bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Context Sensitivity Index (CSI): Measuring the Ability to Identify the Presence and Absence of Stressor Context Cues
Authors: Bonanno George A. , Maccallum Fiona , Malgaroli Matteo , Hou Wai Kai
Published: December 2018

The ability to accurately perceive cues to contextual demands across different situations has been identified as a crucial component of successful self-regulation. However, previous attempts to measure context sensitivity have suffered from serious methodological limitations, most notably the possibility that respondents may not possess sufficient knowledge of their own abilities, the confounding of perception of context with response to context, the use of only one or two contextual variations, and the failure to consider the abilities to both accurately detect contextual cues and accurately determine cue absence. This article reports a new, easy-to-administer scenario-based questionnaire measure, the Context Sensitivity Index (CSI), that addressed each of these limitations. The 20-item CSI was iteratively developed and normed using data from five studies to create separate indices to capture sensitivity to the presence of contextual cues (Cue Presence index) and to the relative absence of cues (Cue Absence index). We validated these indices against measures of flexibility, psychopathology, and other scales. Results are discussed in terms of the CSI’s implications, limitations, and future applications.
Subjective Executive Function Weaknesses Are Linked to Elevated Internalizing Symptoms Among Community Adolescents
Authors: Mullin Benjamin C. , Perks Emmaly L. , Haraden Dustin A. , Snyder Hannah R. , Hankin Benjamin L.
Published: December 2018

Adolescence is a period of high risk for the emergence of problems with anxiety and depression. Theory and research suggest that executive function deficits accompany internalizing and externalizing problems, although more evidence is required to understand these relationships. This study employed a commonly used rating scale of executive function, the Brief Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and examined relationships with self- and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing problems among a community sample of 299 adolescents. The sample was 56.2% female, with a mean age of 16.22 years ( SD = 2.36 years). Analyses revealed strong associations between poorer self- and parent-reported executive function skills and the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. Problems with executive function were also associated with externalizing symptoms. These results indicate that subjective ratings of executive function capture important aspects of cognitive problems that are highly relevant to adolescent psychopathology in a transdiagnostic fashion.
The Diffusion of Innovations in Agricultural Circles: An Explorative Study on Alternative Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Dan Viorela , Osterheider Angela , Raupp Juliana
Published: December 2018

The use of antibiotics in agriculture contributes to antimicrobial resistance. We surveyed German farmers ( n = 336) on their intention to adopt alternative antimicrobial agents (AAA) and used the diffusion of innovations approach as a theoretical guide. (1) Farmers’ views regarding the relative advantage and complexity of AAA, (2) their use of and trust in information sources and channels, and (3) various individual and organizational characteristics were entered as predictors in two explorative models. While farmers’ intention to adopt AAA was generally very high, selected variables in all three categories predicted variations in the intensity of the adoption intention.
The role of task sequencing in fluency, accuracy, and complexity: Investigating the SSARC model of pedagogic task sequencing
Authors: Malicka Aleksandra
Published: December 2018

This study set out to test the theoretical premise of the SSARC model of pedagogic task sequencing, which postulates that tasks should be sequenced for learners from cognitively simple to complex. This experiment compared the performance of three tasks differing in cognitive complexity in a simple–complex sequence versus in the absence of any other tasks. There were two groups in the study: (1) participants who performed the three tasks in the simple–complex sequence, and (2) participants who performed either the simple, the complex, or the most complex task. The participants’ speech was analysed using fluency, accuracy, and complexity measures. The results indicate that simple–complex sequencing led to a higher speech rate, greater dysfluency, enhanced accuracy, and greater structural complexity, as compared to individual task performance. The results are discussed in terms of the SSARC model and pedagogical implications of the findings are presented.
Development, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an employment-related social skills intervention for young adults with high-functioning autism
Authors: Sung Connie , Connor Annemarie , Chen June , Lin Chien-Chun , Kuo Hung-Jen , Chun Jina
Published: December 2018

This article details the iterative development, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week work-related social skills intervention, Assistive Soft Skills and Employment Training, for young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. In this mixed-methods study, pre- and post-intervention surveys, interviews, and functional measures were used to gather information on the program’s feasibility, user acceptability, practicality, and preliminary efficacy. Results indicate that Assistive Soft Skills and Employment Training graduates showed significant improvements in work-related social skills knowledge, social functioning, and social/empathy self-efficacy. Participants and group facilitators also reported high satisfaction with program activities, training modalities, frequency, and duration of the intervention. Results support expanded use of group-based, work-related, social skills interventions for young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, these findings, though preliminary, suggest that manualized, empirically based programs like Assistive Soft Skills and Employment Training promote improved social functioning, self-confidence, engagement, and adherence to training, as well as broader impacts, including improved sense of belonging and greater employability in this traditionally underserved population.
Experimental study on the axial compression performance of GFRP-reinforced concrete square columns
Authors: Tu Jianwei , Gao Kui , He Lang , Li Xinping
Published: December 2018

