bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Complexes and Caries in 17-Year-Olds with and without Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Eriksson L. , Lif Holgerson P. , Esberg A. , Johansson I.
Published: September 2017

Streptococcus mutans is a key bacterial species in the caries process, which affects >90% of the population worldwide. However, other acidogenic and aciduric/acidophilic species may contribute to disease development. In Sweden, a country with low prevalences of caries and S. mutans, a significant portion of caries-affected adolescents lack detectable levels of S. mutans. The objectives of the present study were 1) to characterize the tooth biofilm and saliva microbiota of adolescents with caries disease, with or without detectable S. mutans, from tooth biofilm and saliva samples and 2) to assess taxa clustering in the tooth biofilm and saliva samples and relate this information to caries status. For 17-y-old participants ( N = 154), enamel and dentin caries (the total number of present carious surfaces in the enamel and dentin) and caries experience (the number of decayed and filled tooth surfaces) were recorded, dental biofilm and saliva samples obtained, and information on medical and lifestyle habits collected. Multiplex 16S rDNA (V3-V4) sequencing of bacterial DNA was performed with the Illumina MiSeq platform. The Human Oral Microbiome Database and the ProbeSeq pipeline were used in the HOMI NGS procedure. In subjects with caries experience, high levels of S. mutans were associated with a few species and low levels with a panel of saccharolytic species. Present caries was similarly associated with a panel of saccharolytic species in subjects without S. mutans. Furthermore, tooth biofilm microbiota could be used to establish 4 clusters of subjects with different caries experiences. In particular, high levels of S. mutans were associated with the presence of a few influential species in multivariate modeling, including Scardovia wiggsiae. By contrast, a panel of less avid lactic acid–producing species was influential in patients with undetectable or low S. mutans levels in such modeling. These findings support a prominent role of S. mutans in infected adolescents but also the ecologic concept, especially in S. mutans–free subjects.
What Is the Sociology behind Health Status and Health-seeking Behaviour?
Authors: Sujatha V.
Published: September 2017

Health status and health-seeking behaviour are commonly studied in the context of human development and public health. Numerous studies measuring health status and the utilisation of health services are conducted, and a considerable amount of statistical correlations and analyses have been generated. These are valuable baselines but are often accepted as given and immutable. What could be a sociological approach to numerical data? The aim of this article is to show that sociological writings on health should go beyond the definitions and terms used in statistical databases and place them in the context of social life of the people whose health status is under study. The social dynamics in the everyday life of people, the imperatives on their decisions under lived conditions and their cultural predispositions will be important to the understanding of their health status, whether or not they are statistically significant. Qualitative and micro enquiries are required to correct, complement and explain the issues raised by numerical data.
An Investigation of the Perceived Value of Shopping Tourism
Authors: Choi Miju , Law Rob , Heo Cindy Yoonjoung
Published: September 2017

Managing shopping risk is a prerequisite to ensuring business prosperity in shopping destinations, as risk is likely to influence perceived value and the choice of future shopping destinations. Previous studies have shown that enhancing trust is a means of avoiding or minimizing perceived (shopping) risk. Increased trust is expected to reduce shopping risk and ultimately foster the impression of a shopping destination as reliable. Despite its important role, trust has received limited, if any, attention in shopping- and tourism-related research. As shopping behavior while traveling abroad differs from ordinary shopping in one’s home country, tourists’ shopping activities require in-depth research grounded in psychological theory. This study aimed to examine the influence of trust in a shopping destination on the value of that destination as perceived by tourist shoppers. The findings suggest that trust in a shopping destination positively influences perceptions of the destination’s value in every value category.
Solo self-employment and membership of interest organizations in the Netherlands: Economic, social, and political determinants
Authors: Jansen Giedo
Published: September 2017

Falling in-between the category of employers and employees, solo self-employed persons are poorly accommodated by the traditional system of corporatist interest representation through which the interests of employers are represented in employers’ associations, and the interests of employees are represented by trade unions. For business associations ‘micro businesses’ with no employees are difficult to reach and serve, as their interests are considered distinct from companies with employees. Trade unions in many countries even resisted the emergence of solo self-employment, fearing that these and other flexible arrangements would undermine not only secure working conditions but also union solidarity. This study examines differences in membership of interest organizations among solo self-employed workers. Various types of organizations are investigated, not only trade unions and business associations, but also new freelancer associations. Theoretically, three categories of determinants are examined to explain differences in membership: economic explanations, social explanations, and political explanations. Empirically, survey data are used from the Netherlands, a country with an increase in self-employment and a diverse supply of interest organizations. It is concluded that economic determinants explain both ‘generic’ membership (of any organization), as well as membership of specific organizations. Social and political determinants do not explain generic membership, but instead help to explain why some self-employed workers join particular types of organizations.
Eight New Developments, Uses, and Clarifications of the Conflict Tactics Scales
Authors: Straus Murray A. , Douglas Emily M.
Published: September 2017

