bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contested meanings of public engagement: exploring discourse and practice within a British city council
Authors: Coleman Stephen , Firmstone Julie
Published: July 2014

This article explores local government engagement and communication with citizens in one of the UK’s largest cities from the perspective of a range of actors involved in the engagement process. We establish that a variety of interpretations and contested meanings of engagement exist among professionals involved in different spheres of public engagement. These meanings have different outcomes for the potential voice and influence given to citizens in the city’s democratic existence. We explore what the differing motivations behind the council’s communications and engagement strategies mean for the way that the democratic space of the city is constructed and communicated to citizens. We conclude that there is a need for closer integration of engagement and communications strategies. Integral to the success of such strategies is an empirically informed understanding of what public engagement is, and what skills and practices are necessary to engage with citizens successfully, especially in the reconfigured communication ecology to which new media adds a new dimension.
The Detrimental Effects of Sanctions on Intragroup Trust
Authors: Irwin Kyle , Mulder Laetitia , Simpson Brent
Published: July 2014

Recent work shows that both reward and punishment systems increase short-term cooperation in social dilemmas. Yet, a growing body of research finds that punishment systems generate a range of negative side effects, including an undermining of trust in fellow group members’ cooperative intentions. The present work asks whether reward systems can generate the same positive effects as punishment systems (increased cooperation) without the negative side effects (decreased interpersonal trust) or whether reward systems also lead to detrimental effects on trust. In two experiments we find that once removed, reward systems, like punishment systems, reduced trust to levels below a control group who never experienced sanctions. This research highlights the detrimental effects of punishment and reward systems on intragroup trust and thus shows that while reward systems can generate the same positive effects as punishment systems, they also generate the same negative side effects.
Preferences for tax schemes in OECD countries, self-interest and ideology
Authors: Jaime-Castillo Antonio M , Sáez-Lozano José L
Published: July 2014

In this article we analyze preferences for tax schemes, using data on subjective evaluations of the taxes paid by different income groups. We estimate multilevel models to test the effect of socio-economic status and political ideology on individual preferences. We find that both self-interest motivations and political ideology are important factors in explaining preferences for tax schemes. At the national level, it is found that the fiscal burden shapes preferences for tax schemes (especially direct taxation) and it has an interacting effect with both self-interest and ideological variables. At higher levels of direct taxation, probabilities of supporting redistribution toward the poor and the rich become highly polarized along political affiliations. This suggests a mobilization effect. As direct taxation increases, left-wing parties strengthen their ability to mobilize their electorates to pursue further their redistributive interests, while right-wing voters increase their resistance to taxing the rich.
Selective hearing: The gendered construction and reception of Inquiry evidence
Authors: Cook Kay , Natalier Kristin
Published: July 2014

In this paper we present a case study of the gendering of evidence in family policy reform. We examine the characterisation of data as legitimate or illegitimate in a recent Australian Inquiry into child support and custody issues. Using critical discourse analysis, we examine how Inquiry committee members interpreted personal anecdotes and social scientific data presented by witnesses. Data were characterised as legitimate when confirming an existing stock story of fathers’ disadvantage in an unfair child support system; these data were treated as evidence of a widespread social problem. Data that challenged the stock story were rejected as offering an inappropriate basis for policy reform. We conclude that in these reforms, the type of data, be it social scientific or anecdotal, was not as important as its alignment with a priori understandings of the nature of the world and the policy problems to be solved.
‘King Coal is Dead! Long Live the King!’: The Paradoxes of Coal's Resurgence in the Emergence of Global Low-Carbon Societies
Authors: Tyfield David
Published: July 2014

Much discourse on low-carbon transition envisages progressive social change towards environmentally sustainable and more equitable societies. Yet much of this literature pays inadequate attention to the key question of (productive, relational) power. How do energy infrastructures and socio-technical systems interact with, construct, enable and constrain political regimes, and vice versa? Conceiving low-carbon energy transitions through a power lens, the paper explores a case study of huge, but overlooked, significance: the paradox of the ‘phenomenal’ resurgence of coal in an era of low-carbon innovation. Through exposition of the strong connections between coal-based socio-technical systems and a political regime of classical liberalism, illustrated in two eras, we trace an emerging constellation of energy and political regimes connecting ‘clean coal’ with a ‘liberalism 2.0’ centred on a rising China. This affords a critique of the low-carbon society emergent from these developments – a society more reminiscent of coal's previous Dickensian heyday than the progressive visions of much ‘low-carbon transition’ literature.
Sleep in trigeminal autonomic cephalagias: A review
Authors: Barloese M , Lund N , Jensen R
Published: July 2014

Purpose of review

Sleep and cluster headache (CH) are believed to be interconnected but the precise relation to the other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) is uncertain and complex. A better understanding of these relations may eventually lead to a clarification of the underlying mechanisms and eventually to more effective therapeutic regimens. This review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the subject of TACs and sleep. An association between episodic CH and distinct macrostructural sleep phases, especially the relation to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, has been described in some older studies but could not be confirmed in other, more recent studies. Investigations into the microstructure of sleep in these patients are lacking. Only a few case reports exist on the relation between sleep and other TACs.

