bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint audit, political connections and cost of debt capital
Authors: Al‐Hadi Ahmed , Habib Ahsan , Al‐Yahyaee Khamis , Eulaiwi Baban
Published: April 2017

We investigate the association between joint audit and cost of debt for a sample of non‐financial, publicly listed firms from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Although the conventional wisdom suggests that “two heads are better than one”, empirical evidence on the beneficial impact of joint audit has not been convincingly documented. We attempt to shed further insights into this debate, using data from the GCC countries. We document a significantly negative effect of joint audit on cost of debt in the GCC countries. This effect is more pronounced in cases where at least one of the joint audit firms is a Big 4 auditor. We then investigate whether political connections with royal families moderate the association between joint audit and cost of debt. Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of joint audits, in terms of a lower cost of debt, are greater in firms with such political connections.
Randomised trial of a parent‐mediated intervention for infants at high risk for autism: longitudinal outcomes to age 3 years
Authors: Green Jonathan , Pickles Andrew , Pasco Greg , Bedford Rachael , Wan Ming Wai , Elsabbagh Mayada , Slonims Vicky , Gliga Teea , Jones Emily , Cheung Celeste , Charman Tony , Johnson Mark ,   The British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) Team
Published: April 2017

Background

There has been increasing interest in the potential for pre‐emptive interventions in the prodrome of autism, but little investigation as to their effect.

Methods

A two‐site, two‐arm assessor‐blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a 12‐session parent‐mediated social communication intervention delivered between 9 and 14 months of age (Intervention in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings‐Video Interaction for Promoting Positive Parenting), against no intervention. Fifty‐four infants (28 intervention, 26 nonintervention) at familial risk of autism but not otherwise selected for developmental atypicality were assessed at 9‐month baseline, 15‐month treatment endpoint, and 27‐ and 39‐month follow‐up. Primary outcome: severity of autism prodromal symptoms, blind‐rated on Autism Observation Schedule for Infants or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition across the four assessment points. Secondary outcomes: blind‐rated parent–child interaction and child language; nonblind parent‐rated communication and socialisation. Prespecified intention‐to‐treat analysis combined estimates from repeated measures within correlated regressions to estimate the overall effect of the infancy intervention over time.

Results

Effect estimates in favour of intervention on autism prodromal symptoms, maximal at 27 months, had confidence intervals (CIs) at each separate time point including the null, but showed a significant overall effect over the course of the intervention and follow‐up period (effect size [ES] = 0.32; 95% CI 0.04, 0.60; p = .026). Effects on proximal intervention targets of parent nondirectiveness/synchrony (ES = 0.33; CI 0.04, 0.63; p = .013) and child attentiveness/communication initiation (ES = 0.36; 95% CI 0.04, 0.68; p = .015) showed similar results. There was no effect on categorical diagnostic outcome or formal language measures.

Conclusions

Follow‐up to 3 years of the first RCT of a very early social communication intervention for infants at familial risk of developing autism has shown a treatment effect, extending 24 months after intervention end, to reduce the overall severity of autism prodromal symptoms and enhance parent–child dyadic social communication over this period. We highlight the value of extended follow‐up and repeat assessment for early intervention trials.
Using accelerometry to quantify prey attack and handling behaviours in piscivorous pike Esox lucius
Authors: Van Deurs M. , Andersson A. , Vinterstare J. , Didenko A. , Persson A. , Brönmark C. , Nilsson P. A.
Published: April 2017

Accelerometer technology was used to evaluate behaviours in the teleost ambush predator pike Esox lucius foraging on crucian carp Carassius carassius. Automated rule‐based estimates of prey‐size determined handling time were obtained and are compared with video‐recorded behaviours. Solutions to tag attachment and the limitations imposed by battery‐time and data‐logging capacities are evaluated.
Effect of Clostridium difficile Prevalence in Hospitals and Nursing Homes on Risk of Infection
Authors: Joyce Nina R. , Mylonakis Eleftherios , Mor Vincent
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To assess the effect of facility Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) prevalence on risk of healthcare facility (HFC) acquired CDI.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) claims and skilled nursing facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessments.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries with 90 days or more of no contact with a HCF before a hospital admission without a CDI diagnosis. Participants were separated into two cohorts: discharged to the community and discharged to a SNF.

Measurements

Risk of HCF‐acquired CDI associated with CDI prevalence at the index facility measured according to 30‐day rehospitalization with a discharge diagnosis of CDI or diagnosis in the SNF after admission. Hospital and SNF CDI prevalence were categorized into three groups: 0% and above and below the median value for facilities with greater than 0% prevalence.

Results

Of 817,900 eligible individuals, there were 553,423 admissions in the first cohort (discharged to the community) and 315,109 in the second (discharged to a SNF). In the first cohort, the risk of HCF‐acquired CDI was higher for individuals admitted to hospitals with CDI prevalence less than the median (relative risk (RR) = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18–2.12) and greater than the median (RR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.91–3.45) than for those with no CDI. In the second cohort, the risk of HCF‐acquired CDI was greater for individuals admitted to a hospital (RR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.49–2.39) and a SNF (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.31–1.67) with CDI prevalence greater than the median.

