bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Paraceto gen. n. and a relimitation of the genus Cetonana (Araneae: Trachelidae)
Authors: JIN CHI , YIN XIANGCHU , ZHANG FENG
Published: September 2017

Cetonana Strand, 1929 includes its type species, C. laticeps (Canestrini, 1868), which is redescribed, and a new species, C. shaanxiensis sp. n., is described from China. Three Brazilian species currently assigned to the genus are almost certainly misplaced. A new genus, Paraceto gen. n., is erected with the type species P. spiralis sp. n.; C. orientalis (Schenkel, 1936) is transferred to Paraceto as P. orientalis (Schenkel, 1936) comb. n..
The genus Spirontocaris Spence Bate, 1888 (Caridea, Decapoda, Thoridae) in western Mexico
Authors: HENDRICKX MICHEL E. , AYÓN-PARENTE MANUEL
Published: September 2017

Four species of Spirontocaris are known from a few records along the coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico: S. prionoata (Todos Santos Bay), S. sica (between San Benito and Cedros Islands), S. snyderi (Cedros Island), and S. truncata (off San Carlos Point). During exploratory surveys off the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, two specimens of Spirontocaris holmesi Holthuis, 1947, and 143 of S. sica Rathbun, 1902 (10 males, 128 females, 2 ovigerous females, and 3 damaged specimens) were collected in benthic trawl and sledge. Both species are illustrated and described. The material of S. holmesi was collected in a single locality, at 220 m depth (known depth range is 150–300 m) and is the first record for western Mexico, while the material of S. sica was collected in five localities, from 710–1102 m depth (known range, 88–849 m), increasing significantly the number of specimens known for this species. Environmental data indicate that S. sica lives below the Oxygen Minimum Zone, in poorly oxygenated water (0.22 to 0.40 ml O2/l), in a temperature range of 4.38 to 5.81 °C. Sediments associated with this species are dominated by silt (>72% in 4 out of 5 localities), with organic carbon content of 18 to 52 mgCorg/g.
A survey of East Palaearctic Lycosidae (Araneae). 13. A new genus of spiny-legs Pardosinae from Eastern Kazakhstan
Authors: FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A. , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: September 2017

A new genus, Dzhungarocosa gen. n., with three new species D. ballarini sp. n., D. omelkoi sp. n. and D. zhishengi sp. n. are described from Dzhungarian Alatau Mt. Range in South-East Kazakhstan. All species are described based on both sexes and D. omelkoi sp. n. was selected as the type species of the genus. All three species were collected among stone screes on elevations over 2900 metres. Although Dzhungarocosa gen. n. has numerous ventral tibial spines on leg I and all species inhabit stony screes like in the genera belonging to the Acantholycosa-complex, the new genus does not belong to this group.
Opportunities for Joint Water–Energy Management: Sensitivity of the 2010 Western U.S. Electricity Grid Operations to Climate Oscillations
Authors: Voisin N. , Kintner-Meyer M. , Wu D. , Skaggs R. , Fu T. , Zhou T. , Nguyen T. , Kraucunas I.
Published: September 2017

The increasing interconnectedness of energy and water systems makes it important to understand how interannual variations in water availability—and climate oscillations—could potentially impact the electric grid operations. The authors assess the vulnerability of the current western U.S. grid to historical climate variability using multiple energy and water system models. A 55-yr-long natural water availability benchmark is combined with the 2010 level of water demand from an integrated assessment model to drive a large-scale water management model over the western United States. The regulated flow at hydropower and thermoelectric power plants is then translated into boundary conditions for electricity generation in a production cost model. This analysis focuses on assessing regional interdependencies and the impact of interannual changes in water availability on power system operations, including reliability, cost, and carbon emissions. Results for August grid operations—when stress on the grid is often highest—show a range of sensitivity in production cost (–8% to +11%) and carbon emissions (–7% to +11%), as well as a 1-in-10 chance that electricity demand will exceed estimated supply. The authors also show that operating costs are lower under neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions than under other ENSO phases; carbon emissions are highest under La Niña conditions, especially in California; and the risk of brownouts may be higher under neutral and negative ENSO conditions. These results help characterize the grid’s performance under historical climate variations, are useful for seasonal and multiyear planning of joint water–electricity management, and can be used to support impact, adaptation, and vulnerability analyses.
The South Carolina Flood of October 2015: Moisture Transport Analysis and the Role of Hurricane Joaquin
Authors: Marciano Christopher G. , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: September 2017

