bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow conditions influence grey wolf (Canislupus) travel paths: the effect of human-created linear features
Authors: Droghini Amanda , Boutin Stan
Published: August 2017

Although travel in deep snow imposes high energetic costs, animals can mitigate these costs through behavioural adaptations. For example, they can select habitats with shallower or more supportive snow. It is less well known, however, if animals select for favourable snow conditions at the scale of the step, i.e., along the travel paths themselves. We snow-tracked grey wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) over 187 km and used a paired design to compare snow conditions on travel paths to snow 1 m and 10 m away. Snow on travel paths was 3.2 cm shallower than measurements 1 m away, except when wolves travelled on linear features recently compacted by humans. In those cases, the mean difference in snow depth increased to 17.5 cm. Our analyses suggest that, under natural snow conditions, wolves are limited in the fine-scale differences they can achieve along their travel paths. By creating areas with highly favourable snow conditions, anthropogenic activities drastically change the winter landscape, with potential implications for energetics and predator–prey dynamics.
Arctii Fructus Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation and MMPs Mediated Invasion via AMPK
Authors: Han Yo-Han , Kee Ji-Ye , Kim Dae-Seung , Mun Jeong-Geon , Park Seong-Hwan , Kim Yong Ju , Um Jae-Young , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: August 2017

Although Arctii Fructus (AF) has been shown to have various pharmacological effects, there have been no studies concerning the inhibitory effects of AF on the metastatic properties of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether AF could suppress CRC progression by inhibiting cell growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and the invasion ability of CRC cells. AF decreased proliferation of CRC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Regarding metastatic properties, AF inhibited EMT by increasing the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, and decreasing the expression of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, in CT26 cells. Moreover, AF decreased the migration and invasion of CT26 cells by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 activity. We confirmed that the decreased invasion ability and MMP-9 activity by AF treatment involved AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Collectively, this study demonstrates that AF inhibits the proliferation and metastatic properties of CRC cells.
Recent CMS results in top and Higgs physics
Authors: Gonzalez Suarez Rebeca
Published: August 2017

After the Higgs boson discovery in 2012, the investigation of its properties and compatibility with the Standard Model predictions is central to the physics program of the LHC experiments. Likewise, the study of the top quark is still relevant at the LHC, more than two decades after its discovery at the Tevatron. Top quarks and Higgs bosons are produced at the LHC on a large scale and share a deep connection based on the large mass of the top quark. Both particles provide an excellent laboratory in which to search for new physics: the measurement of their properties tests the foundations of the Standard Model; and they feature prominently in a variety of exotic signals. The coupling of the Higgs boson to the top quark, a fundamental Standard Model parameter, can only be measured directly in processes where the two particles are produced together. The production of a Higgs boson together with one or two top quarks is also sensitive to several exciting new physics effects. A brief overview of the current experimental status of top quark and Higgs boson physics is presented using results from the CMS Collaboration.
Optical bistability effect in SPP-based metallic grating containing Kerr nonlinear medium
Authors: Liu Dan , Wu Lingxi , Liu Qiong , Yang Sa , Zhou Renlong , Xie Suxia , Chen Jiangjiamin , Zhou Jianwen , Chen Zhaohui
Published: August 2017

We theoretically investigate the characteristics of the resonant modes and the optical bistability (OB) effect in the proposed metal–insulator–metal plasmonic structure containing Kerr nonlinear medium. By using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, it is found that the plasmon resonance modes can be modulated with the change of the height of metallic grating, the thickness of Kerr material layer and refractive index. We also study the characteristic of OB with the correspondingly detuning parameters. The designed plasmonic structure can be potentially applied to projecting SPP-based nonlinear optical devices in integrated optical circuits.
Occupation-Constrained Interband dynamics of a Non-Hermitian Two-Band Bose–Hubbard Hamiltonian
Authors: Muñoz-Arias Manuel H. , Parra-Murillo Carlos A. , Madroñero Javier , Wimberger Sandro
Published: August 2017

The interband dynamics of a two-band Bose–Hubbard (BH) model is studied with strongly correlated bosons forming single-site double occupancies referred to as doublons. Our model for resonant doublon interband coupling exhibits interesting dynamical features such as quantum Zeno effect, the generation of states such as a two-band Bell-like state and an upper-band Mott-like state. The evolution of the asymptotic state is controlled here by the effective opening of one or both of the two bands, which models decay channels.
Fatty Acids and NLRP3 Inflammasome–Mediated Inflammation in Metabolic Tissues
Authors: Ralston Jessica C. , Lyons Claire L. , Kennedy Elaine B. , Kirwan Anna M. , Roche Helen M.
Published: August 2017

