bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Views of schizophrenia patients on the effects of cannabis on their mental health
Authors: Parshotam Rishie Kumar , Joubert Pierre M
Published: June 2017

Background. Cannabis use may trigger or perpetuate clinical features of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals, thereby contributing to the morbidity of schizophrenia and its burden of disease. These findings have mostly not considered the views of schizophrenia patients on cannabis use and its effect on their mental health.  

Methods. A semi-structured 16-point opinion-type questionnaire was formulated from the results of a previous qualitative study on schizophrenia patients’ opinions about cannabis use. The questionnaire was applied to 60 participants from an inpatient schizophrenia population at Weskoppies Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, who had a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (text revision) (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of schizophrenia and a documented history of cannabis use. 

Results. According to participants’ responses, 61.7% admitted to suffering from a mental illness, 95.0% admitted to using cannabis in the past, and 20.0% of participants admitted to the current use of cannabis. Over half (51.7%) of the participants responded that cannabis had adverse effects on their mental health, 26.7% that their mental illness was caused by using an illicit drug other than cannabis, 26.7% that only impure cannabis had adverse effects on their mental health, and 48.3% that only using too much cannabis had bad effects on their mind. A high percentage (58.3%) of participants responded that cannabis use helped reduce tension, 56.7% that it helped reduce anxiety, 66.7% that it helped to lift their mood, 63.3% that it helped them to relax, 60.0% that it helped to relieve their boredom, 43.3% that it helped them feel more energetic, 58.3% that it helped them sleep better, 13.3% that it helped reduce auditory hallucinations, and 31.7% that the beneficial effects of cannabis outweighed its negative effects. 

Conclusion. Most of the participants who responded that they were not using cannabis currently had positive views about its effects on their mental health, despite responding that cannabis may have adverse effects on their mental health. This is a worrisome outcome, since those participants who feel that cannabis has more beneficial than detrimental effects might not remain abstinent.
Service transformation plans in the Eastern Cape informed by a needs-based gap analysis
Authors: Sukeri Kiran , Alonso-Betancourt Orlando , Emsley Robin
Published: June 2017

Objectives. Part I of this research paper presented a needs and gap analysis for the management of schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder and major depression for the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It identified deficits and inequitable distribution of human resources and beds in the province. In this article, Part II, the authors propose a plan for public sector mental health services to address the human resource needs in the poorer eastern regions of the province. The plan focuses on human resource training and development. 

Methods. Evidence-based data on staff development in mental health from low-middle income countries were utilised to develop strategies to increase staff capacity to address unmet need. A financing model with a poverty index was developed to sustain a needs-based plan. Databases searched included Pubmed, Medline, Google and Google Scholar. The key words used included: mental health, mental health training, mental health resources, mental health in low-middle-income countries, mental health policy and plans, mental health needs- based planning, primary healthcare, primary mental healthcare, mental health financing. In addition the websites of the World Health Organization and the World Psychiatric Association were searched for similar resources.

Conclusions. It is feasible, with careful attention to planning and implementation of evidence-based tools, to improve public mental health service delivery in this province. Sustained political will and professional commitment will ensure successful delivery of mental health services in a resource-limited province.
Clinical and demographic factors associated with sexual behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Fourie Lurike , Kotzé Carla , Van der Westhuizen Deborah
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The sexual behaviour and development of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been mostly overlooked in research and practice. This study aimed to determine the association between certain clinical and demographic factors found in a sample of children with ASDs, and their reported sexual behaviour (RSB).Methods: The study was conducted at a school in Gauteng, South Africa, for learners with ASDs. Two questionnaires completed by caregivers/parents enquired about family stability, clinical profile and RSB (if any) in their child. RSB was analysed via three domains: self-care, socio-sexual skills and actual RSB, with additional information from school records.Results: Of the 107 questionnaires distributed, only 31 parents responded and 24 agreed to participate. The 24 (100%) children included 10 pubertal and 14 pre-pubertal children, of which 18 (n = 18) had more stable primary caregiver statuses as well as more stable socioeconomic and family environments. Two of the 14 pre-pubertal children had abnormal self-care, whereas none of the 10 pubertal children had any abnormal self-care. Eight of the 18 children from more stable environments displayed abnormal sexual behaviours. Of the 6 children from less stable environments, two displayed more abnormal socio-sexual skills, whereas 9 of the 18 children from more stable environments displayed more abnormal sexual behaviour. In contrast with the postulated hypothesis that children from less stable socioeconomic and family environments would exhibit more abnormal sexual behaviours, this study did not find any evidence of such a relationship or association.Conclusion: ASDs are characterised by deficits in communication and social skills. These may lead to an affected individual struggling to develop appropriate sexual behaviour. If specific risk factors that contribute to the development of abnormal sexual behaviour can be identified, one can try to modify/prevent these where some degree of prevention or alleviation may be possible.
Psychiatric impairment and disability assessment — proposals to improve current inadequacies
Authors: Coetzer Pieter , Botha Andre , Huyser Dick
Published: June 2017

