bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sugar Consumption and Changes in Dental Caries from Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: Peres M.A. , Sheiham A. , Liu P. , Demarco F.F. , Silva A.E.R. , Assunção M.C. , Menezes A.M. , Barros F.C. , Peres K.G.
Published: January 2016

There are no prospective studies investigating the effects of sugar-related feeding practices on changes in dental caries from early childhood to young adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess whether sugar-related feeding practices affect dental caries between the ages of 6 and 18 y. This birth cohort study was initiated in 1993 in Pelotas, Brazil. There were 3 dental clinical assessments; at ages 6 y ( n = 359), 12 y ( n = 339), and 18 y ( n = 307). Sugar-related feeding practices were assessed at ages 4, 15, and 18 y. Covariates included sex and life course variables, such as family income, breast-feeding, mother’s education, regularity of dental visit, and child’s toothbrushing habits. Group-based trajectory analysis was performed to characterize trajectories of time-varying independent variables that had at least 3 time points. We fitted a generalized linear mixed model assuming negative binomial distribution with log link function on 3-time repeated dental caries assessments. One in 5 participants was classified as “high” sugar consumers, and nearly 40% were “upward consumers.” “Low consumers” accounted for >40% of the sample. High and upward sugar consumers had higher dental caries prevalence and mean DMFT in all cohort waves when compared with low sugar consumers. Caries occurred at a relatively constant rate over the period of study, but in all sugar consumption groups, the increment of dental caries was slightly higher between ages 6 and 12 y than between 12 and 18 y. Adjusted analysis showed that dental caries increment ratio between ages 6 and 18 y was 20% and 66% higher in upward and high sugar consumer groups as compared with low consumers. The higher the sugar consumption along the life course, the higher the dental caries increment. Even the low level of sugar consumption was related to dental caries, despite the use of fluoride.
Emotional Responses to Images of Death
Authors: Marti-Garcia Celia , Garcia-Caro M. Paz , Cruz-Quintana Francisco , Schmidt-RioValle Jacqueline , Perez-Garcia Miguel
Published: January 2016

In the context of emotional states occurring during end-of-life processes, an understanding of emotional processing when facing stimuli associated with death would inform the study of whether these stimuli constitute a specific emotion schema whose adaptive value differs from the adaptive value of other negative and unpleasant stimuli. We investigated emotional processing when facing images of death and characterized this emotional processing according to the two-dimensional model of Peter Lang. For this purpose, a set of images of death was built and characterized along the dimensions of valence, arousal, and dominance. The degree of suffering portrayed in each image was also categorized as high, medium, or low. We found that images of death cause an emotional response that differs from the response to other types of unpleasant images and that such processing depends on the degree of suffering portrayed in the image.
The Six-Country Survey of the European Comparative Alcohol Study: Comparing Patterns and Assessing Validity
Authors: Leifman Håkan
Published: January 2016

The paper introduces a set of analyses of national surveys carried out in six countries—Finland, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy-as part of the European Comparative Alcohol Study (ECAS). The ECAS survey data were collected especially for the purpose of country comparisons. Therefore not only were the questions made as similar as possible in all six countries, but also the mode of data collection (telephone interviews), the sampling procedure (random sampling of telephone numbers), and the time of data collection (spring 2000). Despite all these efforts to ensure a high comparability, the crucial question of comparability of alcohol surveys in general, and of the ECAS six-country survey in particular, was raised at an early stage, since large differences were found among the six samples in response rates and in estimates of volume of drinking in relation to recorded per capita consumption (coverage rate). This paper pays attention to some of the validity problems in survey data in general and to the specific problems associated with this comparative survey approach in particular.
Bacterial Biofilm in Salivary Gland Stones
Authors: Fusconi Massimo , Petrozza Vincenzo , Schippa Serena , de Vincentiis Marco , Familiari Giuseppe , Pantanella Fabrizio , Cirenza Mirko , Iebba Valerio , Battaglione Ezio , Greco Antonio , Gallipoli Camilla , Campo Flaminia , Gallo Andrea
Published: January 2016

Objective

The pathogenesis of salivary calculi is not yet clear; however, 2 theories have been formulated: (1) “the classic theory,” based on calcium microdeposits in serous and ductal acinous cells, successively discharged into the ducts; (2) “the retrograde theory,” based on a retrograde migration of food, bacteria, and so on from the oral cavity to the salivary duct. The aim of the present study is to highlight the role of bacteria and biofilm in stone formation.

Study Design

Case series without comparison.

Setting

Laboratory of the Department of Anatomical Pathology.

Subjects and Methods

Traditional optic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were carried out on 15 salivary gland calculi that were collected from 12 patients. A qPCR (quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction) assay was performed to highlight the presence of bacterial DNA on each stone.

