bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The performance of Dutch train drivers based on the impact of the presence of a second person in the cab
Authors: Verstappen Vera JMP
Published: November 2017

Insufficient attention allocation of train drivers towards the driving task impairs the driving performance and increases the risk of signals passed at danger. This pilot study explores the performance and attention allocation of train drivers based on the impact of the behaviour of another person present in the driver’s cab. A method that uses a train simulator has been developed to assess the attention allocation and task performance for routes with different complexity levels and for conditions when train drivers were driving alone, with a person present who was considerate of the driving task or with a person who was not. The presence of a non-considerate person in the cabin has a negative impact on the driving performance; tasks were completed successfully more often when driving alone. Train drivers interrupted conversations more often to focus on driving on routes with high complexity, which indicates that conversations increased the workload. An increase in the conversation frequency had a negative impact on the accuracy of speed monitoring. Participants indicated that the driving performance improved as a result of participating in the experiment on the awareness of the impact of another person’s presence in the cab. It is anticipated that the findings of this pilot study and further works will provide more understanding about the factors that are important to the performance of train drivers and the improvement of railway safety.
Estimation of vertical bending stress in rails using train-mounted vertical track deflection measurement systems
Authors: Fallah Nafari Saeideh , Gül Mustafa , Hendry Michael T , Cheng JJ Roger
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a new methodology for the estimation of bending stresses over long sections of rails from the vertical track deflections measured using train-mounted instrumentation. The basis of this method is to apply mathematical correlations between the rail deflections and stresses to interpret the deflection measurements. A new finite element modeling method was developed to investigate mathematical correlations between the rail deflections and stresses for different ranges of track modulus. The stochastic nature of the track modulus, as one of the dominant factors influencing rail deflections and stresses, was simulated. The rail responses to applied loads were then calculated and compared for scenarios of constant and variable track modulus values. The study resulted in a detailed framework that can be employed to estimate rail bending stresses from train-mounted vertical track deflection measurements. This framework allows the estimation of the probability distributions of maximum tensile and compressive bending stresses in the rail head and base, which are necessary for calculating the rail reliability under applied loading.
Lingering Cognitive States Shape Fundamental Mnemonic Abilities
Authors: Patil Anuya , Duncan Katherine
Published: November 2017

Why are people sometimes able to recall associations in exquisite detail while at other times left frustrated by the deficiencies of memory? Although this apparent fickleness of memory has been extensively studied by investigating factors that build strong memory traces, researchers know less about whether memory success also depends on cognitive states that are in place when a cue is encountered. Motivating this possibility, neurocomputational models propose that the hippocampus’s capacity to support associative recollection (pattern completion) is biased by persistent neurochemical states, which can be elicited by exposure to familiarity and novelty. We investigated these models’ behavioral implications by assessing how recent familiarity influences different memory-retrieval processes. We found that recent familiarity selectively benefitted associative memory (Experiment 1) and that this effect decayed over seconds (Experiment 2), consistent with the timescale of hippocampal neuromodulation. Thus, we show that basic memory computations can be shaped by a subtle, biologically motivated manipulation.
Age-related Changes in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Ganguly Payal , El-Jawhari Jehan J. , Giannoudis Peter V. , Burska Agata N. , Ponchel Frederique , Jones Elena A.
Published: November 2017

Aging at the cellular level is a complex process resulting from accumulation of various damages leading to functional impairment and a reduced quality of life at the level of the organism. With a rise in the elderly population, the worldwide incidence of osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) has increased in the past few decades. A decline in the number and “fitness” of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) niche has been suggested as one of the factors contributing to bone abnormalities in OP and OA. It is well recognized that MSCs in vitro acquire culture-induced aging features such as gradual telomere shortening, increased numbers of senescent cells, and reduced resistance to oxidative stress as a result of serial population doublings. In contrast, there is only limited evidence that human BM-MSCs “age” similarly in vivo. This review compares the various aspects of in vitro and in vivo MSC aging and suggests how our current knowledge on rejuvenating cultured MSCs could be applied to develop future strategies to target altered bone formation processes in OP and OA.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Elderly Exhibit Decreased Migration and Differentiation Abilities with Senescent Properties
Authors: Liu Meichen , Lei Hua , Dong Ping , Fu Xin , Yang Zhigang , Yang Ying , Ma Jiguang , Liu Xia , Cao Yilin , Xiao Ran
Published: November 2017

