bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculating mean length of utterance for eastern Canadian Inuktitut
Authors: Allen Shanley E. M. , Dench Catherine
Published: November 2015

Although virtually all Inuit children in eastern Arctic Canada learn Inuktitut as their native language, there is a critical lack of tools to assess their level of language ability. This article investigates how mean length of utterance (MLU), a widely-used assessment measure in English and other languages, can be best applied in Inuktitut. The authors seek a measure that is suitable for the structural characteristics of Inuktitut as well as the practical realities of language assessment in the Inuit context. They compare five measures of mean length of utterance/word as well as five measures of longest utterance/word using three sets of data: spontaneous speech from eight children aged 1;8–3;6, frog story narratives from 12 older children and 6 adults, and spontaneous speech from one 5-year-old with specific language impairment and an age-matched peer. The authors conclude that mean length of word in syllables is the measure that provides the best balance of reliably assessing language level while also suiting Inuktitut structure and being relatively easy to calculate.
Linguistic diversity in first language acquisition research: Moving beyond the challenges
Authors: Kelly Barbara F. , Forshaw William , Nordlinger Rachel , Wigglesworth Gillian
Published: November 2015

The field of first language acquisition (FLA) needs to take into account data from the broadest typological array of languages and language-learning environments if it is to identify potential universals in child language development, and how these interact with socio-cultural mechanisms of acquisition. Yet undertaking FLA research in remote field-based situations, where the majority of the world’s languages are spoken and acquired, poses challenges for best-practice methodologies assumed in lab-based FLA research. This article discusses the challenges of child language acquisition research in fieldwork contexts with lesser-known, under-described languages with small communities of speakers. The authors suggest some modified approaches to methodology for child language research appropriate to challenging fieldwork situations, in the hope of encouraging more cross-linguistic acquisition research.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Values Tracker
Authors: Pielech Melissa , Bailey Robert W. , McEntee Mindy L. , Ashworth Julie , Levell Jayne , Sowden Gail , Vowles Kevin E.
Published: November 2015

Engagement in valued activities is an important outcome, particularly in treatments that aim to enhance quality of life in those with chronic conditions. The present study describes the initial evaluation of the Values Tracker (VT), a two-item measure of values engagement, in 302 treatment-seeking adults with chronic pain. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the utility of the VT in the statistical prediction of pain-related functioning, after controlling for demographic variables, pain intensity, and pain-related distress. Across analyses, pain intensity accounted for significant variance (range Δ R2 = .06-.09) with pain-related distress adding additional unique variance (range Δ R2 = .07-.19). The VT accounted for additional unique variance (range Δ R2 = .02-.17) for all variables with the exception of physical disability. These findings provide initial support for the utility of the VT in those with chronic pain. Given the VT’s brevity, it may be particularly useful for tracking changes in engagement in values across sessions.
The Whitewashing Effect
Authors: La Macchia Stephen T. , Louis Winnifred R. , Hornsey Matthew J. , Thai Michael , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: November 2015

The present research examines whether people use racial contact to signal positive and negative social attributes. In two experiments, participants were instructed to fake good (trustworthy/competent) or fake bad (untrustworthy/incompetent) when reporting their amount of contact with a range of different racial groups. In Experiment 1 ( N = 364), participants faking good reported significantly more contact with White Americans than with non-White Americans, whereas participants faking bad did not. In Experiment 2 ( N = 1,056), this pattern was replicated and was found to be particularly pronounced among those with stronger pro-White bias. These findings suggest that individuals may use racial contact as a social signal, effectively “whitewashing” their apparent contact and friendships when trying to present positively.
Going Beyond the SHRM Paradigm: Examining Four Approaches to Governing Employees
Authors: Su Zhong-Xing , Wright Patrick M. , Ulrich Michael D.
Published: November 2015

Drawing from strategic human resource management and organizational theory, this article develops an integrated typology of employee governance. This typology is based on the dimensions of eliciting employees’ commitment to the organization (commitment-eliciting) and achieving employees’ compliance to rules (compliance-achieving), which yields four approaches to governing employees: disciplined governance, bonded governance, hybrid governance, and unstructured governance. Results from 337 firms show that the hybrid governance approach is linked with significantly higher organizational performance than alternative approaches in the Chinese context. In addition, both commitment-based practices and compliance-based practices are positively related to organizational performance, and their interaction produces additional positive effects.
How to organise your body 101: postfeminism and the (re)construction of the female body through How to Look Good Naked
Authors: Tsaousi Christiana
Published: November 2015