Worldwide obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions and significantly contribute to the growing prevalence of metabolic diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation, a hallmark of obesity, involves immune cell infiltration into expanding adipose tissue. In turn, obesity-associated inflammation can lead to complications in other metabolic tissues (e.g., liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas) through lipotoxicity and inflammatory signaling networks. Importantly, although numerous signaling pathways are known to integrate metabolic and inflammatory processes, the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain–like receptor, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain–containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is now noted to be a key regulator of metabolic inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome can be influenced by various metabolites, including fatty acids. Specifically, although saturated fatty acids may promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids have recently been shown to impede NLRP3 activity. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated metabolic inflammation have key roles in the relationships among fatty acids, metabolites, and metabolic disease. This review focuses on the ability of fatty acids to influence inflammation and the NLRP3 inflammasome across numerous metabolic tissues in the body. In addition, we explore some perspectives for the future, wherein recent work in the immunology field clearly demonstrates that metabolic reprogramming defines immune cell functionality. Although there is a paucity of information about how diet and fatty acids modulate this process, it is possible that this will open up a new avenue of research relating to nutrient-sensitive metabolic inflammation.
Jitteriness/Anxiety Syndrome Developing Immediately following Initiation of Oral Administration of Sertraline
Authors: Nakamura Toshinori , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Sasayama Daimei , Hagiwara Tetsuya , Washizuka Shinsuke
Published: August 2017

Here, we report our experience with patients in whom jitteriness/anxiety syndrome developed immediately following the start of oral sertraline administration. Administration was discontinued in these patients on day 2, and the jitteriness/anxiety syndrome improved the following day. Jitteriness/anxiety syndrome may develop immediately following oral administration of even low doses of sertraline, and improvement can be expected if sertraline is promptly discontinued.
Effectiveness of the Thermal Treatments Used for Curd Stretching in the Inactivation of Shiga Toxin-Producing O157 and O26Escherichia coli
Authors: Trevisani M. , Valero A. , Mancusi R.
Published: August 2017

The kneading treatment of the fresh curd in hot water is a critical control point in the manufacturing of mozzarella. Factors such as the ratio between hot water and curd mass, the rheological properties, and the mixing and kneading activity affect the processing time and the internal temperature of the curd. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal treatments on the fate of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC). Nine curd samples (weight 160–270 g) were artificially contaminated with O157 or O26 STEC and stretched in hot water (90–95°C) for 5–10 min. Depending on the heating process and spinning, different nonisothermal profiles were recorded. Observed reductions of O157 and O26 STEC varied between 1.01 and more than 5.38 log⁡MPN(Most Probable Number)/g at the end of the temperature treatments. Further, nonisothermal log-linear tail models were developed to compare observed reductions for O157 and O26 VTEC under variable temperature conditions. Results obtained showed that the comparison of predictions provided by the dynamic model with observations described well the linear inactivation pattern since nonsignificant differences were denoted at all profiles tested. The dynamic model developed can be useful to evaluate the effectiveness of the thermal treatments used in the manufacturing of mozzarella in the inactivation of STEC.
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Blood Urea Nitrogen, and Serum Creatinine Can Predict Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Hong Wandong , Lin Suhan , Zippi Maddalena , Geng Wujun , Stock Simon , Zimmer Vincent , Xu Chunfang , Zhou Mengtao
Published: August 2017

Background and Aims. Early prediction of disease severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) would be helpful for triaging patients to the appropriate level of care and intervention. The aim of the study was to develop a model able to predict Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP). Methods. A total of 647 patients with AP were enrolled. The demographic data, hematocrit, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) determinant at time of admission, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) determinant at time of admission and 24 hrs after hospitalization were collected and analyzed statistically. Results. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that HDL-C at admission and BUN and Scr at 24 hours (hrs) were independently associated with SAP. A logistic regression function (LR model) was developed to predict SAP as follows: −2.25–0.06 HDL-C (mg/dl) at admission + 0.06 BUN (mg/dl) at 24 hours + 0.66 Scr (mg/dl) at 24 hours. The optimism-corrected c-index for LR model was 0.832 after bootstrap validation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for LR model for the prediction of SAP was 0.84. Conclusions. The LR model consists of HDL-C at admission and BUN and Scr at 24 hours, representing an additional tool to stratify patients at risk of SAP.
Vertex Degrees and Isomorphic Properties in Complement of an m-Polar Fuzzy Graph
Authors: Ramprasad Ch. , Varma P. L. N. , Satyanarayana S. , Srinivasarao N.
Published: August 2017

