bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of US foreign policy in multilateral development banks
Authors: Braaten Daniel B
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study is to identify and explain recent US human rights policy in the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Foreign aid, whether distributed directly (bilateral aid) or indirectly through multilateral institutions such as the MDBs, is one of several tools through which the USA furthers its human rights policy. Several studies show the conflicted human rights policies the USA pursues with bilateral aid, but very few examine the role of human rights in US multilateral aid policy. It is this deficit that the present study addresses by examining what factors determine how the USA votes on proposals before the Executive Board in the various MDBs. Using a multinomial logistic regression model I test whether US votes in the MDBs are conditioned on recipient countries’ respect for human rights along with other strategic interest variables. The study finds that respect for political rights has an important role in determining US votes in the MDBs although much of the impact is accounted for by votes specifically against China. Conversely, respect for rights of personal integrity do not have an impact on US voting. Level of economic development and whether the country receives military aid from the USA are also important determinants of US votes, as well as the level of trade between the USA and the recipient country.
Appartenances en fête : entre l’ordinaire et le spectaculaire
Authors: Salzbrunn Monika
Published: May 2014

While regular religious practice is decreasing and the major religious groups are losing formally registered members, a ‘spectacularization’ of religious belonging can be observed over the last two decades. The author presents two examples to support this argument. In the first, the transnational network of the Murids, a Sufi brotherhood, has tried to reinforce the relations between its members, which become fragile during migration. The brotherhood occupies a public space in Harlem, and, to a lesser extent, in Paris, in a spectacularization of religious belonging, in order to remain attractive to migrants. The second example deals with the pilgrimage dedicated to African Saints in the Swiss town of Saint Maurice. This event was invented by the missionary service of the Swiss Catholic Church in order to attract African migrants, but also in order to make ordinary religious practice more appealing. The event takes place at the same time as the Ugandan pilgrimage of Namugongo, which assembles more than half a million people. However, are these ‘event communities’ sustainable or ephemeral?
The Karel Dobbelaere lecture: From the study of religions to the study of meaning systems
Authors: Dobbelaere Karel
Published: May 2014

Tracing the changes in the objectives and the projects of the members of our association, the purpose of this lecture is not to retain a nostalgia for the past but to propose new types of research in line with our history. Even if we may rejoice in the work done – the extension of the religious field studied, the development of paradigms, the use of a more sophisticated methodology and the internationalization of our work – an important research theme is missing. We need to study other meaning systems than those elaborated by religions, since in different parts of the world the impact of religion is declining on the societal and individual levels. Are people searching for meaning in their life? What are their sources of meaning? How should we study methodologically the present search for meaning?
Cross-Cultural and Cognitive-Affective Models of Suicide Risk
Authors: Klibert Jeffrey , Barefoot K. Nikki , Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer , Warren Jacob C. , Smalley K. Bryant
Published: May 2014

Only a handful of empirical investigations have identified culturally salient markers of suicide risk within samples of African American young adults. To address this gap, our study examined the intercorrelations among cultural congruity, defectiveness schemas, and multiple indices of suicide risk for African American ( n = 207) and European American ( n = 208) students attending a primary White institution. Cultural congruity was negatively associated with reports of interpersonal and behavioral suicide risk for both African and European American students. However, ethnic differences in the magnitude of these relationships emerged. Specifically, as predicted, for African Americans, lower levels of cultural congruity were more strongly related to greater interpersonal factors associated with a desire to die. Finally, the relationships between cultural congruity and multiple indices of suicide risk were partially mediated by defectiveness schemas for both African and European American students, suggesting a useful intervention target for students. These results also have implications for suicide screening, prevention, and intervention strategies directed toward African American students.
Spatial Access to Faith-based Diabetes Intervention for Guyanese Adults in Schenectady, New York
Authors: Hosler Akiko S. , Michaels Isaac H.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether travel distance would pose a barrier to participation in proposed diabetes intervention programs for Guyanese immigrants at faith-based organizations (FBOs). This study also suggests the most collectively accessible set of FBOs that could serve as intervention sites.

Methods

Data were extracted from a cross-sectional health interview survey conducted in Schenectady, New York, in 2011. The shortest driving distances from homes to FBOs and to the city’s only diabetes education center (DEC) were analyzed among Guyanese and non-Guyanese adults with diabetes and prediabetes (n = 238), using spatial algorithms and Geographic Information System resources.

