bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Constrained Item Selection Methods in Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Su Ya-Hui
Published: March 2016

The construction of assessments in computerized adaptive testing (CAT) usually involves fulfilling a large number of statistical and non-statistical constraints to meet test specifications. To improve measurement precision and test validity, the multidimensional priority index (MPI) and the modified MPI (MMPI) can be used to monitor many constraints simultaneously under a between-item and a within-item multidimensional framework, respectively. As both item selection methods can be implemented easily and computed efficiently, they are important and useful for operational CATs; however, no thorough simulation study has compared the performance of these two item selection methods under two different item bank structures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the MMPI and the MPI item selection methods under the between-item and within-item multidimensional CAT through simulations. The MMPI and the MPI item selection methods yielded similar performance in measurement precision for both multidimensional pools and yielded similar performance in exposure control and constraint management for the between-item multidimensional pool. For the within-item multidimensional pool, the MPI method yielded slightly better performance in exposure control but yielded slightly worse performance in constraint management than the MMPI method.
Working with sparse data in rated language tests: Generalizability theory applications
Authors: Lin Chih-Kai
Published: March 2016

Sparse-rated data are common in operational performance-based language tests, as an inevitable result of assigning examinee responses to a fraction of available raters. The current study investigates the precision of two generalizability-theory methods (i.e., the rating method and the subdividing method) specifically designed to accommodate the technical complexity involved in estimating score reliability from sparse-rated data. Examining the estimation precision of reliability is of great importance because the utility of any performance-based language test depends on its reliability. Results suggest that when some raters are expected to have greater score variability than other raters (e.g., a mixture of novice and experienced raters being deployed in a rating session), the sub-dividing method is recommended as it yields more precise reliability estimates. When all raters are expected to exhibit similar variability in their scoring, both the rating and sub-dividing methods are equally precise in estimating score reliability, and the rating method is recommended for operational use, as it is easier to implement in practice. Informed by these methodological results, the current study also demonstrates a step-by-step analysis for investigating the score reliability from sparse-rated data taken from a large-scale English speaking proficiency test. Implications for operational performance-based language tests are discussed.
A low cost virtual reality system for home based rehabilitation of the arm following stroke: a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Standen PJ , Threapleton K , Richardson A , Connell L , Brown DJ , Battersby S , Platts F , Burton A
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of a home-based virtual reality system for rehabilitation of the arm following stroke.

Design:

Two group feasibility randomised controlled trial of intervention versus usual care.

Setting:

Patients’ homes.

Participants:

Patients aged 18 or over, with residual arm dysfunction following stroke and no longer receiving any other intensive rehabilitation.

Interventions:

Eight weeks’ use of a low cost home-based virtual reality system employing infra-red capture to translate the position of the hand into game play or usual care.

Main measures:

The primary objective was to collect information on the feasibility of a trial, including recruitment, collection of outcome measures and staff support required. Patients were assessed at three time points using the Wolf Motor Function Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Motor Activity Log and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living.

Results:

Over 15 months only 47 people were referred to the team. Twenty seven were randomised and 18 (67%) of those completed final outcome measures. Sample size calculation based on data from the Wolf Motor Function Test indicated a requirement for 38 per group. There was a significantly greater change from baseline in the intervention group on midpoint Wolf Grip strength and two subscales of the final Motor Activity Log. Training in the use of the equipment took a median of 230 minutes per patient.

Conclusions:

To achieve the required sample size, a definitive home-based trial would require additional strategies to boost recruitment rates and adequate resources for patient support.
Dissonant belongings: The evolving spatial identities of young Muslim men in the UK
Authors: Isakjee Arshad
Published: March 2016

Since 2001, a number of controversial and sometimes violent events in the UK and elsewhere have raised anxieties around British Muslim male identities. The problematisation of those identities is now framed around the supposed conflict between Britishness and Muslim-ness. Yet these discourses of the belonging of young Muslim identities often underplay or fail to consider the increasing importance of local, British spaces in ethnically diverse towns and cities, shaping and creating new dynamics of identification. This study draws upon extensive ethnographic research and mobile interviews to provide a comprehensive study of these evolving spatial identities of British young Muslim men. It uses Birmingham as a case study area, a city in which more than a fifth of the population describe themselves as holding to a Muslim faith. The study contrasts how the everyday experiences that underpin Muslim identity stand in stark contrast to less tangible notions of Britishness. The article concludes by positing that young Muslim male identities are characterised by a dissonance between the emotional place-belongingness that evokes for them a sense of inclusion, and the politics of belonging that marks out their exclusion.
Investigation on surface residual stress distribution and evaluation of engineering ceramics in rotary ultrasonic grinding machining
Authors: Wei SL , Zhao H , Jing JT , Yun FH , Li XL
Published: March 2016

