bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sources of Valence Judgments
Authors: Zakharova Maria , Warwick Paul V.
Published: January 2014

Although the concept of valence figures in many studies of voting behavior, very few have investigated its sources. In this article, we address this deficiency by assessing the extent to which individual valence assessments are affected by the left–right policy distance between parties and respondents as well as by their locations relative to the center of the left-right spectrum. Using data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, we find very widespread support for both hypotheses. Correcting for differential item functioning (DIF) reveals that, although respondents tend to over-estimate the distance to ‘opposite-side’ parties, these misperceptions do not account for our findings. Indeed, with DIF corrected, most surveys reveal tendencies not only for opposite-side parties to be given lower valence scores in general, but also for policy distance to be counted more heavily against them. The article concludes with a discussion of possible sources of this bilateral structuring of valence assessments.
Social Life Under Cover
Authors: Holtan Meghan T. , Dieterlen Susan L. , Sullivan William C.
Published: January 2014

To what extent does the density of the tree cover in a city relate to the amount of social capital among neighbors? To address this question, we linked social survey data ( N = 361) from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study with socioeconomic, urban form, and green space data at the census block group level using a geographic information system. We found a systematically positive relationship between the density of urban tree canopy at the neighborhood block group level and the amount of social capital at the individual level ( r = .241, p < .01). Multiple regression analyses showed that tree canopy added a 22.72% increase in explanatory power to the model for social capital. This research adds a new variable—neighborhood tree canopy—to the typologies of green space that affect human social connection. Trees are a relatively inexpensive and easy intervention to enhance the strength of social ties among neighbors.
Influence of the Built Environment on Pedestrian Route Choices of Adolescent Girls
Authors: Rodríguez Daniel A. , Merlin Louis , Prato Carlo G. , Conway Terry L. , Cohen Deborah , Elder John P. , Evenson Kelly R. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Pickrel Julie L. , Veblen-Mortenson Sara
Published: January 2014

We examined the influence of the built environment on pedestrian route selection among adolescent girls. Portable global positioning system units, accelerometers, and travel diaries were used to identify the origin, destination, and walking routes of girls in San Diego, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. We completed an inventory of the built environment on every street segment to measure the characteristics of routes taken and not taken. Route-level variables covering four key conceptual built environment domains (Aesthetics, Destinations, Functionality, and Safety) were used in the analysis of route choice. Shorter distance had the strongest positive association with route choice, whereas the presence of a greenway or trail, higher safety, presence of sidewalks, and availability of destinations along a route were also consistently positively associated with route choice at both sites. The results suggest that it may be possible to encourage pedestrians to walk farther by providing high-quality and stimulating routes.
Adapting ultrasonic assisted wool scouring for industrial application
Authors: Li Qing , Ding Cailing , Yu Hengxing , Hurren Christopher J. , Wang Xungai
Published: January 2014

Scouring is the first stage of wool processing and is essential for determining the quality of fiber. Traditional aqueous scouring is a method that emulsifies and removes contaminants (such as wool grease, suint, and dirt) from the fiber surface; however, it promotes wool felting and is energy and water intensive. This study has shown that modification of the traditional wool scouring line by introducing an ultrasonic device could be a viable alternative for the wool scouring industry. A standard six-bath wool scouring line was retrofitted with two ultrasonic panels working at 80 kHz in bath 2. Scouring was carried out in three modes: conventional mode without the transport rake, ultrasonic mode without the transport rake, and conventional mode with the transport rake. Fiber samples after scouring were measured for color index, residual grease content, and residual ash content. Ultrasonic scouring was found to improve removal of grease and ash from the wool fiber. Modifications were proposed for the design of an industrial scouring line including the addition of fiber transport and dunking rollers and number of baths for the installation.
Novel robot-assisted angled multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up: computer simulation with experimental observation of electric field and fiber morphology
Authors: Park Chan Hee , Pant Hem Raj , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: January 2014

The development of a unique multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up and the study of the effect of an electric field on different types of spinneret are of major concern for broadening the industrial application of electrospinning. In the present paper we describe a novel robot-assisted angled multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up for the mass production of nanofibers and compare the computer simulation and the experimental results for the measurement of the electric field and fiber morphology. Three nozzle configurations, with a 90°, 100°, or 180° angle between the nozzles, and two operating conditions of the nozzle holder (fixed and movable), were studied to observe the electric field strength and its effect on fiber diameter. The results of the electrospinning experiments and electric field simulation demonstrated that the interference of the electric field was greatest with the 90° configuration and the nozzle holder held in a fixed position, whereas when the nozzle holder was movable it was greatest at 180°. The study was carried out using either two or eight nozzles, and the results showed that the electric field remained the same for a given configuration of the nozzle holder and the configuration angle, regardless of the number of nozzles. The study also showed that by controlling the movable nozzle holder and its angle the fiber diameter could be regulated without changing other material or processing parameters.
Novel testing equipment for fabric wrinkle resistance simulating actual wear
Authors: Liu Chengxia , Fu Yaqin , Wu Niying
Published: January 2014

