bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building on the Intrinsic Resiliency of Children/Youth Impacted by HIV/AIDS: A Participatory Study in India
Authors: Quay William George
Published: March 2016

During August–September 2013, this research was conducted in two sites of World Vision India’s GRACE Project that specialize in providing care and support to children/adolescents (ages 11–19) impacted by HIV/AIDS in Chennai.1 This qualitative report presents the findings alongside a literature review that focuses on building resiliency upon the “innate capacities” of children/adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS towards psychosocial, vocational, and spiritual flourishing. In order to better understand the ways in which programs can respond to the true needs of this demographic, the interviews and focus groups were framed with a participatory grassroots approach to discover unique challenges, future dreams, and existing capabilities.2 This study addresses the nature of resiliency in transformational development by exploring its engagement with the interlocking dimensions of well-being in four sections: 1) framing immediate needs and integrated programming, 2) social support and the role of kinship in transformational development, 3) enhancing vocational resiliency through participatory development, and 4) identity reformation and redeemed relationships within the Kingdom of God.
Placebo caffeine reduces withdrawal in abstinent coffee drinkers
Authors: Mills Llewellyn , Boakes Robert A , Colagiuri Ben
Published: March 2016

Background:

Expectancies have been shown to play a role in the withdrawal syndrome of many drugs of addiction; however, no studies have examined the effects of expectancies across a broad range of caffeine withdrawal symptoms, including craving.

Aims:

The purpose of the current study was to use caffeine as a model to test the effect of expectancy on withdrawal symptoms, specifically whether the belief that one has ingested caffeine is sufficient to reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms and cravings in abstinent coffee drinkers.

Methods:

We had 24-h abstinent regular coffee drinkers complete the Caffeine Withdrawal Symptom Questionnaire (CWSQ) before and after receiving decaffeinated coffee. One-half of the participants were led to believe the coffee was regular caffeinated coffee (the ‘Told Caffeine’ condition) and one-half were told that it was decaffeinated (the ‘Told Decaf’ condition).

Results:

Participants in the Told Caffeine condition reported a significantly greater reduction in the factors of cravings, fatigue, lack of alertness and flu-like feelings of the CWSQ, than those in the Told Decaf condition.

Conclusions:

Our results indicated that the belief that one has consumed caffeine can affect caffeine withdrawal symptoms, especially cravings, even when no caffeine was consumed.
Integrity of normal-appearing white matter: Influence of age, visible lesion burden and hypertension in patients with small-vessel disease
Authors: Muñoz Maniega Susana , Chappell Francesca M , Valdés Hernández Maria C , Armitage Paul A , Makin Stephen D , Heye Anna K , Thrippleton Michael J , Sakka Eleni , Shuler Kirsten , Dennis Martin S , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: March 2016

White matter hyperintensities accumulate with age and occur in patients with stroke, but their pathogenesis is poorly understood. We measured multiple magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of tissue integrity in normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities in patients with mild stroke, to improve understanding of white matter hyperintensities origins. We classified white matter into white matter hyperintensities and normal-appearing white matter and measured fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, water content (T1-relaxation time) and blood–brain barrier leakage (signal enhancement slope from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging). We studied the effects of age, white matter hyperintensities burden (Fazekas score) and vascular risk factors on each biomarker, in normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities, and performed receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis. Amongst 204 patients (34.3–90.9 years), all biomarkers differed between normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities ( P < 0.001). In normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities, mean diffusivity and T1 increased with age ( P < 0.001), all biomarkers varied with white matter hyperintensities burden ( P < 0.001; P = 0.02 signal enhancement slope), but only signal enhancement slope increased with hypertension ( P = 0.028). Fractional anisotropy showed complex age-white matter hyperintensities-tissue interactions; enhancement slope showed white matter hyperintensities-tissue interactions. Mean diffusivity distinguished white matter hyperintensities from normal-appearing white matter best at all ages. Blood–brain barrier leakage increases with hypertension and white matter hyperintensities burden at all ages in normal-appearing white matter and white matter hyperintensities, whereas water mobility and content increase as tissue damage accrues, suggesting that blood–brain barrier leakage mediates small vessel disease-related brain damage.
The face validity and clinical utility of the Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom (ACS-UK)
Authors: Laver-Fawcett Alison , Brain Leanne , Brodie Courtney , Cardy Lauren , Manaton Lisa
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom version is a self-report interview assessment requiring older adults to sort activity photograph cards to evaluate their levels of participation. The face validity and clinical utility of the activity card sort – United Kingdom were explored.

