bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Arch Height and Material Hardness of Personalized Insole on Correction and Tissues of Flatfoot
Authors: Su Shonglun , Mo Zhongjun , Guo Junchao , Fan Yubo
Published: June 2017

Flat foot is one of the common deformities in the youth population, seriously affecting the weight supporting and daily exercising. However, there is lacking of quantitative data relative to material selection and shape design of the personalized orthopedic insole. This study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of material hardness and support height of personalized orthopedic insole on foot tissues, by in vivo experiment and finite element modeling. The correction of arch height increased with material hardness and support height. The peak plantar pressure increased with the material hardness, and these values by wearing insoles of 40° were apparently higher than the bare feet condition. Harder insole material results in higher stress in the joint and ligament stress than softer material. In the calcaneocuboid joint, the stress increased with the arch height of insoles. The material hardness did not apparently affect the stress in the ankle joints, but the support heights of insole did. In general, insole material and support design are positively affecting the correction of orthopedic insole, but negatively resulting in unreasonable stress on the stress in the joint and ligaments. There should be an integration of improving correction and reducing stress in foot tissues.
Phagocytosis: A Fundamental Process in Immunity
Authors: Rosales Carlos , Uribe-Querol Eileen
Published: June 2017

One hundred years have passed since the death of Élie Metchnikoff (1845–1916). He was the first to observe the uptake of particles by cells and realized the importance of this process for the host response to injury and infection. He also was a strong advocate of the role of phagocytosis in cellular immunity, and with this he gave us the basis for our modern understanding of inflammation and the innate and acquired immune responses. Phagocytosis is an elegant but complex process for the ingestion and elimination of pathogens, but it is also important for the elimination of apoptotic cells and hence fundamental for tissue homeostasis. Phagocytosis can be divided into four main steps: (i) recognition of the target particle, (ii) signaling to activate the internalization machinery, (iii) phagosome formation, and (iv) phagolysosome maturation. In recent years, the use of new tools of molecular biology and microscopy has provided new insights into the cellular mechanisms of phagocytosis. In this review, we present a general view of our current knowledge on phagocytosis. We emphasize novel molecular findings, particularly on phagosome formation and maturation, and discuss aspects that remain incompletely understood.
The Association between Adiposity and the Risk of Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Weiming , Ling Jiawen , Chen Yiyi , Wu Yan , Lu Peirong
Published: June 2017

Purpose. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the potential association between adiposity and glaucoma incidence.Materials and Methods. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and ISI Web of Science. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA software.Results. Fifteen eligible studies involving 2,445,980 individuals were included to investigate the association between adiposity and glaucoma incidence. The relative risks (RRs) were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using a random-effects model. The pooled RR between adiposity and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.18–2.54), whereas that between adiposity and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.83–1.13). The pooled RR between abdominal adiposity and glaucoma was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.15–1.41), whereas that between general adiposity and glaucoma was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.87–1.37). Results of subgroup analysis by sex indicated the association between adiposity and glaucoma in the female group (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.05–1.64), but not in the male group (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.77–1.60). The pooled RR of cohort studies and cross-sectional studies were 1.00 (95% CI, 0.84–1.20) and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.89–1.66), respectively.Conclusions.Adiposity has a higher risk of elevated IOP, and abdominal adiposity has a positive association with glaucoma, especially in female patients.
Satellite Sign: A Poor Outcome Predictor in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Shimoda Yoshiteru , Ohtomo Satoru , Arai Hiroaki , Okada Ken , Tominaga Teiji
Published: June 2017

