bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Framework for Retrospective Assessment of Interim Decisions in Clinical Trials
Authors: Stanev Roger
Published: June 2016

This article presents a quantitative way of modeling the interim decisions of clinical trials. While statistical approaches tend to focus on the epistemic aspects of statistical monitoring rules, often overlooking ethical considerations, ethical approaches tend to neglect the key epistemic dimension. The proposal is a second-order decision-analytic framework. The framework provides means for retrospective assessment of interim decisions based on a clear and consistent set of criteria that combines both ethical and epistemic considerations. The framework is broadly Bayesian and addresses a fundamental question behind many concerns about clinical trials: What does it take for an interim decision (e.g., whether to stop the trial or continue) to be a good decision? Simulations illustrating the modeling of interim decisions counterfactually are provided.
The immediate effect of vaginal and caesarean delivery on anal sphincter measurements
Authors: Karcaaltincaba Deniz , Erkaya Salim , Isik Hatice , Haberal Ali
Published: June 2016

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of vaginal and caesarean delivery on internal and external anal sphincter muscle thickness using translabial ultrasonography (TL-US).

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled nulliparous women who either had vaginal or caesarean deliveries. The thickness of the hypoechoic internal anal sphincter (IAS) and hyperechoic external anal sphincter (EAS) at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions at the distal level were measured before delivery and within 24–48 h after delivery.

Results

A total 105 consecutive women were enrolled in the study: 60 in the vaginal delivery group and 45 in the caesarean delivery group. The IAS muscle thickness at the 12 o’clock position in the vaginal delivery group was significantly thicker before compared with after delivery (mean ± SD: 2.31 ± 0.74 mm versus 1.81 ± 0.64 mm, respectively). The EAS muscle thickness at the 12 o’clock position in the vaginal delivery group was significantly thicker before compared with after delivery (mean ± SD: 2.42 ± 0.64 mm versus 1.97 ± 0.85, respectively).

Conclusions

There was significant muscle thinning of both the IAS and EAS at the 12 o’clock position after vaginal delivery, but not after caesarean delivery.
Young children, sound-producing objects, and the shape bias
Authors: Dansereau Diana R.
Published: June 2016

There is evidence that, when given simple musical instruments, young children construct pretend play episodes centered on the shape of the objects rather than their sounds. This attention to shape has also been observed when children learn the names of novel objects. Such a “shape bias”, when engaging in pretend play with instruments and during linguistic tasks, may indicate the possibility that shape is a perceptually important attribute across contexts. The aim of this study was to determine whether children favor shape, color, or sound when identifying a novel object.

In two studies, 3- to 5-year-olds were shown target objects that were given a novel name and shared one attribute (e.g., shape, sound) with test objects. During one trial, the objects were shaken to produce sound, and during another, the children manipulated the objects in order to produce sounds. In both experiments, children selected based on shape significantly more often ( p < .001) than chance rates, indicating a strong bias toward the shape of a novel object rather than the sound it produces during a cognitive task.
Drought termination
Authors: Parry Simon , Prudhomme Christel , Wilby Robert L. , Wood Paul J.
Published: June 2016

There are numerous anecdotal examples of drought terminations documented throughout the historical record on most continents. The end of a drought is the critical time during which water resource managers urgently require information on the replenishment of supplies. Yet this phase has been relatively neglected by the academic community, with much of the existing body of research on drought termination assessing the likelihood of droughts ending rather than its temporal profile. In particular, there has been little effort to characterise drought termination events themselves. This is partly explained by existing definitions of drought termination as a specific point in time when drought is considered to have finished, rather than a more holistic consideration based on approaches developed within biological sciences. There is also a lack of understanding about how drought termination propagates through the hydrological cycle. This paper specifically examines and reviews available research on drought termination, highlighting limitations associated with current definitions and offering suggestions for characterising the temporal stages of drought. An alternative definition of drought termination is proposed: a period between the maximum negative anomaly and a return to above-average conditions. Once this phase has been delineated, the duration, rate and seasonality of drought termination can be derived. The utility of these metrics is illustrated through a case study of the 2010–2012 drought in the UK, and the propagation of drought termination between river flows and groundwater levels.
Did we choose the best one? A new site selection approach based on exposure and uptake potential for waste incineration
Authors: Demirarslan K Onur , Korucu M Kemal , Karademir Aykan
Published: June 2016

