bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New genus to science of Meconematinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from China with description of two new species and proposal of one new combination
Authors: BIAN XUN , ZHU QIDI , SHI FUMING
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the Chinese endemic new genus Doicholobosa gen. nov. is presented. Two new species, Doicholobosa rotundata sp. nov. and Doicholobosa complanatis sp. nov., and one new combination are described. Furthermore, the high-quality multifocused montage images and distribution map are provided for all treated species. Types of all the new species in this paper are preserved in the Museum of Hebei University.
The Republic of Korea-Pacific Islands Climate Prediction Services Project
Authors: Sohn Soo-Jin , Kim WonMoo , Yoo Jin Ho , Lee Yun-Young , Oh Sang Myeong , Kim Bo Ra , Lee Hyunrok , Kim Sangcheol , Seuseu Sunny , Pelesikoti Netatua
Published: September 2017

Seasonal prediction provides critical information for the tropical Pacific region, where the economy and livelihood is highly dependent on climate variability. While the highest skills of dynamical prediction systems are usually found in the tropical Pacific, National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NHMS) in the Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) do not take full advantage of such scientific achievements. The Republic of Korea-Pacific Islands Climate Prediction Services (ROK-PI CliPS) project aims to help PICs produce regionally tailored climate prediction information using a dynamical seasonal prediction system. The project is being jointly implemented by the APEC Climate Center (APCC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), in close collaboration with NHMSs in PICs. The regionally tailored, dynamical-statistical hybrid climate prediction system uses predictors that were identified through communications with NHMSs. The predictors were selected based on the empirical physical relationship of the local climate fluctuations, indicated by multi-institutional and multimodel ensembles. This hybrid system makes full use of dynamical seasonal predictions, which have not been commonly utilized in current operation in PICs. In accordance with system development, additional efforts have been made for PIC NHMSs to build capacity by increasing their knowledge and skill needed to develop such methodologies and systems. Nonetheless, the successive and strategic efforts to sustain and further improve climate predictions in the Pacific Islands region are required.
Examining the Value of Global Seasonal Reference Evapotranspiration Forecasts to Support FEWS NET’s Food Insecurity Outlooks
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , McEvoy Daniel , Hobbins Mike , Husak Greg , Huntington Justin , Funk Chris , Macharia Denis , Verdin James
Published: September 2017

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) team provides food insecurity outlooks for several developing countries in Africa, central Asia, and Central America. This study describes development of a new global reference evapotranspiration (ET0) seasonal reforecast and skill evaluation with a particular emphasis on the potential use of this dataset by FEWS NET to support food insecurity early warning. The ET0 reforecasts span the 1982–2009 period and are calculated following the American Society for Civil Engineers formulation of the Penman–Monteith method driven by seasonal climate forecasts of monthly mean temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction CFSv2 model and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration GEOS-5 model. The skill evaluation, using deterministic and probabilistic scores, focuses on the December–February (DJF), March–May (MAM), June–August (JJA), and September–November seasons. The results indicate that ET0 forecasts are a promising tool for early warning of drought and food insecurity. Globally, the regions where forecasts are most skillful (correlation > 0.35 at leads of 2 months) include the western United States, northern parts of South America, parts of the Sahel region, and southern Africa. The FEWS NET regions where forecasts are most skillful (correlation > 0.35 at lead 3) include northern sub-Saharan Africa (DJF; dry season), Central America (DJF; dry season), parts of East Africa (JJA; wet season), southern Africa (JJA; dry season), and central Asia (MAM; wet season). A case study over parts of East Africa for the JJA season shows that ET0 forecasts in combination with the precipitation forecasts would have provided early warning of recent severe drought events (e.g., in 2002, 2004, 2009) that contributed to substantial food insecurity in the region.
Immigrant Language Fluency in the Low-Skilled Labor Market
Authors: Damas de Matos Ana
Published: September 2017

Using longitudinal linked employer-employee data, the author investigates the returns to being a native speaker for immigrant men in the low-skilled labor market. She compares the two main recent immigrant groups in Portugal: Brazilians, who are Portuguese native speakers, and Eastern Europeans, who are not. Findings show that both wage level and wage growth of the two groups are similar. To better understand this surprising result, the author studies two mechanisms through which language fluency may lead to higher wages: sorting across occupations and across firms. Brazilians do sort into occupations that require greater language skills; however, this does not translate into a wage premium. Considerable workplace segregation occurs in Portugal, but Brazilians are not less segregated from natives than are Eastern Europeans. Evidence in this article suggests that language skills are not a major driver of economic assimilation in the low-skilled labor market.
Effects of heterionic montmorillonites on flame resistances of polystyrene nanocomposites and the flame retardant mechanism
Authors: Xue Yijiao , Shen Mingxia , Lu Fengling , Han Yongqin , Zeng Shaohua , Chen Shangneng , Li Ziyuan , Wang Zhuying
Published: September 2017