The aim of this article is to highlight the attention given by recent makeover shows, and specifically How to Look Good Naked, to the ‘underneath’ as a way of (re)organising the female body. I examine whether this ‘turn’ or change in media’s direction is an appreciation of the real female body (an unmodified body) or whether this is a mere (re-)organisation of the body into a controllable base of overall appearance and a further embedding of Western conceptions of beauty and of the notion that the manipulation of appearance is essential to the construction of the feminine identity and to the measure of women’s social worth. Informed by postfeminist discourse and critique, I analyse the British reality makeover television show How to Look Good Naked, discuss the extent to which it actually provides an alternative to prevailing cultural discourses around feminine beauty and scrutinise the impact that it seems to have on the identities of the women who participate. I analyse how the show, as the ultimate postfeminist show, inscribes gendered identities and practices, and I examine how postfeminism has created spaces for such shows to exist and affirm hegemonic gender constructions based on consumption practices.
An Integrative Literature Review of Patient Turnover in Inpatient Hospital Settings
Authors: Park Shin Hye , Weaver Lindsay , Mejia-Johnson Lydia , Vukas Rachel , Zimmerman Julie
Published: November 2015

High patient turnover can result in fragmentation of nursing care. It can also increase nursing workload and thus impede the ability of nurses to provide safe and high-quality care. We reviewed 20 studies that examined patient turnover in relation to nursing workload, staffing, and patient outcomes as well as interventions in inpatient hospital settings. The studies consistently addressed the importance of accounting for patient turnover when estimating nurse staffing needs. They also showed that patient turnover varied by time, day, and unit type. Researchers found that higher patient turnover was associated with adverse events; however, further research on this topic is needed because evidence on the effect of patient turnover on patient outcomes is not yet strong and conclusive. We suggest that researchers and administrators need to pay more attention to patterns and levels of patient turnover and implement managerial strategies to reduce nursing workload and improve patient outcomes.
Left isomerism syndrome with total anomalous systemic connection
Authors: Vo Anh Tuan , Cao Khang Dang , Le Khoi Minh , Nguyen Dinh Hoang
Published: November 2015

We present a case of left isomerism with total anomalous systemic venous connection where the inferior vena cava was absent and all other systemic veins connected abnormally to the left atrium. The right atrium was hypoplastic with an intact atrial septum. Blood flow to the lungs was through a large ventricular septal defect. The diagnosis was made with echocardiography, angiography, and computed tomography. Complete repair was performed successfully, and the 7-year-old patient had an uneventful recovery.
Squaring the Circle: What lessons can be learned from the Hinchingbrooke franchise fiasco?
Authors: Scourfield Peter
Published: November 2015

In 2012 the first ever operating franchise was awarded to a private provider to run an NHS district general hospital – Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, UK. Less than three years into what was supposed to be a ten-year deal, the franchisee, Circle, announced its withdrawal from the contract, raising concerns about the process of risk assessing and monitoring the franchise arrangements. This commentary begins by telling the story of the decision to award Circle the Hinchingbrooke franchise. It sets out the context in which the franchise was awarded and outlines the stated reasons why it failed. The failure of the Circle franchise is used to question the ‘logic’ of the neo-liberal approach to public service reform. The Circle case illustrates how market mechanisms and privatisation are likely to create as many problems as they are supposed to solve.
The challenges of greening energy: policy/industry dissonance at the Mongstad refinery, Norway
Authors: Haarstad Håvard , Rusten Grete
Published: November 2015

The interaction between policy making and industry is a key to understanding the conditions for ‘greening’ contemporary energy systems. This article uses efforts toward greening the Mongstad oil refinery in Norway as a case to analyse the challenges involved in politically stimulated shifts towards increased sustainability in the energy sector. A technology test centre and a full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Mongstad were the centrepiece of the Stoltenberg government's (2005–2013) climate strategy. However, the project suffered delays and cost overruns until the full-scale carbon capture and storage project was eventually stopped. It is argued that interactions between the policy-making and industrial innovation arenas involved in this case are challenging because they operate according to different internal logics. We conceptualize this divergence as ‘policy/industry dissonance’ and suggest that this concept is a useful complement to literatures on regional innovation systems (RIS) and the multilevel perspective on sustainability transitions (MLP).
In search for effective public-private partnerships: An assessment of the impact of organizational form and managerial strategies in urban regeneration partnerships using fsQCA
Authors: Kort Ir. Michiel , Verweij Stefan , Klijn Erik-Hans
Published: November 2015

