bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiving for Community-Dwelling Older Persons in South Korea: Current Formal and Informal Care Use and Expectation
Authors: Park Eunja , Kim Namsoon , Ta Park Van M. , Rhee YongJoo
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to examine formal and informal care use among community-dwelling older Korean adults. Older adults aged between 65 and 85 ( N = 516) in mid-size city, selected using the probability proportional sampling method, were interviewed in person. One third reported having at least one caregiver. Compared to respondents who did not use any informal/formal care, those who used any formal or informal care were older and were more likely to be prefrail or frail and experienced at least one hospitalization or emergency department use in the past year. Living alone or being experienced with any hospitalization was associated with formal care use. Most care recipients received informal care from families, specifically spouses. Among participants who received no formal/informal care, 19% of them expected to receive formal care support in the future. Substantial support programs for informal caregivers are needed to address the increase in demand and expectation for long-term care.
Perceived Health and Life Satisfaction of Elderly People: Testing the Moderating Effects of Social Support, Attitudes Toward Aging, and Senior Privilege
Authors: Liu Juan , Wei Wei , Peng Qingyun , Xue Chenzhe
Published: August 2019

As health declines with age, it is critical to explore moderators that could buffer the impact of declining health on life satisfaction of elderly people. This study aims to test the moderating effects of social support, attitudes toward aging, and senior privilege on the relationship between perceived health and life satisfaction among elderly people. The study used a sample of 5809 Chinese elderly people. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the moderating effects of the study variables along with gender difference. The results show that social support and attitudes toward aging do not moderate the relationship between perceived health and life satisfaction; senior privilege however, amplifies the impact of perceived health on life satisfaction for female elderly people. The findings recommend personalized provision of senior privilege based on health status and types of diseases, rather than only based on age; and suggest tailored female-oriented social services such as psychological counseling and humanistic care.
Impact of turbulence intensity on the unsteady flow characteristics of the integrated aggressive inter-turbine duct
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Liu Jun , Du Qiang , Liu Guang , Wang Pei
Published: August 2019

Aggressive inter-turbine duct (AITD) which has ultra-short axial length and ultra-large area ratio is widely applied in the modern turbofan engine to meet the demand of higher efficiency and better low pressure rotor dynamic characteristics. However, the adverse stream-wise pressure gradient in this duct is enhanced, and there are complicate upstream and downstream flow conditions. The flow field of the AITD and its downstream low pressure turbine is seriously deteriorated and prone to separate, especially in high-altitude cruise state. The integrated AITD which integrates the AITD with strut had been proved to can restrain the traditional AITD's three-dimensional flow separation. Besides, periodic wake can suppress the downstream blade suction surface's flow separation by “calmed region” effect according to former studies. The AITD of this research taken from a real engine utilizes integrated design and inherent upstream wake to suppress the flow separation of the AITD's end wall and low pressure turbine nozzle's suction surface correspondingly. In this article, the computational simulation method is used to quantify the impact of turbulence intensity ( T u) on the integrated AITD's unsteady flow characteristics, especially the separation and transition mechanism of low pressure turbine nozzle's suction surface boundary layer. Research shows that the impact of T u on the integrated AITD's flow property depends on the balance of T u's dual effect.
Gyro motor fault classification model based on a coupled hidden Markov model with a minimum intra-class distance algorithm
Authors: Dong Lei , Li Wei-min , Wang Ching-Hsin , Lin Kuo-Ping
Published: August 2019

In this study, we developed a fault classification model that combines a coupled hidden Markov model based on multi-channel information fusion with a minimum intra-class distance algorithm. This model relies on statistical features in the current time domain, which are the easiest features to extract for clustering. First, an algorithm is used to select and sequence the statistical features with the minimum intra-class distance in order to form feature vectors, which in turn enhance inter-class discrimination and feature reduction. Following reduction, the coupled hidden Markov model is used to perform classification. The coupled hidden Markov model was shown to reflect the coupling relationships between and among channels. We evaluated the efficacy of the proposed scheme by applying it to the diagnosis of faults in a gyro motor in three groups of experiments. Our results were compared with those obtained using a single-chain hidden Markov model and other intelligent fault diagnosis methods. The proposed scheme outperformed the other methods in terms of correct diagnosis rate, fluctuations in correct diagnosis rate, and excellent robustness against the effects of interference.
A Distance-based Method for Computing Priorities of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Preference Relation and Its Application in AHP
Authors: Hinduja Akshay , Pandey Manju
Published: August 2019

