bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Eight Current Reanalyses in Simulating Land Surface Temperature from 1979 to 2003 in China
Authors: Zhou Chunlüe , Wang Kaicun , Ma Qian
Published: June 2017

Land surface temperature Ts provides essential supplementary information to surface air temperature, the most widely used metric in global warming studies. A lack of reliable observational Ts data makes assessing model simulations difficult. Here, the authors first examined the simulated Ts of eight current reanalyses based on homogenized Ts data collected at ~2200 weather stations from 1979 to 2003 in China. The results show that the reanalyses are skillful in simulating the interannual variance of Ts in China (r = 0.95) except over the Tibetan Plateau. ERA-Interim and MERRA land versions perform better in this respect than ERA-Interim and MERRA. Observations show that the interannual variance of Ts over the north China plain and south China is mostly influenced by surface incident solar radiation Rs, followed by precipitation frequency, whereas the opposite is true over the northwest China, northeast China, and the Tibetan Plateau. This variable relationship is well captured by ERA-Interim, ERA-Interim land, MERRA, and JRA-55. The homogenized Ts data show a warming of 0.34°C decade−1 from 1979 to 2003 in China, varying between 0.25° and 0.42°C decade−1 for the eight reanalyses. However, the reanalyses substantially underestimate the warming trend of Ts over northwest China, northeast China, and the Tibetan Plateau and significantly overestimate the warming trend of Ts over the north China plain and south China owing to their biases in simulating the Rs and precipitation frequency trends. This study provides a diagnostic method for examining the capability of current atmospheric/land reanalysis data in regional climate change studies.
Polarimetric Radar Metrics Related to Tornado Life Cycles and Intensity in Supercell Storms
Authors: Van Den Broeke Matthew S.
Published: June 2017

Polarimetric radar signatures have been related to the typical evolution of supercell storms, including through tornado life cycles. Now that polarimetric radar observations are available for a large sample of supercell storms, time series of new radar metrics can be derived. These metrics can be compared with phases of known tornado life cycles in an effort to develop new methods of anticipating tornadoes and to increase understanding of storm-scale structural and microphysical changes through supercell and tornado life cycles. In this paper, radar metrics including measures of differential reflectivity ZDR columns, ZDR arcs, polarimetrically inferred hailfall regions, and mean value of copolar correlation coefficient ρhv in the echo appendage are compared to the tornado life cycle and to storm-maximum tornado intensity in a sample of 35 tornadic supercells. It is shown that these radar metrics may change repeatedly and thus can be used to distinguish tornadic and nontornadic periods in single supercell storms, tornadogenesis from tornado demise times, and modes of storm evolution relative to tornadoes (e.g., if a storm produces one tornado or several). The polarimetric radar metrics are nearly as predictive of tornado intensity as commonly used measures of environmental variability for this sample.
Insider or Outsider? Grand Corruption and Electoral Accountability
Authors: Bauhr Monika , Charron Nicholas
Published: June 2017

While democratic accountability is widely expected to reduce corruption, citizens to a surprisingly large extent opt to forgo their right to protest and voice complaints, and refrain from using their electoral right to punish corrupt politicians. This article examines how grand corruption and elite collusion influence electoral accountability, in particular citizens’ willingness to punish corrupt incumbents. Using new regional-level data across 21 European countries, we provide clear empirical evidence that the level of societal grand corruption in which a voter finds herself systematically affects how she responds to a political corruption scandal. Grand corruption increases loyalty to corrupt politicians, demobilizes the citizenry, and crafts a deep divide between insiders, or potential beneficiaries of the system, and outsiders, left on the sidelines of the distribution of benefits. This explains why outsiders fail to channel their discontent into effective electoral punishment, and thereby how corruption undermines democratic accountability.
Foam-formed cellulose composite materials with potential applications in sound insulation
Authors: Nechita P , Năstac S
Published: June 2017

Use of foam-formed cellulose composite materials is a viable alternative that provides potential savings in terms of raw materials, energy and water compared with conventional methods for obtaining the fibrous composites. This new innovative manufacturing method leads to obtaining porous materials with low density and low environmental impact, which could replace the petroleum-based products in different industrial application fields like sound control. In this paper is presented a methodology for producing low-density cellulose composite materials in foam media. In this methodology a surfactant is mixed with cellulose fibres (from virgin pulp and recovered papers) at high shear velocity (2000 r/min) to entrain air, dewatered on Buchner funnel under low vacuum and air dried in non-restrained conditions. The obtained composite materials have been tested by sound insulation parameters (sound transmission loss and absorption coefficients) using two experimental impedance tubes with four-microphone configuration and anechoic termination. Three samples of foam-formed cellulose composites and one water-formed composite sample were obtained. Their sound insulation performances were compared with two different commercially available petroleum-based materials currently used in sound insulation applications (i.e. expanded/extruded polystyrene). The experimental results show comparable performances between foam-formed cellulose composites and polystyrene-based samples, but in terms of the environmental impact, these materials can be an appropriate green alternative which can cut the costs of recycling process.
Significant Events Identified by Clients Engaged in Existential Psychotherapy: A Descriptive Phenomenological Exploration
Authors: Sousa Daniel , Vaz Alexandre
Published: June 2017

