bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Economic Crisis and Migrant Workers in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Susumu
Published: January 2015

The employment situation in Japan continues to deteriorate, and it will take some time before recovery starts. The current economic crisis has had little negative impact on the inflow of migrant workers, both legal and illegal. The declines recorded in recent years are due more to stricter control of illegal migration in Japan and in a few sending countries. The crisis, however, has reduced the earnings of some groups of migrant workers. Illegal workers are more vulnerable because they are not protected from abuse as much as legitimate workers, nor do they usually come out to seek official services offered. More serious international efforts are required to curb the illegal flow of workers. An aggressive labor export policy may work against workers' welfare especially at the time of crisis in host economies.
The Impact of the Crisis on Migration in Thailand
Authors: Chalamwong Yongyuth
Published: January 2015

Thailand's current economic crisis resulted from the bursting of the bubble economy that developed from a combination of excessive speculation and liberalization of the finance system. Not only is Thailand expected to post a negative 5.5 percent economic growth and 9.4 percent inflation by the end of 1998, but it will also experience a reversal of rural-urban migration trends. The Thai government is stepping up enforcement against illegal foreign workers and is seeking help from neighboring states in facilitating the reintegration of their workers. At the same time the government targets to send at least 215,000 Thai workers to other countries.
The Exile in Philippine History
Authors: Salazar Zeus A.
Published: January 2015

Exile migration in Philippine history is examined in this article from earliest times to the present. The exile experience has assumed different forms, meanings and impact on individuals and the society left behind in different periods. Up until 1588, i.e., up until the end of the Manila ethnic state, exiles (who were either banished or were self-exiles) moved about in the familiar Indo-Malayan world, and thus, their exile did not necessarily uproot them from a familiar culture. Exile took on a different meaning with the arrival of colonial powers, particularly from 1872, when political exiles became numerous. The article reexamines the external exile of the ilustrados and propagandistas as well as the internal exile of those who were outside the colonial structure. The same analysis is applied to the different exiles during the American occupation, the Japanese occupation, and contemporary exiles. More than place, the author discusses separation and exile from the well-spring of kalinangang bayan (culture of the people) and Inang Bayan (Motherland).
Rizal and the Ilustrados in Spain
Authors: Teodoro Noel V.
Published: January 2015

This article focuses on the experiences of the ilustrados as exiles in Spain. Censorship was an important factor in the decision of several ilustrados to leave the country. In addition to the notable propagandistas, Jaena, del Pilar, and Rizal, the article also mentions others who were part of the Filipino community in Spain. In their campaign for reforms, the ilustrados worked hard to correct racist images drawn by Spanish writers about the Philippines and the Filipinos. Together with progressive Spaniards, they presented their demands for assimilation, good governance, and representation in the Cor-tés. The newspaper La solidaridad and the founding of masonic organizations were the venues for the reforms waged by the ilustrados. Rizal later concluded that they needed to return to the Motherland and to initiate change from within.
Philippines-Marianas Relations in History: Some Notes on Filipino Exiles in Guam
Authors: Navarro Atoy M.
Published: January 2015

This article situates the nature of the exile of Filipinos to the Marianas in the shared history of the Philippines and the Marianas. The links between the two can be traced to as far back as the voyages and travels of the Austronesians and Nusantao from the Philippines to the Marianas. The nature of exile was different before and after the arrival of the colonizers. The Marianas became a place of exile for Filipinos who opposed or criticized the Spanish and American colonial governments. A discussion is devoted to Apolinario Mabini, considered to be the most prominent exile at the time of the American rule in the Philippines.
A Community of Exiles
Authors: Maglipon Jo-Ann Q.
Published: January 2015

This article deals with the community of political exiles in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This group of exiles, made up mainly by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been at odds with the government since the Marcos administration which hunted it down during martial law. The breakdown of peace talks during the Aquino administration further contributed to the exile of key persons to Utrecht in the late 1980s. This article describes the exiles' political work and continuing links with the Philippines, the unifying and divisive forces within their community, how exile has affected their personal and family life, their encounters with racism in the host country, and the break in the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Labor Allocation of Chinese Rural Migrant Workers in Urban Areas: Job Election or Job Enforcement?
Authors: Fernandez-Stembridge Leila
Published: January 2015

China has experienced significant rural-to-urban migration since the launching of economic and social reforms in the early 1980s. This paper discusses the factors that led to the emergence of the “floating population,” describes the characteristics of the employment market of rural migrant workers, and proposes some alternatives for a more efficient labor distribution. Rural migrant workers remain as “outsiders” in urban areas, despite their contributions to economic dynamism in the destination areas. The paper concludes that labor allocation seems to be a combination of choice and enforcement factors: migrant workers exercise some choice in their jobs, but their choices are limited to only a few job possibilities.
Xi, Relations Cluster, and the Formation of a Migrant Community in Contemporary China
Authors: Xiang Biao
Published: January 2015

