bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A value proposition for cyberspace management in organizations
Authors: Philip Jestine , Salimath Manjula S
Published: August 2018

The rapidly increasing significance of cyberspace and the corresponding use of new cyberspace technologies are seen in private, public, and nonprofit organizations across the globe. However, along with the abundant organizational advantages of operating in cyberspace, it also creates vulnerabilities such as the possibility of cyberattacks which can erode value. In light of these current realities, we propose a value creation agenda for organizations that operate in cyberspace. We suggest that when organizations effectively manage the risks associated with cyberattacks and continue to attain benefits from cyberspace, there is a positive contribution toward organizational value.
Exploitation of Statistical Tables: Conceptual Interaction with Epidemiologic Data
Authors: Pisanelli Domenico M. , Ricci Fabrizio L. , Tarantino Laura
Published: August 2018

Health-care applications need flexible data and interaction models capable of dealing with data of different natures coming from different sources. These applications are usually devoted to diverse user groups, often casual or novice. The user interface must help the user to understand the database information content in his or her querying process. The authors synthetically describe FLN, a system featuring an integrated interaction with epidemiologic data. In an integrated model the statistical aspects of data (macro data) are represented, together with the intensional and extensional views of the variables involved in statistical tables.
Review Article: Targeted Killing, Technologies of Violence, and Society
Authors: Archambault Emil
Published: August 2018

This article addresses the interaction between policies of targeted killing and wider social forces, particularly technology, through three recently published books. I suggest that while Ian Shaw’s Predator Empire does well to draw attention to the enclosing tendency of contemporary nonhuman environments and means of technological control – particularly drones, Kyle Grayson’s Cultural Politics of Targeted Killing provides a necessary contextualisation of these technological transformations by emphasising the cultural-political underpinnings of policies of targeted killing and of the assemblage of technologies into such policies. These perspectives are replicated in Eyal Weizman’s Hollow Land, which describes the political and strategic manipulation of space to implement Israeli nonterritorial occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. I conclude by suggesting that these three works provide renewed avenues to reflect on the normative and conceptual impacts of lethal drones and other novel warfighting technologies, as well as on the relation between state violence and normalcy.
Artificial neural network–aided technique for low voltage ride-through wind turbines for controlling the dynamic behavior under different load conditions
Authors: Salah Saidi Abdelaziz , Helmy Walid
Published: August 2018

At the level of the electrical distribution networks with wind generation, the disturbances may influence the voltage stability, particularly during low voltage ride-through wind turbine. This research is concerned with studying the effect of implementing different controllers and load types on the low voltage ride-through dynamic recovery performance during disturbances. A conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller is compared with the artificial neural network–based one. The controller construction and its gain are proposed for each type of controller and the impact of each controller on the dynamic behavior of the low voltage ride-through is investigated thoroughly under various operating conditions. Also, the dynamic performance of wind generators is examined with low voltage ride through and different dynamic load models. Both, dynamic induction motor load and composed static and exponential recovery load models are considered. In case of dynamic induction motor load, the effect of the inertia constant has been studied under two types of controllers. The overall system model is simulated using PSAT/MATLAB software in such a way that it can be suited for modeling of voltage controller and loads configurations. The low voltage ride-through performance has been changed with different controllers and load types.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Within the First Year After Hip Arthroscopy and Rehabilitation for Femoroacetabular Impingement and/or Labral Injury: The Difference Between Getting Better and Getting Back to Normal
Authors: Thorborg Kristian , Kraemer Otto , Madsen Anne-Dorthe , Hölmich Per
Published: August 2018

Background:

The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was recently found valid, reliable, and responsive for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. However, it is currently unknown to what degree patients undergoing hip arthroscopy improve and/or normalize their HAGOS result within the first year after surgery.

Purpose:

First, to use HAGOS to evaluate clinical outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and/or labral injury and compare the HAGOS results with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Second, to explore how many patients would (a) improve to a degree of minimal clinical importance (MIC) and (b) obtain scores within the reference intervals of healthy controls.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

From September 2011 to March 2014, 97 consecutive patients [56 females (mean age, 38 years; range, 17-60 years) and 41 males (mean age, 37 years; range, 19-59 years)] underwent first-time hip arthroscopy for FAI and/or labral injury. Standardized postoperative rehabilitation instructions were provided. HAGOS (0-100 points) and mHHS (0-100 points) values were obtained preoperatively and again postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months. Furthermore, 158 healthy controls, matched on age and sex, were included to obtain HAGOS and mHHS reference values for comparison. Minimal important change was determined by using the 0.5 SD of the baseline values for HAGOS and mHHS.

