bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perturbing Surface Initial Conditions in a Regional Ensemble Prediction System
Authors: Bellus Martin , Wang Yong , Meier Florian
Published: June 2016

Two techniques for perturbing surface initial conditions in the regional ensemble system Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique Développement International-Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting (ALADIN-LAEF) are presented and investigated in this paper. The first technique is the noncycling surface breeding (NCSB), which combines short-range surface forecasts driven by perturbed atmospheric forcing and the breeding method for generating the perturbations on surface initial conditions. The second technique, which is currently used in the ALADIN-LAEF operational version, applies an ensemble of surface data assimilations (ESDA) in which the observations are randomly perturbed. Both techniques are evaluated over a two-month period from late spring to summer. The results show that the evaluation is more favorable to ESDA. In general, the ensemble forecasts of the observed near-surface meteorological variables (screen-level variables) of ESDA are more skillful than NCSB, in particular for 2-m temperature they are statistically more consistent and reliable. A slightly better statistical reliability for 2-m relative humidity and 10-m wind has been found as well. This could be attributed to the introduction of surface data assimilation in ESDA, which provides more accurate surface initial conditions. Moreover, the observation perturbation in ESDA helps to better estimate the initial condition uncertainties. For the forecast of precipitation and the upper-air variables in the lower troposphere, both ESDA and NCSB perform very similarly, having neutral impact.
Conceptualizing and measuring youth independence multidimensionally in the United States
Authors: Manzoni Anna
Published: June 2016

In this paper I borrow from both the transition and cultural perspectives in the sociology of youth to define a new conceptual and empirical framework to analyze independence among young people, accounting for its multifaceted character within the current context of the transition to adulthood in the United States. Applying latent class analysis to data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, I investigate how objective and subjective indicators of independence relate to one another, and do so differently for different youth. In this way, I empirically extend the understanding of transitions to independence and offer a more nuanced picture than a one-dimensional perspective could do. Accounting for respondents’ age and role transitions marking relevant developmental stages, I identify four groups of youth with different forms of independence. While one group exhibits independence in all the domains considered, most inhabit states of partial independence, with mismatches across indicators. Future research may use this framework to investigate independence, both as an outcome or as an explanatory variable, and to explore differences across subgroups.
Instrumentation for Reliably Determining Porous Silicon Photoluminescence Responses to Gaseous Analyte Vapors
Authors: Reynard Justin M. , Van Gorder Nathan S. , Richardson Caley A. , Eriacho Richie D. , Bright Frank V.
Published: July 2016

We report new instrumentation for rapidly and reliably measuring the temperature-dependent photoluminescence response from porous silicon as a function of analyte vapor concentration. The new system maintains the porous silicon under inert conditions and it allows on-the-fly steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence intensity and hyper-spectral measurements between 293 K and 450 K. The new system yields reliable data at least 100-fold faster in comparison to previous instrument platforms.
Understanding and addressing mathematics anxiety using perspectives from education, psychology and neuroscience
Authors: Buckley Sarah , Reid Kate , Goos Merrilyn , Lipp Ottmar V , Thomson Sue
Published: July 2016

Mathematics anxiety is a significant barrier to mathematical learning. In this article, we propose that state or on-task mathematics anxiety impacts on performance, while trait mathematics anxiety leads to the avoidance of courses and careers involving mathematics. We also demonstrate that integrating perspectives from education, psychology and neuroscience contributes to a greater understanding of mathematics anxiety in its state and trait forms. Research from cognitive psychology and neuroscience illustrates the effect of state mathematics anxiety on performance and research from cognitive, social and clinical psychology, and education can be used to conceptualise the origins of trait mathematics anxiety and its impact on avoidant behaviour. We also show that using this transdisciplinary framework to consider state and trait mathematics anxiety separately makes it possible to identify strategies to reduce the negative effects of mathematics anxiety. Implementation of these strategies among particularly vulnerable groups, such as pre-service teachers, could be beneficial.
The Custom (ʿurf) Based Assumptions Regarding Gender Roles and Norms in the Islamic Tradition
Authors: Duderija Adis
Published: July 2016