Ecological problems arising after the construction and operation of a waste incineration plant generally originate from incorrect decisions made during the selection of the location of the plant. The main objective of this study is to investigate how the selection method for the location of a new municipal waste incineration plant can be improved by using a dispersion modelling approach supported by geographical information systems and multi-criteria decision analysis. Considering this aim, the appropriateness of the current location of an existent plant was assessed by applying a pollution dispersion model. Using this procedure, the site ranking for a total of 90 candidate locations and the site of the existing incinerator were determined by a new location selection practice and the current place of the plant was evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey tests. This ranking, made without the use of modelling approaches, was re-evaluated based on the modelling of various variables, including the concentration of pollutants, population and population density, demography, temporality of meteorological data, pollutant type, risk formation type by CALPUFF and re-ranking the results. The findings clearly indicate the impropriety of the location of the current plant, as the pollution distribution model showed that its location was the fourth-worst choice among 91 possibilities. It was concluded that the location selection procedures for waste incinerators should benefit from the improvements obtained by the articulation of pollution dispersion studies combined with the population density data to obtain the most suitable location.
Interfacial self-assembly of endothelial cells toward angiogenic network formation in the composite hydrogel culture systems
Authors: Hadjizadeh Afra , Mohebbi-Kalhori Davod
Published: June 2016

Fabrication of a pre-vascularized tissue in vitro is an extensive research activity. The idea behind this approach is that a network of newly formed micro-vessels may be engineered in vitro by the seeding of a scaffold with endothelial cells. To this aim, understanding the effect of physicochemical properties of the scaffolding material and the method of cell seeding, in regulating endothelial cells’ behavior in the in vitro constructs, is an emerging requirement. In this study, the effect of interfacial self-assembly and contact guidance for the endothelial cell behavior and angiogenic network formation have been studied. This has been done by the fabrication of in vitro three-dimensional tissue constructs, using multilayer surface-modified polymer fibers, and two different methods of cell seeding by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In the first method, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, fibers, and fibrin gel matrix were combined simultaneously. In the second method, the human umbilical vein endothelial cells and fibers, having various surface coatings, were sandwiched between two layers of fibrin gel matrix with or without fibroblast cell monolayer over the fibrin gel. In the optimal conditions, the effect of fibers in conjunction with the interfacial self-assembly enhanced a tube-like and interconnected network structure formation. This design could therefore have a major impact in the generation of the pre-vascularized tissue-engineered constructs.
Make a Move: A Comprehensive Effect Evaluation of a Sexual Harassment Prevention Program in Dutch Residential Youth Care
Authors: van Lieshout Sanne , Mevissen Fraukje E. F. , van Breukelen Gerard , Jonker Marianne , Ruiter Robert A. C.
Published: June 2016

Sexual harassment—unwanted sexual comments, advances, or behaviors—and sexual violence are still prevalent worldwide, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems among those being harassed. In particular, youth in care are at risk of becoming perpetrators (and victims) of sexual harassment. However, in general, there are very few interventions targeting this at-risk group, and no such programs exist in the Netherlands. To this end, a group intervention program—Make a Move—targeting determinants of sexual harassment was developed. This program was implemented and evaluated among boys ( N = 177) in Dutch residential youth care (20 institutions). A pre-test, post-test, and 6-month follow-up design including an intervention and a waiting list control group with randomized assignment of institutions (cluster randomized trial) was used to measure the effects of the intervention on determinants of sexual harassment. Multilevel (mixed) regression analysis with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (α = .005) showed no significant effects of Make a Move on determinants of sexual harassment ( ps > .03, Cohen’s ds < .44). Results are discussed in light of a three-way explanatory model focusing on intervention content, evaluation, and implementation as potential explanations for not finding any measurable intervention effects.
Incumbents’ Attitude Toward Intrafamily Succession
Authors: De Massis Alfredo , Sieger Philipp , Chua Jess H. , Vismara Silvio
Published: June 2016

Incumbents’ attitude toward intrafamily succession (IFS) is a critical individual-level determinant of family firms’ IFS intention, which is, in turn, an important component of family business essence. Knowledge about its antecedents, however, is fragmented and very limited. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior and general attitude literature, hypotheses about the situational and individual antecedents of family firm incumbents’ attitude toward IFS were developed and tested with a sample of 274 Italian family firm incumbents. Results show that incumbents’ attitude toward IFS is indeed influenced by both situational and individual antecedents as well as by their interactions.
Civil Society Organizations in Opposition to Healthcare Commercialization: Protecting Access for the Poor and Middle Class in Malaysia
Authors: Rasiah Rajah , Tumin Makmor , Hameed Latifa Musafar , Ndoma Ibrahim
Published: June 2016