Results:

Improvements for all HAGOS subscales and mHHS results were seen at 3 months ( P < .001). Further improvements were seen only for HAGOS Sport and Recreation (Sport/Rec) and Participation in Physical Activities (PA) subscales between 3 and 12 months ( P < .05) but not for HAGOS Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), or Hip-Related Quality of Life (QOL) subscales or the mHHS. Furthermore, on HAGOS Sport/Rec, PA, and QOL subscales, patients reached scores of only 54 to 70 points 1 year after surgery. At the individual level, up to 70% of the patients experienced minimal important improvements during the first year after surgery, but only up to 38% and 36% of patients reached a score within the reference interval of HAGOS and mHHS, respectively.

Conclusion:

Statistically and clinically relevant improvements in HAGOS and mHHS results after hip arthroscopy and rehabilitation can be seen at 3 months and up to 1 year. However, specific HAGOS subscales suggest that a patient’s ability to function and participate in sport and physical activity is still markedly reduced 1 year after surgery. Furthermore, the majority of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy cannot expect to reach the level of the healthy population on self-reported pain and function within the first year after surgery.
Methods for determination of stagnation in pneumatic ventricular assist devices
Authors: Obidowski Damian , Reorowicz Piotr , Witkowski Dariusz , Sobczak Krzysztof , Jóźwik Krzysztof
Published: August 2018

Background:

A pneumatic paediatric ventricular assist device developed at the Foundation of Cardiac Surgery Development, Zabrze, equipped with valves based on J. Moll’s design, with later modifications introduced at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology, was tested numerically and experimentally. The main aim of those investigations was to detect stagnation zones within the ventricular assist device and indicate advantages and limitations of both approaches.

Methods:

In the numerical transient test, a motion of the diaphragm and discs was simulated. Two different methods were used to illustrate stagnation zones in the ventricular assist device. The flow pattern inside the chamber was represented by velocity contours and vectors to validate the results using images obtained in the laser particle image velocimetry experiment.

Results:

The experimental light-based method implied problems with proper illumination of regions in the wall vicinity. High-resolution flow data and other important parameters as stagnation regions or flow patterns in regions not accessible for light in the particle image velocimetry method are derived in the numerical solution. However, computations of a single case are much more time-consuming if compared to a single experiment conducted on a well-calibrated stand.

Conclusion:

The resulting main vortexes in the central part of the pump chamber and the velocity magnitudes are correlated in both methods, which are complementary and when used together offer better insight into the flow structure inside the ventricular assist device and enable a deeper analysis of the results.
Video capsule endoscopy is safe and effective in suspected small bowel bleeding among left ventricular assist device recipients
Authors: Itskoviz David , Ben Avraham Ben , Banai Hagar , Avni Irit , Ben Gal Tuvia , Dotan Iris , Gal Eyal
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Suspected small bowel bleeding is frequently encountered in left ventricular assist device recipients and the identification of the culprit lesion may be challenging. Data regarding the safety and yield of small bowel capsule in the investigation of suspected small bowel bleeding are limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of small bowel video capsule endoscopy for the investigation of suspected small bowel bleeding among left ventricular assist device recipients.

Methods:

Patients with left ventricular assist device who underwent video capsule endoscopy for the investigation of suspected small bowel bleeding were identified. Suspected small bowel bleeding was defined as the presence of overt bleeding at least 30 days following left ventricular assist device implantation with no identifiable cause in upper and lower endoscopy.

Results:

A total of 10 patients with left ventricular assist device associated suspected small bowel bleeding performed 12 small bowel capsule endoscopies between January 2008 and December 2015 at our tertiary medical care facility. There were no cases of capsule retention or any other serious adverse events during the exams. A significant finding was identified in 8 out of 10 patients, including 3 cases of small bowel angioectasia, 2 cases of small bowel ulcers, 1 case of cecal polyp, and 2 cases of active bleeding with no apparent bleeding source. Small bowel enteroscopy identified and treated bleeding angioectasia in the latter two cases.

