bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu Zubairu , Abubakar Isa S , Galadanci Hadiza S , Hayatu Zainab , Aliyu Muktar H.
Published: August 2012

Many women experience domestic violence during pregnancy. The magnitude and risk factors for domestic violence during pregnancy are not well documented in many countries, including Nigeria. Using interviewer- administered questionnaires the authors investigated predictors of domestic violence during current pregnancy among women presenting for antenatal care at a tertiary care facility in northern Nigeria ( n = 400). A total of 29 of 392 respondents (7.4%) experienced domestic violence during the current pregnancy. Of those who experienced violence, the majority (58.6%) reported being physically assaulted. Sexual violence was reported by only 4 respondents (13.8%). Financial and domestic issues were the major triggers of domestic violence. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that victims’ educational attainment and occupation remained significant predictors of domestic violence. Higher educational attainment of women and their engagement in economic activity outside the home were associated with a decreased risk for domestic violence. There is a need for preventive, protective, and redress mechanisms to guard against domestic violence in Nigeria.
An experimental investigation on effects of minimum quantity lubrication oil supply rate in high-speed end milling of Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Cai Xiao Jiang , Liu Zhi Qiang , Chen Ming , An Qing Long
Published: August 2012

Minimum quantity lubrication is an alternative to realize machining titanium alloys both economically and ecologically. In order to apply minimum quantity lubrication more efficiently, an investigate of the effects of the operating parameters involving oil supply, compressed air supply, and nozzle orientation is required. This article focuses on the oil supply rate of minimum quantity lubrication and aims to identify the effects of the minimum quantity lubrication applications with different oil supply rates in high-speed end milling of Ti–6Al–4V. The experiments were conducted by adjusting the oil supply rate from 2 ml/h to 14 ml/h, and cutting force, surface roughness, tool wear and failure mode, and tool wear mechanism were discussed. The results indicate that the increase of the oil supply rate effectively reduces cutting force and surface roughness, but after 10 ml/h the reduction is no longer significant. Increasing oil supply has growing penetration depth along the cutting edge, and by increasing the oil supply rate the length of the chipping edge can be notably reduced. For an insufficient oil supply rate (2 ml/h∼10 ml/h) chipping on the cutting edge introduced by diffusion wear is the main tool rejection reason, but at 14 ml/h no diffusion wear is found and the uniform flank wear is dominant, owing to reduced cutting temperature.
Experimental and numerical investigation into workpiece surface topology in point grinding
Authors: Liu Yueming , Gong Yadong , Bauer Robert , Warkentin Andrew
Published: August 2012

Point grinding is a cylindrical grinding process where the grinding wheel axis can be tilted relative to the workpiece axis by a swivel angle to yield a point contact. This feature enables complex parts to be ground in a single set-up on a point grinding machine. In this article, the effect of the swivel angle on the workpiece surface finish was investigated experimentally and numerically for different workpiece materials. There was good agreement between the measured and predicted workpiece surface roughness values Ra with an average difference of 6.3% for the three cutting speeds tested. It was also observed that, for the grinding conditions investigated, the swivel angle does not significantly influence the resulting workpiece surface roughness.
Effect of different primary coating materials and mold temperatures on fluidity of high-temperature titanium alloy
Authors: Zhao Ertuan , Kong Fantao , Chen Yuyong
Published: August 2012

In this study, the fluidity of near-α high-temperature titanium alloy with different primary coating materials (Y2O3, ZrO2 and Al2O3) and mold temperatures were investigated. The fluidity as an index of castability was evaluated by a fluidity spiral pattern. The Y2O3 primary coating presents the best fluidity and weakest interfacial reaction compared with the ZrO2 and Al2O3 primary coating. The effect of interfacial reaction resulting from different mold materials on fluidity is determined by the stability of mold materials. The interfacial reaction becomes more and more severe with increasing mold preheating temperature. The fluidity does not increase with increasing mold preheating temperature owing to the effect of interfacial reaction. The fluidity is greatly improved at 900 °C, while decreases at 600 °C, indicating the fluidity, depends on the interaction between the interfacial reaction and chilling effect of the mold.
Forming accuracy analysis of plate in multi-scanning laser bending process
Authors: Shi Yongjun , Lu Xianfa , Liu Yancong , Yi Peng
Published: August 2012

Laser bending is realized by local plastic deformation based on non-uniform thermal stress resulting from laser beam radiation. The aim of laser bending is to achieve bending deformation of a plate; however, the bending angle varies along the scanning line greatly affecting assembly accuracy in real industry applications. To control the forming accuracy in multi-scanning laser bending, several heating methods are proposed in this article. It is evident that the heating methods have a significant influence on the forming accuracy. The experimental results show that the bending angle variation can be reduced using the proper heating methods.
A predictive maintenance scheduling framework utilizing residual life prediction information
Authors: You Ming-Yi , Meng Guang
Published: August 2012

