bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Clearance of Cluster Munition Remnants: Whose Responsibility, and How to Ensure Effective Implementation?
Authors: Hayashi Mika
Published: August 2013

Under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the obligation to clear cluster munition remnants is the responsibility of States that have jurisdiction or control over the affected area. This responsibility is coupled with an obligation to provide assistance for each State Party “in a position to do so.” In other words, clearance of cluster munition remnants is a collective responsibility. Collective responsibility may not, however, be implemented if not accompanied by adequate supervision; which States discharge collective responsibility concretely, as well as when and how it is discharged is open to interpretation, so it can easily be evaded or ignored. This article argues that: (1) the idea of collective responsibility for the clearance of cluster munition remnants in this convention is genuinely supported by the States Parties; and (2) this convention is equipped with a supervisory mechanism for the effective implementation of this collective responsibility. Supervision under the Convention on Cluster Munitions includes Meetings of States Parties, Review Conferences, intersessional meetings, and working groups for thematic discussions. The experience since the entry into force of the convention in 2010 shows that together they function as quasi-constant fora of monitoring, exchange of views, and persuasion. These supervisory mechanisms do not enforce the collective responsibility, but motivate States Parties to implement it.
The Obligation to Withhold from Trading in Order Not to Recognize and Assist Settlements and their Economic Activity in Occupied Territories
Authors: Moerenhout Tom
Published: August 2013

This article argues that trade embargoes toward illegal settlements in occupied territories are an obligation under general public international law, when such trade primarily benefits the occupant. In this case, the self-executing duty of non-recognition applies. There is no need for an explicit trade embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council. For, transferring parts of an occupant’s civilian population to occupied territories, and gaining economic benefits from occupation, both violate peremptory norms of public international law. Equally, withholding trade is also permitted under the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This article shows that according to Article XXVI.5.(a) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the GATT does not apply to illegal settlements. A WTO panel could reach this conclusion, either by denying jurisdiction through finding that the occupying State has no legal standing or by scrutinizing Article XXVI.5.(a) on its merits. However, if a panel would, erroneously, decide the GATT does apply to settlements; trade sanctions could still be allowed in a dispute settlement. This can be done by either accepting the relevant rules of public international law as an independent defense, or by using it in the interpretation of public moral and security exceptions under GATT Article XX and XXI.
Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Armed Groups in Other Situations of Violence: The Syria Example
Authors: Rodenhäuser Tilman
Published: August 2013

In February 2012, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found that opposition groups fighting against the Assad regime are bound by human rights obligations constituting peremptory norms of international law. This finding is innovative for two reasons. First, human rights obligations apply generally to the vertical relation between States and their subjects. Second, whereas is seems accepted that non-state armed groups can have human rights obligations when they control territory, the Commission of Inquiry was unable to confirm that Syrian opposition forces exercised such control over territory. This article examines whether the finding that non-state armed groups are bound by peremptory human rights norms is supported by contemporary international law. Moreover, recent trends in the practice of the United Nations with regard to human rights obligations of non-state actors will be analysed. Even though this article argues that non-state armed groups can have human rights obligations in other situations of violence, it points out particular challenges to their practical application.
Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Ten Years of Affirmative State Practice within United Nations Resolutions
Authors: Siatitsa Ilia Maria , Titberidze Maia
Published: August 2013

The debate concerning the interrelation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law is certainly not new within the relevant academic circles. Nevertheless, a comprehensive study of recent State practice in the UN political bodies, that puts the opposition to the applicability of human rights to a real test, adds a new and rather intriguing twist to the matter. It appears that the statements of governments arguing for the exclusive application of international humanitarian law in armed conflicts are not always supported by their own practice within the UN political bodies. The present article explores the potential influence and importance of this observation for bridging the possible gaps between these two bodies of international law. It further identifies a number of interesting trends in the application of specific human rights norms in armed conflicts.
Mexico’s Drug War, International Jurisprudence, and the Role of Non-International Armed Conflict Status
Authors: Wotherspoon Michael T.
Published: August 2013