Results

Optic microscopy showed formations that—due to their size, shape, and Gram and Giemsa staining—seemed to be Gram‐positive bacterial cells. PAS‐ (periodic acid–Schiff) and alcian‐PAS‐positive staining matrix was present around them. The ultrastructural observation of the material processed for scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of structures resembling bacterial cells in the middle of the stones, surrounded by soft, amorphous material. Results of qPCR showed the presence of bacterial DNA in the internal part of the tissue sample.

Conclusions

The presence of bacteria and/or bacterial products resembling biofilm in salivary gland stones supports the “retrograde theory.” This evidence may support the hypothesis that biofilm could be the causative effect of lithiasic formations.
A new technique for mixed-type pectus carinatum: modified Onen method
Authors: Akkas Yucel , Kocer Bulent , Peri Neslihan Gulay
Published: January 2016

We modified the Onen method for pectus carinatum repair and used a vertical incision instead of a transverse incision. The most important advantage gained by the vertical incision is that we can switch to the Ravitch method without needing an additional incision, by elongating the existing incision in patients in whom a pectus bar cannot be placed. We successfully performed the modified Onen technique in a 16-year-old boy with a mixed-type pectus carinatum deformity.
Globalization and Violence against Women: The Missing Girls of India
Authors: Banerjee Arpita , Biswas Ranjita
Published: January 2016

Globalization of the economies has long been hailed as an apparatus that generates and maintains a level-playing field for both genders. It is argued that freer the markets become, the higher will be the opportunities for women to be empowered. Therefore, women will be more enlightened economically and will gain agency. As various forms of violence against women do not show any sign of decline, this article asks a fundamental question about the role of globalization. We examine whether the forces of globalization inadvertently play the role of an ally in the rise of violence against women. This article focuses on an extreme form of gender violence, namely, female foeticide, in India to show how the access to cheap technology may enhance such violence.

JEL: J16, F60, F69
Structural Violence against Emigrant Domestic Workers and Survival in the Middle East: The Effects of Indian Emigration Policy
Authors: Kodoth Praveena
Published: January 2016

Indian emigration policy’s emphasis on restrictions on the mobility of women domestic workers to the Middle East has created conditions in which they are subject to exploitation and abuse in the emigration process as well as in overseas employment. Indian policy has made way for unscrupulous recruiters, raised the costs of migration and reduced returns. It is underpinned not by economics, but by a gendered, caste- and class-based nationalism that regards the emigration of women domestic workers as degrading. In the Middle East, where the ‘kafala’ system of sponsorship endows sponsors–employers with extraordinary powers over immigrant workers, the lack of support from Indian embassies reinforces structural violence. Push factors and the demonstration effect of previous migration motives women to disregard state regulation. Domestic workers survive multiple pressures, tolerate abuse and strive to gain the sponsor’s patronage or defy the system with the help of social networks to tap the gains of informal/illegal employment.

JEL: J 619, K 370 and Z 00
Institutional Pressures and Organizational Characteristics: The Case of Polluting Emissions and the Toxics Release Inventory
Authors: Sadler Thomas R.
Published: January 2016

This article develops a model that demonstrates how organizational characteristics moderate institutional pressures on firms that report annually to the Toxics Release Inventory. In terms of institutional pressures, market forces, non-market forces and regulatory demands influence environmental practices at the plant level. Organizational characteristics of the firm, including firm size, competitive position and degree of internationalization moderate these influences, leading to a firm’s corporate environmental performance. The article finds that firms may voluntarily over-comply with the existing regulation when such action aligns with existing corporate strategies and culture, reducing the possibility of stricter regulation and enhancing a socially responsible reputation.

JEL: Q52, Q58, H32, M14, M21
Worldview Matters
Authors: de Kadt Maarten
Published: January 2016

Comparing Piketty’s inequality generating mechanism (r>g) to Marx’s circuits of capital underscores a central difference: Marx wanted to replace capitalism while Piketty merely wants to fix it by taxing the rich. Piketty’s discussion of slavery reifies human chattel’s role in economic history. The failure to exclude the income of supermanagers as a return to labor may lead to an understatement of the inequality Piketty describes. Similarly, a brief mention of the environment without analysis of the wealth obtained from its abuse also understates the growth of inequality.

JEL classification: D31, O15, P1, P3, Q51
Crisis in Venezuela, or the Bolivarian Dilemma: To Revolutionize or to Perish? A Kaleckian Interpretation
Authors: Lampa Roberto
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates the evolution of Venezuela’s political and economic scenario over the last 15 years. I explore in depth both the achievements and the unsolved problems of the Venezuelan demand-led growth model. Recalling Kalecki’s analysis of underdevelopment, I highlight Venezuela’s problems that depend on the constraining role played by the existing institutions. I conclude that the real challenge consists of a deep institutional change, possibly along the lines portrayed in the 2007 constitutional referendum.
Implementation of a multi-variable regression analysis in the assessment of the generation rate and composition of hospital solid waste for the design of a sustainable management system in developing countries
Authors: Al-Khatib Issam A , Abu Fkhidah Ismail , Khatib Jumana I , Kontogianni Stamatia
Published: January 2016