This article proposes a component-level predictive maintenance scheduling framework in which system residual life prediction information is utilized. In the proposed framework, predictive maintenance scheduling is only triggered when a system is close to failure. A lifetime margin is used to infer that a system is close to failure but still safely operational when predictive maintenance scheduling is triggered. Some technical elements are detailed to facilitate the implementation of the proposed framework. A simulation study based on an example predictive maintenance scheduling framework (framework B) is provided to illustrate the implementation of the proposed framework, and compare framework B with the corresponding counterpart only consisting of predictive maintenance scheduling models (framework A). Given a relatively low noise level of system degradation processes, compared with the classical prognostics framework only consisting of predictive maintenance scheduling models, the proposed framework is similarly effective in failure prevention and more economic in that several premature preventive maintenance acts are saved.
Predominant prevalence of arterial thrombosis in Japanese patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Fujieda Y , Atsumi T , Amengual O , Odani T , Otomo K , Kato M , Oku K , Kon Y , Horita T , Yasuda S , Koike T
Published: August 2012

Objective: To study the clinical and immunological manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the Japanese population by a single-centre registration. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 141 consecutive patients with APS, fulfilling the Sydney revised Sapporo criteria for definite APS, who visited our autoimmune clinic from 1988 to 2010, were recruited and followed up. All the patients were interviewed and underwent a general physical examination by qualified rheumatologists on the day of blood sampling. Results: The population comprised 119 woman and 22 men with a mean age at diagnosis of 44 years (range 9–79 years). Seventy patients (49.6%) had primary APS, and 71 (50.4%) had systemic lupus erythematosus. The prevalence of thrombosis was 85.8 per cent, arterial thrombosis was found in 93 patients (66.0%) and venous thrombosis was found in 46 patients (32.6%). The most common thrombosis was cerebral infarction [86/141 (61.0%)] followed by deep vein thrombosis [33/141 (23.4%)]. Among 70 pregnant women, 45 (64.3%) had obstetric complications. Lupus anticoagulant was detected in 116 patients (82.3%), anticardiolipin antibodies in 83 (58.9%), anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies in 73 (51.8%) and phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies in 98 (69.5%). Conclusion: High prevalence of arterial thrombosis was noted in Japanese patients with APS. The profile of heterogeneous and complex clinical manifestations was substantiated in Japanese patients with APS.
Benefits of a self-management program in low-income African-American women with systemic lupus erythematosus: results of a pilot test
Authors: Drenkard C , Dunlop-Thomas C , Easley K , Bao G , Brady T , Lim SS
Published: August 2012

Minorities with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk of poor disease outcomes and may face challenges in effectively self-managing multiple health problems. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is an evidence-based intervention that improves the health of people with chronic illnesses. Although the CDSMP is offered by organizations throughout the United States and many countries around the world, it has not been tested among SLE patients. We pilot tested the benefits of the CDSMP in low-income African American patients with SLE. CDSMP workshops were delivered to 49 African American women with SLE who received medical care at a public lupus clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, US. We compared pre-post CDSMP changes (from baseline to 4 months after the start of the intervention) in health status, self-efficacy and self-management behaviors using self-reported measures. Additionally, we assessed health care utilization changes using electronic administrative records in the 6-month periods before and after the intervention. We observed significant improvements post-intervention in the SF-36 physical health component summary (mean change = 2.4, p = 0.032); self-efficacy (mean change = 0.5, p = 0.035); and several self-management behaviors: cognitive symptoms management (mean change = 0.3, p = 0.036); communication with physicians (mean change = 0.4, p = 0.01); and treatment adherence (mean change = 0.4, p = 0.01). The median number of outpatient visits decreased from 3 to 1 (p < .0001). The CDSMP is a promising intervention for low-income African Americans with SLE. It is an inexpensive program with growing availability around the world that should be further evaluated as a resource to improve patient-centered outcomes and decrease health service utilization among SLE patients.
Fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the role of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
Authors: Overman CL , Hartkamp A , Bossema ER , Bijl M , Godaert GLR , Bijlsma JWJ , Derksen RHWM , Geenen R
Published: August 2012

