bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Ischemic Preconditioning Attenuated Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Zhang Ting , Song Nana , Fang Yi , Teng Jie , Xu XiaLian , Hu Jiachang , Zhang Pan , Chen Rongyi , Lu Zhihui , Yu Xiaofang , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Even though delayed ischemic preconditioning (DIPC) has been reported to produce renal protection, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. We reported that a 15-minute renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) 4 days before subsequent ischemia-reperfusion attenuated renal injury Kidney dendritic cells (DCs) are abundant in the renal tubulointerstitium and, depending on their status, can induce immune activation or tolerance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of DCs in IPC of the kidney. Methods: Mouse kidneys were challenged by transient brief episodes of sublethal ischemia followed by subsequent prolonged ischemia. DC abundance and maturation in the spleen and kidney were measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining. To confirm the function of mature DCs in the renoprotective effect of IPC on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury the A2 adenosine receptor (A2AR) antagonist SCH58261 was administered to stimulate DC maturation prior to assessment of renal functional and histological injury and the inflammatory reaction. Results: Compared with sham-operated animals, preconditioned mice had a reduced injury with less CD11c+ cells, lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and reduced expression of the mature DC marker CCR7. Preconditioned mice also produced more of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Both renal cells and splenocytes from these mice had more DCs (CD45+/CD11c+/F4/80-), but fewer of these DCs were mature (CD45+/CD11c+/ F4/80-/MHC-II+/CD80+) compared with those from sham-treated animals, suggesting that the immunomodulatory effect of renal ischemic preconditioning is both local and systemic. Additionally, injection of the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 reversed IPC-induced inhibition of DC maturation and mitigated the protective effect of preconditioning, suggesting that DC maturation contributes to immune cell-mediated ischemic preconditioning. Conclusion: Our results show that DIPC of the kidney provides local and systemic immunosuppression by inhibiting DC maturation and hence mediates a renal protective effect.
An Energy Aware Resource Utilization Framework to Control Traffic in Cloud Network and Overloads
Authors: Sultanpure Kavita A. , Reddy L. S. S.
Published: April 2018

Energy consumption in cloud computing occur due to the unreasonable way in which tasks are scheduled. So energy aware task scheduling is a major concern in cloud computing as energy consumption results into significant waste of energy, reduce the profit margin and also high carbon emissions which is not environmentally sustainable. Hence, energy efficient task scheduling solutions are required to attain variable resource management, live migration, minimal virtual machine design, overall system efficiency, reduction in operating costs, increasing system reliability, and prompting environmental protection with minimal performance overhead. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the energy efficient techniques and approaches and proposes the energy aware resource utilization framework to control traffic in cloud networks and overloads.
Balancing Trade-off between Data Security and Energy Model for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: E. Manjunath B. , Rao P. V.
Published: April 2018

An extensive effort to evolve various routing protocol to ensure optimal data delivery in energy efficient way is beneficial only if there is additional means of security process is synchronized. However, the security process consideration introduces additional overhead thus a security mechanism is needed to accomplish an optimal trade-off that exists in-between security as well as resource utilization especially energy. The prime purpose of this paper is to develop a process of security in the context of wireless sensor networks (WSN) by introducing two types of sensor node deployed with different capabilities. The proposed algorithm Novel Model of Secure Paradigm (N-MSP) which is further integrated with WSN. However, this algorithm uses a Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) authentication followed by pairwise key establishment during data aggregation process in a WSN. The extensive simulation carried out in a numerical platform called MATLAB that depicts that the proposed N-MSP achieves optimal processing time along with energy efficient pairwise key establishment during data aggregation process
New Blind Muti-signature Schemes based on ECDLP
Authors: Tan Duc Nguyen , Nam Hai Nguyen , Hieu Minh Nguyen , Van Hiep Nguyen
Published: April 2018

In various types of electronic transactions, including election systems and digital cash schemes, user anonymity and authentication are always required. Blind signatures are considered the most important solutions to meeting these requirements. Many studies have focused on blind signature schemes; however, most of the studied schemes are single blind signature schemes. Although blind multi-signature schemes are available, few studies have focused on these schemes. In this article, blind multi-signature schemes are proposed based on the Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem (ECDLP). The proposed schemes are based on the GOST R34.10-2012 digital signature standard and the EC-Schnorr digital signature scheme, and they satisfy blind multi-signature security requirements and have better computational performance than previously proposed schemes. The proposed schemes can be applied in election systems and digital cash schemes.
Multi-objective IT Project Selection Model for Improving SME Strategy Deployment
Authors: El Yamami Abir , Mansouri Khalifa , Qbadou Mohammed , Illousamen El Hossein
Published: April 2018