Residual stress of engineering ceramics is one of surface integrity evaluation indexes affecting the parts’ strength properties. Rotary ultrasonic grinding machining is the most powerful machining method for engineering ceramics with better surface integrity. The residual stress field distribution is changed due to micro cracks which are inevitable in the process. A residual stress distribution model of machined surface micro crack tip has been established in the paper. And the experimental results enable us to obtain surface residual stress distribution of engineering ceramics in rotary ultrasonic grinding machining. Then, we propose an evaluation parameter called confidence stress tolerance to evaluate surface residual stress characteristic. Preliminary results indicate that surface residual stress distribution is in line with the normal distribution. Confidence stress tolerance is an effective parameter to improve the evaluation reliability. Furthermore, precision and affecting factors of confidence stress tolerance evaluation have also been investigated.
A methodology to consider local material properties in structural optimization
Authors: Cenni Riccardo , Cova Matteo , Bertuzzi Giacomo
Published: March 2016

We propose a finite element methodology to consider local material properties for large cast iron components in shape optimization. We found that considering local strength instead of uniform strength within shape optimization brings to different results in terms of safety-cost balance for the same component. It is well known that local mechanical properties of large cast iron components are defined by their microstructure and defects, which locally affect the strength of the components. Considering or not local mechanical properties can dramatically change a component reliability evaluation during its design. Since a typical industrial aim for shape optimization is trying to get the optimal solution in terms of component quality and cost, considering local material properties is even more important than in traditional design process where no optimization techniques are used. We compute solidification process parameters via finite element solidification analysis, and then we exploit experimental correlation between these parameters and ultimate tensile strength to evaluate the local reliability of the finished component under its static loading conditions. We believe that this methodology represents an opportunity to better design casting components when mechanical properties are deeply affected by their production process as described in the provided examples. In these examples, we wanted to minimize casting cost constrained by a target reliability and we get component cost reduction by considering local material properties. Future research will address the problem of using dedicated casting simulation software instead of general purpose finite element analysis software to compute solidification analysis and then introducing fatigue analysis and correlation between fatigue material properties and casting process output variables.
A velocity synchrosqueezing transform for fault diagnosis of planetary gearboxes under nonstationary conditions
Authors: Guan Yunpeng , Liang Ming , Necsulescu Dan-Sorin
Published: March 2016

Time–frequency analysis is widely used in the field of machinery condition monitoring and fault diagnosis under nonstationary conditions. Among the time–frequency methods synchrosqueezing transform outperforms others in providing fine-resolution time–frequency representation. However, it suffers from time–frequency smear when analysing nonstationary signals. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new synchrosqueezing-transform-based method which works by (1) mapping the raw nonstationary vibration signal into a corresponding stationary angle domain signal to meet the stationarity requirement of the synchrosqueezing transform, (2) performing the synchrosqueezing transform of the corresponding signal and (3) restoring the time–frequency representation of the raw signal from the synchrosqueezing transform result of the corresponding signal. As the synchrosqueezing transform is applied to the stationary corresponding signal, the time–frequency smear is eliminated in the synchrosqueezing transform result of the corresponding signal and the final signal time–frequency representation. As such the proposed method can generate a smear-free time–frequency representation with fine time–frequency resolution and thus provide more reliable diagnosis decisions. A fast implementation algorithm is also developed to simplify the implementation of the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using both simulated and experimental vibration signals of planetary gearboxes.
Noise-source identification of a high-speed train by noise source level analysis
Authors: Noh Hee-Min
Published: March 2016

In this study, noise-source identification of a high-speed train was conducted using a microphone array system. The actual sound pressure level analysis of the noise source was performed using scaling factors between the real sound pressure and the beam-power output based on the assumption that the integrated area of the main beam-power lobe is equal to half that of the actual sound pressure of the noise source. Then, the scaling factors for the 144-channel microphone array were derived from analysis of the array response function, and a verification experiment was conducted using a known noise source, an air horn, located on a high-speed train moving at 240 km/h. After the verification test, noise-source identification of the high-speed train was conducted. Based on the resulting noise map of the high-speed train moving at 390 km/h, the main noise sources were determined to be the inter-coach spacing, wheels, and pantograph. The noise generated by the pantograph was then investigated in more detail. It was concluded that the pan head of the pantograph was the main noise source at a frequency of 1000 Hz.
An optimal trajectory design for the lunar vertical landing
Authors: Leeghim Henzeh , Cho Dong-Hyun , Kim Donghoon
Published: March 2016

