bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tip of the Iceberg: Media Coverage of “Slave Labor” in Argentina
Authors: Kabat Marina , Desalvo Agustina , Egan Julia
Published: March 2017

The Argentina media often report “slave labor” conditions in clothing production and seed nurseries. A critical assessment of the types of coercion (economic and noneconomic) that hold workers under these brutal conditions indicates that instances of extraeconomic coercion are merely the extreme manifestation of a general situation in which economic coercion predominates. The determinants of the deterioration of working conditions in these two sectors include relative overpopulation and technological backwardness.

Los medios habitualmente refieren en a las condiciones laborales en los talleres textiles y empresas semilleras argentinas como formas de “trabajo esclavo.” Un balance crítico de los tipos de coacción (económica o extraeconómica) que confina a estos trabajadores a brutales condiciones laborales indica que los casos particulares donde existe alguna forma de coacción extraeconómica pueden considerarse la manifestación extrema de una condición más extendida donde la coacción económica predomina. Las determinaciones del deterioro de las condiciones laborales en estas dos ramas económicas incluyen la expansión de la sobrepoblación relativa y el carácter tecnológicamente atrasado de estas actividades.
Transitions in Loneliness Among Older Adults: A 5-Year Follow-Up in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project
Authors: Hawkley Louise C. , Kocherginsky Masha
Published: March 2017

A substantial portion of the older adult population suffers from frequent feelings of loneliness, but a large proportion remains relatively unscathed by loneliness. To date, research examining both protective and risk factors for loneliness has not included data from the United States. The present study used the first two waves of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to examine sociodemographic, structural, and functional factors thought to be associated with loneliness in older adults. Functional limitations and low family support were associated with an increase in loneliness frequency (as were more strained friendships) and with transitioning from nonlonely to lonely status. Better self-rated health, higher levels of socializing frequency, and lower family strain were associated with transitioning from lonely to nonlonely status. Interventions that target these factors may be effective in preventing and reducing loneliness and its effects on health and well-being in older adults.
A survey on real-time event detection from the Twitter data stream
Authors: Hasan Mahmud , Orgun Mehmet A , Schwitter Rolf
Published: March 2017

The proliferation of social networking services has resulted in a rapid growth of their user base, spanning across the world. The collective information generated from these online platforms is overwhelming, in terms of both the amount of content produced every moment and the diversity of topics discussed. The real-time nature of the information produced by users has prompted researchers to analyse this content, in order to gain timely insight into the current state of affairs. Specifically, the microblogging service Twitter has been a recent focus of researchers to gather information on events occurring in real time. This article presents a survey of a wide variety of event detection methods applied to streaming Twitter data, classifying them according to shared common traits, and then discusses different aspects of the subtasks and challenges involved in event detection. We believe this survey will act as a guide and starting point for aspiring researchers to gain a structured view on state-of-the-art real-time event detection and spur further research in this direction.
Men’s Migration, Women’s Autonomy, and Union Dissolution in Rural Mozambique
Authors: Agadjanian Victor , Hayford Sarah R.
Published: March 2017

Men’s labor migration has been shown to affect marital stability in various contexts, but heterogeneity in the relationship between migration and marital outcomes is not well understood. This study employs longitudinal data from rural Mozambique, a rapidly changing setting with massive yet diverse male labor out-migration, to examine the associations between husband’s migration and union dissolution. It analyzes variation in the likelihood of dissolution according to the success of migration and assesses the degree to which this association is influenced by women’s decision-making autonomy. Results show no overall association between husband’s migration status and the likelihood of dissolution but substantial differences between unions of more successful and less successful migrants. Women’s decision-making autonomy is associated with an increased risk of divorce for women married to migrants but greater marital stability for women married to nonmigrants. Implications of these findings for union stability in sub-Saharan and similar developing settings are discussed.
Shifting priorities
Authors: Gere Judith , Impett Emily A.
Published: March 2017

We investigated whether partners in newly developing romantic relationships adjust their goals when they experience conflict with the goals of their partner, and the consequences of goal conflict and goal adjustment. Fifty-nine newly dating couples ( N = 118) reported on their goals at an initial session and again 3 months later. Multilevel models indicated that when people reported higher conflict between a goal and their partner’s goals, they were more likely to stop pursuing as well as to devalue the importance of that particular goal over time. Furthermore, goal devaluing was associated with increases in relationship commitment over time but decreases in women’s relationship satisfaction when their partners devalued conflicting goals. Overall levels of goal conflict were associated with marginal decreases in relationship satisfaction. These results indicate that romantic partners try to adjust their goals to reduce goal conflict even in developing relationships, and that these adjustments have consequences for relationship satisfaction and commitment.
Exploring the determinants of health knowledge adoption in social media
Authors: Chaoguang Huo , Feicheng Ma , Yifei Qiu , Yuchao Wang
Published: March 2017