The notion of multi-criteria decision-making is regarded as the process of finding the best possible alternative or course of action by decision-makers. Often, it entails handling vague, incomplete and inconsistent information. The intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) has been proven more effective than a fuzzy set in handling vagueness and uncertainty. The aim of the article is to incorporate the effectiveness of the IFS with the powerfulness of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and develop intuitionistic fuzzy AHP (IF-AHP) to cope with the decision problems involving imprecise and hesitant information. In this article, we develop a distance-based novel priority method, which derives unambiguous non-fuzzy priorities of the alternatives from intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations (IFPRs). The proposed priority method is simple in computation yet effective in results. To validate the method, we applied it to the adapted supplier selection problem. This article also presents a comparison of the proposed method with classic and fuzzy AHP using Monte-Carlo simulation approach.
Pecking Order Test at Varying Debt Levels: A Comparative Study of Indian and Chinese Firms
Authors: Bhama Vandana , Jain Pramod Kumar , Yadav Surendra Singh
Published: August 2019

The present study tests the pecking order of firms at varying debt levels. The findings indicate that deficit firms at low debt levels raise significant amounts of debt, thus indicating the adherence to the pecking order theory. Deficit firms (from both countries) at exceptionally high debt levels do not adjust their capital structure by issuing less debt. In a surplus situation, Chinese firms at very high level redeem the substantial debt because of the dominance of short-term debt in their capital structure. In contrast, Indian surplus firms hesitate to redeem more debt if their existing debt levels are extremely high.

JEL Classification: Q14, G32
Agami (The Time Ahead, 1984), the First “Short Film” of Bangladesh: Toward a New Cinematic Aesthetic of Imaging Time and Nation
Authors: Akhter Fahmida
Published: August 2019

Morshedul Islam’s Agami ( The Time Ahead, 1984), focusing on the theme of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, is Bangladesh’s first “short film” or independent film, made outside the domain of commercial film production. The film pioneers in investing the memory of the Liberation War with allegorical potential in order to interpret the socio-political condition of Bangladesh under the military dictatorship of Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad. His regime lasted for eight years, from 1982 to 1990. Linear progression of time is interrupted in this film by a constant collapsing of the past, present, and future into each other through the treatment of storytelling, flashbacks, and flashforward. This disruption of time’s flow, I will argue, is employed to serve a nationalistic purpose, offering an insight into the psychic condition of contemporary Bangladesh and its socio-political crisis under the military dictatorship of General Ershad. In analyzing the film, my main concern is to understand how a film like Agami, with its oppositional socialist commitments and with the aspiration of creating an alternative mode of cinematic language, constructs the ideas of gender, nation, and memory during a period of pronounced political turmoil. I will also explore its new cinematic aesthetics as a “short film” or independent film of Bangladesh.
DNA purification increases PCR-amplifiable DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine mast cell tumors for routine KIT mutation detection
Authors: Tamlin Vanessa S. , Dobson Elizabeth C. , Woolford Lucy , Peaston Anne E.
Published: August 2019

DNA amplification by PCR detects KIT exon 11 internal tandem duplications in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). Tissue-specific inhibitors often contaminate DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) canine MCTs, blocking PCR amplification and, consequently, preventing mutation detection. We used a commercial kit to extract DNA from FFPE canine MCTs. Two independent PCR assays, each with one primer set, were used to amplify target genes ( HPRT and KIT) directly after FFPE DNA extraction. PCR amplification failed with at least one primer set in 153 of 280 samples (54.6%, 95% CI: 48.8–60.5%). One or 2 DNA washing steps were required to remove PCR inhibitors in 130 of 280 (46.4%) and 23 of 280 (8.2%) of these cases, respectively. DNA concentration and quality (A260/A280 and A260/A230) either pre- or post-washing were not associated with ability of the samples to be amplified by PCR using both HPRT and KIT primer sets. Low-grade and subcutaneous MCTs were less likely to amplify directly after DNA extraction and without any washing steps compared to high-grade MCTs using KIT gene primers.
Perceived Appropriateness of Training and Organizational Commitment Among Korean Police
Authors: Baek Hyunin
Published: August 2019

Although organizational commitment (OC) generates several beneficial outcomes to law enforcement agencies, the policing literature has underexamined OC. Using data gathered from 11,709 Korean police in 2012, this study conducted analyses of structural equation modeling (SEM) in order to examine the relationship between OC and perceived organizational support. In addition, SEM was conducted to determine whether Allen and Meyer’s three components of OC is appropriate. The results indicated that two predictors of perceived appropriateness of training (i.e., perceived support of training and training needs) strongly accounted for OC. However, unlike previous studies, this study found that hypotheses in the model with the subcomponents of OC (affective, continuous, and normative commitments) could not be verified. In sum, for sturdier examinations, future studies should apply the Allen and Meyer model to diverse agencies.
Cost and Family Obligation in Everyday Sacrifice to Parents Among European American and Chinese Emerging Adults
Authors: Wang Zhenlan , Miller Joan G.
Published: August 2019

