bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and Multiple Clinical Syndromes in Incarcerated Offenders: Associations With Dissociative Experiences and Emotionality
Authors: Garofalo Carlo , Velotti Patrizia , Crocamo Cristina , Carrà Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

The present study examined the prevalence and correlates of clinical syndromes in a large group ( N = 438) of incarcerated violent offenders, looking at differences between inmates with one and those with more than one clinical syndromes. More than a half of the sample (57%) reported clinically relevant symptoms for at least one clinical syndrome ( n = 252), and the majority of them (38%) reported more syndromes in comorbidity ( n = 169). Increased severity of clinical conditions (none, one, more than one syndrome) corresponded with significantly greater levels of personality disorder traits, psychological symptoms, dissociation, and negative emotionality, with large effect sizes. After controlling for co-occurrence of personality disorder traits and other symptoms, the presence of more than one comorbid syndrome significantly predicted unique variance in dissociation (positively) and positive emotionality (negatively). The presence of one clinical syndrome significantly and positively predicted negative emotionality. Findings support the possibility that the complexity, and not just the presence, of psychopathology could identify different groups of inmates.
From Spatial to Social Asymmetry
Authors: Suitner Caterina , Maass Anne , Ronconi Lucia
Published: December 2016

According to the spatial agency bias model, in Western cultures agentic targets are envisaged as facing and acting rightward, in line with writing direction. In four studies of Italian participants, we examined the symbolic association between agency and the rightward direction (Study 1, N = 96), its spontaneous activation when attributing agency to female and male targets (Study 2, N = 80) or when judging the authenticity of photographs of men and women (Study 3, N = 57), and its possible relation to stereotype endorsement (Study 4, N = 80). In Study 4, we used a conditioning paradigm in which participants learned a counterstereotypical new association; we developed a novel measure to assess the association between gender and spatial direction, namely, the spatial association task. Participants envisaged and cognitively processed male and female targets in line with the spatial agency bias model and reported lower benevolent sexism after learning a new counterstereotypical spatial association. Our findings raise awareness about the biased use of space (and its consequences) in the representation of women and men, so that all people, and especially communicators and policy makers, can actively intervene to promote gender equality. Additional online materials for this article are available to PWQ subscribers on PWQ’s website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684316676045
The Feminist Identity Composite
Authors: DeBlaere Cirleen , Chadwick Caleb N. , Zelaya David G. , Bowie Jhodi-Ann , Bass Melanie F. , Finzi-Smith Zoeann
Published: December 2016

The Feminist Identity Composite is a commonly used measure of feminist identity development. However, psychometric examinations of this measure with samples of diverse women are lacking. The current study presents the first investigation, to our knowledge, to examine the factor structure of the Feminist Identity Composite with two subsamples of sexual minority women ( N = 402). We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), partial confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and CFA and found both the EFA and subsequent partial CFA ( n = 201) indicated a six-factor solution, which was upheld in the final CFA ( n = 201). The results generally corroborated four (Passive Acceptance, Embeddedness/Emanation, Synthesis, Active Commitment) of the five original subscales reported in previous studies with predominately heterosexual (or sexual orientation not reported) undergraduate women. However, the subscale Revelation was further delineated into two subscales labeled Societal Revelation and Contact Revelation. Convergent validity of the obtained Feminist Identity Composite subscale scores was largely supported by correlations in expected directions with measures of perceived sexism and heterosexism. We encourage future researchers to investigate the structural and convergent validity of the Feminist Identity Composite with other diverse samples of women.
Learning Basic Programing Skills With Educational Games
Authors: Jakoš Franc , Verber Domen
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using educational games for learning basic programing skills. For this, we designed the game “Aladdin and his flying carpet” with all pedagogical consideration in mind. We conducted the experiment with 107 sixth grade pupils with no prior knowledge of programing. The game was applied at the beginning of the course in a naturalistic classroom environment. The progress was monitored and evaluated with validated pre- and posttests. The knowledge gain was observed according to the set of learning objectives from the general curricula, and minimum knowledge standards were pursued within those. The result demonstrated that most of the pupils achieved all of the observed learning objectives. The biggest progress was observed with the “complete a program” objective. The least progress was observed with the tasks where “create a program” and “divide a problem” objectives were combined. Strong correlation was found between the final results of the posttest and the scores from playing the game, especially with the more challenging “divide a problem” learning objective. Finally, no significant difference was observed in the results between girls and boys.
Evaluation of the Life Satisfaction and Subjective Happiness Scales With Mexican American High School and College Students
Authors: Vela Javier C. , Lerma Eunice , Ikonomopoulos James
Published: December 2016