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can be applied extensively in the clinic because they can be easily isolated and cause less donor-site morbidity; however, their application can be complicated by patient-specific factors, such as age and harvest site. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of age on the quantity and quality of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) isolated from excised chest subcutaneous adipose tissue and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism. hASCs were isolated from donors of 3 different age-groups (i.e., child, young adult, and elderly). hASCs are available from individuals across all age-groups and maintain mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics. However, the increased age of the donors was found to have a significant negative effect on hASCs frequency base on colony-forming unit fibroblasts assay. Moreover, there is a decline in both stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell yield and the proliferation rate of hASCs with increasing age, although this relationship is not significant. Aging increases cellular senescence, which is manifested as an increase in SA-β-gal-positive cells, increased mitochondrial-specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the expression of p21 in the elderly. Further, advancing age was found to have a significant negative effect on the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potentials of hASCs, particularly at the early and mid-stages of induction, suggesting a slower response to the inducing factors of hASCs from elderly donors. Finally, impaired migration ability was also observed in the elderly group and was determined to be associated with decreased expression of chemokine receptors, such as CXCR4 and CXCR7. Taken together, these results suggest that, while hASCs from different age populations are phenotypically similar, they present major differences at the functional level. When considering potential applications of hASCs in cell-based therapeutic strategies, the negative influence of age on hASC differentiation potential and migration abilities should be taken seriously.
Hippocampal Cholinergic Neurostimulating Peptide as a Possible Modulating Factor against Glutamatergic Neuronal Disability by Amyloid Oligomers
Authors: Sato Toyohiro , Ohi Yoshiaki , Kato Daisuke , Mizuno Masayuki , Takase Hiroshi , Kanamori Tetsuko , Borlongan Cesar V. , Haji Akira , Matsukawa Noriyuki
Published: November 2017

Despite having pathological changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), some patients have preserved cognitive function. A recent epidemiological study has shown that diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring interventions may reduce cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people in the general population. However, the details of molecular mechanisms underlying this cognitive function preservation are still unknown. Previous reports have demonstrated that enriched environments prevent the impairment of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) through β2-adrenergic signals, when LTP is incompletely suppressed by synthetic amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers. The cholinergic network from the medial septal nucleus (MSN) is also a main modulating system for hippocampal glutamatergic neural activation through nicotinergic and/or muscarinergic acetylcholine receptors. Previously, we reported the importance of a cholinergic regulator gene in the MSN, hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP). By using hippocampal sections from mice, we here demonstrated that the cholinergic neural activation from the MSN enhanced the glutamatergic neuronal activity during unsaturated LTP but not during saturated LTP. Synthetic Aβ oligomers suppressed the hippocampal glutamatergic activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, HCNP, as well as a cholinergic agonist acting through the muscarinic M1 receptor, prevented the suppression of hippocampal glutamatergic neuronal activity induced by synthetic Aβ oligomers. This result suggests that the persisting cholinergic activation might be a potential explanation for the individual differences in cognitive effects of AD pathological changes.
Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Yasuhara Takao , Kameda Masahiro , Sasaki Tatsuya , Tajiri Naoki , Date Isao
Published: November 2017

Cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD) began in 1979 with the transplantation of fetal rat dopamine-containing neurons that improved motor abnormalities in the PD rat model with good survival of grafts and axonal outgrowth. Thirty years have passed since the 2 clinical trials using cell transplantation for PD patients were first reported. Recently, cell therapy is expected to develop as a realistic treatment option for PD patients owing to the advancement of biotechnology represented by pluripotent stem cells. Medication using levodopa, surgery including deep brain stimulation, and rehabilitation have all been established as current therapeutic strategies. Strong therapeutic effects have been demonstrated by these treatment methods, but they have been unable to stop the progression of the disease. Fortunately, cell therapy might be a key for true neurorestoration. This review article describes the historical development of cell therapy for PD, the current status of cell therapy, and the future direction of this treatment method.
The grounded theory of “trust building”
Authors: Ramezani Monir , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Mohammadi Eesa , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: November 2017

Background:

Despite the growing importance of spiritual care, the delivery of spiritual care is still an area of disagreement among healthcare providers.

Objective:

To develop a grounded theory about spiritual care delivery based on Iranian nurses’ perceptions and experiences.

A grounded theory approach:

A qualitative study using the grounded theory approach.

Participants and research context:

Data were collected through holding 27 interviews with 25 participants (17 staff nurses, 3 physicians, 3 patients, 1 family member, and 1 nurse assistant). The study setting was the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex. Sampling was started purposively and continued theoretically. Data analysis was performed by the method proposed by Strauss and Corbin.

