bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cassation of Criminal Cases from Moscow Province Courts and Tribunals, 1921–1928
Authors: Newman Daniel
Published: July 2014

Although students of the Soviet period have long been fascinated with criminality, few works have studied courts and common criminals on the basis of trial records, especially during the nep. Aside from scholarly treatments of show trials, the reasoning behind judicial decisions and criminal pleas has been left to the imagination of Sovietologists. This gap is addressed by examining case files involving the primary form of appeal available to Soviet convicts: cassation. After detailing the evolution of Soviet cassation from its origins in the French Revolution and contextualizing its place in the Soviet justice system, this article embarks on a close reading of convicts’ pleas, prosecutors’ reports, and judges’ written decisions in cassational cases. Cassational appeals are examined to determine how different seats of power within the judiciary sparred over verdicts. Judicial decisions of cassational cases are cross-referenced with legal codes and legislation to determine how Soviet judges applied the law, particularly when considering the social backgrounds of appellants. From the outlook of criminals themselves, the wording of their appeals is analyzed to determine how they understood the law, Soviet society, and what they thought they needed to say to gain redemption. Ultimately, this paper explores how individuals brought before courts understood Soviet power and justice through the lens of criminal appeals during the infancy of the Soviet Union.
The Construction of the Post-War Consensus of the Soviet Governing Elite
Authors: Stotland Daniel
Published: July 2014

wwii led to the creation of a more technocrat-oriented Soviet elite, whose managing ethos is still visible in the Russian leadership paradigm. The war filled the party with a vast number of the new Communists whose political and general, education level, remained low, forcing the party focus toward pragmatic rather than ideological aims and forcing the center to devolve a considerable degree of autonomy to the provincial party leaders.

This situation led to the rise of G. M. Malenkov and the pragmatist faction, tasked to reaffirm the political authority of the party as the central feature of the Soviet system. Malenkov’s approach consisted of embracing rather than limiting the role of the party as the governing, managing institution, encouraging the ties between the governmental and the party apparatus. The Kremlin would acquiesce in the party direct management of the economic matters, in effect legitimizing the wartime compromises.

Yet the change in course required a fundamental shift in party identity. By making economic growth the central priority, the party reoriented away from the role of the guardian of the ideological purity and toward a more conventional governmental structure, in many ways laying the foundation of party-state’s destruction.
Статус языков этнических меньшинств в Российской Федерации
Authors: Фарукшин Мидхат Хабибович
Published: July 2014

“The Status of Ethnic Minority Languages in the Russian Federation”, by Midkhat Khabibovich Farukshin (Kazan Federal University): The position of ethnic minority languages are influenced by two main factors that reduce their functionality: globalization and the social environment in which these languages function. This article focuses on the status of national languages of ethnic minorities living in the Russian Federation.
Socialist Realism and the Study of Rural Life, 1945–1958
Authors: Haber Maya
Published: July 2014

The campaign against cosmopolitanism (1946–1953) forced social scientists to develop a methodology that captured socialist transformation in a socialist realist vernacular. The article examines the way socialist realism served as a prism through which to identify, categorize, and order research objects. Focusing primarily a 1951 ethnographic expedition to Voronezh province and its search for a “typical” village, the article argues that ethnographers, like other social scientists, perceived themselves as social engineers and their mission as molding soviet society into a socialist realist form. In this sense, scientists used socialist realism as a mechanism to distill reality into socialism. The article suggests that rather than discuss the truth value of soviet social scientific knowledge, historians should conceptualize these scholars’ work as manifestations of a unique soviet impulse to transform society.
The Consolidation of Chechen Ethnic Nationalism and Its Perception in Post-Soviet Russia
Authors: Grebennikov Marat
Published: July 2014

The emergence of an autocratic regime in Chechnya, traditionally structured on polycentric elites from clans and regions, has been just one outcome of President Putin’s ethnic policies based on personal loyalty. The paper addresses this puzzle: why, against rigorous rhetoric and demonstration of tight control over Chechnya, this region is already de facto separated from Russia? Concentrating on the question of ethnicity and its relation to democracy in contemporary Chechnya, the main argument of the article is while ethnic politics has been partly the outcome of the authoritarian rule of President Putin, the way ethnicity has been instrumentalized by the Chechen elites and the federal authorities, have created serious obstacles for the rise and the consolidation of democracy in Russia. The paper concludes that under the circumstances of ideological vacuum, pervasive corruption, and further crack-down on civil liberties that became defining characteristic features for the present political regime under President Putin, Chechen ethnic nationalism is gradually transforming the republic from a de facto independent territory associated with Russia into a de jure independent state that could request recognition of its independence from other countries.
A new species of Haliotis (Gastropoda) from São Tomé & Príncipe Islands, Gulf of Guinea, with comparisons to other Haliotis found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean
Authors: OWEN BUZZ
Published: July 2014

