bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Non-Democratic Origins of Income Taxation
Authors: Mares Isabela , Queralt Didac
Published: July 2015

This article examines the adoption of income taxes in Western economies since the 19th century. We identify two empirical regularities that challenge predictions of existing models of taxation and redistribution: While countries with low levels of electoral enfranchisement and high levels of landholding inequality adopt the income tax first, countries with more extensive electoral rules lag behind in adopting these new forms of taxation. We propose an explanation of income tax adoption that accounts for these empirical regularities. We discuss the most important economic consideration of politicians linked to owners of different factors, namely, the shift of the tax burden between sectors, and examine how preexisting electoral rules affect these political calculations. The article provides both a cross-national test of this argument and a microhistorical test that examines the economic and political determinants of support for the adoption of the income tax in 1842 in Britain.
When Commitment Can Be Overturned
Authors: Piermattéo Anthony , Lo Monaco Grégory , Girandola Fabien
Published: July 2015

Evidence from past pro-environmental programs suggests that the invalidation of individuals’ expectations could lead them to drop out of a given program. The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of the invalidation of expectations on individuals’ commitment to a waste-sorting program. We focused on the hierarchy that may exist among these expectations by drawing on the dichotomy between central and peripheral cognitions proposed within the framework of the theory of social representations. In this perspective, expectations are the result of a body of socially constructed knowledge and can be characterized either by a central (essential) or peripheral (non-essential) status. Results show that withdrawing from the program is significantly more frequent when the experimenter invalidates a central cognition than when he invalidates a peripheral one. This moderating effect highlights the importance of taking into account representations with a view to explaining or preventing withdrawal from pro-environmental programs.
Teaching microcontrollers using automotive electronic systems
Authors: de A Dias Bruno M , da Silva Cynthia T , Kitani Edson C , Laganá Armando A M , Justo João F
Published: July 2015

Teaching an undergraduate course on microcontrollers using real examples from automotive embedded electronics helped to motivate students. This course was implemented using a set of didactic kits, which allowed students to explore real applications. In the first part of the course, students explored single microcontroller functionalities, also developing control software. In the final part of the course, students developed term projects, integrating several electronic devices found in a real engine. This course is part of a three-year undergraduate program on automotive electronics, offered at Faculdade de Tecnologia of the State of São Paulo, in collaboration with the University of São Paulo. A survey was applied to certify the pedagogical efficiency of this course.
Rapid curing vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding using silicone rubber sheet heater and the effect of cooling process on the properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Kaomin , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Jinglun , Li Min , Wang Shaokai , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: July 2015

Silicone rubber sheet heater-aided vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding was developed in order to shorten curing cycle time. Three kinds of cooling methods, including air cooling, air water cooling, and water cooling, were employed; the effects of cooling process on processing time, residual strains, and mechanical properties were experimentally studied. The residual strains generated in cooling stage were monitored by embedded strain gauges. The results showed that in order to avoid serious residual strains and lower mechanical properties, the cooling rate of the silicone rubber sheet heater-aided vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding process should be designed carefully. Slow cooling rate before glass transition temperature of the composites and rapid cooling rate after it might be a practical method to maintain both high processing efficiency and acceptable mechanical properties.
Estimation of homogenized Young’s modulus of silicone/phosphor composite considering random dispersion and size variation of phosphor particles
Authors: Wang Simin , Chen Xing , Liu Sheng , Zhu Fulong , Liu Xiaogang
Published: July 2015

Silicone/phosphor composite is a functional material used in light-emitting diode packages. In this paper, Young’s modulus of silicone/phosphor composite is studied experimentally and investigated with a multi-sphere random unit cell model. Experimental samples of pure silicone and four groups of silicone/phosphor composites are prepared and subjected to tensile loading. Young’s moduli of the samples are calculated from tensile curves. The results indicate that composite modulus increases with increasing content of phosphor, and silicone matrix is stiffened by the phosphor particles. In the simulation part, unit cell model is utilized and serves as the statistical representation of the original composite. The employed three-dimensional random unit cell model consists of silicone matrix and randomly dispersed phosphor particles with various sizes. Modeling results from random unit cell model are compared with experimental results and theoretical predictions. It is found that, with increasing volume fractions of phosphor, random dispersion and size variation of phosphor have increasingly significant influence on homogenized Young's modulus of silicone/phosphor composite.
Authorship Inflation in Medical Publications
Authors: Tilak Gaurie , Prasad Vinay , Jena Anupam B.
Published: July 2015