To improve the flame resistance of polystyrene, three kinds of organophilic heterionic montmorillonites (Na-montmorillonite, Ca-montmorillonite, and Fe-montmorillonite) reinforced polystyrene nanocomposites were prepared by melt dispersion method. The structure and composition of the organo montmorillonites were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The adhesion between organo montmorillonites and polystyrene was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The flame resistance and thermal stability of the polystyrene/organo montmorillonites were evaluated by cone calorimeter test and thermogravimetric analysis. The interlayer space of organo montmorillonites increased with the increase of the oxidation state of the cations. With the addition of organo montmorillonites, the peak values of all the flame resistance indexes of the polystyrene/organo montmorillonites nanocomposites decreased, among which the PHRR values have decreased the most, compared with those of polystyrene. Their corresponding test times have all been delayed following almost precisely the same trend. Therefore, their flame retardant ability come from their lamellated structures, their charring forming abilities, and the reducing power of Fe3+ in polystyrene/Fe-montmorillonite. Organo montmorillonites mainly act as a kind of intumescent flame retardants. The flame resistance of polystyrene/Na-montmorillonite nanocomposite was the best, and the polystyrene/Ca-montmorillonite came second, which is slightly better than that of polystyrene/Fe-montmorillonite.
Effect of anaesthetic and choice of neuromuscular blocker on vagal control of heart rate under laboratory animal experimental conditions
Authors: Kandukuri Divya Sarma , Phillips Jacqueline K , Tahmindjis Mark , Hildreth Cara M
Published: September 2017

Neuromuscular-blocking agents are commonly used in laboratory animal research settings. Due to actions of cholinergic receptors at locations other than the motor end-plate, these agents have a strong propensity to modulate autonomic outflow and may therefore not be desirable in studies examining autonomic function. This study aimed to compare the effect of two non-depolarizing neuromuscular-blocking agents, pancuronium and cisatracurium, on blood pressure, heart rate and non-invasive indices of autonomic function (heart rate variability, systolic blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity) under two different types of anaesthesia in Lewis rats. Pancuronium produced a profound vagolytic response characterized by tachycardia, reduction in heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity under urethane anaesthesia, and with minimal effect under isoflurane anaesthesia. Conversely, cisatracurium produced no evidence of vagolytic action under either urethane or isoflurane anaesthesia. Therefore, for studies interested in examining autonomic function, particularly baroreflex or vagal function, neuromuscular blockade would be best achieved using cisatracurium.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Adaptation of Mini-Cog Test in Iranian Older Adults
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Rashedi Vahid , Lotfi Gohar , Shirinbayan Peymaneh , Foroughan Mahshid
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Mini-Cog in Iranian older adults. It was a cross-sectional study; 50 older people with dementia and 50 without dementia who matched for age, gender, and education entered the study. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders criteria for dementia were used as gold standard. A battery of scales included the abbreviated mental test score (AMTS), the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Mini-Cog was performed. Validity and reliability of the Mini-Cog determined using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (Pearson’s r), Cronbach’s alpha, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The Persian version of Mini-Cog showed a good inter-rater reliability ( K = 0.76, p < .01) and a positive concurrent validity ( r = 0.39, p < .01) with the AMTS. The sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 62.8%, respectively, using the original cutoff point of 2. The findings showed that the Persian version of Mini-Cog have an acceptable sensitivity, specificity, and substantial overall agreement with the AMTS.
Role of Sex, Socioeconomic Status, and Emotional Support in Predicting Aging Perception Among Older Adults
Authors: Yaghoobzadeh Ameneh , Sharif Nia Hamid , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Hosseinigolafshani Seyedeh Zahra , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Oveisi Sonia , Allen Kelly A.
Published: September 2017

Self-perception is found to be a central predictive factor in experiencing successful aging. The aim of this study was to explore the role of sex, socioeconomic status, and emotional support in elders’ aging perception. A cross-sectional design was used with 300 older aged participants recruited from 23 clinics and health centers in Qazvin, Iran. Data were collected included questions to elicit demographic information and Barker’s aging perception questionnaire. Exploratory multiple linear regression showed that the level of emotional support (β: −12.10; 95% CI: [−20.72, −3.48]), socioeconomic status (β: 2.84; 95% CI: [0.25, 5.43]), and women (β: −4.34; 95% CI: [−6.91, −1.77]) were associated with aging perception among elders. Educational level and marital status did not significantly contribute to the variance of AP. Findings revealed that aging perception was related to individual differences as well as social and emotional factors. Researchers, health-care professionals, and elders may benefit from thinking about old age as an inevitable life stage.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market-Based Consequences of Adverse Corporate Events: Evidence From Restatement Announcements
Authors: Wans Nader
Published: September 2017