Method

The sample comprised 27 community dwelling older adults (>65 years) and eight assessors. The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom was administered, followed by a semi-structured interview to explore participants' opinions and experiences of undertaking the assessment. Time taken to administer and score was measured.

Results

Mean administration and scoring time was 14 minutes and 30 seconds, which was considered reasonable by older people and assessors. The majority of participants found the Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom straightforward, easy to do and considered activities and activity labels clear. All participants considered that photographs looked like the activities they were depicting. Participants made recommendations which have led to some improvements to the assessment.

Conclusion

The Activity Card Sort – United Kingdom has good clinical utility in terms of ease of use and time required for administering and scoring the assessment. Face validity, in terms of acceptability, was good, but more detailed instructions in the manual will be required to guide therapists on how to explain the purpose of the assessment to clients.
Baby bust
Authors: Robbins Paul , Smith Sara H.
Published: March 2016

Despite the persistence of Malthusian arguments that human population will grow to outstrip the Earth’s capacity and resources, current demography actually foretells the impending end of growth in the next half century. We are approaching a global baby bust. What does this mean for global political labor economies, regional resource economics, and local struggles over gender and power? This paper concludes, through a survey of current research, that geographers already have the conceptual equipment to answer these enormously important questions. We further argue that the fundamental underpinnings of much contemporary economic and social theory, having been developed in times of rapid population growth and labor surplus, must be reconsidered as we enter a period of different material conditions. Reviewing recent developments in population geography and feminist geopolitics, global geographies of labor and aging, and emerging patterns of resource intensification and disintensification, we suggest that – if infused with an explicit political economy – attending to the baby bust can show the way forward to help revitalize our understanding of bodies and materiality in critical and human geography.
Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis in 100 Athletically Active Veteran Soccer Players Compared With a Matched Group of 100 Military Personnel
Authors: Paxinos Odysseas , Karavasili Alexandra , Delimpasis Georgios , Stathi Afroditi
Published: March 2016

Background:

Although knee injuries in professional soccer (football) have been extensively studied, the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in veteran players is not well documented.

Purpose:

To investigate the prevalence of knee OA in retired professional soccer players in comparison with a group of athletically active military personnel.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A group of 100 veteran Greek soccer players aged 35 to 55 years (mean [±SD] age, 46.90 ± 5.9 years) were examined for knee OA and were administered the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. A matched group of 100 athletically active military personnel served as a comparison group.

Results:

The sonographic prevalence of OA was significantly higher in the veteran soccer group (52%) than in the military group (33%) (n = 200; P = .010). This difference remained significant even after excluding participants with a history of knee surgery (44.1% vs 25.3%, respectively) (n = 151; P = .010). Femoral cartilage thickness was similar between the 2 groups ( P = .473), while altered knee alignment had no effect on the prevalence of OA ( P = .740). With the exception of perceived pain being more prevalent in the military group, there were no other statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in KOOS values.

Conclusion:

Veteran soccer players had a higher sonographic prevalence of knee OA but better pain scores than a matched group of athletically active military personnel.
Burnout as a Mediator Between Work–School Conflict and Work Outcomes
Authors: Laughman Courtney , Boyd Elizabeth M. , Rusbasan David
Published: March 2016

Conflict occurring between the roles of work and family has been heavily researched. Recently, however, research has been branching out to study roles beyond work and family. For example, a few researchers have investigated conflict that occurs between the roles of work and school. However, these studies have focused mainly on school and personal outcomes. As such, the present study seeks to contribute to the literature on work–school conflict in two main ways. First, we investigate the relationship between work–school conflict and job outcome variables. Next, we seek to understand the mediating mechanism through which work–school conflict affects job outcomes. Participants in this study were 304 students who completed a survey regarding their attitudes toward work and school. Results were largely supportive of the hypotheses predicting that work–school conflict predicted work outcomes and that burnout mediated these outcomes. Implications for organizations and universities are discussed.
Fuel efficiency analysis and peak pressure rise rate improvement for neat n-butanol injection strategies
Authors: Jeftić Marko , Yang Zhenyi , Reader Graham T , Zheng Ming
Published: March 2016

