bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Tapiena (Orthoptera: Tettigonioidea: Phaneropterinae) from Brunei Darussalam (Borneo, Southeast Asia)
Authors: TAN MING KAI , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL
Published: April 2018

There are now more than 28,000 described orthopterans globally (Cigliano et al., 2018) and this figure is likely to increase in the future. The same is true for Southeast Asia, where we are still at a stage of discovering species new to science, and this is partly an artefact of incomplete sampling (Tan et al., 2017a). In one of the most popular biodiversity hotspots, i.e., Borneo, is the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre. It is located in the primary lowland and ridge dipterocarp forests of the Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei Darussalam. Recent collection of orthopterans in the area led to the discovery of several new species of katydids (Tan et al., 2017b; Tan & Wahab, 2017a) and crickets (Tan et al., 2017c; Tan & Wahab, 2017b). Here, we describe another new species of katydid, from the genus Tapiena Bolívar, 1906. Tapiena currently consists of 26 species (Tan et al., 2015) and is distributed around Asia and even Africa. In Borneo, only one species is known: Tapiena incisa Karny, 1923 from Sarawak (see Karny, 1923). The new species Tapiena paraincisa sp. nov. represents the second species described from Borneo.
Using narrative to construct accountability in cases of death after police contact
Authors: Baker David
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the use of narrative verdicts in the coronial system in England and Wales to record findings in cases of death after police contact. It uses a dataset of 68 verdicts into such cases in the period 2004–2015. The paper considers how regulation is constructed in a way that makes complex cases comprehensible through narrative. The construction of these narratives is affected by legal structures, institutional structures, but also the structures imposed by narrative convention. The paper argues that the relationships between these structures affect what type of narrative is constructed in the aftermath of a death after police contact. It further suggests that devices within narratives enable the construction of a comprehensible narrative verdict in such cases.
Target Congruence as a Means of Understanding Risk of Intimate Partner Violence: A Comparison of Male and Female College Students in the United States
Authors: Elvey Kate , McNeeley Susan
Published: April 2018

This study examines the effects of routine activities and target congruence—or the extent to which an individual’s characteristics match up with offenders’ needs, motives, or reactivities—on intimate partner violence. We also examine whether the effect of target congruence is moderated by gender. Using a nationwide sample of more than 74,000 students from 129 universities across the United States, the results show that indicators of target antagonism, target gratifiability, and target vulnerability are associated with risk of physical and sexual intimate partner violence and that the importance of specific risk factors varies by gender. The results highlight the importance of target congruence in understanding victimization, and provide information that can direct policies to prevent intimate partner violence on college campuses.
Approaches to quantitating the results of differentially dyed cottons
Authors: Peralta Donna V , Thibodeaux Devron P , Delhom Christopher D , Rodgers James E , Boykin Debbie
Published: April 2018

The differential dyeing (DD) method has been a subjective method for visually determining immature cotton fibers. We attempted to quantitate DD results and offer an efficient means of elucidating cotton maturity, without visual discretion. Image analysis of cotton color obtained with a scanner was performed and compared to spectrophotometrically measured color. Low, Medium and High micronaire (Mic) cotton standards were dyed, and we determined that blending the cotton yielded more precise color measurement; with the mean red, green and blue (RGB) values for a low Mic sample being: 101.6 ± 23.9, 83.1 ± 22.0 and 98.3 ± 23.1, respectively; while blending yielded RGB values: 121.6 ± 9.0, 98.8 ± 8.6 and 116.0 ± 8.9, respectively. Comparing RGB values to Mic, it was found that R and B color parameters do not show a trend, but G values decrease with increasing Mic indicating a decrease in G dye uptake with an increase in maturity. The conventional L*a*b* color space values were also obtained for the dyed cottons and compared to RGB and Mic results. The %CV for a* values are higher compared to L* and b* measurements: ∼31.9%, 18.9% and 8.6% for low, medium and high Mic samples, respectively. L* and b* decrease while a* increases with Mic, indicating an increase in R dye with an increase in maturity. The DD Bath method was found to be reliable, with R showing the greatest variances. G and a* values obtained were found to be the best correlation of differences in Mic.
Strength of bubble walls and the Hall–Petch effect in bubble-spinning
Authors: Tian Dan , Zhou Chan-Juan , He Ji-Huan
Published: April 2018

Ashes are used as additives to strengthen bubble walls using the Hall–Petch effect and, as a result, a larger bubble can be produced in the bubble-spinning process, and it can last for a longer period. The fiber morphology can be easily controlled by the amount of ashes added. Two-dimensional nanobelts can be fabricated when the ashes ratio reaches a certain threshold.
Application of the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory: 25 Years in Review
Authors: Darling-Fisher Cynthia S.
Published: April 2018

The Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (MEPSI) is an 80-item, comprehensive measure of psychosocial development based on Erikson’s theory with published reliability and validity data. Although designed as a comprehensive measure, some researchers have used individual subscales for specific developmental stages as a measure; however, these subscale reliability scores have not been generally shared. This article reviewed the literature to evaluate the use of the MEPSI: the major research questions, samples/populations studied, and individual subscale and total reliability and validity data. In total, 16 research articles (1990-2011) and 28 Dissertations/Theses (1991-2016) from nursing, social work, psychology, criminal justice, and religious studies met criteria. Results support the MEPSI’s global reliability (aggregate scores ranged .89-.99) and validity in terms of consistent patterns of changes observed in the predicted direction. Reliability and validity data for individual subscales were more variable. Limitations of the tool and recommendations for possible revision and future research are addressed.
“Your English Is Suspect”: Language, Communication, and the Pathologization of Nigerian Cyber Identity Through the Stylistic Imprints of Nigerian E-Mail Scams
Authors: Kperogi Farooq A.
Published: April 2018

Identity is embedded not just in language but in the communicative and interactional singularities of language and in the linguistic habitus that speakers bring to bear in their relational and discursive encounters. This study explores how Nigerian English speakers, through the ubiquitous 419 e-mail scams, bring with them distinctive stylistic and sociolinguistic imprints in their quotidian dialogic encounters with other English users in the world, which at once construct, constrict, and constrain not only them but also other Nigerian English speakers. I also show links between demotic articulations of Nigerian English in Nigeria and its symbolic approbation and reproduction in the Nigerian news media, and how this conspires to construct Nigerian identity online.
Reducing myeloperoxidase activity decreases inflammation and increases cellular protection in ischemic stroke
Authors: Kim Hyeon J , Wei Ying , Wojtkiewicz Gregory R , Lee Ji Y , Moskowitz Michael A , Chen John W
Published: April 2018

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a pro-inflammatory enzyme abundantly secreted by activated myeloid cells after stroke. We show that when MPO activity is either blocked by the specific inhibitor 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide (ABAH) in wildtype (WT) mice or congenitally absent (MPO−/−), there was decreased cell loss, including degenerating neurons and oligodendrocytes, in the ischemic brains compared to vehicle-treated WT mice after stroke. MPO inhibition also reduced the number of activated myeloid cells after ischemia. MPO inhibition increased cytoprotective heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) by 70% and p-Akt by 60%, while decreased the apoptotic marker p53 level by 62%, compared to vehicle-treated mice after ischemia. Similarly, MPO inhibition increased the number of Hsp70+/NeuN+ cells after stroke by 60%. Notably, MPO inhibition significantly improved neurological outcome compared with the vehicle-treated group after stroke. We further found longer treatment periods resulted in larger reduction of infarct size and greater neurobehavioral improvement from MPO inhibition, even when given days after stroke. Therefore, MPO inhibition with ABAH or MPO deficiency creates a protective environment that decreased inflammatory cell recruitment and increased expression of survival factors to improve functional outcome. MPO inhibition may represent a promising therapeutic target for stroke therapy, possibly even days after stroke has occurred.
Improved Executive Function and Science Achievement for At-Risk Middle School Girls in an Aerobic Fitness Program
Authors: Gatz Jennifer , Kelly Angela M. , Clark Sheri L.
Published: April 2018

This study explored the effects of a middle school physical activity intervention for adolescent girls on the executive functioning involved in science learning. The girls, ages 11 to 14, were at risk for low self-esteem, sedentary lifestyle, and poor health outcomes. Executive function stems from interdependent cognitive control processes that influence goal setting and information processing, which complement higher order thinking required for acquiring scientific process skills. A 20-week informal triathlon training program served as the intervention for the treatment girls ( n = 29). The comparison group of girls ( n = 30) was randomly drawn from a matched sample of students of a similar demographic. Mean comparisons, ANCOVA, and Roy-Bargmann stepdown analysis were used to measure outcomes. The intervention contributed to significant improvement in several executive functions and science achievement. These results suggest that an afterschool program with a physical fitness component may improve the executive functions involved in science learning.
An inverse approach to the course of the ‘Little Ice Age’ glacier advance and the following deglaciation at Austerdalsisen, eastern Svartisen, northern Norway
Authors: Jansen Henrik Løseth , Dahl Svein Olaf , Nielsen Pål Ringkjøb
Published: April 2018

