bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide Over Alumina-supported Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Youssef A.M. , El-Sharkawy E.A.
Published: July 2017

Catalysts of the type CuO/Al2O3, NiO/Al2O3 and Co3O4/Al2O3 with different chemical compositions and subjected to different calcination temperatures were prepared using the impregnation technique.

The crystal structure of the calcination products was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the textural properties were determined from nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The activity of the catalysts towards the oxidation of carbon monoxide with O2 at different temperatures was also investigated.

XRD indicated that calcination of these systems at ≤1073 K did not lead to the formation of spinel. Moreover, no characteristic lines indicating the existence of any metal oxide were observed when the concentration of the latter was less than 10 mol%. The catalytic oxidation of CO followed first-order kinetics with the catalytic activity depending on the metal oxide loading and its dispersion on the surface of the alumina. In most cases, Co3O4/Al2O3 catalysts exhibited the highest activity.
Partially Mobile Adsorption of a Single Gas on a Microporous Adsorbent
Authors: Garbacz J.K. , Dabrowski A.
Published: July 2017

The model of partially mobile adsorption on microporous solids has been formulated for the cases of energetically homo- and heterogeneous adsorbents. Ethane and xenon adsorption isotherms on various forms of zeolite have been described by relationships derived from the proposed adsorption model.
Effect of Different Factors on the Adsorption of Phosphamidon on Two Different Types of Indian Soil
Authors: Singh Dhirendra
Published: July 2017

The effect of exchangeable cations (H+ and Na+). autoclaving, organic matter, anionic surfactants and temperature on the adsorption of phosphamidon on two different types of Indian soil was studied. The adsorption isotherms for all the effects/treatments were in close agreement with the Freundlich equation and yielded S-shaped isotherms. The amount of phosphamidon adsorbed in all cases was higher in medium black (silt loam) soil than alluvial soil (sandy loam) and was related to the organic matter content, clay content, CaCO3 content, surface area and cation-exchange capacity of the soils. The adsorption on both types of soil follows the order H+-soil > Na+-soil > natural soil at 10°C > natural soil at 20°C > autoclaved soil > organic matter-removed soil > anionic surfactant > natural soil at 40°C, which was in accordance with the Freundlich constant, KF, and distribution coefficient, Kd, values. The adsorption capacity of phosphamidon for organic matter and clay content for both the soils was evaluated by calculating the Kom and Kc values when it was found that phosphamidon adsorption was better correlated with the clay content than with the orgnic matter content on the basis of adsorption isotherms. Various thermodynamic parameters such as the thermodynamic equilibrium constant (K0), the standard free energy (ΔG0), the standard enthalpy (ΔH0) and the standard entropy (ΔS0) changes have been calculated as a means of predicting the nature of the isotherms.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Sulphide Nanoparticles in Aqueous Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Haram Santosh K. , Mahadeshwar Anand R. , Dixit Sharad G.
Published: July 2017

Copper sulphide nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting a copper-ammonia complex with thiourea in aqueous micellar solutions of cationic, non-ionic and anionic surfactants. A blue shift in the absorption spectra revealed the formation of size-quantized nanoparticles. The influence of micelles in mediating the stabilization was studied by carrying out the reactions in surfactant solutions above and below the critical micelle concentration. The effect of thiourea on the stability of the nanoparticles was studied by synthesizing the nanoparticles at different mole ratios of reactants. Characterization of the nanoparticles was achieved by the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDAX) and UV–vis spectroscopy.
Pensions, Taxes and The Budgetary Process
Authors: Diamond Peter
Published: July 2017

This lecture was delivered on the occasion of the John R. Commons Award presentation at the Allied Social Science Association meetings in Chicago, January 2012. Omicron Delta Epsilon presents the award biennially to an outstanding economist in recognition of achievements and service to both the economics profession and Omicron Delta Epsilon. The lecture represents part of the author's continuing exploration of the analysis and development of policies for Social Security and income taxation of earnings.
Do Changes in Condom Availability Affect Short-Term Fertility? Evidence from Rwanda
Authors: Mello Steven
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the increase in condom supply resulting from the DELIVER project's activity in Rwanda. In particular, I examine whether increases in the availability of condoms affected short-term fertility for women in Rwanda or generated changes in the distribution of births among mothers of certain characteristics. Using Measure DHS survey data, I exploit location-specific variation in the change in condom supply between 2000 and 2005 using a difference-in-differences framework. Via probit methodology, I find some evidence that increases in condom availability reduced short-term fertility and reallocated births, with a higher percentage of births accruing to women with some secondary education. However, closer examination of the data suggests that these results may be driven by increases in stimuli to demand for contraceptives rather than by increases in condom supply. On one hand, this is consistent with the generally accepted argument in development economics today that fertility outcomes are determined more so by demand-side factors than by access to contraceptives. On the other hand, my findings refute a more staunch version of this hypothesis, as they suggest that either increases in condom supply, increases in exposure to family planning advertisements in the media, or a combination of both, yielded changes in fertility behavior.
Social Protection and Economic Growth
Authors: Patterson Zuriashe , Patterson Seymour
Published: July 2017

