bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific language impairment (SLI) and reading development in early school years
Authors: Isoaho Pia , Kauppila Timo , Launonen Kaisa
Published: August 2015

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a condition that affects children’s emerging language skills. Many different language skills can be affected in SLI, but not all individuals with SLI have the same set of difficulties. As a result, SLI is a highly heterogeneous condition. The ability to read and understand written text is a higher function of language, which has its base on the language skills that may be affected by SLI. Previous studies suggest that children with SLI are at risk of developing literacy difficulties at school age. To test this hypothesis a longitudinal follow-up study of SLI was performed in an urban city in Finland. Forty-three children diagnosed with SLI completed tests for lexical and rapid automatized naming (RAN) and reading ability (technical reading and reading comprehension). Children were tested in schools in years one to three, at the end of each school year. At the age of 10 (year 3) children with SLI had relatively weak technical reading abilities with somewhat stronger reading comprehension abilities and concomitant lexical retrieval impairments, but age-appropriate RAN abilities. These findings lend further support to the view that SLI imposes a considerable risk in learning to read. Even in an orthographically highly transparent language, such as Finnish, technical reading skills often seem to remain poor. In this study, the findings on the development of lexical retrieval abilities support the Matthew-effect model in reading development (Stanovich, 1986), while the results of the development of RAN abilities support the developmental lag theory (Stanovich et al., 1988). All in all, these children with SLI had great difficulties in learning to read, which places them at a serious risk of developing concomitant learning problems.
Violence in the Social Networks of Homeless Youths
Authors: Petering Robin , Rice Eric , Rhoades Harmony
Published: August 2015

This study examined social network processes related to interpersonal violence using a sample of 360 homeless youths from Los Angeles. Results indicated that violence is pervasive among homeless youths. Consistent with previous findings, hard drug use and childhood maltreatment experiences were closely related to violence experiences. Social network analyses revealed that having a higher proportion of violence-engaged peers in a youth’s network is associated with increased risk of personal violent behavior as well as having a high k-core number within the larger overall homeless youth network. The findings have important implications for the development of violence prevention programs for homeless youths, particularly the potential for network-based programs.
Different Neurologic Aspects of Nutritional B12 Deficiency in Infancy
Authors: Yilmaz Sanem , Serdaroglu Gul , Tekgul Hasan , Gokben Sarenur
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to evaluate neurologic problems caused by nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infancy. Twenty-four cases between 2 and 18 months of age with neurologic symptoms and/or signs and diagnosed as nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency were analyzed. The most common symptoms were developmental retardation, afebrile seizures, and involuntary movements. The mean vitamin B12 levels were lower in patients with both neurologic and extraneurologic involvement when compared to those with only neurologic symptoms. All of the cases were treated with vitamin B12. In patients with severe deficiencies, involuntary movements were observed during vitamin B12 treatment using cyanocobalamin form. At the 1-year follow-up, all but 3 patients were considered neurodevelopmentally normal. The 3 patients that did not fully recover, on admission, had the lowest vitamin B12 levels. It is of great importance to prevent, diagnose, and treat vitamin B12 deficiency promptly to prevent the long-term neurologic problems.
Promoting Disability Rights for a Stronger Democracy in Brazil
Authors: Kirakosyan Lyusyena
Published: August 2015

Although disability rights advocacy in Brazil began in the early 1980s, it was not until that nation’s 2008 ratification of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that the Brazilian state assumed responsibility for guaranteeing the rights of its disabled citizens. This article explores the efforts of the nation’s disability nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and points to potential limitations of their initiatives to promote disability rights and democratic politics. I do so by examining the online materials of disability NGOs and through interviews with seven leaders of such organizations, conducted in 2011 in São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis draws on interview data and compares the disability rights literature with the claims of these organizations to consider how their advocacy strategies might be recast to help the nation’s heterogeneous disabled population attain both a common sense of identity and their rights as they seek full citizenship.
Spacecraft mission design optimization under uncertainty
Authors: Jafarsalehi A , Fazeley HR , Mirshams M
Published: August 2015

The design of space systems is a complex and multidisciplinary process. In this study, two deterministic and nondeterministic approaches are applied to the system design optimization of a spacecraft which is actually a small satellite in low Earth orbit with remote sensing mission. These approaches were then evaluated and compared. Different disciplines such as mission analysis, payload, electrical power supply, mass model, and launch manifest were properly combined for further use. Furthermore, genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic programming were employed as the system-level and local-level optimizers. The main optimization objective of this study is to minimize the resolution of the satellite imaging payload while there are several constraints. A probabilistic analysis was performed to compare the results of the deterministic and nondeterministic approaches. Analysis of the results showed that the deterministic approaches may lead to an unreliable design (because of leaving little or no room for uncertainties), while using the reliability-based multidisciplinary design optimization architecture, all probabilistic constraints were satisfied.
Novel structured dynamic mesh generation for CFD analysis of scroll compressors
Authors: Wang Jun , Song Yongxing , Li Qiang , Zhang Dahai
Published: August 2015