Recent studies do not find an association between CH and REM sleep. One older study suggests chronic paroxysmal hemicranias may be locked to REM sleep but otherwise the relation is unknown. Reports indicate that CH and obstructive sleep apnoea are associated in some individuals but results are diverging. Single cases show improvement of CH upon treatment of sleep apnoea, but the causal relationship remains in question. Other TACs are probably not connected to sleep and strictly nocturnal attacks should prompt investigations for secondary causes. The relation between CH and sleep is, however, fascinating and detailed sleep studies in carefully diagnosed patients are warranted.
CFD analysis of municipal solid waste combustion using detailed chemical kinetic modelling
Authors: Frank Alex , Castaldi Marco J
Published: July 2014

Nitrogen oxides (NO x) emissions from the combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) in waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities are receiving renewed attention to reduce their output further. While NO x emissions are currently 60% below allowed limits, further reductions will decrease the air pollution control (APC) system burden and reduce consumption of NH3. This work combines the incorporation of the GRI 3.0 mechanism as a detailed chemical kinetic model (DCKM) into a custom three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model fully to understand the NO x chemistry in the above-bed burnout zones. Specifically, thermal, prompt and fuel NO formation mechanisms were evaluated for the system and a parametric study was utilized to determine the effect of varying fuel nitrogen conversion intermediates between HCN, NH3 and NO directly. Simulation results indicate that the fuel nitrogen mechanism accounts for 92% of the total NO produced in the system with thermal and prompt mechanisms accounting for the remaining 8%. Results also show a 5% variation in final NO concentration between HCN and NH3 inlet conditions, demonstrating that the fuel nitrogen intermediate assumed is not significant. Furthermore, the conversion ratio of fuel nitrogen to NO was 0.33, revealing that the majority of fuel nitrogen forms N2.
Development of a silk fibroin/HTCC/PVA sponge for chronic wound dressing
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Li Binghui , Ma Jun , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Shengming
Published: July 2014

A sponge wound dressing comprising silk fibroin, N-(2-hydroxy)propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride, and polyvinyl alcohol was developed for chronic wound healing. These composite sponges were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The composite sponge had a fluid uptake of 80% of its weight, and the water vapor transmission rate of 2974 ± 684 g/m2/day, indicating that the sponge could keep a moist environment around the wound bed. The Wistar rats were used to evaluate these composites for the treatment of chronic wounds. Wound healing was monitored through the macroscopic and immunological analyses. Although the wound area reduction rates were similar for the composite dressings compared to the non-woven fabrics containing wax-oil, the new composite dressings were found to be capable of improving the formation of blood vessels inside the wound beds by promoting the regrowth of skin tissues. Based on these results, using aqueous composite sponges in wound dressings, instead of oil-containing fabrics, promotes healing of chronic wounds in clinical applications.
Life Review Based on Remembering Specific Positive Events in Active Aging
Authors: Latorre José M. , Serrano Juan P. , Ricarte Jorge , Bonete Beatriz , Ros Laura , Sitges Esther
Published: July 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of life review (LR) based on specific positive events in non-depressed older adults taking part in an active aging program. Method: Fifty-five older adults were randomly assigned to an experimental group or an active control (AC) group. A six-session individual training of LR based on specific positive events was carried out with the experimental group. The AC group undertook a “media workshop” of six sessions focused on learning journalistic techniques. Pre-test and post-test measures included life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, experiencing the environment as rewarding, and autobiographical memory (AM) scales. Results: LR intervention decreased depressive symptomatology, improved life satisfaction, and increased specific memories. Discussion: The findings suggest that practice in AM for specific events is an effective component of LR that could be a useful tool in enhancing emotional well-being in active aging programs, thus reducing depressive symptoms.
Toughening epoxy resins by modification with in situ polymerized acrylate copolymer composed of butyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Jun , Chen Wei , Duan Huajun , Xiao Hongbo , Wang Junpeng , Yang Jingjun
Published: July 2014