Conclusion:

Small bowel capsule endoscopy is safe and effective in the investigation of left ventricular assist device associated suspected small bowel bleeding.
Past and future of blood damage modelling in a view of translational research
Authors: Goubergrits Leonid , Kertzscher Ulrich , Lommel Michael
Published: August 2018

Anatomic pathologies such as stenosed or regurgitating heart valves and artificial organs such as heart assist devices or heart valve prostheses are associated with non-physiological flow. This regime is associated with regions of spatially high-velocity gradients, high-velocity and/or pressure fluctuations as well as neighbouring regions with stagnant flow associated with high residence time. These hemodynamic conditions cause destruction and/or activation of blood components and their accumulation in regions with high residence time. The development of next-generation artificial organs, which allow long-term patient care by reducing adverse events and improve quality of life, requires the development of blood damage models serving as a cost function for device optimization. We summarized the studies underlining the key findings with subsequent elaboration of the requirements for blood damage models as well as a decision tree based on the classification of existing blood damage models. The four major classes are Lagrangian or Eulerian approaches with stress- or strain-based blood damage. Key challenges were identified and future steps towards the translation of blood damage models into the device development pipeline were formulated. The integration of blood damage caused by turbulence into models as well as in vitro and in vivo validation of models remain the major challenges for future developments. Both require the development of novel experimental setups to provide reliable and well-documented experimental data.
How Do Victims of Sexual Violence Benefit From Mutual Disclosure? An Exploratory Study of Women in South Korea
Authors: Choi Eunsuhk , Park Neoul , Lutze Faith E. , Neuilly Mélanie-Angela
Published: August 2018

Sexual violence victims in the Republic of Korea (henceforth, South Korea) have mutual support groups that provide a variety of programs promoting mutual disclosure between them. These programs are based upon the premise that responses within those groups are more supportive than conventional responses; however, there is no empirical evidence of mutual disclosure. The aim of the current study is to answer two research questions: (a) How do responses and outcomes of mutual disclosure compare with those of traditional disclosure? and (b) What themes describe mutual disclosure as distinguishable from a traditional one? A sample of 25 Korean sexual violence victims reported their disclosure experiences by responding to a survey and/or an in person interview. This study found that responses and outcomes of mutual disclosure were overall positive based on their similar victimized experience. The finding emphasizes a balance between a victim’s dual role as help-seeker and support provider for the benefits of mutual disclosure. Existing mutual support groups and relevant institutions should consider the aspects and effects of mutual disclosure to provide more opportunities for victims to speak out as well as to foster greater access to support.
Watering the Plant in Another’s Courtyard: An Ethnographic Exploration of Daughters’ Devaluation Through Sex-Selected Abortions Among the Rural Married Females in South Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sattar Tehmina , Ahmad Saeed , Zakar Rubeena , Maqsood Fauzia
Published: August 2018

The current study sets forth the cultural underpinnings for daughters’ devaluation over son preferences in South Punjab, Pakistan. The major purpose of the present study was to provide an accurate description of women’s attitude on different aspects of sex-selected abortions (SSAs). Women, with a rural background, either forced to devalue their female fetus clinically or based on violence, were the targeted participants. Using ethnographic exploration with 161 obtrusive observations, 37 in-depth interviews, and 10 focus group discussions (FGD), comprising of 85 narrated case studies, the attitudes of rural married females toward daughters’ devaluation through SSAs were recorded. The findings of study allied the autonomy paradigm with a feminist perspective through argumentation of the lack of women’s individual identity in the domestic sphere. In addition, sociocultural legitimization toward patriarchal regimes snatches women’s autonomy over their reproductive behavior. Resultantly, daughters’ devaluation is analogous to sons’ preference, which arose through women’s subservience and exposure to violence in the intricate cultural web. Using ethnographic exploration through various anthropological research techniques, it explicates the nuanced feminist regimes for understanding women’s reproductive choice and empowerment. In conclusion, women’s subordination is the cause of differential power relations and inadequate gender inequality which results in SSAs. The current study exposed gender-biased power discrimination that consequently affects the women’s autonomous decision making about their reproductive behavior. Similarly, it highlighted how husband and in-laws (especially mother-in-law) used illegal medicines, dietary practices, traditional methods, or new biotechnological methods to execute the illegal act of SSA. This study may serve as the basic legal framework to check the deep-rooted culture of violence against vulnerable segments of the population.
Blame Avoidance and Transgender Individuals’ Attributions About Rape: Unpacking Gendered Assumptions in Defensive Attribution Research
Authors: Diamond-Welch Bridget , Marin Hellwege Julia , Mann Olivia
Published: August 2018