Wrinkling is one of the most important factors that determine the visual aesthetic of our clothes. To investigate wrinkling characteristics in actual wear and explore the relationship between the wrinkling caused by wearing and testing results of the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) method, we made a device that can produce wrinkles very similar to those on clothes. Twenty-four fabrics were wrinkled by the device, and the images of wrinkled fabrics were analyzed. Wrinkle density (WD) was defined for wrinkling characterization. In addition, fractal dimension (FD) and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) variables were also used to describe wrinkling. These features were subsequently correlation analyzed with wrinkle recovery angles in 11 directions. The results show that both FD and WD can be used to characterize the wrinkling behavior and wrinkles generated by the device have obvious fractal characteristics. The larger the wrinkle recovery angle, the lower the fractal dimension. GLCM variables (energy, entropy, contrast, and correlation) had not shown obvious correlation with WRA. Furthermore, the wrinkling behavior in the 45° direction plays an important role in actual wear. It is advised that the WRA in the 45° direction be tested.
Color appearance of textile materials applied to various geometrical shapes
Authors: Vladic Gojko , Novakovic Dragoljub , Kasikovic Nemanja , Avramovic Darko , Milic Neda
Published: January 2014

The color of textile products is mainly controlled during the material production process, e.g. dyeing or printing, using color management protocols. Little attention has been given to researching the color appearance of the textile material applied to final products, where textile material is applied to a shape. The results are reported of research into the color appearance of textile materials of varying material characteristics, color, and geometrical shape to which they are applied. The main focus was on determining color differences between real textile material color and the perceived one. Materials were characterized by their composition, fabric structure, fiber type, thread count, surface characteristics, and glossiness. Samples of red, blue, orange, violet, and green color were chosen as the most frequently used colors in real application. Textile materials were applied on three differently shaped objects (flat surface, cube, and cylinder). The object color was determined by objective instrumental measurements as well as subjective judgment. A specially constructed light chamber was used to ensure constant experimental conditions. Data were subjected to statistical analysis in order to determine differences of each CIE Lch color coordinate. Results indicate significant effects of objects shape on color appearance.
Hepatitis E presenting with thrombocytopaenia
Authors: Masood Irfan , Rafiq Ali , Majid Zain
Published: January 2014

We hereby present the case of a 25-year-old man who presented at the emergency department of Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan with signs and symptoms of acute viral hepatitis. Serology tests revealed that the patient was suffering from hepatitis E viral (HEV) infection. Concurrently, the patient was also found to have thrombocytopaenia (TCP). His TCP became better after the resolution of his jaundice, with the patient requiring a transfusion of one mega unit of platelets. After ruling out other common causes of TCP and after a thorough literature search, we concluded that an immune-mediated mechanism secondary to HEV infection might have been the cause behind his low platelet counts. Hence, we propose considering the possibility of HEV infection in patients presenting with acute liver failure and TCP, irrespective of age, gender, and geographical location of the patient.
Finite-time H∞ control for discrete-time Markovian jump systems subject to average dwell time
Authors: Wen Jiwei , Peng Li , Nguang Sing Kiong
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the finite-time H∞ control problem for discrete-time Markovian jump linear systems with time delay and norm-bounded exogneous disturbance. The stochastic finite-time boundness is achieved by employing an average dwell time approach, which has more design freedom by allowing the stochastic Lyapunov-like function (SLLF) to increase more slowly during the running time of each operation mode. Note that the SLLF increases at every jumping instant rather than at every sampling time instant. Sufficient conditions for the solvability of the controller, which are dependent or independent on the time delay, are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are given to verify the efficiency of the proposed method.
Engaging Teens and Parents in Collaborative Practice
Authors: Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Bova Carol , Johnson Kimberly , Cullen Karen , Jaffarian Carol , Quinn Diane , Aroke Edwin N. , Crawford Sybil , Lee Mary M. , Gupta Olga
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory focus group study was to describe the perspectives of teens and their parents about self-management knowledge, behaviors (including division of labor associated with T1D management), and resources used to manage T1D. The overall goal is to use this information to develop a teen–family transition clinic.

Methods

The self and family management behaviors framework undergirded the separate teen–parent focus groups that were conducted concurrently. Note-based qualitative content analysis was used, resulting in several important messages.