Computational intelligence and computer science rely on graph theory to solve combinatorial problems. Normal product and tensor product of an m-polar fuzzy graph have been introduced in this article. Degrees of vertices in various product graphs, like Cartesian product, composition, tensor product, and normal product, have been computed. Complement and μ-complement of an m-polar fuzzy graph are defined and some properties are studied. An application of an m-polar fuzzy graph is also presented in this article.
Self-Planning of Base Station Transmit Power for Coverage and Capacity Optimization in LTE
Authors: Buenestado V. , Toril M. , Luna-Ramírez S. , Ruiz-Avilés J. M.
Published: August 2017

A computationally efficient self-planning algorithm for adjusting base station transmit power in a LTE system on a cell-by-cell basis is presented. The aim of the algorithm is to improve the overall network spectral efficiency in the downlink by reducing the transmit power of specific cells to eliminate interference problems. The main driver of the algorithm is a new indicator that predicts the impact of changes in the transmit power of individual cells on the overall network Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) for the downlink. Algorithm assessment is carried out over a static system-level simulator implementing a live LTE network scenario. During assessment, the proposed algorithm is compared with a state-of-the-art self-planning algorithm based on the modification of antenna tilt angles. Results show that the proposed algorithm can improve both network coverage and capacity significantly compared to other automatic planning methods.
Kidnapping Detection and Recognition in Previous Unknown Environment
Authors: Tian Yang , Ma Shugen
Published: August 2017

An unaware event referred to as kidnapping makes the estimation result of localization incorrect. In a previous unknown environment, incorrect localization result causes incorrect mapping result in Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) by kidnapping. In this situation, the explored area and unexplored area are divided to make the kidnapping recovery difficult. To provide sufficient information on kidnapping, a framework to judge whether kidnapping has occurred and to identify the type of kidnapping with filter-based SLAM is proposed. The framework is called double kidnapping detection and recognition (DKDR) by performing two checks before and after the “update” process with different metrics in real time. To explain one of the principles of DKDR, we describe a property of filter-based SLAM that corrects the mapping result of the environment using the current observations after the “update” process. Two classical filter-based SLAM algorithms, Extend Kalman Filter (EKF) SLAM and Particle Filter (PF) SLAM, are modified to show that DKDR can be simply and widely applied in existing filter-based SLAM algorithms. Furthermore, a technique to determine the adapted thresholds of metrics in real time without previous data is presented. Both simulated and experimental results demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.
PI-273, a Substrate-Competitive, Specific Small-Molecule Inhibitor of PI4KIIα, Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jiangmei , Gao Zhen , Zhao Dan , Zhang Lunfeng , Qiao Xinhua , Zhao Yingying , Ding Hong , Zhang Panpan , Lu Junyan , Liu Jia , Jiang Hualiang , Luo Cheng , Chen Chang
Published: August 2017

While phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4KIIα) has been identified as a potential target for antitumor therapy, the clinical applications of PI4KIIα are limited by a lack of specific inhibitors. Here we report the first small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) of human PI4KIIα. Docking-based and ligand-based virtual screening strategies were first employed to identify promising hits, followed by two rounds of kinase activity inhibition validation. 2-(3-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)thioureido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxamide (PI-273) exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on PI4KIIα kinase activity (IC50 = 0.47 μmol/L) and suppressed cell proliferation. Surface plasmon resonance and thermal shift assays indicated that PI-273 interacted directly with PI4KIIα. Kinetic analysis identified PI-273 as a reversible competitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate phosphatidylinositol (PI), which contrasted with most other PI kinase inhibitors that bind the ATP binding site. PI-273 reduced PI4P content, cell viability, and AKT signaling in wild-type MCF-7 cells, but not in PI4KIIα knockout MCF-7 cells, indicating that PI-273 is highly selective for PI4KIIα. Mutant analysis revealed a role of palmitoylation insertion in the selectivity of PI-273 for PI4KIIα. In addition, PI-273 treatment retarded cell proliferation by blocking cells in G2–M, inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing colony-forming ability. Importantly, PI-273 significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell-induced breast tumor growth without toxicity. PI-273 is the first substrate-competitive, subtype-specific inhibitor of PI4KIIα, the use of which will facilitate evaluations of PI4KIIα as a cancer therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 77(22); 6253–66. ©2017 AACR.
Learning from others: A critical reflection on an international study programme
Authors: McInnes Alison , Goss Joan M , Fisher Hannah , Brockman Robyn
Published: August 2017

