bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled Field Thermoelectric Simulation of High Voltage Ceramic Cap and Pin Disc Type Insulator Assembly
Authors: Palhade R. D. , Tungikar V. B. , Dhole G. M. , Kherde S. M.
Published: September 2014

Transmission of high power at high voltages over very long distances has become very imperative. At present, throughout the globe, this task performed by overhead transmission lines. The dual task of mechanically supporting and electrically isolating the live phase conductors from the support tower is performed by insulators. The electrical potential, field and temperature distribution along the insulators governs the possible effects, which is quite detrimental to the system. However, a reliable data on electrical potential, field and temperature distribution in commonly employed insulators are rather scarce or access individually for thermal or electrical load only. Considering this, the present work has made an attempt to study accurately, thermal and electrical characteristics of 11 kV single cap and pin type ceramic disc distribution insulator assembly used for high voltage transmission. The coupled field thermo electrical finite element by using commercially available FEM software Ansys-11 is employed for the required field computations. This new set of ANSYS coupled-field elements enables users to accurately and efficiently analyze thermoelectric devices. This paper review the finite element formulation, which in addition to Joule heating, includes Seebeck, Peltier, Thomson effects and electrical load, i. e. by considering thermal and electric loads acting simultaneously. The Electrical voltage, electrical field and temperature distribution is deduced and compared with various other/individual analyses.
Social Media Crowdsourcing
Authors: Singh Parul
Published: September 2014

This article makes an attempt to understand crowdsourcing and its increasing importance in organizations. It explores how crowd acts as a problem solver and crowdsourcing generates ideas that lead to open innovation for an organization. The paper also throws light on how with the arrival and advancement of digital technologies, the concept of crowdsourcing has gained popularity and has received well acceptance in the organizations. This is followed by a detailed analysis on various researchers' views and thoughts on the subject. Based on the extensive literature review, this paper attempts to identify knowledge gaps and research gaps. This study is an attempt to create concepts on social media crowdsourcing and provide research directions to further explore the subject.
E-Marketing and the Hotel Industry
Authors: Bansal Roli , Lamba Manisha , Alavi Shirin , Ahuja Vandana
Published: September 2014

In today's world, as online consumers become more price sensitive, less brand loyal and more sophisticated, e-Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and e-marketing becomes a strategic necessity for attracting and increasing consumer's patronage. This manuscript traces the evolution of e-marketing and demonstrates the relationship between the Web Presence Index (WPI) of the hospitality sector across a set of hotels. Here WPI of a particular hotel brand is a function of the total web presence across the Website, FaceBook Page, YouTube, Twitter and MakeMyTrip.com. Subsequently, a positive relationship is visible between the Web Presence Index (WPI) for each hotel and further, it's Alexa traffic volume indicates the total online user traffic. This manuscript demonstrates the web presence of hotels through WPI, Alexa, traffic volume, and their weighted calculated score on the basis of the above parameters. The Web Presence Index is indicative of the usability, credibility and persuasiveness of a consumer in the context of hotel websites. It further depicts how hotels can build better relations with customers by recognizing their needs, preferences, complaints and so on.
Response Order Effects in Online Surveys
Authors: Sanjeev M.A. , Balyan Parul
Published: September 2014

Online surveys are fast becoming the favourite tools of researchers due to various advantages they offer like ease of administration, reduced survey cost and real time data analysis. However they also have their drawbacks like any survey method; some of them being lack of population representativeness due to digital divide, consideration of the survey as spam eliciting low responses and technical glitches. Survey errors are generally classified in to two groups of Sampling & non-Sampling errors. Respondent errors, one of the most widely studied non- Sampling errors consist of Primacy and recency effects. The response order effects both Primacy and Recency have not been studied in online surveys according to accessible literatures; though their effect in oral and paper -pencil surveys are well documented. The existence of respondent errors in online surveys may vary vastly from other survey methods due to the respondent characteristics like higher education levels, control on the response setting and time and independence in response in the absence of a survey administrator. Using an experimental design we examined and provided preliminary evidence for response order effect (Primacy effect) in online surveys. We have also explored the impact of question complexity and questionnaire length on response order effects. The results indicate the existence of response order effects in online surveys, much like the traditional methods. The result also indicates the exacerbation of response errors due to question complexity and questionnaire length. Our study may offer valid insights and ideas to survey researchers, who use online survey tools, to reduce response order effects and thereby make their survey results more accurate.
Ethics in Behavioural Targeting
Authors: Chauhan Sonam , Rathore Shubhangini
Published: September 2014

In contemporary development “Internet” is a leading advertising source. Marketing avenues from traditional media are deteriorating and online marketing earnings are growing persistently. With online advertising, behavioural targeting is emerging as a prominent trend which is expected to account for major advertising revenues; as it permits websites to discriminate advertisements according to consumers surfing patterns. This can equally raise privacy issues and can have adverse consumer responses. This study explores the consumer perception regarding the ethics of behavioural targeting when done without user consent and awareness. The study focus on two major aspects the first is about knowledge and awareness about behavioural targeting and second issues related to ethics in behavioural targeting. The result shows that consumers are unaware about behavioural targeting.
Arabian Workers' Acceptance of Computer Technology
Authors: Hu Paul Jen-Hwa , Al-Gahtani Said S. , Hu Han-fen
Published: September 2014