Fatigue is a major problem in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the physiological substrate of this fatigue is largely unclear. To examine if low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate DHEAS play a role in SLE fatigue, we compared: 1) DHEAS levels and fatigue between 60 female patients with SLE with low disease activity (31 using, 29 not using prednisone) and 60 age-matched healthy women, and 2) fatigue between patients with SLE with low and normal DHEAS levels. Serum DHEAS levels were determined with an Advantage Chemiluminescense System. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) was used to assess fatigue. Patients were more fatigued ( p ≤ 0.001) than healthy women and more often had below-normal DHEAS levels ( p < 0.001). Patients using prednisone with low and normal DHEAS levels reported a similar level of fatigue ( p ≥ 0.39). Patients with low DHEAS levels not using prednisone reported less fatigue than those with normal DHEAS levels ( p ≤ 0.03). Thus, our results indicate that low DHEAS levels in SLE are not – or even inversely – related to fatigue. After our previous finding that DHEA administration does not reduce fatigue, this result further indicates that low serum DHEA(S) levels alone do not offer an explanation for SLE fatigue.
Designing Peace and Conflict Exercises
Authors: Bartels Elizabeth , McCown Margaret , Wilkie Timothy
Published: August 2012

Attentiveness to and transparency about the methodological implications of the level of analysis selected for peace and conflict exercises constitute essential elements of good game design. The article explores the impact of level of analysis choices in the context of two key portions of exercises, scenario construction and role specification. It weighs the consequences of these choices in terms of the differing conclusions one can draw from exercises and potential pitfalls of careless choices. Finally, it argues that level of analysis considerations in game design parallels specific debates within segments of the social science literature, connections that are also explored in this article for their relevance to game design.
Imagining an Education in Crisis Management
Authors: Shrivastava Paul , Mitroff Ian , Alpaslan Can M.
Published: August 2012

The crisis management field has matured into a vibrant area of scholarship and teaching. This special issue of the Journal of Management Education takes stock of where we stand with respect to the teaching of crisis management. In her call for papers, the guest editor poses many challenging questions. Having studied crises for the past 25 years, the authors thought it would be useful to reflect on their own personal answers to these questions. They explore definitions of crisis, translate research on crises into skills and knowledge for students, and draw crisis management lessons from other disciplines. The authors discuss how to teach crisis management in a stand-alone course and how to integrate it into other areas of study, and emphasize the development of students’ cultural sensitivity and emotional and experiential learning, as well as their conceptual understanding regarding crises.
Using Student-Constructed Cases to Investigate Crises
Authors: McDonald Lynette M.
Published: August 2012

This article outlines the development and application of a student-constructed and -evaluated crisis case study created for a master’s-level course in issues and crisis management. Its five learning objectives were that students (a) demonstrate an understanding of the theories of crisis management, establishing theory–practice linkages; (b) assess the effectiveness of an organization’s management of a crisis against industry best practice; (c) evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s crisis communication strategies with diverse stakeholders; (d) discuss the organization’s ethical standards of practice during the crisis phases; and (e) make recommendations for improvement to the organization’s crisis management strategy. This exercise enables students to apply scholarship to examine crisis management, communication, and ethics in a student-selected crisis case in order to develop critical insights into thinking about and responding to crises.
Combining Crisis Management and Evidence-Based Management
Authors: Wright April L. , Nichols Elizabeth , McKechnie Madeleine , McCarthy Scott
Published: August 2012

Natural disasters, such as floods, provide teachable moments for students to learn about crisis management. The authors argue that evidence-based management offers a pedagogical tool for leveraging these teachable moments to deepen student learning about the management challenges of crisis situations. An emerging area in management education, evidence-based management involves using best available scientific evidence as the basis for management decision making and practice. Using data from 782 student assignments in an undergraduate introductory management course, the authors show how combining crisis management and evidence-based management in an assignment task in the aftermath of the 2010-2011 Queensland floods in Australia deepened student learning of general and crisis management concepts and increased students’ engagement in learning an evidence-based management approach.
Tales of the Unexpected
Authors: Fischbacher-Smith Denis , Fischbacher-Smith Moira
Published: August 2012

Crisis Management teaching has not featured within business schools to the extent that we might expect given the crises witnessed in a range of business sectors over recent years. One of the criticisms voiced against the MBA degree is that it has too great a focus on the rational and positivistic approaches to dealing with managerial problems. Organizational crises provide a challenge to that paradigm and suggest that a more critical approach to dealing with the management curriculum is required. This article provides an account of a stand-alone course in crisis management that has been delivered over a 20-year period in a number of institutions worldwide. The authors set out how the course is designed and delivered to bridge the gap between academia and business practice, how it makes use of evidence-based management, and how a critical approach is embedded throughout. The authors also discuss some of the challenges associated with designing and delivering a course that is multidisciplinary and technically demanding.
Instructional Design, Active Learning, and Student Performance
Authors: Stewart Alice C. , Houghton Susan M. , Rogers Patrick R.
Published: August 2012