Poly(butyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate) (PBG) was prepared by in situ polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and further used as a modifier to improve the comprehensive properties of the epoxy resin curing system. The modified resin system was based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol, methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, and tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol. The influence of copolymer composition on the mechanical properties, thermal performance, and phase behavior of the system was carefully examined. Results showed that the addition of PBG greatly improved the impact strength of the modified epoxy resin. When 15 wt% of the BA/GMA with a weight ratio composition of 7.5/7.5 was added to the epoxy, high-performance-modified epoxy resin was obtained.
Evaluation of the toxic activity of anorectic diethylpropion in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: da Silva CJ , Montaldi AP , dos Santos JE , Takahashi CS
Published: July 2014

Diethylpropion has been available in the market for treating obesity for over 50 years. Refined studies are lacking to fully elucidate its action spectrum. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible toxic effects of anorectic diethylpropion in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Comet assay (detects breaks in the DNA strand), micronucleus test (detects clastogenic/aneugenic damage), and cell survival test (detects cytotoxic damage) were used to evaluate the toxic effects. In comet assay, we found that the damage scores with diethylpropion treatments at the concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL were more significant (  p < 0.05) than that of the negative control. When assessing the possible aneugenic and/or clastogenic damage caused by the drug in CHO cells, we found no difference (  p > 0.05) in the values of micronucleated cells when comparing different diethylpropion treatments and the negative control. Regarding the cell viability, for all the diethylpropion concentrations tested, higher values (  p < 0.05) of apoptosis were found compared with those of the negative control. In relation to the number of necrotic cells, no difference (  p > 0.05) was noted between the means of the three concentrations of diethylpropion evaluated and the negative control. In the experimental conditions, we conclude that diethylpropion has weak genotoxic and cytotoxic activities.
Export Subsidy Reforms and Productivity Improvements: The Case of the Indian Textile and Clothing Sector
Authors: Narayanan G. Badri , Rungta Vasundhara
Published: July 2014

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recommends all members to phase out their export subsidies. While this may render export-oriented industries susceptible to tighter competition in their import markets, productivity improvements could help offset such disadvantages. This article explores the interaction between these two different aspects to evaluate the economy-wide impact of export subsidy reforms and productivity improvements in the Indian textile and clothing sector. Our analysis stands on various policy simulations applying the general equilibrium model of the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP; Hertel, 1997 ). The welfare impacts of the removal of Indian textile and clothing subsidies in terms of equivalent variation shows that India is expected to encounter a loss of about 71.5 million US$, while other Asian countries may gain about 218 million US$. In a different scenario, we simulate the impact of a complete phase-out of subsidies provided to the textile and clothing industry of India and a simultaneous increase in total factor productivity growth to 3.5 per cent. This leads to a net positive welfare change and an expected gain of about US$ 13.17 million in terms of allocative efficiency. We conclude that merely removing subsidies is not enough, as is often argued by Indian policymakers that such a policy reversal might result in contraction of the sector. Investments in total factor productivity should come about simultaneously, probably by employing surplus funds from saved subsidy payments in areas like research and development and infrastructure. This conclusion may be qualitatively generalised for any sector in the world, which is examined for export subsidy reforms, but similar economy-wide studies are recommended for specific cases.

JEL Codes: F00, F13, C68, L670
A Note on the Estimation of the Gini Index
Authors: Djolov George
Published: July 2014

This article provides a statistical decision-making framework for the Gini index through the introduction of practically usable confidence intervals for this index. The resultant intervals enable hypothesis testing with the Gini index as well as providing a mechanism for studying the reliability of its estimates. The article presents these confidence intervals and demonstrates their prospective uses with an illustrative example to officially published estimates for the index from 24 countries.

JEL Classification: C02, C13
Is there a Corruption-effect on Conspicuous Consumption?
Authors: Gokcekus Omer , Suzuki Yui
Published: July 2014

This study empirically explores the following issue: Does corruption fuel conspicuous consumption? It examines the existence and magnitude of any potential corruption-effect on conspicuous consumption expenditure. Regression analyses of an unbalanced panel data for 20 OECD countries between 2004 and 2010 indicate that luxury car sales are higher by 191 per cent in a country with a high perceived corruption level, for example, CPI score of 4.5, as compared to a country with a low perceived corruption level, for example, CPI score of 9.0, ceteris paribus.

JEL Classification: D12; D73
Accessibility to Credit and its Determinants: A State-level Analysis of Cultivator Households in India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Manojit , Rajeev Meenakshi
Published: July 2014

It is well known that around 80 per cent of farmers in India are in the small or marginal farmers group which requires financial resources on a regular basis for their farming activities. Needless to say, as these households do not possess adequate savings, accessibility to financial resources at reasonable terms and conditions from financial intermediaries becomes a crucial parameter for their productive activities and hence, in turn, their well-being. Based on the 59th round of household-level data from the Debt and Investment Survey and the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of farmers provided by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) of India, this article examines the nature of exclusion faced by farmer households in credit markets across selected prominent states of India. This is done by constructing an indicator, namely, the ‘incidence of borrowing’. This article also tries to identify the factors that explain exclusion from access to financial resources by developing a methodology for the detection of credit exclusion. Our results show that the relation between the cost of credit (interest rate) and access to credit depends heavily on the extent of prevalence of informal lenders in a region.