This research examines how binary gender (male or female) interacts with trans status (cis or trans) to determine rape myth acceptance (RMA), perceived similarity, victim empathy, and victim blaming. Utilizing vignette methodology with an acquaintance rape scenario with a heterosexual female victim, we analyze these variables using multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) and ordered logit regression. We find support for the argument that both harm avoidance and blame avoidance are operating to predict similarity, empathy, and victim blaming experienced by cisgender and transgender individuals. We argue that this is based on in-group identification from both gender identity and perceived likelihood of future victimization. Specifically, we find that cisgender men have the lowest rates of perceived similarity. Transgender women have the highest rates of empathy whereas cisgender women and trans men have lower rates of victim blaming than cisgender men. Results suggest that the interaction between binary gender and trans status influence perceptions of rape myths and victimization.
Signature requirements for initiatives
Authors: Tajika Tomoya
Published: August 2018

Signature requirements serve as barriers to prevent citizens from overusing initiatives. This study investigates the properties of optimal signature requirements by proposing a model in which the initiative process is a game played among citizens, a campaigner, and a legislature. Under the optimal requirement, the campaigner succeeds in collecting the required signatures only when it creates welfare that exceeds the cost of holding a referendum for the final decision. I specify the condition that such an optimal requirement is achievable. In addition, I perform comparative statics analyses to investigate the validity of the differences in signature requirements among countries and petition types. The results reveal a high optimal requirement when citizens have low variance regarding their opinions or do not consider the campaigned issue important. Finally, I evaluate the suggested reforms in the real world, such as imposing an additional cost on the campaigner to initiate a petition and a ban on paid petitioners, and show that while the former reduces citizen welfare, the latter improves it.
Braking performance of a novel frictional-magnetic compound disc brake for automobiles
Authors: Yin Yan , Bao Jiusheng , Liu Jinge , Guo Chaoxun , Liu Tonggang , Ji Yangyang
Published: August 2018

Disc brakes have been applied in various automobiles widely and their braking performance has vitally important effects on the safe operation of automobiles. Although numerous researches have been conducted to find out the influential law and mechanism of working condition parameters like braking pressure, initial braking speed, and interface temperature on braking performance of disc brakes, the influence of magnetic field is seldom taken into consideration. In this paper, based on the novel automotive frictional-magnetic compound disc brake, the influential law of magnetic field on braking performance was investigated deeply. First, braking simulation tests of disc brakes were carried out, and then dynamic variation laws and mechanisms of braking torque and interface temperature were discussed. Furthermore, some parameters including average braking torque, trend coefficient and fluctuation coefficient of braking torque, average temperature, maximum temperature rise, and the time corresponding to the maximum temperature rise were extracted to characterize the braking performance of disc brakes. Finally, the influential law and mechanism of excitation voltage on braking performance were analyzed through braking simulation tests and surface topography analysis of friction material. It is concluded that the performance of frictional-magnetic compound disc brake is prior to common brake. Magnetic field is greatly beneficial for improving the braking performance of frictional-magnetic compound disc brake.
Identification of pursued vehicles based on the guidance law recognition and line-of-sight analysis
Authors: Du Runle , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Di , Gao Lu
Published: August 2018

In a scenario where a formation of flight vehicles tries to avoid the interception of a pursuer vehicle, it is very important for the formation to identify which member is being pursued by the pursuer. This paper proposes an identification model, which incorporates guidance parameter confidence measures and line-of-sight correlations to determine the possibility of each member being pursued. With observation data between each member and the pursuer, the equivalent navigation ratio of the guidance law of the pursuer is estimated online. Then, the confidence measure of the navigation ratio estimated by each member is translated into the possibility of each member being pursued. Furthermore, coupling the estimation results of navigation ratio with the line-of-sight information between each member and the pursuer, the pursued vehicle can be identified from the members in the formation. Simulation results prove that under different conditions, the proposed method can accomplish the identification with acceptable accuracy.
Collective wage bargaining under strain in northern European construction: Resisting institutional drift?
Authors: Arnholtz Jens , Meardi Guglielmo , Oldervoll Johannes
Published: August 2018

Internationalization, trade union decline, enforcement problems and rising self-employment all strain the effectiveness of collective wage bargaining arrangements in northern European construction. We examine Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK, and show that these strains have pushed trade unions to seek assistance from the state to stabilize wage regulation, but with results that vary according to employer strategies and the power balances between the actors. While Denmark and the UK have barely introduced any state support, Norway has followed the Netherlands and Germany in introducing legal mechanisms for extension of collectively agreed minimum wage terms. The country studies suggest that state assistance alleviates some of the strain, but does not reverse the trends, and the comparison indicates that both institutional innovation and reorganization may be required if wage bargaining is not to drift into different functions.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and their role in gynecological malignancies
Authors: Mabuchi Seiji , Yokoi Eriko , Komura Naoko , Kimura Tadashi
Published: August 2018