The study deals with the relationship between social protection for workers and economic growth in twenty-five sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries for 2005 and 2006. The regression estimation (using instrumental variables and random effects techniques) includes the logarithm of real GDP, the logarithm of the gross capital formation GCF to GDP (GCF/GDP) ratio, the logarithm of population, the logarithm of the export/GDP ratio, tertiary school enrollment (SET), and social protection rating (SPR). The results show the coefficient of the proxy for capital (GCF/GDP) is insignificant, but the labor variable was shown to have a positive effect on economic growth. Human capital entered the model as tertiary school enrollment (SET). However, the coefficient of SET was not statistically significant, implying that human capital played no part in economic growth in SSA in 2005 and 2006. The SPR variable implies that labor seeks protection and employers resist granting it. Both labor and employers lobby the government and the level of protection achieved is a Nash equilibrium outcome. The income gains to workers if they win cause efficiency losses for society. The SPR variable is positive and statistically significant, indicating that the efficiency losses are less than the income gains by workers. Government promotion of labor, exports, and social protection policies can increase productivity and economic growth.
Microwave Welding of HDPE Using Impedance Matching System
Authors: Wu Chung-Yuan , Staicovici Stefan , Benatar Avraham
Published: July 2017

Microwave welding of HDPE has been demonstrated using multi-mode microwave system. Although the maximumrjoint strength equals the strength of HDPE, the heating time was relatively long, 80 seconds. There are several methods which can reduce the heating time such as using a higher power, more lossy heating composite, or increasing the power transfer efficiency. Increasing the input power for welding of HDPE using a single mode microwave system has also been demonstrated which reduced the heating time to 20 seconds using 60% PANI/HDPE composites and 2400 watts. The maximum joint strength is 97% of the bulk HDPE strength. However, welding of HDPE using 10% PANI/HDPE heating element is impossible. In this study, a new microwave system which provides more stable and narrow band signal for all operating power levels is used. Also, an impedance matching technique is used to improve the energy transfer efficiency which reduces the input power dramatically. It enables reducing the polyaniline concentration in heating elements from 60% to 5% with good joint quality. Due to the increase in energy transfer, the welding time is also reduced dramatically.
Coping, Cognitive Emotion Regulation, and Burnout in Long-Term Care Nursing Staff: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bamonti Patricia , Conti Elizabeth , Cavanagh Casey , Gerolimatos Lindsay , Gregg Jeffrey , Goulet Carol , Pifer Marisa , Edelstein Barry
Published: July 2017

Direct care workers (e.g., certified nursing assistants [CNAs]) employed in long-term care (LTC) are particularly vulnerable to the experience of burnout, yet they have received relatively less research attention compared to Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. Within the burnout literature, evidence suggests that the deployment of certain coping strategies influences levels of burnout. The current study examined the extent to which coping (e.g., problem-focused, emotion-focused, and dysfunctional coping) and cognitive emotion regulation strategies (e.g., positive reappraisal) predicted burnout after controlling for covariates (age, sleep duration). Fifty-six CNAs were surveyed at four skilled nursing facilities in the United States. Dysfunctional coping was significantly associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Among cognitive emotion regulation strategies, positive reappraisal was significantly associated with depersonalization. Shorter sleep duration was associated with significantly greater depersonalization. Findings suggest the need to develop interventions for CNAs aimed at reducing dysfunctional coping strategies and increasing sleep duration.
Characteristics for the Identification of Children Who Commit Family Murder in South Africa
Authors: Moen Melanie Carmen
Published: July 2017

Children who commit family murder have been increasingly reported on in the South African media. Violence of this type has far-reaching consequences for families and communities. In this qualitative study, nine documented cases of children who committed family murder were analyzed to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that contribute to children murdering family members. The personal and systemic reasons for these types of murders guided the research. The Interpersonal Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPARTheory) was used as theoretical framework. The researcher argues that the quality of the interaction between the parent and the child, as well as individual differences within a specific environment, is central to committing family member murder. A narrative summary of the general characteristics of children who kill a family member was compiled. In this study, the children were predominantly exposed to dysfunctional family environments characterized by problematic attachment to the caregiver/s, rejection, abuse, and extreme parenting styles. The parenting styles were often extremely authoritarian or in some cases permissive. The caregivers often expected the child to conform to their idea of the ideal child, and nonconformance resulted in punishment and rejection. These children presented with interpersonal relationship problems, anxiety, and aggression, and fantasized about escaping their challenging home environments. In some of the cases, the children abused alcohol and drugs. In only a few of the cases, signs of antisocial personality disorder were present. The family murders committed by children were predominantly committed by males. The weapons used in the murders were often everyday objects available in the environment. In this study, it was important to note that children who commit family murder have unique backgrounds and circumstances. Therefore, the characteristics discussed in this article only serve as a guideline to understanding these children.
A prospective multicentre study of healthcare provider preference in rapid HIV testing kits: Determine versus INSTI
Authors: Amyai N , Darling KEA , D’Acremont V , Castro E , Ebert S , Diserens M Monnat , Perdrix J , Fossati A Hérard , Bodenmann P , Cavassini M
Published: July 2017