I analyze the informational value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in the presence of bad news (i.e., financial restatements). I do so by examining the link between CSR and (a) restatement likelihood and the (b) market-based consequences of restatement announcements. I find that restatements are lower (higher) for firms that are more (less) CSR responsible, consistent with the view that CSR-conscious firms adhere to a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices. In analyzing the market effects of restatements, I find that investors respond less (more) negatively to restatements by firms that exhibit strong (weak) CSR performance. This is consistent with the notion that investors perceive positive CSR performance to be in line with managers’ incentives to promote corporate ethical values than with their incentives to cover up corporate misconduct. In addition, I find that restating firms that are less CSR conscious are more likely to be named as defendants in class actions following restatements. Although I do not find that the likelihood of litigation dismissal is associated with CSR performance, I find that among the cases settled, the amount of settlements is inversely associated with better CSR performance. Collectively, the evidence suggests that firms can effectively use CSR to hedge against potential risk stemming from adverse corporate events.
Controlled arterial reflow after ischemia induces better outcomes in the juvenile rat brain
Authors: Bonnin Philippe , Pansiot Julien , Paven Elise , Eloi Maxime , Renolleau Sylvain , Baud Olivier , Leger Pierre-Louis , Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane
Published: September 2017

Our objective was to determine whether controlled reflow on one side and/or the other side after bilateral carotid occlusion release could reduce cell death in focal ischemic P14 rats. Arterial blood flow was measured using ultrasonography. Cell death, inflammation and nitrotyrosine were measured using immunofluorescence. When reflow was first induced in the contralateral side, we observed improved outcome markers compared with those when reflow was first induced in the ipsilateral side and/or simultaneous reflow was induced in both sides. Our data suggest that progressive rerouting of arterial flow through the circle of Willis toward the ischemic site reduced cell death.
Assessment of DNA damage in blood lymphocytes of bakery workers by comet assay
Authors: Kianmehr Mojtaba , Hajavi Jafar , Gazeri Javad
Published: September 2017

The comet assay is widely used in screening and identification of genotoxic effects of different substances on people in either their working or living environment. Exposure to fuel smoke leads to DNA damage and ultimately different types of cancer. Using a comet assay, the present study aimed to assess peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage in people working in bakeries using natural gas, kerosene, diesel, or firewood for fuel compared to those in the control group. The subjects of this study were 55 people in total who were divided into four experimental groups, each of which comprised of 11 members (based on the type of fuel used), and one control group comprised of 11 members. Using CometScore, the subjects’ peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined for DNA damage. All bakers, that is, experimental subjects, showed significantly greater peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage compared to the individuals in the control group. There was greater peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage in bakers who had been using firewood for fuel compared to those using other types of fuel to such an extent that tail moments (µm) for firewood-burning bakers was 4.40 ± 1.98 versus 1.35 ± 0.84 for natural gas, 1.85 ± 1.33 for diesel, and 2.19 ± 2.20 for kerosene. The results indicated that burning firewood is the greatest inducer of peripheral blood lymphocytes DNA damage in bakers. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage among diesel and kerosene burning bakers.
Implications of Severe Polyvictimization for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Female Survivors of Violence
Authors: Renner Lynette M. , Spencer Rachael A. , Morrissette Jamie , Lewis-Dmello Angela , Michel Hannah , Anders Deena , Clark Cari Jo
Published: September 2017

In this study, we examined the impact of severe polyvictimization on 30-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were collected from 34 participants in the “Leave it on the Mat” pilot study. The study was conducted in an urban city in a Midwestern state from August 2012 to April 2014. Severe polyvictimization was considered present if participants reported a history of three or more forms of victimization (childhood exposure to domestic violence, being psychologically or physically abused in childhood, and lifetime sexual assault) in addition to IPV. CVD risk factors included smoking, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). A Framingham-based prediction model was used to estimate 30-year CVD risk. A linear regression model, adjusted for age, education, race/ethnicity, and family history of CVD, was calculated. Fifty percent ( n = 17) of the study participants reported severe polyvictimization and the average 30-year risk of CVD in the full sample was 22.3. Participants who experienced severe polyvictimization had higher 30-year CVD risk scores when compared to participants who experienced two or fewer forms of victimization. The findings revealed that severe polyvictimization was prevalent among survivors of IPV and was associated with increased scores on the 30-year CVD risk model. Screening for abuse history could aid identification of individuals at high CVD risk.
Obesity as a Predictor of Delayed Lactogenesis II
Authors: Preusting Irma , Brumley Jessica , Odibo Linda , Spatz Diane L. , Louis Judette M.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Lactogenesis II is the onset of copious milk production. A delay in this has been associated with an increased risk of formula supplementation and early cessation of breastfeeding. Prepregnancy obesity has also been associated with decreased breastfeeding rates and early cessation.