The course of the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA) in Scandinavia is characterized by large glacier advances that started at about AD 1300 and culminated at about AD 1750. The end of the LIA is marked as an unprecedented and ongoing glacier retreat that accelerated from the early 20th century. The course of the LIA is here presented based on fluctuations of Austerdalsisen, the largest valley outlet glacier draining the Austre Svartisen (Østisen) ice cap, Nordland, northern Norway. During the LIA glacierization, Austerdalsisen separated into two branches, and relative to the present glacier terminus, a western valley glacier advanced more than 4 km, whereas a SE valley glacier advanced about 3 km. At present, meltwater from Austerdalsisen drains towards SE. If the glacier obtains a critical magnitude, however, most of the meltwater is drained westwards across a higher overflow gap. Based on radiocarbon-dated lake sediments, distal proglacial glaciolacustrine/glaciofluvial sediments and historical observations, the course and chronology of the deglaciation following the LIA glacier maximum at Austerdalsisen are established. Because of high sedimentation rates due to low local bedrock resistance to glacier erosion beneath Austerdalsisen, however, cores from distal glacier-fed lakes covering the entire LIA/Holocene are hard to retrieve. Hence, an inverse approach to reconstruct the entire course of the LIA glacierization at Austerdalsisen is performed by suggesting little input of glacier-meltwater-induced sediments to the SE distal glacier-fed lake Litl Røvatnet, whenever Austerdalsisen rerouted meltwater westwards. If the terminus of Austerdalsisen was near the critical magnitude threshold, regular glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) towards SE occurred.
From Argentina to Scotland to Mexico: Indecent Theology and Erotic Phenomenology at the Mexico-US Border
Authors: Escalante Alejandro Stephano
Published: April 2018

During an immersion course at the Mexico-US border in January 2015, I encountered the stark juxtaposition between ‘liberation theologies’ and ‘library theologies.’ The gulf that separates these two is not just a class barrier, but is also racialized and linguistic. This article argues that in order to bring the indecent theology of Marcella Althaus-Reid to places like the borderlands, a theological bridge must be constructed that takes seriously both of the contexts being connected. Here I argue that the theological turn in phenomenological studies and Jean-Luc Marion’s concept of ‘erotic phenomenon’ are examples of possible bridges between these two worlds.
Structured Equation Modelling on Consumer Purchase Behaviour of Passenger Cars
Authors: Menon Balakrishnan
Published: April 2018

With increased globalization, many prominent leaders in car manufacturing industry across the world have built their manufacturing units in India, through the application of direct investment collaboration route with Indian companies, by using the liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) policy of the Indian Government. With multiple selective choices to consumers, the car segments have undergone a metamorphosis in India. With many makes, brands and models, customers have many choices currently. The predominant purpose of this article is to conceptualize and design a purchase decision model, which would strongly provide an orientation of determinants, which influenced the consumer buyer behaviour of passenger car owners. The study results conclusively validated that eight major variables strongly influenced the consumer purchase behaviour of car owners. The major findings of the study would facilitate practical application, specifically, in the highly segmented passenger car markets in India.
Games Ready to Use: A Serious Game for Teaching Natural Risk Management
Authors: Taillandier Franck , Adam Carole
Published: April 2018

Background.Risk management, and in particular the management of natural hazards and territorial risks has become an essential skill for civil engineers. Teaching risk management to engineering students is therefore crucial, but is also challenging: it looks too abstract to students, and practical works are complex and expensive to organise. It also involves interconnected mechanisms coupling human and technical aspects, that are difficult to explain.

Aim. The challenge is then to propose a serious game able to support the teaching of territorial risk management to engineering students. As part of their curriculum, these students are expected to learn various concepts and notions: territorial risk, vulnerability of a territory, resilience, risk perception, multi-criteria analysis and balanced management.

Method. In order to support risk management teaching, we propose SPRITE, an agent-based serious game using a concrete case study which is exemplary in terms of risk management: the coastal floods on the Oleron Island (France). SPRITE places the player (the student) in the role of a local councillor of the Oleron Island, who must ensure the safety and well-being of the island residents, while maximising performance with respect to economic and environmental issues, in a context of coastal flood risk.

Results. The model is fully implemented in GAMA, an open-source multi-agent geographical simulation platform, and the game is already playable. It was used at the University of Bordeaux in a course on risk management dedicated to students in the Master of Geology and Civil Engineering. The evaluation of engagement and motivation with the game and learning from playing is very positive.

