bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Integrated Attention Training for Older Chinese Adults With Subjective Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Cheng Calvin Pak-Wing , Chiu-Wa Lam Linda , Cheng Sheung-Tak
Published: January 2017

Objective: Early intervention to reduce cognitive decline and preserve functioning is a compelling public health issue. Because impaired attention occurs early in the process of cognitive impairment, focusing training strategies upon attention may be a potential intervention to prevent further cognitive decline. We sought to test the effects on cognitive performance and daily functioning of a new cognitive training program that focuses on attention. Method: This single-blind randomized controlled trial lasted 6 months and included two phases. Assessments were conducted at baseline, at 3 months, and at 6 months. The study was performed in four community older adult centers. Ninety-three participants with subjective cognitive impairment without dementia were included. Forty-seven participants were randomized to the Integrated Attention Training Program (IATP), and 46 were randomized to the control group. The two arms of the study included the IATP (intervention group) and a health-related education program (active control group). Results: No significant interactions were identified between group and time for the Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes and other secondary outcomes, except for the Digit Forward Score ( p < .05; effect size, 0.057). When the preintervention and postintervention results were compared, the IATP group showed significant improvement in grand mean effect ( p < .05) and accuracy ( p < .05) in the Attention Network Test, Digit Backward Score ( p < .05), Category Verbal Fluency Test ( p < .05), and Trail Making Test A ( p < .01) immediately after the intervention. These improvements were sustained 3 months after the intervention. Conclusion: The IATP showed domain-specific effects but had no effects on global cognition or functioning. It could not show a superior benefit in cognition and functioning when compared with non-specific mental stimulation in a group format. Further studies are needed to determine the role of attention in cognitive training.
The Reduction of Public and Internalized Stigma in Late-Life Depression: A Pilot Study
Authors: McKinnon Symone A. , Conner Kyaien O. , Roker Rosalyn , Ward Chris J. , Brown Charlotte
Published: January 2017

Innovative strategies are needed to reduce the impact of stigma as a barrier to mental health services for older adults living with a mental illness. The purpose of this brief report was to examine the impact of a 3-month peer educator (PE) intervention on stigma reduction in a sample of depressed older adults. PEs are individuals of similar age, and racial and socioeconomic backgrounds who have been previously treated for depression, and are trained to provide support and education to depressed individuals within their community. Participants ( N = 21) aged 60 and older completed a demographic questionnaire, public stigma, and internalized stigma measures pre- and post-PE intervention. The results of paired samples t tests indicated that the use of PEs significantly reduced both public and internalized stigma among depressed older adults. PEs may be an effective strategy toward alleviating stigma and increasing mental health service utilization among older adults with depression.
Newspaper Editorials Show Few Regional Differences
Authors: Bramlett-Solomon Sharon
Published: January 2017

This content analysis of 109 editorials revealed more similarities than differences in how Southern, Northern and Western newspapers characterized black church burnings. The findings call into question the assumptions that regional differences exist in portrayals of racial conflicts.
Newspaper Online Editors Support Traditional Standards
Authors: Arant M. David , Anderson Janna Quitney
Published: January 2017

Online editors agree that standards should be the same whether publishing online or in print. However, many say that online standards are affected negatively by the speed of publishing and the lack of an adequate number of online staff.
Newspaper Roles Shape World Wide Web Searches
Authors: Garrison Bruce
Published: January 2017

This survey of Sunday newspapers reveals a hierarchy of sophistication of how newsroom employees seek information on the Web. News researchers were the most skilled and reporters and editors were the least skilled.
Advertising in Nondailies Affects Size of News Hole
Authors: Smith Ken
Published: January 2017

A survey of 117 nondailies found that the large majority of nondailies base their news holes on a percentage of their advertising inches, primarily run-of-paper advertising.
Small Dailies' Profit Margins Half Those of Medium Dailies
Authors: Lacy Stephen , Diddi Arvind , Thorson Esther
Published: January 2017

From 1998 to 2002 Inland Press Association papers with a circulation of less than 85,000 averaged a profit of 14.7 percent. Medium circulation dailies averaged almost twice the profit as small dailies.
Coping with Distrust in a Study of Intergenerational Puerto Rican Families in New York City
Authors: Rocler Lloyd H. , Barreras Osvaldo , Cooney Rosemary Santana
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the way in which a research team coped with the problem of respondents' distrust during a field study of intergenerationally linked Puerto Rican families in New York City. Distrust was mitigated by the presence of bilingual and bicultural interviewers who had a genuine interest in the Hispanic community, the opportunities given to skeptical interviewees to test the veracity of the research team's statements, the efforts to make the interviews enjoyable to the interviewee, the interviewers' adaptation to generational differences, and compliance with cultural amenities. The presentation of the field team's experiences in coping with distrust is intended as a contribution to an understanding of how to solve certain problems specific to data collection in urban-based field studies and as a means of stimulating informed discussion of the topic.
Folk Medicine Among Urban Mexican Americans: Cultural Persistence, Change, and Displacement
Authors: Keefe Susan Emley
Published: January 2017