The formation of “Zhejiang Village,” a migrant community in Beijing, is the subject of this article. Based on years of fieldwork in the community, the author elaborates on the concept of xi or relations cluster, i.e., social networks revolving around a key person who organizes the different relations, as the constitutive unit of Zhejiang Village. The characteristics of xi, the relations that it forges among its members, the nature of migrant community that derives from it and its contributions to the conceptualization of social networks are discussed in the article.
The Floating Population of Shanghai in the Mid-1990s
Authors: Roberts Kenneth D. , Jinsheng Wei
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this paper is to profile the floating population of China's largest city, Shanghai, based upon one of the most representative data sets available, and to estimate the relative size and characteristics of the major groups of this migrant population. The data permit separation of rural labor migrants from other categories of the floating population such as students, tourists, relatives on social visits, and business people from outside Shanghai. From 61 to 78 percent of the floating population can be classified as rural labor migrants. Particular attention is given to the demographic and occupational characteristics of this stigmatized group, as well as to the factors influencing their duration of stay in the city.
The Sri Lankan Population of Great Britain: Migration and Settlement
Authors: Siddhisena K.A.P. , White Paul
Published: January 2015

Research on Asian migration flows to and community creation in Great Britain has neglected the case of Sri Lankans. In fact Sri Lankans by 1991 constituted the sixth biggest Asian community, with over 39,000 residents of Britain having been born in Sri Lanka. An estimate of the population of Sri Lankan origins by the end of the 1990s suggests around 65,000 residents, including British-born offspring. Using information on country of birth from the 1991 British census, this paper discusses the characteristics of the Sri Lankan community. It is shown to be markedly different from other South Asian groups in a number of respects, most particularly through its extreme, and growing, geographical concentration in the South East and Greater London.
Nutrition Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Massanet Pablo Lucas , Petit Laurent , Louart Benjamin , Corne Philippe , Richard Celine , Preiser Jean Charles
Published: January 2015

The maintenance of homeostasis after severe injury requires the restoration of the physiological regulation of food intake. A wide array of functional alterations can hinder the intake of adequate amounts of nutrients to support the recovery from critical illness. These alterations encompass changes in the preprandial phase, reflected by a loss of appetite; changes in the prandial phase, yielding swallowing disorders; and changes in the postprandial phase, including impairments of gastric emptying, gut motility, and satiety. This tutorial aims to review these often overlooked features and to suggest recommendations for the nutrition rehabilitation of the critically ill.
Rotational thromboelastometry in prediction of bleeding after cardiac surgery
Authors: Ghavidel Alireza Alizadeh , Toutounchi Zia , Shahandashti Farshad Jalili , Mirmesdagh Yalda
Published: January 2015

Background

Reexploration and its associated complications significantly affect hospital mortality and morbidity. Therefore, to prevent postoperative bleeding and its related complications, using an appropriate modality is essential during cardiac surgery.

Methods

Four hundred patients (296 males and 104 females, mean age 60.8 ± 9 years) scheduled for first-time coronary artery bypass graft surgery were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were obtained for ROTEM testing before surgery and 30 min after heparin reversal. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was patients with no abnormal postoperative bleeding and group 2 was patients who required reexploration for abnormal postoperative bleeding. Group 2 patients were divided into 2 subgroups: 2a was patients with surgical bleeding and group 2b was patients with nonsurgical bleeding. Variables were compared between groups.

Results

Among the 400 patients, 42 were reexplored. Hospital stay was significantly longer and hospital deaths more frequent in group 2 patients ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Ten (2.8%) patients had abnormal preoperative results of ROTEM in group 1 compared to 14 (33.3%) in group 2 ( p < 0.001). After surgery, the number of patients with abnormal ROTEM results was significantly different between the 2 groups: 6 (1.7%) in group 1 vs. 14 (33.3%) in group 2 ( p < 0.001). Four (12.5%) patients in group 2a had abnormal preoperative ROTEM results compared to 10 (100%) in group 2a ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Measuring coagulation factors by ROTEM both before surgery and after heparin reversal can identify patients at increased risk of postoperative bleeding.
‘All you need is love and £18,600’: Class and the new UK family migration rules
Authors: Sirriyeh Ala
Published: January 2015