Research aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prepregnancy obesity on self-reported delayed lactogenesis II.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 216 women with a singleton pregnancy and who planned to breastfeed. We compared the onset of lactogenesis II between women with a body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, we assessed the relationship between maternal BMI and delay of lactogenesis II.

Results:

The prevalence of delayed lactogenesis II among women with prepregnancy BMI < 30 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was 46.4% and 57.9%, respectively. Delayed lactogenesis II occurred more frequently among women who were obese at the time of delivery ( p < .05). After controlling for the covariates, age, prepregnancy BMI, and gestational weight gain were positively associated with delayed lactogenesis II.

Conclusion:

Prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of delayed lactogenesis II. Women who are at risk for delay in lactogenesis II and early breastfeeding cessation will need targeted interventions and support for them to achieve their personal breastfeeding goals.
Pointless Diversity Training: Unconscious Bias, New Racism and Agency
Authors: Noon Mike
Published: September 2017

The latest fashion of ‘unconscious bias training’ is a diversity intervention based on unproven suppositions and is unlikely to help eliminate racism in the workplace. Knowing about bias does not automatically result in changes in behaviour by managers and employees. Even if ‘unconscious bias training’ has the theoretical potential to change behaviour, it will depend on the type of racism: symbolic/modern/colour-blind, aversive or blatant. In addition, even if those deemed racist are motivated to change behaviour, structural constraints can militate against pro-diversity actions. Agency is overstated by psychology-inspired ‘unconscious bias training’ proponents, leading them to assume the desirability and effectiveness of this type of diversity training intervention, but from a critical diversity perspective (sociologically influenced) the training looks pointless.
A massive reduction of dust particle adhesion in a cyclone by the introduction of a wedge
Authors: Zhou Yuanye , See Tianlong , Zhong Shan , Liu Zhu , Li Lin
Published: September 2017

Particle adhesion in a cyclone, such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, can significantly reduce its efficiency. An investigation is presented here on the particle adhesion in a cyclone from a vacuum cleaner that consists of a primary separation stage (a cylindrical chamber) and a secondary separation stage (14 cyclones). The flow direction in the primary separation stage was modified by the use of a wedge of 40 mm × 40 mm × 6 mm at the inlet of the primary separation stage, which affected the particle trajectory in the primary separation stage and the particle inlet position in the cyclone while keeping the air flow direction and velocity (without particles being loaded), the Hamaker constant, particle size and the particle charge unaffected. The particle inlet position in the cyclone was varied from the lower portion (without wedge) to the upper portion (with wedge). Without the wedge, a spiral pattern of particle (plaster particles, average size 1.13 μm) adhesion onto the inner wall of the cyclone was found and a thicker deposited layer of particles at the cyclone tip region was observed. With the introduction of the wedge, the spiral particle adhesion pattern was not observed and a reduction of particle adhered to the inner wall by up to 94% was achieved, although there was an increase in the amount of particles entering the cyclone. This demonstrates almost a complete elimination of particle adhesion onto the cyclone wall, without compromising separation efficiencies.
All-electric propulsion for future business jet aircraft: A feasibility study
Authors: Lukasik Borys , Wisniowski Witold
Published: September 2017

The main goal of this paper is to investigate feasibility of using all-electric propulsion system for a mid-light business jet aircraft in the near future (20–30 years from now). The secondary goal is to assess the impact of using such system on operating costs and emission reduction. This paper presents calculations of business jet aircraft mission energy demands and compares them with batteries capabilities. Three different types of lithium batteries are investigated in terms of their energy densities projected for three different time frames. Mass of batteries that is required to provide demanded amount of energy to perform the mission is compared with the maximum mass of fuel that the baseline aircraft is able to take. On this basis, the feasibility of all-electric propulsion system is assessed. Additionally, in order to show the limitations of such system, maximum range is calculated for the mass of batteries that would potentially enable to perform the flight. Furthermore, CO2 and NOx emission of the baseline aircraft engines are compared with the amount of gaseous pollutants which are emitted by the power plant, when energy needed to recharge batteries is being produced. Finally, the potential fuel cost reduction is calculated based on the cost of electricity that would be used to recharge batteries.
Repeated faecal occult blood testing is associated with decreased advanced colorectal cancer risk: A population-based study
Authors: James Paul D , Rabeneck Linda , Yun Lingsong , Paszat Lawrence , Baxter Nancy N , Govindarajan Anand , Antonova Lilia , Tinmouth Jill M
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the association between repeated faecal occult blood testing and advanced colorectal cancer risk at population level in Canada.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all Ontario residents aged 56–74 diagnosed with colorectal cancer from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010, identified using health administrative data. The primary outcome was stage IV colorectal cancer, and primary exposure was faecal occult blood testing use within five years prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis. Patients were categorized into four mutually exclusive groups based on their exposure to faecal occult blood testing in the five years prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis: none, pre-diagnostic, repeated, and sporadic. Logistic regression was utilized to adjust for confounders.