This research focuses on the descriptions of significant events experienced in the context of existential psychotherapy as described by five clients. The results include a set of eidetic dimensions in which the human relationship stands out as being particularly meaningful. Clients considered the therapy process to be significant for a number of different reasons, ranging from the development of the capacity to cope with difficulties to a basic sense of increased self-understanding. Significant events in therapy are sometimes preceded by tensions between the therapist and the client, which, in turn, promote turning points and breakthroughs in the therapeutic relationship. The results also seem to corroborate the affect and interdependence of the relational dimensions of psychotherapy, such as common factors, and more specific ingredients, such as the techniques used by the therapist. However, the experience of significant events is multifaceted and dynamic, and only a holistic perspective would seem to do justice to the complexity of these interrelated phenomena. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Belief in Life After Death and Attitudes Toward Voluntary Euthanasia
Authors: Sharp Shane
Published: June 2017

Research has documented associations among religious affiliation, religious practice, and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia, yet very few studies have investigated how particular religious beliefs influence these attitudes. I use data from the General Social Survey (GSS; N = 19,967) to evaluate the association between the belief in life after death and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. I find that those who believe in life after death are significantly less likely than those who do not believe in life after death or those who doubt the existence of life after death to have positive attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. These associations hold even after controlling for religious affiliation, religious attendance, views of the Bible, and sociodemographic factors. The findings indicate that to understand individuals’ views about voluntary euthanasia, one must pay attention to individuals’ particular religious beliefs.
Study on the dynamics of chitosan/cotton fiber in an airflow around two rotating cylinders
Authors: Guo Hui Fen , Yang Chenxiao , Li Li
Published: June 2017

To predict chitosan/cotton yarn properties in ring spinning, a particle-level simulation method has been used to simulate the dynamics of the fibers with different initial positions in three-dimensional airflow around counter-rotating cylinders. The results show that the fibers near the cylinder end-face can leave two cylinders’ nip and move around the top cylinder, thus form fly waste. It is good to entangle other fibers as this gives the fiber greater bending energy. Compared with cotton fiber, the axial-direction deflections of the tail-ends of chitosan fibers near the cylinder center are much greater, while their bending energies are much lower, thus forming a wide triangle zone and reduced fiber–fiber cohesion force and yarn strength. To demonstrate the simulation results, a series of spinning experiments are completed, which tally with the predictions.
The Benefits, Drawbacks, and Challenges of Using the Flipped Classroom in an Introduction to Psychology Course
Authors: Roehling Patricia V. , Root Luna Lindsey M. , Richie Fallon J. , Shaughnessy John J.
Published: June 2017

Flipped pedagogy has become a popular approach in education. While preliminary research suggests that the flipped classroom has a positive effect on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and quantitative courses, the research on the flipped classroom in a content heavy social science course is minimal and contradictory. We flipped four class topics in an introduction to psychology course, evaluated resulting student attitudes, and compared students’ performance on the flipped units to their performance on traditionally delivered content. We found mixed results for the effectiveness of the flipped classroom that were moderated by student characteristics and experiences with previous online or flipped courses. Students reported an overall preference for traditional classroom delivery but suggested retaining the flipped approach for some class periods.
Vision and Transterritory
Authors: Follis Karolina S.
Published: June 2017

This essay is about the role of visual surveillance technologies in the policing of the external borders of the European Union (EU). Based on an analysis of documents published by EU institutions and independent organizations, I argue that these technological innovations fundamentally alter the nature of national borders. I discuss how new technologies of vision are deployed to transcend the physical limits of territories. In the last twenty years, EU member states and institutions have increasingly relied on various forms of remote tracking, including the use of drones for the purposes of monitoring frontier zones. In combination with other facets of the EU border management regime (such as transnational databases and biometrics), these technologies coalesce into a system of governance that has enabled intervention into neighboring territories and territorial waters of other states to track and target migrants for interception in the “prefrontier.” For jurisdictional reasons, this practice effectively precludes the enforcement of legal human rights obligations, which European states might otherwise have with regard to these persons. This article argues that this technologically mediated expansion of vision has become a key feature of post–cold war governance of borders in Europe. The concept of transterritory is proposed to capture its effects.
Therapeutic effect of increased openness: Investigating mechanism of action in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
Authors: Wagner Mark T , Mithoefer Michael C , Mithoefer Ann T , MacAulay Rebecca K , Jerome Lisa , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Doblin Rick
Published: June 2017

