bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Spirituality in Coping with Visual Impairment
Authors: Yampolsky Maya A. , Wittich Walter , Webb Gail , Overbury Olga
Published: January 2019

Spirituality and coping behaviors were measured in 85 individuals with visual impairments aged 23 to 97. A regression analysis indicated that the religious well-being subscale of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale is a significant predictor of adaptive coping behaviors, indicating that higher religious well-being facilitates adaptive coping.
Discrimination and Comprehension of Synthetic Speech by Students with Visual Impairments: The Case of Similar Acoustic Patterns
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Argyropoulos Vassilios S. , Kouroupetroglou Georgios
Published: January 2019

This study examined the perceptions held by sighted students and students with visual impairments of the intelligibility and comprehensibility of similar acoustic patterns produced by synthetic speech. It determined the types of errors the students made and compared the performance of the two groups on auditory discrimination and comprehension.
The Efficacy of Low Vision Devices for Students in Specialized Schools for Students who are Blind in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Mahesh R. , Yamagata Yoshitaka , Akura Junsuke , Shakya Suraj
Published: January 2019

In Nepal, children with low vision attend specialized schools for students who are totally blind and are treated as if they were totally blind. This study identified children with low vision and provided low vision devices to them. Of the 22% of the students in the school who had low vision, 78.5% benefited from the devices. Proper devices and counseling improved the quality of life of a significant number of these students.
Analyzing the Presence of Academic and Vision-Specific Priorities in Specialized Schools through Culture: A Case Study
Authors: Lohmeier Keri L.
Published: January 2019

This study analyzed how culture influenced a disability-specific curriculum in one specialized school. It assessed past and present artifacts, expressed values, and underlying assumptions. Variables for change were targeted to balance academics with the expanded core curriculum. The results indicate that some areas changed while other areas continue to struggle.
Characteristics of Individuals with Congenital and Acquired Deaf-Blindness
Authors: Dalby Dawn M. , Hirdes John P. , Stolee Paul , Strong J. Graham , Poss Jeff , Tjam Erin Y. , Bowman Lindsay , Ashworth Melody
Published: January 2019

Using a standardized assessment instrument, the authors compared 182 adults with congenital deaf-blindness and those with acquired deaf-blindness. They found that those with congenital deaf-blindness were more likely to have impairments in cognition, activities of daily living, and social interactions and were less likely to use speech for communication.
Use of Assistive Technology by Students with Visual Impairments: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Kelly Stacy M.
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the use of assistive technology by students in the United States who are visually impaired through a secondary analysis of a nationally representative database. It found that the majority of students were not using assistive technology. Implications for interventions and potential changes in policy or practice are discussed.
Accessibility of e-Learning and Computer and Information Technologies for Students with Visual Impairments in Postsecondary Education
Authors: Fichten Catherine S. , Asuncion Jennison V. , Barile Maria , Ferraro Vittoria , Wolforth Joan
Published: January 2019

This article presents the results of two studies on the accessibility of e-learning materials and other information and computer and communication technologies for 143 Canadian college and university students with low vision and 29 who were blind. It offers recommendations for enhancing access, creating new learning opportunities, and eliminating obstacles.
Acquisition of Literacy Skills by Young Children who are Blind: Results from the ABC Braille Study
Authors: Emerson Robert Wall , Holbrook M. Cay , D'Andrea Frances Mary
Published: January 2019

The Alphabetic Braille and Contracted Braille Study examined the reading and writing skills of young braille-reading students. Students who were introduced to more contractions earlier in instruction performed better on reading measures, such as vocabulary, decoding, and comprehension, but all students did well in spelling. Thus, the authors conclude that literacy instruction should focus primarily on basic reading skills.
Parents’ Perceptions of Professional Support for the Emergent Literacy of Young Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Brennan Susan A. , Luze Gayle J. , Peterson Carla
Published: January 2019

This survey explored the emergent literacy experiences that parents provided for their children with visual impairments, aged 1–8, as well as the parents’ perceptions of the professional support that they received to facilitate these activities. The results indicated that the parents and children engaged in reading, singing songs, and writing or scribbling most frequently.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Modified for Individuals who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Wittich Walter , Phillips Natalie , Nasreddine Ziad S. , Chertkow Howard
Published: January 2019

Evaluating the cognitive status of individuals who are visually impaired is limited by the design of the test that is used. This article presents data on the sensitivity and specificity of the version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for people who are visually impaired. The original validation data were reanalyzed, excluding the five visual items. The results indicated that the specificity was excellent, while sensitivity was reduced; however, the recommended proportionally adjusted cutoff values showed better sensitivity.
The Social Lives of Canadian Youths with Visual Impairments
Authors: Gold Deborah , Shaw Alexander , Wolffe Karen
Published: January 2019