A research for designing the optimal lunar vertical landing trajectory to reduce the total energy or mass of propellant is addressed in this paper. Most of these problems can be divided into two phases: breaking and approach phase. The optimal landing trajectory in general does not consider the pitch-up motion so that the landing problem has been only solved in the breaking phase. For this reason, there are some attempts to find the optimal trajectory including the final vertical landing phase by including the equations of angular motion of the vehicle. However, the optimal solution using this approach depends on the scale factor of a cost function because the cost function consists of two different mechanical parameters such as the final mass and total control torque. The final control constraints are augmented for vertical lunar landing instead of the equations of angular motion. The obtained optimal trajectory has an additional positive effect of the image acquisition as well as the final vertical landing.
Stratification of Iranian LIS academics in terms of visibility, effectiveness and scientific and professional performance: Research report Part 1
Authors: Danesh Farshid , Fattahi Rahmatollah , Dayani Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2016

This paper aims to identify the stratification of Iranian Library and Information Science academics in terms of visibility, effectiveness and scientific and professional performance. The present study is applied and is implemented through survey and webometrics methods and with a descriptive approach. The research population includes all Iranian academics working in Library and Information Science departments with a PhD with the titles Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Full Professor. Google Scholar is used to gather web data. A researcher-constructed questionnaire is also used to gather data from the research population in order to stratify them in terms of professional and scientific performance. J Mehrad, MH Dayani and R Fattahi achieved the first to the third ranks respectively in terms of professional and scientific performance. There is also a direct and significant relationship between stratification of the visibility and effectiveness and professional and scientific performance. Graduation from foreign universities, proficiency in English language, writing team papers, scientific collaboration with international scientists, membership of valid national and international research groups, employment in university departments with high experience and also employment in university departments which offer postgraduate qualifications are considered the main factors behind some members’ visibility in the research community.
Stigma, Work, and “Unseen” Illness: A Case and Notes to Enhance Understanding
Authors: Vickers Margaret H.
Published: March 2016

Phenomenological research into life and work for people with invisible chronic illness has revealed many examples of stigmatization. In trying to make sense of one particular case, the available literature on stigma is helpful yet unsatisfying, especially when considering life and work for those with unseen illness. The article presents a review of the stigma literature followed by the presentation of a taxonomy of potential determinants and detriments of stigma for those with invisible chronic illness. It would seem that stigmatization is influenced by numerous issues: knowledge of the diagnosis, moral judgments, and incorrect knowledge held about the disease as distinct from an absence of or incomplete knowledge. The proposed taxonomy is suggested to have been helpful in explaining one person's poignant comments and is advocated for use in the analysis and interpretation of future stories of those with invisible illness.
Communicating with Parents who Experience a Perinatal Loss
Authors: Kavanaugh Karen , Paton John B.
Published: March 2016

The importance of communicating with parents who experience a perinatal loss has been documented repeatedly in the research. Yet, parents do not consistently receive adequate information when they experience a loss. Effective communication with parents who have experienced a loss requires ongoing dialogue throughout all phases of care, starting well before the loss of an infant. To communicate effectively, clinicians need to know the type of information to give, how and when to give the information, and how to assess parents' understanding of the information. Professionals who are skilled at communicating with and caring for parents who experience a loss should serve as mentors for their colleagues to ensure the ongoing availability of competent clinicians.
Crisis in Organ Donations: A Survey of Public Attitudes on Organ Donations and Suggestions for Improvement in the Donation Process
Authors: Dundes Lauren , Streiff Michael B.
Published: March 2016

Despite dramatic advances in transplant medicine and legislative efforts to increase organ donation, thousands of patients die each year awaiting a transplant. To assess the number of organ donors and attitudes toward several proposed strategies to increase donation rates, we conducted a telephone survey of randomly selected adults from three counties in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania. Among the respondents, 48 percent were organ donors, and a majority (73 percent) of nondonors either had no specific objections to becoming an organ donor or had not yet done so. The primacy of organ donor wishes over the wishes of their next of kin was strongly supported (84 percent). In contrast, only 41 percent and 37 percent of respondents respectively supported the concepts of presumed consent or financial compensation for organ donation. In the light of these survey results, potential strategies to improve donation rates are discussed.
Impact of a Grief-Crisis Intervention Immediately after a Sudden Violent Death on the Survivor's Ability to Cope
Authors: Rubel Barbara
Published: March 2016

A challenging concern of grief-crisis intervention is providing appropriate emotional and educational support immediately after a sudden violent death. Research suggests that coping after this type of loss is laborious for the entire family, including children, adolescents, and adults. The survivor's grief response is intense with a prolonged trauma. The consensus of the research indicates that grief-crisis intervention helps the survivors to want to go on living in the face of disaster and positively affects their ability to cope.
Biomechanical Comparison of Intramedullary Screw Versus Low-Profile Plate Fixation of a Jones Fracture
Authors: Huh Jeannie , Glisson Richard R. , Matsumoto Takumi , Easley Mark E.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metatarsal Jones fractures often produces satisfactory results, however, nonunion and refracture rates are not negligible. The low-profile “hook” plate is an alternative fixation method that has been promoted to offer improved rotational control at the fracture site, but this remains to be proven. The purpose of this study was to document biomechanical performance differences between this type of plate and a contemporary solid, dual-pitch intramedullary screw in a cadaveric Jones fracture model.