A growing body of research suggests that traumatic events lead to persisting personality change characterized by increased neuroticism. Relevantly, enduring improvements in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been found in response to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy. There is evidence that lasting changes in the personality feature of “openness” occur in response to hallucinogens, and that this may potentially act as a therapeutic mechanism of change. The present study investigated whether heightened Openness and decreased Neuroticism served as a mechanism of change within a randomized trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) Global Scores and NEO PI-R Personality Inventory (NEO) Openness and Neuroticism Scales served as outcome measures. Results indicated that changes in Openness but not Neuroticism played a moderating role in the relationship between reduced PTSD symptoms and MDMA treatment. Following MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, increased Openness and decreased Neuroticism when comparing baseline personality traits with long-term follow-up traits also were found. These preliminary findings suggest that the effect of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy extends beyond specific PTSD symptomatology and fundamentally alters personality structure, resulting in long-term persisting personality change. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms of psychotherapeutic change.
RGB-D object detection and semantic segmentation for autonomous manipulation in clutter
Authors: Schwarz Max , Milan Anton , Periyasamy Arul Selvam , Behnke Sven
Published: June 2017

Autonomous robotic manipulation in clutter is challenging. A large variety of objects must be perceived in complex scenes, where they are partially occluded and embedded among many distractors, often in restricted spaces. To tackle these challenges, we developed a deep-learning approach that combines object detection and semantic segmentation. The manipulation scenes are captured with RGB-D cameras, for which we developed a depth fusion method. Employing pretrained features makes learning from small annotated robotic datasets possible. We evaluate our approach on two challenging datasets: one captured for the Amazon Picking Challenge 2016, where our team NimbRo came in second in the Stowing and third in the Picking task; and one captured in disaster-response scenarios. The experiments show that object detection and semantic segmentation complement each other and can be combined to yield reliable object perception.
Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum and expression of transforming growth factor beta
Authors: Amudong Aierken , Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Abudourexiti Tuerhongjiang
Published: June 2017

Objective

To explore the relationship between cellular apoptosis and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum in the lumbar region.

Methods

Thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated. Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum was present in 15 patients and absent in 15. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) immunohistochemical testing were applied to compare these two groups.

Results

Derangement of fibrous alignment, fibrocartilage changes, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the patients with hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, while fibrous alignment was normal and few inflammatory cells were observed in patients without hypertrophy. Immunohistochemical studies showed positive expression of TGF-β in patients with hypertrophy, while expression was negative in patients without hypertrophy. The integrated optical density was 2.6556708 in the hypertrophy group and 23104671 in the normal controls.

Conclusions

Expression of TGF-β was closely related to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. Appropriate application of the TGF-β expression level can be used to predict progression of hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum.
Carrots versus Sticks: Assessing Intervention Effectiveness and Implementation Challenges for Active Transport
Authors: Piatkowski Daniel P. , Marshall Wesley E. , Krizek Kevin J.
Published: June 2017

Strategies to manage transportation demand are colloquially labeled carrots or sticks: carrots (or enablers) to entice desired travel behaviors and sticks (or deterrents) that discourage undesirable ones. Assessing the merits of each approach requires answering two questions: which approach is most effective at influencing travel behavior; and what is the difference in terms of ease of implementation between carrots and sticks? The literature typically examines these questions in isolation, but success depends upon both intervention efficacy and the ability to implement. Using a multiple-methods approach, we find those interventions that incorporate both enablers and deterrents are most effective at encouraging active transportation while remaining feasible to implement.
“I Got Lucky”
Authors: Hoffman Charity M.
Published: June 2017

The United States is one of the few countries in the world without national paid parental leave benefits. The lack of a universally available policy drives women out of the paid labor force, with a disproportionate impact on low-income women. In this article, I illuminate the mechanisms by which structural inequality reproduces class inequality across the transition to motherhood. Between 2012 and 2015, I interviewed 44 first-time mothers from diverse class backgrounds. From their narratives, I identify three typologies of working women—professional, pink-professional, and low-wage workers—and show how formal workplace policies and informal practices, coupled with women’s cultural knowledge, shape new mothers’ employment trajectories when they have their first child. Policy makers and social workers serving new mothers need to be attuned to how women’s occupational group may facilitate or inhibit access to parental leave, in order to pave the way for more equitable paid family leave for all women.
Reflections on Moral Courage
Authors: Kritek Phyllis Beck
Published: June 2017