This survey of the social and leisure experiences of Canadian youths with visual impairments found that, in general, youths with low vision experienced more social challenges than did their peers who were blind. Levels of social support were not found to differ on the basis of level of vision, sex, or age.
A Theoretical Rationale for using the Individualized Meaning-centered Approach to Braille Literacy Education with Students who have Mild to Moderate Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Wormsley Diane P.
Published: January 2019

This article describes the components of the Individualized Meaning-centered Approach to Braille Literacy Education for teaching braille reading and writing to students who are blind and have additional cognitive impairments. A theoretical rationale is presented for the approach, along with some limited empirical evidence for using it with this population.
Evaluating the Empowered Curriculum for Adolescents with Visual Impairments
Authors: Levin Darren S. , Rotheram-Fuller Erin
Published: January 2019

The study reported here evaluated a self-determination intervention using the empowered curriculum for students with visual impairments. The perceptions of students, family members, and teachers of the usefulness of the chosen curriculum were also evaluated. Despite design limitations, the qualitative data suggest that the students enjoyed the empowered curriculum and found it to be useful.
High School Teachers’ Perspectives on Supporting Students with Visual Impairments toward Higher Education: Access, Barriers, and Success
Authors: Reed Maureen , Curtis Kathryn
Published: January 2019

The objective of the study presented here was to understand the experiences of teachers in assisting students with visual impairments in making the transition to higher education. The teachers reported barriers in high school that affect students’ access to and success in higher education. Furthermore, institutions of higher education provided little information to support the teachers in preparing their students.
The Effectiveness of Verbal Information Provided by Electronic Travel Aids for Visually Impaired Persons
Authors: Havik Else M. , Kooijman Aart C. , Steyvers Frank J. J. M.
Published: January 2019

The effectiveness of different types of verbal information provided by electronic travel aids was studied in a real-life setting. Assessments included wayfinding performance and the preferences of 24 visually impaired users. The participants preferred a combination of route information and environmental information, even though this information did not always result in their optimal wayfinding performance.
Physical Education and Children with CHARGE Syndrome: Research to Practice
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , Haibach Pamela , Schedlin Haley
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Children with CHARGE syndrome often experience significantly delayed motor development, which affects their performance in many motor skills and physical activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of physical education provided to children with CHARGE syndrome. There were five main areas of focus: (1) physical education setting, (2) modes of communication, (3) modifications, (4) successful units, and (5) difficult units in physical education.

Methods

A validated questionnaire was completed by 26 parents of children aged 6–19 with CHARGE syndrome who were attending an international CHARGE conference for families. The questionnaire was used as the primary source to obtain parents’ perspectives on the physical education experiences of their children with CHARGE syndrome. The results of the feedback from parents were used to offer practical suggestions for physical education programming.

Results

The results revealed that the physical education placement affects children's success and parents’ satisfaction with regard to physical education. Also, children who had support staff, such as a teacher's aide, paraeducator, or intervenor in physical education had a more successful experience. A variety of communication methods were used with children with CHARGE syndrome. The physical education units that the parents documented as being successful were swimming, scooters, bowling, fencing, T-ball, dancing, rock climbing, floor hockey, field hockey, and gymnastics. The units that the children struggled with the most were fundamental motor skills, such as skipping, running, hopping, and any sports unit with a fast-moving ball.

Discussion

Physical education placements, communication, and modifications must be individualized for each child with CHARGE syndrome. In addition, support staff must be trained specifically for the unique needs of a child and the core curricular area of physical education.

Implications for Practitioners

Suggestions for improving the physical education program are included to increase children's involvement in class and success in the specific units that are offered.
Parents’ Perspectives on Braille Literacy: Results from the ABC Braille Study
Authors: Kamei-Hannan Cheryl , Sacks Sharon Zell
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Parents who were the primary caretakers of children in the Alphabetic and Contracted Braille Study (ABC Braille Study) revealed their perspectives about braille literacy.

Methods

A 30-item questionnaire was constructed by the ABC Braille research team, and researchers conducted telephone interviews with 31 parents who were the primary caregivers of children in the ABC Braille Study. The questions investigated how often the parents read to their children, whether print or braille books were available at home, what their primary goals were for their children, and whether they knew braille. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Demographic information was also gathered and analyzed. Last, the parents were separated into two groups on the basis of the students’ achievement, and data on the parents of the high-achieving students were compared with data on the parents of the low-achieving students.