This article examines the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in contesting healthcare commercialization in Malaysia. The article uses a novel framework to analyze the emergence of CSOs to protect the interests of the disadvantaged against commercialization initiatives. CSO action has expanded following the formation of social networks and election into parliament of individuals who share their views to oppose healthcare commercialization in the country. Against the odds, the evidence suggests that a significant presence of CSOs has emerged to challenge healthcare commercialization. Political changes have also given CSOs the opportunity to campaign for the protection of the interests of the disadvantaged in Malaysia’s healthcare development processes.
Optimization of electrochemical machining process parameters: Combining response surface methodology and differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Mehrvar Ali , Basti Ali , Jamali Ali
Published: June 2016

Electrochemical machining is a unique prevalent nonconventional manufacturing process used in different industries involving various process parameters, which greatly influence machining performance. Therefore, selection of proper and optimal parameters setting is a challenging issue. In this paper, differential evolution algorithm is applied to look for the optimum solution to this problem. Four parameters, i.e. voltage, tool feed rate, electrolyte flow rate, and electrolyte concentration; and two machining criteria, i.e. material removal rate and surface roughness (Ra) are considered as input variables and responses, respectively. The main purpose is to maximize material removal rate and minimize Ra to achieve better machining performance. In this way, comprehensive mathematical models have first been developed using response surface methodology through experimentation based on central composite design plan. Then, differential evolution algorithm has been utilized for optimizing the process parameters; both single- and multiobjective optimizations are considered, and optimal Pareto front is determined. Finally, optimization result of a trade-off design point in the Pareto front of Ra and material removal rate was also verified experimentally. This machined surface was examined with field-emission scanning electron microscope images. The results showed that the proposed approach is an effective and suitable strategy for optimization of the electrochemical machining process.
A model-following positioning control system based on modified sliding mode control
Authors: Shibasaki Hiroki , Ono Osamu , Ishida Yoshihisa
Published: June 2016

This study presents a model-following positioning control system based on modified sliding mode control. In the proposed method, a robust gain matrix prevents the dependence on the plant parameters by applying the switching function to an error dynamics equation. Simulation studies are applied to a nominal plant with stable and unstable terms, and a plant with a modeling error and an input-side disturbance. Simulation and experimental results indicate the effectiveness of this method in determining a robust gain matrix. The proposed method further demonstrates positioning control with superior performance.
Employee representatives’ influence on continuing vocational training: The impact of institutional context
Authors: Wiß Tobias
Published: June 2016

What factors determine the involvement of employee representatives in continuing vocational training? This article uses data from the European Company Survey 2009 to examine firm-level and country-level characteristics in 27 European Union (EU) countries. Multilevel logistic regressions indicate that employee representatives increase the probability of companies providing training needs assessments and time off for training. This association is stronger for disadvantaged groups of employees (low-skilled or temporary employees) if the representatives receive support from encompassing collective agreements, strong trade unions or regular training.
A study of the effects of library creative zone programs on creative thinking abilities
Authors: Noh Younghee
Published: June 2016

This study intends to evaluate the degree of improvement in the participants’ creative thinking abilities index after participants engage in the program for six months in the public library creative zone. A comparative assessment was carried out by calculating the creative thinking abilities index before and after participation in the program. This study examines three factors of creative thinking ability: fluency, flexibility, and originality. As a result, first, the average standard score was 100, and standard deviation (SD) was a normal distribution of 20. First, there was a significant difference in the fluency for looking at the degree of enhancement in the fluency of the participants’ creative thinking abilities after they participated in the program. Therefore, the creative thinking abilities education can significantly improve the fluency of participants. Second, there was a significant difference in the flexibility. The creative thinking abilities education can significantly improve the flexibility of participants. Third, there was a significant difference in originality. The creative thinking abilities education can significantly improve the originality of participants. Fourth, when the overall creative thinking abilities of the participants were analyzed, there was a significant difference from the creative thinking abilities mean score. The creative thinking abilities education can significantly improve the average score of creative thinking abilities. Finally, there was no difference by gender, but there was a significant difference by grade level for evaluating all creative thinking abilities factors.
Risk-taking, Ownership and Excess Reserves in the Ghanaian Banking System
Authors: Odonkor Theodora Akweley , Osei Bright Addiyiah , Sjö Bo
Published: June 2016

This study looks at the effects of ownership structure and the risk-taking behaviour of banks in Ghana. Using data from 21 banks during 2000–2010, the study employs random effects panel data regressions. The results show that banks prefer to hold high excess reserves instead of lending to borrowers when they perceive the markets to be risky. Locally owned banks tend to be more efficient in managing their risk than foreign-owned banks, while closed corporations tend to perform better in managing risk than locally owned banks.

