bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Audit (Still) be Trusted?
Authors: Mueller Frank , Carter Chris , Whittle Andrea
Published: June 2015

This paper analyses audit as an exemplar of an expert system. The paper explores the premise that systemic trust in audit has been damaged and requires repair, looking specifically at the role of the institutionalized mechanism of the public inquiry. This is examined empirically in relation to the interaction between the heads of the Big Four accounting firms in the UK and the House of Lords Economic Select Committee in the course of the recent parliamentary investigation into the UK audit market, prompted by the global financial crisis. In particular, the paper seeks to understand how there can be transfer of trust, following Sztompka (1999), between different levels and between agents in a system. In this case, the Big Four – as privileged market participants – require re-legitimation from agents that are part of the political and legal apparatus. We therefore argue that re-legitimation of the Big Four’s privileged market position is dependent on transfer of trust.
Anticoagulation strategies and difficulties in neonatal and paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Authors: Stocker Christian F , Horton Stephen B
Published: June 2015

Objective:

The aim of this review is to highlight an emerging problem with anticoagulation-related complications in neonatal and paediatric ECMO, to explore for flaws in the currently recommended anticoagulation management responsible for these problems and to discuss possible strategies mitigating further escalation of the issue.

Data Sources:

Pertinent neonatal and paediatric literature on the topic of interest and international Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation (ELSO) registry data request.

Conclusions:

The international ELSO registry data reveals increasing rates of anticoagulation-related complications during neonatal and paediatric ECMO worldwide. The causes are multifactorial and the proposed solution to the problem is to match anticoagulation management to the pathophysiological complexity of haemostasis on ECMO.
Expressing care in narratives about occupations
Authors: Taylor Jackie
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Engagement in occupations impacts on wellbeing, but this relationship needs to be better understood by occupational therapists. A focus on the meanings of occupations, rather then their purpose, might help further this understanding. Being meaningful, an occupation enables the individual to participate in society in a way that reflects personal and societal values. This paper explores how people can express personal values and caring in the narratives that they tell about leisure occupations.

Method

Seventeen serious leisure enthusiasts were interviewed and encouraged to talk about their chosen occupation. Narratives were extracted from the transcripts and analysed, giving attention to content, structure and interaction. Those narratives that appeared to have a meaning associated with caring were examined further in order to establish the types of caring that they revealed.

Findings

Thirty-one narratives were found to have a meaning associated with values or caring, relating either to a moral struggle, caring close to home or caring further afield.

Conclusion

For some individuals, the meaningfulness of their leisure occupations lies, in part, in using them as a vehicle to express care towards themself, towards others or towards the environment. This has implications for the uses of occupations in therapy.
It’s Not the Size of the Boat or the Motion of the Ocean
Authors: Vencill Jennifer A. , Tebbe Elliot A. , Garos Sheila
Published: June 2015

Research on psychological factors related to female sexual functioning has been growing in recent years. Our study draws on the existing sexual health literature and objectification theory to test a model of female sexual functioning. Using structural equation modeling, we examined the associations of body surveillance and internalization of cultural standards of beauty with appearance anxiety, depression, and sexual health (i.e., physical sexual functioning and subjective sexual well-being) in a sample of 426 sexually active, heterosexual, cisgender women. Further, we investigated the role of depression and appearance anxiety as mediators of the associations of body surveillance and internalization of cultural standards of beauty with sexual health. Our findings contribute to the growing body of empirical research that examines the role of sociocultural and psychological factors in female sexual functioning. Results suggest that depression and appearance anxiety fully mediated the relations of body surveillance with sexual well-being. However, internalization of cultural standards of beauty was not significant with any study outcomes. These findings expand on existing objectification theory literature by elucidating the associations of body surveillance and internalization of cultural standards of beauty with sexual functioning as well as by highlighting the importance of attending to body image, appearance anxiety, and depression when working clinically with women reporting concerns with their sexual functioning.
Properties of ceramics prepared using dry discharged waste to energy bottom ash dust
Authors: Bourtsalas Athanasios , Vandeperre Luc , Grimes Sue , Themelis Nicolas , Koralewska Ralf , Cheeseman Chris
Published: June 2015

The fine dust of incinerator bottom ash generated from dry discharge systems can be transformed into an inert material suitable for the production of hard, dense ceramics. Processing involves the addition of glass, ball milling and calcining to remove volatile components from the incinerator bottom ash. This transforms the major crystalline phases present in fine incinerator bottom ash dust from quartz (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and hematite (Fe2O3), to the pyroxene group minerals diopside (CaMgSi2O6), clinoenstatite (MgSi2O6), wollastonite (CaSiO3) together with some albite (NaAlSi3O8) and andradite (Ca3Fe2Si3O12). Processed powders show minimal leaching and can be pressed and sintered to form dense (>2.5 g cm-3), hard ceramics that exhibit low firing shrinkage (<7%) and zero water absorption. The research demonstrates the potential to beneficially up-cycle the fine incinerator bottom ash dust from dry discharge technology into a raw material suitable for the production of ceramic tiles that have potential for use in a range of industrial applications.
Physical Health Conditions and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Offenders With Alcohol Use Diagnoses
Authors: Crane Cory A. , Easton Caroline J.
Published: June 2015