This article provides information on eight new or previously unpublished aspects of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS), including new subscales and scoring methods, short forms, and new or little used methods of analysis, including reevaluation and revisions of two scales. A major section describe ways in which the CTS can be used to implement dyadic analysis, which is an important new development in family research. Finally, a section describes the use of the CTS to empirically take into account gender differences in the context in which partner physical violence occurs.
Do current and former cigarette smokers have an attentional bias for e-cigarette cues?
Authors: Lochbuehler Kirsten , Wileyto E Paul , Tang Kathy Z , Mercincavage Melissa , Cappella Joseph N , Strasser Andrew A
Published: September 2017

The similarity of e-cigarettes to tobacco cigarettes with regard to shape and usage raises the question of whether e-cigarette cues have the same incentive motivational properties as tobacco cigarette cues. The objective of the present study was to examine whether e-cigarette cues capture and hold smokers’ and former smokers’ attention and whether the attentional focus is associated with subsequent craving for tobacco cigarettes. It was also examined whether device type (cigalike or mod) moderated this relationship. Participants (46 current daily smokers, 38 former smokers, 48 non-smokers) were randomly assigned to a device type condition in which their eye-movements were assessed while completing a visual probe task. Craving was assessed before and after the task. Smokers, but not former or non-smokers, maintained their gaze longer on e-cigarette than on neutral pictures ( p = 0.004). No difference in dwell time was found between device type. None of the smoking status groups showed faster initial fixations or faster reaction times to e-cigarette compared with neutral cues. Baseline craving was associated with dwell time on e-cigarette cues ( p = 0.004). Longer dwell time on e-cigarette cues was associated with more favorable attitudes towards e-cigarettes. These findings indicate that e-cigarette cues may contribute to craving for tobacco cigarettes and suggest the potential regulation of e-cigarette marketing.
The Alzheimer’s disease metabolic brain pattern in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Meles Sanne K , Pagani Marco , Arnaldi Dario , De Carli Fabrizio , Dessi Barbara , Morbelli Silvia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Jonsson Cathrine , Leenders Klaus L , Nobili Flavio
Published: September 2017

We investigated the expression of the Alzheimer’s disease-related metabolic brain pattern (ADRP) in 18F-FDG-PET scans of 44 controls, 27 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who did not convert to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after five or more years of clinical follow-up, 95 MCI patients who did develop AD dementia on clinical follow-up, and 55 patients with mild-to-moderate AD. The ADRP showed good sensitivity (84%) and specificity (86%) for MCI-converters when compared to controls, but limited specificity when compared to MCI non-converters (66%). Assessment of 18F-FDG-PET scans on a case-by-case basis using the ADRP may be useful for quantifying disease progression.
Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose of abdominal dual-energy CT
Authors: Schmidt David , Söderberg Marcus , Nilsson Mats , Lindvall Håkan , Christoffersen Christina , Leander Peter
Published: September 2017

Background

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has conceptually been known since the late 1970s and commercially available as dual-source CT (DSCT) systems since 2006; however, the technique has not yet seen widespread implementation in routine protocols. Part of the cause for this is likely due to misconceptions about radiation dose and/or image quality when using DECT.

Purpose

To compare image quality and radiation dose of single-energy CT (SECT) and DECT abdominal examinations obtained in clinical practice on a second generation DSCT.

Material and Methods

A total of 495 included patients (mean age = 70.9 years) were retrospectively analyzed after undergoing either SECT (120 kVp and age-based mAs) or DECT examinations (80/Sn140 kVp and age-based mAs). The patients were divided into two groups based on examination type (247 SECT, 248 DECT), which were then subdivided into two groups, each based on age. Image noise was measured in the liver and image quality was subjectively assessed in 100 randomly selected patients.

Results

Noise levels were significantly lower in DECT (13.9 HU) compared with SECT (14.7 HU) ( P < 0.05). No significant differences in subjective image quality were found between DECT and SECT, except for one criterion in the 50–74-year age group. The mean dose-length product (DLP) (376 mGy-cm) and effective dose (6.1 mSv) of DECT were significantly lower than the DLP (513 mGy-cm) and effective dose (8.4 mSv) of SECT ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

DECT can be implemented in routine clinical use without negatively impacting image quality while lowering radiation dose to the patient.
Time Trends in Concussion Symptom Presentation and Assessment Methods in High School Athletes
Authors: Currie Dustin W. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Schrock John B. , McCarty Eric C. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: September 2017

Background:

Concussion rates have increased significantly over the past decade. This may reflect an increase in the knowledge and diagnosis of the symptoms of a concussion rather than a true increase in the incidence. Assessing trends in the way that concussions are presenting to and being identified by clinicians over the same period may provide additional insight into the apparent rise in concussions.

