bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic response of a historical armory building using the finite element model validated by the ambient vibration test
Authors: Altunişik Ahmet Can , Genç Ali Fuat , Günaydin Murat , Okur Fatih Yesevi , Karahasan Olguhan Şevket
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the aim was to determine the nonlinear dynamic response of historical masonry armory buildings using a validated finite element model. Eight ambient vibration tests were conducted on the building, using three different measurement test setups to extract the dynamic characteristics using the Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition method. A finite element model was constructed in ANSYS and the dynamic characteristics were obtained numerically. It can be seen that there is a good correlation between the mode shapes, but there are differences in natural frequencies with maximum values of 10.1%, 7.4% and 13.4% for first the three modes. To determine the nonlinear dynamic response, the validated finite element model was analyzed using the Kocaeli earthquake motion. The Drucker–Prager criterion and Willam–Warnke surface were considered for the nonlinear material models. At the end of the analyses, maximum displacements, principal stresses and strains are given in detail using contour diagrams. It is evident that the displacements show an increasing trend from the base to the top point of the building. Stresses occurred on the corners, openings and transition segments. In addition, crack distribution diagrams were drawn up to illustrate the stress accumulation points.
High Burden of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Madagascar: Comparison With Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Bigoni Jérôme , Catarino Rosa , Benski Caroline , Viviano Manuela , Munoz Maria , Tilahizandry Honoré , Petignat Patrick , Vassilakos Pierre
Published: February 2018

Background:

In Madagascar, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as syphilis share common risk factors but seem to differ in their prevalence. We measured and compared their prevalence in the country.

Methods:

The data used in this study came from the Saint Damien Health Centre in Ambanja, Madagascar. The tests used for disease detection were the Alere Determine, Virucheck, rapid plasma reagin, and S-DRY self-HPV samples for HIV infection, HBV infection, syphilis, and HPV infection, respectively.

Results:

In men and women, respectively, the prevalence was 0.6% and 0.4% for HIV infection, 2.2% and 2.0% for HBV infection, and 0.6% and 0.3% for syphilis. The HPV infection prevalence was 39.3%.

Conclusions:

Despite common risk factors, the prevalence of HPV infection was high, in contrast to a much lower prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the same geographical area. Further investigations are required to clarify the status of STIs in the Malagasy population.
On the loading and unloading of metal-to-metal seals: A two-scale stochastic approach
Authors: Pérez-Ràfols Francesc , Larsson Roland , van Riet Egbert J , Almqvist Andreas
Published: February 2018

During operation, the mating surfaces of a metal-to-metal seal typically undergo significant plastic deformation, which in turn can have beneficial effect on its performance. In previous studies, it has, for instance, been shown that plastic deformation can provide for better sealing during unloading. Those studies did, however, only consider flow through unrealistically small domains. Therefore, it is possible that this might be a size effect, which would not be apparent in a real situation with a much larger domain. In this paper, we develop a model which can handle real-sized seal domains at the same time as fine details of the surface topography. More precisely, we construct a two-scale model, in which the global scale represents the seal domain and where the influence of the fine details at the local scale are represented by a stochastic element. By means of this stochastic two-scale model, we show that the beneficial effect associated with the plastic deformation persists also when real-sized seal domains are considered.
The four knights of intra-party democracy: A rescue for party delegitimation
Authors: Ignazi Piero
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the state of agony parties are experiencing today. In a nutshell, I argue that parties are now at pains to retain their linkages with society, and that the compensation they envisaged has further damaged them. To respond to sociocultural and economic changes which had weakened parties both in their organizational standing and in their public reputation, parties took a dual route: They went to the state to acquire financial resources and profit in other ways; and they introduced direct democracy practices inside the parties themselves. After discussing how parties have reacted to the changing environment, the article concentrates on intra-party organizational modifications and deals with three basic questions: (a) Why did parties attempt to democratize? (b) What outcome did the democratization, in terms of members’ direct intervention, produce? (c) Is democracy at stake because of the negative impact of the parties’ change and their consequent, persisting, crisis of legitimacy?
Failure of Health Care Reform in the USA
Authors: Mechanic David
Published: February 2018

