bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pupil Mimicry Correlates With Trust in In-Group Partners With Dilating Pupils
Authors: Kret M. E. , Fischer A. H. , De Dreu C. K. W.
Published: August 2015

During close interactions with fellow group members, humans look into one another’s eyes, follow gaze, and quickly grasp emotion signals. The eye-catching morphology of human eyes, with unique eye whites, draws attention to the middle part, to the pupils, and their autonomic changes, which signal arousal, cognitive load, and interest (including social interest). Here, we examined whether and how these changes in a partner’s pupils are processed and how they affect the partner’s trustworthiness. Participants played incentivized trust games with virtual partners, whose pupils dilated, remained static, or constricted. Results showed that (a) participants trusted partners with dilating pupils and withheld trust from partners with constricting pupils, (b) participants’ pupils mimicked changes in their partners’ pupils, and (c) dilation mimicry predicted trust in in-group partners, whereas constriction mimicry did not. We suggest that pupil-contingent trust is in-group bounded and possibly evolved in and because of group life.
Lycopene attenuates dichlorvos-induced oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: El-Saad AM Abu , Ibrahim MM , Hazani AA , El-Gaaly GA
Published: August 2015

Because of the widespread use of dichlorvos (DDVP) for domestic applications, evaluation of their toxic effects is of major concern to public health. Lycopene may lower oxidative stress by a mechanism that is not fully elucidated. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective efficacy of lycopene in terms of normalization of altered biochemical parameters following DDVP treatment in rats. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group was used as control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were orally treated with lycopene (10 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w.)), DDVP (1.6 mg kg−1 b.w.), and DDVP plus lycopene, respectively. Results showed that oral administration of DDVP for 30 days increased the levels of lipid peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonanal, and protein carbonyl content in liver. Also, a decrease in levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione was detected due to DDVP administration. These were accompanied by a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione- S-transferase in the liver tissue. Moreover, DDVP increased the activities of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and lipoxygenase, and the levels of bilirubin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and DNA–protein crosslinks, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, while decreased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our results provide new insights into the biochemical studies of relation between DDVP hepatotoxicity and lycopene treatment. Administration of lycopene to DDVP-treated rats reverted the status of hepatic markers to near-normal levels. These data suggest that lycopene can protect against the liver damage induced by DDVP.
Reactive angioendotheliomatosis as a presenting cutaneous manifestation of Hughes syndrome
Authors: Nikam B , Shah S , Kale M , Jamale V
Published: August 2015

Background

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is an autoimmune disorder associated with pregnancy complications, venous and/or arterial thrombosis and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. This syndrome is known to present with various cutaneous features, but association with reactive angioendotheliomatosis has been described rarely in the literature.

Results

A woman in her thirties with a past history of three consecutive abortions developed purpuric, ulcerative plaque over the plantar aspect of the foot. Her biopsy showed marked expansion of dermal vasculature due to intravascular cellular proliferation suggestive of reactive angioendotheliomatosis. The intravascular cells stained positive for CD31. Her blood investigations showed positive lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies, leading to a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome also known as Hughes syndrome.

Conclusion

We suggest that a hypercoagulable state caused the formation of intravascular thrombi leading to reactive angioendotheliomatosis. We report a case of Hughes syndrome with reactive angioendotheliomatosis as the first clinical cutaneous manifestation and treated satisfactorily with anticoagulants and immunomodulators.
The intersection of race, religion and homophobia in British football
Authors: Magrath Rory
Published: August 2015

In this semi-structured interview research, I use inclusive masculinity theory to frame attitudes toward homosexuality in 17 young Christian footballers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. I show that, despite the recent decrease of cultural homophobia, almost half of these men maintained conservative attitudes toward homosexuality. Others, however, were more tolerant, particularly when discussing legislation introducing marriage equality in the UK. Participants’ attitudes were positively correlated with where they had grown up. Most strikingly, support was almost unanimous when engaged in the hypothetical discussion of levels of support for a gay teammate, which extended to assuming the role of ‘best man’ at a friend’s same-sex wedding. Thus, this research advances inclusive masculinity theory by applying it to the attitudes of young, religious men who are under-represented in contemporary masculinities literature.
Design and experimental characterisation of a morphing wing with enhanced corrugated skin
Authors: Previtali Francesco , Molinari Giulio , Arrieta Andres F , Guillaume Michel , Ermanni Paolo
Published: August 2015

