bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxes, bankruptcy costs, and capital structure in for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals
Authors: Huang Sean S , Yang Jie , Carroll Nathan
Published: September 2017

About 60% of the US hospitals are not-for-profit and it is not clear how traditional theories of capital structure should be adapted to understand the borrowing behavior of not-for-profit hospitals. This paper identifies important determinants of capital structure taken from theories describing for-profit firms as well as prior literature on not-for-profit hospitals. We examine the differential effects these factors have on the capital structure of for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. Specifically, we use a difference-in-differences regression framework to study how differences in leverage between for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals change in response to key explanatory variables (i.e. tax rates and bankruptcy costs). The sample in this study includes most US short-term general acute hospitals from 2000 to 2012. We find that personal and corporate income taxes and bankruptcy costs have significant and distinct effects on the capital structure of for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. Specifically, relative to not-for-profit hospitals: (1) higher corporate income tax encourages for-profit hospitals to increase their debt usage; (2) higher personal income tax discourages for-profit hospitals to use debt; and (3) higher expected bankruptcy costs lead for-profit hospitals to use less debt. Over the past decade, the capital structure of for-profit hospitals has been more flexible as compared to that of not-for-profit hospitals. This may suggest that not-for-profit hospitals are more constrained by external financing resources. Particularly, our analysis suggests that not-for-profit hospitals operating in states with high corporate taxes but low personal income taxes may face particular challenges of borrowing funds relative to their for-profit competitors.
System identification and robust stabilization using structured controller for a novel ducted fan flying robot
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Xiang Changle , Xu Bin , Fan Wei
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes complete procedures for system identification and control of a novel ducted fan flying robot on near hover flight condition. A control-oriented model structure is derived from a comprehensive mechanism model and identified by ground tests and flight experiments. In order to achieve state decoupling and reference tracking, a two-loop control architecture is employed. Non-smooth optimization algorithm is applied to efficiently tune controller parameters against multiple control requirements. Experimental results show that designed structured controller can provide better performance than classical proportional -integral -derivative (PID) controller.
Preservation actions
Authors: Gattuso Jay
Published: September 2017

This article proposes a way of describing the selection of digital preservation actions from an organisational imperative. The intent of this article is to offer terminology that allows an organisation to inform the selection of its digital preservation action approach. The discussion starts by describing some of the decision-making and speculation that the National Library of New Zealand’s (NLNZ) digital preservation programme undertook in the early 2000s, what digital preservation actions might look like as a day-to-day part of the operations of a National Library. It reports on the current domain conversations that pivot around viable digital preservation treatments, specifically emulation and migration actions. The article raises the argument that as practitioners of digital preservation, we require some higher level constructs and direction to inform our treatment selection. The primary proposition of the article is that the organisational approach to preservation should be the starting point for treatment choice, rather than treatment choice informing the generalised organisational approach. The organisational approach is described as two distinct modes: artefactual, the preservation of the artefact; and, informational, the preservation of information. The conjecture of an informational approach verses an artefactual approach is offered to supersede the migration verses emulation debates. This conjecture is developed further and a theorised life cycle of a digital object is offered that describes a blended existence, containing elements of both emulation and migration as valued tools used to promulgate the digital object through time. The article finally offers a number of exemplary use cases from the NLNZ’s digital collections where a new way of thinking about digital preservation treatments is needed to allow meaningful and viable preservation to occur. These use cases describe collection items that are a poor fit to the current organisational model and a future state for these items that might offer a higher chance of successful preservation over time.
Reciprocity Outperforms Conformity to Promote Cooperation
Authors: Romano Angelo , Balliet Daniel
Published: September 2017

Evolutionary psychologists have proposed two processes that could give rise to the pervasiveness of human cooperation observed among individuals who are not genetically related: reciprocity and conformity. We tested whether reciprocity outperformed conformity in promoting cooperation, especially when these psychological processes would promote a different cooperative or noncooperative response. To do so, across three studies, we observed participants’ cooperation with a partner after learning (a) that their partner had behaved cooperatively (or not) on several previous trials and (b) that their group members had behaved cooperatively (or not) on several previous trials with that same partner. Although we found that people both reciprocate and conform, reciprocity has a stronger influence on cooperation. Moreover, we found that conformity can be partly explained by a concern about one’s reputation—a finding that supports a reciprocity framework.
IL-1β haplotype influences the effect of NOx exposure on gestational age in the South African MACE birth cohort
Authors: Nansook P , Naidoo RN , Ramkaran P , Phulukdaree A , Muttoo S , Asharam K , Chuturgoon AA
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Cytokines, molecules within the immune system that affect either a pro- or anti-inflammatory response, have previously been shown to influence birth outcomes. The maternal cytokine gene–environment interactions are thought to alter their expression, potentially influencing susceptibility to adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the maternal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) haplotype and expression variation with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels, and thereafter investigate the IL-1β haplotype-specific effects of NOx exposure levels, IL-1β mRNA expression and other variables on gestational age.