Methods:

Simulated Jones fractures were created in 8 matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric fifth metatarsals. One bone from each pair was stabilized using an intramedullary TriMed Jones Screw and the other using a TriMed Jones Fracture Plate (TriMed, Inc, Santa Clarita, CA). Controlled bending and torsional loads were applied. Bending stiffness and fracture site angulation, as well as torsional stiffness, peak torque, and fracture site rotation were quantified and compared.

Results:

Intramedullary screw fixation demonstrated greater bending stiffness and less fracture site angulation than plate fixation during plantar-to-dorsal and lateral-to-medial bending. Torsional stiffness of screw-fixed metatarsals exceeded that of plate-fixed bones at initial loading; however, as rotation progressed, the plate resisted torque better than the screw. No difference in peak torque was demonstrable between fixation methods, but it was reached earlier in specimens fixed with screws and later in those fixed with plates as rotation progressed.

Conclusion:

In this cadaveric Jones fracture model, intramedullary screw fixation demonstrated bending stiffness and resistance to early torsional loading that was superior to that offered by plate fixation.

Clinical Relevance:

Although low-profile “hook” plates offer an alternative for fixation of fifth metatarsal Jones fractures, intramedullary screw fixation may provide better resistance to bending and initiation of fracture site rotation. The influence of these mechanical characteristics on fracture healing is unknown, and further clinical investigation is warranted.
Secondary Arthrodesis After Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Gross Christopher E. , Lewis John S. , Adams Samuel B. , Easley Mark , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A.
Published: March 2016

Background:

While it is thought that stresses through the subtalar and talonavicular joints will be decreased after total ankle replacement (TAR) relative to ankle fusion, progressive arthritis or deformity of these joints may require a fusion after a successful TAR. However, after ankle replacement, it is unknown how hindfoot biomechanics and blood supply may be affected. Consequently, subsequent hindfoot joint fusion may be adversely affected.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified a consecutive series of 1001 primary TARs performed between January 1998 and December 2014. We identified patients who underwent a secondary triple, subtalar or talonavicular arthrodesis to treat progressive arthritis or pes planus deformity. Clinical outcomes including pain and functional outcome scores, revision procedures, delayed union, nonunion, complications, and failure rates were recorded. Twenty-six patients (2.6%) required a subtalar (18), talonavicular (3), talonavicular and subtalar (3), or triple arthrodesis (2). Of these patients, 14 (54%) were males with an average age of 63.2 years and a mean 70.9 months follow-up. We then compared these patients to 13 patients who had a subtalar fusion after an ankle arthrodesis.

Results:

The most common type of fixation used was 2 variable-pitch screws across each joint. Fresh-frozen allograft cancellous chips were the most common supplement to the fusion construct (80.8%). The mean time between TAR and secondary fusion procedure was 37.5 months. Overall, 92.3% of the patients went on to fusion. Two patients (7.7%) had a delayed union and 2 patients had a nonunion (7.7%) and were considered operative failures. There were 3 repeat procedures related to the arthrodesis procedure: 1 conversion of a subtalar to a triple arthrodesis, 1 revision talonavicular fusion, and 1 revision subtalar fusion. The average time to weight bearing after arthrodesis was 8.7 weeks; the mean time to radiographic and clinical fusion was 26.5 weeks. There were no secondary complications associated with the arthrodesis. Pain and functional outcome scores improved significantly. There were no differences in the rates of subsequent fusions among implant choices, though the time to fusion in the mobile-bearing prosthesis was significantly longer than the 2 fixed-bearing prostheses. Compared with the data of 13 patients with prior ipsilateral ankle arthrodeses and subtalar fusions, patients who had an ankle replacement had a higher fusion rate ( P = .03) and had a similar time to fusion.