In order to improve the simulation accuracy of scroll compressors, a novel mesh-generation method of structured dynamic mesh (SDM) is proposed for fluid domains of scroll compressors in this paper. High-quality and density meshes are generated using the SDM in the fluid domains, especially in the flank meshing clearance between wrap profiles in the orbiting and fixed scrolls. The mesh generation process is presented, including scroll solid boundary of fluid domains, structured mesh dividing method in normal and tangent direction, and motion equations of each layer of nodes. Based on the SDM, numerical simulation of an unsteady compressible viscous turbulent flow with moving boundaries in the working process of scroll compressors is carried out, and the overall flow distributions of pressure, temperature and velocity are obtained. The study results show that the numerical simulation using the SDM is more accurate than using the existing unstructured dynamic mesh. The results are significant to predict, exhibit and reveal flow fields in the fluid domain of scroll compressors.
The Impact of Cigarette Plain Packaging on Health Warning Salience and Perceptions
Authors: Auemaneekul Naruemon , Silpasuwan Pimpan , Sirichotiratana Nithat , Satitvipawee Pratana , Sompopcharoen Malinee , Viwatwongkasem Chukiat , Sujirarat Dusit
Published: August 2015

The study employed a mixed methods design using focus group interviews with 6 student groups and self-administered questionnaires with 1239 students. The participants were nonsmoking, current smokers, and quit-smoking teenagers from secondary schools and colleges. Focus group revealed that although nonsmoking teenagers perceived fear appeals to warning messages, current smokers did not perceive fear appeals to health. Black and white backgrounds of the cigarette package were chosen as the best color for plain packaging. However, most participants suggested various pictorials and a bigger size of pictorial warnings for greater and more effective fear appeal. Odds ratio showed that males had 2.43 times the odds to perceive intention not to smoke. Teenagers who had never smoked and those who had quit smoking had 13.27 and 3.61 times the odds, respectively, to perceive intention not to smoke.
Evaluation of the Vietnamese A6 Mortality Reporting System
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Hung Dang Viet , Hoang Thanh Huong , Mai Anh Luong , Nguyen Thi Hong Tu , Le Tran Ngoan
Published: August 2015

There has been no systematic evaluation of Viet Nam’s A6 mortality reporting system. An evaluation was undertaken in 3 provinces in Viet Nam. Deaths identified in the A6 system were compared with deaths identified by an independent consensus panel to determine the percentage completeness of the A6 system. Verbal autopsies (VAs) were conducted for all identified deaths from the consensus panels, and the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the A6 system was assessed. The sensitivity of the A6 system varied depending on the cause of death, with the sensitivity of the system being excellent for injury (sensitivity = 75.4%), cancer (sensitivity = 66.9%), and circulatory diseases (sensitivity = 63.1%). The A6 mortality reporting system performs well in relation to its completeness and classification of 3 leading causes of death—namely, circulatory disease, cancer, and injury. With further enhancements and ongoing support from government and donor agencies, the A6 system will be a valuable resource.
Citation Impact of Women in Social Work
Authors: Holosko Michael J. , Barner John R. , Allen Junior Lloyd
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

We assessed citation impact scholarship of women in the top 25-ranked schools of social work in the United States.

Method:

We used a mixed methodology. Part 1 was a secondary data analysis of the top-25 U.S. News and World Report ranked schools from 2012 using the Hirsch h-index over a 10-year period. Qualitative interviews were conducted with graduates from top-ranked schools. We then examined the faculty websites.

Results:

The mean h-score was 18.64. The majority of these women were employed at the University of Washington ( n = 6), followed by Columbia University and the Universities of Southern California ( n = 3, respectively), Michigan, and California at Berkeley ( n = 2, respectively).

