bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Conflictual Systems to a Society of Peace: Nonviolence facing organized evil
Authors: Mancini Roberto
Published: April 2017

This article is focused on the relation between peace and nonviolence. It claims that the main challenge for peace comes from the power of structural violence. This is the main form of evil in history. Today structural violence is at work in the political and economic global systems. They obey a logic of conflict. The exercise of nonviolence can avoid the tendency to transform the connection between violence, evil, dehumanization, and great organizational systems into a destiny. The dynamic that is needed to effect this is to move from the primacy of automatism in political and market power to the primacy of human consciousness. Experiences such as reconciliation, democratic growth, restorative justice, and harmonization with the natural world should be considered as the effects of this systemic translation to nonviolence.
Innate Immune Function and Organ Failure Recovery in Adults With Sepsis
Authors: Maddux Aline B. , Hiller Terra D. , Overdier Katherine H. , Pyle Laura L. , Douglas Ivor S.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

Sepsis stimulates pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses. The innate immune response is critical to organ injury repair. We tested for an association between innate immune function and organ function recovery in a prospective cohort of immune-competent adults with sepsis.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study enrolling immune-competent adults with sepsis. We tested innate immune function by quantification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α production capacity in whole blood samples on hospital days 1, 4, and 6. The primary outcome was organ function recovery on day 4 defined as a 4-point decrease in the composite cardiovascular and respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score components or a SOFA score ≤2.

Results:

Patients with sepsis who recovered organ function by day 4 (n = 11) had similar baseline characteristics when compared to those with ongoing organ failure (n = 13). Tumor necrosis factor α production capacity was similar between the 2 groups on hospital days 1 and 4 but significantly different on day 6. Patients who regained organ function recovery had significantly higher TNF-α production capacity on day 6 ( P = .01), which persisted after adjustment for age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, and steroid administration ( P = .03). There was no difference in TNF-α production capacity over time in those who survived to hospital discharge versus nonsurvivors.

Conclusion:

Increasing TNF-α production capacity is associated with improved organ failure recovery. Further studies are needed to evaluate a causal association between innate immune suppression and organ failure recovery as well as predictive accuracy for hospital survival. Impaired TNF-α production as a marker of sepsis-associated innate immune dysfunction may be a feasible target for immune stimulation to decrease time to organ failure recovery.
Should Repeat Offenders Be Punished More Severely for Their Crimes?
Authors: D’Alessio Stewart J. , Stolzenberg Lisa
Published: April 2017

Debate persists as to the amount of influence criminal history should have in determining the severity of imposed legal sanction for a criminal offense. One position maintains that the punishment for repeat and first-time offenders convicted for the same type of offense should be similar, whereas an alternative viewpoint argues that the state should sanction repeat offenders more harshly. We contribute to this discourse by investigating whether the amount of weight given to an offender’s prior criminal record in sentencing affects the likelihood of repeat offending. Although initial findings showed that a substantive negative bivariate relationship existed at the county level between the weight-accorded prior criminal record in sentencing and repeat offending, this association disappeared in a more sophisticated nonlinear multilevel analysis. Our findings suggest that sanctioning repeat offenders more harshly than first-time offenders for similar offenses has little effect on attenuating repeat offending once other factors are controlled.
Herd Those Sheep: Emergent Multiagent Coordination and Behavioral-Mode Switching
Authors: Nalepka Patrick , Kallen Rachel W. , Chemero Anthony , Saltzman Elliot , Richardson Michael J.
Published: April 2017

Effectively coordinating one’s behaviors with those of others is essential for successful multiagent activity. In recent years, increased attention has been given to understanding the dynamical principles that underlie such coordination because of a growing interest in behavioral synchrony and complex-systems phenomena. Here, we examined the behavioral dynamics of a novel, multiagent shepherding task, in which pairs of individuals had to corral small herds of virtual sheep in the center of a virtual game field. Initially, all pairs adopted a complementary, search-and-recover mode of behavioral coordination, in which both members corralled sheep predominantly on their own sides of the field. Over the course of game play, however, a significant number of pairs spontaneously discovered a more effective mode of behavior: coupled oscillatory containment, in which both members synchronously oscillated around the sheep. Analysis and modeling revealed that both modes were defined by the task’s underlying dynamics and, moreover, reflected context-specific realizations of the lawful dynamics that define functional shepherding behavior more generally.
Is Money Supply Exogenous? Evidence from India
Authors: Dash Santosh Kumar
Published: April 2017

