bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the “Surprise Question” in Nursing Homes
Authors: Rice Jill , Hunter Linda , Hsu Amy T. , Donskov Melissa , Luciani Tracy , Toal-Sullivan Darene , Welch Vivian , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: December 2017

Background:

The “Surprise Question” (SQ) is often used to identify patients who may benefit from a palliative care approach. The time frame of the typical question (a 12-month prognosis) may be unsuitable for identifying residents in nursing homes since it may not be able to differentiate between those who have a more imminent risk of death within a cohort of patients with high care needs.

Objective:

To examine the accuracy and acceptability of 3 versions of the SQ with shortened prognostication time frames (3 months, 6 months, and “the next season”) in the nursing home setting.

Design:

A prospective mixed-methods study.

Setting/Participants:

Forty-seven health-care professionals completed the SQ for 313 residents from a nursing home in Ontario, Canada. A chart audit was performed to evaluate the accuracy of their responses. Focus groups and interviews were conducted to examine the participants’ perspectives on the utility of the SQ.

Results:

Of the 301 residents who were included in the analysis, 74 (24.6%) deaths were observed during our follow-up period. The probability of making an accurate prediction was highest when the seasonal SQ was used (66.7%), followed by the 6-month (58.9%) and 3-month (57.1%) versions. Despite its high accuracy, qualitative results suggest the staff felt the seasonal SQ was ambiguous and expressed discomfort with its use.

Conclusion:

The SQ with shortened prognostication periods may be useful in nursing homes and provides a mechanism to facilitate discussions on palliative care. However, a better understanding of palliative care and increasing staff’s comfort with prognostication is essential to a palliative care approach.
Social Determinants of Domestic Violence Among Saudi Married Women in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alquaiz Aljohara M. , Almuneef Maha , Kazi Ambreen , Almeneessier Aljohara
Published: December 2017

Intimate partner violence is a worldwide public health problem. The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence and types of domestic violence, and to explore the association between social determinants (sociodemographic factors, husband-related factors, and social support) and violence against women by their intimate partner (husband). We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 18 randomly selected primary health care centers and 13 private institutions (teaching institutes, government offices, social welfare organizations) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Female data collectors took interview from 1,883 married Saudi females aged 30 to 75 years. Interviews included sociodemographic information, reproductive health variables, and social support questionnaire. Violence was measured using modified Intimate Partner Violence Against Women questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. The lifetime prevalence for any type of violence was 43.0% ( n = 810). The most frequent type was controlling behavior (36.8%), followed by emotional violence (22%), sexual violence (12.7%), and physical violence (9.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following were associated with greater odds of reporting domestic violence: younger age 30 to 40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.3, 3.0]), 41 to 50 years (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI = [1.1, 2.5]); lack of emotional support (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI = [1.2, 2.5]); lack of tangible support (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI = [1.1, 1.9]); and perceived poor self-health (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI = [1.0, 3.0]), husbands’ poor health (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI = [1.2, 2.0]), and polygamy (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI = [1.5, 2.6]). Domestic violence occurs frequently in Saudi Arabia. Both social conditions and social relations are significantly associated with domestic violence against Saudi women. Furthermore, improvement in implementation of the local policies and multisectoral protection services can prevent women from domestic violence.
Poverty, Human Rights and the Quest for Sustainable Human Development in Structurally-Adjusted Uganda
Authors: Oloka-Onyango J.
Published: December 2017

In a bid to address the almost two decades of economic malaise and decline that Uganda had experienced in the 1970s and 1980s, Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Movement adopted radical measures of economic adjustment under the tutelage of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Although those measures resulted in significant economic growth – in GDP terms – this article argues that they failed to be conscious of basic principles of human rights relating to equality, non-discrimination and participation, and have consequently compounded the situation of poverty in the country. It further argues that the ‘non-party’ political system in existence further undermines the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights.
Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees: Conceptual Differences and Similarities
Authors: Phuong Catherine
Published: December 2017