Results

Of 7753 patients (median age 66, interquartile range 61–70, 62% male) identified, 1694 (22%) presented with stage I, 2056 (27%) with stage II, 2428 (31%) with stage III, and 1575 (20%) with stage IV colorectal cancer. There were 4092 (53%) with no record of prior faecal occult blood testing, 1485 (19%) classified as pre-diagnostic, 1693 (22%) as sporadic, and 483 (6%) as repeated faecal occult blood testing. After adjusting for confounders, patients who had repeated faecal occult blood testing were significantly less likely to present with stage IV colorectal cancer at diagnosis (Odds ratio 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval 0.34–0.62) than those with no prior faecal occult blood testing.

Conclusions

Repeated faecal occult blood testing is associated with a decreased risk of advanced colorectal cancer. Our findings support the use of organized screening programmes that employ repeated faecal occult blood testing to improve colorectal cancer outcomes at population level.
Self-Organizing Into Winning Teams: Understanding the Mechanisms That Drive Successful Collaborations
Authors: Wax Amy , DeChurch Leslie A. , Contractor Noshir S.
Published: September 2017

Contemporary teams are self-assembling with increasing frequency, meaning the component members are choosing to join forces with some degree of agency rather than being assigned to work with one another. However, the majority of the teams literature up until this point has focused on randomly assigned or staffed teams. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to investigate how people do form into teams and how people should form into teams. Specifically, we utilized a sample of digital traces from a massively multiplayer online role-playing game ( N = 1,568) to evaluate the bases for and performance implications of team self-assembly. The results indicated that self-assembled teams form via three mechanisms: homophily, familiarity, and proximity. Moreover, results of the trace data analyses indicated that successful and unsuccessful teams were homogeneous in terms of different characteristics, and successful teams formed based on friendship more often than unsuccessful teams did.
Elastotic Lesions of Intestinal Subserosal Fat: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Huber Aaron R. , Gonzalez Raul S.
Published: September 2017

We report 2 unusual elastotic lesions of intestinal subserosal fat. The first arose in the small bowel subserosa of a 64-year-old woman with volvulus. It was undetected macroscopically and consisted of a relatively circumscribed focus of elastosis, with essentially no evidence of fibrosis or blood vessel walls within. The second arose in the subserosa of the sigmoid colon in a 46-year-old woman with recurrent diverticulitis. It was also undetected macroscopically and consisted of a well-circumscribed nodule of elastic fibers surrounding prominent veins and arteries. Both patients had unremarkable postoperative courses. These lesions likely represent localized response to injury and are probably underrecognized.
Pulmonary Metastasis of Undifferentiated Uterine Sarcoma Forming Fluid-Containing Cyst
Authors: Usui Genki , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Matsumoto Jun , Akahane Masaaki , Tsunoda Hajime , Sasajima Yuko , Horiuchi Hajime
Published: September 2017

Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS) is a high-grade sarcoma with no specific differentiation; however, it exhibits variable positivity for CD10 as an immunohistochemical marker of endometrial stroma, suggesting immunohistochemical differentiation into endometrial stroma. It has been reported that some low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma pulmonary metastatic foci show cystic changes; however, whether pulmonary metastatic UUS foci are solid or cystic remains undescribed. A 63-year-old woman underwent a hysterectomy. The subsequent pathologic diagnosis was UUS. After the operation, she was treated with chemotherapy; however, pulmonary solitary shadow was radiologically detected. Eight months after the gynecologic operation, her pulmonary lesion was surgically resected. Pathologically, the lesion consisted of a cyst containing serous fluid with thick whitish wall composed of tumor cells, which led to the diagnosis of metastatsis of UUS. The cyst seemed to be formed via secondary degeneration. She remains healthy without recurrence 28 months after her first visit to our hospital.
Everyday Appetite
Authors: Gloviczki Peter Joseph
Published: September 2017

In this autoethnography, I explore everyday appetite across space, time, and memory. I hope this short article encourages others to examine daily habits and the factors that govern their everyday interactions.
“Plates and Dishes Smash; Married Couples Clash”: Cultural and Social Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Women Domestic Violence Survivors in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Childress Saltanat
Published: September 2017

This article develops a grounded theory of help-seeking to investigate the social and cultural determinants of help-seeking among Kyrgyz women who have experienced domestic violence. Results indicate that cultural traditions and social norms—most notably the social construction of marriage, the shame associated with divorce, and the status of daughters-in-law in Kyrgyz society—are used to justify domestic violence and prevent victims from seeking help. The proposed theory and results suggest that scholars, policymakers, and front-line contacts must emphasize dispelling myths, misconceptions, and traditional beliefs about gender and marriage to break the abusive dynamics and provide professional help.
Self-perception of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: September 2017