Ethical consideration:

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tarbiat Modares University and the agreement of the administrators of the study setting was got before starting the study.

Results:

The core category of the study was “Trust building” which reflected the nature of spiritual care delivery by nurses. Trust building was the result of eight main categories or strategies including creating a positive mentality at hospital admission, understanding patients in care circumstances, having a caring presence, adhering to care ethics, developing meaningful relationships, promoting positive thinking and energy, establishing effective communication with patients, and attempting to create a safe therapeutic environment. Poor interprofessional coordination negatively affected this process while living toward developing greater cognizance of divinity and adhering to the principles of professional ethics facilitated it. The outcome of the process was to gain a sense of partial psychological security.

Conclusion:

The “Trust building” theory can be used as a guide for describing and expanding nurses’ roles in spiritual care delivery, developing care documentation systems and clinical guidelines, and planning educational programs for nursing students and staff nurses.
Does This Road Go on Forever? Modelling Sustainability of Infrastructure in Developing Countries
Authors: Streatfeild Jeremy
Published: November 2017

There are not enough roads in developing countries but it is not for a lack of spending to address this shortfall. Multilateral and bilateral development agencies have invested billions of dollars to build up new transportation networks because the shortage of road supply constrains trade and economic growth. However, these new roads often do not last as long as initially anticipated so many of the same donors worry that governments will not provide sufficient maintenance of these investments. In turn, economists suggest that weak maintenance performance may be due to low institutional capacity in the recipient country or even a lack of budgetary funds—both easy fixes that warrant an optimal benefit stream according to their economic rate of return in HDM4 models (“ERR”). However, these maintenance reforms have had mixed results which we argue is the result of a deeply entrenched institutional concern that requires intricate analysis and project-tailored reform approaches to remedy. Even then, these reforms may not exhibit incremental benefits for an ERR. In sum, ERR models of roads should include a rigorous political economy analysis as a due diligence prerequisite in order to substantiate any included assumptions of maintenance reforms resulting from a donor project.
Symptom Burden Clustering in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5
Authors: Gutiérrez Sánchez Daniel , Leiva-Santos Juan P. , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I.
Published: November 2017

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, experience multiple symptoms that negatively affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the cluster of symptoms and their association with disease severity and comorbidities. The study sample included 123 patients with CKD Stage 5; 60 patients were in the dialysis group and 63 patients in the Conservative Kidney Management group. Symptom data were collected using the Spanish modified version of Palliative Care Outcome Scale–Symptoms (POS-S) Renal, a validated questionnaire to assess symptoms in this population. More than half of the patients described weakness, difficulty sleeping, and feeling depressed. Two symptom clusters were identified. There was no significant statistical correlation between disease severity and symptoms and between comorbidities and symptoms. The tendency of these symptoms to occur together has implications for improving symptom management in this population. Routine symptom assessment can be useful in clinical and research settings.
DNA Methylation in Circulating Tumour DNA as a Biomarker for Cancer
Authors: Board Ruth E , Knight Lucy , Greystoke Alastair , Blackhall Fiona H , Hughes Andrew , Dive Caroline , Ranson Malcolm
Published: November 2017

Free circulating DNA, which is thought to be derived from the primary tumour, can be detected in the blood of patients with cancer. Detection of genetic and epigenetic alteration in this tumour DNA offers a potential source of development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers for cancer. One such change is DNA methylation of the promotor region of tumour suppressor genes. This causes down regulation of tumour suppressor gene expression, a frequent event in carcinogenesis. Hypermethylation of the promotor region of a number of genes has been detected in many tumour types and more recently these changes have been detected in circulating tumour DNA. This review will summarise the literature detailing DNA methylation in circulating tumour DNA and discuss some of the current controversies and technical challenges facing its use as a potential biomarker for cancer.
The Clinical Application of Anti-CCP in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Chou CT , Liao HT , Chen CH , Chen WS , Wang HP , Su KY
Published: November 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common rheumatic disease in Caucasians and in other ethnic groups. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features. Before 1998, the only serological laboratory test that could contribute to the diagnosis was that for rheumatoid factor (RF). The disease activity markers for the evaluation of clinical symptoms or treatment outcome were the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). As a matter of fact, the diagnosis of early RA is quite impossible, as the clinical criteria are insufficient at the beginning stage of the disease. In 1998, Schelleken reported that a high percentage of RA patients had a specific antibody that could interact with a synthetic peptide which contained the amino acid citrulline. The high specificity (98%) for RA of this new serological marker, anti-cyclic citrullinated antibody (anti-CCP antibody), can be detected early in RA, before the typical clinical features appear. The presence or absence of this antibody can easily distinguish other rheumatic diseases from RA. Additionally, the titer of anti-CCP can be used to predict the prognosis and treatment outcome after DMARDs or biological therapy. Therefore, with improvement of sensitivity, the anti-CCP antibody will be widely used as a routine laboratory test in the clinical practice for RA.
Clastogenic Factors as Potential Biomarkers of Increased Superoxide Production
Authors: Emerit Ingrid
Published: November 2017