In July 2012 the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition government introduced a new set of family migration rules. These rules set a sharp increase in the minimum income threshold for people sponsoring partners and children to join them in the UK. Consequently, there has been a significant reduction in the number of visas granted through the family migration route. This article explores the themes of class in connection to transnational relationships and citizenship in the formulation of the new family migration rules, in the justifications that have been made for the rules and in the impact of the rules on applicants. It is argued that in the context of international migration and transnational relationships, class-based moralism and regulation has been entwined with exclusionary discourses on ethnicity, national belonging and citizenship and has been extended beyond the nation-state border towards the governing of particular kinds of international family.
How effective is media self-regulation? Results from a comparative survey of European journalists
Authors: Fengler Susanne , Eberwein Tobias , Alsius Salvador , Baisnée Olivier , Bichler Klaus , Dobek-Ostrowska Boguslawa , Evers Huub , Glowacki Michal , Groenhart Harmen , Harro-Loit Halliki , Heikkilä Heikki , Jempson Mike , Karmasin Matthias , Lauk Epp , Lönnendonker Julia , Mauri Marcel , Mazzoleni Gianpietro , Pies Judith , Porlezza Colin , Powell Wayne , Radu Raluca , Rodriguez Ruth , Russ-Mohl Stephan , Schneider-Mombaur Laura , Splendore Sergio , Väliverronen Jari , Zambrano Sandra Vera
Published: January 2015

This article presents key results of a comparative journalists’ survey on media accountability, for which 1762 journalists in 14 countries had been interrogated online. The article explores how European journalists perceive the impact of old versus new media accountability instruments on professional journalistic standards – established instruments like press councils, ethics codes, ombudsmen and media criticism, but also more recent online instruments like newsroom blogs and criticism via social media. Thus, the study also adds empirical data to the current debate about the future of media self-regulation in Europe, ignited by the Leveson Inquiry in the United Kingdom as well as the European Commission’s High-Level Group on Media Freedom and Pluralism.
Saphenous nerve injury after endovenous laser ablation of incompetent greater saphenous vein: An electroneuromyography study
Authors: Yilmaz S , Delikan O , Aksoy E
Published: January 2015

Aim

To determine whether endovenous laser ablation of incompetent greater saphenous vein causes a detectable impairment in saphenous nerve conduction.

Material and methods

Thirty-five patients (mean age: 44.78 ± 8.6, male/female ratio: 16/19) who were operated on for incompetent greater saphenous veins, underwent electroneuromyography before and two weeks after the operation. Dysesthesia was questioned as to whether having unpleasant abnormal sensation after the operation. Positive electroneuromyography findings for saphenous nerve injury included a sensory nerve action potential amplitude <2 µV or a nerve conduction velocity <48.0 m/s or a latency onset >5.0 ms.

Results

Thirty-four patients were available at two-week follow-up. All patients achieved complete proximal closure. Three patients (8.8%) had dysesthesia at two weeks. Mean electroneuromyography values were not significantly different between preoperative and postoperative period. Postoperatively, none of the patients had abnormal sensory nerve action potential or latency onset, whereas nerve conduction velocity decreased below the lower limit in two patients. These two patients were not among those having dysesthesia and they had no other complaints.

Conclusion

Injury to saphenous nerve seems not likely during endovenous laser ablation of incompetent greater saphenous veins, as evidenced by normal electroneuromyography values found after the operation.
Standardization of formulations for the acute amino acid depletion and loading tests
Authors: Badawy Abdulla A-B , Dougherty Donald M
Published: January 2015

The acute tryptophan depletion and loading and the acute tyrosine plus phenylalanine depletion tests are powerful tools for studying the roles of cerebral monoamines in behaviour and symptoms related to various disorders. The tests use either amino acid mixtures or proteins. Current amino acid mixtures lack specificity in humans, but not in rodents, because of the faster disposal of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) by the latter. The high content of BCAA (30–60%) is responsible for the poor specificity in humans and we recommend, in a 50g dose, a control formulation with a lowered BCAA content (18%) as a common control for the above tests. With protein-based formulations, α-lactalbumin is specific for acute tryptophan loading, whereas gelatine is only partially effective for acute tryptophan depletion. We recommend the use of the whey protein fraction glycomacropeptide as an alternative protein. Its BCAA content is ideal for specificity and the absence of tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine render it suitable as a template for seven formulations (separate and combined depletion or loading and a truly balanced control). We invite the research community to participate in standardization of the depletion and loading methodologies by using our recommended amino acid formulation and developing those based on glycomacropeptide.
Vintage treatments for PTSD: A reconsideration of tricyclic drugs
Authors: Davidson Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Serotonin (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine (SNRI) reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the first-line recommended drug treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); but despite their benefits, much residual pathology remains and no new drugs have yet emerged with a clearly demonstrated benefit for treating the disorder. A case is made that tricyclic drugs deserve a closer look, based on their ability to affect several of the main neurotransmitters that are relevant to PTSD. Their promising efficacy, which was shown 30 years ago, had not been followed up, until a recent trial of desipramine found advantages over a SSRI in PTSD with comorbid alcohol dependence. Opportunities exist for studying newer and purportedly safer tricyclic formulations, as well as further the work with older, established compounds. A reappraisal of their risk:benefit ratio seems in order, when treating PTSD.
Repeated administration of aripiprazole produces a sensitization effect in the suppression of avoidance responding and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion and increases D2 receptor-mediated behavioral function
Authors: Gao Jun , Qin Rongyin , Li Ming
Published: January 2015