Record-setting rainfall occurred over the state of South Carolina in early October 2015, with maximum accumulations exceeding 500 mm. During the heavy rainfall, Hurricane Joaquin was located offshore to the southeast of the flooding event. Prior research, storm summaries, satellite imagery, and media accounts suggest that Joaquin played a major role in the flooding, mostly through the provision of additional water vapor. Here, numerical simulations are utilized to elucidate Joaquin’s role in the flooding and to diagnose moisture transport mechanisms. The South Carolina precipitation event and the track of Hurricane Joaquin are reasonably represented by two control simulations, a 36-km simulation without nesting and another with 12- and 4-km nests added; the latter improves upon a negative intensity bias for Joaquin. A band of intense moisture transport into the flooding region is associated with a narrow, diabatically produced cyclonic lower-tropospheric potential vorticity (PV) maximum. Simulations in which Joaquin is removed exhibit a similar moisture transport mechanism and also produce a band of heavy precipitation, though the axis of heaviest precipitation shifts northward into North Carolina, and there is a modest reduction (~7%) in area-averaged rainfall. Removing Joaquin produces negligible changes in regional total water vapor content but diminished upper-tropospheric diabatic outflow. The diminished outflow allows greater eastward progression of an upper-level trough, consistent with the northward precipitation shift and with weaker forcing for ascent. Changes in the upper jet associated with Joaquin appear to exert a greater influence on the flooding event than Joaquin’s contribution to water vapor content.
Interpreting a cultural value: An examination of the Indigenous concept of non-interference in North America
Authors: Wark Joe , Neckoway Raymond , Brownlee Keith
Published: September 2017

This article examines the Indigenous cultural value of non-interference in North America, which is portrayed in the literature as a central influence on interpersonal interactions. The findings suggest that while Indigenous peoples prefer subtle forms of interpersonal influence that maintain respectful and nurturing relationships, non-interference is not, as sometimes portrayed, an overriding value that supplants all other considerations. This article highlights the need for cross-cultural perspectives and practices that challenge one-dimensional cultural presumptions.
Successful Transfer of a Motor Learning Strategy to a Novel Sport
Authors: Kearney Philip E. , Judge Phil
Published: September 2017

This study investigated whether secondary school students who were taught a motor learning strategy could transfer their knowledge of the strategy to learning a novel task. Twenty adolescents were randomly allocated to a strategy or control group. The strategy group was taught Singer’s five-step learning strategy, while the control group received information on the evolution and biomechanics of the basketball free throw. Both groups received three 1-hour practice sessions on a modified basketball shooting task. After one month, participants were introduced to the transfer task, golf putting. Performance accuracy was recorded for all tasks, and participants completed questionnaires regarding strategy use during practice. Participants taught the five-step learning strategy successfully recalled and applied it after a 1-month interval, and they demonstrated superior performance on both acquisition and transfer tasks, relative to the control group. Physical education teachers and coaches should consider using this learning strategy to enhance the learning of closed motor skills.
Rules, Incentivization, and the Ontology of Human Society
Authors: Guzmán Gabriel , Frasser Cristian
Published: September 2017

Contemporary discussion about the ontology of society identifies two groups of perspectives. One of them, associated with Searle, includes rules in the inventory of elements that constitute social reality. The other one, associated with Smit, Buekens, and du Plessis, claims that rules can be reduced to more fundamental units. Despite the fact that both perspectives seem equally efficient in describing institutional phenomena, we identify both flaws in the viewpoint that dismisses rules and reasons to prefer the alternative position.
Measuring the Criminal Mind: The Relationship Between Intelligence and CSS-M Results Among a Sample of Pennsylvania Prison Inmates
Authors: Soyer Michaela , McNeeley Susan , Zajac Gary , Bucklen Kristofer Bret
Published: September 2017

This article investigates the relationship between IQ scores and criminal thinking as measured by the Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified (CSS-M). We argue the CSS-M may not capture criminal thinking, but reflects the test-takers’ cognitive ability to interpret the test’s intentions. Based on our analysis of inmates admitted to Pennsylvania prisons in 2013, we find that highly intelligent inmates receive lower scores on the CSS-M, controlling for other measures of risk. In our analysis, the CSS-M’s ability to predict institutional misconduct is greatest for inmates whose IQ scores fall in the middle of the distribution, with a weaker relationship between CSS-M and misconduct found among low- or high-IQ inmates. We propose a need for reevaluation of actuarial assessment tools for cognitively low- or high-functioning inmates. Taking into account the social-environmental factors of the testing situation and being aware of the test-takers’ interpretative processes may be crucial for generating valid results.
A longitudinal study of vocabulary size and composition in low risk preterm children
Authors: Pérez-Pereira Miguel , Cruz Raquel
Published: September 2017

