bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CredSaT: Credibility ranking of users in big social data incorporating semantic analysis and temporal factor
Authors: Abu-Salih Bilal , Wongthongtham Pornpit , Chan Kit Yan , Zhu Dengya
Published: July 2018

The widespread use of big social data has influenced the research community in several significant ways. In particular, the notion of social trust has attracted a great deal of attention from information processors and computer scientists as well as information consumers and formal organisations. This attention is embodied in the various shapes social trust has taken, such as its use in recommendation systems, viral marketing and expertise retrieval. Hence, it is essential to implement frameworks that are able to temporally measure a user’s credibility in all categories of big social data. To this end, this article suggests the CredSaT (Credibility incorporating Semantic analysis and Temporal factor), which is a fine-grained credibility analysis framework for use in big social data. A novel metric that includes both new and current features, as well as the temporal factor, is harnessed to establish the credibility ranking of users. Experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of our model in determining highly domain-based trustworthy users. Furthermore, CredSaT may also be used to identify spammers and other anomalous users.
“It’s a Concrete Ceiling; It’s Not Even Glass”: Understanding Tenets of Organizational Culture That Supports the Progression of Women as Coaches and Coach Developers
Authors: Norman Leanne , Rankin-Wright Alexandra J. , Allison Wayne
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to explore what particular areas of organizational cultures facilitate the development and progression of women as football coaches and coach developers. The English Football Association provided the context for the research. Previous statistics demonstrate that recruitment, retention, and progression of women in English football coaching and tutoring are lower and slower than their male counterparts. In-depth interviews were completed with 26 women coaches and coach developers during November 2015 and February 2016 to understand their personal experiences as linked to the structure and culture of their sporting governing body, and analyzed using Schein’s theory of organizational culture. Three key tenets of organizational culture were found to be most influential on the career development of the participants: journeys and crossroads (the establishment of a learning culture), inclusive leadership, and vertical and horizontal relationships. The research demonstrates the need to identify disparities between espoused values and assumptions to enact cultural change toward supporting more women to be valued, included, and progressed in the sporting workplace.
Learning Lessons From Implementing Enabling Environments Within Prison and Probation: Separating Standards From Process
Authors: Davies Jason , Pitt Charlotte , O’Meara Aisling
Published: July 2018

The probation and prison services within England and Wales are undergoing change, which is argued will enhance rehabilitation. One aspect of this change is the introduction of the Enabling Environments (EE) standards into Approved Premises and many prison establishments. This article examines the progress toward this goal across seven sites (four Approved Premises and three prisons), all of which are currently included in a multisite longitudinal study examining the impact of EE. With only one service having gained the award in the past 2 years, the majority of sites are behind the expected schedule with four relaunching the EE program. It is argued that embedding the EE standards should be seen as an organization change process. Drawing on organizational research and learning, this article presents four learning points that might be implemented to overcome the difficulties experienced and assist with realizing the change being promoted.
University 403(b) Plan Litigation
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: July 2018

There have been a number of class action lawsuits filed against Section 403(b) retirement plans sponsored by prominent private sector universities alleging breaches of fiduciary responsibility and other failures prompted by new Internal Revenue Service regulations issued in 2007 under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. More recently, the California State University 403(b) plan has been targeted for a class action lawsuit under state law. This article examines Section 403(b) plans, Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor regulations and employer responses to the new rules. The consequences of these lawsuits could be immense.
A Comprehensive Assessment of the Person–Environment Fit Dimensions and Their Relationships With Work-Related Outcomes
Authors: Andela Marie , van der Doef Margot
Published: July 2018

Our aim was to better understand the relationship between person–environment fit (PE fit) and several work-related outcomes, that is, burnout, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. To achieve this goal, direct effects of PE fit on these variables were explored as well as the indirect effects of PE fit on turnover intention through burnout and job satisfaction. The study was conducted on an occupationally heterogenous sample of 571 employees in France. Four types of fit were taken into account (person–job fit [PJ fit], person–organization fit [PO fit], person–group fit [PG fit], and person–supervisor fit [PS fit]). Correlations, regression, and mediation analyses were performed. Results indicated that the four dimensions of PE fit were positively related to job satisfaction and negatively associated with burnout and turnover intention. PJ fit and PO fit were more strongly correlated with these three work-related outcomes than PG fit and PS fit. Mediation analyses indicated that job satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between PJ fit, PO fit, PS fit, and turnover intention, while burnout partially mediated these relationships.
James Bruce's ‘Fourth’ Manuscript: Solving the Mystery of the Provenance of the Roman Enoch Manuscript (Vat. et. 71)
Authors: Boccaccini Gabriele
Published: July 2018