In the current study, we investigated the psychometric properties of two meaningful measures of subjective well-being among Mexican American high school and college students. Participants completed the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) or Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) as measures of subjective well-being. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate structural validity. A modest one-factor structure was found for the SWLS and SHS. Internal consistency was good (.81) and acceptable (.77) as measured by coefficient alpha. Findings provide support for the reliability and validity of the SWLS and SHS as measures of subjective well-being with Mexican American students. A discussion regarding the psychometric properties and implications for research is provided.
Strategic Workforce Planning for Health Human Resources
Authors: Baumann Andrea , Crea-Arsenio Mary , Akhtar-Danesh Noori , Fleming-Carroll Bonnie , Hunsberger Mabel , Keatings Margaret , Elfassy Michael David , Kratina Sarah
Published: December 2016

Background

Health-care organizations provide services in a challenging environment, making the introduction of health human resources initiatives especially critical for safe patient care.

Purpose

To demonstrate how one specialty hospital in Ontario, Canada, leveraged an employment policy to stabilize its nursing workforce over a six-year period (2007 to 2012).

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in which administrative data were analyzed to compare full-time status and retention of new nurses prepolicy and during the policy. The Professionalism and Environmental Factors in the Workplace Questionnaire® was used to compare new nurses hired into the study hospital with new nurses hired in other health-care settings.

Results

There was a significant increase in full-time employment and a decrease in part-time employment in the study hospital nursing workforce. On average, 26% of prepolicy new hires left the study hospital within one year of employment compared to 5% of new hires during policy implementation. The hospital nurses scored significantly higher than nurses employed in other health-care settings on 5 out of 13 subscales of professionalism.

Conclusions

Decision makers can use these findings to develop comprehensive health human resources guidelines and mechanisms that support strategic workforce planning to sustain and strengthen the health-care system.
Gravity Flow in Proposed Enteral Tube Small‐Bore Connectors
Authors: Hurt Ryan T. , Epp Lisa M. , Pattinson Adele K. , Duellman Wanda M. , Corner Stephen M. , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: December 2016

Background: Enteral nutrition (EN) misconnections have been identified as a serious and potential deadly problem. An international effort led by EN industry leaders has developed a small‐bore enteral connector (ENFit) that in theory will reduce the frequency of misconnections. Despite the potential benefit of preventing misconnections, the full impact of adoption of the ENFit connector is unknown. To assess the impact of transitioning to ENFit on our home EN (HEN) patients, the current study evaluated gravity feeding comparing 2 proposed small‐bore connectors to the legacy (current connector) using various commercial formulas. Methods: Six commonly used enteral formulas in our facility with varying density and viscosity were tested in triplicate. Forty milliliters of formula was poured into a syringe connected to an ENFit or legacy (current) feeding connector attached to varying French size tubes. The time it took formula to flow through the connectors was recorded, and the test was repeated in triplicate. Results: All formulas took significantly longer to flow through the first ENFit connector compared with the legacy connector (P < .05). The second ENFit connector demonstrated similar flow dynamics to the legacy connector. Conclusions: There is wide variability in the flow dynamics in ENFit connectors with significant potential impact on many facets of HEN, including medicine delivery, blenderized feeds, venting, and compliance with EN due to increased time to administer feeds. We highly recommend additional testing of flow dynamics, including gravity flow, as ENFit tubes are being developed and adopted.
Pediatric Nutrition Assessment
Authors: Green Corkins Kelly , Teague Erin E.
Published: December 2016

Pediatric patients with chronic illnesses or diseases or who require long‐term nutrition support are most vulnerable to nutrition‐related issues. Malnutrition in a pediatric patient may negatively affect long‐term growth and development. Children also become malnourished much more quickly than adults. A comprehensive nutrition assessment that includes food and nutrition‐related history, anthropometric measurements, biochemical data, medical tests and procedures, nutrition‐focused physical findings, and patient history should be completed on these patients as no one parameter is a comprehensive indicator of nutrition status. Anthropometric measurements provide important information on the growth and nutrition status of a child, yet many times it is difficult to get accurate and valid measurements due to physical limitations of the child or improper technique. Inaccurate measurements may result in a missed diagnosis of malnutrition or may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of a healthy child. Knowledge of appropriate anthropometric measurements and alternatives is crucial when assessing growth in all children and essential for those who are physically handicapped or critically ill. The purpose of this review is to present key components of a pediatric nutrition assessment so proper nutrition‐related diagnosis, including malnutrition, can be accomplished, a nutrition care plan established, and expected outcomes documented.
Role of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Predicting In-Hospital Outcomes in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Preserved Left Ventricular Function: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Haddad Toufik Mahfood , Sundaragiri Pranathi R. , Ahmed Anas A. , Nawaz Muhammad Sarfraz , Rayes Hamza A. A. , Devineni Harish C. , Kanmanthareddy Arun , McCann Dustin A. , Wichman Christopher S. , Modrykamien Ariel M. , Morrow Lee E.
Published: December 2016