The vocabulary size and composition of one group of full-term and three groups of low risk preterm children with different gestational ages (GA) were longitudinally compared at 10, 22 and 30 months of age. Expressive vocabulary development was assessed through the CDI. Cognitive development was also assessed at 22 months (Batelle Developmental Inventory), and data concerning biological and environmental characteristics of the children were also obtained. Growth curve analyses indicated that there were no significant differences in vocabulary size or percentage of word categories among GA groups. Regression analyses showed that word production and cognitive scores measured at 22 months were the main predictors of total vocabulary and word categories at 30 months. Gender, maternal education and GA did not contribute in a significant way to the variance of use of the vocabulary categories or vocabulary size. Therefore, GA does not seem to affect vocabulary development and composition when biomedical complications associated to prematurity are excluded.
Memetic protest and the dramatic diffusion of Alan Kurdi
Authors: Olesen Thomas
Published: September 2017

In September 2015, the photographs of a dead boy, Alan Kurdi, washed up on a beach near the Turkish city of Bodrum, inspired countless reactions of indignation and protest. To understand the protest dynamic that emerged around these photographs, this article discusses three sets of explanatory observations: (a) that the Kurdi photographs had important aesthetic and inter-iconic qualities, (b) that the central ‘Kurdi on the beach’ photographs were juxtaposed with a range of ‘Kurdi alive’ photographs brought into the public sphere by intimate injustice interpreters and commentators (i.e. Kurdi’s aunt and father), and (c) that they displayed an interpretive openness that allowed for ideological and geographical diversity in political meaning work. In seeking to offer an explanation of the dramatic diffusion of Kurdi, the article also illuminates some new powerful trends in activism around injustice photographs. While the global and protest-driven diffusion of injustice photographs is not historically novel, the new media ecology of Web 2.0 is profoundly transforming the way photographs are politicized. This transformation involves unprecedented opportunities for individualized, creative, and memetic protest.
Sports As Never Before: Isolating Celebrity Athletes in Football As Never Before, Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, and Kobe Doin’ Work
Authors: Cavanagh Robert
Published: September 2017

This article constructs a genealogy of three poetic sports documentaries, all of which use multiple cameras to isolate a star athlete for the duration of a team game. All three films are defined by their distinction from dominant forms of coverage, which allows them to foreground elements of the spectacle typically marginalized by the standard grammar and narratives of sports media. These films play on the boundary between sports coverage and documentary in order to develop a richer and more nuanced analysis of sports aesthetics.
Pre and Post Disinvestment Performance Evaluation of Indian CPSEs
Authors: Mandiratta Priya , Bhalla G.S.
Published: September 2017

The fact that government-owned firms are typically less proficient or at least less gainful than private owned firms is widely hypothesized. Therefore, the disinvestment policy aims at dropping the participation of the public sector in the economic actions of the country in order to support private sector. The research endeavour set out to empirically examine the financial and operating performance of 15 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) disinvested in India through public share offering mode during 2003–2012. Sample firms represent four cognate groups, that is, manufacturing, mining, electricity and service sectors. Through ratio analysis, different ratios such as return on assets, return on equity, sales efficiency, net income efficiency, debt equity, dividend payout, real sales and employment levels have been computed. Using the traditional pre versus post privatization comparisons and panel data estimation techniques, researchers have found significant increase in sales efficiency and net income efficiency, that is, overall operating efficiency, whereas insignificant results have been witnessed in the case of profitability position. This study provides new empirical evidence about performance changes in CPSEs disinvested through involvement of retail investors, that is, public offering mode in Indian economy.
Managing Successful Change Efforts in the Public Sector: An Employee’s Readiness for Change Perspective
Authors: Hameed Imran , Khan Abdul Karim , Sabharwal Meghna , Arain Ghulam Ali , Hameed Irfan
Published: September 2017

This study brings together public and private sector research on change management to highlight the important role of public servants as recipients of change, which is underemphasized in the public management literature. In doing so, we identify and operationalize factors of managing successful change—involved communication and change recipients’ beliefs. The effect of involved communication on developing employees’ readiness for change is explored. Data were collected from public sector research and development organizations in Pakistan. The results of the structural equation modeling support the positive role of involved communication in developing employees’ readiness for change. Employees’ organizational identification and change recipients’ beliefs also exhibit a significant mediating role in the above-stated relationship. This study significantly contributes to the existing literature of change management in the public sector by focusing on employees as key players in an organization’s change process. Practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.
Fields of Mutual Alignment: A Dual-Order Approach to the Study of Cultural Holes
Authors: Puetz Kyle
Published: September 2017