Due to the limited financial resources of small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the proven approaches for selecting IT project portfolio for large enterprises may fail to perform in SMEs; SME top management want to make sure that the corporate strategy is carried out effectively by IT project portfolio before investing in such projects. In order to provide automated support to the selection of IT projects, it seems inevitable that a multi-objective approach is required in order to balance possible competing and conflicting objectives. Under such an approach, individual projects would be evaluated not just on their own performance but on the basis of their contribution to balance the overall portfolio. In this paper, we extend and explore the concept of IT project selection to improve SME strategy deployment. In particular, we present a model that assesses an individual project in terms of its contribution to the overall strategic objectives of the portfolio. A simulation using the model illustrates how SME can rapidly achieve maximal business goals by deploying the multi-objective algorithm when selecting IT projects.
Investigation and Study of Vital Factors in Selection, Implementation and Satisfaction of ERP in Small and Medium Scale Industries
Authors: V Kanchana , Ranjini S Sri
Published: April 2018

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in India are the most productive job designers and forerunners in developing new ideas in the field of business. SMEs not only play a vital role in providing large scale employment openings at reasonably lower capital than large businesses but also help in industrialization of rural areas in India. SMEs are complementary to large industries as subsidiary units and this sector contributes immensely to the socio-economic development of the country. Small and Medium scale industries have grown tremendously in the last 5 decades. In spite of high enthusiasm and intrinsic capabilities to grow, there are a number of problems faced by SME‟s; one of them is the „technological obsolescence‟. The SME sector in order to outcome this challenge must make advances in the field of engineering and technology. Adoption of Information Communication Technology in their business process can enhance their productivity and global competency.in the market. In this connection Enterprise Resource Planning plays a vital role in the SME‟s business process strategy. Hence there is a need for the motivation to implement ERP and find whether the current ICT solution the industries using are adequate for their strategy. In this paper we try to find out which ERP vendors does the SME sectors prefer, are the features of the ERP system and the implementation methodology selected have met the business goals and user satisfaction.
Automatic Segmentation of Brachial Artery based on Fuzzy C-Means Pixel Clustering from Ultrasound Images
Authors: Park Joonsung , Song Doo Heon , Nho Hosung , Choi Hyun-Min , Kim Kyung-Ae , Park Hyun Jun , Kim Kwang Baek
Published: April 2018

Automatic extraction of brachial artery and measuring associated indices such as flow-mediated dilatation and Intima-media thickness are important for early detection of cardiovascular disease and other vascular endothelial malfunctions. In this paper, we propose the basic but important component of such decision-assisting medical software development – noise tolerant fully automatic segmentation of brachial artery from ultrasound images. Pixel clustering with Fuzzy C-Means algorithm in the quantization process is the key component of that segmentation with various image processing algorithms involved. This algorithm could be an alternative choice of segmentation process that can replace speckle noise-suffering edge detection procedures in this application domain.
Centeral Electric Field and Threshold Voltage in Accumulation Mode Junctionless Cylindrical Surrounding Gate MOSFET
Authors: Jung Hakkee
Published: April 2018

Transfer characteristics is presented using analytical potential distribution of accumulation-mode junctionless cylindrical surrounding-gate (JLCSG) MOSFET, and deviation of center electric field at threshold voltage is analyzed for channel length and oxide thickness. Threshold voltages presented in this paper is good agreement with results of other compared papers, and transfer characteristics is agreed with those of two-dimensional simulation. The most important factor to determine threshold voltage is center electric field at source because the greater part of electron flows through center axis of JLCSG MOSFET. As a result of analysis for center electric field at threshold voltage, center electric field is decreased with reduction of channel length due to drain induced barrier lowering. Center electric field is increased with decrease of oxide thickness, and deviation of center electric field for channel length is significantly occurred with decrease of oxide thickness.
Multi Units of Three Phase Photovoltaic using Band Pass Filter to Enhance Power Quality in Distribution Network under Variable Temperature and Solar Irradiance Level
Authors: Adiananda Adiananda , Kiswantono Agus , Amirullah Amirullah
Published: April 2018

The paper proposed power quality enhancement on three phase grid of point common coupling (PCC) bus due to integration of multi units of photovoltaic (PV) to 380 volt (phase-phase) 50 Hz low voltage distribution network under variable temperature and irradiance level. The band pass filter models (single tuned and double tuned) were installed to improvement power quality on the conditions i.e. without filter, with single tuned filter, and with double tuned filter. Multi units of PV generator without filter, with single tuned, and with double tuned filter at all temperatures and irradiance levels resulted in relatively stable phase voltage (308 and 310 volt), so able to generate an unbalanced voltage of 0%. The maximum phase current for the system without filter at all temperatures and radiation levels of 9.8, 12.5, and 10 ampere respectively, resulted in an unbalanced current of 16.10% . Under the same condition, single tuned and double tuned filters were able to balance phase current to 10.45 A and 10.44 ampere respectively, resulting in an unbalanced current of 0%. Implementation of single tuned and double tuned filters was able to reduce unbalance current according to ANSI/IEEE 241-1990. At constant temperature and irradiance increased, both average voltage and current harmonics also increased. Double tuned active filter was the most effective to suppress the 11th and 13th harmonics so that capable to migitate average voltage and current harmonics better than system using single tuned filter which could only reduce 5th harmonic within IEEE 519-1992.
Workflow Scheduling Techniques and Algorithms in IaaS Cloud: A Survey
Authors: Chakravarthi K. Kalyana , Vijayakumar Vaidhehi
Published: April 2018