Engine tests were conducted to investigate the efficiency and the peak pressure rise rate performance of different fuel injection strategies for the direct injection of neat n-butanol in a compression ignition engine. Three different strategies were tested: a single-shot injection; a pilot injection; a post-injection. A single-shot injection timing sweep revealed that early injections had the highest indicated efficiency while late injections reduced the peak pressure rise rate at the cost of a slightly reduced thermal efficiency. Delayed single-shot injections also had increased emissions of nitrogen oxides, total hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide. Addition of a pilot injection had a negative effect on the peak pressure rise rate. Because of the low cetane number of butanol and the relatively lean and well-premixed air–fuel mixture, the pilot injection failed to autoignite and instead ignited simultaneously with the main injection. This resulted in slightly increased peak pressure rise rates and significantly increased unburned butanol hydrocarbon emissions. Conversely, the use of an early post-injection produced a noticeable engine power output and allowed the main injection to be shortened and the peak pressure rise rate to be substantially reduced. However, relatively early post-injections slightly reduced the indicated efficiency and increased the nitrogen oxide emissions and the carbon monoxide emissions compared with the single-shot injection strategy. These results recommended the use of a single-shot injection for low loads and medium loads owing to a superior thermal efficiency and suggested that the application of a post-injection may be more suited to high-load conditions because of the substantially reduced peak pressure rise rates.
The European Union–West African sea border: Anti-immigration strategies and territoriality
Authors: Vives Luna
Published: March 2016

The fight against unwanted sea migration in Southern Europe has triggered the territorial redefinition of European Union (EU) borders and transformed the relationship between sending and receiving countries in the region. This paper focuses on the strategies that the EU and Spain adopted to seal the maritime border around the Canary Islands between 2005 and 2010. According to the primary and secondary data used here, the closure of the Atlantic route that happened in this period was the result of the combination of defensive and preventative measures along and beyond this section of the EU border. Initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, creating jobs at origin, and temporary migration programs paved the way for cooperation among governments, thus making possible the deployment of military resources along the border, the return/deportation of unwanted EU-bound migrants, and the externalization of migration control responsibilities. Cooperation and the mixture of proactive and reactive initiatives seen in this case study are likely to become the hallmark of a new kind of global anti-immigration border that extends beyond the territory of the state.
An Empirical Study on Capital Structure in Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Chadha Saurabh , Sharma Anil K.
Published: March 2016

The study has been divided into two parts. The first part of the article analyzes the trends of capital structure of selected sample companies. The second part analyzes empirically the impact of leverage on firm’s value of selected sample companies. A sample size of 422 listed Indian manufacturing companies on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has been taken to analyze the trends and leverage effect. A period of 10 years from 2003–2004 to 2012–2013 and annual financial standalone data have been considered to analyze the trends and leverage effect. Ratio analysis and panel data approach have been applied to perform the empirical study. It has been found empirically that there is a substantial debt level in the capital structure of the companies and there is no significant relationship between firm’s value and leverage using panel data fixed effect regression approach applied on four different models. In other words, leverage has no impact on the firm’s value in Indian manufacturing industry. However, variables such as size, age, profitability and growth of the firm are positively and significantly correlated with the firm value in Indian manufacturing industry. In addition, there is a significant relationship between firm value and industry practice of the firm. Business risk has no significant relationship with firm value. Thus, the findings of the study would enhance the literature on capital structure and is relevant for the Indian manufacturing industry in taking its capital structure decisions, as it is based on the most recent data and covers the period of both pre- and post-recession of 2008–2009.
Progression of Cohort Learning Style During an Intensive Education Program
Authors: Compton David A. , Compton Cynthia M.
Published: March 2016

The authors describe an intensive graduate program involving compressed classroom preparation followed by a period of experiential activities designed to reinforce and enhance the knowledge base. Beginning with a brief review of the andragogical issues, they describe methods undertaken to track learning styles via the Kolb Learning Styles Inventory (Version 3.1) among a cohort from matriculation to 2 months post-graduation when the individuals were in practice. Finally, the outcome of the study and potential implications of each finding are described.
Thermally activated paraffin-filled McKibben muscles
Authors: Sangian Danial , Naficy Sina , Spinks Geoffrey M
Published: March 2016

McKibben artificial muscles are one of the most pragmatic contractile actuators, offering performances similar to skeletal muscles. The McKibben muscles operate by pumping pressurized fluid into a bladder constrained by a stiff braid so that tensile force generated is amplified in comparison to a conventional hydraulic ram. The need for heavy and bulky compressors/pumps makes pneumatic or hydraulic McKibben muscles unsuitable for microactuators, where a highly compact design is required. In an alternative approach, this article describes a new type of McKibben muscle using an expandable guest fill material, such as temperature-sensitive paraffin, to achieve a more compact and lightweight actuation system. Two different types of paraffin-filled McKibben muscles are introduced and compared. In the first system, the paraffin-filled McKibben muscle is simply immersed in a hot water bath and generates isometric forces up to 850 mN and a free contraction strain of 8.3% at 95°C. In the second system, paraffin is heated directly by embedded heating elements and exhibits the maximum isometric force of 2 N and 9% contraction strain. A quantitative model is also developed to predict the actuation performance of these temperature sensitive McKibben muscles as a function of temperature.
Modulating the bistable potential energy separatrix for augmented broadband vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Ouellette Scott A , Todd Michael D
Published: March 2016