For four centuries the book of Enoch was lost to Western Christianity and Judaism. That was until 1773, when Scottish explorer James Bruce brought back from Ethiopia ‘three’ copies of it to France and England. Yet, by the end of the eighteenth century there was another copy of the book of Enoch in Rome, in the library of Cardinal Leonardo Antonelli. This was an Ethiopic manuscript that, around 1825, would be acquired by Angelo Mai for the Vatican Library, where it is currently preserved (Vat. et. 71). The provenance of the manuscript has remained until now unknown. Through the recovery of eighteenth-century neglected letters and documents, this article uncovers a forgotten chapter in James Bruce's biography, his adventurous journey to Rome immediately after his return from Ethiopia, his meeting with Pope Clement XIV, and the ‘fourth’ Enoch manuscript he donated to the Antonelli Library. Personal and political reasons led Bruce to suppress the memory of his precious gift.
Effect of viscosity variation on non-Newtonian lubrication of squeeze film conical bearing having porous wall operating with Rabinowitsch fluid model
Authors: Rao Pentyala Srinivasa , Kumar Rahul Amit
Published: July 2018

In this study, the effect of viscosity variation of non-Newtonian lubrication on squeeze film characteristics with porous and Rabinowitsch fluid for conical bearings is analyzed. The modified Reynolds equation representing the characteristics of non-Newtonian fluid with viscosity variation on the porous wall followed by the cubic stress law condition is invoked. For lubricant flow in a bearing clearance and in a porous layer Morgan–Cameron approximation is considered. A small perturbation technique is used to compute the pressure generation using modified Reynolds equation of lubrication. Approximate analytical solutions have been obtained for the squeeze film pressure, load-carrying capacity, squeeze film time, and center of pressure. The outcomes are displayed in diagrams and tables, which show that the effect of viscosity variation and porous wall on the squeeze film lubrication of conical bearings decreases film pressure, load-carrying capacity, and response time for the Newtonian case in comparison to the non-Newtonian case.
Climate Variability and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Hanoi, Viet Nam, During 2008 to 2015
Authors: Thi Tuyet-Hanh Tran , Nhat Cam Nguyen , Thi Thanh Huong Le , Khanh Long Tran , Mai Kien Tran , Thi Kim Hanh Dang , Huu Quyen Nguyen , Nu Quy Linh Tran , Rocklöv Joacim , Quam Mikkel , Van Minh Hoang
Published: July 2018

Dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever (DF/DHF) has been an important public health challenge in Viet Nam and worldwide. This study was implemented in 2016-2017 using retrospective secondary data to explore associations between monthly DF/DHF cases and climate variables during 2008 to 2015. There were 48 175 DF/DHF cases reported, and the highest number of cases occurred in November. There were significant correlations between monthly DF/DHF cases with monthly mean of evaporation ( r = 0.236, P < .05), monthly relative humidity ( r = −0.358, P < .05), and monthly total hours of sunshine ( r = 0.389, P < .05). The results showed significant correlation in lag models but did not find direct correlations between monthly DF/DHF cases and monthly average rainfall and temperature. The study recommended that health staff in Hanoi should monitor DF/DHF cases at the beginning of epidemic period, starting from May, and apply timely prevention and intervention measures to avoid the spreading of the disease in the following months. A larger scale study for a longer period of time and adjusting for other potential influencing factors could better describe the correlations, modelling/projection, and developing an early warning system for the disease, which is important under the impacts of climate change and climate variability.
Internationalizing Research in Kazakhstan Higher Education: A Case Study of Kazakhstan’s State Program of Industrial Innovative Development 2015 to 2019
Authors: Jumakulov Zakir , Ashirbekov Adil , Sparks Jason , Sagintayeva Aida
Published: July 2018

This article describes the nature and impact of a major recent education policy aimed to transform higher education in Kazakhstan, the State Program of Industrial Innovative Development 2015 to 2019 (SPIID-2). This inquiry sought to understand and describe the role of internationalization of higher education in SPIID-2, and more specifically its role for developing university research. Kazakhstan’s industrial innovative development program promotes university–industry collaboration and universities’ international partnerships to enhance the role of the university in the economic development of the country, consistent with the imperatives and opportunities of the knowledge-based economy. The role of internationalization, particularly, involving international partner institutions, in this policy, contributes to quality assurance and informed decision making. Findings are based on content analysis of policy texts and interviews with university representatives.
Exploring Australian psychiatrists’ and psychiatric trainees’ knowledge, attitudes and preparedness in responding to adults experiencing domestic violence
Authors: Forsdike Kirsty , O’Connor Manjula , Castle David , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Examine knowledge, opinions and practices of psychiatrists and trainees in responding to domestic violence (DV).

Method:

Online survey including two sub-scales from PREMIS (Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey): knowledge (10 items) and preparedness (10 items).