Material and methods:

Using the prospective Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort in Durban, South Africa, 335 participants were genotyped for the IL-1β haplotype. Previous studies showed that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), IL-1β-1464G/C, -511C/T and -31C/T, constitute the IL-1β functional haplotype. These SNPs were genotyped using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay, while IL-1β mRNA expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Individual estimates of NOx exposure were obtained by land use regression modelling. A multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to test for significant effects on gestational age.

Results:

IL-1β mRNA expression was found to possess a haplotype-dependent effect ( p = 0.0001) and its expression levels positively correlated with NOx levels ( r = 0.34; p = 0.006). In the high haplotype model, a unit increase in NOx exposure level was associated with a decrease in gestational age by 1 week ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, gestational age decreased by 0.9 weeks for every unit increase of IL-1β mRNA expression level ( p = 0.025). HIV-1 positivity was associated with a 0.2-week decrease in gestational age ( p = 0.035) in the intermediate haplotype model and a 0.4-week decrease in the high haplotype model ( p = 0.044).

Conclusion:

These data have implications for better understanding the effect of prenatal NOx exposure on gestational age and demonstrate the role of the IL-1β haplotype in modulating the effects of NOx exposure.
Institutional constraints and collegiality at the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Turenne Sophie
Published: September 2017

This article examines how judicial selection, appointment and renewal processes deeply constrain and influence the decision-making processes at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The short tenure period combined with the permanent triennial renewal of sitting judges are a source of instability at the CJEU and the discretion left to Member States for renewal is a concern for judicial independence. Besides, even if Member States were to concur on the core requirements of judicial merit, they may disagree on what judicial merit means in the context of the CJEU. Against this institutional background, collegiality, as a constitutive value, is a safeguard of independence as much as it facilitates the development of a common discourse within which individual decisions will be made. In this context, the development of legal principles is no worse than can reasonably be expected; the judges display considerable independence within the constraints placed upon the CJEU. However, some judgments may appear to be compromises; more radical reform is needed for those who hanker for clearer and bolder decisions. More ambitious judicial reforms can only succeed with a single, non-renewable term of office, without any triennial renewal of CJEU membership.
An experimental study on the nonlinear free vibration response of epoxy and carbon fiber-reinforced composite containing single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jamal-Omidi Majid , ShayanMehr Mahdi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the effects of additives of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the nonlinear free vibration of neat resin and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) are investigated experimentally. To establish this purpose a sensitive noncontact setup is designed and prepared. In order to obtain a proper SWCNT dispersion pattern, a simple multistage method is presented to fabricate and test nanocomposite beams. First, the increase in the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites by adding carbon nanotube is investigated using the mechanical bending test and validated with available test results. Next, the nonlinear free vibration behavior of cantilever beams under small to large-deflection is investigated. The results of the vibration tests indicate that the nonlinear vibration behavior of all models is close to homogenous materials with increasing SWCNT. The results also show that transverse initial excitation (displacement) imposed an axial load on the slender beams, which thus leads to an increase in the nonlinear frequency of oscillation. In addition, the increase in frequency bears a relation to the initial displacement. Also, large initial displacements, especially on models without carbon fiber (reinforced epoxy), cause that the convergence of frequencies under different initial excitation did not occur. The results of this study show that adding SWCNT can lead to convergences of frequencies’ hybrid composites and reinforced epoxy during final cycles.
The Pursuit of Primary Human Goods in Men Desisting From Sexual Offending
Authors: Harris Danielle Arlanda , Pedneault Amelie , Willis Gwenda
Published: September 2017

The good lives model proposes at least 10 primary human goods that are thought to be common to all individuals which, when secured, contribute to enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. Prosocial attainment of primary human goods is thought to promote desistance from crime. However, individuals convicted of sexual offenses face significant obstacles upon their reentry into the community that likely undermine their ability to obtain such goods. The current study explored the pursuit and attainment of primary human goods in a U.S. sample of men convicted of sexual offenses. We interviewed 42 men released into the community to examine the extent to which they desired and pursued primary human goods. Results highlighted that participants valued many of the human goods outlined in the good lives model, but their means to achieve them were restricted considerably by their correctional status. “Interpersonal relationships” and “life/survival” emerged most frequently during the interviews and were identified as the two most important goods. We discuss the negative impact of recent policies on participants’ ability to pursue and attain human goods as well as the value of attending regular treatment in obtaining the goods of “knowledge” and “community.” Implications for policy and directions for future research are provided.
Father Figures and Cultural Diversity in France
Authors: Berton Fabienne , Bureau Marie-Christine , Rist Barbara
Published: September 2017