This article critically examines certain custom ( ʿurf) based assumptions and theories regarding gender roles and norms in Sunni Islamic tradition and law. First the article considers how scholarship should conceptualize Islamic tradition. Next, the processes through which the concept of ʿurf has entered into the Islamic tradition and Islamic law in particular are considered. The ʿurf based assumptions regarding the nature of gender roles and norms in (neo)-traditional Muslim thought are based on what I term a “gender oppositionality” thesis. I argue that the gender oppositionality thesis has strongly influenced the manner in which the Qurʾān and Sunna have been interpreted with respect to gender issues and on the basis of which patriarchal traditional Islamic law (and ethics) have been constructed. In particular, I highlight and problematize the conceptual link between women as “ fitna” (sources of chaos), male honor ( ʿird) and sexual jealousy ( ghairāt) in discourses in (neo-)traditional interpretations of the Islamic tradition. Finally, the article articulates how traditional Qurʾān–Sunna hermeneutics failed to recognize the importance of “comprehensive contextualization” of the Qurʾān–Sunna on the basis of which we can question the validity of gender-oppositionality based interpretations of the Qurʾān and Sunna present in (neo-)traditional discourses that were incorporated into Islamic law through the concept of custom.
Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children With Prenatal Drug Exposure
Authors: Sirnes Eivind , Elgen Irene B. , Chong W. K. , Griffiths Silja T. , Aukland Stein Magnus
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to evaluate cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of children with prenatal drug exposure in a clinical context. A hospital-based cohort of 10- to 14-year-old children, prenatally exposed to alcohol, opioids, and polysubstances, and a group of sex- and age-matched controls were examined with cerebral MRI. Scans obtained from 34 exposed children and 40 controls were scored based on the presence and degree of pathology by an experienced pediatric neuroradiologist blinded to the participants’ background. Overall visual detectable MRI pathology was found in 35% of the exposed children and 33% of the controls (odds ratio = 1.08; 95% confidence interval = 0.36-3.25). No specific imaging pattern following prenatal drug exposure was seen by the means of simple visual analysis of cerebral MRI scans. Although cerebral MRI is feasible, it is probably of limited value in the clinical assessment of children with prenatal drug exposure.
Efficiency in Elementary Education in Urban India
Authors: Purohit Brijesh C.
Published: June 2016

Increasing literacy in the Indian states is possible by increasing enrolments in elementary education. This study explores the latter by primary and upper primary enrolments for 19 major Indian states for the year 2012–2013. Using a non-parametric approach, namely data envelopment analysis (DEA), the results for urban primary and upper primary enrolments indicate that many of the states may be able to improve efficiency of input usage or maximise enrolments more efficiently provided that an adequate infrastructure could be expanded which keeps pace with rising population growths in the states. In rural areas an additional supportive input, namely, electricity supply for villages, may also help in enhancing the objective of increasing elementary education in the states.

JEL Classification: C14, H52
How does competitive tendering and contracting affect satisfaction with municipal health and care services?
Authors: Holum Marthe Liss
Published: July 2016

In this article, an investigation is made into the relationship between competitive tendering and contracting and satisfaction with health and care services in Norwegian municipalities. There is an ongoing public debate concerning privatization and contracting as a way of providing municipal services. Several studies suggest improved productivity, as well as service quality, as a result. Based on public choice and property rights theories, public organizations are argued to be inefficient. Thus far, we have little knowledge about the effects of competitive tendering and contracting on citizens’ evaluations of the services exposed to competitive tendering and contracting. To explore this, data from the Norwegian Citizen Study, covering over 35,000 individuals, are employed. The findings show that citizens and users are more satisfied with health and care services that are subject to competitive tendering and contracting compared to those provided solely by the public sector.

Points for practitioners

The findings of this article encourage the competitive tendering and contracting of health and care services. A positive relationship is found between competitive tendering and contracting and satisfaction with these services. Findings provide support for arguments made in Scandinavian evaluations; the introduction of competition and contracting is argued to increase municipal focus on service quality and increase service-oriented care, and is suggested as representing an improvement in attention to the ‘secondary needs’ of residents. This is especially important for public managers in social-democratic countries where the use of competitive tendering and contracting is still a controversial topic.
Expansion of Women’s Political Participation through Social Movements: The Case of the Red and Yellow Shirts in Thailand
Authors: Buranajaroenkij Duanghathai , Doneys Philippe , Kusakabe Kyoko , Doane Donna L
Published: July 2016

This study examines the political implications of women’s participation in social movements in Thailand. Based on interviews at protest sites and focus group discussions with movement participants as well as interviews with leaders and key informants, the study suggests that political socialization within what is commonly called the color-coded movements has resulted in women acquiring political knowledge and learning about political engagement while being increasingly accepted as competent political actors. Consequently, women have utilized the Red and Yellow Shirt movements to increase their engagement in politics in three different ways. First, women form groups to enhance their political roles and opportunities within the movements. Second, women are expanding their political roles beyond those offered by the color-coded movements by becoming informal representatives, bridging their communities with formal political agents and institutions. Finally, women are increasingly entering into formal politics through the support of their movements.
Opening the Door to Creativity: A Psychosynthesis Approach
Authors: Lombard Catherine Ann , Müller Barbara C. N.
Published: July 2016