When the Calderon Administration escalated anti-drug efforts in 2006, drug-related violence in Mexico reached unprecedented levels. The growing intensity of drug-related violence has led to uncertainty over how to classify the violence spreading across Mexico. Much of the public rhetoric argues that Mexico’s drug-related violence has surpassed that which typically characterizes the drug trade and is instead more similar to armed conflict. Due to the changing landscape of Mexican drug violence, an assessment of whether or not the conflict meets the requisite conditions for a non-international armed conflict (NIAC) is needed to determine if the application of international humanitarian law is appropriate. This paper argues that Mexico’s Drug War meets the conditions for NIAC status and application of IHL is appropriate. The question of how to respond to drug-related violence is becoming increasingly relevant as the effects of such violence extends to a more diverse geographic area within Mexico. NIAC status plays a central role in the future of anti-drug policy and has the potential to prompt significant changes in the handling of drug-related violence in Mexico. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive answer to this question and identify the potential implications that recognition as a NIAC will have on Mexican anti-drug policy.
Cognitive remediation as a treatment for major depression: A rationale, review of evidence and recommendations for future research
Authors: Porter Richard J , Bowie Christopher R , Jordan Jennifer , Malhi Gin S
Published: August 2013

Objective:

There is considerable literature regarding the effectiveness of cognitive remediation (CR) in schizophrenia and in conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) present with significant cognitive impairment which in many cases may not resolve with treatment. Neurobiological data suggest that this may relate to underlying dysfunction of pre-frontal cortical areas of the brain and their connections with limbic structures. There has been limited research into specific CR to activate these areas and target impaired cognitive function in MDD. We therefore review current evidence, examine the theoretical basis for and present a rationale for research into CR in MDD. In addition, we will examine important methodological issues in developing such an approach.

Method:

Based on preliminary studies using CR-based techniques, data from CR in schizophrenia, data regarding baseline and residual cognitive impairment in depression, and knowledge of the neurobiology of MDD, we examine the possible utility of CR strategies in the treatment of MDD and make recommendations for research in this area.

Results:

A small number of previous studies have examined specific CR in MDD. The studies are small and inconclusive. However, data on the neuropsychological function and neurobiology of MDD suggest that this is an approach that deserves further attention and research.

Conclusions:

Further research is required in carefully selected populations, using well-defined CR techniques and some form of comparator treatment.
Effect of data reduction and fiber-bridging on Mode I delamination characterization of unidirectional composites
Authors: Murri Gretchen B
Published: August 2013

Reliable delamination characterization data for laminated composites are needed for input in analytical models of structures to predict delamination onset and growth. The double-cantilevered beam specimen is used to measure fracture toughness, GIc, and strain energy release rate, GImax, for delamination onset and growth in laminated composites under Mode I loading. The current study was conducted as part of an ASTM Round Robin activity to evaluate a proposed testing standard for Mode I fatigue delamination propagation. Static and fatigue tests were conducted on specimens of IM7/977-3 and G40-800/5276-1 graphite/epoxies, and S2/5216 glass/epoxy double-cantilevered beam specimens to evaluate the draft standard “Standard Test Method for Mode I Fatigue Delamination Propagation of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites.” Static results were used to generate a delamination resistance curve, GIR, for each material, which was used to determine the effects of fiber-bridging on the delamination growth data. All three materials were tested in fatigue at a cyclic GImax level equal to 90% of the fracture toughness, GIc, to determine the delamination growth rate. Two different data reduction methods, a two-point and a seven-point fit, were used and the resulting Paris Law equations were compared. Growth rate results were normalized by the delamination resistance curve for each material and compared to the non-normalized results. Paris Law exponents were found to decrease by 5.7 to 47.6% due to normalizing the growth data. Additional specimens of the IM7/977-3 material were tested at three lower cyclic GImax levels to compare the effect of loading level on delamination growth rates. The IM7/977-3 tests were also used to determine the delamination threshold curve for that material. The results show that tests at a range of loading levels are necessary to describe the complete delamination behavior of this material.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Dental Nociception
Authors: Chung G. , Jung S.J. , Oh S.B.
Published: August 2013

Due, in part, to the unique structure of the tooth, dental pain is initiated via distinct mechanisms. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of inflammatory tooth pain and discuss 3 hypotheses proposed to explain dentinal hypersensitivity: The first hypothesis, supported by functional expression of temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels, emphasizes the direct transduction of noxious temperatures by dental primary afferent neurons. The second hypothesis, known as hydrodynamic theory, attributes dental pain to fluid movement within dentinal tubules, and we discuss several candidate cellular mechanical transducers for the detection of fluid movement. The third hypothesis focuses on the potential sensory function of odontoblasts in the detection of thermal or mechanical stimuli, and we discuss the accumulating evidence that supports their excitability. We also briefly update on a novel strategy for local nociceptive anesthesia via nociceptive transducer molecules in dental primary afferents with the potential to specifically silence pain fibers during dental treatment. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dental pain would greatly enhance the development of therapeutics that target dental pain.
Tooth Loss in Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Nibali L. , Farias B.C. , Vajgel A. , Tu Y.K. , Donos N.
Published: August 2013