A public-private partnership (PPP) is an organizational arrangement in which knowledge and resources are pooled in order to realize outcomes. Although PPPs have become common practice in spatial planning and development, there is a continuous search for their ideal organizational form and management. This is fueled by the often poor performance in terms of e.g. time delays and budget overruns. Whilst comparative studies have been conducted into the outcomes of certain organizational forms and management strategies, fewer comparative studies evaluate their combined effects. The goal of this study is to explore what configurations of certain organizational forms and management may produce good outcomes. This is done by conducting a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of survey data of 50 managers involved in urban regeneration companies (URCs) in the Netherlands.
Microsimulation and interregional input–output modelling as tools for multi-level policy analysis
Authors: Leeuwen Eveline van , Ishikawa Yoshifumi , Nijkamp Peter
Published: November 2015

This article addresses the differentiated impacts of various sectors and branches in a multi-layer spatial system. The key question is whether in an interdependent spatial system – comprising a local, regional and national component – one or more core industries or sectors can be identified that may act as strategic handles for long-range sustainable development of a local economy. As a case study, the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is used. In this area, policy makers – at different administrative levels – strongly emphasize the need for new sustainable economic development. We use a novel combination of stakeholder analysis (with household questionnaires) and multi-level interregional input–output analysis to identify which critical local key sectors are acting as carriers for local sustainability. The methodological vehicle employed in our study is based on microsimulation, as a tool to cope with limited data availability. This paper demonstrates how, even for small areas such as the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, survey information combined with secondary data and existing input–output tables can be integrated into a useful policy toolbox for local sustainable development in a broader regional-national context.
Regional inequalities in the European Neighborhood Policy countries: The effects of growth and integration
Authors: Petrakos George , Tsiapa Maria , Kallioras Dimitris
Published: November 2015

The paper explores the spatial dynamics in the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) countries, in a period of significant transformations in their internal and external economic environment. Regional disparities are reported to be the net outcome of two opposite dynamics: a pro-cyclical pattern, on the one hand, with dynamic and developed regions growing faster in periods of expansion and slower in periods of recession, and a long-term spread effect, on the other, partly offsetting the cumulative impact of growth on space after some critical level of development. In this framework, expanding trade relations with the European Union advanced countries may be an additional source of spatially unbalanced growth and polarization for the ENP countries, as the costs and benefits of integration prove to be unevenly allocated in space. To the extent that growth and integration dynamics tend to polarize the ENP economic space, a set of critical policy questions arise.
Circles South East’s programme for non-offending partners of child sex offenders
Authors: Wager Nadia M. , Wager Angel R. , Wilson Chris
Published: November 2015

This report presents the protocol and preliminary findings from an outcome evaluation study of the Circle South East’s Non-Offending Partner Programme ‘Breaking the Cycle’. The aims of the programme are to inform, empower and support the non-offending partner of a person who has been convicted of a sexual offence against a child, and to assess the risk posed to, and the non-offending partner’s ability to protect, his/her child(ren). The data presented here relates the findings from the 14 partners who both completed the programme and the psychometric measures related to the evaluation for the period between February 2012 and August 2014.
‘Should we worry about sex offenders who deny their offences?’
Authors: Janicki Nicholas
Published: November 2015

This piece is a response to Jackie Craissati’s article ‘Should we worry about sex offenders who deny their offences?’ Craissati takes the view that current practices should be more reflective of the current research and evidence relating that there is a lack of association between denial and increased risk of sexual recidivism. However, through exploring these points, she recognises that the research is unequivocal, and that there are moral and ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners in attempting to adopt such an approach to treatment, risk assessment and management. This article seeks to further explore the dilemmas faced by practitioners, the role of ‘responsibilisation’ and alternative ways of working with total denial.
Are problems that contribute to divorce present at the start of marriage, or do they emerge over time?
Authors: Williamson Hannah C. , Nguyen Teresa P. , Bradbury Thomas N. , Karney Benjamin R.
Published: November 2015