The failure of health reform in the USA reflects the individualism and lack of community responsibility of the American political culture, the power of interest groups, and the extraordinary process President Clinton followed in developing his highly elaborate plan. Despite considerable initial public support and a strong start, the reform effort was damaged by the cumbersome process, the complexity of the plan itself, and the unfamiliarity of key components such as alliances for pooled buying of health insurance. In addition, the alienation of important interest groups and the loss of presidential initiative in framing the public discussion as a result of international, domestic and personal issues contributed to the failure in developing public consensus. This paper considers an alternative strategy that would have built on the extension of the Medicare program as a way of exploring the possibilities and barriers to achieving health care reform. Such an approach would build on already familiar and popular pre-existing components. The massive losses in the most recent election and large budget cuts planned by the Republican majority makes it unlikely that gaps in insurance or comprehensiveness of coverage will be corrected in the foreseeable future.
Multilevel Models: Applications to Health Data
Authors: Rice Nigel , Leyland Alastair
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an introductory account of multilevel models, highlighting the potential benefits that may be gained by the use of these methods. It draws on recent applications in health services research that have appeared in the literature. Methodological advances in these statistical techniques have taken place in the field of education, where empirical studies have mainly been concerned with comparing pupil achievement across different schools by exploring the relationship between individual and institutional factors. Although recent widespread availability of suitable software packages has enabled other disciplines to adopt these methods, to date they have received little attention in the health services research literature (the investigation of effects of geographical areas on health being a possible exception) despite their obvious application in many areas of current interest. Key areas that could benefit greatly from these techniques include the exploration of variations in clinical practice, comparisons of institutional performance and resource allocation.
Comparison of Doctors', Nurses', Politicians' and Public Attitudes to Health Care Priorities
Authors: Myllykangas Markku , Ryynänen Olli-Pekka , Kinnunen Juha , Takala Jorma
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in attitudes concerning prioritisation in health care held by doctors, nurses, local politicians and the general public.

Methods:

Four groups were established: A population sample of 2000 subjects, aged 18–70 years; a random sample of 1500 doctors of working age; a random sample of 1000 nurses of working age; and a sample of 2200 politicians involved in health and social care administration, mostly at the municipal level (altogether 6700 subjects). The main questionnaire contained, among other things, a list of 12 statements concerning ethical decisions regarding prioritisation in health care. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with each statement.

Results:

Most respondents in all the groups felt able to express an opinion on the statements. Despite considerable professional and cultural differences between groups, the views were generally similar. On the whole, respondents supported liberal policies in which the community took responsibility for subsidising health care. When differences between groups occurred, it was usually the doctors who held discordant views. Doctors were less inclined to consider a patient's economic status as a determinant of priority for treatment than the other three groups. Both doctors and nurses were less punitive towards patients with self-induced diseases. And doctors and politicians were more likely to feel further cuts in health care expenditure were possible than was true for nurses and the public.

Conclusions:

While considerable uniformity of opinion exists on ethical issues of prioritisation between the principal interested parties, the views of doctors differ substantially on some matters. If prioritisation was left entirely to doctors, health care provision would not reflect the views of other groups in some important ways.
The Cost and Effectiveness of the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
Authors: Brazier John , Nicholl Jon , Snooks Helen
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To assess the incremental consequences of the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the outcomes of survivors in terms of disability and health status, and cost.

Methods:

Prospective comparison of outcomes in cohorts of seriously injured patients attended either by the HEMS or by paramedically crewed land ambulances. In survivors, disability was assessed using an 11-point disability scale, and general health status was measured by the six dimensions of the 100-point Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) assessed 6 months after the injury. Costs were estimated for the HEMS and associated facilities at the Royal London Hospital, and the extra admissions attributable to the HEMS.

Results:

There was no evidence of reduced disability in HEMS survivors (estimate: +0.8 disability grades worse; 95% CI: 0, 1.6), and no evidence of improvement in the six NHP dimension scores or in the mean number of problems with seven aspects of daily living (estimated difference: +0.5; 95% CI: −0.2, 1.2). The incremental costs of HEMS were estimated to be £2.0 million a year.

Conclusion:

As there is no evidence of any improvement in outcomes overall for the extra cost, the HEMS has not been found to be a cost-effective service.
Geographic Variation in the Utilization and Choice of Procedures for Treating Coronary Artery Disease in New York State
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Kumar Dinesh ,   The Ischaemic Heart Disease Patient Outcomes Research Team
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To examine geographical variations in rates of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in New York State, and to examine variations in the choice between these two procedures.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of data from the New York registries for CABG and angioplasty was conducted. Rates were compared for 12 different regions of the state to assess geographic variations. To assess variations in the choice of procedure, frequencies of each procedure by region were compared with expected frequencies obtained by a logistic regression model that related procedure performance to various patient risk factors.