Background: The presence of high-density starry dots around the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which we termed as a satellite sign, is occasionally observed in CT. The relationship between ICH with a satellite sign and its functional outcome has not been identified. This study aimed to determine whether the presence of a satellite sign could be an independent prognostic factor for patients with ICH. Methods: Patients with acute spontaneous ICH were retrospectively identified and their initial CT scans were reviewed. A satellite sign was defined as scattered high-density lesions completely separate from the main hemorrhage in at least the single axial slice. Functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Poor functional outcome was defined as mRS scores of 3-6. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the presence of a satellite sign and its association with poor functional outcome. Results: A total of 241 patients with ICH were enrolled in the study. Of these, 98 (40.7%) had a satellite sign. Patients with a satellite sign had a significantly higher rate of poor functional outcome (95.9%) than those without a satellite sign (55.9%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03-1.10; p = 0.00016), large hemorrhage size (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03-1.11; p = 0.00015), and ICH with a satellite sign (OR 13.5; 95% CI 4.42-53.4; p < 0.0001) were significantly related to poor outcome. A satellite sign was significantly related with higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.0014), higher diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0117), shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.0427), higher rate of intraventricular bleeding (p < 0.0001), and larger main hemorrhage (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The presence of a satellite sign in the initial CT scan is associated with a significantly worse functional outcome in ICH patients.
Spatial Neglect Predicts Upper Limb Use in the Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Vanbellingen Tim , Ottiger Beatrice , Maaijwee Noortje , Pflugshaupt Tobias , Bohlhalter Stephan , Müri René M. , Nef Tobias , Cazzoli Dario , Nyffeler Thomas
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose: Motor tests performed at stroke onset have been shown to predict the recovery of upper limb motor impairment. Less is known about upper limb recovery at the level of functional activity or of participation and how spatial neglect may influence the integration of the upper limb in the activities of daily living (ADL). Our objective was to investigate whether the initial severity of spatial neglect may predict upper limb use in ADL. Methods: Eighty-two patients with a right-hemispheric stroke (RHS) were prospectively included in the study. They were assessed twice in the acute/subacute and in the subacute/chronic phases (mean time interval of 45 days) after stroke. The Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) was used to quantify the influence of spatial neglect on the ADL. Contralesional upper limb use in the ADL was evaluated with the Lucerne international classification of function, disability and health-based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale. Hand strength was measured using the Jamar, dexterity with the Nine Hole Peg test, and tactile perception using the stereognosis subtest of the Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Cognitive functions were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: Regression analyses revealed that spatial neglect is an independent and a significant predictor of upper limb outcome. A CBS score of ≤5 at the time of admission to neurorehabilitation care was highly predictive for good upper limb use in the ADL 45 days later. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that spatial neglect severity, as observed in the ADL, is a significant and an independent predictor of upper limb outcome. Neglect therapy is thus needed to further improve contralesional upper limb use in the ADL in RHS patients.
Electroencephalography Patterns and Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lima Fabricio O. , Ricardo João A.G. , Coan Ana C. , Soriano Diogo C. , Avelar Wagner M. , Min Li L.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose: The prognostic significance of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) and periodic patterns (PP) after ischemic stroke has not been assessed. We sought to test whether IED and PP, detected on standard Electroencephalography (EEG) performed during the acute phase of ischemic stroke are associated with a worse functional outcome. Methods: One-hundred-fifty-seven patients 18 years or older with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke presenting within 72 h from stroke onset were prospectively enrolled and followed. Patients with a pre-stroke history of seizures or epilepsy, previous debilitating neurological disease or conditions that precluded the performance of EEG were excluded. Interpretation was performed by a blinded board certified neurophysiologist. IED and PP (grouped as epileptiform activity [EA]) were defined according to proposed guidelines. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of outcome (modified Rankin Scale dichotomized ≤2 vs. ≥3) at 3 months. Results: In the univariable analysis, admission NIHSS (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, p = 0.001), age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p = 0.02), and presence of EA (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.51-5.88, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the outcome at 3 months. In the multivariable analysis, only admission NIHSS (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.28, p < 0.001) and the presence of EA (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.04-5.00, p = 0.04) were independently associated with the prognosis. Significance: The importance of EEG in the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke warrants additional research, examining the role of medication therapy on the outcome and the occurrence of seizures for those patients with specific EEG patterns.
Letters Portuguese/German students’ beliefs:challenges, perspectives and opportunities
Authors: García André Luis Ming , Rede Elisângela , Martiny Franciele Maria , Voerkel Paul
Published: June 2017

About fifty Brazilian universities organize some kind of German language study, of which seventeen offer undergraduate courses in Language Studies with specialization in German, or a bachelor degree in this language. The goal of this study is to analyze the beliefs and expectations of students of German regarding the graduate course they attend. To achieve this goal, an investigation was made in a public university in the State of Paraná. Based on a questionnaire answered by students on these courses, this study seeks to identify the reasons which led them to choose this career and their professional development prospects, within or outside the area. The theoretical results come from the perspective of studies of students‟ beliefs (SILVA 2007; BARCELOS 2001), more specifically the studies of students‟ beliefs on the learning of foreign languages. The methodology of this research corresponds to a hybrid paradigm (KUCKARTZ 2014, 2016 and MAYRING 2015), with qualitative and quantitative research features. As a result of the research, among other aspects, it was observed that most of the students choose the course of German language as a way to learn that language and in the future to work professionally in this area, whether in the field of linguistics, literature or translation
Time Course of Evolution of Disability and Cause‐Specific Mortality After Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Trial Design
Authors: Ganesh Aravind , Luengo‐Fernandez Ramon , Wharton Rose M. , Gutnikov Sergei A. , Silver Louise E. , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M. ,   the Oxford Vascular Study
Published: June 2017

Background

Outcome in stroke trials is often based on a 3‐month modified Rankin scale (
mRS
). How 3‐month
mRS
relates to longer‐term outcomes will depend on late recovery, delayed stroke‐related deaths, recurrent strokes, and nonstroke deaths. We evaluated 3‐month
mRS
and death/disability at 1 and 5 years in a population‐based cohort study.