Divorced individuals offer explanations for why their relationship ended, yet little is known about the development of these problems during the relationship. Problems that lead to divorce may exist at the beginning of the marriage (enduring dynamics model) or may develop over time (emergent distress model). We asked 40 divorced individuals about the reasons for their divorce and compared the development of problems that did and did not contribute to their divorce over the first few years of their marriage. Results support an emergent distress model for wives as they saw problems that lead to divorce increasing over time. Results for husbands indicated that they were less attuned to problems overall, suggesting that wives are the bellwether for relationship problems.
Effects of Maternal Parenting and Mother-Child Relationship Quality on Short-Term Longitudinal Change in Self-Regulation in Early Adolescence
Authors: Moilanen Kristin L. , Rambo-Hernandez Karen E.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of the present study was to explore the degree to which short-term longitudinal change in adolescent self-regulation was attributable to maternal parenting and mother-child relationship quality. A total of 821 mother-adolescent dyads provided data in the 1992 and 1994 waves of the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 (52.5% male; 24.2% Hispanic, 36.7% African American, 39.1% European American; adolescents’ initial age range = 10-12 years). Consistent with hypotheses, longitudinal improvements in young adolescents’ self-regulation were associated with high levels of mother-child relationship quality and low levels of maternal discipline. The association between self-regulation in 1992 and 1994 was moderated by child sex and maternal discipline. Thus, this study provides further evidence favoring the exploration of the parent-child relational context in addition to discrete parenting behaviors in studies on self-regulation during the early adolescent years.
Revisiting Consumer Empowerment
Authors: Papaoikonomou Eleni , Alarcón Amado
Published: November 2015

This article explores the notion of consumer empowerment in ethical consumption communities, known as responsible consumption communities (RCCs) in Spain. Although consumer empowerment has previously been discussed in the ethical consumer field, mainly in relation to notions of voting in the marketplace, it has yet to be explored thoroughly. In particular, the concept of empowerment should be moved beyond an individualized lens of analysis, acknowledging connectedness of persons. A combination of qualitative techniques was employed, including focus groups, in-depth interviews, observation, and documentary analysis. Our empirical case shows that consumer empowerment should be understood not in relation to consumption, but in relation to new forms of social organizing and experimentation that emerge around consumption.
País de gordos/país de muertos: Obesity, death and nation in biomedical and forensic genetics in Mexico
Authors: García-Deister Vivette , López-Beltrán Carlos
Published: November 2015

This article provides a comparison between genomic medicine and forensic genetics in Mexico, in light of recent depictions of the nation as a ‘ país de gordos’ (country of the fat) and a ‘ país de muertos’ (country of the dead). We examine the continuities and ruptures in the public image of genetics in these two areas of attention, health and security, focusing especially on how the relevant publics of genetic science are assembled in each case. Publics of biomedical and forensic genetics are assembled through processes of recruitment and interpellation, in ways that modulate current theorizations of co-production. The comparison also provides a vista onto discussions regarding the involvement of genetics in regimes of governance and citizenship and about the relationship between the state and biopower in a context of perceived health crisis and war-like violence.
Moral othering at the checkpoint: The case of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians
Authors: Grassiani Erella
Published: November 2015

In many ways the Palestinian civilian is the ultimate or significant ‘other' for the Israeli soldier serving in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). (S)he is the one who will be stopped, checked, controlled and at times arrested. (S)he is the one who negotiates, pleads, begs and sometimes curses the soldier. This other represents, amongst other things, disorder for the soldiers. (S)he becomes the ‘face’ of the hardship, the frustration, anger, doubt and boredom the soldiers associate with their work within a military occupation. To regain a sense of order, control and normalcy soldiers construct the military checkpoint as a ‘moral geography’ where the Palestinian is actively ‘othered’. In this paper I will explore how moral boundaries are drawn along these physical borders in a landscape of conflict, while not losing sight of the symbolic meaning of this border. I will do this by exploring the way Palestinians are made into a moral other by Israeli soldiers, in an effort to create a certain sense of order, at the checkpoint. I will first discuss the checkpoint as a site of ‘moral geography’ that enhances and legitimizes these processes of othering that I will explore next. Finally, I will discuss the way Palestinians are made into a moral other, while tracing this back to a moral discourse that is geared to establish a ‘normalized’ self.
There is no such thing as the good: The 2013 meeting of the Group for Debates in Anthropological Theory
Authors: Venkatesan Soumhya
Published: November 2015

This comprises the edited proceedings of the 2013 debate on the motion “There is no such thing as the good” held at the University of Manchester.
Urban political ecology II
Authors: Heynen Nik
Published: November 2015

Attention to the urban and metropolitan growth of nature can no longer be denied. Nor can the intense scrutiny of racialized, postcolonial and indigenous perspectives on the press and pulse of uneven development across the planet’s urban political ecology be deferred any longer. There is sufficient research ranging across antiracist and postcolonial perspectives to constitute a need to discuss what is referred to here as ‘abolition ecology’. Abolition ecology represents an approach to studying urban natures more informed by antiracist, postcolonial and indigenous theory. The goal of abolition ecology is to elucidate and extrapolate the interconnected white supremacist and racialized processes that lead to uneven develop within urban environments.
Late onset aura may herald cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A case report
Authors: Samanci Bedia , Coban Oguzhan , Baykan Betul
Published: November 2015

Background

Although migraine usually begins in the early decades of life, late onset of migraine with aura is occasionally observed and can occur without headache, causing confusion in the differential diagnosis.