Results:

There was more than a three-fold variation in age/sex adjusted CABG rates and more than a two-fold variation in age/sex adjusted angioplasty rates among regions. The regional percentages of patients undergoing CABG rather than PTCA ranged from 49% to 70%, and most of the disparity was not related to patient risk factors. Instead, the disparity was largely a result of differences in racial composition and the hospitalization rate for myocardial infarctions.

Conclusions:

There is considerable regional variation in New York in the tendency to use aggressive cardiac procedures and in the choice of which procedure to use, and these differences are mostly unrelated to patient need.
Organ Transplantation and European Community Law: The Case of Non-Residents
Authors: Haase-Kromwijk Bernadette , Pré Frans du , Cohen Bernard
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

The role of the European Union in influencing health care policies in member states is of increasing importance. The Eurotransplant Foundation is an organization which provides donor organs to the most suitable transplant recipients. It covers a region of five countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands). As there is a severe shortage of donor organs within its region, registration of so-called non-resident patients on the waiting lists aggravates this shortage. Could European Community law, especially rules on competition, limit Eurotransplant's freedom to introduce a restrictive policy on non-residents? If so, could participating transplant centres or patients initiate legal action against Eurotransplant to stop the execution of such a policy?

Methods:

Quantitative descriptive data on organ donation and use by the Eurotransplant Foundation during 1994 and 1995, by residents and non-residents. Analysis on basis of economic and legal framework.

Results:

Solidarity between potential donors and potential recipients is organized in a different manner in an organization such as Eurotransplant as compared to a national organization under national law. National regulations may introduce a restrictive policy for the acceptance of non-resident patients. Eurotransplant — as a matter of its own policy — has to consider international solidarity. The scope of the non-resident issue is dealt with, and it is explained why it is considered to be a problem. On the basis of a discussion of the economic and the legal framework for a non-resident policy, an answer to the question is suggested.

Conclusion:

It might be possible for Eurotransplant to introduce a restrictive policy on the admission of non-residents without violating the European Community Treaty.
The Efficiency of Specialist Outreach Clinics in General Practice: Is Further Evaluation Needed?
Authors: Gosden Toby , Black Mary , Mead Nicola , Leese Brenda
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To assess the need for further evaluation of general practice-based outreach clinics in two specialties using data from a UK pilot study to model their cost-effectiveness.

Methods:

A pilot study was undertaken comparing one outreach and one outpatient clinic held by three dermatology specialists and three orthopaedic specialists. Information was collected on waiting times, costs to patients, casemix and resource use.

Results:

Only dermatology outreach clinic patients experienced significantly shorter waiting times for first appointments than their hospital counterparts. Outreach clinic patients incurred lower costs in attending appointments in either specialty but the differences were not statistically significant. Evidence of a difference in casemix between patients attending outreach and outpatient clinics meant that treatment costs incurred in both types of clinic could not be compared. Outreach clinics in both specialties were significantly more costly in terms of staff, staff travel and associated opportunity costs compared with outpatient clinics. Sensitivity analysis showed that outreach and outpatient clinics had the same marginal cost if the number of patients per outreach clinic increased greatly or attendance fell considerably at outpatient clinics.

Conclusions:

This study has found no evidence that outreach clinics in these two specialties are cost-effective in terms of costs and benefits. A more definitive conclusion could only be made if studies estimated other costs and benefits not accounted for in this study. Further research is required to see whether outreach clinics in other specialties or clinics with different configurations to those studied are efficient.
Medical Necessity, Benefit and Resource Allocation in Health Care
Authors: Hurley Jeremiah , Birch Stephen , Stoddart Greg , Torrance George
Published: February 2018

Many health care systems espouse medical necessity, or need, as a guiding principle for the allocation of resources. Yet, logic and experience suggest that it is likely impossible to develop a concise, explicit, operational definition of medical necessity that would allow it to be used as an administrative or management tool. Even if such a definition could be developed, it would likely do little to solve the fundamental challenges facing policy-makers attempting to reform health care systems. This implies that we should refrain from further efforts to define medical necessity operationally. But does it follow that medical necessity is an empty concept? No. Even if it cannot be defined precisely, it can still serve as a guiding principle for health policy. Given that ability-to-benefit is a core concept underlying necessity, we develop a conceptual framework that encompasses alternative notions of benefit and then illustrate some selected implications of alternative benefit notions for processes required to use medical necessity as a guiding principle and for the types of services that would be deemed to produce a benefit.
Differential associations of functional and cognitive health outcomes with pre-frailty and frailty states in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Sleight Caitlin , Holtzer Roee
Published: February 2018