This article offers a critical reflection on an international social work study programme at a Northern European university in 2015. This study develops a shared sense of the expectations and experiences of two academic staff and two students who took part in this social work programme. Interesting findings from this life-changing opportunity were ascertained and included awareness of own motivational learning as well as developing cultural competencies (including language and communication skills), intellectual competencies (including working with others to solve problems), social competencies (including increases in self-confidence and self-awareness) and professional competencies (via increases in professional networks). This supports national data regarding the importance of student mobility including study visits abroad.
The Joint Facial and Invasive Neck Trauma (J‐FAINT) Project, Iraq and Afghanistan: 2011‐2016
Authors: Lanigan Alexander , Lindsey Brentley , Maturo Stephen , Brennan Joseph , Laury Adrienne
Published: August 2017

Objective

Define the number and type of facial and penetrating neck injuries sustained in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2011 to 2016. Compare recent injury trends to prior years of modern conflict.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Methods

The Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) was queried for facial and neck injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan from June 2011 to May 2016. Injury patterns, severity, and patient demographics were analyzed and compared to previously published data from combat operations during January 2003 to May 2011.

Results

A total of 5312 discrete facial and neck injuries among 922 service members were identified. There were 3842 soft tissue injuries (72.3%) of the head/neck and 1469 (27.7%) facial fractures. Soft tissue injuries of the face/cheek (31.4%) and neck/larynx/trachea (18.8%) were most common. The most common facial fractures were of the orbit (26.3%) and maxilla/zygoma (25.1%). Injuries per month were highest in 2011 to 2012 and steadily declined through 2016. The percentage of nonbattle injuries trended up over time, ranging from 14.7% to 65%. Concurrent facial/neck soft tissue trauma or fracture was associated with an overall mortality rate of 2.44%. Comparison of our data to that previously published revealed no statistical difference in concurrent mortality (3.5%‐2.2%, P =. 053); an increase in orbital fractures (P <. 005), facial nerve injury (P <. 0005), and ear/tympanic membrane perforations (P <. 0005); and a decrease in mandible fractures (P <. 005).

Conclusion

Penetrating neck and facial injuries remain common in modern warfare. Assessing injury characteristics and trends supports continued improvements in battlefield protection and identifies areas requiring further intervention.
Equity in Medicaid Reimbursement for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Conduff Joseph H. , Coelho Daniel H.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To study state Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient otolaryngology services and to compare with federal Medicare benchmarks.

Study Design

State and federal database query.

Setting

Not applicable.

Methods

Based on Medicare claims data, 26 of the most common Current Procedural Terminology codes reimbursed to otolaryngologists were selected and the payments recorded. These were further divided into outpatient and operative services. Medicaid payment schemes were queried for the same services in 49 states and Washington, DC. The difference in Medicaid and Medicare payment in dollars and percentage was determined and the reimbursement per relative value unit calculated. Medicaid reimbursement differences (by dollar amount and by percentage) were qualified as a shortfall or excess as compared with the Medicare benchmark.

Results

Marked differences in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement exist for all services provided by otolaryngologists, most commonly as a substantial shortfall. The Medicaid shortfall varied in amount among states, and great variability in reimbursement exists within and between operative and outpatient services. Operative services were more likely than outpatient services to have a greater Medicaid shortfall. Shortfalls and excesses were not consistent among procedures or states.

Conclusions

The variation in Medicaid payment models reflects marked differences in the value of the same work provided by otolaryngologists—in many cases, far less than federal benchmarks. These results question the fairness of the Medicaid reimbursement scheme in otolaryngology, with potential serious implications on access to care for this underserved patient population.
Development of models for prediction of the energy content of disposed MSW from an unsecured landfill
Authors: Siddiqui Faisal Zia , Zaidi Sadaf , Manuja Sourabh , Pandey Suneel , Khan M Emran
Published: August 2017

This research was undertaken to estimate the energy potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed over the past 15 years in an unsecured landfill located in Okhla, Delhi, India. The research collected a total of 98 samples from various depths and locations, which were analyzed for physico-chemical characterization. Multiple regression models for estimating the energy content of the disposed MSW were developed to predict average gross calorific value (GCV) and net calorific value (NCV). Forward entry regression was applied to identify the variables that contributed significantly to the regression. Thus, 4-parametric models and 2-parametric models were developed for predicting both average GCV and NCV of the disposed MSW. The developed models gave a reasonably good prediction of the energy content of MSW. Both the models gave low values of average absolute relative error and high values of correlation coefficient. It was found that the 2-parametric models exhibited nearly the same prediction ability with less measurable dimensions as the 4-parametric models. These models are unique and the research is a pioneering effort since apart from being the only models based on physico-chemical characteristics of disposed MSW to be reported, they also incorporate the effect of the depth of waste as an independent variable. The developed models can be used to predict calorific values of disposed MSW having similar characteristics in other landfill sites in India and abroad.
Passed to Fail? Predicting the College Enrollment of GED® Passers
Authors: Rossi Rachael J. , Bower Corey Bunje
Published: August 2017