Results

The data from the interviews showed that the participants often read to their children and provided them with some braille books. The primary goals of the parents were that their children learn to read and write braille, and the parents indicated that braille would be the primary medium throughout their children's lives. Although many parents knew at least the braille alphabet (20 of the 31 participants), only 3 of the 31 indicated that they know contracted braille. The findings revealed a slight relationship between the parents’ level of education and the children's reading performance.

Discussion

The participants placed a high value on supporting literacy at home by reading to their children, learning some braille, and providing their children with books. However, the availability of braille books at home was limited in comparison to the availability of print books, and the participants’ knowledge of contracted braille was limited.

Implications for Practitioners

The involvement of parents is critical to promoting positive literacy experiences at home. Teachers of students with visual impairments are regarded as the primary support persons who provide resources for parents of children who are learning braille, including resources for learning braille and braille materials for use at home.
Barriers to Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Southall Kenneth , Wittich Walter
Published: January 2019

Introduction

This study sought to describe and better understand barriers to accessing low vision rehabilitation services.

Methods

A qualitative description research paradigm was employed. Focus group participants were recruited through their involvement in the Montreal Barriers Study in Montreal, Canada. Six focus groups (n = 21 participants) were conducted to assess perspectives (both positive and negative) about accessing low vision rehabilitation services, and in particular the barriers to accessing these services. Interview transcripts were prepared and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Analyses revealed barriers inherent to the person (perceived ability to comfortably engage in activities of daily living and gradual participatory losses); the clinic (inefficiencies in educating clientele about low vision rehabilitation services, and problems and dissatisfaction associated with ophthalmic consultations); and society (fears associated with having stereotypes applied and transportation is the setting where clashes occur).

Discussion

The generated themes revealed barriers to low vision rehabilitation services inherent to the individual, to interactions with vision health professionals, and to interactions with the sighted community. A representative model is proposed. The model design highlights three elements arising from the analyses: the time elapsed since the onset of the vision loss; the complex interactions between the individual, the healthcare setting, and the society; and the overall dynamic nature of help-seeking.

Implications for practitioners

There is a need for improved communication between consumers and providers to facilitate clients seeking out low vision rehabilitation services. Providers should solicit user perspectives and attempt to achieve a good fit between client needs and services adopted.
Comparison of Levels of Satisfaction with Distance Education and On-campus Programs
Authors: Kim Dae Shik , Lee Helen , Skellenger Annette
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The study compared the level of satisfaction of 101 graduates with a distance education versus an on-campus program.

Methods

A self-administered anonymous survey was used to gather information about satisfaction from the recent graduates of a university personnel preparation program in visual impairments (response rate = 57.7%). The survey measured graduates’ satisfaction with their programs in six subareas: (1) faculty-student interaction, (2) student-student interaction, (3) fairness of evaluations, (4) organization of courses, (5) adequacy of the difficulty of courses, and (6) practicum or internship experience.

Results

The program modality was not a significant predictor of overall satisfaction with a program once we controlled for the confounding variables, including age, program area, and presence of visual impairments (—.277 – .226, 95% CI). However, it was a significant independent predictor of faculty-student interaction (—.616 – —.012, 95% CI) and student-student interaction (—.875 – —.073, 95% CI).

Discussion

There was no significant difference in the two groups of graduates’ overall satisfaction with the program, but although the findings are preliminary in nature, the graduates from the on-campus program indicated a higher level of faculty-student and student-student interactions.

Implications for practitioners

Given the findings of this study, prospective students who are interested in university personnel preparation programs in visual impairments may consider distance education programs an option that may satisfy them. Similarly, these programs may consider continuing their distance education programs as a satisfactory option for many students. However, the lower level of faculty-student and student-student interactions perceived by the distance education graduates may suggest a need to ensure a mechanism that facilitates such interactions more effectively.
Transition to Employment for Students with Visual Impairments: Components for Success
Authors: Crudden Adele
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The study presented here examined rehabilitation providers’ beliefs about services and service delivery strategies that are successful in facilitating the transition from school to competitive employment for youths who are blind or have low vision.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted, two with rehabilitation state agency personnel and three with members of professional organizations at their annual conferences. A protocol with four queries about transition services generated data for a content analysis by a team of three researchers.

Results

The participants identified transition services before age 16, communication among service providers and families, assessment, and the development of specific skills as important factors in facilitating the transition to competitive employment. Parental involvement was also identified as a positive factor in the transition and career planning.