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among samples with diagnosed alcohol use disorders (AUDs), but few studies have evaluated the factors that account for this increased risk, and none have systematically evaluated the risk posed by comorbid physical health conditions. The present study evaluated the likelihood of perpetrating IPV among alcohol diagnosed offenders with medical health problems relative to healthy counterparts. Physical health and partner violence data provided by 655 criminal offenders with AUDs diagnosed during a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation were examined. One third of participants (35.3%) endorsed a physical health condition, and 46.4% reported perpetrating physical IPV. The odds of perpetrating IPV among participants with a physical health condition were 2.29 times larger than among healthy participants. Specific conditions emerged as risk factors for IPV, including brain injury, cardiac issues, chronic pain, liver issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatitis, and recent injury. Findings highlight the importance of identifying and managing physical health conditions that may complicate IPV treatment efforts. Integrated behavioral and medical health treatment approaches may increase treatment compliance and reduce the risk of future partner violence among offenders with co-occurring issues, such as mental illness, addiction, and physical health conditions.
A new path for the discussion of Social Representations: Advancing the topic of subjectivity from a cultural-historical standpoint
Authors: González Rey Fernando Luis
Published: June 2015

This article discusses a new approach to subjectivity from a cultural-historical standpoint and the possible links that this new definition could have with the theory of Social Representation (SR). One of the facets of this cultural-historical approach to subjectivity that makes this dialogue with SR theory possible is that subjectivity in this definition does not constrain individual phenomena. Rather, subjectivity as it is defined in this paper is a new ontological definition of human phenomena, whether social or individual, that brings into light the symbolical-emotional character of human phenomena. The concepts that shape Social Representation Theory as subjective configurations are discussed, as well as the consequences of this definition for the development of psychological theory. Social representation, as is assumed within the present paper, might be considered an important building block for the further advancement of a definition of subjectivity that is not exhausted by individual subjectivity.
An approach to model-following controller design based on a stabilized digital inverse system
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Inoue Shota , Shibasaki Hiroki , Ogawa Hiromitsu , Murakami Takahiro , Ishida Yoshihisa
Published: June 2015

This article explains our approach to designing a model-following controller based on a stabilized digital inverse system. We use an inter-sample auxiliary observation output from the model as an input to the inverse system. We then design the inverse system for minimum and non-minimum phase plants. In order to reposition the unstable poles of the inverse system on a stable region, we determine the optimal gain vector using a linear quadratic regulator. We confirm the effectiveness of our proposed method by performing simulations for several plants and conducting an experiment with a direct current motor.
Fukushima effects in Germany? Changes in media coverage and public opinion on nuclear power
Authors: Arlt Dorothee , Wolling Jens
Published: June 2015

Based on a literature review on factors that explain media effects and previous findings on media coverage and public opinion on nuclear power, this article examines the effects of Fukushima on media coverage and public opinion in Germany in two studies. The first study uses content analysis data to analyse changes in media coverage, and the second one is based on panel survey data to examine attitude changes on an individual level. The results of both studies show changes in media coverage and public opinion on nuclear power. Furthermore, the second study reveals that individual attitude changes cannot necessarily be explained by the same factors as the distribution of attitudes.
Transnationalism, return visits and identity negotiation: South Korean-New Zealanders and the Korean national sports festival
Authors: Chang Ik Young , Sam Michael P , Jackson Steven J
Published: June 2015

Migration has commonly been theorised as a process that ends with settlement in a new country and thus return visits have not been conceptualised as part of the migration experience. As has been noted in the literature, the return visit is a temporary visit to an individual’s place of birth (or the ‘external homeland’) from a current country of residence which may help immigrants to construct and negotiate a transnational identity between the new and old homes. This study focuses on how one government, South Korea, uses sport as a part of a wider strategy to encourage return visits in order to maintain cultural, economic and political connections with overseas citizens. More specifically, this paper examines the experiences of Korean immigrants living in New Zealand who return to Korea to participate in the annual National Sports Festival. Drawing upon document analysis, interviews and participant observation data, three different types of experiences emerged: (1) athletic experiences through the event itself; (2) nostalgic experiences from reconnecting with families and friends or enjoying forms of culture and entertainment difficult to access in the receiving country; and (3) political and economic experiences through interactions with politicians and business people which may contribute to mutual benefits between their old and new homes. Overall, the paper discusses the experience and implications of Koreans who represent New Zealand in an (inter)national sport and cultural festival and its influence on their transnational lives and identities.
The adoption of an accounting innovation in France: The case of consolidated financial statements at Pechiney (1956–1971)
Authors: Bensadon Didier
Published: June 2015