At present, extensive studies have been conducted relative to the topic of fiber-reinforced polymer(FRP)- reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members, and many design methods have also been introduced. There have, however, been few studies conducted on the topic of FRP-RC compression members. In light of this, eight glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-RC square columns (200×200×600 mm) were tested in order to investigate their axial compression performance. These columns were reinforced with GFRP longitudinal reinforcement and confined GFRP stirrup. These experiments investigated the effects of the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, stirrup configuration (spirals versus hoops) and spacing on the load-carrying capacity and failure modes of GFRP-RC rectangular columns. The test results indicate that the load-carrying capacity of longitudinal GFRP bars accounted for 3%-7% of the ultimate load-carrying capacity of the columns. The ultimate load-carrying capacity of RC columns confined with GFRP spirals increased by 0.8%-1.6% with higher ductility, compared to GFRP hoops. Reducing the stirrup spacing may prevent the buckling failure of the longitudinal bars and increase the ductility and load-carrying capacity of the GFRP-RC columns. It has been found that setting the GFRP compressive strength to 35% of the GFRP maximum tensile strength yields a reasonable estimate of ultimate load-carrying capacity of GFRP-RC columns.
Study on the subway environment induced by moving train using Gaussian distributed momentum source theory method
Authors: Ren Chen , Feng Zhuangbo , Cen Dongdong , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: December 2018

The application of dynamic mesh method has been extensively applied for simulating piston wind-induced subway environments, e.g. air quality, which is not central processing unit-friendly in calculation as well as complex meshing required for computational fluid dynamics modelling. The feasibility of the momentum theory method was investigated to simulate moving train-induced effects on tunnel airflow and particle transport (i.e. momentum source implemented into momentum equations to simulate moving objects). A Gauss-filtered Dirac delta function was employed for Gaussian distribution of momentum source. In the current work, both momentum theory and dynamic mesh methods were employed for simulating moving train, and the reliability of the numerical simulation was validated by experimental data. The k–ε re-normalization group model was adopted for turbulence modelling. Results of the momentum theory method were reliable compared to dynamic mesh and experimental methods except during the static period. Calculation time was saved about 40% compared with dynamic mesh method. Piston wind had a strong impact on the surrounding airflow in the subway environment, leading to a further increase in the particle concentration at platforms. The momentum theory method can be efficiently applied for the simulation of moving objects in wind-induced environments.
Thermoelastic coupling vibration and stability analysis of rotating circular plate in friction clutch
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Wang Zhongmin , Wang Yongqin
Published: December 2018

Rotating friction circular plates are the main components of a friction clutch. The vibration and temperature field of these friction circular plates in high speed affect the clutch operation. This study investigates the thermoelastic coupling vibration and stability of rotating friction circular plates. Firstly, based on the middle internal forces resulting from the action of normal inertial force, the differential equation of transverse vibration with variable coefficients for an axisymmetric rotating circular plate is established by thin plate theory and thermal conduction equation considering deformation effect. Secondly, the differential equation of vibration and corresponding boundary conditions are discretized by the differential quadrature method. Meanwhile, the thermoelastic coupling transverse vibrations with three different boundary conditions are calculated. In this case, the change curve of the first two-order dimensionless complex frequencies of the rotating circular plate with the dimensionless angular speed and thermoelastic coupling coefficient are analyzed. The effects of the critical dimensionless thermoelastic coupling coefficient and the critical angular speed on the stability of the rotating circular plate with simply supported and clamped edges are discussed. Finally, the relation between the critical divergence speed and the dimensionless thermoelastic coupling coefficient is obtained. The results provide the theoretical basis for optimizing the structure and improving the dynamic stability of friction clutches.
Guidelines for data management and scientific integrity in ethnography
Authors: Dilger Hansjörg , Pels Peter , Sleeboom-Faulkner Margaret
Published: December 2018

New protocols for scientific integrity and data management issued by universities, journals, and transnational social science funding agencies are often modelled on medical or psychological research, and do not take account of the specific characteristics of the processes of ethnographic research. These guidelines provide ethnographers with some of the most basic principles of doing such research. They show that the primary response of ethnographers to requests to share research materials with third parties should be to remain aware of the fact that these research materials have been co-produced with their research participants; that the collaborative ethnographic research process resists turning these materials into commodified, impersonal ‘data’ that can be owned and shared publicly; and that therefore the primary response of ethnographers should be to retain custody of research materials.
Lessons from a community-based participatory research study with transgender and gender nonconforming youth and their families
Authors: Katz-Wise Sabra L , Pullen Sansfaçon Annie , Bogart Laura M , Rosal Milagros C , Ehrensaft Diane , Goldman Roberta E , Bryn Austin S
Published: December 2018