Discussion

Transition services are not routinely provided before age 16, thus hindering the development of skills and careers. Improved communication among service providers and parents can promote advocacy and the successful transition to work. The qualitative research strategies used in the study did not generate results that can be generalized to other populations or settings or that can be used to evaluate outcomes. The results can be assessed for transferability and to understand the transition process.

Implications for practitioners

Requiring specific documentation of collaboration between parents and service providers may increase communication among the stakeholders. Increased communication may lead to students’ participation in transition-to-work activities at an earlier age, thus promoting successful transitions.
Training of Paraeducators for Physical Education for Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lieberman Lauren J. , Conroy Paula
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Children with visual impairments are often behind their peers in physical and motor skills. It is often necessary for these children to work one to one with a paraeducator to gain the benefits of physical education, improve physical activity and motor skills, and attain the basic standards of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). Paraeducators are trained to work in classrooms, yet are rarely, if ever, trained in the subject of physical education. The purpose of the study presented here was to determine current training practices for paraeducators in the classroom and what is needed to ensure proper training for physical education for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments.

Methods

In the study, 143 professionals and parents were given a validated questionnaire related to the training needs of paraeducators for physical education.

Results

The results indicated that although the majority of children with visual impairments attended physical education classes with their paraeducators, only 11% of the paraeducators were trained in physical education. The participants thought that the training should consist of safety practices, guiding techniques, teaching strategies, information on visual impairments, and most areas of the ECC. They thought that this information should be delivered in the form of a video or guest speakers and that the children with visual impairments should be included when possible.

Discussion

Because of the large and varied sample in the study, the information gained could be used to create a training video for paraeducators who work with children with visual impairments in physical education.

Implications for practitioners

The results of the study highlight areas that should be included as the foundation of training paraeducators for physical education.
A Field Study of a Standardized Tangible Symbol System for Learners who are Visually Impaired and have Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Trief Ellen , Cascella Paul W. , Bruce Susan M.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The study reported in this article tracked the learning rate of 43 children with multiple disabilities and visual impairments who had limited to no verbal language across seven months of classroom-based intervention using a standardized set of tangible symbols.

Methods

The participants were introduced to tangible symbols on a daily basis during a seven-month field study. The tangible symbols were embedded into the curriculum during daily classroom routines and were used in addition to any other forms of expressive or receptive communication that were already in place in the classroom. The data were collected daily from teachers and therapists. Throughout the seven-month period, data were recorded for 30,220 opportunities to use tangible symbols. The participants had 2 to 9 recorded opportunities to use tangible symbols per day throughout the study.

Results

Over a four-month period, the participants identified 46% of the tangible symbols to which they were exposed, and cognitive, language, play, and symbolism skills were not factors related to the successful acquisition of tangible symbols. The strongest predictor of outcome was independent ambulation, and seven symbols were the most often identified. In addition, decontextualized pre- and posttesting proved less effective as a measurement tool than did daily classroom probes immediately following activities.

Discussion

The results suggest that even children with the most severe impairments were able to identify the use of many of the tangible symbols.

Implications for practitioners

One implication of this research is that data collection allows teachers or therapists to measure progress in the acquisition of tangible symbols objectively and that it fosters the development of goals for the students’ Individualized Education Programs.
Predictors of Employment Outcomes for People with Visual Impairment in Taiwan: The Contribution of Disability Employment Services
Authors: Jang Yuh , Wang Yun-Tung , Lin Meng-Hsiu , Shih Kevin J.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

We investigated the employment status and identified factors that may affect the employment outcomes of people with visual impairments in Taiwan.

Methods

A retrospective, ex post facto design study was conducted. The sample included 313 visually impaired clients who commenced and “closed” (completed) disability employment services between 2008 and 2010 in a metropolitan area in Taiwan.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-one out of 313 (87%) clients were gainfully employed after receiving services. Among those employed, 224 clients were employed as massage practitioners. Factors that increased the likelihood of successful employment outcomes after receiving services included more postemployment services, fewer pre-employment services, and having a vocational qualification.

Discussion

This study provides some empirical support documenting the association between the provision of employment services and employment outcomes among people with visual impairments in Taiwan.

