bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement, self-tracking and the history of science: An introduction
Authors: Sysling Fenneke
Published: November 2019

This article introduces the papers contained in this special issue and explores a new field of interest in the history of science: that of measurement and self-making. In this special issue, we aim to show that a focus on self-tracking and individualized measurement provides insight into the ways technologies of quantification, when applied to individual bodies and selves, have introduced new notions of autonomy, responsibility, citizenship, and the possibility of self-improvement and life-course decisions. This introduction is an exploratory history of measurement and self-making, and it provides a discussion of self-tracking in the past as part of the genealogy of present-day digital self-tracking technologies. It concludes that a focus on measurement and self-making highlights the relationship between measurement and morality, the making of the ideal of an autonomous self, capable of improvement, and the relationship between autonomy and surveillance.
Family Rituals and Routines in the Developmental Trajectory of Urban Southern Angolan Families
Authors: Simões Tchilissila Alicerces , Alberto Isabel Marques
Published: November 2019

Rituals and routines are fundamental parts of the family dynamic and contribute to its organization across generations. However, studies on these variables in the context of urban Southern Angolan families are scarce. Thus, this article aims to identify the rituals and routines that organize the development of families in urban Southern Angola through different life stages, using semistructured interviews with 20 professionals from various social fields and 25 couples. Despite some discrepancies between the views of the two groups, they both reported a set of rituals and routines relevant to the organization of the families’ life trajectories.
Geochemical characteristics of elements in coal seams 41 and 42 of Heshan Coalfield, South China
Authors: Zhao Qiaojing , Niu Yongjie , Xie Zhizhong , Zhang Kuangming , Zhou Jinming , Arbuzov SI
Published: November 2019

Coal seams 41 and 42 of the Heshan Coalfield belong to superhigh-organic-sulfur coals. In order to study the geochemical characteristics of the coals, 15 coal samples and 6 rock samples were collected from both coal seams and the roof/floor rocks. The samples were investigated by using conventional microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that minerals in the coals are dominated by kaolinite and a mixed layer illite/smectite and illite; small ratios of pyrite, quartz, chlorite, smectite, calcite, and dolomite are also present. Under the microscope, these pyrites occur as framboidal, euhedral, homogeneous, anhedral, nodular, and fine dissemination shapes. In Shicun Mine, the trace elements Li, Y, Zr, Sn, Sm, and Tb are enriched; Zn and Ba are depleted. However, in the Heliluoshan Mine, Mo is significantly enriched; Li, Zr, Cs, and U are enriched; and Co and Ba are depleted. The occurrence of Li and Ga is associated mainly with organic matter and sulfate minerals. U and Mo occur in silicate minerals, carbonate minerals, illite, I/S, and pyrite. A reducing environment is beneficial for the enrichment of V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and U. The abundances of sulfur in Heshan were controlled mainly by the degree of seawater influence and hydrothermal activities.
The impact of mobile phone use on farmers’ livelihoods in post-insurgency Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Anadozie Chioma , Fonkam Mathias , Cleron Jean-Paul , Kah Muhammadou MO
Published: November 2019

The most ubiquitous information and communications technology (ICT) in the hands of the common man today is the mobile phone. Most existing literature on the impact of mobile phones in farming has examined the various components of the farming cycle in isolation, and failed to holistically account for the complex interactions and relationships between these components. In this study, we combine the strengths of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Systems Theory (ST) as a theoretical lens to understand the impact of mobile phone use in farming and its developmental contributions on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in post-insurgency northeast Nigeria. On the basis of empirical data and literature, we develop a qualitative system dynamics model depicting mobile phone use in farming. The main feedback loops show that the greatest bane to farming in the area is insecurity and climate variability. However, better access to information and communications afforded by mobile phones empowers farmers and enables them to overcome these vulnerabilities. The use of feedback loops in analysis provides rigour and depth to the findings due to their ability to demonstrate the interdependencies between system components. We contribute to knowledge and inform practice by extending the understanding of the impact of mobile phone use in farming through system dynmics modelling.
Peer Preference, Perceived Popularity, and the Teacher–Child Relationship in Special Education
Authors: de Swart Fanny , Burk William J. , Nelen Wendy B. L. , Scholte Ron H. J.
Published: November 2019