Results

The Guyanese were more likely to belong to a FBO than the non-Guyanese (77.8% vs 61.2%). The mean driving distance to FBO was 1.19 miles (95% CI, 0.98-1.39) for the Guyanese, which was significantly shorter than that for the non-Guyanese (2.87 miles, 95% CI, 1.93-3.82). The Guyanese had uniformly shorter mean and median driving distances in all sociodemographic and health status subcategories as well. Moreover, a higher percentage of the Guyanese lived closer to FBO than to DEC compared to non-Guyanese (52.2% vs 34.7%). It was found that having diabetes intervention at the 4 most popular FBOs (2 Hindu temples and 2 Christian churches) and DEC would provide the most collectively accessible arrangement for the Guyanese.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the short driving distance to FBO is a likely enabler that can encourage regular utilization of the faith-based intervention for the Guyanese.
Longitudinal models of socio-economic status
Authors: Azad Gazi , Blacher Jan , Marcoulides George
Published: May 2014

Parenting research is frequently conducted without a thorough examination of socio-economic characteristics. In this study, longitudinal observations of positive parenting were conducted across six time points. Participants were 219 mothers of children with and without developmental delays. Mothers’ positive parenting increased during early and middle childhood in children with and without developmental delays. Mothers who reported more education had significantly higher levels of positive parenting when their children were 3 years old. Mothers who reported more family income grew at a significantly faster rate in positive parenting. There was preliminary support that mothers with more income were more likely to be members of a class that started off and remained at a higher level of positive parenting over time. Implications are discussed.
Canadian portrait of changes in family structure and preschool children’s behavioral outcomes
Authors: Gosselin Julie , Romano Elisa , Bell Tessa , Babchishin Lyzon , Buhs Isabelle Hudon-ven der , Gagné Annie , Gosselin Natasha
Published: May 2014

Whereas US-based data have contributed to our understanding of family composition changes over the last decades, data on Canadian families are limited, and previous studies have stressed the need for in depth, longitudinal investigations. This article begins to fill this gap in the literature by providing a current and detailed portrait of family composition changes from 1996 to 2008 (Study 1). Additionally, we performed an analysis of the role of specific child, parent and family characteristics, in interaction with family composition and family transition, in predicting pre-school children’s behavioral outcomes (Study 2). Using nationally-representative Canadian data collected from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), we focus our inquiry on a mean sample for 0–5-year-olds of 2,866 children at cycle 8 (2008). Results show increases in non-traditional family households over time, as well as significant relationships between child characteristics, household characteristics, and family processes in predicting three behavioral outcomes: emotional problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and physical aggression.
The religious origins of class coalitions: Elite participation in religiously motivated peasant rebellions in Mexico, Zimbabwe, and India
Authors: Banerjee Vasabjit
Published: May 2014

This article explains why elite classes participate in religiously motivated peasant rebellions. This question is important because, although elite resources are required to overcome collective action barriers, extant research ignores why elites collaborate in religiously motivated peasant rebellions. The article compares the Moplah Rebellion in colonial India, the Cristero Rebellion in revolutionary Mexico, and the Chimurenga Rebellion in white-controlled Zimbabwe to test three common explanations for elite participation: low inequality between elites and peasants; moderate political repression or opportunity; and shared religious organizations with the peasantry. The findings demonstrate that elite cooperation is critically contingent on shared religion because it creates cross-class ideologies and lowers the costs of participation by elites. However, the effects of inequality of wealth and political opportunities are inconclusive. By doing so, the article introduces a theory of elite participation that can be tested and refined to understand ongoing religiously motivated rebellions in agrarian societies as disparate as Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
Intraclass Correlations and Covariate Outcome Correlations for Planning Two- and Three-Level Cluster-Randomized Experiments in Education
Authors: Hedges Larry V. , Hedberg E. C.
Published: May 2014

Background:

Cluster-randomized experiments that assign intact groups such as schools or school districts to treatment conditions are increasingly common in educational research. Such experiments are inherently multilevel designs whose sensitivity (statistical power and precision of estimates) depends on the variance decomposition across levels. This variance decomposition is usually summarized by the intraclass correlation (ICC) structure and, if covariates are used, the effectiveness of the covariates in explaining variation at each level of the design.

Objectives:

This article provides a compilation of school- and district-level ICC values of academic achievement and related covariate effectiveness based on state longitudinal data systems. These values are designed to be used for planning group-randomized experiments in education. The use of these values to compute statistical power and plan two- and three-level group-randomized experiments is illustrated.

