bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How is continuity of care experienced by people living with chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Brand Sarah , Pollock Kristian
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore patients’ perceptions of continuity of care within a hospital‐based specialist service.

Background

Patient journeys through health care are becoming increasingly complex. For patients with chronic conditions, the longevity of their illness and common multiple co‐morbidities make this complexity more pronounced. Continuity of care is most challenging to provide for these patients. A multifaceted model of continuity is widely accepted, but despite this, much literature focuses exclusively on relational aspects. In addition, the majority of the literature has focused on primary and family care settings whilst continuity within specialist and hospital care has not been widely researched.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Thirteen semi‐structured interviews with patients accessing services as at a Renal and Transplant Unit at a UK hospital were conducted in 2014. Data were analysed thematically to identify commonality as well as diversity amongst participants.

Results

Five themes of time, being known, knowledge, knowing the system and responsibility were identified within patient experiences of continuity. The multidisciplinary team was more important in relational continuity than literature has previously suggested. Patients’ expectations in relation to continuity were notably different in their interactions with hospital‐based services in comparison with community and family‐based care.

Conclusions

Patients accessing specialist care services may perceive continuity differently to those receiving care in the community. Generic guidance concerned with patient experience outcomes may be difficult to implement in practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses and the wider healthcare team play a fundamental role within the provision of continuity, even in predominantly medically led specialist services. The differences between primary and secondary care in terms of patient expectation and experience should be recognised to ensure effective models of care are implemented which both meet patient expectations and improve their experience of care.
The effects of awareness and count duration on adult respiratory rate measurements: An experimental study
Authors: Hill Andrew , Kelly Eliza , Horswill Mark S , Watson Marcus O
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate whether awareness of manual respiratory rate monitoring affects respiratory rate in adults, and whether count duration influences respiratory rate estimates.

Background

Nursing textbooks typically suggest that the patient should ideally be unaware of respiratory rate observations; however, there is little published evidence of the effect of awareness on respiratory rate, and none specific to manual measurement. In addition, recommendations about the length of the respiratory rate count vary from text to text, and the relevant empirical evidence is scant, inconsistent and subject to substantial methodological limitations.

Design

Experimental study withawareness of respiration monitoring(aware,unaware; randomised between‐subjects) andcount duration(60 s, 30 s, 15 s; within‐subjects) as the independent variables. Respiratory rate (breaths/minute) was the dependent variable.

Methods

Eighty‐two adult volunteers were randomly assigned toawareandunawareconditions. In the baseline block, no live monitoring occurred. In the subsequent experimental block, the researcher informedawareparticipants that their respiratory rate would be counted, and did so. Respirations were captured throughout via video recording, and counted by blind raters viewing 60‐, 30‐ and 15‐s extracts. The data were collected in 2015.

Results

There was no baseline difference between the groups. During the experimental block, the respiratory rates of participants in theawarecondition were an average of 2.13 breaths/minute lower compared tounawareparticipants. Reducing the count duration from 1 min to 15 s caused respiratory rate to be underestimated by an average of 2.19 breaths/minute (and 0.95 breaths/minute for 30‐s counts). The awareness effect did not depend on count duration.

Conclusions

Awareness of monitoring appears to reduce respiratory rate, and shorter monitoring durations yield systematically lower respiratory rate estimates.

Relevance to clinical practice

When interpreting and acting upon respiratory rate data, clinicians should consider the potential influence of these factors, including cumulative effects.
“I am still passionate despite the challenges”: Nurses navigating the care for refugees
Authors: Ogunsiji Olayide , Ng Chok Harrison , Mashingaidze Gladys , Wilkes Lesley
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To report the challenges faced by the nursing workforce in refugee health.

Background

Nurses are in the forefront of care provision for refugees who are recognised as one of the most vulnerable population groups in the world. The number of refugees in Australia is increasing, and more nurses are needed as care providers. Research on the challenges faced by refugee health nurses is sparse.

Design

Qualitative research methodology was used to study the experience of refugee health nurses. Using a descriptive qualitative research approach, a better understanding of the ongoing challenges of caring for refugees is presented.

Method

Semi‐structured interview with a convenience sample of registered nurses who worked in New South Wales refugee health services was conducted and digitally recorded in 2013. Responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed for themes.

Results

Six refugee health nurses who have been working in New South Wales refugee health services between 1–8 years participated in this study. A thematic analysis of the data led to three main themes: caring for clients with challenging needs; challenges in the course of caring for refugees; and passion in caring for refugees. Participants reported what it means to be refugee health nurses, they explored their roles and emphasised the need to understand refugee health issues.

Conclusions

This study provides more insight into the unique experiences nurses have when caring for refugees. More debriefing opportunities and resources may reduce the challenges of caring.