Results

From the teens’ perspective there was variation in interest in learning more about T1D and management. Those teens who had been diagnosed at a very young age reported not knowing anything else but diabetes, while those diagnosed later developmentally embraced the active learning process. Diabetes camp and peer group support were not seen as beneficial. All the teens were interested in “helping others” with diabetes. Parents shared the common struggle with transition of self-management, with variation in parenting styles. A small group of parents reported their “job” as a parent was to make sure their child was self-sufficient in self-management, but felt pressure from the health care providers (HCPs) to physically do the care, defeating the purpose. Parents and teens reported wanting HCPs to be less focused on “numbers” (blood glucose levels) and more on the whole person. Scheduling appointment changes and long waiting times were reported as problematic by all participants.

Conclusions

Teen and parent perspectives are critical in designing future well-received adolescent–family transition clinics. Development from the ground up with family recommendations may contribute to high-quality health outcomes.
In the Loop: A Realist Approach to Structure and Agency in the Practice of Strategy
Authors: Herepath Andrea
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces and illustrates a critical realist approach to the practice of strategy, combining Archer’s stratified ontology for structure, culture and agency with her work on reflexivity, to provide strategy-as-practice with an innovative theoretical lens. By maintaining the ontic differentiation between structure and agency this approach renders the conditions of action analytically separable from the action itself, thereby facilitating the examination of their interplay, one upon the other, at variance through time, in strategy formation and strategizing. It therefore offers the field a fruitful methodological means of exploring the increasingly complex empirical implications of some practice theoretical claims.
Features of Online Health Communities for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ho Yun-Xian , O’Connor Brendan H. , Mulvaney Shelagh A.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this exploratory study was to examine diabetes online health communities (OHCs) available to adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We sought to identify and classify site features and relate them to evidence-based processes for improving self-management. We reviewed 18 OHCs and identified the following five feature categories: social learning and networking, information, guidance, engagement, and personal health data sharing. While features that have been associated with improved self-management were present, such as social learning, results suggest that more guidance or structure would be helpful to ensure that those processes were focused on promoting positive beliefs and behaviors. Enhancing guidance-related features and structure to existing OHCs could provide greater opportunity for effective diabetes self-management support. To support clinical recommendations, more research is needed to quantitatively relate features and participation in OHCs to patient outcomes.
The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Body Mass Index
Authors: McLaughlin Laura , Hinyard Leslie J.
Published: January 2014

Obesity is a chronic, progressive, multifactorial medical condition. It is known that obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, degenerative joint disorders, and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In addition, there are socio-economic, gender, age, and racial differences in the population distribution of obesity. The extent to which HRQoL is impaired by obesity independent of associated chronic disease and known demographic risk factors is less well understood by nurses. A secondary analysis of the National Health Measurement Study (NHMS) was conducted to illustrate this relationship. Regression analyses were used to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and HRQol. BMI was categorized as normal, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS. After adjusting for chronic health conditions and demographic factors, lower HRQoL was observed as BMI category increased for both the EQ-5D, F = 40.49, 15 df, p < .001, and EQ-VAS, F = 35.5, 15 df, p < .001.
Valvular repair or replacement for mitral endocarditis: 7-year cohort study
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Oh Timothy , Voss Jamie , Gamble Greg , Kang Nicholas , Pemberton James
Published: January 2014

Background

A few studies have compared mitral valve repair and replacement in the setting of infective endocarditis, with varying results. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of mitral repair and replacement in endocarditis patients.

Methods

All patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement for active mitral endocarditis during 2005–2011 were included. Operative and follow-up mortality, composite morbidity, recurrent endocarditis, and redo operations were prespecified endpoints for analyses.

Results

There were 25 and 35 patients undergoing mitral valve repair and replacement, respectively. They were followed-up for 3.9 ± 2.5 years. Valve replacement patients were older ( p = 0.029), had a higher prevalence of intracardiac abscess ( p = 0.035), previous endocarditis ( p = 0.036), atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.001), worse renal function ( p = 0.013), higher risk scores ( p = 0.004–0.020), and longer operation times ( p < 0.001). Repair and replacement had similar rates of operative mortality (4.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.634), composite morbidity (16.0% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.357), survival ( p = 0.564), recurrent endocarditis ( p = 0.081), and redo operations ( p = 0.813). Independent predictors of operative mortality were preoperative inotropic or intraaortic balloon pump support. The independent predictor of mortality during follow-up was dialysis. Independent predictors of composite morbidity were intracardiac abscess and hypercholesterolemia. The independent predictor of recurrent endocarditis was previous endocarditis, and the independent predictor of redo operation was previous stroke.