JEL Classification: O1, O2
Suicidal Ideation Among Malaysian Adolescents
Authors: Ahmad NoorAni , Cheong Siew Man , Ibrahim Nurashikin , Rosman Azriman
Published: July 2014

Adolescence is the time of greatest risk for the first onset of suicidal behaviors. This study aimed to identify the risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents. Data from the 2012 Malaysia Global School-based Student Health Survey, a nationwide study using a 2-stage cluster sampling design, were analyzed. The survey used a self-administered validated bilingual questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 7.9%. Analysis revealed that suicidal ideation was positively associated with depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, being bullied, and being abused at home, either physically or verbally. In addition, suicidal ideation was significantly higher among females and among the Indians and Chinese. Having close friends and married parents were strongly protective against suicidal ideation. Understanding the risk and protective factors is important in providing comprehensive management for suicidal ideation.
Hate Crime Research
Authors: Green Donald P. , Spry Amber D.
Published: July 2014

The credibility revolution in the social sciences has placed new emphasis on research designs that provide strong evidence of cause and effect. The next generation of hate crime research must move in this design-based direction. This essay reviews recent examples of experiments and quasi-experiments in criminology, political science, and economics that provide useful design templates for hate crime researchers. At the same time, we caution that advances in design must also be accompanied by advances in measurement if researchers are to gauge the long-term effects of interventions designed to reduce the risk of hate crime.
Examining Forms of Spiritual Care Provided in the Advanced Cancer Setting
Authors: Epstein-Peterson Zachary D. , Sullivan Adam J. , Enzinger Andrea C. , Trevino Kelly M. , Zollfrank Angelika A. , Balboni Michael J. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Balboni Tracy A.
Published: July 2014

Spiritual care (SC) is important to the care of seriously ill patients. Few studies have examined types of SC provided and their perceived impact. This study surveyed patients with advanced cancer (N = 75, response rate [RR] = 73%) and oncology nurses and physicians (N = 339, RR = 63%). Frequency and perceived impact of 8 SC types were assessed. Spiritual care is infrequently provided, with encouraging or affirming beliefs the most common type (20%). Spiritual history taking and chaplaincy referrals comprised 10% and 16%, respectively. Most patients viewed each SC type positively, and SC training predicted provision of many SC types. In conclusion, SC is infrequent, and core elements of SC—spiritual history taking and chaplaincy referrals—represent a minority of SC. Spiritual care training predicts provision of SC, indicting its importance to advancing SC in the clinical setting.
Does Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Fit Within a Bi-Factor Model of ADHD?
Authors: Garner Annie A. , Peugh James , Becker Stephen P. , Kingery Kathleen M. , Tamm Leanne , Vaughn Aaron J. , Ciesielski Heather , Simon John O. , Loren Richard E. A. , Epstein Jeffery N.
Published: July 2014

Objective: Studies demonstrate sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms to be distinct from inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive dimensions of ADHD. No study has examined SCT within a bi-factor model of ADHD, whereby SCT may form a specific factor distinct from inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity while still fitting within a general ADHD factor, which was the purpose of the current study. Method: A total of 168 children were recruited from an ADHD clinic. Most (92%) met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Parents and teachers completed measures of ADHD and SCT. Results: Although SCT symptoms were strongly associated with inattention, they loaded onto a factor independent of ADHD g. Results were consistent across parent and teacher ratings. Conclusion: SCT is structurally distinct from inattention as well as from the general ADHD latent symptom structure. Findings support a growing body of research suggesting SCT to be distinct and separate from ADHD.
Reexamining Income Tax Overwithholding as a Response to Uncertainty
Authors: Gandhi Ashvin , Kuehlwein Michael
Published: July 2014

This article reexamines whether significant income tax overwithholding in the United States can be explained as rational risk-neutral taxpayers trying to avoid underwithholding penalties when faced with uncertain tax liabilities. Starting with the important model developed by Highfill, Thorson, and Weber, we add interest accumulated on underwithheld income, consistent boundary conditions, and nominal penalty and opportunity costs. We then incorporate a relevant tax rule into the model. Finally, we consider alternative distributions of taxable income. Under these modifications, penalty avoidance generates refund rates only a quarter to a half of those observed in the United States in the 1980s and the 2000s. This suggests that penalty avoidance in a risk-neutral framework is not sufficient to explain the puzzling overwithholding behavior of US taxpayers.
What Technology-Enabled Services Do Air Travelers Value? Investigating the Role of Technology Readiness
Authors: Wang Ying , So Kevin Kam Fung , Sparks Beverley A.
Published: July 2014