Results:

Of psychiatrists completing the survey (216), 47% had received less than 2 hours of training in DV. PREMIS findings showed moderate knowledge of, and preparedness to deal with, DV. Participants with more clinical experience had significantly more knowledge and preparedness to deal with DV.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest more training in DV for psychiatrists is needed.
Music Intervention as a Tool in Improving Patient Experience in Palliative Care
Authors: Peng Cynthia S. , Baxter Kelly , Lally Kate M.
Published: July 2018

Background:

The pain, anxiety, and stress associated with end-of-life care are paramount issues to address for both patients and their families. Reduction in these factors could translate to improved quality of life.

Objective:

We studied the effect of adding music to standard care for patients receiving a hospice or palliative care consult at 2 hospitals in the Care New England health-care system. In this mixed quantitative and qualitative study, we implemented live music intervention sessions.

Design/Measurements:

Outcomes include symptom burden pre- and post-intervention using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, opioid use in equivalent time periods before and after the music intervention, and qualitative personal narratives of patients’ and families’ experiences with the music.

Results:

There were significant decreases in pain, anxiety, nausea, shortness of breath, and feelings of depression along with significant increase in feelings of well-being. Opioid use in time periods after the music intervention trended toward decreased usage when compared to the equivalent time period before. Finally, compiled personal narratives of patients’ and families’ experiences of the music intervention demonstrated common themes of spirituality, comfort, relaxation, escape, and reflection.

Conclusions:

This project demonstrated the beneficial effects of music in a patient population that struggles with symptom management when only pharmacologic management is used. These data elucidate biological and psychosocial factors that are positively impacted by the intervention. With additional evidence in music as well as other artistic modalities, it is promising that arts-based programs in inpatient hospice and palliative care settings will continue to expand and flourish.
Effects of Surgical Intervention and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Velopharyngeal Structure and Function: A Case Report
Authors: Schenck Graham C. , Perry Jamie L. , Kollara Lakshmi , Kuehn David P.
Published: July 2018

Changes to the velum and velopharyngeal muscles following Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty in a 7-year-old female with submucous cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) were evaluated. Perceptual, instrumental (ie, nasometry and aerodynamic pressure flow), and research magnetic resonance imaging analyses were used during pre- and postsurgical time points at a university research clinic. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was trialed following a failed surgery for residual VPD in the patient. Increases in velar length and thickness and decreases in levator veli palatini muscle angle of origin and contraction were observed following the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty surgery. Variable improvements in residual hypernasality following the home-based CPAP therapy protocol were observed.
New Insights into the Neurobiology of Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Ferré Sergi , García-Borreguero Diego , Allen Richard P. , Earley Christopher J.
Published: July 2018

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder, whose basic components include a sensory experience, akathisia, and a sleep-related motor sign, periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS), both associated with an enhancement of the individual’s arousal state. The present review attempts to integrate the major clinical and experimental neurobiological findings into a heuristic pathogenetic model. The model also integrates the recent findings on RLS genetics indicating that RLS has aspects of a genetically moderated neurodevelopmental disorder involving mainly the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits. Brain iron deficiency (BID) remains the key initial pathobiological factor and relates to alterations of iron acquisition by the brain, also moderated by genetic factors. Experimental evidence indicates that BID leads to a hyperdopaminergic and hyperglutamatergic states that determine the dysfunction of cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits in genetically vulnerable individuals. However, the enhanced arousal mechanisms critical to RLS are better explained by functional changes of the ascending arousal systems. Recent experimental and clinical studies suggest that a BID-induced hypoadenosinergic state provides the link for a putative unified pathophysiological mechanism for sensorimotor signs of RLS and the enhanced arousal state.
Evaluation of potentially inappropriate medication utilization in elderly patients with cancer at outpatient oncology unit
Authors: Paksoy Ceylan , Özkan Öznur , Ustaalioğlu Bala BÖ , Sancar Mesut , Demirtunç Refik , Izzettin Fikret V , Okuyan Betul
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate potentially inappropriate medication use in elderly patients with cancer.

Method

This study was conducted at outpatient oncology clinic from December 2014 to March 2015 among elderly cancer patients. Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment criteria were used to identify potentially inappropriate medication in elderly patients.

Results

Among 114 cancer patients 55.26% of them were male and the mean age of them was 71.78 ± 5.50 (years). The most common concurrent diseases were hypertension in 45 (39.47%) and diabetes in 26 (22.81%) patients. Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was seen in 94.73% of them. Eighteen patients (15.79%) utilized medications inappropriately according to Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions criteria. Medication omissions were identified in 112 patients (98.25%) with Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment criteria.

Conclusions

Clinical pharmacists could improve the current prescribing practices in elderly patients with cancer by assessing potentially inappropriate medications.
Long-term results of thigh arteriovenous dialysis grafts
Authors: Kim Denise , Bhola Cynthia , Eisenberg Naomi , Montbriand Janice , Oreopoulos George , Lok Charmaine E , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

A proportion of hemodialysis patients exhaust all options for arteriovenous access in upper extremities. Arteriovenous thigh grafts are a potential vascular access option in such patients.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of all thigh arteriovenous access grafts placed between 1995 and 2015. The clinical, demographic patient information and patency of each thigh graft was determined from the time of surgical creation placement until abandonment, transfer to other modality, or center or end of study, and the reason for access failure documented.