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) involves community members collaborating with academic investigators in each step of the research process. CBPR may be especially useful for research involving marginalized populations with unique perspectives and needs. In this paper, we discuss successes and challenges of using a CBPR approach for the Trans Teen and Family Narratives Project, a longitudinal mixed-methods study to examine how the family environment affects the health and well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming youth. We describe considerations for using a CBPR approach with this population, including defining the community of transgender and gender nonconforming youth and families, engaging the community in the research process, managing conflicting agendas for community partner meetings, addressing insider/outsider status of the researchers, resolving researcher/community tensions regarding data collection tools, integrating academic and community members into a cohesive research team, developing safety plans to address participant suicidality disclosures, and differentiating the role of academics as researchers vs. advocates. We conclude by sharing lessons learned, which can inform future research to address the needs of transgender and gender nonconforming youth and families.
Using Youth Participatory Action Research as a Health Intervention in Community Settings
Authors: Lindquist-Grantz Robin , Abraczinskas Michelle
Published: December 2018

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) emphasizes positive youth development by engaging young people as co-researchers and change agents on complex issues to produce solutions that are relevant to youth. YPAR has primarily been used in classroom and youth organization settings, which means there are very few examples of its usage in other community-based settings or as a health intervention approach. Additionally, there is a need for further study of YPAR implementation processes and the effect on youth development and well-being outcomes. In this article, we highlight the innovative use of YPAR as a community-based health intervention through two case studies in which the adolescent health issues of physical activity and suicide were addressed. We describe the design of each YPAR health intervention and the studies that were conducted to link participatory research processes to youth development and health outcomes. Using the lessons learned from these YPAR interventions, we propose best practices for the design, implementation, and evaluation of YPAR as a health intervention strategy in a community setting.
Structural influences of two-dimensional and three-dimensional carbon/epoxy composites on mode I fracture toughness behaviors with rate effects on damage evolution
Authors: Siddique Amna , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong
Published: December 2018

This paper reports the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness and fracture mechanisms of two-dimensional (2D) plain woven composite and three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock woven composite. The fracture toughness behaviors were tested with double cantilever beam method at the different loading rates from 0.5 to 100 mm/min. Critical strain energy release rate was calculated to compare the difference between the 2D and the 3D woven composites. The fractographs were photographed with scanned electronic microscopy and optical microscopy to show the fracture morphologies. We found that the 3D angle-interlock woven composite has high fracture toughness than that of 2D woven composite. The binder yarns resist the crack initiation and propagation to increase the fracture toughness. While the lower in-plane stiffness of the 3D woven composites should be considered fully for designing the 3D woven composites.
Talking to the Small Tableau: Touring the Site of Mediatized Memory and Forgiveness in Bongha
Authors: Ban Youngkwan
Published: December 2018

In this article, I observe the way Bongha, a small town of South Korea, constructs the tourist experience, using continually maintained silence regarding certain aspects of the past. The town became famous after the former president Moo-hyun Roh committed a politically controversial suicide in 2009. Then Bongha serves as memory- dispositif, putting forward memory aids for Roh that are chosen to highlight his life selectively. Visitors participate in this covert silence by coordinating their behavior into unscripted, but noticeable norms. Touring Bongha brings one into an encounter with mediated memory, and the mourners atone and engage in a pilgrimage to this remote site, full of pregiven memories of Roh, which caused them a sense of indebtedness.
Using Prolonged Exposure With an Older Male U.S. Veteran With Childhood Sexual Abuse-Related PTSD
Authors: McCarthy Elissa , Cook Joan M.
Published: December 2018

Older adults have generally not been included in randomized clinical trials of psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of the case reports and treatment outcome studies that have included those aged 55 and older, most did not include men with sexual abuse-related PTSD. This case report presents the successful application of Prolonged Exposure (PE) to a 58-year-old single, Caucasian noncombat U.S. Army veteran with severe, chronic PTSD related to several sexual assaults, including childhood sexual abuse. PE is a manualized, short-term, evidence-based psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD which involves psychoeducation, breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and imaginal exposure. PTSD and depressive symptoms demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement during the course of treatment. In addition, he experienced significant improvement in quality of life as well as meaning and purpose from baseline to posttreatment. Implications for clinically working with older men with untreated childhood sexual abuse-related PTSD later in life are presented. Future research directions are discussed.
“Being Unfilial Condemns You to Hell”: Integrative Treatment for Social Anxiety Shaped by Domestic Abuse, Confucian Values, and Taoist Beliefs
Authors: Lau Karen Chi-Kwan , Sündermann Oliver
Published: December 2018