Methods and Results

In 3‐month survivors of ischemic stroke (Oxford Vascular Study; 2002‐2014), we related 3‐month
mRS
to disability (defined as
mRS
>2) at 1 and 5 years and/or death rates (age/sex adjusted). Accrual of disability and index‐stroke‐related and nonstroke deaths in each poststroke year was categorized according to 3‐month
mRS
. Among 1606 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 181 died within 3 months, but 126 index‐stroke‐related deaths and 320 other deaths occurred during the subsequent 4866 patient‐years of follow‐up up to 5 years. Although 69/126 (54.8%) post‐3‐month index‐stroke‐related deaths occurred after 1 year,
mRS
>2 at 1 year strongly predicted these deaths (adjusted hazard ratio=21.94, 95%
CI
7.88‐61.09,
P
<0.0001). Consequently, a 3‐month
mRS
>2 was a strong independent predictor of death at both 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio=6.67, 95%CI 4.16‐10.69,
P
<0.0001) and 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio=2.93, 95%CI 2.38‐3.60,
P
<0.0001). Although
mRS
improved by ≥1 point from 3 months to 1 year in 317/1266 (25.0%) patients with 3‐month
mRS
≥1, improvement in
mRS
after 1 year was limited (improvement by ≥1 point: 91/858 [10.6%]; improvement to
mRS
≤2: 13/353 [3.7%]).

Conclusions

Our results reaffirm use of the 3‐month
mRS
outcome in stroke trials. Although later recovery does occur, extending follow‐up to 1 year would capture most long‐term stroke‐related disability. However, administrative mortality follow‐up beyond 1 year has the potential to demonstrate translation of early disability gains into additional reductions in long‐term mortality without much erosion by non‐stroke‐related deaths.
On the Inauthenticity of the Critias
Authors: Rashed Marwan , Auffret Thomas
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we highlight a number of difficulties concerning the relationship between theCritiasand theTimaeus, notably a contradiction betweenTimaeus27a-b andCritias108a-c. On this basis we argue that theCritiasmust be considered spurious.
Pseudo-Plato on Names
Authors: Ademollo Francesco
Published: June 2017

The pseudo-PlatonicDefinitionsseems to ascribe to ὄνοµα, ‘name’, the function of signifying two kinds of predicate. This is problematic, and I propose an emendation of the text, arguing that a definition of ῥῆµα, ‘verb’, has fallen out.
Ratio in subiecto? The Sources of Augustine’s Proof for the Immortality of the Soul in the Soliloquia and its Defense in De immortalitate animae
Authors: Tornau Christian
Published: June 2017

This paper argues that Augustine did not take the proof inSoliloquia2.22-4, which centers on the Aristotelian notion of ‘being in a subject’ (in subiecto esse), from a single source but constructed it in a deliberately imperfect manner from several passages from Porphyry’s works on Aristotle’sCategoriesin order to supplement it with further arguments in Book Three. InDe immortalitate animaeAugustine explicitly discloses the weaknesses of the proof and repairs them by means of a Neoplatonic notion of causality.
On the Title of Porphyry’s Categories Commentary Πρὸς Γεδάλειον
Authors: Menn Stephen
Published: June 2017

Simplicius cites Porphyry’s lost greater commentary on the Categories by the name of its addressee: Πρὸς Γεδάλειον. It has been assumed that we know nothing about Gedalius, and even suggested that he may have been a fictional construct. But his name is Jewish, and Porphyry had no reason to make up a Jewish addressee. It was extremely rare for Greek pagan texts to be dedicated to a Jewish addressee. But Porphyry had an unusual degree of involvement with Judaism. I collect the evidence, and make a tentative proposal about the context for Porphyry’s dedicating this work to Gedalius.
The Vicissitudes of Dispute Settlement under the Law of the Sea Convention
Authors: Klein Natalie
Published: June 2017

The South China Sea Arbitration raises important questions about the potential operation of the dispute settlement system enshrined in Part xv of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (losc). This article explores the scope and different limitations that we are seeing in the interpretation of the losc dispute settlement regime with a particular focus on the South China Sea Arbitration. This examination questions the contours of the losc Part xv dispute settlement regime and its utility in resolving disputes relating to the South China Sea.
Rhinobatos austini n. sp., a new species of guitarfish (Rhinopristiformes: Rhinobatidae) from the Southwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: EBERT DAVID A. , GON OFER
Published: June 2017