In recent years, increased interest in broadband vibration energy harvesting schemes has been a main topic of interest among researchers. One of the most successful approaches toward broadband vibration energy capture has been with bistable inertial generators. These devices leverage a nonlinear restoring force to exploit the hardening spring response to increase the resonant frequency bandwidth beyond the characteristically narrowband resonant frequency associated with conventional linear inertial generators. However, one issue with bistable energy harvesters is the presence of low-amplitude oscillations whose energy is insufficient to overcome the potential energy separatrix barrier between the competing potential wells. This article presents the effects of controlling the magnitude of the potential energy separatrix by means of a high-permeability electromagnet in order to increase the resonant response bandwidth for low-amplitude harmonic excitations. An analytical model of the bifurcation space resulting from two control parameters is presented along with an experimental validation study. Finally, an open-loop control law is developed and tested to validate the resonant frequency bandwidth augmentation for harmonic chirp excitations.
Does Transition Experience Improve Newcomer Performance? Evidence From the National Basketball Association
Authors: Radzevick Joseph R.
Published: March 2016

A substantial body of research has highlighted the effects of experience on individual performance in groups. However, the challenges individuals confront after moving between groups require the adoption of more finely grained categorizations of experience to understand how they will help or hinder performance in novel group environments. This article develops a distinct form of experience here termed transition experience to deal specifically with insights individuals accumulate as they shift membership between different groups and contrasts its impact with that of the frequently examined component of related task experience. Player movement data from the National Basketball Association is used to show that related task experience can produce negative consequences, consistent with prior research. Conversely, low to moderate levels of transition experience can aid performance. This holds true for both individual performance and performance more closely related to coordinated actions with teammates.
Learning Differences Between 3D vs. 2D Entertainment and Educational Games
Authors: Koops Martijn C. , Verheul Ineke , Tiesma Rinus , de Boer Cees-Willem , Koeweiden Ruben T.
Published: March 2016

Background. Many physics concepts can be abstract and difficult to learn from books or lectures. Experiments are frequently used to overcome such difficulties and provide a sound learning experience. However, some concepts may not be experienced through experimentation or may not be experienced in real life. Recently, computer games, based on physics simulations, have been utilized to provide an alternative learning tool.

Aim. Educational games designed to overcome misconceptions have proven to provide an effective alternative learning option. In this research, the authors investigate if commercial entertainment games can be used to overcome misconceptions of Newton’s laws of motion as well.

Method. The application of a commercial entertainment game as an effective learning tool in physics education is compared with a self-designed, 2-dimensional game.

Results. Self-designed educational games induce a significantly higher learning gain than the commercial entertainment game.

Conclusions and Recommendations. For teaching specific concepts using educational games, special-purpose games may produce larger learning gains.
Investigating the Winner’s Curse Based on Decision Making in an Auction Environment
Authors: Karl Christian K.
Published: March 2016

Background. The majority of bidding models, such as those developed by Friedman and Gates focus on the mark-up decision. Despite a large body of literature, particularly related to the construction industry, these bidding models largely ignore human behavior.

Aim. This article has two aims. The first is to contribute to the potential use of business games to study the results of auction behavior in a construction business environment. The second is to investigate the winner’s curse and its effects on individual companies and the market.

Method. The methodology for this study is rooted in game theory. The reasoning which leads to the winner’s curse is explored through a behavioral multi-actor experiment. I developed a database-driven, online multiplayer auction game which served as a laboratory experiment. The study included 42 participants. Data were collected during the game, and debriefing results were analyzed.

Results. The results show that contractors suffer from the winner’s curse for a variety of reasons including their own bidding strategy, strong competition within the construction market, and inaccurate estimates of project costs. These reasons affect the behavior of contractors and the intention to win the project’s bid as well as their willingness to take risks.