Two large-scale surveys and in-depth interviews with 24 Mexican Americans in three Southern California towns indicate that folk medicine is a persistent but ancillary health care system. Most Mexican Americans know something about folk medicine, but fewer maintain strong belief in it and only a small number of Mexican Americans consult folk healers. Scientific medicine is the primary health/mental health system, having replaced in large part the folk medical system. Folk medicine endures as an alternative, however, primarily in the treatment of health problems that are judged minor and require little extrafamilial attention or that are judged severe and persist despite professional scientific health care. There is also evidence that folk medical terms and treatments have changed and become integrated with scientific medicine in the minds of many Mexican Americans. The findings contrast with research in south Texas and in rural areas where folk medicine appears to be more significant for the general Mexican American population.
Brief Versions of the Spanish Depression Adjective Check Lists: Some Indices of Reliability and Validity
Authors: Lubin Bernard
Published: January 2017

Data from a previously reported study (Lubin, Schoenfeld, Rinck, & Millham, Note 1) were reanalyzed using each of the two columns of each form (E, F, and G) of the Spanish version of the Depression Adjective Check Lists as a complete instrument. Reliability (alternate list, internal consistency, and part-whole) and concurrent validity were almost as high as complete forms (E, F, and G).
Malar Festoons: Anatomy and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Kotlus Brett S. , Schwarcz Robert
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

To describe the anatomic basis for malar festoons and mounds and to review the available options for surgical correction.

Materials and Methods:

A review of relevant literature was performed to identify previously documented corrective measures for malar festoons and mounds.

Results:

A wide variety of methods exist for reducing malar festoons.

Discussion:

Each procedure for minimizing festoons has a rationale that addresses one or more anatomic features, but none represents a method that results in universal correction. A multimodality approach may be favorable based on specific patient findings.
Are Your Liposuction Cannulas and Handle-Cannulas a Potential Problem if Used for Autologous Fat Graft/Transfer?
Authors: Shippert Ron
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To create surgeon awareness that some liposuction instruments should not be used for harvest and reinjection during autologous fat grafting (AFG), to outline which instruments need special cleaning techniques, and to increase awareness of available customized devices that will eliminate the accumulation of debris in defect areas.

Methods:

The author examined 13 common liposuction handles and 22 liposuction cannulas noting their construction and ease of cleaning by brush and pressured water. Internal examination of the handles was done by cutting them in half longitudinally observing the pathway of the fat during harvest. The cannulas were examined by probing the tips of the cannulas to determine if blind pockets were present.

Results:

A few of the instruments had an acceptable continuous pathway and no problem cleaning areas. However, 10 of the 13 liposuction handles had severe drop-offs and cracks that would be very difficult to clean, and 18 out of the 22 cannulas contained a blind pocket in their distal tip. The most common structural problem for the handles was the severe drop-off but the most serious problem for the handles was the crack. The most common and serious problem for the cannulas was the tip blind pocket. These areas would require special cleaning efforts to qualify for use during AFG/T.

Discussion:

When AFG became a more popular procedure, surgeons adapted by using liposuction instruments for harvest and reinjection. However, because fat transfer involves reinjecting fat back into the body, the instruments must be easy to clean. Most liposuction instruments are built to transport liposuction waste fat only; thus, they have a crude interior design with drop-offs and pockets that make them difficult to clean. Some of these devices can harbor pockets of old tissue. In general, if the pathway is continuous and is not interrupted by drop-offs or blind pockets, the instrument can be used for both liposuction and AFG. If, however, there are drop-offs and/or blind pockets, the surgeon should make certain the unit is dismantled and every area cleaned manually between procedures or should turn to the many customized instruments for AFG.

Conclusions:

The decision to purchase and use liposuction instruments for AFG should be made only after the surgeon has examined the product and is confident that the pathway has no drop-offs and/or blind pockets that make it difficult to clean. Custom AFG instruments are available that are constructed in a manner that negates the need for special cleaning procedures.
Laser-Assisted Liposculpture Improves Male Gynecomastia Outcomes with Minimal Scarring
Authors: Schafer Jeffry B. , Montgomery Jennifer A.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Currently, 36% to 40% of men have gynecomastia. Most cases involve excessive subareolar glandular development, an enlarged subareolar region, and adipose cells. When obesity is present, gynecomastia is complicated by the intertwining of glandular breast tissue with enlarged adipose cells. Although direct excision has been the standard technique for fat removal, it is often accompanied by periareolar scars, skin laxity, and other adverse events. Laser-assisted liposculpture removes adipose and glandular tissue in gynecomastia with postsurgical contraction of the skin. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the use of laser-assisted liposculpture for removing glandular and adipose tissue in gynecomastia.