Background:

The role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is less understood in the risk stratification of patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), especially in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods:

This retrospective study from 2008 to 2012 evaluated all adult patients with AECOPD having BNP levels and available echocardiographic data demonstrating LVEF ≥40%. The patients were divided into groups 1, 2, and 3 with BNP ≤ 100, 101 to 500, and ≥501 pg/mL, respectively. A subgroup analysis was performed for patients without renal dysfunction. Outcomes included need for and duration of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and mechanical ventilation (MV), NIV failure, reintubation at 48 hours, intensive care unit (ICU) and total length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital mortality. Two-tailed P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of the total 1145 patients, 550 (48.0%) met our inclusion criteria (age 65.1 ± 12.2 years; 271 [49.3%] males). Groups 1, 2, and 3 had 214, 216, and 120 patients each, respectively, with higher comorbidities and worse biventricular function in higher categories. Higher BNP values were associated with higher MV use, NIV failure, MV duration, and ICU and total LOS. On multivariate analysis, BNP was an independent predictor of higher NIV and MV use, NIV failure, NIV and MV duration, and total LOS in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1. B-type natriuretic peptide continued to demonstrate positive correlation with NIV and MV duration and ICU and total LOS independent of renal function in a subgroup analysis.

Conclusion:

Elevated admission BNP in patients with AECOPD and normal LVEF is associated with worse in-hospital outcomes and can be used to risk-stratify these patients.
Dimensional evaluation of patient-specific 3D printing using calcium phosphate cement for craniofacial bone reconstruction
Authors: Bertol Liciane Sabadin , Schabbach Rodrigo , dos Santos Luís Alberto Loureiro
Published: December 2016

The 3D printing process is highlighted nowadays as a possibility to generate individual parts with complex geometries. Moreover, the development of 3D printing hardware, software and parameters permits the manufacture of parts that can be not only used as prototypes, but are also made from materials that are suitable for implantation. In this way, this study investigates the process involved in the production of patient-specific craniofacial implants using calcium phosphate cement, and its dimensional accuracy. The implants were previously generated in a computer-aided design environment based on the patient’s tomographic data. The fabrication of the implants was carried out in a commercial 3D powder printing system using alfa-tricalcium phosphate powder and an aqueous solution of Na2HPO4 as a binder. The fit of the 3D printed implants was measured by three-dimensional laser scanning and by checking the right adjustment to the patient’s anatomical biomodel. The printed parts presented a good degree of fitting and accuracy.
Prevalence of Chronic Conditions and Multimorbidities in a Geographically Defined Geriatric Population With Diverse Races and Ethnicities
Authors: Lim Eunjung , Gandhi Krupa , Davis James , Chen John J.
Published: December 2016

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of chronic conditions and multimorbidities in the geriatric population of a state with diverse races/ethnicities. Method: Fifteen chronic conditions and their dyads and triads were investigated using Hawaii Medicare 2012 data. For each condition, a multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate differences in race/ethnicity, adjusting for subject characteristics. Results: Of the 84,212 beneficiaries, 27.8% were Whites, 54.6% Asians, and 5.2% Hispanics. Racial/ethnic disparities were prevalent for most conditions. Compared with Whites, Asians, Hispanics, and Others showed significantly higher prevalence rates in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and most dyads or triads of the chronic conditions. However, Whites had higher prevalence rates in arthritis and dementia. Discussion: Race/ethnicity may need to be considered when making clinical decisions and developing health care programs to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for older individuals with chronic conditions.
Refugee Asylum: Deuteronomy’s ‘Disobedient’ Law
Authors: Theocharous Myrto
Published: December 2016

Taking the contemporary definition for ‘refugee’ by the UN High Commission for Refugees as a starting point, this article examines the law on refugee asylum in Deut. 23:16-17 for parallel points and concerns, in order to gain insight into the ethics that have driven its composition. This law is commonly included in discussions on slavery due to the use of עֶ֫בֶד, but the identification of this ‘slave’ as a foreign refugee seeking asylum in Israel has not been adequately noted. Examining the law under this identification sheds light on refugee experience and Deuteronomy’s ethical stance on refugee asylum.
‘Do You Not Know that Your Bodies are Members of Christ?’: Towards a Christian Body Politics and the Cultural Practice of Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Greig Jason Reimer
Published: December 2016