Conclusion:

Hindfoot arthrodesis following a TAR was safe and effective in improving function and pain. Additionally, a hindfoot arthrodesis following a TAR had a higher fusion rate than a subtalar fusion following an ankle arthrodesis. Although the time to healing was relatively long, various hindfoot fusions were used to treat progressive arthritis and deformity with high fusion rates.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative case series.
Generating visionary policy for early childhood education and care: Politicians’ and early childhood sector advocate/activists’ perspectives
Authors: Bown Kathryn , Sumsion Jennifer
Published: March 2016

This article contributes to the global conversation about generating a ‘vision’ in early childhood education and care policy by reporting on an investigation of influences on politicians’ policy decisions in early childhood education and care in Australia. This article is inspired by the provocations of social and political theorists who question the status quo and how society might be imagined, using policy as a potential method by which to achieve better futures. Guided by this broad agenda, this article reports on an empirical study that sought (1) politician participants’ visions for early childhood education and care policy and (2) early childhood sector representatives’ views on how visionary policy might be generated and, conversely, their perceptions of how visionary policy comes to be impeded. In Australia, an apparent impediment to achieving visionary policy is the perceived fragmentation of the early childhood education and care sector, a policy problem regularly raised in early childhood education and care literature globally and reflected in the findings of the study reported here. Following the work of Sara Ahmed, the authors question the cultural politics of characterizing the early childhood education and care sector as fragmented and how this description might also be inscribed on the surfaces of individual and collective bodies as a totalizing and disciplining strategy. The practice of ‘agonism’ is proposed as a potentially generative conceptual tool for examining the material effects of being characterized as ‘fragmented’, and for reconfiguring political and public spaces.
Towards joining by plastic buckling of hollow polyvinylchloride profiles
Authors: Alves LM , Pimentel MM , Silva CMA , Martins PAF
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the collapse by buckling of hollow polyvinylchloride profiles with various cross sections. The presentation identifies the modes of deformation and the critical buckling loads and investigates the possibility of developing innovative mechanical joining processes built upon the formation of bellow shapes (wrinkles) by radial outward flow. The methodology draws from the fundamentals of material characterization and plastic buckling by compression between flat parallel platens to the experimental and finite element analysis of the formation of wrinkles by compression in a semi-closed tool. Results show that the formation of wrinkles in hollow polyvinylchloride profiles at room temperature is limited to geometric features within a compact range. The connection of hollow polyvinylchloride profiles to polycarbonate sheets is given as examples of application of wrinkles in mechanical joining.
Bringing headteachers’ voices to the professional development debate: A case study from Spain
Authors: Hernández María J. , Martínez María A.
Published: March 2016

This study seeks to broaden the existing knowledge about education and professional development in educational leadership by analysing the characteristics of ‘good’ training programmes according to international theoretical frameworks and to educational leaders’ views. To do so, 100 headteachers of infant, primary and secondary schools were interviewed in the province of Alicante, Spain, and the data were coded and processed using Aquad 6. The results show agreement between the criteria for a good education programme used by the two sources referred to above.
Resources through which Chinese students learn about Western society and culture
Authors: Yang Linda Hui
Published: March 2016

This article presents the results of a study conducted in order to determine how Chinese university students in Mainland China gain their cultural knowledge about Western culture and society, and the resources they would prefer to use to learn more. The study involved administration of both a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Responses were obtained from 470 undergraduate students from 15 universities based in Beijing. The results showed that the students believed they learned more from foreign media and, in particular, films and TV series from the United States than from any other source, and that they also preferred to learn in this way. The results also showed that they learned little about Western culture and society through conversations with native English speakers, although they wanted more opportunities to learn in this way. These results have implications for those involved in developing and delivering pre-sessional and orientation programmes for Chinese university students in the Western higher education contexts.
“Novum Testamentum editum est”: The Five-Hundredth Anniversary of Erasmus’s New Testament
Authors: Elliott J. K.
Published: March 2016

The 500th anniversary of Erasmus’s Novum Instrumentum commemorates the first printed and published Greek New Testament in 1516. This article emphasizes that Erasmus’s original motive for this publication was his new Latin version verifiable by his accompanying the translation by a Greek text. The latter was concocted from manuscripts he located in Basle; the article describes the manuscripts used. It also assesses the five editions of this bilingual text published in Erasmus’s lifetime. A discussion covers the nature of his Latin compared to that of the Vulgate then currently in use and the opposition which his version caused. Later editions of the Greek New Testament are also described. An examination of the Comma Johanneum (1 John 5.7-8) is included.
Erasmus’s Translation of the New Testament: Aim and Method
Authors: de Jonge Henk Jan
Published: March 2016

