized by the central government but implemented by local officials, and it was influenced by capitalists’ diverse responses, which showed adaptability, perseverance, manipulation, and even resistance. One surprising discovery is that many factory owners welcomed effective state involvement in the economy, such as expansion of the system of state-contracted production in private firms, and agitated to accelerate the transition to socialism. From the Five Antis Campaign in 1952 through the “socialist high tide” of 1956, the relationship between private businesses and the state changed dramatically and reshaped China’s economy, often in unpredictable ways. In this light, China’s transition to socialism appears more complex and contested than historians have previously imagined.
France and the Gulf of Tonkin Region: Shipping Markets and Political Interventions in South China in the 1890s
Authors: Becker Bert
Published: December 2015

In the period of “new” imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, France strived to create a sphere of influence in southwest China. To foster such imperialist policies, France’s policy makers regarded French companies operating in East Asia as instrumental. One such firm was Auguste Raphael Marty’s Tonkin Shipping Company, based in Haiphong, French Indochina, which operated steam coasters across the wider Gulf of Tonkin region. In the region’s highly competitive shipping market, Marty strived to achieve a monopoly when favorable conditions permitted during the final phase of the Sino-Japanese War. His profit-driven strategy caused huge losses for Chinese shippers and ultimately resulted in their boycotting his ships through the Tsap Yet syndicate. When French officials intervened on Marty’s behalf in negotiations with the Chinese government, the Syndicate was finally dissolved. It was followed by an agreement between the Chinese firm of Yuen Cheong Lee and Co. and the German firm of Jebsen and Co., based on long-established mutual trust between the owners. Although Marty received monetary compensation for his losses, he ruined his relationship with Chinese merchants. This case study presents little-known facts about the interactions among foreign firms in China and demonstrates the Chinese ability to react efficiently to unfair business practices.
From Globalization to Liquidation: The Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and the First World War in China
Authors: Moazzin Ghassan
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: This article uses the case of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and its liquidation during the First World War to examine the challenges faced by German businesses during the war in China and China’s involvement in Allied economic warfare. This case suggests the detrimental effect that political crises and global shifts of power had on foreign businesses in modern China’s globalized treaty port economy. It also reveals China’s role in the global economic warfare of the Allies, showing that China first resisted Allied demands for a full liquidation of the German bank but eventually acquiesced to Allied pressure and handed control over the liquidation to the Allies. As a consequence, China ended up violating the very international law it had put so much value on when entering the war.
The Creation of a Nonexistent Group: Sino-Vietnamese Couples in China’s Borderlands
Authors: Grillot Caroline
Published: December 2015

Marriage migration to mainland China has only recently attracted attention in public and academic discourse. Driven by a complex combination of structural and personal factors, many of these marriages remain unregistered, and understanding them requires a different approach than that used to study other international marriages in the region. To date, most discussions have addressed the phenomenon from a legal, demographic, or economic perspective. Considered as illegal migrants, many of the foreign women involved in these marriages are reduced to silence. Based on the specific case of Vietnamese women engaged in de facto marriages with Chinese men in China’s southern borderlands, this article describes several factors affecting this social group: the condition of “nonexistence” that the couples experience in their daily lives; the local response to their presence in Chinese communities; and the ambivalent position of governmental bodies regarding their residence and life in China. This ground-level perspective demonstrates how the apparent tolerance of this complex phenomenon may, in the long term, actually create more disturbance in local communities than would be expected. This article reveals how significant gaps between official migration policies and actual practices of governance at the local level limit the social integration of marginalized individuals by sustaining the conditions for their long-term invisibility.