This four-wave longitudinal study examined bidirectional associations among pupils’ social status (preference and popularity) and teacher–child relationship characteristics (quality, support, satisfaction, and conflict) in special education. Participants included 586 pupils (86% boys) initially attending Grades 4 and 5 ( Mage Wave 1 = 10.82 years, SD = 0.86) and their teachers. Reports of teacher–child relationships were collected from teachers and pupils through questionnaires. Peer nominations were used to assess preference and popularity. Autoregressive cross-lagged models indicated that preference predicted changes in satisfaction between school years. Conflict in the teacher–child relationship predicted preference, and preference and popularity predicted conflict within and between school years. Bidirectionality of the associations depended on the aspect of the teacher–child relationship and the dimension of social status. Conflict was more robustly related to social status than satisfaction, support, and pupil-reported relationship quality. The associations within school years were not more robust than associations between school years.
The Impact of Sleep on Disability and School Functioning: Results From a Tertiary Pediatric Headache Center
Authors: Clementi Michelle A. , Chang Yu-Hsing , Gambhir Rupa , Lebel Alyssa , Logan Deirdre E.
Published: November 2019

Pediatric headache patients often experience significant sleep disturbance, which may be a risk factor for poor physical, academic, and emotional functioning, including increased anxiety/fear. The current retrospective cohort study of a clinical sample of youth with persistent headache aimed to examine the impact of sleep on functional outcomes and to explore pain-related fear as a mediator of the association between sleep problems and functioning. A total of 109 youth (aged 7-17 years) with persistent headache presenting to a tertiary pediatric headache center (and their parents) completed measures of sleep problems, fear of pain, functional disability, and school functioning at the time of an initial evaluation and 6 months later. After controlling for age and headache frequency and severity, linear regression analyses indicated that increased sleep problems at baseline were associated with increased functional disability and poorer school functioning at baseline ( β = 0.28, P = .01; β = –0.42, P < .001, respectively). Poor sleep at baseline was associated with poorer school functioning (but not functional disability) at follow-up ( β = –0.25, P = .02). Mediation models demonstrated an indirect mediating effect of pain-related fear on the association between baseline sleep problems and follow-up functional disability ( β = 0.06, 95% confidence interval 0.01, 0.15) and between baseline sleep problems and follow-up school functioning ( β = –0.06, 95% confidence interval –0.13, –0.004). Sleep disturbance in youth with headache may be a risk factor for poor functional outcomes, both concurrently and over time, and may be explained partially through pain-related fear. Given the frequency with which pediatric headache patients experience co-occurring sleep problems, sleep should be thoroughly assessed and considered as a potential early treatment target.
Safety evaluation of a low-heat producing zeolite granular hemostatic dressing in a rabbit femoral artery hemorrhage model
Authors: Chen Hao , Shang Xiaoqiang , Yu Lisha , Xiao Liping , Fan Jie
Published: November 2019

Aluminum silicate materials were widely used for temporary hemostasis of external wounds. Although they are commonly deemed to be nontoxic, side effects were proved to have some potential risks. In addition to obvious thermal effect and distal thrombosis, other chemical analysis should be performed to validate whether there is active components in the blood circulation system even when there is no obvious distal thrombosis. On the other hand, blood electrolytes disturbance is a safety concern, and this issue has been ignored in previous studies. In this study, a systematic and stringent safety evaluation of aluminium silicate hemostatic agents was performed to provide useful information for their future clinical applications. In this study, a low-heat producing Zeolite Granular Dressing (Z-Granular, Zeo-Innov Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China) was used as hemostatic agents for safety evaluation in a rabbit femoral artery hemorrhage model. In addition to the time to achieve definite hemostasis and heat producing properties, blood electrolytes concentrations of the rabbits pre- and post-application were measured. Although the in vitro electrolyte concentration tests indicated the significant change of Ca2+ and K+ after the zeolite-accelerated hemostasis, in vivo rabbit model suggested that no obvious blood electrolyte disordered occurred. X-ray photography confirmed that there is no zeolite residual granule remained in the wound sites after the debridement. Element analysis proved that the possibility of these inorganic materials entering the blood circulation is very low. The histological results revealed that no pathological changes resulting from Z-Granular were found. Thus, Zeolite Granular Dressing would be an effective and safe hemostatic agent for emergency arterial bleeding. Furthermore, packing zeolite granules within nonwoven-fabric bags would solve the problem of debridement without compromising their hemostatic efficiency. This is a systematic and stringent safety evaluation of aluminium silicate hemostatic agents and provides useful information for their future clinic applications.
Make Your Move Experience: A Worksite Wellness Pilot in South Texas
Authors: Wilkinson Anna V. , Davé Amanda , Ozdemir Elif , Rodriquez Limairy , Reininger Belinda M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To describe the implementation of Make Your Move Experience (MYME) between 2015 and 2017.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Make Your Move Experience is a culturally sensitive worksite wellness program in South Texas designed to encourage sedentary workers to engage in physical activity.

Participants:

In total, 681 individuals from 19 different organizations.

Intervention:

UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville staff recruited individuals within local organizations to join MYME. At the end of the 3 months, organizations in which employees met MYME goals earned an incentive—bike rack or hydration station—selected to be permanent features of the local environment and facilitate physical activity.