Conclusion

The risk of HCF‐acquired CDI is greater for noninfected individuals admitted to hospitals and SNFs with a high prevalence of CDI.
Gingival profiles in a select Asian cohort: A pilot study
Authors: Lee Wan Zhen , Ong Marianne M. A. , Yeo Alvin B.‐K.
Published: April 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the facial gingival profiles of teeth with a healthy periodontium in an Asian population.

Methods

A total of 51 patients with a healthy periodontium were examined. Gingival thickness (GT) and gingival width (GW) were assessed at the maxillary and mandibular incisors to the first molars. GT was measured by transgingival probing (GT‐TGP), and probe visibility through the marginal gingiva (GT‐TRAN) was assessed. Results between groups (anterior and posterior, tooth types) were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and t‐test.

Results

The mean age was 30.3±11.4 years, with 27 females and 24 males. The mean GT‐TGP was 1.39±52 mm, while the mean GW was 4.59±1.34 mm. Considerable intra‐individual and interindividual variation in GT (TGP and TRAN) was noted. GT increased from the anterior to posterior, and was thinnest at the mandibular centrals to the first premolars and maxillary canines. GT‐TGP and GW were influenced by tooth type, plaque, recession, and TRAN, but not age, sex, or ethnicity. GW were recorded lowest at the mandibular canines and all premolars. Thin gingiva was recorded at 63.8%‐92% (GT‐TGP<1.5 mm) and 75%‐90% (GT‐TRAN) of the anterior teeth.

Conclusion

A high percentage of anterior teeth had thin marginal gingiva. There was poor agreement between GT‐TGP and GT‐TRAN.
How does transportation shape intrametropolitan growth? An answer from the Regional Express Rail
Authors: Garcia‐López Miquel‐Àngel , Hémet Camille , Viladecans‐Marsal Elisabet
Published: April 2017

This paper analyzes the influence of transportation infrastructure, and in particular of the Regional Express Rail (RER), on employment and population growth in the Paris metropolitan area between 1968 and 2010. In order to make proper causal inference, we rely on historical instruments and control for all other transportation modes that could be complement or substitute to the RER. Our results show that proximity to an RER station increases employment and population density and, in particular, employment and population growth. The latter effects are higher in municipalities located near RER stations and close to employment (sub)centers. They are also found to be particularly strong for jobs in the service sector, for factory workers, and for highly educated population. We find no impact of the RER expansion on employment growth during the first part of the period, while the effect on population growth appears earlier but declines over time.
The effect of low‐level laser therapy as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid levels of transforming growth factor‐beta 1, tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in smoking and non‐smoking chronic periodontitis patients: A split‐mouth, randomized control study
Authors: Pamuk F. , Lütfioğlu M. , Aydoğdu A. , Koyuncuoglu C. Z. , Cifcibasi E. , Badur O. S.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on smoking and non‐smoking patients with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted using a split‐mouth design with 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (15 smokers, 15 non‐smokers) and 30 healthy individuals matched for age, sex and smoking status as controls. Groups were constituted as follows: Cp+SRP+Sham: non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis treated with SRP; Cp+SRP+LLLT: non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis treated with SRP+LLLT; SCp+SRP+Sham: smokers with chronic periodontitis treated with SRP; SCp+SRP+LLLT: smokers with chronic periodontitis treated with SRP+LLLT; C: control group comprised of periodontally healthy non‐smokers; SC: control group comprised of periodontally healthy smokers. LLLT was first applied on the same day as SRP and again on days 2 and 7 after SRP treatment. Clinical parameters were recorded before non‐surgical periodontal treatment (baseline) and on day 30. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected before periodontal treatment (baseline) and during follow‐up visits on days 7, 14 and 30. Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1) levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

All clinical parameters showed significant reductions between baseline and day 30 following SRP treatment in both the LLLT and sham groups (P<.001). No significant differences were observed between the LLLT and sham groups of either the smokers or non‐smokers (P>.05). Gingival crevicular fluid PAI‐1 levels decreased significantly in the SCp+SRP+sham and SCp+SRP+LLLT groups (P<.05), and gingival crevicular fluid tPA levels decreased significantly in the Cp+SRP+sham, Cp+SRP+LLLT and SCp+SRP+LLLT groups (P<.05). Gingival crevicular fluid TGF‐β1 levels decreased significantly in all treatment groups (P<.05). Although no significant differences were found between the gingival crevicular fluid PAI‐1, tPA and TGF‐β1 levels of the LLLT versus sham groups (P>.05) at any of the time points measured, both LLLT groups showed significant reductions in tPA/PAI‐1 ratios over time.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this study, LLLT may be understood to play a role in the modulation of periodontal tissue tPA and PAI‐1 gingival crevicular fluid levels, particularly in smoking patients with chronic periodontitis, and may thus be recommended as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal treatment.
Suspected air embolism through the thoracic ventral internal vertebral venous plexus during hemilaminectomy in dogs
Authors: Mortera‐Balsa V. , van Oostrom H. , Yeamans C. , Gutierrez‐Quintana R. , Penderis J. , Granger N.
Published: April 2017