Rapid HIV testing may circumvent the practical barriers to HIV testing in several settings. User preference of the testing kits available has been relatively underexplored. We examined healthcare provider (HCP) ratings of two validated rapid testing kits in clinical practice. From 1 July to 1 December 2012 we prospectively recruited HCPs (clinic nurses) from three outpatient clinics linked to Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. The HCPs had experience in taking blood samples but varying experience in rapid HIV testing. Participating HCPs performed rapid HIV testing using Determine™ Combo (DETE) or INSTI™ (INSTI), according to a predefined randomization sequence, and rated practical aspects of each test using a Likert scale. Seventeen HCPs of 23 approached (74%) were eligible and agreed to participate, performing a total of 336 HIV tests. Globally, the testing procedure was rated as easy or very easy by 97% (DETE) to 99% (INSTI) of tests performed. Among experienced HCPs, DETE was rated easier than INSTI for kit storage (p < 0.001) and blood collection ( P = 0.012) while INSTI was rated easier than DETE for blood application ( P = 0.001) and test interpretation ( P = 0.005). Among less experienced HCPs, both tests performed equally with the exception of test interpretation ( P < 0.001) and overall ease of use ( P = 0.05) in favour of INSTI. Of all HCPs, 94% stated they would recommend INSTI over DETE based on the time to result, ease of test interpretation and overall ease of use. Rapid HIV testing was considered easy to perform, even by inexperienced nursing staff. Whilst both tests were considered easy to use, the HCPs in this study preferred INSTI to DETE overall, due to rapid time to result, ease of test interpretation and general ease of use.
Contemporary carbon fluxes do not reflect the long-term carbon balance for an Atlantic blanket bog
Authors: Ratcliffe Joshua , Andersen Roxane , Anderson Russell , Newton Anthony , Campbell David , Mauquoy Dmitri , Payne Richard
Published: July 2017

Peatlands are one of the largest terrestrial stores of carbon. Carbon exchange in peatlands is often assessed solely by measurement of contemporary fluxes; however, these fluxes frequently indicate a much stronger sink strength than that measured by the rate of C accumulation in the peat profile over longer timescales. Here we compare profile-based measurements of C accumulation with the published net ecosystem C balance for the largest peatland area in Britain, the Flow Country of northern Scotland. We estimate the long-term rate of C accumulation to be 15.4 g C m−2 yr−1 for a site where a recent eddy covariance study has suggested contemporary C uptake more than six times greater (99.37 g C m−2 yr−1). Our estimate is supported by two further long-term C accumulation records from nearby sites which give comparable results. We demonstrate that a strong contemporary C sink strength may not equate to a strong long-term sink and explore reasons for this disparity. We recommend that contemporary C sequestration should be viewed in the context of the long-term ecological drivers, such as fires, ecohydrological feedbacks and the changing quality of litter inputs.
Fatigue and depression predict reduced health-related quality of life in childhood-onset lupus
Authors: Donnelly C , Cunningham N , Jones J T , Ji L , Brunner H I , Kashikar-Zuck S
Published: July 2017

We aimed to identify risk factors for persistently reduced health-related quality of life in childhood-onset lupus and describe a risk profile for persistently reduced health-related quality of life. At a tertiary rheumatology clinic, 50 childhood onset lupus patients were assessed twice, approximately six months apart. Measures of disease activity and patient-reported measures of health-related quality of life, pain, depressive symptoms, anxiety and disability were collected at each visit. At visits 1 and 2, respectively, clinically relevant fatigue was present in 66% and 56% of patients; clinically significant depressive symptoms in 26% and 24%; and clinically significant anxiety in 34% and 28%. Poorer health-related quality of life at follow-up was significantly predicted by higher fatigue and depressive symptoms at the initial visit. Using clinically relevant cut-offs for fatigue and depressive symptoms, patients were assigned to Low ( n = 27) or High Risk ( n = 23) groups. A profile of significantly greater pain, anxiety and coping difficulties was seen in the High Risk group. Routine assessment of fatigue and mood symptoms in youth with childhood-onset lupus could be helpful in identifying those at risk for persistently poor health-related quality of life. Integration of behavioral interventions to address fatigue and mood symptoms into medical care for such patients may be beneficial, but more research in this area is needed.
Cluster randomized trials in general (family) practice research
Authors: Campbell M J
Published: July 2017