The Haliotidae from the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa are reviewed. The distribution of the mainland species Haliotis marmorata Linnaeus, 1758 is confirmed and compared to the insular species from the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe which is described as Haliotis geigeri n. sp. Both species are illustrated and compared to the other known Haliotidae from the eastern Atlantic.
High-Order Finite-Volume Transport on the Cubed Sphere: Comparison between 1D and 2D Reconstruction Schemes
Authors: Katta Kiran K. , Nair Ramachandran D. , Kumar Vinod
Published: July 2014

This paper presents two finite-volume (FV) schemes for solving linear transport problems on the cubed-sphere grid system. The schemes are based on the central-upwind finite-volume (CUFV) method, which is a class of Godunov-type method for solving hyperbolic conservation laws, and combines the attractive features of the classical upwind and central FV methods. One of the CUFV schemes is based on a dimension-by-dimension approach and employs a fifth-order one-dimensional (1D) Weighted Essentially Nonoscillatory (WENO5) reconstruction method. The other scheme employs a fully two-dimensional (2D) fourth-order accurate reconstruction method. The cubed-sphere grid system imposes several computational challenges due to its patched-domain topology and nonorthogonal curvilinear grid structure. A high-order 1D interpolation procedure combining cubic and quadratic interpolations is developed for the FV schemes to handle the discontinuous edges of the cubed-sphere grid. The WENO5 scheme is compared against the fourth-order Kurganov–Levy (KL) scheme formulated in the CUFV framework. The performance of the schemes is compared using several benchmark problems such as the solid-body rotation and deformational-flow tests, and empirical convergence rates are reported. In addition, a bound-preserving filter combined with an optional positivity-preserving filter is tested for nonsmooth problems. The filtering techniques considered are local, inexpensive, and effective. A fourth-order strong stability preserving explicit Runge–Kutta time-stepping scheme is used for integration. The results show that schemes are competitive to other published FV schemes in the same category.
A Compensatory Approach of the Fixed Localization in EnKF
Authors: Wu Xinrong , Li Wei , Han Guijun , Zhang Shaoqing , Wang Xidong
Published: July 2014

While fixed covariance localization can greatly increase the reliability of the background error covariance in filtering by suppressing the long-distance spurious correlations evaluated by a finite ensemble, it may degrade the assimilation quality in an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) as a result of restricted longwave information. Tuning an optimal cutoff distance is usually very expensive and time consuming, especially for a general circulation model (GCM). Here the authors present an approach to compensate the demerit in fixed localization. At each analysis step, after the standard EnKF is done, a multiple-scale analysis technique is used to extract longwave information from the observational residual (referred to the EnKF ensemble mean). Within a biased twin-experiment framework consisting of a global barotropical spectral model and an idealized observing system, the performance of the new method is examined. Compared to a standard EnKF, the hybrid method is superior when an overly small/large cutoff distance is used, and it has less dependence on cutoff distance. The new scheme is also able to improve short-term weather forecasts, especially when an overly large cutoff distance is used. Sensitivity studies show that caution should be taken when the new scheme is applied to a dense observing system with an overly small cutoff distance in filtering. In addition, the new scheme has a nearly equivalent computational cost to the standard EnKF; thus, it is particularly suitable for GCM applications.
Headache During a Cluster of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Attacks
Authors: Pollak Lea , Pollak Eitan
Published: July 2014

Objective:

In view of patients’ recurrent complaints, we were interested in investigating the frequency and headache characteristics in patients during a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) cluster.

Methods:

Patients with BPPV treated at an outpatient dizziness clinic were interviewed about the presence of headache; its quality, localization, severity, time course, and aggravating and alleviating factors; and headache-related disability during their present vertigo cluster.

Results:

Among 152 patients with BPPV, 53 (34.8%) reported headache associated with vertigo. According to The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 8 (15%) patients could be classified as migraine without aura (1.1), 14 (26%) were classified as infrequent episodic tension-type headache associated with pericranial tenderness (2.1.1), 23 (43%) were classified as infrequent episodic tension-type headache without pericranial tenderness (2.1.2), 6 (11%) had cervicogenic headache (11.2.1), and in 2 (4%) patients, the headache could not be specified (14.2). Fifty-two age-matched BPPV patients without headache did not differ in history of headaches, BPPV history, or background diseases. The distribution of canal involvement and number of treatment maneuvers was also similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

Headache is frequent in BPPV. The most common is tension-type headache, followed by migraine and cervicogenic headache. Head pain seems to be an independently associated epiphenomenon of BPPV that can worsen patients’ distress.
Facial Cutaneous Necrosis Associated With Suspected Levamisole Toxicity From Tainted Cocaine Abuse
Authors: Formeister Eric J. , Falcone Michael T. , Mair Eric A.
Published: July 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to illustrate the otorhinolaryngologic manifestations of levamisole toxicity and illuminate the features of this diagnosis.