Materials/Participants/Methods:

Forty men (aged 30 to 35 years) with gynecomastia underwent treatment in both breasts with laser-assisted liposculpture. Most participants were overweight but in good overall health. Using Klein's double-strength solution as a local anesthetic, breast tissue was treated using a 4-mm Blugerman disruptor for 3–5 minutes on each side until the tissue became morsalized. Laser-assisted lipolysis was then used on the subareolar bud and remaining fatty and fibrous breast tissue to create tissue coagulation and skin contraction. Energy levels of 1000 J per pass were used, and total energy applied to each breast ranged from 3000 to 5000 J. After treatment, components of the destroyed adipocytes were removed by negative pressure (350–450 mm Hg) through a 3-mm cannula. The small incisions did not require sutures. Patients were examined for symmetry between the treated breasts. Diluted triamcinolone (0.1 mL Kenalog 40 mg/0.9 mL sterile water) was injected beneath the areolar complex to reduce swelling. Patient satisfaction with skin tightening, chest contour, skin smoothness, and reduction of areolar size was graded on a scale of 0 to 10.

Results:

Postsurgical photographs showed reductions in breast tissue volume and more masculine-appearing chests. Patient expectations for outcome were met; satisfaction was generally 8 or higher.

Discussion:

Two earlier studies and the present study show that use of laser-guided lipolysis results in cellular lysis and collagen neoformation. Laser-assisted lipolysis and traditional liposculpture have similar risks and complications: increased asymmetry, waviness, pitting, and cobble-stoning or sagging in breasts. Patients may also develop hematomas, seromas, nerve damage, hypertrophic scars, infection/sepsis, bleeding, persistent edema, and allergic reaction.

Conclusion:

The SmartLipo and SlimLipo laser-assisted liposculpture systems can be used on most anatomic regions. Both offer reduced treatment time, smoother skin and less contour deformities, improved healing, less bruising, and reduced pain compared with traditional lipolysis.
Unified BHPS Work-Life Histories: Combining Multiple Sources into a User-Friendly Format
Authors: Halpin Brendan
Published: January 2017

Longitudinal data is often difficult to use, and continuous histories collected in a panel are a particularly unfriendly case. This paper reports an exercise to re-organise the British Household Panel Study's work-life history data into a format more convenient for analysis. The British Household Panel Study collects extensive labour market history information from its respondents, both during the panel period and retrospectively from labour market entry. That this information is of necessity stored in multiple locations, and of varying levels of detail, has made use somewhat inconvenient. This paper describes an exercise to bring the labour market information together in a more convenient format. It also considers some of the problems of retrospective and panel longitudinal data, and discusses issues of recall error and measurement error. The data files described are available through the UK Data Archive. Longitudinal Data, Work-Life Histories, Recall Bias, Measurement Error.
Theory-Driven Interviewing: From Theory into Practice
Authors: Hamilton-Smith Niall , Hopkins Matt
Published: January 2017

This paper considers two approaches to utilising Pawson's theory-driven interview model as an attempt to overcome the traditional schism between quantitative and qualitative interview techniques. Both pieces of research are criminologically based though methodologically different. The first employs Pawson's model in the development of mid-range theoretical propositions relating to the embedding' of distinct policy initiative (phase II, Safer Cities). The second seeks to test a theory about the reasons behind contextual variations in acts of abuse and violence against business premises. Through these examples, the paper attempts to develop a critical account of the operationalisation of this model in social science research. Interviewing. Epistemology, Theory-Driven Interviewing Pawson.
Study of Seizure and Epilepsy in Chinese Children in Hong Kong: Period Prevalence and Patterns
Authors: Wong Virginia
Published: January 2017

The Hong Kong Children's Seizure and Epilepsy Registry was set up for all children with a history of seizures or epilepsy followed up in the Epilepsy Clinic of the University of Hong Kong. The aim was to study the pattern of seizures and epileptic disorders in Chinese children. The objective was to study the period prevalence of epilepsy and the pattern of epilepsy in Chinese children. A prospective study of seizure and epilepsy in Chinese children was conducted from 1985 to 1997 in Hong Kong. The population census of 1997 was used to calculate the period prevalence of epilepsy in Chinese children. Altogether, 1103 children aged < 19 years at first assessment with epilepsy were included in the study. The period prevalence rate of epilepsy in 1997 (January to December) is estimated to be 4.5 per 1000 children aged < 19 years. The estimated period prevalence rate of children and adolescents with epilepsy in our children is 4.5 per 1000 children. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:19—25).
Effects of Valproic Acid on Longitudinal Bone Growth
Authors: Wu Shufang , Legido Agustin , De Luca Francesco
Published: January 2017