In the modern era, workflows are adopted as a powerful and attractive paradigm for expressing/solving a variety of applications like scientific, data intensive computing, and big data applications such as MapReduce and Hadoop. These complex applications are described using high-level representations in workflow methods. With the emerging model of cloud computing technology, scheduling in the cloud becomes the important research topic. Consequently, workflow scheduling problem has been studied extensively over the past few years, from homogeneous clusters, grids to the most recent paradigm, cloud computing. The challenges that need to be addressed lies in task-resource mapping, QoS requirements, resource provisioning, performance fluctuation, failure handling, resource scheduling, and data storage. This work focuses on the complete study of the resource provisioning and scheduling algorithms in cloud environment focusing on Infrastructure as a service (IaaS). We provided a comprehensive understanding of existing scheduling techniques and provided an insight into research challenges that will be a possible future direction to the researchers.
Image Denoising by using Modified SGHP Algorithm
Authors: Kollem Sreedhar , Reddy K. Ramalinga , Rao D. Sreenivasa
Published: April 2018

In real time applications, image denoising is a predominant task. This task makes adequate preparation for images looks prominent. But there are several denoising algorithms and every algorithm has its own distinctive attribute based upon different natural images. In this paper, we proposed a perspective that is modified parameter in S-Gradient Histogram Preservation denoising method. S-Gradient Histogram Preservation is a method to compute the structure gradient histogram from the noisy observation by taking different noise standard deviations of different images. The performance of this method is enumerated in terms of peak signal to noise ratio and structural similarity index of a particular image. In this paper, mainly focus on peak signal to noise ratio, structural similarity index, noise estimation and a measure of structure gradient histogram of a given image.
Vigilância e controle na obra de Harun Farocki
Authors: Mello Jamer Guterres de
Published: April 2018

Este artigo busca demonstrar de que forma as imagens utilizadas por Harun Farocki nos filmes Imagens da prisão e Imagens do mundo e inscrições da guerra assumem um caráter operacional, função que as afasta de uma dimensão figurativa, produzindo associações até então não perceptíveis, que revelam aspectos de vigilância e controle aos quais o mundo da produção e do consumo está diretamente vinculado. Com base nas reflexões de Michel Foucault e Gilles Deleuze, é possível evidenciar o caráter normativo da vigilância e suas reconfigurações a partir do avanço tecnológico para um sistema de controle social que funciona de forma aberta e ampliada e tem na imagem o centro de seu mecanismo.
Narratividade, corporalidade e realismo de choque em Mooca, São Paulo e Um céu de estrelas
Authors: Pinto Pedro Plaza
Published: April 2018

O drama realista Um céu de estrelas (1996), de Tata Amaral, é analisado a partir da estruturação do seu relato, com especial atenção a aspectos de montagem, cenário e movimentação. A análise fílmica propõe-se a operar a leitura do curta-metragem Mooca, São Paulo (1996), de Francisco César Filho, sequência inicial do primeiro. Este artigo investiga como o conjunto estabeleceu a construção dos corpos numa condição que os faz oscilar entre repouso e explosão, erotismo e abjeção, espaço público e privado, naturalismo dramático e distanciamento crítico. Aponta-se, assim, a contribuição desses materiais ao contraditório realismo contemporâneo do final do século XX no cinema brasileiro.
A arte nacional em Painel (1950): entre o presente e o passado
Authors: Santos Igor David dos
Published: April 2018

Este artigo analisa o curta-metragem Painel (1950), dirigido por Lima Barreto, baseado no painel Tiradentes, pintado por Cândido Portinari. Esmiuçando elementos narrativos, visuais e sonoros, nosso objetivo é analisar a maneira com que o filme cria uma visualidade de seu tempo ligada à modernidade – por meio da arte moderna, arquitetura, design, música –, ao mesmo tempo em que trata de um evento do passado, a Inconfidência Mineira.
Uma onda de lama: viagem de águas tóxicas, de Bento Rodrigues ao Atlântico brasileiro
Authors: Creado Eliana Santos Junqueira , Helmreich Stefan
Published: April 2018