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that exhibit immunosuppressive activity (they block the proliferation and activity of both T cells and natural killer cells). In addition to their role in suppressing immune responses, myeloid-derived suppressor cells directly stimulate tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In the area of gynecological cancer, increased numbers of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells or tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells have been detected, and the increased frequencies of myeloid-derived suppressor cells are associated with a poor prognosis. Thus, the successful myeloid-derived suppressor cells depletion may hold the key to maximizing existing anti-cancer therapies and improving the prognosis of gynecological cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding myeloid-derived suppressor cells biology, clinical significance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the potential myeloid-derived suppressor cells–targeting strategies in gynecological cancer.
Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Posttraumatic Growth in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Sadeghpour Fatemeh , Heidarzadeh Mehdi , Naseri Parisa , Nadr-Mohammadi Moghadam Mehriar
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to investigate posttraumatic growth and its relationship with emotional intelligence. This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted on 249 patients undergoing hemodialysis in hospitals in Ardabil, Iran. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS-15. In this study, the mean and standard deviation of posttraumatic growth, emotional intelligence, and coping were 69.94 ± 12.78, 140.88 ± 19.47, and 92.935 ± 13.775, respectively. The results also showed that emotional intelligence was significantly related to posttraumatic growth directly ( r = .39) and indirectly through coping ( r = .23). In addition to the direct relationship between emotional intelligence and coping in posttraumatic growth, emotional intelligence was also indirectly related to posttraumatic growth through coping and accounted for 38% of the variance in this variable in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Therefore, by planning to improve their emotional intelligence, health-care providers can help patients better cope with their new conditions and cause positive mental changes.
Late neurological deficit after attempted PICC insertion in the arm
Authors: Antunes Bruno FF , Machado Andrea MN , Miziara Roberta A , Liao Adolfo W , Mendes Cynthia A , Wolosker Nelson , Teivelis Marcelo P
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Insertion of central catheters in peripheral vessels is a common procedure performed for a variety of indications, including parenteral nutrition. Hyperemesis gravidarum may require parenteral nutrition in exceptional situations. Although globally safe, insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can lead to complications.

Case Report:

We describe a case of a pregnant woman who required parenteral nutrition and underwent an unsuccessful PICC insertion attempt resulting in arterial puncture, and who 34 days later presented with right upper limb paresthesia. A pseudoaneurysm with nerve compression was diagnosed and treated by open surgery, without maternal or fetal complications.

Conclusion:

We recommend active surveillance ultrasound (e.g. in the first 24–48 h) of unsuccessful PICC insertion attempts, because late complications may occur and require invasive procedures for treatment.
A Case of Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer to the Duodenal Major Papilla
Authors: Takasaki Yusuke , Irisawa Atsushi , Shibukawa Goro , Sato Ai , Abe Yoko , Yamabe Akane , Arakawa Noriyuki , Maki Takumi , Yoshida Yoshitsugu , Igarashi Ryo , Yamamoto Shogo , Ikeda Tsunehiko , Soeta Nobutoshi , Saito Takuro , Hojo Hiroshi
Published: August 2018

Ovarian cancer often occurs distant metastasis to the peritoneum, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. However, there has been no reported case of direct metastasis to the duodenal major papilla. We herein reported 72-year-old woman with history of ovarian cancer surgery 11 years ago presenting with obstructive jaundice. Abdominal CT showed a small mass in the distal bile duct. Forceps biopsy from the small mass was done under endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and histologic examination revealed adenocarcinoma. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and diagnosed immunohistochemically direct metastasis to the papilla from ovarian cancer. The duodenal major papilla is known to be rich in lymph vessels, and these lymph vessels are considered the likely pathway of metastasis in this case.
Characteristics of Sinus Fungus Ball: A Unique Form of Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Huang Wan-Chun , Liang Kai-Li
Published: August 2018

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of this unique form of rhinosinusitis.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with sinus fungus balls were evaluated for clinical characteristics. Nasal tissues obtained from 38 patients with sinus fungus ball, along with 26 controls were used for histopathological, cytokines/chemokines, western blotting, and genetic analyses.

Results:

Patients with fungus balls had significantly more females and their age was older. The presentation of fungus ball was predominantly unilateral (97.8%). Thirty-three patients (36.3%) had risk factors for fungal infection. Macrophage and neutrophil dominated cellular infiltration was found in nasal tissues of fungus ball patients. A tendency of reduced tight junction staining (e-cadherin) and protein expression was found. Interleukin 8 (IL8) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) significantly increased in sinus fungus ball tissue homogenates when compared with those from controls. Higher prevalence of a single single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with E-cadherin was found in the patients with fungus ball.