Valproic acid is widely used in the treatment of children with epilepsy. Evidence indicates that valproic acid has teratogenic effects on the skeletal system. In addition, the use of valproic acid in children has been associated with short stature. Thus, we hypothesized that valproic acid could also affect bone growth after skeletal morphogenesis is completed. To test this hypothesis, we cultured fetal rat metatarsal bones in the presence of valproic acid. Valproic acid markedly suppressed metatarsal longitudinal growth. To determine the underlying mechanisms, we studied cell proliferation and hypertrophy in the growth plate, the site where bone growth takes place. At the end of the culture period, valproic acid—treated bones exhibited narrow growth plate proliferative and hypertrophic zones and an expanded ossification center. In addition, valproic acid suppressed chondrocyte proliferation in the metatarsal rudiments. Our results suggest that valproic acid suppresses longitudinal bone growth by inhibiting cartilage formation and accelerating ossification of the growth plate. These findings warrant a prospective study on the effects of valproic acid on growth in children treated with valproic acid. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:26—30).
Polymer Conjugation to Cu,Zn-SOD and Suppression of Hydroxyl Radical Generation on Exposure to H2O2: Improved Stability of SOD in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Kojima Yuichiro , Akaike Takaaki , Sato Keizo , Maeda Hiroshi , Hirano Takashi
Published: January 2017

Highly reactive hydroxyl radical (OH) is generated during reaction of Cu,Zn-SOD (SOD)1 with H202, its own enzymatic reaction product (SOD plus 0;-). During inactivation of Cu,Zn-SOD with H202, Cu2+ liberated from the SOD catalyzes the formation of OH from H202. The OH thus generated will react with a,-protease inhibitor (a,-PI) if it is available in the milieu. To circumvent OH generation, we prepared eight different polymer-SOD conjugates and compared their stability against H202 treatment. Furthermore, the effect of each polymer-SOD conjugate on a,-PI in the presence of H202 was tested. Most polymer-SOD conjugates, except poly(styrene-co-maleic acid butylate; SMA)-SOD and poly(ethylene glycol; PEG)-SOD, showed higher stability than native SOD against inactivation by H202. The residual activity of divinylether maleic acid/anhydride copolymer (pyran copolymer)-conjugated SOD was 87% of the initial activity after incubation with 0.1 mM H202 for 2 h, whereas that of native SOD was 49%. Antiprotease activity of ca,-PI was completely abrogated when the inhibitor was treated with native SOD and 3.0 mM H202, but there was no change with pyran copolymer-SOD after 3 h of incubation with H202. Our results suggest that pyran copolymer captured loosely bound Cu2+ during the reaction of SOD with H202, thus resulting in suppression of both 0OH-mediated inactivation of SOD and suppression of activity of a,-PI. PEG showed little Cu2+-binding activity; no appreciable protection of SOD and a,-PI against OH generation was observed when Cu,Zn-SOD was conjugated with PEG. Circular dichroism and electron spin resonance studies of Cu,Zn-SOD treated with H202 indicated that the peptide conformation as well as the copper ligand of Cu,Zn-SOD can be stabilized not only by pyran copolymer per se but also by conjugation of Cu,Zn-SOD with some copolymers such as pyran.
Sensitization of Nude Mice Using Direct Liposome Transfer of Tumor Cell Antigens
Authors: Ariyasu Tetsuya , Ike Osamu , Hitomi Shigeki , Wada Hiromi , Okumura Yukihisa , Sunamoto Junzo
Published: January 2017

Transplantable human squamous cell carcinoma cells were coincubated with 1,2-dimyristoylamido-1,2-deoxyphosphatidyl-choline (D14DPC) liposomes. These proteoliposomes and disrupted tumor cell suspensions were injected subcutaneously into two groups of nude mice, respectively, while the third group was untreated. Ten days previously, tumor had been implanted into both of the mice forefeet. In the seven-week old mice pretreated with the proteoliposomes, one of the tumors disappeared, while another tumor remained unchanged in size and the remaining two tumors regrew. Regrowth of the tumors was observed in both control groups. Their size and weight were significantly larger (p < 0.05) than those in the proteoliposome group. In all the 5-week old mice, the tumor masses grew but the size and weight of the tumor in the proteoliposome treated group were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those in the other two groups. The results showed the effectiveness of the proteoliposome treatment as a possible clinical application.
Chemical Modifications of Heparin. II. Hydrophobization of Partially N-Desulfated Heparin
Authors: Diancourt Francis , Braud Christian , Vert Michel
Published: January 2017