The number of authors per manuscript in peer-reviewed medical journals has increased substantially in the last several decades. Several reasons have been offered to explain this authorship growth, including increased researcher collaboration, honorary authorship driven by increased pressures for funding and promotion, the belief that including senior authors will facilitate publication, and the growing complexity of medical research. It is unknown, however, whether authorship has grown over time due to growing complexity of published academic articles, in which case growth could be warranted, or whether it has grown due to pressures of funding and academic promotion, which have created “authorship inflation.” To answer this question, we analyzed data on authorship count, study type, and size of study population for the first 50 original articles published in each decade during 1960-2010 in 3 major medical journals. Within each type of study we considered (eg, randomized trials, observational studies, etc), average authorship rose more than 3-fold during this period. Similar growth persisted after adjustment for changes in study population sizes over time. Our findings suggest that increasing research complexity is an inadequate explanation for authorship growth. Instead, growth in authorship appears inflationary.
A prospective randomized trial comparing the clinical effectiveness and biocompatibility of heparin-coated circuits and PMEA-coated circuits in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Itoh Hideshi , Ichiba Shingo , Ujike Yoshihito , Douguchi Takuma , Kasahara Shingo , Arai Sadahiko , Sano Shunji
Published: July 2015

Object:

We compared the clinical effectiveness and biocompatibility of poly-2-methoxyethyl acrylate (PMEA)-coated and heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits in a prospective pediatric trial.

Methods:

Infants randomly received heparin-coated (n=7) or PMEA-coated (n=7) circuits in elective pediatric cardiac surgery with CPB for ventricular septum defects. Clinical and hematologic variables, respiratory indices and hemodynamic changes were analyzed perioperatively.

Results:

Demographic and clinical variables were similar in both groups. Leukocyte counts were significantly lower 5 minutes after CPB in the PMEA group than the heparin group. Hemodynamic data showed that PMEA caused hypotension within 5 minutes of CPB. The respiratory index was significantly higher immediately after CPB and 1 hour after transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the PMEA group, as were levels of C-reactive protein 24 hours after transfer to the ICU.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that PMEA-coated circuits, unlike heparin-coated circuits, cause transient leukopenia during pediatric CPB and, perhaps, systemic inflammatory respiratory syndrome after pediatric CPB.
Short-term outcomes in adult cardiac surgery in the use of del Nido cardioplegia solution
Authors: Ota Takeyoshi , Yerebakan Halit , Neely Robert C , Mongero Linda , George Isaac , Takayama Hiroo , Williams Mathew R , Naka Yoshifumi , Argenziano Michael , Bacha Emile , Smith Craig R , Stewart Allan S
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

Del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery has not been studied although it has been in common use as a “single” dose cardioplegia in pediatric heart surgery. We retrospectively assessed the short-term (in-hospital) clinical outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) using del Nido cardioplegia solution, comparing it to conventional multi-dose whole blood cardioplegia.

Methods:

We switched our cardioplegia protocol from conventional whole blood cardioplegia exclusively to del Nido solution in May 2011. In 2011, 240 consecutive patients underwent isolated AVR. One hundred and seventy-eight of them were operated on with the use of del Nido cardioplegia (del Nido group) and whole blood cardioplegia (conventional group) was used in the other 62 patients. Isolated AVR was chosen as a cohort because of its relative simplicity and the similarity of surgical techniques among surgeons. Propensity-score matching identified 54 matched pairs for analysis.

Results:

The retrograde cardioplegia technique was used in 19 cases (35.2%) in the del Nido group and 52 cases (96.3%) in the conventional group (p<0.001). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time and mean aortic cross-clamp time were significantly shorter in the del Nido group compared to the conventional group: 71 ± 16 min vs. 84 ± 28 min (p<0.01), 52 ± 14 min vs. 60 ± 16 min (p<0.01), respectively. Postoperative inotropic support was required in 11 patients (20.4 %) in the del Nido group and 13 patients (24.1 %) in the conventional group (p=0.82) with no statistical difference. No patient required a postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump and in-hospital mortality was 0% in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Short-term outcomes in adult cardiac surgery using del Nido solution were acceptable and comparable to conventional multi-dose whole blood cardioplegia. The del Nido cardioplegia technique was associated with shortened cross-clamp times and less frequent utilization of the retrograde cardioplegia delivery technique.
Altered Th17/Treg balance and dysregulated IL-1β response influence susceptibility/resistance to experimental autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Venkatesha SH , Dudics S , Weingartner E , So EC , Pedra JHF , Moudgil KD
Published: July 2015