In this article, a compliant morphing wing featuring an innovative load-carrying, highly anisotropic, doubly corrugated morphing skin is introduced. A multi-disciplinary design methodology is used to optimally generate the compliant structure with the aim of maximising the produced rolling moment, while minimising mass and drag. The design tool considers the three-dimensional, aeroelastic behaviour and structural constraints. In particular, a parametric metamodel is used to identify the best morphing skin design. The results show that the wing can achieve high levels of control authority and has a lower or equivalent weight compared to conventional wings. A wing demonstrator is manufactured and its aeroelastic performance is tested. The measurements of the displacement field show an appreciable deformation without shape discontinuities. Low-speed wind tunnel tests indicate that the designed wing can produce roll moments that are sufficient for replacing conventional ailerons. Moreover, the obtained changes in shape have a negligible effect on the zero-lift drag, thus demonstrating the aerodynamic efficiency of profile changes achieved through morphing. An effective solution for covering the used corrugation while allowing for shape changes is also introduced and tested.
System Dynamics and Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Alessi Stephen , Kopainsky Birgit
Published: August 2015

Purpose. This article summarizes the nine contributions to the symposium on system dynamics. The goal of the symposium is to investigate how research in system dynamics is contributing to simulation-gaming, and how the more general field of simulation-gaming is influencing work in system dynamics.

Summary of articles. We summarize the nine contributions. They include five articles on basic research in learning and teaching principles for system dynamics, three articles on interactive learning environments, and a final critical reflection article which summarizes the other eight and suggests future research needs.

Conclusion. The main problem still to be addressed is improvement in and measurement of learning and performance.
Critical Reflections on System Dynamics and Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Davidsen Pål I. , Spector J. Michael
Published: August 2015

Purpose. This article critically discusses the contributions in this symposium and the progress in the fields of system dynamics and interactive learning environments.

Two Perspectives. For this purpose, the article uses two different perspectives. One perspective is system dynamics or model-based policy analysis and design. The other perspective is the learning sciences, that is, the theories and principles of learning.

Commentaries. With these two perspectives in mind, this article reflects on each of the eight contributions to this symposium and gives critiques and suggestions.

Recommendation. The results and insights generated by these contributions suggest that the greatest need for future research on system dynamics and its contribution to simulation-gaming is demonstration of improvements in learning and performance.
Validity and Reliability of the Teamwork Scale for Youth
Authors: Lower Leeann M. , Newman Tarkington J. , Anderson-Butcher Dawn
Published: August 2015

The teamwork life skill is a critical outcome desired in many positive youth development interventions; however, limited versatile, user-friendly measures of this construct exist.

Purpose:

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Teamwork Scale for Youth, an assessment designed to measure youths’ perceptions of their teamwork competency.

Methods:

The Teamwork Scale for Youth was administered to a sample of 460 youths. Confirmatory factor analyses examined the factor structure and measurement invariance of the scale across time. Correlations between teamwork and perceived social competence and commitment scores were also examined.

Results:

The revised 8-item Teamwork Scale for Youth was found to demonstrate acceptable factorial validity and measurement invariance across time. Additionally, strong reliability and concurrent and predictive validity of the scale were established.

Discussion:

The Teamwork Scale for Youth is a brief, easily administered, psychometrically sound tool that can be used with confidence in social work research and practice.
Replication of a Continuing Education Workshop in the Evidence-Based Practice Process
Authors: Gromoske Andrea N. , Berger Lisa K.
Published: August 2015

Objective:

To replicate the results of Parrish and Rubin’s continuing education workshop in the evidence-based practice (EBP) process utilizing different workshop facilitators with participants in a different geographic location.

Methods:

We used a replicated, one-group pretest–posttest design with 3-month follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-hr, continuing education workshop. Social workers’ ( N = 45) knowledge of, attitudes toward, views of feasibility, intentions to use, and current use of the EBP process were assessed.

Results:

Three of four cohorts of participants showed significant improvement from pretest to posttest in the overall measure of the EBP process ( p < .05). Participants’ scores significantly improved over time regarding their familiarity with, attitudes about, and intentions to use and current use of the EBP process ( p < .001).

Conclusions:

Parrish and Rubin’s continuing education workshop in the EBP process appears to be an effective means to train social workers in the EBP process.
Modeling play: distinguishing between origins and current functions
Authors: Pellis Sergio M , Burghardt Gordon M , Palagi Elisabetta , Mangel Marc
Published: August 2015

Why animals play has been a perennial question, but most of the thinking about this has been framed in terms of its fitness benefits. A review of our present knowledge about the comparative distribution of play suggests that such an approach that leads to claims that the “adaptive value of play is” are misplaced. Play is relatively rare in the Animal Kingdom, indicating that it arose multiple times and that different lineages that have evolved play have transformed it in both divergent and convergent ways. Moreover, some forms of play, especially in its earliest appearance, may have no functional value, with novel functions emerging later as play has been co-opted and transformed for utilitarian purposes. Thus, when it comes to modeling play, care must be taken to differentiate between attempts to explain the origins of play from its current functions, and when current functions are considered, then their variety and likely diverse distribution need be taken into account. Attention to these nuances in the empirical literature, and so developing more targeted models, will provide more focused theoretical developments that can, in turn, stimulate more precise empirical tests. Examples of such models are presented in this issue of the journal.
Safe Zone for Neural Structures in Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy
Authors: Talusan Paul G. , Cata Ezequiel , Tan Eric W. , Parks Brent G. , Guyton Gregory P.
Published: August 2015

Background:

We aimed to define reference lines on standard lateral ankle radiographs that could be used intraoperatively to minimize iatrogenic nerve injury risk in medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy.