Although the phenomenon of internal displacement has always existed, it has only become the subject of significant concern for the international community since the end of the 1980s. This paper explores the relationships between the two categories of displaced persons, and in particular the distinct conceptual basis which has seen different frameworks of protection applied to the two groups. It considers why the current refugee definition excludes internally displaced persons from its ambit, and the arguments for situating the two groups under a single legal status. Distinctions between the categories can be arbitrary and arise from factors that have no connection with the merits of the claims for protection, but may be critical to the protection actually afforded. Central to the discussion is the concept of State sovereignty, as the internally displaced remain under the domestic jurisdiction of their country, and without that country's consent, beyond the reach of the international community. As refugee law cannot apply, international protection can only be afforded to internally displaced persons through international human rights law, and in some cases humanitarian law.
The Committee against Torture: One Step Forward, One Step Back
Authors: Ingelse Chris
Published: December 2017

The Committee against Torture, the supervisory body of the UN Convention against Torture, performs functions with respect to the implementation of anti-torture measures similar to the functions performed by other bodies established under earlier human rights instruments. The Human Rights Committee, for example, had already developed an elaborate practice in the field. In view of the existence of earlier established human rights instruments and procedures, it is questionable whether expansion of procedural and substantive obligations in the Convention against Torture was appropriate. This article appraises the Convention against Torture, the role of its Committee, as well as their contribution to the international prohibition of torture and other cruel treatment.
The Strength of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Women's Convention
Authors: Bijnsdorp Mireille G.E.
Published: December 2017

The article contains an analysis of the potential strength of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Women's Convention. This Protocol was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in October 1999. The author discusses five stricking aspects (elements) of this new Protocol: the scope of the standing provision; the scope ratione materiae of the Protocol; the power of CEDAW to impose interim measures; the introduction of an inquiry procedure; and finally the prohibition of reservations. The author concludes that these five elements reveal a potentially strong Optional Protocol which could to a better enforcement of women's human rights.
The Domestication of International Human Rights Instruments and Constitutional Litigation in Nigeria
Authors: Peters Dele
Published: December 2017

Nigeria has had a chequered history of human rights. Since its attainment of political independence from the British about four decades ago, the country has experienced series of military coup and coup d'etat, and about three decades of military ride. Those periods of military interregnum marked the peak of human rights abuse and abridgement in the country. Even the short periods under democratic dispensation were not entirely without some measures of human rights violations. All these were notwithstanding the fact that some international human rights instruments have been domesticated in the country. This article focuses on how the Nigerian Judiciary has responded to some of these domesticated international human rights instruments in matters brought before them for adjudication.
Truth Commissions and Political Theory: Tough Moral Choices in Transitional Situations
Authors: Sriram Chandra
Published: December 2017

The basic question this paper asks is: in transitional regimes considering pursuing accountability for past human rights violations, are there instances where goods other than justice might appropriately be pursued? The paper seeks to answer this question not by adverting to very loaded contemporary debates on the matter, but rather by grounding the question (and answer) more firmly. Drawing on three rich traditions of political theory: utilitarianism, deontological liberalism and communitarianism, the answer is a very provisional yes. More importantly, however, I argue that such choices are contextual – what matters is not that there be one correct prescription for all societies, but options from which they may choose one most befitting their particular needs.

A brief examination of three traditions of political theory yields not definitive prescriptions for transitional regimes, but rather a set of concerns and issues to be considered. Utilitarianism may rightly caution us against pursuing justice or revenge at the expense of stability and aggregate utility, but will clearly suffer from the objection that the right has been sacrificed to the good. Similarly, from a rights-oriented and deontological perspective, certain sacrifices of justice to the greater good may be difficult to countenance, though other moral harms may be inflicted in the pursuit of justice. Finally, a communitarian will point us to the nature of the community to aid us in determining the appropriate path, though she may do so at the expense of the individual. Once the normative issues at stake are thus understood, individuals and societies may address the choices and dilemmas raised in transitions in ways appropriate to their specific contexts.
Cyberlibel Cases before the European Court of Human Rights: Estimating Possible Outcomes
Authors: Cucereanu Dragos
Published: December 2017

Internet defamation, or cyberlibel, has become an increasingly widespread and alarming side of online expression. This has lead to controversies concerning the way of responding to this new challenge in defamation law. Such controversies persist, as law makers and courts in the Council of Europe Member States vary in their solutions.