The present study investigated how repeated administration of aripiprazole (a novel antipsychotic drug) alters its behavioral effects in two behavioral tests of antipsychotic activity and whether this alteration is correlated with an increase in dopamine D2 receptor function. Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were first repeatedly tested with aripiprazole (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, subcutaneously (sc)) or vehicle in a conditioned avoidance response (CAR) test or a phencyclidine (PCP) (3.20 mg/kg, sc)-induced hyperlocomotion test daily for five consecutive days. After 2–3 days of drug-free retraining or resting, all rats were then challenged with aripiprazole (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg, sc). Repeated administration of aripiprazole progressively increased its inhibition of avoidance responding and PCP-induced hyperlocomotion. More importantly, rats previously treated with aripiprazole showed significantly lower avoidance response and lower PCP-induced hyperlocomotion than those previously treated with vehicle in the challenge tests. An increased sensitivity to quinpirole (a selective D2/3 agonist) in prior aripiprazole-treated rats was also found in the quinpirole-induced hyperlocomotion test, suggesting an enhanced D2/3-mediated function. These findings suggest that aripiprazole, despite its distinct receptor mechanisms of action, induces a sensitization effect similar to those induced by other antipsychotic drugs and this effect may be partially mediated by brain plasticity involving D2/3 receptor systems.
Geographies of transport I
Authors: Schwanen Tim
Published: January 2015

This first of three reports confirms and extends recent reflections on the diversity and vibrancy of the study of transport in geography. It identifies multiple drivers for the recent re-engagement with transport, suggesting that the way in which transport has become enmeshed with other forms of flow and circulation across multiple spatial and temporal scales may be the most significant. It reviews recent geographical research on the enmeshment of transport and a wide range of other circulations in three settings: the economy, climate change, and public health. The review suggests that the now widespread attention to transport issues by geographers who may not self-identify as experts in transport or mobilities is the defining characteristic of recent work on the geographies of transport. The re-engagement from across the discipline is potentially reinventing the field by bringing an unprecedented variety of perspectives to bear on the geographical analysis of transport. It means that the transport geography community should not limit its attention to staging further dialogue with the mobilities community but rather strike up more topic-oriented conversations across the whole discipline.
What Is the Association Between Sports Participation and the Development of Proximal Femoral Cam Deformity?
Authors: Nepple Jeffrey J. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M. , Clohisy John C.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is recognized as a common cause of hip pain and intra-articular disorders in athletes. Studies have suggested a link between participation in athletics during adolescence and the development of cam-type deformities of the proximal femoral head-neck junction.

Purpose:

To investigate the association of sporting activity participation during adolescence and the development of cam deformity.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify potential studies. Abstracts and manuscripts (when applicable) were independently reviewed by 2 reviewers. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, including 8 studies that compared the prevalence of cam deformity in athletes with that in controls and 3 studies that compared the prevalence of cam deformity before and after physeal closure (2 with both). A meta-analysis was performed with pooling of data and random-effects modeling to compare rates of cam deformity between athletes and controls.

Results:

High-level male athletes are 1.9 to 8.0 times more likely to develop a cam deformity than are male controls. The pooled prevalence rate (by hip) of cam deformity in male athletes was 41%, compared with 17% for male controls. The pooled mean alpha angle among male athletes was 61°, compared with 51° for male controls.