Cluster randomized trials are increasingly common in general practice (family medicine). This paper will consider the design and analysis of such trials and emphasize the similarities and differences with trials in education, heath promotion and public health. Issues discussed are the estimation and range of values of the intra-cluster correlation coefficient found in general practice, and the associated sample size problems. There are problems with widely varying numbers of subjects per cluster, which leads to planning and analysis difficulties. Ethical issues in these trials, and considerations such as the principle of intention to treat are also considered. An example of the type of analysis available for a continuous outcome variable is given, and the available software is summarized briefly.
Design and analysis issues in cluster-randomized trials of interventions against infectious diseases
Authors: Hayes R J , Alexander N DE , Bennett S , Cousens S N
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the application of the cluster-randomized trial (CRT) design to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions against infectious diseases. In addition to the usual rationale for this design, there are a number of other advantages that are peculiar to the study of infectious diseases. In particular, CRTs are able to measure the overall effect of an intervention at the population level, capturing both the direct effect of an intervention on an individual's susceptibility to infection, and also the indirect effects due to changes in risks of transmission to other individuals, or to the mass effect or `herd immunity' resulting from intervening in a large proportion of the population.

We briefly review published CRTs of interventions against infectious diseases, most of which have been conducted in the developing countries where such diseases predominate. The focus is on trials in which communities or other large groupings are randomized, and in which impacts on infectious disease incidence or mortality are assessed. We then discuss three issues that are of special relevance to CRTs of infectious diseases. First, issues relating to the definition and size of clusters; secondly, the role of matching or stratification, and the choice of matching factors; and thirdly, the definition of direct and indirect effects of intervention, and methods of assessing these components in a CRT. We conclude by outlining some areas for future research.
Random-effects regression analysis of correlated grouped-time survival data
Authors: Hedeker Donald , Siddiqui Ohidul , Hu Frank B
Published: July 2017

Random-effects regression modelling is proposed for analysis of correlated grouped-time survival data. Two analysis approaches are considered. The first treats survival time as an ordinal outcome, which is either right-censored or not. The second approach treats survival time as a set of dichotomous indicators of whether the event occurred for time periods up to the period of the event or censor. For either approach both proportional hazards and proportional odds versions of the random-effects model are developed, while partial proportional hazards and odds generalizations are described for the latter approach. For estimation, a full-information maximum marginal likelihood solution is implemented using numerical quadrature to integrate over the distribution of multiple random effects. The quadrature solution allows some flexibility in the choice of distributions for the random effects; both normal and rectangular distributions are considered in this article. An analysis of a dataset where students are clustered within schools is used to illustrate features of random-effects analysis of clustered grouped-time survival data.
Statistical designs for familial aggregation
Authors: Liang Kung-Yee , Beaty Terri H
Published: July 2017

In the past two decades, it has become increasingly clear that genetic factors contribute to the aetiology of many common diseases including cancers, coronary disease, allergy and psychiatric disorders. While one goal of genetic epidemiological studies is to locate susceptibility genes for these complex diseases, it is important that strong evidence of familial aggregation be established at an early stage of research. In this paper, we discuss several study designs useful to address some issues such as (1) detecting familial aggregation, (2) testing for gene-environment interaction, (3) identifying homogeneous subgroups and (4) measuring magnitude and patterns of familial correlations. These designs include the conventional case-control design and the family case-control design. For each of these two study designs, we discuss analytical strategies as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout, several examples from real studies are used for illustrative purposes.
Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Dopaminergic Transmission
Authors: Chen Yuan-Hao , Huang Eagle Yi-Kung , Kuo Tung-Tai , Miller Jonathan , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Hoffer Barry J.
Published: July 2017

Brain trauma is often associated with severe morbidity and is a major public health concern. Even when injury is mild and no obvious anatomic disruption is seen, many individuals suffer disabling neuropsychological impairments such as memory loss, mood dysfunction, substance abuse, and adjustment disorder. These changes may be related to subtle disruption of neural circuits as well as functional changes at the neurotransmitter level. In particular, there is considerable evidence that dopamine (DA) physiology in the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic pathways might be impaired after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alterations in DA levels can lead to oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction, and DA plays an important role in central nervous system inflammation. Therapeutic targeting of DA pathways may offer benefits for both neuronal survival and functional outcome after TBI. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of DA pathology in acute TBI and the potential impact of therapies that target these systems for the treatment of TBI.
Dexamethasone Attenuates the Enhanced Rewarding Effects of Cocaine Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Merkel Steven F. , Andrews Allison M. , Lutton Evan M. , Razmpour Roshanak , Cannella Lee Anne , Ramirez Servio H.
Published: July 2017