Impairment and disability assessment on psychiatric grounds has always been subjective, controversial and at best, a difficult task. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) needs to be congratulated, firstly on being instrumental in the publication of the first ‘Guidelines to the Management of Disability Claims on Psychiatric Grounds’ 1 in 1996, and secondly on following this up with an improved and revised version in May 2002.
Muslim patients in Ramadan: A review for primary care physicians
Authors: Abolaban Heba , Moujahed Ahmad Al
Published: June 2017

Fasting Ramadan, in which Muslims abstain from specific habits and behaviors from dawn to sunset, is one of the five Pillars of Islam. While there are several exemptions from fasting, many Muslim patients with acute or chronic medical conditions still choose to fast, which may adversely affect their health if not addressed properly. Some patients may not be well educated about the effects of some medical treatments and procedures on the validity of their fast, which can unnecessarily lead to suboptimal management of their conditions or treatment nonadherence. Since spirituality, religiosity, and personal beliefs affect patients' health behaviors and adherence to treatments, health-care providers need to learn how fasting Ramadan can affect the health of their Muslim patients, especially those with chronic medical conditions, and how to help them achieve safe fasting. This article aims to provide an overview of the main topics that primary care physicians may need to know in order to improve their cultural competence when caring for their fasting Muslim patients.
Insight into naturally-charged Highly Oxidized Molecules (HOMs) in the boreal forest
Authors: Bianchi Federico , Garmash Olga , He Xucheng , Yan Chao , Iyer Siddharth , Rosendahl Ida , Xu Zhengning , Rissanen Matti P. , Riva Matthieu , Taipale Risto , Sarnela Nina , Petäjä Tuukka , Worsnop Douglas R. , Kulmala Markku , Ehn Mikael , Junninen Heikki
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In order to investigate the role of the naturally charged highly oxidised molecules (HOMs) in the boreal forest we have performed measurements to chemically characterize the composition of negatively charged ions. Additionally, we compared this information with the chemical composition of the neutral (HOMs) detected in the ambient air during the same period. The chemical composition of the ions was retrieved using an Atmospheric Pressure interface Time-Of-Flight mass spectrometer (APi-TOF) while the gas phase neutral molecules (mainly sulphuric acid and HOMs) were characterized using the same mass spectrometer coupled to a nitrate-based chemical ionization unit (CI-APi-TOF). Overall, we divided the identified HOMs in two classes, HOMs containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and nitrogen-containing HOMs or organonitrates (ONs). During the day, among the ions, in addition to the well-known sulphuric acid clusters, we found a large number of HOMs clustered with the two most common inorganic acids, nitrate (NO3−) or bisulphate (HSO4−), the first one being predominant. During the night, the detected ions were very similar to the neutral compounds and were mainly composed of HOMs clustered with NO3−. For the first time, we identified several clusters contain up to 40 carbon atoms clustered with NO3−. At this regard, we think that these naturally charged clusters are formed by up to 4 oxidized α-pinene units. Finally, diurnal profiles of the negative ions were consistent with the neutral compounds revealing that ONs peak during the day while non-nitrate HOMs are more abundant at night-time. However, during the day, a big fraction of the negative charge is taken up by the sulphuric acid clusters causing differences between detected neutral and ion HOM/ON species. As a result, the total signal of the ionised organic compounds was much lower during day than during the night.
A growing threat to the ozone layer from short-lived anthropogenic chlorocarbons
Authors: Oram David E. , Ashfold Matthew J. , Laube Johannes C. , Gooch Lauren J. , Humphrey Stephen , Sturges William T. , Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Forster Grant L. , Harris Neil R. P. , Mead Mohammed Iqbal , Abu Samah Azizan , Phang Siew Moi , Chang-Feng Ou-Yang , Lin Neng-Huei , Wang Jia-Lin , Baker Angela K. , Brenninkmeijer Carl A. M. , Sherry David
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Large and effective reductions in emissions of long-lived ozone-depleting substance (ODS) are being achieved through the Montreal Protocol, the effectiveness of which can be seen in the declining atmospheric abundances of many ODS. An important remaining uncertainty concerns the role of very short lived substances (VSLS) which, owing to their relatively short atmospheric lifetimes (less than 6 months), are not regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Recent studies have found an unexplained increase in the global tropospheric abundance of one VSLS, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), which has increased by around 60 % over the past decade. Here we report dramatic enhancements of several chlorine-containing VSLS, including CH2Cl2 and CH2ClCH2Cl (1,2-dichloroethane), observed in surface and upper tropospheric air in East and South East Asia. Surface observations were an order of magnitude higher than previously reported in the marine boundary layer, whilst upper tropospheric data were up to 3 times higher than expected. In addition we provide further evidence of an atmospheric transport mechanism whereby substantial amounts of industrial pollution from East Asia, including these chlorinated VSLS, can rapidly, and regularly, be transported to tropical regions of the western Pacific and subsequently uplifted to the tropical upper troposphere. This latter region is a major provider for air entering the stratosphere and so this mechanism, in conjunction with increasing emissions of Cl-VSLS from East Asia, could potentially slow the expected recovery of stratospheric ozone.
Deriving the slit functions from OMI solar observations and its implications for ozone-profile retrieval
Authors: Sun Kang , Liu Xiong , Huang Guanyu , González Abad Gonzalo , Cai Zhaonan , Chance Kelly , Yang Kai
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) has been successfully measuring the Earth’s atmospheric composition since 2004, but the on-orbit behavior of its slit functions has not been thoroughly characterized. Preflight measurements of slit functions have been used as a static input in many OMI retrieval algorithms. This study derives on-orbit slit functions from the OMI irradiance spectra assuming various function forms, including standard and super Gaussian functions and a stretch to the preflight slit functions. The on-orbit slit functions in the UV bands show U-shaped cross-track dependences that cannot be fully represented by the preflight ones. The full widths at half maximum (FWHM) of the stretched preflight slit functions for detector pixels at large viewing angles are up to 20 % larger than the nadir pixels for the UV1 band and 5 % larger for the UV2 band. Nonetheless, the on-orbit changes of OMI slit functions are found to be insignificant over time after accounting for the solar activity, despite of the decaying of detectors and the occurrence of OMI row anomaly. Applying the derived on-orbit slit functions to ozone-profile retrieval shows substantial improvements over the preflight slit functions based on comparisons with ozonesonde validations.