The author presents her reflections on the concept of moral courage that have evolved from her life’s work in the area of conflict and conflict resolution. Her profound analysis uncovers issues behind nursing’s collective silence when action may be needed.
Time Well Wasted? Online Procrastination During Times of Unemployment
Authors: Müller Severina , Fieseler Christian , Meckel Miriam , Suphan Anne
Published: June 2017

This article examines the argument regarding whether perceived social exclusion during unemployment leads to procrastination through online media, which in turn lessens the job search efforts of the unemployed. Based on data from 386 unemployed Internet users, we argue that online procrastination plays an important role in the lives of the unemployed but has no immediate effects on their perceived job search efforts. Contextual factors play an important role; that is, the amount of motivational control that the unemployed can muster exerts a strong effect on job search efforts. Generally, unemployed Internet users with low motivational control struggle more with their job search efforts. Thus, the recreational use of online media as such is not necessarily detrimental to the efforts invested in finding a job; instead, online skill-building and motivational support are key antecedents to better empower the unemployed to use the Internet productively for finding reemployment.
The Impact of Adolescent Work in Family Business on Child–Parent Relationships and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Houshmand Marjan , Seidel Marc-David L. , Ma Dennis G.
Published: June 2017

Previous ecological theory of human development research shows mixed results concerning the impact of adolescent work on psychological and family outcomes. We show the consequences of working in the family firm on adolescents’ parental relationships, self-esteem, and depression, highlighting the importance of high-quality work experiences in the early life course. Weighted regression analysis of longitudinal data from Statistics Canada’s National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth shows that those adolescents who work in their family firms on a year-round basis report a better relationship with their parents, and better psychological well-being than their nonfamily firm working counterparts.
People With Autism Spectrum Conditions Make More Consistent Decisions
Authors: Farmer George D. , Baron-Cohen Simon , Skylark William J.
Published: June 2017

People with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) show reduced sensitivity to contextual stimuli in many perceptual and cognitive tasks. We investigated whether this also applies to decision making by examining adult participants’ choices between pairs of consumer products that were presented with a third, less desirable “decoy” option. Participants’ preferences between the items in a given pair frequently switched when the third item in the set was changed, but this tendency was reduced among individuals with ASC, which indicated that their choices were more consistent and conventionally rational than those of control participants. A comparison of people who were drawn from the general population and who varied in their levels of autistic traits revealed a weaker version of the same effect. The reduced context sensitivity was not due to differences in noisy responding, and although the ASC group took longer to make their decisions, this did not account for the enhanced consistency of their choices. The results extend the characterization of autistic cognition as relatively context insensitive to a new domain, and have practical implications for socioeconomic behavior.
Controlling response dependence in the measurement of change using the Rasch model
Authors: Andrich David
Published: June 2017

The advantages of using person location estimates from the Rasch model over raw scores for the measurement of change using a common test include the linearization of scores and the automatic handling of statistical properties of repeated measurements. However, the application of the model requires that the responses to the items are statistically independent in the sense that the specific responses to the items on the first time of testing do not affect the responses at a second time. This requirement implies that the responses to the items at both times of assessment are governed only by the invariant location parameters of the items at the two times of testing and the location parameters of each person each time. A specific form of dependence that is pertinent when the same items are used is when the observed response to an item at the second time of testing is affected by the response to the same item at the first time, a form of dependence which has been referred to as response dependence. This paper presents the logic of applying the Rasch model to quantify, control and remove the effect of response dependence in the measurement of change when the same items are used on two occasions. The logic is illustrated with four sets of simulation studies with dichotomous items and with a small example of real data. It is shown that the presence of response dependence can reduce the evidence of change, a reduction which may impact interpretations at the individual, research, and policy levels.
Child Combatants of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Nepal: A Human Rights Perspective, 1996–2013
Authors: Meher Rajesh Kumar
Published: June 2017

The study analyzes involvement of children in the decade-long Maoist armed conflict in Nepal, an issue of grave human rights violations. An armed conflict affects all sections of the society irrespective of caste, class, gender, region, and religion. However, children have been one of the most vulnerable groups in the Maoist conflict in Nepal. The decade-long Maoist conflict in Nepal has various implications on children such as disruption of education, separation from families, killing and maiming, illegal detention, disability resulting from the conflict, etc. Thus, there has been gross human rights violation of children during the conflict. But one of the worst forms of implications of the Maoist conflict has been the recruitment of children as combatants by the Maoist Army, otherwise known as the People’s Liberation Army, formed in 2001, in their fight against the state forces, which is the focus of this study. The article explores how the poor disadvantaged children have been the major target of recruitment by the Maoist. It discusses the role played by the child recruits during the conflict. Besides, it examines the role played particularly by the United Nations as well as the Nepali civil societies in the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children into the civil society.
How Much Do Parents Think They Talk to Their Child?
Authors: Richards Jeffrey A. , Gilkerson Jill , Xu Dongxin , Topping Keith
Published: June 2017