Utilizing a data set of over 900,000 enrollees in adult basic education programs in New York State between 2005 and 2013, we examine the college enrollment of GED® passers. Upon enrollment in an adult basic education program, participants were asked whether they wanted to attend college after completion; almost 13,000 students both indicated a desire to attend college and subsequently passed the GED exam. Roughly half of these students reported attending college within 12 months. We use logistic regression to predict which students attended college based on a number of demographic variables and proximity to a community college. Counter to prior research, we find that none of these variables are practically significant predictors of college attendance. Students of different races who are and are not employed, receiving public assistance, single parents, and living close to a community college (among other factors) are virtually equally likely to attend college. We discuss other possible explanations and recommend that future research examine noncognitive and other factors.
Memories of Boys, Girls, and Adolescent Victims of Political Prison and Torture by the Chilean Military–Civilian Dictatorship
Authors: Faúndez Ximena , Cárdenas Manuel , Hatibovic Fuad , Palma Evelyn , Bravo Diego
Published: August 2017

This article reconstructs and analyzes the memories of victims of political prison and torture during the Chilean Military–Civilian Dictatorship who were minors when they experienced this violence. Participants in the study were 11 adults, six women and five men from the region of Valparaíso, who were victims of State terrorism during childhood and adolescence. The information production technique used was the focus group. A textual analysis was performed, based on interdisciplinary contributions from interpretation theory and discourse theories. The analysis of the information identified distinctive elements in the traumatic memories according to the sex-gender system associated with the private/public and passivity/agency dimensions. The results of this study reveal the urgent need to recognize boys, girls, and adolescents as people with rights who should be protected by both adults and States. Moreover, these results emphasize the need to implement early intervention programs in people affected by psychosocial traumas and disasters of different types, and improve their quality of life.
Best Practices in Health Promotion: The Joy of Chasing the Uncatchable
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: August 2017

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) systems enable organizations to get better and better at what they do, thereby increasing the value of the products they make or the services they provide. This editorial argues that CQI principles are closely related to the goal of this journal to advance best practices in health promotion. To this end, contributors of articles are called on to write a discussion section that offers soaring insights alongside practical takeaways for our readers. Unlike other sections of an article, the discussion section is where scientists should feel emboldened to speculate, admit surprises, and muse about possible cause and effect relationships they found gratifying or troubling. The discussion section is our window into how today’s best practices are informing next practices or are about to be supplanted by a better idea.
Why do people opt-out or not opt-out of automatic enrolment? A focus group study of automatic enrolment into a workplace pension in the United Kingdom
Authors: Prabhakar Rajiv
Published: August 2017

Automatic enrolment (AE) into a workplace pension is an important recent development in pension policy. An important question for this policy is why do people opt-out or not opt-out of AE? This question is important for understanding the power of suggestion associated with AE as well as responding to concerns that women might face undue pressure to opt-out. This article addresses this question through a focus group study into the United Kingdom’s new AE policy. Women were more likely than men to cite lack of affordability as a reason for opting out. Lack of information also seemed important for the power of suggestion associated with AE. Further research should explore how to make AE less gender blind as well as the types of information or advice that should be provided alongside AE.
Constance Coltman – a Centenary Celebration in Historical Context
Authors: Thorpe Kirsty
Published: August 2017

The year 2017 is an important centenary for women in the Church. In 1917, in the darkness of World War I, a woman was ordained as a Congregational Minister for the first time in Britain. She was not a Congregationalist but a Presbyterian by upbringing. She would go on to serve a small church in one of the poorest parts of London, yet she was highly educated and from an upper middle-class family. She was a pacifist, a feminist, a wife, mother and someone of deep faith. Constance Coltman’s ordination was a quiet event which attracted little attention at the time but which continues to have an effect even today. This article outlines and considers the historical, ecclesial and personal contexts within which Constance Coltman’s ordained ministry began.
Women’s Leadership in the Church of South India
Authors: Lalitha E. Pushpa
Published: August 2017

The author of this article is the first woman Bishop in the Church of South India (CSI). Her article outlines the development of women’s ministry in India, from the influence of European missionaries in the nineteenth century, and through the union of traditions which led to the formation of the CSI. Women have traditionally served in auxiliary ministries, as Bible Women or deaconesses. The story is set against the context of deeply traditional cultures. The second half of the article relates the author’s own journey through vocation and call to her present role, in which she experienced firsthand the difficulties that faced women seeking to answer a vocation to ministry.
Discrimination on the basis of HIV status
Authors: Onyemelukwe Cheluchi
Published: August 2017