Academic publications on the adoption of accounting innovations, such as consolidated accounts, have primarily focused on countries that use accounting methods developed in the USA, Australia and the UK. This article examines why Pechiney, a French company of international standing, adopted consolidated accounts in France during the 1960s. The findings indicate that Pechiney, aware that the production of consolidated financial statements was one of the criteria for acceptance, opted for consolidation in a bid to ensure that the company would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. But this was not the only motivation. Firstly, Pechiney’s board of directors wanted to strengthen the parent company’s control over its subsidiaries by imposing consolidation procedures. Secondly, by acquiring expertise in the domain, the board hoped to exert substantial influence over the Conseil national de la comptabilité (French accounting standards authority) as and when this body was ready to introduce financial consolidation regulations.
Parental Report of the Diagnostic Process and Outcome: ASD Compared With Other Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Oswald Donald P. , Haworth Shannon M. , Mackenzie Bernadette K. , Willis Janet H.
Published: June 2015

Parents report that the process of getting an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is arduous, lengthy, and fraught with difficulties. This analysis of the Pathways survey data set examined the experiences of parents who said, at the time of the survey, that their child currently had ASD compared with parents who said, at the time of the survey, that their child currently had some other developmental disability. Despite substantially earlier parental concerns about their child’s development, the ASD group ( n = 1,420) received their current diagnosis about 7 months later ( M age at diagnosis = 62.8 months, SE = 1.62) on average, than did children in the group diagnosed with other developmental delay ( n = 2,098, M age at diagnosis = 55.4 months, SE = 2.13). Parents in the “Current ASD” group were more likely to report that the health professional said nothing was wrong or that the child might “grow out of it,” emphasizing a common parental complaint. Continued efforts to improve parents’ experience of the diagnostic process are warranted.
Survival in cats with primary and secondary cardiomyopathies
Authors: Spalla Ilaria , Locatelli Chiara , Riscazzi Giulia , Santagostino Sara , Cremaschi Elena , Brambilla Paola
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Feline cardiomyopathies (CMs) represent a heterogeneous group of myocardial diseases. The most common CM is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), followed by restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). Studies comparing survival and outcome for different types of CM are scant. Furthermore, little is known about the cardiovascular consequences of systemic diseases on survival. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare survival and prognostic factors in cats affected by HCM, RCM or secondary CM referred to our institution over a 10 year period.

Methods

The study included 94 cats with complete case records and echocardiographic examination. Fifty cats presented HCM, 14 RCM and 30 secondary CM.

Results

A statistically significant difference in survival time was identified for cats with HCM (median survival time of 865 days), RCM (273 days) and secondary CM (<50% cardiac death rate). In the overall population and in the primary CM group (HCM + RCM), risk factors in the multivariate analysis, regardless of the CM considered, were the presence of clinical signs, an increased left atrial to aortic root (LA/Ao) ratio and a hypercoagulable state.

Conclusions and relevance

Primary CMs in cats share some common features (ie, LA dimension and hypercoagulable state) linked to feline cardiovascular physiology, which influence survival greatly in end-stage CM. The presence of clinical signs has to be regarded as a marker of disease severity, regardless of the underlying CM. Secondary CMs are more benign conditions, but if the primary disease is not properly managed, the prognosis might also be poor in this group of patients.
Lived experiences and illness representation of Taiwanese patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wu Chia-Chen , Lin Chiu-Chu , Hsieh Hsiu-Fang , Chang Shu-Chen
Published: June 2015

This qualitative study was designed to identify patients’ experiences and perceptions related to living with late-stage chronic kidney disease. Interviews were held for 15 patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease from two medical centers in Taiwan. Five themes were identified using content analysis: experiencing moderate to severe symptoms and signs; tracing back to causes; realizing the long-term, irreversible nature of the disease; facing the consequence of unavoidable deterioration; and coping with the disease. The findings present the special lived experiences of Taiwanese chronic kidney disease patients and highlight the need for healthcare providers to assess patients’ illness representation before offering interventions for patients coping with chronic kidney disease.
A review of the efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate in the management of partial-onset seizures
Authors: Rocamora Rodrigo
Published: June 2015

Eslicarbazepine acetate is a is a once-daily antiepileptic drug (AED) that was approved in 2009 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (Zebinix™), and in 2013 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Aptiom™) as adjunctive therapy in adults with refractory partial-onset seizures, with or without secondary generalization. It is a third-generation member of the dibenzazepine family of AEDs with distinctive mechanism of action, posology and tolerability profile. The eslicarbazepine acetate development program included an initial phase II study (study BIA 2-093) and three subsequent phase III, multicentre, randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical trials (studies BIA-2093-301, BIA- 2093-302 and BIA -2093-303). A fourth phase III placebo-controlled trial (study BIA-2093-304) was designed in order to meet specific requirements of the FDA. All performed studies have consistently shown that eslicarbazepine acetate (800 to 1200 mg/day) is effective and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy for adults with partial-onset seizures.
Botulinum Toxin in Pediatric Neurology
Authors: Moawad Eman M. I. , Abdallah Enas Abdallah Ali
Published: June 2015