Social anxiety is a common and treatable condition but less is known about how to adapt evidence-based approaches in a culture-sensitive way to Asian clients. We present the case of “Sally,” a 25-year-old Chinese Singaporean female who suffered from severe and long-standing social anxiety disorder (SAD), and secondary low mood. Contributing factors included a history of domestic abuse, as well as culturally influenced authoritarian parenting emphasizing the Confucian value of filial piety and reinforced by Taoist beliefs of karmic retribution and supernatural punishment. Treatment was based on Clark and Wells’s cognitive model of SAD with a focus on behavioral experiments, and was enhanced using a schema mode formulation and imagery rescripting to address relevant early memories that were at the origin of the social anxiety. Sally received a total of 42 sessions over the course of 21 weeks, during which she made steady progress toward recovery. Her self-reported depression and social phobia fell from the “severe clinical” range pretreatment to the “non-clinical” range posttreatment; these gains were maintained at 6 months follow-up. Sally’s functioning fully recovered, and she returned to work and school. While behavioral experiments for dropping safety behaviors were useful for overcoming the social anxiety, schema formulation was important for providing Sally with insight to her thought process, and imagery rescripting was crucial for weakening her self-criticism and internalized black and white thinking on filial piety. The significance of culture and religion in SAD, and the potential of adapting cognitive therapy in a culture-sensitive way is discussed.
Influence of track line environment on the temperature field of a double-block ballastless track slab
Authors: Zeng Zhiping , Huang Zhibin , Yin Huatuo , Meng Xiaobai , Wang Weidong , Wang Jundong
Published: December 2018

The heat flux density of solar radiation, received by each surface of a double-block ballastless track bed slab, is closely related to its alignment and geographical latitude. In this work, a temperature field analysis model based on experimental data, the theories of solar radiation, and boundary heat transfer is established by a CRTS-I double-block ballastless track structure using the ABAQUS finite element software to investigate the influence of different alignments and geographical latitudes of the temperature field. The horizontal and vertical temperature gradients of the ballast bed plate were found to be in the most adverse conditions when the angle αn between the normal direction of the ballastless track slab bedside surface and positive south direction was equal to 90°. The standard deviation of the overall temperature gradient of the ballast bed was found to be at lowest and standard value of the dispersion degree was highest at an αn of 90°: 14.138 and 10.446°C/m, respectively. The horizontal and vertical temperature gradients in high latitudes and coastal areas were found to be more detrimental than that in the low latitudes or inland areas. These results can provide references for how to avoid high-temperature loading during railway line selection and track design.
Toward delay-tolerant multiple-unmanned aerial vehicle scheduling system using Multi-strategy Coevolution algorithm
Authors: Khosiawan Yohanes , Scherer Sebastian , Nielsen Izabela
Published: December 2018

Autonomous bridge inspection operations using unmanned aerial vehicles take multiple task assignments and constraints into account. To efficiently execute the operations, a schedule is required. Generating a cost optimum schedule of multiple-unmanned aerial vehicle operations is known to be Non-deterministic Polynomial-time (NP)-hard. This study approaches such a problem with heuristic-based algorithms to get a high-quality feasible solution in a short computation time. A constructive heuristic called Retractable Chain Task Assignment algorithm is presented to build an evaluable schedule from a task sequence. The task sequence representation is used during the search to perform seamless operations. Retractable Chain Task Assignment algorithm calculates and incorporates slack time to the schedule according to the properties of the task. The slack time acts as a cushion which makes the schedule delay-tolerant. This algorithm is incorporated with a metaheuristic algorithm called Multi-strategy Coevolution to search the solution space. The proposed algorithm is verified through numerical simulations, which take inputs from real flight test data. The obtained solutions are evaluated based on the makespan, battery consumption, computation time, and the robustness level of the schedules. The performance of Multi-strategy Coevolution is compared to Differential Evolution, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Differential Evolution–Fused Particle Swarm Optimization. The simulation results show that Multi-strategy Coevolution gives better objective values than the other algorithms.
Analysis and design of the power law damping based on the nonlinear vessel isolation system
Authors: Wang You , Zhu Xinghua , Zheng Rong , Tang Zhe , Chen Bingbing
Published: December 2018