Conclusion:

Males participating in specific high-level impact sports (hockey, basketball, and possibly soccer) are at an increased risk of physeal abnormalities of the anterosuperior head-neck junction that result in a cam deformity at skeletal maturity.
Physical and Cognitive Impacts of Digital Games on Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Fan , Kaufman David
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and cognitive impacts of digital games on older adults. We conducted five independent meta-analyses by reporting 58 effect sizes generated from 36 studies. Results suggested that playing digital games is effective in improving older adults’ physical balance ( g = 0.67), balance confidence ( g = 0.46), functional mobility ( g = 0.53), executive function ( g = 0.76), and processing speed ( g = 0.54). Based on the results of heterogeneity analysis, we conducted moderator analyses for physical balance and processing speed. Key findings included the following: Playing digital games can not only improve the physical balance of older adults living in community but also those living in nursing homes; the relationship between age of participants or amount of time of gameplay and effect size is weak and the direction of the relationship is not definitive.
Child Maltreatment and Social Connectedness Among Formerly Institutionalized Females
Authors: van Delft Ivanka , Finkenauer Catrin , Verbruggen Janna
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to examine the effects of child maltreatment subtypes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence) and cumulative child maltreatment on depressive symptoms in adulthood, and examine the protective effects of social connectedness in a sample of formerly institutionalized females. The sample consisted of 124 females who were institutionalized in a Dutch juvenile justice institution during adolescence and were followed-up when they were on average 32 years old. Information about child maltreatment was extracted from treatment files. Retrospective data on social connectedness in young adulthood were established during interviews using a Life History Calendar. Relationship quality at follow-up was assessed with items derived from the Rochester Youth Development Study. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Scale for Depression (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms in adulthood. Results showed that 85.5% of the females experienced child maltreatment, and co-occurrence of subtypes was high. Cumulative child maltreatment increased the risk of depression in adulthood. Furthermore, social connectedness, that is, more employment over time and the quality of the romantic relationship at follow-up, protected against the development of depression. However, social connectedness did not buffer the effect of maltreatment on depression. Our findings indicate that treatment of these girls should focus on improving the social-emotional development to promote positive interpersonal relationships and include educational and vocational components to guide these girls toward increased opportunities on the labor market.
Subjective Sleep Quality in Women With Divorce Histories
Authors: Newton Tamara L. , Burns Vicki Ellison , Miller James J. , Fernandez-Botran G. Rafael
Published: January 2015

A marital status of divorced or separated, as opposed to married, predicts increased risk of health problems, but not for all persons. Focusing on one established health risk that has been linked with divorce—poor subjective sleep quality—the present cross-sectional study examined whether a history of physical intimate partner victimization (IPV) helps identify divorced women at potentially greater risk of health problems. Community midlife women with divorce histories, all of whom were free of current IPV, reported on their past month sleep quality and lifetime IPV. The predicted odds of poor sleep quality were significantly greater for women with, versus without, IPV histories. This held after adjusting for socioemotional, medical, or sociodemographic risks. A dose–response relationship between IPV chronicity and poor quality sleep was observed. IPV history may help identify divorced women at increased risk of poor quality sleep and, more broadly, poor health.
Prospective Study of the Mental Health Consequences of Sexual Violence Among Women Living With HIV in Rural Uganda
Authors: Tsai Alexander C. , Wolfe William R. , Kumbakumba Elias , Kawuma Annet , Hunt Peter W. , Martin Jeffrey N. , Bangsberg David R. , Weiser Sheri D.
Published: January 2015

The association between sexual violence and depression is well known, but the temporal aspects of the association have not been well established. We analyzed data from a cohort of 173 HIV-positive women in rural Uganda who were interviewed every 3 months for a median of 1.8 years of follow-up. The method of generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to model the marginal expectation of depression symptom severity (Hopkins Symptom Checklist for Depression), mental health–related quality of life (MOS-HIV Mental Health Summary), and heavy drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) as a function of self-reported forced-sex victimization in the 3 months prior to interview. Estimates were adjusted for variables known to confound the association between victimization and mental health status. To assess any potential reciprocal relationships, we reversed the temporal ordering of the exposures and outcomes and refitted similar GEE models. In multivariable analyses, victimization was associated with greater depression symptom severity ( b = 0.17; 95% CI = [0.02, 0.33]) and lower mental health–related quality of life ( b = −5.65; 95% CI = [−9.34, −1.96]), as well as increased risks for probable depression (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.58; 95% CI = [1.01, 2.49) and heavy drinking (ARR = 3.99; 95% CI = [1.84, 8.63]). We did not find strong evidence of a reciprocal relationship. Our findings suggest that forced sex is associated with adverse mental health outcomes among HIV-positive women in rural Uganda. Given the substantial mental health–related impacts of victimization, effective health sector responses are needed.
Reduction in the moan noise by frequency-response-function-based substructuring and optimization techniques
Authors: Kim Yong-Dae , Jeong Un-Chang , Kim Jin-Su , Seo Jong-Ho , Park Tae-Sang , Lee Sun-Hun , Yoon Jung-Min , Oh Jae-Eung
Published: January 2015