O artigo oferece uma análise antropológica do momento posterior ao desastre da Samarco, ocorrido em novembro de 2015. Exploramos a metáfora da onda de lama para seguir notícias, experiências e representações sobre o deslocamento de rejeitos de mineração, ocorrido a partir de Bento Rodrigues, descendo o rio Doce até atingir o oceano. Baseamo-nos em testemunhos oculares, relatórios científicos, notícias, redes sociais, documentários e, ainda, em uma peça de teatro. Igualmente, utilizamos trabalho etnográfico conduzido na costa do Espírito Santo. A imagem da onda de lama permite entender os efeitos físicos e simbólicos desse desastre e crime ambiental.
Problemas de comunicação entre cetáceos e outros mamíferos
Authors: Bateson Gregory
Published: April 2018

Bateson
Impact of Revascularization on Absolute Myocardial Blood Flow as Assessed by Serial [
15
O]H
2
O Positron Emission Tomography Imaging
Authors: Driessen Roel S. , Danad Ibrahim , Stuijfzand Wijnand J. , Schumacher Stefan P. , Knuuti Juhani , Mäki Maija , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , van Rossum Albert C. , van Royen Niels , Raijmakers Pieter G. , Knaapen Paul
Published: April 2018

Background:

The main goal of coronary revascularization is to restore myocardial perfusion in case of ischemia, causing coronary artery disease. Yet, little is known on the effect of revascularization on absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF). Therefore, the present prospective study assesses the impact of coronary revascularization on absolute MBF as measured by [
15
O]H
2
O positron emission tomography and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results:

Fifty-three patients (87% men, mean age 58.7±9.0 years) with suspected coronary artery disease were included prospectively. All patients underwent serial [
15
O]H
2
O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging at baseline and after revascularization by either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. FFR was routinely measured at baseline and directly post-PCI. After revascularization, regional rest and stress MBF improved from 0.77±0.16 to 0.86±0.25 mL/min/g and from 1.57±0.59 to 2.48±0.91 mL/min/g, respectively, yielding an increase in coronary flow reserve from 2.02±0.69 to 2.94±0.94 (
P
<0.01 for all). Mean FFR at baseline improved post-PCI from 0.61±0.17 to 0.89±0.08 (
P
<0.01). After PCI, an increase in FFR paralleled improvement in absolute myocardial perfusion as reflected by stress MBF and coronary flow reserve (
r
= 0.74 and
r
= 0.71, respectively,
P
<0.01 for both). PCI demonstrated a greater improvement of regional stress MBF as compared with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (1.14±1.11 versus 0.66±0.69 mL/min/g, respectively,
P
=0.02). However, patients undergoing bypass grafting had a more advanced stage of coronary artery disease and more incomplete revascularizations.

Conclusion:

Successful coronary revascularization has a significant and positive impact on absolute myocardial perfusion as assessed by serial quantitative [
15
O]H
2
O positron emission tomography. Notably, improvement of FFR after PCI was directly related to the increase in hyperemic MBF.
An integrative redescription of Hypsibius dujardini (Doyère, 1840), the nominal taxon for Hypsibioidea (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada)
Authors: GĄSIOREK PIOTR , STEC DANIEL , MOREK WITOLD , MICHALCZYK ŁUKASZ
Published: April 2018

A laboratory strain identified as “Hypsibius dujardini” is one of the best studied tardigrade strains: it is widely used as a model organism in a variety of research projects, ranging from developmental and evolutionary biology through physiology and anatomy to astrobiology. Hypsibius dujardini, originally described from the Île-de-France by Doyère in the first half of the 19th century, is now the nominal species for the superfamily Hypsibioidea. The species was traditionally considered cosmopolitan despite the fact that insufficient, old and sometimes contradictory descriptions and records prevented adequate delineations of similar Hypsibius species. As a consequence, H. dujardini appeared to occur globally, from Norway to Samoa. In this paper, we provide the first integrated taxonomic redescription of H. dujardini. In addition to classic imaging by light microscopy and a comprehensive morphometric dataset, we present scanning electron photomicrographs, and DNA sequences for three nuclear markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial marker (COI) that are characterised by various mutation rates. The results of our study reveal that a commercially available strain that is maintained in many laboratories throughout the world, and assumed to represent H. dujardini sensu stricto, represents, in fact, a new species: H. exemplaris sp. nov. Redescribing the nominal taxon for Hypsibiidae, we also redefine the family and amend the definitions of the subfamily Hypsibiinae and the genus Hypsibius. Moreover, we transfer H. arcticus (Murray, 1907) and Hypsibius conifer Mihelčič, 1938 to the genus Ramazzottius since the species exhibit claws and eggs of the Ramazzottius type. Finally, we designate H. fuhrmanni as subjectively invalid because the extremely poor description precludes identifying neotype material.
The Role of Cold Pools in Tropical Oceanic Convective Systems
Authors: Grant Leah D. , Lane Todd P. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: April 2018