In this study, the applications of the cubic power law damping in vessel isolation systems are investigated. The isolation performance is assessed using the force transmissibility of the vessel isolation system, which is simplified as a multiple-degree-of-freedom system with two parallel freedoms. The force transmissibilities of different working conditions faced in practice are discussed by applying the cubic power law damping on different positions of the vessel isolation system. Numerical results indicate that by adding the cubic power law damping to an appropriate position, the isolation system can not only suppress the force transmissibility over the resonant frequency region but also keep the force transmissibility unaffected at the nonresonant frequency region. Moreover, the design of the nonlinear vessel isolation system is discussed by finding the optimal nonlinear damping of the isolation system.
Classification of corn kernels grades using image analysis and support vector machine
Authors: Wu Ang , Zhu Juanhua , Yang Yuli , Liu Xinping , Wang Xiushan , Wang Ling , Zhang Hao , Chen Jing
Published: December 2018

In order to classify the quality of corn kernels in an affordable, convenient, and accurate manner, a method based on image analysis and support vector machine is proposed. A total of 129 corn kernels with Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C are used for the experiments. Six typical characteristic parameters of samples are extracted as the characteristic groups. Four different classifiers are applied and compared: support vector machine-genetic algorithm, support vector machine-particle swarm optimization, support vector machine-grid search optimization, and back-propagation neural networks. Experimental results show that the support vector machine and back-propagation neural networks without parameter optimization have the same classification accuracy rates of 92.31%. The classification accuracies are improved using the support vector machine optimization algorithms. The average correct classification rates of support vector machine-genetic algorithm and support vector machine-particle swarm optimization are all 97.44%, while the correct classification rate of support vector machine-grid search achieves 94.87%. It is concluded that the support vector machine algorithm based on parameter optimization is superior to back-propagation neural networks algorithm, and the parameter optimization effects of genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization are better than grid search method. With a relatively small number of samples, the support vector machine-genetic algorithm and support vector machine-particle swarm optimization algorithms can improve the grading accuracy of corn kernels.
Highway safety influencing factors in cold regions based on attribute recognition theory
Authors: Du Xue-jing , Pei Yu-long , Wang Zhan-yu , Chen Zhan-li , Zhou Hua-chen
Published: December 2018

To study the problem of highway traffic safety in cold regions, a thorough statistical analysis using traffic accident historical data is used to evaluate the influencing factors on highway traffic safety. A road traffic safety indicator system for cold regions is developed to evaluate the weight of these influence factors, such as driver performance, vehicle capacity, road condition, and general impact of the traffic environment. An index system of highway traffic safety influencing factors for cold regions is developed, and an evaluation model for traffic road safety influencing factors in cold regions based on attribute recognition theory is proposed. The weight of the model is determined using an analytic hierarchy process combined with expert scoring. The evaluation model is based on single-index attribute measure values and multi-index comprehensive attribute measurement values, using the confidence criterion to identify the influence of road traffic safety factors on road traffic safety in cold regions. In addition, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used for comparative evaluation, and the evaluation results were consistent and verified the correctness and feasibility of the attribute recognition model. Results showed that the evaluation system was in good agreement with actual traffic conditions in cold regions.
Analysis of dynamic characteristics for momentum wheel assembly with joint clearance
Authors: Wan Qi , Liu Geng , Shi Haitao , Zhang Xiaofeng , Ning Xin
Published: December 2018

To study the effects of joint clearance on the dynamic characteristics of the momentum wheel assembly of satellite antennas, the computational dynamic model of momentum wheel assembly is developed in this article, considering influencing factors including rotor imbalance, flexibility, and joint clearance between rotor and bearing. The nonlinear contact force model and modified Coulomb’s friction model are adopted in the joint clearance of the dynamic model, and then the influence of clearance size, driving angular velocity, and friction coefficient on the dynamic behaviors of momentum wheel assembly is further analyzed. The results indicate that the existence of joint clearance has extraordinary obvious effects on the dynamic system characteristics, which causes the adjusting time to reach a state of continuous fluctuation to become longer compared to that of the ideal joint, and the angular acceleration and contact force appear to have high impulse peaks. The larger the clearance, the more obvious the fluctuation amplitude of the response and the slighter the shaking frequency. Furthermore, increasing the driving angular velocity can cause system oscillation with high frequency and large amplitude. Moreover, the smaller the friction coefficient, the poorer the accuracy and stability of the system, which leads to deviation from ideal performance. Therefore, it is important to consider the joint clearance to predict the dynamic characteristics of momentum wheel assembly.
In-depth review on ‘innovation and regulatory challenges of the drug delivering medical devices’
Authors: Drashti Patel , Kothari Charmy S , Shantanu Singh , Manan Shah
Published: December 2018