Venous air embolism entering via the ventral internal vertebral venous plexus was suspected during thoracic spinal surgery in two dogs. In both cases, air was seen bubbling from a pool of blood on the floor of the vertebral canal accompanied by sudden cardiopulmonary disturbances: low end‐tidal carbon dioxide pressure, tachycardia and reduction in oxygen in the blood. One dog became dyspnoeic and one died.
Drift in Transaction‐Level Asset Price Models
Authors: Cao Wen , Hurvich Clifford , Soulier Philippe
Published: April 2017

We study the effect of drift in pure‐jump transaction‐level models for asset prices in continuous time, driven by point processes. The drift is assumed to arise from a non‐zero mean in the efficient shock series. It follows that the drift is proportional to the driving point process itself, that is, the cumulative number of transactions. This link reveals a mechanism by which properties of intertrade durations (such as heavy tails and long memory) can have a strong impact on properties of average returns, thereby potentially making it extremely difficult to determine long‐term growth rates or to reliably detect an equity premium. We focus on a basic univariate model for log price, coupled with general assumptions on the point process that are satisfied by several existing flexible models, allowing for both long memory and heavy tails in durations. Under our pure‐jump model, we obtain the limiting distribution for the suitably normalized log price. This limiting distribution need not be Gaussian and may have either finite variance or infinite variance. We show that the drift can affect not only the limiting distribution for the normalized log price but also the rate in the corresponding normalization. Therefore, the drift (or equivalently, the properties of durations) affects the rate of convergence of estimators of the growth rate and can invalidate standard hypothesis tests for that growth rate. As a remedy to these problems, we propose a new ratio statistic that behaves more robustly and employ subsampling methods to carry out inference for the growth rate. Our analysis also sheds some new light on two long‐standing debates as to whether stock returns have long memory or infinite variance.
Early Retirement across Europe. Does Non‐Standard Employment Increase Participation of Older Workers?
Authors: Been Jim , van Vliet Olaf
Published: April 2017

In many European countries, the labor market participation of older workers is considerably lower than the labor market participation of prime‐age workers. This study examines the variation in labor market withdrawal of older workers across 13 European countries over the period 1995‐2008. We seek to contribute to the international comparative macro literature by analyzing the effects of non‐standard employment. Accounting for a number of labor market institutions, the empirical analysis leads to the conclusion that part‐time employment—and in particular voluntary part‐time employment—is negatively related to labor market withdrawal of older men. As such, the results indicate that part‐time employment functions as ‘bridge employment’ between full‐time employment and retirement. Additionally, we find that part‐time employment at older ages does not decrease the average actual hours worked. Taken together, our results show that in countries with a high prevalence of part‐time employment among older workers, the labor supply of older workers is higher both at the extensive and the intensive margin.
Donations to Political Parties: Investing Corporations and Consuming Individuals?
Authors: Fink Alexander
Published: April 2017

What motivates donations to political parties? Two views prevail. Donors are perceived either as ideologically motivated consumers or as privilege‐seeking investors. To investigate differences in donor motivation between corporations and individuals, we analyze data from Germany. For the period from 1994 to 2014, we find that corporations act more like investors than individuals do. First, we test whether corporations or individuals are more inclined to give more to incumbent parties than to parties outside the governing coalition. Giving to incumbent parties whose representatives hold public offices may be more attractive for investing donors. Second, we test for differences between corporations and individuals in the relative increase in donations from non‐election years to election years. Investor donations may be more volatile than consumer donations. We find that only corporations donate more to incumbent parties and that corporations increase their party donations from non‐election years to election years more than individuals do. These differences in the behavior of corporate and individual donors provide some evidence for potentially undesirable exchanges between corporations as investors and parties. Further, the differences between individual and corporate donors tend to be more consistent for parties to the right on the political spectrum.
21st Century Maritime Power‐Politics in the Indian Ocean Region with Special Reference to the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Karim Mohd Aminul
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to project the emerging power‐relations in the maritime realm between geopolitical players in the Indian Ocean region. These power‐relations involve military shields and spears, infrastructure development, alignment–alliance relations, international trade routes, critical choke points, energy, and above all geopolitical implications. The methods followed in the paper are content analysis, case‐method, interview, observation, and so forth. The paper concludes that emerging power polarizations are visible and are gradually taking a tangible shape in the form of military–economic condominium, presumably coming from opposite directions.
Nasal high‐flow oxygen delivery in children with abnormal airways
Authors: Humphreys Susan , Rosen Derek , Housden Tessa , Taylor Julia , Schibler Andreas
Published: April 2017

Background

Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange has been shown to safely prolong the safe apnea time in well children post induction of anesthesia and is rapidly becoming a new standard for apneic oxygenation in adults. The same oxygenation technique is described as nasal high flow and can be used in infants and children at risk of apnea during anesthesia.