Health knowledge plays an important role in health education and promotion, in providing critical services to the global population and helping them live healthier lives and make informed health decisions. This study explores what determines health knowledge adoption in the context of Chinese social media, and attempts to explain why there is a gap between health knowledge adoption intention and behavior. Based on the ELM (elaboration likelihood method) and EPPM (extended parallel process model), this paper proposes four processes of health knowledge adoption to construct an explanatory framework, and examines it from the intention-behavior gap perspective, highlighting the mediating effect of trust. Data collected from 355 Chinese respondents was tested using a partial least squares (PLS) approach. The results indicate that perceived threat has a positive effect on health knowledge adoption via the mediator, fear; perceived efficacy has a positive direct effect on health knowledge adoption; and perceived knowledge quality and perceived source credibility both have a positive effect on health knowledge adoption via the mediator, trust. Trust and fear have different impacts on health knowledge adoption intention and behavior, which explains why there is sometimes a gap between them. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.
Elimination of Mycobacterium chimaera in a heater cooler device used during on-pump cardiothoracic surgery
Authors: Nielsen Conny , Winther Conni L. , Thomsen Philip K. , Andreasen Jan J.
Published: March 2017

Since 2014, several infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) belonging to the species Mycobacterium ( M.) chimaera have been associated with the use of heater-cooler devices during on-pump cardiothoracic surgery both in European countries and the United States of America. Infections have been detected after surgery, with a delay of a few months and up to five years. Bacterial contamination of heater-cooler devices has also been described without any associated infections.

In many centres, it has been a challenging task to eliminate NTM from the heater-cooler devices in order to reduce the risk to patients.

In this case-report, we describe how we managed to achieve negative cultures for M. chimaera by changing the cleaning procedure of the Sorin Group Heater-Cooler System with three tanks.
New Brazilian feminisms and online networks: Cyberfeminism, protest and the female ‘Arab Spring’
Authors: Matos Carolina
Published: March 2017

In the last decades, the region of Latin America has been through many changes, with the reduction of inequality levels and a political trend which has seen the election of female politicians throughout the continent, including a revival of gender politics and feminist movements. Countries like Brazil are still home to gender discrimination and inequality, with high levels of domestic violence towards women, low levels of political representation, a culture of machismo and the predominance still of stereotypical gender representations in the media. Questions asked include how the media can better contribute to assist in gender development and nation-building. How can online platforms make a difference? This article provides a critical summary of feminist theoretical perspectives on the potential of online communications for the advancement of women’s rights, further providing a brief case study of contemporary Brazilian feminism and the mobilization around women’s rights, particularly in 2015.
Discrepancy in fetal head biometry between ultrasound and MRI in suspected microcephalic fetuses
Authors: Yaniv Gal , Katorza Eldad , Tsehmaister Abitbol Vered , Eisenkraft Arik , Bercovitz Ronen , Bader Salim , Hoffmann Chen
Published: March 2017

Background

Microcephaly is one of the most common fetal structural abnormalities, and prenatal microcephaly is considered a group I malformation of cortical development diagnosed according to ultrasound (US) skull measurements.

Purpose

To evaluate the agreement between fetal head US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biometric measurements of suspected microcephalic fetuses.

Material and Methods

This institutional review board-approved retrospective study with waived informed consent included 180 pregnant women and was conducted at our medical center from March 2011 to April 2013. Biparietal diameter (BPD) and occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) results of fetal head US normograms were compared to normograms for MRI. We used Pearson and Spearman rho non-parametric correlation coefficients to assess the association between two quantitative variables, paired t-test for paired quantitative variables, and McNemar test for paired qualitative variables.