JEL Classification: G21, G31, G28, O16
Does Social Embedding Influence Banking Habits? A Case of India
Authors: Roy Pinaki , Sapre Amey
Published: June 2016

This article attempts to empirically investigate the relationship of social embeddedness and banking behaviour in India. Social embeddedness is a construct that in general refers to non-market societies or activities, such as customs, traditions and reciprocity, that dominate the conduct of societies. Using the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) 2005 household survey data, we construct a weighted average score of social embedding as captured by memberships in societies and network groups to estimate their impact on the likelihood of a household’s access to banking. Findings show that social embeddedness has a positive and substantial impact on improving a household’s access to banking. We argue that social embedding can serve as an effective means to enhance the reach and access of financial services if conventional inclusion programmes were to utilize and exploit such social channels.

JEL Classification: C23, D71, G20
Diversity work in community sport organizations: Commitment, resistance and institutional change
Authors: Spaaij Ramón , Magee Jonathan , Farquharson Karen , Gorman Sean , Jeanes Ruth , Lusher Dean , Storr Ryan
Published: June 2016

Diversity is a key term used in a range of public and private organizations to describe institutional goals, values and practices. Sport is a prominent social institution where the language of diversity is frequently and positively used; yet, this rhetoric does not necessarily translate into actual practice within sport organizations. This paper critically examines diversity work in community sports clubs. Drawing upon qualitative research at 31 amateur sports clubs in Australia, the findings show that diversity work in community sport organizations is often haphazard and accidental, rather than a strategic response or adaptation to policy. This paper concludes that while individual champions are critical to the promotion of diversity, persistent tensions and resistance arise when they seek to translate the language of diversity into institutional practice and culture change.
Social capabilities–based flexicurity for a learning economy
Authors: Judzik Dario , Khan Haider A , Spagnolo Laura T
Published: June 2016

Mainstream economists argue that unemployment must be tackled with ‘flexibilisation’ or ‘labour market deregulation’. The public policy application has been the principle of ‘flexicurity’, with mixed labour market outcomes and limited success. Central contributions to theoretical and empirical economics writing on unemployment issues still espouse ‘flexibilisation’ as a general approach and warn about the detrimental effects of systematic deregulation under expectations of outcomes such as lower unemployment. Departing from a review of this literature, we take a step further from the ‘flexicurity’ prescription, to follow the capabilities approach of Sen and others, and develop a concept of social capabilities–based flexicurity for a learning economy, arguing that labour market performance must be targeted in an approach that includes a strong commitment to social well-being.
Unpacking the Black Box of Wilderness Therapy
Authors: Fernee Carina R. , Gabrielsen Leiv E. , Andersen Anders J. W. , Mesel Terje
Published: June 2016

Despite considerable progress within wilderness and adventure therapy research over the last decade, researchers are still unable to precisely answer why, how, and for whom this treatment modality works. There is also a need for more knowledge regarding the circumstances under which the treatment does not appear to be effective. In this realist synthesis, we attempt to unpack this “black box” of wilderness therapy more specifically, defined as a specialized approach to mental health treatment for adolescents. Through a focused review of the primary qualitative wilderness therapy studies, empirical findings are used to test and refine a key program theory. The synthesis results in a proposed wilderness therapy clinical model and offers informed implications for future theory development, research, and practice.
Do Multimedia Matter? Cognitive and Affective Effects of Embedded Multimedia Journalism
Authors: Pincus Hanna , Wojcieszak Magdalena , Boomgarden Hajo
Published: June 2016

With the increase of online journalism, embedded multimedia stories have become more popular. Yet, little is known about the cognitive and affective effects this journalistic format may have on the audience. This experimental study compares the effects of embedded multimedia, traditional multimedia, and text-only format on readers’ knowledge gain, emotional reactions, and narrative transportation. Overall, the effects are substantially less pronounced than expected. The audiences’ emotional reactions and narrative transportation do not depend on modality, whereas knowledge gain is slightly decreased by multimodality. The theoretical, practical, and methodological implications of these limited effects are discussed.
A machine learning approach for accelerating DNA sequence analysis
Authors: Memeti Suejb , Pllana Sabri
Published: June 2016

The DNA sequence analysis is a data and computationally intensive problem and therefore demands suitable parallel computing resources and algorithms. In this paper, we describe an optimized approach for DNA sequence analysis on a heterogeneous platform that is accelerated with the Intel Xeon Phi. Such platforms commonly comprise one or two general purpose host central processing units (CPUs) and one or more Xeon Phi devices. We present a parallel algorithm that shares the work of DNA sequence analysis between the host CPUs and the Xeon Phi device to reduce the overall analysis time. For automatic worksharing we use a supervised machine learning approach, which predicts the performance of DNA sequence analysis on the host and device and accordingly maps fractions of the DNA sequence to the host and device. We evaluate our approach empirically using real-world DNA segments for human and various animals on a heterogeneous platform that comprises two 12-core Intel Xeon E5 CPUs and an Intel Xeon Phi 7120P device with 61 cores.
Combined physeal fractures of the distal radius and ulna: complications associated with K-wire fixation and long-term prognosis in six cats
Authors: Brioschi Valentina , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J , Kerwin Sharon , Meeson Richard , Radke Heidi
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The objective was to describe the complications and long-term outcome associated with Kirschner (K)-wire fixation of combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures in six cats.