In order to hydrophobize heparin, dodecanal, cholic acid and stearic acid were conjugated, respectively, to partially N-desulfated heparin with the formation of imine bonds in the case of dodecanal and amide bonds in the case of the two latter compounds. It was found that the three conjugates were aggregated in aqueous solution with the formation of-300 nm aggregates. The conjugates retained the anticoagulant activity of the parent heparin according to in vitro tests. In vivo, slightly prolonged activity was observed after s.c. injection. The activity lasted for at least 2 hours after i.v. injection suggesting that aggregates of hydrophobized heparin were not captured by the reticuloendothelial system. These new water dispersed aggregates are of potential interest for the transport and slow release of hydrophobic drugs in blood either as macromolecular prodrugs or after molecular microencapsulation, and for oral administration.
Amino Acid Oligomer Microspheres as Drug Delivery Systems. II. Oligomerization of NCAs Initiated with L-Tyrosine Methyl Ester
Authors: Yang Jian-Zhong , Wang Min , Ottenbrite Raphael M. , Milstein Sam
Published: January 2017

Oligomerizations of various amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) were prepared in the presence of L-tyrosine methyl ester (Tyr.Me). Tyr.Me was found to be an efficient initiator to form oligopeptides consisting of L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine with random arrangements of amino acids. In acidic solution, the oligopeptides formed microspheres which were capable of encapsulating macromolecular drugs such as insulin and heparin. These microspheres were considered to be potential oral drug delivery systems.
Chitosan/Polyoxyethylene Diacid Films for Drug Release
Authors: Manolova N. , Rashkov I. , Domard A.
Published: January 2017

A new method for the dissolution of chitosan in an aqueous medium using polyoxyethylene diacid was developed. Films cast from these solutions were found to swell reversibly. The effect of polyether content and pH on the swelling behavior of the films was studied. Monolayer type devices for drug release applications were prepared using 8-hydroxy-7-iodoquinoline-5-sulfonic acid as a model drug.
Insolubilization Test of Sodium Chondroitin Sulphate with a View to its Use as Colonic Carrier of Drugs
Authors: Bourie C. , Paillard B. , Goutay E. , Avan J. L. , Combal J. P. , Bougaret J. , Aiache J. M. , Jacquinet J. C.
Published: January 2017

Several studies have been devoted to cross-linked sodium chondroitin sulphate (SCS), in the context of numerous strategies attempting to target the colon for the absorption or the therapeutic action of a drug. SCS, a glycosaminoglycan presenting a specific degradation in the colon, is in fact soluble in water and its use as drug carrier at such a distance from the digestive tube necessitates its hydrophobisation. One method described in the literature consists in manufacturing a three-dimensional network by cross-linking with bifunctional compounds. However, all the structural characterisations carried out on the products resulting from the catalysed treatments of SCS with diaminoalkanes demonstrate that there are no cross-linking bridges between the polymer chains. Moreover, treated SCS-based tablets containing theophylline as model drug lead in vitro to dissolution profiles which are identical to those obtained with the non-treated SCS. We were therefore unable to find the announced results using the method described.
The Effects of Alginate and Non-Alginate Wound Dressings on Blood Coagulation and Platelet Activation
Authors: Segal Helen C. , Hunt Beverley J. , Gilding K.
Published: January 2017

Alginates are used as haemostats in wound dressings. They act as calcium ion (Ca) donors as they contain mannuronic (M) or guluronic (G) groups with a high Ca content. This study compared the effects of calcium and zinc containing alginates and non-alginate dressings on blood coagulation and platelet activation to determine which was the best haemostat. We showed that alginate materials activated coagulation more than non-alginate materials. The extent of coagulation activation was affected differently by the alginate M or G group composition. It was demonstrated that alginates containing zinc ions had the greatest potentiating effect on prothrombotic coagulation and platelet activation.
Biomedical Silicone Elastomers as Carriers for Controlled Release
Authors: Andreopoulos A. G. , Plytaria M.
Published: January 2017

Biomedical silicone elastomers have been studied for their potential application as carriers for controlled release of drugs, since these materials display a unique combination of properties, which might be favorable to the above use. A two component silicone gel system was used and various cross-linker ratio was applied, in order to produce networks with varying crosslink density. Swelling experiments in toluene were run in order to evaluate the network characteristics. The silicone elastomer was loaded with salicylic acid and propranolol hydrochloride and their delivery in distilled water was followed. The results showed that release is almost of zero order for high loading of salicylic acid, while delivery seems to be diffusion controlled up to a certain limit. The administered drug concentrations are relatively low if silicone discs are used, due to the hydrophobic nature of this material. On the other hand, when membranes are used with a thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm, then the delivery rate is much higher depending of course on the hydrophilic character of the drug.
Effect of Stainless Steel Corrosion Products on in Vitro Biomineralization
Authors: Fernandes Maria Helena
Published: January 2017