This study examined associations of pre-frailty and frailty states with cognitive and functional health outcomes among community-residing older adults ( N = 457) in the Bronx, New York. Results: older adults who met criteria for frailty demonstrated poorer performance in attention, verbal memory, and overall global cognitive functioning compared to healthy controls. Moreover, pre-frail and frail older adults had significantly worse health outcomes including greater perceived difficulty with lower and upper extremity functioning and perceived limitations in completing daily activities, suggesting the need for targeted interventions in the community that may ameliorate age-related health decline.
Embodying equivocations: Ecopolitical mimicries of climate science and shamanism
Authors: Arregui Aníbal G
Published: February 2018

This article proposes a non-recursive detour for the perspectival concept of ‘equivocation’ by applying it to an ongoing ecopolitical approximation. I will describe how a Brazilian climatologist and a Yanomami shaman translate their concerns about the Amazonian rainforest in order to reach each other’s audiences. Drawing on their public appearances and published texts, it will be argued that they mimetically rephrase their environmental thinking according to – what they assume to be – the conceptual imagination and the formats of communication of the Other. The shaman’s and the scientist’s connective gestures are thus taken as part of an exceptional form of public, ecopolitical dialogue, concerned with the future of the rainforest. Whereas the concept of ‘equivocation’ has proven useful to disclose the translational–ontological gap between the native’s and the ethnographer’s conceptual languages, this article aims at looking somewhere else than the recursive, ethnographic Self. In particular, the argument will pay attention to how equivocations and the so-called ‘ontological differences’ might be embodied by specific actors, in specific situations, inviting us to describe how these differences are de facto navigated and co-implicated by people other than anthropologists.
The effects of boost pressure on stratification and burn duration of gasoline homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion
Authors: Shingne Prasad S , Middleton Robert J , Borgnakke Claus , Martz Jason B
Published: February 2018

This article investigates the effects of intake pressure (boost) on the pre-ignition stratification and burn duration of homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion. Full cycle computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed with gasoline kinetics. An intake pressure sweep is performed while maintaining the same combustion timing and mean composition. The burn duration reduces with increasing boost, even though intake temperature is reduced to hold combustion timing constant. It is shown that the compositional stratification increases with boost whereas thermal stratification decreases. A quasi-dimensional model is employed to assess the effect of compositional stratification, pressure, mean temperature and isolate the effect of thermal stratification on burn duration. The analysis reveals that reducing charge temperature neutralizes the effect of increased boost on reactivity and the shorter burn durations at higher boost are primarily due to the lower thermal stratification. It is shown that higher pressures do not significantly increase the mixing and the lower thermal stratification is due to lower wall heat losses per unit charge mass. A follow-up set of non-reacting simulations with adiabatic walls corroborate this claim by revealing a constant magnitude of thermal stratification across the boost sweep.
‘‘How should I do it’’? Clinical dilemmas therapists struggle with during the mental health intake
Authors: Nakash Ora , Cohen Michal , Nagar Maayan
Published: February 2018

In order to achieve the competing demands of the intake, therapists must make rapid decisions on how to use the limited time allocated for the mental health intake. No research to date has systematically examined how therapists perceive and manage these demands. Here, we investigated the clinical dilemmas therapists described facing during the intake session. We conducted in-depth interviews with therapists immediately following their intake session with 117 clients presenting for a new episode of care in community and hospital-based mental health clinics in Israel. We analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis. Overall inter-rater reliability among three raters who coded the narratives was high (kappa=0.72). The main themes that emerged from the data were: (1) systematic collection of diagnostic information versus uninterrupted flow of speech; (2) collection of sufficient diagnostic information versus attendance to client's emotional state; (3) structural limitations of intake versus client's flow of speech; (4) therapists' versus clients' goals for the intake; (5) focus on psychiatric assessment versus use of rapport-promoting techniques during intake; (6) prior data documented in the client's medical chart versus diagnostic information collected during the intake. Our findings stress the need for providing therapists with strategies to deal with time trade-offs to best use the restricted time allocated to them during the intake to complete a thorough diagnostic assessment while allowing their clients tell their personal unique story.
A new dispersible moist wipe from wetlaid/spunlace nonwoven: Development and characterization
Authors: Zhang Yinjiang , Deng Chao , Wang Yuxiao , Huang Chen , Zhao Yi , Jin Xiangyu
Published: February 2018