The medical device market is generally seen as an area with high growth potential and provides greater profit margins including significant positive benefits to the patients. As the medical device regulations and the guidance document are becoming stringent in the US, manufacturers of these types of products are now facing these conundrums along with a need for clarification on matters related to various drug and device provisions. The European Union is making major changes to the Medical Device Directive which is its regulatory scheme for devices. Some parts are focused on the medical devices. The new changes in the regulations represent an important step forward in the growing philosophy of medical devices in Europe. Along with the regulatory challenges, there are various challenges faced during the innovation of such products. There are many factors that affect innovation including the patent aspects. In general, the key thing is that small firm face lots of difficulty compared to larger firm in bringing medical device in market. Thus, the proposed manuscript focuses on understanding the regulatory issues in various countries for ease of innovation and marketing authorization of medical devices.
What influences media effects on public perception? A cross-national study of comparative agenda setting
Authors: Vu Hong T , Jiang Liefu , Chacón Lourdes M Cueva , Riedl Martin J , Tran Duc V , Bobkowski Piotr S
Published: December 2018

Using a big data approach, this study explores the media agenda setting effects in 16 countries on five continents. Agenda setting effects were found to vary across the nations. Our findings provide empirical evidence that individual factors such as Age, Education, Living area, and Political ideologyand national macro variables, including Economic developmentand Media freedom, are associated with the strength of such effects. Results suggest that assessing agenda setting effects needs to be conducted in relation to the economic, political, and media context of a country. This study also proposes an alternative way to measure salience on the public agenda using Issue distance, which arguably allows for capturing the possible interaction between issue relevance to individual audiences and media cueing effects.
Power, influence, and policy in Arizona’s education market: “We’ve got to out-charter the charters”
Authors: Potterton Amanda U
Published: December 2018

Arizona’s “Wild West,” free-market education approach via school-choice policies reflects the expansion of neo-liberal reforms, which emphasize private provision and governance of public services once markets are established. Indeed, charter schools, tax credit programs for public (state) and private schools, inter-district open enrolment, and neovouchers are changing Arizona’s traditional public school systems and the communities where they are situated. It is known that new, incentivist market-based systems can result in decreased democratic school accountability and the thinning of collective democratic political actions. Further, the rapid entry and growth of not-for-profit and profit-making charter schools and education management organizations in the USA raises questions about equitable student access. It is not fully understood, however, how mature school-choice systems affect local communities “on the ground”—that is, how are school policies understood and acted out? This study employed ethnographic methods to analyze the perceptions and actions of community stakeholders in Arizona, including school leaders, teachers, parents, students, and institution and community organizers, at one district public school and in its surrounding community, including its charter schools. The author examines issues of power, since all community actors are not equally able to engage in school-choice practices.
The development of a decellularized extracellular matrix–based biomaterial scaffold derived from human foreskin for the purpose of foreskin reconstruction in circumcised males
Authors: Purpura Valeria , Bondioli Elena , Cunningham Eric J , De Luca Giovanni , Capirossi Daniela , Nigrisoli Evandro , Drozd Tyler , Serody Matthew , Aiello Vincenzo , Melandri Davide
Published: December 2018

The circumcision of males is emphatically linked to numerous sexual dysfunctions. Many of the purported benefits do not hold up to the scrutiny of extensive literature surveys. Involuntary circumcision, particularly when not medically warranted, is also associated with many psychological and emotional traumas. Current methods to reconstruct the ablated tissue have significant drawbacks and produce a simple substitute that merely imitates the natural foreskin. Extracellular matrix–based scaffolds have been shown to be highly effective in the repair and regeneration of soft tissues; however, due to the unique nature of the foreskin tissue, commercially available biomaterial scaffolds would yield poor results. Therefore, this study discusses the development and evaluation of a tissue engineering scaffold derived from decellularized human foreskin extracellular matrix for foreskin reconstruction. A chemicophysical decellularization method was applied to human foreskin samples, sourced from consenting adult donors. The resulting foreskin dermal matrices were analyzed for their suitability for tissue engineering purposes, by biological, histological, and mechanical assessment; fresh frozen foreskin was used as a negative control. Sterility of samples at all stages was ensured by microbiological analysis. MTT assay was used to evaluate the absence of viable cells, and histological analysis was used to confirm the maintenance of the extracellular matrix structure and presence/integrity of collagen fibers. Bioactivity was determined by submitting tissue extracts to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantifying basic fibroblast growth factor content. Mechanical properties of the samples were determined using tensile stress tests. Results found foreskin dermal matrices were devoid of viable cells ( p < 0.0001) and the matrix of foreskin dermal matrices was maintained. Basic fibroblast growth factor content doubled within after decellularization ( p < 0.0001). Tensile stress tests found no statistically significant differences in the mechanical properties ( p < 0.05). These results indicate that the derived foreskin dermal matrix may be suitable in a regenerative approach in the reconstruction of the human foreskin.
Using short message (SMS) and multimedia messaging (MMS) to encourage positive parent–child engagement around literacy and language development
Authors: Pila Sarah , Lauricella Alexis R. , Wartella Ellen
Published: December 2018