Botulinum neurotoxins are natural molecules produced by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria called Clostradium boltulinum. The toxin has a peculiar mechanism of action by preventing the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane. Consequently, it has been used in the treatment of various neurological conditions related to muscle hyperactivity and/or spasticity. Also, it has an impact on the autonomic nervous system by acting on smooth muscle, leading to its use in the management of pain syndromes. The use of botulinum toxin in children separate from adults has received very little attention in the literature. This review presents the current data on the use of botulinum neurotoxin to treat various neurological disorders in children.
Overexpression of microRNA-155 increases IL-21 mediated STAT3 signaling and IL-21 production in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rasmussen Tue Kruse , Andersen Thomas , Bak Rasmus Otkjær , Yiu Gloria , Sørensen Christian Møller , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Mikkelsen Jacob Giehm , Utz Paul Joseph , Holm Christian Kanstrup , Deleuran Bent
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Interleukin (IL)-21 is a key cytokine in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by its regulation of autoantibody production and inflammatory responses. The objective of this study is to investigate the signaling capacity of IL-21 in T and B cells and assess its possible regulation by microRNA (miR)-155 and its target gene suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in SLE.

Methods

The signaling capacity of IL-21 was quantified by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with IL-21 and measuring phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) in CD4+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Induction of miR-155 by IL-21 was investigated by stimulating purified CD4+ T cells with IL-21 and measuring miR-155 expression levels. The functional role of miR-155 was assessed by overexpressing miR-155 in PBMCs from SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs) and measuring its effects on STAT3 and IL-21 production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Results

Induction of pSTAT3 in CD4+ T cells in response to IL-21 was significantly decreased in SLE patients compared to HCs (p < 0.0001). Further, expression levels of miR-155 were significantly decreased and SOCS1 correspondingly increased in CD4+ T cells from SLE patients. Finally, overexpression of miR-155 in CD4+ T cells increased STAT3 phosphorylation in response to IL-21 treatment (p < 0.01) and differentially increased IL-21 production in SLE patients compared to HCs (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that SLE patients have reduced IL-21 signaling capacity, decreased miR-155 levels, and increased SOCS1 levels compared to HCs. The reduced IL-21 signaling in SLE could be rescued by overexpression of miR-155, suggesting an important role for miR-155 in the reduced IL-21 signaling observed in SLE.
The impact of diabetes on cognitive decline: potential vascular, metabolic, and psychosocial risk factors
Authors: Feinkohl Insa , Price Jackie F. , Strachan Mark W.J. , Frier Brian M.
Published: June 2015

Older people with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing cognitive impairment, for which several potential risk factors have been proposed. The present article reviews evidence in people with type 2 diabetes for associations of cognitive impairment with a range of vascular, metabolic, and psychosocial risk factors, many of which have a higher prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes than in non-diabetic adults of a similar age. Definitive research studies in this field are few in number. The risk factors may be involved in causal pathways or may act as useful markers of cerebrovascular damage (or both), and for which relatively consistent evidence is available, include poor glycemic control, hypoglycemia, microvascular disease, inflammation, and depression. For macrovascular disease, the strength of the association with cognitive impairment appears to depend on which vascular system has been examined. A role for pre-morbid ability in young adulthood as influencing the risk of both diabetes and cognitive impairment has also been suggested. The importance of considering inter-relationships between risk factors when investigating their potential contribution to cognitive impairment in future investigations is discussed.
Testing of the voice communication in smart home care
Authors: Vanus Jan , Smolon Marek , Martinek Radek , Koziorek Jiri , Zidek Jan , Bilik Petr
Published: June 2015

This article is aimed to describe the method of testing the implementation of voice control over operating and technical functions of Smart Home Come. Custom control over operating and technical functions was implemented into a model of Smart Home that was equipped with KNX technology. A sociological survey focused on the needs of seniors has been carried out to justify the implementation of voice control into Smart Home Care. In the real environment of Smart Home Care, there are usually unwanted signals and additive noise that negatively affect the voice communication with the control system. This article describes the addition of a sophisticated system for filtering the additive background noise out of the voice communication with the control system. The additive noise significantly lowers the success of recognizing voice commands to control operating and technical functions of an intelligent building. Within the scope of the proposed application, a complex system based on fuzzy-neuron networks, specifically the ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interference System) for adaptive suppression of unwanted background noises was created. The functionality of the designed system was evaluated both by subjective and by objective criteria (SSNR, DTW). Experimental results suggest that the studied system has the potential to refine the voice control of technical and operating functions of Smart Home Care even in a very noisy environment.
FDG-PET findings of Ameloblastoma: a case report
Authors: Seno Satoshi , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Inokuchi Go , Nibu Ken-ichi , Itoh Tomoo , Ejima Yasuo , Sasaki Ryohei , Sugimoto Koji , Sugimura Kazuro
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaw, rarely presenting as a malignant tumor. Although it is very important to discriminate ameloblastoma from ameloblastic carcinoma in order to decide the appropriate operative procedure, this is difficult using conventional CT and MRI.