Conclusions:

We found that patients with sinus fungus ball had robust immune responses, allowing recruitment and activation of macrophages and neutrophils. However, patients with sinus fungus ball could have genetic or acquired weakness in immunity. The fungal hyphae were localized and accumulated within single sinus instead of being eradicated by host.
Tribological and rheological properties of nanorods–Al2O3 as additives in grease
Authors: Qiang He , Wang Tao , Qu Hongwen , Zhang Yong , Li Anling , Kong Linghao
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the tribological and rheological behaviors of nanorods–Al2O3 as an additive in lithium grease at different concentrations were investigated. The morphology of the additive was determined. The improvement in the rheological properties after adding the nanorods was studied and illustrated by measuring the wear of the tested surfaces. The results showed that nanorods–Al2O3 can greatly improve the lubricating effect of grease. The grease with a 0.3 wt% content of nanorods–Al2O3 exhibited the lowest average friction coefficient and wear scar diameter. The worn steel surface was smooth and showed few furrows and grooves. Moreover, a correlation was found between the tribological and rheological properties of lithium grease. By increasing the temperature continuously, a chemical protective film was produced leading to the reduction in the friction coefficient of grease.
A case of immune-mediated encephalitis related to daclizumab therapy
Authors: Devlin Michael , Swayne Andrew , Newman Martin , O’Gorman Cullen , Brown Helen , Ong Benjamin , Robertson Thomas , Airey Caroline , Blum Stefan
Published: August 2018

This report will detail a case of immune-mediated encephalitis in the context of daclizumab therapy. Daclizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody which, prior to its recent worldwide withdrawal due to safety concerns, was utilised as a disease-modifying therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The withdrawal of this therapy was prompted by concerns over 12 cases of serious immune-mediated adverse reactions in the central nervous system. We report an additional case, including clinical data and results of neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination and brain biopsy.
Drunkorexia: Disordered eating behaviors and risky alcohol consumption among adolescents
Authors: Pompili Sara , Laghi Fiorenzo
Published: August 2018

The first goal of our study was to examine the differences on disordered eating and alcohol consumption among heavy, occasional restrictors, and non-restrictors in a sample of 823 adolescents. The second goal was to analyze the relation of drunkorexia between unhealthy eating and alcohol use. Our results showed that heavy restrictors reported more eating disorder symptoms and alcohol use than occasional restrictors and non-restrictors. Similarly, occasional restrictors showed more unhealthy eating and drinking behaviors than non-restrictors. Both disordered eating and alcohol use were significant predictors of drunkorexia, supporting the argument of drunkorexia as an overlapping of dysfunctional eating and drinking patterns.
Information needs in genetic testing: A needs assessment survey among Taiwanese parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Chen Lei-Shih , Min Jungkyung , Zhao Shixi , Yeh Yu-Chen , Huang Tse-Yang
Published: August 2018

We conducted the first needs assessment study by examining the information needs in genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in Taiwan. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in 236 public elementary schools with special education services were invited to complete a survey. About two-thirds of participants (65.7%) had never heard about genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders. Yet, the majority (71.4%) expressed an interest in learning about this testing. The top three topics participants identified to assist them in making informed decisions before undergoing genetic testing (for themselves, their affected children, or other family members) were testing accuracy (79.7%), genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders (79.4%), and the link between testing and treatment (79.4%). A health education brochure (47.2%) was the most desired educational approach. Our results can be utilized to develop information and counseling materials for genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders in Taiwan as well as to address the needs of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, particularly in informed decisions-making. Moreover, to promote better communication between the providers and parents, when discussing genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders with Taiwanese parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, healthcare professionals’ priorities should be in line with the preferred topics identified in this study.
Neurodivergent intersubjectivity: Distinctive features of how autistic people create shared understanding
Authors: Heasman Brett , Gillespie Alex
Published: August 2018