Methods:

Forty cadaveric specimens were used. In 20 specimens, the sural, medial plantar (MP), and lateral plantar (LP) nerves were sutured to radiopaque wire, and a lateral ankle radiograph was obtained. On the radiograph, a line was drawn from the posterior superior apex of the calcaneal tuberosity to the origin of the plantar fascia and labeled as the “landmark line.” A parallel line was drawn 2 mm posterior to the most posterior nerve, and the area between these lines was defined as the safe zone. In 20 additional specimens, an osteotomy was performed 1 cm anterior to the landmark line using a percutaneous or open technique. Dissection was performed to assess for laceration of the sural, MP, LP, medial calcaneal (MC), or lateral calcaneal (LC) nerves.

Results:

The safe zone was determined to be within the area 11.2 ± 2.7 mm anterior to the landmark line. After open osteotomy, lacerations were found in 3 of 10 MC nerves and 3 of 10 LC nerves. After percutaneous osteotomy, lacerations were found in 2 of 10 MC nerves and 1 of 10 LC nerves. No lacerations of the sural, MP, or LP nerves were found with either osteotomy.

Conclusions:

The safe zone extended 11.2 ± 2.7 mm anterior to the described landmark line. The MC and LC nerves were always at risk during medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy.

Clinical Relevance:

Nerve injury to both major and minor sensory nerves is likely underrecognized as a source of morbidity after calcaneal osteotomy. The current study provides a ready intraoperative guideline for minimizing this risk.
Total Ankle Arthroplasty Following Prior Infection About the Ankle
Authors: Shi Glenn G. , Huh Jeannie , Gross Christopher E. , Adams Samuel B. , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A.
Published: August 2015

Background:

We evaluated whether a history of prior infection about the native ankle joint, bone, or soft tissues was associated with a higher rate of infection following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) when compared with that of primary TAA in the general population.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of our institution’s TAA registry to identify all patients who reported a prior history of ankle joint sepsis or osteomyelitis and who were subsequently treated with TAA with at least 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome measure was re-infection rate. Secondary outcome measures were patient-reported outcome scores, implant survival, and complications. Twenty-two TAAs were performed in 22 patients, consisting of 9 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 58.4 years (range = 30-80 years). Patients were followed for a mean of 29.3 months (range = 11.4-83.8 months). The length of complete symptom-free interval between the index infection to time of TAA was 8.8 years (range = 0-44 years). These patients had a mean 2.7 (range = 0-13) procedures involving the ipsilateral ankle joint prior to TAA.

Results:

No deep infection was observed in this series. Eleven patients were followed for more than 2 years, with postoperative visual analog scale scores decreasing from 53.1 (range = 12-90) to 20.6 (range = 0-89) of 100. Ten of the 11 ankles also had AOFAS ankle-hindfoot and SF-36 scores. Their AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 38.9 (range = 10-61) to 70.1 (range = 29-90), and SF-36 score improved from 40.6 (range = 3.3-76.4) to 67.6 (range = 36.4-85.4).

Conclusion:

Single-stage TAA can be a viable option to treat arthritic ankle pain for those patients with resolved bone or ankle joint infection, producing improved outcomes in pain and function.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Effect of Arthroscopic Evaluation of Acute Ankle Fractures on PROMIS Intermediate-Term Functional Outcomes
Authors: Fuchs Daniel J. , Ho Bryant S. , LaBelle Mark W. , Kelikian Armen S.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures, some patients have persistent pain and poor outcomes. This may be secondary to intra-articular injuries that occur at the time of fracture, which occur in up to 88% of fractures. Ankle arthroscopy at the time of ORIF has been proposed to address these intra-articular injuries. This study compared patient-reported functional outcomes in patients who underwent ankle ORIF with and without ankle arthroscopy.

Methods:

An institutional database was used to retrospectively identify 93 patients who underwent ORIF for an unstable ankle fracture with an intact medial malleolus between 2002 and 2013. Forty-two patients had ankle arthroscopy at the time of ORIF and 51 did not. Functional outcomes between groups were compared using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function and pain interference computerized adaptive tests at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Outcomes were also measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and the Olerud and Molander ankle fracture outcome scale. Average patient follow-up was 67 months (n = 51).