Case report

A 72-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of visual aura lasting for 20 minutes. These episodes had started at 57 years of age and were only once accompanied by a severe headache. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes in the periventricular white matter, left occipital haemorrhage and subcortical haemosiderin deposits, compatible with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Previous treatment with antiplatelet drugs was discontinued. His episodes of visual aura stopped on treatment with lamotrigine and add-on treatment with verapamil.

Conclusion

In patients with a late onset of migraine aura, doctors must consider other under-recognized causes of transient neurological symptoms, such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Blood-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging sequences are the best tool for the early detection of an underlying pathology and therefore treatment with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs should be avoided as this may increase the risk of haemorrhage.
Negative recognition
Authors: Klikauer Thomas
Published: November 2015

The publications of Taylor (1994) and Honneth (1995) have ignited a renewed interest in the Hegelian theme of recognition. But recognition has not only positive aspects, as there are also negative connotations to recognition seen as misrecognition. What might be termed negative recognition argues that there is more to recognition than simple misrecognition. This article aims to show that negative recognition reaches beyond misrecognition and non-recognition. The paper argues that there are at least four versions of negative recognition. These are misrecognition, non-recognition, de-recognition, and pathological mass-recognition. The examples used to illustrate the existence of these four forms of negative recognition have been drawn from the world of work and general politics. The conclusion enhances the negative side of the ‘recognition thesis’ as recently outlined by Martineau et al. (2012) and others.
Social Engagement After Nursing Home Admission: Racial and Ethnic Disparities and Risk Factors
Authors: Bliss Donna , Harms Susan , Eberly Lynn E. , Savik Kay , Gurvich Olga , Mueller Christine , Wyman Jean F. , Virnig Beth
Published: November 2015

Older adults admitted to nursing homes (NHs) are at risk for low social engagement, which has associations with medical, psychological, and social well-being. Minorities may be at a disadvantage for social engagement because of their racial or ethnic group identity. This study assessed whether there were racial/ethnic disparities in social engagement among older adults ( N = 15,927) at 1 year after their NH admission using multi-level predictors. No racial or ethnic-based disparities in social engagement were found; hence, an analysis of risk factors at NH admission that predicted low social engagement at 1 year for all residents was conducted. Significant risk factors for low social engagement were low social engagement at admission, deficits in activities in daily living and cognition, problems with vision and communication, and residing in an NH in an urban community. Results highlight the importance of initiating interventions to increase social engagement at the time of NH admission.
Gaming in Second Life via Scratch4SL
Authors: Pellas Nikolaos , Peroutseas Efstratios
Published: November 2015

While pedagogical and technological affordances of three-dimensional (3D) multiuser virtual worlds in various educational disciplines are largely well-known, a study about their effect on high school students’ engagement in introductory programming courses is still lacking. This case study presents students’ opinions about their participation in a 3D multiuser game-like environment, by harnessing Second Life in combination with the two-dimensional (2D) programming environment of Scratch4SL. Following a blended instructional format (face-to-face in a computer laboratory and supplementary online courses), 56 students utilizing Scratch4SL participated in this study, with a view to reduce the “steep learning curve” created during their first-time entrance into Second Life. This study identifies Papert’s theory of Constructionism as a potentially appropriate theoretical foundation for the development of an instructional framework, in order to assist students to coordinate and manage learning materials with other teammates, using their computational thinking skills in collaborative problem-based programming tasks. The study findings based on a mixed-method research (a close-ended questionnaire and an open-ended interview) indicated the effectiveness of this “constructionist-oriented” instructional process for students’ engagement to acquire or empower social, cognitive, higher-order, and computational thinking skills. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence Victimization in the Cyber and Real World: Examining the Extent of Cyber Aggression Experiences and Its Association With In-Person Dating Violence
Authors: Marganski Alison , Melander Lisa
Published: November 2015

This study explores the extent of cyber aggression victimization in intimate relationships and its co-occurrence with in-person experiences of psychological, physical, and sexual partner violence. Data were collected from 540 college students who reported being in a dating relationship in the past 12 months. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire that included measures assessing intimate partner victimization experiences in differing social contexts (through socially interactive technology and in face-to-face encounters). Findings indicated that intimate partner cyber aggression victimization is not uncommon, as nearly three quarters of respondents reported having experienced some form of it in the past year. Multivariate analyses also indicate that such aggression may be part of a larger violence nexus given its relation to in-person psychological, physical, and sexual partner violence victimization experiences. In light of these findings, it is recommended that longitudinal research encompassing multiple violence victimization experiences in varying social contexts is completed to determine whether online experiences foreshadow offline ones and, if so, consider interaction effects on outcomes as well as potential intervention strategies to reduce harm associated with such negative experiences.
Meritocracy 2.0
Authors: Au Wayne
Published: November 2015