Relevance to clinical practice

The refugee health nurses’ stories support the need for further role refinement for nurses caring for refugees in the community, rural areas and health clinics. This is essential in promoting their well‐being and that of the vulnerable population they are caring for.
Experiences of nurses with the care of patients with dementia in acute hospitals: A secondary analysis
Authors: Pinkert Christiane , Faul Eva , Saxer Susi , Burgstaller Melanie , Kamleitner Doris , Mayer Hanna
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe nurses’ experiences in caring for people with dementia in acute hospital settings.

Background

Recent research suggests that nurses’ experience in caring for people with dementia in acute hospitals is characterised by frustration, overall job dissatisfaction and feelings of powerlessness and guilt. Despite a growing body of knowledge concerning the care of people with dementia in acute care settings, it remains unclear how nurses in acute hospitals provide care for people with dementia and what general conditions characterise the nursing care provided to these patients.

Design

A qualitative secondary analysis was conducted.

Methods

Data were collected using audio‐recorded focus group discussions with nurses in Germany and Austria. Overall, 12 focus group discussions, which were part of two larger research projects in Germany and Austria, were expanded into a qualitative secondary analysis (a content analysis).

Results

The findings show that nurses face great uncertainty in caring for people with dementia in acute hospital settings and that each nurse reacts in different ways to address this uncertainty. The results also underline that, even for nurses who provide some form of person‐centred care, the hospital environment imposes several contextual constraints.

Conclusions

Hospitals must minimise constraints to give every nurse the chance to perform person‐centred care. Furthermore, it is important to sensitise nurses and give them sufficient training and education to enable them to care for people with dementia.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results may contribute to a better understanding of the factors that support or constrain person‐centred nursing care for people with dementia in acute hospitals.
Role of sialyl 6‐sulfo Lewis X in antitumor immunity against oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yoshida Hisato , Hoshino Hitomi , Imamura Yoshiaki , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Sano Kazuo , Kobayashi Motohiro
Published: April 2017

Background

Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) reportedly play a pivotal role in antitumor immunity against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); however, mechanisms governing TIL recruitment to OSCC tissues remain to be clarified. This study was undertaken to assess a potential association between TILs and high endothelial venule (HEV)‐like vessels that express sialyl 6‐sulfo Lewis X (LeX).

Methods

OSCC tissue sections (n=41) were subjected to immunohistochemistry for sialyl 6‐sulfo LeX and CD34 to allow quantitation of HEV‐like vessels. Triple immunohistochemistry for sialyl 6‐sulfo LeX and either CD3 and CD20 or CD4 and CD8 was conducted to determine which lymphocyte subset is more closely associated with HEV‐like vessels.

Results

HEV‐like vessels expressing sialyl 6‐sulfo LeX were detected in 27 of 41 (65.9%) OSCC cases, and these vessels were more frequently found in early disease (T1/T2 stages) compared with advanced (T3/T4) stages. The number of T cells attached to the inner surface of these HEV‐like vessels was significantly greater than that of B cells, while the number of CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells did not differ significantly. Interestingly, sialyl 6‐sulfo LeX was also expressed on the membrane of a fraction of OSCC cells, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells were almost exclusively found attached to these carcinoma cells.

Conclusions

Sialyl 6‐sulfo LeX is displayed not only on HEV‐like vessels but also on OSCC cells and may potentially function in antitumor immunity against OSCC.
Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp with Excellent Response to Isotretinoin
Authors: Marquis Kaitlin , Christensen Laura‐Catherine , Rajpara Anand
Published: April 2017

An 18‐year‐old man presented for evaluation of a 1‐year history of painful nodules on the scalp with associated hair loss. Physical examination revealed multiple confluent, fluctuant, boggy nodules on the scalp with overlying alopecic patches. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp was made and the patient was successfully treated with oral isotretinoin therapy.
Garlic Dermatitis on the Neck of an Infant Treated for Nasal Congestion
Authors: Esfahani Amin , Chamlin Sarah L.
Published: April 2017

The health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum) as a naturopathic remedy have been well documented, but topical application of garlic has been linked to allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We present a case of severe irritant contact dermatitis due to application of a fresh garlic necklace to the neck of infant for treatment of nasal congestion.
Distinct Roles of Th17 and Th1 Cells in Inflammatory Responses Associated with the Presentation of Paucibacillary Leprosy and Leprosy Reactions
Authors: Santos M. B. , de Oliveira D. T. , Cazzaniga R. A. , Varjão C. S. , dos Santos P. L. , Santos M. L. B. , Correia C. B. , Faria D. R. , Simon M. do V. , Silva J. S. , Dutra W. O. , Reed S. G. , Duthie M. S. , de Almeida R. P. , de Jesus A. R.
Published: April 2017