Conclusions. The results from the game evaluation are encouraging. Short term future work will mainly be dedicated to pursuing this evaluation, and comparing results between students using SPRITE vs students following a more traditional course. Longer term prospects include several improvements of the model and the interface and implemented multiplayer features.
Being and Becoming a Helper: Illness Disclosure and Identity Transformations among Indigenous People Living With HIV or AIDS in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Authors: Hatala Andrew R. , Bird-Naytowhow Kelley , Pearl Tamara , Peterson Jen , del Canto Sugandhi , Rooke Eddie , Calvez Stryker , Meili Ryan , Schwandt Michael , Mercredi Jason , Tait Patti
Published: April 2018

Saskatoon has nearly half of the diagnoses of HIV in Saskatchewan, Canada, with an incidence rate among Indigenous populations within inner-city contexts that is 3 times higher than national rates. Previous research does not adequately explore the relations between HIV vulnerabilities within these contexts and the experiences of illness disclosure that are informed by identity transformations, experiences of stigma, and social support. From an intersectionality framework and a constructivist grounded theory approach, this research involved in-depth, semistructured interviews with 21 Indigenous people living with HIV and/or AIDS in Saskatoon, both male and female. In this article, we present the key themes that emerged from the interviews relating to experiences of HIV disclosure, including experiences of and barriers to the disclosure process. In the end, we highlight the important identity transformation and role of being and becoming a “helper” in the community and how it can be seen as a potential support for effective community health interventions.
Developing a Compassionate Culture Within Pediatric Rehabilitation: Does the Schwartz Rounds™ Support Both Clinical and Nonclinical Hospital Workers in Managing Their Work Experiences?
Authors: Adamson Keith , Sengsavang Sonia , Myers-Halbig Sakeena , Searl Nancy
Published: April 2018

Schwartz Rounds™ offers an interprofessional forum for staff to openly engage in discussions about social-emotional aspects of care. We aimed to assess the perceived impact of Rounds in the health care context of pediatric rehabilitation, as well as a comparative analysis of how Rounds affected clinical versus nonclinical staff. Does effect on perceived outcomes was also investigated. Data were collected from 29 hospital staff (15 clinicians, 14 nonclinicians) who attended one, two, or three+ Rounds via semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis indicated impacts at the personal and social levels (e.g., reduced stress, increased level of approaching behaviors, normalizing and validating emotional experiences, and building bridges within the hospital). Data also revealed the novel finding of Rounds affecting professional knowledge and skills (e.g., interprofessional practice, reflective practice, clinical imagination). These findings elucidate how Schwartz Rounds™ is beneficial in a pediatric rehabilitation setting, albeit somewhat differentially for clinical and nonclinical staff.
Meta-analysis of Big Five personality traits in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lodi-Smith Jennifer , Rodgers Jonathan D , Cunningham Sara A , Lopata Christopher , Thomeer Marcus L
Published: April 2018

The present meta-analysis synthesizes the emerging literature on the relationship of Big Five personality traits to autism spectrum disorder. Studies were included if they (1) either (a) measured autism spectrum disorder characteristics using a metric that yielded a single score quantification of the magnitude of autism spectrum disorder characteristics and/or (b) studied individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis compared to individuals without an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and (2) measured Big Five traits in the same sample or samples. Fourteen reviewed studies include both correlational analyses and group comparisons. Eighteen effect sizes per Big Five trait were used to calculate two overall effect sizes per trait. Meta-analytic effects were calculated using random effects models. Twelve effects (per trait) from nine studies reporting correlations yielded a negative association between each Big Five personality trait and autism spectrum disorder characteristics (Fisher’s z ranged from –.21 (conscientiousness) to –.50 (extraversion)). Six group contrasts (per trait) from six studies comparing individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to neurotypical individuals were also substantial (Hedges’ g ranged from –.88 (conscientiousness) to −1.42 (extraversion)). The potential impact of personality on important life outcomes and new directions for future research on personality in autism spectrum disorder are discussed in light of results.
The enigma of the bogan and its significance to class in Australia: A socio-historical analysis
Authors: Paternoster Henry John , Warr Deborah , Jacobs Keith
Published: April 2018

This analysis offers a historical perspective to chart the contested discourses that inform understandings of the figure of the ‘bogan’, suggesting its evocation reflects unresolved tensions and accumulated meanings left by the various reconfigurations of class politics since colonial settlement in Australia. We focus on three key historical periods to show how socio-political formations influence both classed identities and class relations: the 1890s, when the ethos of the labour movement was established as the central imaginative motif of a nascent Australian nation; the post-war years, when Robert Menzies offered a political project grounded in the experiences of the middle classes; and the 1990s, where there were complex translocations of class allegiances. We trace how several meaning(s) of class have accumulated and been reworked across these periods and, related to this, how the ‘bogan’ is a composite of left- and right-wing political ideas that articulate different kinds of virtue and unworthiness.
Coming out: The role of journalism in social exclusion of LGB people
Authors: Şahin Sanem
Published: April 2018

This article explores the role of journalism in the social exclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Studying the case of North Cyprus, the last place in Europe to decriminalize same-sex relationships, it investigates the relationship between journalists and lesbian, gay and bisexual people by focusing on their experiences, opinions and practices and how these contribute to the social inclusion and exclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Through analysis of interviews conducted with members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and journalists, the article demonstrates the processes by which lesbian, gay and bisexual people become socially excluded. The findings show that homophobia within the news media, journalists’ lack of awareness and/or understanding of the social concerns of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, public pressure and lack of communication between the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and journalists contribute to processes by which lesbian, gay and bisexual people become socially excluded.
Exploring potential biomarkers associated with health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure
Authors: Kazukauskiene Nijole , Burkauskas Julius , Macijauskiene Jurate , Mickuviene Narseta , Brozaitiene Julija
Published: April 2018

Objective:

There has been a lack of research examining associations between biomarkers and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. In patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure, we aimed to explore potential associations between biomarkers of health such as serum levels of thyroid hormones, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), inflammatory biomarkers and HRQoL.