Purpose:

To evaluate patterns of change in concussion symptom presentation, diagnostic/evaluation methods, and symptom resolution time reported for United States high school athletes from the 2007-2008 through 2014-2015 academic years.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective analysis of a web-based longitudinal high school sports injury surveillance database (High School RIO [Reporting Information Online]) collected from 2007-2008 through 2014-2015. For each concussion, athletic trainers entered data regarding symptom presentation, resolution time, and diagnostic/evaluation tools utilized. Academic year was the primary exposure in assessing each aim. Time trends were then assessed using linear regression or the Cochran-Armitage test for trends, depending on the outcome distribution.

Results:

The proportion of concussed athletes presenting with amnesia, loss of consciousness (LOC), and tinnitus significantly decreased from 2007-2008 through 2014-2015, while the proportion presenting with drowsiness, irritability, light sensitivity, and noise sensitivity increased significantly. The use of diagnostic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography all significantly decreased during the study period, while the use of computerized neurocognitive tests increased. Concussion symptoms took significantly longer to resolve in more recent years.

Conclusion:

The decrease in what have traditionally been considered severe symptoms (LOC, amnesia) and the increase in what were traditionally considered minor symptoms (drowsiness, irritability, light sensitivity) suggest that clinicians may have a lower threshold in diagnosing sports-related concussions in more recent years. The significant reduction in the use of all forms of diagnostic head imaging demonstrates an increased recognition of concussions as functional disturbances rather than structural abnormalities. Improved concussion education and the nationwide passage of state-level concussion legislation have likely led to the increased recognition of lingering symptoms in athletes with a diagnosed concussion, thereby leading to a longer symptom resolution time.
Evaluation of xenogeneic extracellular matrix fabricated from CuCl2-conditioned mesenchymal stem cell sheets as a bioactive wound dressing material
Authors: Du Hui-Cong , Jiang Lin , Geng Wen-Xin , Li Jing , Zhang Rui , Dang Jin-Ge , Shu Mao-Guo , Li Li-Wen
Published: September 2017

The extracellular matrix has drawn considerable interest in tissue engineering not only acts as a bioactive three-dimensional scaffold but also regulates cell behaviors through providing biochemical signals. Extracellular matrix-based biomaterials, mainly derived from xenogeneic tissues, have shown positive outcomes in promoting cutaneous wound healing. However, such extracellular matrices only contain low doses of growth factors, which limit their therapeutic efficiency. Recent reports demonstrated that cell sheets made from mesenchymal stem cell can accelerate wound repair through enhanced re-epithelialization and angiogenesis, but its clinical translation is hindered by several limitations, such as the risk of aberrant immune responses and cost implications. In this study, acellular extracellular matrices were prepared from CuCl2-conditioned mesenchymal stem cell sheets and their in vivo wound healing properties were evaluated in a mouse model of full-thickness skin defect. We found that extracellular matrices derived from CuCl2-conditioned mesenchymal stem cell sheets have a compact surface with thick solid-like cross-sectional structure. Moreover, CuCl2 dramatically enriched the extracellular matrices with collagen I, collagen III, transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation. And as a consequence, the resulting extracellular matrices showed markedly improved in vivo wound healing potency through early adipocyte mobilization, enhanced granulation tissues formation, rapid re-epithelialization, and augmented angiogenesis. Therefore, we consider that the extracellular matrix derived from CuCl2-conditioned mesenchymal stem cell sheets has the potential for clinical translation and may lead to a novel strategy for wound management.
Drug Court Through the Eyes of Participants
Authors: Witkin Susan H. , Hays Scott P.
Published: September 2017

Operating with community support and through partnerships among treatment providers and the criminal justice system, drug courts address substance abuse as a root cause of criminal behaviors. Drug court success depends heavily on implementing the drug court model with fidelity and adhering to widely recognized best practices, in particular, following the “Ten Key Components” of drug court success. This study assesses drug court procedures and practices through the eyes of those who were actively participating in it. Focusing on five rural counties that had recently established drug courts, the study summarizes the results of interviews with 15 drug court participants. Importantly, this study is an evaluation of the operation of the drug courts themselves from the perspective of the participants of these drug courts rather than an evaluation of drug court participant impacts.
Do Mendeley reader counts indicate the value of arts and humanities research?
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: September 2017