Measures:

Participant self-reported gender, physical activity level prior to joining MYME (beginner or experienced), and weekly miles of biking, walking, or running completed.

Analysis:

Mean number of miles biked, walked, and ran each month were compared between (1) beginners and experienced, (2) men and women, and (3) in fall 2016 and spring 2017 using t tests.

Results:

Beginners initiated physical activity by walking. Men biked more miles than women did ( P < .05 all 3 years). Bike riders cycled fewer miles (20.2 miles vs 44.9 miles; P = .03) and walkers covered fewer miles (195.4 miles vs 266.7 miles; P = .04) in fall 2016 compared to spring 2017.

Conclusions:

Participation in MYME, a culturally appropriate intervention delivered at the worksite, facilitated an increase in physical activity levels among sedentary individuals.
Assessment of the Impact of Clinical Pharmacology Consultations Provided to Hospital Clinicians From the Drug Information Center—An Outcome Research in a Developing Country
Authors: Harish CVN , Belavigi Devaraj , Patil Amol N. , Pattanaik Smita , Kakkar Ashish , Kasudhan Kripa Shankar
Published: November 2019

Background:

Drug Information Center (DIC) with on-call evidence-based medicine service can revolutionize health-care practice and also can play a major role in health-care delivery in both developed and developing countries.

Objective:

To assess the feedback received from hospital clinicians for the newly initiated DIC services in a tertiary care hospital of North India.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. The clinicians approached DIC for specific pharmacotherapeutic questions for managing an index patient. After providing consultation, DIC followed up with them for the action taken and feedback on the consultation. The results of the data analyzed using Fisher Exact test and descriptive statistics.

Results:

Of 264 encounters, more than 98% of clinicians found the service satisfactory. There was a statistically significant association between the timely answer provided to treating physicians and their level of satisfaction with the service ( P < .05). There was no significant association between academic experiences and the satisfaction or dissatisfaction among the clinical fraternity colleagues. The interpretation ability of on-call pharmacology postgraduate students was a significantly associated factor with clinician’s satisfaction level ( P < .05). More than 96% of clinicians followed the pharmacotherapy advice recommended by DIC in their patient management.

Conclusion:

Thorough evaluation of published research needs to be taught to budding pharmacologists, pharmacists in their curriculum for an effective DIC service. DIC service has the potential to minimize the barrier of evidence-based medicine practice in developing as well as developed countries.
Key drivers of financial performance of insurers in the Affordable Care Act market exchange
Authors: McCue Michael , Hall Mark A , Palazzolo Jennifer
Published: November 2019

While most publicly-traded insurers have experienced losses and exited the Affordable Care Act individual insurance market exchange, insurers specializing in Medicaid managed care have been profitable in this market. Accessing individual market data, this study compares the financial performance of 20 state insurers owned by two publicly-traded companies that historically focused on insuring Medicaid members compared to 40 insurers owned by other publicly-traded companies. Medicaid-focused insurers incurred a significantly lower medical loss ratio of 83.3% compared to the medical loss ratio of 93.7% of other publicly-traded insurers, and they earned a significantly higher profit margin of 4.6% compared to the operating loss of 6.5% incurred by other publicly-traded insurers. This superior financial performance of Medicaid-focused insurers could be due to one or a combination of: their care management experience with the Medicaid population, other cost reducing strategies such as provider contracting, or the enrollment of a healthier than average population.
HIV care in Istanbul, Turkey: How far is it from the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets?
Authors: Mete Bilgul , Gunduz Alper , Bolukcu Sibel , Karaosmanoglu Hayat K , Yildiz Dilek , Koç Meliha M , Aydın Ozlem A , Dokmetas Ilyas , Tabak Fehmi
Published: November 2019

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is low but it is steadily increasing in Turkey. In the current study, we aimed to assess the status of HIV infection management with the proposed 90–90–90 targets in a large HIV cohort in Istanbul, Turkey. The cohort included 2382 patients (2082 male, 300 female, mean age was 36.3 ± 11.3 years). Mean CD4 cell count was 399 cells/mm3 and HIV-RNA level was 576,235 copies/ml. According to the modeling by the Modeling tool of European Center for Diseases Control Software, 72 and 74% of all HIV patients had been diagnosed in 2016 and 2017, respectively (the first target). Among 2382 patients, 2191 (92%) were on antiretroviral therapy (the second target). The third target of virally suppressing those on treatment was achieved among 70.2% of the patients. The current study suggests that both the fraction of those living with undiagnosed HIV and the proportion of those on treatment who are virally suppressed should be targeted to sustain optimal HIV care. Efforts should continue to surpass the targets of 90–90–90.
Decreased levels of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein after switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hikasa Shinichi , Shimabukuro Shota , Hideta Kyoko , Nishida Sakurako , Higasa Satoshi , Sawada Akihiro , Tokugawa Tazuko , Tanaka Kuniyoshi , Yanai Mina , Kimura Takeshi
Published: November 2019