This research used a quasi-experimental design with two conditions to test the impact of active learning in the context of integrated instructional design. The control condition was a traditional approach to teaching an undergraduate strategy capstone class. The intervention condition was an undergraduate strategy capstone class that was designed based on Fink’s integrated instructional design principles and that incorporated an active learning element to teach students financial analysis. As part of the instructional design, the intervention representing active learning content was a set of financial trading room assignments. Though there were no differences in standardized test scores measuring total business knowledge, results showed a difference in student performance associated with financial knowledge between students who experienced the active learning intervention condition and students in the traditional control condition. Even when controlling for gender, major, and grade point average, the integrative instructional design using the trading room had an impact on student learning outcomes associated with financial knowledge.
Making It Personal
Authors: Conklin Thomas A.
Published: August 2012

This article reviews andragogy as the philosophy resident in the broad arena of experience-based learning. Beneath the umbrella of experience-based learning lie the specific classroom orientations of student-centered learning, problem-based learning, and classrooms as organizations. These orientations contribute to the creation of autonomy-supportive classrooms that focus more fully on student experience as a means to greater learning. The exhaustive review of the literature on student experience in teaching environments is the foundation for claims to fuller integration of this approach and discussion that focuses on the student as the original reason for the existence of the classroom. The article closes with a call for more student-focused andragogy, its relevance for Millennial learners, and recommendations for educators.
Response to Intervention
Authors: Crepeau-Hobson Franci , Bianco Margarita
Published: August 2012

This article explores the promises and pitfalls of a response to intervention (RTI) model for gifted students with learning disabilities (LD). Although much has been written about the potential benefits and challenges of RTI for identifying and serving students with LD, the ramifications of this model for gifted students with LD have not been fully explored. This article addresses this void by examining the potential of RTI to meet the unique learning needs of gifted students with LD. Inherent challenges this model may pose are discussed and suggestions for practitioners are provided.
An efficient life prediction methodology for low cycle fatigue–creep based on ductility exhaustion theory
Authors: Zhu Shun-Peng , Huang Hong-Zhong , Liu Yu , Yuan Rong , He Liping
Published: August 2012

Low cycle fatigue–creep is the main reason for the failures of many engineering components under high temperature and cyclic loading. Based on the exhaustion of the static toughness and dissipation of the plastic strain energy during fatigue failure, a new low cycle fatigue–creep life prediction model that is consistent with the fatigue–creep damage mechanism and sensitive to the fatigue damage process is presented in an attempt to develop viscosity-based approaches for general use in isothermal and thermo-mechanical loading. In this model, the theory of ductility exhaustion is used to describe the process of fatigue–creep interaction. It was assumed that the ductility exhaustion related only to the plastic strain and creep strain caused by tensile stress under stress-controlled conditions. In addition, the mechanisms of loading waveform, creep and mean stress effects were taken into account in a low cycle fatigue–creep regime. The predicted lives by the proposed model agree well with the reported experimental data from literature under different temperature loading conditions.
Secondary damage effect on stress redistribution in laminated composites
Authors: Katerelos Dionysios TG , Varna Janis
Published: August 2012

Intralaminar matrix cracking is recognized as the primary mode of damage appearing in laminates. Local Raman strain measurements in neighboring layers show that the distribution shape in the vicinity of the crack tip is smoothened with increasing magnitude of the applied strain. This behavior is attributed to secondary damage development in the neighboring supporting plies close to the transverse crack tip. In this article, an approximate analytical variational model, based on the principle of minimum complementary energy, is proposed for the investigation of the stress state in a glass/ epoxy cross-ply laminate with cracks in 90°layer and with homogenized damage (reduced elastic properties) in part of the 0° layer. The extent of damage (fiber breaks) is estimated combining modeling with measured local strain distributions. The model is applied in order to examine the effect of ply thickness on the magnitude of the secondary damage at the transverse crack tip.
Attitudes of Group Incentive Participants
Authors: Park Rhokeun
Published: August 2012

Using expectancy theory, this study investigated (1) the mediating roles of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the relationship between group-incentive participation and turnover intention and (2) the moderating role of human capital level in these relationships. Although a few studies have found group-incentive participation to be closely related to individual employees’ attitudes, the field knows little about the mechanisms that drive this relationship and the role of human capital level in these relationships. The findings of this study provide evidence that job satisfaction and organizational commitment mediated the relationship between group-incentive participation and turnover intention. Cross-level analyses showed that these relationships were stronger in companies with more human capital than in companies with less human capital. The findings provide insight into how group incentives affect employees’ attitudes and suggest that organizations with more human capital would benefit more from introducing group incentives actively.
Neuropsychological Testing in a Rural African School-Age Population
Authors: Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia K. , Holding Penny A. , Taylor H. Gerry , Abubakar Amina , Connolly Kevin
Published: August 2012