High-stakes, standardized testing is regularly used within in accountability narratives as a tool for achieving racial equality in schools. Using the frameworks of “racial projects” and “neoliberal multiculturalism,” and drawing on historical and empirical research, this article argues that not only does high-stakes, standardized testing serve to further racial inequality in education, it does so under the guise of forms of anti-racism that have been reconstituted as part of a larger neoliberal project for education reform. This mix of neoliberalism, high-stakes testing, and official anti-racisms that are used to deny structural, racialized inequalities are a manifestation of what the author calls, “Meritocracy 2.0.”
Work interruptions and young women’s career prospects in Germany, Sweden and the US
Authors: Evertsson Marie , Grunow Daniela , Aisenbrey Silke
Published: November 2015

This article assesses the impact of discontinuous work histories on young women’s occupational mobility in Germany, Sweden and the US. Women with continuous work histories are compared with those with gaps due to family leave, unemployment, or other reasons. The German Life History Study, the Swedish Level of Living Survey and the US National Longitudinal Survey of Youth are used to estimate Cox regression models of the transition rate to downward or upward occupational mobility. The results indicate that US women face increased downward mobility with increasing duration of both family leave and unemployment. German women with unemployment experience are also more likely to encounter downward mobility, but no such relationship is found for family leave. In Sweden, family leave experience reduces the chances of upward mobility. Results question the human capital approach, according to which skills should deteriorate at the same rate independent of the reason for the leave.
Bending analysis of sandwich plates with composite face sheets and compliance functionally graded syntactic foam core
Authors: Lashkari Mohammad Javad , Rahmani Omid
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the problem of a rectangular plate with functionally graded soft core and composite face sheets is considered using high order sandwich plate theory. This theory applies no assumptions on the displacement and stress fields in the core. Face sheets were treated using classical theory and core was exposed to the theory of elasticity. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using principle of virtual displacement and the governing equations are based on eight primary variables including six displacements and two shear stresses. This solution is able to present localized displacements and stresses in places where concentrated loads are exerted to the structure since the displacements in the core can take a nonlinear form which could not be seen in the previous theories such as classical and higher order shear theories. This theory is suitable for rectangular plates under all types of loadings distributed or concentrated which can be different on upper and lower face sheets at the same point. The results were compared with the published literature using theory of elasticity and showed good agreement confirming the accuracy of the present theory. Subsequently, the solution for the core with functionally graded material is presented and effectively indicates positive role of functionally graded core.
Three-dimensional random vibrations of a high-speed-train–bridge time-varying system with track irregularities
Authors: Zhu Yan , Li Xiaozhen , Jin Zhibin
Published: November 2015

Three-dimensional random vibrations of a high-speed-train–bridge time-varying system with track irregularities are studied in this paper. The rail irregularity is regarded as a random process. By extending the pseudo-excitation method, three kinds of rail irregularity are transformed into a pseudo load vector of the coupled system. A finite element model is used to describe the bridge and a spatial multi-body mass–spring–damping model is adopted to represent a moving railway car. Monte Carlo simulations are implemented to validate the presented method. A detailed case study on the train–bridge coupled system is conducted; it is focused on the effects of three kinds of rail irregularity on the stochastic characteristics of the dynamic responses of the system. The effect of randomness on the level of safety and the riding comfort created by the coupled system are also discussed. The results demonstrate that track irregularities may have a greater impact on the transverse response of the coupled system than on the vertical responses.
Study of the fatigue testing of a car body underframe for a high-speed train
Authors: Song Ye , Wu Pingbo , Jia Lu
Published: November 2015

A method is proposed for the fatigue strength testing of the underframe of a railway vehicle car body. Fatigue strength testing of individual components of the draft gear is conducted under laboratory conditions. Loads on individual components equivalent to vehicle loads are accurately determined in these experiments. The response of the tested specimen is consistent with the partial response of the entire car body. The basic process of reproducing the vehicle’s load spectrum on the simulation test platform is analyzed in detail. The vibrational state of the car body under realistic track conditions is accurately simulated on the test platform, which allows the body to be subjected to random loads and provides a basis for the specifications of follow-up fatigue tests on the car body and its components.
Biphasic and boundary lubrication mechanisms in artificial hydrogel cartilage: A review
Authors: Murakami Teruo , Yarimitsu Seido , Nakashima Kazuhiro , Sakai Nobuo , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sawae Yoshinori , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: November 2015