Conclusion

Mitral valve replacement candidates had more baseline risk factors and higher raw rates of postoperative mortality and morbidity, which did not reach statistical significance.
The Theology of Emergency: Welfare Reform, US Foreign Aid and the Faith-Based Initiative
Authors: Cooper Melinda
Published: January 2014

This article addresses the rise of faith-based emergency relief by examining the US President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS (PEPFAR), a public health intervention focused on the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that the theological turn in humanitarian aid serves to amplify ongoing dynamics in the domestic politics of sub-Saharan African states, where social services have assumed the form of chronic emergency relief and religious organizations have come to play an increasingly prominent role in the provision of such services. In the context of an ongoing public health crisis, PEPFAR has institutionalized the social authority of the Pentecostal and charismatic churches, leading to a semantic confluence between the postcolonial politics of emergency and the Pentecostal/Pauline theology of kairos or event. Far from being confined to the space of foreign aid, however, the faith-based turn in humanitarianism is in keeping with ongoing reforms in domestic social policy in the United States. While on the one hand the sustained welfare programmes of the New Deal and Great Society have been dismantled in favour of a system of emergency relief, on the other hand the federal government has intensified its moral, pedagogical and punitive interventions into the lives of the poor. The wilful transfer of welfare services to overtly religious service providers has played a decisive role in this process. The article concludes with a critical appraisal of the links between African and North American Pentecostal-evangelical churches and questions the revolutionary mission ascribed to Pauline political theology in recent political theory.
Getting there and being there
Authors: Flynn Catherine
Published: January 2014

Maintaining mother−child contact when a parent is imprisoned is accepted as important; the benefits of visiting are seen to extend beyond that relationship, to other members of the family and to the prison itself. This article discusses research findings about the extent and nature of visiting engaged in by adolescent children while their mothers were in prison, in Victoria, Australia, from the perspectives of the children and their mothers. In the current study, while findings confirm much of what is already known about barriers to prison visiting, the study extends this knowledge. Findings support the need to engage children’s views on this topic; to examine the current methodologies used to measure prison visitation; and to more fully understand the impact of arrest and imprisonment circumstances on arranging children’s care, including plans for visitation.
‘Happy and excited’: Perceptions of using digital technology and social media by young people who use augmentative and alternative communication
Authors: Hynan Amanda , Murray Janice , Goldbart Juliet
Published: January 2014

Young people are using digital technology and online social media within their everyday lives to enrich their social relationships. The UK government believes that using digital technology can improve social inclusion. One well-recognized outcome measure for establishing social inclusion is to examine opportunities for self-determination. Individuals with physical disabilities and complex communication needs who use forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have lower social participation opportunities. The integration of mainstream digital technology into high-tech forms of AAC (voice output communication aids), and the recent appearance of voice output applications, or ‘apps’, on Apple and Android products, has provided increased opportunities for people who use AAC to engage with digital technology. Research exploring this area, especially in regard to online social media, with people who use AAC is extremely limited, and a specific gap for self-reported experiences exists within the UK. This article describes qualitative, interview-based, grounded theory research with 25 adolescents and young adults who use AAC about their use of digital technology and online social media. The data presented here are part of a larger study, and the findings within this article suggest that participants have a desire to use the internet and online social media as it is perceived to increase opportunities for self-determination and self-representation whilst enriching friendships. The wide diversity of literacy and language skills amongst participants, as well as accessibility challenges, mean collaborating with others and receiving technical support from educational settings, families and friends are vital.
Stress Sonography of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Ciccotti Michael G. , Atanda Alfred , Nazarian Levon N. , Dodson Christopher C. , Holmes Laurens , Cohen Steven B.
Published: January 2014

Background:

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is potentially career threatening for elite baseball pitchers. Stress ultrasound (US) of the elbow allows for evaluation of both the UCL and the ulnohumeral joint space at rest and with stress.

Hypothesis:

Stress US can identify morphological and functional UCL changes and may predict the risk of a UCL injury in elite pitchers.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 368 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers underwent preseason stress US of their dominant and nondominant elbows over a 10-year period (2002-2012). Stress US examinations were performed in 30° of flexion at rest and with 150 N of valgus stress by a single musculoskeletal radiologist. Ligament thickness, ulnohumeral joint space width, and ligament abnormalities (hypoechoic foci and calcifications) were documented.