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is thought to have a faster rate of progression than chronic periodontitis (CP). However, there is a lack of studies systematically investigating disease progression and tooth loss in AgP. A systematic search of the literature was conducted by two independent reviewers for longitudinal studies including patients with AgP (previously known as ‘periodontosis’, ‘juvenile’ or ‘early-onset’ periodontitis) indicating measures of disease progression. Ovid MEDLINE® and Embase databases were searched for at least 5-year longitudinal human studies in AgP patients. In total, 16 studies were included in the review, from an initial search of 1,601 titles. Heterogeneity was detected for disease definition and clinical data reporting; hence meta-analysis was feasible only for the objective measure ‘tooth loss’. The average tooth loss for all AgP cases was 0.09 (95% C.I. = 0.06-0.16) per patient-year. The corresponding values by diagnosis were 0.05, 0.14, and 0.12 tooth loss per patient-year, respectively, for LAgP, GAgP, and un-specified AgP. For studies reporting tooth loss during the ‘observational period’ (excluding extractions at initial therapy), the average tooth loss for AgP was 0.09 per patient-year. High heterogeneity was detected for these analyses. In conclusion, most studies report good long-term stability of treated AgP cases.
Early Child Care and Illness among Preschoolers
Authors: Augustine Jennifer March , Crosnoe Robert L. , Gordon Rachel
Published: August 2013

The majority of young American children regularly spend time in nonparental care settings. Such arrangements are associated with their experiences of common childhood illnesses. Why this linkage exists, how it varies across the socioeconomic spectrum, and whether it has implications for how parents arrange care are all important theoretical and policy issues. In this study, therefore, we applied a fixed-effects design within structural equation modeling to data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development ( n = 1,364). Results revealed that children were sick more often when cared for in a center and had more peer exposure in their primary care settings, although this latter association was observed only among children of the least educated mothers. Net of such factors, children in multiple arrangements did not experience more illness, but illnesses tended to decrease subsequent peer exposure as parents changed children’s care arrangements.
Mothers’ Union Histories and the Mental and Physical Health of Adolescents Born to Unmarried Mothers
Authors: Williams Kristi , Sassler Sharon , Frech Adrianne , Addo Fenaba , Cooksey Elizabeth
Published: August 2013

As nonmarital childbearing becomes a dominant pathway to family formation, understanding its long-term consequences for children’s well-being is increasingly important. Analysis of linked mother-child data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth indicates a negative association of having been born to a never-married mother with adolescent self-assessed health but not with depressive symptoms. We also consider the role of mothers’ subsequent union histories in shaping the adolescent health outcomes of youth born to unmarried mothers. With two exceptions, unmarried mothers’ subsequent unions appear to have little consequence for the health of their offspring during adolescence. Adolescents whose mothers subsequently married and remained with their biological fathers reported better health, yet adolescents whose mothers continuously cohabited with their biological fathers without subsequent marriage reported worse adolescent mental health compared with adolescents whose mothers remained continually unpartnered.
Do Family Dinners Reduce the Risk for Early Adolescent Substance Use? A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Hoffmann John P. , Warnick Elizabeth
Published: August 2013

The risks of early adolescent substance use on health and well-being are well documented. In recent years, several experts have claimed that a simple preventive measure for these behaviors is for families to share evening meals. In this study, we use data from the 1997 National Longitudinal Study of Youth ( n = 5,419) to estimate propensity score models designed to match on a set of covariates and predict early adolescent substance use frequency and initiation. The results indicate that family dinners are not generally associated with alcohol or cigarette use or with drug use initiation. However, a continuous measure of family dinners is modestly associated with marijuana frequency, thus suggesting a potential causal impact. These results show that family dinners may help prevent one form of substance use in the short term but do not generally affect substance use initiation or alcohol and cigarette use.
An Examination of Critical Thinking Skills in High School Choral Rehearsals
Authors: Garrett Matthew L.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between time spent in nonperformance and critical thinking activities in high school choral rehearsals. Eighteen rehearsal observations were collected from public school music programs. Observed rehearsal behaviors were coded into three categories of nonperformance activity: lower-order thinking, critical thinking, and nonspecific activity. Results indicated that the mean rehearsal time spent in all nonperformance activities was 53.89%, with 45.96% focused on lower-order thinking skills, 6.36% in critical thinking skills, and 1.57% in nonspecific activities, including off-task behavior and silence. A significant positive correlation was found between the amount of time spent in nonperformance activities and time spent engaged in critical thinking skills. No significant correlation was found between the level of ensemble in which students were enrolled and percentage of time spent in activities that required the use of critical thinking skills. Findings suggest that amount of time spent using critical thinking skills in high school choral rehearsals may be influenced by a variety of factors, including rehearsal techniques and learning objectives used by master teachers.
Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction for Struggling Elementary Readers With Disabilities
Authors: Regan Kelley , Berkeley Sheri , Hughes Melissa , Kirby Suzanne
Published: August 2013

Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, many researchers in the field view computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as an opportunity for improved instruction for students with disabilities. This study examined the effects of a CAI program, Lexia Strategies for Older Students (SOS)™ on the word recognition skills of four, upper elementary students with mild disabilities. This study used a multiple-probe design across three targeted reading skill conditions per student. Findings revealed that some students were able to meet mastery of basic word reading skills with Lexia SOS alone, while others needed additional direct instruction. Student perceptions of Lexia SOS were positive. Results have particular implications for instruction in classrooms beyond the primary grades (K-3) when the focus of the curriculum shifts away from basic decoding instruction. Directions for future research are discussed.
Acoustic Changes in the Production of Lexical Stress during Lombard Speech
Authors: Arciuli Joanne , Simpson Briony S , Vogel Adam P , Ballard Kirrie J
Published: August 2013

The Lombard effect describes the phenomenon of individuals increasing their vocal intensity when speaking in the presence of background noise. Here, we conducted an investigation of the production of lexical stress during Lombard speech. Participants ( N= 27) produced the same sentences in three conditions: one quiet condition and two noise conditions at 70 dB (white noise; multi-talker babble). Manual acoustic analyses (syllable duration, vowel intensity, and vowel fundamental frequency) were completed for repeated productions of two trisyllabic words with opposing patterns of lexical stress (weak–strong; strong–weak) in each of the three conditions. In total, 324 productions were analysed (12 utterances per participant). Results revealed that, rather than increasing vocal intensity equally across syllables, participants alter the degree of stress contrastivity when speaking in noise. This was especially evident in the production of strong–weak lexical stress where there was an increase in contrastivity across syllables in terms of intensity and fundamental frequency. This preliminary study paves the way for further research that is needed to establish these findings using a larger set of multisyllabic stimuli.
Melt spinning of continuous fibers by cold air attenuation: II. Theoretical modeling
Authors: Jia Jun , Yao Donggang , Wang Youjiang
Published: August 2013

A modified melt spinning apparatus with a high-speed air nozzle was designed and fabricated to produce continuous polypropylene fibers by cold air drawing only. The experimental studies based on this novel process were described in Part I of this paper series. In this succeeding paper, a one-dimensional non-isothermal Newtonian fluid model is formulated that can be used to analyze the fiber attenuation mechanisms. Unlike melt spinning, the position of the model geometry for the lower boundary is undetermined due to the unknown position of the fiber freezing point. In this model, a method of iteration on the initial model geometry was used to determine the fiber freezing point at which the fiber temperature reaches its freezing point and the velocity gradient equals zero. The results showed good agreement between simulated results and experimental data for the relationship between processing conditions and resulting fiber diameter.
Instrumentation system for objective evaluation of wrinkle appearance in fabrics using a standardized inspection booth
Authors: Urbiola-Soto Leonardo , Lopez Victor
Published: August 2013

The appliance industry requires a reliable method for wrinkle evaluation in textile materials. This method is necessary to assess the performance of new designs of tumble dryers. In this paper, we describe an objective evaluation system for wrinkle appearance grading based on the digital analysis of luminance images. The system is capable of evaluating wrinkles in real garments using the legacy inspection booth designed for subjective evaluation. Therefore, the results from the objective evaluation of wrinkles can be compared to the historical records. The dependence of luminance on the three-dimensional characteristics of the wrinkles is modeled and discussed. Based on this analysis, we propose a method supported by two descriptors closely related with the wrinkle characteristics as appreciated by trained evaluators. The design incorporates filtering algorithms that eliminate the influence of undulations and the non-uniform illumination. The objective wrinkle evaluation showed high correlation with human experts and robust performance, as demonstrated by the repeatability and reproducibility study.
Application of ozone in cotton bleaching with multiple reuse of a water bath
Authors: Arooj Fariha , Ahmad Nasir , Shaikh Irfan Ahmed , Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz
Published: August 2013