A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted between September 2016 and August 2018 in 33 HIV-positive Japanese patients who switched antiretroviral drug regimens from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). The study assessed changes in urinary levels of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) after switching from TDF to TAF and determined the potential of renal parameters to predict improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Median urinary levels of L-FABP were found to be 2.0, 1.4, and 1.3 µg/g creatinine before, at 6 months, and at 12 months after switching to TAF, respectively. The urinary levels of L-FABP, β2 microglobulin (β2MG), and eGFR and the protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR) were not significantly related to the annual change in eGFR after switching from TDF to TAF. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in urinary levels of L-FABP after switching from TDF to TAF. However, neither urinary L-FABP, β2MG, PCR, nor eGFR predicted the annual change in eGFR after the change in medication.
Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) L.G. Lohmann root extract exerts cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on gastric tumor cells and downregulates BCL-XL, BIRC5, and MET genes
Authors: Serpeloni JM , Specian AFL , Ribeiro DL , Benício LM , Nunes HL , Franchi LP , Rocha CQ , Vilegas W , Varanda EA , Cólus IMS
Published: November 2019

Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) L.G. Lohmann (FP) has cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. We aimed to characterize the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of FP extract on normal (GAS) and tumor-derived (ACP02 and HepG2) cell lines. The effective concentrations (EC50s) by tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) were 56.16, 43.68, and 42.57 µg mL−1 and 69.38, 41.73, and 52.39 µg mL−1 by neutral red assay for GAS, ACP02, and HepG2 cells, respectively. The extract decreased nuclear division indices, which was not reflected in cell proliferation curves. Flow cytometric analyses showed that even 30 µg mL−1 extract (shown to be noncytotoxic by MTT assay) increased the sub-G1 population, indicating cell death due to apoptosis and necrosis. A cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay showed that 30 µg mL−1 of the extract increased the frequency of nuclear buds in tumor cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed CCND1 upregulation in doxorubicin-treated GAS cells and BCL-XL, BIRC5, and MET downregulation in 5 or 30 µg mL−1 in FP extract-treated ACP02 cells. In conclusion, FP extract modulated apoptosis- and cell cycle-related genes and presented selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells that deserves further investigation by testing other cell types. Our results demonstrated that even medicinal plants exert adverse effects depending on the extract concentrations used and tissues investigated.
Submicron inorganic particles as an additional filler in hybrid epoxy matrix composites reinforced with glass fibres
Authors: Włoch Marcin , Bagiński Filip , Koziński Piotr , Datta Janusz
Published: November 2019

In this study, the effect of selected submicron metal oxide (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) or non-metal oxide (silicon dioxide) particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy/glass composites was investigated. The applied epoxy resin was a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A cured with triethylenetetramine. As a reinforcement twill weave E-glass fabric was used. Hybrid composites (contained particulate and fibrous filler) were fabricated by using the hand lay-up method and the average content of glass fibres was 39–41 wt%. Flexural properties, thermo-mechanical properties, abrasion resistance and hardness were determined for each group of the prepared hybrid epoxy/glass composites. The obtained results were compared with control samples (without submicron particles). Investigations showed that the addition of 2 wt% SiO2, 4 wt% TiO2 or 4 wt% ZnO to epoxy resin improved the flexural strength and the flexural modulus of composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the addition of the mentioned particles enhanced storage and loss modulus. It can be attributed to the good dispersion and good interaction between submicron-mentioned particles and the epoxy matrix.
Cross-National Research Partnerships in International Relations: A Study of Research Groups’ Practices of MERCOSUR—Re-Envisioning Scholarly Activities Beyond the Global North–Global South Divide
Authors: Perrotta Daniela , Alonso Mauro
Published: November 2019