Research Design:

We fit several hierarchical linear models to state data by grade and subject to estimate ICCs and covariate effectiveness. The total sample size is over 4.8 million students. We then compare our average of state estimates with the national work by Hedges and Hedberg.
Learning Progression in the Use of Sialendoscopy for Sialolithiasis: Effect on Gland Preservation
Authors: Modest Mara C. , Galinat Lauren , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Curry Joseph M. , Rosen David , Cognetti David M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Evaluate how learning progression affects outcomes for the use of sialendoscopy for sialolithiasis.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 81 patients presenting with sialolithiasis between 2008 and 2012 who underwent surgical intervention on 85 salivary glands. Outcomes compared between the first 43 and subsequent 42 consecutive glands included successful removal, surgical method, and need for further intervention.

Results

For the first 43 patients (group A), mean age was 47.3 years (range, 15‐77), and 44.2% were male. For the second 38 patients (group B), mean age was 49.9 (range, 23‐76), and 50% were male. Mean stone size was similar in both groups; 8.3 versus 7.6 mm, respectively. In cases of stone visualization and removal, complete removal without gland excision was accomplished in 78.4% of cases in group A versus 94.3% in group B (P =. 04). Endoscopic removal occurred in 24.3% of patients in group A, versus 45.8% in group B. A combined approach was used in 54.1% of patients in group A versus 48.6% in group B. In group A, 18.9% underwent gland removal as part of initial intervention versus 0% in group B (P =. 007). Overall gland preservation was 81.4% in group A versus 97.6% in group B (P =. 015).

Conclusion

This study documents the effect of learning curve on sialendoscopy for the management of sialolithiasis. With experience, the success of sialendoscopy increases with a significant decrease in the number of gland excisions.
Pathological Review of Turbinate Tissue from Functional Nasal Surgery: Incurring Costs without Adding Quality
Authors: Rajasekaran Karthik , Haffey Timothy , Halderman Ashleigh , Hoschar Aaron P. , Sindwani Raj
Published: May 2014

Objective

Inferior turbinate surgery for nasal obstruction can be performed in a variety of ways. Only a few of these methods produce tissue that can be sent for pathologic analysis. According to the College of American Pathologists, turbinate tissues are not exempt from requisite pathologic evaluation. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical value and cost implications of routine pathological examination of turbinate specimens.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Charts of patients who underwent an inferior turbinate procedure for nasal obstruction between January 2008 and August 2011 were reviewed.

Results

Thirteen hundred consecutive cases from 17 surgeons were identified. Among these patients, 223 (17%) underwent an isolated turbinate reduction procedure and 779 (59%) underwent a reduction procedure in conjunction with a septoplasty. The remaining patients had a turbinate procedure in addition to another head and neck procedure. Only 591 (45%) turbinate reduction procedures were performed by methods that were tissue producing, and of these, 137 (23%) were sent for pathologic analysis. All submitted specimens received a gross examination and 123 (90%) also underwent histologic analysis. No abnormalities were reported.

Conclusion

At our institution, most surgeons did not submit turbinate tissues for pathologic examination even when a specimen was produced. Of the specimens sent, no abnormal pathologic results were identified. Our results suggest that routine pathologic evaluation of inferior turbinate specimens may not contribute to patient care and perhaps represents an unnecessary cost.
Structural gray matter abnormalities in migraine relate to headache lateralization, but not aura
Authors: Hougaard Anders , Amin Faisal M , Hoffmann Michael B , Larsson Henrik BW , Magon Stefano , Sprenger Till , Ashina Messoud
Published: May 2014

Background

The hallmark of migraine aura (MA) is transient cortical dysfunction but it is not known if MA is associated with structural cortical or subcortical changes. To determine the relation between MA and structural gray matter abnormalities, we studied a unique sample of 20 patients with frequent side-locked MA, i.e. visual aura consistently occurring in the same hemifield.

Methods

We applied a highly sensitive within-patient design to assess anatomical differences with both voxel-based morphometry and surface-based morphometry on a whole-hemisphere level and for specific anatomical regions of interest. Within-subject comparisons were made with regard to aura symptoms ( N = 20 vs 20) and with regard to headache ( N = 13 vs 13).

Results

We found no differences in gray matter structure with regard to aura symptoms in MA patients. Comparing the typical migraine headache side of the patients to the contralateral side revealed a difference in cortical thickness in the inferior frontal gyrus (mean difference 0.12 mm, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

MA per se is associated with abnormal function but not with lateralized abnormalities of gray matter structure. Alteration of the inferior frontal cortex suggests structural reorganization of pain inhibitory circuits in response to the repeated intense nociceptive input due to the headache attacks.
Effect of Postoperative Passive Motion on Rotator Cuff Reconstruction With Acellular Dermal Matrix Grafts in a Rat Model
Authors: Uezono Keiji , Ide Junji , Tokunaga Takuya , Arimura Hitoshi , Sakamoto Hidetoshi , Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Background:

Although postoperative rehabilitation is critical for rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing and shoulder function recovery, no standardized protocol has been established.