The contemporary rise in the West of cosmetic surgery as a cultural practice expresses the story of the late modern self as autonomous renovator, and the body as disenchanted raw material and individual possession. Technological biomedicine offers itself as the institution ready to assist this reflexive self in aligning the body to an individual’s inner identity. A Christian body politics, however, challenges this narrative of the human person, by claiming that gift and dependence more aptly represent human being than possession and autonomy. The rite of footwashing, particularly as articulated by Jean Vanier and practised in the communities of L’Arche, represents a sacramental practice which forms Christians in a different narrative of the body and being human. Footwashing reminds and trains members of the Body in a non-violent gentleness towards all bodies, and a recognition of humans as creatures of a good God rather than mere possessors of inert flesh.
Experimental study on effects of fiber cutting angle in milling of high-strength unidirectional carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Wang Changying , Wen Liang , Ming Weiwei , An Qinglong , Chen Ming
Published: December 2016

It is still a challenge to machine high-strength carbon fiber–reinforced polymer with high quality due to its poor machinability. Fiber direction is the critical factor. This article aims to investigate the effects of fiber cutting angle in milling of high-strength unidirectional carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates with regard to milling forces, machined surface morphology and surface roughness. The edge trimming and slot milling tests were conducted. The largest radial and tangential forces were observed on 135° fiber cutting angle followed by 90° while the smallest milling forces were observed on 45° fiber cutting angle. Totally, four basic material fracture mechanisms, that is, fiber–matrix debonding, bending-induced fiber fracture, shear-induced fiber fracture and compression-induced fiber fracture, were observed by the analysis of fracture morphology for a single fiber. The four basic material fracture mechanisms dominate the material fracture behavior during the cutting of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer. Besides, it is indicated that surface roughness of the machined surfaces is highly related to the type of the surface defects. Surface cavities caused by fiber–matrix debonding and bending-induced fiber fractures on 45° fiber cutting angle were observed to be the main factors leading to the decline of surface finish in milling of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates.
Dynamic coordinated control of a downhill safety assistance system for hybrid electric buses
Authors: Qin Zhaobo , Zhang Donghao , Han Yunwu , Luo Yugong
Published: December 2016

When driving downhill, downhill safety assistance control can ensure a safe speed. A downhill safety assistance system was developed by our research group to help hybrid electric vehicles to maintain a stable speed when driving downhill. For hybrid electric buses, in addition to the pneumatic braking system, the motor can quickly provide an electrical braking torque, and the engine can be considered a mechanical brake. The downhill safety assistance system for hybrid electric buses maintains the desired downhill speed on different road slopes. However, when and how to activate or deactivate the downhill safety assistance system because of the driver’s operation or the road conditions was not discussed in combination with the energy management strategy for the vehicle. Additionally, there is currently no dynamic control strategy for the transition process when the braking modes of the downhill safety assistance system change, which can lead to instability. To address the limitations of previous studies, a dynamic coordinated control strategy of the downhill safety assistance system is proposed considering practical application, which focuses on the above two aspects to keep the entire system stable. To improve the ride comfort and the vehicle safety when the downhill safety assistance system works in conjunction with the energy management strategy for the vehicle, the proposed control strategy is developed to activate or deactivate the downhill safety assistance system based on the driver’s driving habits and operation and the road conditions in order to reduce the workload and to improve the driveability of the buses. To maintain the ride comfort during the transient process of shift in the braking mode and to maintain a stable speed over the overall course, the mode-shift coordinated control strategy of the downhill safety assistance system is presented, which combines the braking modes to ensure that the braking torque changes steadily without saltation. The experimental results validate the performance of the entire dynamic coordinated control strategy of the downhill safety assistance system with a high stability, and the statistics demonstrate that the downhill safety assistance system obviously improves the fuel economy and reduces the driver workload.
Application of artificial bee colony algorithm for maximizing heat transfer in a perforated fin
Authors: Das Ranjan , Singh Kuljeet , Akay Bahriye , Gogoi TK
Published: December 2016

In this paper, an application of the inverse method based on the artificial bee colony algorithm has been demonstrated for estimating unknown dimensions of a rectangular perforated fin. The analysis has been done to maximize the heat transfer rate for a given volume occupied by the fin. The perforated fin has been assumed to dissipate heat by virtue of natural convection and surface radiation. The least square mismatch between a given volume and an initially guessed one is used to define the objective function that in turn has been minimized using the artificial bee colony algorithm. A comparative study reveals the advantage of the artificial bee colony algorithm against other evolutionary and stochastic optimization methods for the present problem. Since, there exist multiple dimensions satisfying a given volume, so, the most optimal dimension has been identified on the basis of a heat transfer rate maximization criterion. The study reveals that a given amount of heat transfer rate can be achieved with multiple combinations of the fin surface area and even a particular value of surface area can result in different heat transfer rates.
Optimal design of rail grinding patterns based on a rail grinding target profile
Authors: Lin Qiang , Guo Jun , Wang Heng-yu , Wang Wen-jian , Liu Qi-yue
Published: December 2016