Results:

There were 736 stress US studies. The mean UCL thickness in the dominant elbow (6.15 mm) was significantly greater than that in the nondominant elbow (4.82 mm) ( P < .0001). The mean stressed ulnohumeral joint space width in the dominant elbow (4.56 mm) was significantly greater than that in the nondominant elbow (3.72 mm) ( P < .02). In the dominant arm, hypoechoic foci and calcifications were both significantly more prevalent (28.0% vs 3.5% and 24.9% vs 1.6%, respectively; P < .001). In the 12 players who incurred a UCL injury, there were nonsignificant ( P > .05) increases in baseline ligament thickness, ulnohumeral joint space gapping with stress, and incidence of hypoechoic foci and calcifications. More than 1 stress US examination was performed in 131 players, with a mean increase of 0.78 mm in joint space gapping with subsequent evaluations.

Conclusion:

Stress US indicates that the UCL in the dominant elbow of elite pitchers is thicker, is more likely to have hypoechoic foci and/or calcifications, and has increased laxity with valgus stress over time.
Transformative Learning as an “Inter-Practice” Phenomenon
Authors: Hodge Steven
Published: January 2014

Transformative learning theory and practice-based theory both offer compelling but distinct accounts of adult learning. The vicissitudes of individual meaning-making is the focus of transformative learning theory whereas practice-based accounts view participation in social practices as the key to understanding learning. Despite their differing views of the relationship between social context, individual experience, and the processes of learning, transformative learning and practice-based learning theories can be regarded as complementary. In this article, elaborations of practice-based learning theory are drawn on to highlight the learning potential of movement between social practices. Mezirow’s version of transformative learning theory is analyzed to disclose a role for social practices in the transformation process. In terms of the concepts of practice-based learning theory, it is proposed that “transformative trajectory” offers a potentially illuminating addition. In terms of Mezirow’s theory, it is argued that transformative learning can be viewed as an “inter-practice” phenomenon.
The Controllability in Intimate Relationships Scale
Authors: Whitaker M. Pippin , Abell Neil
Published: January 2014

We present the development and validation of a new measure to assess perceptions of community and social contexts (macro contexts) linked to controllability in relationships. The Controllability in Intimate Relationships Scale measures a person’s perceived situation regarding power, resources, and independence. This measure is a first step toward assessing links between macro contexts and control in intimate partner violence. Analyses conducted on the sample of 241 college students and community members included analysis of variance, Cronbach’s α, standard error of measurement, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results showed good reliability and model fit. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Grandmother Caregiver-in-Chief Continues the Tradition of African American Families
Authors: Gibson Priscilla A.
Published: January 2014

Grandmother caregiving in African American communities is a tradition used across social classes and circumstances of adult children and grandchildren. Yet, in the literature, it is viewed as a strategy used when the well-being of children is in jeopardy, families have low-incomes and limited resources, and parents are experiencing social problems. However, Mrs. Marian Shields Robinson is serving as a grandmother caregiver to the first African American First Family in the White House. This article provides an expanded view on the variations of grandmother caregiving by critically analyzing it and Mrs. Robinson’s role to provide social workers with four implications for practice.
What Counts as Rape? The Effect of Offense Prototypes, Victim Stereotypes, and Participant Gender on How the Complainant and Defendant are Perceived
Authors: McKimmie Blake M. , Masser Barbara M. , Bongiorno Renata
Published: January 2014

Jurors rely on a range of schemas when evaluating allegations of rape and sexual assault. For example, they may be influenced by the prototypicality of the alleged offense, the stereotypicality of the victim, or gender-related stereotypes. These schemas have often been conflated however, making it difficult to determine the unique impact of each on jurors’ perceptions. To be able to effectively counter any schema-related misconceptions, we must first identify which beliefs are important and when. An experiment ( N = 420) examined the independent effects of offense prototypicality and victim stereotypicality on mock jurors’ perceptions. As expected, victim stereotypicality had a greater effect on judgments in the counter-prototypical (acquaintance) assault scenario than in the prototypical (stranger) assault scenario. When the complainant was described as being a counter-stereotypical victim in the acquaintance rape scenario, the defendant was seen as less likely to be guilty and evaluated more positively and the complainant less positively compared with when the complainant was described as being a stereotypical victim. Analysis of the qualitative data suggested a focus on different factors in reaching verdicts in the stranger and acquaintance rape scenarios. Results were interpreted as evidence that jurors “step down” through a hierarchy of schemas in their attempts to determine what happened in cases of rape and sexual assault.
Motion sickness evaluation and comparison for a static driving simulator and a dynamic driving simulator
Authors: Aykent Baris , Merienne Frederic , Guillet Christophe , Paillot Damien , Kemeny Andras
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with driving simulation and in particular with the important issue of motion sickness. The paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the objective illness rating metrics deduced from the motion sickness dose value and questionnaires for both a static simulator and a dynamic simulator. Accelerations of the vestibular cues (head movements) of the subjects were recorded with and without motion platform activation. In order to compare user experiences in both cases, the head-dynamics-related illness ratings were computed from the obtained accelerations and the motion sickness dose values. For the subjective analysis, the principal component analysis method was used to determine the conflict between the subjective assessment in the static condition and that in the dynamic condition. The principal component analysis method used for the subjective evaluation showed a consistent difference between the answers given in the sickness questionnaire for the static platform case from those for the dynamic platform case. The two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test shows the significance in the differences between the self-reports to the individual questions. According to the two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test, experiencing nausea ( p = 0.019<0.05) and dizziness ( p = 0.018<0.05) decreased significantly from the static case to the dynamic case. Also, eye strain ( p = 0.047<0.05) and tiredness ( p = 0.047<0.05) were reduced significantly from the static case to the dynamic case. For the perception fidelity analysis, the Pearson correlation with a confidence interval of 95% was used to study the correlations of each question with the x illness rating component IR x, the y illness rating component IR y, the z illness rating component IR z and the compound illness rating IR tot. The results showed that the longitudinal head dynamics were the main element that induced discomfort for the static platform, whereas vertical head movements were the main factor to provoke discomfort for the dynamic platform case. Also, for the dynamic platform, lateral vestibular-level dynamics were the major element which caused a feeling of fear.
Time-varying friction thermal characteristics research on a dry clutch
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Li Yang , Li Nan , Sun Haitao , Wu Chendan , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2014