Against the backdrop of the claim that the rising growth rate of money is one of the major factors behind India’s recent bout of elevated and sticky inflation, this article asks: Is money supply exogenous or endogenous, and can it predict future inflation. This question is investigated using the monetarist framework of inflation. In the empirical analysis of data spanning from 1970–71 to 2009–10, the results of both the monetarist and the error-correction models suggest that money supply accounts for inflation in India. There is also the presence of an error-correction mechanism among money, inflation and output. However, a monetarist equation does not tell anything about causality. Thus, the vector autoregression (VAR) method is used to detect the direction of causality between money supply and the inflation rate. Findings from Granger causality tests suggest weak evidence of inflation (Granger) causing money supply. As a robustness check, we estimate VAR models using quarterly data and, further, using core inflation. The results of the causality tests from the quarterly data, the impulse response function and forecast error variance decomposition suggest that money supply is weakly endogenous.

JEL Classification: E31, E51, E52
Risk Configuration of S&P 500 Industries: Sigma-risk and Alpha-risk Approximation
Authors: Günay Samet
Published: April 2017

Since the pioneering studies of Mandelbrot, a great deal of interest has arisen for the parameters of fractal finance theory. With this in mind, the present study attempts to examine the risk composition of S&P 500 index industries through panel data analysis. In the modelling of industries’ stock return risk, we use internal and external variables which are related to the companies’ financial ratios and stock market movements. In the first section (sigma-risk) of the study, we model the stock return risk through standard deviation, while in the second section (alpha-risk), the alpha parameter of stable distributions has been used for the same purpose. Panel data analysis results demonstrate that in the sigma-risk model for the healthcare industry, there is a significant internal variable (roa) that negatively affects the industry risk. However, for the alpha-risk model, some significant variables are obtained for the service industry. Another important finding is the changing level of market risk under the two models. While in the sigma-risk model, the magnitude of the market (external) risk variable is high, under the alpha-risk model, we have seen that market risk is relatively low despite the fact that it still has the highest effect on industry risk.

JEL Classification: C33, G10, G30, G32
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Benefits Program: Veterans With Disabilities and Home Accessibility
Authors: Semeah Luz M. , Ahrentzen Sherry , Jia Huanguang , Cowper Ripley Diane C. , Levy Charles E. , Mann William C.
Published: April 2017

Inaccessible home environments can negatively affect the health-related quality of life of individuals with disabilities, increase the number of home accidents, diminish activities of daily living, and increase avoidable institutionalization. Appropriate home modification (HM) can change the home environment by making it more accessible. Accessible environments can be approached and used independently by individuals with diverse disabilities. This article provides a general overview of the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) program within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Established in 1973, HISA provides HM for Veterans with disabilities, facilitates continued treatment, and promotes access to essential facilities within the home. The program is unique given the decisive role medical practitioners and nonmedical persons play in the process of facilitating accessibility for Veterans with disabilities. However, little is known about the HISA benefits program. This article describes the structure and process of the HISA program, compares the program with other VA HM programs, and discusses potential research needs in VA’s HM applications. This explanation can inform both VA and non-VA health care professionals about the benefits and challenges of an innovative HM program and suggest ways to further advance HM policies.
Are Students Blind to Their Ethical Blind Spots? An Exploration of Why Ethics Education Should Focus on Self-Perception Biases
Authors: Tomlin Kathleen A. , Metzger Matthew L. , Bradley-Geist Jill , Gonzalez-Padron Tracy
Published: April 2017

Ethics blind spots, which have become a keystone of the emerging behavioral ethics literature, are essentially biases, heuristics, and psychological traps. Though students typically recognize that ethical challenges exist in the world at large, they often fail to see when they are personally prone to ethics blind spots. This creates an obstacle for ethics education—inducing students to act in an ethical manner when faced with real challenges. Grounded in the social psychology literature, we suggest that a meta-bias, the bias blind spot, should be addressed to facilitate student recognition of real-world ethical dilemmas and their own susceptibility to biases. We present a roadmap for an ethics education training module, developed to incorporate both ethics blind spots and self-perception biases. After completing the module, students identified potential ethical challenges in their real-world team projects and reflected on their susceptibility to ethical transgressions. Qualitative student feedback supports the value of this training module beyond traditional ethics education approaches. Lessons for management and ethics educators include (a) the value of timely, in-context ethics interventions and (b) the need for student self-reflection (more so than emphasis on broad ethical principles). Future directions are discussed.
“I Know Who I Am; the Real Me, and That Will Come Back”
Authors: MacBride Tamsin , Miller Emma , Dewar Belinda
Published: April 2017