This study investigated whether parent perceptions of their own and their child’s levels of talkativeness were related to objective measures recorded via the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) System. Parents of 258 children aged 7 to 60 months completed a questionnaire on which they rated how much they and their child talked. Six months previously, they had recorded in their home language environment using the LENA System. Compared with recording measures, parents tended to overestimate how much they talk to their child, but were somewhat closer when estimating their child’s talkativeness. Results were similar for a smaller sample with concurrent recordings, indicating that calibration of talk volubility is challenging without a reference standard. An important implication is that parents’ motivation to participate in language-focused interventions may be reduced. That is, parents who overestimate how much they talk to their child may also underestimate what they could do to enhance their child’s home language environment.
Case Studies as Narratives: Reflections Prompted by the Case of Victor, the Wild Child of Aveyron
Authors: Gabriel Yiannis
Published: June 2017

Drawing on a celebrated case study of a feral child in France, the author argues that there are similarities between stories and case studies as types of narrative and that they are both capable of acting as insightful tools of management inquiry. Both case studies and stories call for narrative imagination to develop meaningful narratives. Serendipity, the accidental discovery of meaning or purpose in what seems random and purposeless, is an important part of narrative imagination. As meaningful narratives, both case studies and stories follow a structure of interwoven actions and events with beginnings, middles, and ends. However, where storytellers enjoy poetic license to distort facts for effect, case study researchers are more constrained by factual accuracy. The beginnings and ends of case studies are not as clearly defined as those of stories and fictional narratives.
Sclerosing Stromal Tumor Mimicking a Pregnancy Luteoma: Case Report of a Diagnostically Challenging Entity Further Complicated by the Presence of Metastatic Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma From the Stomach
Authors: Uner Meral , Usubutun Alp
Published: June 2017

Sclerosing stromal tumors of the ovary are very rare. We report the case of a 29-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a history of preterm labor and gestational hypertension. A huge mass measuring 30 cm in greatest dimension was recognized on the right ovary during cesarean section. Signet ring cell infiltration was seen during intraoperative frozen section consultation. She underwent a right salpingo-oophorectomy, and the permanent diagnosis was sclerosing stromal tumor infiltrated by signet ring cells. Pregnancy-related changes were seen in tumor morphology. Signet ring cells were immunoreactive with antibodies MUC5ac, MUC2, and EMA. Thus, stromal cells were immunoreactive with antibodies inhibin and calretinin. Endoscopic biopsy of the stomach showed a signet ring cell carcinoma, from which the metastasis had originated. This is the first reported case in the literature, and is notable for its challenging differential diagnosis, which included a pregnancy luteoma and primary signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary.
Roles of Social Scientists in Crisis Media Reporting: The Case of the German Populist Radical Right Movement PEGIDA
Authors: Fähnrich Birte , Lüthje Corinna
Published: June 2017

This article examines the visibility of social scientists in the context of crisis media reporting by using the example of the German populist radical right movement PEGIDA. Based on previous research, a role typology was developed to serve as a framework for the empirical study. A content analysis of German newspapers demonstrates that social scientists are quite visible in the media coverage of PEGIDA and are presented mainly in the role of intellectuals. At the same time, new roles for social scientists are also discernible. Based on these findings, an extended role typology was developed to provide points of reference for further research.
Unified Program Design: Organizing Existing Programming Models, Delivery Options, and Curriculum
Authors: Rubenstein Lisa DaVia , Ridgley Lisa M.
Published: June 2017

A persistent problem in the field of gifted education has been the lack of categorization and delineation of gifted programming options. To address this issue, we propose Unified Program Design as a structural framework for gifted program models. This framework defines gifted programs as the combination of delivery methods and curriculum models. By considering both the delivery methods and the curriculum, coordinators and teachers will be able to visualize the available options that address each component, making designing and describing gifted programs more consistent. Implications for research, evaluation, and program practice are also discussed.
Thermal morphing anisogrid smart space structures: Part 1. Introduction, modeling, and performance of the novel smart structural application
Authors: Phoenix Austin A , Tarazaga Pablo A
Published: June 2017