This article assesses international partnerships by observing research collaboration dynamics of International Relations research groups of MERCOSUR. We contest the models based on center–periphery or North–South divide as we built our assessment to explain the collaboration dynamics both in an international and regional level from the agent’s point of view. We moved beyond Scientometric analysis and conducted an exploratory case study with interviews, a focus group and a questionnaire. We demonstrate that, despite asymmetries, researchers from the South do not have a passive role in the interactions and exchanges, as there is space for reciprocity and agency. We argue that integration of research through international partnerships is pragmatic and the condition of autonomy varies according to the features of the groups, their positions within the field and the prestige of their researchers.
The Lived Experiences, Perceptions, and Considerations of Patients After Operable Lung Cancer Concerning Nonparticipation in a Randomized Clinical Rehabilitation Trial
Authors: Schoenau Mai Nanna , Hansen Mette , Ulvestad Sigrid , Sommer Maja Schick , Pedersen Jesper Holst , Missel Malene
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and considerations of individuals who declined participation in a randomized clinical trial involving exercise rehabilitation after surgery for lung cancer. An interpretive phenomenological approach was applied comprising interviews with 15 individuals who did not wish to participate in the trial. The findings shed light on a discrepancy between their freedom to act and make decisions and the limitations of having to act in a certain way. The participants found themselves in a gray area between a healthy life and a good life, as influenced by societal norms and taking responsibility for one’s own health and rehabilitation. When including patients in rehabilitation after lung cancer, having insight into the underlying narrative on values and the good life, priorities in daily life, social context and the norms embedded in people’s self-understanding is crucial.
Kinematic Analysis of Smiles in the Healthy Pediatric Population Using 3-Dimensional Motion Capture
Authors: Hallac Rami R. , Thrikutam Nikhitha , Chou Pang-Yun , Huang Rong , Seaward James R. , Kane Alex A.
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Facial normalcy, as measured with 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional photographs, has been documented in the healthy pediatric population. However, static images convey far from a complete representation of an individual’s daily interactions with peers. Craniofacial surgery induces changes to soft or osseous tissues and thereby affects dynamic facial expression. To-date, there has not been rigorous, dynamic quantification of normal facial expression. In this study, we used 4-dimensional (4D) imaging to assess the facial expression of healthy children to provide a normative reference point for craniofacial surgeons.

Methods:

A total of 36 healthy pediatric volunteers underwent 4D video recordings while performing a maximal voluntary smile. A face template containing 884 landmarks was registered and tracked throughout the videos using Dimensional Imaging software. Participants were divided into 2 smile groups: open-lip smile and closed-lip smile. Kinematic analysis of smiles was calculated for every landmark from its position in the resting frame to its terminal displacement.

Results:

Composite smiles and Euclidean distance maps were generated displaying areas of greatest displacement near the oral commissures. There was significant difference between closed-lip and open-lip groups in regions of eyes and cheeks. In addition, the open-lip smile group demonstrated significantly greater displacement in the oral commissure on the left side compared to the right ( P < .05); whereas, in the closed-lip group, the eyes and cheeks moved significantly more on the right side.

Conclusion:

This study presents an innovative method that can be used to evaluate facial expressions to help craniofacial surgeons restore functional movement in patients with facial anomalies.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Meeting Rural Mental Health Challenges
Authors: Finley Brooke A.
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current rural mental health system crisis in the United States and how psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can holistically mitigate this systemic issue. METHOD: Respective to the objective, relevant literature is reviewed. RESULTS: PMHNPs have successfully increased access to care in underserved rural communities by practicing at the fullest extent of their scope without mandated supervision, utilizing telepsychiatry practice, while expanding PMHNP rural mental health education and research to meet and absolve pressing rural mental health challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports that rural mental health care improves when PMHNPs have full scope of practice, utilize telepsychiatry, engage in related scholarly activity, and have formalized education and training for rural health care delivery, which collectively answer the professional and moral call serving the underserved rural population with mental illness.
Scripting Stranger Sexual Offenses Against Women
Authors: Chiu Yi-Ning , Leclerc Benoit
Published: November 2019

This study identifies the first crime script for unsolved stranger sexual offenses against women. The purpose is to better understand the crime-commission process of solved and unsolved stranger sexual offenses and identify potential points of intervention for prevention purposes. Crime script analysis was performed on 542 solved ( n = 265) and unsolved ( n = 277) cases based on police data in Queensland, Australia, followed by a comparison between solved and unsolved crime scripts. Results showed that unsolved offenses tended to be associated with the following factors: the offender fleeing/desisting, using minimal force, less intrusive sexual outcomes, and less verbal engagement with the victim. In these cases, there was a lack of information regarding forensic evidence, behavioral clues, and eyewitness leads. This highlights the relevance of focusing on situational crime prevention and policing strategies that may deter stranger sexual crimes at the earliest stages of the script.
Dialogical experiences in practice – Research with Danish daycare: Moving from abstract to concrete generalizations
Authors: Hviid Pernille
Published: November 2019

The project investigated the development of more sustainable managerial practices than the widespread New Public Management. The concrete case concerned the public Danish daycare sector and included all groups of actors (children, pedagogues, parents, Centre leaders, administration and politicians) aiming at inventing structures and practices, which could support and preserve ‘the good daycare’. An analysis of the existing practices showed that the system in all its layers and interconnections predominantly was built on static ontologies. This included the guiding principles for children’s learning and development, the educational programmes and manuals as well as the formats of documentation and evaluation. Ambitiously, we suggested a change towards a processual ontology, in which dialogues between all groups fed into the establishment of a new managerial order, built on multi-voiced meaningful premises. We thus aimed at supporting the construction of new kind of knowledge, moving from abstract generalized to concrete generalized. The concrete generalized evolved through dialogues and interactions as collaborative strategies, guiding conceptualizations and procedures as well as a common care for the ‘we’ and the object of the shared attention: The good daycare. These processes are presented and discussed in the paper.
Lost in Thailand: A case study on the impact of a film on tourist behavior
Authors: Du Yingying , Li Junyi , Pan Bing , Zhang Yanyan
Published: November 2019