This study investigated the psychometric properties of a number of neuropsychological tests adapted for use in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 308 school-age children in a predominantly rural community completed the tests. These tests were developed to assess skills similar to those measured by assessments of cognitive development published for use in Western contexts. Culturally appropriate adaptations were made to enhance within-population variability. Internal consistency ranged from .70 to .84. Scores on individual tests were related to various background factors at the level of the child, household, and neighborhood. School experience was the most consistent predictor of outcome, accounting for up to 22.9% of the variance observed. Significant associations were identified to determine salient background characteristics that should be taken into account when measuring the discrete effects of disease exposure in similar sociocultural and economic settings.
Mean Platelet Volume as a Diagnostic Marker for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lancé Marcus D. , Sloep Matthijs , Henskens Yvonne M. C. , Marcus Marco A. E.
Published: August 2012

After the first description of platelets more than a century ago, the knowledge about their origin and function grew continuously. The development of the impedance method as a completely automated assay allowed integrating mean platelet volume (MPV) measurement as a routine parameter of the complete blood count. This enabled us to focus more on the association of platelet function and size. Since then, many authors described MPV as a marker of platelet reactivity and risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the preanalytical variability of this parameter is known from its introduction as standard laboratory value. Unfortunately no preanalytical standards have been implemented. This review shows the high variability in the literature with MPV as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. After a brief description of the biology of platelets, we provide an in-depth survey of the measurement methods and their drawbacks. Finally, we propose a possible approach to standardization.
Neuropathic pruritus (itch) in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Elsone Liene , Townsend Tristan , Mutch Kerry , Das Kumar , Boggild Mike , Nurmikko Turo , Jacob Anu
Published: August 2012

Background:

Neuropathic pruritus (itch) is an uncommon, but well described, symptom in neurology. There are itch-specific neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We noted excessive pruritus in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Objective:

We aimed to explore the characteristics of pruritus in NMO patients.

Methods:

We reviewed case records of a well-defined cohort of 45 serial aquaporin-4 antibody-positive patients visiting the national NMO service. All patients were interviewed.

Results:

Of the 45 antibody-positive NMO patients, 44 had myelitis and 12 of those 44 (27.3%) patients reported pruritus within a week of other symptoms of transverse myelitis with central cord involvement. In three patients, pruritus was the first symptom of a relapse, while in one case, pruritus was the very first symptom of the index episode of NMO.

Conclusion:

Neuropathic pruritus seems to be a common, but under-recognised symptom of myelitis associated with NMO.
Optic neuritis interferes with optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging correlations
Authors: Zimmermann Hanna , Freing Alina , Kaufhold Falko , Gaede Gunnar , Bohn Elena , Bock Markus , Oberwahrenbrock Timm , Young Kim-Lea , Dörr Jan , Wuerfel Jens T , Schippling Sven , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U
Published: August 2012

Background:

Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thinning is associated with brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). An influence of optic neuritis is well documented but sparsely investigated. Recently, the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) has been shown to provide superior information regarding visual function and retinal neurodegeneration as compared with RNFL.

Objective:

To investigate the association of white and grey matter brain volume with peripapillary RNFL and macular GCL in MS patients with and without a history of optic neuritis.

Methods:

63 patients with relapsing–remitting MS were included in a two-centre cross-sectional prospective study. All patients underwent retinal examination with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and 1.5 T MRI for determination of normalized brain volume (NBV), white matter volume (NWMV) and grey matter volume (NGMV).

Results:

Both RNFL and GCL were associated with NBV, NWMV and NGMV in eyes without previous optic neuritis. This association is disrupted in the case of NGMV following optic neuritis.

Conclusions:

Both RNFL and GCL as parameters of neuro-axonal damage are comparably linked to whole brain as well as white and grey matter atrophy. An event of optic neuritis interferes with this relation, adding further damage to the optic nerve and disrupting especially an association with grey matter.
Training in MS: influence of two different endurance training protocols (aquatic versus overland) on cytokine and neurotrophin concentrations during three week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bansi J , Bloch W , Gamper U , Kesselring J
Published: August 2012

Background:

The influences of exercising on cytokine response, fatigue and cardiorespiratory values are important aspects of rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Exercise performed within these programs is often practised in water but the effects of immersion on PwMS have not been systematically investigated.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine differences in cytokine and neurotrophin concentrations, fatigue and cardiorespiratory values in response to 3 week endurance training conducted on a cycle ergometer or an aquatic bike.