Methods:

We describe a case of a known cocaine abuser with suspected levamisole toxicity who developed cutaneous necrosis of the cheeks, earlobes, nose, upper and lower lip, and the midline hard palate. We also review the existing clinical literature about this emerging phenomenon.

Results:

Levamisole is a common adulterant in cocaine distributed in the United States and has been reported to cause microvascular thrombosis and vasculitis with resultant skin necrosis in cocaine abusers. The distribution of skin findings characteristically involves the cheeks, earlobes, nose, lips, and hard palate and responds variably to cessation of cocaine use. In its most severe cases, immune suppression and/or surgical debridement may be required.

Conclusion:

Levamisole toxicity can frequently involve the ears, nose, and throat tissues. Otorhinolaryngologists should recognize these manifestations to expeditiously diagnose and manage this condition. Failure to do so promptly can lead to complications that may necessitate reconstructive or amputation surgery.
Predictors of Adverse Events After Parotidectomy
Authors: Kim Bobby D. , Lim Seokchun , Wood Josh , Samant Sandeep , Ver Halen Jon P. , Kim John Y. S.
Published: July 2014

Objective:

There is a current paucity of large-scale, multi-institutional studies that explore the risk factors for major complications following parotidectomy.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file was reviewed to identify all patients who had undergone parotidectomy between 2006 and 2011. Risk factors that predicted adverse events were estimated by using multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

Of 2919 included patients, 202 patients experienced adverse outcomes within the first 30 days of surgery. These included surgical complications in 76 (2.6%) patients; medical complications in 90 (3.1%) patients; death in 7 (0.2%) patients; and reoperation in 77 (2.6%) patients. Predictors of any complication included disseminated cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-4.95; P = .036) and increasing total relative value units (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = .027). Active smoking was a major risk factor for surgical complications (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.08-3.05; P = .025). Dyspnea (OR = 2.93; 95% CI, 1.37-6.27; P = .006) significantly predicted medical complications.

Conclusion:

Although complication rates after parotidectomy are generally low, avoidance of specific and nonspecific postoperative complications still remains an area for improvement. Future outcomes databases should include procedure-specific complications, including facial nerve injury.
Mechanical Regulation of Human Vocal Fold Stellate Cells
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Kurita Takashi , Chitose Shun-ichi , Umeno Hirohito , Nakashima Tadashi
Published: July 2014

Objective:

It is generally accepted that tensile and compressive strains have direct effects on cell morphology and structure, including changes in cytoskeletal structure and organization. Cytoskeletons play the role of mechanoreceptor of the cells. Vocal fold stellate cells (VFSCs) in the human maculae flavae (MFe) are inferred to be involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrices essential for the viscoelasticity of the vocal fold mucosa. Our previous studies have supported the hypothesis that the tension caused by phonation (vocal fold vibration) regulates the behavior of the VFSCs. The microstructure of the intermediate filaments and the expression of their proteins were investigated in VFSCs in the MFe, which had remained unphonated since birth.

Methods:

Three adult vocal fold mucosae that had remained unphonated since birth were investigated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

Results:

The intermediate filaments of the VFSCs were fewer in number. The expression of their characteristic proteins (vimentin, desmin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) was also reduced.

Conclusion:

Vocal fold vibration seems to affect VFSC morphology and structure, such as cytoskeletal structure and organization. This supports the hypothesis that vocal fold vibration regulates VFSC behavior in the human MFe. In addition to chemical factors, mechanical factors also appear to modulate VFSC behavior.
Social occupational therapy
Authors: Malfitano Ana Paula Serrata , Lopes Roseli Esquerdo , Magalhães Lilian , Townsend Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2014

Background.

Researchers and practitioners worldwide have advocated for the development of critical perspectives in occupational therapy to examine the structural influences of social exclusion and injustice experienced by individuals, groups, and communities. To take action against social exclusion and injustice, Brazilian occupational therapists have been developing “social occupational therapy,” referring to practice that is focused on social issues and funded outside the health system.

Purpose.

This paper presents a Brazilian perspective on the concept and practice of social occupational therapy. Illustrations are drawn from 12 studies, developed between 2008 and 2013, which were completed with socially vulnerable youth through an ongoing university-community engagement partnership in São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Key issues.

The authors discuss possibilities and challenges for developing a socially committed, transformative occupational therapy outside the health system.

Implications.

Occupational therapists may wish to seize opportunities to address social issues and attract funding beyond health services.
Development of Algo, a clinical algorithm for non–occupational therapists selecting bathing equipment
Authors: Guay Manon , Dubois Marie-France , Robitaille Judith , Desrosiers Johanne
Published: July 2014

Background.