Methods:

In sum, 482 patients (75% male; mean age 58±10 years) with coronary artery disease and heart failure were evaluated for socio-demographic and clinical coronary artery disease risk factors. Blood samples were drawn to evaluate thyroid hormones, NT-pro-BNP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additional data was collected on HRQoL (the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), Type D personality (DS14 scale).

Results:

In multivariable models, lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were associated with worse results on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire emotional subscale (β = −0.107, p = 0.003; β = −0.106, p = 0.004). Lower levels of interleukin-6 were associated with worse perceived global health (β = −0.101, p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Even after controlling for socio-demographic and clinical risk factors including mental distress symptoms, lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers were associated with worse HRQoL.
Reducing the pitch length: Effects on junior cricket
Authors: Harwood Michael J , Yeadon Maurice R , King Mark A
Published: April 2018

The pitch lengths used for junior cricket are a subject of debate but to date there have been no studies of their influence on the game. This study evaluated the effect of reducing the pitch length on batting, bowling and fielding. County under 10 and club under 11 matches were analysed, 10 played on pitch lengths currently recommended by the England and Wales Cricket Board, 19 yd (17.37 m) or 20 yd (18.28 m), respectively, and 10 played on 16 yd (14.63 m) pitches. Differences between measures of batting, bowling and fielding were calculated to assess the effects of the shorter pitch length. In club and county matches on 16 yd, running between the wickets increased by 22 and 39%, respectively, while boundary fours and sixes decreased by 54 and 68%. Deliveries played to the Mid-wicket area decreased by 44% in club and 33% in county matches, both accompanied by a more even distribution of fielding opportunities. Club matches saw a 15% increase in playable deliveries, largely due to fewer deliveries bouncing twice. Attempted shots, full toss No balls and Wide balls changed negligibly. Playing on a shorter pitch had positive impacts for bowlers, batters and fielders, consequently resulting in matches which were more engaging. Coaches and governing bodies should consider shorter pitches as a means of enhancing junior cricket.
High‐resolution manometry is superior to endoscopy and radiology in assessing and grading sliding hiatal hernia: A comparison with surgical in vivo evaluation
Authors: Tolone Salvatore , Savarino Edoardo , Zaninotto Giovanni , Gyawali C Prakash , Frazzoni Marzio , de Bortoli Nicola , Frazzoni Leonardo , del Genio Gianmattia , Bodini Giorgia , Furnari Manuele , Savarino Vincenzo , Docimo Ludovico
Published: April 2018

Background

Hiatal hernia is diagnosed by barium‐swallow esophagogram or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with possible suboptimal results. High‐resolution manometry clearly identifies crural diaphragm and lower esophageal sphincter.

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of high‐resolution manometry in detecting hiatal hernia compared to esophagogram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, using as reference the surgical in vivo measurement.

Methods

Patients were studied with esophagogram, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, high‐resolution manometry and in vivo evaluation of the esophago‐gastric junction. Esophago‐gastric junction was classified as type I (no separation between crural diaphragm and lower esophageal sphincter); type II (≥1, ≤ 2 cm separation); type III (>2 cm). During in vivo measurement, distance between the esophago‐gastric junction and crural diaphragm proximal border was recorded.

Results

Surgery identified 53 hiatal hernias in 100 patients. Forty‐seven percent were classified as type I esophago‐gastric junction, 35% type II and 18% type III. Referenced to in vivo evaluation, high‐resolution manometry showed superior diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (94.3% and 91.5%, respectively) to esophagogram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with 92.6% predictive value of a positive test and 93.5% predictive value of a negative test. The kappa value for high‐resolution manometry and in vivo evaluation was 0.85. High‐resolution manometry showed optimal sensitivity and specificity in detecting types I, II and III esophago‐gastric junction.