‘Moan’ noise in a vehicle causes discomfort and anxiety to passengers. In the previous study, the causes of moan noise were identified, and a coherence analysis of the components was conducted. It was found that moan noise was generated by the attribution of resonance when the exciting force produced by the stick–slip motion in a brake system was transmitted to a coupled torsional beam axle module. The analysis involved calculation of the response of the coupled torsional beam axle module on a full suspension brake system reconstructed by consideration of the transfer functions and the joint conditions of the coupled torsional beam axle module and the brake system. Each transfer function is decomposed by a frequency-response-function-based substructuring technique. In this study, when using the sensitivity analysis and optimization techniques for moan-noise reduction, the frequency-response-function-based substructuring technique was performed to calculate the response of the modified coupled torsional beam axle module by considering the joint conditions and the transfer functions of the brake system. Highly sensitive design parameters regarding the response of the coupled torsional beam axle module were identified after the sensitivity analysis. The most sensitive design parameters were selected to enhance the efficiency and the robustness of optimization. The optimal values for the design variables were obtained by applying a progressive quadratic response surface method as a optimization algorithm. The application of an optimization technique was possible using the finite element model and the results of the finite element analysis from the previous study. After optimization, a prototype was re-designed, manufactured and tested. Finally, it was verified that the moan noise was reduced, as the natural frequency of 387 Hz for the coupled torsional beam axle module was moved to a higher frequency.
Silibinin mitigates zidovudine-induced hepatocellular degenerative changes, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia in rats
Authors: Raghu R , Jesudas B , Bhavani G , Ezhilarasan D , Karthikeyan S
Published: January 2015

Prolonged zidovudine (AZT) treatment in HIV-infected and AIDS patients is shown to induce liver toxicity leading to complications. Therapeutic regimen that could encounter this adverse effect is unavailable and management of toxicity is often symptomatic or is limited to withdrawal of therapy. In the present investigation, we evaluated the alleviating properties of silibinin (SBN), a flavanolignan obtained from Silybum marianum against subacute AZT-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. AZT treatment (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) periorally (p.o.), daily for 45 days) caused highly significant increases in alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, argininosuccinic acid lyase and bilirubin in serum. Oxidative stress is shown by a highly significant increase in lipid peroxidase and total carbonyl content and decrease in catalase and protein thiols in the liver tissue. Hyperlipidaemia is indicated by highly significant increase in total lipids and free fatty acid in serum. Evaluation of liver by haematoxylin and eosin staining shows parenchymal cell enlargement, inflammatory changes and increase in sinusoidal spaces. Simultaneous treatment of SBN (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o., daily for 45 days) significantly protected the liver against hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia induced by AZT, and this alleviating property is attributed to hepatoprotective, membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of SBN.
Case Studies, Ethics, Philosophy, and Liberal Learning for the Management Profession
Authors: Rendtorff Jacob Dahl
Published: January 2015

Case studies can be an important methodology for ethics and philosophy in humanistic management and liberal education as well as in the social sciences because they integrate a deeper, reflective, philosophical, and ethical understanding of the organization. A case study approach based on philosophy of management contributes to putting into practice the Carnegie Foundation report Rethinking Undergraduate Education: Liberal Learning for the Profession. This approach is both inductive and deductive and very different from a soft Socratic approach to case studies such as the one often used in business schools following the Harvard method, wherein students are supposed to get knowledge through the reading of a case prepared by the teacher or from a business textbook. The aim of the case study is to analyze a concrete case and get general knowledge through the integrated analysis of the different ethical, philosophical, and economic dimensions of the case. This article presents an argument for case studies that highlight ethics and philosophy in the following parts: (1) Introduction, (2) Historical and Philosophical Definitions of Case Studies, (3) The Quality and Structure of the Case Study, (4) Scientific Validity of Case Studies, (5) Application and Use of Case Studies in Philosophy of Management and Ethics of Organizations, and (6) Conclusion.
An investigation of the effects of structural nonlinearity on the seismic performance degradation of active and passive control systems used for supplemental energy dissipation
Authors: Khansefid Ali , Ahmadizadeh Mehdi
Published: January 2015

It is generally accepted that active control systems provide better structural performance when compared to their passive counterparts. On the other hand, the design of active control systems based on linear control theory is highly dependent on the structural properties. For this reason, their performance is expected to be affected more severely by variations in structural properties compared to those of passive systems. These variations can occur due to nonlinear structural behavior, or even before that due to uncertainties in the estimation of these properties and in numerical modeling. The present work is an investigation of the dependency of various control systems used for supplemental energy dissipation to the changes in structural properties. For this purpose, the performance degradations of most common control systems are studied for structures entering their nonlinear response range. The considered control systems include active control using linear quadratic regulator algorithm and passive control using viscous fluid dampers and yielding devices. These control systems are optimized separately for linear and nonlinear structures by minimizing performance indices based on inter-story drift and absolute acceleration response. It is shown that among these control systems, viscous dampers are affected the least by the alteration of structural properties, which may further support their utilization contrary to the more costly active control systems. It is also shown that the amount of performance degradation depends on the selected structural performance index, and more importantly, the severity of the earthquake excitation.
Cooperating for a more egalitarian society: Complexity theory to evaluate gender equity
Authors: Marra Mita
Published: January 2015