In Quebec, occupational therapy guidelines allow non–occupational therapists, such as home health aides, to select bathing equipment for “straightforward” cases of clients living at home as long as the aides use a decision-making tool.

Purpose.

Our aim was to develop a tool that met the common needs of Quebec’s health and social services centres (HSSCs), which involve home health aides in selecting bathing equipment for home-dwelling clients.

Method.

We followed an ongoing iterative process involving a literature review as well as (a) a synthesis of 40 in-house tools, (b) feedback from 10 occupational therapists (two questionnaires and one focus group), (c) pretests, and (d) translation.

Findings.

Algo is a clinical algorithm constituting a visual map of the logical steps to follow when selecting bathing equipment for straightforward cases. Algo is a series of yes/no questions dealing with occupation, person, and environment.

Implications.

Algo, rooted in evidence and regulatory board guidelines, is available to HSSCs involving non-occupational therapists in selecting bathing equipment.
Vincristine and fine motor function of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sabarre Cheryl L. , Rassekh Shahrad R. , Zwicker Jill G.
Published: July 2014

Background.

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receive vincristine, a chemotherapy drug known to cause peripheral neuropathy. Yet, few studies have examined the association of vincristine to fine motor function.

Purpose.

This study will describe the fine motor skills and function of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on maintenance vincristine.

Method.

A prospective case series design assessed manual dexterity and parent-reported fine motor dysfunction of 15 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relation to cumulative vincristine exposure.

Findings.

Almost half of the participants had below-average fine motor skills compared to age-related norms, and 57% of parents observed functional motor problems in their children. No significant associations were found between vincristine, manual dexterity, and functional motor skills.

Implications.

Early detection and intervention for fine motor difficulties is suggested. Research with a larger sample is necessary to further explore the association of vincristine and fine motor function in this clinical population.
Empirical lessons about occupational categorization from case studies of unemployment
Authors: Aldrich Rebecca M. , McCarty Caroline Harkins , Boyd Brian A. , Bunch Caitlin E. , Balentine Cathrine B.
Published: July 2014

Background.

Scrutiny regarding the typological categorization of occupation (e.g., occupation as work, rest, or leisure) has prompted interest in experiential categories as a less exclusionary alternative. Empirical research can extend the dialogue about categorization by demonstrating how people in particular situations apply and generate occupational categories.

Purpose.

This article explores how adults without work utilized typological and experiential categorizations when discussing their occupations.

Method.

Data were generated via a secondary analysis of interview transcripts from three ethnographic case studies.

Findings.

Study consultants gravitated toward experiential rather than typological categorizations, emphasizing the social, chosen, purposeful, and temporal qualities of their occupational engagement.

Implications.

Occupational therapy practitioners and researchers must explicitly state how and why they categorize occupations with clients and research participants. Whereas typological categories can be used to initiate discussions about occupation, open questions paired with consultant-generated experiential categories may better capture occupational engagement and reveal potential injustices in situations like unemployment.
Testing Ecological Theories of Offender Spatial Decision Making Using a Discrete Choice Model
Authors: Johnson Shane D. , Summers Lucia
Published: July 2014

Research demonstrates that crime is spatially concentrated. However, most research relies on information about where crimes occur, without reference to where offenders reside. This study examines how the characteristics of neighborhoods and their proximity to offender home locations affect offender spatial decision making. Using a discrete choice model and data for detected incidents of theft from vehicles (TFV), we test predictions from two theoretical perspectives—crime pattern and social disorganization theories. We demonstrate that offenders favor areas that are low in social cohesion and closer to their home, or other age-related activity nodes. For adult offenders, choices also appear to be influenced by how accessible a neighborhood is via the street network. The implications for criminological theory and crime prevention are discussed.
A social marketing approach to promoting healthful eating and physical activity in low-income and ethnically diverse schools
Authors: Paek Hye-Jin , Jung Yumi , Oh Hyun Jung , Alaimo Katherine , Pfeiffer Karin , Carlson Joseph J , Wen Yalu , Betz Heather Hayes , Orth Julie
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the short-term outcome of the social marketing approach used in Project FIT, we developed a school- and community-based programme for promoting healthful eating and physical activity in kindergarten to 5th-grade children and their parents.

Design:

A 2-year quasi-experiment for children and two cross-sectional surveys for parents.

Setting:

We included low-income, urban and ethnically diverse elementary schools and neighbourhoods in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Method:

Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were surveyed in four intervention schools (four time points, N with at least one time point measurement = 664) and two control schools ( N = 195). Parents of intervention students were surveyed at baseline ( N = 286) and follow-up ( N = 215). Key dependent variables included self-reported healthful eating and physical activity. Key independent variables included awareness, knowledge, motivation and attitudes towards Project FIT.