Conclusions

High‐resolution manometry enables an accurate diagnosis of hiatal hernia and a better classification than endoscopy and radiology, reaching optimal agreement with in vivo assessment.
Impact of a Growth Mindset Intervention on Academic Performance of Students at Two Urban High Schools
Authors: Brougham Lisa , Kashubeck-West Susan
Published: April 2018

Developing a growth mindset has been shown to improve academic performance. The goal of this practitioner research study was to help urban high school students ( N = 69) challenged by poor grades, poor attendance, and poor graduation rates change their beliefs about their own potential. Results indicated that the intervention increased growth mindset scores of students in the treatment group but did not improve core grade point average. The authors discuss implications for school counseling practice and recommendations for future research.
Defence Outlays Across Countries: Are They Converging?
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Dinda Soumyananda , Martin Frank
Published: April 2018

Although the countries in the present world are staying away from formal wars like that of the First and the Second World Wars, still there has been persistence of informal wars among countries. The countries are now observed to be investing upon defence items in a larger way. The so-called backward countries are coming in a strong way in terms of increasing defence outlays and trying to catch up with the advanced countries in possessing military items. The present article, thus, tries to study whether the countries are converging in terms of per capita military expenses across a selection of 45 countries for the period 1988–2013. It reveals that there are absolute β and σ convergence among the countries with Kuwait and South Africa as outlier countries. It also observes conditional β convergence among the countries with various resources, particularly, crude oil production, regional dummies and time trend as significant conditional variables.

JEL: H56, O47, C13, O50
New Findings on Impact Variation From the Head Start Impact Study: Informing the Scale-Up of Early Childhood Programs
Authors: Morris Pamela A. , Connors Maia , Friedman-Krauss Allison , McCoy Dana Charles , Weiland Christina , Feller Avi , Page Lindsay , Bloom Howard , Yoshikawa Hirokazu
Published: April 2018

This article synthesizes findings from a reanalysis of data from the Head Start Impact Study with a focus on impact variation. This study addressed whether the size of Head Start’s impacts on children’s access to center-based and high-quality care and their school readiness skills varied by child characteristics, geographic location, and the experiences of children in the control group. Across multiple sets of analyses based on new, innovative statistical methods, findings suggest that the topline Head Start Impact Study results of Head Start’s average impacts mask substantial variation in its effectiveness and that one key source of that variation was in the counterfactual experiences and the context of Head Start sites (as well as the more typically examined child characteristics; e.g., children’s dual language learner status). Implications are discussed for the future of Head Start and further research, as well as the scale-up of other early childhood programs, policies, and practices.
Predicting pulmonary tuberculosis in immigrants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Heffernan Courtney , Doroshenko Alexander , Egedahl Mary Lou , Barrie James , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Long Richard
Published: April 2018

Our objective was to investigate whether pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) can be predicted from features of a targeted medical history and basic laboratory investigations in immigrants.

A retrospective cohort of 391 foreign-born adults referred to the Edmonton Tuberculosis Clinic (Edmonton, AB, Canada) was studied using multiple logistic regression analysis to predict PTB. Seven characteristics of disease were used as explanatory variables. Cross-validation assessed performance. Each predictor was tested on two outcomes: “culture-positive” and “smear-positive”. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was quantified.

Symptoms, subacute duration of symptoms, risk factors for reactivation of latent TB infection and anaemia were all associated with a positive culture (adjusted OR 1.79, 2.24, 1.72 and 2.28, respectively; p<0.05). Symptoms, inappropriate prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics and a “typical” chest radiograph were associated with smear-positive PTB (adjusted OR 2.91, 1.55 and 12.34, respectively; p<0.05). ROC curve analysis was used to test each model, yielding AUC=0.91 for the outcome “culture-positive” disease and AUC=0.94 for the outcome “smear-positive” disease.

PTB among the foreign-born can be predicted from a targeted medical history and basic laboratory investigations, raising the threshold of suspicion in settings where the disease is relatively rare.
Integration of Clinical Variables for the Prediction of Late Distant Recurrence in Patients With Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Treated With 5 Years of Endocrine Therapy: CTS5
Authors: Dowsett Mitch , Sestak Ivana , Regan Meredith M. , Dodson Andrew , Viale Giuseppe , Thürlimann Beat , Colleoni Marco , Cuzick Jack
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Estimating risk of late distant recurrence (DR) is an important goal for managing women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer after 5 years of endocrine treatment without recurrence. We developed and validated a simple clinicopathologic tool (Clinical Treatment Score post–5 years [CTS5]) to estimate residual risk of DR after 5 years of endocrine treatment.

Patients and Methods

The ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) data set (N = 4,735) was used to create a prognostic score for post–5-year risk of DR. Validity of CTS5 (ATAC) was tested in the BIG 1-98 data set (N = 6,711). Time to late DR, 5 years after finishing scheduled endocrine therapy, was the primary end point. Cox regression models estimated the prognostic performance of CTS5 (ATAC).