There are a large group of older individuals suffering from social isolation and loneliness; in fact, the number of older adults affected is increasing due to the large aging population worldwide. Within the United States, the baby boomers are or will be potentially facing social isolation and loneliness in great numbers. The current research literature in this area is difficult to interpret because the variable used to define social isolation and loneliness varies across disciplines when looking at this problem. Intervention research has also produced mixed findings. This article looks at this public health issue by reviewing some of the research in this area and discussing potential interventions.
Advancing Scientific Methods in Community and Cultural Context to Promote Health Equity
Authors: Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh , Sarche Michelle , Keane Ellen , Mousseau Alicia C. , Kaufman Carol E.
Published: September 2017

Evidence-based interventions hold promise for reducing gaps in health equity across diverse populations, but evidence about effectiveness within these populations lags behind the mainstream, often leaving opportunities to fulfill this promise unrealized. Mismatch between standard intervention outcomes research methods and the cultural and community contexts of populations at greatest risk presents additional challenges in designing and implementing rigorous studies; these challenges too often impede efforts to generate needed evidence. We draw on experiences with American Indian and Alaska Native communities to illustrate how consideration of culture and context can constructively shape intervention research and improve the quality of evidence produced. Case examples from a partnership with one American Indian community highlight opportunities for increasing alignment in intervention development, research design, and study implementation to maximize both validity and feasibility. We suggest that responsively tailoring intervention outcomes research to cultural and community contexts is fundamental to supporting health equity.
Digital Anaesthesia and Relevant Digital Anatomy for the Dermatologist
Authors: Weinberg Tessa , Solish Max , Murray Christian
Published: September 2017

Cutaneous surgery requires a precise understanding of anatomy. This review describes the clinically relevant anatomy of the hand and relates it to the most common methods of digital anaesthesia.
Digital-visual Stakeholder Ethnography
Authors: Pink Sarah , Postill John , Leder Mackley Kerstin , Astari Nadia
Published: September 2017

In this article, we discuss how new configurations of stakeholders are implicated and can be conceptualised in digital-visual applied and public ethnography. We set the discussion in the context of the increasing calls for researchers to have impact in the world and the ways that digital technologies are increasingly implicated in this. In doing so, we situate ethnographic practice and stakeholder relationships within a digital-material world. To develop our argument, we discuss examples of two recent digital video ethnography projects, developed in dialogue with anthropological theory, with online digital-visual applied and public dissemination outputs. As we show, such projects do not necessarily have one direct applied line, but rather can have multiple impacts across different groups of stakeholders.
Cooking in theory: Risky events in the structure of the conjuncture
Authors: Sutton David
Published: September 2017

What could the practice of everyday cooking contribute to anthropological theory? I consider this question in developing my own approach to cooking, drawing from a modified version of Marshall Sahlins’ theory of historical practice. Thinking through key concepts from Sahlins, including ‘the structure of the conjuncture’ and ‘the risk of categories in practice,’ I suggest some of the ways this might be applied to the practice of cooking, and I argue that, indeed, such an approach – one that recognizes the role of recipes as well as of improvisation – fills a gap left in understandings of cooking based on strictly phenomenological approaches such as that of Tim Ingold. I argue that a modified Sahlinsian approach can help us understand the daily reproduction and change that happens each time a recognizable dish is cooked. I then suggest some of the ways that my own research on Greek cooking lends itself to thinking about risky practices. Finally, I suggest that doing ethnography informed by this approach will not only illuminate our kitchen lives but will provide a valuable model for ethnographic studies of the historical processes involved in changes in daily life more broadly.
A general pattern in the construction of economic newsworthiness? Analyzing news factors in popular, quality, regional, and financial newspapers
Authors: Boukes Mark , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: September 2017

Journalists use news factors to construct newsworthy stories. This study investigates whether different types of news outlets emphasize different news factors. Using a large-scale manual content analysis ( n = 6489), we examine the presence of seven news factors in economic news across four different outlets types (i.e. popular, quality, regional, and financial newspapers). Results suggest that popular and regional newspapers particularly rely on the news factors of personification, negativity, and geographical proximity. Quality newspapers, instead, employ a rather general pattern of news factors, whereas the financial newspaper consistently relies on less news factors in its reporting. Findings urge scholars to move toward a more detailed understanding of how newsworthiness is constructed in different types of news outlets.
Champagne taste, beer budget: The new poor’s incongruent capital and consumption
Authors: Chen Wei-Fen , Nelson Michelle R.
Published: September 2017