The formation of clastogenic factors (CF) and their damaging effects are mediated by superoxide, since superoxide dismutase is regularly protective. CF are produced via superoxide and stimulate the production of superoxide by monocytes and neutrophils. This results in a selfsustaining and longlasting process of clastogenesis, which may exceed the DNA repair system and ultimately lead to cancer (Emerit, 1994). An increased cancer risk is indeed observed in conditions accompanied by CF formation. These include irradiated persons, patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, HIV-infected persons and the chromosomal breakage syndromes ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom's syndrome and Fanconi's anemia. Biochemical analysis has identified lipid peroxidation products, arachidonic acid metabolites, nucleotides of inosine and cytokines, in particular tumor necrosis factor alpha, as the clastogenic and also superoxide stimulating components of CF. Due to their chromosome damaging effects, these oxidants can be detected with classical cytogenetic techniques. Their synergistic action renders the CF-test particularly sensitive for the detection of a pro-oxidant state. Correlations were observed between CF and other biomarkers of oxidative stress such as decreases in total plasma thiols or increases in TBARS or chemiluminescence. Correlations between CF and disease activity, between CF and radiation exposure, suggest the study of CF for monitoring these conditions. CF may also be useful as biochemical markers and intermediate endpoints for the evaluation of promising antioxidant drugs.

CF formation represents a link between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Prophylactic use of superoxide scavengers as anticarcinogens is therefore suggested.
Alteration of Transthyretin Microheterogeneity in Serum of Multiple Trauma Patients
Authors: Gericke Beate , Raila Jens , Deja Maria , Rohn Sascha , Donaubauer Bernd , Nagl Britta , Haebel Sophie , Schweigert Florian J. , Kaisers Udo
Published: November 2017

Transthyretin (TTR) which exists in various isoforms, is a valid marker for acute phase response and subclinical malnutrition. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress and the occurrence of changes in microheterogeneity of TTR.

A prospective, observational study at a level-I trauma center of a large urban medical university was performed. Patients were severely injured (n = 18; injury severity score (ISS): 34–66), and were observed within the first 24 hours of admittance and over the following days until day 20 after injury. 20 healthy subjects, matched by age and sex, were used as controls.

TTR was enriched by immunoprecipitation. Microheterogeneity of TTR was determined by linear matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Four major mass signals were observed for TTR representing native, S-cysteinylated, S-cysteinglycinylated and S-glutathionylated TTR. In the course of their ICU stay, 14 of the 18 patients showed a transient change in microheterogeneity in favour of the S-cysteinglycinylated form of TTR (p < 0.05 vs. controls). The occurrence of this variant was not associated with the severity of trauma or the intensity of the acute-phase response, but was associated with oxidative stress as evidenced by Trolox.

Our results demonstrate that changes in microheterogeneity of TTR occur in a substantial number of ICU trauma patients. The diagnostic values of these changes remains to be elucidated. It is speculated that TTR modification may well be the mechanism underlying the morphological manifestation of amyloidose or Alzheimer's diseases in patients surviving multiple trauma.
Genome-Wide Association Studies: Progress in Identifying Genetic Biomarkers in Common, Complex Diseases
Authors: Kingsmore Stephen F. , Lindquist Ingrid E. , Mudge Joann , Beavis William D.
Published: November 2017

Novel, comprehensive approaches for biomarker discovery and validation are urgently needed. One particular area of methodologic need is for discovery of novel genetic biomarkers in complex diseases and traits. Here, we review recent successes in the use of genome wide association (GWA) approaches to identify genetic biomarkers in common human diseases and traits. Such studies are yielding initial insights into the allelic architecture of complex traits. In general, it appears that complex diseases are associated with many common polymorphisms, implying profound genetic heterogeneity between affected individuals.
Endogenous Secretory RAGE as a Novel Biomarker for Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Koyama Hidenori , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Nishizawa Yoshiki
Published: November 2017