In this article, I discuss how network-analytic exploitations of the duality of agents and social object enable the study of fields from two analytical vantage points. Such an approach entails: (1) the discovery of field positions through identification of cultural holes within a network of agents’ tastes and (2) the measurement of interobject competition to identify social objects contributing most to the organization of field positions. Characterizing this approach as a mutual-alignment framework, I discuss its analytical advantages. At the level of the agent, I suggest that positions within fields retrieve their value by virtue of their relational style, or their relationship to the field’s cultural holes. At the level of the social object, I provide an analytical framework for identifying structurally important social objects through relationships of asymmetrical competition and incommensurability, or a lack of substitutability. I provide an empirical application to a population of film critics.
Analytical Sociology and Agent-Based Modeling: Is Generative Sufficiency Sufficient?
Authors: León-Medina Francisco J.
Published: September 2017

Building mechanisms-based, black box–free explanations is the main goal of analytical sociology. In this article, I offer some reasons to question whether some of the conceptual and methodological developments of the analytical community really serve this goal. Specifically, I argue that grounding our computer modeling practices in the current definition of mechanisms posits a serious risk of defining an ideal-typical research path that neglects the role that the understanding of the generative process must have for a black box–free explanation to be met. I propose some conceptual and methodological alternatives, and I identify some collective challenges that the analytical community should tackle in order not to deviate from its main goal.
Putting the World in Orders: Plurality in Organizational Evaluation
Authors: Brandtner Christof
Published: September 2017

Sociologists have shown that external evaluation stimulates convergent organizational behavior, yet many evaluative practices are superficial or susceptible to manipulation. When does external evaluation lead to convergence in organizational fields? Organizations regularly and increasingly experience fragmented social orders based on orthogonal notions of value, or so-called plurality. I propose that the plurality of evaluative landscapes, that is, the universe of rankings, ratings, and awards in an organizational field, compromises the potential homogenizing influence of any single evaluative practice. Plurality in the evaluative landscape weakens the causal channels through which evaluative practices influence organizational behavior. Because evaluative activities are responsive to social conditions, plurality is suggested to be highest when organizations face multiple audiences, when the meaning of value is contested, and when access to evaluation is unregulated. Neoinstitutional organizational theory and the sociology of valuation, both of which inform this article, would benefit from a more integrated account of evaluative landscapes.
Influence of Aliquat 336 on tribological properties of electroless ternary nanocomposite coatings on AZ91 alloy
Authors: Ansari Mohd Imran , Thakur Dineshsingh G
Published: September 2017

Incorporation of fine nanoparticles and cationic surfactant (Aliquat 336) within an ENi–P matrix has given a new dimension to the field of nanocomposite coatings. It describes the surface engineering processes currently used for the protection of AZ91 magnesium alloy surface against wear, including electroless nano-composite coatings. The present work aims to investigate the influence of Aliquat 336 cationic surfactant on the microhardness and tribological properties of electroless (Ni–P–ZnO) ternary alloy nanocomposite coatings on AZ91 magnesium alloy substrate from acidic bath. The results revealed that there was a significant improvement in the microhardness and wear resistance of the coated surface by the addition of cationic surfactant at a concentration of 1.5 g/L as compared to the coating obtained without the addition of cationic surfactant in the chemical bath. These results are thus clearly indicative of the fact that the component of life of members made from substrate subjected to nanocomposite coatings with varying the concentration of surfactant can be greatly improved, thereby preventing early or regular failures, and increasing service life.
Assessment of the performance and effects of metro-induced ground-borne vibration for mitigation measures of resilient tracks
Authors: Wu TX , Xing HL
Published: September 2017

A methodology that judges the performance and estimates the effects of metro-induced ground-borne vibration is presented for the mitigation measures of resilient tracks. Two criteria are proposed for the purpose of judgment and estimation, respectively. One is the force ratio obtained by comparing the forces transmitted to the track bed of the resilient track with those of a reference track. As the force ratio of the track bed does not vary with the excitation and environment conditions, it can be used for judging the performance of the ground-borne vibration, i.e. the inherent ability to mitigate vibration, of the resilient track. Another criterion is the overall frequency-weighted root-mean-square acceleration at the receivers. This criterion is used for the estimation of the real effects of the ground-borne vibration of a resilient track in practical conditions. Calculation results demonstrate that the practical effects of ground-borne vibration of the mitigation measures studied vary with the excitation and environment factors and tend to be more effective when the unevenness excitation is rougher or the monitoring points are closer to the source of vibration. The proposed criteria, the corresponding models developed, and the methodology presented exhibit both high efficiency in computation and great convenience for assessing the mitigation measures of resilient tracks.
Fighting for a Lost Cause? The Germanophile Newspaper La Unión in Neutral Argentina, 1914–1918
Authors: Tato María Inés
Published: September 2017