Case descriptions

We report a case of maxillar ameloblastoma in a 78-year-old man where FDG-PET/CT was useful for making this discrimination. CT demonstrated a 31 × 43 × 46-mm mass in the left posterior maxillary sinus with destruction of its posterior and lateral wall and alveolar bone. MRI demonstrated a hypo- to isointense heterogeneous pattern on T1WI, heterogeneous hyperintensity with a prominent high-signal spot on T2WI, high signal intensity on DWI reflecting restricted diffusion, and strong heterogeneous enhancement. Because FDG-PET/CT showed mild FDG uptake (SUVmax 2.40) by the mass, ameloblastoma, rather than ameloblastic carcinoma, was considered to be the correct diagnosis.

Discussion and evaluation

It appears that ameloblastic carcinoma shows intense FDG uptake, whereas ameloblastoma shows mild or moderate FDG uptake, and only rarely intense FDG uptake. Our experience suggests that FDG-PET/CT may be effective for discriminating ameloblastoma from ameloblastic carcinoma. Especially, in cases showing mild FDG uptake, benign ameloblastoma would seem the most likely diagnosis.

Conclusions

FDG-PET/CT may be useful as an adjunctive modality for diagnosis, treatment planning and surveillance of ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma.
Community-Based Phase IIIB Trial of Three UPFRONT Bortezomib-Based Myeloma Regimens
Authors: Niesvizky Ruben , Flinn Ian W. , Rifkin Robert , Gabrail Nashat , Charu Veena , Clowney Billy , Essell James , Gaffar Yousuf , Warr Thomas , Neuwirth Rachel , Zhu Yanyan , Elliott Jennifer , Esseltine Dixie-Lee , Niculescu Liviu , Reeves James
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The US community-based, phase IIIB UPFRONT trial was designed to compare three frontline bortezomib-based regimens in transplantation-ineligible patients with myeloma.

Patients and Methods

Patients (N = 502) were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to 24 weeks (eight 21-day cycles) of induction with bortezomib-dexamethasone (VD; n = 168; intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, days 1, 4, 8, and 11 plus oral dexamethasone 20 mg, days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12 [cycles 1 to 4], or 1, 2, 4, and 5 [cycles 5 to 8]), bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone (VTD; n = 167; bortezomib and dexamethasone as before plus oral thalidomide 100 mg, days 1 to 21), or bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP; n = 167; bortezomib as before plus oral melphalan 9 mg/m2 and oral prednisone 60 mg/m2, days 1 to 4, every other cycle), followed by 25 weeks (five 35-day cycles) of bortezomib maintenance (1.6 mg/m2, days 1, 8, 15, and 22). The primary end point was progression-free survival.

Results

After 42.7 months' median follow-up, median progression-free survival with VD, VTD, and VMP was 14.7, 15.4, and 17.3 months, respectively; median overall survival was 49.8, 51.5, and 53.1 months, with no significant differences among treatments for either end point (global P = .46 and P = .79, respectively, Wald test). Overall response rates were 73% (VD), 80% (VTD), and 70% (VMP). Adverse events were more common with VTD than VD or VMP. Bortezomib maintenance was feasible without producing cumulative toxicity.

Conclusion

Although all bortezomib-containing regimens produced good outcomes, VTD and VMP did not appear to offer an advantage over VD in transplantation-ineligible patients with myeloma treated in US community practice.
Prospective Cohort Study of Hospital Palliative Care Teams for Inpatients With Advanced Cancer: Earlier Consultation Is Associated With Larger Cost-Saving Effect
Authors: May Peter , Garrido Melissa M. , Cassel J. Brian , Kelley Amy S. , Meier Diane E. , Normand Charles , Smith Thomas J. , Stefanis Lee , Morrison R. Sean
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Previous studies report that early palliative care is associated with clinical benefits, but there is limited evidence on economic impact. This article addresses the research question: Does timing of palliative care have an impact on its effect on cost?

Patients and Methods

Using a prospective, observational design, clinical and cost data were collected for adult patients with an advanced cancer diagnosis admitted to five US hospitals from 2007 to 2011. The sample for economic evaluation was 969 patients; 256 were seen by a palliative care consultation team, and 713 received usual care only. Subsamples were created according to time to consult after admission. Propensity score weights were calculated, matching the treatment and comparison arms specific to each subsample on observed confounders. Generalized linear models with a γ distribution and a log link were applied to estimate the mean treatment effect on cost within subsamples.