To meet the requirements for the next generation of space missions, a paradigm shift is required from current structures that are static, heavy, and stiff to innovative structures that are adaptive, lightweight, versatile, and intelligent. The largest benefit provided by this new structural concept is in the ability to deliver high precision position stability. The conventional high precision structural design uses two decoupled systems to achieve positional stability. First, a high mass structure delivers the effectively infinite stiffness and thermal stability so that no deformations occur under all operational loading conditions. Second, to meet the morphing and on-orbit positional requirements, supplementary mechanisms provide the nano, micro, and macro displacement control required. This paper proposes the use of a novel morphing structure, the thermally actuated anisogrid morphing boom, to meet the design requirements through actively morphing the primary structure in order to adapt to the on-orbit environment and meet both requirements in a consolidated structure. The proposed concept achieves the morphing control through the use of thermal strain to actuate the individual helical members in the anisogrid structure. Properly controlling the temperatures of multiple helical members can introduce six degree of freedom morphing control. This system couples the use of low coefficient of thermal expansion materials with precise thermal control to provide the high precision morphing capability. This concept has the potential to provide substantial mass reductions relative to current methods and meet the high precision displacement requirements of spacecraft systems. This paper will detail the concept itself, demonstrate the modeling procedure, and investigate the design space to quantify the potential of the thermally morphing anisogrid smart structure.
Can Location Value Capture Pay for Transit? Organizational Challenges of Transforming Theory into Practice
Authors: Salon Deborah , Sclar Elliott , Barone Richard
Published: June 2017

Successful public transit systems increase the value of locations they serve. Capturing this location value to help fund transit is often sensible, but challenging. This article defines location value capture and synthesizes lessons learned from six European and North American transit agencies that have experience with location value capture funding. The opportunities for and barriers to implementing location value capture fall into three categories: agency institutional authority, agency organizational mission, and public support for transit. When any of these factors is incompatible with a location value capture strategy, implementation becomes difficult. In four of the cases studied, dramatic institutional change was critical for success. In five cases, acute crisis was a catalyst for institutional change, value capture implementation, or both. Using value capture strategies to fund transit requires practitioners to both understand agency organizational constraints and view transit agencies as institutions that can transform in response to changing situations.
Preexposure Prophylaxis—a New Addition to the Armamentarium Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Kludze Maabo
Published: June 2017

At the end of 2015, 36.7 million people worldwide were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS with 2.1 million newly diagnosed. The development of antiretroviral therapy was a remarkable milestone that vastly transformed the manner in which HIV/AIDS patients were managed. The introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) ushers in a new era that could again redefine the course of this global epidemic. Daily administration of oral combination tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) and TDF alone as PrEP has demonstrated efficacy in preventing new HIV cases in a number of trials. The results of these studies represent major advances in preventing HIV acquisition and provide convincing evidence that widespread use of daily oral TDF-FTC by heterosexuals, men, women, and intravenous drug users and use of vaginal TDF is safe and effective. Low adherence has been cited as reason for failures in a few studies and poses a significant challenge when implementing PrEP in the real world in highly diverse communities. Several studies investigating a variety of strategies for PrEP delivery are underway to mitigate treatment challenges. Emerging strategies include the use of alternative antiretrovirals, novel formulations, and routes of administration, as well as dosing regimens. This article reviews literature on prior studies, current concerns and challenges, and future strategies for implementing effective PrEP.
Innovation in the hospitality industry
Authors: Backman Mikaela , Klaesson Johan , Öner Özge
Published: June 2017

The hospitality industry is a rapidly growing revenue generator in many countries and is becoming economically important for generating employment and for integrating of immigrants into the labor market. As an industry where firms face fierce competition, it is important for the firms to maintain their competitiveness by distinguishing themselves from others through continuous improvements and innovations. In this article, we investigate the determinants of innovation in the hospitality industry by analyzing survey data gathered from over 900 firms in Sweden. In the analysis, we differentiate between firm-specific and location-specific features. We conclude that the most important characteristics that explain innovation lie within the firm itself, not the location. These results provide important insights regarding firm- versus location-placed innovation policies.
“I never thought I could get health information from the Internet!”: Unexpected uses of an Internet website designed to enable Ethiopian immigrants with low/no literacy skills to browse health information
Authors: Guttman Nurit , Lev Eimi , Segev Elad , Ayecheh Seffefe , Ziv Limor , Gadamo Fekado , Dayan Nivi , Yavetz Gal
Published: June 2017