Cultural studies on sacrifices made by emerging adults have given limited attention to the cost involved. We addressed this issue in studies among U.S. and Chinese emerging adults. Assessing real-life instances of sacrifice, Study 1 ( N = 130) showed that Chinese sacrifice for their parents in a higher cost way than do European Americans. In a vignette-based experiment, Study 2 ( N = 254) demonstrated that family obligation motivates high-cost sacrifice among Chinese emerging adults but not among European American emerging adults. The findings underscore the importance in cultural research of recognizing the distinctive impact of cultural and immigration effects, while highlighting methodological limitations associated with the use of scale measures.
Guest Editors’ Introduction
Authors: Lewis Ruth , Marine Susan B.
Published: August 2019

In the midst of a wider resurgence of feminist activism, it is timely to ask whether current efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) on campus are adequate. This guest editors’ introduction to the special issue considers whether our attention should be on transforming, rather than simply adapting, university environments. While critiquing adaptive approaches rooted in “compliance culture”, it sets out key elements of transformative approaches to GBV on campus. It introduces the articles in this special issue and their discussions about efforts to transform university environments in Canada, America and the United Kingdom. It finishes by highlighting enduring barriers to transformational work and areas for further investigation in our efforts to make institutions of higher education safe for all.
“I would prefer to have my health care provided over a cup of tea any day”: recommendations by urban Métis women to improve access to health and social services in Toronto for the Métis community
Authors: Monchalin Renée , Smylie Janet , Bourgeois Cheryllee , Firestone Michelle
Published: August 2019

This article reports on recommendations made by urban Métis women for improving access to health and social services in Toronto, Canada. By applying a conversational method, this research followed up with a subgroup of urban Métis women who participated in the Our Health Counts Toronto longitudinal cohort. Métis women ( n = 11) provided holistic and practical recommendations for improving access to health and social services. These recommendations include (a) Métis presence, (b) holistic interior design, (c) Métis specific or informed service space, (d) welcoming reception/front desk, and (e) culturally informed service providers. During the conversations, the women shared positive experiences with an Indigenous-informed midwifery practice called Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto. Examples from the women will be provided of Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto to illustrate how the recommendations may look in practice. This research illustrates that Métis women hold solutions for improving access to health and social services for the Métis community.
Decommodification in action: Common property as countermovement
Authors: Peredo Ana Maria , McLean Murdith
Published: August 2019

Our purpose is twofold: to contribute to the case for seeing the economy as a rich landscape of practices for producing and distributing livelihood extending beyond the capitalist market and to highlight an important element in the current dynamic of organizational change within that landscape. We focus on a particular set of practices that not only deserve attention as departures from the market model but also exemplify an important interplay in current economic life: the resistance mounted by some elements in economic activity to the hegemony of market capitalism. Our argument sheds light on a form of organizing that is based on a distinctive economic form – common property, and arises in a distinctive setting – the heightened marketization characteristic of neo-liberalism. The factor of commodification binds these two as the force that arouses the organizational reaction. We sketch the neo-liberal environment of current economic life and then outline Polanyi’s notion of ‘fictitious commodities’ in the market economy and the countermovement aimed at protecting and recovering them. We focus on two families of practice that effectively decommodify land and labour – community land trusts and worker cooperatives – and suggest that these represent a widespread interplay of forces in the countermovement. We conclude by outlining a fertile programme of research that flows from our argument.
Marginalization, not mainstreaming: Explaining the failure of fringe parties in Poland
Authors: Stanley Ben , Markowski Radosław , Cześnik Mikołaj
Published: August 2019

While the Polish party system has shown signs of consolidation and stabilization in recent years, it is still susceptible to the emergence of new parties that seek to exploit untended ideological niches. However, these fringe parties consistently fail to establish themselves as permanent inhabitants of these niches or to consolidate their initial electoral gains by transforming themselves into mainstream parties. In this article, we use data from the Polish National Election Study to analyse voting patterns over the period 2001–2015 in an attempt to explain fringe party failure. We conclude that fringe parties in Poland fail for two reasons: they are electorally ‘squeezed’ by mainstream parties that are capable of attracting the natural constituencies of fringe parties, while those natural constituencies also have a greater propensity to abstain from participating in elections.
Confirmatory analysis of a health state classification system for people living with dementia: a qualitative approach
Authors: Welch Alyssa , Kim-Huong Nguyen , Quinn John , Gregory Caroline , Moyle Wendy , Ratcliffe Julie , Comans Tracy
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This paper aims to confirm the content validity of the domains identified during the development of the Alzheimer’s disease – five dimensions (AD-5D) algorithm for the quality of life – Alzheimer’s disease (QOL-AD) and to identify the rationale for stated quality of life preferences.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted to elicit the priorities for quality of life in dementia from three perspectives: the person with dementia; family caregivers; and the community. Participants were recruited through industry research partners (long-term care providers) based on knowledge of their experience with dementia. Three focus groups were conducted – one each in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide, Australia – between November 2016 and February 2017. Each focus group included participants providing a different perspective on dementia – people with dementia ( n = 3), caregivers ( n = 9) and general community members or relatives of residents of a long-term care facility ( n = 10), although some groups contained one participant with a different perspective. The focus groups were used to validate the AD-5D domains and examine quality of life preferences across the three perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to identify the priorities underlying preference selection.