Based on the grinding target profile of the rail and the grinding capacity of a single grinding stone, a numerical calculation method for rail grinding patterns that includes grinding angle and grinding power of each grinding stone of the GMC96 rail grinding train was designed and established. By means of this numerical method, the grinding pattern of each grinding pass was optimized and the rail head profile after grinding was calculated. Furthermore, a method for the evaluation of the grinding quality is provided. The results indicate that in multipass rail grinding, a sequence of grinding passes – where the greatest grinding effort is applied on the earlier passes, with the last pass applying reducing levels of grinding effort – produces the highest conformance to the target grinding profile. For example, when rail grinding is planned for two passes, applying 60% of the total grinding effort on the first pass and 40% on the second pass decreases the final grinding error by 7.3%.
Three-dimensional multiple unmanned aerial vehicles formation control strategy based on second-order consensus
Authors: Zhu Xu , Zhang Xun-Xun , Yan Mao-De , Qu Yao-Hong , Lin Hai
Published: December 2016

Considering three-dimensional formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, this paper proposes a second-order consensus strategy by utilizing the position and velocity coordinate variables. To maintain the specified geometric configuration, a cooperative guidance algorithm and a cooperative control algorithm are proposed together to manage the position and attitude, respectively. The cooperative guidance law, which is designed as a second-order consensus algorithm, provides the desired pitch rate, heading rate and acceleration. In addition, a synchronization technology is put forward to reduce the influence of the measurement errors for the cooperative guidance law. The cooperative control law, regarding the output of the cooperative guidance law as its input, is designed by deducing the state-space expression of both the longitudinal and lateral motions. The formation stability is analyzed to give a sufficient and necessary condition. Finally, the simulations for the three-dimensional formation control demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the second-order consensus strategy.
Kinect system in home-based cardiovascular rehabilitation
Authors: Vieira Ágata , Gabriel Joaquim , Melo Cristina , Machado Jorge
Published: December 2016

Cardiovascular diseases lead to a high consumption of financial resources. An important part of the recovery process is the cardiovascular rehabilitation. This study aimed to present a new cardiovascular rehabilitation system to 11 outpatients with coronary artery disease from a Hospital in Porto, Portugal, later collecting their opinions. This system is based on a virtual reality game system, using the Kinect sensor while performing an exercise protocol which is integrated in a home-based cardiovascular rehabilitation programme, with a duration of 6 months and at the maintenance phase. The participants responded to a questionnaire asking for their opinion about the system. The results demonstrated that 91% of the participants (n = 10) enjoyed the artwork, while 100% (n = 11) agreed on the importance and usefulness of the automatic counting of the number of repetitions, moreover 64% (n = 7) reported motivation to continue performing the programme after the end of the study, and 100% (n = 11) recognized Kinect as an instrument with potential to be an asset in cardiovascular rehabilitation. Criticisms included limitations in motion capture and gesture recognition, 91% (n = 10), and the lack of home space, 27% (n = 3). According to the participants’ opinions, the Kinect has the potential to be used in cardiovascular rehabilitation; however, several technical details require improvement, particularly regarding the motion capture and gesture recognition.
Prevalence of STI symptoms and high levels of stigma in STI healthcare among men who have sex with men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a respondent-driven sampling study
Authors: Ross Michael W , Larsson Markus , Nyoni Joyce E , Agardh Anette
Published: December 2016

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), whether they are presented for treatment or diagnosis, and how they are received by the clinician where they are presented, may be concomitants of stigma associated with homosexuality in homophobic climates. We analyzed respondent-driven sampling data from a study on 200 young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to examine sample prevalence, treatment and clinician response to 10 symptoms potentially associated with STIs. Survey measures included 10 self-reported STI symptoms, further specified according to location (genital, anal, oral), further specified according to place of diagnosis, place of, treatment whether there was pharmacy treatment or self-medication, healthcare worker (HCW) inquiries about source of infection and whether the HCW was polite. Most common symptoms reported were genital pain, burning urination, genital itching/burning, penile discharge, and groin swelling. Anal symptoms had the lowest proportion of treatment at public clinics and among the highest proportion of pharmacy treatment; anal sores had the highest proportion of self-medication. HCWs were reported as not being polite in response to 71–90% of the symptoms, (median = 82%). The findings suggest that stigma and negative HCW response are barriers to public clinic treatment for MSM in Tanzania and that these may have implications for both STI treatment and the HIV cascade.
The representation of mental health sufferers in administrative and legal discourse
Authors: Marchese Mariana , Celerier Claudia
Published: December 2016