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is known to be involved in both micro- and macrovascular complications in diabetes. Among numerous truncated forms of RAGE recently described, the C-terminally truncated form of RAGE has received much attention. This form of RAGE, carrying all of the extracellular domains but devoid of the trans-membrane and intracytoplasmic domains, is released outside from cells, binds ligands including AGEs, and is capable of neutralizing RAGE signaling on endothelial cells in culture. This form of RAGE is generated as a splice variant and is named endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Adenoviral overexpression of esRAGE reverses diabetic impairment of vascular dysfunction, suggesting that esRAGE may be an important inhibitor of RAGE signaling in vivo and potentially be useful for prevention of diabetic vascular complications. An ELISA system to measure plasma esRAGE was recently developed, and the pathophysiological roles of esRAGE have begun to be unveiled clinically. Plasma esRAGE levels are decreased in patients with several metabolic diseases including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension. In cross-sectional analysis, plasma esRAGE levels are inversely correlated with carotid or femoral atherosclerosis. In an observational cohort of patients with end-stage renal disease, cumulative incidence of cardiovascular death was significantly higher in subjects with lower plasma esRAGE levels. These findings suggest that plasma esRAGE may act as a protective factor against and a novel biomarker for the occurrence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
Determination of Tobacco Specific Hemoglobin Adducts in Smoking Mothers and New Born Babies by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Myers Steven R. , Ali Yeakub
Published: November 2017

Biological markers for assessment of exposure to a variety of environmental carcinogens has been widely applied in both basic as well as clinical research. Exposure to tobacco smoke presents an ideal environment with which to develop, characterize, and refine biological markers, especially of those carcinogens found in tobacco. In the present study, a sensitive gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method was developed to measure nitrosamine- hemoglobin adducts (HPB-Hb (4-Hydroxy-3-pyridinyl-1-butanone) at trace levels in red blood cells of both African-American and Caucasian smoking and nonsmoking mothers and their infants. Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods with chemical ionization (CI) of methane reagent gas in both positive and negative ion mode as well as electron ionization (EI) were studied to determine differences in sensitivity of detection among the various ionization methods. Detection limits using both positive and negative chemical ionization modes were found to be 30 femtomoles of HPB, whereas detection using electron impact modes yielded a detection limit of 80 femtomoles of HBP. Comparative derivatization of HPB was performed using O-bis(Trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-Pentafluorobenzoylchloride (PFBC). Both Negative CI and Positive CI modes of analysis were compared to the more widely accepted EI modes of mass spectrometric analysis.
Marker of Bone Resorption in Acute Response to Exogenous or Endogenous Parathyroid Hormone
Authors: Zikan Vit , Stepan Jan J.
Published: November 2017

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) changes morphology of osteoclasts within minutes after its systemic administration. The aim of our study was to test in healthy men whether both exogenous and endogenous PTH could change acutely (minutes to hours) the serum cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (beta CTX), which is released during osteoclastic resorption of bone. Twelve healthy men (age range 24–34 yr) were each studied during 180 min on a control period, after a single subcutaneous injection of teriparatide, and after 30 min EDTA infusion to stimulate endogenous PTH secretion. The tests were started after overnight fast, 3 h after a standard calcium load. The EDTA infusion induced a significant decrease in serum ionized calcium (by 8.5% at 33 min) and a significant increase in plasma PTH (by 305% at 33 min). Both the EDTA and teriparatide resulted in a significant increase in beta CTX (p < 0.001) with maximum increases of 64% and 80%, respectively. A mild, but significant decrease in beta CTX was observed during the control test period. In conclusion, single-dose teriparatide injection as well as a stimulation of endogenous PTH in healthy men results in an acute increase of the bone resorption marker.
Bare Nature
Authors: Shields Rob
Published: November 2017

This article considers the ethical implications of a stance toward or relation with the natural environment that could be characterized as dominant across many sectors of not only the economy but consumption patterns generally. Despite popular perception or denial of climate change over the past decades, this is an implicit relation toward the collateral risks and damages to ecosystems by human activity. Not only are livelihoods sustained on the basis of natural resources but the direct costs of hydrocarbon development are borne locally in the environment. For some, this is understood to be without a personal cost despite the fears expressed. The article quotes from interviews with residents. It stages a broader, continuing conversation about the ambivalence of being dependent on hydrocarbons. This article explores the difficulty of developing an ethical engagement with the nonhuman and natural ecosystems when they are relegated to the status of what will be referred to as “bare nature.” Rather than state of exception or standing reserve, nonhuman nature is only present as a form of absence and as nonentities and does not present an ethical challenge or claim.
Tramping the Mobius: A Curriculum of Oral and Literary Tradition as a Primer for Rural Education
Authors: Kulnieks Andrejs , Longboat Dan Roronhiakewen , Young Kelly
Published: November 2017