Results

All activities affecting the quality of life for people with dementia could be mapped to one of the five AD-5D domains: memory, mood, physical health, living situation and ability to do things for fun. The domains considered most important for quality of life differed between people with dementia, their caregivers and members of the community, with memory the least important domain for all three groups. The rationale for priorities also varied between groups.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the content validity of the selection of the AD-5D domains and identified multiple differences in the reasons behind stated priorities for quality of life for people with dementia, their caregivers and community members.
Diversity in teachers’ approaches to movement integration: A qualitative study of lower secondary school teachers’ perceptions of a state school reform involving daily physical activity
Authors: Jørgensen Henrik Taarsted , Agergaard Sine , Stylianou Michalis , Troelsen Jens
Published: August 2019

In the context of implementing a physical activity policy as part of a national school reform in Denmark, the purpose of this study was to explore lower secondary teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of the physical activity policy with a focus on movement integration. In total, 14 teachers from four different schools were selected to take part in this qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, go-along observations and informal interviews. A thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and describe patterns of meaning within data. The findings showed substantial diversity among teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of movement integration, and consequently a lack of definitional clarity regarding movement integration and a possible misalignment between policy and practice. Teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of movement integration were influenced by other and more prioritised policies and discourses regarding academic achievement, as well as by intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors. The findings also suggested a lack of support and collaboration within the school and provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses associated with the autonomy afforded in the Danish school reform.
Structural health monitoring of the Ferrara University before and after the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquake, and after the damage repairs
Authors: Gallipoli Maria Rosaria , Stabile Tony Alfredo , Massolino Giulia , Mucciarelli Marco , Abu Zeid Nasser , Chiauzzi Leonardo , Bignardi Samuel , Rebez Alessandro
Published: August 2019

In this article, a framework of building monitoring is developed and transient and permanent variations of the fundamental period of vibration caused by both damage and repair interventions are investigated. The buildings of the University of Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna Region, Northern Italy), struck by the 2012 Emilia seismic sequence, were monitored using both temporary and permanent equipment: the first one to perform ambient vibration tests and the second one to implement permanent real-time monitoring for earthquake recording. Three on-demand ambient vibration tests were performed at each floor of the buildings: the first dataset was acquired a few months before the mainshock occurred on 20 May 2012 ( ML = 5.9, 6.8 km depth and 30 km epicentral distance); the second was acquired right after the end of the sequence, when the building showed slight damage (degree 1 according to the European Macroseismic Scale 98); finally, the third dataset was acquired in 2016 after the repair intervention. The data analysis clearly documented the permanent drop of the first vibration frequency as a symptom of the damage and its partial recovery that followed the repairs. The permanent real-time monitoring system, despite the fact that it was implemented using low-cost sensors, provided an insight into the intra-event frequency variation, allowing in turn a preliminary damage assessment.
Tracking in secondary education: An educational injustice
Authors: Cantu Gerald C.
Published: August 2019

Secondary education schools in the United States routinely distribute differential educational provisions to students through a widely implemented tracking system. This article aims to show that this tracking system is unjust. It begins with a characterization of the tracking system as it is typically implemented in the United States, and its connection to distributive justice issues. The author then begins formulating an autonomy-based educational equality theory which is based on a conception of distributive justice requiring equal consideration of persons with reference to their needs. The greatest need of late adolescents in secondary education is the development of the capacities necessary for the exercise of autonomy. Adolescents in secondary education should, therefore, be given equal opportunities for the development of autonomy. Tracking in secondary education is proscribed because it violates the autonomy of late adolescents. In addition, taking the aim of autonomy in secondary education seriously requires postponing vocational choices until tertiary education.
Fructose causes endothelial cell damage via activation of advanced glycation end products–receptor system
Authors: Sotokawauchi Ami , Matsui Takanori , Higashimoto Yuichiro , Yamagishi Sho-ichi
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Advanced glycation end products and their receptor – RAGE – in the adipose tissues contribute to metabolic derangements in fructose-fed rats. However, it remains unclear whether fructose could cause endothelial cell damage via the activation of AGE-RAGE.

Methods:

Intracellular advanced glycation end products were evaluated by dot blot analysis. Fructose-derived advanced glycation end products (Fruc-AGEs) were prepared by incubating bovine serum albumin with fructose for 8 weeks. Reactive oxygen species generation was measured using a fluorescent probe. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene expression was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Binding affinities of Fruc-AGEs to DNA-aptamer raised against Fruc-AGEs (Fruc-AGE-aptamer) or RAGE were measured with a quartz crystal microbalance.