Cultural considerations could affect individuals' behaviors, including their technology acceptance. This study analyzes the acceptance of computer technology by 1,088 workers in 56 Arabian organizations to reexamine and compare the theory of planned behavior (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM), and innovation diffusion theory (IDT). The explanatory power of each theory or model seems lower among Arabian workers, as compared with users in Western, developed countries. The IDT appears capable of explaining workers' technology acceptance better than does TPB or TAM. Perceived behavioral control and subjective norms constitute more important acceptance determinants than does attitude. Both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use remain significant determinants of attitude and intention; however, considering findings reported by previous research, their total effects are comparable in magnitude and statistical significance. The findings are incongruent with the results of several representative prior studies that examine the same theories and models, which in turn offer several implications from a sociocultural perspective.
How Perceived Quality Works in New Technology Adoption Process
Authors: Kim Ji Yoon , Yuan Xina , Kim Sang Yong , Lee Young Joo
Published: September 2014

This study attempts to explore the role of consumer's perception of quality within the new technology adoption process which is given little attention in the field of Information systems. In this regard, the authors developed an exploratory conceptual model in the level of consumer perception by exploring the antecedent of perceived quality. Three factors are introduced as determinants of perceived quality: perceived usefulness, perceived risk and trialability. Moreover, the authors investigate cross national differences among three countries including China, Korea and Japan by estimating our proposed model. An empirical study is conducted with analysis of the adoption mechanism for a new innovative product. Data analysis results support the authors proposed hypotheses, and significant differences are found among the three countries in regards to the new technology adoption process.
Career Choices in Information and Communication Technology among South Western Nigerian Women
Authors: Ojokoh Bolanle Adefowoke , Adeola Oladele Stephen , Isinkaye Folasade Olubusola , Abraham Chon
Published: September 2014

This study is designed to discover the key factors for the under-representation and lack of career progression or otherwise of women in the ICT field, specifically in South Western Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered to women (i.e., students, lecturers and other staff) studying or working in selected higher institutions. The results show that 90% of the women studied are self-motivated in their choice of the ICT career with very little external incentivizing or encouragement supporting their choice, besides the lure of high compensation and prestige associated with skilled ICT work. The slight influence on the career choice of women to pursue ICT derives from everyday use of computers and career information provided by role models and mentors, which are atypical, while, those women who did not choose a career in ICT did so because of their perception of the overabundance of required programming skills. Other barriers include environmental working conditions, infrastructure and electricity in the work area needed to support ICT related work. Although, many of the career women believe that they are competitive with their male counterparts in ICT; the fact remains in South Western Nigeria that only a few women are senior associates at organizations in the ICT field. Recommendations are offered to decrease this disparity and address enabling conditions for change.
C5a and Bradykinin Receptor Cross-Talk Regulates Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Schmitz Veronica , Almeida Larissa Nogueira , Svensjö Erik , Monteiro Ana Carolina , Köhl Jörg , Scharfstein Julio
Published: September 2014

Complement and the kallikrein–kinin cascade system are both activated in injured tissues. Little is known about their partnership in the immunopathogenesis of Chagas disease, the chronic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In this study, we show that pharmacological targeting of the C5a receptor (C5aR) or the bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) inhibited plasma leakage in hamster cheek pouch topically exposed to tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCTs). Further, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors potentiated TCT-evoked paw edema in BALB/c, C57BL/6, and C5-deficient A/J mice through activation of joint pathways between C5aR/B2R or C3aR/B2R. In addition to generation of C5a and kinins via parasite-derived cruzipain, we demonstrate that macrophages internalize TCTs more efficiently through joint activation of C5aR/B2R. Furthermore, we found that C5aR targeting markedly reduces NO production and intracellular parasitism in macrophages. We then studied the impact of C5aR/B2R cross-talk in TCT infection on the development of adaptive immunity. We found that IL-12p40/70 expression was blunted in splenic dendritic cells by blocking either C5aR or B2R, suggesting that codominant signaling via C5aR and B2R fuels production of the Th1-polarizing cytokine. Finally, we assessed the impact of kinins and C5a liberated in parasite-laden tissues on Th cell differentiation. As predicted, BALB/c mice pretreated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors potentiated IFN-γ production by Ag-specific T cells via C5aR/B2R cross-talk. Interestingly, we found that B2R targeting upregulated IL-10 secretion, whereas C5aR blockade vigorously stimulated IL-4 production. In summary, we describe a novel pathway by which C5aR/B2R cross-talk couples transendothelial leakage of plasma proteins to the cytokine circuitry that coordinates antiparasite immunity.
Systemic C3 Modulates CD8+ T Cell Contraction after Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Tan Yulong , Li Yongsheng , Fu Xiaolan , Yang Fei , Zheng Ping , Zhang Jue , Guo Bo , Wu Yuzhang
Published: September 2014