Evaluating gender equity involves the assessment of the equality of opportunities and the equality of outcomes that public policies seek to attain for women and men. It focuses on how and to what extent both genders cooperate to expand access to paid work and control over material resources while sharing care and reproductive responsibilities. Drawing on complexity theory, this article puts forward a theoretical framework to identify cooperative behaviors within the household and the workplace as well as within broader socioeconomic, political and institutional domains.
High mobile phone ownership, but low Internet and email usage among pregnant, HIV-infected women attending antenatal care in Johannesburg
Authors: Clouse Kate , Schwartz Sheree R , Van Rie Annelies , Bassett Jean , Vermund Sten H , Pettifor Audrey E
Published: January 2015

We investigated mobile phone usage amongst HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal services in a primary care clinic in Johannesburg (n = 50). We conducted a semi-structured interview and asked them about their mobile phone, Internet and email use. The median age of the women was 28 years, 36% had moved one or more times in the past year, and most were employed or recently employed, albeit earning low wages. Nearly all women (94%) reported that they did not share their phone and 76% of the SIM cards were registered to the woman herself. The median time with the current phone was one year (range 1 month-6 years) and the median time with the current phone number was three years (range 1 month-13 years). Even though 42% of the participants were from outside South Africa, they all had mobile phone numbers local to South Africa. About one-third of respondents reported Internet use (30%) and about one-fifth reported using email (18%). Overall, 20% accessed the Internet and 10% accessed email on their mobile phone. Mobile phone interventions are feasible amongst HIV-positive pregnant women and may be useful in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Email and Internet-based interventions may not yet be appropriate.
Stop consonant production of French immersion students in Western Canada: A study of voice onset time
Authors: Netelenbos Nicole , Li Fangfang , Rosen Nicole
Published: January 2015

Objectives/research questions:

The present study investigates the development of French stop consonants among English-speaking children who are enrolled in an early French immersion program in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Our goal is to observe the stop consonant production pattern, and to determine whether interactions between the two language systems occur, while examining student progression with increasing experience.

Methodology:

Fifty-six students in grades 1, 3, and 5 participated in a speech production task administered in both English and French. For each language, they were asked to repeat a total of 54 words beginning with one of the six stop consonants, /p/, /t/, /k/, /b/, /d/, and /g/. In addition, 45 age-matched monolingual English-speaking children were tested to serve as a control group.

Data and analysis:

Voice onset time (VOT) was the acoustic measure analyzed for each language and for children of each grade. An analysis of variance was conducted for language- and experience-related effects.

Conclusions:

For the French voiceless stops, French immersion students display non-native-like VOT values in the intermediate range between monolingual English voiced and voiceless stops. Their English voiceless stops exhibit higher VOT values than the monolinguals’ and are separate from those of their French. For voiced stops, their English and French are indistinguishable, located within the range of voiced stops for monolingual English speakers.

Originality:

Previous research on French–English bilingualism has generally been limited to adults. Furthermore, examination of French immersion students has rarely focused on their phonetic development, and acoustic analysis of this population is virtually non-existent.

Implications:

Our results highlight the importance of input, as well as social, and educational context in second language learning.
Perceived health-related self-efficacy associated with BMI in adults in a population-based survey
Authors: Ovaskainen Marja-Leena , Tapanainen Heli , Laatikainen Tiina , Männistö Satu , Heinonen Heikki , Vartiainen Erkki
Published: January 2015

Background: The concept of ability to control personal behaviour in various environmental temptations is called self-efficacy. The high prevalence of obesity and overweight in Finland is the reason for studying the determinants of weight. The aim of the present study was to clarify the associations between body mass index and health-related self-efficacy (HSE), including food patterns, health behaviour and education. Methods: A random sample of adults was invited to the cross-sectional FINRISK 2002 Study in six regions in Finland. Participants ( n=7784) gave information on education, health behaviour, HSE and food consumption. Height and weight were measured in a health examination. The response rate was 60% for men and 71% for women. Six food patterns were identified by principal component analysis on the basis of food consumption. The scores from seven-item HSE was calculated and categorized into tertiles for the analysis. The associations of BMI with self-efficacy and exploratory variables were tested using general linear modelling in total population and by gender. Results: A weak HSE was associated with a higher BMI after adjusting for age, education, food patterns and health behaviour. In addition, low education, infrequent PA and non-smoking were associated with the higher BMI, but the association of HSE and BMI remained in multivariate model. The associations of food patterns and BMI were small. The adverse association with BMI was observed for patterns with sweet and butter. Conclusion: The study supports the importance of self-control in weight management, which needs to be considered as an empowerment tool in health education.
Influences of off-sized rollers on mechanical performance of spherical roller bearings
Authors: Ma Fangbo , Ji Peng , Li Zhengmei , Wu Baojie , An Qi
Published: January 2015