During the First World War, the belligerent powers attempted to recruit the neutral States to support their cause. Their citizens abroad and propaganda were a crucial part of their strategy. This article examines a German propaganda initiative addressed to Latin America through a case study focused on Argentina: the daily newspaper La Unión. This publication – developed by the local German community with the support of its government – sought to neutralize the allegiance to the Allied cause that prevailed in public opinion due to demographic, economic, cultural, and informational factors. This article reconstructs the obstacles faced by La Unión, as well as its objectives and strategies, and offers an assessment of its achievements.
Rebuilding an Austrian Army: The Bundesheer’s Founding Generation and the Wehrmacht Past, 1955–1970
Authors: Scianna Bastian Matteo
Published: September 2017

After the Second World War, a new Austrian Army (the Bundesheer) was formed to guarantee the country’s armed neutrality. But the period between 1938 and 1945 remained a point of contention. While some Austrian officers had been sidelined, the majority had served in the Wehrmacht and thus shared experiences and soldierly values. As Cold War realities necessitated a professional experienced army, a group around Erwin Fussenegger (1908–1986) dominated the new Bundesheer and contemplations about reforming the military culture and value system were postponed; while at the same time, the Bundesheer managed to prevent becoming a mere continuation of the Wehrmacht.
Acoustic emission sensor effect and waveform evolution during fatigue crack growth in thin metallic plate
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Yeasin , Lin Bin , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: September 2017

In this article, the effect of the acoustic emission sensor on the acoustic emission waveforms from fatigue crack growth in a thin aerospace specimen is presented. In situ acoustic emission fatigue experiments were performed on the test coupons made of aircraft grade aluminum plate. Commercial Mistras S9225 acoustic emission sensor and piezoelectric wafer active sensor were used to capture the acoustic emission waveforms from the fatigue crack. It has been shown that the piezoelectric wafer active sensor transducer successfully captured the fatigue crack–related acoustic emission waveforms in the thin plate. The piezoelectric wafer active sensor transducer seems to capture more frequency information of the acoustic emission waveform than the conventional acoustic emission sensor in this particular application. We have also shown the evolution of the acoustic emission waveforms as the fatigue crack grows. The signatures of the fatigue crack growth were captured by the evolution of the acoustic emission waveforms. This waveform evolution is highly related to the physical boundary conditions of the cracks as well as the fatigue crack growth mechanism. The fatigue loading and acoustic emission measurement were synchronized using the same acoustic emission instrumentation. This synchronization provided the exact load level when the acoustic emission signals had occurred during the fatigue crack growth.
Characteristics of Graduate Counseling Student Grief Experiences
Authors: Pollard Brittany L. , Varga Mary Alice , Wheat Laura S. , McClam Tricia , Balentyne Phoebe J.
Published: September 2017

This study explored the incidence of grief and resulting effects experienced by graduate counseling students. A total of 157 students from three universities completed surveys about their grief experiences. The authors calculated descriptive statistics, as well as Kruskal–Wallis H tests and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient, to identify relationships between variables. Results indicated that approximately 86% ( n = 129) of students had experienced loss within their lifetime. Participants reported emotional, cognitive, physical, behavioral, interpersonal, and world assumption grief effects, with statistically significant relationships to both type of loss and reported closeness to the deceased. These findings provide new information on the specific and multidimensional grief effects these students experienced and offer practical insight into how grieving students can be best supported during their counseling training.
Consensus Analysis for Populations With Latent Subgroups: Applying Multicultural Consensus Theory and Model-Based Clustering With CCTpack
Authors: Anders Royce , Alario F.-Xavier , Batchelder William H.
Published: September 2017

Advanced consensus analyses are made available with the cultural consensus theory (CCT) framework, which is a model-based methodology used to closely derive the consensus knowledge of a group or population (e.g., a culture). The relevant data are their questionnaire responses about a subject domain. CCT has been established as a main methodology for ethnographic studies in social and cultural anthropology, and it has also been incorporated into other areas of the social and behavioral sciences as an effective information-pooling methodology. Recently, there are major advances in CCT, including (a) the multicultural extension, which can detect latent subgroups of a population, each with their own consensus answers to the questionnaire items; (b) the development of new models for several questionnaire designs, true/false, ordered category (Likert) scales, and continuous scales; (c) the estimation of important parameters that affect the response process; and (d) the development of Bayesian hierarchical inference for these CCT models. The joint analysis of these features positions such CCT approaches as some of the most advanced consensus analysis methods currently available. That is, they jointly (and hierarchically) estimate the consensus answers to the questionnaire items, the degree of knowledge (cultural competence) of each individual, the response biases of each individual, the difficulty (cultural salience) of each questionnaire item, and the subcultural group of the individual. In this article, we provide an overview of these major advancements in CCT, and we introduce CCTpack, which is currently the only software package available that handles all these extensions, especially (a) and (b).
Decision Algorithms for Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Practical Guide for Neurologists
Authors: Canavero Isabella , Micieli Giuseppe , Paciaroni Maurizio
Published: September 2017