Research on language development suggests that children from low-income families hear nearly 30 million words less than their higher income counterparts (Hart & Risley, 1999). This paper explores parent perceptions and attitudes toward two mobile interventions (Text4baby and Univision Contigo) designed to support parents’ engagement with their young children as a way of reducing the language gap and improving child outcomes. We conducted eight focus groups with parents who were users of either service. Using general inductive analysis of the transcript data, we found that parents enrolled in the Text4baby service were relatively unaware of the video text messages and almost never clicked the links. Univision Contigo users, on the other hand, more frequently recalled seeing videos encouraging parent–child interaction and particularly liked that these videos came as multimedia messages (MMS). We interpret findings through a social cognitive theory lens and provide recommendations for incorporating video into parent-targeted mobile interventions.
Prevalence and impact of self‐reported irritable bowel symptoms in the general population
Authors: Van den Houte K , Carbone F , Pannemans J , Corsetti M , Fischler B , Piessevaux H , Tack J
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

The symptom‐based diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have recently been revised in the Rome IV consensus. On the other hand, with rising public awareness of IBS, self‐diagnosis and self‐management is also increasing. We compared the prevalence and impact of Rome IV‐based IBS vs self‐diagnosed IBS in the general population.

Methods

An internet panel filled out an online survey on bowel symptoms and their impact on health care utilization and daily activities.

Results

A representative internet panel of 1012 individuals completed the online survey. Bowel symptoms were present in 68.6% of the population. Of these, 21% consulted a physician for these symptoms in the last year and 42% earlier. Rome IV IBS criteria were fulfilled by 5.5%, and these were younger and more likely to be female. In this subset, 37% had consulted a physician for IBS symptoms in the preceding year and 29% had done so earlier. A colonoscopy had been performed in 22%. Based on a brief description, 17.6% of the population self‐identified as suffering from IBS (p < 0.001 compared to Rome IV IBS prevalence), and these were more likely to be female. Concordance with the Rome IV criteria was only 25%, but except for a lower reporting of pain, the symptom pattern, severity, impact on daily life, inability to work and health care utilization were similar to the Rome IV group. A total of 134 days of absence from work were attributed to bowel symptoms in those self‐reporting with IBS.

Conclusion

In the general population, bowel symptoms are highly prevalent, and the self‐reported “IBS” is three times more prevalent than according to Rome IV criteria. Self‐reported IBS is associated with a similar impact on health care utilization and quality of life but a higher impact on absence from work.
Model Misspecification and Assumption Violations With the Linear Mixed Model: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: LeBeau Brandon , Song Yoon Ah , Liu Wei Cheng
Published: December 2018

This meta-analysis attempts to synthesize the Monte Carlo (MC) literature for the linear mixed model under a longitudinal framework. The meta-analysis aims to inform researchers about conditions that are important to consider when evaluating model assumptions and adequacy. In addition, the meta-analysis may be helpful to those wishing to design future MC simulations in identifying simulation conditions. The current meta-analysis will use the empirical type I error rate as the effect size and MC simulation conditions will be coded to serve as moderator variables. The type I error rate for the fixed and random effects will be explored as the primary dependent variable. Effect sizes were coded from 13 studies, resulting in a total of 4,002 and 621 effect sizes for fixed and random effects respectively. Meta-regression and proportional odds models were used to explore variation in the empirical type I error rate effect sizes. Implications for applied researchers and researchers planning new MC studies will be explored.
Innovative Learning Tasks in Enhancing the Literary Appreciation Skills of Students
Authors: Magulod Gilbert Cabilangan
Published: December 2018

Literature is life. It is the gateway of looking the world outside. We can learn, understand and appreciate the world. Reading literature is the best way to know who we are, what we are, and what we used to be. Using descriptive correlational research design, the study ventured on assessing the literary appreciation skills and reading performance of university students in literature, which may provide input to propose innovative learning tasks in enhancing their literary competence. Ninety students enrolled in the literature subject of the three college departments of one campus of a public higher education institution in the Philippines, were the participants of the study. Findings revealed that the students have a moderate level of skill in literary appreciation areas but a relatively low skill level in recognizing author’s point of view, ability to judge the text, recognizing personal philosophy based on literary text read, and relating the stories to their personal lives. Meanwhile, students showed fair performance in literature learning, while literary appreciation skills and reading performance differed when students are grouped according to their college affiliations. Furthermore, a positive relationship exits between literary appreciation skills and reading performance of the students. This study proposes the implementation of twenty-nine innovative learning tasks for literature classes. The different learning tasks were presented in this paper for classroom use.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: SIRT6 drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer via snail-dependent transrepression of KLF4
Authors: Li Ziming , Huang Jia , Shen Shengping , Ding Zhenping , Luo Qingquan , Chen Zhiwei , Lu Shun
Published: December 2018

Background

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the invasion and metastasis of epithelial tumors. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), an NAD-dependent deacetylase, is known to promote metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In this work, we determined the role of SIRT6 in the EMT of NSCLC cells and identified the key EMT-related genes involved in the oncogenic activity of SIRT6.