Implications for practitioners

The importance of disability employment services programs, a major component of vocational rehabilitation services, within the overall operation of rehabilitation is their capacity to provide direction, focus, and meaning to other therapies or services. The results of this study may lead employment specialists to reexamine their case services practices. Knowledge of factors that may affect clients’ rehabilitation may help employment specialists to better estimate how much support and training are needed and better assess their clients’ employability.
Does Airbnb Disrupt the Private Rental Market? An Empirical Analysis for French Cities
Authors: Ayouba Kassoum , Breuillé Marie-Laure , Grivault Camille , Le Gallo Julie
Published: January 2019

This article evaluates whether Airbnb rentals affect the rents in the private rental sector in eight cities in France. We estimate a hedonic equation for each city on individual data for apartments, allowing for heteroscedasticity and spatial error autocorrelation of unknown forms and using a large variety of structural and contextual characteristics of the apartments. We show that the density of Airbnb rentals puts upward pressure on rents in Lyon, Montpellier, and Paris, whereas it has no significant effect in other cities. If we restrict the analysis to the professional business of Airbnb rentals, which we define as the lodgings owned by an investor who rents either several “entire home” dwellings (regardless of the number of days) or an “entire home” dwelling for more than 120 days a year, we find a greater effect, which concerns only the two largest cities of France, that is, Marseille and Paris. When we focus on new tenancy agreements, the impact is even higher and concerns Paris, Marseille, and Montpellier. The impact of the Airbnb activity on rents is shown to increase with the proportion of owner-occupiers and decrease with hotel density, both in Montpellier and Paris. However, the share of second homes leads to contrasting effects.
The Power of Peer Review on Transdisciplinary Discovery
Authors: Mäkinen Elina I.
Published: January 2019

This study examines the tension between the academic evaluation system and the development of unconventional research agendas. While scholars have studied the evaluation of research that crosses disciplinary boundaries from the perspective of peer reviewers, they have paid comparatively little attention to the experiences of the performers of unconventional science. This study asks how researchers develop unconventional research agendas to address a long-standing health problem and, in the process, make sense of the actions of a site visit committee organized to advise a foundation funding the project. This study develops a process narrative on the development of a specific transdisciplinary team proposing to study premature birth. The findings show that when the performers and the evaluators of unconventional science developed competing understandings of the research agenda, transdisciplinary discovery became limited as a particular research topic became taboo. Yet, the study also reveals how the performers of unconventional science challenged the power of the site visit committee by making it seem as though they followed the committee’s decisions. These findings raise questions about the role of private foundations as funders of academic research and the suitability of traditional evaluation procedures for assessing transdisciplinary discovery.
Partial loss of endothelial nitric oxide leads to increased cerebrovascular beta amyloid
Authors: Austin Susan A , Katusic Zvonimir S
Published: January 2019

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is present in over half of the elderly population and in 80–90% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. CAA is defined by the deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) in small cerebral arteries and capillaries. Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with an increased incidence of CAA. We utilized 18-month-old endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) heterozygous knockout (+/−) mice, a clinically relevant model of endothelial dysfunction, to examine the role of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) in vascular Aβ accumulation. eNOS+/− mice had significantly higher vascular levels of Aβ40 ( P < 0.05). Aβ42 was not detected. There was no difference in Aβ in brain tissue. Amyloid precursor protein and β-site APP cleavage enzyme 1 protein levels were unaltered, while levels of the α-secretase enzyme, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10, were significantly lower in eNOS + /− microvascular tissue ( P < 0.05). Insulin degrading enzyme and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 were significantly increased in eNOS+/− microvascular tissue, most likely an adaptive response to locally higher Aβ concentrations. Lastly, catalase and CuZn superoxide dismutase were significantly elevated in eNOS+/− microvascular tissue ( P < 0.05). These data demonstrate decreased availability of endothelial NO leads to increased cerebrovascular concentration of Aβ along with compensatory mechanisms to protect the vasculature.
Effects of Xiaotan Tongfu decoction on hepatic metastasis in obesity-associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Ying , Xiu Lijuan , Li Yongjin , Lu Ye , Wang Xiaowei , Wei Pinkang
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study was performed to assess the influence of obesity on colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the efficacy of Xiaotan Tongfu (XTTF) decoction to CRC treatment.

Methods

BALB/C mice were used to establish an obesity-associated CRC model by a high-fat diet and tumor implantation. The tumors were harvested from mice inoculated with CT26 cell suspension. Body weight, liver weight, hepatic metastasis, and histological changes were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to measure the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3).

Results

Obesity influenced the secretion of IGFs and aggravated CRC, while XTTF decoction inhibited the process of hepatic metastasis in CRC by upregulating the secretion of IGF-1/IGF-1R and downregulating the secretion of IGFBP-3.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that XTTF decoction can serve as a candidate curative treatment for CRC.
Galanin expression is down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Lei , Fang Penghua , Chai Chenghua , Shao Lijuan , Mao Haiyan , Qiao Dawei , Kong Guimei , Dong Xiaoyun , Shi Mingyi , Zhang Zhenwen , Bo Ping
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate whether galanin and its three receptors (Gal-R1, Gal-R2, Gal-R3) contribute to development of gastric cancer.