Discussion:

The overall impact scores for these women are significant and speak to a number of factors including negotiating long-standing systemic and structural variables. We continue to describe elements of research cultures, which are essential to our profession’s academic development in today’s corporate university cultures.
Improving Technical Communication Group Projects
Authors: Lam Chris
Published: August 2015

This article reports the results of an experiment that was conducted to determine the impact of media synchronicity theory (MST) training on media-fit behavior, communication quantity, communication quality, and group effectiveness. MST training introduces students to a framework for assessing a media’s capabilities and matching those capabilities to a particular task. From three technical communication courses, 80 participants were randomly divided into two groups and compared using a between-subjects design. The MST training group reported significantly higher levels of media-fit behavior, communication quantity, and the communication-performance qualities of discussion quality, richness, and openness. The article discusses practical ways to implement MST training into technical communication group projects.
Shaping Youth and Families Through Positive Behavior Support
Authors: Ziomek-Daigle Jolie , Cavin Jason
Published: August 2015

This article describes positive behavior support (PBS) as an evidence-based practice that is used effectively in schools and in the home. Counselors working with children and families are uniquely situated to understand the approach and provide consultation and trainings for parents and teachers to manage challenging child behavior. Using PBS in the home includes a five-step process grounded in observations, data collection, and collaboration and will be discussed. Additionally, the use of functional behavioral assessment will be presented as a means to develop and conceptualize individualized interventions. A case study focusing on an elementary-aged student follows.
Workaholism and Marital Satisfaction Among Female Professionals
Authors: Levy Daniele V.
Published: August 2015

Workaholism is a modern construct pertaining to how one relates to work pursuits. It has been commonly operationalized as excessive work involvement, driven by internal compulsions, and accompanied by low professional enjoyment. This study evaluated the effect of Spence and Robbins’ workaholism triad on marital satisfaction among professional women. Self-report measures were collected online from 266 married alumnae from top graduate schools of business currently in the U.S. labor force. Workaholism components were found to explain a significant amount of variance in marital satisfaction with lack of work enjoyment and high work involvement related to low marital satisfaction. Drive did not exert a significant effect. Results demonstrate that workaholic behaviors and attitudes are associated with poorer marital functioning in this population.
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Sensitive Parenting and Mother–Father–Child Family Alliance During Triadic Interactions
Authors: Tissot Hervé , Favez Nicolas , Udry-Jorgensen Laura , Frascarolo France , Despland Jean-Nicolas
Published: August 2015

Observing parent–child dyadic interactions has helped researchers understand how maternal and paternal parenting contributes to child development, whereas the study of mother–father–child triads has documented the role of family-level relations. Dyadic and triadic interactions have rarely been observed, however, within the same families in a single study. This study aimed to investigate how the quality of parenting, in terms of parental sensitivity, influenced or was influenced by the quality of family alliance (FA), with repeated measures at 3 (T1), 9 (T2), and 18 months postpartum (T3). Results showed that sensitivity was greater in cooperative FAs and improved over time, with no difference between mothers and fathers. Moreover, both parents’ sensitivity was a key determinant for reaching a cooperative FA at T1, but its importance decreased later in the postpartum period. These findings stress the need to study parent–child relations in different contexts.
Applying the Health Belief Model to Young Individuals’ Beliefs and Preferences About Premarital Counseling
Authors: Borowski Shelby C. , Tambling Rachel B.
Published: August 2015

Research suggests that premarital counseling programs are effective; however, these programs are underutilized. In addition, little is known about beliefs and preferences of individuals prior to engaging in a committed relationship. This study examined the beliefs and preferences of premarital counseling with a sample of 249 young adults. Beliefs were examined in the context of the four main constructs of the Health Belief Model. Therapy preferences were also examined. Results suggest that perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits were unique predictors in the intention to participate. Specific barriers included the convenience of premarital counseling, viewing premarital counseling in terms of the relationship having problems, and the effectiveness of the premarital counseling leaders. Select therapy preferences included a leader/counselor that is trustworthy, professional, and experienced. In addition, young adults preferred to have the counseling close to work or home and have a maximum of six sessions with a cost of no more than US$150. Participants stated that communication, conflict resolution, and resolving differences were the most important topics to discuss in counseling. The results suggest that premarital programs should focus on diminishing the barriers and increasing the benefits for individuals. Programs should also acknowledge certain populations might have different counseling preferences and modify the programs accordingly in order to increase participation.
The Influence of Math Anxiety, Math Performance, Worry, and Test Anxiety on the Iowa Gambling Task and Balloon Analogue Risk Task
Authors: Buelow Melissa T. , Barnhart Wesley R.
Published: August 2015