In this article, we illustrate how outdoor activities that foster the development of human relationships with intact ecosystems are an essential aspect of environmental education. Through a curriculum of oral and literary traditions, this article takes up Ed Rickett’s and Aldo Leopold’s life work and theories (shared by Joseph Campbell and John Steinbeck) as they recount the genesis of Pacific Tidal Pool ecology, also applied to poetry, taxonomy, and philosophies that involved studying nature. Ongoing experiential decline has significantly altered environmental praxis leaving older environmentalists as among the last of significantly spatially shaped generations. We investigate how these naturalists mediate Indigenous perspectives and settler perspectives by paying close attention to the natural world. This relationship demands a journey into those places to uncover how place and story shape eco-hermeneutics.
Hoist on their own petards? The reinvention and collapse of authoritarian successor parties
Authors: Grzymala-Busse Anna
Published: November 2017

What happens to authoritarian ruling parties when they accept democracy and reinvent their organizations, symbols, and programs to comply with the norms of free political competition? The consequences of such reinvention have been neglected empirically, yet they are critical for our understanding both of the costs and benefits of party transformation and for the health of democratic party competition. Using a novel data set comprising 81 countries over 1945–2015, and a structured comparison of two prominent cases of authoritarian reinvention, this article makes three contributions. First, it distinguishes among the different strategies available to authoritarian ruling parties after the collapse of their monopoly regimes, including exit, dissolution, and reinvention. Second, it finds that the cruel paradox is that the biggest boosters and builders of party democracy—the reinvented authoritarian successor parties—eventually suffer the most electorally. Third, this paradoxical fate follows from their initial decisions to reinvent and transform themselves.
The association between socioeconomic status and autism diagnosis in the United Kingdom for children aged 5–8 years of age: Findings from the Born in Bradford cohort
Authors: Kelly Brian , Williams Stefan , Collins Sylvie , Mushtaq Faisal , Mon-Williams Mark , Wright Barry , Mason Dan , Wright John
Published: November 2017

There has been recent interest in the relationship between socioeconomic status and the diagnosis of autism in children. Studies in the United States have found lower rates of autism diagnosis associated with lower socioeconomic status, while studies in other countries report no association, or the opposite. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of this relationship in the United Kingdom. Using data from the Born in Bradford cohort, comprising 13,857 children born between 2007 and 2011, it was found that children of mothers educated to A-level or above had twice the rate of autism diagnosis, 1.5% of children (95% confidence interval: 1.1%, 1.9%) compared to children of mothers with lower levels of education status 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.5%, 0.9%). No statistically significant relationship between income status or neighbourhood material deprivation was found after controlling for mothers education status. The results suggest a substantial level of underdiagnosis for children of lower education status mothers, though further research is required to determine the extent to which this is replicated across the United Kingdom. Tackling inequalities in autism diagnosis will require action, which could include increased education, awareness, further exploration of the usefulness of screening programmes and the provision of more accessible support services.
The role of power in social explanation
Authors: Menge Torsten
Published: November 2017

Power is often taken to be a central concept in social and political thought that can contribute to the explanation of many different social phenomena. This article argues that in order to play this role, a general theory of power is required to identify a stable causal capacity, one that does not depend on idiosyncratic social conditions and can thus exert its characteristic influence in a wide range of cases. It considers three promising strategies for such a theory, which ground power in (1) the ability to use force, (2) access to resources, or (3) collective acceptance. It shows that these strategies fail to identify a stable causal capacity. The lack of an adequate general theory of power suggests that the concept lacks the necessary unity to play the broad explanatory role it is often accorded.
Who uses apps in health promotion? A target group analysis of leaders
Authors: Bregenzer Anita , Wagner-Hartl Verena , Jiménez Paul
Published: November 2017