An increasing use of technology in service delivery presents challenges for businesses, in particular in relation to how customers perceive specific technology-enabled services (TESs) and which TESs they embrace. This study investigates the influence of technology readiness (TR) on travelers’ perceived importance of various airline TESs. Results reveal three categories of TESs: Established, Network Access, and New. Two dimensions of TR—Optimism and Innovativeness—were significantly associated with the perceived importance of TESs. Respondents who reported higher levels of Optimism rated Established TESs as particularly important. In contrast, respondents high on Innovativeness rated Network Access and New TESs as more important. The association between TR dimensions and perceived importance of TESs was more evident in customers of low-cost carriers than in customers of full-service airlines. This study contributes to the TES and TR literature by explaining why a TES may be more (or less) important to different customers through the association of the TR construct.
Between whisper and voice: Online women’s movement outreach in the UK and Germany
Authors: Knappe Henrike , Lang Sabine
Published: July 2014

Women’s movements in Western Europe are not dead, but they have altered their strategies in ways that require adaptation of investigative repertoires. Recent research highlights women’s movements’ pathways into institutions as well as the transnationalisation of activism. This article focuses on the shifting public communication repertoire associated with these developments. Communication and movement outreach across Europe are increasingly constituted online. The authors investigate the degree to which women’s networks in Germany and the UK mobilise constituencies via online means. Utilising network mapping tools as well as original data from women’s NGOs, they analyse the density and distribution of relationships in German and UK networks, as well as their interactive communication repertoires as indicators of their capacity to engage constituents. The findings show that information-focused means of communication are more prevalent than interactive mobilisation tools. Women’s NGOs in the UK utilise more public engagement features than those in Germany. The authors relate these findings to second-, third- and fourth-wave feminisms, focusing on their distinct mobilisation strategies.
Comparison of tribological behaviors of one-process and two-process steel surfaces in ball-on-disc tests
Authors: Dzierwa Andrzej , Pawlus Pawel , Zelasko Wieslaw
Published: July 2014

Wear tests were conducted using a ball-on-disc tester. In the experiment, 42CrMo4 steel disc of hardness 40 HRC was put in contact with 100Cr6 steel ball of 6.35 mm diameter. Hardness of ball was 60 HRC. Disc samples were created using vapor blasting and/or lapping techniques in order to obtain one-process and two-process isotropic surfaces. Dry and lubricated tests were carried out. During tests, the friction force was monitored as a function of time. Wear of discs and balls was measured after the test using white light interferometer. Under dry friction conditions, two batches of tests were performed. In order to decrease variation of the experimental results, during tests the wear debris was continuously removed from the disc surface. Tests under starved lubrication conditions were carried out using L-AN 46 oil. One drop of oil was supplied into the inlet side of the contact zone. It was shown that beneficial effects of two-process surfaces on tribological behavior of sliding pairs depended on the operating conditions.
Dynamic modeling and nonlinear boundary control of hybrid Euler–Bernoulli beam system with a tip mass
Authors: Tavasoli Ali
Published: July 2014

This paper presents dynamic modeling and Lyapunov-based boundary control of a hybrid Euler–Bernoulli beam. The beam is hybrid in the sense that it holds both rigid and elastic motions. The beam is equipped with actuators hub at one end and it carries the payload as the tip mass at the free end. The distributed parameter dynamic equations (i.e. partial differential equations governing the hybrid beam motion) are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The dynamic model consists of four distributed parameter dynamic equations, representing the beam vibration and rigid motion in the plane, coupled to the discrete dynamic boundary equations. This paper uses the system equations to achieve model-based control laws that asymptotically stabilize the beam vibration while driving the rigid body position and orientation to the desired set point. The control system applies three forces/torque at the hub to regulate the rigid body position/orientation and a transverse force at the free end to suppress the beam vibration. In this regard, the control system only applies actuation and makes measurement at the beam boundary, thus excluding the need for distributed actuators or sensors. Furthermore, the proposed method directly uses the system equations for the control design without model truncation to rule out spillover instabilities. The closed-loop system stability is shown through Lyapunov-based analysis. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Toward a unification of acquiescent, extreme, and midpoint response styles
Authors: He Jia , Van de Vijver Fons JR , Espinosa Alejandra Dominguez , Mui Phoebe HC
Published: July 2014