Methods

Preoperative and postoperative fasting venous blood samples were collected from 34 patients with gastric cancer and 13 healthy individuals. Plasma galanin contents, as well as expression levels of galanin and its receptors, were quantitatively examined in a cohort of human gastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues.

Results

Statistically significantly lower galanin levels were found in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer, compared with postoperative samples from these same patients, as well as with samples from healthy donors. Furthermore, galanin and Gal-R1 expression levels were dramatically reduced in gastric cancer tissues, compared with corresponding adjacent tissues, whereas Gal-R2 and Gal-R3 levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, galanin mRNA and protein expression levels in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, and size of the gastric cancer.

Conclusions

Overall levels of galanin and Gal-R1 expression were down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer; local levels were also specifically downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Galanin and its receptor, Gal-R1, may contribute to development of gastric cancer.
Performance-Based Percent Embedment Limits for Chip Seals
Authors: Boz Ilker , Kumbargeri Yogesh Shamsunder , Kutay M. Emin
Published: January 2019

Chip seal treatments are used by many state departments of transportation and counties to cover minor fatigue and low-temperature cracks, retard raveling by reducing the moisture infiltration, and improve friction. Long-term performance of a chip seal treatment is affected by several factors including the type and morphology of the aggregates, emulsion/binder type, and most importantly, the microstructural characteristics such as the percent embedment of aggregates. This paper documents the efforts towards establishing performance-based threshold values of the percent embedment to minimize the common chip seal distresses (i.e. aggregate loss and bleeding). The laboratory performance tests were performed to evaluate aggregate loss and bleeding using a retrofitted Hamburg wheel tracking device. Two emulsion types (CRS-2M and CSEA) and two aggregate sources (slag and natural aggregates) were included in the testing program. Digital image analysis techniques were utilized to quantify and analyze the laboratory test results with respect to the percent embedment as well as chip seal macrotexture. Based on the test results, the minimum and maximum percent embedment thresholds for chip seals are established as 58% and 70%, respectively.
African Americans and the Mississippi River: Race, history and the environment
Authors: Zeisler-Vralsted Dorothy
Published: January 2019

Long touted in literary and historical works, the Mississippi River remains an iconic presence in the American landscape. Whether referred to as ‘Old Man River’ or the ‘Big Muddy,’ the Mississippi River represents imageries ranging from pastoral and Acadian to turbulent and unpredictable. But these imageries – revealed through the cultural production of artists, writers and even filmmakers – did not adequately reflect the experiences of everyone living and working along the river. The African-American community and its relationship to the Mississippi River down the ages is occluded by these discourses. In focusing on this alternate history, namely the African-American experience with the Mississippi River, the overarching framework of this paper will consist of three lenses on the river as: refuge, labor, and cultural icon. From the moment of their arrival, the intersection of their lives with the Mississippi River reveals a history where the river offers freedom, oppression, escape, sustenance, renewal, disease and displacement. From this largely unexplored perspective, distinctions of race and class are exposed and reinforced. Although rivers have long been included in the historical record, whether through a geographical, spiritual, aesthetic or recreational perspective, the juncture where human lives intersect with rivers, constructing memory and identity, remains overlooked despite a plethora of cultural artifacts such as song, prose and poetry that distinguish experiences. These cultural artifacts, in turn, differentiate reciprocal relationships with the river based on race and class. For the African-American community, the Mississippi River alternated between liberator and oppressor, informing the social construct of an identity that was at times lamented, celebrated, demeaned and feared. But how did these linkages with the river not only influence a distinct collective memory but also nurture a culture with certain understandings and perspectives about the river? And if so, what have been their ramifications? Through an examination of folklore, song and first-person accounts, these questions will be addressed as multiple narratives persist, offering a history that makes more explicit the distinctive experiences of the African-American communities in their engagement with the Mississippi River.
Recycling carbon fiber-reinforced polymers by pyrolysis and reused to prepare short-cut fiber C/C composite
Authors: Guo Wenjian , Bai Shuxin , Ye Yicong , Zhu Li’an
Published: January 2019