User characteristics should be considered when designing features for e-health or m-health applications, as the developed solution should aim to support this specific target group. This study explores the effect of user characteristics (personality, health state, stress/recovery state, leadership behavior) on the interest and likelihood of using an app for health promotion activities at the workplace. Leaders are a key factor for the success of workplace health promotion; therefore, the target group of this study are leaders. The data of 412 leaders were collected in an online study. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for four outcome criteria (“personal health,” “contacting,” “leadership feedback” and “corporate key figures”). The findings showed that neuroticism, physical health and health-promoting leadership were important predictors for using an app for monitoring personal health and getting in social contact about health issues. The stress/recovery state was significantly related to the feature of getting in social contact.
Dynamic analysis of vehicle–track interaction due to wheel flat using bond graph
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Rastogi Vikas , Pathak PM
Published: November 2017

The dynamic response of a railway track under a moving train in the presence of a wheel with flat has been studied over many years. The force at the wheel–rail interface is mainly responsible for vehicle and track components deterioration and adds to the maintenance cost. So, reliable predictions of wheel–rail interaction forces are of prime concern to get the key factors responsible for damage of vehicle and track components. In most of the studies, a symmetrical vehicle–track model with linearity in track components behavior is assumed for simplification. This may lead to incorrect results in some situation. In this paper, wheel–rail impact dynamics is investigated by considering an asymmetrical vehicle–track model with due consideration to nonlinear behavior of track. Some nonlinear factors such as loss of wheel–rail contact, nonlinearity in pad, and ballast behavior are taken into consideration. A combined vehicle–track bond graph model is developed to study the wheel–track interaction dynamics. The rail is modeled as a flexible Euler Bernoulli beam resting on discrete support. The nonlinear Hertzian contact theory is used to accomplish the dynamic interactions between the vehicle and the track. Time response of forces, displacements, velocities, and accelerations of the related components of the vehicle and the track are obtained. It has been found that, though the wheel flat exists on leading right wheels, its effect has also been transferred to other components of the vehicle. The obtained results further lead to provide a better understanding of the interaction dynamics at the wheel–track interface with attention to the nonlinear behavior of pad and ballast.
The international computer and information literacy study from a European perspective: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Gerick Julia , Eickelmann Birgit , Bos Wilfried
Published: November 2017

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS 2013) provides, for the first time, information about students’ computer and information literacy (CIL), as well as its acquisition, based on a computer-based test for students and background questionnaires. Among the 21 education systems that participated in ICILS 2013, there are 12 European countries, making secondary comparative in-depth analyses at a European level particularly fruitful. Accordingly, while the four articles in this Special Issue each deal with different topics and adopt different methodologies, they all share a common element and provide European comparisons in the ICILS context. The editorial in turn outlines the aim of the ICILS 2013 study and its relevance for European education research as well as its contextual framework and approach to the measurement of students’ CIL. The potential and challenges of such large-scale assessment studies are also discussed.
Educational justice and big data
Authors: Ben Shahar Tammy Harel
Published: November 2017

This article examines the effects of incorporating information and communication technologies in schools in terms of distributive justice. To do so, four issues that are central to educational justice are discussed: scarcity of resources, the positional nature of education, peer effects, and biases in educational decision-making. The discussion exposes a complicated picture of possible benefits and challenges associated with incorporating data-rich technologies in education. While technology may potentially promote educational justice – by widening access to quality teaching, decreasing biases, and facilitating mixed ability classes – it also creates concerns, related to ensuring equal distribution of technology, preventing biases in educational data mining, and fostering the kind of social relations between students necessary for democratic equality. The article concludes that whether or not information and communication technologies will have a positive impact on educational justice depends, largely, on the way it is developed, designed, and implemented in schools.
Infusing Adult Education Principles Into a Health Insurance Literacy Program
Authors: Brown Virginia
Published: November 2017

Health insurance literacy is an emerging concept in the health education and health promotion field. The passage of the Affordable Care Act highlighted the link between health insurance and health outcomes. However, the law does not specifically address how the public should be educated on choosing an appropriate health insurance plan. Research shows adults, regardless of previous health insurance status, are likely confused and uncertain about their selection. The University of Maryland Extension developed and created health insurance Smart Choice Health Insurance™ to reduce confusion and increase confidence and capability to make this decision. Andragogy, an adult learning theory, was used to guide the development of the program and help ensure best practices are used to achieve desired outcomes. Using the six principles of andragogy, the team incorporated reality-based case studies, allowed adults time to practice, and emphasized choice making and many other elements to create an atmosphere conducive to adult learning. Results from Smart Choice indicate the program is successful in reducing confusion and increasing confidence. Furthermore, feedback from participants and trained educators indicates that adults were engaged in the program and found the materials useful. Based on program success, creation of new health insurance literacy programs grounded in adult education principles is under way.
Gangs in School: Exploring the Experiences of Gang-Involved Youth
Authors: Carson Dena C. , Esbensen Finn-Aage
Published: November 2017