This study examines the shopping preferences of “new poor” consumers who have incongruent capital: lower economic capital and higher noneconomic capital. The new poor exemplify consumers with ambiguous and fragmented identity; thus, they do not fit marketers’ static categorization of consumer segments. In the marketplace, these consumers must compromise between their upper-class taste and lower-class earnings. Taking a Consumer Culture Theory approach to examine consumers’ identity projects in social inequality, we conduct 20 interviews among self-defined new poor consumers in the United States and Taiwan to explore how their dynamic social class consciousness is reflected in everyday consumption. The findings suggest that new poor consumers perform “compromised ideal consumption” in which they strategically interpret and wield their remaining capital to signal social class differences, while employing adaptive and active capitalization acts to access goods that should have been beyond their price range. The findings illuminate how incongruent, devalued capital reproduces social stratification in the context of downward mobility.
The Use of Engineered Bilayered Skin (MyDermTM) in the Management of Massive Skin Defect in Grade III Gustilo-Anderson Open Fracture
Authors: Mohamed Haflah Nor Hazla , Ng Min Hwei , Mohd Yunus Mohd Heikal , Naicker Amaramalar Selvee , Htwe Ohnmar , Fahmi Muhammad , Ishak Mohamad Fikeri , Seet Wan Tai , Khairoji Khairul Anuar , Maarof Manira , Chua Kien Hui , Shamsuddin Sharen Aini , Idrus Ruszymah
Published: September 2017

Open fracture Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIC is associated with higher risk of infection and problems with soft tissue coverage. Various methods have been used for soft tissue coverage in open fractures with large skin defect. We report a case of a patient who had grade IIIC open fracture of the tibia with posterior tibial artery injury. The patient underwent external fixation and reduction. Because of potential compartment syndrome after vascular repair, fasciotomy of the posterior compartment was performed. This wound, however, became infected and because of further debridement, gave rise to a large skin defect. A tissue engineered skin construct, MyDermTM was employed to cover this large defect. Complete wound closure was achieved 35 days postimplantation. The patient then underwent plating of the tibia for nonunion with no adverse effect to the grafted site. The tibia eventually healed 5 months postplating, and the cosmetic appearance of the newly formed skin was satisfactory.
What Can Help? Examining Levels of Substance (Non)use as a Protective Factor in the Effect of ACEs on Crime
Authors: Craig Jessica M. , Intravia Jonathan , Wolff Kevin T. , Baglivio Michael T.
Published: September 2017

Although the deleterious impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on offending has been established, less is known about the possible protective factors that may buffer this relationship. Using a sample of over 28,000 adjudicated delinquents from a large southern state, the current study investigated the role of substance (non)use on the relationship between ACEs and recidivism and whether these results differed by race/ethnicity and sex. Results illustrate that ACEs increase the likelihood of recidivism among youth who engaged in moderate-to-high substance use. However, this effect was not found among youth who reported little-to-no substance use. Furthermore, these effects were largely consistent across race/ethnicity and sex. Policy implications of this buffering effect are discussed as well as limitations and directions for future research.
How did that happen? Making sense of the 2016 US presidential election result through the lens of the ‘leadership moment’
Authors: Ladkin Donna
Published: September 2017

This article analyses the victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 US election through the lens of the ‘leadership moment’. A phenomenologically based framework, the ‘leadership moment’ theorizes leadership as an event which occurs when context, purpose, followers and leaders align. Perception links these four parts of leadership, in particular the perceptions followers have of their context and the relative strengths competing leaders have to respond to that context. By considering how key voters perceived Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump in relation to their circumstances, the ‘leadership moment’ offers a way of making sense of the election result, as well as emphasising the importance of perceptions of context in the achievement of leadership more generally. Importantly, it highlights the economic and identity-based dynamics which attracted voters to Trump, and which remain in play no matter who holds the Presidential office. Theoretically, the argument contributes to the emerging field of relational leadership in two ways: by looking beyond the ‘between space’ of leaders and followers, to include the ‘around space’ in which those relations are embedded, and by emphasizing the role of affective perceptions (rather than discourse) in the creation of those perceptions.
Hero, leader, traitor: The print media deconstruction of Argentina’s last dictator
Authors: Prendergast Muireann
Published: September 2017