Results:

PROMIS physical function and pain interference scores were not significantly different between groups (physical function, 57.8 vs 54.5, P = .23; pain interference, 45.6 vs 46.9, P = .56). Operative time was increased in the arthroscopy group (74 minutes vs 59 minutes, P = .027). Overall, 60% (25/42) had chondral lesions of the talus, 7% (3/42) had chondral lesions of the tibial plafond, and 21% (9/42) had loose bodies requiring removal. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups.

Conclusion:

At intermediate-term follow-up of patients with unstable ankle fractures and intact medial malleoli, functional outcomes were not significantly improved in patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy. However, there were no increased complications attributable to ankle arthroscopy, and average total operative time was increased by only 15 minutes.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Motivated Processing
Authors: Chang Chingching
Published: August 2015

This article examines responses to news stories that cover novel (vs. familiar) or contradictory (vs. one-sided) health research findings. Drawing on motivated reasoning and uncertainty management literature, this article proposes that novel and contradictory health research news stories arouse uncertainty and confusion and thus trigger motivated reasoning. People discount the credibility of the target news and express less willingness to adopt the advocated behaviors. In addition, people devalue health research by strengthening their beliefs that scientific research is uncertain, which lowers their attitudes toward health research. A large telephone survey of the general public and two experiments test these predictions.
The (Inter)Disciplinarity of Media Studies
Authors: Iqani Mehita , Feigenbaum Anna
Published: August 2015

In a series of Teaching Exchange (TE) staff development workshops aimed at exploring prospective, bottom–up quality assurance in media studies in the United Kingdom, interdisciplinarity arose as a key topic. This article reflects on teaching staff’s views expressed in the TE workshops around interdisciplinarity in relation to their experiences in designing and reaching courses, as well as in the classroom. To contextualize these arguments, the article introduces media studies’ interdisciplinarity in reference to other fields, then summarizes the methods used to gain insight into the views of higher education practitioners in media studies in the United Kingdom. It then critically discusses the accounts given by workshop participants of three aspects of the role that interdisciplinarity plays in their pedagogy: at the levels of colleagues’ profiles, course design, and student bodies. The article concludes by noting that tensions exist between top–down pressures “disciplinizing” media studies and its interdisciplinarity characteristics and argues that the field is best conceptualized as an (inter)discipline that, as such, faces distinctive pedagogical challenges and opportunities. The U.K. case study is posited as a possible counterpoint for other higher education contexts internationally.
From Print to Digital Platforms
Authors: Goh Debbie , Kale Ugur
Published: August 2015

The project-based learning (PBL) approach closely reflects the tenets of journalism and provides a potential pedagogical guide for transforming traditional journalism education. This study operationalizes and applies a PBL framework in digitizing a print journalism course. The findings illustrate how the presence of seven key elements of PBL enhanced the quality and experience of student learning, and increased multimedia consciousness and competencies. Providing choices minimized cultural resistance and cultivated ownership and accountability to the student projects, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. Weaker students expressed greater need for a more structured pedagogy.
Making Mojos
Authors: Kraft Nicole , Seely Natalee
Published: August 2015

Journalism students can no longer focus on being just writers or photographers or videographers. They must leave college with a multitude of media skills to have the greatest potential for career success. The development of the iPad and supporting apps has created a “one-stop shop” of journalistic tools that enable students to learn those skills, including note-taking devices, recording devices, research platforms, and word processing. We conducted a yearlong study of beginning journalism students utilizing one-to-one iPads to examine the impact of iPads and journalistically focused apps in a “flipped” journalism classroom environment (where video lectures are homework, and skill development and execution are done in class). Our goal was to identify how the iPad could be used to augment journalistic training and determine whether use of such technology would accelerate and enhance student learning. We found that confidence in the iPad as a journalistic tool and perceptions of journalistic ability increased, as did students’ execution of publishable-quality writing assignments. Qualitative results identified some of the challenges and benefits related to iPad use in a journalism class. Overall, we found that students did utilize the iPad and apps to more quickly create publishable-quality journalism assignments, which included effective reporting and use of multimedia and social media.
Multidimensional Perfectionism and Burnout
Authors: Hill Andrew P. , Curran Thomas
Published: August 2015