Aim

We investigated the use of nasal high flow oxygen delivery during anesthesia in children with abnormal airways requiring tubeless airway assessment or surgery.

Methods

Data and outcomes of pediatric patients receiving nasal high flow for upper airway procedures were analyzed. Four categories were defined: (i) tubeless airway surgery, (ii) flexible bronchoscopy, (iii) expected difficult airway, and (iv) comorbidity related risk of apnea. Anesthesia was induced intravenously or with sevoflurane (4–8%) and then converted to total intravenous anesthesia aiming for spontaneous ventilation. Age appropriate nasal high flow cannulae were secured with 100% oxygen delivery at weight‐related flow rates. Topicalization of the airway was achieved with lignocaine. Complication rates of desaturation requiring interruption of procedure for rescue oxygenation were recorded.

Results

Twenty children were analyzed with age range of 5 days to 11 years, ASA 1–4, and weight range 3–57 kg. Fifteen were induced with sevoflurane and 100% oxygen, five received total intravenous anesthesia only. All children received Optiflow™ nasal high flow and intravenous anesthesia during their procedure. Average SpO2 recorded was 96% with lowest SpO2 77%. One required rescue oxygenation. Median length of procedure was 32 min, (range 3–61). Most common indication was tubeless airway surgery but seven children had more than one indication.

Conclusion

Nasal high flow can be used in spontaneously breathing children with abnormal airways for maintenance of oxygenation during anesthesia for tubeless airway procedures.
Multivisceral transplantation for abdominal tumors in children: A single center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Lee Eliza , Hodgkinson Nicole , Fawaz Rima , Vakili Khashayar , Kim Heung Bae
Published: April 2017

Standard management of intra‐abdominal pediatric solid tumors requires complete resection. However, tumors with multiple organ and vascular involvement present a unique surgical challenge. We conducted a retrospective chart review of four patients, aged 2‐14 years, undergoing MVT for intra‐abdominal tumors with significant involvement of the visceral arteries and/or portomesenteric venous system at our institution. Indications for MVT included hepatocellular carcinoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and two cases of hepatoblastoma. Grafts included liver, stomach, small bowel, and pancreas in all patients, with two patients also receiving spleens, and one, a partial esophageal transplant. Median hospital stay was 80 days. Postoperative complications included reoperation for abdominal hematoma and bowel obstruction, steroid responsive intestinal rejection, wound dehiscence, fungemia, seizures, and chyle leak with pleural effusion. One patient developed Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated complications which responded well to treatment. On follow‐up (range 2.8‐7.8 years), all patients have satisfactory graft function and no evidence of recurrent disease. MVT is an effective means of achieving complete gross resection of intra‐abdominal malignancies in patients with multiple organ and vascular involvement.
CEO Incentives and Customer‐Supplier Relations
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Sanders Nada R. , Venkateswaran Anand
Published: April 2017

This study explores how suppliers adjust their relation‐specific investments (RSI) in response to the different risk‐taking incentives provided by the customer firm to its CEO, during normal and transition periods. We investigate this relation using 17,553 customer–supplier transactions over the 1993–2013 period. We find strong evidence consistent with the risk‐taking argument. Specifically, we find that an increase in the risk‐taking incentives of customer CEOs leads to a decline in suppliers’ RSI in normal periods, but an increase in RSI during transition periods. We employ the FAS‐123R mandate to show that an exogenous reduction in customer CEO's incentive pay increases suppliers’ RSI. We reaffirm the effect with the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act as a secondary quasi‐natural experiment. Finally, we examine several scenarios that either amplify or attenuate the observed relation, based on factors such as financial constraints, distress, growth opportunities, industry competition, and other firm characteristics. Our study contributes to the literature that examines the interplay between corporate policy and product market relationships.
Why we need to know the structure of phosphorylated chloroplast light‐harvesting complex II
Authors: Allen John F.
Published: April 2017