Given the great importance of creativity in society, and in health psychology in particular, investigating how creativity can be enhanced is a valuable area of research. Interventions that enable individuals to become more creative vary in their focus from increasing divergent thinking to task reactivation during sleep. This article introduces psychosynthesis psychology as an additional theoretical and therapeutic approach for enhancing creativity through its concept that creativity originates from different levels of the unconscious. We show that the subpersonality model, one of the fundamental psychosynthesis techniques, is an effective intervention for aiding creative expression as it helps people connect to different levels of their unconscious creativity. It is assumed that through the use of this technique, clients are able to release and unblock energies that not only allow them to rebuild their personal identities but also become actively creative in their daily lives. We support this assumption with qualitative findings that include testimonies from eleven clients in The Netherlands who received psychosynthesis counseling. In addition, qualitative data of a case study demonstrates subpersonality integration and its role in helping clients to become more creative in their personal and professional lives. The present article is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of using psychosynthesis to facilitate creativity. The framework of psychosynthesis psychology, its techniques (which include the subpersonality model), and its therapeutic approach are viable methodologies for anyone searching to unblock and activate new creative energy and achieve personal and professional growth.
Urethane anesthesia in acute lower urinary tract studies in the male rat
Authors: van Asselt Els , Choudhary Mahipal , Clavica Francesco , van Mastrigt Ron
Published: July 2016

Urethane is a widely used anesthetic in animal lower urinary tract research. Our objective was to investigate the quality of anesthesia and the correlation between bladder (voiding) contractions, micturition pressure, bladder capacity and urethane dosage and body weight. Urethane was given subcutaneously and/or intraperitoneally (1.0–1.2 g/kg). The bladder was filled with saline and the bladder pressure was recorded continuously. Animals in which the subcutaneous/intraperitoneal ratio was higher needed less urethane. Heavier animals needed less extra urethane. In animals, in which no bladder contractions could be evoked, the total amount of urethane given was similar to that in those that did show contractions. In the animals that did void, the bladder never emptied completely and residual volumes remained. There was no relationship between animal weight or total amount of urethane and mean capacity. Anesthesia lasted up till 14 h, during which bladder (voiding) contractions could be recorded. Considering all results, we conclude that urethane is a well suited anesthetic for acute lower urinary tract physiological research in the intact rat.
The Long-Term Influence of Social Support on Academic Engagement Among Latino Adolescents
Authors: Elsaesser Caitlin , Heath Ryan D. , Kim Jong-Bae , Bouris Alida
Published: July 2016

Latino youth are the fastest growing group of ethnic minority adolescents in the United States, but their educational needs remain underserved. Although research exploring academic engagement has expanded in recent years, the majority of research examining academic engagement among Latino youth has been cross-sectional. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the present investigation used a within-person and between-person analysis to examine the long-term influence of social support from teachers, family, and peers on academic engagement among a nationally representative sample of Latino adolescents. Findings indicated that between-person teacher support and family support were associated with higher academic engagement for all youth. In contrast, within-person teacher support was associated with higher academic engagement, but only for Mexican American youth. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Ostinato rigore: establishing methodological rigour in quantitative research
Authors: Laher Sumaya
Published: July 2016

The last 20 years in South Africa and abroad have evidenced huge changes in the ways in which research is accessed and produced. These changes were facilitated by the rapid developments in technology. Collaborating with researchers across the globe and accessing articles and research can be done at the push of a button and response times are as instantaneous. Conducting and communicating one’s own research are also much easier. This led to a veritable explosion of publishers and journals, some of which are legitimate and others predatory. In this climate, the adage of ‘publish or perish’ has become a lived reality placing increasing pressure on scholars to publish. An unintended consequence of this is the increasing lack of methodological rigour in studies. This article advocates for increasing attention to methodological rigour in quantitative research. In so doing, guidelines and suggestions are provided in terms of elements to be considered within each of the broad aspects of a study, namely, sampling, instrumentation, methods, design, and data analysis. These are drawn from the literature as well as the author’s own experiences in teaching quantitative research methods, supervising postgraduate student research, reviewing articles for local and international journals, as well as experiences of reviewing articles located within the quantitative paradigm as Associate Editor for the South African Journal of Psychology. Ultimately, this article seeks to create awareness among researchers around the necessity for methodologically rigorous research to enhance the quality of outputs. This will have the effect of producing impactful research that can confidently inform policy, practice, and training within the discipline.
What Are Friends for? Friendships and Loneliness Over the Lifespan—From 18 to 79 Years
Authors: Nicolaisen Magnhild , Thorsen Kirsten
Published: June 2016