Based on user-generated content from a social media website, this study investigated the impact of a popular film in China— Lost in Thailand—on tourist behavior at the destination. The authors analyzed tourist volumes and conducted social network analysis and content analysis to explore the spatiotemporal behavior patterns of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand before and after the release of the film. This study investigated changes in tourist behavior at a destination in three dimensions: total tourist volumes, the structure of tourism flow networks, and the spatiotemporal patterns of tourists. The results revealed that film productions substantially influenced the behavior of tourists visiting the destination.
An incremental model of second language speech production mechanisms: Developmental evidence from object ellipsis in second language Chinese speech production
Authors: Yuan Boping , Zhang Lulu
Published: November 2019

Aims:

This study investigates object ellipsis in English and Korean speakers’ second language (L2) Chinese speech production and the effects of first language (L1) influence in L2 Chinese speech production.

Design:

59 English speakers and 64 Korean speakers at various Chinese proficiency levels, as well as 16 native speakers of Chinese, participated in the study. In addition to an acceptability judgement test, an utterance-recall task was employed in the study to prime participants for relevant structures.

Findings:

There are early stages where derivations, such as move, deletion, etc., are not implemented in L2 speech production, although at later stages L2 speech production mechanisms can converge with that of native speakers. No evidence of L1 influence is found, and L2 learners are found to behave differently in the utterance-recall task and the sentence acceptability judgement task.

Originality:

The study includes data from L2 Chinese learners from beginner to advanced levels and provides a comprehensive picture of structural priming effects on the development of L2 speech production.

Implications:

There is a discontinuity in the development of L2 speech production mechanisms, and the development of the mechanisms is incremental in nature. Mechanisms for L2 language comprehension are different from those for L2 speech production, at least as far as L2 at the early stages is concerned.
In-situ monitoring of energetic and hydrological performance of a semi-intensive green roof and a white roof during a heatwave event in the UK
Authors: Xing Yangang , Jones Phil
Published: November 2019

Due to the increasing magnitude and high frequency of urban heatwaves, recently, there has been a surge of interest in the reflective roofs and the vegetative green roofs. Along with the rising temperature, there are also more frequent droughts and rainfall which have led to wider changes in weather conditions subsequently affecting the performance of green roofs and white roofs. However, there is still a lack of research in comparing dynamic energetic and hydrological performance of green roof and white roofs during heatwave events. This paper introduces a newly constructed outdoor test rig (installed with a semi-intensive green roof and an aluminium white roof) and a few initial monitoring results. The hydrological performance monitoring results showed that, although a noticeable peak runoff reduction of the white roof was observed, more significant water retention of green roofs had been established. The energetic performance monitoring results indicated that the green roof performed better than the white roof during the heatwave event reducing solar heat gains by 76% during day time, improving U-value by 28% and reducing indoor air temperature by 2.5°C. The peak indoor air temperature reduction in the green roof space occurred during late afternoons (around 7 pm).
A new robust combined control system for improving manoeuvrability, lateral stability and rollover prevention of a vehicle
Authors: Saeedi Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a new effective method in order to achieve an appropriate performance for a four-wheeled vehicle during different conditions. The main goal of the study is focused on the handling improvement and lateral stability increment of the vehicle using a robust combined control system. First, in order to increase the vehicle's manoeuvrability, an active steering control system is proposed based on the sliding mode control method and using the simplified dynamic model. The tracking of the desired values of the yaw rate and lateral velocity of the vehicle is the main purpose for using the controller. Also, in order for verifying the performance of the sliding mode controller, the linearization feedback control method is used to design the active steering control system. Moreover, to improve the directional stability of the vehicle, a new active roll control system is proposed. In this control system, the roll angle is considered as the state variable as well as the active anti-roll-bar is utilized as an actuator to generate the roll moment. Then, a 14-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of the vehicle validated using CarSim software is utilized. Afterward, the performance of the designed combined control system is investigated at various velocities. The simulation results confirm that the combined control system has an important effect on vehicle's manoeuvrability improvement and its lateral stability increment, especially during severe transient manoeuvre.
Modifying markets: Consumerism and institutional work in nonprofit marketing
Authors: Yngfalk Anna Fyrberg , Yngfalk Carl
Published: November 2019