From a cross-cultural perspective, we studied the psychological meaning of a generalized response style that combines acquiescent, extreme, and midpoint response styles. Individual- and country-level indexes of the three specific response styles were constructed from eight multicountry surveys for correlation and multilevel analyses. At both levels, we confirmed a general response style factor with a positive loading of extreme response style, a negative loading of midpoint response style, and acquiescent response style in between. This general response style refers to a communication filter that moderates or amplifies expressions and it is associated with both individual and cultural factors. At the country level, the general response style was negatively related to the socioeconomic development and the percentage of atheists and positively related to aggregated values and personality traits pertinent to “fitting in” and avoidance of ambiguity. At the individual level, the general response style was positively associated with age and negatively associated with education. We conclude that integrating specific response styles to a general response style can help to create consistency in findings across styles and studies. Implications for cross-cultural management research and practices are discussed.
Osteoprotegerin is independently associated with metabolic syndrome and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tavintharan S , Pek Li Ting Sharon , Liu Jian Jun , Ng Xiao Wei , Yeoh Lee Ying , Su Chi Lim , Chee Fang Sum
Published: July 2014

Aims:

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein from tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, responsible for osteoclastogenesis inhibition and associated with arterial calcification and stiffness. We describe the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and OPG in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methodology:

We consecutively enrolled 1220 patients from our institution’s Diabetes Centre from August 2011. Anthropometric data such as fasting blood/urine were obtained, and OPG was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

Mean (standard deviation (SD)) of age and diabetes duration was 57.4 (10.9) years and 11.2 (8.9) years, respectively. Prevalence of MS was 64.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 61.3%–67.2%) and associated with significantly higher OPG (5.44 vs 4.47 pmol/L) and microvascular complications. The presence of microvascular complications was associated with higher OPG: nephropathy (5.54 (2.20) vs 4.65 (1.70) pmol/L, p < 0.0001), neuropathy (6.33 (2.64) vs 5.06 (1.91) pmol/L, p < 0.0001) and retinopathy (6.08 (2.47) vs 5.00 (1.95) pmol/L, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, glucose and microvascular complications, OPG remained an independent predictor of MS: (odds ratio (OR) = 1.102 (95% CI: 1.015–1.196), p = 0.021).

Conclusion:

Higher OPG levels were associated with risk of MS and microvascular complications. Studies are needed to test whether OPG could be a useful biomarker identifying patients at risk of vascular complications and whether further exploration of this pathway may lead novel therapeutic options.
Investigation of thermal stress distribution in fiber-reinforced roller compacted concrete pavements
Authors: Hejazi Sayyed Mahdi , Abtahi Sayyed Mahdi , Safaie Farhad
Published: July 2014

Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is a kind of concrete that is used in pavement construction. RCC has the strength and performance of conventional concrete with the economy and simplicity of asphalt. Unfortunately, this type of concrete is less sensitive to cracking in relation with drying shrinkage and thermal stresses. In this way, reinforcement of RCC with fibers would be a useful solution. The main aim of this study was therefore investigating into thermal stress distribution in fiber-reinforced RCC (FRRCC) pavements. Firstly, the thermal stress induced in fiber-reinforced rigid pavements was modeled by using “thermal expansion law” in short fiber composite materials and “Eshelby’s model” extended from the “theory of elasticity”. Consequently, an instrument was developed to measure the heat gradient in FRRCC samples at different origin temperatures of 40℃, 60℃, and 80℃. Steel and polypropylene fibers were used to prepare FRRCC specimens. The analytical results showed that fiber modulus, fiber volume fraction, fiber Poisson’s ratio, and fiber coefficient of thermal expansion determine the induced thermal stress in FRRCC pavements. The analytical outcomes were straightly correlated with the experimental results.
Physical Activity Measured Using Global Positioning System Tracking in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Granger Catherine L. , Denehy Linda , McDonald Christine F. , Irving Louis , Clark Ross A.
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Increasingly physical activity (PA) is being recognized as an important outcome in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated PA using novel global positioning system (GPS) tracking individuals with NSCLC and a group of similar-aged healthy individuals. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional multicenter study. Fifty individuals with NSCLC from 3 Australian tertiary hospitals and 35 similar-aged healthy individuals without cancer were included. Individuals with NSCLC were assessed pretreatment. Primary measures were triaxial accelerometery (steps/day) and GPS tracking (outdoor PA behavior). Secondary measures were questionnaires assessing depression, motivation to exercise, and environmental barriers to PA. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results. Individuals with NSCLC engaged in significantly less PA than similar-aged healthy individuals (mean difference 2363 steps/day, P = .007) and had higher levels of depression ( P = .027) and lower motivation to exercise ( P = .001). Daily outdoor walking time ( P = .874) and distance travelled away from home ( P = .883) were not different between groups. Individuals with NSCLC spent less time outdoors in their local neighborhood area ( P < .001). A greater number of steps per day was seen in patients who were less depressed ( r = .39) or had better access to nonresidential destinations such as shopping centers ( r = .25). Conclusion. Global positioning system tracking appears to be a feasible methodology for adult cancer patients and holds promise for use in future studies investigating PA and or lifestyle behaviors.
What answers does the Internet provide for patients in Ireland with questions about generic medicines?
Authors: Dunne Suzanne S , Cummins Niamh M , Hannigan Ailish , Shannon Bill , Cullen Walter , Dunne Colum P
Published: July 2014