Mendeley reader counts are a good source of early impact evidence for the life and natural sciences articles because they are abundant, appear before citations, and correlate moderately or strongly with citations in the long term. Early studies have found less promising results for the humanities and this article assesses whether the situation has now changed. Using Mendeley reader counts for articles in 12 arts and humanities Scopus subcategories, the results show that Mendeley reader counts reflect Scopus citation counts in most arts and humanities as strongly as in other areas of scholarship. Thus, Mendeley can be used as an early citation impact indicator in the arts and humanities, although it is unclear whether reader or citation counts reflect the underlying value of arts and humanities research.
Policy mobilities, politics and place: The making of financial urban futures
Authors: Ward Kevin
Published: September 2017

The comparative and extrospective nature of contemporary urban policy-making is one that has demanded our attention in recent years. Relatively long established and formal inter-urban networks of professionals of one sort or another have been joined by activists, consultants, financiers, lawyers and think tankers who have involved themselves in the arriving at, and making up of, urban policy. Through conferences, documents, knowledge banks, policy tourism, power-points and webinars, an emergent informational infrastructure has emerged to shape and structure the circulations and making of policy-making across a numbers of areas. From aging to creativity, climate change to drugs, education to transport, urban policies in different spheres have been rendered mobile. There is political work of adaptation, mediation and translation that has to be done to move policies from one location to another, of course. In some cases these policies appear in a range of locations, while in others they do not, a reminder – if one was needed – that those involved in the making up of policy are not always able to render all elements of the future under their control. This emphasis on the relational and territorial geographies of global-urban policy-making captures some of the issues facing those who lead cities. This paper sets out some of the intellectial challenges for those working on these issues, highlighting some potentially fruitful ways forward, illustrating the main arguments through the use of Tax Increment Financing, a financial value-capturing model.
Engaging Employee Perception for Effective Corporate Social Responsibility: Role of Human Resource Professionals
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Tewari Ruchi
Published: September 2017

India is the first country in the world to mandate corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Government of India implemented new CSR guidelines requiring companies to spend 2 per cent of their net profit on social development. The current research intends to identify the role of human resource (HR) in institutionalizing CSR and to identify the association between employee perception towards CSR and the role of HR. The research results prove that it is apt that Indian organizations are high on CSR activities and that even employees are undertaking such activities but the formal policies and procedures are not formulated by HR department to involve the employees in CSR activities. HR needs to align the CSR and HR policies, so that the employees, who are the biggest stakeholders, get involved in internal as well as external CSR activities.
Climate Change Strategic Actions in the International Banking Industry
Authors: Buranatrakul Thanita , Swierczek Fredric William
Published: September 2017

This article investigates the actions of international banks related to climate change adaptation. A theoretical framework was developed to assess bank climate change strategic actions based on five categories: management commitment, emissions reduction, product development, organizational involvement and external relationship development. A sample of international banks from 15 countries in four regions was analysed. Significant differences were found in the level of climate change strategic actions by banks across regions. North American banks had the highest scores on management commitment and product development. Australian banks were the top performers in external relationship development. European banks were ranked first in emissions reduction. Asian banks received the lowest score in all the categories of climate change strategic actions. The research is a unique comparative exploratory study of the strategic actions taken to address climate change in the international banking industry. The theoretical contribution of this article is its link between the theory of organizational adaptation and the climate change actions that banks practice. The research is beneficial for bank executives to develop effective environmental actions that will increase climate change mitigation and adaptation globally but particularly in Asia, which is the critical region for climate change actions.
Family Centered Treatment, Juvenile Justice, and the Grand Challenge of Smart Decarceration
Authors: Bright Charlotte Lyn , Farrell Jill , Winters Andrew M. , Betsinger Sara , Lee Bethany R.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Responding to social work’s grand challenge of smart decarceration, this study investigated whether Family Centered Treatment (FCT), a home-based service for juvenile court-involved youth, is more effective than group care (GC) in reducing recidivism. Outcomes are juvenile readjudication and commitment to placement, and adult conviction and sentence of incarceration.

Method:

Data were drawn from service provider and state administrative databases. Propensity score matching was used to create a sample of 1,246 FCT youth and 693 GC youth. Cox proportional hazard models estimated time to the four outcomes.

Results:

FCT participants had a significantly lower risk of adult conviction and adult incarceration relative to youth who received GC. The findings for juvenile outcomes were nonsignificant.