This paper discusses the effect of ozone bleaching on the quality of cotton fabric in terms of whiteness, dye pick-up, copper number and degree of polymerization (DP). The process parameters (pH, ozone dose and treatment time) were optimized, and the best whiteness (60–62) and quality of bleached fabric was obtained at pH 5, 45 min treatment time and room temperature. A strongly acidic environment and longer ozonation time decreased the quality of fabric by producing a higher copper number (0.18) and DP loss (51.5%). Statistical analysis of the experimental data using analysis of variance confirmed that process parameters significantly affected the bleaching efficiency. The process was then applied to bleach 20 different samples of cotton fabric re-using the same water bath, and the whiteness of ozone-bleached samples did not decrease, even after the 20th reuse of the water bath.
Detecting Adverse Impact
Authors: Hauenstein Neil M. A. , Holmes Jaron T. , Tison Emilee B.
Published: August 2013

The present study compares the detection of adverse impact using the four-fifths rule and the ZD-test. We identified the boundaries that delineate where the four-fifths rule is more or less sensitive than significance testing in the detection of adverse impact. We further considered the practical effects of both criteria by comparing the number of minorities that need to be hired to avoid adverse impact. Finally, we discuss the various issues that researchers and practitioners must recognize in choosing an adverse impact criterion.
Criminal Background Checks in U.S. Higher Education
Authors: Hughes Stephanie , Hertz Giles T. , White Rebecca J.
Published: August 2013

Recent high-profile events involving fraudulent or criminal activity by university employees and students have focused increasing attention on the risk mitigation and management policies of colleges and universities. Despite the increased attention, there is little quantifiable information available to administrators, outside of anecdotal accounts, as they attempt to craft and implement policy surrounding the background check process. This article describes and discusses criminal background check policies and procedures reported by more than 100 U.S. higher education institutions via a web-based survey. The authors offer concluding comments based on the findings of this survey and offer suggestions for future research.
The Challenge of Making Performance-Based Pay Systems Work in the Public Sector
Authors: Schay Brigitte W. , Fisher Sidney F.
Published: August 2013

The federal government has successfully experimented with a variety of performance-based pay (PBP) systems for more than 30 years. However, the first large-scale expansion of PBP to civilians in the Department of Defense, through the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and its subsequent repeal by Congress, have resulted in a setback for PBP and renewed debate over the merits of merit pay in the federal government. This article reviews theory related to PBP and documents historical results of PFP projects in the federal government. Longitudinal survey results from five major PBP demonstration projects and NSPS are compared on key concepts and analyzed by demographic subgroups. Hofstede’s cultural dimension of individualism–collectivism is used to explain reasons for ongoing resistance to PBP, especially from labor unions.
City Employee Perceptions of the Impact of Dress and Appearance
Authors: Karl Katherine A. , Hall Leda McIntyre , Peluchette Joy V.
Published: August 2013

This study focuses on city employees and their perceptions regarding the importance of dress and appearance in the public sector workplace. Using the impression management literature and self-presentation theory, we examine the impact of mode of dress worn (casual, business casual, formal business) on their self-perceptions of creativity, productivity, trustworthiness, authoritativeness, friendliness, and competence. We also examine their beliefs regarding the impact of employee appearance on customer perceptions of service quality. Our results suggest that “you are what you wear.” Respondents felt more competent and authoritative when wearing either formal business or business casual, more trustworthy and productive when wearing business casual, and least friendly and creative when wearing formal business attire. Respondents also believed that uniforms had a positive impact on customer perceptions of overall service quality, and that tattoos, athletic wear, unconventional hairstyles or hair color, sweat pants, facial piercings, revealing clothing and clothing with tears, rips or holes had a negative impact. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The New Public Service? Applying the Public Service Motivation Model to Nonprofit Employees
Authors: Word Jessica , Carpenter Heather
Published: August 2013

Research in the for-profit and public sectors has long sought to understand the factors affecting employee motivation but little is known concerning motivation of the nonprofit workforce. It has been suggested that nonprofit employees are an integral part of the new public service and are in many ways motivated to serve similar to public employees. To test this notion, this research presents an adapted version of Perry’s Public Service Motivation (PSM) Scale to examine motivation of nonprofit sector employees and empirically measures the level of service motivation of the nonprofit employees surveyed. The findings suggest that the modified version of Perry’s PSM Scale provides a good empirical model of nonprofit service motivation (NPSM). This provides support for the idea that nonprofit employees are largely attracted to their jobs because of the intrinsic rewards involved. In addition, the level of NPSM was found to be affected by attraction to mission, race, depth of involvement in the nonprofit sector and state context.
The Influence of Ambivalence Toward a Communication Source
Authors: Chang Chingching
Published: August 2013