Ag-specific CD8+ T cell contraction (contraction), which occurs after the resolution of infection, is critical for homeostasis of the immune system. Although complement components regulate the primary CD8+ T cell response, there is insufficient evidence supporting their role in regulating contraction and memory. In this study, we show that C3-deficient (C3−/−) mice exhibited significantly less CD8+ T cell contraction than did wild-type mice postinfection with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA. Kinetic analyses also revealed decreased contraction in mice treated with cobra venom factor to deplete C3, which was consistent with the results in C3−/− recipient mice transplanted with bone marrow cells from the same donors as wild-type recipient mice. The phenotypes of memory cells generated by C3−/− mice were not altered compared with those of wild-type mice. Further, C5aR signaling downstream of C3 was not involved in the regulation of contraction. Moreover, the regulation of contraction by C3 may be independent of the duration of antigenic stimulation or the functional avidity of effector CD8+ T cells. However, reduced contraction in C3−/− mice was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of KLRG-1hi (killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1) CD127lo short-lived effector cells at the peak of the response and correlated with a reduction in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12 and IFN-γ, produced early postinfection. These results provide new insights into the role of systemic C3 in regulating contraction following intracellular bacterial infection and may help to develop vaccines that are more effective.
Crucial Role of Macrophage Selenoproteins in Experimental Colitis
Authors: Kaushal Naveen , Kudva Avinash K. , Patterson Andrew D. , Chiaro Christopher , Kennett Mary J. , Desai Dhimant , Amin Shantu , Carlson Bradley A. , Cantorna Margherita T. , Prabhu K. Sandeep
Published: September 2014

Inflammation is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involves macrophages. Given the inverse link between selenium (Se) status and IBD-induced inflammation, our objective was to demonstrate that selenoproteins in macrophages were essential to suppress proinflammatory mediators, in part, by the modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. Acute colitis was induced using 4% dextran sodium sulfate in wild-type mice maintained on Se-deficient (<0.01 ppm Se), Se-adequate (0.08 ppm; sodium selenite), and two supraphysiological levels in the form of Se-supplemented (0.4 ppm; sodium selenite) and high Se (1.0 ppm; sodium selenite) diets. Selenocysteinyl transfer RNA knockout mice (Trspfl/flLysMCre) were used to examine the role of selenoproteins in macrophages on disease progression and severity using histopathological evaluation, expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes, and modulation of PG metabolites in urine and plasma. Whereas Se-deficient and Se-adequate mice showed increased colitis and exhibited poor survival, Se supplementation at 0.4 and 1.0 ppm increased survival of mice and decreased colitis-associated inflammation with an upregulation of expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. Metabolomic profiling of urine suggested increased oxidation of PGE2 at supraphysiological levels of Se that also correlated well with Se-dependent upregulation of 15-hydroxy-PG dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in macrophages. Pharmacological inhibition of 15-PGDH, lack of selenoprotein expression in macrophages, and depletion of infiltrating macrophages indicated that macrophage-specific selenoproteins and upregulation of 15-PGDH expression were key for Se-dependent anti-inflammatory and proresolving effects. Selenoproteins in macrophages protect mice from dextran sodium sulfate–colitis by enhancing 15-PGDH–dependent oxidation of PGE2 to alleviate inflammation, suggesting a therapeutic role for Se in IBD.
Identification of Activators of ERK5 Transcriptional Activity by High-Throughput Screening and the Role of Endothelial ERK5 in Vasoprotective Effects Induced by Statins and Antimalarial Agents
Authors: Le Nhat-Tu , Takei Yuichiro , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Heo Kyung-Sun , Lee Hakjoo , Smrcka Alan V. , Miller Benjamin L. , Ko Kyung Ae , Ture Sara , Morrell Craig , Fujiwara Keigi , Akaike Masashi , Abe Jun-ichi
Published: September 2014

Because ERK5 inhibits endothelial inflammation and dysfunction, activating ERK5 might be a novel approach to protecting vascular endothelial cells (ECs) against various pathological conditions of the blood vessel. We have identified small molecules that protect ECs via ERK5 activation and determined their contribution to preventing cardiac allograft rejection. Using high-throughput screening, we identified certain statins and antimalarial agents including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinacrine as strong ERK5 activators. Pitavastatin enhanced ERK5 transcriptional activity and Kruppel-like factor-2 expression in cultured human and bovine ECs, but these effects were abolished by the depletion of ERK5. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine upregulated ERK5 kinase activity and inhibited VCAM-1 expression in an ERK5-dependent but MAPK/ERK kinase 5– and Kruppel-like factor 2/4–independent manner. Leukocyte rolling and vascular reactivity were used to evaluate endothelial function in vivo, and we found that EC-specific ERK5 knockout (ERK5-EKO) mice exhibited increased leukocyte rolling and impaired vascular reactivity, which could not be corrected by pitavastatin. The role of endothelial ERK5 in acute cardiac allograft rejection was also examined by heterotopic grafting of the heart obtained from either wild-type or ERK5-EKO mice into allomismatched recipient mice. A robust increase in both inflammatory gene expression and CD45-positive cell infiltration into the graft was observed. These tissue rejection responses were inhibited by pitavastatin in wild-type but not ERK5-EKO hearts. Our study has identified statins and antimalarial drugs as strong ERK5 activators and shown that ERK5 activation is preventive of endothelial inflammation and dysfunction and acute allograft rejection.
SHP-1 Plays a Crucial Role in CD40 Signaling Reciprocity
Authors: Khan Tabish Hasan , Srivastava Neetu , Srivastava Ankita , Sareen Archana , Mathur Ram K. , Chande Ajit G. , Musti Krishnasastry V. , Roy Somenath , Mukhopadhyaya Robin , Saha Bhaskar
Published: September 2014