Results

The average BPD but not the average OFD percentiles in fetal head US differed significantly from the MRI results ( P < 0.0001). When looking at the accepted microcephaly threshold, both BPD and OFD percentiles differed significantly from MRI ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.004, respectively). There was no correlation between US-measured skull biometry and MRI-measured brain biometry. Estimated cerebrospinal fluid volumes were significantly lower in the study group compared to 120 fetuses with normal findings in prenatal head US and MRI. Also, we have created a MRI-based normogram of fetal head circumference and gestational age.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of microcephaly by US alone may be insufficient and ideally should be validated by MRI before a final diagnosis is established.
Community engagement, cultural competence and two Australian public libraries and Indigenous communities
Authors: Blackburn Fiona
Published: March 2017

Two examples of community engagement in Australian public libraries, drawn from the author’s experience, are analysed using Sung and Hepworth’s (2013) community engagement model for public libraries and Overall’s (2009) definition of cultural competence in a library and information science framework. The examples are examined for the community engagement characteristics identified by Sung and Hepworth; each is also considered for cultural competence, using the domains which Overall posits are the sites where this competence occurs or is developed. A virtuous circle of community engagement is extrapolated from the second example. ‘Hierarchical equivalence’ between organizations, a group’s proportional presence in a population and the nature of each group’s aims, are suggested as further factors in sustainable community engagement. That culture is an asset on which communities draw to engage with libraries and the broader community, and that communities will respond to engagement approaches if they offer the possibility of meeting community aspirations, is evident in both examples.
The Relationship Between Intraoperative Tear Dimensions and Postoperative Pain in 1624 Consecutive Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs
Authors: Yeo Daniel Y.T. , Walton Judie R. , Lam Patrick , Murrell George A.C.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Rotator cuff repair often results in significant pain postoperatively, the cause of which is undetermined.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between rotator cuff tear area and postoperative pain in patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We hypothesized that larger tears would be more painful because of elevated repair tension at 1 week postoperatively but that smaller tears would be more painful because of a greater healing response, especially from 6 weeks postoperatively.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 1624 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were moderate to severe osteoarthritis, isolated subscapularis repair, calcific tendinitis, synthetic patch repair, revision surgery, and retears on ultrasound at 6 months after surgery. Rotator cuff tears were subdivided into groups based on the tear size and retear rate found for each group. A modified L’Insalata questionnaire was given before surgery and at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient tests were performed between rotator cuff tear areas and pain scores.

Results:

Intraoperative rotator cuff tear areas did not correlate with pain scores preoperatively or at 1 week after surgery. A smaller tear area was associated with more frequent and severe pain with overhead activities, at rest, and during sleep as well as a poorer perceived overall shoulder condition at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after repair ( r = 0.11-0.23, P < .0001). Patients who were younger, had partial-thickness tears, and had occupational injuries experienced more pain postoperatively ( r = 0.10-0.28, P < .0001). Larger tears did not have more pain at 1 week after surgery. The retear rate was 7% in tears <2 cm2 but reached 44% in tears >8 cm2.

Conclusion:

There were fewer retears with smaller tears, but they were more painful than large tears postoperatively from 6 weeks to 6 months after surgery. Smaller tears may heal more vigorously, causing more pain. Patients with smaller tears experienced more pain after rotator cuff repair compared with patients with larger tears. These findings are contrary to previous ideas about tear size and postoperative pain. Healing is likely a determinant of postoperative pain.
The Use of Platelet-Rich and Platelet-Poor Plasma to Enhance Differentiation of Skeletal Myoblasts: Implications for the Use of Autologous Blood Products for Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Miroshnychenko Olga , Chang Wen-teh , Dragoo Jason L.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to augment tissue repair and regeneration after musculoskeletal injury. However, there is increasing clinical evidence that PRP does not show a consistent clinical effect.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to compare the effects of the following non–neutrophil-containing (leukocyte-poor) plasma fractions on human skeletal muscle myoblast (HSMM) differentiation: (1) PRP, (2) modified PRP (Mod-PRP), in which transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and myostatin (MSTN) were depleted, and (3) platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The hypothesis was that leukocyte-poor PRP would lead to myoblast proliferation (not differentiation), whereas certain modifications of PRP preparations would increase myoblast differentiation, which is necessary for skeletal muscle regeneration.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Blood from 7 human donors was individually processed to simultaneously create leukocyte-poor fractions: PRP, Mod-PRP, PPP, and secondarily spun PRP and Mod-PRP (PRPss and Mod-PRPss, respectively). Mod-PRP was produced by removing TGF-β1 and MSTN from PRP using antibodies attached to sterile beads, while a second-stage centrifugal spin of PRP was performed to remove platelets. The biologics were individually added to cell culture groups. Analysis for induction into myoblast differentiation pathways included Western blot analysis, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry, as well as confocal microscopy to assess polynucleated myotubule formation.