In oxygenic photosynthesis there are two ‘light states’ – adaptations of the photosynthetic apparatus to spectral composition that otherwise favours either photosystem I or photosystem II. In chloroplasts of green plants the transition to light state 2 depends on phosphorylation of apoproteins of a membrane‐intrinsic antenna, the chlorophyll‐a/b‐binding, light‐harvesting complex II (LHC II), and on the resulting redistribution of absorbed excitation energy from photosystem II to photosystem I. The transition to light state 1 reverses these events and requires a phospho‐LHC II phosphatase. Current structures of LHC II reveal little about possible steric effects of phosphorylation. The surface‐exposed N‐terminal domain of an LHC II polypeptide contains its phosphorylation site and is disordered in its unphosphorylated form. A molecular recognition hypothesis proposes that state transitions are a consequence of movement of LHC II between binding sites on photosystems I and II. In state 1, LHC II forms part of the antenna of photosystem II. In state 2, a unique but as yet unidentified 3‐D structure of phospho‐LHC II may attach it instead to photosystem I. One possibility is that the LHC II N‐terminus becomes ordered upon phosphorylation, adopting a local alpha‐helical secondary structure that initiates changes in LHC II tertiary and quaternary structure that sever contact with photosystem II while securing contact with photosystem I. In order to understand redistribution of absorbed excitation energy in photosynthesis we need to know the structure of LHC II in its phosphorylated form, and in its complex with photosystem I.
The Root and Nothing but the Root: Primary Compounds in Dutch
Authors: De Belder Marijke
Published: April 2017

This article is an addendum to recent contributions on the structure of compounds in root‐based frameworks, such as the Exoskeletal Model (Borer,:chap. 6, 2013b) or Distributed Morphology (Harley). It presents a subtype of Dutch primary compounds of which the nonhead is demonstrably a bare root. The nonhead of this type of compounding is fully acategorial. It does not contain categorial heads (i.e., little heads) and neither is it categorized otherwise. As such, the discussion substantiates the root hypothesis (Halle & Marantz; Borer,b,) and supports the view that the root does not need to be licensed by superstructure in order to be interpretable or realizable (see Alexiadou & Lohndal, pace Arad, Marantz, Ramchand, Starke).
Hepatitis E in Canadian blood donors
Authors: Fearon Margaret A. , O'Brien Sheila F. , Delage Gilles , Scalia Vito , Bernier France , Bigham Mark , Weger Steven , Prabhu Sneha , Andonov Anton
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a virus of emerging importance to transfusion medicine as studies on blood donors and other populations demonstrate that the prevalence of endemic cases is higher than previously recognized and the risk to vulnerable transfusion recipients is not insignificant.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We carried out an HEV prevalence study on 13,993 Canadian blood donors with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on all donors and antibody testing on a subset of 4102 donors. HEV antibody–positive and age‐ and sex‐matched antibody‐negative donors were invited to participate in a scripted telephone interview about risk factors.

RESULTS

There were no PCR‐positive samples found (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%‐0.026%). The seroprevalence of HEV in our tested population was 5.9% (95% CI, 5.16%‐6.59%). HEV antibody positivity was associated with male sex and increasing age. In case‐control analysis history of living outside Canada (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.56‐5.32) and contact with farm animals (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.01‐2.28) were associated with HEV seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest data set to date on HEV infection in Canada. Results suggest low lifetime exposure to HEV and that infectious donations are rare.
Expression of Concern: The effects of zinc supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Momen‐Heravi Mansooreh , Barahimi Elham , Razzaghi Reza , Bahmani Fereshteh , Gilasi Hamid Reza , Asemi Zatollah
Published: April 2017

This study was performed to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer. The current randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients (aged 40–85 years old) with grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (30 participants in each group) to take either 220 mg zinc sulfate supplements containing 50 mg elemental zinc or placebo daily for 12 weeks. After the 12‐week intervention, compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation was associated with significant reductions in ulcer length (−1.5 ± 0.7 vs. −0.9 ± 1.2 cm, p = 0.02) and width (−1.4 ± 0.8 vs. −0.8 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.02). In addition, changes in fasting plasma glucose (−40.5 ± 71.0 vs. −3.9 ± 48.5 mg/dl, p = 0.02), serum insulin concentration (−8.0 ± 15.4 vs. +1.1 ± 10.3 µIU/ml, p = 0.009), homeostasis model of assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (−3.9 ± 7.1 vs. +0.8 ± 5.9, p = 0.007), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.03 vs. −0.002 ± 0.02, p = 0.04) and HbA1c (−0.5 ± 0.8 vs. −0.1 ± 0.5%, p = 0.01) in the supplemented group were significantly different from the changes in these indicators in the placebo group. Additionally, significant increases in serum HDL‐cholesterol (+4.1 ± 4.3 vs. +1.1 ± 5.1 mg/dl, p = 0.01), plasma total antioxidant capacity (+91.7 ± 213.9 vs. −111.9 ± 188.7 mmol/L, p < 0.01) and total glutathione (+68.1 ± 140.8 vs. −35.0 ± 136.1 µmol/L, p = 0.006), and significant decreases in high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (−20.4 ± 24.6 vs. −6.8 ± 21.3 µg/ml, p = 0.02) and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations (−0.6 ± 0.9 vs. −0.2 ± 0.7 µmol/L, p = 0.03) were seen following supplementation with zinc compared with the placebo. Zinc supplementation for 12 weeks among diabetic foot ulcer patients had beneficial effects on parameters of ulcer size and metabolic profiles.
Resistance Improvement of Aluminum Surface to Corrosion Through Reactions With Fluoride Ions
Authors: Saphier Magal , Zamir Oron , Berzansky Polina , Saphier Oshra , Meyerstein Dan
Published: April 2017