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with over three million persons living with the condition. Throughout the history of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, persons living with the condition have faced stigma and discrimination in various areas including access to health services, access to education, access to employment, among others. In the past, because of lacunae in Nigerian law and jurisprudence, it has been the subject of debate whether Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS are adequately protected by law. Recent developments in legislation such as the federal HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act, 2014 and judicial decisions in 2012 and 2016 on discrimination on the basis of HIV status suggest a positive shift of the law to full protection of the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, particularly in the area of employment. This article provides an analysis of these recent developments in the law and argues that the time has come to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to include health status as a ground upon which one cannot be unduly discriminated against.
Age-appropriate preparations for children with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A feasibility study
Authors: Gårdling Jenny , Törnqvist Erna , Månsson Marie Edwinson , Hallström Inger Kristensson
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to test age-appropriate information and preparation procedures for children with cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for feasibility and effectiveness in terms of the need for general anesthesia (GA) and anxiety. In a quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial, 17 children aged 3–18 years receiving age-appropriate preparation were compared with 16 children in a control group. Feasibility in terms of recruitment, compliance, and acceptability was assessed. Effectiveness was assessed by the number of children who underwent treatment without GA and their respective fractions and validated instruments measured the children’s anxiety and emotional behavior. The preparation parts were delivered as intended without any additional personnel and without dropouts in the intervention group (IG) and therefore found feasible and acceptable. No statistic significances were found concerning the number of children receiving GA or anxiety. However, three children planned for GA in the IG completed their treatments, including 73 fractions awake. Children receiving GA, regardless of group, showed significantly higher negative emotional behavior. Giving children individualized preparation may decrease the need for GA during RT, which gives benefits in terms of fewer risks and restrictions in life for the child and lower costs for health care.
The promises of computational ethnography: Improving transparency, replicability, and validity for realist approaches to ethnographic analysis
Authors: Abramson Corey M. , Joslyn Jacqueline , Rendle Katharine A. , Garrett Sarah B. , Dohan Daniel
Published: August 2017

This article argues the advance of computational methods for analyzing, visualizing and disseminating social scientific data can provide substantial tools for ethnographers operating within the broadly realist ‘normal-scientific tradition’ (NST). While computation does not remove the fundamental challenges of method and measurement that are central to social research, new technologies provide resources for leveraging what NST researchers see as ethnography’s strengths (e.g. the production of in situ observations of people over time) while addressing what NST researchers see as ethnography’s weaknesses (e.g. questions of sample size, generalizability and analytical transparency). Specifically, we argue computational tools can help: (1) scale ethnography, (2) improve transparency, (3) allow basic replications, and (4) ultimately address fundamental concerns about internal and external validity. We explore these issues by illustrating the utility of three forms of ethnographic visualization enabled by computational advances – ethnographic heatmaps (ethnoarrays), a combination of participant observation data with techniques from social network analysis (SNA), and text mining. In doing so, we speak to the potential uses and challenges of nascent ‘computational ethnography.’
Self-precarization and the spatial imaginaries of property guardianship
Authors: Ferreri Mara , Dawson Gloria
Published: August 2017

Property guardianship, a form of short-term building security through temporary dwelling, has emerged in several European countries over the past 20 years. Despite being characterized by tenure insecurity and frequently substandard conditions, ‘living as a guardian’ has become a composite and polyvalent mode of inhabiting cities, rooted in the production and dissemination of distinctive spatial imaginaries of ‘nomadic’ urban dwelling. In the United Kingdom, where guardianship is relatively novel and marginal, the establishment of several intermediary companies has contributed to the rapid diffusion of the scheme as precarious ‘adventurous’ housing, particularly in metropolitan areas where guardianship schemes largely attract mobile and university-educated individuals. Drawing on debates about the complexities of ‘self-precarization’, this article examines imaginaries of property guardianship and their ambivalent significance in relation to lived processes of precarization. Through the analysis of media representations and in-depth interviews with current and former guardians in London, it explores how guardians mobilize narratives of adaptability, flexibility and nomadism between their resignation to existing housing conditions and a sense of critical and autonomous agency. This article proposes and develops a nuanced qualitative approach to analyse how precarious dwelling through guardianship is reshaping spatial imaginaries of acceptable and desirable urban housing, contributing to significant processes of individual and collective subjectification. At a moment of extensive governmentality through insecurity, it concludes that examining imaginaries and practices of self-precarization offers a critical entry point for understanding and rethinking, theoretically and politically, housing precarity and its geographies.
A positive perspective of knowledge, attitude, and practices for health-promoting behaviors of adolescents with congenital heart disease
Authors: Huang Hui-Ru , Chen Chi-Wen , Chen Chin-Mi , Yang Hsiao-Ling , Su Wen-Jen , Wang Jou-Kou , Tsai Pei-Kwei
Published: August 2017

Background:

Health-promoting behaviors could serve as a major strategy to optimize long-term outcomes for adolescents with congenital heart disease. The associations assessed from a positive perspective of knowledge, attitudes, and practice model would potentially cultivate health-promoting behaviors during adolescence.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between disease knowledge, resilience, family functioning, and health-promoting behaviors in adolescents with congenital heart disease.