Results:

HSMMs cultured with PRP showed an increase in proliferation but no evidence of differentiation. Western blot analysis confirmed that MSTN and TGF-β1 could be decreased in Mod-PRP using antibody-coated beads, but this modification mildly improved myoblast differentiation. However, cell culture with PPP, PRPss, and Mod-PRPss led to a decreased proliferation rate but a significant induction of myoblast differentiation verified by increased multinucleated myotubule formation and myosin heavy chain expression (mean 8-fold change in mRNA level; P < .05), which was comparable with 2% horse serum, the positive control.

Conclusion:

PPP and leukocyte-poor PRP preparations subjected to a second spin to remove the platelets led to induction of myoblast cells into the muscle differentiation pathway, whereas unmodified leukocyte-poor PRP led to myoblast proliferation.

Clinical Relevance:

These results indicate that traditionally formulated PRP may not be appropriate to induce muscle regeneration. Laboratory evidence suggests that PPP or non–neutrophil-containing PRPss, subjected to an additional spin to remove platelets, should be used to stimulate myoblast differentiation, which is necessary for skeletal muscle regeneration. Clinical studies will be required to confirm the effect of these biologics on muscle regeneration.
Should the Ipsilateral Hamstrings Be Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Case of Medial Collateral Ligament Insufficiency? Biomechanical Investigation Regarding Dynamic Stabilization of the Medial Compartment by the Hamstring Muscles
Authors: Herbort Mirco , Michel Philipp , Raschke Michael J. , Vogel Nils , Schulze Martin , Zoll Alexander , Fink Christian , Petersen Wolf , Domnick Christoph
Published: March 2017

Background:

Semitendinosus and gracilis muscles are frequently harvested for autologous tendon grafts for cruciate ligament reconstruction. This study investigated the joint-stabilizing effects of these hamstring muscles in cases of insufficiency of the medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Hypotheses:

First, both the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles can actively stabilize the joint against valgus moments in the MCL-deficient knee. Second, the stabilizing influence of these muscles decreases with an increasing knee flexion angle.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The kinematics was examined in 10 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees using a robotic/universal force moment sensor system and an optical tracking system. The knee kinematics under 5- and 10-N·m valgus moments were determined in the different flexion angles of the (1) MCL-intact and (2) MCL-deficient knee using the following simulated muscle loads: (1) 0-N (idle) load, (2) 200-N semitendinosus (ST) load, and (3) 280-N (200/80-N) combined semitendinosus/gracilis (STGT) load.

Results:

Cutting the MCL increased the valgus angle under all tested conditions and angles compared with the MCL-intact knee by 4.3° to 8.1° for the 5-N·m valgus moment and 6.5° to 11.9° for the 10-N·m valgus moment ( P < .01). The applied 200-N simulated ST load reduced the valgus angle significantly at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° of flexion under 5- and 10-N·m valgus moments ( P < .05). At 0°, 10°, and 20° of flexion, these values were close to those for the MCL-intact joint under the respective moments (both P > .05). The combined 280-N simulated STGT load significantly reduced the valgus angle in 0°, 10°, and 20° of flexion under 5- and 10-N·m valgus moments ( P < .05) to values near those for the intact joint (5 N·m: 0°, 10°; 10 N·m: 0°, 10°, 20°; P > .05). In 60° and 90° of flexion, ST and STGT loads did not decrease the resulting valgus angle of the MCL-deficient knee without hamstring loads ( P > .05 vs deficient; P = .0001 vs intact).

Conclusion:

In this human cadaveric study, semitendinosus and gracilis muscles successfully stabilize valgus moments applied to the MCL-insufficient knee when the knee is near extension.

Clinical Relevance:

In the valgus-unstable knee, these data suggest that the hamstring muscles should be preserved in (multi-) ligament surgery when possible.
An Investigation Into the Characteristics of Papers With High Scholarly Citations in Public Administration: The Relativity of Theory and Method
Authors: St. Clair Rebekah , Hicks Diana , Isett Kimberley R.
Published: March 2017

In this article, we investigate characteristics associated with highly cited journal articles in Public Administration, especially the extent to which high impact contributions are theoretical. Using citations as a measure of scholarly influence, we used a mixed qualitative and bibliometric approach to understand the factors associated with the most highly cited articles in Public Administration in the last 20 years. Specifically, we assessed the extent to which each article was theoretical or empirical in nature, the role of the journal in which each article was published, and the extent to which the article’s impact spanned disciplines. Results indicate that theoretical development, the journal in which an article is published, and strategic placement with regard to the intended audience matter for scholarly impact. We also identify that theoretical versus empirical approach of subdisciplines is aligned with the maturity of that subdiscipline, consistent with Kuhn’s ideas of scientific evolution.
Sepsis: Current Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Taeb Abdalsamih M. , Hooper Michael H. , Marik Paul E.
Published: March 2017