Background

Use of generic medicines in Ireland has historically been low. New legislation, in 2013, introduced reference pricing and generic substitution in Ireland for the first time. Also, as patents have recently expired for many familiar medicines, Irish patients are more likely than ever to receive a generic medicine.

Objective

As the Internet is a primary source of information for patients seeking information on healthcare matters, this study aims to assess – in terms of quality and accessibility – information on generic medicines that a searcher in Ireland is likely to find online.

Methods

Internet searches were completed using a computer with an Irish Internet Protocol address. Search results were evaluated with respect to quality of information, using a newly developed Website Quality Assessment tool, and for readability, using existing methods. The reproducibility of the tools was assessed, and correlations between Website Quality Assessment score, readability statistics and Google search engine results page ranking were determined.

Results

This novel and topical evaluation showed that, of the websites most likely to be seen by a searcher, none demonstrated the desired combination of scoring highly for both quality of information and readability.

Conclusions

Patient education is a key factor in implementation of the changes planned in the Irish healthcare system. There is a gap in online knowledge provision in Ireland, which, if filled by a website designed using the Website Quality Assessment tool developed in this study, can correct this deficit by providing accessible, high-quality information.
Making the case for war: A comparative analysis of CNN and BBC coverage of Colin Powell’s presentation to the United Nations Security Council
Authors: Ashley Seth
Published: July 2014

The normative role of journalism in democracy is well established: democracy depends on news media to facilitate self-government. But theories of the press point to structural limitations that inhibit the democratic ideal. To examine this contradiction, this article offers a comparative analysis of online news coverage by CNN and BBC of Colin Powell’s speech to the United Nations Security Council on 5 February 2003. Ethnographic content analysis is used to examine the coverage and to consider each outlet’s broad institutional context. The article concludes that structural limitations are less of a hindrance at the BBC, which is better situated to enhance rational–critical dialogue and democratic self-governance through inclusion of a greater diversity of sources and a wider array of opinion.
The Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Cross cultural adaptation, reliability, validity and responsiveness
Authors: Kim J. K. , Lim H. M.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to produce an equivalent Korean version. A total of 53 patients completed the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire pre-operatively and 3 months after open carpal tunnel release. All 53 also completed the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire pre-operatively and 3 months post-operatively. Reliability was measured by determining the test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests, and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out on the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores and the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores to assess construct validity. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect sizes and standardized response means. The reliability of the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was good. The scores in the Korean version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand strongly correlated with the scores in the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Standardized response mean and effect size were both large for the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The study shows that the Korean version of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is a reliable, valid and responsive instrument for measuring outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Comparing Tendinous and Ligamentous Ankle Pathology in Atraumatic Overweight and Nonoverweight Patients
Authors: Galli Melissa M. , Protzman Nicole M. , Mandelker Eiran M. , Malhotra Amit , Schwartz Edward , Brigido Stephen A.
Published: July 2014

With the increased prevalence of obesity, there has been a parallel rise in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pathology of the hindfoot and ankle is scarcely understood. The purpose of the present report was to compare the number of tendinous and ligamentous pathologies within the hindfoot and ankle between overweight (BMI ≥ 25.00 kg/m2) and nonoverweight (BMI < 25.00 kg/m2) atraumatic patients. We hypothesized that overweight patients would demonstrate more tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with their nonoverweight counterparts. Five hundred consecutive magnetic resonance images were reviewed. One hundred eight patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-six patients were overweight and 42 patients were nonoverweight. Ninety-eight percent of overweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature, whereas 62% of nonoverweight patients demonstrated pathology of a tendinous or ligamentous nature. Thus, the prevalence of pathology was 1.59 times higher among overweight patients compared with nonoverweight patients. Moreover, controlling for age, overweight patients demonstrated approximately twice as many tendinous and ligamentous pathologies compared with nonoverweight patients (adjusted mean ± SD = 4.44 ± 2.14 vs 1.98 ± 2.07, respectively), which was statistically significantly different ( P < .001). To definitively assess causation and the clinical evolution of hindfoot and ankle pathology, prospective, longitudinal cohort studies are warranted.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level III: Case series
Meat abstinence and its positive environmental effect: Examining the fasting etiquettes of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Authors: Zellelew Tilahun Bejitual
Published: July 2014