Hypothesis:

Postoperative immediate passive motion is detrimental to tendon-to-bone remodeling and tendon maturation after rotator cuff acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafting, although postoperative delayed passive motion does no harm.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent rotator cuff reconstruction with ADM grafts. Their shoulders were immobilized for 2 weeks thereafter. The rats were assigned to 3 different rehabilitation protocols: (1) immobilization without passive motion (nonpassive motion [N-PM], controls), (2) immobilization with immediate passive motion (I-PM), and (3) immobilization with delayed passive motion (D-PM). Specimens obtained 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively were analyzed histologically, and semiquantitative histomorphological measurements of collagen organization, vascularity, and cellularity were obtained; the area of interest was divided into 2 zones, the midsubstance of the graft and the graft-bone interface. Another set of samples taken at 12 weeks was subjected to biomechanical analysis.

Results:

At 2 weeks, there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of semiquantitative histomorphological measurements of collagen organization, vascularity, and cellularity. At 6 weeks, collagen organization at the insertion site was significantly poorer in I-PM than in N-PM and D-PM rats ( P = .0095). At 12 weeks, collagen organization at the insertion site and midsubstance of ADM grafts was also significantly poorer in I-PM rats ( P = .0125 and P = .0018, respectively), and ultimate load-to-failure was lower in this group ( P = .0043).

Conclusion:

While postoperative immediate passive motion was detrimental to remodeled tendon-to-bone healing and to the tendon maturation of ADM grafts placed in the rotator cuff tendon defects, delayed passive motion did no harm.

Clinical Relevance:

For patients with 6-week immobilization after rotator cuff reconstruction, we recommend that early passive motion be started no sooner than 3 weeks after surgery. Immediate early passive motion should be avoided.
Critically evaluating collaborative research: Why is it difficult to extend truth tests to reality tests?
Authors: Smith Simon , Ward Vicky , Kabele Jiří
Published: May 2014

We argue that critical evaluation achieves the reflexivity needed to facilitate collaboration by proposing boundary-negotiating artefacts to configure a joint action domain. Those objects become mediators for innovation by triggering controversies, conceived preventatively via an organized extension of what Boltanski calls ‘truth tests’ to ‘reality tests’ so that they dynamize ongoing affairs. However, critical evaluation must also anticipate actors’ reappropriation of boundary-negotiating artefacts in the effort to protect their rights, stakes or room for manoeuvre. Three scenarios commonly arise: avoidance or utopian projecting, enactment of inverted reality tests, and disavowal through role exchange. The article develops these propositions through the reconstruction of a modified theory-based evaluation of a collaborative research programme. The programme set out to explore how evidence from health research could be used rapidly and effectively in the context of practical problems and organizational challenges, so an internal evaluation was set up to facilitate learning during the process. What ensued, however, was a loss of trust between partners, resolved only by repositioning the evaluation as a reflective academic study, reducing its reflexive capacity to intervene on the level of activity and organizational integration. We conclude that doing successful critical evaluation and, more generally, achieving political pertinence for social scientific discourses depends on creating the conditions in which actors are able to take the risks and share the costs associated with the enhanced level of reflexivity necessary to engage in collective action as well as knowledge production.
Validity of the Internet Addiction Test for Adolescents and Older Children (IAT-A)
Authors: Teo Timothy , Kam Chester
Published: May 2014

Following the call to ensure the validity of instruments used to assess users’ level of Internet usage, this study examined the factor structure of the Internet Addiction Test–Adolescence version (IAT-A) when applied to a sample of young children in a multicultural society and assessed whether the items in the IAT-A were invariant by gender and, if the factor mean scores were significantly different by gender. IAT-A is a revised version from the original IAT, with very minor changes in item wordings for the use of adolescence and older children population. A total of 325 primary and secondary students (140 males and 185 females) participated in this study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses generated three factors (Loss of Control, Dereliction of Duty, and Excessive Use), all of which were subsumed under a second-order factor of overall Internet addiction. The results also revealed that the factor loadings of IAT-A were invariant by gender and although males had higher factor mean scores than females, these were very small. Future studies to enhance the usability of the IAT and IAT-A are discussed.
Relevant Areas of Functioning in Children With Cerebral Palsy Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Coding System
Authors: Schiariti Veronica , Mâsse Louise C.
Published: May 2014