Rhinobatos austini sp. n. is described from the southwestern Indian Ocean based on four specimens collected from the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa and from Mozambique. The new species, with one exception, can be distinguished from all other members of this genus by a prominent teardrop-shaped dark blotch on the ventral surface of its snout. Its closest congener, R. holcorhynchus, also has a prominent teardrop-shaped blotch on its snout, but the new species differs from it by a lack of prominent thorns and tubercles on it dorsal disc surface and a very striking dorsal surface colour pattern of paired spots, some forming darker transverse bands across its back. Geographically, these two species broadly overlap, but R. austini appears to be a shallow, more coastal species (<1–107 m) compared to R. holcorhynchus that has a mostly offshore (75–254 m) depth distribution.
One new species of Amphinemura and description of the female of A. ancistroidea Li & Yang (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China
Authors: MO RAORAO , YANG DING , WANG GUOQUAN , LI WEIHAI
Published: June 2017

A new nemourid species, Amphinemura yao sp. nov. is described from the Daoyao Mountains of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. Amphinemura ancistroidea Li & Yang, 2007 is newly recorded from Guangxi and the female is described for the first time including the internal vaginal complex. The new species is compared with related taxa.
Volumetric Growth Rate of Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma
Authors: Naunheim Molly , Wu Xin , Ryan William R. , Wang Steven J. , Heaton Chase M.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (PA) can be challenging and may increase the risk of operative complications, particularly facial nerve weakness. As observation may be a viable alternative to surgery for slow-growing tumors, our objective was to assess the growth rate of recurrent PAs.

Study Design:

This study is a case series of patients at our tertiary academic medical center with recurrent PA. Two magnetic resonance images (MRI) were compared; total volume (TV) of recurrent tumor on both studies was calculated to obtain our main outcomes of percent change in TV and tumor growth rate.

Results:

Fourteen patients with recurrent PA had a median interval time between MRI of 12.8 months. Though growth rates were variable, the median continuous compound growth per year was 10.2%. Notably, 3 patients (21%) had no growth, and 2 patients (14%) had a reduction in TV.

Conclusions:

The median growth rate for enlarging tumors is estimated at 10.2% per year. Due to variability, tumor growth rate should be estimated on an individual patient basis. For slow-growing tumors, physicians may weigh the risk of this slow growth with the morbidity of reoperation.
Exploring the physical and emotional stress of surrogate pregnancy among transnational Indian surrogates
Authors: Karandikar Sharvari , Gezinski Lindsay , Huber Sarah
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore surrogate women’s experiences of stress during the surrogacy process in India. We interviewed 15 women who had been a surrogate for an international couple at least once in their lives. The following themes emerged: stress regarding (1) physical health, (2) psychology well-being, and (3) the well-being of surrogates’ families and children. Transnational surrogates may experience more physical and psychological stress during pregnancy because their children and families continue to depend on them for support. Social workers must minimize the physical and emotional effects of surrogacy through counseling and psychosocial support.
Intracranial Neoplasms Associated with Sudden Death: A Report of Seven Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ragheb S. Y. Abu Al , Koussous K. J. , Amr S. S.
Published: June 2017

During the eight-year period 1978–85, 1055 autopsies were performed at Jordan University Hospital on cases of sudden unexpected death. Out of these, seven cases of intracranial neoplasm which contributed directly or indirectly to death were encountered. These cases are reported and the relevant literature is reviewed.
Changing Characteristics of Homicide in Iceland
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H. , Petursson Hannes
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the changing characteristics of homicide in Iceland. Two periods, 1940–69 and 1970–84, were compared with respect to characteristics of the offender and his or her act. Significant differences emerged on the following variables: The pre-meditated nature of the act, action taken by the offender after the homicide, length of sentence received, and the frequency of alcoholism and drug abuse.
Informed Consent: Issues Involved for Developing Countries
Authors: Adityanjee
Published: June 2017

The issue of informed consent in biomedical research has attained paramout importance these days as multicentred collaborative research involves recruitment of subjects who are semi-literate and unaware of their own rights. Impressionistic judgments have been passed regarding the capability of such subjects to grasp the issues involved in the concept of informed consent. Procedures less rigorous than those used in developed countries have been advocated under such conditions. This paper examines the various facets of this ethical problem and cautions against any dilution in the time-honoured practices of giving an individual his/her right to total autonomy and the consequent right to withdraw at any stage from any experimental project without assigning any reasons. The author also cautions against the tendency on behalf of clinician-investigators to exploit the doctor-patient relationship so as to fulfil their own professional ambitions, neglecting in the process the legal and ethical rights of patients.
The Psychometrics of the European Portuguese Version of the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised
Authors: Moreira Paulo A. S. , Cloninger Claude Robert , Rocha Maria José , Oliveira João Tiago , Ferreira Noémia , Gonçalves Daniel Maffasioli , Rózsa Sándor
Published: June 2017

Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality integrates contributions from behavioral genetics, neurobiology, and psychology in the description of the human personality. The temperament and character inventory (TCI) is its assessment instrument. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the TCI has shown good psychometric properties. However, Portuguese spoken in Brazil presents marked and substantial differences to that spoken in Portugal, and no study has yet described the psychometrics of the European Portuguese version. The objective of this study was thus to describe the psychometric properties of the European Portuguese adult version of the TCI (the temperament and character inventory-revised (TCI-R)). This study involved 1400 Portuguese adult participants. The factorial structure of the European Portuguese version was tested using four methods: exploratory factor analysis, orthogonal procrustes rotation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and exploratory structural equation modeling. The integration of data coming from these methods suggested that the Portuguese version of the TCI-R presented good structural validity (as revealed by the emergence of the temperament and character structures predicted by theory) and high levels of congruence between the American and the Portuguese versions. An improvement in the goodness of fit of the models for the Portuguese population was achieved by using exploratory structural equation modeling over confirmatory factor analysis. Although some facets registered questionable consistency, all dimensions had acceptable to good consistency (all ≥ .79). These results confirm the validity of the Portuguese TCI-R and its adequacy for use in European Portuguese samples.
Emotional Uses of Facebook and Twitter: Its Relation With Empathy, Narcissism, and Self-Esteem in Adolescence
Authors: Errasti Jose , Amigo Isaac , Villadangos Manuel
Published: June 2017

Facebook and Twitter have change interpersonal relationships. Adolescents are the sector of the population who use most these networks. They use them in an emotional way, to express their emotions and to comment on those of others. Empathy, narcissism, and self-esteem may play an important role in the use of these networks. Using a sample of 503 Spanish adolescents (272 males, 231 females), this work studies the relationship between the Basic Empathy Scale, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and emotional and empathic use of Facebook and Twitter. The results showed that those who use Facebook and Twitter have higher scores in empathy. It has been observed that certain ways of using these two social networks are associated with narcissism. Greater use of Facebook and Twitter is associated with lower self-esteem.
Examining SEBI’s Edict: Mandatory to Voluntary IPO Grading
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Singh Balwinder
Published: June 2017

A major landmark that took place in the history of India was Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) resolution to make IPO grading mandatory with effect from 1 May 2007. But SEBI’s decision to make IPO grading voluntary with effect from 4 February 2014 has made researchers reexamine the impact of this verdict on underpricing. Multivariate regression analysis run on the data collected from 164 graded initial public offerings (IPOs), which are issued during mandatory grading regime (from 1 May 2007 to 4 February 2014) in the Indian capital market, reveals the efficacy of IPO grading in lowering underpricing. The implication for the naive investors is that the assessment tool dispensed by the market regulator to make splendid investor choice was actually proving its worth for them as well as for the issuer company in lowering the anomaly they face in the form of underpricing. It was concluded that graded IPOs faced lesser underpricing, thereby making quizzical SEBI’s verdict.
The relationship between human resource practices and knowledge sharing in service firms
Authors: Boateng Henry , Okoe Abednego Feehi , Mensah Tiniwah Deborah
Published: June 2017

Human resource practices have been found to be critical in knowledge sharing. Thus, this study examined the effects of job satisfaction, employee commitment, workplace friendship and team culture on knowledge sharing. This study used the survey research design. The respondents of the study were employees of the service industry. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the data. The results show that employee commitment, workplace friendship and team culture explain the variance in knowledge sharing in service firms. The implications of the findings have been discussed at the end of the article.
Knowledge sharing among companies in a science and technology park
Authors: Steffen Mario Oscar , Oliveira Mírian , Balle Andrea R
Published: June 2017

A Science and Technology Park (STP) is an organization that aims to increase the wealth of its community and the culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated companies. Accordingly, the Park should stimulate the flow of knowledge between its companies, universities, and the market through the knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing is a process in which individuals or organizations create knowledge collaboratively by exchanging their implicit or explicit knowledge. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the knowledge sharing between companies in an STP. To do so, qualitative research was carried out through semistructured interviews with 50 companies in an STP. The results show that companies share with other companies of all sizes from different business areas and tend to share with resident companies rather than with incubated ones. The type of knowledge shared between companies is more managerial than technical and can be shared using technology or not, and e-mail is the most used medium. The key benefits expected from sharing are networking, new business opportunities, and process improvement. The reasons for sharing are linked to the exploration and exploitation of knowledge, through which companies can create new processes for developing and refining their products and services.
Opioids combined with antidepressants or antiepileptic drugs for cancer pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kane Chris M , Mulvey Matthew R , Wright Sophie , Craigs Cheryl , Wright Judy M , Bennett Michael I
Published: June 2017