Forecasting of hospital solid waste generation is a critical challenge for future planning. The composition and generation rate of hospital solid waste in hospital units was the field where the proposed methodology of the present article was applied in order to validate the results and secure the outcomes of the management plan in national hospitals. A set of three multiple-variable regression models has been derived for estimating the daily total hospital waste, general hospital waste, and total hazardous waste as a function of number of inpatients, number of total patients, and number of beds. The application of several key indicators and validation procedures indicates the high significance and reliability of the developed models in predicting the hospital solid waste of any hospital. Methodology data were drawn from existent scientific literature. Also, useful raw data were retrieved from international organisations and the investigated hospitals’ personnel. The primal generation outcomes are compared with other local hospitals and also with hospitals from other countries. The main outcome, which is the developed model results, are presented and analysed thoroughly. The goal is this model to act as leverage in the discussions among governmental authorities on the implementation of a national plan for safe hospital waste management in Palestine.
Seismic characterization and dynamic site response of a municipal solid waste landfill in Bangalore, India
Authors: Anbazhagan P , SivakumarBabu GL , Lakshmikanthan P , VivekAnand KS
Published: January 2016

Seismic design of landfills requires an understanding of the dynamic properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the dynamic site response of landfill waste during seismic events. The dynamic response of the Mavallipura landfill situated in Bangalore, India, is investigated using field measurements, laboratory studies and recorded ground motions from the intraplate region. The dynamic shear modulus values for the MSW were established on the basis of field measurements of shear wave velocities. Cyclic triaxial testing was performed on reconstituted MSW samples and the shear modulus reduction and damping characteristics of MSW were studied. Ten ground motions were selected based on regional seismicity and site response parameters have been obtained considering one-dimensional non-linear analysis in the DEEPSOIL program. The surface spectral response varied from 0.6 to 2 g and persisted only for a period of 1 s for most of the ground motions. The maximum peak ground acceleration (PGA) obtained was 0.5 g and the minimum and maximum amplifications are 1.35 and 4.05. Amplification of the base acceleration was observed at the top surface of the landfill underlined by a composite soil layer and bedrock for all ground motions. Dynamic seismic properties with amplification and site response parameters for MSW landfill in Bangalore, India, are presented in this paper. This study shows that MSW has less shear stiffness and more amplification due to loose filling and damping, which need to be accounted for seismic design of MSW landfills in India.
Solid recovered fuels in the cement industry – semi-automated sample preparation unit as a means for facilitated practical application
Authors: Aldrian Alexia , Sarc Renato , Pomberger Roland , Lorber Karl E , Sipple Ernst-Michael
Published: January 2016

One of the challenges for the cement industry is the quality assurance of alternative fuel (e.g. solid recovered fuel, SRF) in co-incineration plants – especially for inhomogeneous alternative fuels with large particle sizes ( d95⩾100 mm), which will gain even more importance in the substitution of conventional fuels due to low production costs. Existing standards for sampling and sample preparation do not cover the challenges resulting from these kinds of materials. A possible approach to ensure quality monitoring is shown in the present contribution. For this, a specially manufactured, automated comminution and sample divider device was installed at a cement plant in Rohožnik. In order to prove its practical suitability with methods according to current standards, the sampling and sample preparation process were validated for alternative fuel with a grain size >30 mm (i.e. d95=approximately 100 mm), so-called ‘Hotdisc SRF’. Therefore, series of samples were taken and analysed. A comparison of the analysis results with the yearly average values obtained through a reference investigation route showed good accordance. Further investigations during the validation process also showed that segregation or enrichment of material throughout the comminution plant does not occur. The results also demonstrate that compliance with legal standards regarding the minimum sample amount is not sufficient for inhomogeneous and coarse particle size alternative fuels. Instead, higher sample amounts after the first particle size reduction step are strongly recommended in order to gain a representative laboratory sample.
Evaluation of Knowla
Authors: Thompson Meredith Myra , Braude Eric John
Published: January 2016

The assessment of learning in large online courses requires tools that are valid, reliable, easy to administer, and can be automatically scored. We have evaluated an online assessment and learning tool called Knowledge Assembly, or Knowla. Knowla measures a student’s knowledge in a particular subject by having the student assemble a set of arbitrarily sized scrambled fragments into a logical order using a web-based interface. Instructors can use Knowla to create assessments and grading criteria. Initial testing of the tool indicates that the measure is reliable and that students access critical thinking skills as they engage with the material. Additionally, testing demonstrates that Knowla can be used to assess learning gains in a subject area. Knowla also shows promise as a learning tool and has already been integrated into university courses.
Assessment of Psychopathology and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Migraine
Authors: Öztop Didem Behice , Taşdelen Bedia İnce , PoyrazoğLu Hatıce Gamze , Ozsoy Saliha , Yilmaz Rabia , Şahın Nilfer , Per Hüseyin , Bozkurt Selma
Published: January 2016

Aim:

The aims of this study were to investigate comorbid psychiatric disorders and to identify anxiety and depression levels and quality of life in children and adolescents with migraine; and to assess their relationship with migraine.