Wood pulp/Danufil nonwovens have been prepared by wetlaid/spunlace method as a potential and new dispersible moist wipes. To verify the potential applications of the wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens, this study investigated the wet strength, softness/smoothness, and dispersibility of wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens with different Danufil contents and length-to-diameter ratios. Meanwhile, these properties were compared with three other types of commonly-used dispersible moist wipes. The results show that an increase in Danufil content or length-to-diameter ratio results in increasing wet strength and decreasing dispersibility of wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens. However, an increase in pulp content or Danufil length-to-diameter ratio will increase real softness and weaken felt smoothness of materials. In addition, the average machine and cross directions wet strength are 9.5 N/50 mm and 6.3 N/50 mm, respectively. The real softness and corresponding felt smoothness of wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens range from 10.8 to 16.3 and from 37.1 to 22.0, respectively. The average required dispersion time of wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens are controlled within 21 min. Overall, the wood pulp/Danufil wetlaid/spunlace nonwovens have the similar wet strength but excellent softness/smoothness and dispersibility when compared with the currently used dispersible products, and possess high feasibility and potential for dispersible moist wipes industry.
Depictions of Female Protagonists in Digital Games: A Narrative Analysis of 2013 DICE Award-Winning Digital Games
Authors: Perreault Mildred F. , Perreault Gregory Pearson , Jenkins Joy , Morrison Ariel
Published: February 2018

Digital games historically hold a spotty record on gender depictions. The lack of depth in female characters has long been the norm; however, an increasing number of female protagonists are headlining games. This study used narrative theory to examine depictions of four female protagonists in four 2013 Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain Award-Winning Digital Games: The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, and Beyond: Two Souls. Studying these media depictions provides context for how women’s stories are recorded in society. Stereotype subversions largely occur within familiar game narratives, and the female protagonists were still largely limited and defined by male figures in the games.
Transplatform: Culture, Context, and the Intellivision/Atari VCS Rivalry
Authors: Boellstorff Tom , Soderman Braxton
Published: February 2018

In this article, we develop the concept of “transplatform” to contribute to platform studies. We analyze the rivalry between the Atari Video Computer System (VCS)—the best-known member of the “second generation” of home videogame consoles—and Intellivision, which was the Atari VCS’s key competitor for most of this period. Through this analysis, we hope to provide conceptual tools for rethinking the notions of platform, culture, and context in platform studies. In particular, we seek to link the two main ways platforms are currently understood—“computing platforms” like the Atari VCS or Flash and “social platforms” like FaceBook or YouTube. Online sociality is increasingly “platform sociality” in some form. Understanding platforms not just in “context,” but as shaped by rivalries not ontologically subsequent to the platforms themselves, is vital to responding to these emerging formations.
Games With a Continuum: Globalization, Regionalization, and the Nation-State in the Development of China’s Online Game Industry
Authors: Jiang Qiaolei , Fung Anthony Y.H.
Published: February 2018

As a case study, this article examines the development of China’s online game industry and how China responds to the forces of globalization. Based on in-depth interviews, ethnographic research, and the analysis of archive documents from the past few years, this study identifies China’s evolving strategy of neo-techno-nationalism. In the Chinese context, this national strategy manipulates technology to create a version of popular nationalism that is both acceptable to and easily censored by the authorities. Therefore, cultural industries that adopt this strategy stand a good chance of prevailing in the Chinese market. This success explains why the regional competitors of Chinese online games—Korean games—are more successful in China than most of their Western counterparts. By providing a snapshot of the current ecology of China’s online game industry, this article also discusses the influence of regional and global forces in a concrete context and argues that the development of China’s online game industry depends more on political factors than economic factors.
Playing Around With Morality: Introducing the Special Issue on “Morality Play”
Authors: Ryan Malcolm , Formosa Paul , Tulloch Rowan
Published: February 2018

This special issue of Games and Culture focuses on the intersection between video games and ethics. This introduction briefly sets out the key research questions in the research field and identifies trends in the articles included in this special issue.
Treatment Trends, Complications, and Effects of Comorbidities on Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Mosenthal William P. , Boyajian Haroutioun H. , Ham Sandra A. , Conti Mica Megan A.
Published: February 2018