Autistic people are neurologically divergent, yet approaches to studying autism are framed by neurotypical definitions of being social. Using the concept of intersubjectivity, which conceptualises a variety of ways of socially relating, we investigate distinctive features of how autistic people build social understanding. A total of 30 members of a charity supporting adults with autism were video-recorded during a social activity they enjoyed, namely collaborative video gaming. Mapping the coherence, affect and symmetry of each conversational turn revealed shifting patterns of intersubjectivity within each interaction. Focussing on clusters of consistent and fragmented turns led us to identify two features of neurodivergent intersubjectivity: a generous assumption of common ground that, when understood, led to rapid rapport, and, when not understood, resulted in potentially disruptive utterances; and a low demand for coordination that ameliorated many challenges associated with disruptive turns. Our findings suggest that neurodivergent intersubjectivity reveals potential for unconventional forms of social relating and that a within-interaction analysis is a viable methodology for exploring neurodivergent communication. Future research should examine the varieties of neurodivergent intersubjectivity, with associated problems and potentials, and how those forms of intersubjectivity can be enabled to flourish, particularly in autistic-to-neurotypical encounters.
The Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Psychometric properties of an autism-specific sensory sensitivity measure
Authors: Kuiper Marieke WM , Verhoeven Elisabeth WM , Geurts Hilde M
Published: August 2018

Sensory sensitivity is common in autistic people and since the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), hypo- and hyper-responsiveness to sensory stimuli are part of one of the criteria domains for an autism spectrum disorder classification. For scientific research and the clinical practice, one needs reliable and valid questionnaires that measure sensory sensitivity and can distinguish between hypo- and hyper-responsiveness. We translated the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire into Dutch. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties and the clinical use of the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire in 78 autistic and 68 typically developing adults (18–45 years; IQ > 70). Just like the original Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire is a reliable and valid questionnaire. The Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire had reliable hypo- and hyper-responsiveness subscales, reasonable to good modality subscales and was stable over time. Moreover, using the 95th percentile of the typically developing group as cut-off, we showed that two thirds of the autistic adults had heightened sensory sensitivity. We also showed that hypo- and hyper-responsiveness do co-exist in both autistic and typically developing adults. In sum, we conclude that the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire is suitable to be used in scientific research as well as in the clinical practice.
Evidentiary instructions improve mock juror assessment of feature-comparison evidence
Authors: Ribbers Eva , Henneberg Marika Linnéa
Published: August 2018

Feature-comparison evidence has been introduced in court without sufficient scientific validation and has been at the heart of numerous miscarriages of justice. Juror assessment of such evidence and the efficacy of evidentiary instructions were examined through a mock jury experiment with case reports featuring either central or peripheral feature-comparison evidence. In a case-control design (N = 174), the test group was exposed to an evidentiary instruction about the ear print evidence presented in the first case report (adapted from R v Dallagher [2002] EWCA Crim 1903) whereas the control group did not receive such an instruction. The provision of this instruction resulted in a significant decrease in verdict severity with a large effect size. For the second case report (based on R v George (Barry) [2007] EWCA Crim 2722), all subjects were asked to return verdicts based on circumstantial evidence, gunpowder residue evidence and an evidentiary instruction about that gunpowder residue evidence. Verdict severity increased significantly after the provision of gunpowder residue evidence, followed by a subsequent reduction in verdict severity after the introduction of an evidentiary instruction. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in verdict severity between the test and control group, suggesting that the test group exhibited a scepticism effect brought about by the initial evidentiary instruction about ear print evidence. This study demonstrates that although mock jurors consider feature-comparison evidence a convincing indicator of guilt, the provision of an evidentiary instruction has the potential to educate jurors about the limitations of such evidence.
Social science and humanities evidence in Charter litigation
Authors: Downie Jocelyn
Published: August 2018

Carter v Canada (Attorney General) is a Canadian case that famously struck down the Canadian Criminal Code prohibitions on euthanasia and assisted suicide (now known collectively as medical assistance in dying or MAiD). The most significant issue in the Carter case was that of the status of MAiD. However, this case is also interesting to explore in relation to the issue of the use of expert evidence from social science and humanities researchers. In this paper, I offer reflections as an academic trained in philosophy and law but not expert in the use of social science and humanities evidence in litigation. As someone who was inside the litigation but outside the generation of the evidence, I seek to bring a perspective that may be useful to practitioners who might be thinking about working with academics and academics who might be thinking about getting involved in constitutional litigation that relates to their field of study.
The Norwegian Healthy Life Centre Study: A pragmatic RCT of physical activity in primary care
Authors: Samdal Gro Beate , Meland Eivind , Eide Geir Egil , Berntsen Sveinung , Abildsnes Eirik , Stea Tonje H. , Mildestvedt Thomas
Published: August 2018