The 1982–1983 period marked the end of Argentina’s last dictatorship, one of the most brutal in history, and a difficult time of transition for the country from dictatorship to democracy following defeat in the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas War. Using the theoretical framework of critical discourse analysis, which approaches media as constructing rather than mirroring social reality and driven by the interests behind them, this article explores representations of Argentina’s last dictator, Leopoldo Galtieri, within broader discourses on nationalism in three newspapers that supported the regime. The methodological framework of the study is mixed, combining qualitative elements of the discourse-historical approach with corpus tools for an investigation into collocations and metaphors employed. Findings suggest that linguistic and discursive features used in relation to Galtieri change over the course of the year, reflecting shifting discourses on nationalism and Argentina’s period of socio-political crisis.
The Affective Computing Approach to Affect Measurement
Authors: D’Mello Sidney , Kappas Arvid , Gratch Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Affective computing (AC) adopts a computational approach to study affect. We highlight the AC approach towards automated affect measures that jointly model machine-readable physiological/behavioral signals with affect estimates as reported by humans or experimentally elicited. We describe the conceptual and computational foundations of the approach followed by two case studies: one on discrimination between genuine and faked expressions of pain in the lab, and the second on measuring nonbasic affect in the wild. We discuss applications of the measures, analyze measurement accuracy and generalizability, and highlight advances afforded by computational tipping points, such as big data, wearable sensing, crowdsourcing, and deep learning. We conclude by advocating for increasing synergies between AC and affective science and offer suggestions toward that direction.
Perinatal mental illness
Authors: Ladd Carrie , Rodriguez McCullough Nathalie A , Carmaciu Claudia
Published: September 2017

Mental illness is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. The impact and prevalence are often underestimated. Depression and anxiety can occur, as at other times of life, but conditions such as postnatal psychosis and tokophobia (fear of childbirth) are specific to mental health in pregnancy and the first year after birth. In this article, we discuss the wide range of perinatal mental illness, using case histories to illustrate different presentations and evidence-based management. We also discuss the wider impact of perinatal mental illness.
Pushing the envelope: a treat and repair strategy for patients with advanced pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease
Authors: Kameny Rebecca Johnson , Colglazier Elizabeth , Nawaytou Hythem , Moore Phillip , Reddy V. Mohan , Teitel David , Fineman Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2017

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a frequent complication of congenital heart disease as a consequence of altered pulmonary hemodynamics with increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure. The development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in this patient population is an important concern in determining operative strategy. Early, definitive surgical repair, when possible, is the best therapy to prevent and treat PVD. However, this is not possible in some patients because they either presented late, after the development of PVD, or they have complex lesions not amenable to one‐step surgical correction, including patients with single ventricle physiology, who have a continuing risk of developing PVD. These patients represent an important, high‐risk subgroup and many have been considered inoperable. We present a case series of two patients with complex congenital heart disease and advanced PVD who successfully underwent a treat and repair strategy with aggressive PAH therapies before surgical correction. Both patients had normalization of pulmonary vascular resistance prior to surgical correction. Caution is warranted in applying this strategy broadly and long‐term follow‐up for these patients is crucial. However, this treat and repair strategy may allow for favorable outcomes among some patients who previously had no therapeutic options.
Understanding and addressing the gaps: Generational perspectives on public relations leadership development in the United States
Authors: Ewing Michele E. , Remund David L.
Published: September 2017

This qualitative study is the first known effort to define the differing perceptions of public relations leadership at three distinct career points, and explore the leadership development gaps and needs from these varied perspectives. Semi-structured interviews with senior public relations practitioners, young professionals and current students in the United States bring needed depth and clarity to prior scholarship on leadership development, a growing concern within the public relations industry around the world. Additionally, the findings pinpoint leadership development best practices for better infusing leadership development into undergraduate public relations education, and into training and development programs for young professionals.
Testing patient-reported outcome measurement equivalence in multinational clinical trials: An exemplar using the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale
Authors: Dib Hussein , Tamam Yusuf , Terzi Murat , Hobart Jeremy
Published: September 2017

Background

Although multinational clinical trials frequently use patient-reported outcomes to measure efficacy, measurement equivalence across cultures and languages, a scientific requirement, is rarely tested. Clinically accessible accounts are rare; exemplars are needed.

Objective

To develop and test a Turkish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12v2) as a clinical exemplar for examining measurement equivalence.

Methods

The MSWS-12v2 Turkish (MSWS-12v2T) was developed using recognised methods for linguistic equivalence. Rasch measurement theory was used to examine measurement performance (multiple tests of targeting, scale performance, and person measurement) and measurement equivalence (differential item functioning). UK data ( n = 3310) were used for comparisons and differential item functioning testing.

Results

One hundred and twenty-four people from two Turkish centres completed the MSWS-12v2T. Rasch measurement theory evidence supported MSWS-12v2T as reliable (person separation = 0.96) and valid (thresholds ordered; no concerning item misfit, bias, or person misfit). However, four items demonstrated significantly different performance between UK and Turkish samples. These item differences significantly affected scores (person measurements) at the group-level ( p < 0.001). Individual person differences were less pronounced.

Conclusions

Linguistic equivalence does not guarantee measurement equivalence; independent testing is required. Rasch measurement theory enables sophisticated and unique examinations of cross-cultural measurement equivalence and we recommend this be tested routinely in pivotal multiple sclerosis clinical trials.