Osteoblast-like cell cultures have been used as in vitro models to study the interactions of bone tissue with biomaterials and their degradation products. This work reviews the effects of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) corrosion products on the osteoblastic behavior of rat and human bone cell cultures. Results suggest that such products affect, in a dose-]dependent manner, the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells; these effects depend on the developmental stage of the osteoblastic cells. Above certain nonlethal concentrations, SS corrosion products prevent the mineralization of the extracellular matrix, a process that reflects the complete expression of the osteoblastic phenotype.
Swelling Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Chemically Cross-Linked Gelatin Gels for Biomedical Use
Authors: Lou Xia , Chirila Traian V.
Published: January 2017

Cross-linked gelatin gels are used as biomaterials in living tissues, either as bioadhesives or as devices for sustained drug release. As these applications involve surgical insertion of gels, the effect of cross-linking on mechanical properties is relevant. The effect of cross-linking on the gel water uptake is also relevant for the kinetics of drug release. Equally important is the influence of initial amounts of gelatin in the gelling solutions. We investigated the influence of cross-linking (with glutaraldehyde) and of gelatin content upon the equilibrium water content and tensile properties of resulting gels. A range of gels was prepared with gelatin contents of 10 to 40% wt, and cross-linked with 2.5 to 50% wt glutaraldehyde. The increase in gelatin content and degree of cross-linking reduced the water uptake of gels from about 60-65% wt to about 50% wt. The tensile characteristics were differentially affected. While the increase of cross-linking induced a decrease of toughness and elasticity and an increase of stiffness, it did not affect the ultimate strength of gels. On the contrary the increase of gelatin content induced a definite increase of the ultimate strength but did not significantly affect the other properties.
Policing The Customers How Danish Community Policy Officers Label The People They Work Among
Authors: Holmberg Lars
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an analysis of the way Danish community police officers talk about and label citizens. It is shown how these labels, (customers, clientele, good Danish citizens, and the general public) function as guidelines for police discretion, and how officers interpret and treat similar acts quite differently depending on the label of the actor. The crucial distinction here is whether the citizen is “known” to the police, and even though police officers mainly deal with “known customers”, leniency seems to be reserved for the “unknown” citizens. Thus, by judging the man more than the act, police practice and discourse maintains and reinforces a distinction between lawful and unlawful people rather than between legal and illegal acts.
Unraveling the Role of Curriculum in Teacher Decision Making
Authors: Siuty Molly Baustien , Leko Melinda M. , Knackstedt Kimberly M.
Published: January 2017

Teachers make numerous decisions each day, yet processes undergirding these decisions are elusive and have not been the subject of many in-depth investigations within special education. The purpose of this qualitative investigation, therefore, was to complete a micro-level analysis of the influence of curriculum on 11 middle school teachers’ decisions regarding reading instruction for middle school age struggling readers. Using the theoretical framework of teachers’ literacy-related decision making proposed by Ruppar, Gaffney, and Dymond, the authors conducted interviews and observations during one school year to examine how teachers make curricular decisions based on their access to a prescribed, research-based reading intervention curriculum. Findings indicate the availability of such a curriculum facilitated teachers’ decision making around individualizing instruction and increased their self-efficacy, leading to the conclusion that a bidirectional relationship exists between curriculum and (a) beliefs, (b) self-efficacy, and (c) individualization. Implications for future research and practice in middle school teacher preparation are discussed.
Career Development Among Ethnic and Age Groups of Community College Students
Authors: Teng Loretta Y. , Morgan George A. , Anderson Sharon K.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in career development among four ethnic groups and two age groups of community college students in regard to their career goals, career preparation actions, and the number of job seeking strategies utilized. Data were obtained from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 90/94) of the National Center for Educational Statistics (NOES), U.S. Department of Education. Results suggest that there are statistically significant differences among the ethnic groups in six of the seven career goals; however, there are no significant differences between the traditional and non-traditional age groups in career goals. For career preparation action there are significant differences between the two age groups and also between Black/African American and White/European American students. There is no significant difference among the age or ethnic groups in the number of job seeking strategies utilized. These findings imply that student services providers, such as counselors, should be sensitive to community college students' backgrounds and experiences related to ethnicity and age. Individualized career-related workshops tailored to the career needs of specific student populations should be offered. The function of community colleges as providers of employment preparation can be enhanced by familiarizing students with accurate career information, considering students' ethnic backgrounds and their age.
Career Counseling in the Information Age
Authors: Hoyt Kenneth B. , Maxey James
Published: January 2017

The emerging information age will make education/work relationships stronger and stronger. These relationships must be emphasized by school counselors. This document discusses how this can be done both for youth planning to attend a four-year college and for those planning some other kind of postsecondary career-oriented education. One possible solution is suggested.
Internal and External Barriers, Cognitive Style, and the Career Development Variables of Focus and Indecision
Authors: Creed Peter A. , Patton Wendy , Bartrum Dee
Published: January 2017