A meta-analysis of research examining the relationships between multidimensional perfectionism and burnout is provided. In doing so, relationships before and after controlling for the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism were examined along with whether relationships were moderated by domain (work, sport, or education). A literature search yielded 43 studies ( N = 9,838) and 663 effect sizes. Meta-analysis using random-effects models revealed that perfectionistic strivings had small negative or non-significant relationships with overall burnout and symptoms of burnout. By contrast, perfectionistic concerns displayed medium-to-large and medium positive relationships with overall burnout and symptoms of burnout. After controlling for the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism, “pure” perfectionistic strivings displayed notably larger negative relationships. In terms of moderation, in some cases, perfectionistic strivings were less adaptive and perfectionistic concerns more maladaptive in the work domain. Future research should examine explanatory mechanisms, adopt longitudinal designs, and develop interventions to reduce perfectionistic concerns fueled burnout.
Reflecting on the Reflective Conversation
Authors: Dougherty Deborah
Published: August 2015

This brief essay develops three points to stretch the reflective conversation. One agrees that we need a more expansive understanding of qualitative research because doing qualitative research is doing real science. The second synthesizes insights in the conversation to develop three ways that grounded theory building (GTB) provides unique benefits to management research and complements conventional deductive work. With theory as our middle name, GTB generates new theory, something essential to a complex field with considerable fragmentation and ambiguity. Deductive research tests already established theory. Building defines the active process of gathering and analyzing data, and the conversationalists identify the bountiful array of approaches that already exist—if only all scientists would make some effort to understand them. Grounded means capturing the situated details and contingencies rather than abstracting them away since we need to understand the “things” of any phenomenon and how they interrelate if we are to build elegant new understandings. I offer suggestions for next steps in each area. My third point: Let’s get over the idea that qualitative methods means using qualitative data.
A Systematic Review of the Empirical Support for Check-In Check-Out
Authors: Wolfe Katie , Pyle Daniel , Charlton Cade T. , Sabey Christian V. , Lund Emily M. , Ross Scott W.
Published: August 2015

Tier 2 interventions play an important role within the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework, bridging the gap between schoolwide Tier 1 interventions and individualized Tier 3 supports. Check-in Check-out (CICO) is a promising Tier 2 intervention for addressing mild problem behavior and potentially preventing the need for more intensive supports. In this systematic review, we synthesize the characteristics, methodological quality, and outcomes of 15 single-subject studies and one group design study examining CICO. The results suggest that CICO can be considered an evidence-based practice for students with problem behavior maintained by adult attention. Versions of CICO that were modified to address other functions (e.g., obtain peer attention, escape from tasks) demonstrated strong effects, but there were not a sufficient number of studies for modified CICO to qualify as an evidence-based practice. We discuss the implications of this review for practitioners as well as future research on CICO.
The Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of perceived fatigue severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chilcot Joseph , Norton Sam , Kelly Maedhbh Etain , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: August 2015

Background:

Fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Measuring MS fatigue poses a number of challenges. Many measures confound definitions of severity and impact of fatigue and/or lack psychometric validation in MS.

Objective:

To evaluate the psychometric properties of an 11-item fatigue severity measure, the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) in MS including validity of the factor structure, internal reliability, discriminant validity and sensitivity to change.

Methods:

Data were pooled from four previous studies investigating MS fatigue using the CFQ ( n=444). Data analysis included confirmatory factor analysis to determine the factor structure and model fit, correlations to assess discriminant validity and effects sizes to determine sensitivity to change.

Results:

A bi-factor model with one general fatigue factor, incorporating two smaller group factors (mental and physical fatigue) had good model fit and appeared the most appropriate factor structure underlying the CFQ scale. The CFQ had high internal consistency, showed small to moderate correlations with impact of fatigue and mood, and was sensitive to change across low and high intensity behavioural interventions.

Conclusions:

The CFQ measuring a composite of physical and mental fatigue severity (i.e. a total score) is a psychometrically sound measure of fatigue severity in MS.
A longitudinal test of the Comprehensive Indoor Tanning Expectations Scale: The importance of affective beliefs in predicting indoor tanning behavior
Authors: Myrick Jessica Gall , Noar Seth M , Kelley Dannielle , Zeitany Alexandra E , Morales-Pico Brenda M , Thomas Nancy E
Published: August 2015

In order to better understand drivers of dangerous indoor tanning behaviors, researchers developed the Comprehensive Indoor Tanning Expectations scale. To examine the longitudinal effectiveness of Comprehensive Indoor Tanning Expectations, we surveyed young women in the Southeastern United States at two time points ( N = 553). The scale demonstrated strong test–retest reliability. Participants who believed indoor tanning would improve their mood and afford social approval were significantly more likely to tan 6 months later, while participants who believed indoor tanning leads to psychological/physical discomfort were significantly less likely to tan 6 months later. Knowing the psychological bases for indoor tanning can inform intervention and message design.
“Champion” behavior in a community obesity reduction program: Feedback from peers
Authors: Aoun Samar , Sainsbury Kirby , Mullan Barbara , Shahid Shaouli
Published: August 2015