Multiple studies have shown that performance on behavioral decision-making tasks, such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), is influenced by external factors, such as mood. However, the research regarding the influence of worry is mixed, and no research has examined the effect of math or test anxiety on these tasks. The present study investigated the effects of anxiety (including math anxiety) and math performance on the IGT and BART in a sample of 137 undergraduate students. Math performance and worry were not correlated with performance on the IGT, and no variables were correlated with BART performance. Linear regressions indicated math anxiety, physiological anxiety, social concerns/stress, and test anxiety significantly predicted disadvantageous selections on the IGT during the transition from decision making under ambiguity to decision making under risk. Implications for clinical evaluation of decision making are discussed.
Psychosocial Implications of Homophobia and HIV Stigma in Social Support Networks
Authors: Garcia Jonathan , Parker Caroline , Parker Richard G. , Wilson Patrick A. , Philbin Morgan , Hirsch Jennifer S.
Published: August 2015

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) bear an increasingly disproportionate burden of HIV in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends high-impact combination prevention for populations at high risk for HIV infection, such as BMSM. However, few scholars have considered the types of behavioral interventions that combined with biomedical prevention could prove effective for mitigating the epidemic among BMSM. Between June 2013 and May 2014, we conducted three in-depth interviews each with 31 BMSM, interviews with 17 community stakeholders, and participant observation in New York City to understand the sociocultural and structural factors that may affect the acceptance of and adherence to oral preexposure prophylaxis among BMSM and to inform an adherence clinical trial. BMSM and community leaders frequently described condomless sex as a consequence of psychosocial factors and economic circumstances stemming from internalized homophobia resulting from rejection by families and religious groups. BMSM revealed that internalized homophobia and HIV stigma resulted in perceived lack of self- and community efficacy in accepting and adhering to preexposure prophylaxis. Our results indicate that addressing internalized homophobia and fostering emotional social support in peer networks are key elements to improve the effectiveness of combination prevention among BMSM.
The Effect of Interdisciplinary Interventions on Risk Factors for Lifestyle Disease
Authors: Tapsell Linda C. , Neale Elizabeth P.
Published: August 2015

Interventions that comprise interdisciplinary collaboration including behavioral elements are effective in addressing lifestyle disease risk factors. However, it is not known how best to conduct this collaboration for sustainable change. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the evidence for the effects of interdisciplinary interventions on lifestyle disease risk factors including weight, lipid levels, glycemic control, and blood pressure. To do so, a systematic review of the literature was conducted using the databases Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science (all years to September 2014). Eighteen articles describing 16 studies of interdisciplinary interventions were identified. Consistent results were found for effects on weight loss but not for effects on blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Effective interventions involved collaborations between dieticians, exercise physiologists, and psychologists and incorporated intensive initial participant engagement. Few studies investigated the long-term effect of interventions, but where this was done, the maintenance of favorable changes required ongoing participant support. Current evidence suggests that interdisciplinary interventions are effective in promoting weight loss and that ongoing support of participants is key to maintaining results beyond initial study duration. Future studies should examine long-term effects in pragmatic trials that address translation to practice.
Engaging Teammates in the Promotion of Concussion Help Seeking
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Garnett Bernice R. , Baugh Christine M. , Calzo Jerel P.
Published: August 2015

Concussion underreporting contributes to the substantial public health burden of concussions from sport. Teammates may be able to play an important role in encouraging injury identification and help seeking. This study assessed whether there was an association between beliefs about the consequences of continued play with a concussion and intentions to engage as a proactive bystander in facilitating or encouraging teammate help seeking for a possible concussion. Participants were 328 (male and female) members of 19 U.S. collegiate contact or collision sports teams. Athletes who believed that there were negative health or performance consequences of continued play with a concussion were significantly more likely than their peers to intend to encourage teammate help seeking, but not more likely to alert a coach or medical personnel. Additionally, athletes who believed that their teammates were more supportive of concussion safety were more likely to intend to engage as proactive bystanders in encouraging teammate help seeking. Exploring how to encourage bystander promotion of concussion safety is an important direction for future programming and evaluation research and may provide an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of concussion education.
The importance of health(ism): A focus group study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer and transgender individuals’ understandings of health
Authors: Graham Katie , Treharne Gareth J , Ruzibiza Christian , Nicolson Max
Published: August 2015

This study investigated understandings of health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer and/or transgender people, who are under-represented in research. The study involved 12 focus groups in Aotearoa/New Zealand with 47 participants who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer and/or transgender and responded to an advert inviting participants without chronic illnesses. Three themes were inductively formulated: health is important because education and protection efforts are seen as required to preserve health, health is seen as holistic, and contextual factors are seen as creating health risks. These findings provide insights into how lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer and/or transgender people’s understandings of health draw upon notions of healthism.
Expectation prior to human papilloma virus vaccination
Authors: Forsner M , Nilsson S , Finnström B , Mörelius E
Published: August 2015