CD40 plays dual immunoregulatory roles in Leishmania major infection and tumor regression. The functional duality emerges from CD40-induced reciprocal p38MAPK and ERK-1/2 phosphorylations. Because phosphotyrosine-based signaling in hematopoietic cells is regulated by the phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, which is not implied in CD40 signaling, we examined whether SHP-1 played any roles in CD40-induced reciprocal signaling and anti-leishmanial function. We observed that a weaker CD40 stimulation increased SHP-1 activation. ERK-1/2 inhibition or p38MAPK overexpression inhibited CD40-induced SHP-1 activation. An ultra-low-dose, CD40-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation was enhanced by SHP-1 inhibition but reduced by SHP-1 overexpression. A reverse profile was observed with ERK-1/2 phosphorylation. SHP-1 inhibition reduced syk phosphorylation but increased lyn phosphorylation; syk inhibition reduced but lyn inhibition enhanced CD40-induced SHP-1 phosphorylation. Corroborating these findings, in L. major–infected macrophages, CD40-induced SHP-1 phosphorylation increased and SHP-1 inhibition enhanced CD40-induced p38MAPK activation and inducible NO synthase expression. IL-10 enhanced SHP-1 phosphorylation and CD40-induced ERK-1/2 phosphorylation but reduced the CD40-induced p38MAPK phosphorylation, whereas anti–IL-10 Ab exhibited reverse effects on these CD40-induced functions, identifying IL-10 as a crucial element in the SHP-1-MAPK feedback system. Lentivirally overexpressed SHP-1 rendered resistant C57BL/6 mice susceptible to the infection. Lentivirally expressed SHP-1 short hairpin RNA enhanced the CD40-induced L. major parasite killing in susceptible BALB/c mice. Thus, we establish an SHP-1–centered feedback system wherein SHP-1 modulates CD40-induced p38MAPK activation threshold and reciprocal ERK-1/2 activation, establishing itself as a critical regulator of CD40 signaling reciprocity and mechanistically re-emphasizing its role as a potential target against the diseases where CD40 is involved.
Type I IFN Induces IL-10 Production in an IL-27–Independent Manner and Blocks Responsiveness to IFN-γ for Production of IL-12 and Bacterial Killing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis–Infected Macrophages
Authors: McNab Finlay W. , Ewbank John , Howes Ashleigh , Moreira-Teixeira Lucia , Martirosyan Anna , Ghilardi Nico , Saraiva Margarida , O’Garra Anne
Published: September 2014

Tuberculosis, caused by the intracellular bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, currently causes ∼1.4 million deaths per year, and it therefore remains a leading global health problem. The immune response during tuberculosis remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding immune factors that are harmful rather than protective to the host. Overproduction of the type I IFN family of cytokines is associated with exacerbated tuberculosis in both mouse models and in humans, although the mechanisms by which type I IFN promotes disease are not well understood. We have investigated the effect of type I IFN on M. tuberculosis–infected macrophages and found that production of host-protective cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-1β is inhibited by exogenous type I IFN, whereas production of immunosuppressive IL-10 is promoted in an IL-27–independent manner. Furthermore, much of the ability of type I IFN to inhibit cytokine production was mediated by IL-10. Additionally, type I IFN compromised macrophage activation by the lymphoid immune response through severely disrupting responsiveness to IFN-γ, including M. tuberculosis killing. These findings describe important mechanisms by which type I IFN inhibits the immune response during tuberculosis.
The role of psychosocial and belief factors in self-reported cigarette smoking among university students in Malaysia
Authors: Al-Dubai Sami , Ganasegeran Kurubaran , Alshagga Mustafa , Hawash Aamenah , Wajih Wahid , Kassim Saba
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to explore factors associated, specifically belief factors, with self-reported tobacco smoking status. A sample of 300 students was recruited from a private university in Malaysia. Data was collected using a pre-tested self-administrated questionnaire that investigated various factors including socio-demographics, socio-economic status, smoking behavior and beliefs on tobacco smoking. The main tobacco use in this study sample was cigarettes and the estimated prevalence of self-reported cigarette smoking was 10.3%. In bivariate analysis, self-reported cigarette smoking was significantly associated with socio-demographic, behavioral factors and faculty of study (P<0.05). In multivariate modeling, being male and a non-medical student, did not exercise, having a smoker father and brother or sister, suffering from financial difficulties and having the belief that smokers had more friends, all had statistically significant associations (P<0.05) with self-reported cigarette smoking. Social and interpersonal factors were associated with self-reported cigarette smoking status. A comprehensive health model focusing on changing the social norms of parent and sibling tobacco smoking and students’ beliefs, alongside nurturing skills of dealing with stressful situations, warrant implementation.
A thematic study of the role of social support in the body image of burn survivors
Authors: Hodder Kellie , Chur-Hansen Anna , Parker Andrea
Published: September 2014