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of behaviour change interventions at Norwegian Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) on participants’ moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) six months after baseline. We also explore predictors of change in MVPA, and if level of education and MVPA at baseline modify the effect. Methods: A randomised controlled trial with inclusion criteria age ⩾ 18 years and ability to participate in group-based physical activity. Participants were randomised to either behaviour change interventions or a waiting list (control). Objective recordings of physical activity were the main outcome, analysed with simple and multiple linear regression. Results: We recruited 118 participants from six HLCs. Participants with mental, musculoskeletal, or chronic somatic disease were more likely to drop out. We revealed no differences in MVPA or sedentary time between the groups. Types of motivation or several characteristics of disadvantage at baseline could not explain changes in MVPA. Across both groups, 83% achieved the recommended 150 minutes of MVPA per week, and participants with a lower level of education were less likely to improve. Participants in the intervention group who were least active at baseline significantly increased their MVPA. Conclusions: The study revealed that the intervention had no short-term effect on time spent on MVPA or sedentary. This study does not support a strong emphasis on behaviour change on an individual level as a way of targeting general health and risk reduction at a population level. Although less active people benefitted more from the HLC intervention, the intervention was unable to counteract widening of inequity across educational groups.
Randomized experiments in Scandinavian criminal justice: Reviewing the past and looking to the future
Authors: Andersen Synøve N. , Hyatt Jordan
Published: August 2018

Randomized controlled trials are reported on with increasing frequency within the criminological literature. This development, which is commonly seen as being a part of a global shift towards evidence-based policies, relies heavily on reviews of American research. However, other regions face distinct challenges and employ distinct policy solutions, potentially undermining the uniformity of this trend. In particular, the Scandinavian nations (Denmark, Norway and Sweden), with distinct penal philosophies, may offer a counter-narrative. Here, we conduct a multi-lingual systematic review of crime-related experiments in Scandinavia. Findings show that only eight experiments with an offending or delinquency outcome were published before 2015, six of which focused primarily on medical or psychological treatments. We suggest this distribution is driven by unique, regional epistemological traditions and conclude by outlining distinctive opportunities for experimental criminology in Scandinavia.
Space-structure-fabricated and Ni Film-deposited hybrid fabrics for enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Jing Xiaoyu , Jiang Ying , Deng Penghu , Wu Dayang , Jing Lingxiao , Zhang Tonghua
Published: August 2018

In this work, high-performance hybrid fabrics for electromagnetic interference-shielding were constructed via a novel approach of space-structure fabrication and Ni film deposition. First, the composite yarns containing stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers were weaved into fabric. Then, the surface of the fabric was coated with a Ni film by magnetic filtration cathodic vacuum arc deposition technology. Optical microscopy illustrated that stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers formed complex structures of conductive grids. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed that Ni was deposited to form a Ni film on the surface of the fabric. Research result shows that the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of the hybrid fabrics was improved effectively through space-structure-fabricating and film-depositing. Film coating can improve the fabrics’ shielding effectiveness up to 12.14% under the same stainless-steel staple fibers content condition. As a result, the novel approach is an effective means for improving the shielding effectiveness of fabrics.
Nearest Neighbor Method to Estimate Internal Target for Real-Time Tumor Tracking
Authors: Zhang Jie , Huang Xiaolin , Shen Yuxiaotong , Chen Ying , Cai Jing , Ge Yun
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

This work proposed a nearest neighbor estimation method to track the respiration-induced tumor motion.

Methods:

Based on the simultaneously collected motion traces of external surrogate and internal target during the modeling phase prior to treatment, we first obtain the nearest neighbors of the current surrogate in external space. Subsequently, the concurrent targets in internal space are determined and used to estimate the current target position. The method was validated on 71 cases that were from 3 open access databases. In addition, to evaluate the method’s estimation and prediction accuracy, we compared the method with other works.

Results:

Except for 2 cases, the nearest neighbor estimation achieved the root-mean-square error of <3 mm. The comparison indicated that the method had better estimation accuracy than polynomial model and good prediction performance.

Discussion:

The 2 exceptive cases were further analyzed for failure causes. We inferred that one was because of the lack of estimating new target in our method, and the other one was because of the mistake during data collection. Accordingly, the potential solutions were suggested. Besides, the method’s estimation for surrogate outliers, effects of modeling length, calibration, and extension were discussed.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated nearest neighbor estimation’s effectiveness. Except for this, the method imposes no restrictions on the modality of the pretreatment target images and does not assume a specific correspondence function between the surrogate and the target. With only 1 critical parameter, this nearest neighbor estimation method is easy to implement in clinical setting and thus has potential for broad applications.