The rise and development of markets under neoliberal consumerism represents a topical theme in marketing theory and is at the heart of emergent discussions on market system dynamics. While the nonprofit market sector represents a major part of the economy and is an important locus for alternative market discourses, prior studies tend to focus on well-represented groups of actors, such as corporations or consumers. Moving beyond the dyad of producers and consumers, the present study contributes to recent discussions on institutional work by examining and problematizing the role of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) as agents of market system dynamics. A qualitative discourse analysis of nonprofit marketing, conducted at one of Sweden’s largest NPOs, reveals the institutional work aimed at modifying the market for health and fitness according to alternative cultural values of, for instance, inclusiveness, democracy, and collectiveness. In particular, the article draws attention to ethical institutional work in markets, which enables organizations to strategically switch managerial focus between disparate institutional demands for purposes of creating and maintaining hybrid forms of legitimacy. However, ethical work also problematically entwines nonprofit with commercial values of profit maximization. The study contends that nonprofit consumerism thus works as a double-edged sword and may spur commercialization and market diffusion in society at large.
Thiamine transporter 2 is involved in high glucose-induced damage and altered thiamine availability in cell models of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Beltramo Elena , Mazzeo Aurora , Lopatina Tatiana , Trento Marina , Porta Massimo
Published: November 2019

Thiamine prevents high glucose-induced damage in microvasculature, and progression of retinopathy and nephropathy in diabetic animals. Impaired thiamine availability causes renal damage in diabetic patients. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC19A3 locus encoding for thiamine transporter 2 are associated with absent/minimal diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy despite long-term type 1 diabetes. We investigated the involvement of thiamine transporter 1 and thiamine transporter 2, and their transcription factor specificity protein 1, in high glucose-induced damage and altered thiamine availability in cells of the inner blood–retinal barrier. Human endothelial cells, pericytes and Müller cells were exposed to hyperglycaemic-like conditions and/or thiamine deficiency/over-supplementation in single/co-cultures. Expression and localization of thiamine transporter 1, thiamine transporter 2 and transcription factor specificity protein 1 were evaluated together with intracellular thiamine concentration, transketolase activity and permeability to thiamine. The effects of thiamine depletion on cell function (viability, apoptosis and migration) were also addressed. Thiamine transporter 2 and transcription factor specificity protein 1 expression were modulated by hyperglycaemic-like conditions. Transketolase activity, intracellular thiamine and permeability to thiamine were decreased in cells cultured in thiamine deficiency, and in pericytes in hyperglycaemic-like conditions. Thiamine depletion reduced cell viability and proliferation, while thiamine over-supplementation compensated for thiamine transporter 2 reduction by restoring thiamine uptake and transketolase activity. High glucose and reduced thiamine determine impairment in thiamine transport inside retinal cells and through the inner blood–retinal barrier. Thiamine transporter 2 modulation in our cell models suggests its major role in thiamine transport in retinal cells and its involvement in high glucose-induced damage and impaired thiamine availability.
Ablation of angiotensin type 2 receptor prevents endothelial nitric oxide synthase glutathionylation and nitration in ischaemic abductor muscle of diabetic mice
Authors: Robillard Stéphanie , Mercier Clément , Breton Valérie , Paquin-Veillette Judith , Guay Andréanne , Lizotte Farah , Geraldes Pedro
Published: November 2019

Peripheral artery disease is a severe complication of diabetes. We have reported that the deletion of angiotensin type 2 receptor in diabetic mice promoted vascular angiogenesis in the ischaemic muscle 4 weeks following ischaemia. However, the angiotensin type 2 receptor deletion beneficial effects occurred 2 weeks post surgery suggesting that angiotensin type 2 receptor may regulate other pro-angiogenic signalling pathways during the early phases of ischaemia. Nondiabetic and diabetic angiotensin type 2 receptor–deficient mice ( Agtr2−/Y) underwent femoral artery ligation after 2 months of diabetes. Blood perfusion was measured every week up to 2 weeks post surgery. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and activity were evaluated. Blood flow reperfusion in the ischaemic muscle of diabetic Agtr2+/Y mice was recovered at 35% as compared to a 68% recovery in diabetic Agtr2−/Y mice. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors was diminished in diabetic Agtr2+/Y mice, an observation not seen in diabetic Agtr2−/Y mice. Interestingly, Agtr2−/Y mice were protected from diabetes-induced glutathionylation, nitration and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, which correlated with reduced endothelial cell death and enhanced vascular density in diabetic ischaemic muscle. In conclusion, our results suggest that the deletion of angiotensin type 2 receptor promotes blood flow reperfusion in diabetes by favouring endothelial cell survival and function.
From the Editors
Authors: Ray Rashawn , Rojas Fabio
Published: November 2019

Contexts editors Rashawn Ray and Fabio Rojas introduce a special issue on digital sociology.
Computation and the Sociological Imagination
Authors: Evans James , Foster Jacob G.
Published: November 2019