Preventing and reducing loneliness is crucial to well-being and good health. Social relationships protect people against loneliness. Friendship qualities like intimacy and frequency of contact may vary throughout a person’s lifespan. This study explores aspects of friendship and loneliness among people in different age groups: 18 to 29, 30 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 to 79 years old. Data are from the Norwegian Life Course, Gender and Generations study ( N = 14,725). Young people see their friends most often. The proportion of people without confidant friends is higher among older age groups. However, older age groups report higher levels of satisfaction with their contact with friends. Multivariate regression analyses show that the aspiration for contact with friends is more significant to loneliness than actual contact in all age groups. Dissatisfaction with contact with friends is strongly related to loneliness in all age groups.
A Meta-Analysis of Public Attitudes Toward Ex-Offenders
Authors: Rade Candalyn B. , Desmarais Sarah L. , Mitchell Roger E.
Published: July 2016

Ex-offenders face barriers to community reintegration including negative attitudes held by members of the public. This meta-analysis summarizes the extant research on the correlates of public attitudes toward ex-offenders—namely, public, ex-offender, and community characteristics—and the moderating effects of sexual offense history. A systematic search of four databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, National Criminal Justice Reference Service [NCJRS], and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses) identified 19 records, consisting of 9,355 participants. Results revealed small associations between correlate variables and attitudes, suggesting that people are more similar than different in their attitudes toward ex-offenders. Indeed, only political ideology, interpersonal contact, and sexual offense history emerged as significant correlates. Moderation analyses revealed differences in public attitudes toward ex-offenders based upon the year a record was produced. Findings reveal the need for additional research examining moderators of public attitudes toward ex-offenders and suggest that interventions should explore ways to incorporate interpersonal contact and reduce stigma related to criminal histories.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Victimization Among Incarcerated Men and Women in Spanish Prisons
Authors: Caravaca-Sánchez Francisco , Wolff Nancy
Published: July 2016

Little is known about the prevalence of sexual victimization (SV) in prisons located outside the United States or the relationship between SV and current substance use (SU) among incarcerated persons. This study explores the prevalence of SV inside Spanish prisons and the association between SV and SU experience based on data collected from a sample of inmates aged 18 or older ( N = 2,709) located in eight prisons in the southeast of Spain. The estimated prevalence of SV over a 6-month period was 6.6%, with higher rates for females (12.0%) than men (6.1%). SU while incarcerated and history of childhood SV were significantly correlated with SV inside prison. This evidence suggests the need for integrated SU and trauma treatment, along with strong prevention interventions to reduce the risk of SV among inmates in Spanish prisons.
Contested Spaces
Authors: Wilde Matt
Published: July 2016

Since their launch in 2006, the communal councils have been heralded as a significant step toward the establishment of a radical, participatory democracy in Venezuela. Ethnographic fieldwork carried out in a working-class barrio in Valencia, Venezuela’s third-largest city, shows that local residents perceive and make use of the communal councils in a variety of ways. Older women in particular have become central players in community political life as a result of the reforms, although the burdens they take on arguably reproduce patterns of gendered inequality. Some residents express suspicion of new community leaders, accusing them of corruption, and there are conflicting views of what participatory democracy actually means in practical terms. The communal councils should be understood as contested spaces, the ambiguities and conflicts within them reflecting broader tensions within the Bolivarian project as a whole.

Desde su lanzamiento en 2006, los consejos comunales han sido aclamados como un paso importante hacia el establecimiento de una democracia radical y participativa en Venezuela. Trabajo de campo etnográfico en un vecindario de clase trabajadora en Valencia, la tercera ciudad más grande de Venezuela, demuestra que los residentes locales perciben y hacen uso de los consejos comunitarios de muy diversas maneras. Las mujeres mayores, especialmente, han alcanzado un papel fundamental en la vida política de la comunidad como resultado de las reformas, aunque, podría decirse que las cargas que ellas asumen reproducen los patrones de la desigualdad de género. Algunos residentes tienen desconfianza de los nuevos líderes comunitarios y los acusan de corrupción. También, hay opiniones contrapuestas sobre lo que la democracia participativa en verdad significa en términos prácticos. Los consejos comunales deben entenderse como espacios en disputa y sus ambi-güedades y sus conflictos como reflejos de unas tensiones más amplias dentro del proyecto bolivariano en general.
Experimental investigation on the airflow characteristics of an attachment-based personalized ventilation method
Authors: Wang Yi , Ma Zewei , Zhou Yu , Zhu Huaxin , Huang Yanqiu , Yang Yang
Published: July 2016

An attachment-based personalized ventilation method, different from the traditional personalized ventilation methods in mechanisms, is presented in this study to improve the micro-environment surrounding a human body. To identify the airflow characteristics of this personalized ventilation method, field measurements were performed to examine the air distribution via the airflow fields near the body. Three factors on the airflow fields under the personalized ventilation method were analyzed in this study, including the supplied air velocity, the horizontal distance between the air outlet and the human body, the vertical distance between the air outlet and the head of the man. According to the measurements in this study, the results show that the higher the supplied air velocity, the more easily the air attachment is formed. For a certain horizontal distance and a certain vertical distance, air attachment is formed only when the supplied air velocity is greater than a critical supplied air velocity. That critical supplied air velocity is an increasing function of the horizontal distance. When the horizontal distance reaches 0.3 m and regardless of the value of the supplied air velocity, air attachment cannot be formed. In addition, the critical supplied air velocity decreases with the vertical distance. Based on the field measurements, design parameters of the personalized ventilation method are analyzed to achieve optimization.