Results:

Fructose increased the advanced glycation end product–specific fluorescence intensity in assay medium, while it stimulated intracellular formation of advanced glycation end products in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, 0.3 mM fructose for 4 days significantly increased reactive oxygen species generation and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Fruc-AGE-aptamer, but not Control-aptamer, bound to Fruc-AGEs with Kd value of 5.60 × 10−6 M and dose-dependently inhibited the binding of Fruc-AGEs to RAGE. Moreover, Fruc-AGE-aptamer prevented the Fruc-AGE- and fructose-induced reactive oxygen species generation and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that fructose may elicit endothelial cell damage partly via the activation of AGE-RAGE axis.
Peer Coaching Program Development: A Framework of First-Year Latina/o Student Persistence Pursuing STEM Pathways at a Hispanic Serving Institution
Authors: Cruz Carmen , Rajpal Geetu , Lecocke Michael , Martines Ian , Lurie Anna
Published: August 2019

This study developed and examined the implementation of an intrusive peer-to-peer coaching program model at a private 4-year master’s degree granting Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in South Texas. The coaching program provided support and promoted increased persistence among Latina/o students entering first-year science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Findings positively indicated that first-year Latina/o STEM students can achieve academic success in college when they are matched and supported by culturally similar upperclassmen peer coaches.
Deficit Versus Nondeficit Schizophrenia: An MEG-EEG Investigation of Resting State and Source Coherence—Preliminary Data
Authors: Gjini Klevest , Bowyer Susan M. , Wang Frank , Boutros Nash N.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the magneto- and electroencephalography (MEG and EEG, respectively) resting state to identify the deviations closely associated with the deficit syndrome (DS) in schizophrenia patients. Ten subjects in each group (control, DS, and nondeficit schizophrenia [NDS]) were included. Subjects underwent MEG-EEG recordings during a resting state condition. MEG coherence source imaging (CSI) in source space and spectral analysis in sensor space were performed. Significant differences were found between the 2 patient groups: (1) MEG and EEG spectral analysis showed significantly higher power at low frequencies (delta band) at sensor space in DS compared with NDS patients; (2) source analysis revealed larger power in the DS compared with NDS group at low frequencies in the frontal region; (3) NDS patients showed significantly higher MEG signal relative power in beta bands in sensor space compared with DS patients; (4) both DS and NDS patients showed higher EEG absolute power at higher beta band compared to controls; and (5) patients with DS were found to have a significantly higher MEG CSI than controls in the beta frequency band. These data support the observation of increased power in the low-frequency EEG/MEG rhythms associated with the DS. Increased power in the beta rhythms was more associated with the NDS.
Hormone therapy for first-line management of menopausal symptoms: Practical recommendations
Authors: Palacios Santiago , Stevenson John C , Schaudig Katrin , Lukasiewicz Monika , Graziottin Alessandra
Published: August 2019

Hormone therapy use has undergone dramatic changes over the past 20 years. Widespread use of hormone therapy in the 1980s and 1990s came to an abrupt halt in the early 2000s after initial findings of the Women’s Health Initiative trial were published and the study was terminated. Since then, much has been learned about the characteristics of women most likely to benefit from hormone therapy. There is general agreement that women younger than 60 years or who initiate hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause onset gain short-term benefit in terms of symptomatic relief and long-term benefit in terms of protection from chronic diseases that affect postmenopausal women. Despite accumulating evidence in support of hormone therapy for symptomatic menopausal women, the slow response by the medical community has led to a ‘large and unnecessary burden of suffering’ by women worldwide. Greater efforts are clearly needed to educate physicians and medical students about the pathophysiology of menopause and the role of hormone therapy in supporting women through the transition. This article provides a brief historical perspective of events that led to the backlash against hormone therapy, explores the current position of guideline groups, and provides practical recommendations to guide first-line management of symptomatic menopausal women.
The Unfinished Artification of Ceramics in France: Reversing Stigma and Creating a New Artistic Norm
Authors: Bajard Flora
Published: August 2019

Ceramic artists emerged as a professional group in France in the second half of the 20th century by shunning industrial standards and basing their practice on the notion of singularity. They also reappropriated the craft legacy of the small pottery companies that began disappearing in the 1940s, embracing principles such as seriality and functionality, and defining a specific bundle of tasks. Ceramicists underwent a partial artification process, rendering their practice discordant with what institutionally and legally constitutes art, as well as diverging from the standard definition of craft. Certain art ceramicists contest the cultural ranking that policymakers apply which excludes art-crafts from the purview of art. To claim recognition for the composite nature of their practice, they seek recourse to the courts to create new legal norms. They also strive to expand the definition of art. The article demonstrates how shifts in the balance of power both inside a professional group and between the group and government agencies can influence institutional definitions of art.
Development of the Korean Global Physical Activity Questionnaire: reliability and validity study
Authors: Lee Junga , Lee Choae , Min Jihee , Kang Dong-Woo , Kim Ji-Young , Yang Hyuk In , Park Jihye , Lee Mi-Kyung , Lee Mi-young , Park Ilhyeok , Jae Sae Young , Jekal Yoonsuk , Jee Sun Ha , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: August 2019