Results

CTS5 (ATAC) was significantly prognostic for late DR in the ATAC cohort (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 2.24 to 2.73; P < .001) and BIG 1-98 validation cohort (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.88 to 2.28; P < .001). CTS5 (ATAC) risk stratification defined in the training cohort as low (< 5% DR risk, years 5 to 10), intermediate (5% to 10%), or high (> 10%) identified 43% of the validation cohort as low risk, with an observed DR rate of 3.6% (95% CI, 2.7% to 4.9%) during years 5 to 10. From years 5 to 10, 63% of node-negative patients were low risk, with a DR rate of 3.9% (95% CI, 2.9% to 5.3%), and 24% with one to three positive nodes were low risk, with a DR rate of 1.5% (95% CI, 0.5% to 3.8%). A final CTS5 for future use was derived from pooled data from ATAC and BIG 1-98.

Conclusion

CTS5 is a simple tool based on information that is readily available to all clinicians. CTS5 was validated as highly prognostic for late DR in the independent BIG 1-98 study. The final CTS5 algorithm identified 42% of women with < 1% per-year risk of DR who could be advised of the limited potential value of extended endocrine therapy.
The Anesthesia Perioperative “Call for Help”—Experience at a Quaternary Pediatric Medical Center: Analysis of 67,564 Anesthesia Encounters
Authors: Vlassakova Bistra G. , Sinnott Sean M. , Askins Nissa , Callahan Matthew X. , Leahy Izabela C. , Zurakowski David , Hickey Paul R. , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

During the past several decades, anesthesia has become increasingly safe. Truly major adverse events are rare, and anesthesia quality researchers have instituted programs to evaluate “near miss” or less critical adverse events to evaluate the safety of anesthesia delivery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate calls for emergency help in our institution as a surrogate for pending critical events. We hypothesized that calls would be more common in patients with high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, history of prematurity, and children with recent respiratory illness compared to those without these characteristics.

METHODS:

We analyzed emergent calls for help initiated by perioperative personnel (“STAT” calls) between August 2011 and September 2015 at Boston Children’s Hospital. Our analysis had 2 phases: (1) All 193 STAT calls that occurred during this time period were analyzed for demographic variables (age, ASA physical status, gender) and specific features of the STAT calls (provider who initiated the call, anesthetic phase, presence of recent respiratory illness, location). We further categorized the STAT calls as “complicated” or “uncomplicated” based on an unexpected change in patient disposition, and analyzed how demographic factors and specific features related to the likelihood of a STAT call being complicated. (2) A subset of the total calls (108), captured after introduction of electronic intraoperative medical record in July 2012, were analyzed for the incidence of STAT calls by comparing the number and nature of the STAT calls to the number of surgical/diagnostic procedures performed.

RESULTS:

Univariable and multivariable analysis of the entire cohort of STAT calls (193 cases) identified several characteristics that were more likely to be associated with a complicated STAT call: higher ASA physical status; history of respiratory illness; cardiac inciting event; occurrence during induction phase of general anesthesia; postanesthesia care unit location; and calls initiated by an attending physician or a pediatric anesthesia fellow. Multivariable analysis of the subset of 108 indicated that age <1 year and a history of prematurity were independent predictors of a higher incidence of STAT calls. Offsite anesthesia services were associated with a lower frequency of STAT calls independent of the other variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study offers the most comprehensive analysis of emergent perioperative calls for help in pediatric anesthesia to date. We identified several characteristics, independently associated with more complicated and frequent perioperative STAT calls. Further research is required to evaluate the utility of this information in preventing and treating adverse events in children undergoing surgery and anesthesia.
Cerebral Small Vessel, But Not Large Vessel Disease, Is Associated With Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nomura Yohei , Faegle Roland , Hori Daijiro , Al-Qamari Abbas , Nemeth Alexander J. , Gottesman Rebecca , Yenokyan Gayane , Brown Charles , Hogue Charles W.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with stroke and other adverse outcomes. Large and small arterial stenosis is prevalent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that large and/or small vessel cerebral arterial disease is associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation during CPB.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort analysis of data from 346 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB enrolled in an ongoing prospectively randomized clinical trial of autoregulation monitoring were evaluated. The study protocol included preoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) evaluation of major cerebral artery flow velocity by a trained vascular technician and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between postoperative days 3 and 5. Brain MRI images were evaluated for chronic white matter hyperintensities (WMHI) by a vascular neurologist blinded to autoregulation data. “Large vessel” cerebral vascular disease was defined by the presence of characteristic TCD changes associated with stenosis of the major cerebral arteries. “Small vessel” cerebral vascular disease was defined based on accepted scoring methods of WMHI. All patients had continuous TCD-based autoregulation monitoring during surgery.