In the continuous shifting condition, frequent working on a dry clutch causes a sharp internal temperature rise on the friction surfaces of the clutch. In order to determine the force on the friction surfaces of the clutch accurately, the elastic characteristics produced by the cushion spring, the link strip and the diaphragm spring are analysed in this paper. Then, through monitoring of the throw-out bearing force, the friction torque of the clutch and the slipping-friction power can be estimated. Finally, based on three thermal loads on the friction surfaces of the dry clutch (including the initial environment temperature, the slipping-friction power and the convection heat), its thermal field distribution with changes in the time and the radius during the entire shift process can be acquired. In the earlier phase (before approximately 180 s), the surface temperature distribution varies with the slipping-friction power. Also the slipping-friction power plays a major role in the thermal load on the friction surfaces. However, the slipping-friction power does not do so in the later phase (after about 180 s) owing to the difficulty with heat radiation. This means that the time-varying thermal characteristics of a dry clutch are related to the working time of the clutch.
Diaphragmatic paralysis associated with herpes zoster and HIV–tuberculosis co-infection
Authors: Benabdellah A , Souhil Touati , Farouk Zaoui Omar
Published: January 2014

Motor complications after herpes zoster are not uncommon. There have been reports of muscular paralysis following herpes zoster. The association between diaphragmatic paralysis and zoster was first reported in 1949 by Halpern. The case presented below showed diaphragmatic involvement following herpes zoster in a HIV-tuberculosis coinfected patient.
Varieties of trade union organizing in Central and Eastern Europe: A comparison of the retail and automotive sectors
Authors: Mrozowicki Adam
Published: January 2014

This article seeks to explain variations in trade union approaches to membership recruitment in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on the automotive and retail sectors in Estonia, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. The analysis accounts for cross-country and sectoral differences in organizing approaches by reference to the role of institutional contexts, union organizational resources and trade unionists’ social agency.
Summary of the 9th meeting of the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Authors: Swadzba J , Sydor WJ , Kołodziejczyk J , Musiał J
Published: January 2014

The 9th meeting of the European Forum on Antiphospholipid Antibodies (Euro aPL Forum) was held in Krakow, Poland, on 16–18 May 2013. This was an excellent occasion for the exchange of information on current research in the area of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), as well as a starting point for many new research projects. About 120 physicians and researchers from various medical specialities representing 15 European countries, USA, Argentina and Israel attended the event. This report summarizes the major studies and new research projects presented during the Forum.
Daniel Alcides Carrion (1857–1885) and a history of medical martyrdom
Authors: Chatterjee Pranab , Chandra Shivika , Biswas Tamoghna
Published: January 2014

Daniel Carrion, a sixth-year medical student, died while investigating the effects of self-inoculation of the causative organism of Oroya Fever and Bartonellosis and thereby contributed to understanding of the disease before the organisms had been identified.
Local government and the bailout: Reform singularities in Portugal
Authors: Teles Filipe
Published: January 2014