Effective support to carers of people with dementia can be critical to maintain quality of life for people with dementia and their families and to sustain the future of health and care systems. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 14 carers of people with dementia across Scotland, and the data were analysed to identify the outcomes important to the carers. The importance of relationships emerged as the core theme, including relationship with the person with dementia, family members, other carers, and professionals. Although not evident in the literature, the authors noted that the concept of self-relationship was important to carers in the context of changing relationships with others. A multilayered approach to understanding relationships, and an approach to engagement that enables carers to define and express their priorities, is necessary to fit with the relational nature of care.
Who Favors al-Qaeda? Anti-Americanism, Religious Outlooks, and Favorable Attitudes toward Terrorist Organizations
Authors: Ciftci Sabri , O’Donnell Becky J. , Tanner Allison
Published: April 2017

This study examines why ordinary people sympathize with a terrorist network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Holding literalist religious outlook resonating with al-Qaeda’s marginal interpretation of Islam constant, it is maintained that anti-Americanism and its varieties matter a great deal in explaining attitudes toward al-Qaeda. Using Pew Global Attitudes Surveys conducted in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, the authors run conditional mixed process estimations combining seemingly unrelated regressions with selection models to account for the missing values and endogeneity problems. The analysis reveals significant variation both cross-nationally and in the effects of varieties of anti-Americanism on favorability of al-Qaeda. While the dislike of certain aspects of American culture generates sympathy toward al-Qaeda, anti-Americanism as a general attitude does not. More interestingly, dislike of American democracy, technology, and policy has either negative or no effect on favorable views of al-Qaeda. Literalist religious outlook generates positive views of al-Qaeda, but religiosity has a negative impact. These findings imply that we need to draw careful distinctions between politicized Islamic preferences and personal religiosity as well as the different types of anti-American sentiments in understanding Muslim political attitudes about terrorist groups.
Military pollution in no war zone: The military representation in the local media
Authors: Esu Aide , Maddanu Simone
Published: April 2017

This article analyses the local press’ representation of an experimental military activity located in Sardinia (Italy). We seek to assess the changes of the portrait of the military over a 57-year period, looking at the relevant narratives that have occurred in the local press. The authors’ perspective scrutinises the local print media as a key medium for understanding representations of the military and its activities. The adoption of frame analysis and the study of the frame effects highlight two main historical storylines. In the early stages of the military base, the military was portrayed as an agent of change, a frame defined as modernity versus tradition. A gradual decline followed in the wake of growing concerns related to the after-effects of experimental military activities, and the military came to be perceived as a threat to local community, military personnel and the environment.
Synthesizing power management strategies for wireless sensor networks with UPPAAL-STRATEGO
Authors: Dai Shengxin , Hong Mei , Guo Bing
Published: April 2017

Effective power management has become a key concern in the design of wireless sensor networks. Dynamic power management refers to strategies which selectively switch between several power states of a device during the runtime in order to achieve a tradeoff between power consumption and performance. In this article, we present a novel methodology that exploits current model-checking technology for automatic synthesis for dynamic power management. The generic system model for dynamic power management is modeled as a network of timed games. And the synthesis objectives are expressed as synthesis queries. Subsequently, automatic synthesis of power management strategies is performed by UPPAAL-STRATEGO with respect to the synthesis queries. Once a strategy has been constructed, its performance can be analyzed through statistical model-checking using the same tool. The modeling and synthesizing procedures are illustrated with a running example. Finally, the applicability of the methodology is assessed by synthesizing and evaluating a range of power management strategies for a concrete sensor node. Our methodology can be employed to help designers in constructing dynamic power management strategies for wireless sensor networks in practical applications.
Percolation analysis for constructing a robust modular topology based on a binary-dynamics model
Authors: Toyonaga Shinya , Kominami Daichi , Murata Masayuki
Published: April 2017

In the context of Internet of Things, virtualization of wireless sensor networks is a crucial technology for sharing sensors as infrastructure. In our previous work, we proposed a brain-inspired method for constructing a robust and adaptive virtual wireless sensor network topology and showed that the method of constructing links between modules has crucial effect on robustness and adaptivity of the constructed virtual wireless sensor network topology. However, the best way of constructing a robust and adaptive virtual wireless sensor network topology is still unclear. Therefore, in this article, we use an analytical approach and propose a method for clarifying robustness of a topology according to the method of constructing links between modules. We add a new tool to a binary-dynamics model which is an analytical method for investigating percolation dynamics on a modular network. Evaluation by simulation showed that graphs in which the number of nodes selected as endpoint nodes of inter-module links and the degrees of the endpoint nodes before the link addition are large have robust connectivity in terms of the point of fragmentation of the network into modules when we fix the degree of the endpoint nodes after the link addition. After the point, the internal structure of modules may matter more. We additionally investigate an applicable range of our proposed method.
Optimal transmission for scalable video coded streaming in cellular wireless networks with the cooperation of local peer-to-peer network
Authors: Feng Guangsheng , Lin Junyu , Zhao Qian , Wang Huiqiang , Lv Hongwu , Li Bingyang , Su DongDong
Published: April 2017