Land-use and land-cover change carbon emissions between 1901 and 2012 constrained by biomass observations
Authors: Li Wei , Ciais Philippe , Peng Shushi , Yue Chao , Wang Yilong , Thurner Martin , Saatchi Sassan S. , Arneth Almut , Avitabile Valerio , Carvalhais Nuno , Harper Anna B. , Kato Etsushi , Koven Charles , Liu Yi Y. , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Pan Yude , Pongratz Julia , Poulter Benjamin , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Santoro Maurizio , Sitch Stephen , Stocker Benjamin D. , Viovy Nicolas , Wiltshire Andy , Yousefpour Rasoul , Zaehle Sönke
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The use of dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) to estimate CO2 emissions from land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) offers a new window to account for spatial and temporal details of emissions, and for ecosystem processes affected by LULCC. One drawback of DGVMs however is their large uncertainty. Here, we propose a new method of using satellite- and inventory-based biomass observations to constrain historical cumulative LULCC emissions (EcLUC) from an ensemble of nine DGVMs based on emerging relationships between simulated vegetation biomass and EcLUC. This method is applicable at global and regional scale. Compared to the large range of EcLUC in the original ensemble (94 to 273 Pg C) during 1901–2012, current biomass observations allow us to derive a new best estimate of 155 ± 50 (1-σ Gaussian error) Pg C. The constrained LULCC emissions are higher than prior DGVM values in tropical regions, but significantly lower in North America. Our approach of constraining cumulative LULCC emissions based on biomass observations reduces the uncertainty of the historical carbon budget, and can also be applied to evaluate the impact of land-based mitigation activities.
Refining multi-model projections of temperature extremes by evaluation against land–atmosphere coupling diagnostics
Authors: Sippel Sebastian , Zscheischler Jakob , Mahecha Miguel D. , Orth Rene , Reichstein Markus , Vogel Martha , Seneviratne Sonia I.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Earth's land surface and the atmosphere are strongly interlinked through the exchange of energy and matter. This coupled behaviour causes various land–atmosphere feedbacks, and an insufficient understanding of these feedbacks contributes to uncertain global climate model projections. For example, a crucial role of the land surface in exacerbating summer heat waves in midlatitude regions has been identified empirically for high-impact heat waves, but individual climate models differ widely in their respective representation of land–atmosphere coupling. Here, we compile an ensemble of 54 combinations of observations-based temperature (T) and evapotranspiration (ET) benchmarking datasets and investigate coincidences of T anomalies with ET anomalies as a proxy for land–atmosphere interactions during periods of anomalously warm temperatures. First, we demonstrate that a large fraction of state-of-the-art climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) archive produces systematically too frequent coincidences of high T anomalies with negative ET anomalies in midlatitude regions during the warm season and in several tropical regions year-round. These coincidences (high T, low ET) are closely related to the representation of temperature variability and extremes across the multi-model ensemble. Second, we derive a land-coupling constraint based on the spread of the T–ET datasets and consequently retain only a subset of CMIP5 models that produce a land-coupling behaviour that is compatible with these benchmark estimates. The constrained multi-model simulations exhibit more realistic temperature extremes of reduced magnitude in present climate in regions where models show substantial spread in T–ET coupling, i.e. biases in the model ensemble are consistently reduced. Also the multi-model simulations for the coming decades display decreased absolute temperature extremes in the constrained ensemble. On the other hand, the differences between projected and present-day climate extremes are affected to a lesser extent by the applied constraint, i.e. projected changes are reduced locally by around 0.5 to 1 °C – but this remains a local effect in regions that are highly sensitive to land–atmosphere coupling. In summary, our approach offers a physically consistent, diagnostic-based avenue to evaluate multi-model ensembles and subsequently reduce model biases in simulated and projected extreme temperatures.
SECURITY EVENT RECOGNITION FOR VISUAL SURVEILLANCE
Authors: Liao W. , Yang C. , Ying Yang M. , Rosenhahn B.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. With rapidly increasing deployment of surveillance cameras, the reliable methods for automatically analyzing the surveillance video and recognizing special events are demanded by different practical applications. This paper proposes a novel effective framework for security event analysis in surveillance videos. First, convolutional neural network (CNN) framework is used to detect objects of interest in the given videos. Second, the owners of the objects are recognized and monitored in real-time as well. If anyone moves any object, this person will be verified whether he/she is its owner. If not, this event will be further analyzed and distinguished between two different scenes: moving the object away or stealing it. To validate the proposed approach, a new video dataset consisting of various scenarios is constructed for more complex tasks. For comparison purpose, the experiments are also carried out on the benchmark databases related to the task on abandoned luggage detection. The experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods and effective in recognizing complex security events.
CUBESAT-DERIVED DETECTION OF SEAGRASSES USING PLANET IMAGERY FOLLOWING UNMIXING-BASED DENOISING: IS SMALL THE NEXT BIG?
Authors: Traganos D. , Cerra D. , Reinartz P.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Seagrasses are one of the most productive and widespread yet threatened coastal ecosystems on Earth. Despite their importance, they are declining due to various threats, which are mainly anthropogenic. Lack of data on their distribution hinders any effort to rectify this decline through effective detection, mapping and monitoring. Remote sensing can mitigate this data gap by allowing retrospective quantitative assessment of seagrass beds over large and remote areas. In this paper, we evaluate the quantitative application of Planet high resolution imagery for the detection of seagrasses in the Thermaikos Gulf, NW Aegean Sea, Greece. The low Signal-to-noise Ratio (SNR), which characterizes spectral bands at shorter wavelengths, prompts the application of the Unmixing-based denoising (UBD) as a pre-processing step for seagrass detection. A total of 15 spectral-temporal patterns is extracted from a Planet image time series to restore the corrupted blue and green band in the processed Planet image. Subsequently, we implement Lyzenga’s empirical water column correction and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to evaluate quantitative benefits of denoising. Denoising aids detection of Posidonia oceanica seagrass species by increasing its producer and user accuracy by 31.7 % and 10.4 %, correspondingly, with a respective increase in its Kappa value from 0.3 to 0.48. In the near future, our objective is to improve accuracies in seagrass detection by applying more sophisticated, analytical water column correction algorithms to Planet imagery, developing time- and cost-effective monitoring of seagrass distribution that will enable in turn the effective management and conservation of these highly valuable and productive ecosystems.