The goal of this study was to develop a Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (K-GPAQ) and to examine its reliability and validity. The English version of the GPAQ was translated to the Korean language (K-GPAQ) via forward–backward translation. Reliability of the K-GPAQ was evaluated using a one-week interval test–retest method with 115 individuals. Criterion-related validity of the K-GPAQ was examined with 199 participants using accelerometers. Cohen’s kappa and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to measure test–retest reliability and validity, respectively. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between physical activity (PA) levels measured via K-GPAQ and the accelerometer. Coefficients for the reliability of the K-GPAQ showed moderate agreement for recreational PA and slight agreement for work-related PA (Cohen’s kappa: 0.60–0.67 for recreational PA and 0.30–0.38 for work-related PA and Spearman’s rho: 0.27–0.47 for work-related PA and 0.53–0.70 for recreational PA). Criterion validity of the total amount of PA, as measured by the K-GPAQ and the accelerometer, showed a weak but significant correlation ( r = 0.34, p < 0.01). The K-GPAQ is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure PA although K-GPAQ overestimated PA levels.
Solving a multi-objective model of job rotation minimizing the chemical exposure and cost by particle swarm optimization
Authors: Maleki Mahdi
Published: August 2019

Today in developing countries, perilous chemicals are widely used that have harmful effect on human resources. National and global organizations developed different approaches to control chemicals exposure and their consequences in that one of them is job rotation. Since job rotation is categorized as nondeterministic polynomial-time hardness problem, meta-heuristic methods are used to solve it such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In this article, because job rotation can have different and contradictory objectives, the multi-objective PSO (MOPSO) method with parallel vector evaluated PSO approach is implemented. At first, a new MOPSO algorithm is presented that solves job rotation problems to minimize chemical exposures and is finally compared with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The achievement of this algorithm reduces chemicals exposure in manufacturing processes such as casting, welding, foam injection, plastic injection, which ensure workers’ health.
Patient Satisfaction With a New, High Accuracy Blood Glucose Meter That Provides Personalized Guidance, Insight, and Encouragement
Authors: Katz Laurence B. , Stewart Lorna , Guthrie Brian , Cameron Hilary
Published: August 2019

Background:

Accurate self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a key component of effective self-management of glycemic control.

Methods:

The OneTouch Verio Reflect and OneTouch Ultra Plus Reflect BG monitoring systems were evaluated for accuracy in a clinical setting. Subjects also used the meters for a one-week trial period and reported their level of satisfaction with meter features.

Results:

Both systems were accurate over a wide glucose range and met lay user and system accuracy BG standards described in ISO15197:2015. Subjects felt that the features of a meter with a dynamic color range indicator and personalized guidance, insight, and encouragement could provide significant benefits to them in the management of their diabetes.

Conclusions:

Both meter systems were accurate over a wide glucose range and the features of the meter and messages were well received by patients in a short take-home trial.

Clinical trial registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT0351542
Demystifying Tuition? A Content Analysis of the Information Quality of Public College and University Websites
Authors: Davis Laura A. , Wolniak Gregory C. , George Casey E. , Nelson Glen R.
Published: August 2019

Colleges and universities increasingly rely on their websites to recruit students and convey information about tuition and costs of attendance. Given evidence of growing complexity in institutional tuition policies and cost-setting practices, the study examined how institutions’ websites present financial information to the public. Through content analysis of website data from 50 public colleges and universities, researchers sought to characterize patterns in the scope and quality of tuition information on institutional websites and to understand how these patterns might influence individuals’ conceptions of tuition and costs. The findings point to variation in informational quality across dimensions ranging from clarity of language use and terminology, to consistency and coherence of visual displays, which accompany navigational challenges stemming from information fragmentation and discontinuity across pages. Implications for research and improved institutional practice are discussed.
Nizwa Fort
Authors: Sachedina Amal
Published: August 2019

Since becoming a nation-state in 1970, Oman's expanding heritage industry has included the restoration of castles and citadels, including the fort at Nizwa. The fort was once the administrative and juridical center of the Ibadi Imamate (1913–58). As the site of sharia adjudication, it sanctioned a past of primarily moral nature, oriented toward God and salvation and grounded in Ibadi doctrine and practice. This mode of history implied that everyday interactions and relationships could be assessed through exemplary forms of morality, as embodied by virtuous forbears. Yet the heritage project in modern Oman has treated history and Islam as seemingly separate, erasing formal awareness of the sociopolitical and ethical relationships that once characterized Ibadi rule. Today, the historical work done by the fort as a heritage site entails a progress-oriented future, reconfiguring Ibadi Islam in the process.
The Historicization of Sharia and Historical Generalization
Authors: Burak Guy
Published: August 2019