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that results from the dysregulated inflammatory response to infection that leads to organ dysfunction. The resulting losses to society in terms of financial burden, morbidity, and mortality are enormous. We provide a review of sepsis, its underlying pathophysiology, and guidance for diagnosis and management of this common disease. Current established treatments include appropriate antimicrobial agents to target the underlying infection, optimization of intravascular volume to improve stroke volume, vasopressors to counteract vasoplegic shock, and high‐quality supportive care. Appropriate implementation of established treatments combined with novel therapeutic approaches promises to continue to decrease the impact of this disease.
Post Rape Care Provision to Minors in Kenya: An Assessment of Health Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Authors: Wangamati Cynthia Khamala , Gele Abdi Ali , Sundby Johanne
Published: March 2017

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major global health challenge. Extant literature in Kenya indicates an alarming rate of sexually abused minors presenting to poorly equipped health facilities with untrained health providers for post rape care. National guidelines on management of sexual violence have been in existence since 2004; however, little is known on the impact of these guidelines on post rape care provision to minors. Therefore, the study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health providers with regard to post rape care provision in a Kenyan District health facility. The study used a triangulation of different qualitative methods: review of 42 health records of minors seeking post rape care, 15 in-depth interviews, and informal conversations with health providers. Findings indicate that the Kenyan national guidelines on management of sexual violence were nonexistent in the health facility. Consequently, health providers possessed limited knowledge on post rape care administration. The limited knowledge translated to poor collection and preservation of evidence, inadequate psychosocial support, and clinical care. In addition, rape myth attitudes and religious beliefs contributed to survivor blaming and provider hesitance in provision of legal abortion care, respectively. To facilitate provision of quality post rape care, policy makers and health institutions’ managers need to avail protocols in line with evidence-based best practices to guide health providers in post rape care administration. In addition, there is need for rigorous training and supervision of health professionals to ensure better service provision.
Perpetration of Alcohol-Related Aggression by Male and Female College Students: An Examination of Overt and Relational Aggression
Authors: Robertson Kirsten , Forbes Sarah , Thyne Maree
Published: March 2017

Existing literature exemplifies the relationship between alcohol and overt aggression, especially for adult males. Less clear is the relationship between alcohol and aggression among male and female college students, in particular, the nature of this aggression and the co-occurrence of drinking and aggression on the same day (temporal proximity). This study examines the chronic and temporal nature of males’ and females’ alcohol-related aggression among college students. Two hundred fourteen students completed a web-based 7-day event-level survey measuring alcohol consumption and perpetration of physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and relational aggression over 4 weeks, resulting in 4,256 observations (days). The global analysis revealed students who are heavy drinkers are more likely to perpetrate all four forms of aggression, whereas the event-level analysis revealed that specific forms of aggression are associated with drinking at the time, while other forms were not linked to drinking occasions. Cross-tabulation revealed males and females were more likely to use verbal and physical aggression when drinking. For females, drinking was also associated with relational aggression and anger. Despite often being overlooked in research on aggression during emerging adulthood, relational aggression was prevalent. Discrepancies between the global and temporal analysis revealed factors other than alcohol might explain the relationship between chronic alcohol consumption and specific forms of aggression. This is one of the first event-level studies to show the temporal relationship between alcohol and relational aggression. The distinctions in the current study, exemplifying the diversity of alcohol-related aggression, are critical for understanding aggressive behavior, potential gender differences, and for developing interventions. The temporal relationship between alcohol and aggression suggests health interventions should target drinking and aggression simultaneously.
Violence Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, and Subjective Well-Being in a Sample of Russian Adults: A Facebook-Based Study
Authors: Bogolyubova Olga , Tikhonov Roman , Ivanov Victor , Panicheva Polina , Ledovaya Yanina
Published: March 2017