A new idea of reusing carbon fiber recycled from carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy resin (CF/EP) composite to fabricate short-cut fiber C/C composite by moulding was proposed. The recycled carbon fiber (rCF) maintains comparable properties to virgin carbon fiber (vCF) except for a small amount of pyrolytic carbon attached to it. The wettability of rCF-furfural acetone resin (FA), vCF-FA and pyrolytic carbon-FA is nearly the same by sessile drop method. The obtained rCF was subsequently fabricated into C/C composite by moulding. The density of the prepared rCF C/C composite is 1.51 g·cm−3 which is slightly higher than that of vCF C/C composite of 1.48 g·cm−3. The flexural strength of rCF C/C composite is 34.2 MPa, which is slightly lower than that the vCF C/C composite of 38.8 MPa. However, the vCF C/C composite exhibits pseudo-ductile fracture behavior, while the rCF C/C composite presents a brittle fracture behavior after reaching the maximum value. The reason can be attributed to the cluster structure of rCF resulting in its dispersion lower than that of vCF. Destruction of cluster structure and dispersion of rCF are vital for improving the mechanical properties of short-cut rCF C/C composite.
Trauma Exposure and PTSD Among Women Receiving Treatment for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Miles-McLean Haley A. , LaMotte Adam D. , Williams Megan R. , Murphy Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been associated with men’s perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), but relatively little research has examined these associations among women who perpetrate IPV. This exploratory investigation evaluated the associations among trauma, PTSD symptoms, and IPV perpetration for women and a comparison sample of men. During intake at a community-based Abuse Intervention Program (AIP), women ( n = 32) and a demographically similar comparison sample of men ( n = 64) completed measures of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, physical aggression and emotional abuse perpetration, and use of alcohol and other drugs. The vast majority of women (93.5%) reported traumatic event exposure, and close to half (43.8%) screened positive for a probable PTSD diagnosis. Women’s level of PTSD symptoms correlated positively with emotional abuse perpetration, with medium-to-large effect sizes. After controlling for substance use, women’s PTSD symptoms were significantly and positively correlated with physical assault and emotional abuse perpetration. Women reported significantly higher rates of exposure to IPV victimization and had significantly higher rates of probable PTSD and PTSD symptoms than did men from the same AIP. Gender did not significantly moderate the associations between PTSD symptoms and IPV perpetration. Overall, findings indicate that trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms are important correlates of women’s IPV perpetration. Women in treatment for IPV perpetration may benefit from additional assessment and treatment of trauma and trauma-related symptoms.
Psychological Distress and Access to Care Among Midlife Women
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Jou Judy , Upchurch Dawn M.
Published: January 2019

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine unmet health care needs among midlife women (ages 50-64 years) in the United States by level of psychological distress. Method: Using data for a nationally representative sample of midlife women ( N = 8,838) from the 2015-2016 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated odds ratios of reasons for delayed care and types of care foregone by level of psychological distress—none, moderate (moderate psychological distress [MPD], and severe (severe psychological distress [SPD]). Findings: More than one in five midlife women had MPD (15.3%) or SPD (5.2%). Women with MPD or SPD had 2 to 5 times higher odds of delayed and 2 to 20 times higher odds of foregone care. Conclusions: Midlife women with psychological distress have poorer health than those with no distress, yet they are less likely to get needed health care. There is a missed window of opportunity to address mental health needs and manage comorbid chronic conditions to facilitate healthy aging.
The Negative Dialectics of Law: Luhmann and the Sociology of Juridical Concepts
Authors: Cordero Rodrigo
Published: January 2019

This article proposes to read Niklas Luhmann’s sociological theory of law from the perspective of what may be called the negative dialectics of law: namely, the irreconcilable tension between law as a mechanism that reproduces institutional orders and stabilizes normative expectations, and law as a medium that empowers transformative action and motivates social innovations. Drawing on this tension, the article advances an interpretation of the critical potential of Luhmann’s conceptualization of law by pointing out that the normative form of society emerges out of conflicts about the form of the normative within society. This formulation supposes that the unfolding of law is not the rational completion of higher principles into unified social structures, but a contradictory outcome semantically produced through endless iterations of the difference between what is legal and what is illegal. In doing so, it argues for a sociological reconsideration of the work of juridical concepts in the everyday operation of legal communications, as well as in the normatively guided search for what is non-actualized within the existing scope of positive legal forms. By reading Luhmann along the lines of a critical engagement with the law, the article further calls for exploring constituent moments as instances of reflexive instability that signal the unmarked space of normativity and bring the politicality of concepts to the fore.
Layered learning pharmacy practice model in Ethiopia
Authors: Chargualaf Michael J , Giao Tieumy T , Abrahamson Anna C , Steeb David , Law Miranda , Bates Jill , Nedi Teshome , Muluneh Benyam
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Ethiopia is home to a growing population of more than 100 million people. Healthcare in the region functions with a shortage of oncologists. Pharmacists as well as other healthcare providers can assist with expanding patient access to cancer care. A pilot project was proposed to provide education, determine areas to expand pharmacy services in oncology, and recommend interventions at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Addis Ababa University.