One hundred and thirty final year high school students were administered scales tapping optimism/pessimism, self-esteem, external career barriers, career decision-making self-efficacy, career focus and career indecision. It was hypothesised, first, that cognitive style (optimism/pessimism) would predict both internal (self-esteem) and external career-related barriers, second, that internal barriers would interact with external barriers and impact on career decision-making self-efficacy, and third, the previously mentioned variables would subsequently predict career focus and career indecision. Results demonstrated that cognitive style was influential in determining the perception of internal barriers (for females and males) and external barriers (females only). Internal and external barriers, along with optimistic/pessimistic cognitive style, were found to predict career decision-making self-efficacy (in males, but not in females). There was no evidence that internal and external barriers interacted to predict career decision-making self-efficacy. Last, it was found that career decision-making self-efficacy, internal and external barriers, and optimistic/ pessimistic cognitive style were able to predict career focus (males and females) and career indecision (males only). Results are discussed in the context of Carver and Scheier's (1981) control theory.
America's economic competitiveness
Authors: Grayson Lawrence P.
Published: January 2017

If the USA is to retain its preeminent economic position in the world it must improve the quality of its education and training. This article discusses the contribution of education to a nation's well-being, examines the current education system in the USA and analyses education and training needs for the 21st century.
Workshadowing in higher education:
Authors: Jack Andrew
Published: January 2017

Workshadowing is a valuable technique of careers education based in the workplace. Schools have begun to use it over the past few years, but its role in higher education has been badly neglected. This article analyses one exception - a scheme at Cambridge University. It stresses the benefits to participating companies as well as to students and organizers, and its particular value in higher education. The problems encountered highlight the need to develop an effective implementation framework, and to redefine what our notions of what workshadowing should be.
The evolution of higher education
Authors: Marchello Joseph M. , Kelly John J.
Published: January 2017

The great growth of universities has served to usher in the information age, which in turn provides the foundation for a major technology-based evolution in higher education. Demands for both universal higher education and lifelong learning will be realized by developments in communication technology. For many universities and colleges, the traditional structure will undergo significant change in both organization and operation as new demands and opportunities are addressed.
Industrial training in the USA
Authors: Scherer Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

This article describes the revolutionary approach to industrial training programmes that is taken by the US union of United Automobile Workers. It is innovative because of the type, size and scope of the courses offered, and also because the programmes are operated jointly by both management and union representatives. The concept of jointness has the potential to transform industrial relations.
The ESA OLYMPUS satellite
Authors: Chaplin Jon
Published: January 2017

This article continues the story which appeared in the March 1988 issue of Industry and Higher Education. At Avignon in April of that year, a meeting of distance-learning institutions formed a preparatory committee which built the foundations of a satellite users’ association EUROSTEP, formally created at Vienna in April 1989. Meanwhile the ESA and EUROSTEP preparations for the use of OLYMPUS have continued. The article describes progress to date, in particular the management of this project which involves genuine pan-European cooperation.
International research: Project Columbus
Authors: Sellar F. Keith
Published: January 2017

In 1983 the Standing Conference of Rectors, Presidents and Vice-Chancellors of the European Universities (CRE) entered into a transatlantic dialogue with representatives of the Latin American rectors. This resulted in meetings in 1987/88, at which it was agreed that a structured form of extensive cooperation between universities in both continents on research into higher education should be initiated.
THESEUS initiative in management
Authors: Zylberberg Thierry
Published: January 2017

October 1989 will see the first academic year of operation of the THESEUS Institute, located in Sophia-Antipolis, France. This Institute, which will deliver an MBA course and diploma called the MBA in Communications Strategy, is innovative in terms of structure, curriculum and its relationship with the worlds of business and of networks.
The Role of a University in Regional Economic Development
Authors: Dineen Donal A.
Published: January 2017

In the early 1970s, the notion of a university with strong links to the business community and with a focus on the economic and social development of its region was relatively uncommon. From its establishment in 1972, the University of Limerick adopted a different approach from the ‘traditional’ Irish universities, and over the past 20 years has cultivated new relationships in its local environment. In this article, Donal Dineen examines the nature and development of this alternative approach, the links with the local economy and the impact of the primary teaching and research activities of the University, the main institutional features arising from these factors and the lessons learned from the experience. Those concerned with the role of universities in less developed and/or peripheral regions of the European Union will find this especially of interest, as the Limerick model involves a ‘greenfield’ site whereby a university was introduced to a predominantly rural area struggling to attract foreign investment as part of a strategy to accelerate economic development.
The Role of Universities in Industrial Innovation and Technology Transfer
Authors: Roberts D.H.
Published: January 2017

This article assesses the role of academic research in industrial innovation, with specific reference to the UK context. Critical business sectors are discussed – issues addressed include expenditure on research, the advantages to industry of using university research capabilities, the commercial assessment of research and innovation, and the key elements required to build a successful relationship between university research and industry. Finally, Dr Roberts examines the various options open to universities for the transfer of technology and knowledge to the marketplace.
The Learning Organization
Authors: Otala Matti
Published: January 2017