Expectations prior to needle-related procedures can influence individuals’ decision making and compliance with immunization programmes. To protect from human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer, the immunization needs to be given before sexual debut raising interest for this study’s aim to investigate how 11 to 12-year-old girls narrate about their expectations prior to HPV vaccination. A total of 27 girls aged 11 to 12 years participated in this qualitative narrative study by writing short narratives describing their expectations. The requirement for inclusion was to have accepted HPV vaccination. Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings showed the following expectations: going to hurt, going to be scared and going to turn out fine. The expectations were based on the girls’ previous experiences, knowledge and self-image. The latent content revealed that the girls tried to transform uneasiness to confidence. The conclusion drawn from this study is that most girls of this age seem confident about their ability to cope with possible unpleasantness related to vaccinations. However, nurses need to find strategies to help those children who feel uneasy about needle-related procedures.
Sleep quality among internally displaced Georgian adolescents and population-based controls
Authors: Sakhelashvili Irine , Eliozishvili Marine , Lortkipanidze Nani , Oniani Nikoloz , Cervena Katerina , Darchia Nato
Published: August 2015

Sleep problems in children and adolescents are a significant public health concern and may be linked to a variety of psychoemotional difficulties. This study aimed to evaluate sleep quality and associated factors in conflict-affected Georgian adolescents after 9 months of forced displacement. Thirty-three internally displaced adolescents (mean age 11.4 years) and 33 adolescents (mean age 10.8 years) from the general population completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Parents completed the Children’s Sleep–Wake Scale and provided information on their socioeconomic status (SES) and the adolescents’ sleep behavior, academic performance, and peer social relationships. The groups differed significantly in sleep quality, peer relationships, SES, and CDI scores. In the internally displaced group, the only significant predictor of sleep quality was SES, which increased the predictive capacity of the model (demographic and psychosocial variables) by 20% in the hierarchical analyses. The most significant predictor in the non-internally displaced group was CDI. This research indicates that displacement may affect sleep quality and psychosocial functioning. The importance of family SES as a contributing factor to displaced adolescents’ poor sleep quality is highlighted. An integrated approach designed to improve the psychosocial environment of internally displaced adolescents is needed for their protection.
Green Jobs Career Pathways
Authors: Scully-Russ Ellen
Published: August 2015

The Problem

In light of the 2008 recession, new government investment to stimulate the development of new green markets has been unprecedented. One area that has received significant attention is workforce development to support the education and training of workers in new knowledge and skills required to convert and maintain green enterprises. Yet many question whether the U.S. workforce development system, which has been described as fragmented and incoherent, has the capacity to respond.

The Solution

The article presents findings of a comparative case study of two Energy Training Partnerships (ETPs) funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to stimulate a comprehensive workforce development strategy for green jobs in two regions. It provides new insight into the challenges and effective practices of meeting the needs of the green economy as well as improving the functioning of the U.S. workforce development system.

The Stakeholders

Scholars and practitioners concerned with the effective and equitable functioning of the labor market, including human resource development, workforce development, and economic development, will be interested in this article. In addition, advocates and policymakers seeking innovative approaches to supporting the green economy and green jobs may find this article useful.
Changing Cities, Changing Culture
Authors: Benton-Short Lisa , Cseh Maria
Published: August 2015

The Problem

With the rapid increase of urban populations, managing urban sustainability has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century. As cities plan for a sustainable future, human resource development (HRD) professionals have the potential to facilitate collaboration across multiple organizations and at various scales (neighborhood, ward, city, metropolitan area) and to foster culture change that embraces ecological protection, economic development, and social equity. Although the role of HRD in crises management as a result of major environmental disasters is discussed in the literature, the field of HRD is in its infancy in examining its role and approaches in greening the society and addressing urban environmental challenges proactively.

The Solution

This conceptual article examines sustainability and urban sustainability and their linkage with HRD, discusses the emergent roles of HRD in crisis management, presents opportunities and challenges for Green HRD as a proactive process, and concludes with a call for the moral imperative for HRD in urban sustainability in implementing long-term change processes with a social justice and equity agenda.