Current interventions to reduce obesity have limited success. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of successful champions (non health professional/community leaders) and to assess how these relate to acceptability ratings of an obesity reduction intervention—the Waist Disposal Challenge. A total of 200 peer participants completed questionnaires. Positive ratings of champions’ performance were significantly correlated with perceptions of the success and suitability of the Waist Disposal Challenge. The qualitative feedback concurred that the program prompted weight loss and was a positive social experience which resulted in actual behavioral changes. Selecting suitable champions is likely to influence the success of such community health programs.
Palliative Surgery for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Funder J. A. , Jepsen K. V. , Stribolt K. , Iversen L. H.
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disease causing peritoneal carcinomatosis. In patients with extensive carcinomatosis, curative treatment is unachievable. Palliative debulking therapy is the only treatment in relieving symptoms. We report our results from palliative debulking surgery at a national pseudomyxoma peritonei center in Denmark.

Methods:

From January 2007 to October 2012, we performed 27 palliative operations for pseudomyxoma peritonei with debulking at our institution. All patients were evaluated and found eligible for palliative treatment only. Patients were prospectively registered, while perioperative data were collected retrospectively from patient records.

Results:

The majority of patients ( n = 25) received an omentectomy (93%) as the primary procedure. In total, 17 (63%) received additional surgery. Median operative time was 88 min (range: 33–160 min). Median stay at the recovery ward was 6 h (2–288 h). Median hospital stay was 8 days (4–105 days). In all, 23 (85%) patients had no in-hospital complications, whereas 4 patients experienced complications (15%). Two of the complications were mild (Clavien-Dindo grade II), and two experienced severe complications (grade III and IV). Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Median survival was 3.0 years (0.2–6.2 years).

Conclusion:

Palliative debulking is a safe procedure with an acceptable morbidity and mortality offering immediate disease control.
Does ethnic identification promote integration into the larger society? A study of youth in Oslo
Authors: Lauglo Jon
Published: August 2015

This paper uses survey data from Oslo to examine whether strong ethnic identification helps or hinders the integration of adolescents from immigrant families into the larger Norwegian society. Dependent variables are openness to other ethnic groups than one’s own, educational achievement, and positive self-concept. The findings are generally positive for the integration of adolescents with immigrant parents in Oslo. In particular, ethnic identification is positively associated with socio-cultural openness to ethnic others, and with having a positive self-concept. However, ethnic identification does not appear to facilitate educational achievement. Nor does it generally appear to do so when it is combined with strong openness to ethnic others.
An interval Kalman filter–based fuzzy multi-sensor fusion approach for fault-tolerant heading estimation of an autonomous surface vehicle
Authors: Motwani Amit , Liu Wenwen , Sharma Sanjay , Sutton Robert , Bucknall Richard
Published: August 2015

This article presents a novel fuzzy–logic based multi-sensor data fusion algorithm for combining heading estimates from three separate weighted interval Kalman filters to construct a robust, fault-tolerant heading estimator for the navigation of the Springer autonomous surface vehicle. A single, low-cost gyroscopic unit and three independent compasses are used to acquire data onboard the vehicle. The gyroscope data, prone to sporadic bias drifts, are fused individually with readings from each of the compasses via a weighted interval Kalman filter. Unlike the standard Kalman filter, the weighted interval Kalman filter is able to provide a robust heading estimate even when subject to such gyroscope bias drifts. The three ensuing weighted interval Kalman filter estimates of the vehicle’s heading are then fused via a fuzzy logic algorithm designed to provide an accurate heading estimate even when two of the three compasses develop a fault at any time. Simulations and real-time trials demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Crack sealing and damage recovery monitoring of a concrete healing system using embedded piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Tsangouri Eleni , Karaiskos Grigorios , Aggelis Dimitrios G , Deraemaeker Arnaud , Van Hemelrijck Danny
Published: August 2015

The autonomous healing performance of concrete is experimentally verified by applying a technique based on the ultrasonic pulse velocity method using embedded piezoelectric transducers. Crack opening which deteriorates the mechanical capacity of concrete infrastructure is traditionally studied by different monitoring techniques that adequately provide a direct estimation of damage. Conversely in this research, an ultrasonic pulse velocity method is applied in order to monitor the crack closure and sealing of small-scale concrete beam elements. Short glass capsules filled with healing adhesive break due to crack formation and release those healing additives which fill the crack void and reset the element continuity. The damage index based on the early part of the wave arrival observes any emitted signal shape differentiation indicating the crack formation and development under two-cycle three-point bending loading tests (in the first cycle, the crack forms and healing release takes place, and consequently, after few hours of curing and crack reset, the beam is reloaded leading to crack reopening).
Damage visualization of pipeline structures using laser-induced ultrasonic waves
Authors: Lee Changgil , Park Seunghee
Published: August 2015