It is well established that helper T cell responses influence resistance or susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae infection, but the role of more recently described helper T cell subsets in determining severity is less clear. To investigate the involvement of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of leprosy, we determined the immune profile with variant presentations of leprosy. Firstly, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ and IL‐10 were evaluated in conjunction with CD4+ T cell staining by confocal microscopy of lesion biopsies from tuberculoid (TT) and lepromatous leprosy (LL) patients. Secondly, inflammatory cytokines were measured by multiplex assay of serum samples from Multibacillary (MB, n = 28) and Paucibacillary (PB, n = 23) patients and household contacts (HHC, n = 23). Patients with leprosy were also evaluated for leprosy reaction occurrence: LR+ (n = 8) and LR‐ (n = 20). Finally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed by flow cytometry used to determine the phenotype of cytokine‐producing cells. Lesions from TT patients were found to have more CD4+IL‐17A+ cells than those from LL patients. Higher concentrations of IL‐17A and IL‐1β were observed in serum from PB than MB patients. The highest serum IFN‐γ concentrations were, however, detected in sera from MB patients that developed leprosy reactions (MB LR+). Together, these results indicate that Th1 cells were associated with both the PB presentation and also with leprosy reactions. In contrast, Th17 cells were associated with an effective inflammatory response that is present in the PB forms but were not predictive of leprosy reactions in MB patients.
Flight parameter estimation using instantaneous frequency and direction of arrival measurements from a single acoustic sensor node
Authors: Lo Kam W.
Published: April 2017

When an airborne sound source travels past a stationary ground-based acoustic sensor node in a straight line at constant altitude and constant speed that is not much less than the speed of sound in air, the movement of the source during the propagation of the signal from the source to the sensor node (commonly referred to as the “retardation effect”) enables the full set of flight parameters of the source to be estimated by measuring the direction of arrival (DOA) of the signal at the sensor node over a sufficiently long period of time. This paper studies the possibility of using instantaneous frequency (IF) measurements from the sensor node to improve the precision of the flight parameter estimates when the source spectrum contains a harmonic line of constant frequency. A simplified Cramer-Rao lower bound analysis shows that the standard deviations in the estimates of the flight parameters can be reduced when IF measurements are used together with DOA measurements. Two flight parameter estimation algorithms that utilize both IF and DOA measurements are described and their performances are evaluated using both simulated data and real data.
Lord of the rings
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: April 2017

A giant ring laser, sensitive to the spin of the planet and the twist of earthquakes, will open new windows in earth science.
Experimental measurements of the Paschen–Back effect in helium triplet transitions
Authors: Taylor Andrew S. , Batishchev Oleg V.
Published: April 2017

Experimental confirmation of the theoretical calculations of the Zeeman and Paschen–Back effects in the prominent 2 3S – 2 3P He I 1083 nm near-infrared (NIR) transition by means of high-resolution spectroscopy is reported. A novel approach using a small-pixel-size fluorescence camera delivers required spectral resolution. In particular, it allows to quantify with good precision the spectral shift of the weak λ0 = 1082.9 nm line from the zero magnetic field position. Measurements of the strong visible (VIS) He I 587 and 706 nm triplet line shapes are reported for B = 0–1.0 T interval, indicating nonlinear wave function mixing as well.
Severe Aplastic Anemia following Parvovirus B19-Associated Acute Hepatitis
Authors: Furukawa Masanori , Kaji Kosuke , Masuda Hiroyuki , Ozaki Kuniaki , Asada Shohei , Koizumi Aritoshi , Kubo Takuya , Nishimura Norihisa , Sawada Yasuhiko , Takeda Kosuke , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Kubo Masayuki , Amano Itsuto , Ootani Tomoyuki , Ohbayashi Chiho , Murata Koji , Ann Tatsuichi , Mitoro Akira , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: April 2017

Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 is linked to a variety of clinical manifestations, such as erythema infectiosum, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and transient aplastic anemia. Although a few cases have shown HPVB19 infection as a possible causative agent for hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) in immunocompetent patients, most reported cases of HAAA following transient hepatitis did not have delayed remission. Here we report a rare case of severe aplastic anemia following acute hepatitis with prolonged jaundice due to HPVB19 infection in a previously healthy young male. Clinical laboratory examination assessed marked liver injury and jaundice as well as peripheral pancytopenia, and bone marrow biopsy revealed severe hypoplasia and fatty replacement. HPVB19 infection was diagnosed by enzyme immunoassay with high titer of anti-HPVB19 immunoglobulin M antibodies. Immunosuppressive therapy was initiated 2 months after the onset of acute hepatitis when liver injury and jaundice were improved. Cyclosporine provided partial remission after 2 months of medication without bone marrow transplantation. Our case suggests that HPVB19 should be considered as a hepatotropic virus and a cause of acquired aplastic anemia, including HAAA.
Molecular Skin Surface-Based Transformation Visualization between Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Yan Ke , Wang Bing , Cheng Holun , Ji Zhiwei , Huang Jing , Gao Zhigang
Published: April 2017