There is evidence that social support is important for the development and mainte- nance of body image satisfaction for people who have sustained burn injuries. This qualitative study explored the specific mechanisms by which social support impacts the body image satisfaction of burn survivors, drawing on nine participants’ in depth accounts. Participants were recruited through a burns unit at a public hospital in South Australia. Interviews were conducted with nine female burn survivors aged between 24 and 65 (mean age 44.6). Participants described their perceptions about their appearance post burn and their social support experiences. Four themes were identified: acceptance, social comparison, talking about appearance concerns, and the gaze of others. Results indicate that for these participants, social support was an important factor in coming to terms with changes in appearance, specifically support that helps to minimise feelings of difference. Unhelpful aspects of social support were also identified included feeling that suffering was being dismissed and resenting the perceived expectation from supports to be positive. Social supports are important to consider in relation to body image for those working with people who have survived burn injuries.
Improving maintenance medication adherence in adult inflammatory bowel disease patients: a pilot study
Authors: Matteson-Kome Michelle L. , Winn Jessica , Bechtold Matthew L. , Bragg Jack D. , Russell Cynthia L.
Published: September 2014

Medication nonadherence in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may lead to suboptimal control of the disease, decreased quality of life, and poor outcomes. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, intervention mechanism, and potential effectiveness of a three-month continuous self-improvement (CSI) intervention to enhance medication adherence (MA) in adult nonadherent IBD patients. Adult IBD patients taking a daily or twice-daily dosed maintenance medication were screened electronically for two months to determine baseline MA levels. Nonadherent IBD participants were randomized to the CSI or the attention control (AC) intervention and monitored for three months. The CSI intervention consisted of a data evaluation and system refinement process in which system changes were identified and implemented. The AC group was given educational information regarding IBD disease process, extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD, and medical therapy. Demographic statistics, change scores for within and between- group differences, and effect size estimates were calculated. Nine nonadherent participants (medication adherence score <0.85) were eligible for randomization. The intervention was found feasible and acceptable. Although no statistically significant improvement in MA was found (P=0.14), adherence improved in 3 of 4 of the CSI group and 1 of 2 in the attention control group. The effect size calculation of 1.9 will determine the sample size for future study. The results of this pilot study showed the intervention was feasible and had a positive effect on MA change score and adherence levels. A larger fully powered study is needed to test of the effectiveness of this innovative intervention.
Examining factors associated with heavy episodic drinking among college undergraduates
Authors: Scholly Kristen , Katz Alan R. , Kehl Lisa
Published: September 2014

Heavy episodic drinking among college students is a serious health concern. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with heavy episodic drinking behaviors amongst a predominately Asian undergraduate college student population in the United States. A survey measuring alcohol use behaviors was completed by a random sample of 18-24 year old undergraduates during April, 2011. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with students’ heavy episodic drinking behavior. Independent factors associated with heavy episodic drinking included living on campus, ethnicity, perceived drinking behavior among peers, and a belief that alcohol is a central part of one’s social life. Heavy episodic drinking was also associated with poor academic performance. Campus-wide educational strategies to reduce heavy episodic drinking among college undergraduates should incorporate accurate information regarding alcohol use norms to correct students’ perceived over estimation of their peers alcohol consumption rates and the under estimation of students protective alcohol use behaviors. These efforts should focus in on-campus residence halls where a higher occurrence of heavy episodic drinking is often found.
The impact of foreign postings on accompanying military spouses: an ethnographic study
Authors: Blakely Gillian , Hennessy Catherine , Chung Man C. , Skirton Heather
Published: September 2014

As part of an ethnographic study, the impact of foreign postings on spouses who accompany military personnel was explored. Individual interviews and focus groups with 34 British military spouses based in one location in southern Europe were conducted. Key findings suggested that reaction to a foreign posting was a reflection of personal attitudes, prior experiences, support, ability to adjust to change and strength of relationship with the serving spouse and community. For many the experience was positive due to the increased opportunity for family time, for others this helped to compensate for the difficulties experienced. Some military spouses experienced significant distress on the posting, particularly if the family was not well-supported. The potential implications of military spouses not adapting to foreign postings have significant implications for healthcare practice. Provision of more appropriate support resources before and during the posting would facilitate the transition for the military spouse and their family.
Regulatory focus affects physician risk tolerance
Authors: Veazie Peter J. , McIntosh Scott , Chapman Benjamin P. , Dolan James G.
Published: September 2014