Conclusion and Recommendations. The approach outlined in this article contributes to decision-making research in the context of the ‘reverse’ auction low bid method. I recommend that future researchers consider second-price, sealed-bid auctions (Vickrey auctions); this type of auction is also easy to implement.
The Reliability of Clock Drawing Test Scoring Systems Modeled on the Normative Data in Healthy Aging and Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Mazancova Adela Fendrych , Nikolai Tomas , Stepankova Hana , Kopecek Miloslav , Bezdicek Ondrej
Published: March 2016

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a commonly used tool in clinical practice and research for cognitive screening among older adults. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the interrater reliability of three different CDT scoring systems (by Shulman et al., Babins et al., and Cohen et al.). We used a clock with a predrawn circle. The CDT was evaluated by three independent raters based on the normative data set of healthy older and very old adults and patients with nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI; N = 438; aged 61-94). We confirmed a high interrater reliability measured by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs): Shulman ICC = .809, Babins ICC = .894, and Cohen ICC = .862, all p < .001. We found that age and education levels have a significant effect on CDT performance, yet there was no influence of gender. Finally, the scoring systems differentiated between naMCI and age- and education-matched controls: Shulman’s area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = .84, Cohen AUC = .71, all p < .001; and a slightly lower discriminative ability was shown by Babins: AUC = .65, p = .012.
A Primer on Observational Measurement
Authors: Girard Jeffrey M. , Cohn Jeffrey F.
Published: March 2016

Observational measurement plays an integral role in a variety of scientific endeavors within biology, psychology, sociology, education, medicine, and marketing. The current article provides an interdisciplinary primer on observational measurement; in particular, it highlights recent advances in observational methodology and the challenges that accompany such growth. First, we detail the various types of instrument that can be used to standardize measurements across observers. Second, we argue for the importance of validity in observational measurement and provide several approaches to validation based on contemporary validity theory. Third, we outline the challenges currently faced by observational researchers pertaining to measurement drift, observer reactivity, reliability analysis, and time/expense. Fourth, we describe recent advances in computer-assisted measurement, fully automated measurement, and statistical data analysis. Finally, we identify several key directions for future observational research to explore.
National Religious Affiliation and Integrated Model of Homicide and Suicide
Authors: Chon Don Soo
Published: March 2016

The current study assessed the relationship between national religious affiliation and lethal violence by simultaneously examining homicide and suicide rates. The information on homicide and suicide rates for 124 countries came from the World Health Organization (WHO). Regression results suggested no significant difference in lethal violence between predominantly Catholic and Protestant countries, although Islamic countries revealed significantly lower homicide, suicide, and overall lethal violence rates than non-Islamic countries. Countries with a high level of religious heterogeneity are subject to an increased suicide rate. The implications of these findings were discussed.
Differences in Perceptions of the Food Environment Between African American Men Who Did and Did Not Consume Recommended Levels of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Griffith Derek M. , Cornish Emily K. , McKissic Sydika A. , Dean Donnatesa A. L.
Published: March 2016

African American men have high rates of chronic disease morbidity and mortality associated with their low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption. In an effort to inform tailored behavioral interventions for this demographic, we sought to assess if men with healthier eating practices viewed their environment differently than those who ate less healthy. We segmented participants into high/low healthy eating categories based on the daily fruit and vegetable serving recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine if differences among environmental and social barriers were associated with different healthy eating patterns. We found key differences between men who consumed the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables (five or more servings/day, high healthy eating) and men who did not (low healthy eating). Men who consumed recommended levels of fruits and vegetables found eating healthy to be easy, and they described how they were able to overcome barriers such as the cost of healthy food, their limited knowledge of nutrition guidelines, and their lack of willpower to make healthier food choices. Men with healthier eating practices also identified individuals, plans, and resources they used or could use to help them have healthier eating practices. Conversely, men who were not eating recommended levels of fruits and vegetables also found eating healthy to be easy; however, they identified barriers limiting their access and did not articulate strategies to overcome these perceived barriers. Many of these men also indicated that they did not have social support to help them engage in healthier eating practices. These findings highlight the need to understand how African American men’s conceptualization of environmental resources and social supports relate to their eating practices.
Case-based clinical reasoning in feline medicine
Authors: Canfield Paul J , Whitehead Martin L , Johnson Robert , O’Brien Carolyn R , Malik Richard
Published: March 2016

Aim:

This is Article 2 of a three-part series on clinical reasoning that encourages practitioners to explore and understand how they think and make case-based decisions. It is hoped that, in the process, they will learn to trust their intuition but, at the same time, put in place safeguards to diminish the impact of bias and misguided logic on their diagnostic decision-making.