Results:

In total, 44 patients received 49 thigh arteriovenous accesses. The average age was 60 years (13–79 years); Half (53%) of the patients (n = 24) were female and 61% of the patients (n = 30) of arteriovenous accesses were left-sided. The cumulative proportion surviving (primary patency rates) at 12, 24, and 28 months were 43% (standard error = 9%), 33% (standard error = 9%), and 13% (standard error = 9%), respectively. The cumulative proportion of surviving grafts at 12, 24, and 48 months were 61% (standard error = 8%), 58% (standard error = 9%), and 31% (standard error = 13%), respectively. In total, 37 revisions were performed in 22 patients to maintain patency or eradicate infection. Infection occurred in 20 patients (39%) of thigh grafts requiring 16 patients (80% of those affected) to be removed; 14 patients had grafts (33.3%) that served as the lone hemodialysis arteriovenous access during the patients’ lifetime on dialysis.

Conclusion:

Arteriovenous thigh graft access is used infrequently, but they have an acceptable patency. Some accesses require revisions and they have a high infection rate. Despite this, an acceptable proportion of leg grafts provide durable access for the dialysis lifetime of the patient.
Invoking Precedent: Discussion of Supreme Court Decisions at Circuit Court Confirmation Hearings
Authors: Dancey Logan , Nelson Kjersten , Ringsmuth Eve M. , Solomon Emma
Published: July 2018

Judicial confirmation hearings offer a rare opportunity for senators to engage in a public exchange with current and future members of the federal judiciary. Below the Supreme Court level, however, we know relatively little about how members of the Judiciary Committee use these hearings. In this article, we examine senator mentions of Supreme Court cases at circuit court confirmation hearings between 1993 and 2012 to test whether these hearings serve as a venue for position-taking, as well as for interbranch dialogue. We find evidence that senators do reference decisions in ways that seem motivated by electoral considerations. However, we also find that hearings are frequently used as a forum for interbranch dialogue over Supreme Court cases. When used in this fashion, the dialogue is often focused on cases that challenge congressional power. The results suggest that confirmation hearings are an underappreciated venue for interbranch conversations.
A Feminist Law Meets an Androcentric Criminal Justice System: Gender-Based Violence in Spain
Authors: Albertín Carbó Pilar , Cubells Jenny , Peñaranda Maria Carmen , Martínez Luz María
Published: July 2018

This article discusses how practices in the Spanish criminal justice system relate to Organic Law 1/2004 on measures against gender-based violence. We examine the predominant construction of the problem and the secondary victimization1 of women. Data were collected from two sources: participant observation at police victim support units and courts dealing with violence against women,2 and in-depth interviews with abused women and legal and psychosocial professionals. Our analysis has uncovered a lack of institutional resources for detecting psychological violence and negative stereotyping of female victims. We conclude that a gender perspective should be incorporated into criminal justice system practices.
Analysis of the X-Factor and X-Factor stretch during the completion of a golf practice session in low-handicap golfers
Authors: Sorbie Graeme G , Gu Yaodong , Baker Julien S , Ugbolue Ukadike C
Published: July 2018

The X-Factor and X-Factor stretch have been positively correlated with golf long game performance. The aim of this study was to compare the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch and long game performance variables pre and following a golf practice session. A group of male golfers (n = 15, handicap = 3.3 ± 1.7) participated in the laboratory-based study. Movement and performance variables were collected from five golf swings performed pre and following a golf practice session using a motion-capture system and launch monitor, respectively. Following the practice session, significant increases were observed in the X-Factor ( p = 0.00, d = 0.22) and the X-Factor stretch ( p = 0.02, d = 0.25). Specifically, the X-Factor increased from 52.82 ± 5.64° to 54.06 ± 5.61° following the practice session. The X-Factor stretch increased from 1.54 ± 1.05° to 1.90 ± 1.41° following the practice session. Significant differences were displayed in club head velocity ( p = 0.00, d = 0.35), ball velocity ( p = 0.01, d = 0.21) and actual carry distance ( p = 0.00, d = 0.29) following the practice session. These findings suggest that performing multiple golf shots is not detrimental in terms of muscular fatigue in the long game performance. In actual fact, the findings demonstrate that performing 100 golf shots increases the X-Factor, X-Factor stretch patterns and performance variables which, in turn, increases the long game performance. These findings can help Professional Golfers’ Association golf Professionals improve teaching practices and formulation of golf programmes and warm-up sessions.
Scoping review: Diagnosis and management of periprosthetic joint infection in shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Egglestone Anthony , Ingoe Helen , Rees Jonathan , Thomas Michael , Jeavons Richard , Rangan Amar
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim of this scoping review is to assess the current evidence regarding periprosthetic shoulder infection to inform development of evidence and consensus-based guidelines.