The reaction of fluoride ions with alumina was found to strongly depend on the concentration of fluoride ions in the aqueous solution. At low concentrations ([fluoride ions] < 0.1 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), the aqueous concentration of aluminum ions is relatively high as measured by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and the aluminum oxide dissolves as a fluoride complex. At high concentrations of fluoride ([fluoride ions] > 0.5 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), a new structure is formed on the alumina surface involving fluoride, aluminum, potassium, and oxygen (in the case of potassium fluoride). The structure was characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The resulting structure improved the passivation of alumina, the solubility of aluminum ions decreasing compared to the untreated alumina. Aluminum surfaces that were fluoride-treated showed a better resistance to dissolution in both acidic and basic media.
Optimization of a Multiline Neutron Source Based on a 232Th Filter
Authors: Ben-Galim Y. , Moreh R. , Orion I.
Published: April 2017

A multiline neutron source can be produced by using a metallic 232Th filter in conjunction with a white neutron source. The multiline spectrum consists of ∼20 relatively strong intensity lines ranging from 10 to 4000 eV. It is shown that the width of each neutron line of the spectrum is strongly dependent on the absorber thickness. This neutron source is useful for accurate cross section measurements with precise neutron energies. The optimum thickness of the 232Th absorber, which was found to yield a sharp multiline spectrum throughout the above energy range, was found to be ∼14 cm.
Counselling in social work: A legitimate role?
Authors: Booysen Petro , Staniforth Barbara
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION: Social work roles can sometimes be considered to sit on a continuum between a community work/social change perspective and a therapeutic work perspective. One perspective could be preferred above the other, at a particular time and in a particular context, or both perspectives could be supported. This article explores the legitimate function of counselling in social work in Aotearoa New Zealand.METHODS: Data were obtained sequentially through 16 in-depth interviews and four focus groups in a qualitative PhD study. The respondents were practising social workers from various ethnicities and fields of practice represented in Aotearoa New Zealand. Both the interview and focus group data were analysed using a general inductive and thematic data analysis method.FINDINGS: The data demonstrate a relationship between counselling and social work, that social workers regularly use counselling skills and that social workers have a need to develop their clinical skills. Rigid boundaries between the two professions can have adverse effects for clients at times when multi-skilled professionals are needed; participants in this study are calling for ethicality and accountability in this regard.CONCLUSION: The findings from the data confirm the legitimacy of counselling in social work and have implications for social work practice, education, and continued professional development.
The immigrant other: Lived experiences in a transnational world
Authors: Furman Rich , Lamphear Greg , Epps Douglas
Published: April 2017

Book reviewed by Shajimon Peter.
When doctors and parents disagree: Ethics, paediatrics and the zone of parental discretion
Authors: McDougall Rosalind , Delany Clare , Gillam Lynn
Published: April 2017

Book reviewed by Andrew Thompson
Editorial: The editorial collective and open access: one year on
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Ballantyne Neil
Published: April 2017

Editorial for issue 29(1).
Long-Time Behavior of Spatially and Size-Structured Population Dynamics with Delayed Birth Process
Authors: Yan Dongxue , Fu Xianlong
Published: April 2017

This paper is devoted to the study of a spatially and size-structured population dynamics model with delay in the birth process. We investigate some dynamical properties of the equation by using [Formula: see text]-semigroup theory and spectral analysis arguments, through which we obtain some sufficient conditions of asymptotical stability, asynchronous exponential growth at the null equilibrium as well as Hopf bifurcation occurring at the positive steady state of the system. Some examples are presented and simulated to illustrate the obtained results.
Periodic Orbits of the Planar Anisotropic Kepler Problem
Authors: Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Llibre Jaume , Guirao Juan Luis García
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we prove that at every energy level the anisotropic Kepler problem with small anisotropy has two periodic orbits which bifurcate from elliptic orbits of the Kepler problem with high eccentricity. Moreover we provide approximate analytic expressions for these periodic orbits. The tool for proving this result is the averaging theory.
Multi-Target Engagement in Complex Mobile Surveillance Sensor Networks
Authors: Semnani Samaneh Hosseini , Basir Otman A.
Published: April 2017