Analysis:

We analysed generalised linear mixed models and generalised estimation equation (GEE) models for the student surveys and mean difference tests and logistic regressions for the parent surveys.

Results:

The proportion of students who were aware of Project FIT increased over time. GEE models showed that selected key dependent variables were significantly associated with self-reported healthful eating and physical activity. Parents were more aware of Project FIT at follow-up compared to the baseline survey, and their attitudes were significantly associated with increased healthful eating (vegetables, fruits and whole grains).

Conclusion:

The social marketing approach utilised in Project FIT contributed to increasing awareness and achieving behavioural goals of healthful eating and physical activity.
Associations between objectively measured physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in 12- to 15-year-old Tianjin city children
Authors: Tan Sijie , Wang Jianxiong , Zhang Yibing , Zhang Chen
Published: July 2014

Objective:

The study aim was to explore associations between daily physical activity level, cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic syndrome among Chinese children.

Design:

We conducted a school-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Participants including 112 boys and 121 girls were recruited from three schools in the urban suburbs of Tianjin city, China.

Methods:

A total of 233 children (12–15 years old) were recruited from the urban suburbs of Tianjin, China. Their daily physical activity level was monitored using accelerometry. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through a predicted maximal oxygen uptake. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its basic components were determined. Correlations between specific components of metabolic syndrome and daily physical activity and maximal oxygen uptake were assessed.

Results:

In all, 5.4% of the boys and 2.5% of the girls had metabolic syndrome, identified by the modified International Diabetes Federation definition. Moderate physical activity level had a negative correlation with blood pressure, but did not correlate with other components. Predicted maximal oxygen uptake displayed significant correlations with more components of childhood metabolic syndrome than those of physical activity level.

Conclusion:

Daily physical activity level did not show a significant correlation with the components of metabolic syndrome in 12- to 15-year-old Tianjin city children. However, planned exercise with a goal of improving maximal oxygen uptake should be stressed in school physical education in order to prevent the development of childhood metabolic syndrome.
The responsiveness of social policies. Explaining institutional change in three policy domains
Authors: Fenger Menno , van der Steen Martijn , van der Torre Lieske
Published: July 2014

This article analyses and explains the responsiveness of social policies by comparing the impact of institutional logics, public preferences and external conditions on the evolution of three social policy domains in the Netherlands. It focuses on the institutional development of the policy domains of social assistance, labour market regulation and sheltered work over the last 15 years. The article integrates exogenous and endogenous explanations for institutional change. It shows that the analysis and explanation of processes of institutional evolution require in-depth analysis of the interaction between public preferences, the institutional logic and external conditions of the policy domains.

Points for practitioners

Many countries in the world are currently reforming their welfare states. Often these reform processes are designed according to institutional logic: the ideas and opinions of important internal stakeholders. Moreover, the decision to start a reform is also taken from the internal institutional perspective. This article highlights the importance of taking external conditions into account in processes of institutional reform. It shows how three different logics can and should be combined in designing and implementing reform processes and illustrates this by comparing three cases of institutional reform in the Dutch welfare state.
Are Americans Really in Favor of Interracial Marriage? A Closer Look at When They Are Asked About Black-White Marriage for Their Relatives
Authors: Djamba Yanyi K. , Kimuna Sitawa R.
Published: July 2014

This study transcends general opinion reports and uses data from the General Social Survey (GSS) to examine responses on attitudinal questions about how Black and White Americans actually feel about their close relative marrying outside their own race. The results show that more than half (54%) of Black Americans are in favor of their close relative marrying a White person compared with nearly one-in-four (26%) White Americans who said they were in favor of their close relative marrying a Black person. Such results suggest that questions about how individuals feel when close relatives engage into Black-White marriage provide better measures of attitude toward racial exogamy. Logistic regression models are analyzed to determine how socio-demographic factors influence Black and White Americans’ views on interracial marriage of their close relatives.
Are Migrants More Extreme Than Locals After War? Evidence From a Simultaneous Survey of Migrants in Sweden and Locals in Bosnia
Authors: Hall Jonathan
Published: July 2014

Little is known about the attitudes of migrant populations originating from countries affected by conflict. This article examines a key assumption in the literature: that migrants harbor more conflictive attitudes than locals after war. Until now, we simply lacked the micro-level data necessary to examine migrant attitudes directly. Rather than relying on indirect evidence, I analyze new data from simultaneous surveys conducted in Sweden and Bosnia in 2010. As a whole, the empirical analysis supports the article’s novel theoretical approach. Under certain conditions, migration may promote inclusive and reconciliatory attitudes by improving access to coping resources and providing an exit from detrimental wartime and postwar conditions in origins countries.
Smoking Trajectories Among Monoracial and Biracial Black Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Clark Trenette T. , Nguyen Anh B. , Coman Emanuel
Published: July 2014