The processes governing organized tropical convective systems are not completely understood despite their important influences on the tropical atmosphere and global circulation. In particular, cold pools are known to influence the structure and maintenance of midlatitude systems via Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory, but cold pools may interact differently with tropical convection because of differences in cold pool strength and environmental shear. In this study, the role of cold pools in organized oceanic tropical convective systems is investigated, including their influence on system intensity, mesoscale structure, and propagation. To accomplish this goal, high-resolution idealized simulations are performed for two different systems that are embedded within a weakly sheared cloud population approaching radiative–convective equilibrium. The cold pools are altered by changing evaporation rates below cloud base in a series of sensitivity tests. The simulations demonstrate surprising findings: when cold pools are weakened, the convective systems become more intense. However, their propagation speeds and mesoscale structure are largely unaffected by the cold pool changes. Passive tracers introduced into the cold pools indicate that the convection intensifies when cold pools are weakened because cold pool air is entrained into updrafts, thereby reducing updraft intensity via the cold pools’ initial negative buoyancy. Gravity waves, rather than cold pools, appear to be the important modulators of system propagation and mesoscale structure. These results reconfirm that RKW theory does not fully explain the behavior of tropical oceanic convective systems, even those that otherwise appear consistent with RKW thinking.
A Numerical Water Tracer Model for Understanding Event-Scale Hydrometeorological Phenomena
Authors: Hu Huancui , Dominguez Francina , Kumar Praveen , McDonnell Jeffery , Gochis David
Published: April 2018

We develop and implement a novel numerical water tracer model within the Noah LSM with multiparameterization options (WT-Noah-MP) that is specifically designed to track individual hydrometeorological events. This approach provides a more complete representation of the physical processes beyond the standard land surface model output. Unlike isotope-enabled LSMs, WT-Noah-MP does not simulate the concentration of oxygen or hydrogen isotopes, or require isotope information to drive it. WT-Noah-MP provides stores, fluxes, and transit time estimates of tagged water in the surface–subsurface system. The new tracer tool can account for the horizontal and vertical heterogeneity of tracer transport in the subsurface by allowing partial mixing in each soil layer. We compared model-estimated transit times at the H. J. Andrews Experimental Watershed in Oregon with those derived from isotope observations. Our results show that including partial mixing in the soil results in a more realistic transit time distribution than the basic well-mixed assumption. We then used WT-Noah-MP to investigate the regional response to an extreme precipitation event in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The model differentiated the flood response due to direct precipitation from indirect thermal effects and showed that a large portion of this event water was retained in the soil after 6 months. The water tracer addition in Noah-MP can help us quantify the long-term memory in the hydrologic system that can impact seasonal hydroclimate variability through evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge.
“Dendrology” in Numerical Weather Prediction: What Random Forests and Logistic Regression Tell Us about Forecasting Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Herman Gregory R. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: April 2018

Three different statistical algorithms are applied to forecast locally extreme precipitation across the contiguous United States (CONUS) as quantified by 1- and 10-yr average recurrence interval (ARI) exceedances for 1200–1200 UTC forecasts spanning forecast hours 36–60 and 60–84, denoted, respectively, day 2 and day 3. Predictors come from nearly 11 years of reforecasts from NOAA’s Second-Generation Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFS/R) model and derive from a variety of thermodynamic and kinematic variables that characterize the meteorological regime in addition to the quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) output from the ensemble. In addition to encompassing nine different atmospheric fields, predictors also vary in space and time relative to the forecast point. Distinct models are trained for eight different hydrometeorologically cohesive regions of the CONUS. One algorithm supplies the GEFS/R predictors directly to a random forest (RF) procedure to produce extreme precipitation forecasts; the second also employs RFs, but the predictors instead undergo principal component analysis (PCA), and extracted leading components are supplied to the RF. In the last algorithm, dimension-reduced predictors are supplied to a logistic regression (LR) algorithm instead of an RF. A companion paper investigated the quality of the forecasts produced by these models and other RF-based forecast models. This study is an extension of that work and explores the internals of these trained models and what physical and statistical insights they reveal about forecasting extreme precipitation from a global, convection-parameterized model.
The Affordances and Challenges to Incorporating Visual Methods in Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Shannon-Baker Peggy , Edwards Cherie
Published: April 2018

Mixed methods researchers are increasingly utilizing visual methods, including portraiture, symbolic drawing, and photo-elicitation. Such methods have been used to capture that which is not observable, communicate experiences that are difficult to verbalize, and promote participants’ self-awareness. Challenges to this approach, however, include limited grounding in the literature, appropriate training, and ethical concerns. After establishing a typology for visual methods, we discuss these affordances and challenges to using this approach in mixed methods studies. We analyze three example studies that utilize different visual approaches to identify their unique and important contributions. We conclude with several key considerations for researchers.
Arts and Mixed Methods Research: An Innovative Methodological Merger
Authors: Archibald Mandy M. , Gerber Nancy
Published: April 2018