Efficient use of the network’s resources to collect information about objects (events) in a given volume of interest (VOI) is a key challenge in large-scale sensor networks. Multi-sensor multi-target tracking in surveillance applications is an example where the network’s success in tracking targets, efficiently and effectively, hinges significantly on the network’s ability to allocate the right set of sensors to the right set of targets so as to achieve optimal performance which minimizes the number of uncovered targets. This task can be even more complicated when both the sensors and the targets are mobile. To ensure timely tracking of mobile targets, the surveillance sensor network needs to perform the following tasks in real-time: (i) target-to-sensor allocation; (ii) sensor mobility control and coordination. The computational complexity of these two tasks presents a challenge, particularly in large scale dynamic network applications. This paper proposes a formulation based on the Semi-flocking algorithm and the distributed constraint optimization problem (DCOP). The semi-flocking algorithm performs multi-target motion control and coordination, a DCOP modeling algorithm performs the target engagement task. As will be demonstrated experimentally in the paper, this algorithmic combination provides an effective approach to the multi-sensor/multi-target engagement problem, delivering optimal target coverage as well as maximum sensors utilization.
Experimental Test of Unmanned Ground Vehicle Delivering Goods Using RRT Path Planning Algorithm
Authors: Dong Yiqun , Zhang Youmin , Ai Jianliang
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the experimental test of an unmanned ground vehicle delivering goods. Configuration and motion equations of the vehicle are illustrated, drivers for the vehicle motion control are introduced. In the presence of obstacles, the collision-free path connecting the vehicle from the start to the goal position is planned using Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm; collision detection, nodes selection, tree expansion, and path generation of the RRT are presented, the path optimization approach is discussed. To grip the goods, vehicle mechanical arms are manipulated based on the inversed kinematics, some control flow of the arms deployment for interacting with the vehicle motion control is applied. Experimental test of the vehicle delivering goods in face of static obstacles is presented; test result validates the applicability of the proposed framework.
PhantomNet
Authors: Banerjee Arijit , Cho Junguk , Eide Eric , Duerig Jonathon , Nguyen Binh , Ricci Robert , Van der Merwe Jacobus , Webb Kirk , Wong Gary
Published: April 2017

The PhantomNet facility allows experimenters to combine mobile networking, cloud computing and software-defined networking in a single environment. It is an
end-to-end testbed
, meaning that it supports experiments not just with mobile end-user devices but also with a cellular core network that can be configured and extended with new technologies. This article introduces PhantomNet and presents a road map for its future development. The current PhantomNet prototype is available now at no cost to researchers and educational users.
How did I do?
Authors: Khan Aftab , Berlin Eugen , Mellor Sebastian , Thompson Robin , Hammerla Nils , McNaney Roisin , Olivier Patrick , Plötz Thomas
Published: April 2017

Human activity recognition (HAR), i.e., the automated detection and classification of specific activities that a person pursues, is one of the core concerns of mobile and ubiquitous computing. Multimodal sensing facilities of modern mobile devices allow for detailed capture of contextual information, most importantly movement data recorded with inertial measurement units that are now standard in most mobile devices.

The majority of HAR applications aim at automatically documenting
when
something of interest has happened and
what
that was. For example, the popular
moves
app on iOS and Android devices "automatically records any walking, cycling, and running [a user does]" [7] and as such automatically generates a life log for those interested in their daily movement patterns. Beyond the mere recognition of certain activities of interest, few applications currently go a step further and analyze the quality of a person's activities, i.e.,
how (well)
their activities were performed, which directly corresponds to a person's
abilities or skills
.
MOBILE SENSING
Authors: Martonosi Margaret
Published: April 2017

It is difficult to think back to a time before smartphones existed, with their ubiquitous computing and communication capabilities, and with detailed location sensing easily available from Global Positioning Systems (GPS). In the late 1990s, when my research group began work on mobile sensing, smartphones had not yet been invented. While GPS did exist, GPS receivers were expensive, power-hungry and not widely available. Our first mobile computing project started as a powerefficiency study for a GPS-based interactive campus tour. GPS-based tour applications are familiar now, but were unheard of then, and the physical implementation was a challenge. We used a Palm Pilot PDA (personal digital assistant) connected to an external GPS receiver and an external Wi-Fi card. In those days, PDAs had neither GPS nor any wireless communication capability! Given the bulkiness of the various pieces of our "app," we carried them and their batteries around in a shoebox. Since both the GPS and the radio were quite high power (over 1W), they greatly impacted the system's battery life. Our power-efficiency work explored methods to locally cache maps on the PDA, and to power down modules when not in use.
CAreDroid
Authors: Elmalaki Salma , Wanner Lucas , Srivastava Mani
Published: April 2017

Excerpted from "CAreDroid: Adaptation Framework for Android Context-Aware Applications," from Proceedings of the 21st Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking. http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2790108 © ACM 2015.
RETHINKING ENERGYPERFORMANCE TRADE-OFF in Mobile Web Page Loading
Authors: Bui Duc Hoang , Liu Yunxin , Kim Hyosu , Shin Insik , Zhao Feng
Published: April 2017

Excerpted from "Rethinking Energy-Performance Trade-Off in Mobile Web Page Loading," from Proceedings of the 21st Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking with permission. http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2790103 © ACM 2015.