Method:

35 patients aged 9-16 years were followed in our neurology clinic and their parents were included into the study. 35 age- and sex-matched patients were employed as the control group. In the subjects included, psychiatric disorders were assessed by using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version. All children and adolescents were assessed by using the Children’s Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. In addition, the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Tool and visual analog scale were used to identify the degree of disability and pain severity in patients with migraine.

Findings:

In the psychiatric assessment of children and adolescents with migraine, it was found that a psychiatric diagnosis was made in 40% of patients; and depression scale scores were significantly higher than those of controls. Quality of life was found to be poorer in patients with migraine compared to controls. It was found that quality of life was negatively correlated with pain severity and degree of disability; while it was positively correlated with depression scores.

Discussion:

In children and adolescents with migraine, treatment of psychiatric disorders in addition to migraine therapy can facilitate migraine management and may decrease the need for prophylactic therapy.
Interpreting Early Career Trajectories
Authors: Barnatt Joan , Gahlsdorf Terrell Dianna , D’Souza Lisa Andries , Jong Cindy , Cochran-Smith Marilyn , Viesca Kara Mitchell , Gleeson Ann Marie , McQuillan Patrick , Shakman Karen
Published: January 2016

Career decisions of four teachers are explored through the concept of figured worlds in this qualitative, longitudinal case study. Participants were purposefully chosen for similarity at entry, with a range of career trajectories over time. Teacher career paths included remaining in one school, repeated changes in schools, attrition after relocation, and non-renewal of contract. Data included interviews, observations, participants’ assessments, and pupils’ work. Cross-case analysis suggests that no single teacher attribute or workplace condition determined teachers’ career decisions; rather, teachers’ ability to refigure their identity within the figured world of teaching shaped career trajectory. Key factors such as ability to address disequilibrium, teacher identity, agency, and collaborative capacity are examined. Implications call for pre-service preparation and professional development to navigate cultures of schools, amended administrative involvement in teacher retention, and policy reform acknowledging the complexity of teachers’ figured worlds.
Social partnership and political devolution in the National Health Service: emergence, operation and outcomes
Authors: Bacon Nicolas , Samuel Peter
Published: January 2016

This article explores the emergence, operation and outcomes of social partnership in the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland and Wales. Social partnership emerged in the NHS following political devolution in 1998 which transferred powers to left-wing governments in Scotland and Wales. These arrangements helped improve health services, modernize industrial relations and enhance staff terms and conditions. In NHS Scotland, union participation in strategic decisions produced extensive co-operation to dismantle the internal health market, improve services and enhance staff terms and conditions. Union participation in NHS Wales was restricted to discussing workforce issues, and although co-operation increased when Welsh governments gained enhanced legislative powers and dismantled the internal health market, it delivered fewer improvements in service and pay levels. Differences in government political positioning (against public sector marketization) and degree of independence (with devolved administrations granted different legislative powers) help explain the operation and outcomes of social partnership.
Research on the motion trajectory optimization method based on the improved genetic algorithm for an intelligent vehicle
Authors: Li Aijuan , Zhao Wanzhong , Li Shunming , Qiu Xuyun , Wang Xibo
Published: January 2016

The motion trajectory optimization method for an intelligent vehicle in the planning and control of the trajectory of an intelligent vehicle under high-speed driving working conditions is difficult to research. In order to ensure that the intelligent vehicle runs steadily under high-speed driving working conditions, an improved-genetic-algorithm-based motion trajectory-planning method was introduced to optimize the generated trajectory. The trajectory optimization method considers the influence of the dynamic constraints to ensure that the vehicle runs steadily under high-speed driving working conditions. First, a B-spline curve is used to parameterize the generated trajectory. Then, the improved genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the B-spline curve so that the parameterized trajectory satisfies the dynamic constraints and so that the optimized trajectory is feasible. The simulation results showed that the optimized trajectory satisfies the dynamic constraints better, that the optimized effect is effective and that the vehicle steers steadily under high-speed driving working conditions.
Fuel adjustment to achieve a smooth net indicated mean effective pressure during mode switching from homogeneous charge compression ignition to conventional diesel compression ignition in a transient hydrocarbon emissions study
Authors: Shi Lei , Sun Youcheng , Deng Kangyao
Published: January 2016