Exposure to violence has been shown to negatively affect mental health and well-being. The goal of this Facebook-based study was to describe the rates of exposure to violence in a sample of Russian adults and to assess the impact of these experiences on subjective well-being and victimization-related psychological distress. Three types of victimization were assessed: physical assault by a stranger, physical assault by someone known to victim, and nonconsensual sexual experiences. The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess subjective well-being, and Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) was employed as an indicator of victimization-related psychological distress. Data were obtained from 6,724 Russian-speaking Facebook users. Significant levels of lifetime victimization were reported by the study participants. Lifetime physical assault by a stranger, physical assault by someone known to victim, and sexual assault were reported by 56.9%, 64.2%, and 54.1% of respondents, respectively. Respondents exposed to violence were more likely to report posttraumatic stress symptoms and lower levels of subjective well-being. Participants who were exposed to at least one type of violence were more likely to experience symptoms of traumatic stress ( U = 1,794,250.50, p < .001, d = 0.35). Exposure to multiple forms of violence was associated with more severe traumatic stress symptoms ( rs = .257, p < .001). Well-being scores were significantly lower among participants exposed to violence ( t = 8.37, p < .001, d = 0.31). The study demonstrated that violence exposure is associated with reduced well-being among Russian adults. Our findings highlight the negative impact of violence exposure on subjective well-being and underscore the necessity to develop programs addressing violence exposure in Russian populations.
Overcoming Obesity: A Mixed Methods Study of the Impact of Primary Care Physician Counseling on Low-Income African American Women Who Successfully Lost Weight
Authors: Banerjee Elaine Seaton , Herring Sharon J. , Hurley Katelyn E. , Puskarz Katherine , Yebernetsky Kyle , LaNoue Marianna
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Low-income, African American women are disproportionately impacted by obesity. Little is known about the interactions between low-income, African American women who successfully lost weight and their primary care physicians (PCPs).

Design:

Mixed methods, positive deviance study.

Setting:

Urban university-based family medicine practice.

Participants:

The positive deviance group comprised low-income, African American women who were obese, lost 10% body weight, and maintained this loss for 6 months.

Measures:

The PCP- and patient-reported weight-related variables collected through the electronic medical record (EMR), surveys, and interviews.

Analysis:

Logistic regression of quantitative variables. Qualitative analysis using modified grounded theory.

Results:

The EMR documentation by PCPs of dietary counseling and a weight-related medical problem were significant predictors of positive deviant group membership. Qualitative analyses of interviews revealed 5 major themes: framing obesity in the context of other health problems provided motivation; having a full discussion around weight management was important; an ongoing relationship with the physician was valuable; celebrating small successes was beneficial; and advice was helpful but self-motivation was necessary.

Conclusion:

The PCP counseling may be an important factor in promoting weight loss in low-income, African American women. Patients may benefit from their PCPs drawing connections between obesity and weight-related medical conditions and enhancing intrinsic motivation for weight loss.
Properties of polymerized cyclic butylene terephthalate and its composites via ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Yan Chun , Liu Ling , Zhu Yingdan , Xu Haibing , Liu Dong
Published: March 2017

Continuous glass fiber (GF)-reinforced polymerized cyclic butylene terephthalate (pCBT) composites were prepared via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding using butyltin tris(2-ethylhexanoate) as the catalyst. The relationship between melt viscosity and polymerization time was examined in the ring-opening polymerization of CBT resin. The effects of polymerization conditions such as catalyst content and polymerization temperature on viscosity average molar mass ( Mv), crystallization, mechanical properties, and microstructure of GF/pCBT composites were also investigated in detail. It is found that both high molecular weight and high degree of crystallinity of resin matrix can lead to high mechanical properties of composites. The composites prepared with 0.5% catalyst at 190°C show the best mechanical properties with tensile strength of 549 MPa, flexural strength of 585.2 MPa, and interlaminar shear strength of 47.1 MPa. The scanning electron microscopy analysis also demonstrates that good interfacial adhesion exists between fiber and resin, which agrees very well with experimental results.
Entrepreneurship in vocational education
Authors: Stadler Adriano , Smith Anne M. J.
Published: March 2017

Vocational entrepreneurship education is associated with specific techniques and teaching methods, including face-to-face student contact and knowledge alignment with labour market needs. The authors argue that entrepreneurship education provides particular benefits in different educational conditions and modes because it allows students to develop entrepreneurial behaviour for different vocations. This article presents the results of a study involving students enrolled on technical courses at a public institution in Brazil. The study investigates how vocational teaching and learning conditions, such as the entrepreneurial experience and profile of lecturers, affect students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of entrepreneurship education in a vocational teaching context.
Hyperbranched polyesters urethane acrylate resin
Authors: Hadavand Behzad Shirkavand , Najafi Farhood , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Malekian Alireza
Published: March 2017