Web browsers are one of the core applications on smartphones and other mobile devices, such as tablets. However, web browsing, particularly web page loading, is of high energy consumption as mobile browsers are largely optimized for performance and thus impose a significant burden on power-hungry mobile devices. With the advent of modern web capabilities, websites even become more complex and energy demanding. In the meantime, slow progress in battery technology constrains battery budget for mobile devices. As users are more aware of energy consumption of apps, it is desirable to improve the energy efficiency of web browsing, particularly web page loading.
APPROXIMATE COMPUTING
Authors: Ceze Luis , Sampson Adrian
Published: April 2017

Generations of computer scientists and practitioners have worked under the assumption that computers will keep improving themselves: just wait a few years and Moore's Law will solve your scaling problems. This reliable march of electrical-engineering progress has sparked revolutions in the ways humans use computers and interact with the world and each other. But growth in computing power has protected outdated abstractions and encouraged layering even more abstractions, whatever the cost.
TEACHING THE INTERNET OF THINGS
Authors: Förster Anna , Dede Jens , Könsgen Andreas , Udugama Asanga , Zaman Idrees
Published: April 2017

Teaching the Internet of Things has become vital in engineering, but also very challenging. This is mainly due to the almost unbelievable variety of available systems, hardware and software components, and online resources. This column discusses how we, at the University of Bremen, approached this problem: with hands-on experience and concept abstraction.
SIDEWINDER
Authors: Liaqat Daniyal , Jingoi Silviu , To Wilson , Goel Ashvin , de Lara Eyal
Published: April 2017

Applications that perform continuous sensing on mobile phones have the potential to revolutionize everyday life. Examples range from medical and health monitoring applications, such as pedometers and fall detectors, to participatory sensing applications, such as noise pollution, traffic and seismic activity monitoring. Unfortunately, current mobile devices are a poor match for continuous sensing applications as they require the device to remain awake for extended periods of time, resulting in poor battery life. We present Sidewinder, a new approach toward offloading sensor data processing to a lowpower processor and waking up the main processor when events of interest occur. Sidewinder differs from other heterogeneous architectures in that developers are presented with a programming interface that lets them construct custom wake-up conditions by linking together and parameterizing predefined sensor data processing algorithms. Sidewinder's wake-up conditions achieve energy efficiency matching fully programmable offloading, but do so with a much simpler programming interface that facilitates deployment and portability.
Comparative Assessment of Preoperative versus Postoperative Dexamethasone on Postoperative Complications following Lower Third Molar Surgical Extraction
Authors: Al-Shamiri Hashem M. , Shawky Maha , Hassanein Nermin
Published: April 2017

Aim. To evaluate the effect of preoperative versus postoperative administration of oral Dexamethasone on postoperative complications including pain, edema, and trismus following lower third molar surgery.Methods. 24 patients were divided into two equal groups receiving 8 mg Dexamethasone orally, one group one hour preoperatively and the other group immediately after surgery. Pain was measured using VAS, edema was measured using a graduated tape between 4 fixed points in the face, and the mouth opening was measured using a graduated sliding caliper.Results. In this study pain and trismus records were similar and statistically nonsignificant in both groups. The results had proven that preoperative administration was superior when compared to postoperative administration regarding edema (0.002).Conclusions. Preoperative oral administration of 8 mg Dexamethasone was superior to the postoperative administration of the same dose concerning edema after lower third molar surgery.
Nodular Esophageal Xanthoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dirweesh Ahmed , Khan Muhammad , Bukhari Sumera , Rimmer Cheryl , Shmuts Robert
Published: April 2017

Xanthomas are localized nonneoplastic lesions within tissues that may manifest as papules, plaques, or nodules. These lesions can be found anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, commonly in the stomach and colon, and rarely in the small intestine and esophagus. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy is the gold standard tool for diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of a lower solitary nodular esophageal xanthoma in an elderly black female. Correspondingly, all cases of esophageal xanthomas reported in the English medical literature were reviewed and presented with the reported case.
Computation of the Stability and Complexity about Triopoly Price Game Model with Delay Decision
Authors: Wang Yuling , Guo Shubing , Duan Shide
Published: April 2017

We develop the price game model based on the entropy theory and chaos theory, considering the three enterprises are bounded rationality and using the cost function under the resource constraints; that is, the yield increase will bring increased costs. The enterprises of new model adopt the delay decision with the delay parameters τ1 and τ2, respectively. According to the change of delay parameters τ1 and τ2, the bifurcation, stability, and chaos of the system are discussed, and the change of entropy when the system is far away from equilibrium is considered. Prices and profits are found to lose stability and the evolution of the system tends to the equilibrium state of maximum entropy. And it has a big fluctuation with the increase of τ1 and τ2. In the end, the chaos is controlled effectively. The entropy of the system decreases, and the interior reverts to order. The results of this study are of great significance for avoiding the chaos when the enterprises make price decisions.