Methods

A search of Medline, Embase and PubMed was performed; two authors screened the results independently for inclusion.

Results

Totally 88 studies were included. Incidence of periprosthetic shoulder infection ranged from 0.7% to 7%. The most common organisms to cause periprosthetic shoulder infection were Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Male gender and younger age are the most reported risk factors. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and serum/synovial biomarkers had limited diagnostic accuracy. Thirty-nine studies reported the outcome of surgical management of periprosthetic shoulder infection. Eradication rates vary from 54% to 100% for debridement procedures; 66–100% for permanent spacers; 50–100% following single-stage revision; 60–100% following two-stage revision; and 66–100% following resection arthroplasty.

Conclusion

There is wide heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes of studies are often contradictory and due to issues with methodology and small sample sizes the optimal pathways for diagnosis and management cannot be determined from this review. Future research should be based on larger cohorts and randomised trials where feasible to provide more valid research for guiding future treatment of periprosthetic shoulder infection.
How to Use Blockchain for Diabetes Health Care Data and Access Management: An Operational Concept
Authors: Cichosz Simon Lebech , Stausholm Mads Nibe , Kronborg Thomas , Vestergaard Peter , Hejlesen Ole
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Patients with diabetes often generate large amounts of data specifically related to the disease and to their general health. Cross-institutional sharing of patient health care data is complex, and as a consequence, data are not always available to the health care provider treating the patient. Accommodating this challenge could lead to better clinical effectiveness and improve clinical research. This work aims to present an approach for a blockchain-based platform for sharing health care data. The approach considers privacy concerns, data sharing, and patients as the center for governing their own data.

Methods:

The concept of this blockchain-based platform consists of using the NEM multi-signature blockchain contracts for access control of data management and the sharing and encryption of data to allow privacy and control of health care data. The architecture is built around cryptography, tokens, and multi-signature contracts. The multi-signature contract enables several entities to administrate the activity of an account and control the assets of one account. Multi-signature generates a contract that assigns the rights and powers of a certain account to other accounts; this contract can be edited to allow or remove entities.

Discussion:

Using blockchain could lead to improvements in diabetes data management. In the coming years, this technology should be implemented in existing small-scale diabetes health care system to explore its real-world benefits and challenges.

Conclusion:

This new approach could potentially lead to more efficient sharing of data between institutions and utilization of new types of data and research possibilities.
Development of a Footwear Sizing System in the National Football League
Authors: Wannop John W. , Stefanyshyn Darren J. , Anderson Robert B. , Coughlin Michael J. , Kent Richard
Published: July 2018

Context:

Footwear performance and injury mitigation may be compromised if the footwear is not properly sized for an athlete. Additionally, poor fit may result in discomfort and foot injury such as fifth metatarsal stress fracture, foot deformities, turf toe, and blisters. Current footwear fitting methods consist of foot length and width measurements, which may not properly describe the shape of the individual foot, correlated with shoe size descriptors that are not standardized. Footwear manufacturers employ a range of sizing rubrics, which introduces shoe size and shape variability between and even within footwear companies. This article describes the synthesis of literature to inform the development and deployment of an objective footwear fitting system in the National Football League (NFL). The process may inform athletic footwear fitting at other levels of play and in other sports.

Evidence Acquisition:

Literature related to footwear fitting, sizing, and foot scanning from 1980 through 2017 was compiled using electronic databases. Reference lists of articles were examined for additional relevant studies. Sixty-five sources are included in this descriptive review.

Study Type:

Descriptive review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Current methods of footwear fitting and variability in the size and shape of athletic footwear complicate proper fitting of footwear to athletes. An objective measurement and recommendation system that can match the 3-dimensional shape of an athlete’s foot to the internal shape of available shoe models can provide important guidance for footwear selection. One such system has been deployed in the NFL.

Conclusion:

An objective footwear fitting system based on 3-dimensional shape matching of feet and shoes can facilitate the selection of footwear that properly fits an athlete’s foot.
The Sequential-Weight Illusion
Authors: Maiello Guido , Paulun Vivian C. , Klein Lina K. , Fleming Roland W.
Published: July 2018

We report an illusion in which the felt weight of an object changes depending on whether a previously manipulated object was lighter or heavier. The illusion is not modulated by visual weight cues, yet it transfers across hands.
‘Asymmetric revelation’ effect: The influence of an increased number of photos on mental imagery and behavioural responses depending on target market
Authors: Larceneux Fabrice , Bezançon Marjolaine , Lefebvre Thomas
Published: July 2018