We study the problem of transmitting scalable video coded streams in a hybrid scenario including a global cellular network and a local peer-to-peer network. Given desirable channel condition in cellular downlink, some cellular user equipments can fetch the video chunks via the cellular base station directly, and also provide relay service via the local peer-to-peer network for other user equipments unable to meet their basic video quality. To take the advantage of channel diversity gains, the method of random linear coding is adopted to generate linear combinations of the video chunks for transmission in both the cellular and peer-to-peer networks. To optimize the cellular and peer-to-peer transmission arrangement, we first formulate it as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, which becomes more complicated when the number of user equipments increases. Then, we convert it to a quasi-convex optimization problem by approximating the indicator function with a continuous step function, and it can be solved by a centralized approach. Furthermore, a primal-dual decomposition approach is developed and a distributed algorithm is proposed accordingly. Simulation results show that the proposed approach achieves a near-optimal solution.
Physical Inactivity, Self-Management, and Living Well With COPD
Authors: Coultas David B.
Published: April 2017

Physical inactivity is an underrecognized and undertreated lifestyle behavior among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is independently associated with a number of adverse health-related outcomes. Pulmonary rehabilitation with exercise training provides an efficacious intervention with short-term improvements, but it is an infrequently used modality and does not consistently result in longer term increases in physical activity. Similarly, pedometer self-monitoring with coaching has demonstrated short-term increases in physical activity. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal method to support long-term behavior change that will have the greatest benefit. While available evidence suggests that reversing physical inactivity is an essential component of self-management to optimize health, it is only one component of a complex set of interventions needed to support patients in adapting to their chronic condition. In the future, this support will ideally start with identification of specific patient phenotypes, which describes their adaptation to the condition based on patients’ knowledge, skills, confidence, symptoms, and impairments. This information will then be used to tailor education and behavior change strategies over the long term to promote sustainable physical activity and other healthy lifestyles.
Fabrication of large-scale micro-structures by two-photon polymerization with a long-stroke precision stage
Authors: Wang Fu-Cheng , Wang Kuo-An , Chung Tien-Tung , Yen Jia-Yush
Published: April 2017

This article demonstrates the fabrication of large-scale micro-structures by two-photon polymerization with an integrated long-stroke precision stage. We first design a three-axial stage that combines a piezoelectric transducer stage and a stepper-motor stage, and we apply gain-scheduling and robust control with a feedforward compensator to achieve nano-positioning within a travel range of 10 cm. We then integrate the precision stage with a two-photon polymerization module to manufacture large-scale micro-structures, including 1 mm linear gratings, 1 cm parallel lines, and 200 µm Fresnel zone plates. We further define performance indexes to evaluate the qualities of these products: the linear gratings achieve an image error of 4.73%, while the 1 cm lines have an average error of 0.2 µm with a standard deviation of 0.05 µm, and the Fresnel zone plates attain a focal error of 0.4% and a focus efficiency of 64%. These results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed use of the precision stage and two-photon polymerization for large-scale micro-structure manufacturing.
Energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem with variable spindle speed using a novel multi-objective algorithm
Authors: Yin Lvjiang , Li Xinyu , Gao Liang , Lu Chao , Zhang Zhao
Published: April 2017

Most traditional scheduling problems prioritize optimizing production efficiency, cost, and quality. However, with gradually increasing energy consumption and environmental pollution, the novel “energy-efficient scheduling” model has received increasing attention from scholars and engineers. This scheduling model focuses on reducing workshop energy consumption and environmental pollution and has become a hot topic in the scheduling area. This article proposes a new energy-efficient scheduling mathematical model considering productivity, energy efficiency, and noise reduction with flexible spindle speed for the job shop environment. This model considers the machining spindle speed that impacts the production time, power, and noise to be flexible and an independent decision-making variable. In addition, the evaluation methods of productivity, energy consumption, and noise are presented in this model. To cleanly solve this mixed integer programming model, an effective multi-objective genetic algorithm based on simplex lattice design is proposed. The corresponding encoding/decoding method, fitness function, and crossover/mutation operators are designed based on the features of this problem. To evaluate the performance of this method, three instances with different scales have been designed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model for the energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem.
The comprehensive efficiency analysis of tunnel lighting based on visual performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Hu Jiangbi , Wang Ronghua , Gao Xiaojuan , He Lucheng
Published: April 2017