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper extremity fractures in adults. This study seeks to elucidate the impact age, fracture type, and patient comorbidities have on the current treatment of DRFs and risk of complications. We hypothesized that comorbidities rather than age would relate to the risk of complications in the treatment of DRFs. Methods: A retrospective review of data was performed for patients treated between 2007 and 2014 using Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Patients who sustained a DRF were separated into “closed” versus “open” treatment groups, and the association between patient demographics, treatment type, and comorbidities with complication rates was analyzed, along with the trend of treatment modalities throughout the study time interval. Results: In total, 155 353 DRFs were identified; closed treatment predominated in all age groups with the highest percentage of open treatment occurring in the 50- to 59-year age group. Between 2007 and 2014, there was an increase in the rate of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all age groups <90 with the largest increase (11%) occurring in the 70- to 79-year age group. Higher complication rates were observed in the open treatment group in all ages <90 years with a trend toward decreasing complication rates as age increased. Comorbidities were more strongly associated with the risk of developing complications than age. Conclusions: Closed treatment of DRFs remains the predominant treatment method among all age groups, but DRFs are increasingly being treated with ORIF. Emphasis on the patients’ comorbidities rather than chronological age should be considered in the treatment decision-making process of elderly patients with DRFs.
Using an Arts-Informed Eclectic Approach to Photovoice Data Analysis
Authors: Capous-Desyllas Moshoula , Bromfield Nicole F.
Published: February 2018

Arts-informed approaches in qualitative research are gaining more recognition as being a critical research approach in the social sciences. Using arts in research is most commonly seen in the data collection process and in data representation, however, very little is written about how to use arts-informed approaches in data analysis. There are no “how-to” guides and researchers who engage in photovoice research often implement traditional qualitative methods for analyzing their data. The purpose of this article is to merge creativity with rigor to illustrate alternative means to analyze photovoice research data. This article serves as a practical and systematic guide for interpreting photographic and interview transcript data from photovoice projects. Various tables illustrate organizational strategies, and collages serve as a metaphor for the analysis process and themes. The benefits of using arts-informed analysis methods include cross-disciplinary study, innovative ways to interpret data, enhancement of trustworthiness and rigor, and building creative mediums as a form of knowledge.
The challenges involved when Arab women forge a path to educational leadership: Context, personal cost, and coping
Authors: Arar Khalid Husny
Published: February 2018

This paper traces challenges faced by six Arab women from three different Arab localities – Palestinian Arab society in Israel, Palestinian Authority territories, and Jordan – on their path to appointment as school principals, investigating how they cope with the challenges involved in women’s leadership in a patriarchal society. Qualitative methodology employed in-depth interviews to elucidate the life stories of six Arab women principals. Findings show that the women’s professional careers were empowered by family support. They report various difficulties and obstacles that they needed to overcome, especially since they are expected to continue to fulfil their homemaker role while complying with the requirements of their demanding profession. It is concluded that Arab women who attain educational leadership posts employ their strong characteristics, their empowered agency, and the values they acquire and represent to improve their social status, transform their personal and professional identity, and improve their resources despite restrictive cultural norms. Enlisting support from their families and other resources, they overcome barriers on the path to principalship. It is recommended that government policy in the studied societies should encourage women to undertake senior roles in education and provide the necessary mentoring and support to ensure their success. Further implications of the findings are discussed.
Assessment of the returning traveller
Authors: Clark Ewan , Diamond Michael , Donovan William
Published: February 2018

The extent of global travel is ever increasing, and this is reflected in the number of travellers attending GP surgeries on their return to the UK. Presenting issues more commonly dealt with by GPs, particularly among returning travellers who have visited developing countries and tropical regions, include gastrointestinal upset, feverish illnesses, potential exposure to schistosomiasis and the finding of eosinophilia. The full spectrum of travel-related illness is too extensive to be covered in detail, but an overview of the assessment and management of these clinical presentations is given.
Physical impairments predict hand dexterity function after distal radius fractures: A 2-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Nazari Goris , Bobos Pavlos , MacDermid Joy C , Lalone Emily A , Grewal Ruby
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The overall aim of this study was to determine whether physical impairments – loss of range of motion and grip strength – could be used to predict hand dexterity functions in patients at 1 and 2 years after distal radius fracture.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study. Hand dexterity was assessed at three different levels using the NK hand dexterity test. We used a manual goniometer to measure the active range of motion in the affected hand for wrist flexion and extension movements, and a J-Tech grip strength device to measure patients’ hand grip strength levels. Assessments were performed at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Separate multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine if range of motion predicts hand dexterity functions at 1 and 2 years after distal radius fracture.