Series outline:

Article 1, published in the January 2016 issue of JFMS, discussed the relative merits and shortcomings of System 1 thinking (immediate and unconscious) and System 2 thinking (effortful and analytical). This second article examines ways of managing cognitive error, particularly the negative impact of bias, when making a diagnosis. Article 3, to appear in the May 2016 issue, explores the use of heuristics (mental short cuts) and illness scripts in diagnostic reasoning.
Comparison of Methods for Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity Using Heart Rate in Acute Leukemia Patients Prior to Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Story Christina , Bryant Ashley Leak , Phillips Brett , Bailey Charlotte , Shields Edgar W. , Battaglini Claudio
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold standard of cardiopulmonary evaluation, is used to determine VO2 levels at different aerobic exercise training intensities; however, it may not be feasible to conduct CPET in all clinical settings.

Aims:

To compare the heart rate reserve (HRR) and percent of 220-age methods for prescribing cycle ergometry exercise intensity using heart rate (HR) against the HRs obtained during a CPET in adults undergoing treatment for acute leukemia (AL).

Methods:

In this exploratory study, part of a larger randomized controlled trial, 14 adults with AL completed CPET on a cycle ergometer with indirect calorimetry within 96 hr of admission to a cancer hospital to determine VO2peak and HR corresponding to low (40% VO2peak), moderate (60% VO2peak), and high (75% VO2peak) exercise intensities. Analyses of variance were used to compare estimated HR for each intensity level using the HRR and percent of 220-age methods with HR determined via VO2peak.

Results:

HR corresponding to low-intensity exercise differed significantly across all three methods ( p ≤ .05). No significant differences were observed between HR estimated via the percent of 220-age method and determined via VO2peak at moderate (100 ± 8 and 113 ± 24 bpm, p = .122) or high intensities (125 ± 10 and 123 ± 25 bpm, p = .994).

Conclusion:

In adults with AL, HR-based methods for defining aerobic exercise intensities should be used with caution. At low intensity, neither should be used, while at moderate and high intensities, the percent of 220-age equation might serve as an adequate substitute for CPET.
The transmitted and reflected waves due to the incidence of a forced wave on a junction
Authors: Davy John L , Irwin Alexandra L
Published: March 2016

The airborne sound transmission through a plate below its critical frequency is dominated by forced waves even though the plate vibration is dominated by freely propagating waves. This article studies whether the transmission of the two wave types is different at a junction. It is shown in this article that it is not possible to separately calculate in a meaningful way the intensity of a forced incidence wave and its freely propagating reflected wave in the medium from which incidence occurs because the cross terms in the intensity calculation for the combined waves, which vanish when the incident wave is freely propagating, do not vanish when the incident wave is forced. This means that it is not possible to define a transmission factor for forced incident waves. Thus, the transmitted intensity must be calculated as a function of the mean square wave amplitude of the forced wave.
Recent philosophical approaches to social protection: From capability to ubuntu
Authors: Metz Thaddeus
Published: March 2016

In the past decade or two, philosophies of social protection have shifted away from a nearly exclusive focus on the subjective and the individual (e.g. autonomous choices, utility) and towards values that are more objective and relational. The latter approaches, typified by the well-established Capabilities Approach and the up and coming ethic of ubuntu, have been substantially inspired by engagements with the Global South, particularly India and Africa. In this article, part of a Special Issue titled ‘The Principles and Practice of Social Protection’, I focus exclusively on these two newer normative philosophies of social protection, my main aim being to compare and contrast several of their theoretical and practical implications for a variety of its dimensions. I conclude by also suggesting that the implications of ubuntu are often more attractive than those of the Capabilities Approach and hence that the former should be taken no less seriously as potentially foundational when thinking about social protection.
Translating Knowledge
Authors: Anderson Sharon , Fast Janet , Keating Norah , Eales Jacquie , Chivers Sally , Barnet David
Published: March 2016

Introduction. Intergenerational programs have been touted to address the generation gaps and isolation of older adults. Mutual contact alone has produced mixed results, but attention to the intergenerational program content demonstrates well-being benefits. This practice-based article examines the benefits of creating and performing ensemble-created plays to older adults’ and university students’ well-being and the key processes that promote well-being. Method. This community participatory research project involved older adults as researchers as well as research subjects. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted by two trained interviewers with older adults (n = 15) and university students (n = 17). Results. Professional dramaturgical processes of storytelling, reminiscence, and playfulness were key elements in participants’ generative learning. They augmented older adults’ and university students’ ability to understand their situations and try innovative solutions. Skills such as openness, flexibility, and adaptation transferred into students’ and older adults’ daily lives. Conclusion. Participating in this intergenerational theatre group reduced ageism and improved intergenerational relationships. It increased older adults’ and university students’ well-being by building social networks, confidence, and self-esteem and developed a sense of social justice, empathy, and support for others.
Evaluating Art Therapy to Heal the Effects of Trauma Among Refugee Youth
Authors: Rowe Cassandra , Watson-Ormond Rose , English Lacey , Rubesin Hillary , Marshall Ashley , Linton Kristin , Amolegbe Andrew , Agnew-Brune Christine , Eng Eugenia
Published: March 2016