Cigarette-smoking trajectories were assessed among monorace Blacks, Black–American Indians, Black–Asians, Black–Hispanics, and Black–Whites. We used a subsample of nationally representative data obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The sample consisted of adolescents who were in Grades 7 to 12 in 1994, and followed across four waves of data collection into adulthood. Wave 4 data were collected in 2007-2008 when most respondents were between 24 and 32 years old. Respondents could report more than one race/ethnicity. Poisson’s regression was used to analyze the data. We found distinct smoking trajectories among monorace and biracial/ethnic Blacks, with all groups eventually equaling or surpassing trajectories of Whites. The age of cross-over varied by gender for some subgroups, with Black–American Indian males catching up earlier than Black–American Indian females. Black–White females smoked on more days than monorace Black females until age 26 and also smoked more than Black–White males between ages 11 and 29 years. Black–Hispanic males smoked on more days than Black–Hispanic females from ages 11 to 14. The results of the interaction tests also indicated different smoking trajectories across socioeconomic status (SES) levels among White, Black, and Black–White respondents. Significant heterogeneity was observed regarding smoking trajectories between monorace and biracial/ethnic Blacks. Knowledge of cigarette-smoking patterns among monorace and biracial/ethnic Black youth and young adults extends our understanding of the etiology of tobacco use and may inform interventions.
Examining the Internal Structure Evidence for the Performance Assessment for California Teachers
Authors: Duckor Brent , Castellano Katherine E. , Téllez Kip , Wihardini Diah , Wilson Mark
Published: July 2014

Interpretations for licensure tests involve a series of inferences or a validity argument, leading from the test score to decisions about who is accepted or denied entry into a profession. Utilizing an argument-based framework for validation based on the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, we explore the evidence for the ongoing use of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) for Tier I licensure decisions. The evidence for a unidimensional and a multidimensional structure based on the instrument’s content are examined with an item response model. Examining operational data ( n = 1,711) from seven California teacher education institutions, we found sufficient internal structure validity evidence to support the continued, but limited, use of this instrument for its intended summative purpose. Evidence for a three-dimensional structure of model fit better explains overall teacher candidate performance on the PACT instrument as it is currently designed.
What Is the Underlying Conception of Teaching of the edTPA?
Authors: Sato Mistilina
Published: July 2014

The edTPA, a nationally available performance assessment for teacher candidates, has recently been developed and implemented in teacher education programs across the United States. Advocates make arguments for the need for such an assessment while critics of standardized performance assessments point out the dangers of standardization. This article takes a step back from the arguments in support of or in opposition to the assessment and asks fundamentally what the underlying conception of teaching of the edTPA is. After examining conceptions of teaching articulated by scholars such as Nathanial Gage, Larry Cuban, Lee Shulman, Paulo Freire, and bell hooks, this article argues that the underlying conception of teaching of the edTPA is one of professional practice, not only at the individual level but also at the level of teaching as a collective enterprise. The conception of teaching argument is also connected to discussions of the validity arguments for the edTPA with specific attention to face validity, content validity, and construct validity.
Investigation of fiber trajectory affected by some parameter variables in vortex spun yarn
Authors: Zou Zhuanyong , Cheng Longdi , Xi Bojun , Luo Yixi , Liu Yanchun
Published: July 2014

The principle and process of yarn formation determines fiber trajectory in a yarn. The objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of some parameter variables on the fiber trajectory of vortex spun yarn produced by the MVS No. 861 spinner, based on tracer fiber and image mosaics techniques. Some typical fiber configurations in vortex spun yarn were also observed. It was found that fiber trajectories in vortex spun yarn are affected significantly by the following parameters: fiber specification, distance between the front roller nip point and the tip of the hollow spindle, nozzle pressure, and yarn delivery speed, as well as yarn linear density. Some typical fiber configurations of vortex spun yarn include straight, ideal trajectory, hooked (trailing, leading, and both ends), looped, and entangled. Increasing the fiber length or decreasing the distance between the front roller nip point and the tip of the hollow spindle will result in an increase of the core fiber length in vortex spun yarn. The mean pitch of wrapper fiber decreases with the decrease of fiber fineness and yarn delivery speed, while its mean wrapper angle takes on an inverse trend affected by fiber fineness and yarn delivery speed. The mean pitch of wrapper fiber increases with decreasing nozzle pressure and yarn linear density, while its wrapper angle is smaller when nozzle pressure is lower and vortex spun yarn is coarser.
Property modification and process parameter optimization design of polylactic acid composite materials. Part I: polylactic acid toughening and photo-degradation modification and optimized parameter design
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Lan Wei Lun , Chen Ciou-Yin , Tsai Hsiang-Chin
Published: July 2014