The Stakeholders

This article informs local government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, community groups, and their HRD leaders involved in urban sustainability planning and implementation on approaches to building new adaptive capacity and fostering culture change through collaborative learning and leadership interventions.
Time Bound on the Open Road
Authors: Snyder Benjamin H.
Published: August 2015

The time binds behind trucking’s career fatigue.
Being Straight in a Post-Closeted Culture
Authors: Dean James Joseph
Published: August 2015

Heterosexuals’ new freedoms and anxieties.
Scared Sick
Authors: Collins Rachael E. , Marrone Diano F.
Published: August 2015

The factors that determne the health and well-being of older populations are increasingly recognized as critical public health issues. The focus of this review article is to provide evidence for the role of fear of crime in determining the mental health of older populations. The fear of crime is a complex construct, as the vast majority of fear is not related to actual rates of victimization. Here, we synthesize the literature on fear of crime and how the physical and social environment can profoundly affect mental health outcomes. The review presents some plausible physiological mechanisms by which fear of crime may directly or indirectly affect the life span development of the brain to modulate mental health in an effort to aid further development of research in this area.
Trust in Scientists on Climate Change and Vaccines
Authors: Hamilton Lawrence C. , Hartter Joel , Saito Kei
Published: August 2015

On climate change and other topics, conservatives have taken positions at odds with a strong scientific consensus. Claims that this indicates a broad conservative distrust of science have been countered by assertions that while conservatives might oppose the scientific consensus on climate change or evolution, liberals oppose scientists on some other domains such as vaccines. Evidence for disproportionately liberal bias against science on vaccines has been largely anecdotal, however. Here, we test this proposition of opposite biases using 2014 survey data from Oregon and New Hampshire. Across vaccine as well as climate change questions on each of these two surveys, we find that Democrats are most likely to say they trust scientists for information, and Tea Party supporters are least likely, contradicting the proposition of opposite bias. Moreover, partisan divisions tend to widen with education. Theoretical explanations that have been offered for liberal trust or conservative distrust of science in other specific domains such as climate change or environmental protection fit less well with these results on vaccines. Given the much different content of climate change and vaccine issues, the common political pattern appears more consistent with hypotheses of broader ideological divisions on acceptance of science.
Advertising the 2015 Cricket World Cup
Authors: Toffoletti Kim
Published: August 2015

Intersectional accounts of how women sports fans from diverse cultural backgrounds are represented remain largely unconsidered in fandom literature. This article examines an Australian advertisement for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, which features as its main protagonists female cricket fans supporting a variety of countries. It makes use of a transnational feminist cultural studies paradigm to frame a discussion of how commercial sports media narratives situate these fans as “ordinary.” In considering how the multicultural female sports fan is configured as ordinary in the Australian sporting context, I demonstrate the ways in which narratives of gender and nation are mobilized to situate multicultural women as marginal to both the Australian nation and cricket, despite the prominence given to ethnically diverse women in the advertisement. This manoeuvre, I argue, responds to the cultural and economic transformations of cricket globally, simultaneously denying and universalizing difference as a mechanism to assuage the anxieties generated by the decentering of Western power in international cricket.
Human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) as potential vehicles for drug delivery in cancer therapy: an in vitro study
Authors: Bonomi Arianna , Silini Antonietta , Vertua Elsa , Signoroni Patrizia Bonassi , Coccè Valentina , Cavicchini Loredana , Sisto Francesca , Alessandri Giulio , Pessina Augusto , Parolini Ornella
Published: August 2015

Introduction

In the context of drug delivery, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow and adipose tissue have emerged as interesting candidates due to their homing abilities and capacity to carry toxic loads, while at the same time being highly resistant to the toxic effects. Amongst the many sources of MSCs which have been identified, the human term placenta has attracted particular interest due to its unique, tissue-related characteristics, including its high cell yield and virtually absent expression of human leukocyte antigens and co-stimulatory molecules. Under basal, non-stimulatory conditions, placental MSCs also possess basic characteristics common to MSCs from other sources. These include the ability to secrete factors which promote cell growth and tissue repair, as well as immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate MSCs isolated from the amniotic membrane of human term placenta (hAMSCs) as candidates for drug delivery in vitro.

Methods

We primed hAMSCs from seven different donors with paclitaxel (PTX) and investigated their ability to resist the cytotoxic effects of PTX, to upload the drug, and to release it over time. We then analyzed whether the uptake and release of PTX was sufficient to inhibit proliferation of CFPAC-1, a pancreatic tumor cell line sensitive to PTX.

Results

For the first time, our study shows that hAMSCs are highly resistant to PTX and are not only able to uptake the drug, but also release it over time. Moreover, we show that PTX is released from hAMSCs in a sufficient amount to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, whilst some of the PTX is also retained within the cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, for the first time our results show that placental stem cells can be used as vehicles for the delivery of cytotoxic agents.
A different entity: A population based study of characteristics and recurrence patterns in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Murray Scott , Ha Michael N. , Thompson Kara , Hart Robert D. , Rajaraman Murali , Snow Stephanie L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx were compared with other head and neck cancer (HNC) anatomic subsites in patients treated at the provincial referral centre for HNC, the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre (NSCC).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on HNC patients assessed at the NSCC between 2010 and 2011. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment details and outcomes, including recurrence rates and survival were collected. Data was collected on new and recurrent cases of HNC. This data was compared between the two types of HNC using chi-square tests for dichotomous categorical variables or Fishers exact test where appropriate. Wald test was used to compare categorical variables with 3 categories. Continuous variables were compared using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test.