Erasmus’s main aim in making his new translation of the New Testament was to present the writings of the apostles and evangelists in better, more classical Latin than that of the Vulgate. He believed that the new age of renaissance and humanism demanded a new translation of the Bible in Latin and that its language must be adapted to the criteria of classical Latin. His translation was neither meant to replace the Vulgate, nor to be used by everybody; its target readership was primarily theologians, who could use it as a study Bible. In his translation, Erasmus wanted to correct textual corruption and translation errors that had crept into the Vulgate. He also wanted to render the Greek in a clearer, purer, and more expressive language, but most of all in a grammatically and syntactically more correct Latin. He rejected the idea that each word in the original text must be matched by a word in the translation: the idiom of the target language is the first requirement of a good translation. Not words, but meanings must be rendered. More generally, Erasmus wanted his translation to serve the spreading of the “wisdom of Christ”: it was to serve the reform of church and society and the spiritual and moral renewal of Europe.
Global Crisis, Regulatory Reform and International Policy Coordination
Authors: Nachane D. M.
Published: March 2016

The recent global crisis has brought the following issues to the forefront of macro-policy analysis: (a) procyclicality of bank capital regulation, (b) role of asset bubbles, (c) high social costs of financial failures and (d) high leverage of financial institutions (FIs). It has been realized by the global community that tackling these problems calls for a coordinated approach in which the following agencies will have to play a vital role: National regulatory and supervisory (R&S) authorities International Monetary Fund (IMF) Financial Stability Forum (FSF) International standard setting bodies—Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), etc. Influential groups like G-20

For purposes of this article, we focus on the role of national R&S authorities and find that this role revolves around seven key policy areas, namely (a) making monetary policy respond to asset prices, (b) strengthening and expanding the scope of regulation and supervision, (c) controlling leverage of FIs, (d) dampening procyclicality of capital requirements, (e) reducing costs of financial failures, (f) devising market incentives for prudent behaviour and (g) a shift from micro-prudential to macro-prudential regulation. We examine to what extent the official financial supervisory and regulatory authorities in India have fulfilled this role successfully.

JEL Classification: E6, F4, F5
Patella height following biplanar medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and its relevance for Clinical Outcome
Authors: Bode Gerrit , Niemeyer Philipp , Südkamp Norbert P. , Feucht Matthias , Mehl Julian
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

The medial medial open-wedge tibial osteotomy (OW HTO) has become increasingly important in the treatment of cartilage damage in the medial compartment with accompanying varus deformity in recent years. The technique of the biplanar, proximally initiated OW-HTO leads to a reduction of the patellar height. Relationships with functional outcome, and thus the clinical relevance of this observation, has not been investigated adequately so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of altered patellofemoral geometry on the functional outcome after OW HTO.

Materials and Methods:

In 205 patients (age 44.46 ± 10.43 years MW) with cartilage damage in the medial compartment and existing varus deformity biplanar, proximally directed OW HTO (TomoFix, Synthes, Solothurn, Switzerland) was perfermed between January 2005 and December 2013. Insall-Salvati index and Caton-Deschamps index were determined rom pre- and postoperative lateral radiographs of these patients. The evaluation of the patients was performed using standardized measuring instruments (preoperatively: visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lysholm score after surgery: VAS, Lysholm, KOOS and KOOS4). In the event of a radiological patella baja (Insall-Salvati index> 1.2; Caton-Dechamp less then 0,6 correlation of patellar height and the functional scores was performed using SPSS 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, United States). A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

At an average follow-up of 68.65 (SD ± 30.26) months, a defect size of 4.32 MW (SD ± 3.01) cm2, a varus deformity of MW 6.04 (SD ± 2.83) ° and postoperative leg axis of MW 2.26 ± 1.74 ° valgus data analysis resulted in significant postoperative changes in the patellar indices (Insall-Salvati index preoperatively 0.94 ± 0.17 vs. 0.91 ± 0.20 postoperatively; Caton- Dechamp index preoperatively 1.03 ± 0.1,69 vs. 0.89 ± 0.17 postoperatively, p = 0.00). The carried out correlation analysis revealed significant correlations for KOOS symptoms and KOOS4 (p = 0.034 and 0.01).

Conclusion:

The proximally directed biplanar medial open-wedge osteotomy leads to significant changes in the patellofemoral joint section in the sense of patella baja. These kinematic changes correlate with poorer postoperative functional results, so that in patients with preexisting pathological patellar height a modification of the classical osteotomy technique such as a to leave the tibial tuberosity attached tot he proximal tibia should be discussed.
The impact of fixation methods on the risk of revision in ACL reconstruction - a study from the Scandinavian ACL registries, 2004-2011
Authors: Persson Andreas , Gifstad Tone , Forssblad Magnus , Lind Martin , Engebretsen Lars
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