Molecular skin surface (MSS), proposed by Edelsbrunner, is a C2 continuous smooth surface modeling approach of biological macromolecules. Compared to the traditional methods of molecular surface representations (e.g., the solvent exclusive surface), MSS has distinctive advantages including having no self-intersection and being decomposable and transformable. For further promoting MSS to the field of bioinformatics, transformation between different MSS representations mimicking the macromolecular dynamics is demanded. The transformation process helps biologists understand the macromolecular dynamics processes visually in the atomic level, which is important in studying the protein structures and binding sites for optimizing drug design. However, modeling the transformation between different MSSs suffers from high computational cost while the traditional approaches reconstruct every intermediate MSS from respective intermediate union of balls. In this study, we propose a novel computational framework named general MSS transformation framework (GMSSTF) between two MSSs without the assistance of union of balls. To evaluate the effectiveness of GMSSTF, we applied it on a popular public database PDB (Protein Data Bank) and compared the existing MSS algorithms with and without GMSSTF. The simulation results show that the proposed GMSSTF effectively improves the computational efficiency and is potentially useful for macromolecular dynamic simulations.
The Effect of Soluble Ammonium Polyphosphate on the Properties of Water Blown Semirigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Yao Weiguo , Wang Hanmo , Guan Dongbo , Fu Tao , Zhang Tianqi , Dou Yanli
Published: April 2017

Soluble ammonium polyphosphate (SAPP) is employed to prepare flame retardant semirigid polyurethane foam (SPUF) using water as blowing agent. The flame retardant property of SPUF is evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and horizontal burning test. Also the thermal degradation mechanism is studied by TG and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results show that, with the increase of the content of SAPP, flame retardant property of SPUF improves obviously as the LOI value increases and the horizontal burning rate decreases. And residual char is increased up to 20% with 19 wt% SAPP. Moreover, the mechanical property of SPUF is enhanced dramatically.
Integrated Optimization of Bus Line Fare and Operational Strategies Using Elastic Demand
Authors: Tang Chunyan , Ceder Avishai (Avi) , Ge Ying-En
Published: April 2017

An optimization approach for designing a transit service system is proposed. Its objective would be the maximization of total social welfare, by providing a profitable fare structure and tailoring operational strategies to passenger demand. These operational strategies include full route operation (FRO), limited stop, short turn, and a mix of the latter two strategies. The demand function is formulated to reflect the attributes of these strategies, in-vehicle crowding, and fare effects on demand variation. The fare is either a flat fare or a differential fare structure; the latter is based on trip distance and achieved service levels. This proposed methodology is applied to a case study of Dalian, China. The optimal results indicate that an optimal combination of operational strategies integrated with a differential fare structure results in the highest potential for increasing total social welfare, if the value of parameter ε related to additional service fee is low. When this value increases up to more than a threshold, strategies with a flat fare show greater benefits. If this value increases beyond yet another threshold, the use of skipped stop strategies is not recommended.
Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients Receiving Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Park Hong-Kyun , Chung Jong-Won , Hong Jeong-Ho , Jang Min Uk , Noh Hyun-Du , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Lee Soo Joo , Ko Youngchai , Kim Jae Guk , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Nah Hyun-Wook , Han Moon-Ku , Kim Beom Joon , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang-Soon , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Jun , Hong Keun-Sik , Cho Yong-Jin , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Oh Mi-Sun , Cho Ki-Hyun , Kim Joon-Tae , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Choi Jay Chol , Kim Wook-Joo , Shin Dong-Ick , Yeo Min-Ju , Sohn Sung Il , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Yoon Byung-Woo , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: April 2017

Background: The beneficial effects of endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke have been demonstrated in recent clinical trials using new-generation thrombectomy devices. However, the comparative effectiveness and safety of preceding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in this population has rarely been evaluated. Methods: From a prospective multicenter stroke registry database in Korea, we identified patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with EVT within 8 h of onset and admitted to 14 participating centers during 2008-2013. The primary outcome was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Major secondary outcomes were successful recanalization defined as a modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia score of 2b-3, functional independence (mRS score 0-2), mortality at 3 months, and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT) during hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression analyses using generalized linear mixed models were performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of preceding IVT. Results: Of the 639 patients (male, 61%; age 69 ± 12; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 15 [11-19]) who met the eligibility criteria, 458 received preceding IVT. These patients showed lower mRS scores (adjusted common OR, 1.38 [95% CI 0.98-1.96]). Preceding IVT was associated with successful recanalization (1.96 [1.23-3.11]) and reduced 3-month mortality (0.58 [0.35-0.97]) but not with SHT (0.96 [0.48-1.93]). Conclusion: In patients treated with EVT within 8 of acute ischemic stroke onset, preceding IVT may enhance survival and successful recanalization without additional risk of SHT, and mitigate disability at 3 months.
Expression of High Mobility Group Protein B1 in Cardiac Tissue of Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease with or without Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease
Authors: Bruton Mei , Hollan Ivana , Xiao Julie , Lindroos Eva , Mikkelsen Knut , Rynning Stein E. , Saatvedt Kjell , Almdahl Sven M. , Harris Helena E. , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Wick Cecilia
Published: April 2017