The Internet is a major source for health information but contributes to the digital divide and health disparities. Minorities with low literacy skills are at a particular disadvantage in obtaining online information. A website was created with health information presented through videos in Amharic and an interface that does not require reading skills to enable users with low/no literacy to navigate among topics. In all, 225 Israeli Ethiopian immigrants were asked to use the website, most with low/no literacy skills. Participants were excited about it, but those with low/no literacy felt they needed support and training for future use. Some felt it was too difficult. The findings point to unexpected potential sociocultural uses for the website for immigrants with different levels of literacy skills. The analysis yielded two user typologies that can help identify user needs and segmentation, a culture-centered adaptation of the technology acceptance model, and implications for communication infrastructure theory.
Enhancing feedback in higher education: Students’ attitudes towards online and in-class formative assessment feedback models
Authors: McCarthy Josh
Published: June 2017

This article explores the efficacy of formative assessment feedback models in higher education. Over 1 year and two courses, three feedback techniques were trialled: staff-to-student feedback in class, peer-to-peer feedback in class and peer-to-peer feedback online, via the Café, an e-learning application hosted by Facebook. Every 2 weeks, students were required to bring work-in-progress to tutorial classes and discuss their work with their peers and tutors. In alternating weeks, students posted work-in-progress to a forum in the Café, and critiqued their peers’ submissions. The three feedback measures were evaluated by the participating students at the end of each semester, in the form of an online survey, which provided the opportunity to critically reflect on the experience. The results of the student experience are discussed in light of the growing use of online spaces for collaborative learning and peer feedback.
Complications Following Collagenase Treatment for Dupuytren Contracture
Authors: Wozniczka Jennifer , Canepa Clifford , Mirarchi Adam , Solomon Joel S.
Published: June 2017

Background: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection and manipulation is a relatively new method for treating Dupuytren contracture that is growing in popularity. Although side effects such as swelling and ecchymosis are common, they are typically mild and self-limited. Major complications are rare but have included flexor tendon rupture and complex regional pain syndrome. Methods: This study describes a case report of 2 patients seen at our institution. Results: Here, we report 2 patients seen at our institution each with different, yet serious complications after CCH injection and manipulation. One patient had extensive skin loss and chose amputation over reconstruction. The other patient had loss of perfusion and required finger amputation. Conclusions: Although it is unclear how directly the administration of CCH is connected to the observed complications, physicians should recognize the potential for serious rare complications in any treatment of Dupuytren contracture.
Known and unknown cerebral arteriovenous malformations in pregnancies: haemorrhage risk and influence on obstetric management
Authors: Lv Xianli , Li Wei , He Hongwei , Jiang Chuhan , Li Youxiang
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the haemorrhage risk of known and unknown cerebral arteriovenous malformations and their obstetric management.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed and analysed 67 consecutive cases of arteriovenous malformation with pregnancy history.

Results

Sixty-seven cases of arteriovenous malformation with pregnancy histories were identified. In 14 cases (20.9%) of arteriovenous malformation diagnosed before pregnancy, 11 cases were treated (10 embolisation and one surgery), there was no haemorrhage in 14 pregnancies, 14 healthy babies were delivered by caesarean section in 12 pregnancies (85.7%) and vaginal delivery in two pregnancies (14.3%). In 53 cases (89.1%) of arteriovenous malformation diagnosed during/after pregnancy, there was one (1.6%) case of subarachnoid haemorrhage at 38 weeks’ gestation in 64 pregnancies, 64 healthy babies were delivered by caesarean section in 11 pregnancies (17.2%) and vaginal delivery in 53 pregnancies (82.8%). This resulted in 1.6% (95% confidence interval 0–4.6%) haemorrhage rate per pregnancy in unknown arteriovenous malformations. Known arteriovenous malformation gravida was prone to caesarean section; however, vaginal delivery did not increase the haemorrhage risk in unknown arteriovenous malformation gravidas (1.8% vs. 0%, P = 1.000).

Conclusion

Prior treatment for ruptured arteriovenous malformation could prevent its haemorrhage during pregnancy and the haemorrhage risk of unruptured arteriovenous malformation in pregnancies is low. Although known arteriovenous malformation gravida is prone to caesarean section, vaginal delivery seems not to increase the haemorrhage risk in unknown arteriovenous malformation gravidas.
Extended-release methylphenidate monotherapy in patients with comorbid social anxiety disorder and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: retrospective case series
Authors: Koyuncu Ahmet , Çelebi Fahri , Ertekin Erhan , Kök Burcu Ece , Tükel Raşit
Published: June 2017

Background:

The relationship between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a subject which has recently become a topic of interest for research.

Methods:

In this study, 20 patients with comorbid SAD and adult ADHD who were treated with extended-release methylphenidate monotherapy were evaluated retrospectively.