Methods

Medical records (2002–2014) of six referral institutions were searched for cats with combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures. Cases with complete clinical files, radiographs and surgical records were retrospectively reviewed. Long-term outcome was assessed via telephone interviews using an owner questionnaire.

Results

Complete files were available for 6/9 identified cases (cases 1–6). All fractures were classified as Salter–Harris type I or II. Five cases underwent open reduction and internal fixation via cross-pinning of the distal radius and intramedullary pinning of the ulna (cases 1–3); fixation of the distal radial and ulnar physes with one K-wire each (case 4); and K-wire fixation of the radial physis in combination with two transulnoradial K-wires (case 5). One case underwent closed reduction and percutaneous cross-pinning of the distal radius under fluoroscopic guidance (case 6). The complications encountered were: reduced radiocarpal range of motion (ROM) (cases 1, 3, 4, 5); implant loosening/migration (cases 1, 2, 5); and radioulnar synostosis (case 4). None of the cats developed angular limb deformity. Long-term outcome (12 months to 7 years after surgery) was graded as ‘excellent’ by the owners in all cases.

Conclusions and relevance

Prognosis is favourable for feline combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures following K-wire fixation in cats over 7 months of age. Implant removal after bony union is recommended to minimise reduction in ROM and to prevent implant loosening/migration.
Interviews with children about their mental health problems: The congruence and validity of information that children report
Authors: Macleod Emily , Woolford June , Hobbs Linda , Gross Julien , Hayne Harlene , Patterson Tess
Published: June 2016

To obtain a child’s perspective during a mental health assessment, he or she is usually interviewed. Although researchers and clinicians generally agree that it is beneficial to hear a child’s account of his or her presenting issues, there is debate about whether children provide reliable or valid clinical information during these interviews. Here, we examined whether children provide clinically and diagnostically relevant information in a clinical setting. In all, 31 children aged 5–12-years undergoing mental health assessments were asked open-ended questions about their presenting problems during a semi-structured interview. We coded the information that children reported to determine whether it was clinically relevant and could be used to diagnose their problems and to formulate and plan treatment. We also coded children’s information to determine whether it was congruent with the children’s presenting problems and their eventual clinical diagnoses. Most of the information that children reported was clinically relevant and included information about behaviour, affect, temporal details, thoughts, people, the environment, and the child’s physical experiences. The information that children reported was also clinically valid; it was congruent with the problems that were discussed (84%) and also with the eventual diagnosis that the child received after a complete assessment (74%). We conclude that children can contribute relevant, clinically useful, valid information during clinical psychological assessments.
Experimental study on construction tension and local component failure of double inner and outer latticed shell string structure
Authors: Yao Yun-long , Ma Guang-ying , Dong Shi-lin , Bai Guang-bo , Liu Hong-chuang
Published: June 2016

The roof system of Yueqing Gymnasium adopts a new hybrid space structure called the double inner and outer latticed shell string structure. The prestressing construction of this structure is complex. Thus, the whole process analysis for the pretensioning scheme and cable breaking should be performed prior to construction. The tension processes and effects of local component failures were studied on the basis of the structural model test. The effects of the construction sequences of the inner inclined cables and outer radial cables were tested, and the effects of the tensioned outer radial cables were investigated. The analysis and test results show that the internal forces and structural deformations vary linearly during the construction tension processes, and that the structural configuration is stable. The structure can be tensioned to the designed configuration successfully with reasonable construction sequences and programs. Finally, the local component failures of the test model were studied, and the effects of the cable, strut, and sling breakings on structural performance in different positions were discussed. The test results of the cable and strut breaking show that the double inner and outer latticed shell string structure has excellent structural rigidity and has a certain capability for resisting progressive collapse.
Logic Learning Machine and standard supervised methods for Hodgkin’s lymphoma prognosis using gene expression data and clinical variables
Authors: Parodi Stefano , Manneschi Chiara , Verda Damiano , Ferrari Enrico , Muselli Marco
Published: June 2016