This study explores three questions: (1) What are the criteria that current or formerly gang-involved youth use to identify the presence of gangs in school? (2) Do gang activities produce incivilities and victimizations within the school context? and (3) What is the impact of a gang presence on youth in the school, specifically with respect to the presence or absence of fear? We examine the influence of gangs in schools through qualitative analysis of 180 in-depth semistructured interviews. The sample includes youth with varying levels of gang involvement who attended schools across the United States. Youth relied on personal knowledge and visual cues to identify gangs in their school. Despite the occurrence of vicarious victimizations and incivilities at the hands of gang youth, respondents indicated that gangs did not impact their school life. These youth frequently used normalization and delimitation processes to deal with gangs in their school.
Evaluation of Augmented Reality Feedback in Surgical Training Environment
Authors: Zahiri Mohsen , Nelson Carl A. , Oleynikov Dmitry , Siu Ka-Chun
Published: November 2017

Providing computer-based laparoscopic surgical training has several advantages that enhance the training process. Self-evaluation and real-time performance feedback are 2 of these advantages, which avoid dependency of trainees on expert feedback. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of a visual time indicator as real-time feedback correlated with the laparoscopic surgical training. Twenty novices participated in this study working with (and without) different presentations of time indicators. They performed a standard peg transfer task, and their completion times and muscle activity were recorded and compared. Also of interest was whether the use of this type of feedback induced any side effect in terms of motivation or muscle fatigue. Results. Of the 20 participants, 15 (75%) preferred using a time indicator in the training process rather than having no feedback. However, time to task completion showed no significant difference in performance with the time indicator; furthermore, no significant differences in muscle activity or muscle fatigue were detected with/without time feedback. Conclusion. The absence of significant difference between task performance with/without time feedback shows that using visual real-time feedback can be included in surgical training based on user preference. Trainees may benefit from this type of feedback in the form of increased motivation. The extent to which this can influence training frequency leading to performance improvement is a question for further study.
Stratigraphy for the Renaissance: Questions of expertise for ‘the environment’ and ‘the Anthropocene’
Authors: Warde Paul , Robin Libby , Sörlin Sverker
Published: November 2017

This article examines the short history of scientific decision-making and expertise in deliberations about the validity of the term ‘Anthropocene’ by the International Commission on Stratigraphy. Contrary to fears that the Anthropocene debates constitute a politicisation of proper scientific practice, it argues that periodisation and categorisation in science (in stratigraphy, in this case) typically draws on expertise and information outside core disciplinary practice. When broad integrative concepts come into play, knowledge itself is reshaped. Disciplines and ‘non-scientific’ concerns develop new relations with each other. This is what happened in the Renaissance, when science itself emerged in its modern form. Here parallels are drawn between the emergence of the concept ‘the environment’ in the post-war era and the 21st-century struggles over the idea of ‘the Anthropocene’. The politics of science create uncertainties but equally nurture emergent possibilities for analysis that are not unlike the broad categories and periodisations – such as the Renaissance – in the humanities.
Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness: An Approach to Human Centred Sustainable Development
Authors: Lepeley Maria-Teresa
Published: November 2017

The limitations of gross domestic product (GDP) to measure people’s well-being have been widely discussed and documented in the literature. In this context, Bhutan’s pioneering experience with gross national happiness (GNH) is a welcome departure from traditional global practices to measure a nation’s wealth and well-being. Bhutan’s concept of GNH promoting education and human capital as pivotal forces in human centred development in a small sized developing country provide unique opportunity to test integration of GNH and GDP necessary to attain economic, social, technological, environmental (ESTE) balanced sustainable development. The article concludes that GNH and GDP can be complimentary development strategies.
The Six-Sentence Argument: Training Critical Thinking Skills Using Peer Review
Authors: Kölbel Julian , Jentges Erik
Published: November 2017

The six-sentence argument (6SA) is an exercise to train critical thinking skills. Faced with a decision situation, students argue for their preferred course of action using a logical structure of exactly six sentences. Through a guided peer review, students engage critically with other students’ arguments and receive detailed feedback on their own arguments. This exercise helps students craft convincing arguments and reflect on their reasoning in a format that can be applied in real-world situations. A key strength of the six-sentence argument exercise is that it can be administered online and is scalable for large courses with little additional workload for the instructor.