Results:

Clinical response for both ADHD and SAD symptoms was observed in 17 of 20 patients. Overall, one patient did not respond to treatment and two patients dropped out of treatment at the beginning due to adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Extended-release methylphenidate improved both SAD and ADHD symptoms and was generally well tolerated. Further studies are required to investigate the relationship between SAD and ADHD.
Personality traits neuroticism and openness as well as early abnormal eye conditions as predictors of the occurrence of eye problems in adulthood
Authors: Cheng Helen , Furnham Adrian
Published: June 2017

This study set out to examine the associations between psychological, biomedical and socio-demographic factors in childhood and adulthood associated with the occurrence of self-reported eye conditions in adulthood. In total, 5706 participants with complete data on parental social class at birth, cognitive ability accessed at age 11 years, abnormal eye conditions by the age of 16 years diagnosed by medical professionals, educational qualifications obtained at age 33 years, the Big Five Factor personality traits measured at age 50 years, current occupational levels and self-reported eye conditions at age 54 years were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis showed that among all the factors examined early abnormal eye conditions, traits neuroticism and openness as well as sex were the significant predictors of self-reported eye conditions in adulthood.
Somewhat Separate and Unequal: Digital Divides, Social Networking Sites, and Capital-Enhancing Activities
Authors: Pearce Katy E. , Rice Ronald E.
Published: June 2017

As Internet use grows globally, the digital divide has shifted beyond concerns about access and adoption to more subtle questions of skill, usage, and capital, and to new venues such as social networking sites (SNSs). Do digital divides persist across adoption/non-adoption of SNSs, across different SNSs, and across different capital-enhancing activities used on those SNSs? The current study analyzes a context where social ties are more salient for resource access due to untrustworthy institutions, and large gaps exist between elites and non-elites. Demographic divides characterize the 31% of Armenian adults using two major SNSs in 2013: Facebook and Odnoklassniki. Facebook is used more for getting information, while Odnoklassniki more for gaming. However, the divides in SNS usage are much greater than in activity use, with implications for capital enhancement and stratification.
Brown & Smith Communication Solutions: A Staffing System Simulation
Authors: Small Erika E. , Doll Jessica L. , Bergman Shawn M. , Heggestad Eric D.
Published: June 2017

Developing students’ practical skills in strategic staffing and selection within the classroom can be challenging. This article describes a staffing system simulation designed to engage students and develop applied skills in strategic recruiting, assessment, and evaluation of job applicants. Instructors looking for a multifaceted team project designed to engage students via experiential learning are provided with resources for three assignments that build on each other over the course of the semester, along with access to simulated selection test and performance data created based on meta-analytic findings. This project has received positive feedback from students.
Musical Parenting and Music Education: Integrating Research and Practice
Authors: Ilari Beatriz
Published: June 2017

Although teachers work constantly with parents, discussions concerning parental roles in children’s music learning are often left at the margins in music teacher training programs. The aim of this article is to offer a review of musical parenting research from an ecological perspective. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory of human development is used as a lens to examine musical parenting research concerning infants, school-aged children, and adolescents. Issues pertaining to contemporary parenting in the Western world such as intensive parenting and concerted cultivation are also considered as they relate to parental music cognitions and behaviors. Implications for research and practice in music education are outlined at the end.
Syk inhibitors interfere with erythrocyte membrane modification during P falciparum growth and suppress parasite egress
Authors: Pantaleo Antonella , Kesely Kristina R. , Pau Maria Carmina , Tsamesidis Ioannis , Schwarzer Evelin , Skorokhod Oleksii A. , Chien Huynh D. , Ponzi Marta , Bertuccini Lucia , Low Philip S. , Turrini Francesco M.
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Inhibitors of human Syk kinase suppress parasite egress. Syk inhibitors prevent the tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 in P falciparum parasitized red blood cells, reducing the release of microparticles.
Expanded repertoire of RASGRP2 variants responsible for platelet dysfunction and severe bleeding
Authors: Westbury Sarah K. , Canault Matthias , Greene Daniel , Bermejo Emilse , Hanlon Katharine , Lambert Michele P. , Millar Carolyn M. , Nurden Paquita , Obaji Samya G. , Revel-Vilk Shoshana , Van Geet Chris , Downes Kate , Papadia Sofia , Tuna Salih , Watt Christopher ,   NIHR BioResource–Rare Diseases Consortium, Freson Kathleen , Laffan Michael A. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Alessi Marie-Christine , Turro Ernest , Mumford Andrew D.
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Eleven pedigrees were identified with biallelic pathogenic variants in RASGPR2, which encodes platelet CalDAG-GEFI. CalDAG-GEFI deficiency is a severe, recessive, nonsyndromic platelet function disorder with defective aggregation to multiple agonists.