In the context of the development of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy, an evidence-based methodology was implemented to select the most relevant categories out of the entire classification. The aim of this study was to describe the contribution of the clinical perspective to select categories of functioning in children and youth with cerebral palsy. We conducted a chart review of clinical assessments of children and youth with cerebral palsy aged 0 to 18 years in a tertiary level center. In total, 129 International Classification of Functioning categories were covered in clinical encounters: representing 19% body structures, 33% body functions, 37% activity and participation, and 11% environmental factors. Our findings can guide clinical assessments and goal-setting of this population. This important perspective will inform the development of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy.
Trauma, Gender, and Mental Health Symptoms in Individuals With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Keyser-Marcus Lori , Alvanzo Anika , Rieckmann Traci , Thacker Leroy , Sepulveda Allison , Forcehimes Alyssa , Islam Leila Z. , Leisey Monica , Stitzer Maxine , Svikis Dace S.
Published: May 2014

Individuals with substance use disorders are often plagued by psychiatric comorbidities and histories of physical and/or sexual trauma. Males and females, although different in their rates of expressed trauma and psychiatric symptomatology, experience comparable adverse consequences, including poorer substance abuse treatment outcomes, diminished psychosocial functioning, and severe employment problems. The goal of the current study was to examine the relationships between trauma history, lifetime endorsement of psychiatric symptoms, and gender in a sample of individuals participating in outpatient substance abuse treatment. Study participants ( N = 625) from six psychosocial counseling and five methadone maintenance programs were recruited as part of a larger study conducted through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (NIDA CTN). Study measures included lifetime trauma experience (yes/no), type of trauma experienced (sexual, physical, both), lifetime depression/anxiety, and lifetime suicidal thoughts/attempts (as measured by the Addiction Severity Index–Lite [ ASI-Lite]). Lifetime endorsement of psychiatric symptoms was compared between individuals with and without trauma history. The role of gender was also examined. Results indicated that the experience of trauma was associated with an increase in lifetime report of psychiatric symptoms. Experience of physical and combined physical and sexual trauma consistently predicted positive report of psychiatric symptoms in both males and females, even when controlling for demographic and treatment-related variables. Employment outcomes, however, were not predicted by self-reported history of lifetime trauma.
The Peril of Order? IPV, Injury, and Order in Mongolian Families
Authors: Emery Clifton R. , Wu Shali , Tsolmon Odgerel
Published: May 2014

Despite its consistent and latent appearance in feminist accounts of intimate partner violence (IPV), the characterization of IPV as an elaborately ordered relationship whose norms are backed up by force is notably absent from the empirical IPV literature. Drawing on Emery’s typology of IPV, we hypothesized a curvilinear relationship between order and IPV injury. We developed a measure of relationship order and implemented it in a representative, randomly selected cluster sample of 250 families from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Controlling for the severity of the IPV, higher levels of order, but not lower levels, are associated with higher numbers of reported IPV injuries. Theoretical and practical implications of order as a risk factor are discussed.
“Same-Sex Relationship in a Straight World”
Authors: Kubicek Katrina , McNeeley Miles , Collins Shardae
Published: May 2014

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) continue to experience higher rates of HIV infection than other populations. Recently, there have been recommendations to consider HIV prevention at the dyadic or couple level. Using a dyadic approach to HIV prevention would also address an unaddressed concern related to intimate partner violence (IPV) among YMSM. Although research on IPV among YMSM is still in its infancy, great strides have been made in the past 10 years to describe the prevalence and related correlates of IPV within older adult same-sex relationships. These studies have found rates of IPV among MSM to be similar to rates among heterosexual women, and to be on the rise. The present study is designed to provide insight into how power is conceptualized within YMSM relationships and the role it may play in relationship challenges. This study draws from qualitative data collected from 11 focus groups with 86 YMSM and 26 individual semi-structured interviews to understand relationship challenges and the experiences of YMSM involved in partner violence. YMSM described relationship power as stemming from numerous sources including sexual positioning, gender roles, education, income, prior relationship experiences, and internalized homophobia. The findings have a number of implications for service providers and program design. Interventionists and other researchers need to consider power dynamics and other contextual elements of IPV before effective interventions can be developed for YMSM and other sexual minority populations.
Racial Disparities in Age at Time of Homicide Victimization
Authors: Lo Celia C. , Howell Rebecca J. , Cheng Tyrone C.
Published: May 2014