Who are the father figures or cultural role models for paternal involvement in France today? In this article, we examine changes in the cultural models of father involvement or father figures from a framework of family sociology and in light of the move from male breadwinner models to dual earner families. First, we note the persistence of a neopatriarchal father figure in some specific groups of society, in particular large families who practice their religion actively. However, this father figure is declining under the pressures of mass unemployment, a rise in female employment activity, and an increase in marital separations. At the same time, sociologists highlight the increase in preoccupation with the concept of failing fathers. There is normative alarm about failing fatherhood among early childhood professionals interviewed for this study. Alternatively, we see the emergence of a new range of father involvement figures: especially among the intellectual middle classes and among some immigrants, where tasks are shared equally and with little gender differentiation within the home; one where fathers shake up or even overturn gender roles, whether in a gay or heterosexual couples, one where stepfathers are committed fully to their educational role. Our study shows that these three phenomena of neopatriarchal fathers, failing fathers, and new fathers exist side by side and reflect three eras of male/female relationships in French public policies: familialism, feminism, and parentalism.
Parental Encouragement and Autonomy-granting and Adolescents’ Use of Organized and Unorganized Leisure Time
Authors: Van der Eecken Annelore , Spruyt Bram , Bradt Lieve
Published: September 2017

Research on parents’ role in adolescents’ leisure spending tends to focus on parental encouragement based on the assumption that it is positively associated with adolescents’ participation in (beneficial) organized leisure. Few studies have, however, investigated how parental encouragement and autonomy-granting relate to adolescents’ organized and unorganized leisure spending. Multilevel analyses of data based on a survey of adolescents and their parents in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) suggest that (1) parental autonomy-granting is generally combined with lower levels of parental encouragement, (2) adolescents of encouraging parents participate more in organized and unorganized leisure activities and (3) adolescents of parents that combine encouragement with autonomy-granting do not participate more in organized and unorganized leisure activities.
Party People and Party Identification
Authors: Goldstein Keith L. , Shem-Tov Ohad Y.
Published: September 2017

Unsupervised, early adulthood behaviours affect young people’s preference for a political party. Quantitative analysis was conducted on a nationally representative survey with high school students in Israel. Data were collected following the 2009 legislative elections. Ordinal logistic regressions reveal how gender and religiosity, along with their interactions with objective social activities and substance use, impact party identification on a dovish-hawkish scale. A theory of youth independence and political opinions is outlined and tested. Religious students who refrain from extracurricular socializing are shown to be more apt to develop radical hawkish political opinions, while secular students who engage in more substance use are shown to be more apt to develop dovish political opinions. Discussion is provided for the multiparty political context of Israel. The results provide an understanding for the way that youth subcultures develop political ideologies that continue into adulthood.
Seeking Secrecy
Authors: Chandler Amy
Published: September 2017

Young people who self-harm face challenges in seeking help, and there is a lack of qualitative research with under 16s despite rates of self-harm being high and help-seeking low. Data were collected from 122 young people aged 13–26 years, 108 of whom were aged 13–16 years, through multiple methods. This included six focus group discussions with 33 young people who had limited experience of self-harm; in-depth interviews with five people who had self-harmed and a qualitative online survey completed by 88 young people who had self-harmed. The analysis was thematic. Participants articulated views which could inhibit help-seeking: Young people provided strong negative judgements about ‘attention-seeking’ as a motive for self-harm, while ‘private’ self-harm was valorized. Talking to others about self-harm was identified as beneficial, but it was unclear how possible this would be, if self-harm must also be kept ‘secret’. Findings suggest that framing self-harm as private and secretive may be counterproductive.
Profile of Justice-Involved Marijuana and Other Substance Users: Demographics, Health and Health Care, Family, and Justice System Experiences
Authors: Freeman Nikki , Landwehr Justin , McKay Tasseli , Derzon James , Bir Anupa
Published: September 2017