This article examines the records of mental incompetence cases filed at a court of the first instance in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis framework and qualitative methods, we explore the ways in which mental health sufferers are represented. Applying Tone Theory and Appraisal Theory (attitude/judgement subsystem) to our data, we distinguish two discursive zones. In one of them, subjects are constructed with linguistic resources that amount to inscribed expressions of negative social judgement on their capacity. A discursive dichotomy is created whereby people are either competent or incompetent. In the other zone, these negative dichotomous judgements are largely softened by explicitly positive ones, without disappearing altogether. We suggest that mental incompetence, far from being a dichotomous concept, might be gradual.
Congenital heart block and immune mediated sensorineural hearing loss: possible cross reactivity of immune response
Authors: Bason C , Pagnini I , Brucato A , Maestroni S , Puccetti A , Lunardi C , Cimaz R
Published: December 2016

Immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss may complicate systemic autoimmune diseases. We have previously reported the presence of antibodies directed against inner ear antigens in patients with Cogan syndrome, a disease characterized by sudden hearing loss and interstitial keratitis. Such autoantibodies cross-react with an epitope of SSA/Ro60 protein. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women cross the placenta and reach the fetal tissues inducing an immune-mediated damage of the cardiac conduction system. We wanted to evaluate whether mothers with anti-Ro/SSA antibodies who gave birth to children with congenital heart block have antibodies directed against inner ear antigens and whether these antibodies are connected with the presence of immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss. We did not find anti-inner ear antibodies in the majority of the mothers. On the contrary a 13-year-old boy with congenital heart block and sensorineural hearing loss was positive for the presence of anti-inner ear antigens antibodies. Moreover his serum was positive for the presence of anti-Ro60 peptide antibodies but did not recognize the entire protein Ro60 (TROVE2), a behaviour similar to that of sera from patients with Cogan syndrome. In conclusion the data obtained so far show that anti-inner ear antibodies do not recognize the entire protein TROVE2 and do not support the hypothesis that such antibodies may be involved in the pathogenesis of congenital heart block.
Psychometric properties of the Zimbardo time perspective inventory in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Chan Siu Mui , Kwok Wai Wai , Fung Thomas WT
Published: December 2016

The present study examined the factor structure and discriminant validity of the Zimbardo time perspective inventory in a sample of 8422 Hong Kong Chinese adolescents aged between 12 and 19 (3649 boys). Participants completed the ZTPI, Beck Depression Inventory II and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. Principal component analysis identified six factors (37 items), five of which corresponded to the original one and a new factor, present-impulsive. T-test results indicated that compared to low depression adolescents and low anxiety adolescents, high depression adolescents and high anxiety adolescents scored higher on the past-negative, present-impulsive, and present-fatalistic subscales but lower on the past-positive, present-hedonistic, and future subscales. It is suggested that the inventory can be used to help adolescents reflect on their time perspectives and to aid the development of psycho-educational programs that can help adolescents develop a more balanced perspective on time.
Enforced leisure: Time use and its well-being implications
Authors: Zuzanek Jiri , Hilbrecht Margo
Published: December 2016

The article examines well-being and social implications of “enforced leisure” resulting from unemployment and underemployment. The first part of the article reviews statistical and research evidence about social and well-being implications of unemployment and underemployment in the context of “technological unemployment” and globalization. The second part examines well-being implications of enforced leisure (due to being unemployed or working part time because the respondent “could not find a full-time job”) based on time use and well-being data collected as part of 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Canadian General Social Surveys. Indicators used in the analyses of social and well-being correlates of “enforced leisure” include respondents’ time use, levels of perceived happiness, life satisfaction, satisfaction with work–family balance, satisfaction with the use of time, self-assessed health, perceived stress, and indices of social integration such as sense of belonging to the community, trusting people, or exposure to socially destabilizing behavior.
Regeneration: Generations remediated
Authors: Wachelder Joseph
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a model for a dynamic and constructivist perspective on generations. To study synchronous, contemporary interrelations between technology, media and generations, many different methodologies are available. Yet many historical, diachronic studies are marred by flaws and ambiguities in their use of ‘generation’ as a concept. To counter those problems, this paper argues for a process-oriented approach of generations – one which is modelled after Bolter and Grusin’s remediation. By distinguishing three mechanisms – immediate generation, immediate regeneration and hypermediate regeneration – the model of regeneration is linked to three theoretical concerns: the long-standing dilemmas in the sociological study of generations, the controversy around technological determinism in technology studies and contemporary challenges in research of ageing and youth cultures. The feasibility of the regeneration approach is elucidated by applying it to toys, especially educational toys. This paper also provides a methodology for the historical study of generations interacting with media and technology by recommending the combined use of three types of biographies as source materials.
Three presents: On the multi-temporality of territorial production and the gift from John Soane
Authors: Brighenti Andrea Mubi , Kärrholm Mattias
Published: December 2016