Results

Earlier consultation is associated with a larger effect on total direct cost. Intervention within 6 days is estimated to reduce costs by −$1,312 (95% CI, −$2,568 to −$56; P = .04) compared with no intervention and intervention within 2 days by −$2,280 (95% CI, −$3,438 to −$1,122; P < .001); these reductions are equivalent to a 14% and a 24% reduction, respectively, in cost of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Earlier palliative care consultation during hospital admission is associated with lower cost of hospital stay for patients admitted with an advanced cancer diagnosis. These findings are consistent with a growing body of research on quality and survival suggesting that early palliative care should be more widely implemented.
Vibrissal sensitivity in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Murphy Christin T. , Reichmuth Colleen , Mann David
Published: June 2015

Prior efforts to characterize the capabilities of the vibrissal system in seals have yielded conflicting results. Here we measured the sensitivity of the vibrissal system of a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) to directly coupled sinusoidal stimuli delivered by a vibrating plate. A trained seal was tested in a psychophysical paradigm to determine the smallest velocity that was detectable at nine frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 1000 Hz. The stimulus plate was driven by a vibration shaker and the velocity of the plate at each frequency-amplitude combination was calibrated with a laser vibrometer. To prevent cueing from other sensory stimuli, the seal was fitted with a blindfold and headphones playing broadband masking noise. The seal was sensitive to vibrations across the range of frequencies tested, with best sensitivity of 0.09 mm/s at 80 Hz. Velocity thresholds as a function of frequency showed a characteristic U-shaped curve with decreasing sensitivity below 20 Hz and above 250 Hz. To ground-truth the experimental setup, four human subjects were tested in the same paradigm using their thumb to contact the vibrating plate. Threshold measurements for the humans were similar to those of the seal, demonstrating comparable tactile sensitivity for their structurally different mechanoreceptive systems. The thresholds measured for the harbor seal in this study were about 100 times more sensitive than previous in-air measures of vibrissal sensitivity for this species. The results were similar to those reported by others for the detection of waterborne vibrations, but show an extended range of frequency sensitivity.
3D tracking of animals in the field, using rotational stereo videography
Authors: de Margerie E. , Simonneau M. , Caudal J.-P. , Houdelier C. , Lumineau S.
Published: June 2015

We present a method for tracking the path of animals in the field, based on stereo-videography and aiming-angle measure, combined in a single, rotational device. In open environment, this technique has the potential to extract multiple 3D positions per second, with a spatial uncertainty < 1 m (rms) within 300 m from the observer, and < .1 m (rms) within 100 m from the observer, in all directions. The tracking device is transportable and operated by a single observer and does not imply any animal tagging. As a video of the moving animal is recorded, track data can easily be completed with behavioural data. We present a prototype device based on accessible components, that achieves about 70% of the theoretical maximal range. We show examples of bird ground and flight tracks, and discuss the strength and limits of the method, compared to existing fine-scale (e.g. fixed-camera stereo-videography) and large-scale tracking methods (e.g. GPS tracking).
Comparison of contact problem exact solutions for transversely isotropic half-space
Authors: Pozharskiy Dmitry Alexandrovich , Davtyan David Borisovich
Published: June 2015

Exact solutions to two contact problems with unknown contact domains on the elliptic punch penetration in the transversely isotropic elastic half-space are compared. In the first one - a “traditional problem” - the half-space boundary is parallel to the isotropy planes. There can be an axial symmetry case for a circular punch. In the second - a “nontraditional problem” - the half-space boundary is perpendicular to the isotropy planes. Here, the axial symmetry is impossible in principle: even for a circular punch, the contact domain will be elliptical. The contact domains and the forces required for the penetration of the punch at a given value are compared for both problems. The transversely isotropic body model is applicable for describing lots of materials which elastic parameters have been measured in recent decades: composites, ceramics, carbon fiber, graphite-epoxy, glass-epoxy, wood, aged concretes, some metals (titanium, cobalt, zinc), some semiconductors and rocks. They are widely used in the engineering and industry.
State University of Management’s “Logistics” Scientific School
Authors: Ермаков  , Ermakov I. , Аникин  , Anikin Boris , Белова  , Belova S.
Published: June 2015

The paper has been devoted to the history related to formation and development of “Logistics” scientific

school based on the first chair of logistics, which appeared in Russia at the State University of Management

in 1999. Various aspects of scientific school formation are considered: primary areas and the most significant

results related to fundamental and applied research of scientific school’s founder and followers; priority

directions of task staff training, implementation of continuing education programs; use of research results in

the educational process; talent pool of scientific school; scientific-pedagogical higher qualification personnel

(such as Ph.D. and Doctor of Economics) training; participation in all-Russian and international congresses,

conferences and seminars, as well as the organization of pedagogical and scientific-practical events. Have

been presented educational, methodical and scientific publications written by scientific school founder and

followers; authors’ publication activity characterization; chair’s strategic partners in Russia and abroad;

major industries and employers interested in our graduates; integration with other research, educational and

industrial enterprises.
Metodologia politologii według Giovanniego Sartoriego
Authors: Bankowicz Marek
Published: June 2015

Giovanni Sartori’s Methodology of Political Science

Giovanni Sartori, one of the greatest world’s political scientist, was also very interesting in methodology of political science. In his opinion methodology is more the method of logos, of thinking than specific research techniques. He wrote: There is no methodology without logos, without thinking about thinking. Sartori strongly expressed regret that the today’s mainstream of political science is mainly quantitative and statistical, not qualitative. According to his standpoint political scientists should be strongly interested in the question “What is?”, before asking “How much?”. Sartori is admirer of the qualitative approach to methodology. This approach is based on logically defined concepts and the careful and precise use of language, because bad language generates bad thinking.
Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji organem politycznej kontroli nadawców w Polsce
Authors: Miżejewski Maciej
Published: June 2015