Practical application: A novel personalized ventilation method, which is based on air attachment, is introduced in this paper. Such a personalized ventilation method can be applied to the worktable in factory, office, kitchen, and so on. The experimental results indicate that the novel personalized ventilation method can meet the requirements of fresh air in the breathing zone and provide an acceptable thermal comfort for occupants under certain conditions.
Weapons of the poor: Tipping and resistance in precarious times
Authors: Mulinari Paula
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this article is to analyse how tipping practices are given meaning and acted upon by customers and employees. Though the concept of moral economy, the article traces the ideas of rights and entitlement that are embedded in tipping. The findings indicate that customers and workers enjoy tipping. The tension between them arises from customers’ use of the tip as a mediator of individual feeling and workers’ emphasis on the tip as an economic income and on the collective processes of service production. Workers use the practice of pooling tips to reduce the economic risk and the processes of individualisation. These strategies are defined as weapons of the poor as they are developed in circumstances of economical vulnerability. The focus is on 24 in-depth interviews with customers and employees. This article offers new insights into the moral economy of tipping and the ways in which it affects the forms of resistance available to workers.
Geology and shale gas resource potentials in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Jiang Shu , Peng Yongmin , Gao Bo , Zhang Jinchuan , Cai Dongsheng , Xue Gang , Bao Shujing , Xu Zhengyu , Tang Xianglu , Dahdah Nick
Published: July 2016

The organic-rich shales in the Sichuan Basin in China include Pre-Cambrian Sinian to Middle Permian marine shales deposited in passive margin to foreland settings, Upper Permian transitional shales deposited in a coastal swamp setting, and Triassic and Jurassic lacustrine shales deposited in a foreland setting. Regional shale property mapping, analysis of geochemistry, mineralogy and petrophysics based on sample tests, reservoir characterization of potential shale intervals, and recent exploration and production (E&P) results reveal that: Pre-Cambrian to Middle Permian marine shales, especially the Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale, deposited during transgressive systems tract to early highstand systems tract period have significant reservoir storage, high TOC, high maturity, high brittle mineral content and high gas content, and are similar to the Barnett shale in USA to hold a huge amount of shale gas. The coal-associated Upper Permian transitional shales and Triassic to Jurassic lacustrine shales are relatively clay-rich compared to marine shales, but possess some shale gas potential in organic-rich shales. The shale gas resource potentials and emerging production have been confirmed by the reservoir characteristics and test results of recent drilled wells targeting marine, transitional and lacustrine shale gas in the Sichuan Basin.
A two-step approach to planning new facilities towards equal accessibility
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Fahui , Yi Hong
Published: June 2016

A recent advancement in location-allocation modeling proposes a new objective of minimizing inequality of accessibility. Existing work considers the planning problem as either selecting new sites or adjusting facility capacities, separately. This paper develops a two-step hybrid approach to the problem by optimizing both locations and capacities of facilities towards equal accessibility. A genetic algorithm is first employed to find the best locations to site new facilities, and then a quadratic programming method is used to determine the best capacity of each facility within a pre-defined range. The sequence is consistent with many decision-making practices. Results of a series of experiments demonstrate that location optimization reduces inequality in accessibility more significantly than capacity optimization. The two-step optimization method can be applied for sequential allocation decision-makings towards maximum equal accessibility.
Geometrical Factors in the Perception of Sacredness
Authors: Costa Marco , Bonetti Leonardo
Published: June 2016

Geometrical and environmental factors in the perception of sacredness, dominance, and attractiveness were assessed by 137 participants in five tests. In the first test, a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm was used to test the perception of sacredness, dominance, and attractiveness in geometrical figures differing in shape, verticality, size, and symmetry. Verticality, symmetry, and convexity were found to be important factors in the perception of sacredness. In the second test, participants had to mark the point inside geometrical surfaces that was perceived as most sacred, dominant, and attractive. The top and the center areas were associated with sacredness, dominance, and attractiveness. In the third test, peaks and elevated regions in landscapes were evaluated as more sacred, dominant, and attractive than valley regions. In the fourth test, three figures sharing the same area but differing in horizontal and vertical orientation were evaluated on eight scales. The vertical figure was evaluated as more sacred, dominant, and attractive than the horizontal figure. The fifth test demonstrated the significant role of space seclusion and inaccessibility in the perception of sacredness. Geometrical factors in the perception of sacredness, dominance, and attractiveness were largely overlapping.
Writing the Lives of Others: Storytelling and International Politics
Authors: Daigle Megan
Published: July 2016