ASSESSING TEMPORAL BEHAVIOR IN LIDAR POINT CLOUDS OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Schachtschneider J. , Schlichting A. , Brenner C.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Self-driving cars and robots that run autonomously over long periods of time need high-precision and up-to-date models of the changing environment. The main challenge for creating long term maps of dynamic environments is to identify changes and adapt the map continuously. Changes can occur abruptly, gradually, or even periodically. In this work, we investigate how dense mapping data of several epochs can be used to identify the temporal behavior of the environment. This approach anticipates possible future scenarios where a large fleet of vehicles is equipped with sensors which continuously capture the environment. This data is then being sent to a cloud based infrastructure, which aligns all datasets geometrically and subsequently runs scene analysis on it, among these being the analysis for temporal changes of the environment. Our experiments are based on a LiDAR mobile mapping dataset which consists of 150 scan strips (a total of about 1 billion points), which were obtained in multiple epochs. Parts of the scene are covered by up to 28 scan strips. The time difference between the first and last epoch is about one year. In order to process the data, the scan strips are aligned using an overall bundle adjustment, which estimates the surface (about one billion surface element unknowns) as well as 270,000 unknowns for the adjustment of the exterior orientation parameters. After this, the surface misalignment is usually below one centimeter. In the next step, we perform a segmentation of the point clouds using a region growing algorithm. The segmented objects and the aligned data are then used to compute an occupancy grid which is filled by tracing each individual LiDAR ray from the scan head to every point of a segment. As a result, we can assess the behavior of each segment in the scene and remove voxels from temporal objects from the global occupancy grid.
Facility for testing ice drills
Authors: Nielson Dennis L. , Delahunty Chris , Goodge John W. , Severinghaus Jeffery P.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) is designed for subsurface scientific investigations in Antarctica. Its objectives are to drill rapidly through ice, to core samples of the transition zone and bedrock, and to leave behind a borehole observatory. These objectives required the engineering and fabrication of an entirely new drilling system that included a modified mining-style coring rig, a unique fluid circulation system, a rod skid, a power unit, and a workshop with areas for the storage of supplies and consumables. An important milestone in fabrication of the RAID was the construction of a North American Test (NAT) facility where we were able to test drilling and fluid processing functions in an environment that is as close as possible to that expected in Antarctica. Our criteria for site selection was that the area should be cold during the winter months, be located in an area of low heat flow, and be at relatively high elevation. We selected a site for the facility near Bear Lake, Utah, USA. The general design of the NAT well (NAT-1) started with a 27.3 cm (10.75 in.) outer casing cemented in a 152 m deep hole. Within that casing, we hung a 14 cm (5.5 in.) casing string, and, within that casing, a column of ice was formed. The annulus between the 14 and 27.3 cm casings provided the path for circulation of a refrigerant. After in-depth study, we chose to use liquid CO2 to cool the hole. In order to minimize the likelihood of the casing splitting due to the volume increase associated with freezing water, the hole was first cooled and then ice was formed in increments from the bottom upward. First, ice cubes were placed in the inner liner and then water was added. Using this method, a column of ice was incrementally prepared for drilling tests. The drilling tests successfully demonstrated the functioning of the RAID system. Reproducing such a facility for testing of other ice drilling systems could be advantageous to other research programs in the future.
Recent dynamic changes on Fleming Glacier after the disintegration of Wordie Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Friedl Peter , Seehaus Thorsten C. , Wendt Anja , Braun Matthias H. , Höppner Kathrin
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the world`s most affected regions by Climate Change. Several ice shelves retreated, thinned or completely disintegrated during recent decades, leading to acceleration and increased calving of their tributary glaciers. Wordie Ice Shelf, located at the south-western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, completely disintegrated in a series of events between the early 1970s and the late 1990s. We investigate the long-term response (1994–2016) of Fleming Glacier after the disintegration of Wordie Ice Shelf by analysing various multi-sensor remote sensing datasets. Our analysis reveals that after two decades of accelerated glacier flow and dynamic thinning the glacier tongue partially ungrounded between January and March 2008. From 2010 to 2011 a further phase of gradual grounding line recession was observed. In total, the retreat of the grounding line between 2008 and 2014 amounted to ~ 6–9 km and caused ~ 68 km2 of the glacier tongue to go afloat. We attribute this to continuous dynamic thinning and pronounced basal melt at the grounding line, probably by a south-western Antarctic Peninsula wide oceanic warming. The bedrock topography revealed that a deep subglacial trough facilitated the grounding line retreat. In response to the ungrounding of the Fleming Glacier tongue we observed an upstream propagation of the acceleration of surface velocities and corresponding to a median speedup along the glacier's centreline of ~ 1.4 m d−1 (~ 29 %) between 2007 and 2011. The propagation of high velocities has not yet affected regions far upstream (~ 50 km) of the glacier. Current ice thinning rates (2011–2014) in areas below 1000 m altitude range between ~ 2.6 to 3.1 m a−1 and are 60–70 % higher than between 2004 and 2008. Our study shows that Fleming Glacier is far away from approaching a new equilibrium and that the glacier dynamics are not primarily controlled by the loss of the ice shelf anymore. Currently, the Fleming Glacier tongue is grounded in a zone of bedrock elevation of ~ −400 m, however, about 3–4 km upstream modelled bedrock topography indicates a retrograde bed which transitions into a deep trough of up to −1000 m at ~ 10 km upstream. Hence, this endangers much larger ice masses in the future and a huge potential for an increase in sea level rise contribution.
Research on a Socially, Ethically, and Legally Complex Phenomenon: Women Convicted of Filicide in Malaysia
Authors: Razali Salmi , Kirkman Maggie , Fisher Jane
Published: May 2017