This study was aimed at gaining an insight into immune mechanisms of differential susceptibility to autoimmunity of individuals sharing the same major histocompatibility complex by studying arthritis-susceptible Lewis (LEW) and arthritis-resistant Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (both RT.1l) using the adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Lymph node cells (LNC) and synovium-infiltrating cells (SIC) of LEW and WKY rat subjected to an arthritogenic challenge were tested. The frequency of T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cells was determined by flow cytometry, whereas serum and spleen adherent cell (SAC)-derived supernatant were analyzed for specific cytokines and chemokines. We observed that WKY rats are not deficient in generating a Th17 response to the arthritogenic challenge in LNC (periphery); however, the Th17/Treg ratio is markedly reduced in the joint (target organ) of WKY versus LEW rats because of reduced Th17 levels therein in WKY rats. These results suggest differential and selective decrease in Th17 cell migration into the joints of WKY rats. Interestingly, serum levels of chemokines RANTES and MCP-1 were reduced in WKY rats. Furthermore, WKY rats showed reduced serum IL-1β level in vivo but no defect in IL-1β production by SAC in vitro, suggesting an effective in vivo regulation of IL-1β response. We also unraveled the role of interferon-γ (IFNγ), which we have previously reported to be increased in WKY versus LEW rats, in regulation of IL-1β. Thus, reduced Th17/Treg ratio in the target organ (joints) and decreased systemic IL-1β might contribute to the AA-resistance of WKY rats; whereas the converse factors render LEW more vulnerable to AA.
Main and Moderating Influence of Temperament Traits on the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma Symptoms
Authors: Yalch Matthew M. , Levendosky Alytia A. , Bernard Nicola K. , Bogat G. Anne
Published: July 2015

Trauma symptoms are common among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), although not all women who experience IPV develop trauma symptoms. One of the factors that may influence whether women develop trauma symptoms upon exposure to IPV is temperament. In this study, we examined the main and moderating effects of temperament traits (constraint, negative emotionality, and positive emotionality) on the association between IPV and trauma symptoms in a sample of young adult women ( N = 654) using a Bayesian approach to multiple linear regression to address significant non-normality in the data. Our results indicated that each temperament trait incrementally predicted trauma symptoms over and above the effects of IPV and other negative life events. Results further indicated that both negative emotionality and constraint moderated the influence of IPV on trauma symptoms such that IPV was positively associated with trauma symptoms at high levels of these traits but not at low levels. However, these effects differed depending on the type of violence experienced (physical, sexual, or psychological). These results extend previous research on the influence of temperament traits to the context of IPV; this underscores the importance of incorporating temperament in the study of IPV, as well as in the study of traumatic stress more generally.
A Global Study of Pay Preferences and Employee Characteristics
Authors: Scott Dow , Brown Michelle , Shields John , Long Richard J. , Antoni Conny H. , Beck-Krala Ewa J. , Lucia-Casademunt Ana Maria , Perkins Stephen J.
Published: July 2015

Companies are managing more diverse work forces, and pay systems must be designed to attract, retain and motivate employees who may have very different pay preferences from employees of even a decade ago. This study examines how employee characteristics (i.e., gender, age, education, work experience, annual pay and number of dependents) are related to pay preferences. We found that older respondents with more education and more dependents had a stronger preference for variable pay than did respondents who were younger, less educated and had fewer dependents. Older respondents and those with higher pay preferred less pay transparency than did younger and lower paid respondents. Pay differences based on capability were preferred by better educated employees. When controlling for the other demographic characteristic, we found significant differences among nationalities for all four measures of pay preferences, that is, pay differences, pay variability, bonus plans and pay transparency.
Head pressure pulse in open air: Full assessment by computational fluid dynamics as a new standard
Authors: Grappein Etienne , Rueter Arnd
Published: July 2015

Passing trains generate an aerodynamic load on their surroundings (crossing trains, infrastructure). Various standards for high-speed and conventional trains are used to limit the aerodynamic loads and define the value of the maximum allowed pressure variation in the open air. Pressure effects are commonly predicted using computational methods in order to approve a rolling stock design. As the accuracy of the prediction of the pressure variation is good in most cases, it has been proposed to define a standard for a full train assessment using predictive methods. The derivation of the new standard procedure by experimental and numerical investigations is described in this article.
A risk assessment method for ballast flight; managing the rolling stock/infrastructure interaction
Authors: Saussine Gilles , Voivret Charles , Paradot Nicolas , Allain Eliane
Published: July 2015

The evaluation of the level of risk resulting from the phenomenon of ballast flight is currently receiving considerable attention, due to its direct impact on the safety and reliability of commercial railway operations. Of particular interest are the effects of this phenomenon on both railway infrastructure and rolling stock. It is difficult to analyse the ballast flight phenomenon, due to its dependence on a large number of variable parameters. Investigations carried out at SNCF have led to the proposal of a global approach, called the stress–strength interference analysis method, which can be applied by considering a relevant indicator to evaluate the risk due to flying ballast. This paper presents the work on the application of the proposed analysis approach to the ballast flight phenomenon performed within the FP7 EU AeroTRAIN project. The approach considers the influence of the passage of dedicated rolling stock and the resistance of the track to the displacement of ballast. It leads to the proposal of a methodology to evaluate the risk of ballast flight in high-speed rail operations; this allows the evaluation of the degradation rate of railway infrastructure and rolling stock due to this phenomenon to be performed.
Stationkeeping strategy for quasi-periodic orbit around Earth–Moon L2 point
Authors: Qian Ying-Jing , Liu Yue , Zhang Wei , Yang Xiao-Dong , Yao Ming-Hui
Published: July 2015