Results

318 charts were included in the analysis. 122 (38 %) were oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). In terms of disease characteristics, OPSCCs were more likely to be poorly differentiated/undifferentiated ( n = 267, 49(40 %) vs 42(21 %), p < 0.001), non-keratinizing ( n = 169, 25(20 %) vs 17(9 %), p < 0.001), greater than 2 cm ( n = 253, 72(59 %) vs 78(40 %), p = 0.0061), stage 4 ( n = 313, 55(45 %) vs 64(33 %), p = 0.0315) and have had locoregional nodal spread ( n = 315, 103(84 %) vs 55(28 %), p < 0.001). In the subset of 57 patients that had p16 testing, OPSCCs were more likely to be p16(+) (37(30 %) vs 1(1 %), p < .001). There were no significant differences in terms of Charlson probability of 10 year survival, smoking or alcohol consumption although OPSCC patients were significantly less likely to have COPD as a co-morbidity ( n = 318, 19(16 %) vs 53(27 %), p = 0.0175). Finally, OPSCCs had less chance for relapse than non-OPSCCs in both univariate (2.119 times less, p=0.0034) and multivariate (1.899 times less, p=0.0505) analyses along with a 1.822 times less overall mortality in a multivariae analysis (p=0.0408). 

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that Nova Scotian OPSCCs should be considered distinct from other HNC lesions, most notably in terms of disease characteristics and prognosis. Specifically, despite a higher association with disease factors traditionally considered to be linked to poor prognosis, outcomes were actually superior in terms of relapse and overall mortality.
Fertility and pregnancy in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bermas Bonnie L. , Sammaritano Lisa R.
Published: August 2015

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are disorders that commonly impact reproductive aged women.

Findings

Both women with RA and SLE have smaller sized families than do controls. In the case of RA factors other than fertility contribute, while in women with SLE there may be diminished ovarian reserve due to cyclophosphamide therapy and advanced maternal age. RA pregnancies can be complicated by preterm birth and small-for-gestational aged infants. SLE pregnancies have higher rates of fetal loss, in particular in those patients with co-existing antiphospholipid syndrome. SLE pregnancies are also more likely to be complicated by pre-eclampsia and hypertension and to result in preterm birth and small-for-gestational aged infants.

Conclusion

Appropriate fertility evaluation and careful pregnancy planning with coordinated obstetrical care help ensure better outcomes in these patient populations.
Use of Antibiotics and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Mikkelsen Kristian Hallundbæk , Knop Filip Krag , Frost Morten , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton
Published: August 2015

Context and objective:

Evidence that bacteria in the human gut may influence nutrient metabolism is accumulating. We investigated whether use of antibiotics influences the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and whether the effect can be attributed to specific types of antibiotics.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based case-control study of incident type 2 diabetes cases in Denmark (population 5.6 million) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. Data from the Danish National Registry of Patients, the Danish National Prescription Registry, and the Danish Person Registry were combined.

Results:

The odds ratio (OR) associating type 2 diabetes with exposure to antibiotics of any type was 1.53 (95% confidence interval 1.50–1.55) with redemption of more than or equal to 5 versus 0–1 prescriptions. Although no individual group of antibiotics was specifically associated with type 2 diabetes risk, slightly higher ORs for type 2 diabetes were seen with narrow-spectrum and bactericidal antibiotics (OR 1.55 and 1.48) compared to broad-spectrum and bacteriostatic types of antibiotics (OR 1.31 and 1.39), respectively. A clear dose-response effect was seen with increasing cumulative load of antibiotics. The increased use of antibiotics in patients with type 2 diabetes was found up to 15 years before diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as well as after the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Our results could support the possibility that antibiotics exposure increases type 2 diabetes risk. However, the findings may also represent an increased demand for antibiotics from increased risk of infections in patients with yet-undiagnosed diabetes.
Soil Invertebrates As Bio-Monitors of Toxic Metals Pollution in Impacted Soils
Authors: Udousoro Imaobong , Umoren I. U , Izuagie J. M , Ikpo C. U , Ngeri S. F , Shaibu E. S
Published: August 2015