Computational sociology leverages new tools and data sources to expand the scope and scale of sociological inquiry. It’s opening up an exciting frontier for sociologists of every stripe—from theorists and ethnographers to experimentalists and survey researchers. It expands the sociological imagination.
Police and Legitimacy in Mexico City
Authors: Sierra-Arévalo Michael
Published: November 2019

Exploring the relationship between Mexico City’s citizens and police with photographer and professor Michael Sierra-Arévalo.
SAS4P: Providing automatic smoking detection for a persuasive smoking cessation application
Authors: Rossel Pedro O , Paredes Lorenzo , Bascur Antonio , Martínez-Carrasco Claudia , Herskovic Valeria
Published: November 2019

Smoking is the biggest avoidable health risk, causing millions of deaths per year worldwide. Persuasive applications are those designed to change a person’s behavior, usually in a specific way. Several mobile phone applications and messaging systems have been used to promote smoking cessation. However, most interventions use participants’ self-reports to track cigarette consumption and avoidance, which may not be accurate or objective. Previous proposals have used sensors to track hand movements and other contextual data to detect smoking or have used devices to detect smoke or breath carbon monoxide. This article proposes a low-cost wearable device that may be worn in a front shirt pocket or clipped to clothing to detect smoke and secondhand smoke. Furthermore, the device is integrated into a persuasive application to promote smoking cessation. The device was evaluated through an experiment to detect whether it may detect direct, passive, and no smoking conditions. The results are promising and may help improve tracking of cigarettes in persuasive applications.
Dynamic Consent: An Evaluation and Reporting Framework
Authors: Prictor Megan , Lewis Megan A. , Newson Ainsley J. , Haas Matilda , Baba Sachiko , Kim Hannah , Kokado Minori , Minari Jusaku , Molnár-Gábor Fruzsina , Yamamoto Beverley , Kaye Jane , Teare Harriet J. A.
Published: November 2019

Dynamic consent (DC) is an approach to consent that enables people, through an interactive digital interface, to make granular decisions about their ongoing participation. This approach has been explored within biomedical research, in fields such as biobanking and genomics, where ongoing contact is required with participants. It is posited that DC can enhance decisional autonomy and improve researcher–participant communication. Currently, there is a lack of evidence about the measurable effects of DC-based tools. This article outlines a framework for DC evaluation and reporting. The article draws upon the evidence for enhanced modes of informed consent for research as the basis for a logic model. It outlines how future evaluations of DC should be designed to maximize their quality, replicability, and relevance based on this framework. Finally, the article considers best-practice for reporting studies that assess DC, to enable future research and implementation to build upon the emerging evidence base.
Fostering a global public sphere in real time: transpacific Skype seminars as a teaching strategy with implications for citizenship and identity
Authors: Schattle Hans , Plate Tom
Published: November 2019

Citizenship and identity can be viewed as dynamic and transformative rather than as fixed or static, especially in an era in which the public sphere for contestation and deliberation has expanded beyond the limits of nation-states and into the global realm. It can be difficult, though, within the confines of conventional classrooms to create an atmosphere that gives students, even in culturally diverse university settings, a sense that they are taking part in a meaningful global conversation. New digital media platforms and videoconferencing technology are rendering this goal less elusive than before, and this article works across the theory and practice of global citizenship education to explain how faculty members in Los Angeles, California, and Seoul, South Korea, have team-taught their respective undergraduate courses via live Skype seminars. We review, in concrete and practical terms, the planning and logistics that went into this teaching strategy, including an extensive discussion on how we evaluated the initiative and how we modified the strategy to add team assignments that brought the students together for collaboration beyond the weekly class meetings. We then reflect upon how our shared endeavor of bringing students together for mutual learning across national borders carries implications for the ways in which our students think about their roles and identities as citizens.
Drivers and barriers in public diplomacy evaluation: understanding attitudes, norms, and control
Authors: Buhmann Alexander , Sommerfeldt Erich J.
Published: November 2019

While the need for evaluation has become increasingly emphasized within the global public diplomacy community, recent research suggests the state of the practice is grim. However, the few writings that exist on evaluation practices in public diplomacy are anecdotal and focus mainly on obstacles to enacting evaluation behavior. Little is known about evaluation-related perceptions, motivations, and attitudes of public diplomacy practitioners themselves. As practitioners are under increasing pressure to deliver evaluations, understanding the perspective of practitioners and their motivations is necessary. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, this study presents the results of interviews with 25 public diplomacy practitioners in the U.S. Department of State. The results lend insight into the attitudes, norms, and behavioral controls that influence practitioners’ intentions to engage in evaluation. The article also suggests explanations as to why evaluation struggles to gain a foothold within public diplomacy, and makes proposals for improving future practice.