Discussion:

FCT shows more favorable adult criminal justice outcomes than GC, making it a potentially effective community-based service to support smart decarceration for juvenile court-involved youth.
Investigating Children’s Perception of Nurses Through Their Drawings
Authors: Çakirer Çalbayram Nazan , Altundağ Sebahat , Aydin Bahise
Published: September 2017

Hospitalized children can have various fantasies about hospital, health staff, and related tools and equipment. They need to develop new coping strategies for compliance with hospitalization.This study aimed to investigate the perception of nurses by children with acute and chronic illness through their drawings. The study was carried out using a descriptive research model. “Nurses through the eyes of sick children data collection form” was used in data collection procedure. The instruction “draw a picture of a nurse, please” was used to get the children to draw a picture. The majority of the children portrayed nurses as a smiling face. The children with chronic diseases featured nurses more in their drawings and they mentioned more nurse duties. The most important sign of the progression of nursing is that the mentioning of the modern roles of nursing by the children in their drawings and expressions. As children are influenced by their emotions, thoughts, observations, and experiences while drawing pictures, nurses can determine their thoughts about the disease, hospitals, physicians, and nurses by having sick children draw pictures.
Comparing Violent Victimization Experiences of Male and Female College-Attending Emerging Adults
Authors: Rennison Callie Marie , Addington Lynn A.
Published: September 2017

Despite increased attention to college student victimization, gaps remain. In particular, relatively little is known about violence against males and females outside sexual and intimate partner violence. This study uses data from the National Crime Victimization Survey to compare male and female students’ violent victimization overall as well as relational and sexual violence. Findings reveal gendered differences and similarities. Results have implications for policies to prevent violence and support victims. Implications for victim services are particularly relevant given the critical developmental period for college students learning coping skills that shape their adult lives and addressing harms resulting from violent victimization.
Influence of honeycomb dimensions and forming methods on the compressive properties of beetle elytron plates
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Chen Jinxiang , Okabe Yoji , Zhang Peiwei , Xiong Xiaobing , Yu Xindi
Published: September 2017

For developing lightweight and high-strength biomimetic sandwich structures, this study investigates the influence of honeycomb dimensions and forming methods on the mechanical properties of beetle elytron plates relative to honeycomb plates via compression experiments and the finite element method. The results indicate that the trabecular-honeycomb core structure in beetle elytron plates can increase the compressive strength by approximately 50% and double the energy absorption capacity of honeycomb plates with the same material costs. Furthermore, the influence of three types of forming methods on the compressive properties of beetle elytron plates is investigated by comparing the different deformation modes of these structures with those of honeycomb plates. Based on these findings, application recommendations regarding the forming methods of beetle elytron plates are presented to facilitate the structural design and preparation techniques according to the performance requirements of different fields, which will accelerate the industrial application of these biomimetic structures.
The Violin Heart
Authors: Ker James
Published: September 2017

Left ventricular false tendons are thin, fibromuscular structures which traverse the left ventricular cavity. They are thought to be intracavitary radiations of the bundle of His. Usually these tendons span between the interventricular septum and the lateral wall or a papillary muscle. They have been known to be a source of innocent and musical murmurs.

In this case report a peculiar left ventricular false tendon is shown—one extending between the two papillary muscles, giving the appearance of a musical note. During ventricular diastole the tendon is pulled taut between the two heads of the papillary muscles and during ventricular systole the tendon relaxes. The echocardiographic characteristics and possible long term implications are discussed.
Gender as a multi-layered issue in journalism: A multi-method approach to studying barriers sustaining gender inequality in Belgian newsrooms
Authors: De Vuyst Sara , Raeymaeckers Karin
Published: September 2017

In feminist media studies, the growing body of research on media production has indicated that journalism remains divided along gender lines. The purpose of this study is to address the lack of relevant multi-method research on gender inequality in journalism. To assess the structural position of women in the journalistic workforce, the authors conducted a large-scale survey of journalists in Belgium. The survey results were explored in more depth by conducting qualitative interviews with 19 female journalists. The analysis confirms the existence of all traditional barriers that women journalists experience. The added value of this study is that it enumerates several additional difficulties, and offers insight into the strategies that the respondents use to deal with gender-related career obstacles. These strategies were associated with the degree of flexibility in the newsroom for journalists with children, the choice to work part-time or freelance, and the use of new communication technologies.
Developing a new experimental set up to study fretting fatigue behavior under cyclic contact loading
Authors: Abbasi F , Majzoobi GH , Barjesteh MM
Published: September 2017