The aims of this series of studies were to improve the characteristics of polylactic acid (PLA) composites, including toughness modification and photo-degradability suppression. For toughness modification, polybutylene succinate (PBS) was used to modify the toughness of PLA material, and for photo-degradability suppression, ultraviolet (UV) absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) were used to restrain the photo-degradability of PLA material. The composite granules were produced by twin-screw extrusion followed by film extrusion, and the Taguchi method and principal component analysis are used to optimize processing parameters for toughening modification analysis. Through differential scanning calorimetry testing and melt flow index analysis it was determined that this combination of PLA-based composite material had good compatibility, processing flowability and weather resistance. Compared with pure PLA, it was found that the bending strength was decreased by 27.49%, the tensile strength was increased by 13.47% and impact strength was increased by 22.95%, when the processing parameter of the PBS blending ratio was 10 wt% and the mixing of UV absorbers and HALS blending ratio was 0.5 wt%. The screw speed of the twin-screw mixer extruder was 200 rpm, and the die head temperature was 220℃. After 480 hours of UV accelerated aging testing, the retention rate of tensile strength was 94.86%, which is higher than that of pure PLA by 44%. The retention rate of breaking elongation was 85.17%, which was higher than that of pure PLA by 35.17%.
Finishing of polypropylene fibers with cyclodextrins and polyacrylic acid as a crosslinking agent
Authors: Ammar Chiraz , El Ghoul Yassine , El Achari Ahmida
Published: July 2014

The present paper deals with the functionalization of polypropylene (PP) fibers with cyclodextrins (CDs) in the presence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a crosslinking agent. Evidence of modification was proved via the formation of a crosslinked polymer formed between PAA and CDs. This polymer physically adhered to the fiber network and was resistant to hot water washings. The influence of parameters involved in this specific textile processing, such as the curing conditions (temperature, time) and the CDs dilution of the impregnating bath were investigated. The PAA was then compared, in terms of functionalizing rate, to the citric acid (CTR) and the 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid, which are known as crosslinking agents. Fibers modified by PAA and four types of CDs were characterized by evaluating the contact angle with a polar liquid and by studying the hysteresis of damping of PP fibers (Cahn balance) with various functionalization rates. Infrared spectroscopy and morphological studies confirm the presence of the crosslinked CD polymer that coated on the fibers, and allowed us to evaluate the chemical heterogeneity of the functionalized surfaces. The mechanical characterization of the PP fabrics functionalized with various proportions of CDs revealed that the functionalization reaction does not affect the mechanical properties of the native fabric.
Effect of waterborne polyurethane coating on the durability and breathable waterproofing of electrospun nanofiber web-laminated fabrics
Authors: Ah Hong Kyong , Sook Yoo Hwa , Kim Eunae
Published: July 2014

An electrospun nanofiber web membrane is thinner, lighter and more moisture permeable than other types of membrane, but it has low waterproof and has poor abrasion resistance. To improve its waterproofness and abrasion resistance a waterborne polyurethane coating has been applied and the change in water vapor permeability and waterproofness, examined, together with its effect on the fabric structure. The effect of the hydrophilicity of the coating resin on these were properties was also assessed. Taffeta and taslan were used as the base fabrics, and the hydrophilicity of the coating resins was maintained at 10, 15, and 20%. Conclusions drawn from the study were that following the coating process the abrasion resistance and waterproofness improved; in taffeta the water vapor permeability decreased, but in taslan both properties decreased. Water vapor permeability and waterproofness were not significantly affected by the hydrophilicity of the coating resins. The surface flatness of the base fabric is shown to be an important factor in application of the waterborne polyurethane coating.
Preparation and characterization of interconnected carbon nanofibers
Authors: Hsu Ya-Hui , Lai Ching-Chang , Peng Yi-Te , Lo Chieh-Tsung
Published: July 2014

A strategy to prepare interconnected carbon nanofibers using an electrospinning technique is proposed. This strategy lies in the addition of poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene (PAN-co-PB) copolymer in a precursor solution composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and N,N-dimethylformamide. During pyrolysis, PB decomposed, softening the fibers and creating the possibility of fiber–fiber connection. The fiber diameter decreased with an increase in the PAN-co-PB content. Further addition of PAN-co-PB caused the fusion of neighboring fibers, which enlarged the fiber diameter and decreased the specific surface area of fibers. The microcrystallite sizes of carbon nanofibers depended on the PAN-co-PB content; and the addition of PAN-co-PB promoted the development of ordered graphite crystallites. The interconnected carbon nanofibers exhibited an electrical conductivity four times larger than that of the nanofibers with a uniform separated fibrous structure. The purpose of this work is to prepare carbon nanofiber mats with good electrical conductivity and well-controlled morphology for further use as energy-associated devices and catalyst supports.
One pot denim washing and finishing using organo-montmorillonite: introducing nano mineral washing and finishing
Authors: Maryan A Sadeghian , Montazer M
Published: July 2014