Quasi-periodic orbits in the Earth–Moon system are highly sensitive and even small errors in position and/or velocity have strong influence on the trajectory. These types of trajectories are unstable and must be controlled to maintain the corresponding orbits. This paper investigates the stationkeeping strategy for quasi-periodic orbits near the translunar libration point with full consideration of the contribution from the Sun’s gravity and the Moon’s eccentricity, in which the continuous low-thrust is preformed to enforce the probe following several onboard decided target points on the baseline. A new high-fidelity model is derived to describe motions of the quasi-periodic orbits by using the standard ephemerides. Based on the improved multiple-shooting method and the proposed model, a baseline trajectory is obtained. Then, a new continuous low-thrust-based stationkeeping strategy is proposed. Specifically, by employing Gauss pseudospectral method in the stationkeeping algorithm and by introducing the maximal excursion and fixed time interval, the target points on the baseline trajectory are chosen onboard based on real-time data. Simulation results show that the unstable quasi-periodic orbit can be maintained effectively with the low-energy consumption.
The infusion of Islam into pluralistic politics: The need to explore the Islamist identity beyond ideological boundaries – The case of the Moroccan Party of Justice and Development
Authors: Mellouki Sanae El
Published: July 2015

This article analyzes the discourse of the Moroccan Party of Justice and Development (PJD) on the plan to integrate women into development. Analysis is grounded in Paul Chilton’s two main analytical approaches, namely, the strategic use of language and the dimension of deixis. The latter provides a central theoretical construct and is a valuable tool for analyzing identity in the context of the PJD since political actors from this perspective are situated with respect to a particular time, place, and group. The deictic and strategic components of the selected corpus are assessed, thereby digging deeply into the representational dimension of language use by the party as well as the construction of reality about particular meaning categories and events. The aim is to explore the Islamist discourse beyond the taken-for-granted assumption that it is mainly premised on ideology, which ultimately reduces the Islamist experience to an ideological frame that is dissociated from the context where it lies situated. The current article presents a case study of the Moroccan Islamist PJD from this perspective to help de-emphasize the ideology with which research on political Islam has been mainly concerned. This in turn highlights the processes of meaning making and identity building as well as contributes potentially to more analytical gains in the study of political discourse.
Lateglacial to Holocene vegetation development in the Central Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
Authors: Tonkov Spassimir , Bozilova Elissaveta , Possnert Goran
Published: July 2015

The vegetation history of the Central Rila Mountains for the last 14,000 years was reconstructed by means of pollen analysis and radiocarbon chronology of a core retrieved from Lake Manastirsko-2 (2326 m). The Lateglacial landscape was dominated by open herb vegetation composed of Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae, and other cold-resistant herbs (14,000–11,700 cal. yr BP). Stands of Pinus, Betula, and Juniperus–Ephedra shrubland partly enlarged during the Lateglacial interstadial. Pioneer forests of Betula with Pinus and Juniperus occupied barren soils in the early Holocene (11,700–7900 cal. yr BP), while mixed oak forests with Tilia, Ulmus, Acer, and later on Corylus spread at lower elevations. A coniferous forest belt with Pinus sylvestris, Pinus peuce, and Abies developed after 7900 cal. yr BP in the conditions of milder winters, cooler summers, and increase in precipitation. The late Holocene dynamic vegetation changes were associated with the invasion of Picea abies after 3400 cal. yr BP, while Fagus communities slightly enlarged in the river valleys. Indications of human activities are visible in the pollen diagram since the ‘Late Bronze Age’ (3400–3200 cal. yr BP). The vegetation development in the study area followed a similar pattern when compared with palynological and macrofossil records from other parts of the Rila and the adjacent Northern Pirin Mountains. On a larger geographical scale, the postglacial vegetation history of the Rila Mountains displays common features with sites in the Romanian Carpathians, whereas the differences observed are result of the location of tree refugia, competing abilities, climate changes, and human activities.
On the Relationship of Ex-ante and Ex-post Volatility: A Sub-period Analysis of S&P CNX Nifty Index Options
Authors: Shaikh Imlak , Padhi Puja
Published: July 2015

In this article, the information content of implied volatility is studied at sub-periods (i.e., pre- and post-crises of 2007–09). The main objective is to judge the predictive power of implied volatility in the pre- and post-crises period, using at-the-money (ATM) non-overlapping monthly implied volatilities of Nifty Index options. A simple ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation is used to analyse the information content of implied volatility in sub-periods. An autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) structure is analysed for the assessment of times series property of ex-ante and ex-post volatility. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is adopted to choose the most advantageous forecasting model for predicting the future volatility. The OLS estimation shows that implied volatility is more biased in the pre-crises period. The two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation clearly explains that implied volatility is an unbiased estimate of the future realised volatility. An ARMA (1,1) and ARDL (1,0) is the best model of future volatility estimation. This study explains that for Indian derivative market, volatility estimates based on options are useful for the pricing of derivative instruments and portfolio risk management.