Based on a set of formulae for calculating elliptical contact parameters and elastic deformation developed by Houpert and mechanical analysis, a numerical model is established for calculating the roller load distribution and shaft axis orbit of spherical roller bearings with considering off-sized rollers in this paper. A numerical calculation example is carried out to investigate the effects of single off-sized roller and multiple off-sized rollers on spherical roller bearing roller load distribution and axis orbit. Results show that the roller maximum load will increase as its off-sized diameter becomes larger than the nominal diameter, and the roller maximum load will decrease as its off-sized diameter is smaller than the nominal diameter. The maximum loads of the rollers in the two rows neighboring on the off-sized roller/rollers can also be affected. Meanwhile, roller diameter error will largely affect the axis orbit and inner ring radial displacement of spherical roller bearings.
Health Promotion Text Messaging Preferences and Acceptability Among the Medically Underserved
Authors: Albright Karen , Krantz Mori J. , Backlund Jarquín Paige , DeAlleaume Lauren , Coronel-Mockler Stephanie , Estacio Raymond O.
Published: January 2015

The Colorado Healthy Heart Solutions program uses community health workers to provide health promotion and navigation services for participants in medically underserved, predominantly rural areas who are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. A text messaging program designed to increase participant engagement and adherence to lifestyle changes was pilot tested with English- and Spanish-speaking participants. Preimplementation focus groups with participants informed the development of text messages that were used in a 6-week pilot program. Postimplementation focus groups and interviews then evaluated the pilot program. Participants reported a preference for concise messages received once daily and for positive messages suggesting specific actions that could be feasibly accomplished within the course of the day. Participants also consistently reported the desire for clarity in message delivery and content, indicating that the source of the messages should be easy to recognize, messages should state clearly when participants were expected to respond to the messages, and any responses should be acknowledged. Links to other websites or resources were generally viewed as trustworthy and acceptable, but were preferred for supplementary material only. These results may inform the development of future chronic disease management programs in underserved areas or augment existing programs using text messaging reinforcement.
Role of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/C-C chemokine receptor 2 signaling pathway in transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ablation-induced renal injury in salt-sensitive hypertension
Authors: Wang Youping , Zhu Mingjun , Xu Hui , Cui Lin , Liu Weihong , Wang Xiaoxiao , Shen Si , Wang Donna H
Published: January 2015

Our recent studies indicate that the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel may act as a potential regulator of monocyte/macrophage recruitment to reduce renal injury in salt-sensitive hypertension. This study tests the hypothesis that deletion of TRPV1 exaggerates salt-sensitive hypertension-induced renal injury due to enhanced inflammatory responses via monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-dependent pathways. Wild type (WT) and TRPV1-null mutant (TRPV1−/−) mice were subjected to uninephrectomy and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt treatment for four weeks with or without the selective CCR2 antagonist, RS504393. DOCA-salt treatment increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) to the same degree in both strains, but increased urinary excretion of albumin and 8-isoprostane and decreased creatinine clearance with greater magnitude in TRPV1−/− mice compared to WT mice. DOCA-salt treatment also caused renal glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury, collagen deposition, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, and NF-κB activation in greater degree in TRPV1−/− mice compared to WT mice. Blockade of the CCR2 with RS504393 (4 mg/kg/day) had no effect on SBP in DOCA-salt-treated WT or TRPV1−/− mice compared to their respective controls. However, treatment with RS504393 ameliorated renal dysfunction and morphological damage, and prevented the increase in monocyte/macrophage infiltration, cytokine/chemokine production, and NF-κB activity in both DOCA-salt hypertensive strains with a greater effect in DOCA-salt-treated TRPV1−/− mice compared to DOCA-salt-treated WT mice. No differences in CCR2 protein expression in kidney were found between DOCA-salt-treated WT and TRPV1−/− mice with or without RS504393 treatment. Our studies for the first time indicate that deletion of TRPV1 aggravated renal injury in salt-sensitive hypertension via enhancing MCP-1/CCR2 signaling-dependent inflammatory responses.