This study sought the factors associated with race/ethnicity disparities in the age at which homicide deaths tend to occur. We used the multiple disadvantage model to take race into account as we evaluated associations between age at time of homicide victimization and several social structural, mental health−related, and lifestyle factors. Data were derived from the 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey, a cross-sectional interview study of spouses, next of kin, other relatives, and close friends of individuals 15 years and older who died in the United States in 1993. Our results showed age at time of homicide mortality to be related to the three types of factors; race moderated some of these relationships. In general, being employed, married, and a homeowner appeared associated with reduced victimization while young. The relationship of victimization age and employment was not uniform across racial groups, nor was the relationship of victimization age and marital status uniform across groups. Among Blacks, using mental health services was associated with longer life. Homicide by firearm proved important for our Black and Hispanic subsamples, while among Whites, alcohol’s involvement in homicide exerted significant effects. Our results suggest that programs and policies serving the various racial/ethnic groups can alleviate multiple disadvantages relevant in homicide victimization at an early age.
Religion and Modernity
Authors: Sharabi Asaf
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the concept of zikui harabim (granting merit to the many) and attempts to show how it motivates and animates the religious renewal movements in Judaism (the teshuvah movements). I argue that zikui harabim is produced by “cycles of teshuva” in which the “repentant” person engages in facilitating the “return” of others to religious practice, even before he or she has undertaken the rigorous observance of religious commandments. I suggest that calculating rationality, often considered one of the hallmarks of modernity, is manifest in the teshuvah movement, as many teshuvah clients and entrepreneurs regard commandments, implicitly and explicitly, as a kind of currency they can amass for their own benefit. By so doing, I demonstrate how zikui harabim embeds a modern-capitalist logic, thereby showing how modernity manifests itself in religious revivalism.
Prevalence of Social Isolation in Community-Dwelling Elderly by Differences in Household Composition and Related Factors
Authors: Shimada Kyoko , Yamazaki Sachiko , Nakano Kyoko , Ngoma Alain Mayindu , Takahashi Ryutaro , Yasumura Seiji
Published: May 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of social isolation in community-dwelling elderly and related factors based on household composition differences. Method: We used the six-item Lubben Social Network Scale to measure social isolation in 2,000 individuals. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors related to social isolation with household composition after adjusting for gender and age. Results: The prevalence of social isolation was 31.0% for elderly living alone and 24.1% for those living with family. For both, poor mental health and lack of social support from nonfamily members were associated with social isolation risk. For elderly living with family, low intellectual activities and poor health practice were associated with social isolation risk. Discussion: This study showed high prevalence of social isolation. For prevention, promoting mental health and encouraging them to make friends may be important. For elderly living with family, promoting intellectual activities and good health practice is recommended.
Experimental investigation to study the effect of electrostatic micro-solid lubricant–coated carbide tools on machinability parameters in turning
Authors: Paturi Uma Maheshwera Reddy , Narala Suresh Kumar Reddy
Published: May 2014

Conventional metal cutting processes involve massive consumption of energy where the specific cutting energy is usually high. A major division of this energy is converted into heat, which creates detrimental effects on cutting tool wear, surface quality of machined workmaterial and dimensional accuracy. Although cutting fluids are effective to coerce this energy transfer, the growing challenge to deal with the environmental and health aspects stood by coolant machining is imposing manufacturers to limit the usage of cutting fluids in current metal cutting practice. This research work introduces a new cutting tool, namely, electrostatic micro-solid lubricant–coated carbide tool with molybdenum disulfide as a solid lubricant. To exploit efficacies of newly developed electrostatic micro-solid lubricant–coated cutting tools in comparison with the uncoated cutting tools in machining processes, cutting forces, tool wear, chip formation and surface finish of machined workmaterial have been practically investigated. The results revealed that electrostatic micro-solid lubricant–coated tools performed much better as compared with that of machining with uncoated tools, and the adeptness of the electrostatic micro-solid lubricant–coated tools can make a potential alternative with additional benefits of being able to accomplish sustainable machining.
Experimental study on single grit grinding of Inconel 718
Authors: Öpöz Tahsin T , Chen Xun
Published: May 2014