Various studies on the application of artificial hydrogel cartilage to cartilage substitutes and artificial joints have been conducted. It is expected in clinical application of artificial hydrogel cartilage that not only soft-elastohydrodynamic lubrication but biphasic, hydration, gel-film and boundary lubrication mechanisms will be effective to sustain extremely low friction and minimal wear in daily activities similar to healthy natural synovial joints with adaptive multimode lubrication. In this review article, the effectiveness of biphasic lubrication and boundary lubrication in hydrogels in thin film condition is focused in relation to the structures and properties of hydrogels. As examples, the tribological behaviors in three kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with high water content are compared, and the importance of lubrication mechanism in biomimetic artificial hydrogel cartilage is discussed to extend the durability of cartilage substitute.
Hydrogels for central nervous system therapeutic strategies
Authors: Russo Teresa , Tunesi Marta , Giordano Carmen , Gloria Antonio , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: November 2015

The central nervous system shows a limited regenerative capacity, and injuries or diseases, such as those in the spinal, brain and retina, are a great problem since current therapies seem to be unable to achieve good results in terms of significant functional recovery. Different promising therapies have been suggested, the aim being to restore at least some of the lost functions. The current review deals with the use of hydrogels in developing advanced devices for central nervous system therapeutic strategies. Several approaches, involving cell-based therapy, delivery of bioactive molecules and nanoparticle-based drug delivery, will be first reviewed. Finally, some examples of injectable hydrogels for the delivery of bioactive molecules in central nervous system will be reported, and the key features as well as the basic principles in designing multifunctional devices will be described.
Review of the biomechanics and biotribology of osteochondral grafts used for surgical interventions in the knee
Authors: Bowland Philippa , Ingham E , Jennings Louise , Fisher John
Published: November 2015

A review of research undertaken to evaluate the biomechanical stability and biotribological behaviour of osteochondral grafts in the knee joint and a brief discussion of areas requiring further improvement in future studies are presented. The review takes into consideration osteochondral autografts, allografts, tissue engineered constructs and synthetic and biological scaffolds.
A comparative study of metaphors in press reporting of the Euro crisis
Authors: Arrese Ángel , Vara-Miguel Alfonso
Published: November 2015

This article aims to analyze the use of economic metaphors in the particular case of the European sovereign debt crisis, by the examination of the public discourse as reflected in the daily press. Three countries of the European Union with severe sovereign debt problems (Greece, Italy, and Spain) and three countries without them (Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) have been selected for analysis. The general hypothesis, in accordance with the research undertaken in similar studies on economic metaphors and on the uniformity of economic journalism frames, is that one can expect a fairly common use of the same metaphors and with the same weight among countries, types of newspapers, and diverse economic conditions. The findings basically support this hypothesis, showing how difficult it is for the media, even when using rhetorical devices such as economic metaphors, to stand aside from the experts’ discourse or to forge new ways of analyzing economic events outside the traditional and prevalent frames.
Animals and the 3Rs in toxicology research and testing
Authors: Stokes WS
Published: November 2015

Despite efforts to eliminate the use of animals in testing and the availability of many accepted alternative methods, animals are still widely used for toxicological research and testing. While research using in vitro and computational models has dramatically increased in recent years, such efforts have not yet measurably impacted animal use for regulatory testing and are not likely to do so for many years or even decades. Until regulatory authorities have accepted test methods that can totally replace animals and these are fully implemented, large numbers of animals will continue to be used and many will continue to experience significant pain and distress. In order to positively impact the welfare of these animals, accepted alternatives must be implemented, and efforts must be directed at eliminating pain and distress and reducing animal numbers. Animal pain and distress can be reduced by earlier predictive humane endpoints, pain-relieving medications, and supportive clinical care, while sequential testing and routine use of integrated testing and decision strategies can reduce animal numbers. Applying advances in science and technology to the development of scientifically sound alternative testing models and strategies can improve animal welfare and further reduce and replace animal use.
Skin sensitization
Authors: Basketter DA , White IR , McFadden JP , Kimber I
Published: November 2015