Risk tolerance is a source of variation in physician decision-making. This variation, if independent of clinical concerns, can result in mistaken utilization of health services. To address such problems, it will be helpful to identify nonclinical factors of risk tolerance, particularly those amendable to intervention – regulatory focus theory suggests such a factor. This study tested whether regulatory focus affects risk tolerance among primary care physicians. Twenty-seven primary care physicians were assigned to promotion-focused or prevention-focused manipulations and compared on the Risk Taking Attitudes in Medical Decision Making scale using a randomization test. Results provide evidence that physicians assigned to the promotion-focus manipulation adopted an attitude of greater risk tolerance than the physicians assigned to the prevention-focused manipulation (P=0.01). The Cohen’s d statistic was conventionally large at 0.92. Results imply that situational regulatory focus in primary care physicians affects risk tolerance and may thereby be a nonclinical source of practice variation. Results also provide marginal evidence that chronic regulatory focus is associated with risk tolerance (P=0.05), but the mechanism remains unclear. Research and intervention targeting physician risk tolerance may benefit by considering situational regulatory focus as an explanatory factor.
Reliability of Measurement of Glenohumeral Internal Rotation, External Rotation, and Total Arc of Motion in 3 Test Positions
Authors: Kevern Mark A. , Beecher Michael , Rao Smita
Published: September 2014

Context:

Athletes who participate in throwing and racket sports consistently demonstrate adaptive changes in glenohumeral-joint internal and external rotation in the dominant arm. Measurements of these motions have demonstrated excellent intrarater and poor interrater reliability.

Objective:

To determine intrarater reliability, interrater reliability, and standard error of measurement for shoulder internal rotation, external rotation, and total arc of motion using an inclinometer in 3 testing procedures in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball and softball athletes.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Athletic department.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty-eight players participated in the study. Shoulder internal rotation, external rotation, and total arc of motion were measured by 2 investigators in 3 test positions. The standard supine position was compared with a side-lying test position, as well as a supine test position without examiner overpressure.

Results:

Excellent intrarater reliability was noted for all 3 test positions and ranges of motion, with intraclass correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. Results for interrater reliability were less favorable. Reliability for internal rotation was highest in the side-lying position (0.68) and reliability for external rotation and total arc was highest in the supine-without-overpressure position (0.774 and 0.713, respectively). The supine-with-overpressure position yielded the lowest interrater reliability results in all positions. The side-lying position had the most consistent results, with very little variation among intraclass correlation coefficient values for the various test positions.

Conclusions:

The results of our study clearly indicate that the side-lying test procedure is of equal or greater value than the traditional supine-with-overpressure method.
Church as heterotopia
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya
Published: September 2014

This article reflects on an ecclesiastical institution as a spatial panoptic structure which domesticates representational space as a hierarchy of power devoid of a sensitivity for the ‘human Other’ (Autrui). The notion of heterotopia is promoted to deconstruct spatiality and linearity (time) as theological binary concepts. Being church as heterotopia does not deny the desire for the utopian dimension in religious thinking but holds on to utopian thinking amidst adversity and diversity. Therefore the concept of heterotopia is used to describe reconciliatory diversity, which is characteristic of an inclusive postmodern church which is a space where unity is not threatened by diversity, where the one is not afraid of the Other.
The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible in Africa: Challenges and prospects for interpretation and translation
Authors: Mojola Aloo O.
Published: September 2014

The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible is much loved in Africa. It is however encountered almost exclusively in translation, either through translation into local indigenous languages or translation into foreign, non-local languages. The source language Hebrew text is inaccessible to the vast majority of readers, including Christian pastors or theological students who would naturally be expected to have access by virtue of their profession. Knowledge of the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible is thus mediated through existing translations and interpretations, and through the popular or scholarly writings of Old Testament or Hebrew Bible experts. In many parts of Africa the latter are in very short supply. This article is an attempt to engage and critically reflect further on some of the issues arising out of this situation with specific reference to the work of Knut Holter, as well as others. This situation and the challenges posed for a full and unencumbered encounter with the Hebrew scriptures and prospects for the future is explored.Intradisciplinary and/or�interdisciplinary�implications: It is expected that the translation of the Hebrew scriptures involves interaction with local cultures and belief systems opening space for new interpretations from the perspectives of local world views and practices. The challenges for local Christian theologies and Christian doctrine in general arising from this are unavoidable.
Arbeitsgemeinschaft: Sofic Entropy
Authors: Bowen Lewis , Kerr David
Published: September 2014