This article presents an important investigation of material removal mechanism in grinding utilizing single grit scratch tests. The investigation helps people to understand the abrasive cutting behaviour when the abrasive cutting edge shape alters during single grit grinding. The results provide fundamental knowledge of the grinding material removal process, which helps to improve grinding performance and quality. Cubic boron nitride grits of 40/50 mesh size were used to perform scratch tests on the alloy Inconel 718. The concepts of material pile-up ratio and actual material removal area were introduced to measure the material removal efficiency during grinding. It is found that pile-up ratio decreases and actual material removal area increases when the depth of cut increases, albeit the material removal mechanism is highly dependent on the abrasive grit cutting edge shape. The material removal mechanism along the scratch length shows different behaviours at the entrance and exit sides of the scratching passes. When a grit was moving along its scratch path, it pushed material forward resulting in high material accumulation at the exit side of the scratches. Consequently, cutting is more prominent at the entrance side of the scratch, whereas ploughing or pile-up is extremely high at the exit side of the scratches. The research finding provides crucial information for grinding process optimization.
Experimental study on surface roughness and vibration of workpiece in boring of AISI 1040 steels
Authors: Rao K Venkata , Murthy BSN , Mohan Rao N
Published: May 2014

In modern manufacturing system, tool condition is one of the important factors which affects the machining under various cutting conditions, and the tool has to be replaced when it was worn out. The objective of this work is to estimate the effect of various input cutting parameters on tool life in boring of steel (AISI 1040) by finding the roughness on machined surface and amplitude of workpiece vibration. The input parameters used are cutting speed, feed rate and tool nose radius. According to design of experiments, 18 experiments were conducted on computer numerical control lathe by changing cutting parameters. Most of the researchers have used accelerometers to measure vibration of cutting tool in machining process. In this work, a new attempt was made with laser Doppler vibrometer for online data acquisition of workpiece vibration, and a high-speed fast Fourier transform analyzer was used to process the acousto-optic emission signals obtained from laser Doppler vibrometer. It was found that it is easy to measure vibration of workpiece in less time with laser Doppler vibrometer. The data were analyzed with Taguchi and analysis of variance for a significant parameter. Contribution of individual cutting parameters on surface roughness and amplitude of workpiece vibration is calculated with the analysis of variance.
Analysis of continuously variable transmission for flywheel energy storage systems in vehicular application
Authors: Dhand Aditya , Pullen Keith
Published: May 2014

Energy storage devices are an essential part of hybrid and electric vehicles. The most commonly used ones are batteries, ultra capacitors and high speed flywheels. Among these, the flywheel is the only device that keeps the energy stored in the same form as the moving vehicle, i.e. mechanical energy. In order to connect the flywheel with the vehicle drive line, a suitable means is needed which would allow the flywheel to vary its speed continuously, in other words a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is needed. To improve the efficiency and speed ratio range of the variators, a power spilt CVT (PSCVT) can be employed. This paper discusses the kinematics of PSCVT used to connect the flywheel to the driveline. A methodology describing the characteristic equations of speed ratio, power flow and efficiency of the PSCVT for various types including power recirculating and multi regime in both directions of power flow has been presented. An example of a PSCVT for a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) is computed using the derived equations and the results compared.
Nonlinear elasto-plastic analysis of a sandwich cylindrical shell with core plasticity included
Authors: Kargarnovin Mohammad H , Shokrollahi Hassan
Published: May 2014

In this paper, static response of a sandwich cylindrical shell under elasto-plastic deformation is investigated. The faces are made of some isotropic materials and the core is made of an orthotropic material both with linear work hardening behavior. The faces are modeled as thin cylindrical shells obeying the Kirchhoff-Love assumptions. The core material is modeled as a special orthotropic solid in which its in-plane stresses are assumed to be negligible. The Prandtl-Reuss plastic flow theory and von Mises yield criterion are used in the analysis. The governing equations are derived using the principle of virtual displacements. Using Ritz method, the equations are solved for deformation components. After verification of the results, the analysis is extended by changing the values of different parameters.
Improved shape control performance of a Sendzimir mill using wavelet radial basis function network and fuzzy logic actuator
Authors: Park Jeon Hyun , Kim Jong Shik , Han Seong Ik
Published: May 2014

A shape control system based on a wavelet radial basis function network for a Sendzimir mill (ZRM) and fuzzy control are developed to improve the shape control performance of a conventional ZRM system. The conventional shape recognition system for a ZRM adopted an incomplete multi-layer perceptron neural network system that was constructed two decades ago. The poor shape recognition of this system leads to actuator saturation and shape control performance deterioration. Therefore, the full automatic operation of a ZRM is often stopped, and manual input need to be performed. This affects the quality, causes a decline in the productivity of the steel strip and an unnecessary waste of manpower. In this paper, a wavelet radial basis network is developed to replace the multi-layer perceptron network and consequently improve shape recognition performance. A modified fuzzy controller is also constructed to prevent actuator saturation that occurs in a conventional shape control system owing to the use of a fixed gain-based fuzzy controller. A comparative simulation based on the data measured from an actual ZRM plant demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed shape control system.
Do genitourinary physicians report notifiable diseases? A survey in South East England
Authors: Herbert Sophie , Leong Geraldine , Hewitt Kirsty , Cassell Jackie
Published: May 2014