Background: It is known from clinical practice and observational studies that elderly patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) bear a significantly increased risk for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. The molecular mechanism, however, is still not known. Recently, high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), a ubiquitous, highly conserved single polypeptide expressed in all mammal eukaryotic cells, has been identified to mediate myocardial dysfunction in vitro once released from the nuclei of cardiomyocytes. Objective: To investigate whether HMGB1 and its receptors are expressed in cardiac muscles of elderly patients with CAD with or without IRD. Methods: HMGB1 and its 3 well-known receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and TLR4, were examined by immunohistochemistry on myocardial biopsy specimens from 18 elderly patients with CAD (10 with IRD, 8 without IRD). Furthermore, total HMGB1 protein levels were measured by Western blot from the cardiac biopsies in 5 patients with and 5 without IRD. Results: Pathologic cytosolic HMGB1 in cardiomyocytes was massively recorded in all patients with IRD, but only slightly expressed in 1 patient without IRD. Total HMGB1 levels were also consistently lower in myocardial muscle biopsies of patients with IRD compared to those without IRD. Furthermore, all 3 HMGB1 receptors were expressed in cardiomyocytes of all patients. Conclusion: The increased cytosolic expression of HMGB1 in cardiomyocytes and the lower total amount of HMGB1 in the cardiac specimens of IRD patients is consistent with a greater release of HMGB1 from the myocardial nuclei in IRD than non-IRD individuals. Thus, the HMGB1 signaling pathways may be more easily activated in elderly CAD patients with concomitant IRD and trigger a detrimental inflammatory process causing severe cardiovascular problems. Therefore, targeting HMGB1 in IRD patients might reduce the risk for cardiovascular events.
“Não quebrou a corrente, mas abriu um elo entre nós”: o impacto da dependência química materna sobre o vínculo mãe-filho
Authors: Trindade Vanessa , Bartilotti Carolina Bunn
Published: April 2017

Esta pesquisa objetivou identificar a percepção de cinco mães dependentes químicas da Grande Florianópolis acerca do vínculo com seus filhos, antes e durante a recuperação. Os dados foram coletados em entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados pela técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Constatou-se que no período de uso de drogas a prioridade esteve voltada a este consumo, gerando afastamento entre mães e filhos. Concluiu-se que o uso de drogas pelas mães traz consequências significativas à relação mãe-filho, gera afastamento, fragiliza vínculos e prejudica o exercício do papel materno. Assim, as intervenções dos profissionais da saúde com estas mulheres devem abordar aspectos para além do comportamento de usar drogas, abrangendo questões referentes ao papel como mãe e mulher, inseridas em uma realidade social
Estimation of density and abundance of the blue land crab, Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1828, in the Imburana peninsula, northern Brazil
Authors: Mendes Luciana Do N. , Cruz Raul
Published: April 2017

The blue land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille, 1828) supports extensive small-scale artisanal fisheries in the tropical western Atlantic, including Brazil. Land surveys were conducted on a peninsula in a northeastern Brazilian estuary in 2014-2015 in order to evaluate density and abundance. The study area (26 700 m2) was dividied into three subareas with a total of 30 sampling points. In all, 529 burrows were registered of which 71.7% were open (indicating activity), 22.1% were closed (indicating moulting) and 6.2% were empty (fishermen catch). Burrow diameter ranged from 12 to 174 mm (mean: 62.05 ± 3.01 mm; 95% confidence interval). The highly significant correlation between mean burrow diameter and mean carapace length (n = 7; R2 = 0.8968, ) shows that one is a good proxy for the other. The estimated total population size in the study area was 10 362 individuals, with a mean density of 0.39 individuals/m2 (stock of 7347 kg).
The Relevance of Disciplinary Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction to Locating Effective Control under the ario
Authors: Deen-Racsmány Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2017

The commentary to Article 7 of the Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations (on lent organs) clearly singles out disciplinary authority and criminal jurisdiction as factors relevant to locating effective control and, in turn, attribution. The present study scrutinizes the function and significance of these factors in that context. As the International Law Commission’s Commentary apparently fails to justify their special importance, alternative explanations provided in legal literature are considered together with the idea that reference to these factors originates from Special Rapporteur Gaja’s preoccupation with military personnel. The author concludes that while military discipline and military criminal jurisdiction play a unique role in relation to military personnel, a broader approach focusing on all relevant manifestations of the persisting organic link may provide a more appropriate framework for the attribution of the conduct of lent State organs (military and civilian alike) under the effective control test.
Racism and Sociopolitical Engagement Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Racial/Ethnic Minority Adults
Authors: VanDaalen Rachel A. , Santos Carlos E.
Published: April 2017