The author searches for uniformity in regulating cyberlibel in Europe, by estimating how the European Court of Human Rights could decide such cases, based on analogy with its previous case law, as well as the law and practice of those States that have addressed the issue. It concludes that the Court may take into consideration the specificity of Internet, while mostly in line with its previous case law, by further developing it. The article proposes a list of criteria that might help deciding cyberlibel cases, and analyses specific ways of determining their applicability and effect.
Evolving Disability Policies: From Social-Welfare to Human Rights An International Trend from a European Perspective
Authors: Waddington Lisa
Published: December 2017

The last decade has seen notable changes in a disability policy. Social-welfare policies which have sought to separate and segregate people with disabilities have been reconsidered, and attempts have been made to develop a more integrated approach. The new approach recognises the role which discrimination plays in disadvantaging people with disabilities, and seeks, through, inter alia, legislation, to combat elements of disability discrimination and create equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. This article examines these developments and reflects on the attitudes and assumptions which lie behind disability policy today. The article focuses on recent developments in Europe, at both the domestic and European Union level, and places these developments in the context of evolving international human rights provisions, which have also begun to embrace a human rights approach disability. The area of employment is used to illustrate the changes in attitude, and the consequent changes in policy and legislation.
Augmenting the Struggle for Gender Equality in Uganda: A Case for the Domestication of International Human Rights Standards
Authors: Mugwanya George William
Published: December 2017

This article critically examines the extent to which States have respected the right to gender equality both in theory and practice, using Uganda as a case study. This is accomplished through a critical examination of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) of 1980 and the degree to which its obligations have been met in Uganda. The article also draws on the equality jurisprudence engendered by the UN Human Rights Committee established under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966. The article argues that while there is a general acceptance of the universality of human rights among States, and the primacy of the notion of nondiscrimination on any ground, including sex, women continue to suffer discrimination in almost all spheres of human existence. The article therefore centers on how best to address the plight of women who continue to suffer oppression both in private and public spheres. The article suggests ways to address the plight of women, particularly through the domestication of international human rights standards. The article argues that the international community must make a concerted effort to ensure that States do not merely ratify treaties in theory alone, but must translate them into practice within their domestic systems where they have meaning in people's lives. Uganda's Constitution of 1995 generally ushers in a progressive gender equality jurisprudence. However, the rest of Uganda's legal system is still littered with draconian and repugnant legislation and customary and religious laws and practices antithetical to gender equality. So far no one has relied on the Constitution's general guarantee of equality to impugn antithetical legislation and practices, and the Constitution generally remains without interpretation or construction. Uganda urgently needs to domesticate international human rights standards on gender equality particularly those enshrined in CEDAW. The Constitution's general guarantee of gender equality can be enriched by the domestication of the comprehensive provisions of CEDAW. Uganda also urgently needs to bring reforms in all areas of law and practices that oppress women. The Primary objective of CEDAW is an obligation of means and results: States must reform their laws, and implement programmes to eliminate all forms discrimination against women by both State and non-State actors. Under CEDAW, law reforms and other programmes must include affirmative action to ensure substantive equality of women.
Housing Rights and Related Facilities for Female Refugees and Internally Displaced Women
Authors: Westendorp Ingrid
Published: December 2017

For various reasons, but mostly because of violence, millions of people all over the world have been forced to leave their homes and are looking for security and shelter elsewhere. They have either crossed a border, and are called refugees, or they have remained within their own country and are known as internally displaced persons (IDPs). The crossing of a border is important, since this has several legal and practical implications. In general, the level of assistance for IDPs is on a lower scale.

The majority of the refugees and IDPs consists of women and children. Homeless women are very vulnerable. They are especially prone to rape and sexual abuse. Moreover, sexual discriminatory practices may take place with regard to the distribution of food, goods and services. When they are housed in emergency camps and shelters, relief workers, international organisations and host countries should be made aware of these special needs and circumstances. Once awareness is created, solutions must be found. Several recommendations are made, some of them consisting of pragmatic measures, like illumination at night and sex segregated latrines and washing facilities. Since both UNHCR and the Special Rapporteur on IDPs have acknowledged the special plight of women, and both mechanisms have analysed the specific problems, much attention is paid to their findings.
Minority Rights and the Constitutional Dilemmas of Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Javaid
Published: December 2017

Rights of religious minorities and the role of religion within the constitutional framework represent two key issues which have dominated Pakistan's fifty-four years of political history. This article analyses Pakistan's constitutional approaches towards its religious minorities. This analysis reveals that the State has been unable to establish a coherent constitutional framework in which to protect its religious minorities. Furthermore, as a consequence of politicisation of religion over the past three decades, Pakistan's religious minorities are increasingly being victimised and persecuted. The article identifies a number of laws and practices through which discrimination has been perpetuated and highlights the existing unfortunate situation of religious minorities within Pakistan.
Environmental Racism in the United States and the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Authors: Popović Neil A.F.
Published: December 2017