Results

We report that depletion of SIRT6 inhibits transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT in A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells, which is rescued by ectopic expression of SIRT6. Knockdown of SIRT6 leads to a reduction in Snail protein without affecting the mRNA level. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate a physical association between SIRT6 and Snail. SIRT6 deacetylates Snail and prevents its proteasomal degradation. Silencing of Snail blunts SIRT6-induced NSCLC cell migration and invasion, while overexpression of Snail restores the invasion and EMT in SIRT6-depleted NSCLC cells. SIRT6 depletion leads to an upregulation of kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and reduced Snail binding to the promoter of Klf4 in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of KLF4 rescues the invasive capacity in SIRT6-depleted NSCLC cells. Conversely, co-expression of KLF4 impairs SIRT6-induced aggressive behavior. In vivo data further demonstrate that SIRT6-induced NSCLC metastasis is antagonized by overexpression of KLF4.

Conclusions

These findings provide mechanistic insights into the pro-metastatic activity of SIRT6 and highlight the role of the SIRT6/Snail/KLF4 axis in regulating EMT and invasion of NSCLC cells.
A curative‐intent endoscopic surgery for postradiation nasopharyngeal necrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zou Xiong , Wang Shun‐Lan , Liu You‐Ping , Liu Yan‐Ling , Zou Ru‐Hai , Zhang Yi‐Nuan , You Rui , Yang Qi , Xie Yu‐Long , Lin Mei , Huang Pei‐Yu , Jiang Rou , Zhang Meng‐Xia , Qian Chao‐Nan , Mai Hai‐Qiang , Guo Ling , Hong Ming‐Huang , Chen Ming‐Yuan
Published: December 2018

Background

Postradiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN) is a severe complication after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which can severely affect the quality of life and threaten the patient's life. Only 13.4%–28.6% of patients can be cured by traditional repeated endoscopic debridement. Here, we introduced an innovative curative‐intent endoscopic surgery for PRNN patients and evaluated its clinical efficacy.

Methods

Clinical data of 72 PRNN patients who underwent radical endoscopic necrectomy, followed by reconstruction using a posterior pedicle nasal septum and floor mucoperiosteum flap were analyzed to determine the efficacy of this surgery. The endpoints were complete re‐epithelialization of the nasopharyngeal defect, relief of headache, and overall survival (OS).

Results

All surgeries were successfully performed without any severe postoperative complications or death. The median value of numeric rating scales of pain decreased from 8 before surgery to 0 after surgery (P < 0.001). Fifty‐one patients (70.8%) achieved complete re‐epithelialization of the nasopharyngeal defect. The number of cycles of radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 7.254; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.035–50.821; P = 0.046), postoperative pathological result (OR, 34.087; 95% CI 3.168–366.746; P = 0.004), and survival status of flap (OR, 261.179; 95% CI 17.176–3971.599; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of re‐epithelialization of the nasopharyngeal defects. Postoperative pathological result (hazard ratio [HR], 5.018; 95% CI 1.970–12.782; P = 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor for OS. The 2‐year OS rate of the entire cohort was 77.9%.

Conclusion

Curative‐intent endoscopic necrectomy followed by construction using the posterior pedicle nasal septum and floor mucoperiosteum flap is a novel, safe, and effective treatment of PRNN in patients with NPC.
Ascertaining Causes of Death: A Comparative Study of the Ika of Delta State and the Obolo of Rivers State
Authors: Ehianu Wilson E. , Awajiusuk Finomo Julia
Published: December 2018

The cut and thrust of this paper is the re-examination of an age long belief and practice among the Ika people of Delta State and the Obolo of Rivers State which is aimed at discouraging the practice of witchcraft and sorcery. The study critically evaluates the phenomenon which includes necromancy, divination and poison ordeal and concludes that caution is needed as the act which involves human life is not without imperfection. The discourse is comparative as it examines the methods of ascertaining death among the Ika and Obolo. It employs moral, social and philosophical springboards for the analysis. Some of the findings includes: belief in witchcraft is very strong among the people and age long practices to eradicate same will endure, if nothing is done to discourage it. A major constraint is that matters relating to witchcraft and sorcery are metaphysical and so difficult to verify.Keywords: Death, Ascertain, Cosmology, Necromancy, Divination and Ordeal by poison