This article explores practices of writing deployed in an attempt (sometimes futile) to mitigate and interrogate the relationship between researcher and informant across the unequal relations of power, economic disparities, and cultural divides – factors that create a partial and committed position for the author. In the process, and through the lens of an ethnographic study of sexual-affective economies in contemporary Cuba, storytelling emerges as a method and methodology for International Relations that facilitates (re)presentation of interviews that are unstructured, contingent, and difficult. Storytelling as a method and methodology reveals the multiplicity, contingency, and uncertainty of the research process, questioning the incitements to detachment and objectivity on which IR methodologies are built. Thus, narrative writing proves invaluable for expressing how the international acts on bodies (and vice versa), and for relating personal experiences of repression and resistance, joy and pain, in an international frame. Far from a merely stylistic choice, storytelling bears real ethical and political implications – for the research produced and for the individual subjects implicated in its production. Along the way, practices of writing themselves come to the fore, as academic conventions fall away and stories surface. Storytelling itself thus elaborates on the possibilities inherent in more creative, less structured, and more interpretive writing across the field of international politics.
Professional experts and lay knowledge in Vancouver’s accessory apartment rental market
Authors: Mendez Pablo
Published: June 2016

Over the past few decades, many homeowners in North American cities have engaged in the practice of converting under-utilised spaces in their house (such as basements and attics) into self-contained apartments known as accessory dwelling units or secondary suites. Such apartments are then often rented out in order to generate ‘mortgage helper’ revenue. Homeowners-cum-landlords often benefit from professional expertise received from real estate agents and mortgage brokers at the initial stages of entering this private rental housing market. But interviews I conducted in Vancouver with homeowners renting out secondary suites reveal that the ‘lay expertise’ required to navigate ongoing participation in this rental market is often generated by homeowner-landlords themselves. All the same, the interviews also provide evidence that not all homeowner-landlords succeed in developing or acquiring sufficient lay expertise. The production and circulation of this lay knowledge, I conclude, are contingent rather inevitable processes.
Helping Without Caring
Authors: Polletta Francesca , Tufail Zaibu
Published: June 2016

Research on emotional labor has shown that workers who are required to feign emotions are more likely to suffer ill effects than those who are able to deep act their emotions. The authors argue that what may stand between surface and deep acting is workers’ ability to claim the kind of socially valued role that makes their enactment of emotional display rules seem consistent with that role. The authors draw on observations and interviews with workers in the debt settlement industry to show that men who were agents were able to claim that they were educating clients rather than selling to them. This made it possible for them to avoid feeling that they were taking advantage of customers who might have been better off without the service they sold them. Men were able to help clients in a way that did not conflict with their role as salespeople. Women agents, by contrast, were not able to style themselves educators. Instead, clients and employers expected them to adopt a therapeutic role with their clients. However, this role conflicted sharply with the expectation that agents be effective salespeople and forced women agents to feign feelings of care and optimism. Clients, coworkers, and employers, the authors show, shaped workers’ freedom to define their emotional labor in satisfying ways.
The Zoning Map and American City Form
Authors: Moga Steven T.
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates a common mode of visual communication in planning practice, the use of maps to regulate urban development. Holding equal legal status with the text, the zoning map was invented in the early twentieth century as a tool for implementing municipal policy and, although debated, modified, and sometimes repurposed over the past nine decades, it remains standard. Mundane and largely taken for granted, the zoning map itself has aroused little scholarly interest. However, as an image of the city and as a graphic intermediary used in administrative processes, it reveals how planning thought is embedded in planning tools.
The Myth of “Free” Public Education: Impact of School Quality on House Prices in the Fremont Unified School District, California
Authors: Mathur Shishir
Published: June 2016

Using the Fremont Unified School District in Fremont, California, as the study area, this study estimates the impact of school quality on house prices and finds that a one-standard-deviation increase in the quality of elementary, middle, and high schools significantly increases house prices—by 20 percent for an average-priced house. I urge urban planners and policy makers to explicitly recognize the impact of schools on residential segregation, to consider access to high-quality K–12 education when developing plans and policies, to collaborate with school districts to improve educational quality, and to provide incentives for the construction of affordable housing in neighborhoods with high-quality schools.
Bivalirudin for Alternative Anticoagulation in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanfilippo Filippo , Asmussen Sven , Maybauer Dirk M. , Santonocito Cristina , Fraser John F. , Erdoes Gabor , Maybauer Marc O.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers therapeutic options in refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Systemic anticoagulation with heparin is routinely administered. However, in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or heparin resistance, the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin is a valid option and has been increasingly used for ECMO anticoagulation. We aimed at evaluating its safety and its optimal dosing for ECMO.