The National Broadcasting Council as the authority of political control of broadcasters in Poland

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the National Broadcasting Council: safeguards the freedom of speech, the right to information and the public interest in broadcasting. The protection of these values justifies the independence of the social flow of information in public affairs from the disposal of the government. In the meantime the chairman of the National Broadcasting Council due to his special statutory entitlements remains under exceptional political pressure as in the process of control broadcasters’ activity is among others entitled to impose financial sanctions what in fact makes the National Broadcasting Council in Poland the authority that takes actions of repressive censorship nature.
Unknown pleasures: Locating desire in Sydney’s lost cinemas
Authors: Dabek Ryszard
Published: June 2015

As a primary site for the transmission and reception of popular visual culture, the cinema theatre occupied a very particular position for much of the twentieth century. Today these buildings maintain a strong hold on the public imagination, existing as models of both collective spectatorship and individual subjectivity that have been largely supplanted by a range of technological and social forces. This article investigates the resonances of these lost sites of spectatorship through a body of films held by the National Film and Sound Archive that document the destruction of Sydney’s cinemas from the 1960s to the 1980s. Drawing on my own recent work with this footage, the article explores the archival function of the moving image. Central to this discussion is the recognition that these filmic documents function not only as records of physical and architectural loss but also point towards a more profound sense of loss tied to the passage of a phase of spectacular consumption and ­individual subjectivity.
Ladies who lunch: Man-eating femmes fatales in contemporary visual culture
Authors: Robertson Kate
Published: June 2015

This article explores the legacy of the Sirens in contemporary visual culture, considering the persistent theme of women who, like these mythical beings, would bewitch and then devour men. It considers the significant and highly visible problem of representations of femininity, focusing on how the connection between women and cannibalism reflects the common trope of the danger inherent within the female body. The various, and often interwoven, responses of allure, fear and revulsion provoked by such a display of female power emerge in the works that will be closely focused on here: John Longstaff’s painting The Sirens (1891), the film Teeth (2007) by Lichtenstein, the Queens Of The Stone Age music video Sick, Sick, Sick (2007), and the characters Poison Ivy from DC comics (1966–) and Mileena from the video game franchise Mortal Kombat (1993–). Though other examples will be discussed, these texts are noteworthy not simply for the images that they offer but, perhaps more so, for their place within popular culture. Unlike the arguably limited reach of fine art, these texts are widely engaged with and so disseminate these ideas about women to a broad audience. The dangers inherent within the female body manifest in these media in numerous ways, envisioned variously – and often simultaneously – as abject, erotic, maternal, monstrous, natural and, ultimately, unknowable.
Exhibition Reviews
Authors: North Stella , Petitjean Georges , Câmara Frederico , Lowry Sean
Published: June 2015

Conjoining body & object: Review of A Fine Possession: Jewellery & Identity Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Formerly Powerhouse Musuem), 23 September 2014–20 September 2015

Koen Wastijn, Johan Deschuymer and Andreas Johnen at Loods 12, Wetteren, Belgium, December 2014–January 2015

‘Bandiera Nera’, by John Di Stefano, SCA Galleries, Sydney College of the Arts, THE UNIVERSITY of Sydney, 23 January–21 February 2015

Review of The Twilight Girls, THE DEAD SEA, ‘Plato’s Cave at EIDIA House’, New York, 2014
Exhibition Interview
Authors: Ahrens Prue
Published: June 2015

‘Undressed: 350 Years of Underwear in Fashion’, Queensland Museum, Brisbane, 12 November 2014–1 February 2015
Mutaciones espaciales producidas por el turismo en el municipio de Torrevieja
Authors: Vera Rebollo José Fernando
Published: June 2015

El término turismo resulta ambiguo en una primera aproximación debido a que abarca acepciones diferentes. Dentro del objeto de la Geografía del turismo interesa fundamentalmente el conocimiento de las relaciones entre la tierra y el hombre desde elpunto de vista de los fenómenos turísticos, lo que en definitiva viene a ser la organización del espacio turístico, cuyo rasgo más representativo es la concentración a lo largo de la franja litoral, un espacio escaso y frágil, como un yacimiento a explotar, donde concurren fuerzas antagónicas y en el que las actividades más rentables acaban rechaza ndo a las menos organizadas en el juego del mercado, tal y como señala Michaud.El análisis del hecho turístico en el municipio de Torrevieja pone de relieve el proceso de configuración de un espacio turístico, surgido del veraneo tradicional, al que se añade en claraoposición el turismo residencial masificado.
Influencia de la red viaria en el crecimiento urbano de la Vilajoiosa durante el siglo XIX
Authors: Sebastiá Llinares Consuelo
Published: June 2015