When people feel ambivalent toward an information source, their attitudes toward the endorsed information reflect the influence of contextual priming. In particular, the valence of relevant (i.e., applicable to source evaluations) and irrelevant (i.e., not applicable to source evaluates) media contexts likely exert influences through conceptual and affective priming, respectively, such that they polarize message persuasion in diverging ways. Using celebrity endorsers in ads, Experiments 1 and 3 show that valence of a relevant story about similar people triggers conceptual priming and generates context contrast effects on endorsed information among ambivalent, but not univalent, participants. In contrast, Experiments 2 and 3 show that valence of an irrelevant article triggers affective priming and generates context assimilation effects on endorsed information among ambivalent, but not univalent, participants.
Left to Their Own Devices
Authors: Panek Elliot
Published: August 2013

New media provide college students with an unprecedented number of ways to spend their unstructured time. Research on decision making suggests that choosers low in self-control presented with proximate options will eschew tasks that provide delayed benefit in favor of immediate gratification and will experience guilt when they are aware of the tradeoff between immediate gratification and long-term benefits. A survey of college students ( N = 458) suggests that users are aware of overuse of leisure media because of deficits in self-control, in particular two proximate media experience (social networking sites [SNS] and online video). Of these, only online video viewing is associated with less time spent on schoolwork. Though this study is correlational and thus does not definitively establish causality, the evidence suggests that the interaction between the high-choice media environment and users’ self-control may account for a decline in learning among college students.
Multiple stationary–non-stationary object-tracking approach in real-time applications through an extendable RGB modelling framework
Authors: Kazemi MF , Mazinan AH
Published: August 2013

The main contribution of the present research arises from developing standard object tracking approaches by considering a number of available research works in the area of multiple-object tracking approaches in real-time applications. An automatic robust algorithm is proposed in this investigation, which is able to track multiple synchronized stationary and/or non-stationary objects in high performance quality. The proposed approach is realized based upon an efficient extendable RGB (red/green/blue) modelling framework. This means that the investigated results are easily applicable to tracking the desirable number of objects to be chosen, i.e. the approach is flexible enough to reorganize to track the stationary/non-stationary objects in all frames of the video sequences. This proposed idea unique in that we plan to track all the chosen objects, in a synchronized manner, without a lengthy processing time. In fact, the proposed approach is realized in association with a desirable number of sub-systems, each of them needing to be enabled in parallel. The investigated results indicate that the present approach is now applicable in real-time applications by running a robust estimator to predict the new position of the tracked objects, since the objects are in the presence of long-term environmental problems – situations that are usually too difficult to deal with through standard object tracking algorithms.
Coil parameter analysis of meander-line coil electromagnetic acoustic transducer-based Rayleigh waves
Authors: Li Zhichao , Zhai Weiting , Su Riliang , Kang Lei
Published: August 2013

A three-dimensional model for Rayleigh wave electromagnetic acoustic transducers operating on the Lorentz force mechanism has been established by combining the finite element method and analytical calculation. Rayleigh waves generated by the Lorentz forces due to the static magnetic field and the dynamic magnetic field are calculated. The ratio of wire width to spacing interval (RWWSI) between neighbouring wires is chosen to study the coil parameter influence of Lorentz forces in generating Rayleigh waves. The vibration amplitude of Rayleigh waves due to the dynamic magnetic field is almost proportional to the reciprocal of the RWWSI, whereas that due to the static magnetic field decreases slowly with the increase of the RWWSI. The divergence angles of Rayleigh waves due to the dynamic magnetic field remain invariable when the RWWSI is less than 0.5, and that due to static magnetic field reaches the minimum values and has better detectability when the RWWSI is 0.5. The critical excitation current, at which Rayleigh waves due to static and dynamic magnetic fields are equal, changes sharply when the RWWSI differs. The accuracy of this method is verified by experiment.
An Examination of the Leaving Home Transition for Children of Alcoholics and Their Families
Authors: Stein Gabriela L. , Hussong Andrea M. , Chassin Laurie
Published: August 2013