Clinical studies have identified traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a risk factor for the development of cocaine dependence. This claim is supported by our recent preclinical studies showing enhancement of the rewarding effects of cocaine in mice sustaining moderate controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury during adolescence. Here we test the efficacy of dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, to attenuate augmentation of the behavioral response to cocaine observed in CCI-TBI animals using the conditioned place preference (CPP) assay. These studies were performed in order to determine whether proinflammatory activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain nucleus in the reward pathway, mediates enhanced cocaine-induced CPP in adolescent animals sustaining moderate CCI-TBI. Our data reveal robust glial activation in the NAc following CCI-TBI and a significant increase in the cocaine-induced CPP of untreated CCI-TBI mice. Furthermore, our results show that dexamethasone treatment following CCI-TBI can attenuate the cocaine place preference of injured animals without producing aversion in the CPP assay. Our studies also found that dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced the expression of select immune response genes including Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1), returning their expression to control levels, which prompted an investigation of peripheral blood monocytes in dexamethasone-treated animals. Experimental findings showed that no craniectomy/dexamethasone mice had a significant increase, while CCI-TBI/dexamethasone animals had a significant decrease in the percentage of circulating nonclassical patrolling monocytes. These results suggest that a portion of these monocytes may migrate to the brain in response to CCI-TBI, potentially sparing the development of chronic neuroinflammation in regions associated with the reward circuitry such as the NAc. Overall, our findings indicate that anti-inflammatory agents, such as dexamethasone, may be effective in normalizing the rewarding effects of cocaine following CCI-TBI.
Magnetic Enhancement of Stem Cell–Targeted Delivery into the Brain Following MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Opening the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Shen Wei-Bin , Anastasiadis Pavlos , Nguyen Ben , Yarnell Deborah , Yarowsky Paul J. , Frenkel Victor , Fishman Paul S.
Published: July 2017

Focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood–brain barrier disruption (BBBD) can enable even large therapeutics such as stem cells to enter the brain from the bloodstream. However, the efficiency is relatively low. Our previous study showed that human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in culture were attracted by an external magnetic field. In vivo, enhanced brain retention was observed near a magnet mounted on the skull in a rat model of traumatic brain injury, where BBBD also occurs. The goal of the current study was to determine whether magnetic attraction of SPION-loaded hNPCs would also enhance their retention in the brain after FUS-mediated BBBD. A small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided FUS system operating at 1.5 MHz was used to treat rats (∼120 g) without tissue damage or hemorrhage. Evidence of successful BBBD was validated with both radiologic enhancement of gadolinium on postsonication TI MRI and whole brain section visualization of Evans blue dye. The procedure was then combined with the application of a powerful magnet to the head directly after intravenous injection of the hNPCs. Validation of cells within the brain was performed by staining with Perls’ Prussian blue for iron and by immunohistochemistry with a human-specific antigen. By injecting equal numbers of iron oxide (SPIONs) and noniron oxide nanoparticles–loaded hNPCs, each labeled with a different fluorophore, we found significantly greater numbers of SPIONs-loaded cells retained in the brain at the site of BBBD as compared to noniron loaded cells. This result was most pronounced in regions of the brain closest to the skull (dorsal cortex) in proximity to the magnet surface. A more powerful magnet and a Halbach magnetic array resulted in more effective retention of SPION-labeled cells in even deeper brain regions such as the striatum and ventral cortex. There, up to 90% of hNPCs observed contained SPIONs compared to 60% to 70% with the less powerful magnet. Fewer cells were observed at 24 h posttreatment compared to 2 h (primarily in the dorsal cortex). These results demonstrate that magnetic attraction can substantially enhance the retention of stem cells after FUS-mediated BBBD. This procedure could provide a safer and less invasive approach for delivering stem cells to the brain, compared to direct intracranial injections, substantially reducing the risk of bleeding and infection.
From state restructuring to urban restructuring: The intermediation of public landownership in urban development projects in France
Authors: Adisson Félix
Published: July 2017

Many urban development projects (UDPs) in Europe take place on lands belonging to public bodies and administrations, and publicly owned firms. Yet, the literature has failed to explain why a substantial proportion of the remaking of European cities is shaped on public properties, and with what outcomes. My underlying hypothesis is that the redevelopment of such properties depends primarily on the restructuring of the state. Firstly, this paper provides evidence of the relationships between three dynamics of state restructuring and the disposal of public land and real estate properties owned by one sector of the French state, that is, the railways. Secondly, the paper focuses on two UDPs of railway sites, respectively located in Paris and Nantes, in order to disclose the specificity of the redevelopment process associated with public railway properties, due to the socio-legal infrastructure of railway land disposal stemming from these dynamics. The paper demonstrates that (i) state restructuring impels various levels and organisations of the state to redevelop public land and real estate properties; and (ii) the effects of state restructuring can be explained only by analysing the mediating role of the socio-legal infrastructure of these properties, which frames the processes and outcomes of the redevelopment projects. In so doing, the paper offers a specific account of the explanatory factors, processes and outcomes of the relationship between state restructuring and a significant proportion of the restructuring of urban areas in Europe.
Consumer Ethnocentrism, Country Image and Local Brand Preference: The Case of the Colombian Textile, Apparel and Leather Industry
Authors: Correa Santiago , Parente-Laverde Ana-Maria
Published: July 2017