Little is known about filicide from the perspective of women convicted of the offence. The lack of research is partly attributable to the many difficulties entailed in researching socially marginalised and incarcerated people. Research on filicide engages with socially, culturally, and politically sensitive matters, including gendered social structures and behaviours, legal and ethical complexity, emotionally arousing topics, a rare phenomenon, and hard-to-reach participants. In countries where there is poor surveillance, limited local information, and few resources or experts in filicide, researchers must find innovative ways of overcoming these problems. Here we describe the particular challenges in conducting research on women convicted of filicide in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, when the researchers are based at an Australian university. The persistence, resilience, and creativity required to overcome each problem were justified by the achievement of research that contributes to knowledge and has implications for change in policy and practice.
The Implications of Victimhood Identity: The Case of ‘Persecution’ of Swedish Hunters
Authors: Von Essen Erica , Allen Michael
Published: May 2017

This ethnographically based study examines Swedish hunters’ claims to victimhood through appeal to the term ‘persecution’. Perceiving disenfranchisement, injustice and discrimination on the basis of wolf conservation policy, we present hunters’ self-styled predicament as victimhood-claimants of persecution at the hands of a state that has been co-opted by a conservationist, pro-wolf agenda that systematically disenfranchises rural and hunting interests and lifestyles. Through the phenomenological accounts of hunter respondents, our paper takes seriously the hunters’ perception of persecution and, likewise, considers the opposite case made by conservationists: that wolves have been, and continue to be, the real victims of persecution in the conflict. Nonetheless, we show that the persecution language as it is applied from opposing parties in the conflict is problematic inasmuch as it is focused around creating a moral panic and confusion among the Swedish public who are ultimately responsible, as a democratic body-politic, for assessing the legitimacy of claims to moral wrong-doing and legal redress for the wronged. Our case study joins scholarship that explores the pathologies of claims to victimization
CONSTRUINDO A AUTONOMIA NO RURAL: A ANÁLISE DE UM CASO EM MAMPITUBA, RS
Authors: Camejo Pereira Viviane , Neves Prochnow Márcia , Lima Patricia , Da Silva Pettenon Lauren , Nunes Murilo , Kessler Dal Soglio Fábio
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar os principais fatores que contribuem para construção de autonomia na experiência sistematizada que se local como um caso representativo. O trabalho de campo ocorreu no município de Mampituba, RS, em 9 de julho de 2014 e 26 de novembro de 2014. A metodologia consistiu na sistematização da experiência, acompanhando o agricultor e sua família em suas atividades cotidianas aplicando técnicas como entrevista aberta, preenchimento de formulários, pesquisa documental, observação e anotação em diário de campo. As análises foram realizadas em 3 momentos, logo após o trabalho de campo, em reunião posterior e durante a escrita deste trabalho. Os resultados foram analisados sob a perspectiva da autonomia camponesa e autonomia solução. Como resultados são trazidos os fatores principais que contribuem para a construção de autonomia no caso representativo analisado: A co-produção entre ser humano e natureza, a produção orgânica, sistema agroflorestal, o autoconsumo, a produção de sementes crioulas e a organização em cooperativa.
Patient-Centered and Visual Quality Outcomes of Premium Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Sophia Y. , Stem Maxwell S. , Oren Gale , Shtein Roni , Lichter Paul R.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Over 8 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States and the European Union annually, with many patients choosing to pay out of pocket for premium options including premium intraocular lens implants (IOLs) or laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS). This report provides a systematic review evaluating patient-centered and visual quality outcomes comparing standard monofocal IOLs to premium cataract surgery options.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for publications published between January 1, 1980, and September 18, 2016, on multifocal, accommodative, and toric IOLs, monovision, and LACS, which reported on 1) dysphotopsias, 2) contrast sensitivity, 3) spectacle independence, 4) vision-related quality of life or patient satisfaction, and 5) IOL exchange.