For diesel homogeneous charge compression ignition engines, combustion is unstable during the mode-switching process because of an unfavourable evaporation environment, especially at low speeds. Unusual fluctuations in the net indicated mean effective pressure and a spike in the transient emissions occur in the transitional cycles between modes. In this study, first, experiments were performed to characterize the hydrocarbon emissions during the combustion mode-switching process between homogeneous charge compression ignition and conventional diesel compression ignition. The results showed that the hydrocarbon emissions decreased as the speed increased at a constant load. When the load increased at a constant speed, the hydrocarbon emissions decreased. A spike in the hydrocarbon emissions during the transitional cycles was observed at 1000 r/min when mode switching from homogeneous charge compression ignition to compression ignition. Second, based on the spike phenomenon, a method of fuel adjustment was proposed to eliminate the fluctuations in the net indicated mean effective pressure and the spike in the hydrocarbon emissions in the five transitional cycles. Finally, by regulating the fuel adjustment coefficient in the five transitional cycles, the spike phenomenon of the transient hydrocarbon emissions was eliminated, and the fluctuations in the net indicated mean effective pressure decreased. The coefficient of variation in the net indicated mean effective pressure decreased to 2%.
Fault estimation and adaptive fault tolerant control for dynamic systems based on the second-order sliding mode observer
Authors: Li Fei , Hu Zhenggao , Zhao Guorong
Published: January 2016

This article is concerned with observer-based fault estimation and adaptive fault tolerant control for a class of continuous-time dynamical systems. First, a second-order sliding mode observer is proposed, which is capable to eliminate chattering effects for fault estimation caused by the conventional sliding mode observer. Second, in order to avoid the cumbersome stability proving process by the geometric method, a Lyapunov function is adopted to prove the observer error dynamical system. Third, based on the estimated fault information by the proposed observer, an adaptive fault tolerant control law is developed to guarantee the stability of the faulty system. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the Boeing 747-100/200 flight control system, and the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
A neural approximation-based novel back-stepping control scheme for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles with uncertain parameters
Authors: Bu Xiangwei , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhang Rui , Ma Zhen , Huang Jiaqi
Published: January 2016

In this article, a novel back-stepping control strategy is proposed for the longitudinal dynamics of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles subject to parameter uncertainties based on neural approximation. To facilitate the control design, the vehicle dynamics is reasonably decomposed into subsystems including the altitude subsystem and the velocity subsystem. Different from the existing studies, the presented improved back-stepping control approach for altitude dynamics only contains one actual controller while all the virtual controllers are artificial intermediate states needed only for stability analysis purpose. Hence, the problem of “explosion of terms” is completely avoided. By utilizing neural networks to approximate the lumped uncertainty of each subsystem, the robustness of the explored controller against uncertain aerodynamic coefficients is guaranteed. Moreover, by the merit of the minimal-learning-parameter method, only one learning parameter is required to be updated in each subsystem. The novelty of this article is that the exploited control scheme is simplified and exhibits low computational cost. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed control methodology can provide robust tracking of velocity and altitude reference trajectories in the presence of system uncertainties.
A high-resolution 1200-year lacustrine record of glacier and climate fluctuations in Lofoten, northern Norway
Authors: Nielsen Pål Ringkjøb , Balascio Nicholas L , Dahl Svein Olaf , Jansen Henrik Løseth , Støren Eivind WN , Bradley Raymond S
Published: January 2016

Here we present the first high-resolution late-Holocene glacier record from the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. The study is based on analyses of lacustrine sediments from the distal glacier-fed lake Kveitvikvatnet (30.1 m a.s.l.), as well as glacial-geomorphological mapping of the ~4.2-km2 surrounding catchment. The lake sediment cores have been examined for input of glacial-derived sediments by using physical, geochemical and magnetic sediment properties, including x-ray fluorescence (XRF), magnetic susceptibility (MS), grain size analyses, dry bulk density (DBD) and loss-on-ignition (LOI). Former glacier extent has been reconstructed using aerial photography and glacial-geomorphological mapping. Lichenometric dating has been used to construct a moraine chronology covering the recent fluctuations of the largest glacier (back to AD ~1740). AMS radiocarbon dating reveals that the lake sediment record covers the last 1200 years, thereby including both the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA) and the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’ (MCA). By linking continuously deposited lake sediment proxies of glacier fluctuation to known glacier frontal positions and an independent temperature reconstruction, former fluctuations in the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) and winter precipitation have been reconstructed. Reconstructed winter precipitation estimates have also been correlated to instrumental data from the region back to AD 1895 and show a remarkable correlation, which further strengthens our approach. We found that both MCA and LIA were periods of substantial glacier variations with respect to the present, with a maximum lowering of the ELA of ~75 and ~85 m, respectively. Increased precipitation during these intervals, associated with more frequent and/or intense winter storms, is suggested to be the major driving force of glacier fluctuations in Lofoten.
Sexual Violence in the Digital Age
Authors: Henry Nicola , Powell Anastasia
Published: January 2016