The disk slot and blade attachment in the gas turbine engines are operated under both cyclic axial and contact loads simultaneously. In this investigation, a new coupon scale testing apparatus is designed and manufactured to study the fretting fatigue behavior of materials under cyclic contact loads. In this cyclic contact load fretting fatigue device (CCLFFD), a simple synchronized electro-mechanical system is used for generating cyclic contact loads with frequency of 0–200 Hz and magnitude of 0–10 kN. The CCLFFD is well instrumented for adjusting, measuring and online monitoring the contact load frequency, contact load graph, and rotation speed of the servomotors. Repeatability and reliability of the test rig were examined by experiment. The performance of the CCLFFD was verified using the experimental results reported in the literature and also by conducting a number of fretting fatigue tests on Al7075-T6 at different contact load frequencies in this work. The results showed that fretting fatigue was significantly affected by the contact load frequency particularly for high cycle fatigue regime. However, the effect was less important for low cycle fatigue regime and totally insignificant for frequencies higher than 80 Hz.
Study on the running torque of angular contact ball bearings subjected to angular misalignment
Authors: Tong Van-Canh , Hong Seong-Wook
Published: September 2017

Angular misalignment is unavoidable in most applications of rolling-element bearings. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of angular misalignment on the running torque of angular contact ball bearings. A computational method to calculate the running torque of misaligned angular contact ball bearings was introduced. Then, the effects of angular misalignment, along with radial and axial loading, on the running torque of angular contact ball bearings were investigated for two representative preloading methods: constant-force preload and constant-displacement preload. The simulation results showed that (1) the angular misalignment, irrespective of bearing loading, significantly increases the angular contact ball bearing running torque when the constant-displacement preload method was implemented, and (2) the angular misalignment has an insignificant effect on the angular contact ball bearing running torque when the constant-force preload method was adopted. Furthermore, an extensive simulation was performed to examine the effect of load-induced angular misalignment on the running torque of angular contact ball bearings implemented in a geared shaft system. The simulation results showed that the radial load-induced angular misalignment requires additional running torque to the actual rotor-bearing systems, especially when using the constant-displacement preload.
On nature’s shoulders
Authors: Cunha-e-Sá Maria A , Freitas Rita , Nunes Luis Catela , Otrachshenko Vladimir
Published: September 2017

The use of counterfactual methods in the evaluation of policy interventions has been accepted today as the best approach in the estimation of a program’s performance. However, the simplest evaluations are often quite demanding in terms of the resources and the time needed to be implemented. In this article, we study the economic impact of a tourism media campaign launched in Nazaré, an old fishing community on the west coast of Portugal, to make big waves visible to the world. The campaign provided the required “informational media infrastructure” that created the public awareness necessary to boost tourism in the region. To measure the economic impact of that campaign on the local economy, we show how a counterfactual analysis can be implemented using regional statistical data on domestic and international tourist arrivals. We show how the method can be adapted to account for the presence of potential spillover effects that may have occurred, as neighboring municipalities could also have been affected by the intervention. We further compare the estimated impact on revenues with the costs incurred by the local municipality in the marketing campaign. Based on our empirical findings, we discuss policy implications to the municipalities in the region.
What has health technology assessment ever done for us?
Authors: Löblová Olga
Published: September 2017

Health technology assessment (HTA) has over the past three decades become a well-established part of decisions about allocation of resources in many countries. Despite this, little is known about HTA’s impact on health systems. Few studies have evaluated the benefits of HTA for health outcomes, for access to care or for public budgets. In contrast, HTA has relatively clear upfront costs, which could potentially discourage policy-makers from establishing HTA agencies, especially in low income countries with restricted resources. It may be premature, though, to dismiss this approach altogether, as less tangible modernizing goals are still significant.
The Accuracy of the Computed Tomography Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: Does the Experience of the Radiologist Matter?
Authors: Lietzén E. , Salminen P. , Rinta-Kiikka I. , Paajanen H. , Rautio T. , Nordström P. , Aarnio M. , Rantanen T. , Sand J. , Mecklin J.-P. , Jartti A. , Virtanen J. , Ohtonen P. , Ånäs N. , Grönroos J. M.
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims:

To assess the accuracy of computed tomography in diagnosing acute appendicitis with a special reference to radiologist experience.

Material and Methods:

Data were collected prospectively in our randomized controlled trial comparing surgery and antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (APPAC trial, NCT01022567). We evaluated 1065 patients who underwent computed tomography for suspected appendicitis. The on-call radiologist preoperatively analyzed these computed tomography images. In this study, the radiologists were divided into experienced (consultants) and inexperienced (residents) ones, and the comparison of interpretations was made between these two radiologist groups.