Methods:

A total of 320 adolescents with congenital heart disease who were aged 12–18 years were recruited from pediatric cardiology outpatient departments, and participated in a cross-sectional survey. The participants completed the Leuven Knowledge Questionnaire for Congenital Heart Disease; Haase Adolescent Resilience in Illness Scale; Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve; and Adolescent Health Promotion scales. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and three multiple regression models.

Results:

Greater knowledge of prevention of complications and higher resilience had a more powerful effect in enhancing health-promoting behaviors. Having symptoms and moderate or severe family dysfunction were significantly more negatively predictive of health-promoting behaviors than not having symptoms and positive family function. The third model explained 40% of the variance in engaging in health-promoting behaviors among adolescents with congenital heart disease.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study provide new insights into the role of disease knowledge, resilience, and family functioning in the health-promoting behavior of adolescents with congenital heart disease. Continued efforts are required to plan family care programs that promote the acquisition of sufficient disease knowledge and the development of resilience for adolescents with congenital heart disease.
Equality work in teacher education in Finland
Authors: Brunila Kristiina , Kallioniemi Arto
Published: August 2017

Equality work is often conducted as education and teaching, and both are an intrinsic part of equality work. In this article, we focus on equality work and challenging heteronormativity by contextualising our focus both on the educational system as a whole but especially on teacher education. The promotion of equality in teacher education began in Finland in the 1980s with nationwide experimental projects, and Finnish universities undertook active efforts to promote equality in the 1990s as a result of the strengthening of women’s studies and discussions on gender equality. We show what kind of persistent problems promoting equality and challenging heteronormativity in education in Finland faces, but we also indicate how it is possible to promote equality and challenge heteronormativity by focusing on teacher education. This article is based on student teachers’ essays (N = 51) written as a part of their study in a course on social justice. The essays were analysed based on a discursive reading of the data.
A Meta-Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors for Dating Violence Victimization: The Role of Family and Peer Interpersonal Context
Authors: Hébert Martine , Daspe Marie-Ève , Lapierre Andréanne , Godbout Natacha , Blais Martin , Fernet Mylène , Lavoie Francine
Published: August 2017

Dating violence (DV) is a widespread social issue that has numerous deleterious repercussions on youths’ health. Family and peer risk factors for DV have been widely studied, but with inconsistent methodologies, which complicates global comprehension of the phenomenon. Protective factors, although understudied, constitutes a promising line of research for prevention. To date, there is no comprehensive quantitative review attempting to summarize knowledge on both family and peer factors that increase or decrease the risk for adolescents and emerging adults DV victimization. The current meta-analysis draws on 87 studies with a total sample of 278,712 adolescents and young adults to examine effect sizes of the association between various family and peer correlates of DV victimization. Results suggest small, significant effect sizes for all the family (various forms of child maltreatment, parental support, and parental monitoring) and peer factors (peer victimization, sexual harassment, affiliation with deviant peers, and supportive/prosocial peers) in the prediction of DV. With few exceptions, forms of DV (psychological, physical, and sexual), gender, and age did not moderate the strength of these associations. In addition, no difference was found between the magnitude of family and peer factors’ effect sizes, suggesting that these determinants are equally important in predicting DV. The current results provide future directions for examining relations between risk and protective factors for DV and indicate that both peers and family should be part of the development of efficient prevention options.
The Politics of Race in Cultural Distribution: Addressing Inequalities in British Asian Theatre
Authors: Saha Anamik
Published: August 2017

This article has two aims. Firstly, it challenges the assumption in both policy and media studies of race that increasing the number of minorities in the media will automatically lead to more diverse content. Secondly, it highlights how cultural distribution is a critical, yet under-researched, moment for racialised minorities working in the arts. Using a case study on ‘British Asian theatre’, the article problematises a particular cultural policy approach that emphasises the need to attract ‘new audiences’. While the emphasis on bringing marginalised audiences to the arts is welcome, this article argues that attempts to address racial inequalities in production and consumption in this way, reinforce rather than dismantle them.
The scratch collapse test in the diagnosis of compression of the median nerve in the proximal forearm
Authors: Jiménez Isidro , Delgado Pedro J.
Published: August 2017

Our purpose was to review the clinical usefulness of the scratch collapse test (SCT) in the diagnosis of proximal entrapment of the median nerve in the forearm. Eighteen consecutive cases were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on the patient’s symptoms and signs. The SCT was positive in the affected forearm in all clinical assessments before surgery and it was negative in all after median nerve release. An anatomical reason for nerve compression was identified in all cases at operation. The SCT is a useful tool for the diagnosis of the proximal entrapment of the median nerve.