Considerable scholarly attention has been paid to a range of criminal behaviours that are perpetrated with the aid of digital technologies. Much of this focus, however, has been on high-tech computer crimes, such as hacking, online fraud and identity theft, or child exploitation material and cyberbullying. Less attention has been paid to ‘technology-facilitated sexual violence’, where new technologies are used as tools to perpetrate or extend the harm of a sexual assault, extend control and abuse in a domestic violence situation, or distribute sexual or intimate images of another without their consent. In this article, we focus on the scope and limitations of criminal legislation for responding to these varied but interconnected gendered harms. We argue that although there have been some developments in a range of international jurisdictions, particularly relating to the phenomenon of ‘revenge pornography’, much more needs to be done both within and beyond the law. Whilst we support the intervention of the criminal law, we argue that equal attention must be given to policies and practices of educators, law enforcement agencies, service providers, online communities and social media networks to fulfil the promise of equal and ethical digital citizenship.
William Cookesley, William Hunter and the first patient to survive removal of the appendix in 1731 – A case history with 31 years’ follow up
Authors: Selley Peter
Published: January 2016

William Cookesley, a surgeon in Devon, England, successfully operated on a patient with an Amyand hernia in 1731, incidentally excising the appendix. His patient is the earliest documented to have survived appendicectomy. This was confirmed by a post mortem examination 31 years later. Part of the remaining bowel was preserved by William Hunter and this specimen remains in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
Alphons Mermann (1852–1908): hiccups, hygiene and Hebammen
Authors: Miller Christopher C , Petroianu Georg A
Published: January 2016

German gynecologist Alphons Mermann (1852–1908) is best known for establishing the Luisenheim Woechnerinnenasyl (lying-in asylum) at the end of the 19th century in Mannheim. The Luisenheim, owing its name to HRH the Grand Duchess Luise of Baden (1838–1923), was a significant step forward in the provision of a safe delivery environment for mothers of modest means. During his life, Mermann used his position as the Luisenheim’s director to promote both the training of midwives and a strict maintenance of asepsis in the hospital. Historically, he has been viewed as the first physician to describe fetal hiccups in a peer-reviewed scientific publication, although the phenomena were described nearly two centuries before his account. This short work explores the life, family and contributions of Dr Mermann.
“Academic racism” and the neglected scholarship of the anatomist M. Wharton Young, MD, PhD (1904–1986)
Authors: Heywood Peter
Published: January 2016

Moses Wharton Young, MD, PhD (1904–1986), was an African American Professor of Neuroanatomy at Howard University College of Medicine from 1934 to 1973, during which time he authored about 100 publications on topics that included baldness, asthma, glaucoma, and, most importantly, the structure and function of the inner ear and the pathophysiology of blast injuries. Much of Young's research was ignored during his lifetime, raising the question whether this professional neglect was an instance of “academic racism.”
Mechanical frequency up-conversion for sub-resonance, low-frequency vibration harvesting
Authors: Edwards Bryn , Aw Kean C , Hu Aiguo P
Published: January 2016

This article presents analysis and model validation of a single cantilever frequency up-conversion mechanism under stochastic excitation when configured as an electromagnetic energy harvester. The results show that the mechanism is able to achieve an increase in the root mean square velocity of the cantilever end when excited at frequencies below the natural frequency of the beam in the range of 3–7 Hz, as compared to a simple cantilever. The maximum observed gains in root mean square velocity from the experiment varied from 69% at a fundamental excitation frequency of 7 Hz to 153% at 3 Hz for cantilevers with natural frequencies in the range of 8.5–13.3 Hz as compared to a simple cantilever device with the same range of natural frequency. Comparison between the experimental and simulation results demonstrates that the mathematical model of the mechanical system is able to predict the response under such excitation conditions with 99% of the points in the parameter space being fitted at the 95% confidence level. Configured as an electromagnetic harvester based on low-frequency vibration, the device has been shown in the experiment to have a potential gain in average power delivery of 91.5% compared to a simple cantilever structure.
Laying the Foundations for Scientometric Research
Authors: Perron Brian E. , Victor Bryan G. , Hodge David R. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Vaughn Michael G. , Taylor Robert Joseph
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Scientometric studies of social work have stagnated due to problems with the organization and structure of the disciplinary literature. This study utilized data science to produce a set of research tools to overcome these methodological challenges.

Method:

We constructed a comprehensive list of social work journals for a 25-year time period and searched for all available article records using 35 different databases. Customized software was developed to restructure article records into a single analyzable database. We then computed the annual journal growth from the database.

Results:

A population of 90 disciplinary journals was established, and 33,330 article records were retrieved from 80 of these journals. Rapid and consistent growth in the number of social work journals was observed, particularly from 1997 up to 2005.