Results

Multifocal lenses achieved higher rates of spectacle independence compared to monofocal lenses but also had higher reported frequency of dysphotopsia and worse contrast sensitivity, especially with low light or glare. Accommodative lenses were not associated with reduced contrast sensitivity or more dysphotopsia but had only modest improvements in spectacle independence compared to monofocal lenses. Studies of monovision did not target a sufficiently myopic outcome in the near-vision eye to achieve the full potential for spectacle independence. Patients reported high levels of overall satisfaction regardless of implanted IOL. No studies correlated patient-reported outcomes with patient expectations.

Conclusions

Studies are needed to thoroughly compare patient-reported outcomes with concomitant patient expectations. In light of the substantial patient costs for premium options, patients and their surgeons will benefit from a better understanding of which surgical options best meet patients’ expectations and how those expectations can be impacted by premium versus monofocal—including monovision—options.
Hybrid 20/23-G pars plana vitrectomy in endophthalmitis and trauma: a strategic approach
Authors: Shroff Daraius , Gupta Priyanka , Gupta Charu , Atri Neelam , Dutta Ranjan , Shroff Cyrus
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To assess the safety and efficacy of hybrid vitreous surgery combining active 23-G ports with a sutured 20-G 6-mm infusion cannula for performing vitrectomy in endophthalmitis and trauma.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of 10 eyes with endophthalmitis and 10 eyes with trauma requiring vitreous surgery, having corneal clarity suitable for vitrectomy and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) greater than or equal to light perception. All patients underwent hybrid 20/23-G vitrectomy. Intraoperative notes were analyzed for peroperative complications. The BCVA and retinal status at 3 months were analyzed.

Results:

In the endophthalmitis group, patients ranged from 5 to 85 years of age and showed varied etiologies. Retinal detachment was present in 5 eyes, which received silicone oil tamponade. Mean preoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was 2.29 ± 0.45, which improved to 1.10 ± 0.72 at 3 months postoperatively (p<0.001). Trauma cases ranged from 21 to 75 years of age. Retinal detachment was present in 9 out of 10 eyes, all of which received silicone oil tamponade. Preoperative logMAR VA was 2.26 ± 0.71, which improved to 1.33 ± 0.50 postoperatively (p<0.001). At 3 months postsurgery, the retina was attached in all eyes in both groups.