Substance users are more likely to have co-occurring health problems, and this pattern is intensified among those involved with the criminal justice system. Interview data for 1977 incarcerated men in 5 states from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering that was conducted between December 2008 and August 2011 were analyzed to compare pre-incarceration substance use patterns and health outcomes between men who primarily used marijuana, primarily used alcohol, primarily used other drugs, and did not use any illicit substances during that time. Using regression modeling, we examined the influence of substance use patterns on physical and mental health. Primary marijuana users comprised the largest portion of the sample (31.5%), closely followed by nonusers (30.0%), and those who primarily used other drugs (30.0%); primary alcohol users comprised the smallest group (19.6%). The substance user groups differed significantly from the nonuser group on many aspects of physical and mental health. Findings suggest that even among justice-involved men who are not using “hard” drugs, substance use merits serious attention. Expanding the availability of substance use treatment during and after incarceration might help to promote physical and mental health during incarceration and reentry.
The impact of fathers’ military deployment on child adjustment. The support needs of primary school children and their families separated during active military service: A pilot study
Authors: Pexton Sharon , Farrants Jacqui , Yule William
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although direct exposure to war-related trauma negatively impacts children’s psychological well-being, little is known about this impact within the context of parental military deployment to a combat zone and ‘indirect’ experience of the effects of armed conflict. This study investigates the impact of father’s military deployment to Afghanistan on child well-being in primary schoolchildren and compares measures of adjustment with a matched group of children with fathers deployed on military training (non-combat) deployment.

Method:

Data were collected within primary schools in 2011–2012 from 52 children aged 8–11 years with fathers deploying to Afghanistan ( n = 26) and fathers deploying on military training ( n = 26) via self-completion of questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and levels of self-esteem. Data were collected in both groups, at pre-, mid- and post-parental deployment. Class teachers and parents (non-deployed) completed a measure of child behaviour and parents completed a measure of parenting stress and general health.

Results:

Unexpectedly child adjustment difficulties were not significantly raised in children whose parents deployed to Afghanistan. Ratings of behavioural difficulties and depression were low in both groups. However, clinically elevated levels of anxiety and stress symptoms were reported by both groups of children at each stage of deployment. No associations between parental stress, parental mental health and child adjustment were found.

Conclusion:

High levels of children’s anxiety and stress reported during fathers’ active military service warrant further investigation. Implications for school and health monitoring and CAMHS community liaison work are discussed.
‘They all just want to get healthy!’ Drinking the Qur’an between forming religious and medical subjectivities in Zanzibar
Authors: Nieber Hanna
Published: September 2017

This article investigates how the practice of drinking kombe (drinking washed off Qur’anic verses) informs subjectivities in the nexus of ‘religion’, ‘medicine’ and their Swahili approximations dini and dawa. Situated in Zanzibar, it is mostly referred to as dawa ya kiislamu, bringing ‘medicine’ and ‘religion’ together and providing space for multiple enactments of subjectivities. Most prominently, Christians’ use of kombe requests a different engagement with kombe and accentuates the ambiguity of drinking kombe as an embodiment of Islamic scripture conveyed by Islamic connotations of the Qur’an that heals, on the one hand, and drinking kombe as treatment irrespective of ‘religious’ affiliation, on the other. This becomes particularly pertinent in the discourse justifying drinking the Qur’an against anticipated criticism. These justifications enable the practice of drinking kombe to reveal different implications for the formation and cultivation of subjectivities with respect to the flexible ground of enacting dawa ya kiislamu.
An exploration of an integrative approach to working with a child with conduct difficulties in music therapy
Authors: Halliday Kirsten
Published: September 2017

This article considers an integrative approach to individual music therapy with a primary aged child with conduct difficulties. A synopsis of music therapy literature with this population is given, potential social and cultural influences are discussed and the complexities surrounding possible diagnosis are explored. Presenting behaviours are considered in light of the impact of the attachment relationship on regulation. A case study explores how consideration of a child’s capacity to symbolise can support the development of play, musical play and emotional regulation.
Preferred argument structure in the narratives of Chinese-English bilinguals and their monolingual peers
Authors: Jiang Xiangyu , Chen Liang
Published: September 2017

Aims and Objectives:

This paper aims to tease apart the roles of different factors that contribute to potential divergence between bilingual and monolingual speakers in the patterns of preferred argument structure (PAS) in spoken discourse.

Methodology:

Spoken narratives were elicited from two groups of Chinese-English bilinguals (early versus late) and their monolingual peers, using the wordless picture storybook, Frog, where are you?

Data and Analysis:

For each transcribed narrative, core arguments in the clauses are coded for grammatical role and information status. The data are then analyzed for conformity to four constraints that Du Bois introduced in his theory of PAS.

Findings:

The results revealed both similarities and differences in the PAS patterns in the narratives of the four participant groups. While the similarities provide support for the validity of the PAS theory, the differences were found to result from cross-linguistic influence, an age of second language acquisition effect, or a general effect of bilingualism.

Originality:

The innovative nature of this study lies in the following: (i) the examination of a new syntax–discourse interface phenomenon in bilingual development; and (ii) the intentional attempt to tease apart the effect of cross-linguistic influence and the effect of bilingualism itself on bilingual performance.