Integrating the arts with mixed methods research (MMR) presents untapped potential for innovative methodological approaches. Arts and MMR integration exists on a continuum, ranging from low-level (e.g., communicating about MMR using art) to high-level integration (e.g., interweaving arts-based and MMR approaches), and myriad art forms are available to facilitate concept formation, data collection, analysis, and representation. Given that a primary objective of the arts and MMR respectively is to explore and understand the complex social world, arts–MMR integration has potential to enable insights not possible through the use of either approach in isolation, and to present new opportunities for transformative social change. In this article, we explore such potentials and intersections philosophically and methodologically by way of four case examples framed by the newly conceptualized Art-MMR Integration Continuum, which ranges from communicative, data source, analytic, and conceptual integration.
Applying Mixed Methods in Action Research: Methodological Potentials and Advantages
Authors: Ivankova Nataliya , Wingo Nancy
Published: April 2018

Mixed methods research has the capacity to intersect with other approaches, such as action research, by adding a solid methodological foundation and creating an integrated approach for addressing complex practical problems. Conceptual, philosophical, and procedural similarities between mixed methods and action research make integration possible and justifiable. Combining the two approaches can produce more scientifically sound and transferable results by synergistically integrating qualitative stakeholder engagement with quantitative outcomes to inform action/intervention planning, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring. We describe similarities between the two approaches, discuss advantages of applying mixed methods in action research, and illustrate applications using a methodological framework that captures their synergistic combination. Using this framework, we describe how two studies employed mixed methods in various phases of the action research cycle.
Justice Forged on the Bodies of Children of Color: Lessons of Compassion From the Trayvon Martin Case
Authors: Hurtado Aída
Published: April 2018

There are many reactions parents can have to the loss of children by gun violence. Of course, grief and disbelief are perhaps the most common. Seeking explanations for the loss is also an essential reaction. Most destructive is the need for revenge and retribution to the offending party. Much less common and less documented is parents who react to the loss of a child by violent death with compassion. I discuss the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting even though Martin was unarmed and there was no clear evidence of an altercation. Trayvon Martin’s parents reacted to the killing and the acquittal with compassion for other parents who have experienced loss and by becoming advocates against gun violence. Compassion and social justice were forged on Trayvon Martin’s loss rather than revenge and hatred. An important lesson for all.
New spatial data on ethnicity
Authors: Müller-Crepon Carl , Hunziker Philipp
Published: April 2018

Research on ethnic politics and political violence has benefited substantially from the growing availability of cross-national, geo-coded data on ethnic settlement patterns. However, because existing datasets represent ethnic homelands using aggregate polygon features, they lack information on ethnic compositions at the local level. Addressing this gap, this article introduces the Spatially Interpolated Data on Ethnicity (SIDE) dataset, a collection of 253 near-continuous maps of local ethno-linguistic, religious and ethno-religious settlement patterns in 47 low- and middle-income countries. We create these data using spatial interpolation and machine learning methods to generalize the ethnicity-related information in the geo-coded Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). For each DHS survey we provide the ethnic, religious and ethno-religious compositions of cells on a raster that covers the respective countries at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds. The resulting data are optimized for use with geographic information systems (GIS) software. Comparisons of SIDE with existing categorical datasets and district-level census data from Uganda and Senegal are used to assess the data’s accuracy. Finally, we use the new data to study the effects of local polarization between politically relevant ethnic groups, finding a positive effect on the risk of local violence such as riots and protests. However, local ethno-political polarization is not statistically associated with violent events pertaining to larger-scale processes such as civil wars.
Revisiting democratic civil peace
Authors: Bartusevičius Henrikas , Skaaning Svend-Erik
Published: April 2018