Methods:

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale range 1.0–6.5). Resting serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), Interleukin-6, soluble receptor of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and concentrations in response to cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), fatigue and cardiorespiratory values were determined at entry and discharge. Subjects performed daily 30 minute training at 60% of VO2max.

Results:

Cytokines and neurotrophins showed no significant differences between groups over the training intervention. Within the water group BDNF resting and post-CPET concentrations ( p<0.05) showed a significant increase and NGF tended to increase after the training intervention. Short-term effects on BDNF (CEPT) tended to increase at the start and significantly thereafter ( p<0.05). No changes occurred in the land group. Other cytokines and fatigue scores remained unchanged over the training period. Cardiorespiratory values improved significantly over time within both groups.

Conclusion:

This study indicates that aquatic training activates BDNF regulation and can be an effective training method during rehabilitation in PwMS.
Leaving dualisms behind: Felt thinking and the social. Commentary of John Cromby, ‘Beyond belief’
Authors: Falmagne Rachel Joffe
Published: August 2012

From a metatheoretical critical perspective wary of theoretical dualisms, this commentary endorses Cromby’s integrative proposal on the fusion of thought and affect. The proposal is discussed in relation to the current ‘turn to affect’ in the social sciences and to recent work in feminist theory. Specific arguments on the relation of cognition and discourse are appraised critically.
Why pride displays elicit support from majority group members: The mediational role of perceived deservingness
Authors: Ratcliff Jennifer J. , Miller Audrey K. , Krolikowski Alex M.
Published: August 2012

Research has shown that minority groups benefit from eliciting support from majority group members. Pride displays are one method utilized by minority groups to gain this support. Research also has suggested that perceived pride has two dimensions—(a) authentic, or accomplishment-based pride and (b) hubristic, or arrogance-based pride—that differentially predict behavior toward minority groups. The current research examined the role of perceived deservingness in explaining relations between perceived pride and support for minority groups. Results of three studies demonstrated that perceived deservingness mediates the pathway from perceived authentic pride to support for minority groups. Implications are discussed.
Valuable journalism: A search for quality from the vantage point of the user
Authors: Meijer Irene Costera
Published: August 2012

Many professional journalists and journalism scholars consider the increasing attention paid to audiences as one of the causes of the gradual loss of journalistic quality. They reason if ratings, circulation figures, hits and shares determine the content of journalism, the core values of journalism become jeopardized. This article argues how and why studies of journalistic quality should take the actual readers, listeners and viewers of journalistic texts seriously. It reports on a different kind of research for measuring the public’s news interests and preferences; one that concentrates on value – what makes journalism precious for people and how news organizations can provide this. By zooming in on the professionals’ and public’s experience of quality information instead of their views on the topic, the article shows how pleasing the audience might be compatible with producing excellent journalism.
The Wire and repair of the journalistic paradigm
Authors: Steiner Linda , Guo Jing , McCaffrey Raymond , Hills Paul
Published: August 2012

The last season of The Wire drew particular attention from journalists given its setting at a fictional version of the Baltimore Sun, where show creator David Simon once worked. The concept of paradigm repair was used here to explain journalists’ responses to The Wire. Our qualitative analysis of articles from 44 newspapers, as well as radio transcripts, dealing with the 2008 season shows that a fictional challenge can precipitate vigorous efforts by journalists to restore their reputation after what they regard as an attack on their professional identity and credibility. The [real] Baltimore Sun and other papers where Simon’s journalistic nemeses worked were the most likely to call Simon vindictive and obsessed and to use this to marginalize his stinging critique of corporatized newsrooms.
Who wins the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting? Cumulative advantage and social stratification in journalism
Authors: Volz Yong Z , Lee Francis LF
Published: August 2012

Robert Merton’s theory of cumulative advantage posits that the initial status advantages one acquires can successively lead to greater opportunities in career advancement. This study examines the cumulative effect of individual and institutional factors on the likelihood of one’s success in international reporting, an area commonly considered as the mark of an ultra-elite in journalistic stratification. Analyzing a sample of 814 Pulitzer winners whose life courses and career progressions are reconstructed using various archival data, our study shows that international reporting winners, compared with local reporting awardees, are more likely to be male, foreign born, cosmopolites, and Ivy League graduates. These initial advantages, however, mainly improve their chances of joining top news organizations in the first place. Being selected by those news organizations boosts disproportionally their successive probability of winning the Pulitzers. The process of advantage accumulation in journalism accentuates the social stratification in society at large.
Modifying perceptions of hostility and credibility of news coverage of an environmental controversy through media literacy
Authors: Vraga Emily K , Tully Melissa , Akin Heather , Rojas Hernando
Published: August 2012