Background. Art therapy uses the creative process to encourage personal growth and alleviate symptoms of mental illness. The Art Therapy Institute provides programs for refugee adolescents from Burma to decrease their trauma-related symptoms. This article describes and discusses the methods and findings from an evaluation of this program. The challenges of assessing art therapy with this population and assessment tool gaps are explored and suggestions for future evaluations discussed. Method. Four validated clinical assessment tools were administered to 30 participants at baseline and follow-up to measure symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Focus group discussions with clinicians were used to assess the evaluation. Results. Nearly all participants had experienced one or more traumatic events. At baseline, results showed a higher prevalence of depression than national rates among adolescents. Follow-up results showed improvements in anxiety and self-concept. Qualitative findings suggest that specific benefits of art therapy were not adequately captured with the tools used. Discussion. This evaluation showed some effects of art therapy; however, symptom-focused assessment tools are not adequate to capture clients’ growth resulting from the traumatic experience and this unique intervention. Future evaluations will benefit by using an art-based assessment and measuring posttraumatic growth.
How Content Analysis may Complement and Extend the Insights of Discourse Analysis
Authors: Feltham-King Tracey , Macleod Catriona
Published: March 2016

Although discourse analysis is a well-established qualitative research methodology, little attention has been paid to how discourse analysis may be enhanced through careful supplementation with the quantification allowed in content analysis. In this article, we report on a research study that involved the use of both Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) and directed content analysis based on social constructionist theory and our qualitative research findings. The research focused on the discourses deployed, and the ways in which women were discursively positioned, in relation to abortion in 300 newspaper articles, published in 25 national and regional South African newspapers over 28 years, from 1978 to 2005. While the FDA was able to illuminate the constitutive network of power relations constructing women as subjects of a particular kind, questions emerged that were beyond the scope of the FDA. These questions concerned understanding the relative weightings of various discourses and tracing historical changes in the deployment of these discourses. In this article, we show how the decision to combine FDA and content analysis affected our sampling methodology. Using specific examples, we illustrate the contribution of the FDA to the study. Then, we indicate how subject positioning formed the link between the FDA and the content analysis. Drawing on the same examples, we demonstrate how the content analysis supplemented the FDA through tracking changes over time and providing empirical evidence of the extent to which subject positionings were deployed.
Using Mixed Methods to Facilitate Complex, Multiphased Health Research
Authors: Strudsholm Tina , Meadows Lynn M. , Robinson Vollman Ardene , Thurston Wilfreda (Billie) E. , Henderson Rita
Published: March 2016

From conceptualization to application and evaluation, research is conducted in a context of increasing complexity of disciplines, goals, communities, and partnerships. Researchers often are challenged to demonstrate the rigor of their methods and results to audiences with diverse backgrounds and disciplinary expertise. This article illustrates the benefits of using mixed methods approaches in research designed to address issues in complex research projects. It outlines the implementation of a private, public, and academic partnership, where scientific merit of methods and results was a critical foundation to the development of public policy. The overall goal of the Public Health Leadership Competencies Project (the Project) was to identify public health leadership competencies that could apply to public health practice across the country. This research demonstrates how mixed methods research in public health might be of perceived benefit to complex projects. The Project included challenges and opportunities through multiple phases of data collection and participation of members from each of the seven disciplines in public health (i.e., public health dentists, physicians, dietitians, and nurses, as well as epidemiologists, health promoters, and environmental health inspectors). The discussion addresses challenges of a national project, the complex organizational framework within which we were directed to work, and the lessons associated with using multiple sources of data.
Cluster-randomized trials: A closer look
Authors: McRae Andrew D , Taljaard Monica , Weijer Charles
Published: March 2016

Background:

The cluster-randomized trial is the methodology of choice for evaluating interventions administered at the group level such as public health and healthcare quality improvement interventions. Because of unique features of this design, it can be difficult to apply standard research ethics guidelines to cluster-randomized trials. The Ottawa Statement on the Ethical Design and Conduct of Cluster-Randomized Trials provides researchers and research ethics committees with comprehensive guidance on the ethical design, conduct and review of cluster-randomized trials. The Ottawa Statement supplements current national and international research ethics guidelines with guidance that is specific to cluster-randomized trials. In a recently published commentary, three examples drawn from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry were used to illustrate challenges associated with the cluster-randomized trial design. The commentary argued that the Ottawa Statement fails to provide comprehensive ethical guidance. In this article, we illustrate the application of the Ottawa Statement to the three trials. We challenge the conclusions reached in the commentary by demonstrating that an ethical analysis requires complete information. We correct some misperceptions about the cluster-randomized trial design.