JEL Classification: G13, G14, C53
Performance of the Maze Navigation Test in a sample of older New Zealanders
Authors: Ma’u Etuini , Cheung Gary
Published: July 2015

Objective:

It is often difficult to assess the driving performance of people with mild dementia. The Maze Navigation Test (MNT) was developed in the USA and has been shown to predict driving performance. The aim of this study is to evaluate how the MNT is performed against three commonly used bedside cognitive screening tools and compare our findings with the US population.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 42 cognitively intact older people (age ≥65) completed the MNT, Mini-Mental State Examination, the revised Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination and the Trail Making Tests.

Results:

The mean MNT completion time was 307.6 (SD=85.6) and 444.5 (SD=157.3) for the 65–74 years and 75–84 years age group, respectively. Pearson’s product-moment correlations were strongest with the Trail Making Test Part B ( r=0.602).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study were comparable with the initial US data. The MNT is an easy-to-administer bedside cognitive screening tool. Further validation studies using the MNT and driving performance are warranted.
Modeling and preliminary analysis of a miniaturized rotary motor driven by single piezoelectric stack actuator
Authors: Liu Weiting , Zhou Maoying , Stefanini Cesare , Fu Xin
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a compact motor (6 mm in diameter) with a single piezoelectric stack actuator and a frame structured stator, which works under the principle of natural inchworms. Preliminary motion analysis and dynamic modeling are conducted based on the assumption of structural rigidity. The prototype can generate output torque of about 279 nNm and speed up to 200 rpm with a power input of 60 Vpp at the frequency of 12.7 kHz. In addition, rotational concentricity of the motor is discussed via analyzing captured video of the operating motor. Compared with the previous prototype that is 17 mm in diameter, the simplicity of the motor structure provides an effective miniaturization solution, which is important to many applications such as medical instruments and consumer electronics.
Influence of Methylphenidate on the Frequency of Stuttering
Authors: Rabaeys Henk , Bijleveld Henny-Annie , Devroey Dirk
Published: July 2015

Background: Recently, a case report described a decrease in frequency of stuttering after intake of methylphenidate (MPH). Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate if this effect could again be reproduced in a population of young healthy male adult persons with developmental stuttering. Methods: A double-blind randomized crossover trial, with a 2-week washout period, including 15 Dutch-speaking young healthy persons with developmental stuttering, assessed the effects of a single dose of 20 mg MPH compared with placebo on stuttering. Dependent and 1-sample t tests were used to detect significant differences. The end point was the number of stutter moments and self-perceived improvement. Results: MPH yielded a significant decrease in the number of stutter moments when reading and speaking ( P = 0.002), which was not the case with placebo ( P = 0.090). There was a significant improvement from baseline after intake of MPH as compared with placebo ( P = 0.003). Self-perceived improvement with MPH was not significantly better as compared with placebo ( P = 0.28). Conclusions: This study showed that the participants had an objective statistically significant decrease in the frequency of stuttering with MPH, and this was not the case with placebo. This was also the case for a reduction in stutter moments when reading out loud and speaking spontaneously. However, this result was not subjectively perceived by the participants.
Public–Private Partnerships and Contract Choice in India’s Water and Wastewater Sectors
Authors: Vedachalam Sridhar , Geddes R. Richard , Riha Susan J.
Published: July 2015

Public provision of water and wastewater services in urban India has been a noteworthy failure, often providing service that ranges from non-existent to unreliable. Over the past decade, a number of reforms were undertaken that focused on infrastructure construction and urban governance, including broader use of public–private partnerships (PPPs). We examine a new data set of 163 water and wastewater PPP contracts initiated during 1999-2012 to study the determinants of a city’s decision to invite varying amounts of private participation though a PPP agreement. Cities with larger populations, better PPP regulatory environments, regional party rule, and lower sanitation scores are associated with higher levels of private participation through PPPs. Indian municipalities have often failed to engage the public before and during contract discussions, sometimes resulting in lukewarm public support for PPPs. Our findings highlight the role of cities’ socioeconomic indicators in determining the type of PPP contract undertaken.
Cost and Profit Efficiencies in the Spanish Hotel Industry
Authors: Arbelo Antonio , Pérez-Gómez Pilar , González-Dávila Enrique , Rosa-González Felipe Manuel
Published: July 2015