This study tests the proposition that hostile interpretations of media content can be reduced through news media literacy training. Within the context of the controversy over the adoption of biofuels as an energy source, we employ a web-based experimental design that manipulates subjects’ exposure to media literacy training and then presents them with news coverage on the issue of biofuels. We find strong support for the notion that media literacy affects individuals’ perceptions of media credibility. Exposure to a media literacy video led to increased ratings of story credibility, as well as increased trust in the media to cover both the issue and the news more broadly. Implications of these results are discussed.
Modeling wave action effects in internal combustion engine air path systems: comparison of numerical and system dynamics approaches
Authors: Stockar Stephanie , Canova Marcello , Guezennec Yann , Della Torre Augusto , Montenegro Gianluca , Onorati Angelo
Published: August 2012

The challenge of continuously improving engine fuel economy and emissions has pushed the automotive industry to adopt more efficient procedures for modeling, system simulation and model-based control. Such procedures require accurate and computationally efficient engine system simulation models that are able to predict the cylinder charge composition and the thermodynamic conditions. To this extent, reduced-order models for unsteady compressible flow systems, namely models derived from the fundamental conservation laws without over-simplifying the topology of the engine air path, are receiving considerable interest for performance simulation and control design.

This paper presents a comparative study on modeling approaches for the prediction of one-dimensional unsteady compressible flow in the internal combustion engine air path system. Specifically, the paper compares a well-known second-order, shock-capturing finite-difference scheme with two novel solution methods, namely a finite-volume method and a model-order reduction method. The study aims at evaluating the ability of each method to trade-off the prediction accuracy and robustness with the computation time, in light of potential applications to real-time simulation. This is achieved by increasing the discretization length of each method, and evaluating the accuracy of the predicted response in the time and frequency domain.

The characterization of the intake and exhaust flows in the manifolds of a single-cylinder engine is considered as a case study. The results are compared for the three solution methods at different discretization lengths to evaluate the ability of each model to retain accuracy and robustness. The computation times of the different methods are also evaluated.

The results presented in this paper establish a clear trade-off between accuracy, stability and computation time for each solution method. This allows one to formulate considerations on the advantages and disadvantages of each method in light of potential applications to engine performance prediction, optimization and control design.
Fundamental spray and combustion measurements of soy methyl-ester biodiesel
Authors: Nerva Jean-Guillaume , Genzale Caroline L , Kook Sanghoon , García-Oliver José M , Pickett Lyle M
Published: August 2012

Although biodiesel has begun to penetrate the fuel market, its effect on injection processes, combustion and emission formation under diesel engine conditions remains somewhat unclear. Typical exhaust measurements from engines running biodiesel indicate that particulate matter, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons are decreased, whereas nitrogen oxide emissions tend to be increased. However, these observations are the result of complex interactions between physical and chemical processes occurring in the combustion chamber, for which understanding is still needed.

To characterize and decouple the physical and chemical influences of biodiesel on spray mixing, ignition, combustion and soot formation, a soy methyl-ester (SME) biodiesel is injected into a constant-volume combustion facility under diesel-like operating conditions. A range of optical diagnostics is performed, comparing biodiesel to a conventional #2 diesel at the same injection and ambient conditions.

Schlieren high-speed imaging shows virtually the same vapour-phase penetration for the two fuels, while simultaneous Mie-scatter imaging shows that the maximum liquid-phase penetration of biodiesel is higher than diesel. Differences in the liquid-phase penetration are expected because of the different boiling-point temperatures of the two fuels. However, the different liquid-phase penetration does not affect overall mixing rate and downstream vapour-phase penetration because each fuel spray has similar momentum and spreading angle. For the biodiesel and diesel samples used in this study, the ignition delay and lift-off length are only slightly less for biodiesel compared to diesel, consistent with the fuel cetane number (51 for biodiesel, 46 for diesel). Because of the similarity in lift-off length, the differences in equivalence ratio distribution at the lift-off length are mainly affected by the oxygen content of the fuels. For biodiesel, the equivalence ratio is reduced, which, along with the fuel molecular structure and oxygen content, significantly affects soot formation downstream. Spatially resolved soot volume fraction measurements obtained by combining line-of-sight laser extinction measurements with planar laser-induced incandescence imaging show that the soot concentration can be reduced by an order of magnitude for biodiesel. These integrated measurements of spray mixing, combustion and quantitative soot concentration provide new validation data for the development of computational fluid dynamics spray, combustion and soot formation models suitable for the latest biofuels.
Investigations into mild electric foot shock stress-induced cognitive enhancement: possible role of angiotensin neuropeptides
Authors: Bali Anjana , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh
Published: August 2012