This article examines the problem of environmental racism in the United States through the human rights lens of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The article describes the nature of environmental racism and probes the inadequacy of US environmental and civil right laws in dealing with the problem. The article assesses the situation with reference to the US Government's obligations under the CERD and reaches the conclusion that the lack of effective protection against environmental racism and the absence of effective remedies in US law demonstrate a failure by the US Government to live up to its international legal responsibilities. The article suggests that notwithstanding substantial legal and political obstacles, the US Government's 1994 ratification of the CERD provides a potentially powerful weapon in the pursuit of environmental justice.
NGOs before the European Commission and the Court of Human Rights
Authors: Nowicki Marek Antoni
Published: December 2017

Non-governmental organisations play an important part and are indispensable for the effective functioning of the international human rights protection machinery. This article is an overview of the role of NGOs in the procedure under the European Convention on Human Rights. They appear before the Convention institutions in various different capacities. Some of them claim to be victims of human rights violations. Many NGOs, especially human rights organisations, strive to provide assistance to individual applicants. Ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights by countries of Central and Eastern Europe is a great challenge for non-governmental organisations from this region. At the time they play a quite important role in disseminating knowledge on the Convention to the general public. Protocol No. 11 creating soon a new single European Court of Human Rights will open new perspectives also for NGOs.
The World Bank: Human Rights, Democracy and Governance
Authors: Moller Nicholas H.
Published: December 2017

The World Bank group has been criticised by a wide variety of groups over the years for its failure to adequately take into account human rights and democratic principles. Recently, the Bank has started to widen the scope of its activities so that now the Bank is involved in projects concerned with such disparate issues as the environment, poverty reduction and women in development. This paper focuses on one of the new Bank concerns, governance, and examines the prospects it holds for ensuring that the Bank and its borrower-countries respect human rights and democratic values. It then reviews the responses governance has received and suggests alternative means that may more effectively ensure that the Bank takes into account such values. Finally, the paper proposes a new test, based on Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to be applied to potential borrowers and the test is applied to Burma.
International Human Rights Law and Legal Remedies in Expulsion: Progress and Some Remaining Problems with Special Reference to Canada
Authors: Clark Tom , Aiken Sharryn ,   in collaboration with Barbara Jackman and David Mata, Jackman Barbara , Matas David
Published: December 2017

The article explores the international rights at issue in expulsion and the content of the corresponding effective remedy required of a State. International treaty body jurisprudence from individual cases is critically examined to expose progress and problems remaining for both the rights and the effective remedy. References are made throughout to the corresponding situation in Canada's domestic law. The article shows that when fundamental rights such as family life are at issue, the domestic legal remedy must satisfy conditions such as suspensive effect, access to courts and non-discrimination. The article concludes with proposed measures for both States and international treaty bodies to clarify the protection of rights in expulsion and to better ensure that international treaty rights can be guaranteed in expulsion.
Human Rights and Real Cultures: Towards a Dialogue on ‘Asian Values’
Authors: Freeman Michael
Published: December 2017

Despite the re-affirmation of the universality of human rights at the UN World Conference in 1993, the principle of universality has continued to be called in question by reference to ‘Asian values’ by political leaders and intellectuals in the economically successful societies of South-East Asia. This is, however, only a new manifestation of the well-known problem of ‘cultural relativism’. The author seeks to clarify the principles that underlie debates about the universality of human rights and the particularity of cultures by analysing the nature of cultures, and applying the analysis to the ‘Asian values’ debate. He argues that all cultures are complex and dynamic, and can be used to oppress, exploit and/or promote the quality of the lives of human individuals and groups. The concept of human rights is itself a cultural product, which has been designed to protect human beings from oppression and exploitation and to promote their well-being. The principles of human rights have to be interpreted and applied in diverse circumstances. The relations between human rights and real cultures are therefore likely to be complex and to some degree controversial. The category of ‘Asian values’ is, however, too crude to clarify these relations to the end of protecting and promoting the fundamental interest that all human beings have in the quality of their lives.
Considering Truth. Dealing with a Legacy of Gross Human Rights Violations
Authors: Parlevliet Michelle
Published: December 2017