In this study, a noncontact non-destructive testing method is implemented to visualize damages of a pipeline structure. An ND:YAG pulsed laser system was used to generate guided waves and a galvanometer-based laser scanner scans a specific area to find damage location. The wave responses were measured using a piezoelectric sensor attached to the pipeline. The measured time and spatial responses were transformed to data in frequency and wavenumber domains through three-dimensional Fourier transform. Damage-sensitive features could be obtained using wavenumber filter to extract standing wave energy. A flaw imaging technique of the pipeline structure was conducted by calculating root mean square. Notches and thickness reduction at a pipeline structure were investigated to verify the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed non-destructive testing approach. Additionally, a series of experiments were repeated under heating condition to consider the real-world pipeline structures.
Urban night-sky luminance due to different cloud types: A numerical experiment
Authors: Solano Lamphar HA , Kocifaj M
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we analyse theoretically and numerically the sky glow in urban and suburban areas, focusing on the zenith-normalised luminance of a cloudy sky. The results suggest that the altitude of a cloud imposes important changes in the luminance distribution. Peak values of sky luminance can be observed at a distance [Formula: see text], where R is the city radius, and h is the cloud altitude. Fluctuations of the zenith-normalised luminance over the city are dictated by three effects, specifically (i) extinction and backscatter in the undercloud atmosphere, (ii) the cloud properties and (iii) the radiant intensity function of the dominant ground-based light sources. For high clouds, the aerosol optical property is evident at moderate elevation angles. The light beams emitted from different parts of the city propagate along different inclined trajectories before they contribute to the elevated zenith luminance of low clouds. Then, multiple factors combine together to form the light field at the ground, city-size and city emission pattern being of specific importance.
Development and Validation of a Farmers’ Market Audit Tool in Rural and Urban Communities
Authors: Byker Shanks Carmen , Jilcott Pitts Stephanie , Gustafson Alison
Published: August 2015

The number of farmers’ markets in the United States is growing. Although there are tools to analyze food availability at grocery stores, corner stores, and convenience stores, little research exists about the availability of food types at farmers’ markets. This research developed an audit tool to measure the food environment at farmers’ markets in rural and urban food environments and examined its psychometric properties, including face validity, interrater reliability, and discriminant validity. The Farmers’ Market Audit Tool was reviewed by content experts, revised, and then tested in six farmers’ markets by researchers across three states in 2013, including Kentucky, North Carolina, and Montana. Seven food categories were developed, including vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, eggs, grains, and samples. Interrater reliability was high within farmers’ market across states. As expected, discriminant validity indicated a systematic disagreement within and between states due to seasonality and ability to grow different types of food across different farmers’ markets. The total scores assessing the healthfulness of each farmers’ market was 38 (range = 28-50). Using the Farmers’ Market Audit Tool at farmers’ markets is a reliable and valid method to capture the availability of food offerings.
The Influence of Setting on Care Coordination for Childhood Asthma
Authors: Kelly R. Patrick , Stoll Shelley C. , Bryant-Stephens Tyra , Janevic Mary R. , Lara Marielena , Ohadike Yvonne U. , Persky Victoria , Ramos-Valencia Gilberto , Uyeda Kimberly , Malveaux Floyd J.
Published: August 2015

Asthma affects 7.1 million children in the United States, disproportionately burdening African American and Latino children. Barriers to asthma control include insufficient patient education and fragmented care. Care coordination represents a compelling approach to improve quality of care and address disparities in asthma. The sites of The Merck Childhood Asthma Network Care Coordination Programs implemented different models of care coordination to suit specific settings—school district, clinic or health care system, and community—and organizational structures. A variety of qualitative data sources were analyzed to determine the role setting played in the manifestation of care coordination at each site. There were inherent strengths and challenges of implementing care coordination in each of the settings, and each site used unique strategies to deliver their programs. The relationship between the lead implementing unit and entities that provided (1) access to the priority population and (2) clinical services to program participants played a critical role in the structure of the programs. The level of support and infrastructure provided by these entities to the lead implementing unit influenced how participants were identified and how asthma care coordinators were integrated into the clinical care team.
Building Capacity in a Rural North Carolina Community to Address Prostate Health Using a Lay Health Advisor Model
Authors: Vines Anissa I. , Hunter Jaimie C. , White Brandolyn S. , Richmond Alan N.
Published: August 2015