Background:

Combining antidepressant or antiepileptic drugs with opioids has resulted in increased pain relief when used for neuropathic pain in non-cancer conditions. However, evidence to support their effectiveness in cancer pain is lacking.

Aim:

To determine if there is additional benefit when opioids are combined with antidepressant or antiepileptic drugs for cancer pain.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomised control trials comparing opioid analgesia in combination with antidepressant or antiepileptic drugs versus opioid monotherapy were sought. Data on pain and adverse events were extracted. Data were pooled using DerSimonian–Laird random-effects meta-analyses, and heterogeneity was assessed.

Results:

Seven randomised controlled trials that randomised 605 patients were included in the review. Patients’ pain was described as neuropathic cancer pain, cancer bone pain and non-specific cancer pain. Four randomised controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis in which opioid in combination with either gabapentin or pregabalin was compared with opioid monotherapy. The pooled standardised mean difference was 0.16 (95% confidence interval, −0.19, 0.51) showing no significant difference in pain relief between the groups. Adverse events were more frequent in the combination arms. Data on amitriptyline, fluvoxamine and phenytoin were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

Combining opioid analgesia with gabapentinoids did not significantly improve pain relief in patients with tumour-related cancer pain compared with opioid monotherapy. Due to the heterogeneity of patient samples, benefit in patients with definite neuropathic cancer pain cannot be excluded. Clinicians should balance the small likelihood of benefit in patients with tumour-related cancer pain against the increased risk of adverse effects of combination therapy.
Barriers and facilitators influencing death at home: A meta-ethnography
Authors: Wahid Abdul Samad , Sayma Meelad , Jamshaid Shiraz , Kerwat Doa’a , Oyewole Folashade , Saleh Dina , Ahmed Aaniya , Cox Benita , Perry Claire , Payne Sheila
Published: June 2017

Background:

In many countries, achieving a home death represents a successful outcome from both a patient welfare and commissioning viewpoint. Significant variation exists in the proportion of home deaths achieved internationally, with many countries unable to meet the wishes of a large number of patients. This review builds on previous literature investigating factors influencing home death, synthesising qualitative research to supplement evidence that quantitative research in this field may have been unable to reach.

Aim:

To identify and understand the barriers and facilitators influencing death at home.

Design:

Meta-ethnography.

Data sources:

The review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Databases were searched from 2006 to 2016. Empirical, UK-based qualitative studies were included for analysis.

Results:

A total of 38 articles were included for analysis. Seven overarching barriers were identified: lack of knowledge, skills and support among informal carers and healthcare professionals; informal carer and family burden; recognising death; inadequacy of processes such as advance care planning and discharge; as well as inherent patient difficulties, either due to the condition or social circumstances. Four overarching facilitators were observed: support for patients and healthcare professionals, skilled staff, coordination and effective communication.

Conclusion:

Future policies and clinical practice should develop measures to empower informal carers as well as emphasise earlier commencement of advance care planning. Best practice discharge should be recommended in addition to addressing remaining inequity to enable non-cancer patients greater access to palliative care services.
Gender-Based Violence and Armed Conflict
Authors: Mootz Jennifer J. , Stabb Sally D. , Mollen Debra
Published: June 2017

The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in armed conflict has been documented in various national contexts, but less is known about the complex pathways that constitute the relation between the two. Employing a community-based collaborative approach, we constructed a community-informed socioecological conceptual model from a feminist perspective, detailing how armed conflict relates to GBV in a conflict-affected rural community in Northeastern Uganda. The research questions were as follows: (1) How does the community conceptualize GBV? and (2) How does armed conflict relate to GBV? Nine focus group discussions divided by gender, age, and profession and six key informant interviews were conducted. Participants’ ages ranged from 9 to 80 years ( n = 34 girls/women, n = 43 boys/men). Grounded theory was used in analysis. Participants conceptualized eight forms of and 22 interactive variables that contributed to GBV. Armed conflict affected physical violence/quarreling, sexual violence, early marriage, and land grabbing via a direct pathway and four indirect pathways initiated through looting of resources, militarization of the community, death of a parent(s) or husband, and sexual violence. The findings suggest that community, organizational, and policy-level interventions, which include attention to intersecting vulnerabilities for exposure to GBV in conflict-affected settings, should be prioritized. While tertiary psychological interventions with women and girls affected by GBV in these areas should not be eliminated, we suggest that policy makers and members of community and organizational efforts make systemic and structural changes. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ 's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index
The Security-Force Ethnicity (SFE) Project: Introducing a new dataset
Authors: Johnson Paul Lorenzo , Thurber Ches
Published: June 2017