This article focuses on estimating and discussing cost and profit efficiencies related with the Spanish hotel sector. Managers have a special interest in controlling costs as a source of competitive advantage, which may enable companies to improve their results in a continuous manner. However, they usually do not attribute much importance to the improvement of profit efficiency, which is generally much lower than cost efficiency and as a result vital for achieving competitive advantage. In this article, cost and profit efficiencies are estimated in the Spanish hotel sector using a data panel for the years 2007 to 2011 and using distribution free approach methodology. The results show profit efficiency levels significantly lower than levels of cost efficiency, thereby confirming our working hypothesis.
Online Traveler Reviews as Social Influence: Price Is No Longer King
Authors: Book Laura A. , Tanford Sarah , Montgomery Rhonda , Love Curtis
Published: July 2015

Price is a major influence on travel purchases; however, traveler reviews have also become a prevalent source of influence. Theories of social influence and cognitive dissonance provide insight into consumer decisions. This research investigated the effect of social influence in the form of traveler reviews and price on consumer decisions and postdecision dissonance. Student subjects evaluated two resorts for a Spring Break vacation in Cancun using a 2 (valence: positive or negative) × 2 (unanimity: unanimous or nonunanimous) × 3 (price: same, slightly lower, much lower) experimental design. The results reveal that social influence had a strong effect on both resort evaluations and postdecision dissonance. Nonunanimous reviews reduced the prevailing valence of reviews, but increased dissonance. The lack of results for price suggests that price may not be the predominant influence on decisions, as previously thought. This research provides new insight into the effect of traveler reviews on decisions by evaluating the unanimity of social influence, the effect of price differences, and the extent to which consumers engage in postdecision dissonance reduction.
Developing a Consumer Complaining and Recovery Effort Scale
Authors: Lu Lu , Gursoy Dogan , Chi Christina Geng-Qing , Xiao Guangshun
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of this study is to identify the underlying dimensions of consumer complaining and recovery effort and to develop a multidimensional scale to measure this construct. Literature suggests that the consumer complaining and recovery effort is a four-dimensional construct consisting of procedural, cognitive, time-related, and affective components. Using data collected from hotel guests, a measurement scale is developed to assess this four-dimensional construct. First, a factor analysis is conducted on one set of data. Afterward, the underlying dimensions identified by the exploratory factor analysis are confirmed by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis on a separate set of data. Findings suggest that the scale developed in this study presents substantial convergent validity, discriminant validity, predictive validity, and reliability.
Stable neuropsychiatric status in multiple sclerosis: a 3-year study
Authors: Roy Shumita , Rodgers Jonathan , Drake Allison S , Zivadinov Robert , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph HB
Published: July 2015

Personality changes and neuropsychiatric symptoms are found in multiple sclerosis (MS), but no study has evaluated decline compared to healthy controls. This study assessed personality traits and neuropsychiatric symptoms over 3 years using the NEO Five Factor Inventory and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Additional metrics evaluated ambulation, manual dexterity and cognitive function. Contrary to hypothesis, patients showed no significant change in personality or neuropsychiatric status relative to controls. Patients were impaired in motor and cognitive function at baseline and follow-up, but showed only slowing in ambulation over time. The findings indicate that neuropsychiatric status is stable in MS over 3 years.
Length of optic nerve double inversion recovery hypersignal is associated with retinal axonal loss
Authors: Hadhoum N , Hodel J , Defoort-Dhellemmes S , Duhamel A , Drumez E , Zéphir H , Pruvo JP , Leclerc X , Vermersch P , Outteryck O
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To assess the association between optic nerve double inversion recovery (DIR) hypersignal length and retinal axonal loss in neuroinflammatory diseases affecting optic nerves.

Methods:

We recruited patients previously affected (> 6 months) by a clinical episode of optic neuritis (ON). We had 25 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, eight neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients and two patients suffering from idiopathic caused ON undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); including a 3-dimensional (3D) DIR sequence, optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination and visual disability evaluation. Evaluation criteria were retinal thickness/volume, optic nerve DIR hypersignal length and high/low contrast vision acuity.

Results:

In the whole cohort, we found good associations (< 0.0001) between optic nerve DIR hypersignal length, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, inner macular layers volumes, and visual disability. We found subclinical radiological optic nerve involvement in 38.5% of non-ON MS eyes.