Few researches have focused on the comprehensive efficiency of tunnel lighting, which plays a role in improving the tunnel lighting efficiency. This article defined visual recognition time as the representation of visual performance. Three indices, visual performance, light efficiency, and production cost, were proposed to study the visual performance of test drivers, when drivers recognized an obstacle in LED lighting environment with different characteristics. A total of 15 light combinations were designed in the middle section of tunnel, composed by 5 color temperatures and 4 color rendering indices under 8 different kinds of light brightness. A total of 12 test drivers were selected to conduct the static recognition experiment in different lighting environments. Recognition time, lighting performance, and production cost were normalized, and K-means clustering was applied to analyze these indices to obtain the values of comprehensive efficiency of LED with different characteristics. The results indicated that increasing the light color rendering can improve the visibility without increasing the light power. The following combinations of color temperature with color rendering, 6500 K with 70, 5700 K with 70, 5700 K with 80, 3000 K with 80, 3000 K with 70, and 4000 K with 70, performed better comprehensive efficiency, showing better visual performance, higher light efficiency, and lower production cost.
Lexicographic Decision Rules and Selection for Higher Education
Authors: Sadler D. Royce
Published: April 2017

Currently in Australia, there is a strong demand for places in higher education. At the same time, a variety of methods of measuring and scaling secondary school achievements are used in the different states for making selection decisions, and these methods come under both professional and public scrutiny. A sequential screening procedure has recently been proposed in Queensland. It is based on what is known in decision theory as a ‘lexicographic ordering’. In this article, the concept of a lexicographic ordering is explained, and some of the associated assumptions, implications and shortcomings are examined. It is concluded that a lexicographic decision rule is unsuitable in its classical formulation as a procedure for selecting higher education entrants.
A Comparison of Deterministic and Probabilistic Approaches to Measuring Learning Structures
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: April 2017

Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) science superitems were examined from the perspectives of Guttman Scaling (deterministic) and Item Response Theory (probabilistic). Differences between the measurement bases for the two approaches, and the results for a small case study, are reported. In general, the analyses confirmed the hypothesised patterns of learners' responses, but also revealed some discrepancies in particular superitems that can be interpreted within the framework of the SOLO taxonomy.
Towards a Model of School-based Curriculum Development and Assessment Using the SOLO Taxonomy
Authors: Biggs John , Collis Kevin
Published: April 2017

One factor preventing the wider acceptance of school-based curriculum development and assessment is the problem of comparing performances of different students, in different schools, in different areas of study. A framework is needed to describe the complexity of learning outcomes in a language that is generally applicable across the curriculum. Such a framework is provided by the SOLO taxonomy which describes the growth in complexity of performance in many learning tasks, from the earliest engagement in the task to expertise. Learning grows along at least two dimensions: (a) the level of abstraction, or mode, of the contents learned (five such modes are recognisable from infancy to adulthood); and (b) the cycle of increasing complexity that learning undergoes within any given mode. It is possible, by specifying both the mode or modes to be used and the level of the learning cycle to be attained, to state the desired level of performance in many important curriculum topics in a way that can be used (a) for criterion-referenced assessment in particular subjects, and (b) for discussing comparable levels of attainment across different subjects and different schools.
Preparation of Australian Primary Teachers in the Teaching of Reading: 1976–1986
Authors: Morris Albert
Published: April 2017

This paper reports the findings of a ten-year follow-up study into the preservice preparation of Australian primary teachers to teach reading. The original study (Morris & Cope, 1978) surveyed 73 institutions which trained teachers to establish the number of class contact hours assigned to studies of the teaching of reading. Distinctions were drawn between the number of hours allocated in universities and colleges of advanced education and between states. The present study sought to establish whether changes in the numbers of hours allocated had occurred over the period, 1976 to 1986. Instead of distinguishing between types of institutions, this study distinguished between one-year, three-year and four-year teacher training courses. Data are provided on the number of hours allocated to studies which are directly concerned with the teaching of reading, and other studies which are related to but not directly concerned with the teaching of reading. Information is provided on the content of these studies.
Desktop Loglinear Modelling
Authors: Wilson Mark , Moore Stephen
Published: April 2017

This didactic paper is intended as a guide to the use of microcomputer statistical analysis packages for researchers who have selected loglinear analysis as appropriate for their problem. It is assumed that readers will be familiar with the statistical theory of loglinear analysis as treated in Kennedy (1988) and Busk and Marascuilo (1989). The first part of this paper describes the application of one popular package to a fairly straightforward problem. This is followed by a critical survey of the features available in four of the leading packages. A discussion of the survey's findings and some suggestions for further development are included.
Millian Liberal Feminism Today
Authors: Tulloch Gail
Published: April 2017