In this paper, organo-montmorillonite is introduced as new material for washing of denim garments in a conventional washing machine to produce old-look garments without prior desizing and post-chemical softening. Here, pumice stone replaced with organo-montmorillonite in denim washing to obtain desirable properties. The prepared denim fabrics were washed with different amounts of organo-montmorillonite and various fabric properties, including color changes and color fastness after home laundering and rubbing were investigated using a reflectance spectrophotometer. The fiber surfaces was observed with scanning electron microscopy and air permeability, crease recovery angle, bending strength, abrasion resistance, Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermal properties of samples were also investigated and the results reported. Interestingly, washing of denim garments with organo-montmorillonite produces an old-look soft fabric. Overall, the new washing process on denim is called nano mineral washing/finishing as an easy, economical, simple and quick processing method that enjoys a great deal of advantages.
Bringing bodies into planning: Visceral methods, fear and gender violence
Authors: Sweet Elizabeth L , Ortiz Escalante Sara
Published: July 2014

Planning has been ineffective at addressing women’s fear of violence and violence against women in part because of the false public/private divide. This divide is parallel and mutually supported by parochial and conservative understandings of male and female gender constructions and norms in spaces and social structural systems. We propose exploring the actual spaces of bodies and planning at the scale of bodies since bodies are at the nexus of public–private spaces, gender identities and gender violence. Using bodies as geographical spaces to understand and analyse visceral experiences and fear of violence may help diminish the dominance of the public–private divide and challenge the unequal rights women have to use space. Based on exploratory workshops in New York City, Mexico City and Barcelona as well as research events in Medellin, we share our experiences using visceral methods including body-map storytelling and shared sensory spatial experiences, also evaluating their usefulness. We examine the ethics of visceral methods, ways to analyse body-mapped data and the use of planners’ bodies as tools in research and practice. We conclude that bodies have the potential to become a source of dynamic and reflective information that might be effectively used by planners and communities to make places better and safer.
How Our Majors Believe They Learn
Authors: Pelton Julie A.
Published: July 2014

In this study, I set out to gain a better understanding of the learning strategies typically used by sociology majors, whether and to what extent they engage in metacognitive strategies, and whether teaching about learning results in students reporting greater use of self-regulatory behaviors. I discuss the importance of self-regulated learning and metacognition for student success and describe the ways in which I incorporated instruction in these skills into an undergraduate theory course. Data collected over the past five semesters illustrate the positive effects of these activities on student motivation and use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies. Students report greater use of higher-level cognitive learning strategies such as critical thinking and are more intrinsically motivated as a result of taking the course. This quantitative investigation of students’ use of cognitive and metacognitive skills adds to McKinney’s (2007) qualitative research on the process of learning sociology.
Testing the Flat World Thesis
Authors: Arabandi Bhavani , Sweet Stephen , Swords Alicia
Published: July 2014

We present a learning module to engage students in the global inequality debate using Google Public Data World Development Indicators. Goals of this article are to articulate the importance and urgency of teaching global issues to American students; situate the central debate in the globalization literature, paying particular attention to global inequalities and trajectories of convergence or divergence in life chances; and demonstrate the value of engaging students in the analysis of macro-level data. These data enable students to test assumptions concerning gaps in opportunities that separate wealthy societies from poor societies and determine whether these gaps are narrowing or expanding. Depending on the course content and combinations of indicators studied, students reach different conclusions concerning the merits of a “flat world” thesis. We find that teaching about global inequalities and engagement with global data reshapes students’ beliefs and enhances student interest in the concerns of global relations.
Red and Romantic Rivalry
Authors: Pazda Adam D. , Prokop Pavol , Elliot Andrew J.
Published: July 2014

Research has shown that men perceive women wearing red, relative to other colors, as more attractive and more sexually receptive; women’s perceptions of other women wearing red have scarcely been investigated. We hypothesized that women would also interpret female red as a sexual receptivity cue, and that this perception would be accompanied by rival derogation and intentions to mate-guard. Experiment 1 demonstrated that women perceive another woman in a red, relative to white, dress as sexually receptive. Experiment 2 demonstrated that women are more likely to derogate the sexual fidelity of a woman in red, relative to white. Experiment 3 revealed that women are more likely to intend to guard their romantic partner from a woman wearing a red, relative to a green, shirt. These results suggest that some color signals are interpreted similarly across sex, albeit with associated reactions that are sex-specific.