Implications:

Our findings suggest that it is necessary, and indeed empirically possible, to tease apart not only the effect of age of second language acquisition from the effect of cross-linguistic influence, but also these two effects from the general effect of bilingualism in bilingual development and use.
The impact of bilingualism on the acquisition of an additional language: Evidence from lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and (lexical) cross-linguistic influence
Authors: del Pilar Agustín-Llach María
Published: September 2017

Aims:

The aim of the present paper is to look into the impact of bilingualism on lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and lexical cross-linguistic influence (CLI).

Design and methodology:

To that end, Spanish monolingual (86) and Spanish–Basque bilingual (87) EFL learners were tested on lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and (lexical) CLI by means of a task of lexical availability. Data were extracted from written sources.

Data and analysis:

Numerous responses were produced and instances of lexical CLI were examined and compared between monolingual and bilingual learners.

Findings/Conclusions:

Results point to a slight bilingual advantage in most of the measures tested but are not strong enough to reach statistical significance. Our results concur with previous studies in showing slight benefits for bilingual versus monolingual learners. Typological distance between Basque and English and the homogenization effect of schooling are thought to discard the potential benefits of bilingualism.

Originality:

This study shows that bilinguals are slightly better at lexical knowledge than monolingual counterparts. The comparisons of adolescent monolingual and bilingual learners learning an L3 under the same conditions are not frequent, neither is the examination of instances of lexical CLI. This is the main asset of the present study.

Significance/implications:

Our results suggest that teachers should encourage cross-linguistic comparison and positive lexical transfer through an increase in the use of cognates, since these can help then enhance and improve their lexical knowledge.

Limitations:

It is important to take into account that this study only looks at one specific aspect of lexical knowledge, other factors might also be influencing bilingual versus monolingual performance.
Brexit dilemmas: New opportunities and tough choices in unsettled times
Authors: Wincott Daniel
Published: September 2017

Concluding the British Journal of Politics and International Relations’ (BJPIR) Brexit Special Issue, this article seeks to set the unsettled times and unexpected events associated with the Brexit in historic context and tease out the prospects for a ‘bespoke’ UK exit agreement. Drawing on classics of social science history—by Barrington Moore, Gourevitch and Davis—it reflects on ‘suppressed historic choices’ and historical periodisations. Three key dilemmas are interrogated: the Brexit dilemma (control of immigration/regaining of sovereignty vs European Union (EU) market access), the Brexiteers’ dilemma (sustaining economic prosperity while restricting immigration) and the Remainers/soft Brexit dilemma (of weakening Parliamentary democracy by staying in the Single Market).
Developing prolonged field care for contingency operations
Authors: Smith Mike , Withnall Richard
Published: September 2017

This narrative article explores the current and emerging challenges facing the Defence Medical Services in delivering medical care in the face of the changing nature of conflict and the arenas in which they will be conducted. It is likely that there will be a need for the delivery of prolonged field care which will require innovation and research to face the potential challenges facing military pre-hospital care providers. Clinical interventions likely to improve measurable positive patient outcomes are discussed within the context of the current Defence Medical Services research strategy, evidence-based medicine, clinical capability gaps and further research opportunities. The potential benefit of exploiting physiological monitoring technologies to improve patient care and support remote clinical decision-making is presented as a proof of concept research programme.
Thrown under the bus and outrunning it! The logic of Didi and taxi drivers’ labour and activism in the on-demand economy
Authors: Chen Julie Yujie
Published: September 2017

This article examines how taxi drivers adapt to, manipulate and fight against the rise of ride-hailing platforms like Didi Chuxing in China (which purchased Uber China). Chinese taxi drivers entered the on-demand labour platforms before private car drivers. Based on a nationwide data survey, the article argues that the technological power of Didi took shape by reinforcing inequalities facing informally employed taxi drivers prior to the emergence of ride-hailing apps. Drivers, far from being passive app users, have counteracted the changes in the work environment that resulted from platformisation in new and evolving ways, from strikes to algorithmic activism. This study suggests that online platforms are contested spaces where digital labour politics penetrate beyond the purported algorithmic power of the technology. The article enriches researches on on-demand labour by deconstructing the distinction between taxi drivers and private gig drivers and by pointing to the unfolding new grounds for digital labour activism.
Attitudes and practices of pre-reading and early childhood literacy promotion among family physicians in Romania
Authors: Rusu Corina , Wallace Richard ‘Dickie’ , Coman Mădălina , Costea Veronica , Sidor Alexandra , Pop Claudia , Navsaria Dipesh
Published: September 2017