Methods:

Systematic web-based literature search of PubMed and EMBASE performed via National Health Service Library Evidence and manually, updated until January 30, 2016.

Results:

The search revealed 8 publications relevant to the topic (5 case reports). In total, 58 patients (24 pediatrics) were reported (18 received heparin as control groups). Bivalirudin was used with or without loading dose, followed by infusion at different ranges (lowest 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/h without loading dose; highest 0.5 mg/kg/h after loading dose). The strategies for monitoring anticoagulation and optimal targets were dissimilar (activated partial thromboplastin time 45-60 seconds to 42-88 seconds; activated clotting time 180-200 seconds to 200-220 seconds; thromboelastography in 1 study).

Conclusion:

Bivalirudin loading dose was not always used; infusion range and anticoagulation targets were different. In this systematic review, we discuss the reasons for this variability. Larger studies are needed to establish the optimal approach with the use of bivalirudin for ECMO.
Microsphere-based scaffolds encapsulating chondroitin sulfate or decellularized cartilage
Authors: Gupta Vineet , Tenny Kevin M , Barragan Marilyn , Berkland Cory J , Detamore Michael S
Published: June 2016

Extracellular matrix materials such as decellularized cartilage (DCC) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) may be attractive chondrogenic materials for cartilage regeneration. The goal of the current study was to investigate the effects of encapsulation of DCC and CS in homogeneous microsphere-based scaffolds, and to test the hypothesis that encapsulation of these extracellular matrix materials would induce chondrogenesis of rat bone marrow stromal cells. Four different types of homogeneous scaffolds were fabricated from microspheres of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid): Blank (poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) only; negative control), transforming growth factor-β3 encapsulated (positive control), DCC encapsulated, and CS encapsulated. These scaffolds were then seeded with rat bone marrow stromal cells and cultured for 6 weeks. The DCC and CS encapsulation altered the morphological features of the microspheres, resulting in higher porosities in these groups. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were impacted due to differences in the degree of sintering, with the CS group exhibiting the highest compressive modulus. Biochemical evidence suggested a mitogenic effect of DCC and CS encapsulation on rat bone marrow stromal cells with the matrix synthesis boosted primarily by the inherently present extracellular matrix components. An important finding was that the cell seeded CS and DCC groups at week 6 had up to an order of magnitude higher glycosaminoglycan contents than their acellular counterparts. Gene expression results indicated a suppressive effect of DCC and CS encapsulation on rat bone marrow stromal cell chondrogenesis with differences in gene expression patterns existing between the DCC and CS groups. Overall, DCC and CS were easily included in microsphere-based scaffolds; however, there is a requirement to further refine their concentrations to achieve the differentiation profiles we seek in vitro.
Optimal Distribution and Utilization of Donated Human Breast Milk
Authors: Simpson Judith H. , McKerracher Lorna , Cooper Andrew , Barnett Debbie , Gentles Emma , Cairns Lorraine , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: July 2016

Background:

The nutritional content of donated expressed breast milk (DEBM) is variable. Using DEBM to provide for the energy requirements of neonates is challenging.

Objective:

The authors hypothesized that a system of DEBM energy content categorization and distribution would improve energy intake from DEBM.

Methods:

We compared infants’ actual cumulative energy intake with projected energy intake, had they been fed using our proposed system. Eighty-five milk samples were ranked by energy content. The bottom, middle, and top tertiles were classified as red, amber, and green energy content categories, respectively. Data on 378 feeding days from 20 babies who received this milk were analyzed. Total daily intake of DEBM was calculated in mL/kg/day and similarly ranked. Infants received red energy content milk, with DEBM intake in the bottom daily volume intake tertile; amber energy content milk, with intake in the middle daily volume intake tertile; and green energy content milk when intake reached the top daily volume intake tertile.

Results:

Actual median cumulative energy intake from DEBM was 1612 (range, 15-11 182) kcal. Using DEBM with the minimum energy content from the 3 DEBM energy content categories, median projected cumulative intake was 1670 (range 13-11 077) kcal, which was not statistically significant ( P = .418). Statistical significance was achieved using DEBM with the median and maximum energy content from each energy content category, giving median projected cumulative intakes of 1859 kcal ( P = .0006) and 2280 kcal ( P = .0001), respectively.