This study evaluates the performance of a set of machine learning techniques in predicting the prognosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma using clinical factors and gene expression data. Analysed samples from 130 Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients included a small set of clinical variables and more than 54,000 gene features. Machine learning classifiers included three black-box algorithms ( k-nearest neighbour, Artificial Neural Network, and Support Vector Machine) and two methods based on intelligible rules (Decision Tree and the innovative Logic Learning Machine method). Support Vector Machine clearly outperformed any of the other methods. Among the two rule-based algorithms, Logic Learning Machine performed better and identified a set of simple intelligible rules based on a combination of clinical variables and gene expressions. Decision Tree identified a non-coding gene ( XIST) involved in the early phases of X chromosome inactivation that was overexpressed in females and in non-relapsed patients. XIST expression might be responsible for the better prognosis of female Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
How implicit theories help differentiate approaches to online impression management: A preliminary typology
Authors: Berkelaar Brenda L.
Published: June 2016

This article proposes an empirically-grounded typology to describe how people approach online impression management across multiple digital sites given employers’ use of online information for personnel selection. Qualitative analysis revealed four primary online impression management types: acceptor, dissident, scrubber, and strategist. The four types are primarily differentiated based on people’s relatively fixed or relatively flexible implicit theories about information, technology, visibility, and identity, and whether people take passive, reactive, or active approaches to online impression management. Although research on implicit theories usually focuses on individual attributes, these findings highlight how people’s implicit theories about the context or field of communicative action work in combination to influence impression management behavior. This study suggests practical interventions to increase people’s agency and effectiveness in managing online information and provides foundations for future research on online impression, information management, and implicit theories.
Information We Collect: Surveillance and Privacy in the Implementation of Google Apps for Education
Authors: Lindh Maria , Nolin Jan
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to show how Google’s business model is concealed within Google Apps for Education (GAFE) as well as how such a bundle is perceived within one educational organisation, consisting of approximately 30 schools. The study consists of two parts: 1) a rhetorical analysis of Google policy documents and 2) an interview study in a Swedish educational organisation. By making an implicit demarcation between the two concepts (your) ‘data’ and (collected) ‘information’ Google can disguise the presence of a business model for online marketing and, at the same time, simulate the practices and ethics of a free public service institution. This makes it problematic for Swedish schools to implement Google Apps for Education, bearing in mind Google’s surveillance practices for making profits on pupil’s algorithmic identities. From a front end viewpoint of Google Apps for Education, the advantages of the services are evident to the users, and emerge in the study, whereas back end strategies are relatively hidden.
Brotherhood and College Latinos: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Estrada Fernando , Mejia Araceli , Hufana Alyssa Mae
Published: June 2016

An understudied topic is the social experiences of college Latinos. In this study, six men shared their experience of brotherhood or hermandad. Individual interviews yielded qualitative data that were subjected to inductive coding resulting in seven descriptive themes conveying the essence of brotherhood. The findings and implications are discussed in light of extant literature. Study limitations precede discussion on future scholarship that is focused on the postsecondary success of a highly underrepresented student population.
Appraisal Participation and Perceived Voice in Annual Appraisal Interviews
Authors: Meinecke Annika L. , Klonek Florian E. , Kauffeld Simone
Published: June 2016

Appraisal interviews (AIs) are one of the most commonly used human resource practices in organizations. However, they are often criticized for comprising conflicting purposes. In this study, we focus on contextual factors of the appraisal process. Specifically, we propose that AIs follow a two-phase model of performance evaluation and development planning. These two phases trigger different levels of employee appraisal participation which, in turn, affects employees’ perception of voice. In a sample of 48 audiotaped AIs, we coded employees’ objective appraisal participation throughout the entire interview session and linked it to subsequent ratings of perceived voice. Results showed that interviews were highly leader-centered and mainly concentrated on performance evaluation. Employees’ appraisal participation was significantly lower during performance evaluation than during development planning. Appraisal participation during development planning, but not during performance evaluation, was related to subsequent ratings of perceived voice. In addition, this relationship was moderated by supervisor trust.
Emotion-centered and action-centered coping in elite sport: Task execution design approach
Authors: Hanin Yuri , Hanina Muza , Šašek Hrvoje , Kobilšek Ana
Published: June 2016

Task execution design approach to optimization of athletic performance aims to help elite athletes and coaches to prevent underperformance in competitions. This individual-specific coping framework includes: (i) constraints-led competition environment; (ii) appraisals, (iii) decision making, and (iv) emergent performance patterns. Practical utility of the Task execution design approach is illustrated by a five-year participant observation case study involving an elite female shooter, her coach, and two consultants. This longitudinal study describes a systematic cooperation that identified several practical problems in competition, with a special reference to the athlete’s transition from juniors’ to seniors’ category. The athlete developed three effective coping strategies: emotion-centered, action-centered, and combined (plans A, B, and C). These strategies were used depending on performer–environment relationship in the framework of ecological dynamics. The study shows how the athlete’s needs in self-control changed during five years and were satisfied using the proposed Task execution design framework. The main emphasis was on the qualitative analysis of the experiential knowledge based on the athlete’s and coach’s self-perceptions and self-reflections. The case also illustrates how the athlete and her coach used the RLD and ALD principles in their preparation for competition. The validity of the Task execution design approach was tested by the practitioners across 14 different sports.
Some perspectives on risk management: A security case study from the oil and gas industry
Authors: Bjerga Torbjørn , Aven Terje
Published: June 2016