Meat abstinence, as is practiced in some religions, has a positive impact on reducing the damages that the process of meat production inflicts on the environment. The Ethiopian Orthodox Christians observe fasting by abstaining from meat for more than half a year, and this seems to do the environment and economy some good. Religion has been playing a regulatory role between ever-increasing meat demands and the country’s fast-growing meat and live animal exports. The article concludes that individuals' tendency to drift from religious life practices, coupled with a growing middle class that can afford to buy meat regularly, and the country’s need to maximize foreign currency through meat and livestock exportation, is likely to see Ethiopia introduce intensive livestock production in the not too distant future, to meet domestic meat demands and increase livestock export earnings.
Revisiting History in Hayden White’s Philosophy
Authors: Ghasemi Mehdi
Published: July 2014

In his “Historical Fiction, Fictional History, and Historical Reality,” Hayden White writes “What we postmodernists are against is a professional historiography.” This statement inspired me to reexamine a number of White’s oeuvre from the perspective of postmodernism so as to find out in what ways and to what extent White is a postmodernist. In addition, I highlight a number of preoccupations of professional historiography and argue how White deploys the discourse of postmodernism to dismantle them.
Effect of SiC-mullite coatings on oxidation resistance of graphite
Authors: Aliakbarpour S. , Zakeri M. , Rahimipour M. R. , Irankhah R.
Published: July 2014

Two layers oxidation protecting coatings of SiC and mullite were successfully created on the graphite substrate by pack cementation and plasma spray methods, respectively. Phase synthesis was studied by X-ray diffraction. Microstructure and morphology were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). X-ray diffraction results of the first coating showed that the secondary SiC was completely synthesised by the heat treatment of Si, Al2O3, C and SiC at 1500°C. Alumina and kaolin reaction at 1400°C led to the formation of mullite as the second layer. The oxidation resistance of two layers coating was considerably improved in comparison with mono layer coating and raw graphite. Oxidation resistance was decreased at higher temperatures in all samples. Formation of SiO2 glassy phase improved the graphite oxidation resistance which was confirmed by SEM.
Core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse: a retrospective study from the French AML Intergroup
Authors: Hospital Marie-Anne , Prebet Thomas , Bertoli Sarah , Thomas Xavier , Tavernier Emmanuelle , Braun Thorsten , Pautas Cécile , Perrot Aurore , Lioure Bruno , Rousselot Philippe , Tamburini Jérôme , Cluzeau Thomas , Konopacki Johanna , Randriamalala Edouard , Berthon Céline , Gourin Marie-Pierre , Recher Christian , Cahn Jean-Yves , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé , Boissel Nicolas
Published: July 2014

Key Points

GO before transplant improves outcome of CBF-AML patients in first relapse.
Dual mechanisms by which miR-125b represses IRF4 to induce myeloid and B-cell leukemias
Authors: So Alex Yick-Lun , Sookram Reeshelle , Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Minisandram Aarathi , Cheng David , Xie Catherine , Lim Ee Lyn , Flores Yvette Garcia , Jiang Shuai , Kim Jocelyn Tammy , Keown Christopher , Ramakrishnan Parameswaran , Baltimore David
Published: July 2014

Key Points

MiR-125b induces tumorigenesis in myeloid cells by repressing the expression of IRF4 at the mRNA and protein level. MiR-125b promotes oncogenesis in B cells that involves selection of cells that acquire genetic deletion of the gene encoding IRF4.
Treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease with bortezomib
Authors: Pai Chien-Chun Steven , Chen Mingyi , Mirsoian Annie , Grossenbacher Steven K. , Tellez Joseph , Ames Erik , Sun Kai , Jagdeo Jared , Blazar Bruce R. , Murphy William J. , Abedi Mehrdad
Published: July 2014

Key Points

Bortezomib ameliorates sclerodermatous cGVHD responses by inhibiting germinal center B cells while maintaining GVT effects in murine models. Bortezomib provides therapeutic benefits for patients with active steroid-refractory cGVHD.
Genetic alterations of the cohesin complex genes in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Thota Swapna , Viny Aaron D. , Makishima Hideki , Spitzer Barbara , Radivoyevitch Tomas , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Levine Ross L. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: July 2014

Key Points

Recurrent hypomorphic cohesin defects and cohesin low expression were identified in a significant proportion of patients with MDS and AML. Cohesin mutations likely represent secondary events in clonal hierarchy and contribute to clonal transformation.