There has been little research exploring the effect of the number of photographs used to present a product, and the studies that have been carried out relate to experiments with a reduced number of non-informative photos. This article provides a first field study conducted on 3,658 real estate ads and shows that an increase in the number of photos decreases favourable behavioural responses for lower range properties, but has no effect in the case of higher range properties. This result is replicated and explained in an experimental study: for lower range properties, the addition of photos deteriorates the valence of mental images, decreases mental self-imagery and increases perceived worry. These variables explain the negative effect of the number of photos on behavioural responses. However, for higher range properties, the addition of photos – informative or not – does not improve behavioural responses. This ‘asymmetric revelation’ effect depending on the segment of the property market being targeted is discussed.
Follow-up Care of Living Kidney Donors in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Lam Ngan N. , Lentine Krista L. , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Klarenbach Scott , Quinn Robert R. , Lloyd Anita , Gourishankar Sita , Garg Amit X.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Previous guidelines recommend that living kidney donors receive lifelong annual follow-up care to assess renal health.

Objective:

To determine whether these best practice recommendations are currently being followed.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study using linked health care databases.

Setting:

Alberta, Canada (2002-2014).

Patients:

Living kidney donors.

Measurements:

We determined the proportion of donors who had annual outpatient physician visits and laboratory measurements for serum creatinine and albuminuria.

Results:

There were 534 living kidney donors with a median follow-up of 7 years (maximum 13 years). The median age at the time of donation was 41 years and 62% were women. Overall, 25% of donors had all 3 markers of care (physician visit, serum creatinine, albuminuria measurement) in each year of follow-up. Adherence to physician visits was higher than serum creatinine or albuminuria measurements (67% vs 31% vs 28% of donors, respectively). Donors with guideline-concordant care were more likely to be older, reside closer to the transplant center, and receive their nephrectomy in more recent years.

Limitations:

Our results may not be generalizable to other countries that do not have a similar universal health care system.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest significant evidence-practice gaps, in that the majority of donors saw a physician, but the minority had measurements of kidney function or albuminuria. Future interventions should target improving follow-up care for all donors.
Evaluation of Auditory Functioning and Rehabilitation Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Lansbergen Simon , De Ronde-Brons Inge , Boymans Monique , Soede Wim , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: July 2018

There is lack of a systematic approach concerning how to select an adequate hearing aid and how to evaluate its efficacy with respect to the personal needs of rehabilitation. The goal of this study was to examine the applicability and added value of two widely used self-reporting questionnaires in relation to the evaluation of hearing aid fitting. We analyzed responses, pre- and postfitting, from 1,319 subjects who completed the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI) and a slightly adapted version of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap (in Dutch: AVAB). Most COSI responses were at or near the maximum possible score. Results show a close relation between COSI’s degree of change and final ability (Spearman’s rho = 0.71). Both AVAB and COSI showed a significant effect of hearing aid experience, but—in contrast to AVAB—COSI did not show a significant effect of the degree of hearing loss. In addition, a Friedman test showed significant differences between six dimensions of auditory functioning for both AVAB and COSI, although post hoc analysis revealed that for COSI, the dimension speech in quiet explained most variation between dimensions. In conclusion, the effects of hearing loss were more salient in AVAB, while both AVAB and COSI showed differences regarding hearing aid experience. Combining the advantages of both methods results in a detailed evaluation of hearing aid rehabilitation. Our results therefore suggest that both methods should be used in a complementary manner, rather than separately.
Otitis Media with Effusion and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Jeyakumar Anita , Bégué Rodolfo E.
Published: July 2018

Previous studies reported the presence of Helicobacter pylori in middle ear fluid and raised a possible causal role of this bacterium in otitis media with effusion (OME). We investigated 48 children with OME (age, 7 months to 12 years) seen in New Orleans, Louisiana, and found no evidence of H pylori presence in any middle ear fluid specimen by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. One child had H pylori detected in a stool specimen, in accordance with the low prevalence in our population. While H pylori may be significant in other countries, these findings do not support a role for H pylori in OME in our pediatric population in the United States.
The overlap between bronchiectasis and chronic airway diseases: state of the art and future directions
Authors: Polverino Eva , Dimakou Katerina , Hurst John , Martinez-Garcia Miguel-Angel , Miravitlles Marc , Paggiaro Pierluigi , Shteinberg Michal , Aliberti Stefano , Chalmers James D.
Published: July 2018

Bronchiectasis is a clinical and radiological diagnosis associated with cough, sputum production and recurrent respiratory infections. The clinical presentation inevitably overlaps with other respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, 4–72% of patients with severe COPD are found to have radiological bronchiectasis on computed tomography, with similar frequencies (20–30%) now being reported in cohorts with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Co-diagnosis of bronchiectasis with another airway disease is associated with increased lung inflammation, frequent exacerbations, worse lung function and higher mortality. In addition, many patients with all three disorders have chronic rhinosinusitis and upper airway disease, resulting in a complex “mixed airway” phenotype.