Experiences of discrimination due to one’s racial; ethnic; or lesbian gay, or bisexual (LGB) status have been associated with higher levels of sociopolitical involvement in racial, ethnic, and sexual minority communities. In this study, we examined (a) the associations between perceived racism in the LGB community, sociopolitical involvement in LGB racial or ethnic minority communities, and outness; and (b) whether the association between perceived racism and sociopolitical involvement in the LGB community is moderated by outness among LGB racial or ethnic minority adults. The study draws on a sample that is diverse with respect to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity. Results revealed that Asian American participants perceived higher levels of racism in the LGB community than Latina/o participants. Perceptions of racism in the LGB community predicted sociopolitical involvement in LGB communities. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Achieving Methodological Alignment When Combining QCA and Process tracing in Practice
Authors: Beach Derek
Published: April 2017

This article explores the practical challenges one faces when combining qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and process tracing (PT) in a manner that is consistent with their underlying assumptions about the nature of causal relationships. While PT builds on a mechanism-based understanding of causation, QCA as a comparative method makes claims about counterfactual causal relationships. Given the need to ensure alignment between the ontological understandings of causation that underlie a method and methodological practice, the different ontological foundations result in methodological guidelines that contradict each other, forcing the analyst to choose whether to be more in alignment with one or the other method. This article explores the implications of contrasting guidelines in a practical case study, where a QCA for sufficiency is followed by two PT case studies of positive cases.
Paul’s Knowledge of Aristophanes
Authors: Griffith R. Drew
Published: April 2017

The book of Acts plausibly claims that Paul was also named Saul. Yet in neither the genuine nor the deutero-Pauline epistles does this name appear. Several scholars have suggested that Paul avoids the name, because in Greek σαῦλος describes ‘the loose, wanton gait of courtesans or Bacchantes’. This brief article argues that the word was not current in Hellenistic Greek, and that the only classical author in whom Paul might have found it is Aristophanes, whose plays were deemed by Hellenistic schoolmasters to be the most accurate reflection of Athenian speech in its golden age and hence the best possible stylistic models for imitation. I conclude that Paul was familiar with the work of Aristophanes, and that he was able to ‘become all things to all people’ because his own formation in Greek as well as in Jewish literature was traditional and broad.
Real-time implementation of a maximum power point tracking algorithm based on first order sliding mode strategy for photovoltaic power systems
Authors: Garraoui Radhia , Barambones Oscar , Hamed Mouna Ben , Lassaad Sbita
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on the first order sliding mode approach. This work is aimed at systems that are fed with a photovoltaic (PV) generator. The main objective is to act on the panel to ensure that the energy collected is always at its maximum. Because a PV panel frequently suffers from non-linearity of its P-V curves, we propose to work with MPPT controllers based on the first order sliding mode approach; indeed, this approach in general is recognized as one of the efficient tools to design robust controllers. It has received much more attention within the last two decades, and many researchers are dealing with this type of robust controller to ensure optimal operating point of a PV system. The proposed MPPT algorithm has been implemented using a DSPACE DSP (digital signal processor) controller. To demonstrate the efficiency and the validity of the developed algorithm in real time, an experimental setup around a boost converter and a resistive load is experimentally studied and successfully implemented. The real-time validation and the experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the efficiency of PV array output under climatic variation and load change. It is a favorable algorithm that is easy to realize.
An integrated online adaptive state of charge estimation approach of high-power lithium-ion battery packs
Authors: Wang Shunli , Fernandez Carlos , Shang Liping , Li Zhanfeng , Yuan Huifang
Published: April 2017

A novel online adaptive state of charge (SOC) estimation method is proposed, aiming to characterize the capacity state of all the connected cells in lithium-ion battery (LIB) packs. This method is realized using the extended Kalman filter (EKF) combined with Ampere-hour (Ah) integration and open circuit voltage (OCV) methods, in which the time-scale implementation is designed to reduce the computational cost and accommodate uncertain or time-varying parameters. The working principle of power LIBs and their basic characteristics are analysed by using the combined equivalent circuit model (ECM), which takes the discharging current rates and temperature as the core impacts, to realize the estimation. The original estimation value is initialized by using the Ah integral method, and then corrected by measuring the cell voltage to obtain the optimal estimation effect. Experiments under dynamic current conditions are performed to verify the accuracy and the real-time performance of this proposed method, the analysed result of which indicates that its good performance is in line with the estimation accuracy and real-time requirement of high-power LIB packs. The proposed multi-model SOC estimation method may be used in the real-time monitoring of the high-power LIB pack dynamic applications for working state measurement and control.
Harmony search optimization for robust pole assignment in union regions for synthesizing feedback control systems
Authors: Zhai Junchang , Gao Liqun , Li Steven
Published: April 2017