This article provides some views on how managers should think about risk when facing challenging decision-making situations with large uncertainties and high values at stake. The article is based on the thesis that managers are well qualified for the proper understanding and management of such risk and uncertainties, but that there has been a lack of suitable conceptual frameworks available. We argue that the key to success in this respect is to be open to broader risk perspectives than the common damage probability view. Risk also has to reflect uncertainties, knowledge, and potential surprises. A security case taken from the oil and gas industry is used to illustrate the discussion. The main aim of the article is to guide managers and analysts on the conceptualization of risk and on which techniques and principles to adopt in order to understand, assess, manage, and communicate risk in relation to situations of large uncertainties and high values at stake.
Can media and communication researchers turn the present challenges of research impact and interdisciplinarity into future opportunities?
Authors: Tsatsou Panayiota
Published: June 2016

This statement critically reflects on two of the main challenges in media and communication research: the disputed societal value and impact of media and communication research and the shortage of interdisciplinary research in the field. The statement makes concrete suggestions about how these two ‘deficiencies’ can be turned into opportunities, with one paving the way for encountering and solving the other. At the same time, it acknowledges the existence of the following two caveats: first, the notion of interdisciplinarity has not yet been sufficiently explored or even comprehended among researchers across disciplines, and its future shape and directions cannot be foreseen; second, impact itself is time- and context-relative and researchers must be in tune with broader developments in the real-life world to sense the changes happening and the emerging areas of impact that require their attention.
Media representation of Muslims and Islam from 2000 to 2015: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Saifuddin , Matthes Jörg
Published: June 2016

This article reports a meta-analysis of 345 published studies to examine the media’s role in construction of a Muslim and Islamic identity. A quantitative analysis highlights the geographical focus, methods, theories, authorship, media types, and time frames of published studies. A qualitative analysis investigated the most prominent researched themes. Our findings suggest that a large majority of studies covered Western countries, while Muslim countries and Muslim media have been neglected. We also identified an evident lack of comparative research, a neglect of visuals, and a dearth of research on online media. We found that most studies investigated the themes of ‘migration’, ‘terrorism’, and ‘war’. Moreover, our meta-study shows that Muslims tend to be negatively framed, while Islam is dominantly portrayed as a violent religion. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Borders: A view from ‘nowhere’1
Authors: Mehta Rimple
Published: June 2016

Borders separating two states are the markers of inequality in terms of gender as well as in terms of other intersecting social locations of marginalization and discrimination. Mobile populations generate cartographic anxieties for the keepers of these borders who, in turn, respond by increasingly criminalizing unwanted border crossing. While mainstream criminology has historically focused on matters of exclusion, integration and identity, discussion of its relation to borders and more specifically, ‘gendered borders’ has been oblique. This article presents the narratives of young Bangladeshi women, detained in Kolkata, India under the Foreigners Act (1946), on borders and border crossings, bringing into the discussion women’s understandings of their ‘transgressions’ in relation to normative and androcentric paradigms of state sovereignty and border control. It connects the newly emerging body of work on the criminalization of mobility with feminist theorizations and methodologies for an empirical understanding of the lived experiences of those subject to practices of border control. By focusing on the narratives of Bangladeshi women imprisoned in India for infractions against the sanctity of the Indo-Bangladeshi border, the article provides an insight into how everyday border crossings can be framed and understood differently, in juxtaposition to dominant rationales underpinning criminalization discourses.
Perception of fear and coercive management of victims of intercity bus robberies
Authors: Paes-Machado Eduardo , Viodres-Inoue Silvia
Published: June 2016

Drawing on interviews with drivers and passengers, this article discusses the perception of fear and management of victims of intercity bus robberies. It compares the victimization that takes place during bus robberies on highways and where buses are diverted off route. It addresses the relationship between perception of fear, the vehicle characteristics, multiplicity of victims, and duration of robbery. The article highlights important variations in the perception of violence according to the robbers’ victim management style as well as to the roles of and responses by drivers and passengers in the different phases of the coercive process. It concludes by arguing that it is urgent for the state to exercise its regulatory authority over these crimes and to guarantee security in bus transport.
Management of equivocal (early) Fournier’s gangrene
Authors: El-Shazly Mohamed , Aziz Mohamed , Aboutaleb Hamdy , Salem Shady , El-Sherif Eid , Selim Mohamed , Sultan Mohamed , Omar Mohamed , Abd Elbaky Tarek , Zanaty Fouad , Alenezi Talal , Ghobashi Abdelazeem , Allam Adel
Published: June 2016

Background:

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is an acute progressive necrotizing fasciitis of the genital area and perineum with possible extension to the abdominal wall. Surgical debridement is the gold standard management modality of established patients. Equivocal (early) FG represents a challenge in diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare conservative management and early exploration in cases of equivocal (early) FG.