Conclusions:

Optic nerve DIR hypersignal length may be a biomarker for retinal axonal loss, easily applicable in routine and research on new anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective drug evaluation. Detection of subclinical ON with 3D-DIR in a non-negligible proportion of MS patients argues in favor of optic nerve imaging in future OCT MS studies, in order to achieve a better understanding of retinal axonal loss in non-ON eyes.
Validation of the Food-Linked Virtual Response task
Authors: Pascoe Elizabeth A , Richman Laura Smart , Kort Daniel
Published: July 2015

This research validates a computerized dietary selection task (Food-Linked Virtual Response or FLVR) for use in studies of food consumption. In two studies, FLVR task responses were compared with measures of health consciousness, mood, body mass index, personality, cognitive restraint toward food, and actual food selections from a buffet table. The FLVR task was associated with variables which typically predict healthy decision-making and was unrelated to mood or body mass index. Furthermore, the FLVR task predicted participants’ unhealthy selections from the buffet, but not overall amount of food. The FLVR task is an inexpensive, valid, and easily administered option for assessing momentary dietary decisions.
Disparities in mental health among adolescents with and without impairments
Authors: Lindén-Boström Margareta , Persson Carina
Published: July 2015

Aim: To analyse whether there are differences in mental health among adolescents with and without various kinds of impairments, taking into account the number of impairments and gender. Methods: Data from the study Life & Health – Young People conducted in a Swedish county in 2011 was used. The survey included all students in grades 7 (13–14 years) and 9 (15–16 years) in compulsory school and grade 2 (17–18 years) in upper secondary school; there were 7793 respondents (81.0%). The students answered a questionnaire anonymously during school hours. Various measures of mental health were assessed in the groups: hard of hearing, visual impairment, motor impairment, difficulties in reading/writing/dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactive disorder/attention deficit disorder, other impairment, no impairment. Results: Of the studied impairments, difficulties in reading/writing/dyslexia are the most common (6.3%), followed by hard of hearing (5.4%). To have at least one impairment is more common among boys (18.2%) than girls (15.4%). In the impairment group, 21.5% have multiple impairments. Adolescents with impairments have worse mental health than those without, and those with multiple impairments have particularly higher odds ratio to have worse mental health. There are also differences in mental health between number and various kinds of impairments and between girls and boys. Conclusion: Adolescents with impairments, particularly girls and those with multiple impairments, have considerably worse mental health than others. These inequalities in health are an immense challenge, not only for those directly involved with the impaired: they affect everyone involved with the goal health equity for the whole population.
Quality in sickness certificates in a Swedish social security system perspective
Authors: Sturesson Marine , Bylund Sonya Hörnqvist , Edlund Curt , Falkdal Annie Hansen , Bernspång Birgitta
Published: July 2015

Aim: In Sweden, the information in the sickness certificate is crucially important for the sick-listed person as well as for the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and the sick-listed person’s employer. The certificate is used as the basis for deciding whether a person is entitled to sickness benefits. Further, it communicates information significant for the return-to-work process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of sickness certificates issued in primary health care and examine if the patients’ or physicians’ gender influences the information in the sickness certificate. Methods: An insurance specialist at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency assessed the quality of the stated information in a sample of 323 certificates issued by 146 different general practitioners at 29 different primary health care centres in northern Sweden. Results: Thirty-four percent of the certificates did not contain sufficient information requested. The areas of the certificates in need of supplementary information were mainly the descriptions of impairment of body function and activity limitation. More certificates issued for women than certificates issued for men lacked the required information. Full-time sick leave was more often prescribed for male patients than for female. Significant differences between certificates issued for women and certificates issued for men appeared in the group of musculoskeletal diseases. No differences in quality aspects connected to physicians’ gender were found. Conclusion: Our study indicates a need for increased knowledge about the descriptions of functioning for sick-listed persons; more cooperation between health professionals in primary health care and a better gender awareness in health care encounters.
Multivariate profile of women who work in rural settings in Salamanca, Spain
Authors: Patino-Alonso Maria-Carmen , Vicente-Galindo Maria-Purificación , Galindo-Villardón Maria-Purificación , Vicente-Villardón Jose-Luis
Published: July 2015

We examine the job situation of women living in rural Salamanca, Spain, using principal coordinates analysis to identify the profile of these women (specifically, those with declared vs. undeclared jobs) and explore what they believe would improve their employment situations. Four well-differentiated groups were identified: two groups included rural women with ‘regular’ jobs and two groups included women with ‘irregular’ jobs, where ‘irregular’ work is defined as work that involves a decrease in taxes destined for the Social Security system. These women were differentiated based on their marital status and the job sector in which they worked. Women with an ‘irregular’ employment status stated that they would prefer to work in a ‘regular’ job with a job contract and make contributions to the Social Security system in accordance with the true number of hours they work. Such a job situation guarantees access to all available social benefits.
Pulse train ignition with passively Q-switched laser spark plugs
Authors: Lorenz Sebastian , Bärwinkel Mark , Stäglich Robert , Mühlbauer Wolfgang , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: July 2015

Leaner burning and downsizing are two concepts pursued by engine developers to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Both approaches lead to increasing challenges concerning ignition, as these concepts are typically associated with an increase in flow velocity and degree of turbulence as well as raised pressure at the moment of ignition. In this context, the use of miniaturized passively Q-switched laser spark plugs with pulse train ignition is considered as a promising alternative to conventional spark plugs.