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are valid alternative options to vitamin K antagonists due to their limited interactions with drugs or food and the fact that they do not require regular coagulation monitoring. To this regard, recent practice guidelines recommend that DOACs should be considered as first-line anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This review (1) outlines current international guidelines for the management of DOACs to prevent stroke in patients with NVAF, (2) outlines indications for elderly patients as well as specific settings including acute coronary syndromes and intracranial hemorrhage, and (3) offers a practical guide for the use of DOACs in neurological settings.
Neurofinance
Authors: Miendlarzewska Ewa A. , Kometer Michael , Preuschoff Kerstin
Published: September 2017

Neurofinance is a relatively new area of research that strives to understand financial decision making by combining insights from psychology and neuroscience with theories of finance. Using behavioral experiments, neurofinance studies how we evaluate information about financial options that are uncertain, time-constrained, risky, and strategic in nature and how financial decisions are influenced by emotions, psychological biases, stress, and individual differences (such as gender, genes, neuroanatomy, and personality). In addition, it studies how the brain processes financial information and how individual decisions arise within it. Finally, by combining these experiments with computational models, neurofinance aims to provide an alternative explanation for the apparent failure of classic finance theories. Here we provide an introduction to neurofinance and look at how it is rooted in different fields of study. We review early findings and implications and conclude with open questions in neurofinance.
The quality effect on the profitability of US airline companies
Authors: Kalemba Nicole , Campa-Planas Fernando
Published: September 2017

This study was conducted to determine if quality had any effects on US airline economic performance. Therefore, four service quality indexes used in the US air transportation industry were included together with two economic performance indicators, passenger revenues and return on investment (ROI). Longitudinal data from the US airline companies from 2006 to 2015 were used to determine if airline activity or profitability increased when service quality improved. The results of this research demonstrated and confirmed the positive and significant influence of service quality on the ROI of US airline companies. Meanwhile, a non-significant effect was found for quality on airline passenger revenues. As none of the previous research studies have considered the four quality indexes altogether, the findings of this work could encourage airline companies to invest in quality, since this policy can have a positive consequence for their profitability.
Objective justification, less discriminatory alternatives, and the ‘Great Repeal Bill’
Authors: Connolly Michael
Published: September 2017

On the 13 July of this year, the UK Government published the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, 1 more commonly called the ‘Great Repeal Bill’. Aside from the repeal of the European Communities Act 1972 (and with it the proposed ousting of the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice), the Bill’s purpose is to ‘convert the acquis’ of EU law and preserve any UK law implementing EU law.2 This will include ‘workers’ rights’ and with it their employment discrimination rights.3 The efficacy of such a move will be limited if the British judges fail to adopt the same interpretations of these rights as their counterparts in the Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Over the years of Britain’s membership, there have been many references to Luxembourg to clarify the meaning of particular aspects of the discrimination provisions, with the Court generally giving a more liberal interpretation than the domestic courts had suggested would be their preference. One element of the law largely untouched by this process is the objective justification defence to claims of indirect discrimination. This is because the domestic courts have maintained a fiction that their interpretation is consistent with the EU formula. For no apparent reason, the domestic courts have reworded the EU formula while labelling it as being no different. This presents a major challenge for the Bill. It would be all too easy for Parliament to assume all is well with this aspect of workers’ rights, especially when the judges tell them so. Using a handful of cases, this article exposes the shortfalls within the domestic law and suggests some solutions. It is not the purpose of this article to discuss the Bill (which no doubt is due for many amendments), but to focus on one important aspect of discrimination law, both pre- and post-Brexit.
A qualitative study of the service experiences of women with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Tint Ami , Weiss Jonathan A
Published: September 2017

It is recognized that the experiences of women with autism spectrum disorder are often underrepresented in the literature. In this study, 20 women with autism spectrum disorder participated in five focus groups with discussions centered on their service use, unmet service needs, and barriers to care. Overall, women emphasized high unmet service needs, particularly with respect to mental health concerns, residential supports, and vocational and employment services. Participants also perceived many service providers as disregarding or misunderstanding women’s service needs. Findings of the current exploratory study are discussed in relation to areas of future research required to ensure effective care for this understudied population.
Characterizing psychiatric comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder receiving publicly funded mental health services
Authors: Brookman-Frazee Lauren , Stadnick Nicole , Chlebowski Colby , Baker-Ericzén Mary , Ganger William
Published: September 2017