Skin sensitization associated with allergic contact dermatitis is a common health problem and is an important consideration for toxicologists in safety assessment. Historically, in vivo predictive tests have been used with good success to identify substances that have the potential to induce skin sensitization, and these tests formed the basis of safety evaluation. These original tests are now being replaced gradually either by in vitro assays or by further refinements of in vivo methods such as the local lymph node assay. Human data have also been available to inform classification decisions for some substances and have been used by risk managers to introduce measures for exposure reduction. However, humans encounter hazards in the context of exposure rather than in the form of intrinsic hazards per se, and so in this article, we have examined critically the extent to which human data have been used to refine classification decisions and safety evaluations. We have also evaluated information on the burden of human allergic skin disease and used this to address the question of whether, and to what extent, the identification and evaluation of skin sensitization hazards has led to an improvement of public and/or occupational health.
Toxicology research for precautionary decision-making and the role of Human & Experimental Toxicology
Authors: Grandjean P
Published: November 2015

A key aim of toxicology is the prevention of adverse effects due to toxic hazards. Therefore, the dissemination of toxicology research findings must confront two important challenges: one being the lack of information on the vast majority of potentially toxic industrial chemicals and the other being the strict criteria for scientific proof usually required for decision-making in regard to prevention. The present study ascertains the coverage of environmental chemicals in four volumes of Human & Experimental Toxicology and the presentation and interpretation of research findings in published articles. Links in SciFinder showed that the 530 articles published in four selected volumes between 1984 and 2014 primarily dealt with metals (126 links) and other toxicants that have received substantial attention in the past. Thirteen compounds identified by US authorities in 2006 as high-priority substances, for which toxicology documentation is badly needed, were not covered in the journal issues at all. When reviewing published articles, reliance on p values was standard, and non-significant findings were often called ‘negative.’ This tradition may contribute to the perceived need to extend existing research on toxic hazards that have already been well characterized. Several sources of bias towards the null hypothesis can affect toxicology research, but are generally not considered, thus adding to the current inclination to avoid false positive findings. In this regard, toxicology is particularly prone to bias because of the known paucity of false positives and, in particular, the existence of a vast number of toxic hazards which by default are considered innocuous due to lack of documentation. The Precautionary Principle could inspire decision-making on the basis of incomplete documentation and should stimulate a change in toxicology traditions and in toxicology research publication.
Air pollution
Authors: Maynard RL
Published: November 2015

Perceptions of the effects on health of air pollutants have changed dramatically over the past thirty five years. It is now clear that current, historically low, concentrations of air pollutants have significant effects on health and that these effects bear most heavily on deaths and illness caused by cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies have provided the evidence for these conclusions; toxicological studies have provided explanations, not yet complete, for these effects. Most emphasis has been placed on the effects of airborne particles and the evidence for their effects is convincing. Less attention has been paid to the effects of gaseous air pollutants: it may be that their effects have been, and are, under-estimated. Recent work has allowed the effects on health of air pollutants to be quantified at both a national and global scale. This work has led to the realization that the effects are large and that air pollutants continue to pose an important threat to health.
On the roots of, and solutions to, the persistent battle between “chemonoia” and rationalist denialism of the subjective nature of human cognition
Authors: Ropeik D
Published: November 2015

Despite remarkable advances over the past 35 years in the field of toxicology generally, and the development of a vast body of knowledge detailing the nature and degree of many human and environmental toxicological risks, the excessive fear of anything connected with chemicals that some refer to as “chemonoia” persists. So too, unfortunately, does the rationalist belief that once the facts are all in, everyone will agree on what those facts say. This article examines the roots of what is essentially a cultural conflict, explains what various bodies of social science research reveal about the psychological roots of that conflict, and offers suggestions on how to move forward.
Toxicology in Asia—Past, present, and future
Authors: Satoh T
Published: November 2015

The Asian Society of Toxicology (ASIATOX), which consists of the seven national toxicology member societies of Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Iran, now boasts of more than 3,000 members from a variety of industries, academia, and regulatory organizations. ASIATOX congresses are spaced three years apart and rotated among the member societies. In 1995, ASIATOX joined the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) as a regional society, and now serves as the scientific voice of toxicology in Asia under the IUTOX umbrella. Since its inauguration, the society has worked diligently to handle matters deemed essential to promoting the vision set fourth by its founders. Future perspectives of ASIATOX include the establishment of education and training programs, and the certification and accreditation of toxicologists. As the leading voice of toxicology in Asia, the society seeks to extend knowledge of toxicological issues to developing nations in Asia based on the following missions and goals: (1) to provide leadership as a worldwide scientific organization that objectively addresses global issues involving the toxicological sciences, (2) to broaden the geographical base of toxicology as a discipline and profession to all countries of the world, and (3) to pursue capacity building in toxicology, particularly in developing countries, while utilizing its global perspective and network to contribute to the enhancement of toxicology education and the career development of young toxicologists.