Researchers examined whether ethnicity alters the risk for difficulty in the transition out the home among children of alcoholics (COAs). We tested this question in a community based, longitudinal sample of 705 COAs and matched with non-COA controls as well as their parents. Latino COAs were less likely to leave home than were Euro-American COAs. Ethnicity and COA status independently influenced young adult and parental experiences of the transition out of the home. Compared with Euro-American controls, Latino families reported more difficulty and feelings of abandonment in the transition out of the home regardless of COA status. Although COA status increased risk for greater difficulty in the transition among Euro-American young adults, Latinos experienced the transition out of the home similarly regardless of COA status. Future studies examining normative family transitions in at-risk populations should incorporate ethnicity in their models as culture and at-risk status may both influence these transitions.
The Consequences of India’s Male Surplus for Women’s Partnering and Sexual Experiences
Authors: Trent Katherine , South Scott J. , Bose Sunita
Published: August 2013

Data from the third wave of India’s 2005-2006 National Family and Health Survey are used to examine the influence of the community-level sex ratio on several dimensions of women’s partnering behavior and sexual experiences. Multilevel logistic regression models that control for individual demographic attributes and community-level characteristics reveal that the local male-to-female sex ratio is positively and significantly associated with the likelihood that women marry prior to age 16 and have experienced forced sex. These associations are modest in magnitude. However, no significant associations are observed between the sex ratio and whether women have had two or more lifetime sexual partners or women’s risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Birth cohort, education, religion, caste, region, urban residence, and several community-level measures of women’s status also emerge as significant predictors of Indian women’s partnering and sexual experiences. The implications of our results for India’s growing surplus of adult men are discussed.
Racism, Football Fans, and Online Message Boards
Authors: Cleland Jamie
Published: August 2013

This article presents the findings of a discourse analysis carried out from November 2011 to February 2012 on two prominent association football (soccer) message boards that examined fans’ views toward racism in English football. After analyzing more than 500 posts, the article reveals the racist discourse used by some supporters in their online discussions and the extent to which the posts were either supported or contested by fellow posters. The overall findings are that social media sites such as fan message boards have allowed racist thoughts to flourish online, in particular by rejecting multiculturalism and Islam through the presentation of whiteness and national belonging and an outright hostility and resistance toward the Other. Despite this, the majority of posts that contained some form of racist discourse were openly challenged.
Treatment of Oral Cavity Venous Malformations with the Nd:YAG Laser Using the Underwater Technique
Authors: Crockett David J. , Meier Jeremy D. , Wilson Kevin F. , Grimmer J. Fredrik
Published: August 2013

Mucosal involvement of venous malformations can cause bleeding, pain, and functional impairment. Treatment options include surgery, sclerotherapy, or laser therapy. Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:Yag) laser therapy has been used to treat mucosal disease, but few studies have focused purely on the oral cavity. We present a retrospective review of 4 patients (5 subsites) with oral cavity venous malformations treated with the Nd:YAG laser using an underwater technique. Photographs of the venous malformations before and after treatment were evaluated by 2 blinded physicians. A visual analog scale was used to rate the treatment. The medical record was reviewed to assess change in symptoms and to note complications. Four sites were rated as having “significant improvement” and 1 site as “some improvement.” Our study demonstrates that the Nd:YAG laser can be a feasible option in the treatment of venous malformations of the oral cavity.
Social Media's Role in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: Informing Clinicians, Empowering Patients
Authors: Steehler Kevin R. , Steehler Matthew K. , Pierce Matthew L. , Harley Earl H.
Published: August 2013

With the increasing availability of the Internet in the United States, patients are more frequently seeking medical information online. Oftentimes, the medical information that patients find on traditional websites is unreliable. It is a physician's duty to ensure that patients are being educated properly. Providing sound medical information through social media websites is one way in which physicians may accomplish this goal, while also improving clinic reputation, patient volume, and doctor‐patient communication.
Octreotide for recurrent intestinal bleeding due to ventricular assist device
Authors: Coutance Guillaume , Saplacan Vladimir , Belin Annette , Repessé Yohann , Buklas Dimitrios , Massetti Massimo
Published: August 2013

We report the case of a 64-year-old Jarvik 2000 recipient with a high risk of bleeding (anticoagulation treatment and acquired von Willebrand disease), who presented with intractable gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to severe gastric angiodysplasia. He was successfully treated with long-acting octreotide.
Giant thoracoabdominal ganglioneuroblastoma in a 17-year-old patient
Authors: Karangelis Dimos , Nikolaidis Nicolas , Roubelakis Apostolos , Weeden David F
Published: August 2013