In our exploration of the theme of dealing with the past, we must pause and ask ourselves hard questions. Why do we feel compelled to deal with the past? What do we hope to achieve at the end of the day? An appeasement of our embittered history? What would constitute such an appeasement? The truth? Whose truth? Truth about what?1
Women and the Right to Adequate Housing
Authors: Senders Mignon
Published: December 2017

In August 1997, the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities adopted a resolution entitled ‘Women and the right to adequate housing and to land and property’. This resolution was the first of its kind, recognising the specific problems that women encounter when pursuing their right to adequate housing. This article deals with the legal foundations of the right to adequate housing in United Nations instruments. Since women face particular problems with regard to this right – direct violations such as discrimination but also problems as a result of poverty and their social position – these difficulties will be addressed. An overview is given of action that has been taken by various UN organs and bodies, especially the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. The adopted Sub-Commission resolution is dealt with in detail.
Defamation: Dignity Lost?
Authors: Micha Eleni
Published: December 2017

Political libel cases always present a widespread interest due to the eventual conflict between freedom of expression and respect of personal reputation. Inasmuch as both principles are equally safeguarded in the area of the protection of human rights, one might ask how to achieve a balance of the different interests. What are the relevant criteria and what is the level of liability required for the award of damages? This article is an effort to review and analyse the solutions provided by the US Supreme Court, the European Commission and Court of Human Rights and Greek jurisprudence, since all three have already established an interesting case-law. The author examines the similarities and differences between the American and the European legal thought and presents her own argumentation on the subject. In addition, it is discussed if and how the Greek law is influenced by the Strasbourg case-law, since the Greek Constitution in itself recognises the supremacy of the ECHR.
Canadian Ratification of the American Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Schabas William A.
Published: December 2017

When Canada joined the Organisation of American States in 1990, it promised that it would ratify the American Convention on Human Rights in short order. Eight year later, Canada has still not taken this step. Although the provisions of the Convention largely reflect those of other human rights treaties, to which Canada is a party, a few serious and several rather petty objections have been raised to certain provisions. The most important concerns the right to life text, which suggests limits on the possibility of legalising abortion. But on this point, and others, Canada may enter reservations to the Convention. Although this solution is not ideal, in the long run it is less damaging to Canada's human rights profile, and to the health of the inter-American system, than the continued refusal to participate in Convention system.
Reinforcing the African System of Human Rights: The Protocol on the Establishment of a Regional Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights
Authors: Naldi Gino J. , Magliveras Konstantinos
Published: December 2017

In 1988 the Organisation of African Unity adopted a Protocol top the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights establishing an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This development addresses one of the fundamental flaws in the institutional system for the protection of human rights in Africa since the Charter entered into force in 1986. The article analyses the provisions of the Protocol from a legal perspective and draws comparisons with other regional human rights judicial organs. The conclusion is reached that in principle the Court does not on the whole compare unfavourably with its European and American counterparts. It can only be hoped that when the Protocol is ratified and comes into force that the Court will be an effective guarantor of human rights in a continent that has been wrecked by abusive state behaviour.
Naming Names: Identity and Identification in Human Rights Work
Authors: Bronkhorst Daan
Published: December 2017

Naming the names of victims has always been an essential principle in human rights campaigning. A more recent issue of debate within the human rights movement concerns the appropriacy and timing of public identification of perpetrators. What is it in personal names which make them so important? This article examines the conduct among human rights institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, in reporting on individuals thus far. Critical issues emerge as to the inconsistency in the listing of victims’ names and the one-dimensional portrayal of persons as ‘cases’. It is argued that human rights institutions should present the names of victims more systematically and should identify perpetrators as well. On the other hand, non-governmental organisations might reconsider their position that perpetrators must always be placed on trial.
Interim Measures by the World Court to Suspend the Execution of an Individual: the Breard Case
Authors: Rieter Eva
Published: December 2017

When States bring a claim before the International Court of Justice which impacts on human rights, the Court sometimes needs to decide whether or not to indicate provisional measures for the prevention of irreparable harm to the individuals concerned. In the Breard Case the Court did indicate such measures in order to postpone the execution of a Paraguayan citizen by the United States until it had rendered a decision on admissibility and merits. The United States, however, disregarded the interim measures; this included a decision by the US Supreme Court not to postpone the execution. The author argues that the US response to the interim measures violated its international obligations.
Mainstreaming Refugee Rights. The 1951 Refugee Convention and International Human Rights Law
Authors: Clark Tom , Crépeau François
Published: December 2017