Methods:

This was an observational study where data of all patients diagnosed as early FG in our departments over 4 years (2011–2015) were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with conservative treatment, and group 2 managed with urgent exploration with longitudinal hemiscrotal incision starting from external inguinal ring. All patients’ demographics, vital signs, laboratory finding and clinical findings were reported.

Results:

A total of 28 patients were enrolled in the study. Group 1 was managed with conservative treatment (17 patients) and group 2 underwent urgent exploration (11 patients). Overall, four patients (23.5%) out of 17 patients of group 1 showed a good response to conservative management without any surgical debridement. A total of 13 patients (76.5%) developed gangrenous discoloration and needed surgical debridement later. In group 2, four patients (36.4%) underwent scrotal exploration and release incision only without debridement and showed an excellent clinical outcome. A total of four patients (36.4%) underwent debridement with excision of doubtful deep subcutaneous and fascial tissues. The remaining three patients (27.2%) underwent debridement of necrotic fascia. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 2 patients than group 1 (7.5 ± 3.75 versus 13.4 ± 5.19 days p < 0.05). The mean number of debridement sessions was 3.74 ± 0.69 in group 1 versus 1.82 ± 0.34 in group 2.

Conclusions:

Early exploration and debridement in equivocal (early) FG has a better clinical outcome with reduced hospital stay and number of debridement sessions than conservative treatment with delayed debridement.
Determining Measurement Error for Bohler’s Angle and the Effect of X-Ray Obliquity on Accuracy
Authors: Gonzalez Tyler A. , Ehrlichman Lauren K. , Macaulay Alec A. , Gitajn I. Leah , Toussaint R. James , Zurakowski David , Kwon John Y.
Published: June 2016

Background. Bohler’s angle (BA) is the most commonly utilized radiographic measurement in the study of calcaneus fractures and has been shown to be prognostic in nature. Therefore, it is critical that the measurement of BA be accurate as both therapeutic and prognostic information relies on it. Oblique lateral radiographs can be a cause of error in BA measurements. However, measurement error and the effects of X-ray beam obliquity on BA have not been established in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine measurement error and understand the effects of X-ray beam’s obliquity on the measurement of BA. Methods. A cadaver specimen was imaged using a C-arm to obtain a perfect lateral radiograph of the ankle and slightly oblique lateral views in the anterior, posterior, cephalad, and caudad directions in 5° increments (21 images). Metallic beads were then placed on the anterior calcaneal process, posterior facet, and the superior aspect of the posterior tuberosity, and the same 21 images were then obtained. The metallic beads placed on the reference radiographs allowed the authors to accurately measure BA for each image and served as reference for the corresponding test radiographs. Thirty-four orthopaedic staff members participated in the study and used DICOM measurement tool to measure BA on each of the 21 test radiographs. The measurements were then compared to the measurements of BA from the reference radiographs to determine error in measurement. Results. A total of 714 different measurements were obtained. Average measurement error was 6° (95% confidence interval = −4° to 15°). The difference between the observed BA measurements compared to the true BA measurements increased with increasing X-ray obliquity. Conclusions. Measurement error for BA is ±6° and increases most with cephalad oblique radiographs. Orthopaedic surgeons’ ability to accurately measure BA significantly decreases with increasing obliquity of the lateral radiograph.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaver bench study
Use of remote blood releasing system for red cell transfusion in hospice care center
Authors: Chan Kwok Ying , Leung Rock Yuk Yan , Cheung Ka Chi , Lam Clarence , Koo Eleanor , Ng Sylvia
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

It is quite common to have advanced cancer or end-stage renal disease patients for regular or even frequent blood transfusion in palliative care. However, due to geographical reason in some hospice centers, blood transfusion is sometimes difficult if blood bank is closed during non-office hour or not available.

Methods:

Here, we reported a new blood releasing system, that is, remote blood releasing system, that could be used safely by nursing staff alone when the blood bank was closed during the night time and holiday.

Results:

On-call nursing staff could collect red cells successful in these two cases.

Conclusion:

The new blood releasing system seems useful. However, larger sample sizes and longer period of study are required to estimate its efficacy and safety. The provision of antibody-positive red cells and platelet remained a limitation of this system.