RESULTS:

Impaired autoregulation occurred in 32.4% (112/346) of patients. Preoperative TCD demonstrated moderate-severe large vessel stenosis in 67 (25.2%) of 266 patients with complete data. In adjusted analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.86; P = .014) and higher average temperature during CPB (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.475; P = .029), but not moderate-severe large cerebral arterial stenosis (P = .406), were associated with impaired autoregulation during CPB. Of the 119 patients with available brain MRI data, 42 (35.3%) demonstrated WMHI. The presence of small vessel cerebral vascular disease was associated with impaired CBF autoregulation (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.21–8.71; P = .019) after adjustment for age, history of peripheral vascular disease, preoperative hemoglobin level, and preoperative treatment with calcium channel blocking drugs.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data confirm that impaired CBF autoregulation is prevalent during CPB predisposing affected patients to brain hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion with low or high blood pressure, respectively. Small vessel, but not large vessel, cerebral vascular disease, male sex, and higher average body temperature during CPB appear to be associated with impaired autoregulation.
A Randomized Trial Comparing the Effect of Fiberoptic Selection and Guidance Versus Random Selection, Blind Insertion, and Direct Laryngoscopy, on the Incidence and Severity of Epistaxis After Nasotracheal Intubation
Authors: Tong Jeffrey Leighton , Tung Avery
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND:

Epistaxis, or nasal bleeding, is a common complication after nasotracheal intubation (NTI). Because such bleeding is likely related to trauma during intubation, use of fiberoptic visualization and guidance rather than direct laryngoscopy may affect the incidence and severity of epistaxis. We compared the incidence of epistaxis after NTI using a fiberoptic versus a direct laryngoscopy approach.

METHODS:

Seventy patients who were able to breathe easily through unobstructed nostrils and required NTI as part of their anesthetic management were recruited. Exclusion criteria included unequal nasal airflow, nostril obstruction, previous nasal trauma or surgery, and coagulation abnormalities as determined by history. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo NTI with thermosoftened Mallinckrodt nasal Ring-Adair-Elwyn (RAE) tubes via either traditional direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade or fiberoptic nasal intubation. All patients first underwent anesthetic induction and were randomized to blind or fiberoptic groups. Patients in the blind insertion/direct laryngoscopy group were then intubated via a randomly selected nostril. Patients in the fiberoptic group underwent an asleep nasal fiberoptic examination to determine the most patent nostril, followed by tube insertion under fiberoptic guidance. Ten minutes after NTI, the incidence and severity of epistaxis were evaluated and graded by the surgeon, who was blinded to the intubation method.

RESULTS:

Initial nasal fiberoptic endoscopy identified asymptomatic nasal pathology in 51% of patients: inferior turbinate hypertrophy (28.6%) and deviation of the nasal septum in (22.8%). The incidence of epistaxis was higher in the blind insertion/direct laryngoscopy group (88%) than in the fiberoptic group (51%; relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.79; P = .0011). The severity of bleeding was also greater in the blind tube insertion/direct laryngoscopy cohort (Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney odds, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–11.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

Fiberoptic nostril selection and guidance during NTI reduced the incidence and severity of epistaxis when compared with NTI performed via blind insertion and direct laryngoscopy.
Identification and Taking into Account of Accentuation in Pedagogical Communication
Authors: Маскина Мария , Maskina Mariya , Видов Станислав , Vidov Stanislav
Published: April 2018

The article is about the role of communication process both in everyday life and in professional pedagogical activity. The article deals with the disclosure of communication functions in various pedagogical situations related to the teacher’s activities as a source of knowledge, as a researcher of students and as an organizer of collective activity. The importance of taking into account the individual psychological characteristics of the pupils, especially adolescents is noted. The article compares the different classifications of accentuations and considers the results of the experiment to identify them in the tenth graders, the authors provides recommendations on the organization of classes in the study groups and the preferred type of tasks for all types of accentuations described by A.E. Lichko.
Management of the Organization in the Era of Global Change
Authors: Козлов В. , Kozlov V. , Гарнов Андрей , Garnov Andrey , Одегов Юрий , Odyegov YUriy
Published: April 2018

In the last 20 years in the Russian society and in the government there are discussions on the need to "get off the oil needle." The situation in the Russian economy dictates measures to further diversify exports, based on the export of "high technology". This article describes the history of the company, which for the past two decades has survived in a very difficult situation and, practically without the help of the state, has found new partners who want to order the construction of nuclear power plants in their country. It must be borne in mind that when building a nuclear power plant abroad, a basis is created for long-term economic cooperation between Russia and other countries, which makes it possible to implement with high efficiency a large volume of related services, such as: • transfer of licenses and know-how, design and survey works, supply of complete equipment and spare parts, engineering consulting services; • provides employment of the population within the country (about 300 enterprises and tens of thousands of employees participate in the NPP project abroad as subcontractors); • increases the availability of regional budgets; • increases globally the competitiveness of Russian equipment in particular and Russian high technologies in general.