Results:

Out of the 1065 patients, 714 had acute appendicitis and 351 had other or no diagnosis on computed tomography. There were 700 true-positive, 327 true-negative, 14 false-positive, and 24 false-negative cases. The sensitivity and the specificity of computed tomography were 96.7% (95% confidence interval, 95.1–97.8) and 95.9% (95% confidence interval, 93.2–97.5), respectively. The rate of false computed tomography diagnosis was 4.2% for experienced consultant radiologists and 2.2% for inexperienced resident radiologists (p = 0.071). Thus, the experience of the radiologist had no effect on the accuracy of computed tomography diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of computed tomography in diagnosing acute appendicitis was high. The experience of the radiologist did not improve the diagnostic accuracy. The results emphasize the role of computed tomography as an accurate modality in daily routine diagnostics for acute appendicitis in all clinical emergency settings.
Digital activism: After the hype
Authors: Kaun Anne , Uldam Julie
Published: September 2017

Research on digital activism has gained traction in recent years. At the same time, it remains a diverse and open field that lacks a coherent mode of inquiry. For the better or worse, digital activism remains a fuzzy term. In this introduction to a special issue on digital activism, we review current attempts to periodize and historicize digital activism. Although there is growing body of research on digitial activism, many contributions remain limited through their ahistorical approach and the digital universalism that they imply. Based on the contributions to the special issue, we argue for studying digital activisms in a way that traverses a two-dimensional axis of digital technologies and activist practices, striking the balance between context and media-specificity.
“Now What?” Perceived Factors Influencing Knowledge Exchange in School Health Research
Authors: Brown Kristin M. , Elliott Susan J. , Robertson-Wilson Jennifer , Vine Michelle M. , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: September 2017

Increasing the uptake of school health research into practice is pivotal for improving adolescent health. COMPASS, a longitudinal study of Ontario and Alberta secondary students and schools (2012-2021), used a knowledge exchange process to enhance schools’ use of research findings. Schools received annual summaries of their students’ health behaviors and suggestions for action and were linked with a knowledge broker to support them in making changes to improve student health. The current research explored factors that influenced COMPASS knowledge exchange activities. Semistructured interviews were conducted with researchers (n = 13), school staff (n = 13), and public health stakeholders (n = 4). Interestingly, knowledge users focused more on factors that influenced their use of COMPASS findings than factors that influenced knowledge brokering. The factors identified by participants are similar to those that influence implementation of school health interventions (e.g., importance of school champions, competing priorities, inadequate resources). While knowledge exchange offers a way to reduce the gap between research and practice, schools that need the most support may not engage in knowledge exchange; hence, we must consider how to increase engagement of these schools to ultimately improve student health.
Overcoming Challenges in School-Wide Survey Administration
Authors: Rasberry Catherine N. , Rose India , Kroupa Elizabeth , Hebert Andrew , Geller Amanda , Morris Elana , Lesesne Catherine A.
Published: September 2017

School-based surveys provide a useful method for gathering data from youth. Existing literature offers many examples of data collection through school-based surveys, and a small subset of literature describes methodological approaches or general recommendations for health promotion professionals seeking to conduct school-based data collection. Much less is available on real-life logistical challenges (e.g., minimizing disruption in the school day) and corresponding solutions. In this article, we fill that literature gap by offering practical considerations for the administration of school-based surveys. The protocol and practical considerations outlined in the article are based on a survey conducted with 11,681 students from seven large, urban public high schools in the southeast United States. We outline our protocol for implementing a school-based survey that was conducted with all students school-wide, and we describe six types of key challenges faced in conducting the survey: consent procedures, scheduling, locating students within the schools, teacher failure to administer the survey, improper administration of the survey, and minimizing disruption. For each challenge, we offer our key lessons learned and associated recommendations for successfully implementing school-based surveys, and we provide relevant tools for practitioners planning to conduct their own surveys in schools.
Content Analysis of a Participant-Directed Intervention to Optimize Activity Engagement of Older Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lyons Kathleen Doyle , Newman Robin , Adachi-Mejia Anna M. , Whipple Jessica , Hegel Mark T.
Published: September 2017