This paper is concerned with robust pole assignment optimization for synthesizing feedback control systems via state feedback or observer-based output feedback in specified union regions using the harmony search algorithm. By using exact pole placement theory and the harmony search algorithm, robust pole assignment for linear discrete-time systems or linear continuous-time systems in union regions can be converted into a global dynamical optimization problem. The robust measured indices are derived for robust union region stability constraints and a robust [Formula: see text] performance. For the nonlinear, robust measured indices, a set of dynamic poles and the corresponding feedback controllers can be obtained by global dynamic optimization based on the harmony search algorithm and the idea of robust exact pole assignment. One key merit of the proposed approach is that the radius or the position of the sub-regions can be arbitrarily specified according to the transient performance request. Furthermore, the eigenstructure of the closed-loop system matrix can be optimized with better robustness for the proposed approach. Finally, the simulation results for a discrete-time system and a continuous-time system demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Rule-based calculation and simulation design of elevator traffic systems for high-rise office buildings
Authors: Al-Sharif Lutfi , Al Sukkar Ghazi , Hakouz Asma' , Al-Shamayleh Nama' A
Published: April 2017

Elevator traffic system design has been traditionally based on rules of thumb and the designer’s judgement and expertise. This is especially true for high-rise buildings. This paper attempts to develop a systematic methodology for the design of high-rise buildings, by the use of rational rules. In order to ensure clarity and consistency, it defines the terms sector, zone and stack. A sector is a group of floors that are served by one or more elevators in a journey and are not necessarily fixed and are not necessarily contiguous. A zone is a group of contiguous floors that are served by a group of elevators and are fixed in hardware. When a number of zones are grouped together they form a stack, which is effectively a building within a larger building that is served by a main lobby or by a sky lobby. The systematic methodology is built around the use of rational rules. Rational rules differ from rules of thumbs in a number of ways, and these are discussed in the paper. Six rational rules are presented and used in the design of high-rise buildings. The rules are triggered by the checking of a number of design parameters such as the waiting time and the transit time, as well as the core area used up and the number of elevators in the group. A simulator for incoming traffic and a single entrance is used in order to obtain the parameters for a design and then to trigger the rational rules. Five case studies on the design of various buildings are presented in order to illustrate the use of the six rules. In addition, feedback from the industry experts is reviewed in a dedicated section.

Practical application: This paper presents a set of six rules for the design of elevator traffic systems for high-rise buildings. Armed with calculation and simulation tools, the designer can follow the six rules in a systematic procedure in order to arrive at a compliant elevator traffic design for high-rise buildings.
Occurrence of rubidium and cesium in Iqe coal, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Evidence from sequential chemical extraction experiment
Authors: Zhao Cunliang , Liu Bangjun , Ma Jialiang , Liu Shiming , Blokhin Maksim G
Published: April 2017

The occurrence of Rb and Cs in coal samples from Iqe coalfield was analyzed by a sequential chemical extraction experiment. Five types of Rb and Cs were determined in the coal: water soluble, ion exchangeable, organic bonded, carbonate, and silicate. The results indicated that the occurrence of Cs is similar with Rb in coal, and nearly all Rb and Cs are distributed in silicate. The occurrence of Rb and Cs is most likely associated with silicate minerals in coal. With the high correlation between Rb, Cs, and K, and the high content of kaolinite and illite in these coal samples, it can be inferred that illite probably is the main carrier of Rb and Cs. Minor amounts of Rb and Cs may also be adsorbed by kaolinite in Iqe coal, and Cs may exist in other states, such as an exchangeable ion.
Colonialism and Human Rights. Indonesia and the Netherlands in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Kuitenbrouwer Maarten
Published: April 2017

In a pioneering article, titled ‘Colonialism and Human Rights, A Contradiction in Terms?’ the American historian Conklin established in 1998 that France not only violated human rights in West Africa about 1900, but also promoted them for a small African elite, both in intended and unintended ways. For colonial Indonesia about 1900 the British historian Ricklefs observed in more general terms a similiar human rights balance. In this article this rough human rights balance is elaborated in more detail and for a longer period in comparative perspective. The case of the Netherlands Indies is compared to British India, French Indochina and independent Thailand during the 19th and 20th centuries. Both the human rights violations during colonial conquest and the limited promotion of political and civil rights and education could be specified in rather exact terms. But for social and economic rights GNP figures had to be chosen as main indicator. In general, British India took the lead in the promotion of political and civil rights and education, and independent Thailand in economic development, while the Netherlands Indies occupied a middle position and French Indochina lagged behind in both respects. In comparative perspective, education proved to be a crucial human right, opening the way to eventual selfdetermination.
The Sub-Commission's Initiative on Human Rights and Intellectual Property
Authors: Weissbrodt David , Schoff Kell
Published: April 2017