In the present study, response surface methodology is used to synthesize hyperbranched polyesters based on variables reaction time, ratio of monomer to core, and type of catalyst. Then, the synthesized polyesters were used for preparing hyperbranched urethane acrylates in two steps. In order to characterize these polymers, infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance is used. Hyperbranched urethane acrylates were formulated and cured by ultraviolet irradiation. Finally, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) test is used to investigate the viscoelastic properties of the coatings. The results of DMTA test were shown that the higher molar mass distribution of hyperbranched polyester is associated with less uniformity of cross-link network of cured samples. Also by increasing the molar mass of hyperbranched polyester, glass transition temperature of cured urethane acrylate resins was increased. The samples produced by using methane sulfonic acid catalyst show higher strength and more uniform cross-link network than the those made by sulfuric acid catalyst.
Long-term thermal stability of addition-type polyimide resins derived from pyromellitic dianhydride, 2-phenyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, and 4-phenylethynylphtalic anhydride
Authors: Kubota Yuki , Furuta Takefumi , Ishida Yuichi , Yokota Rikio , Miyauchi Masahiko , Aoki Takuya , Ogasawara Toshio
Published: March 2017

The previously developed TriA-X polyimide resin, consisting of pyromellitic dianhydride/2-phenyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether; 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene/4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (PEPA), was exposed for 3000 h to air at 180, 240, and 270°C or a vacuum environment at 270°C, in order to study its long-term thermal stability. The weight loss and dimensional changes were measured. Elemental analysis was also conducted in order to estimate the TriA-X degradation process. The TriA-X exhibited excellent thermal stability at 180°C and a very small degree of degradation at 240°C, with the degradation becoming significant at 270°C. The latter was primarily dominated by the oxidation of a chain-extension moiety formed by the cure reaction of the end-cap PEPA.
Polyarylenediphthalides
Authors: Kraikin Vladimir A , Yangirov Tagir A , Fatykhov Akhnef A , Ivanova Valentina P , Sedova Elvira A , Gileva Natalia G , Ionova Irina A
Published: March 2017

The polyheteroarylenes of new type, called polyarylenediphthalides (PADPs), containing two adjacent phthalide groups regularly alternating with aromatic (heteroaromatic) fragments in the main chain have been developed. For obtaining PADPs, two approaches based on the dehalogenation reactions were used. In the first, polycondensation of the pseudo-acids chlorides was carried out that led to the polymers with random stereo configuration of diphthalide groups. In the second, stereospecific PADPs were formed using diastereoisomeric pure halogenated biaryl-3,3′-diphthalides (meso and racemic) as monomers that attach themselves to the growing polymer chain entirely keeping their stereo configuration. The obtained polymers start to soften and decompose at ≈350°C in inert atmosphere. Degradation of PADPs at deep carbonizing stages in the inert atmosphere is followed by formation of foamed coke with increased content of diamond-like carbon that possesses a high hardness (≥8 by Mohs scale).
Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity of silicone elastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Sahu Govind , Gaba VK , Panda S , Acharya B , Mahapatra SP
Published: March 2017

Silicone elastomer (SiR) nanocomposites were prepared using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and nano-graphite (NG). The morphology of the SiR nanocomposites has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. Detailed analysis of the morphology reveals a uniform distribution of the MWCNT and NG filler particles in the silicone matrix. On increasing the filler loading, a continuous network structure is formed and aggregation takes place. The effect of the MWCNT and NG loadings on the thermal properties of the silicone elastomer has been investigated. The thermal properties of the SiR nanocomposites were measured by a thermal properties analyzer based on the transient hot-wire method. Studies also suggest that incorporation of nanoparticles improves the thermal conductivity of SiR nanocomposites. The thermal conductivity of SiR nanocomposites increased from 0.200 W/(m K) to 0.440 W/(m K) and to 0.310 W/(m K) for 6 wt% MWCNT and NG loadings, respectively. Because of the positive temperature coefficient and the conductive nature of the nanoparticles, the thermal conductivity of the material increased on increasing the temperature. The thermal diffusivity and the volumetric heat capacity of the SiR nanocomposites were measured. The thermal diffusivity of the SiR nanocomposites increased from 0.1194 mm2/s to 0.3209 mm2/s and to 0.2050 mm2/s for 6 wt% MWCNT and NG loadings, respectively. This indicates that the temperature response becomes faster with MWCNT and NG loadings. The volumetric heat capacity of the silicone elastomer nanocomposites decreased from 1.80 MJ/(m3K) to 1.34 MJ/(m3K) and to 1.40 MJ/(m3K) for 6 wt% MWCNT and NG loadings, respectively. Thus, MWCNT particles are more effective in increasing the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the SiR nanocomposites, when compared to NG fillers at any loading.
Flow field inside a leading edge cooling channel with turbulence promoters in rotating conditions
Authors: Barigozzi Giovanna , Ravelli Silvia , Armellini Alessandro , Casarsa Luca , Furlani Luca
Published: March 2017