Conclusions:

The population list of social work journals, database of article records, and customized software builds the foundation for future scientometric studies in social work.
The Use of Ultrasound in Palliative Care and Hospice
Authors: Chernack Betty , Knowlton Sasha E. , Kohler Minna J.
Published: January 2016

Palliative care aims to reduce symptom burden and enhance quality of life for those with terminal disease. Ultrasound has become an increasingly popular diagnostic and therapeutic modality due to its low cost, ease of portability, safety, and good patient acceptance. A review of the literature to date shows that as a diagnostic tool, as a therapeutic modality, and as a tool to accurately guide palliative procedures, ultrasound can have many roles in palliative care and hospice. Based on our clinical experience, musculoskeletal ultrasound can be of benefit to patients with terminal disease. Examples include adhesive capsulitis in advanced neurologic disease and chronic osteomyelitis in a patient with metastatic colon cancer. Ideally, further studies investigating the use of ultrasound in the palliative care population will be conducted in the future to enhance the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of this particular modality.
Plasma Thrombin Generation and Sensitivity to Activated Protein C Among Patients With Myeloma and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Crowley Maeve P. , Kevane Barry , O’Shea Susan I. , Quinn Shane , Egan Karl , Gilligan Oonagh M. , Ní. Áinle Fionnuala
Published: January 2016

The etiology of the prothrombotic state in myeloma has yet to be definitively characterized. Similarly, while recent evidence suggests that patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) may also be at increased risk of thrombosis, the magnitude and the etiology of this risk have also yet to be defined. The present study aims to characterize patterns of plasma thrombin generation and sensitivity to the anticoagulant activity of activated protein C (APC) at the time of initial diagnosis of myeloma and in response to therapy in comparison to that observed among patients with MGUS and matched, healthy volunteers. Patients presenting with newly diagnosed/newly relapsed myeloma (n = 8), MGUS (n = 8), and matched healthy volunteers (n = 8) were recruited. Plasma thrombin generation was determined by calibrated automated thrombography. Peak thrombin generation was significantly higher in patients with myeloma (383.4 ± 33.4 nmol/L) and MGUS (353.4 ± 16.5 nmol/L) compared to healthy volunteers (276.7 ± 20.8 nmol/L; P < .05). In the presence of APC, endogenous thrombin potential was significantly lower in control plasma (228.6 ± 44.5 nmol/L × min) than in either myeloma (866.2 ± 241.3 nmol/L × min, P = .01) or MGUS plasma (627 ± 91.5 nmol/L × min, P = .003). Within the myeloma cohort, peak thrombin generation was significantly higher at diagnosis (353.2 ± 15.9 nmol/L) than following completion of the third cycle of therapy (282.1 ± 15.2 nmol/L; P < .005). Moreover, sensitivity to APC increased progressively with each cycle of chemotherapy. Further study of the etiology and evolving patterns of hypercoagulability among patients with these conditions is warranted and may have future implications for thromboprophylaxis strategies.
Genetic Instability in Lymphocytes is Associated With Blood Plasma Antioxidant Levels in Health Care Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Kumar Dayanidhi , Kumari Sandhya , Salian Sujith Raj , Uppangala Shubhashree , Kalthur Guruprasad , Challapalli Srinivas , Chandraguthi Shrinidhi Gururajarao , Kumar Pratap , Adiga Satish Kumar
Published: January 2016

Earlier reports have suggested that exposure to radiation at workplace may induce cytogenetic abnormalities. However, the association between plasma antioxidants and the cytogenetic abnormalities in these patients has not been elucidated till now. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between the cytogenetic abnormalities, plasma antioxidant system, and the radiation exposure levels in men who were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. The study included 134 male volunteers, among whom 83 were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Incidence of micronuclei and chromosomal aberration was assessed in lymphocytes. Total and reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation were assessed in the plasma. The micronuclei frequency and chromosomal aberrations were significantly higher in the exposed group in comparison to the nonexposed group ( P < 0.01-0.0001). Similarly, GSH, TAC, and SOD in the blood plasma were significantly higher in the exposed group than the nonexposed group ( P < 0.01-0.0001). However, the level of malondialdehyde, which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation, did not differ significantly between both the groups. Importantly, radiation absorbed dose exhibited a positive correlation with the incidence of micronuclei in blood lymphocytes but not with chromosomal aberrations. This study shows that the susceptibility of peripheral blood lymphocytes to chromosomal damage is associated with plasma antioxidant levels. Furthermore, increased levels of blood plasma GSH, TAC, and SOD in occupationally exposed individuals could be an adaptive measure in response to oxidative stress to protect somatic cell genetic integrity.
Prenatal Exposure to Soy Isoflavones Altered the Immunological Parameters in Female Rats
Authors: Ebaid Hala M. , Elgawish Rania Abdel Rahman , Abdelrazek Heba M. A. , Gaffer Ghada , Tag Hend M.
Published: January 2016