The notion of soficity for a group is a weak type of finite approximation property that simultaneously generalizes both amenability and residual finiteness. In 2008 L. Bowen discovered how it can be used to significantly broaden the scope of the classical theory of dynamical entropy beyond the setting of amenable acting groups. This Arbeitsgemeinschaft aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the subject of sofic entropy as it has developed over the last five years.
Analytic Number Theory
Authors: Brüdern Jörg , Montgomery Hugh L. , Vaughan Robert C. , Wooley Trevor D.
Published: September 2014

Analytic number theory has florished over the past few years, and this workshop brought together world leaders and young talent to discuss developments in various branches of the subject.
Large Scale Stochastic Dynamics
Authors: Landim Claudio , Olla Stefano , Spohn Herbert
Published: September 2014

In focus are interacting stochastic systems with many components, ranging from stochastic partial differential equations to discrete systems as interacting particles on a lattice moving through random jumps. More specifically one wants to understand the large scale behavior, large in spatial extent but also over long time spans, as entailed by the characterization of stationary measures, effective macroscopic evolution laws, transport of conserved fields, homogenization, self-similar structure and scaling, critical dynamics, dynamical phase transitions, metastability, large deviations, to mention only a few key items.
Mini-Workshop: Inelastic and Non-equilibrium Material Behavior: from Atomistic Structure to Macroscopic Constitutive Relations
Authors: Dondl Patrick W. , Reina Celia
Published: September 2014

The workshop brought together 15 scientists, which included leaders in the fields of mathematics (partial differential equations, statistical mechanics and calculus of variations) and mechanics (continuum mechanics, computational mechanics, microstructure and material science) as well as mid- and early-career participants. We addressed the themes of modeling crystal plasticity, crystallization and fracture, and non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Design and Analysis of Infectious Disease Studies
Authors: Eichner Martin , Halloran M. Elizabeth , O'Neill Philip D.
Published: September 2014

The fourth workshop on this theme is devoted to the statistical problems of planning and analyzing studies in infectious disease epidemiology.
Analysis of Operational Loading and Unloading Equipment in Sea Transportation
Authors: Pattiasina Petrus
Published: September 2014

The background of this research is the increasing of marine transportation activities. The following of the activities is the improvement of community welfare nationwide. Accordingly the utilitation of all infrastructures related to sea transportation activities, should be improved in order to make the distribution of goods less expensine. The cost of loading and unloading by using shore crane and ship’s crane are different. The problem related to loading and unloading process is the unequality of operational cost between shore crane and ship’s crane. The main objective of this research is to compare cost and time performance of each of above mentioned cranes. The research focused on general cargo ship. The analysis was done by comparing of cost and time of operational of both type of cranes. The result of the study showed the shore crane is more suitable and efficient than ship’s crane from cost and time point of view.
Magical Transports and Transformations:
Authors: Lassner Phyllis , Cohen Danny M.
Published: September 2014

Holocaust fiction and film for young audiences constitute a representational and pedagogical dilemma. Such narrative conventions as fantasy and fairy tale elements offer accessibility for young audiences to learn about the brutal and incomprehensible extremes of the Holocaust. However, they may also undermine the catastrophe's grim historicity. Examining Jane Yolen's Holocaust novel The Devil's Arithmetic and its film adaptation alongside her novel Briar Rose, we address the following question: do uses of fantasy techniques such as magical transports and transformations soften, sanitize, and inevitably sentimentalize Holocaust history, or do those techniques express important historical knowledge?
Blood, Tradition, and the Distortion of Ritual in Philip Roth's Indignation
Authors: McKinley Maggie
Published: September 2014

The persistence of blood imagery throughout Philip Roth's Indignation is undeniable, yet surprisingly few critics have offered a sustained interpretation of its meaning. I suggest here that what has been overlooked in recent criticism of the novel is that these images of blood are inseparable from the novel's representation of and commentary on ritual. Drawing from Catherine Bell's theories of ritual and ritualization, I propose that Roth uses blood imagery to emphasize those moments where occasions of ritualization profane the sacred ritual from which they arise. Specifically, I argue that the novel's subversions of both religious and secular ritual point to the consequences of an overextension of ritual, as the blood-marked scenes highlight instances in which ritualization serves to imbue actions and events with an exaggerated cultural meaning that is often constructed on a false sense of tradition or authority.
The Price Tag of Tourism: Does Tourism Activity Increase the Prices of Goods and Services?
Authors: Tkalec Marina , Vizek Maruška
Published: September 2014

The authors use panel data models on a dataset covering EU new member states and candidate countries (Montenegro and Turkey) to investigate the relationship between tourism activity and price level. Along with modelling the overall price level, the authors also separately model the price level of consumer goods, of consumer services and of goods and services associated with tourism consumption (hotels and restaurants, recreation and culture, transportation and food and beverages). Thereby, they control for other factors that commonly influence the price level of an economy, such as income, productivity, trade openness and fiscal dominance. The results suggest that tourism activity increases the overall price level in the economy. This effect is, however, much stronger for prices of consumer services; in particular, for prices of recreation and culture, and hotels and restaurants.
Fruição, sedução e produção: o papel da mulher na música
Authors: Duprat Régis
Published: September 2014