Level of evidence: IV
The Language of Religious Affiliation
Authors: Yaden David B. , Eichstaedt Johannes C. , Kern Margaret L. , Smith Laura K. , Buffone Anneke , Stillwell David J. , Kosinski Michal , Ungar Lyle H. , Seligman Martin E. P. , Schwartz H. Andrew
Published: August 2017

Religious affiliation is an important identifying characteristic for many individuals and relates to numerous life outcomes including health, well-being, policy positions, and cognitive style. Using methods from computational linguistics, we examined language from 12,815 Facebook users in the United States and United Kingdom who indicated their religious affiliation. Religious individuals used more positive emotion words ( β = .278, p < .0001) and social themes such as family ( β = .242, p < .0001), while nonreligious people expressed more negative emotions like anger ( β = −.427, p < .0001) and categories related to cognitive processes, like tentativeness ( β = −.153, p < .0001). Nonreligious individuals also used more themes related to the body ( β = −.265, p < .0001) and death ( β = −.247, p < .0001). The findings offer directions for future research on religious affiliation, specifically in terms of social, emotional, and cognitive differences.
Daily Support Equity in Romantic Couples
Authors: Bar-Kalifa Eran , Pshedetzky-Shochat Rony , Rafaeli Eshkol , Gleason Marci E. J.
Published: August 2017

Receiving support may yield negative outcomes, although these can be offset by reciprocating support. Here, we argue that support receipt and reciprocation should be considered with reference to two separate needs, for relatedness/communion and competence/agency, which underlie differential effects of equity on affective versus relational outcomes. To test these, we go beyond earlier studies by (a) examining equity along a (daily) continuum, (b) using the novel analytic approach of polynomial regression with response surface analyses, and (c) indexing equity from both monadic and dyadic perspectives. Using dyadic daily diaries ( NDays = 35, NCouples = 80), we found personal outcomes (positive affect [PA] and negative affect [NA]) to be worst on inequitable days, particularly overbenefit ones. In contrast, equity did not play the same role with regard to relational outcomes (closeness/satisfaction), for which overbenefit proved more positive. Interestingly, the monadic and dyadic perspectives converged more with personal than with relational outcomes.
Qualitative usability feature selection with ranking: a novel approach for ranking the identified usability problematic attributes for academic websites using data-mining techniques
Authors: Sagar Kalpna , Saha Anju
Published: August 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify common usability problematic patterns that belong to top-50 academic websites as a whole and then ranking of these identified usability problems is also provided.

Methods

In this study, a novel approach is proposed that is based upon the integration of conventional usability testing and heuristic evaluation with data-mining knowledge discovery process. An experiment is conducted to evaluate ISO 9241-151 guidelines under 16-different categories by hundred participants who are frequent users of academic websites. After evaluation, the qualitative usability data is collected and different data-mining techniques i.e. association rule and decision tree are applied to recognize fully functional and problematic usability attributes. Identified problematic attributes represent common usability problems patterns related to academic websites from the qualitative viewpoint only. This study further prioritizes these problematic attributes by using the ranking algorithm that represents the order in which usability issues must be resolved.

Results

In this study, 16-different categories are considered for usability evaluation of academic websites. The results show that no issues are identified in two-categories i.e. {Headings_Titles_Labels and The Home_Page}. In Scrolling and Paging category, horizontal scrolling is identified as a major issue whereas, in Internationalization category, the users do not identify supported languages on most of the academic websites. Users do not find websites to be highly secured under Security category. Our findings investigate that most of the issues are found in Search and Social Media categories. Furthermore, users easily locate 50.53% guidelines on websites as fully functional whereas, 49.46% of characteristics are considered as problematic usability features that are not functional on the academic website as a whole.

Conclusions

Identification of common usability problems at an early stage can lower substantially the development efforts in cost and time. Software developers can restrain from these potential usability problems during the development of novel systems under the same context. Providing appropriate solutions for these problems can become valuable in software development. The proposed approach concludes that conventional usability evaluation methods can go beyond just than testing of systems. The study is a milestone towards identification and prioritizing problematic usability features for academic websites and helps in providing the wholistic approach of usability problematic patterns for web-domain.