The debate on democratic civil peace has centered on three general claims: democracies have a low risk of civil conflict, autocracies have the same low risk of conflict as democracies, and hybrid regimes have the highest conflict risk. We re-evaluate these claims, emphasizing that previous studies have focused on the aggregate categories of regimes, neglecting the role of particular institutional features. We propose focusing on the electoral qualities of regimes, which constitute the core of democracy, and argue that constraints on electoral contestation generate incentives for opposition to use force. Building on this framework, we distinguish between five regime types according to their electoral features – non-electoral autocracies, single-party autocracies, multi-party autocracies, minimalist democracies, and polyarchies – and specify hypotheses regarding the probability of conflict onset in each. In a global statistical analysis spanning 1817–2006 and employing the new Lexical Index of Electoral Democracy (LIED), we find that polyarchies, characterized by unconstrained contestation, have a lower probability of conflict than any other regime type (although minimalist democracies are only slightly more prone to conflict). Subsequently, we find that single- and multi-party autocracies, characterized by non-competitive elections, are more peaceful than non-electoral autocracies. Our analysis also reveals two factors that are particularly associated with civil peace: the presence of (any form of) elections and minimal electoral competition. Overall, our study underscores the importance of focusing on the central attributes of democracy and sheds new light on the relationship between particular regime features (or types) and civil conflict, thereby contributing to the growing efforts in conflict research to disaggregate political regimes.
Valuing the bowling alley: Contestations over the preservation of spaces of everyday urban multiculture in London
Authors: Jackson Emma
Published: April 2018

This article builds on ‘the convivial, everyday turn’ by approaching the workings of complex urban spaces of multiculture as entangled with processes of urban change that are infused with judgements and contestations about what is of value. The article explores the competing value claims made for a leisure space, a London bowling alley, used by a diverse group of people (in terms of dis/ability, ethnicity, gender, class and age) that has been threatened with demolition. It examines how arguments about diversity and inclusivity are deployed in these debates and how official discourses are resisted through the mobilisation of other articulations of social value. The article argues that the combination of the hollowing out of the concept of diversity and the political and economic context results in a paradox whereby multiculturalism is celebrated as an atmosphere and generator of capital while existing physical spaces of everyday urban multiculture are at best unprotected and at worst not recognised, devalued and demolished.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method to Neuropsychological Impairment
Authors: Glover Nicole , Gorgens Kim , Lehto Marybeth , Meyer Laura , Dettmer Judy , Gafford Jennifer
Published: April 2018

Offenders in justice system settings have high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in comparison with the general population. Consequently, justice systems are using screening tools to identify and manage these individuals. Currently, that includes screening for TBI history and gross cognitive impairment. The present study attempted to determine whether the modified Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) was predictive of ongoing cognitive impairment as measured by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) Core Battery. If so, the OSU TBI-ID could be used as a stand-alone measure of TBI history and impairment. This study had 223 participants (male = 160, female = 62). Sensitivity and specificity results revealed poor (.65) to very poor (.36) estimates for all OSU TBI-ID indices across all ANAM subtests. This study suggests that screening for lifetime history of TBI does not identify cognitive impairment. Implications for screening policy and future research are discussed.
Helping schools support caregivers of youth who self-injure: Considerations and recommendations
Authors: Whitlock Janis L. , Baetens Imke , Lloyd-Richardson Elizabeth , Hasking Penelope , Hamza Chloe , Lewis Stephen , Franz Peter , Robinson Kealagh
Published: April 2018

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant international mental health concern, with consequences for not only youth who self-injure, but for their entire family system. Helping caregivers respond productively to their child’s self-injury is a vital part of effectively addressing NSSI. This paper will assist school-based mental health practitioners and other personnel support caregivers of youth who self-injure by reviewing current literature, highlighting common challenges faced by school-based professionals, and providing evidenced-informed recommendations for supporting caregivers of youth who self-injure. We posit that schools can best support caregivers by having clear and well-articulated self-injury protocols and by engaging caregivers early. Once engaged, helping caregivers to navigate first conversations, keep doors open, know what to expect, seek support for themselves and understand and address safety concerns will ultimately benefit youth who self-injure and the school systems that support them. We also review recommendations for working with youth whose caretakers are unwilling or unable to be engaged.
Complexity made simple
Authors: Straussman Jeffrey D
Published: April 2018

Introducing a new concept, skill or method to public affairs students always involves a decision about the most effective pedagogical approach that will achieve the instructor’s objectives. In public affairs, education concepts are often abstract, complex and contested. One of the approaches that can be effective in introducing public affairs concepts is playfulness—simple anecdotes, mini, one page composite cases and scenarios and even “tricks” that can all be used to motivate a given subject. One technique is to introduce concepts with brief vignettes that have just enough detail to allow students to practice the concepts and apply skills that cut across the management and policy curriculum. Vignettes offer the immediate advantage of quick reflection and decision which can then be followed with deeper investigation and analysis. Students can practice thinking fast and thinking smart. Examples of policy and policy implementation from the author’s teaching repertoire are used to illustrate the argument.
Australia’s proactive approach to radiation protection of the environment: how integrated is it with radiation protection of humans?
Authors: Hirth G.A. , Grzechnik M. , Tinker R. , Larsson C.M.
Published: April 2018