Information on the effects of phytoestrogens on animals has increased recently; however, there were only few studies on prenatal exposure on cellular immune response. Pregnant rats were assigned to 3 groups (12 rats per group), the first was fed control diet, the second was fed low-dose (6.5 g/100 g of diet) soy isoflavones, while the third was fed high-dose (26 g/100 g of diet) soy isoflavones. The female offspring cell-mediated immune response was determined using phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection, and intumesce index was calculated on postnatal day 50. After 24 hours of PHA injection, blood samples were collected for tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin (IL)-12 determination. Spleen, thymus, and PHA-injected footpads were fixed for histopathology. Intumesce index was significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced in rats’ offspring born from dams fed low- and high-dietary soy isoflavones than that in control groups. Thymic relative weights in offspring of rats fed high-dietary soy isoflavones showed a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease compared to that in the control group. Female offspring where low and high-dietary soy isoflavones were fed to their dams showed a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in IFN-γ and IL-12 than that in control ones. Spleen of rats born from dams fed high dose of dietary soy isoflavones showed lymphocytic depletion in white pulp. Taking together, it is clear that dietary soy isoflavones at prenatal period had immunosuppressive effect on female offspring after PHA stimulation. This effect was mediated through reduced IFN-γ that interplayed in IL-12 production pathway thus reducing its level.
Evaluating and extending user-level fault tolerance in MPI applications
Authors: Laguna Ignacio , Richards David F , Gamblin Todd , Schulz Martin , de Supinski Bronis R , Mohror Kathryn , Pritchard Howard
Published: January 2016

The user-level failure mitigation (ULFM) interface has been proposed to provide fault-tolerant semantics in the Message Passing Interface (MPI). Previous work presented performance evaluations of ULFM; yet questions related to its programability and applicability, especially to non-trivial, bulk synchronous applications, remain unanswered. In this article, we present our experiences on using ULFM in a case study with a large, highly scalable, bulk synchronous molecular dynamics application to shed light on the advantages and difficulties of this interface to program fault-tolerant MPI applications. We found that, although ULFM is suitable for master–worker applications, it provides few benefits for more common bulk synchronous MPI applications. To address these limitations, we introduce a new, simpler fault-tolerant interface for complex, bulk synchronous MPI programs with better applicability and support than ULFM for application-level recovery mechanisms, such as global rollback.
Mend It or End It
Authors: Murphy Kevin R. , Russell Craig J.
Published: January 2016

Moderator variables are widely hypothesized and studied in the organizational sciences, but the empirical track record of moderator variable studies is very discouraging. These studies often lack sufficient statistical power and the type of designs and measures common in organizational research virtually guarantee that the moderator effects that are found are usually extremely small. We recommend that future attempts to identify and estimate moderator effects should be limited to situations where better measures, stronger research designs and a realistic cost-benefit assessment are available. Researchers should avoid moderator hypotheses in contexts where the measures and research designs employed do not allow them to be tested in a meaningful way, and should be cautious about interpreting the very small effects they are likely to find.
The future of hotel chains
Authors: Richard Brendan , Cleveland Shane
Published: January 2016

Over the past few years the sharing economy has grown tremendously, disrupting the traditional tourism industry via the mass deployment of exponentially increasing capacity. In this new economy, ownership and access are shared by individuals creating, broadcasting and exchanging their own products and services. Rather than compete against the sharing economy, hotel chains have the opportunity to oversee this communal sharing and leverage the strength of their brands by extending them to peer-to-peer (P2P) rentals. This potential future of P2P rentals offers an attractive option for guests looking for a unique stay free of the current uncertainty of the informal economy in safety, legality and quality. This paper introduces propositions regarding the future state of the P2P rental market, presents a scenario detailing branded marketplaces, discusses the drivers of change, explores branding considerations and offers recommendations for future research.
Testing the efficacy of two new variants of recasts with standard recasts in communicative conversational settings: An exploratory longitudinal study
Authors: Wacha Richard Charles , Liu Yeu-Ting
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this exploratory longitudinal study was to evaluate the efficacy of two new forms of recasts (i.e. elaborated and paraphrased recasts), each of which was designed to be more in accordance with contested views of input processing. The effectiveness of the two new forms of recasts was compared to that of conventional standard recasts. To this end, an experienced language teacher engaged four intermediate-level learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in weekly, one-on-one, English conversation sessions under four instructional conditions (elaborated recast, paraphrased recast, standard recast, and no recast), one learner under each condition. A diachronic, time-series research design was used to assess the effects of recasts on each learner’s performance of past tense over a nine-week, instructional period. The results showed that all three types of recasts proved effective in assisting the learners to improve their accuracy on English past tense; all things considered, elaborated and especially paraphrased recasts proved to have a distinct advantage over standard recasts. The results suggest that recasts, in general, and more specifically paraphrased and elaborated recasts, are effective when employed in less controlled, spoken conversational practice, where there is free turn-taking, topic shifts, and the conversational content is related to the learner’s personal experiences and background knowledge.