The article shows how the 1951 Refugee Convention interacts as a human rights treaty with other human rights treaties, especially considering rights to seek asylum in African and Inter-American regional instruments and non-discrimination rights in the UN Covenants. The article shows that considerable interaction has developed between some rights, such as the expulsion and non-refoulement rights under the 1951 Refugee Convention and the protection from torture under human rights treaties, but that such an interaction is still underdeveloped for economic and social rights. The article considers ways in which present international human rights mechanisms might be adapted to help implement refugee rights and discusses roles for the international human rights treaty bodies and for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Chained Wife
Authors: Tager Esther
Published: December 2017

A Jewish woman who remarries without receiving a Get from her husband is considered as an adulteress and any children born of this relationship will be considered Mamzerim – a status akin to bastardy. This stigma does not apply to a man who remarries without giving his wife a Get. This article looks at two potential solutions to the problem of the Agunah (the chained or anchored wife). The first focuses on the scope for a solution within Jewish law and considers why the religious authorities fail to use the solutions which exist. The second considers the prospect of State intervention and whether it is the responsibility of the State to rescue a religious minority from its own self-imposed problems. The problem is compounded by the requirement for Jews who live outside Israel to have their marriages sanctioned by the civil authorities and to be similarly dissolved by the civil process. The article poses the question if the Jewish religious authorities would be prepared to have their laws subjected to independent scrutiny.
Is Pacifism a Democratic Virtue? Pragmatist Reflections on an Often Neglected Dimension of Contemporary Peace Ethics
Authors: Polke Christian
Published: December 2017

The article questions concepts of ‘democratic peace’ that presuppose an intrinsic relation between pacifism and democracy. This view lacks from both, empirical evidence and historical insight. Instead, pacifism as political and personal virtue can be better linked to the Deweyan idea of democracy as the basic way of life, that is, mutual cooperation and self-realisation. But not only pacifism but also warfare and aggressive conduct often are rooted and result in an ethos of solidarity and cooperation. Therefore, the task for any realistic concept of democratic pacifism is at least two-fold: finding ‘moral equivalents’ (W. James) to war and cultivating an ethos of self-criticism and self-restraint as already the Old Testament’s prophets have proclaimed.
A comparative study between pulsed metal inert gas welding and continuous metal inert gas welding on thin Invar alloy
Authors: Zhan Xiaohong , Meng Yao , Gu Dongdong , Wang Huimin
Published: December 2017

The pulsed metal inert gas welding and continuous metal inert gas welding with various parameters are implemented on 2-mm-thick Invar36 alloy plates. The pulsed metal inert gas welding and continuous metal inert gas welding with the same filler metal and base metal are compared by considering the morphology, microstructure of weld seam and mechanical properties. It is indicated that the size of weld seam obtained in pulsed welding is significantly different from that in continuous welding. Meanwhile, it reveals that there is a triangle zone at the bottom of weld seam in both types of welding technology for Invar36 alloy. The microstructure in triangle zone of pulsed welding and continuous welding is focused. In addition, the essential difference between pulsed metal inert gas welding and continuous metal inert gas welding is discussed in detail by analyzing the formation mode of the droplet metal at the end of wire.
Drug use, injecting behaviors, and survival sex among street children and youths in Kathmandu valley, Nepal
Authors: Kakchapati Sampurna , Shrestha Bishnu , Li Dan Y , Rajbhandari Rajesh , Poudel Tarun
Published: December 2017

A disproportionate number of street children use and inject drugs and engage in survival sex as coping mechanisms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of drug use, injecting drugs, survival sex, and condom use and determinants associated with these behaviors among street children. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2016 with an aim to sample 350 street children and youths in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, injecting drugs, sexual risk behaviors, and biological specimens for HIV testing were obtained. The logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants associated with drug use, injecting drugs, survival sex, and condom use during last sex. Variables that were significantly associated with being a current drug user (versus never) in the presence of other variables included being a rag picker (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.73–5.9), history of imprisonment (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.21–4.04), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.66; 95% CI = 1.46–4.84), and solvent sniffing (AOR = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.74–9.59). Variables that were significantly predictive of injecting drugs (versus never) in the presence of other variables include being 17 years old (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.11–10.55) and being a rag picker (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.25–9.75). Variables that were significantly associated with having survival sex (versus never) in the presence of other variables include being 17 years old (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.31–9.81) and having forced sex (AOR = 9.62; 95% CI = 3.21–28.8). Drug use and survival sex are major coping mechanisms among street children in Kathmandu Valley and are associated with many risk behaviors. Targeted programs should be implemented to meet their special needs.
Relapsed/refractory Burkitt lymphoma and HIV infection
Authors: Khan Alina , Brahim Amanda , Ruiz Marco , Nagovski Neil
Published: December 2017