Pre-reading and early childhood literacy skills are important for brain development and fundamental to a child’s long-term cognitive and social well-being. As such, the fostering of these skills is an important preventive health measure. Family physicians can play key roles in encouraging parents to routinely read with their children. However, in Romania, early childhood literacy screening and promotion are not currently integrated into medical practice. This paper summarizes mixed-methods research into the feasibility of implementing a physician-promoted early childhood literacy programme in Romania based on the American ‘Reach Out and Read' initiative; it describes and evaluates a small-scale implementation of a pilot early childhood literacy programme, Citesc Zilnic (‘Read Everyday'), in 15 medical practices. Results indicate that most Romanian family physicians recognize that early childhood literacy is important for child development, but do not screen for early childhood literacy skills, nor promote early childhood literacy as a preventive medical strategy. With institutional and cultural adaptations to a ‘Reach Out and Read'-based model, this research concludes that a high proportion of family physicians are very interested in a programme to screen for and promote early childhood literacy and may also find strong potential for promoting the basic concept of preventive health measures to the Romanian public, going beyond the initial goals of an early childhood literacy-promotion programme.
Numerical simulation of Sewol ferry capsize
Authors: Kim Yonghwan , Seo Min-Guk , Lee Jae-Hoon
Published: September 2017

In this study, numerical simulations are conducted in order to analyze the capsizing of roll-on/roll-off passenger ship, Sewol, which occurred on 16 April 2014. Since little is known about the reason of ship capsize, numerical simulation aims to the finding of possible scenarios which can cause this tragic accident. To this end, 4-degree-of-freedom (surge, sway, yaw, and roll motions) maneuvering equations are solved. The hydrodynamic coefficients obtained from a similar ship are applied and the WISH-Maneuver program of Seoul National University is used to perform the numerical simulation. The present analysis utilizes the probabilistic approach, which considers various physical variables and involves the simulation of a large number of cases using different combinations of the variables. The total number of simulation cases is over 70 millions, and the simulation results that are close to the conditions of the actual accident situation are selected. Through this process, the effects of the simulation variables are investigated and the potential causes of the accident are identified. The results show the hydrostatic instability of the ship in the operational condition owing to cargo overload and insufficient ballast water, which raised the vertical center of gravity. The reduced stability combined with large starboard steering angle and cargo movement during large heel may have been the decisive reason of capsizing.
Outcome of Surgeon-Modified Fenestrated/Branched Stent-Grafts for Symptomatic Complex Aortic Pathologies or Contained Rupture
Authors: Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Heidemann Franziska , Rohlffs Fiona , Diener Holger , Wipper Sabine , Debus E. Sebastian , Kölbel Tilo
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To analyze the outcome of surgeon-modified fenestrated and branched stent-grafts (sm-FBSG) in high-risk patients with symptomatic complex aortic pathology or contained rupture. Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted of 21 consecutive patients (mean age 70 years, range 58–87; 16 men) treated with a sm-FBSG from April 2014 to September 2016. The indications included 11 thoracoabdominal and 10 pararenal aortic pathologies, which presented as symptomatic in 8 and as contained rupture in 13 patients. The mean aneurysm diameter was 7.4±2.3 cm. Results: Technical success was 100%. From 1 to 4 (mean 3) renovisceral branch vessels were targeted with fenestrations. The mean length of in-hospital stay was 19 days (range 1–78). There was 1 death within 30 days and 2 further in-hospital deaths. Two patients suffered permanent spinal cord injury, 2 developed respiratory failure, and 2 had renal failure requiring temporary or permanent dialysis. No myocardial infarction, stroke, or bowel ischemia occurred. Six early endoleaks (3 type II and 3 minor type III) were detected. Mean follow-up was 11.2 months (range 2–33) in 17 patients. One late aneurysm-related death occurred. All 13 follow-up imaging studies showed patent target renovisceral vessels, with 1 type I and 2 type II endoleaks. Conclusion: Sm-FBSG can be utilized for urgent treatment of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic pathologies in high-risk patients with anatomy unsuitable for commercially available stent-grafts.
Letters From My Tribe
Authors: Szwabowski Oskar
Published: September 2017

In this article, I’m trying to show the problems with co-autoethnography made on periphery in the times of neoliberal regime. The new requirements and new modes of evaluating workers and researchers transform the style of working and relations within academia and among humans in general. I’m trying to show that being global is a neocolonial tool for changing university into an entrepreneurial institution. I’m also trying to show the consequences of such a change.
Writing the History of Education in the British Zone of Germany, 1945–1949: A Note on Sources and Challenges
Authors: Phillips David
Published: September 2017