The management of asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD and upper airway diseases has traditionally been outlined in separate guidelines for each individual disorder. Recognition that the majority of patients have one or more overlapping pathologies requires that we re-evaluate how we treat airway disease. The concept of treatable traits promotes a holistic, pathophysiology-based approach to treatment rather than a syndromic approach and may be more appropriate for patients with overlapping features.

Here, we review the current clinical definition, diagnosis, management and future directions for the overlap between bronchiectasis and other airway diseases.
Heritability and genome-wide association study of diffusing capacity of the lung
Authors: Terzikhan Natalie , Sun Fangui , Verhamme Fien M. , Adams Hieab H.H. , Loth Daan , Bracke Ken R. , Stricker Bruno H.C. , Lahousse Lies , Dupuis Josée , Brusselle Guy G. , O'Connor George T.
Published: July 2018

Although several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have investigated the genetics of pulmonary ventilatory function, little is known about the genetic factors that influence gas exchange. The aim of the study was to investigate the heritability of, and genetic variants associated with the diffusing capacity of the lung.

GWAS was performed on diffusing capacity of the lung measured by carbon monoxide uptake (DLCO) and per alveolar volume (VA) using the single-breath technique, in 8372 individuals from two population-based cohort studies, the Rotterdam Study and the Framingham Heart Study. Heritability was estimated in related (n=6246) and unrelated (n=3286) individuals.

Heritability ofDLCOandDLCO/VAranged between 23% and 28% in unrelated individuals and between 45% and 49% in related individuals. Meta-analysis identified a genetic variant inADGRG6that is significantly associated withDLCO/VA. Gene expression analysis ofADGRG6in human lung tissue revealed a decreased expression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and subjects with decreasedDLCO/VA.

DLCOandDLCO/VAare heritable traits, with a considerable proportion of variance explained by genetics. A functional variant inADGRG6gene region was significantly associated withDLCO/VA. PulmonaryADGRG6expression was decreased in patients with COPD.
Lung function in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: an iPCD Cohort study
Authors: Halbeisen Florian S. , Goutaki Myrofora , Spycher Ben D. , Amirav Israel , Behan Laura , Boon Mieke , Hogg Claire , Casaulta Carmen , Crowley Suzanne , Haarman Eric G. , Karadag Bulent , Koerner-Rettberg Cordula , Loebinger Michael R. , Mazurek Henryk , Morgan Lucy , Nielsen Kim G. , Omran Heymut , Santamaria Francesca , Schwerk Nicolaus , Thouvenin Guillaume , Yiallouros Panayiotis , Lucas Jane S. , Latzin Philipp , Kuehni Claudia E.
Published: July 2018

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been considered a relatively mild disease, especially compared to cystic fibrosis (CF), but studies on lung function in PCD patients have been few and small.

This study compared lung function from spirometry of PCD patients to normal reference values and to published data from CF patients. We calculated z-scores and % predicted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 values for 991 patients from the international PCD Cohort. We then assessed associations with age, sex, country, diagnostic certainty, organ laterality, body mass index and age at diagnosis in linear regression models. Lung function in PCD patients was reduced compared to reference values in both sexes and all age groups. Children aged 6–9 years had the smallest impairment (FEV1z-score −0.84 (−1.03 to −0.65), FVC z-score −0.31 (−0.51 to −0.11)). Compared to CF patients, FEV1was similarly reduced in children (age 6–9 years PCD 91% (88–93%); CF 90% (88–91%)), but less impaired in young adults (age 18–21 years PCD 79% (76–82%); CF 66% (65–68%)). The results suggest that PCD affects lung function from early in life, which emphasises the importance of early standardised care for all patients.
Outstanding questions in developmental ERK signaling
Authors: Patel Aleena L. , Shvartsman Stanislav Y.
Published: July 2018

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway leads to activation of the effector molecule ERK, which controls downstream responses by phosphorylating a variety of substrates, including transcription factors. Crucial insights into the regulation and function of this pathway came from studying embryos in which specific phenotypes arise from aberrant ERK activation. Despite decades of research, several important questions remain to be addressed for deeper understanding of this highly conserved signaling system and its function. Answering these questions will require quantifying the first steps of pathway activation, elucidating the mechanisms of transcriptional interpretation and measuring the quantitative limits of ERK signaling within which the system must operate to avoid developmental defects.
Does the Election of a Female Leader Clear the Way for More Women in Politics?
Authors: Baskaran Thushyanthan , Hessami Zohal
Published: July 2018

Women remain underrepresented in politics and it remains unclear how this might change. In this paper, we investigate whether female council candidates receive more preferential votes when a female mayor has been recently elected into office. We hand collect data for 109,017 candidates in four open-list local council elections (2001–2016) in all 426 municipalities of a German state. Based on RDD estimations for close mixed-gender races, we show that female council candidates advance more from their initial list rank when the mayor is female. This effect spreads to neighboring municipalities and leads to a rising share of female council members. (JEL D72, J16, J71)
Cash-Flow Taxes in an International Setting
Authors: Auerbach Alan J. , Devereux Michael P.
Published: July 2018