Results

A total of 160 patients with distal radius fracture were included in this study. Range of motion (flexion and extension) and grip strength were both statistically significant (p < 0.05) independent variables in predicting hand dexterity functions at all three levels among patients after distal radius fracture at 1-year follow-up. Range of motion and strength levels accounted for 31%, 33% and 22% of the variance in patients’ large, medium and small hand dexterity functions, respectively. At 2 years, grip strength remained the only statistically significant (p < 0.001) independent variable in predicting hand dexterity functions at all three levels.

Conclusions

Physical impairments (loss of range of motion and grip strength) have higher predictive values for large and medium hand dexterity functions, than small hand dexterity functions, in patients after distal radius fracture, at both 1- and 2-year follow-up periods.
How to measure sessions of mobile phone use? Quantification, evaluation, and applications
Authors: Zhu Jonathan J. H. , Chen Hexin , Peng Tai-Quan , Liu Xiao Fan , Dai Haixing
Published: February 2018

Research on mobile phone use often starts with the question of how much time users spend using their phones. The question involves an equal-length measure that captures the duration of mobile phone use but does not tackle the other temporal characteristics of user behavior, such as frequency, timing, and sequence. In this study, we propose a variable-length measure called “session” to uncover the unmeasured temporal characteristics. We use an open source dataset to demonstrate how to quantify sessions, aggregate the sessions to higher units of analysis within and across users, evaluate the results, and apply the measure for theoretical or practical purposes.
Left in limbo – Experiences and needs among postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis without preceding osteoporotic fractures: A qualitative study
Authors: Jakobsen Pernille Ravn , Hermann Anne Pernille , Søndergaard Jens , Wiil Uffe Kock , Dixon Ronald F , Clemensen Jane
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Despite the fact that the first osteoporotic fracture is preventable, osteoporosis is still a major health challenge. The disease is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women. However little is known about how to meet and support women, when they are diagnosed with osteoporosis without preceding fractures. Therefore this study aims at gaining a deeper understanding of how women experience being diagnosed. Furthermore to describe and identify their needs, which should be met in future healthcare services.

Methods

We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study. We included 17 women aged 52–65 and collected data through semi-structured interviews. We analysed data following Giorgi's methodology.

Findings

Needs among the women were classified into three main themes: (1) needs of targeted and tailored information about osteoporosis, (2) needs of being prepared for GP visit to participate in treatment decision-making and (3) needs of being able to take care of bone health.

Conclusion and implications

In general the women experienced as been left ‘in limbo’, and they requested targeted and tailored information about osteoporosis. In particular, they want information about dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results and treatment options in advance of the GP visit. This will help them in being prepared and able to participate in treatment decisions. They ask for support in self-management of the disease with less focus on disease and risk of fracture. Instead, they demand more attention on the benefits of detecting early stage osteoporosis. The study highlights the call for new approaches to postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis without preceding fractures.
A comparison of the initial orthotic effects of functional electrical stimulation and ankle-foot orthoses on the speed and oxygen cost of gait in multiple sclerosis
Authors: (Miller) Renfrew Linda , Lord Anna C , McFadyen Angus K , Rafferty Danny , Hunter Rebecca , Bowers Roy , Mattison Paul , Moseley Owen , Paul Lorna
Published: February 2018

Background

Foot drop affects walking in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This study compares the initial orthotic effects of two treatments for foot drop: ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) and functional electrical stimulation (FES), on the speed and oxygen cost of walking in MS.

Method and materials

Seventy-eight pwMS were randomised to receive AFO or FES (ODFS PACE (OML, Salisbury, UK)). Participants completed the 25-ft walk test (25ftWT) and 5-min self-selected walk test (5minSSWT), from which oxygen cost was determined, with and without their device. Between-, within- and sub-group analyses (based on baseline walking speed of <0.8 m/s (slow) or ≥0.8 m/s (fast)) were undertaken.

Results

No significant differences between baseline measures were observed. The AFO group walked significantly slower than the FES group (5minSSWT, p = 0.037, 0.11 m/s). The AFO group walked significantly slower with than without AFO (25ftWT, p = 0.037), particularly in the fast-walking group (  p = 0.011). The slow-walking FES group walked significantly faster with FES than without (25ftWT; p = 0.029, 5minSSWT; p = 0.037). There were no differences in the fast-walking FES group or in the oxygen cost for either device.