The ethnic composition of state security forces is believed to have important effects on the dynamics of conflict processes, but data limitations have impeded our ability to test such hypotheses cross-nationally until now. To address this problem, the Security Force Ethnicity dataset provides time-series, group-level measures of the ethnic composition of military forces in the Middle East between 1946 and 2013. We draw on an extensive review of case studies and histories to produce unique ordinal codings for participation rates in the officer corps and in the rank and file. We demonstrate the utility of the data through empirical applications, examining the relationship between military ethnic composition and the incidence of coups and repression. Our findings illustrate the theoretical and empirical importance of disaggregating ethnic representation in the military from inclusion in other institutions of the state.
“I Learned Who I Am”: Young People Born From Genocide Rape in Rwanda and Their Experiences of Disclosure
Authors: Hogwood Jemma , Mushashi Christine , Jones Stuart , Auerbach Carl
Published: June 2017

Sexual violence was systematically used to terrorize thousands of Tutsi women and girls during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, infecting many with HIV and resulting in thousands of children born as a result of rape. Now these children are young adults; they are asking questions about their parentage and are often faced with challenging parent–child relationships, discrimination, stigmatization, and identity issues. As a result, there is a need for them to understand more about their birth histories. Through community counseling groups, mothers of these young people have been supported to disclose to their child about their birth histories. This study aims to understand how the young people experienced the disclosure and how this affected their sense of identity. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 young people and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three subordinate themes and eight subthemes begin to describe the complex and difficult process of learning about a new identity, the process of reconstructing a positive identity, and reworking family relationships as a result of the knowledge acquired. The young people appreciated knowing about their birth histories despite the painful emotions. Recommendations are made as to how these young people and their families can be better supported.
Risk of Second Seizure in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Autism
Authors: Qadir Asad A. , Obringer Emily , Hageman Joseph , Marcuccilli Charles
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

Epilepsy is a comorbidity of idiopathic autism spectrum disorder. The aim was to characterize the risk and time of second seizure in children with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed at the University of Chicago and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Patients with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder, ≥1 seizure, and age 2 to 23 years were included.

Results:

153 patients were included; 141 (92%) had a second seizure. The average age at first seizure was 7.14 years (median: 5.08 years) and 8.12 years (median: 7.3 years) at second seizure. Average time between first and second seizure was 7.68 months.

Discussion:

A high risk of seizure recurrence was found in this population. There was a short time to second seizure, with most having a recurrence within 1 year. These findings may be used to guide therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.
On the Front Lines of Immigrant Homeownership: Asian American Nonprofits During the Great Recession
Authors: Lee C. Aujean , Wong Karna , Pfeiffer Deirdre
Published: June 2017

Asian American–serving nonprofits were on the forefront to help immigrant Asian American homeowners during the recession, particularly those with limited English proficiency. Yet, we know little about the experiences of these organizations, as they are relatively understudied in the nonprofit literature. We triangulated interviews with 14 Asian American–serving nonprofits providing housing counseling services with organizational tax records to advance theory on their roles and impacts. Our findings reveal that although Asian American nonprofits played an important role in serving limited English-speaking clients overlooked by other nonprofits during the recession, they struggled to provide comprehensive assistance and remain solvent. Asian American nonprofits used diverse troubleshooting strategies, including seeking certifications, diversifying funding sources, and creaming. Adopting more holistic funding criteria and encouraging greater collaboration among nonprofits serving immigrants would help Asian American nonprofits become more resilient.
Selectively Distracted: Divided Attention and Memory for Important Information
Authors: Middlebrooks Catherine D. , Kerr Tyson , Castel Alan D.
Published: June 2017

Distractions and multitasking are generally detrimental to learning and memory. Nevertheless, people often study while listening to music, sitting in noisy coffee shops, or intermittently checking their e-mail. The current experiments examined how distractions and divided attention influence one’s ability to selectively remember valuable information. Participants studied lists of words that ranged in value from 1 to 10 points while completing a digit-detection task, while listening to music, or without distractions. Though participants recalled fewer words following digit detection than in the other conditions, there were no significant differences between conditions in terms of selectively remembering the most valuable words. Similar results were obtained across a variety of divided-attention tasks that stressed attention and working memory to different degrees, which suggests that people may compensate for divided-attention costs by selectively attending to the most valuable items and that factors that worsen memory do not necessarily impair the ability to selectively remember important information.
Open-source software for the application of microphone array methods
Authors: Herold Gert , Sarradj Ennes
Published: June 2017