Australia’s regulatory framework has evolved over the past decade from the assumption that protection of humans implies protection of the environment to the situation now where radiological impacts on non-human species (wildlife) are considered in their own right. In an Australian context, there was a recognised need for specific national guidance on protection of non-human species, for which the uranium mining industry provides the major backdrop. National guidance supported by publications of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Radiation Protection Series) provides clear and consistent advice to operators and regulators on protection of non-human species, including advice on specific assessment methods and models, and how these might be applied in an Australian context. These approaches and the supporting assessment tools provide a mechanism for industry to assess and demonstrate compliance with the environmental protection objectives of relevant legislation, and to meet stakeholder expectations that radiological protection of the environment is taken into consideration in accordance with international best practice. Experiences from the past 5–10 years, and examples of where the approach to radiation protection of the environment has been well integrated or presented some challenges will be discussed. Future challenges in addressing protection of the environment in existing exposure situations will also be discussed.
Pancreatic Effects of a Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Small-molecule Inhibitor in Rats Are Strain-dependent
Authors: Bhaskaran Manoj , Cornwell Paul D. , Sorden Steven D. , Elwell Michael R. , Russell Natalie R. , Pritt Michael L. , Vahle John L.
Published: April 2018

Inhibitors of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) are under development as potential therapies for various autoimmune diseases. In repeat-dose toxicity studies, small-molecule BTK inhibitors (BTKi) have been reported to cause a constellation of histologic effects at the pancreatic endocrine–exocrine interface in male rats; however, similar findings were not reported in other species. Since the BTKi-induced pancreatic effect is morphologically similar to well-documented spontaneous changes (predominantly characterized by insular/peri-insular hemorrhage, pigment deposition, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis) that are known to vary by rat strain, we investigated potential strain-dependent differences in the pancreatic effects of a small-molecule BTKi, LY3337641. Following 13 weeks of LY3337641 treatment, Crl:CD(SD) rats were most sensitive, Crl:WI(Han) rats were of intermediate sensitivity, and Hsd:SD rats were least sensitive. These strain differences appear to be related to differences in rate of weight gain across strains and sexes; however, a definitive mechanism was not determined. This study demonstrated that BTKi-induced pancreatic effects were highly dependent on rat strain and correlated with differences in the incidence and severity of the spontaneous background change. When considered with the lack of pancreas effects in nonrat species, these changes in rats are unlikely predictive of similar changes in humans administered a BTK inhibitor.
Demographic futurity: How statistical assumption politics shape immigration policy rationales in Germany
Authors: Schultz Susanne
Published: April 2018

Population projections about ‘ageing’ or ‘shrinking nations’ are an important reference for public policies in Europe. The article contributes to the analysis of processes of demographization by showing that speculative future knowledge influences current immigration policy rationales. A theoretical approach to demographic rationalities within global bio/necropolitics is combined with a detailed Social Science and Technology Studies analysis of statistical knowledge production, with reference to the case of Germany. First the concept of demographization is introduced, highlighting the reductionist population-resources epistemology, methodological nationalism, the opaque combination of quantitative and racist/classist qualitative criteria, and the dimension of futurity involved. The author then compares population projections of the EU and the German statistical offices, and unpacks different underlying statistical assumption politics on future net migration. An analysis of the strategic political use of the projections follows: different demographic markers are referred to, depending on whether the projections serve as reference points for racist agendas of closed borders or for neoliberal labour recruitment strategies. The paradoxical functions of the projections, either as forecasts or as what-if-scenarios, are addressed. Finally the author suggests further research on hegemony-building, and argues that the study of demographized immigration policies within the Global North should be integrated into global population policy studies.
Digital literacy in the workplace
Authors: Hunter Ian
Published: April 2018

In this article, Ian Hunter, firstly, considers digital literacy (DL) in the legal sector generally, including ways in which DL and information professionals can support lawyers’ DL, and secondly, uses Marc Forster’s spectrum to consider the DL needs and behaviour of different types of lawyers.
The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Yost Gardner , Bhat Geetha , Pappas Patroklos , Tatooles Antone
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has proven to be a robust predictor of mortality in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the predictive value of the NLR in patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems.

Methods:

This study included 107 patients who underwent ECMO implantation for cardiogenic shock. Median preoperative NLR was used to divide the cohort, with Group 1 NLR <14.2 and Group 2 with NLR ≥14.2. Survival, the primary outcome, was compared between groups.

Results:

The study cohort was composed of 64 (60%) males with an average age 53.1 ± 14.9 years. Patients in Group 1 had an average NLR of 7.5 ± 3.5 compared to 27.1 ± 19.9 in Group 2. Additionally, those in Group 2 had significantly higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and age. Survival analysis indicated a thirty-day survival of 56.2%, with significantly worsened mortality in patients with NLR greater than 14.2, p=0.047.

Discussion:

Our study shows the NLR has prognostic value in patients undergoing ECMO implantation. Leukocytes are known contributors to myocardial damage and neutrophil infiltration is associated with damage caused by myocardial ischemia.