Publicly funded mental health programs play a significant role in serving children with autism spectrum disorder. Understanding patterns of psychiatric comorbidity for this population within mental health settings is important to implement appropriately tailored interventions. This study (1) describes patterns of psychiatric comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder who present to mental health services with challenging behaviors and (2) identifies child characteristics associated with comorbid conditions. Data are drawn from baseline assessments from 201 children with autism spectrum disorder who participated in a community effectiveness trial across 29 publicly funded mental health programs. Non-autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were assessed using an adapted Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, parent version. Approximately 92% of children met criteria for at least one non-autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (78% attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 58% oppositional defiant disorder, 56% anxiety, 30% mood). Logistic regression indicated that child gender and clinical characteristics were differentially associated with meeting criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, an anxiety, or a mood disorder. Exploratory analyses supported a link between challenging behaviors and mood disorder symptoms and revealed high prevalence of these symptoms in this autism spectrum disorder population. Findings provide direction for tailoring intervention to address a broad range of clinical issues for youth with autism spectrum disorder served in mental health settings.
The importance of context in early autism intervention: A qualitative South African study
Authors: Guler Jessy , de Vries Petrus J , Seris Noleen , Shabalala Nokuthula , Franz Lauren
Published: September 2017

The majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder live in low- and middle-income countries and receive little or no services from health or social care systems. The development and validation of autism spectrum disorder interventions has almost exclusively occurred in high-income countries, leaving many unanswered questions regarding what contextual factors would need to be considered to ensure the effectiveness of interventions in low- and middle-income countries. This study qualitatively explored contextual factors relevant to the adaptation of a caregiver-mediated early autism spectrum disorder intervention in a low-resource South African setting. We conducted four focus groups and four in-depth interviews with 28 caregivers of young children with autism spectrum disorder and used thematic analysis to identify key themes. Eight contextual factors including culture, language, location of treatment, cost of treatment, type of service provider, support, parenting practices, and stigma emerged as important. Caregivers reported a preference for an affordable, in-home, individualized early autism spectrum disorder intervention, where they have an active voice in shaping treatment goals. Distrust of community-based health workers and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder-related stigma were identified. Recommendations that integrate caregiver preferences with the development of a low-cost and scalable caregiver-mediated early autism spectrum disorder intervention are included.
The Danish National Youth Study 2014: Study design, population characteristics and non-response analysis
Authors: Pisinger Veronica , Mikkelsen Stine Schou , Bendtsen Pernille , Egan Kia Kejlskov , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann
Published: September 2017

Aims: This paper aims to give a description of the Danish National Youth Study 2014 in terms of study design, study population and questionnaire content. The differences between participants and non-participants regarding socioeconomic characteristics are also described. Methods: The Danish National Youth Study 2014 was a web-based survey with data collected through self-completion questionnaires administered in the classroom. There were two questionnaires: one for students, with >250 core questions; and one for school leaders on the school environment. Data collection took place at 119 high schools and 10 vocational schools. Results: A total of 75,853 students participated (70,674 high school students and 5179 vocational school students). In the participating schools, 85% of high school students and 69% of vocational school students took part in the survey. A total of 166 school leaders responded. Among the high school students, 61% were girls, and among vocational school students, 24% were girls. The average age was 17.9 years for high school students and 20.9 years for vocational school students. Participants were more likely than non-participants to be of Danish origin and to have parents with higher educational levels and a higher disposable income. Conclusions: The Danish National Youth Study 2014 contributes to knowledge on adolescent health behaviour, health and well-being. It is unique in its size, diversity of questionnaire content, high participation rate and possibility of linkage to various national registers through the Danish Civil Registration System. The study offers great opportunities for health planning and a wide range of future research projects.
A method for identifying support conditions of buried subsea gas pipelines based on forced vibration signal analysis
Authors: Liao Ningsheng , Zhang Hang , Zhang Shimin , Du Shuqiang , Ding Qingxin
Published: September 2017

Subsea pipeline is crucial for oil and gas transportation. It is advantageous to be able to identify the free-spanning segments of a long subsea pipeline. The existing technologies for detecting the support condition of buried subsea pipelines are constantly affected by complex external environment since they are outer pipeline detecting methods. An inner pipeline method for detecting the support conditions of buried gas subsea pipelines based on forced vibration signal analysis is proposed in this study. Two evaluation indicators, frequency response function and natural frequency change ratio, are used to identify the free-spanning segments. A free span–detecting device and a test rig are built to verify the applicability of the method by forced vibration tests. Gray contour plots of frequency response functions and natural frequency change ratio bar charts are generated to analyze the experimental results. The experimental results show that two evaluation indicators are sensitive to the support condition. The appearance of the free span and its length can be identified by the gray contour plots of frequency response functions and natural frequency change ratio bar chart.
Josephine Gomon Plans for Detroit’s Rehabilitation
Authors: Thomas June Manning
Published: September 2017