Background. Prostate cancer is a critical concern for African Americans in North Carolina (NC), and innovative strategies are needed to help rural African American men maximize their prostate health. Engaging the community in research affords opportunities to build capacity for teaching and raising awareness. Approach and Strategies. A community steering committee of academicians, community partners, religious leaders, and other stakeholders modified a curriculum on prostate health and screening to include interactive knowledge- and skill-building activities. This curriculum was then used to train 15 African American lay health advisors, dubbed Prostate Cancer Ambassadors, in a rural NC community. Over the 2-day training, Ambassadors achieved statistically significant improvements in knowledge of prostate health and maintained confidence in teaching. The Ambassadors, in turn, used their personal networks to share their knowledge with over 1,000 individuals in their community. Finally, the Ambassadors became researchers, implementing a prostate health survey in local churches. Discussion and Conclusions. It is feasible to use community engagement models for raising awareness of prostate health in NC African American communities. Mobilizing community coalitions to develop curricula ensures that the curricula meet the communities’ needs, and training lay health advisors to deliver curricula helps secure community buy-in for the information.
A Comparison of Three Professional Development Mechanisms for Improving the Quality of Standards-Based IEP Objectives
Authors: Lowman J. Joneen
Published: August 2015

Professional development is a necessary component of maintaining competency in professional practice. Technology has opened the door to new formats for delivering professional development, in addition to more traditional modes of training. This study compared three professional development formats for improving the quality of standards-based Individualized Education Program objectives written by school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Forty-seven SLPs were randomly assigned to one of three professional development formats. Fourteen SLPs assigned to the web-based group read training content presented on a website. The 17 SLPs in the workshop group attended a workshop, while the 18 SLPs in the peer coaching group attended the workshop followed by 2 months of peer coaching conducted through a website. No follow-up support was provided to the web-based and workshop groups. Results show that all groups improved; however, the workshop and peer coaching groups made significant improvements compared with the web-based group. Surprisingly, the peer coaching group did not demonstrate continued improvement. The type of coaching, in this case, peer coaching in which two novices observed and provided feedback to each other, may account for the observed plateau in performance. Factors to be considered when matching learner outcomes to professional development activities are summarized and discussed.
Early Intervention Practices for Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Martin-Prudent Angi , Lartz Maribeth , Borders Christina , Meehan Tracy
Published: August 2015

Early identification and appropriate intervention services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing significantly increase the likelihood of better language, speech, and social-emotional development. However, current research suggests that there is a critical shortage of professionals trained to provide early intervention services to deaf and hard of hearing infants and toddlers. In an effort to address the shortage, Illinois State University designed an interdisciplinary program aimed at providing the coursework and training needed by professionals to effectively serve infants and toddlers with hearing loss. The current study sought to evaluate the competencies of graduate students employing evidence-based strategies in listening and spoken language development following the completion of the program. It was hypothesized that the training program would lead to an increase in the use of evidence-based early intervention strategies specific to infants and toddlers with hearing loss and an increase in the frequency of their use. The results of the current study did not suggest that there was a significant difference in the use of evidence-based strategies following the completion of coursework; however, they did indicate that the interventionists involved were utilizing the strategies in both the home and the clinic-based setting.
Labor Market Implications of Institutional Changes in European Football
Authors: Radoman Mihailo
Published: August 2015

This article analyzes the impact of policy changes, with a specific focus on the Bosman ruling, on the competitive nature of new entrants to the English Premier League. Relevant labor economics literature motivates the prediction that post-Bosman entrants will be more productive and consequently have a higher probability of earning/retaining a first-team spot in top European leagues. To test these predictions, proprietary data were collected on all players who entered the English Premier League in 4-year windows around the Bosman ruling. Regression discontinuity design displays evident discontinuity in player productivity parameters around the ruling, and the ability to decompose the treatment effect among subgroups of players identifies an incentive effect of increased competition for foreign players. Strong and robust empirical support for the motivating predictions is also established through the application of survival analysis indicating that post-Bosman entrants are dominant in terms of career duration to their pre-Bosman counterparts. Robustness of the results is established by controlling for relegated players through the application of stratified duration models and by testing for endogeneity bias for the productivity parameters employed.
Party Competition and Conflict in State Legislatures
Authors: Hinchliffe Kelsey L. , Lee Frances E.
Published: August 2015

This article examines the relationship between party competition for control of governing institutions and legislative party polarization. Although the competition/cohesion thesis dates to the 1940s, it has never before been subject to a test with data from the 50 states. Drawing upon newly available data, we take stock of the evidence. Five measures of party competition are used: (1) the number of recent shifts of party control, (2) an index of party competition for state offices, (3) the closeness of presidential elections in the state, (4) the effective number of political parties in the state, and (5) the ratio of Republicans to Democrats in the electorate. Nearly all of these measures correlate with higher levels of party polarization in both the lower and upper chambers, and none are associated with a lower level of polarization.