In 2000 the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights adopted a resolution raising concerns about the consistency of international intellectual property protections and human rights norms. This article summarises human rights norms relevant to intellectual property and the pertinent aspects of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which overlap or potentially conflict. The article provides several examples of potential conflict and how they might be resolved. The article demonstrates that the Sub-Commission resolution helped to initiate a major international discussion and some action on the relationship between human rights and intellectual property.
Human Rights in Asylum Sharing and other Human Transfer Agreements
Authors: Clark Tom ,   In Cooperation with François Crépeau
Published: April 2017

The article sets out the concept of a State-to-State human transfer agreement of which extradition and deportation are specialised forms. Asylum sharing agreements are other variations which the article explores in more detail. Human transfer agreements always affect at least the right to liberty and the freedom of movement, but other rights will also be at issue to some extent. The article shows how human rights obligations limit State discretion in asylum sharing agreements and considers how past and present asylum sharing arrangements in Europe and North America deal with these limits, if at all. The article suggests changes in the way asylum sharing agreements are drafted: for example, providing for a treaty committee would allow existing agreements to better conform to international human rights instruments and would facilitate State compliance to their human rights obligations.
The Practice of National and International Courts on Transnational Seizure: Is a Fair Balance between Human Rights and Accountability Possible?
Authors: de Sanctis Francesco
Published: April 2017

In the absence of or in order to circumvent extradition procedures States have often resorted to transnational abduction or informal surrender to ensure that criminal suspects residing abroad are brought to justice. This article will consider the implications of these devises for the world order and individual human rights through an assessment of the point of view of domestic and international courts which dealt with the issue of transnational seizure. Particular attention will be paid to the recent and important decisions delivered by the US jurisdiction in the Alvarez-Mechein Case under the Alien Tort Claims Act, the European Court for Human Rights in the Öcalan Case and the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in the Nikolic Case. The purpose is to determine whether the judicial practices under consideration could be deemed to attain a fair balance between accountability and the respect of fundamental human rights.
Towards a Just Institutional Order: A Commentary on the First Session of the UN Task Force on the Right to Development
Authors: Salomon Margot E.
Published: April 2017

A novel mechanism that brings together human rights experts with the representatives of the international development, finance and trade institutions was recently established within the United Nations (UN) under the auspices of the Working Group on the Right to Development. At its first session, this High-Level Task Force adopted a range of recommendations on challenges to the Millennium Development Goals and on the importance of human rights impact assessments. In so doing, it took some initial steps towards integrating the international law of human rights, including the framework provided by the 1986 UN Declaration on the Right to Development, into the priority areas of these other international actors. The aim of this commentary is to provide insight into the conclusions adopted by the Task Force and to highlight the contribution of the human right to development to the topics under its consideration. It also seeks to reflect on the significance of human rights law to issues that were tabled, such as, accountability for human rights at the international level, international cooperation, economic growth, and trade-offs in the allocation of resources. In concluding that the Task Force must face head on the impediments to the realisation of human rights posed by the institutional arrangements for the governance of the international economic order, the article ends by offering suggestions for its future work.
The Prohibition of Propaganda for War in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Authors: Kearney Michael
Published: April 2017

The prohibition of propaganda for war as set forth in Article 20(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights represents a key provision of international law, albeit one which has been grossly neglected, both by States parties and legal commentators, since its adoption by the General Assembly in 1966. The object of this article is to direct attention towards a provision which has the potential to play a major role in the prevention of war. Drawing on the travaux préparatoires of both Articles 19 and 20 of the Covenant, the reservations and declarations entered with regard to Article 20(1), the pertinent General Comments of the Human Rights Committee and the periodic reports submitted by States parties to the Committee, the article seeks to clarify the meaning of the provision and to dispel assumptions that either it is an unwarranted restriction on the right to freedom of expression or both legally and politically untenable.
The Lawful Sanctions Clause in the State Reporting Procedure before the Committee against Torture
Authors: Coracini Celso Eduardo Faria
Published: April 2017

This article, firstly, looks at the origins of the ‘lawful sanctions' clause, which apparently narrows the scope of the CAT definition of torture, as well as at the debates related to its formulation. Then, it examines the dialogue between States and the Committee against Torture, established in the context of the State reporting procedure, in which reference to the ‘lawful sanctions' clause was sought with a view to determining the authentic interpretation that the Committee has held since the beginning of its operation. Finally, the question is posed whether this clause has kept any meaning after almost 20 years that the CAT has entered into force. Acknowledging the fact that the Committee tends to avoid reference to the ‘lawful sanctions' clause, and has not provided for any clear interpretation, the article further argues that the clause has no scope of application at all.