Methods:

We collected essential additional information by contacting the authors of trials and by referring to published trial articles. We used the Ottawa Statement to conduct an ethical analysis of each trial and to address a number of substantive concerns raised regarding the identification of study participants, informed consent and harm benefit analysis.

Results:

In the two cases in which we were able to obtain detailed study information, we were able to complete the ethical analysis prescribed by the Ottawa Statement.

Conclusion:

The Ottawa Statement does provide a useful framework for the ethical design, review and conduct of cluster-randomized trials.
Clinical and radiological outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: What matters?
Authors: Kaschka Iris N , Kloska Stephan P , Struffert Tobias , Engelhorn Tobias , Gölitz Philipp , Kurka Natalia , Köhrmann Martin , Schwab Stefan , Doerfler Arnd
Published: March 2016

Objective

Recent studies have shown the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. We sought to identify prognostic parameters for clinical and radiological outcome after mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

In 34 patients (age 72 ± 13 years, 64.7% women) with acute occlusion of the distal ICA and/or M1 segment who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy, the Spearman correlation was performed to assess potential prognostic outcome parameters (age, NIHSS, ASPECT, thrombus length (TL), clot burden score (CBS), relative filling time delay (rFTD), time to recanalization (TTR) and TICI score). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score were used for clinical and radiological outcome, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess parameters predicting favorable clinical (ΔmRS ≤ 2) and radiological outcome (ΔASPECT ≤ 2).

Results

Variables associated with favorable clinical outcome included NIHSS, TL, TTR and TICI score ( p ≤ 0.01) with NIHSS ≤ 15 ( p = 0.001, area under the curve (AUC) 0.87), TL ≤ 2 cm ( p = 0.017, AUC 0.75), TTR ≤ 231 min ( p = 0.001 AUC 0.88) and TICI ≥ 2b ( p = 0.050, AUC 0.70). Shorter TTR and higher TICI scores were associated with favorable radiological outcome ( p < 0.001) with TTR ≤ 224 min ( p = 0.023, AUC 0.77) and TICI ≥ 2b ( p = 0.000, AUC 0.86).

Conclusion

Fast and complete recanalization is essential to achieve a favorable radiological and functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. Age, CBS and collateral supply play a subordinate role.
Y-shaped axillary arch muscle: A case report
Authors: Shanthakumar Ravindra Swamy , Kumar Naveen , Badagabettu Satheesha Nayak , Reghunathan Deepthinath , Patil Jyothsna
Published: March 2016

The axillary arch is a rudimentary part of the latissimus dorsi. Generally it has a single insertion either into tendon of the pectoralis major, coracobrachialis or fascia over the biceps. Clinically, this anomalous muscular slip is known to cause neurovascular compression of nearby structures. The present case reports an unusual bifurcated fibrous insertion of an axillary arch with Y-shaped limbs. The stem of this muscle was a fleshy belly measuring 7.8 cm. The upper limb of this muscle, measuring 5.6 cm, was attached to the fascia covering the short head of biceps brachii and the coracoid process while its lower limb, measuring 5.1 cm, ended by merging with the brachial fascia over the biceps brachii below the deltoid muscle. The persistence of such a Y-shaped anomalous axillary arch might restrict the hyperabduction of the arm and compress the neurovascular structures passing below it.
An introduction to the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on treatment of symptoms of the menopause
Authors: Stuenkel Cynthia A , Santen Richard J
Published: March 2016

Treatment of symptoms of menopause remains a challenge for many health care practitioners. In an effort to facilitate this process, the Endocrine Society convened an international Task Force of menopause experts to review the relevant clinical evidence and formulate practical recommendations for relieving the most common menopausal symptoms. The result is a comprehensive evidence-based guideline, which emphasizes an individualized approach to alleviate bothersome vasomotor symptoms and those related to postmenopausal changes of the vagina and urinary tract. Therapies including estrogen, either alone or in combination with progestogen or bazedoxifene, tibolone, antidepressants, gabapentin, as well as complementary approaches are discussed. In this commentary, the chairs of the Task Force highlight the organization and content of the guideline and the processes involved in its development.