This article maintains that the principles of J.S. Mill on liberal feminism are still relevant and have not yet been fully implemented. Mill's concern was for sexual equality in all its forms. He perceived that feminine character was the outcome of an artificial system of cultivation via education, and that cultural conditioning produces sexual temperament appropriate to a culturally customary role. This is still a vital contribution to current debate. The body of the article develops a Millian account of equality of opportunity and discrimination, and a critique of current practical measures in the field of sexual equality.
Perpetuating Gender Inequity: Attitudes of Teacher Education Students
Authors: Christensen Carol A. , Massey David
Published: April 2017

The role of schools in perpetuating social inequalities has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of teacher education programs in influencing teacher attitudes which can contribute to discriminatory practices. To begin to address this question in relation to gender equity, attitudes of 751 teacher education students to traditional sex-role stereotypes were measured on a 32-item questionnaire. One three-way ANOVA was conducted on the total score (all items summed) and another on each item. The independent variables were age, gender and length of enrolment of the student. A consistent main effect for gender was obtained; women were more egalitarian in their attitudes than men. There was, however, no effect for length of enrolment. This was interpreted to indicate that the current teacher education program in which the students were enrolled had a limited impact on traditional gender-related stereotypes.
Integration in Australia: A Research Perspective
Authors: Jenkinson Josephine , Gow Lyn
Published: April 2017

In spite of the lack of supporting research data, those responsible for education throughout Australia at both federal and state levels have released policies on integration; and there is a trend towards moving students with disabilities out of special education facilities into regular school settings. This paper reviews the findings of Australian research on integration, identifies deficiencies, and points to future directions that research might take if integration is to proceed with the backing of relevant data. A major deficiency is seen in available statistical information, so that it is difficult to estimate the real impact of integration on education systems. Although studies so far reveal some success in integration of disabled students, this depends on individual characteristics, on early educational experiences, and on the provision of support services in the school. Attitudes of school staff are generally positive towards the concept of integration, but this is conditional on the availability of adequate resources and support. Several areas for future research are identified, including longitudinal research, individual case studies, and action-based projects.
Job Intentions and Job Attainment: Young People's Career Beginnings
Authors: Carpenter Peter G. , Fleishman John A. , Western John S.
Published: April 2017

The relationship between young Australians' intentions to enter the full-time workforce immediately following completion of secondary school and their success in doing so is examined. In addition, the effects of particular social structures and academic resources on these intentions are considered. Recent theoretical developments in the conceptualisation of the relationships between attitudes and behaviour, the intention to perform the behaviour and the behaviour itself underline the argument. The analysis reveals that, while youths' own intentions do predict behaviour, they are not a sufficient cause of this behaviour. The expectations of key figures in the interpersonal environment, youths' own attitudes, their prior academic performance and their experience of unemployment all assist in explaining career beginnings.
Single-center retrospective review of ultrasound-accelerated versus traditional catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Lu Tony , Loh Thomas M , El-Sayed Hosam F , Davies Mark G
Published: April 2017

Objective

Systemic anticoagulation remains the standard for acute lower extremity (LE) deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but growing interest in catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and its potential to reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) has led to advent of ultrasound-accelerated CDT (US-CDT). Few studies to date have examined the outcomes of US-CDT against traditional CDT (T-CDT).

Methods

This is a retrospective, single-center review of all patients treated for acute LE DVT over a five-year period with either US- and T-CDT. Patients were stratified based on demographics, presentation, co-morbidities, risk factors, and peri-procedural data.

Results

Seventy-six limbs in 67 patients were treated; 51 limbs in 42 patients were treated with US-CDT, and 25 limbs in 25 patients were treated with T-CDT. Adjuncts include: pharmacomechanical thrombolysis ( n = 28 vs. 20, p = 0.04), angioplasty ( n = 22 vs. 18, p = 0.11), stenting ( n = 30 vs. 6, p ≤ 0.001), and IVC filter insertion ( n = 5 vs. 0, p = 0.07). Mean lysis times were 21 ± 1.7 and 24 ± 1.8 h for US- and T-CDT, respectively ( p = 0.26). Thirty (25 ultrasound, 5 traditional) limbs had complete lysis. Thirty-one (22 ultrasound, 9 traditional) limbs had incomplete lysis. Fifteen (4 ultrasound, 11 traditional) limbs had ineffective lysis ( p = 0.002 in favor of ultrasound). Four patients (3 US-CDT, 1 T-CDT) had recurrent ipsilateral thrombosis within 30 days ( p = 0.60). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, there were no significant difference between primary patency, primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, re-thrombosis, and recurrent symptoms at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Conclusion

US-CDT does not significantly improve mid-term patencies but results in greater acute clot burden reduction in patients with acute LE DVTs compared to T-CDT, which may be beneficial in reducing the long-term incidence of PTS.
Thrombectomy accessibility after transfer from a primary stroke center: Analysis of a three-year prospective registry
Authors: Sablot Denis , Gaillard Nicolas , Smadja Philippe , Bonnec Jean-Marie , Bonafe Alain
Published: April 2017

Background

No comprehensive study exists about mechanical thrombectomy accessibility for patients admitted to a primary stroke center without onsite interventional neuroradiology service.