The hamstring autograft is one of the most common grafts used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and a large number of fixation methods are available. There are no studies investigating the risk of revision for specific fixation devices. Revision ACLR is a relatively rare event and large registry-based prospective studies make it possible to analyze differences in risk of revision according to clinical and demographic factors. The aim of the present registry-based study was to describe the current use of fixation method and to compare risk of revision between various femoral and tibial fixation methods in Scandinavia during the study period.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 38 666 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstructions in the period 2004-2011 were included in the present study. Less frequently used fixation devices were grouped according to the point of graft fixation. To compare the risk of revision between various fixation methods, the multiple Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression model was applied. Hazard rate ratios (HR with 95% confidence interval (CI)) were reported as measure of effect.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 3 years (range 0 to 8 years). The present data included a total of 1042 revision ACL reconstructions. Based on a Cox PH regression model stratified for country and mutual adjustment for gender, age at surgery (five-year categories), activity at the time when the primary injury occurred, femoral fixation and tibial fixation, we found a significantly lower risk of revision for the transfemoral fixation devices Rigidfix (0.7 (0.6-0.8)) and Transfix (0.7 (0.6-0.9)) compared with the cortical device Endobutton (ref.). The same model showed that a retro interference screw used for tibial fixation had a higher risk of revision (1.9 (1.3-2.9)) compared with a standard interference screw (ref.).

Conclusion:

In view of the findings in the present study, both femoral and tibial fixation method of hamstring autografts seem to be of significance when evaluating the risk of revision.
Does prosthesis design affect the need for secondary resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Rotigliano Niccolò , Hirschmann Michael T.
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

The purpose of this retrospective consecutive study was to compare the rate of secondary resurfacing in consecutive series of five different TKA systems. It was our hypothesis that different brands of TKA show different rates of secondary resurfacing.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was performed on data from patients who underwent TKA without primary patellar resurfacing from 2004 to 2012 in an university affiliated hospital. The study cohort included 784 patients (m:f=302:482, mean age at surgery±SD 71±10) operated with TKA during this period. Five different cruciate-retaining TKA systems were used in consecutives series. These were the following: A) Triathlon, Stryker, Switzerland (n=296), B) PFC Sigma, DepuySynthes, Switzerland (n=215), C) LCS, DepuySynthes, Switzerland (n=80), D) Balansys, Mathys, Bettlach, Switzerland (n=129), E) Duracon, Stryker, Switzerland (n=64). Data was retrospectively obtained from our different hospital archives. Patients demographics, age at surgery, type of total knee arthroplasty were noted. In addition, the data were screened for a secondary resurfacing in each patient. On anterior-posterior, lateral and skyline view radiographs different measurements were performed. TKA component position was assessed on radiographs with respect to "The knee society total knee arthroplasty roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system (TKA-RESS). Pearson Chi square test was used to compare differences between groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, and radiological outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-six of 784 patients (3.3%) underwent secondary resurfacing due to patellofemoral pain during follow-up. In group A four of 296 patients (1.4%), in group B fifteen of 215 patients (7%), in group C four of 80 patients (5%), in group D two of 129 patients (1.6%), in group E one of 64 patients (1.6%) underwent secondary patellar resurfacing during follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between group B and A, D and E as well as between group C and A, D and E (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Prosthesis design influences the need for secondary resurfacing of the patella. It was shown that the rate ranges from 1 to 7%. The highest rate for secondary resurfacing was found in the PFC Sigma TKA.
A Comparison of Anatomic Double- And Single-bundle Techniques for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, A Prospective Randomized Study with A 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Karikis Ioannis , Desai Neel , Sernert Ninni , Rostgard-Christensen Lars , Kartus Juri T.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to compare the mid-term outcome after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with either the anatomic double-bundle (DB) or anatomic single-bundle (SB) technique using hamstring tendon autografts in an unselected group of patients.

Methods:

103 patients (33 women, 70 men; median age, 27 years; range, 18-52 years) were randomized and underwent ACL reconstruction (DB group; n=53 and SB group; n=50). All reconstructions were performed anatomically, identifying the ACL footprints, using the anteromedial portal for the femoral tunnel drilling and utilizing interference screw for tibial and femoral fixation. One blinded observer examined the patients both preoperatively and at follow-up (median, 64 months; range, 55-75 months). Radiographic evaluation of OA was performed using the Ahlbäck, Kellgren-Lawrence and Fairbanks grading systems in the early postoperative period and at follow up.

Results:

Preoperatively, no differences were found between the study groups apart from the pre-injury Tegner activity level, which was lower in the DB group (p=0.02). Eighty-seven patients (83%) were available for examination at 5-year follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the pivot-shift test, KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, manual Lachman test, One-leg-hop test, Square-hop test, range of motion, Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity scale and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Correspondingly, no differences were found between the groups regarding the presence of OA at follow-up. Both DB and SB groups improved significantly at follow-up compared with the preoperative assessment.