Portugal is working on the reform of its local government. Although amalgamation was one of the recommended strategies, as a consequence of the European Union/International Monetary Fund bailout process, an alternative approach has been suggested. This reform is mostly a development of inter-municipal cooperation mechanisms combined with partial devolution strategies. However, as the bailout agreement was its main catalyst, the urgency to cut public administration costs required in the memorandum and the imposed deadlines gave a perverse incentive for central government to produce ad hoc and fragmented modifications. I argue that these political and economical demands, which sanctioned the argument for rushed measures, together with the country’s strong local identities, historical municipalism, political centralism and the political costs of significant territorial changes, can explain the absence of a comprehensible reform strategy and the singularities of its policies. This article explores the framework that justifies the reform and assesses the impacts of the bailout agreement.
Earnings of Immigrants: Does Entrepreneurship Matter?
Authors: Irastorza Nahikari , Peña Iñaki
Published: January 2014

The economic integration of immigrants has become a challenging topic in the European political agenda. This is especially true for countries that are struggling to survive the economic recession which started in 2008. In this context, entrepreneurship emerges as an alternative to unemployment. While the self-employment propensity of immigrants is well documented, little is known about the performance of these ventures. This article contributes to the literature by comparing and explaining the differential earnings of self-employed versus salaried immigrants in Spain. A binary logistic regression is applied to explore data collected by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor project for 2005 and 2006. Our findings show that self-employed immigrants’ income exceeds that of salaried workers. Human capital and location-related environmental variables were found to be the best predictors of both self-employed and salaried immigrants’ earnings.
Using Interactive Management to Identify, Rank and Model Entrepreneurial Competencies as Universities’ Entrepreneurship Curricula
Authors: Rezaei-Zadeh Morteza , Hogan Michael , O’Reilly John , Cleary Brendan , Murphy Eamonn
Published: January 2014

While the strong influence of entrepreneurial competencies on business performance is recognised, despite some doubts about the teachability of these competencies, a fundamental question has remained unanswered: what are the key entrepreneurial competencies that need to be developed in an entrepreneurship curriculum and how are these competencies interrelated? The current study used Interactive Management (IM) with a group of seven successful entrepreneurs to identify, clarify, rank order and build a consensus model describing the interdependencies between 12 entrepreneurial competencies. Results indicated that positivity and competitiveness are fundamental drivers of all other competencies in the consensus model. At the same time, determination and inquisitiveness were the most highly ranked competencies. Results are discussed in light of the ongoing challenges of defining the optimal scope and sequence of training in entrepreneurial curricula. This article fulfils an identified need to study specific entrepreneurial competencies that are to be promoted in university students.
Motivations and Decision-Making Processes of Mainland Chinese Students for Undertaking Master’s Programs Abroad
Authors: Wu Qi
Published: January 2014

Mobility of mainland Chinese students across national borders has become common worldwide; however, the underlying reasons that motivate these students to pursue postgraduation abroad and why these factors are influential are not sufficiently studied. By analyzing the results of a case study performed at three British universities, we examine the motivations of mainland Chinese students for choosing courses and study locations in the United Kingdom. Based on data we collected via questionnaires and interviews, we compare demographic differences to explore the diversity among this cohort. Our findings show that motivations for overseas education are related to conditions in China and abroad. In addition, older students and those in MA programs are more strongly influenced by a need to experience different cultures; younger students and those in MSc programs are more strongly driven by academics-related factors. Our findings have important implications for universities to develop more effective selection policies particularly for target mainland Chinese students.
The New Sphere of International Student Education in Chinese Higher Education
Authors: Kuroda Chiharu
Published: January 2014

This empirical study explores the current features of English-medium instructed master’s degree programs for international students (EMIMDPs-ISs) in Chinese higher education. Since the mid-2000s, a significant number of Chinese universities have proactively engaged in establishing English-medium instructed degree programs for international students. Despite this growing phenomenon, little attention has been paid to this unique knowledge model. This study first examines relevant Chinese government policies and practices, exploring the rationale for the enhancement of EMIMDPs-ISs in current Chinese higher education. It then addresses the findings offered by four leading comprehensive Chinese universities on the case studies of the eight EMIMDPs-ISs in Chinese higher education. The Chinese government and leading Chinese universities have been making an extensive effort to boost China’s soft power through the enhancement of international student education objectives. Through an investigation on eight EMIMDPs-ISs, this article identifies that eight EMIMDPs-ISs are well structured to widely disseminate “China’s excellence” and contribute to the enhancement of international education in China. Issues requiring further research and reflection include an examination of the current form of EMIMDPs-ISs (which was created as the “stand-alone” program for international students) as sufficient in meeting the ongoing demands of international students. Furthermore, conducting consecutive examinations of quality of education and advancing the integration of EMIMDPs-ISs into the regular higher education system would be crucial factors for the further development of EMIMDPs-ISs.
Wrinkle localization in membrane structures patched with macro-fiber composite actuators: Inflatable space antenna applications
Authors: Fleurent-Wilson Eric , Pollock Tim E , Su Wei-Jiun , Warrier Dileep , Salehian Armaghan
Published: January 2014