Aims

To evaluate mechanical thrombectomy accessibility within 6 h after transfer from a primary stroke center to a distant (156 km apart; 1.5 h by car) comprehensive stroke center.

Methods

Analysis of data collected in a three-year prospective registry on patients admitted to a primary stroke center within 4.5 h after symptom onset and selected for transfer to a comprehensive stroke center for mechanical thrombectomy. Eligible patients had confirmed proximal arterial occlusion and no large cerebral infarction on MRI images (DWI-ASPECTS ≥ 5). The rate of transfer, transfer without mechanical thrombectomy, mechanical thrombectomy, reperfusion (TICI score ≥ 2b-3), and the main relevant time measures were determined.

Results

Among the 385 patients selected for intravenous thrombolysis and/or potential mechanical thrombectomy, 211 were considered as transferrable for mechanical thrombectomy. The rate of transfer was 56.4% (n = 119/211), transfer without mechanical thrombectomy 56.3% (n = 67/119), mechanical thrombectomy 24.6% (n = 52/211), and reperfusion by MT (TICI score 2b/3) 18% (n = 38/211). The relevant median times (interquartile range) were: 130 min (62) for intravenous thrombolysis start to comprehensive stroke center door, 95 minutes (39) for primary stroke center door-out to comprehensive stroke center door-in, 191 min (44) for intravenous thrombolysis start to mechanical thrombectomy puncture, 354 min (107) for symptom onset to mechanical thrombectomy puncture and 417 min (124) for symptom onset to recanalization.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that transfer to a distant comprehensive stroke center is associated with reduced access to early mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large artery occlusion. These results could be translated to other high volume distant primary stroke center.
A complex obstetric case
Authors: Hoy Michael , Flavin Kate , Prasad Venkat
Published: April 2017

A 33-year-old primigravida presented with severe sepsis, severe pre-eclampsia, peripartum cardiomyopathy and the haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome manifesting over the course of 24 h causing a diagnostic conundrum and a difficult sequence of physiological problems to overcome. We describe a previously unreported sequence of events involving a pre-eclamptic, septic parturient to improve anaesthetic and intensive care physician awareness of confounding factors that complicate assessment and management of these patients.
Psychological distress, iron deficiency, active disease and female gender are independent risk factors for fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Jonefjäll Börje , Simrén Magnus , Lasson Anders , Öhman Lena , Strid Hans
Published: April 2017

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis often report fatigue.

Objectives

To investigate prevalence of and risk factors for fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis with active disease and during deep remission.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, disease activity was evaluated with endoscopy and calprotectin, and patients were classified as having active disease ( n = 133) or being in deep remission ( n = 155). Blood samples were analysed to assess anaemia, iron deficiency and systemic immune activity. Patients completed questionnaires to assess fatigue, psychological distress, gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life.

Results

The prevalence of high fatigue (general fatigue ≥ 13, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) was 40% in the full study population. Among patients with high fatigue, female gender and iron deficiency were more prevalent, and these patients had more severe disease activity and reported higher levels of anxiety, depression and decreased quality of life compared with patients with no/mild fatigue. A logistic regression analysis identified probable psychiatric disorder (odds ratio (OR) (confidence interval) 6.1 (3.1–12.2)), iron deficiency (OR 2.5 (1.2–5.1)), active disease (OR 2.2 (1.2–3.9)) and female gender (OR 2.1 (1.1–3.7)) as independent risk factors for high fatigue. Similar results were found concerning psychological distress, gender and quality of life, but immune markers did not differ in patients in deep remission with high vs. no/mild fatigue.