Conclusion:

Cumulative energy intake from DEBM can be improved by categorizing and distributing milk according to energy content.
Spectral analysis of surface roughness and form profile of a machined surface after low pressure lapping
Authors: Li Zhuolin , Chan CY , Lee WB , Fu Yuegang
Published: July 2016

The optical performance of lens machined by single-point diamond ultra-precision turning can be affected by both form errors and surface roughness. The former can be characterized by the spectra of lower spatial frequencies of surface variations while the latter by much higher spatial frequencies. Fast Fourier transform method is used to analyze the surface profile and to decompose the surface features in terms of relative spatial frequencies (or periods). Most of the conventional post-machining lapping processes are aimed at improving the surface finish mainly, and the form accuracy would very likely be tempered. A lapping process with very low lapping pressure is used to study the relationship between the various spatial frequency groups with various lapping process parameters. The preferred spectral group is found to change with lapping time. As the lapping time is increased beyond a certain point, the spatial period of the preferred spectral group shifts to a lower spatial frequency region. Thus, it is possible to improve the surface finish while maintaining the form accuracy. The study would have important implications in the lapping of aspheric or freeform surfaces.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia mimicking hematologic systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Moura C A , Santiago M , Neto J , Gomes de Souza V H , Moura C Geraldo
Published: July 2016

The relationship between primary hematologic disease and rheumatologic manifestations is well known, especially acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphomas, plasma cell dyscrasias and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Currently, more has been described about autoimmune manifestations in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Many different clinical scenarios may lead a patient with MDS/CMML initially to seek a rheumatological unit. Autoimmune features such as polymyalgia rheumatic symptoms, myositis, neutrophilic dermatosis, cutaneous vasculitis and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are some examples of clinical presentation of MDS/CMML. Moreover, peripheral cytopenias are a common initial presentation both for systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and MDS/CMML. The aim of this study was to describe a case of an elderly woman with thrombocytopenia and positivity of antibodies to anti-extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) as initial manifestation of CMML mimicking SLE, and to present some clues that encourage the clinician to perform a bone marrow study in such a clinical scenario.
Moral sensitivity, moral distress, and moral courage among baccalaureate Filipino nursing students
Authors: Escolar-Chua Rowena L
Published: July 2016

Background:

Moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage among healthcare professionals have been explored considerably in recent years. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring these topics among baccalaureate nursing students.

Aim/objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between and among moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students.

Research design:

The research employed a descriptive-correlational design to explore the relationships between and among moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage of undergraduate nursing students.

Participants and research context:

A total of 293 baccalaureate Filipino nursing students who have been exposed to various clinical areas participated in the study.

Ethical considerations:

Institutional review board approval was sought prior to the conduct of the study. Self-determination was assured and anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed to all participants.

Findings:

Results indicate that a majority of the nursing students in the clinical areas encounter morally distressing situations that compromise quality patient care. However, despite the fact that they want to do what is in the best interest of their patients, their perception of being the inexperienced among the healthcare team drives the majority of them to ignore morally distressing situations to avoid conflict and confrontation. Another interesting finding is that 79.20% of the respondents hardly consider quitting the nursing profession even if they frequently encounter morally distressing situations. Analysis also shows associations between moral distress intensity and frequency ( r = 0.13, p < 0.05) and moral distress intensity and moral sensitivity ( r = 0.25, p < 0.05). The dimensions of moral courage are also related to both moral distress and moral sensitivity.

Conclusion:

Results of the study imply that moral distress is a reality among all healthcare professionals including nursing students and requires more consideration by nurse educators.
Corrupt Peace? Corruption and Ethnic Divides in Post-war Sri Lanka
Authors: Orjuela Camilla , Herath Dhammika , Lindberg Jonas
Published: July 2016

It is widely recognized that corruption risks undermining state legitimacy, diminishing trust and reducing resources for reconstruction in the aftermath of war. This article aims to advance the understanding of corruption in post-war societies by examining how local experiences of corruption relate to ethnic and other divides in Sri Lanka, where a 26-year war was fought largely along ethnic lines. The article builds on 170 interviews carried out in 2009–2013, focusing on how ‘ordinary people’ perceive corruption and ethnic divides after the war. The article argues that ethnic grievances have less to do with local inter-ethnic relations than with relations between the state and minority groups. We find that state–citizen relations in the post-war period to a large extent have been shaped by practices and discourses of corruption. Although corrupt practices—or practices perceived to be corrupt—are prevalent in all parts of the country and affect all groups, they are often interpreted as instances of ethnic discrimination. However, it is not only ethnic identity that matters in relations between citizens and the (corrupt) state, but also socio-economic position, level of education, language skills, gender and social networks.