This paper describes the challenges involved in work in progress on the history of British policy in education in occupied Germany, 1945–1949. The problems centre on the range of archival sources, the structural balance of themes and chronology, and the use of appropriate illustrations. It argues that conclusions about the nature of educational policy in the British Zone depended largely on the role of individuals and their interpretation of policy guidelines rather than strict adherence to directives from on high.
To republish or not to republish: The “Je Suis Charlie” Mohammed cartoon and journalistic paradigms in a global context
Authors: Eko Lyombe , Hellmueller Lea
Published: September 2017

This article dealt with how media outlets in a selected number of countries handled the problem of the republication of Charlie Hebdo's controversial “Je Suis Charlie” Mohammed cartoon cover after the terrorist attack of 7 January 2015 against the newspaper. A textual analysis of editorials and policy statements found that editorial decisions to republish or not to republish the Mohammed cartoon in different countries constituted journalistic paradigm work that reflected specific journalistic cultures. The dominant themes that emerged were (1) transnational journalistic solidarity as a form of paradigm work and (2) the use of editorial independence as a paradigm defense and repair mechanism. Furthermore, we found that the American media, which practice the journalistic craft under the First Amendment, were not as unanimous as the Continental European media in considering republication of the Je Suis Charlie Mohammed cartoon as a barometer of transnational journalistic solidarity and support for freedom of expression.
‘It’s learned on the job and it depends who you’re with.’ An observational qualitative study of how internal jugular cannulation is taught and learned
Authors: Shelton Clifford L , Mort Maggie M , Smith Andrew F
Published: September 2017

Internal jugular cannulation may lead to serious complications. Ultrasound guidance is advocated; however, procedural complications remain a concern. Inconsistent education may be in part responsible for this. This study examined how internal jugular cannulation is taught and learned. An ethnographic approach was used in two acute hospitals. Methods comprised interviews, observations and focus groups. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Three themes were identified: apprenticeship, trust and reciprocity. In apprenticeship, a new form of apprenticeship learning, necessitated by the structure of training is described. In trust the strategies by which trainers assess trainees’ competence in order to allow them to gain experience is explored. In reciprocity the beneficial influence of trainees is illustrated. This study demonstrates how high-stakes procedures are learned. It provides insights into under-investigated topics such as the use of ‘permitted mistakes’ to stimulate reflection and the role played by trainees in promoting good practice.
Utility of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) as biomarker to predict therapeutic response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gamez-Nava Jorge I. , Bonilla-Lara David , Ponce-Guarneros Juan M. , Zuñiga-Mora J. Alejandro , Perez-Guerrero Edsaul E. , Murillo-Vazquez Jessica D. , Becerra-Alvarado Itzel N. , Rodriguez-Jimenez N. Alejandra , Saldaña-Cruz A. Miriam , Vazquez-Villegas M. Luisa , Vera-Navarrete Erika Y. , Gonzalez-Ponce Fabiola , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in predicting short-term therapeutic response to methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with active RA, with Disease Activity Score-28 joints (DAS-28) >3.2, starting oral MTX, were included. We measured at baseline, 3 and 6 mo: DAS-28, Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), patient’s perception of disease severity, morning stiffness and pain, as well as modifications in sTREM-1 levels. A reduction in DAS-28 > 1.2 at 3 or 6 mo was considered adequate response. A significant decrease in DAS-28 was observed at 3 and 6 mo. HAQ-DI also decreased at 3 and 6 mo. No significant changes were observed in sTREM-1 levels at 3 or 6 mo. Using as cut-off a baseline value of sTREM-1 levels > 390 pg/ml, we obtained low values of sensitivity (61.5%), specificity (59.3%), positive predictive value (59.3%) and negative predictive value (61.5%) for adequate response to MTX at 3 mo. We found no clinical value of sTREM-1 levels in predicting therapeutic response to MTX in RA. Further studies should evaluate if sTREM-1 levels are predictive for other outcomes, including higher structural damage or good response to biologics.
Emerging oral targeted therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Vetter Marcel , Neurath Markus F.
Published: September 2017