However, the application of these passively Q-switched laser spark plugs inevitably leads to the question of optimum pulse train parameters. For a better understanding, this study deals with improved flame formation by passively Q-switched laser pulse train ignition under engine-like conditions. The entire ignition process is investigated with a special focus on interactions of consecutive pulses. Therefore, three methods are combined: energy transfer measurements from laser pulse to plasma with high temporal and spatial resolution show the breakdown process depending on different pressures and fluid mixtures. The temperature decrease in the induced plasma is analyzed with measurement strategies for temporal high-resolved plasma spectroscopy especially adapted to passively Q-switched lasers. In combination with high-speed schlieren measurements, the changing local ignition conditions during pulse train ignition are demonstrated. The experiments show how consecutive pulses interact and contribute to the ignition in case of a gas flow. The used prototypes of laser spark plugs are provided by Robert Bosch GmbH.
Female Mate Choice
Authors: Long Melanie Li-Wen , Campbell Anne
Published: July 2015

Information about prospective mates is typically acquired in a sequential and cumulative fashion. The aim of this study was to examine whether a reject-the-worst strategy is more efficient than an accept-the-best strategy for women in response to serial information and to identify the point at which a woman will terminate her assessment of a prospective mate’s attributes. A pilot survey was conducted to determine the chronological order in which attribute information typically becomes available during the early stages of a relationship. Using this order of presentation, attributes were presented to participants one at a time. After participants specified their minimum acceptable percentile level for each attribute, they were given numerical feedback about the extent to which the prospect exceeded or failed to meet their standard. Participants were randomly assigned to either the accept-the-best condition (accept a date or request more information) or the reject-the-worst condition (reject a date or request more information). Participants in the reject-the-worst condition requested more trait information before making a decision than those in the accept-the-best condition. This suggests that the costs of a false-negative error exceed those of a false-positive error and that in actively accepting a mate, women satisfice rather than optimize.
Teachers and Peers as Communication Models to Teach Grammatical Forms to Preschoolers With Hearing Loss
Authors: Richels Corrin G. , Bobzien Jonna L. , Schwartz Kathryn S. , Raver Sharon A. , Browning Ellen L. , Hester Peggy P.
Published: July 2015

Structured input from both teachers and peers maximizes the opportunities for preschoolers to learn grammatical forms. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using a teacher and a peer with typical hearing and language skills to model grammatically correct verbal responses to action wh- questions (“What is he/she doing?”) using picture stimuli with three preschool-aged children with hearing loss. Data from a multiple probe across participants design indicated that (a) all children learned to appropriately answer the wh- question using their targeted grammatical form during intervention, (b) all three children were able to generalize these skills to untrained pictures with varying degrees of success, and (c) all three children maintained the skills for 6 to 10 weeks following intervention. Implications for teaching grammatical forms to preschool children with hearing loss are discussed.
A Bourdieusian Analysis of U.S. Military Culture Ground in the Mental Help-Seeking Literature
Authors: Abraham Traci , Cheney Ann M. , Curran Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2015

This theoretical treatise uses the scientific literature concerning help seeking for mental illness among those with a background in the U.S. military to posit a more complex definition of military culture. The help-seeking literature is used to illustrate how hegemonic masculinity, when situated in the military field, informs the decision to seek formal treatment for mental illness among those men with a background in the U.S. military. These analyses advocate for a nuanced, multidimensional, and situated definition of U.S. military culture that emphasizes the way in which institutional structures and social relations of power intersect with individual values, beliefs, and motivations to inform and structure health-related practices.
Men, Masculinities, and Hemophilia
Authors: Kalmar Laszlo , Oliffe John L. , Currie Leanne M. , Jackson Shannon , Gue Deborah
Published: July 2015

Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder that predominantly affects men. Home intravenous replacement of missing clotting factor is the most effective treatment; however, the uptake of preventative treatment (also known as prophylaxis) varies among men with hemophilia. The purpose of the current qualitative study was to describe the connections between masculinities and men’s ( n = 11) experiences of hemophilia across varying age groups. The inductively derived findings revealed bleed-related joint pain as the primary prompt for men to treat or seek medical help. Many men reported experiencing a high number of bleed-related injuries in adolescence, particularly in high school, oftentimes as a result of engaging in idealized masculine physical activities. Though the limitations imposed by hemophilia were contested by most men early on in their lives, as men grow older more conservative approaches were employed both in terms of treatment and activity to reduce the potential for residual bleed-related disabilities. Overall, the results indicate that men with hemophilia may benefit from peer and professional education about recognition, prevention, and optimal treatment of bleeds. Furthermore, masculine ideals act as important context in which men navigate hemophilia management practices and may facilitate contesting or conceding behaviors. Masculine ideals of strength and control may be garnered to facilitate optimal hemophilia management practices.