Conclusion

AFO reduced walking speed, particularly in fast walkers. FES increased walking speed in slow, but not fast walkers.
Connecting Corporate and Consumer Social Responsibility Through Social Media Activism
Authors: Kampf Constance E.
Published: February 2018

To highlight aspects of activism obscured by a focus on legitimacy and ideology, this article argues that shifting focus from legitimacy and ideology to identity, problem-solving and dialogue is needed to understand emerging forms of social media native activism that connects consumer social responsibility (CnSR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Taking this view as a basis for social activism offers a valuable perspective for understanding some emergent forms of social media activism toward business. Two cases of social media native activist organizations working to create movements are examined from this problem-solving and dialogue-based perspective—Carrotmob and the GoodGuide. These cases represent examples of a post-dialectic frame for understanding how social media can affect approaches to activism.
Analytic Activism and Its Limitations
Authors: Karpf David
Published: February 2018

Some of the most important impacts of social media on social movement organizations come not through the new forms of speech that are created but through new forms of listening. This article discusses “analytic activism”—the practice of applying analytics and experimentation to develop new tactics and strategies, identify emergent mobilization opportunities, and listen to their members and supporters in new ways. After defining the key components of analytic activism, the article then develops and illustrates two boundary conditions—the analytics floor and the analytics frontier—that define the limited context within which analytic activism operates. The article concludes by highlighting how a focus on digital listening leads researchers to capture phenomena that have previously been ignored in the social media and collective action literature.
Interaction and Transformation on Social Media: The Case of Twitter Campaigns
Authors: Housley William , Webb Helena , Williams Meredydd , Procter Rob , Edwards Adam , Jirotka Marina , Burnap Pete , Stahl Bernd Carsten , Rana Omer , Williams Matthew
Published: February 2018

The increasing popularity of social media platforms creates new digital social networks in which individuals can interact and share information, news, and opinion. The use of these technologies appears to have the capacity to transform current social configurations and relations, not least within the public and civic spheres. Within the social sciences, much emphasis has been placed on conceptualizing social media’s role in modern society and the interrelationships between online and offline actors and events. In contrast, little attention has been paid to exploring user practices on social media and how individual posts respond to each other. To demonstrate the value of an interactional approach toward social media analysis, we performed a detailed analysis of Twitter-based online campaigns. After categorizing social media posts based on action(s), we developed a typology of user exchanges. We found these social media campaigns to be highly heterogeneous in content, with a wide range of actions performed and substantial numbers of tweets not engaged with the substance of the campaign. We argue that this interactional approach can form the basis for further work conceptualizing the broader impact of activist campaigns and the treatment of social media as “data” more generally. In this way, analytic focus on interactional practices on social media can provide empirical insight into the micro-transformational characteristics within “campaign communication.”
The Impact of Workload on the Evolution of Hip Internal and External Rotation in Professional Baseball Players Over the Course of the Season
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Zajac John M. , Pearson Dave , Wang Dean , Sinatro Alec S. , Ranawat Anil S. , Dines Joshua S. , Coleman Struan H.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Although restricted hip range of motion (ROM) is associated with an increased risk for injuries in baseball players, the evolution of hip ROM over the season remains undefined.

Hypothesis:

Hip ROM profiles would be symmetric between hips and positions (pitchers vs position players) but would decrease from preseason to postseason. Additionally, it was hypothesized that this decrease in motion would correlate with workload.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Bilateral hip ROM was assessed in 96 professional baseball players (54 pitchers, 42 position players) preseason and postseason. ROM comparisons were made between lead and trailing hips, pitchers and position players, and preseason and postseason measures. The change from preseason to postseason was correlated with player demographics and measures of workload for pitchers and position players.

Results:

Preseason hip ROM was symmetric between hips; however, pitchers demonstrated increased preseason lead hip internal rotation (IR) ( P = .018) and bilateral hip total ROM (TROM) ( P < .020) compared with position players. From preseason to postseason, position players lost 7° of external rotation (ER) ( P ≤ .005 ). In pitchers, the loss of IR correlated with increased pitches ( P = .016) and innings ( P = .037), while the loss of ER ( P = .005 ) and TROM ( P = .014) correlated with increasing mean fastball velocity. Workload for position players did not correlate with motion loss.

Conclusion:

Symmetric hip ROM profiles should be anticipated in baseball players; however, pitchers may have increased preseason IR and TROM and postseason ER and TROM relative to position players. Although loss of motion correlated with workload in pitchers, this was not the case for position players. Hip motion should be monitored over the course of the season. This is particularly true for pitchers who lose IR as workload increases, which may place them at a greater risk for injuries.