The present article shows the relation that Colombian consumer ethnocentrism has with country image and local brand preference in the textile, apparel and leather industry and it infers the possible implications this relation has when planning marketing strategies for the Colombian market in such industry. This study follows an interpretative approach which included a survey of Colombian consumers in Antioquia. Results show that (i) gender and age are not determinants of ethnocentric consumer tendencies, (ii) the less income a Colombian person has, the more ethnocentric he/she is, (iii) consumer ethnocentrism does not have a universal pattern but varies from country to country, (iv) the more educated a Colombian person is, the less ethnocentric he/she is, (v) the developed or developing condition of the countries where the consumer is from, is not a determining factor to conclude whether or not a consumer has a tendency towards ethnocentric behaviour patterns and (vi) if a person has a positive image of his/her own country, he/she is likely to develop ethnocentric behaviour patterns. This article contributes to filling the gap in the literature since it shows that ethnocentrism is positively related to preferences for local brands in Colombia.
Long-term Thinking in Organizations
Authors: Barnett Tom , Bowes Michael James , White Jerry , Zaib Anwar
Published: July 2017

Long-term thinking is investigated in five sectors: energy, finance, hotels, mining and pharmaceuticals.1 The objectives of the study were to ascertain the prevalence of long-term thinking in these sectors. In addition, the benefits and barriers of implementing long-term thinking in these sectors were assessed. The research method incorporated a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection. Within each sector, target companies were selected based on criteria of relevance and accessibility. Individuals were then identified for questionnaire administration and/or interview participation. Respondents consisted of Board executives and senior and middle managers, selected as being directly involved with strategic decision making.
Sustainability Reporting under G3 Guidelines: A Study on Constituents of Bovespa Index
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Tuli Siya
Published: July 2017

The present study seeks to access the extent of sustainability reporting practices in Brazilian economy. Index developed under Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines is used. Content analysis is employed as a data collection tool. A total of 39 companies from Bovespa Index (Brazil) publishing sustainability reports, within the time period 2006–2007 to 2010–2011, comprise the sample set. Descriptives are used to examine the concrete content of these sustainability reports at three levels: company-wise, industry-wise and category-wise. Results reveal that the total mean percentage sustainability disclosure score of the leading Brazilian companies is 68.35 per cent. Company-wise analysis suggests that BRF has the highest disclosure score of 100 per cent. Category-wise analysis shows that economic parameters are reported the most. Industry-wise analysis shows that pulp and paper industry has the highest disclosure score of 87.97 per cent. The results of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggest that the differences among various industries are insignificant. The outcomes conclude that though sustainability reporting is voluntary in Brazil, yet the country is progressively endeavouring in this field.
Unfolding in friendship: Revelation and the analogy of friendship in Dei verbum
Authors: Lenehan Kevin
Published: July 2017

This article outlines the use of the analogy of friendship in the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei verbum n. 2, to describe the nature of divine revelation. Motivated by love, God initiates and sustains a relationship with humanity, in which the gift of knowledge of God and of God’s will for creation is continually communicated. This relationship, in which God ‘speaks with humans as with friends and dwells among them’, is fully and personally realized in Jesus Christ. First, I situate n. 2 within the renewed theology of revelation called for in the conciliar debates on the revelation constitution. Then I investigate the theological aptness of the analogy of friendship in describing divine revelation, first in terms of the personalist and dialogical thinking that characterized the ‘majority’ voice in the promulgation and reception of Dei verbum, and second in the Thomistic themes of caritas, friendship and revelation that can be heard in a ‘minority’ voice at the Council. I argue that the use of the analogy of friendship is an example a theological ‘ ressourcement for the sake of aggiornamento’ that draws biblical, monastic, scholastic and contemporary perspectives into an enriching theological dialogue.
Friendship traditions in the New Testament: An overview
Authors: Winter Sean
Published: July 2017