To improve quality of life and prevent long-term risks in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), it is essential to suppress inflammatory activity adequately. However, corticosteroids are only suitable for therapy of acute flares and the evidence for positive effects of immunosuppressive substances like azathioprine or 6-mercapropurine is mainly limited to maintenance of remission. In addition, only subgroups of patients benefit from biologicals targeting tumour necrosis factor α or α4β7 integrins. In summary, until now the disease activity is not sufficiently controlled in a relevant fraction of the patients with IBD. Thus, there is an urge for the development of new substances in the therapy of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Fortunately, new oral and parenteral substances are in the pipeline. This review will focus on oral substances, which have already passed phase II studies successfully at this stage. In this article, we summarize data regarding AJM300, phosphatidylcholine (LT-02), mongersen, ozanimod, filgotinib and tofacitinib. AJM300 and ozanimod were tested in patients with ulcerative colitis and target lymphocyte trafficking through inhibition of the α subunit of integrin, respectively binding to the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (subtypes 1 and 5) on lymphocytes. Mongersen was utilized in patients with Crohn’s disease and accelerates the degradation of SMAD7 mRNA, which consequently strengthens the mainly anti-inflammatory signalling pathway of transforming growth factor β1. Various Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were developed, which inhibit the intracellular signalling pathway of cytokines. For example, the JAK1 blocker filgotinib was tested in Crohn’s disease, whereas the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib was tested in clinical trials for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A different therapeutic approach is the substitution of phosphatidylcholine (LT-02), which might recover the colonic mucus. Taken together, clinical trials with these new agents have opened avenues for further clinical studies and it can be expected that at least some of these agents will be finally approved for clinical therapy.
Sural Flap Use for the Treatment of Wounds With Underlying Osteomyelitis: Graft Size a Predictor in Outcome, a Systematic Review
Authors: Persaud Sham , Chesser Anthony , Pereira Ryan , Ross Adrianne
Published: September 2017

The sural flap procedure is a versatile technique that can be used to cover many types of defects about the lower extremity. The management of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity with underlying osteomyelitis is difficult. The goal for any of these patients is to create a biomechanically stable foot for weight-bearing purposes with no continued infection. Data were gathered using multiple databases from the years 2000 to 2016. Data were compiled looking at the number of subjects, age, comorbidities, number of complications, number of failures, and average flap size of complications/failures. A total of 110 patients were gathered using 5 separate articles. Twenty-two of the 110 patients had short-term complications. Flap failure was seen in 9/110 patients. A significant difference was noticed in flap size between flap failure and complication groups and nonfailure groups. The average flap size of patients who had some form of complication or failure was 51.87 cm2 in size. The average graft size for patients without complications during their recovery was 36.54 cm2. Within our study, the failure rate of 8.9% and complication rate of 13.7% are consistent with previous reports on sural perforator flaps. Last, with regard to the effect of flap size, there were significant differences between patients with a successful outcome and those who experienced complications or failures.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Systematic review
The Bias of Size in Gambling Decisions: Evidence From a Casino Game
Authors: Fong Davis Ka Chio , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Chark Robin , Chui Peter Man Wai
Published: September 2017

Casino operators strive to motivate gamblers to wager to maximize their gaming revenue. This motivation may be achieved by increasing gamblers’ perceived likelihood of winning, which stems from cognitive bias. Therefore, it is important for casino operators to understand the components that promote cognitive bias in gambling. This study introduces and demonstrates the existence of a bias of size in gambling decisions using a casino game referred to as Cussec. Specifically, participants are expected to bias their choice toward the option of Big (vs. Small) in the game; however, these two options are of equal chance. In the present research, a field observational study and two experimental studies were conducted. In the observational study, the bias was identified using 4,565 Cussec bets that were recorded in a casino in Macao. The bias was further demonstrated in experimental studies that involved Chinese participants (389 participants in the laboratory and 1,000 participants through an online survey platform). The bias is robust against the order of appearance (i.e., Big is displayed before or after Small). The online experiment contributes knowledge to the literature by indicating that gamblers’ bias toward Big distorts their perceived likelihood of winning. It is recommended that casino operators provide more games that feature size cues, and gaming designers incorporate these cues in the design of casino games.
The Effect of Assortment Pricing on Choice and Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of Consumer Characteristics
Authors: Choi Choongbeom , Mattila Anna S. , Upneja Arun
Published: September 2017

Although consumer research has extensively examined the effect of product assortment on consumption choices, relatively little has been done on assortment pricing. To bridge that gap, we demonstrate that consumers react differently to assortments using parity versus differentiation pricing. Study 1, a field experiment, shows that the impact of assortment pricing on choice satisfaction is contingent on the level of uncertainty preference. For individuals with a low level of preference uncertainty, their choice satisfaction was significantly higher when all the menu items were priced at parity. Conversely, choice satisfaction was higher with varied pricing among people with high levels of preference uncertainty. In Study 2, we examine the moderating role of health consciousness on consumer reactions to parity versus differentiation pricing. The findings of Study 2 indicate that health consciousness influences consumer satisfaction with assortment pricing in a context of restaurant menus. Furthermore, findings from a moderated mediation analysis show that choice confidence is the psychological mechanism that underlies these effects. Taken together, these findings add to the relatively scant literature on assortment pricing.