The term ‘learning organization’ is used to designate organizations which have been exceptionally successful in the modern business environment of intense international competition. Such organizations are characterized by their ability to adapt rapidly and flexibly to new international business paradigms. The characteristics of the learning organization are well known, but recent paradigm shifts in the business environment dramatically enhance the fundamental competitive advantages embedded in these long established features. The author sets out the main characteristics of and the necessary conditions for effective organizational learning and outlines the competitive advantages to be gained.
Higher-Level Skills in the UK
Authors: Connor Helen
Published: January 2017

This article provides an overview of current trends in the supply of higher-level skills in the UK. The author suggests that at higher levels increasing the supply of qualified people is unlikely to be an adequate measure to gain international competitive advantage, and that greater attention needs to given to increasing the quality (in terms of better and more relevant skills) and to stimulating demand for graduates in the wider economy. It is, she argues, difficult to justify expansion of the higher education sector in the absence of evidence of an increased requirement on the part of employers to match any growth in supply.

The articles that follow in this ‘Special Focus’ on skills needs discuss specific aspects of the labour market for higher-level skills. Gill Court considers the labour market for graduates in the USA and the lessons for other countries of moving to a mass higher education system; Helen Lawton Smith looks at national laboratories and the effects that recent political decisions have had on their role in skill supply and skill renewal; and finally Gill Court and Nick dagger assess data on the recruitment of non-national staff to research centres, highlighting the extent of the European mobility of scientists and engineers.
The Role of Higher Education in Developing Effective Support Structures for Technology Entrepreneurs
Authors: Carroll Gerry , Henry Colette
Published: January 2017

The authors examine the active role which a third-level institution in the North East of Ireland has taken in the development of a regional support structure for new and existing technology-based businesses. The specific experiences of Dundalk Regional Technical College (Dundalk RTC) are related and their response to the new RTC Act is described. The paper focuses on the technological aspect of the new regional development role and describes how the College's incubator was set up and developed into a comprehensive support facility for technology-based businesses. The main objective of the paper is to identify the key components of an effective technology support structure. The advantages of a campus-based support facility are underlined, as is the need for a comprehensive approach to regional technological development.
The Inherent Tensions of University—Industry Master Agreements
Authors: Petrick Irene Johnston , Reischman Michael M.
Published: January 2017

Strategic partnerships between industry and universities are an area of major growth in US universities. Successful partnerships require that both parties understand the needs and goals of the other, and that the legal framework underlying the partnership reflects these needs and goals. A master agreement under which individual projects can be accomplished facilitates industry–university cooperation. Yet the concept of a single document to formalize a multidimensional industry–university relationship directly contradicts the notion of core competencies within the university and the evolving role that different university units play in the R&D/commercialization process. To be successful, colleges of engineering must evaluate their contribution to an industry–university partnership and must develop agreements which capture protection for and benefit from their sources of competitive advantage.
Enhanced Learning from an Industry—University Partnership
Authors: Pai Devdas M. , DeBlasio Richard A.
Published: January 2017

For decades, a gap between the discovery of theoretical knowledge and its application in the real world existed within the transition from academia to industry. By collaborating in a course design, development, and delivery partnership, there are many advantages for both industry and students to close this gap. When successful, engineering students are not shocked to find industry expectations which exceed the general knowledge of theory. And industry can be rewarded with a number of returns including potential employees who have modern performance qualities which can help obtain and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The authors discuss the objectives and performance of a course in aluminum design manufacturing and technology devised jointly by the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) and North Carolina State University.
A University Programme to Assist Lean Manufacturing Implementation
Authors: Heard Roderick S.
Published: January 2017

Implementing lean manufacturing implies a profound cultural change that will alter the role of every person in the business enterprise. Managing this change requires the understanding, long-term commitment, and continuing active participation of executive leadership. Success depends on a trained workforce that uses its skills, knowledge, and initiative in a cooperative and disciplined manner to improve the business continuously. The University of Kentucky's Lean Manufacturing Program provides guidance, education, training, opportunities for mutual support, and other assistance to companies engaged in implementing lean manufacturing.
University—Industry Strategic Partnerships
Authors: Gregory Eugene H.
Published: January 2017

Significant motivations are prevalent in the USA for strategic partnering between industrial companies and research universities. In addition to the obvious element of collaborative research activity, consideration should be given to including in this strategic alliance the placement of engineering graduates in career positions with the industrial partner as well as the opportunity for participation in the university's continuing engineering education and cooperative work-study programmes. The important mutual benefits that accrue to the partners in such alliances are reviewed in this paper. The impediments to establishing these partnerships that result from the different cultures are presented together with a possible means of overcoming these hurdles through the use of a master research agreement.