O texto em questão propõe uma reflexão sobre o papel da Mulher e suas relações com a trajetória da produção e do gosto musical à luz de algumas idéias de Jean Baudrillard (De La Seduction, 1979). Segundo o filósofo francês haveria uma continuidade feminina e uma intermitência masculina que assegurariam à Mulher uma indiscutível superioridade ao nível da representação e da fruição, dimensão precípua da sociedade contemporânea, que incute ao desejo uma energia inesgotável. O texto procura explorar a categoria do Gosto interfacialmente com a trajetória das formas de fruição musical e com o senso comum que distingue com presumida facilidade as diferenças sexuais entre Homem e Mulher; mas as diferenças psíquicas não seriam tão óbvias quanto as sexuais, já que freqüentadas por fantasmas de mistificação ou adjetivadas pelos condicionamentos históricos e sociais.
Um objeto fugidio: voz e "musicologias"
Authors: Travassos Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

Componente indissociável da fala e do canto, a voz é um objeto fugidio que escapa às abordagens parciais das várias disciplinas que dela se ocupam. A partir desta constatação, discuto o lugar da voz nos saberes sobre a música. As tipologias vocais geradas no canto erudito, comprometidas com as técnicas e estéticas desenvolvidas na Europa, modernamente, não são extensivas às vocalizações populares e folclóricas. As análises musicais que privilegiam o eixo sintático da música também dizem pouco sobre a voz. Revejo, então, alguns aspectos da “cantométrica” de Alan Lomax, metodologia que – juntamente com as etnografias da fala e da música – constitui um avanço na integração de fonética, antropologia e musicologia.
A Teoria da Obnubilação Brasílica na História da Música Brasileira: Renato Almeida e "A Sinfonia da Terra"
Authors: Volpe Maria Alice
Published: September 2014

Trata da construção historiográfica do nacionalismo musical brasileiro enfocando obras fundacionais. Busca mapear concepções de identidade nacional no quadro das teorias “cientificistas” que influenciaram o pensamento sócio-antropológico brasileiro, a crítica literária e, conforme propomos aqui, a historiografia musical. A Escola do Recife explicou o “caráter nacional” segundo duas teorias: o determinismo racial e o determinismo geográfico (mesologismo). Tais concepções influenciaram os autores das primeiras histórias da música brasileira. O presente estudo aborda uma das vertentes da teoria do "caráter nacional" do período inaugural da musicologia brasileira, norteada pelo determinismo geográfico. O livro de Renato Almeida (1928) é analisado à luz da teoria da “obnubilação brasílica” de Araripe Júnior, que via no parâmetro ‘meio’ (clima e geografia) fator de conformação da cultura, fundamentado no mesologismo. Com base nas idéias de Araripe sobre a literatura, analisaremos o capítulo onde Almeida propõe que a formação do “caráter nacional” brasileiro devia-se primordialmente ao impacto da natureza sobre o homem e a adaptação ao meio hostil dos trópicos, manifestando-se na música. A paisagem local foi critério historiográfico não apenas como “tópico” nacionalista, mas, sobretudo, na identificação de uma “expressividade” musical brasileira.
Traços de modernidade em obras de Janácek, Debussy, Schoenberg e Ligeti
Authors: Chueke Zélia
Published: September 2014

A produção musical de nosso tempo, a partir da virada do século XIX-XX, reflete a necessidade – consciente ou inconsciente – da parte de compositores, intérpretes e público, da novidade. Ao lado desta necessidade, observa-se certo medo do desconhecido, compreensível, até certo ponto, no que diz respeito aos ouvidos leigos, mas certamente intrigante se observado em profissionais da música, sobretudo os intérpretes, enquanto mediadores entre compositores e ouvintes. Através do testemunho de alguns intérpretes e da exploração de obras de Janáček, Debussy, Schoenberg e Ligeti – compositores representativos de diferentes épocas recentes – partilho neste trabalho a constatação de que a modernidade não se revela necessariamente através de aspectos de notação, forma ou estrutura, e nem mesmo de linguagem, mas na mensagem musical propriamente dita, no conteúdo do discurso musical. Partindo-se deste princípio, o primeiro passo para a percepção, compreensão e abertura ao novo na música seria uma renovação dos parâmetros de escuta, primeiramente da parte dos intérpretes, que poderão desta forma despertar os ouvidos do público de hoje, “perdidos no passado”, para os prazeres da modernidade.
Enfoques psicológicos de la textura en la musicología norteamericana
Authors: Fessel Pablo
Published: September 2014

El trabajo examina enfoques sobre la textura producidos en el campo de la musicología norteamericana desde la década del 40, los cuales establecen una articulación entre consideraciones psicológicas y teóricas. En particular se revisan los enfoques de Meyer y Tenney, la caracterización de la melodía de Rahn, el enfoque del análisis de escena de Bregman, y el modelo de análisis de Ravenscroft. El trabajo expone un capítulo del desarrollo de la conceptualización de la textura en el pensamiento musicológico contemporâneo.