Conclusions

Probable psychiatric disorder, iron deficiency, active disease and female gender are independent risk factors for high fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis. Low-grade immune activity does not seem to be the cause of fatigue among patients in deep remission.
Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Triggers, Causes, and Outcome (SECRETO): Rationale and design
Authors: Putaala Jukka , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Saeed Sahrai , Yesilot Nilufer , Jäkälä Pekka , Nerg Ossi , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Numminen Heikki , Gordin Daniel , von Sarnowski Bettina , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Ylikotila Pauli , Roine Risto O , Zedde Marialuisa , Huhtakangas Juha , Fonseca Catarina , Redfors Petra , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Pezzini Alessandro , Kõrv Janika , Schneider Siim , Tanislav Christian , Enzinger Christian , Jatuzis Dalius , Siegerink Bob , Martínez-Sánchez Patricia , Grau Armin J , Palm Frederick , Groop Per-Henrik , Lanthier Sylvain , Ten Cate Hugo , Pussinen Pirkko , Paju Susanna , Sinisalo Juha , Lehto Mika , Lindgren Arne , Ferro José , Kittner Steven , Fazekas Franz , Gerdts Eva , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: April 2017

Background

Worldwide, about 1.3 million annual ischaemic strokes (IS) occur in adults aged <50 years. Of these early-onset strokes, up to 50% can be regarded as cryptogenic or associated with conditions with poorly documented causality like patent foramen ovale and coagulopathies.

Key hypotheses/aims

(1) Investigate transient triggers and clinical/sub-clinical chronic risk factors associated with cryptogenic IS in the young; (2) use cardiac imaging methods exceeding state-of-the-art to reveal novel sources for embolism; (3) search for covert thrombosis and haemostasis abnormalities; (4) discover new disease pathways using next-generation sequencing and RNA gene expression studies; (5) determine patient prognosis by use of phenotypic and genetic data; and (6) adapt systems medicine approach to investigate complex risk-factor interactions.

Design

Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome (SECRETO; NCT01934725) is a prospective multi-centre case–control study enrolling patients aged 18–49 years hospitalised due to first-ever imaging-proven IS of undetermined etiology. Patients are examined according to a standardised protocol and followed up for 10 years. Patients are 1:1 age- and sex-matched to stroke-free controls. Key study elements include centralised reading of echocardiography, electrocardiography, and neurovascular imaging, as well as blood samples for genetic, gene-expression, thrombosis and haemostasis and biomarker analysis. We aim to have 600 patient–control pairs enrolled by the end of 2018.

SECRETO is aiming to establish novel mechanisms and prognosis of cryptogenic IS in the young and will provide new directions for therapy development for these patients. First results are anticipated in 2019.
LNTgate
Authors: Calabrese Edward J
Published: April 2017

This commentary summarizes a spate of recent papers that provide historical evidence that the 1956 recommendation of the US National Academy of Sciences Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation I Genetics Panel to switch from a threshold to a linear dose–response model for risk assessment was an ideologically motivated decision based on deliberate falsification and fabrication of the research record. The recommendation by the Genetics Panel had far-reaching influence, affecting cancer risk assessment, risk communication strategies, community public health, and numerous medical practices in the United States and worldwide. This commentary argues that the toxicology, risk assessment, and regulatory communities examine this issue, addressing how these new historical evaluations affect the history and educational practices of these fields as well as carcinogen regulation.
Effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on HDL cholesterol, particle size, and cholesterol efflux capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Bonora Benedetta Maria , Zatti Giancarlo , Vitturi Nicola , Iori Elisabetta , Marescotti Maria Cristina , Albiero Mattia , Avogaro Angelo
Published: April 2017

Background

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce glucose levels, body weight, and blood pressure, possibly resulting in cardiovascular protection. In phase III trials, SGLT2i were shown to increase HDL cholesterol. We aimed to evaluate whether the SGLT2i dapagliflozin affects HDL function in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

Thirty-three type 2 diabetic patients were randomized to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 12 weeks on top of their glucose lowering medications. The primary end-point was the change in cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) from macrophages at study end versus baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in: distribution of HDL subfractions, lipid profile, activity of enzymes that mediate HDL antioxidant properties (PON1 and ARE) and cholesterol metabolism (CETP), HbA1c, body weight and composition.

Results

Thirty-one patients completed the study, n = 16 in the placebo group and n = 15 in the dapagliflozin group. Patients randomized to dapagliflozin were older and had lower adiposity indexes, although these differences disappeared after correction for multiple testing. Therapy with dapagliflozin reduced HbA1c by 0.9% and body weight by 3.1 kg, mainly attributable to reduction of body water and lean mass. As compared to placebo, dapagliflozin reduced CEC (−6.7 ± 2.4 versus 0.3 ± 1.8%; p = 0.043), but this effect was no longer significant after adjusting for age and BMI. No change was detected in HDL cholesterol, HDL subfractions, activity of PON1, ARE, and CETP.

Conclusions

Despite improvements in glucose control and reduction in body weight, therapy with dapagliflozin exerted no significant effect on HDL cholesterol levels and HDL functionality.

Trial registrationEudraCT 2014-004270-42; NCT02327039