Methods

A layered learning practice model comprising of a clinical pharmacist, a post-graduate year two oncology pharmacy resident, and two fourth-year student pharmacists was constructed for the experience. Through collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at Addis Ababa University, an international experience was developed to provide education and advance pharmacy practice at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.

Results

Based on findings from a needs assessment, the participants collaborated with key stakeholders to develop practices and procedures for the implementation of high-dose methotrexate and for comprehensive chemotherapy order review. In addition, 17 didactic lectures were provided to nine students enrolled in the Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacy Practice at the College of Pharmacy at Addis Ababa University.

Conclusion

This experience provided educational and clinical impact using a layered learning practice model, consisting of a clinical pharmacist, pharmacy resident, and pharmacy students in an international setting. There is significant potential for clinical pharmacy to positively impact patient care in the oncology setting in Ethiopia. Future initiatives for advancement include the safe handling of hazardous agents, additional therapeutic drug monitoring, and outpatient oncology pharmacist practice.
Reporting Education: How Can We Do It Better?
Authors: Shine Kathryn
Published: January 2019

News coverage of education has grown in prominence and influence in recent decades, as education has emerged as a key political issue throughout the world. Although education reporting has tended to be overlooked as a topic of inquiry among media studies and journalism scholars, it has increasingly been the focus of researchers in the field of education. A number of studies have made conclusions about the influence and impact of the news coverage of education, yet researchers have rarely considered how the frequently raised concerns about the nature of the coverage may be addressed. This article aims to provide some insights and recommendations based on the interviews with 25 Australian schoolteachers. The study was guided by the following research question: How do the Australian teachers perceive the news coverage of education? This article focuses on the main themes to emerge in relation to their key concerns about the nature of education reporting and their suggestions for changes and improvements. These findings are contextualized within the relevant literature, and implications and recommendations for journalism practice and journalism education are outlined.
Recovery of the resonance frequency of buildings following strong seismic deformation as a proxy for structural health
Authors: Astorga Ariana Lucia , Guéguen Philippe , Rivière Jacques , Kashima Toshihide , Johnson Paul Allan
Published: January 2019

Elastic properties of civil engineering structures change when subjected to a dynamic excitation. The modal frequencies show a rapid decrease followed by a relaxation, or slow recovery, that is dependent on the level of damage. In this article, we analyze the slow recovery process applying three relaxation models to fit real earthquake data recorded in a Japanese building that shows variant structural state over 20 years. Despite the differences in conditions, the different scales and the complexity of a real-scale problem, the models originally developed for laboratory experiments are well adapted to real building data. The relaxation parameters (i.e. frequency variation, recovery slope, characteristic times and their amplitudes, and range of relaxation times) are able to characterize the structural state, given their clear connection to the degree of fracturing and mechanical damage to the building. The recovery process following strong seismic deformation, could, therefore, be a suitable proxy to monitor structural health.
Embracing Aporia: Food sovereignty and how to navigate ethics
Authors: Gordon Rhyall
Published: January 2019

A significant section of the alternative food initiative (AFI) literature has expressed concerns about the predisposition of some research to assume neoliberal outcomes from particular AFI practices. As a counterpoint to this, there has been a call for analysis tools that will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities and contradictions of AFI practices. In this paper, I explore the ethical dimension of AFI practices. By interrogating the relationship and interplay between ethics and their correlative ethical practices, new learning and knowledge are generated in both a lay and an academic context. Drawing on Derrida’s concept of aporetic ethics, I argue that what allows for such learning to happen is a non-foundational understanding of ethics and ethical practices. When we consider ethics, ethical practices and the relationship between the two as dynamic, fluid and emergent, we develop a disposition that foregrounds reflexivity and learning as key components for ‘eating in the anthropocene’ . With such a disposition and the learning it generates, researchers, both lay and academic, are in a stronger position to understand the complexities of AFI practices. I offer an illustration of such non-foundational ethics through research on food sovereignty collectives in northern Spain. The collectives demonstrate an understanding of the non-foundational nature of ethics and they employ practices to manage the productive discomfort that comes from destabilising ethics, contesting decisions, reflecting on approaches and using ethics as a process to learn how to care for others.