Conclusions:

The longer sutured 20-G cannula was easier to visualize through fibrin, exudates, and hemorrhage and did not slip out or enter the suprachoroidal space in any of our cases. The 23-G active ports and vitrectomy cutter enhanced safety and efficacy. Hybrid vitrectomy enabled safe surgery in these difficult cases.
Assessing Visual Function Behind Cataract: Preoperative Predictive Value of the Heine Lambda 100 Retinometer
Authors: Mimouni Michael , Shapira Yinon , Jadon Janan , Frenkel Shahar , Blumenthal Eytan Z.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To analyze the accuracy of the Lambda 100 (Heine) potential visual acuity (VA) measurements in subjects undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods

The medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent clear corneal incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2012 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital in Jerusalem, Israel, were reviewed. Subjects age 18 or older with a follow-up time of at least 30 days were included. Subjects with previous ocular comorbidities other than glaucoma were excluded. In addition, patients with intraoperative or perioperative complications that could affect final VA were excluded. Analyses were performed to analyze the accuracy of preoperative retinometer potential VA as a predictor of postoperative best-corrected VA.

Results

A total of 374 operated eyes were included. There was a moderate positive correlation between Lambda estimated VA potential and postoperative achieved best-corrected VA (BCVA) (β coefficient 0.35, p<0.0001). Overall Lambda accurately (within 2 Snellen lines) estimated postoperative BCVA results in 60% of cases. The accuracy of prediction was significantly better in moderate cataracts when compared with advanced cataracts (p<0.01) with a twofold tendency towards underestimation in advanced cataracts. A Lambda ≥0.5 decimal has a calculated positive predictive value of 82% and a negative predictive value of 40% for predicting postoperative BCVA outcome ≥0.5 decimal.

Conclusions

Lambda may be used to relatively accurately predict postoperative BCVA in cataract patients, specifically in those with moderate cataracts.
Biostable Scaffolds of Polyacrylate Polymers Implanted in the Articular Cartilage Induce Hyaline-Like Cartilage Regeneration in Rabbits
Authors: Sancho-Tello María , Forriol Francisco , de Llano José J. Martín , Antolinos-Turpin Carmen , Gómez-Tejedor José A. , Ribelles José L. Gómez , Carda Carmen
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To study the influence of scaffold properties on the organization of in vivo cartilage regeneration. Our hypothesis was that stress transmission to the cells seeded inside the pores of the scaffold or surrounding it, which is highly dependent on the scaffold properties, determines the differentiation of both mesenchymal cells and dedifferentiated autologous chondrocytes.

Methods

4 series of porous scaffolds made of different polyacrylate polymers, previously seeded with cultured rabbit chondrocytes or without cells, were implanted in cartilage defects in rabbits. Subchondral bone was injured during the surgery to allow blood to reach the implantation site and fill the scaffold pores.

Results

At 3 months after implantation, excellent tissue regeneration was obtained, with a well-organized layer of hyaline-like cartilage at the condylar surface in most cases of the hydrophobic or slightly hydrophilic series. The most hydrophilic material induced the poorest regeneration. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between preseeded and non-preseeded scaffolds. All of the materials used were biocompatible, biostable polymers, so, in contrast to some other studies, our results were not perturbed by possible effects attributable to material degradation products or to the loss of scaffold mechanical properties over time due to degradation.

Conclusions

Cartilage regeneration depends mainly on the properties of the scaffold, such as stiffness and hydrophilicity, whereas little difference was observed between preseeded and non-preseeded scaffolds.
A Comparative Study of Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiographs in Decision-making after Endodontic Instrument Fractures
Authors: Özer Senem Y. , Özkan Gökhan , Çetin Emrah , Özkan Hicran D.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacies of periapical radiographs (PRs) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans on clinicians' decision-making in diagnosing and providing treatment of fractured instruments in root canals during glide path preparation.

Methods

40 maxillary molar teeth were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups. In each experimental group (n = 10), Hedstroem stainless steel instruments were fractured in mesiobuccal (MB) or distobuccal (DB) root canals. In group 1 (#0.06), group 2 (#0.08), group 3 (#0.10), and group 4 (#0.15), instruments were forced to fracture. PRs and CBCT scans were evaluated and compared. Observers were asked to use the following scoring system to decide whether to: 1. remove the fragment; 2. leave the fragment in situ; 3. bypass the fragment; or 4. use a surgical approach for removing the fragment.

Results

CBCT observers mostly decided on removing and bypassing the fractured fragment, while radiograph observers mostly decided to leave fragments in situ. However, there was no significant difference between these parameters when CBCT scans were compared to PRs for decision-making of the fractured instruments (p≥0.05) regarding different sizes of root canal instruments.