Territoriality has primarily been seen as a spatial rather than temporal phenomenon. In this paper, we want to investigate how time functions in territorialising processes. In particular, we are attracted by the multi-temporality that is co-present in each process of territorialisation (i.e. processes in which time and space are used as means of measure, control and expression). The article is divided into two main parts. In the first part, we draw inspiration from Gilles Deleuze’s book Logic of Sense, as well as from authors such as Simmel, Whitehead, Benjamin and Jesi, in order to articulate three different types of the present (Aion, Kronos and Chronos). In the second part, we move to a short case study of the collector John Soane and the establishment of his house-museum. The case is used to exemplify how these three presents can be used to discuss and temporal aspects of territorialisation in general, and the production of a specific sort of territory – the house-museum as a new building type in particular.
The interaction effect of time beliefs and interests in learning on academic performance among Japanese junior high school students
Authors: Ishii Ryo , Tamai Ryuichi , Kera Masaki
Published: December 2016

The present study investigated the interaction effect of time beliefs and interests in learning on the academic performance among Japanese junior high school students. We conducted a secondary analysis of a social science study whose data was provided by the Social Science Japan Data Archive. A total of 1672 junior high school students took an achievement test and responded to questionnaires that included items about time beliefs and interest in learning. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that hedonists’ academic performance was worse than ascetics’. However, the results also showed that interests in learning had a positive influence on academic performance, and this effect was stronger for hedonists than for ascetics. These results indicate additional positive aspects of concentrating on the present time in the field of learning, and these findings may be helpful for students who do not have a future perspective.
Choosing to stay away: Soccer fans’ purposeful avoidance of soccer events
Authors: Tamir Ilan
Published: December 2016

Against conventional patterns of fandom loyalty, it is interesting to examine the behavioral patterns of enthusiastic fans who specifically choose to distance themselves from their favorite team and from reality during decisive matches. The present study explores the reasons and implications of such behavior, based on in-depth interviews with 19 soccer team fans in Israel who practice such purposeful avoidance. Findings show that such purposeful avoidance of games is generally motivated by a desire to avoid a source of stress or can be attributed to an illusion of influence, where purposeful avoidance is part of rituals whose irrationality is recognized by the fans themselves. Today, in the era of ubiquitous smartphones and social networks, purposeful avoidance becomes a true challenge.
Kindling the Creative Potential
Authors: Gaur Shubhra P
Published: December 2016

‘There’s a way to do it better—find it’—Thomas Edison

In this competitive era, it becomes vital for organizations to be innovative in their businesses and employees of an organization play a crucial role towards this goal. Hence, it becomes pertinent for any organization to encourage employees to come up with creative ideas, strategies and solutions to sustain the business. The context of this study is advertising agencies which fall under the category of creative industry and employ creative people in all critical functions. The study aims to identify the personality traits, behavioural attributes and communication patterns (as perceived and reported by subordinates) which are critical for effective leadership in terms of fostering creative outcomes from subordinates in advertising agencies. It attempts to highlight the role of superiors (bosses) in fostering creativity amongst their subordinates. The study was conducted on employees in leading advertising agencies of India. The methodology used for the research is qualitative. The data were collected in three different stages and the tool used for collecting data was in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was done on the interview protocols. Data interpretation was done using open, axial and selective coding. The findings led to the formulation of a three-factor model for fostering creative outcomes in subordinates, using grounded theory approach.
From Paris to Marrakech: Global Politics around Loss and Damage
Authors: Taub Julia , Nasir Naznin , Rahman M. Feisal , Huq Saleemul
Published: December 2016