This study was designed to investigate the role of angiotensin neuropeptides in mild electric foot shock stress-induced cognitive enhancement in mice. Mild stress was induced by applying mild electric foot shocks of 0.15 mA intensity for 0.5 s. The stress-induced alteration in cognition was assessed using a Morris water maze test. The animals were subjected to mild electric foot shocks 5 min before we recorded escape latency time (ELT), an index of learning, during the first 4 days of a 5-day trial in the Morris water maze. The time spent in target quadrant (TSTQ), an index of retrieval, was noted on the fifth day without prior administration of electric foot shock. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), and telmisartan (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg), an angiotensin II receptor blocker, were employed to assess the role of angiotensin neuropeptides. The application of mild electric shocks significantly decreased ELT and increased TSTQ, indicating enhancement in stress-induced learning and memory. However, administration of lisinopril and telmisartan significantly attenuated the stress-induced decrease in ELT and increase in TSTQ. It may be concluded that mild electric foot shock-induced stress triggers the release of angiotensin neuropeptides that may be responsible for memory enhancement.
Broad area damage detection in composites using fibre Bragg grating arrays
Authors: Davis Claire E , Norman Patrick , Ratcliffe Colin , Crane Roger
Published: August 2012

This article reports on the development of a technique for broad area detection of structural irregularities in composites using an integrated fibre optic sensing network. The technique is founded on a broadband vibration-based methodology known as the structural irregularity and damage evaluation routine that uses features in complex curvature operating shapes to locate damage and other areas with structural stiffness variations. The original structural irregularity and damage evaluation routine methodology relied on impact excitation at a series of grid points on the structure with the response recorded using a small number of reference accelerometers to determine the operating curvature shapes. This methodology has been modified to allow for single-point or environmental excitation with measurement of the curvature shapes provided by a spatially dense network of fibre Bragg grating strain sensors’ surface mounted on the structure. This modified approach is known as the inverse structural irregularity and damage evaluation routine and has been experimentally validated on an impact-damaged composite panel. The technique was then applied to a full size composite structure (ship’s rudder) containing structural features, where it was shown to successfully locate impact damage.
“You Can Help Yourself/but Don’t Take Too Much”
Authors: Ault Elizabeth
Published: August 2012

Despite The Wire’s (HBO, 2002-2008) successful, interesting structural analysis of urban politics and problems, its (few) portrayals of African American mothers exhibit a view of black motherhood as irresponsible, irrational, and emasculating, a view that hearkens back to that of the Moynihan Report. In this article, I look at the fourth season of the show to examine how mothers’ desires are presented as being central to the negative outcomes their sons face, as well as unrelentingly and sexually pathological. This aspect has been paid little if any attention in the show’s overwhelmingly positive critical reception; I explore the show’s political economic network context and the effects of The Wire’s self-proclaimed “authenticity” in furthering this discourse among its viewers. The treatment of these characters, encouraging mothers to “help [themselves], but [not] take too much” imbricates The Wire in the discourses of personal responsibility and self-governance that undergird neoliberal regimes it critiques.
The House That Fox Built
Authors: Phillips Whitney
Published: August 2012

This article focuses on 4chan’s /b/ board, a—if not the—pillar of online trolling activity. In addition to chronicling the history of the site, as well as the emergence of the nebulous collective known as Anonymous, the article considers the ways in which early media representations of and subsequent reactions to trolling behaviors on /b/ helped create and sustain an increasingly influential subculture. Echoing Stanley Cohen’s (1972) analysis of moral panics, the article goes on to postulate that trolls and mainstream media outlets, specifically Fox News, are locked in a cybernetic feedback loop predicted upon spectacle; each camp amplifies and builds upon the other’s reactions, thus entering into an unintended but highly synergistic congress.
Using the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide to Inform Interpersonal Psychotherapy With a Suicidal Older Adult
Authors: Van Orden Kimberly A. , Talbot Nancy , King Deborah
Published: August 2012

Older adults in the United States and many countries around the world die by suicide at elevated rates compared with younger adults. However, relatively little is known about psychotherapeutic approaches to managing and treating suicide risk among older adults. The patient in this case presented with elevated suicide risk and was treated with interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) informed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. This theoretical model proposes that thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness are causes of suicide ideation. IPT guides therapists to look for one of four interpersonal stressors that may be present in a client’s life—grief, role transitions, interpersonal disputes, and interpersonal sensitivity (i.e., skills deficits). The Interpersonal Theory provides a rationale for choosing one problem focus over another. Specifically, the problem area that allows the therapist and patient to target and ameliorate thwarted belongingness and/or perceived burdensomeness is selected. The positive outcome of reduced suicide risk in this case illustrates how targeting the constructs of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness with IPT may help older adults resolve suicide ideation and prevent recurrences of suicidal crises.