The open-source Python library Acoular is aimed at the processing of microphone array data. It features a number of algorithms for acoustic source characterization in time domain and frequency domain. The modular, object-oriented architecture allows for flexible programming and a multitude of applications. This includes the processing of measured array data, the mapping of sources, the filtering of subcomponent noise, and the generation of synthetic data for test purposes. Several examples illustrating its versatility are given, as well as one example for implementing a new algorithm into the package.
Enhancing Innovation and Technological Capabilities in the Management of E-Waste: Case Study of South African Government Sector
Authors: Bob Urmilla , Padayachee Anshu , Gordon Mark , Moutlana Irene
Published: June 2017

e-Waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams globally. In the South African context e-Waste is receiving considerable attention from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) who view it as being one of the fastest growing and most complex waste streams. There is recognition that e-Waste provides both threats and opportunities. In terms of the latter, e-Waste if well-managed can address the triple challenges of job creation, poverty and inequality as well as promote environmental sustainability that aligns to the South African government’s mandate to protect the rights of all its citizens to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being. The article presents and discusses primary data collected from a survey-based and case study research (including key informant interviews) with representatives from various government departments and agencies. The findings reveal that there are substantial variations within the government sector in terms of who is responsible for e-Waste, the amount of e-Waste generated, policies and procedures that are in place, and how e-Waste is managed. The results show that government departments and agencies have stockpiles of e-Waste and there is substantial storing/hoarding of e-Waste throughout the country. Furthermore, current practices of managing e-Waste are unsustainable and undesirable. Based on the findings and literature review undertaken which includes an overview of the e-Waste challenge and trends globally and in South Africa specifically, a model for the management of e-Waste in the government sector that drives broader economic revitalisation and sustainability imperatives is proposed that embraces a regional approach.
Numerical simulations of aeroelastic instabilities to optimize the performance of flutter-based electromagnetic energy harvesters
Authors: Chawdhury Samir , Morgenthal Guido
Published: June 2017

The article presents a two-dimensional fully coupled fluid–structure interaction model for simulating aeroelastic instabilities to evaluate and optimize the performance of flutter-based electromagnetic energy harvesters. The flutter-type unstable vibration of T-shaped cantilever systems is investigated as a driving mechanism for small-scale energy conversion. A flow solver based on the vortex particle method and a structural solver based on a corotational finite element formulation are coupled in order to accurately account for the geometrically nonlinear effects of such very flexible elements. A reference harvester is simulated considering the damping effects arising from the electromagnetic transducer. The estimated flutter wind speed and the predicted energy outputs under different electrical resistances are found to agree reasonably well with reference wind tunnel experiments. The influence of physical parameters such as length, thickness, and cantilever tip height on the performance of the harvester is investigated up to an envelope volume of 42 cm3. The maximum power output is found to be 5.3 mW at 8 m/s. The optimized harvester shows a better performance under low wind speeds by producing 0.65 mW at 4 m/s where the reference harvester produced no power.
Flaw identification for Laplace equation using the linear sampling method
Authors: Dehghan Manshadi SH , Dehghan Manshadi SM , Amiri HR , Hamzehei Javaran S
Published: June 2017

The present study aims to introduce the linear sampling method for cavity/inclusion detection in a two-dimensional Laplace problem by measuring data on the boundary. This method is categorized as a qualitative approach to image the geometrical features of unknown targets. There has been no specific attempt to apply this method to the identification of cavities/inclusions in the Laplace equation although it has been used in the context of inverse problems such as acoustics, electromagnetism and elastostatics. Therefore, the implementation of the linear sampling method, coupled with the finite element method, is emphasized in this study. A set of numerical simulations on two-dimensional problems is presented to highlight many effective features of the proposed qualitative identification method.
Optimal Government Policies Related to Unemployment
Authors: Lu Chia-Hui
Published: June 2017

This article studies the optimal government policies related to unemployment in a frictional labor market. To achieve the optimal allocation, we find that the government should not issue unemployment compensation or subsidies for hiring costs. Moreover, as both firms and households experience disastrous consequences related to the minimum wage, the government should not intervene in the labor market to influence the wage rate and should not set any minimum wage. What the government can do is to make appropriate expenditures on matching efficacy. Furthermore, considering heterogeneous labor abilities in the model does not change our main finding.