We model the effects of cash-flow taxes, differing according to the location of the tax, on the behavior of a multinational producing and selling in two countries with three sources of economic rent: a fixed basic-production factor (located with initial production), mobile managerial skill, and a fixed final production factor (located with consumption). In general, governments face trade-offs in choosing between alternative taxes. A source-based cash-flow tax creates welfare-impairing production and consumption distortions, but falls partially on firm owners who may be nonresident. By contrast, a destination-based cash-flow tax does not distort behavior, but falls only on domestic residents. (JEL F23, H25, H87)
Seismic potential of faults in the Granada basin (Betic Cordillera, Spain)
Authors: PELAEZ MONTILLA J. A. , SANZ DE GALDEANO C. , LLPEZ CASADO C.
Published: July 2018

A fault database has been created for the Granada basin (S Spain) concerning seismic potential in this area. The fault lines have been entered as well as their geometry and displacement rate, when known from accumulated displacement. Empirical relationships have been used between the length or surface of the faults and the maximum magnitude that they can generate. No palaeoseismic recurrence intervals are known, nor palaeoseismic estimates for displacements during earthquakes.
Bayesian probabilities for occurrence of large earthquakes in the seismogenic sources of Japan and Phillipine during the period 1998-2017
Authors: TSAPANOS T. M. , GALANIS O. CH. , MAVRIDOU S. D. , HELMl M. P.
Published: July 2018

The Bayesian statistics is adopted in 11 seismic sources of Japan and 14 of Philippine in order to estimate the probabilities of occurrence of large future earthquakes, assuming that earthquakes occurrence follows the Poisson distribution. The Bayesian approach applied represents the probability that a certain cut-off magnitude (or larger) will exceed in a given time interval of 20 years, that is 1998-2017. This cut-off magnitude is chosen the one with M=7.0 or greater. In this case we can consider these obtained probabilities as a seismic hazard presentation. More over curves are produced which present the fluctuation of the seismic hazard between these seismic sources. These graphs of varying probability are useful either for engineering or other practical purposes
Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of cerebellar granule cell development and function and their contribution to behavior
Authors: Lackey Elizabeth P. , Heck Detlef H. , Sillitoe Roy V.
Published: July 2018

The cerebellum is the focus of an emergent series of debates because its circuitry is now thought to encode an unexpected level of functional diversity. The flexibility that is built into the cerebellar circuit allows it to participate not only in motor behaviors involving coordination, learning, and balance but also in non-motor behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and spatial navigation. In accordance with the cerebellum’s diverse functional roles, when these circuits are altered because of disease or injury, the behavioral outcomes range from neurological conditions such as ataxia, dystonia, and tremor to neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Two major questions arise: what types of cells mediate these normal and abnormal processes, and how might they accomplish these seemingly disparate functions? The tiny but numerous cerebellar granule cells may hold answers to these questions. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding how the granule cell lineage arises in the embryo and how a stem cell niche that replenishes granule cells influences wiring when the postnatal cerebellum is injured. We discuss how precisely coordinated developmental programs, gene expression patterns, and epigenetic mechanisms determine the formation of synapses that integrate multi-modal inputs onto single granule cells. These data lead us to consider how granule cell synaptic heterogeneity promotes sensorimotor and non-sensorimotor signals in behaving animals. We discuss evidence that granule cells use ultrafast neurotransmission that can operate at kilohertz frequencies. Together, these data inspire an emerging view for how granule cells contribute to the shaping of complex animal behaviors.
Evaluating how paediatric nurses perceive the family-centred model of care and its use in daily practice
Authors: Matziou Vasiliki , Manesi Virginia , Vlachioti Efrosini , Perdikaris Pantelis , Matziou Theodora , Chliara Joanna Ilia , Mpoutopoulou Barbara
Published: July 2018

Aim:

the study aimed to assess nurses' perceptions of family-centred care and how they applied the family-centred model of care in everyday practice. The model aims to involve families in the care of hospitalised children and to promote a cooperative relationship between parents and nurses.

Method:

183 nurses from a paediatric hospital in Athens completed the Family-Centered Care Questionnaire-Revised, enabling researchers to collect demographic data and obtain nurses' views on a range of topics.

Results:

participants considered a care philosophy that puts the focus on the family as important (p = 0.01). Factors that had significant correlation with whether nurses implemented family-centred care included educational level (p<0.001), experience (p = 0.006), age (p = 0.05), marital status and whether they had children (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion:

although the importance of the family-centred care model is well established, nurses did not that think that it was essential to apply all its aspects in daily practice.