La Vilajoiosa permanece encerrada en sus murallas hasta el siglo XVIII, iniciándose en esa centuria el desarrollo de arrabales que ocupan el espacio extramuros entre el lienzo meridional de la fortificación y la línea de costa: Ravals de Ponent y Llevant; todo este conjunto se sitúa en la margen izquierda del río Amadorio. Durante el siglo XIX la expansión urbana se realiza siguiendo los caminos que parten de La Vila; en primer lugar, el viejo camino que comunicaba con la capital provincial, originó en la orilla derecha de la rambla el núcleo del Poble Nou. Posteriormente se edifican otros «ensanches» ajustándose a los ejes viarios que parten de la puerta principal de la muralla (Playa de 1’0m), hacia Alicante y Valencia. Por último, la construcción de la carretera de Alicante a Valencia (N-332), cuyo trazado limita con la vila murada, favoreció la edificación en las zonas adyacentes; hacia el oeste con el barrio de Cervantes y hacia el este con el de Colón, que constituirán la línea definitiva del plano urbanístico hasta la actualidad.
Un ejemplo tardío de riego de boquera: la presa del Madroñal (Ibi)
Authors: Box Amorós Margarita
Published: June 2015

La utilización de las aguas de lluvia para el riego de cultivos de secano, mediante la construcción de presas y canales de derivación, es una práctica que remonta sus orígenes a época romana, pero cuya pervivencia alcanza el siglo actual. El tema central del trabajo es, precisamente, el desarrollo de un proyecto de construcción de este peculiar riego de boquera en los albores del s. XX, y en la comarca de la Hoya de Castalla (Alicante).
Evaluación del grado de especialización turística de los municipios litorales valencianos
Authors: Vera Rebollo José Fernando , Ponce Herrero Gabino , Dávila Linares Juan Manuel , Ramón Morte Alfredo
Published: June 2015

La especialización funcional alcanzada por los municipios litorales valencianos (sobre todo los de la provincia de Alicante) en la actividad turística, obliga a superar la consideración sectorial -que atañe específicamente a la hostelería-, por su desconocimiento de los procesos de articulación inducidos por el desarrollo del turismo en la estructura regional. Tales procesos son el resultado de la imbricación con la promoción y construcción de conjuntos residenciales ex novo, de apartamentos en núcleos urbanos y de infraestructuras para el ocio. Se plantea la utilidad de nuevas fuentes de información para evaluar dicha especialización funcional en el territorio, a partir del desglose de los presupuestos municipales, junto con otros indicadores. Con ello, se perfila una primera clasificación de los municipios litorales, que resulta operativa para el análisis de los conflictos territoriales y para la propuesta de alternativas de ordenación.
Crecidas e inundaciones durante el invierno 2000-2001 en la ciudad de Valladolid y su entorno
Authors: Ortega Villazán María Teresa , Morales Rodríguez Carlos G.
Published: June 2015

La crecida que experimentó el río Pisuerga a su paso por Valladolid el 6 de marzo de 2001 ha sido una de las peores sufridas en los últimos 40 años. Fue la culminación de un proceso de reiteradas subidas de caudal y de inundaciones desarrolladas a lo largo del invierno 2000-2001. Sin embargo no constituyó un caso aislado dentro de la región pues muchos de los ríos que la recorren, de muy diferente caudal y potencia erosiva, se vieron asimismo crecidos y desbordados por esas fechas.
El turismo rural en territorios periféricos: (el ejemplo de algunas comarcas del oeste castellano-leonés)
Authors: Plaza Gutiérrez Juan Ignacio
Published: June 2015

Este artículo hace una valoración de los procesos y efectos inducidos por una nueva y creciente forma de ocupación del espacio y de utilización del medio en las zonas periféricas y marginales, como es el «turismo rural». Para ello, tras definir inicialmente cuáles son las referencias y planteamientos que le sirven de contexto, se hace un análisis sectorial y territorial más preciso. Tomando como ejemplo las comarcas fronterizas de la provincia de Zamora, se apuntan cuáles son las dimensiones generales que orientan la actividad turística en la zona —destacando especialmente su situación «fronteriza», generadora de singulares iniciativas—, se identifican los recursos en que se fundamenta el turismo rural aquí desarrollado y se analizan las realidades y resultados en que se traduce (desde los flujos de visitantes que se acercan a estos espacios hasta los apoyos institucionales y financieros públicos y privados). Se hace, finalmente, un balance en el que, tras señalar las ideas concluyentes más destacadas, se apuntan los principales problemas y las perspectivas de evolución.
História e Memória da Deficiência Auditiva no Brasil
Authors: Carvalho Maria das Graças , Nascimento Maria Cristina Delmondes , Garcia Joelma Dos Santos Barbosa Linhares
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo discute a história da surdez no Brasil, bem como reflete aspectos relacionados à inclusão da pessoa surda na  escola e na sociedade, de uma maneira geral.  À partir de uma revisão da literatura, discute as políticas públicas sobre a educação inclusiva, atualmente proposta no Brasil. Conclui que a maioria das medidas ainda é incipiente, apesar de servirem como marco importante para a problemática da exclusão ainda vigente no país. É preciso tornar acessível, toda tecnologia disponível aos portadores de necessidades especiais, mais especificamente a pessoa surda, de forma a garantir-se uma educação de qualidade, a todos que dela necessitem.