This article describes the main contours of Greco-Roman and Jewish friendship traditions, and considers some of the ways that these traditions were adopted and adapted in New Testament texts. The survey suggests that early Christian writers drew on friendship traditions as a way of articulating certain important values relating to the need to establish a distinctive social identity and forms of ethical practice. In emphasizing the relationship between identity, practice and relationship with God, some New Testament authors locate friendship in a broader covenantal framework in which God is the ultimate benefactor, often acting through mediatory figures to whom the communities can relate as ‘friends’.
Informational Faultlines, Integrative Capability, and Team Creativity
Authors: Qu Xiaoqian , Liu Xinmei
Published: July 2017

How informational faultlines influence team creativity is an important yet unresolved theoretical question. Based on the team faultlines theory and the input-mediator-output (IMO) team effectiveness framework, this article examines the role of team prosocial motivation—the shared belief of team members to benefit others through concerted efforts—as a moderator in the relationships among informational faultlines, external knowledge acquisition, internal knowledge integration and team creativity. Using a sample of 66 research and development (R&D) teams from China, we obtained the following results: (a) Team prosocial motivation positively moderated the relationship between informational faultlines and external knowledge acquisition, and the relationship between informational faultlines and internal knowledge integration. (b) External knowledge acquisition and internal knowledge integration, which constitute team integrative capability, were positively related to team creativity. The direct effect of external knowledge acquisition on team creativity can be mediated by internal knowledge integration. (c) External knowledge acquisition and internal knowledge integration both mediated the interactive effect of informational faultlines and team prosocial motivation on team creativity.
Stability of Hydrocortisone Oral Suspensions Prepared from Tablets and Powder
Authors: Fawcett J Paul , Boulton David W , Jiang Ruoying , Woods David J
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To assess the stability, dosage uniformity, and clinical acceptability of hydrocortisone oral suspensions prepared from tablets and powder.

Design:

Hydrocortisone 2.5 mg/mL oral suspensions were stored in the dark for 91 days at 5, 25, and 40 °C. Dosage uniformity was assessed by repeated sampling of the formulation prepared from tablets at 5 and 25 °C. The formulation was clinically evaluated in 2 pediatric patients.

Setting:

A university pharmacy school and affiliated urban teaching hospital.

Participants:

A brother (4 y old) and sister (1 y old) with congenital adrenal hyperplasia maintained on a commercially available hydrocortisone cypionate suspension.

Main Outcome Measures:

Samples removed at 5 time points were analyzed for hydrocortisone to assess decomposition over 90 days. Dosage uniformity was evaluated by intra- and interday variability. Palatability was examined in the 2 children and urinary cortisol concentrations were measured in the boy before and 5 days after commencing the formulation prepared from tablets.

Results:

Decomposition of hydrocortisone was not significant except in the formulation that was prepared from tablets and stored at 40 °C. Dosage uniformity gave coefficients of variation less than 4.5%. The formulation was well-tolerated and resulted in satisfactory urinary Cortisol concentrations in the boy.

Conclusions:

The hydrocortisone oral suspensions supply a uniform dose and are chemically stable when stored in the dark at 5 and 25 °C for at least 30 days. They provide flexible and convenient dosage forms for pediatric patients.
Sumatriptan in the Treatment of Cyclic Vomiting
Authors: Benson John M , Zorn Sherri L , Book Linda S
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To describe a patient with cyclic vomiting who was treated successfully with sumatriptan, a serotonin, agonist.

Case Summary:

A patient with a 4-year history of cyclic vomiting was treated for an episode of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This patient had been hospitalized numerous times for cyclic vomiting over the previous 4 years, each hospitalization lasting from 3 to 11 days. Following a single subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg, the patient ceased vomiting and was discharged 40 hours from the time of admission.

Discussion:

The efficacy of sumatriptan in migraine headache appears to be mediated through its agonist activity at the serotonin1D receptor, resulting in constriction of dural blood vessels. According to published reports, therapeutic attempts at controlling cyclic vomiting often have included antimigraine therapies. Consistent with these reports, sumatriptan also appears effective in the treatment of cyclic vomiting.

Conclusions:

The pathogenesis of cyclic vomiting appears to share similarities with classic migraine, both of which may respond to sumatriptan therapy according to this report and previous work. Further study of the use of sumatriptan in the treatment of cyclic vomiting appears warranted.
Measuring the Operative Treatment Effect in End-Stage Ankle Arthritis: Are We Asking the Right Questions? A COFAS Multicenter Study
Authors: Wing Kevin J. , Chapinal Nuria , Coe Marcus P. , Daniels Timothy R. , Glazebrook Mark , Dryden Peter , Younger Alastair , Penner Murray J. , Sutherland Jason M.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Foot and ankle surgeons are increasingly relying on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) to evaluate treatment options. The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were 2-fold: (1) to examine the AOS instrument using psychometric analysis and (2) to revise the questions on the AOS to improve the effect of questions on the score and remove redundancies.

Methods:

Pre- and postoperative patient scores were obtained from AOS questionnaires in the COFAS Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database, a cohort of patients operatively treated for end-stage ankle arthritis. A split-sample approach was used to evaluate the AOS and to propose a revised instrument.