The issue of loss and damage has historically been politically contentious, with developed countries being afraid of being held responsible, and developing countries demanding some form of compensation for being disproportionately impacted by climate change-induced loss and damage. After much debate between developed and developing countries, the Paris Agreement took the middle road between the varying outcomes envisioned by developed and developing countries. The Agreement recognised the most vital demands of the developing countries to incorporate loss and damage as an independent pillar of the UNFCCC process and made the Warsaw International Mechanism permanent. Considering the discomfort among the developed block, the language of the Agreement was general and non-binding in character, overtly excluding the possibility of liability or compensation under loss and damage, which many have been described as a failure for vulnerable countries. Thus, the major challenge for the COP22 will be to expedite the discussion around financing and legal responsibility for loss and damage. This article discusses the road towards the Paris Agreement in light of the history of negotiations on loss and damage under the UNFCCC and aims to understand how it will impact the future of loss and damage.
Resilient deconstructible columns for accelerated bridge construction in seismically active areas
Authors: Varela Sebastian , Saiidi Mehdi
Published: December 2016

This article presents an unprecedented concept for resilient bridge columns comprising precast modules designed for disassembly. Resiliency is provided by superelastic shape memory alloys that minimize permanent drift and engineered cementitious composite that minimizes damage, while keeping the rest of the column elastic. The precast modules consist of prefabricated plastic hinges and prefabricated concrete-filled fiber–reinforced polymer tubes. The columns are very desirable candidates for accelerated bridge construction. Two ¼-scale column models with engineered cementitious composite plastic hinges incorporating two types of shape memory alloy bars, one made of nickel–titanium and the other of copper–aluminum–manganese, were designed and tested under simulated earthquakes. To assess the influence of reusing column components, each of the models was first tested under a series of ground motions, and then the models were disassembled, inspected, reassembled, and subsequently retested. The reassembled models reached the same capacity as the original models but were more flexible. A simple modeling method was able to match the global measured response of the models with a reasonable accuracy.
Students With Learning Disabilities and Computer-Based High-Stakes Testing
Authors: Gelbart Wendy R.
Published: December 2016

As schools move into a new era of technology, assessment is evolving as well. With the introduction of high-stakes tests based on the Common Core State Standards, annual assessments are increasingly delivered via computer-based systems. This method of delivery could have a significant effect on students with learning disabilities. This column explores benefits and challenges of testing students with learning disabilities via computer-based systems. It examines accessing accommodations via computer-based systems, best practices in preparing students for computer-based tests, teacher training, and educators and test designers partnering in creating test platforms.
Using Purposefully Created Stories to Teach Academic Vocabulary
Authors: Lee Changnam , Roberts Carly , Coffey Debra
Published: December 2016

Students’ knowledge of vocabulary affects their reading comprehension. Despite abundant research findings in vocabulary learning, practical instructional methods for use in schools are typically underdeveloped. This article proposes a research-based method for teaching the meanings of base academic vocabulary (i.e., Tier 2) words. The method utilizes stories that are purposefully created by using research findings regarding directive and explicit contexts in elaborated narrative texts to teach the meanings of base words. The impact of this method is discussed, and suggestions for implementation are provided.
Navigating the Study of Executive Leaders’ Spirituality
Authors: Allen Stuart , Williams Peter
Published: December 2016

This Meet the Person article presents a synthesis of two interviews with André Delbecq, senior fellow at the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education and professor of management at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. André was a pioneering researcher in a number of areas of management scholarship such as group decision-making (e.g., the Nominal Group Technique) and managing innovation and change, with a career extending over 58 years. He experienced a shift in his late career toward the study of executive leaders’ spirituality. In the interviews, André talked of that shift, providing an inspiring example of a successful career transition, as well as his personal insight on venturing into new areas of research. André’s career is an example of engaged scholarship, academic researcher development, and the decentered academic product.
Visualizing Our Way through Theory Building
Authors: Ravasi Davide
Published: December 2016

Visualization is fundamental to how we experience and understand the world. Although we make ample use of visual tools in our role of educators, we tend to overlook the potential use of visualization techniques in our research. In this essay, I illustrate how visualization can be fundamental to analyzing and making sense of qualitative data.
Multifocal Polymorphous Hemangioendothelioma of the Liver: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Omarzai Yumna
Published: December 2016

We report a case of polymorphous hemangioendothelioma, a rare vascular neoplasm, arising in the liver of a 51-year-old woman. Microscopically, this neoplasm is characterized by a polymorphous blend of solid, primitive vascular and angiomatous areas in variable proportions. Polymorphous hemangioendothelioma is considered to be an intermediate-grade vascular neoplasm. In most of the reported cases, its occurrence has been in lymph nodes, but a few cases have been found in extranodal sites such as the mediastinum, spinal cord, and liver. Its classification among other soft tissue neoplasms is still controversial due to an insufficient number of cases to allow prediction of its biologic behavior. The aim of this article is to report a rare case of extranodal hepatic polymorphous hemangioendothelioma primary to the liver and to offer a summary of the reported cases in the literature, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls in daily practice.