Kapton membranes have received much attention in the fabrication of space inflatable antenna technology in the recent years. While prized for their light designs, their delicate nature makes them susceptible to various kinds of disturbances in space environments that result in structural vibrations or wrinkle formation. In this regard, macro-fiber composite actuators have been commonly used for vibration control of these membrane structures. However, wrinkle control remains one of the major challenges in their designs. Some of the research in the previous literature has attempted to quantify the wrinkle behavior of these membranes when subject to boundary forces. Yet, in all the previous study, the effects of macro-fiber composite patches, a major compartment of these structures, on their wrinkle formation have been ignored. The presented article studies the effects of these patches on localization of wrinkles and their patterns in Kapton membranes. The numerical results are validated experimentally using photogrammetry techniques. Two membrane configurations are studied: one considers rectangular membranes with clamped-sliding boundary conditions and the other pertains to square membranes with symmetric corner loadings.
Quantitative Drug Benefit-Risk Assessment
Authors: Crentsil Victor , Lee Jung , Jackson Andre
Published: January 2014

Background: More than 50 % of individuals affected by adverse drug events (ADEs) are older adults. Establishing a drug dosing regimen that balances benefit and risk, and minimizes ADEs in older populations can be challenging. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of modeling, simulation, and risk-benefit acceptability methods to establish a drug dosing regimen that balances benefit and risk. Methods: The study population comprised nondiabetic patients with schizophrenia from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) ≥50 years old, who had been on oral olanzapine for ≥2 weeks. We used mixed-effects modeling based on a preexisting pharmacokinetic model to derive clearance estimates, which were then used to determine the olanzapine area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). Subsequently, with multivariate regression and Monte Carlo simulation, we estimated the olanzapine dose corresponding to the benefit-risk AUC breakpoint. Results: The study population (n = 34) was predominantly male (82.3%) and white (67.6%), with a mean age of 54.4 years and treatment duration of 361.8 days. The mean AUC was 747.6 ng h/mL (95% CI = 524.5, 970.7) for the benefit group (n = 16) and 754.1 (95% CI = 505.9, 1002.4) for the risk group (n = 15). The benefit-risk AUC breakpoint was 524.5 ng h/mL and the corresponding oral olanzapine dose that optimizes benefit-risk balance was 17.8 mg/d. Conclusions: Our study introduces a real-world approach for finding the safe drug dosing regimen without extensive exposure of a vulnerable and older population to drugs. Further studies into the use of modeling, simulation, and risk-benefit acceptability methods to enhance geriatric drug safety are needed.
An Interprofessional Approach to Reducing the Overutilization of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Adult Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units
Authors: Tasaka Chelsea L. , Burg Cindy , VanOsdol Sherilyn J. , Bekeart Lynne , Anglemyer Andrew , Tsourounis Candy , Rennke Stephanie
Published: January 2014

Background: Overutilization of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is common. Acid-suppressive therapies routinely used for SUP are best reserved for patients with greatest risk of clinically important bleeding as they have been associated with nosocomial pneumonia, Clostridium difficile infection and increased hospital cost. Objective: The primary objective was to reduce inappropriate utilization of SUP in 2 adult medical and surgical ICU settings at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Secondary objectives included reduction of inappropriate continuation of SUP at ICU and hospital discharge. Methods: To attain the study objective, an interprofessional team developed a bundled quality improvement initiative, including an institution SUP guideline, pharmacist-led intervention, and an education and awareness campaign. To assess the impact of these interventions, we conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing data on prescribing practices at baseline before and after the intervention. Since computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) was implemented during this time frame, preintervention data collection consisted of 2 periods, one before and one after CPOE implementation. Results: The incidence of the inappropriate use of SUP was not significantly different between the pre-CPOE and post-CPOE groups (20 and 19 per 100 patient-days, respectively; P = .88), but the incidence of inappropriate use of SUP was significantly lower in the postintervention group versus the post-CPOE group (9 and 19 per 100 patient-days, respectively; P = .03). At ICU discharge, 4% of patients in the post-intervention group were discharged inappropriately on SUP compared with 8% in the post-CPOE group ( P = .54). At hospital discharge, none of the patients in the postintervention group were discharged inappropriately on SUP compared with 7% in the post-CPOE group ( P = .22). Conclusions: Implementation of an interprofessional bundled quality improvement initiative is effective in decreasing inappropriate use of SUP in adult medical and surgical ICUs at a university-affiliated, tertiary care academic medical center.