This review essay seeks to offer an analytic/historiographical framework that would pay closer attention to the imperial legal landscape and the Hanafi jurisprudential tradition. This framework, I believe, adds to the continuum that Beshara B. Doumani proposes, which is based on the political economy of different localities across the Ottoman Eastern Mediterranean and, perhaps, well beyond. Taken together, both aspects of the framework reveal the complexity of the Ottoman legal landscape. They also suggest new directions in which Family Life in the Ottoman Mediterranean could be generalized while retaining the rich local dimension of the work.
Accounting for aetiology: can regional surveillance data alongside host biomarker-guided antibiotic therapy improve treatment of febrile illness in remote settings?
Authors: Chandna Arjun , White Lisa J. , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Mayxay Mayfong , Newton Paul N. , Day Nicholas P. J. , Lubell Yoel
Published: August 2019

Background: Across Southeast Asia, declining malaria incidence poses a challenge for healthcare providers, in how best to manage the vast majority of patients with febrile illnesses who have a negative malaria test. In rural regions, where the majority of the population reside, empirical treatment guidelines derived from central urban hospitals are often of limited relevance. In these settings, health workers with limited training deliver care, often without any laboratory diagnostic support. In this paper, we model the impact of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing to inform the decision to prescribe antibiotics and regional surveillance data to inform antibiotic selection, and then stimulate thesubsequent impact on mortality from febrile illnesses, rooted in the real-world context of rural Savannakhet province, southern Laos.

Methods: Our model simulates 100 scenarios with varying quarterly incidence of six key pathogens known to be prevalent in rural Laos. In the simulations, community health workers either prescribe antibiotics in-line with current practice as documented in health facilities in rural Laos, or with the aid of the two interventions. We provide cost-effectiveness estimates for each strategy alone and then for an integrated approach using both interventions.

Results: We find that each strategy is predicted to be highly cost-effective, and that the combined approach is predicted to result in the biggest reduction in mortality (averting a predicted 510 deaths per year in rural Savannakhet, a 28% reduction compared to standard practice) and is highly cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of just USD $66 per disability-adjusted life year averted.

Conclusions: Substantial seasonal variation in the predicted optimal empirical antibiotic treatment for febrile illness highlights the benefits of up-to-date information on regional causes of fever. In this modelling analysis, an integrated system incorporating point-of-care host biomarker testing and regional surveillance data appears highly cost-effective, and may warrant piloting in a real-life setting.
The Economic Consequences of Audit Firms’ Quality Control System Deficiencies
Authors: Aobdia Daniel
Published: August 2019

This study seeks to determine the role of audit firms’ quality control (QC) system deficiencies, as measured by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection program, on audit quality and profitability. Using a unique data set of firmwide QC deficiencies identified by the PCAOB during its inspections of audit firms, I find a negative association between QC deficiencies, mainly performance related, and audit quality. Furthermore, audits conducted by larger audit firms with more organization-level deficiencies appear less profitable, evidenced by more hours worked on the engagements, leading to lower fees per hour. These results appear to be partly explained by deficiencies in the tone at the top (a proxy for culture) and the audit methodology. Further evidence suggests that a lack of remediation of QC system deficiencies has a negative influence on audit quality.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Development Of Waqf Based Microfinance And Its Impact In Alleviating The Poverty
Authors: Diniyya Aulia Arifatu
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential role of the institution of Waqf in poverty alleviation.  Poverty is a complex, multi-dimensional phenomenon that has captured the attention of numerous scholars and agencies globally. The social role of the Islamic financial sector can be best exemplified by providing finance to the poor to increase their income and wealth. This paper will explore on how microfinance can be provided on Shariah compliant basis through Waqf model. This research also reviewing the development of the integrated Waqf based Islamic microfinance which aimed to provide solutions to reduce poverty. An integration of Waqf-based Islamic microfinance (IWIM) model is proposed to address all the practical challenges of microfinance faced in Muslim communities. In this model, microfinance is practised in compliance with Shari’ah to address the multi-dimensional aspects of poverty and empowering the poor in order to enhance the socio-economic development and hence the well- being of the Ummah. With this aspiration, the IWIM model aims to tackle the challenges related to the scarcity of capital, inadequate human resources, absence of proper Takaful programs and project financing in an integrated approach. However, Waqf based microfinance still may be facing some problems should be addressed which related to credit risk, moral hazard, and economic viability.
Cointegration of Stock Market and Exchange Rate in Indonesia
Authors: Pantas Pribawa E , Ryandono Muhamad Nafik Hadi , Munir Misbahul , Wahyudi Rofiul
Published: August 2019