Results:

A total of 380 patients who had been treated with total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis were prospectively followed to the 2-year postoperative time point. Correlation analysis demonstrated that a number of questions on the AOS were highly correlated with other similar questions, frequently incomplete, or showed little variation between respondents. Eight of the original AOS questions were retained in the newly proposed Ankle Arthritis Score (AAS) [3 from the AOS Pain subscale and 5 from the AOS Disability subscale]. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that these questions equally clustered into 2 domains in AAS: Basic Activity and Advanced Activity.

Conclusions:

The AAS is shorter and has improved psychometric properties as compared to the AOS. Further investigation is required to better characterize the clinical utility of this proposed new patient-reported outcome score.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Self-Esteem Inventory for Women
Authors: Doyle Zeanah Paula , Schwarz J. Conrad
Published: July 2017

The Sexual Self-Esteem Inventory for Women (SSEI-W) was developed to assess affective reactions to self-appraisals of sexuality. The 81-item measure contains five subscales, each of which reflects a domain of sexual self-esteem: Skill/Experience, Attractiveness, Control, Moral Judgement, and Adaptiveness. Using a college student sample, reliability analyses indicated that the subscales have high internal consistency. Construct validity was assessed by testing hypotheses regarding the effects of sexual experience, relationship commitment, sex guilt, and global self-esteem on sexual self-esteem. In most cases, as predicted, specific SSEI-W subscales were most strongly associated with specific constellations of predictor variables. These findings suggest that different domains of sexual self-esteem are affected by different situations and provide evidence for the multi-dimensionality of sexual self-esteem.
Predictive Validity of the Cattell-Horn Gf-Gc Constructs to Achievement
Authors: Williams Patricia Couch , McCallum R. Steve , Reed Mellissa Testerman
Published: July 2017

The predictive validity of cognitive constructs taken from Cattell-Horn's Gf-Gc Model was examined. Gf-Gc cognitive constructs were measured using the Woodcock-Johnson-Revised Tests of Cognitive Ability; they include processing speed, fluid reasoning, acculturation-knowledge, short-term memory, long-term retrieval, auditory processing, and visual processing. Scores from the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills were used as the criterion measures for 104 elementary, middle, and high school students. Using multiple regression equations, various combinations of the Comprehension-Knowledge, Fluid Reasoning, and Processing Speed variables were consistently found to be the best predictors of achievement. Multiple Rs ranged from the .60s to .70s. Results provide evidence for the importance of cognitive constructs for predicting achievement and are potentially useful for understanding program planning and Aptitude x Treatment Interaction research.
Two Methods of Early Memories Data Collection: An Empirical Comparison of the Projective Yield
Authors: Fowler Christopher , Hilsenroths Mark J. , Handler Leonard
Published: July 2017

This study addresses a methodological issue regarding the preferred method of collecting early memories data—using an interpersonal administration to collect the data, or using a written procedure in which subjects are asked to record their early memories privately. Early memories from clinical and nonclinical control groups from two experimental conditions were scored on the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS). The results support the superiority of the interpersonal administration over the private, written condition in differentiating clinical from nonclinical controls. The results are discussed in the context of contemporary trends in personality assessment, which attempt to limit interpersonal contact with the patient during the assessment process, in order to save time and money. The authors contend that this practice may yield less complex and less fertile projective data than the traditional interpersonal testing context.
Sustainability Standards and Stakeholder Engagement: Lessons From Carbon Markets
Authors: Rawhouser Hans , Cummings Michael E. , Marcus Alfred
Published: July 2017

Stakeholders play an increasingly active role in private governance, including development of standards for measuring sustainability. Building on prior studies focused on standards and stakeholder engagement, we use an innovation management theoretical lens to compare stakeholder engagement and standards developed in two carbon markets: the Climate Action Reserve and the U.N.’s Clean Development Mechanism. We develop and test hypotheses regarding how different processes of stakeholder engagement in standard development affect the number, identity, and age of stakeholders involved, as well as the variation and quality of the resulting standards. In doing so, we contribute to the growing literature on stakeholder engagement in developing sustainability standards.
Perception and Public Health
Authors: Allport Gordon W.
Published: July 2017

This is the second Dorothy B. Nyswander Lecture delivered in Berkeley on May 23, 1958. The lectureship was established in honor of Dr. Nyswander upon her retirement as Professor of Health Education at the University of California.
Health Education in Practice
Authors: Leaveix Hugh R.
Published: July 2017

This is the Fifth Annual Dorothy Nyswander Lecture. It was delivered in Berkeley, April 21, 1961. The lectureship was established in honor of Dr. Nyswander upon her retirement as Professor of Health Education at the University of California. She is actively continuing the practice of health education as a much sought-after consultant.