The care of patients with HIV and Burkitt lymphoma poses a challenge to clinicians. Due to the limited treatment options that exist for relapsed/refractory Burkitt lymphoma, there is a need for the development of new therapies. This review aims to discuss evidence for current management strategies including chemotherapy and stem cell transplant, and highlight gaps in knowledge that will need to be addressed in the future.
The Pitfalls and Promise of Increasing Racial Diversity: Threat, Contact, and Race Relations in the 21st Century
Authors: Craig Maureen A. , Rucker Julian M. , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: December 2017

A decades-long trend toward greater racial and ethnic diversity in the United States is expected to continue, with White Americans projected to constitute less than 50% of the national population by mid century. The present review integrates recent empirical research on the effects of making this population change salient with research on how actual diversity affects Whites Americans’ intergroup attitudes and behavior. Specifically, we offer a framework for understanding and predicting the effects of anticipated increases in racial diversity that highlights the competing influences of intergroup concerns, such as relative group status and power, and more interpersonal experiences, such as positive contact, on intergroup relations. We close with a discussion of the likely moderators of the effects of the increasing national racial diversity and consider implications of this societal change for racial equity in the 21st century.
Justice and Forgiveness in Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Strelan Peter
Published: December 2017

People typically view justice and forgiveness as opposites. This article summarizes a burgeoning literature indicating that (a) punishment can, in fact, encourage forgiveness and (b) inclusive justice orientations are positively associated with forgiving.
Militarism and security: Dialogue, possibilities and limits
Authors: Stavrianakis Anna , Stern Maria
Published: December 2017

While attention to security has grown exponentially over the last few decades, militarism – the preparation for and normalization and legitimation of war – has not received the widespread and sustained focus it warrants in mainstream or critical circles. Rather than stake a claim for one concept over the other, however, this article – and the special issue to which it serves as an introduction – asks how we are to understand the relationship between security and militarism, both as analytical tools and as objects of analysis. We examine, first, what analytical and political work militarism and security do as concepts, and how they can be mobilized methodologically; second, what the possibilities are of fruitful exchange between knowledges produced about these concepts or practices; and, third, what the limits are of militarism and security. In the process, we address the shifts in the world that international relations and its related subfields study; shifts in the institutional framing and materiality of fields and subfields of research; and shifts in how international relations studies the world. Read together, the contributions to the special issue make the case for a reinvigorated focus on the mutual co-constitution of militarism and security.
Robots and people with dementia: Unintended consequences and moral hazard
Authors: O’Brolcháin Fiachra
Published: December 2017

The use of social robots in elder care is entering the mainstream as robots become more sophisticated and populations age. While there are many potential benefits to the use of social robots in care for the older people, there are ethical challenges as well. This article focuses on the societal consequences of the adoption of social robots in care for people with dementia. Making extensive use of Alasdair MacIntyre’s Dependent Rational Animals to discuss issues of unintended consequences and moral hazard, we contend that in choosing to avoid the vulnerability and dependency of human existence, a society blinds itself from the animal reality of humankind. The consequence of this is that a flourishing society, in which each individual is helped to develop the virtues essential to her flourishing, becomes harder to achieve.
Firm Size–Profitability Nexus: An Empirical Evidence from Nigerian Listed Financial Firms
Authors: Bolarinwa Segun Thompson , Obembe Olufemi Bodunde
Published: December 2017

Studies on the nexus between size and profitability occupy a substantial portion of empirical economic literature; however, the existing literature tilt much in favour of non-financial firms with little attention towards the financial sector, especially in the context of developing countries, most especially, Nigeria. This study examines the causality between size and profitability among 45 financial listed firms in Nigeria using the innovative and recently developed panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) and two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) in order to resolve the inherent problems of endogeneity and persistence. The results emanating from the study show that there exists a bidirectional causal relationship between size and profitability in the Nigerian financial industry; hence, past profitability has brought about the present size level and past size of the industry has led also to the present profitability level. Consequently, firm size is a strong policy option for corporate managers in the Nigerian financial industry for achieving optimal profitability and vice versa.
The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement (2000) and the Current Political Crisis in Burundi
Authors: Apuuli Kasaija Phillip
Published: December 2017