The most common malignant neurogenic tumors in children are neuroblastic tumors, classified as ganglioneuroblastoma or neuroblastoma. Ganglioneuroblastomas usually occur at the sympathetic ganglia in the mediastinum, whereas neuroblastomas occur in the abdominal cavity. We describe a case of large posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroblastoma extending from the aortic arch to the left renal hilum in a 17-year-old boy. Despite chemotherapy, post-treatment computed tomography showed disease progression. The patient underwent a thoracolaparotomy incision and excision of the tumor. These malignant mediastinal tumors can potentially grow to a very large size. If alternative treatment has failed, resection can be accomplished with relative safety.
Instability and Degenerative Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint
Authors: Martetschläger Frank , Warth Ryan J. , Millett Peter J.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Injuries to the sternoclavicular (SC) joint typically occur with high-energy mechanisms such as those obtained in automobile accidents or contact sports. Many disorders of the SC joint can be treated nonoperatively. However, surgical treatment may be indicated for locked posterior dislocations; symptomatic, chronic instability; or persistent, painful osteoarthritis that fails nonoperative therapy.

Purpose:

To provide an updated review on the current diagnosis and management of instability and degenerative arthritis of the SC joint.

Study Design:

Current concepts review.

Methods:

A preliminary PubMed database search using the terms sternoclavicular instability, dislocation, arthritis, resection, and stabilization was performed in August 2012. All anatomic and biomechanical studies, review articles, case reports, case series, and technique papers that were relevant to the topic were included.

Results:

The search identified 929 articles, 321 of which, after screening of the titles and abstracts, were considered potentially relevant to this study. Of the 321 articles, 30 were anatomic or imaging studies, 2 were biomechanical studies, 69 were review papers, 189 were case series or reports, and 31 were technique papers. The majority of these studies were classified as evidence level 4, with a few scattered level 3 studies. Because the level of evidence obtained from this search was not adequate for systematic review (or meta-analysis), a current concepts review of the diagnosis and management of SC joint instability and degenerative arthritis is presented.

Conclusion:

Injuries to the SC joint are uncommon. Recognition and classification of these injuries are critical to proper management, thus minimizing potential long-term sequelae such as posttraumatic arthritis and recurrent instability. Although nonoperative therapy is the modality of choice in anterior dislocations, posterior dislocations require special attention because of the presence of vulnerable posterior hilar structures. Surgical management of chronic instability and degenerative arthritis of the SC joint includes resection arthroplasty of the medial clavicle with or without reconstruction of the sternoclavicular ligaments with graft material. Although resection is typically performed open, an arthroscopic technique is described that theoretically decreases operating and recovery times while also decreasing the risk of iatrogenic injury. Currently, when reconstruction is needed for stability, a figure-of-8 graft reconstruction is the recommended method based on biomechanical data and small clinical series.
Arthroscopic Capsular Plication and Labral Preservation in Borderline Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Domb Benjamin G. , Stake Christine E. , Lindner Dror , El-Bitar Youssef , Jackson Timothy J.
Published: August 2013

Background:

The role of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of patients with dysplasia is unclear because of the spectrum of dysplasia that exists. Patients with borderline dysplasia are generally not candidates for periacetabular osteotomy because of the invasive nature of the procedure. However, arthroscopy in dysplasia has had mixed results and has the potential to exacerbate instability.

Hypothesis:

Patients with borderline dysplasia will demonstrate postoperative improvement, high satisfaction rates, and low reoperation rates after a surgical approach that includes arthroscopic labral repair augmented by capsular plication with inferior shift.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between April 2008 and November 2010, patients less than 40 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders, with a lateral center-edge (CE) angle ≥18° and ≤25°, were included in this study. Patients with Tönnis grade 2 or greater, severe hip dysplasia (CE ≤17°), and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), Hip Outcome Score–Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were obtained in all patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Revision surgery and complications were recorded for each group.

Results:

A total of 26 patients met the criteria to be included in the study. Of these, 22 (85%) patients were available for follow-up. The mean (± standard deviation) length of follow-up for this cohort was 27.5 ± 5.5 months (range, 17-39 months) and the average age was 20 years (range, 14-39 years). The mean lateral CE angle was 22.2° (range, 18°-25°) and the mean Tönnis angle was 5.8° (range, 0°-17°). There was significant improvement in all patient-reported outcome scores (mHHS, NAHS, HOS-SSS, and HOS-ADL) ( P < .0001). There was a significant improvement in VAS scores from 5.8 to 2.9 ( P < .0001). Overall patient satisfaction was 8.4 out of 10. Seventeen patients had good/excellent results (77%). Two patients required revision arthroscopy.

Conclusion:

Patients with borderline dysplasia have often fallen into a gray area between arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy, and viable treatment options have remained scarce. The current study demonstrates favorable results at 2-year follow-up for an arthroscopic approach that includes labral repair augmented by capsular plication with inferior shift.