Conclusions

In decision-making regarding fractured instruments during glide path preparation, clinicians should strategize treatment options based on variables using high-resolution images that reflect accurate scenarios through PRs or CBCT scans that also take into account low radiation dosage in situ PRs have precedence for a diagnostic approach.
MUC1 rs4072037 Polymorphism is Associated with Decreased Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Yu , Yang Chong , Xu Lei , Fang Dilong
Published: June 2017

Background

Several studies have recently investigated the association between mucin 1 (MUC1) rs4072037 polymorphism and gastric cancer (GC) risk, but with conflicting results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between MUC1 rs4072037 polymorphism and GC risk.

Methods

A comprehensive database search of PubMed, Elsevier, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was performed to identify relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of any association.

Results

A total of 12 papers containing 18 studies were included in this meta-analysis, involving 12,373 cases and 15,008 controls. Our data suggested that rs4072037 polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of GC. Stratification analyses of ethnicity indicated that rs4072037 decreased the risk of GC among white populations, but no significant relationship was observed among Asian populations. No significant associations were observed in subgroups of Lauren classification (intestinal or diffuse) and anatomical classification (cardia or non-cardia).

Conclusions

In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that rs4245739 polymorphism in the MUC1 gene may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of GC, especially for white populations.
Chemical Modification of Bagasse-Based Mesoporous Carbons for Chromium(III) Ion Adsorption
Authors: Ma Haiwen , Li Kunquan , Chai Qiangfei
Published: June 2017

Aims

Modified bagasse-based mesoporous carbons were prepared for the efficient chromium(III) ion adsorption and removal from aqueous solutions.

Methods

Mesoporous carbons were prepared from bagasse with H3PO4 activation and subsequently oxidized with nitric acid and modified with ethylenediamine.

Results

The results showed that the modified carbon was rich in mesopores, oxygen and nitrogen-containing groups, and the Cr(III) adsorption capacity was greatly improved after modification, which was found to be higher than both pristine and oxidized carbons. The Cr(III) adsorption capacity on modified carbon was significantly influenced by the solution pH, and the optimum pH was 6 with the maximum Cr(III) adsorption capacity up to 24.61mg/g, which was almost 3 times higher than that for pristine carbon. Thermodynamic results manifested the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Kinetic rates fitted the pseudo-second-order model very well. XPS study indicated the amino group was a key factor of the high efficient adsorption.
Physicochemical Characterization of a Dental Eggshell Powder Abrasive Material
Authors: Onwubu Stanley C. , Vahed Anisa , Singh Shalini , Kanny Krishnan M.
Published: June 2017

Background

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of an eggshell-based dental abrasive material.

Methods

The eggshell powder abrasive material (EPAM) was synthesized by ball milling eggshell powder and surfactants. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (PSA) were used to characterize EPAM. In addition, the abrasive characteristics of EPAM were evaluated by comparison using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resins. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer.

Results

The FTIR spectroscopy and XRD analysis confirmed that the carbonate product was primarily calcite (97.3%) with traces of graphite 2H (1.3%) and thenardite (1.4%). The TEM imagery revealed irregular particles in EPAM. The PSA analysis of the particle size distribution showed EPAM to be a superfine powder (0.3 μm to 50 nm). In addition, the 50-nm EPAM (Ra = 0.04 μm) measured the lowest Ra value when compared with pumice (Ra = 0.08 μm).

Conclusions

The salient features of this study indicate that EPAM can naturally replace calcite, which is generally mined and used as a dental abrasive material. In addition, and regarding the abrasive characteristics of EPAM in reducing the surface roughness of PMMA resin specimens, this study conclusively showed that EPAM effectively reduces the surface roughness below the threshold limit value of 0.2 μm. Potentially, EPAM could reduce waste disposal problems while enabling an economic benefit from using eggshell waste material.
Model Reference Adaptive Control Based on KP Model for Magnetically Controlled Shape Memory Alloy Actuators
Authors: Zhou Miaolei , Zhang Yannan , Ji Kun , Zhu Dong
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Magnetically controlled shape memory alloy (MSMA) actuators take advantages of their large deformation and high controllability. However, the intricate hysteresis nonlinearity often results in low positioning accuracy and slow actuator response.

Methods

In this paper, a modified Krasnosel'skii-Pokrovskii model was adopted to describe the complicated hysteresis phenomenon in the MSMA actuators. Adaptive recursive algorithm was employed to identify the density parameters of the adopted model. Subsequently, to further eliminate the hysteresis nonlinearity and improve the positioning accuracy, the model reference adaptive control method was proposed to optimize the model and inverse model compensation.

Results

The simulation experiments show that the model reference adaptive control adopted in the paper significantly improves the control precision of the actuators, with a maximum tracking error of 0.0072 mm.

Conclusions

The results prove that the model reference adaptive control method is efficient to eliminate hysteresis nonlinearity and achieves a higher positioning accuracy of the MSMA actuators.