Conclusion:

At mid-term follow-up of an unselected group of patients, anatomic DB reconstruction was not superior to anatomic SB reconstruction in terms of the pivot-shift test or subjective and objective outcome variables, as seen in this prospective randomized study. Furthermore, there was no difference in terms of the presence of OA at follow-up.
Unintended Consequences of Concussion Prevention in NCAA Football
Authors: Westermann Robert W. , Wehr Peter , Amendola Annunziato
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Both lower extremity and head injuries are common in American Football players. Concussions, or Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBIs), have gained increased interest in the past decade. Recurrent MTBIs have been associated with late-life cognitive impairment and depression in American Football populations.2, 3 Beginning in 2008, the NCAA introduced rule changes with the intent to halt or reverse the increasing rates of MTBIs in its players. Lower-extremity injuries in American football populations have been associated with increased rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis1 and significantly contribute to disability in retirement. While lower extremity injury rates have been studied and associated with weather5 and playing surface4, no such study has sought an association between lower extremity injury with the timing/introduction of rule changes used to prevent head injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess if lower extremity injury rates are increasing after concussion rule changes. We hypothesize that there may be a compensatory increase in lower extremity injury rates as players act to avoid head-to-head contact and comply with instated rules.

Methods:

The NCAA Injury Surveillance System (NCAA ISS) database was queried for in-game injuries suffered between 2009-2014. All injuries suffered by NCAA Football players that occurred in competition were identified. Injuries that did not result in lost participation time were excluded. Lower extremity injuries that resulted in lost time included injuries to the thigh/upper leg, knee, lower leg/Achilles, ankle and foot. All concussions resulting in lost time were also identified during the same time period for comparison. Data regarding athletic exposures was collected in order to calculate the incidence of injury.

Results:

Between 2009 and 2014, 48 NCAA Football programs provided data on123 team-seasons to the NCAA ISS for analysis. The incidence of lower extremity injuries increased from 9.45 injuries per 1000AE in the 2009-2010 season to 12.63 injuries per 1000AE in the 2013-2014 season. The rate of concussions suffered by American Football players, during the same time period, did not significantly change (1.64 concussions per 1000AE’s in 2009-2010 season versus 2.87 concussions per 1000 AE’s in the 2013-2014 season) [Graph 1].

Conclusion:

Given heightened societal interest in concussions, the NCAA has implemented several rule changes in order to influence how American Football is played. Since the initiation of these rule changes, concussion rates have remained stable. During our study period, injuries to the lower extremity have increased. In order to comply with avoiding head-to-head contact, players may be targeting the lower extremities. This is concerning as lower extremity injuries and post-traumatic osteoarthritis are common causes of disability in retired American Football players.
Editorial: Lung macrophages high on cannabinoids: jamming PAMs and taming TAMs?
Authors: Gertsch Jürg
Published: March 2016

Discussion of cannabinoid receptors and the ECS in macrophage activation.
Image-ray concept as the key to 20 years of success of time-to-depth conversion in Petrobras
Authors: Filpo Eduardo , Portugal Rodrigo , Zago Neiva , Cunha Paulo Miranda , Vicentini Armando , Carbonesi José Luis
Published: March 2016

The evolution and characteristics of the time-to-depth conversion method of time-migrated data that has been used successfully at Petrobras for the last 20 years is described. Such methodology is primarily based on the image-ray concept, but also integrates other imaging techniques such as multiple-stacking Kirchhoff migration and wavefront construction. To illustrate the methodology's usage as well as some problems that were overcome, two examples are provided: one at Roncador field and the other at Albacora field.
Architekture and Teklife in the Hyperghetto
Authors: Brar Dhanveer Singh
Published: March 2016

Analyzing “Footwork,” a form of electronic dance music local to South and West Chicago, and now also a major genre within the wider networks of dance music culture, this article presents an argument regarding the constitution of Footwork as black music. Focusing on the organizational, social, geographic, and aesthetic dynamics that reflect its status as “ghetto” music, the author makes the case that the question of its blackness needs to be understood in terms of the way that the sonic and performative qualities of Footwork mark a collective reconceptualization of the spatial and territorial modalities of race and class in the city.
The Simple Economics of Commodity Price Speculation
Authors: Knittel Christopher R. , Pindyck Robert S.
Published: March 2016

The price of crude oil never exceeded $40 per barrel until mid-2004. By July 2008 it peaked at $145 and by late 2008 it fell to $30 before increasing to $110 in 2011. Are speculators partly to blame for these price changes? Using a simple model of supply and demand in the cash and storage markets, we determine whether speculation is consistent with data on production, inventory changes, and convenience yields. We focus on crude oil, but our approach can be applied to other commodities. We show speculation had little, if any, effect on oil prices. (JEL G13, G18, G23, G31, Q35, Q38)