Summary

Genitourinary medicine work requires public health actions. Notifiable infections may be seen in genitourinary medicine, but concerns over confidentiality could delay public health actions and outbreak management. To assess genitourinary medicine clinicians’ awareness of notification of infectious disease, reporting practices and liaison with Health Protection Units, we sent postal surveys to 140 genitourinary medicine clinicians (SE HPA region) that explored prior public health training, Health Protection Unit liaison and management of possible clinical scenarios. Fifty-seven respondents reported median genitourinary medicine experience of 12 years; 29% had prior public health training, nine on the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV course. A total of 90% had heard of Health Protection Units and understood their role. Approximately one-third would not report key diseases at all, most reporting only on laboratory confirmation. In all, 83% would only notify acute hepatitis on lab confirmation; 50% would report suspected measles immediately (44% awaiting lab confirmation) and 40% would not pass on any patient details without consent. Clinicians have good knowledge of notification of infectious disease conditions but responses suggest it is not always used in clinical context. Reporting delays occur waiting for lab confirmation and liaison with local Health Protection Units may be hindered by confidentiality concerns, potentially delaying public health action. Doctors with prior public health training are more likely to report appropriately.
Value of repeat testing using Cepheid GeneXpert CT/NG for indeterminate PCR results when diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Parcell Benjamin J , Ratnayake Lasantha , Kaminski Geraldine , Olver William J , Yirrell David L
Published: May 2014

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive method for diagnosing chlamydia and gonorrhoea. We use the COBAS 4800 CT/NG combined assay (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, CA, USA), and whilst the majority of samples yield definitive results, a small proportion are reported as indeterminate. In these instances, it is usual practice to request repeat samples which delays diagnosis. This audit was twofold: first to establish the proportion of indeterminate results with current NAAT testing requiring re-sampling. Second, to determine whether a second NAAT such as Cepheid GeneXpert CT/NG assay (Cepheid, CA, USA) could be used on initial indeterminate samples to resolve indeterminate results, therefore reducing need for repeat sampling. During 2012, 144/21,931 (0.66%) samples were indeterminate for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis or both, and a repeat sample was received in only 51.77% of patients with final results being delayed for more than 24 h. Over the next six months, there were 77/9472 (0.81%) indeterminate results. After an evaluation and introduction of the Cepheid assay, the number of indeterminate results fell to 9 (0.10%). Thus, use of the Cepheid assay significantly reduced indeterminate results, reduced reliance on a repeat sampling and significantly improved turnaround time, laboratory workflow and patient experience.
Etravirine: a good option for concomitant use with chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Kurz Mario , Stoeckle Marcel , Krasniqi Fatime , Battegay Manuel , Marzolini Catia
Published: May 2014

The treatment of malignancies in HIV patients is challenged by the issue of drug–drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy and antineoplastic agents. While protease inhibitors have been shown to increase the incidence and severity of cancer therapy-related side effects, the impact of other antiretroviral agents on the tolerability and response to chemotherapy is less well documented. We report the successful use of an etravirine-based regimen in a patient treated with BEACOPP chemotherapy for advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Etravirine constitutes a valuable option for concomitant use with chemotherapy due to its moderate inducing effect on drug metabolising enzymes.
Valproate ameliorates thioacetamide-induced fibrosis by hepatic stellate cell inactivation
Authors: Aher JS , Khan S , Jain S , Tikoo K , Jena G
Published: May 2014

Valproic acid (VPA) has been reported as inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs). Several reports indicated that HDACs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect of VPA against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis and activation of the HSC in rat. VPA and TAA were administrated intraperitoneally at the dose of 400 and 200 mg/kg each at 2 days interval, respectively for a period of 6 weeks. Administration of TAA significantly increased the absolute and relative liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, which were significantly decreased by VPA treatment as compared to TAA control. VPA treatment prevents the TAA-induced activation of HSC and decreases collagen deposition and infiltration of inflammatory cells as revealed by Sirius red and H&E staining. Interestingly, VPA co-treatment led to significantly increase the DNA damage and apoptosis in the activated HSC as compared to TAA control. Further, TAA decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), while VPA co-treatment significantly increased the expression of MMP-2 as compared to respective control. The present study clearly demonstrated that VPA treatment significantly alleviates TAA-induced activation of HSC and subsequent hepatic fibrosis.