The bio-indicator potentials of two invertebrate species, Eudrilus eugeniae (earthworm) and Pachybolus ligulatus (millipede) in toxic metals impacted soils in Akwa Ibom State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria were assessed. The study involved collection of Eudrilus eugeniae and Pachybolus ligulatus, and their site soil samples from different impacted and non-impacted soils in ten locations spread over four Local Government Areas. Toxic metals (Pb, Fe, Zn, Ni and Cd) in soils and in the bio-indicator organisms were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, after acid digestion. Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) was used to measure the extent of soil pollution; Bio-Accumulation Factor (BAF) to compute the metal uptake from soil by bio-indicators; and multivariate statistics to identify interrelationships among metals and the pollution sources. Metals in all soils were higher than the background levels, and were classified as unpolluted to very strongly polluted. Pb, Fe, Zn and Cd were higher in Eudrilus eugeniae, and Ni in Pachybolus ligulatus at 0.05 level. The organisms absorbed all metals (BAF<1), but Eudrilus eugeniae accumulated Cd and Fe and Pachybolus ligulatus, Ni and Fe (BAF>1). Metals were clustered into three (Eudrilus eugeniae) and two (Pachybolus ligulatus) dissimilar groups. Two principal components extracted, each for Eudrilus eugeniae and Pachybolus ligulatus accounted for 64% and 72% of total variations, respectively. The invertebrates exhibited varying levels of affinity in metals uptake. Eudrilus eugeniae appeared to accumulate Pb, Fe and Cd more, and could serve as a better bio-indicator for monitoring these metals. Pachybolus ligulatus accumulated 3-folds more Ni, and could provide a monitoring tool especially in agriculture, in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, plagued by crude oil pollution of its land and water bodies.
Cluster and Factor Analysis of Groundwater in Mafraq Area, Jordan
Authors: Odat Sana'a
Published: August 2015

Cluster and Factor analysis were performed on 55 well representative groundwater samples taken from Water Authority open files and samples during 2011. A total of 12 water variables data including, Na, Ca, K, Mg, CI, HCO3, SO4 and NO3 beside to chemical analysis like TC, TDS and PH were analyzed. The study finds that there are 2 factor model variation : factor one include concentration of Na , k, Mg ,Cl , EC, TDS ,NO3 ,HCO3, Ca and SO4 ,where as factor 2 includes TC and PH . These 2 factor explains 79.8% of the total groundwater quality variation. A two main hydrochemical groups were demonstrated using Q- mode cluster analysis , the first group shows the similarity between, K, Mg, NO3 and Na ,which probably represent the effects of weathering of the rich feldspare and mica , in addition to agriculture fertilizers. The second cluster is Cl and HCO3 dominated but also contains low concentration of SO4.
Reconnecting the Landscape in Historical Cities, Conceptual Analysis of Historic Urban Landscape Approach in Iran
Authors: Bahrami Behrang , Samani Firoozeh
Published: August 2015

Historic Urban Landscape is the consequence of dynamic interrelationships between physical, ecological, and cultural factors in a causality based dynamic system. In recent years, urban development plans, inattentive to ecological and historical structures of landscape, have led to segregation of urban values. At a time of rapid urbanization, the conservation of historic cities is one of the most urgent challenges. Reviewing the principles and policies has led to a theoretical framework, based on approved approaches toward the subject for conservative planning. Planning in HUL, requires information which should be identified through scientific survey methods, regulations and principles, tools and procedures and also executive guidelines based on conservation. This research has investigated the historical and natural structure of Isfahan’s urban landscape in Iran. Analyses found improper urban development as the cause for disconnections in the HUL of Isfahan; providing effective theoretical framework that helps presenting a conservation plan for this historical city.
Deterioration and Degradation of Aquatic Systems Due to Brick Kiln Industries – A Study in Cachar District, Assam.
Authors: Dey Sushmita , Dey Mithra
Published: August 2015

Brick industries are unorganised, rural, small scale industries in Cachar district of Assam which play an important role in economic development of the entire region. It has been observed during the study that these brick industries are responsible for large scale environmental problems like land degradation, air pollution, water quality degradation and loss of biodiversity. The present study deals with the quality of water in the selected brick kilns in Cachar district and its degradation during Jan-Dec 2014. The existing water bodies are contaminated with different compounds and continuous siltation from the brick kilns. The research focuses on the variation of various physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, conductivity, Total alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen, Carbondioxide, Nitrate, Phosphate, Transparency in the selected water bodies. The studied ponds were found to be in degrading state with less productivity. Moreover, the result obtained showed the need and urgency to restore the physical, chemical and biological management tactics to conserve and preserve the ecological imbalance and disturbance in the hydro-geo-chemical and hydro-biological cycles that adversely affect the food chain and food web in the brick kiln affected aquatic bodies.