Since April 2015, Burundi has been in a state of political crisis precipitated by the decision of President Pierre Nkurunziza to seek a new term as President. Opponents of his decision argued that the Arusha Agreement that ended the Burundi Civil War in 2000 prohibits anyone from serving as president more than two terms of 5 years each. The Arusha Agreement, it was envisaged would provide the basis for the future security and stability of Burundi. In fact, the agreement served the country well through the transitional period that ended in 2005. The post-transition government led by Nkurunziza has progressively eroded the Arusha compact leading to the current political crisis. Nkurunzinza’s insistence on standing for a troisième mandate as president capped the longlist of actions taken to erode the Arusha Agreement. Meanwhile, the guarantors of the agreement appeared helpless to protect its sanctity. Nkurunziza’s re-election as president in July 2015 created a fait accompli thus rendering the continued reference to the Arusha Agreement to sound very hollow.
China and the Nile River Basin: The Changing Hydropolitical Status Quo
Authors: Mahlakeng M.K.
Published: December 2017

The Nile River Basin (NRB), the world’s longest river, faces a considerable challenge of population growth, degradation and depletion, and equitable water utilisation, which have become a threat to peace and environmental security in the region. Moreover, the hydropolitical landscape of the Nile has been dominated by Egypt. However, the NRB is experiencing a change in its hydropolitical status quo. China has emerged as a financier to upstream countries’ hydropower projects, thus changing the upstream–downstream hydropolitical status quo. Although the existing governing regimes were not beneficial to upstream countries, China’s role in the Nile hydropolitics is not providing an alternative and beneficial and/or win–win cooperative framework. As a result, the environmental and political landscape of the already fragile Nile region has become threatened, thus increasing the potential for conflict. The purpose of this article is to determine, through Homer-Dixon’s environmental scarcity theory, the impact and effects of environmental scarcity in contributing to a nascent conflict. This study conceptualised Homer-Dixon’s environmental scarcity theory as a theory that argues for the potential of conflict in transboundary river basins as a result of environmental scarcity. Environmental scarcity is triggered by a combination of population growth and excessive strain on dwindling renewable resources, exacerbated by unequal access to that resource.
Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in patient on extracorporeal life support: A first survival case among adults with literature review
Authors: Chang Won Ho
Published: December 2017

Here, we report a case of successful treatment for a patient with abdominal compartment syndrome who was on venoarterial extracorporeal life support. A 33‐year‐old man visited the emergency room with cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, and massive volume infusion was needed to maintain adequate perfusion pressure. After 6 h, his abdomen was distended, and venous drain was decreased. His bladder pressure was more than 25 mm Hg. Abdominal compartment syndrome was suspected, and prompt decompressive laparotomy was performed to restore venous drain, resulting in stabilization hemodynamically. The patient made a full recovery. He was discharged after implantation of internal cardiac defibrillator.
Predictors of Empowerment in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Arda Sürücü Hamdiye , Büyükkaya Besen Dilek
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that has reached pandemic proportions. In Turkey, the frequency of diabetes in individuals aged 20 years or older has been reported to be 13.7% compared with the worldwide prevalence of 8.5%. Empowerment has been correlated with improvement in diabetic self-management capabilities and glycemic control. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of “empowerment” in individuals with type 2 diabetes from Turkey. Method: This was a secondary analysis with a cross-sectional correlation design using stepwise linear regression to evaluate previously collected data from 220 type 2 diabetic individuals in Turkey from January through July 2014. Demographic and Disease-Related Information Form, Diabetes Empowerment Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to collect the research data. Results: Being educated about diabetes (β = .22, p < .001), high school (β = .16, p = .007), university (β = .12, p = .046), age (β = −.18, p = .003), social support (β = .15, p = .027), employment status (β = .13, p = .045), and A1C (β = −.12, p = .046) were statistically significant predictors of empowerment of type 2 diabetic individuals, and these variables explained 30% of the common variance. Discussion: It is important for nurses to assess sources of social support and integrate the results of this assessment to ensure the empowerment of the patient during diabetes education. For the empowerment of diabetic individuals, attempts should be made to increase the diabetes literacy levels of diabetic individuals who have low level of education and who are in the older age group, and patients who can get employed could be directed to work life.