This study aims to determine the long-term relationship between stock market and exchange rate in Indonesia. The research method used is Johansen cointegration test. The results of this study found no cointegration between the variables tested. Thus the exchange rate, JII, and IHSG have no relationship in the long term. The fluctuation of the rupiah exchange rate in recent years did not generally affect the performance of stock indices especially after the global financial crisis of 2008. This shows the capital market in Indonesia has a good performance so that it is not so sensitive to the sentiment of the decline in the rupiah against the US dollar. This finding is in line with the findings of Syahrer (2010) which states the exchange rate has no effect on the stock market.
As ima[r]gens Pankararu: campo e contracampo na pesquisa em etnicidade
Authors: Dos Santos Albuquerque Marcos Alexandre
Published: August 2019

A gestão da visibilidade social de povos indígenas é atualmente uma das principaisproblemáticas no campo de etnicidade. Para legitimar sua condição étnica, os indígenastensionam estereótipos e preconceitos. Para o pesquisador é sempre um desafioinstrumentalizar conceitualmente essas tensões e descreve-las etnograficamente. A partir deum insight do cineasta Jean-Luc Godard sobre o funcionamento diferencial e hierárquico dalinguagem cinematográfica (campo e contracampo), relaciono o documentário “Pankararude Brejo dos Padres” (1977), de Vladmir Carvalho, com o primeiro ensaio etnofotográficoque realizei com esse grupo indígena na cidade de São Paulo, em 2008. Seguindo a propostade Clifford de uma etnografia surrealista, demonstro a possiblidade pluralista e contrahegemônicaque etnografias de contextos semelhantes podem representar.
Nação e palavra: escritores de língua alemã no exílio latino-americano
Authors: Da Silva Santos Patrícia
Published: August 2019

Proponho uma reflexão de cunho teórico e empírico sobre a literatura de exílio e detestemunho e seus aspectos sociológicos relativos ao encontro entre culturas e às alteraçõesde identidade promovidas pelo rompimento do vínculo direto com a nação. Para isso, recorroa teóricos como Georg Simmel, Norbert Elias, Alfred Schütz, Theodor Adorno e outros. A baseempírica consiste em obras de intelectuais e escritores (sobretudo mulheres) de língua alemãexilados em países latino-americanos por conta de perseguição pelo nacional-socialismo.
Com quantos sociólogos se desenvolve um programa de pesquisa em Sociologia da Arte?
Authors: Marcondes Guilherme
Published: August 2019

Resenha do livro VILLAS BÔAS, Glaucia (org.). (2016). Um vermelho não é um vermelho – estudos sociológicossobre as artes visuais. Rio de Janeiro: 7 Letras.
Da Guerra às Drogas ao Plano Colômbia: uma agenda securitária dos Estados Unidos para a América do Sul
Authors: Felix Mercadante Maria Aparecida
Published: August 2019

Em 1971, o presidente norte-americano Richard Nixon declarou o abuso de drogas como sendo o inimigo público número um dos Estados Unidos. A partir disso, o discurso e a articulação das políticas norte-americanas contra as drogas basearam-se na divisão do mundo entre dois grupos: os países produtores de ilícitos e os países consumidores. Os Estados Unidos, como pertencentes do grupo de países consumidores, se posicionam como “vítimas”, gerando uma retórica de segurança nacional que mais tarde seria estendida para o continente e militarizada nos governos de Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) e George Bush (1989-1993). A utilização de conceitos como narcodemocracia e narcoguerrilha – este que, inclusive, deslegitimava o caráter político dos movimentos insurgentes latino-americanos – por parte dos agentes do governo norte-americano com relação à Colômbia reforçam o narcotráfico e o conflito interno colombiano como ameaças à segurança nacional, regional e continental e impulsionam a um dever “moral” de ação por parte dos Estados Unidos. O objetivo do presente trabalho, portanto, é analisar a securitização do narcotráfico pelos Estados Unidos e o desenvolvimento do Plano Colômbia, em 2000, como um caso de overlay dos interesses norte-americanos. À luz do conceito de securitização, recorre-se a documentos e discursos oficiais para identificar o alinhamento, por meio do aparato discursivo, das políticas de segurança realizadas entre os países. A combinação entre interdição, erradicação e combate às organizações narcotraficantes, subordinados às diretrizes de política de segurança norte-americana, resultou na criação do Plan Colombia: Plan para la paz, la prosperidade y el fortalecimiento del Estado e na internacionalização do conflito interno colombiano. O Plano securitizou a relação bilateral entre Estados Unidos e Colômbia. O aparato discursivo norte-americano moldou uma estratégia repressiva, o overlay dos interesses norte-americanos garantiu uma política cujo eixo central era o caráter bélico, principalmente, após o 11/9 com a campanha militar conhecida como Plano Patriota e a incorporação da guerra às drogas pela guerra ao terror.