This article tells of efforts to establish Detroit’s public housing, exploring questions about the origin of this programmatic effort and its manifestations in that city. Josephine Gomon, an engineering-trained white woman picked to direct Detroit’s first housing commission, helped shape low-income housing during the mid-1930s, and also helped establish planning in the city. We explore both race and gender barriers that she faced and also discuss her creative approaches to relocation and development. Gomon faltered in some ways but offered a glimpse into the missed potential of future redevelopment.
Cultural Change: The How and the Why
Authors: Varnum Michael E. W. , Grossmann Igor
Published: September 2017

More than half a century of cross-cultural research has demonstrated group-level differences in psychological and behavioral phenomena, from values to attention to neural responses. However, cultures are not static, with several specific changes documented for cultural products, practices, and values. How and why do societies change? Here we juxtapose theory and insights from cultural evolution and social ecology. Evolutionary approaches enable an understanding of the how of cultural change, suggesting transmission mechanisms by which the contents of culture may change. Ecological approaches provide insights into the why of cultural change: They identify specific environmental pressures, which evoke shifts in psychology and thereby enable greater precision in predictions of specific cultural changes based on changes in ecological conditions. Complementary insights from the ecological and cultural evolutionary approaches can jointly clarify the process by which cultures change. We end by discussing the relevance of cultural change research for the contemporary societal shifts and by highlighting several critical challenges and future directions for the emerging field of cross-temporal research on culture and psychology.
Endoscopic full-thickness biopsy, a novel method in the work up of complicated abdominal symptoms
Authors: Ohlsson Bodil , Gustafsson Rita , Swahn Fredrik , Toth Ervin , Veress Béla , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: September 2017

Gastrointestinal complaints without obvious organic causes confirmed by clinical laboratory analyses, endoscopy or radiology are often referred to functional entities. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder in the gut. Careful examination of these patients may reveal other diagnoses of defined etiologies, e.g., enteric neuropathy, microscopic colitis, and primary Sjögre’s syndrome. The present case describes a young patient with incapacitating gastrointestinal symptoms presumed to be IBS, who underwent endoscopic full-thickness biopsy in sigmoid colon. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative enteric neuropathy, possibly secondary to chronic ischemia.
A case of worsening pulmonary arterial hypertension and pleural effusions by bosutinib after prior treatment with dasatinib
Authors: Seegobin Karan , Babbar Amit , Ferreira Jason , Lyons Brittany , Cury James , Seeram Vandana
Published: September 2017

A 52‐year‐old man with a past medical history of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in remission developed progressive shortness of breath over a two‐month period. He was initially treated with dasatinib for four years, until developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with pleural effusions. His symptoms improved after stopping dasatinib. He was then switched to bosutinib for approximately one year, which was then stopped before admission due to worsening shortness of breath. His initial workup showed bilateral pleural effusions with severe PAH and cor pulmonale. He had symptomatic improvement with PAH‐specific therapy following discontinuation of the bosutinib.

The life expectancy of CML patients has increased in the era of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and managing adverse events (AEs) of the TKIs and improving quality of life are becoming more important.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pleural effusions are rarely reported AEs of bosutinib. More reports with PH and pleural effusions arising after bosutinib use in patients previously treated with dasatinib is furthermore concerning. In this era with novel chemotherapeutic agents, physicians ought to be weary of the significant morbidity implicated by these agents in the lives of patients.
Patient Enablement After a Single Appointment With a GP: Analysis of Finnish QUALICOPC Data
Authors: Tolvanen Elina , Koskela Tuomas H. , Helminen Mika , Kosunen Elise
Published: September 2017

Background: Patient enablement is described as patient’s ability to understand and cope with illness after a consultation. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors associated with enablement in Finnish primary health care. An additional aim was to evaluate whether a single question could be used to measure enablement. Methods: A questionnaire survey was addressed to Finnish general practitioners (GPs) within the Quality and Costs of Primary Care in Europe (QUALICOPC) study framework. A trained fieldworker contacted nine patients for every participating GP. Two to 9 patients per GP (median 9 patients) completed the questionnaire. Patient enablement was measured by a single question based on the Patient Enablement Instrument questionnaire. Multivariate and multilevel analyses were performed to find variables that have an independent association with patient enablement. Results: A total of 1196 patients completed the QUALICOPC questionnaire. A total of 898 patients (75.1%) agreed that they felt better able to cope with their health problem or illness after an appointment with a GP, reflecting patient enablement. In the theme group analyses, 11 factors were found to have a statistically significant ( P < .05) association with enablement. In the final multivariable model, positive perceptions of doctor-patient communication and patient satisfaction were positively associated with enablement. Conclusions: The results, using a single question to measure enablement, are comparable to previous findings on factors associated with enablement. Further research is needed and these results should be regarded as preliminary.