Many older adult cancer survivors reduce their activity level during and after cancer treatment. Occupational therapy interventions need to flexibly address various obstacles to occupational engagement that survivors may face. The aim of this analysis was to describe the content of a participant-directed occupational therapy intervention for older adults with cancer. Content analysis was used to describe the treatment session data from the experimental arm of a pilot randomized controlled trial in terms of activities addressed, obstacles reported, and treatment strategies utilized. Participants predominantly used the intervention to increase exercise engagement or address instrumental activities of daily living. The most common obstacles to occupational engagement included fatigue, finding time, weather, and pain. Regarding treatment strategies, 77% of participants chose to practice the activity with the occupational therapist, 42% requested a piece of equipment, and 11% modified the environment to increase activity engagement. Overall, the participant-directed intervention appears flexible enough to address various activities and obstacles to occupational engagement.
The Impact of the Bologna Reform on Teacher Education in Germany: An Empirical Case Study on Policy Borrowing in Education
Authors: Kuhlee Dina
Published: September 2017

This article investigates aspects of policy transfer and educational borrowing in German higher education in the wake of the Bologna reforms of higher education in Europe. It examines the origins and results of the Bologna reform process in Germany. Focussing on teacher education, it highlights inconsistencies between political legitimation, reform discourse and objectives, the actual framework and its implementation. Based on an empirical case study, it explores the implementation processes and different institutional stakeholders’ perspectives and understanding of reform ideas, concepts and tools. It discusses how these influenced the way stakeholders acted during the implementation process and the particular effects of their actions on approaches to teaching, learning and studying within the re-designed study programmes.
‘Too Much Tragedy in Real Life’: Theatre in Post-Emancipation Jamaica
Authors: Schweitzer Marlis
Published: September 2017

This essay analyses theatre's return to Kingston, Jamaica in the years following the Emancipation of the slave population in 1834. From town council discussions about theatrical infrastructure to journalistic warnings about idle women, theatre provided an opportunity for Kingston's white settler population to affirm and stabilise gender, racial, and social hierarchies during a period of radical transformation. The essay begins with a brief overview of theatre in Kingston before Emancipation. It then offers a lengthier analysis of the intense affects that swirled around the construction of a new theatre, reading communal debates about the theatre's social function as evidence of deeper concerns about Jamaica's position within the British Empire. The second half of the essay turns from theatre building to theatre artists, paying attention to the specific challenges that greeted the first Anglo-American companies to visit post-Emancipation Jamaica.
Percutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing (PTEG) as an alternative long-term tube feeding procedure when gastrostomy is not feasible
Authors: Toh Yoon Ezekiel Wong , Nishihara Kazuki
Published: September 2017

Background:

Percutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing (PTEG) is a minimally invasive technique to access the gut via an esophagostomy. However, this procedure is not well known and the literature available is still fairly limited. This observational study was conducted to evaluate our experience using this method as an alternative long-term tube feeding procedure when gastrostomy is not suitable.

Methods:

A total of 15 patients (10 males and 5 females) who underwent PTEG at our institution from 2012 to 2016 were observed and analyzed in this study.

Results:

The average age was 80.1 (71–93) years. Underlying conditions that required PTEG were previous gastric resection in 11 patients, left diaphragm disorder in 2 patients, interposing transverse colon between the abdominal wall and anterior gastric wall in 1 patient, and severe gastrostomy site leakage in 1 patient. Tube placement was successful in all patients by approaching the left side of the neck, using a 15 Fr size tube. The mean postoperative length of stay was 22 (8–48) days. Postoperative adverse events included accidental tube dislodgement in three patients, tracheoesophageal fistula in one patient, inferior thyroid artery injury in one patient and thyroid gland mispuncture in one patient. There was no procedure-related mortality nor mortality at 30 days. Eight patients were discharged with some oral intake.

Conclusions:

PTEG is feasible in patients requiring long-term tube feeding for whom gastrostomy is unsuitable. It is an effective long-term tube feeding procedure and should be offered as a more comfortable alternative to nasogastric tubing.
An enchanted modernity: Making sense of Latin America’s religious landscape
Authors: Morello SJ Gustavo , Romero Catalina , Rabbia Hugo , Da Costa Néstor
Published: September 2017

This is an interpretative, critical, and selective review of scholarly contributions that explore Latin America’s religious landscape. We present data, both qualitative and quantitative, from Latin America and analyze the explanations given to make sense of it. After assessing the literature that uses either secularization theory or the “religious economy” approach, we study explanations that highlight a Latin American style of “popular religiosity.” These three models, in different ways, put the emphasis on religious institutions—their vitality, commands, competition, and authority. We propose, instead, a focus on the religious practices of regular believers. We speculate that embarking from that focus, the idea of an “enchanted modernity” will help make sense of Latin America’s religious landscape. Nuanced elucidation of Latin America’s religious particularities will situate them in dialogue with other regions of the world, like western Europe and the United States, while also acknowledging the fact that Latin America is experiencing a modernization process distinct from the North Atlantic one.