The present work deepens the analysis of the flow field inside a triangular equilateral channel with turbulence promoters, perpendicular to the radial direction, on both leading and trailing sides, under rotation and both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions (i.e. with centrifugal buoyancy forces). Simulations have been performed at constant Re = 10,000, Ro = 0–0.2–0.6, and Bo = 0–0.08–0.7, the latter corresponding to 80℃ temperature difference between fluid and walls. These conditions match those of the particle image velocimetry measurements, used for comparison against predictions. After proper validation, the numerical modeling helped with the assessment of the flow field evolution along the radial extension of the cooling channel. It has been possible to determine the path of the coolant throughout the channel and localize where the heat transfer would have been enhanced/decreased by secondary flow structures, with respect to the stationary case. Furthermore, a rather Bo-independency of the flow field in this kind of geometry has been confirmed. The analysis presented in this paper finds support from the thermal data available from the open literature, which is rich of thermal analysis indeed, but lacks a detailed description of internal flow fields.
Designer drugs: Review and implications for emergency management
Authors: Pourmand A , Mazer-Amirshahi M , Chistov S , Li A , Park M
Published: March 2017

In the past 10 years, “designer drugs” such as synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones have emerged and come into widespread use, resulting in more overdose cases involving these new drugs in the United States. Emergency departments regularly treat a diverse array of drug intoxications, and providers must be cognizant of novel drugs of abuse and the associated clinical presentations in order to provide the most appropriate care. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, mechanism of action, clinical presentation, and treatment of intoxication for both the common and newest drugs of abuse.
Crowdfunding as a Practice of Cultural Citizenship in China: A Case Study of Four NGOs
Authors: Zheng Qi , Liu Shih-Diing
Published: March 2017

Citizens in China are exploring their own identities through various online practices. Different from the increased demand for social and economic rights, the opportunities to participate in social affairs and construct distinct cultural identities are the main concerns of cultural citizenship. This article explores crowdfunding as a practice of cultural citizenship by investigating the crowdfunding activities initiated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China. Through investigating the cultural rights that are performed and their impacts on identity formation of citizens, this article reveals the emerging mode of public engagement and participatory culture. During the process of crowdfunding, a new environmental and youth identity is shaped, and a connection between online and offline worlds is forged. Furthermore, non-profit crowdfunding has facilitated popular civic participation in both virtual and physical spaces under the censorship of the Chinese government. In this process, creativity is performed by networked individuals and groups when practicing cultural citizenship.
Risky Sexual Behaviors as Correlates of Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Male HIV Test-Seekers at a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Facility in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chia-Chun , Lee Yuan-Ti , Yang Hao-Jan
Published: March 2017

This study aims at determining the level of depression and suicidal status of adult HIV test-seekers. Of the total enrolled 850 males, almost 50% reported some risk behaviors, 38.9% experienced depression, and 7.2% had suicidal ideation. Subjects with risky sexual behaviors in terms of repeated HIV test, had a history of sexually transmitted disease, engaged in one-night stands, or did not use condoms all the time with causal sexual partners were more likely to have depression. Furthermore, subjects who were bisexual/homosexual, engaged in Internet sex, engaged in one-night stands, or used addictive drugs within the past 6 months were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. The HIV testers are at risk of experiencing depression and suicidal ideation; each is associated with different types of risky sexual behaviors. It is essential for the health authority to further provide mental health services for HIV testers and to draw up an effective strategy in reducing unprotected sexual behaviors.
Circulating East to East
Authors: Lee Se Woong
Published: March 2017

Every year, substantial numbers of students choose to study abroad, and China is one of the largest exporters of international students. Interestingly, instead of choosing English-speaking countries, increasingly more Chinese students are choosing nearby Asian countries as their destination to study abroad, particularly Korea. Despite this emerging trend, little is known regarding why Chinese students have begun to choose Korea and its universities or their level of educational satisfaction with their study-abroad choices. Extrapolating from the push–pull model, this study utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine factors affecting students’ choice to study in Korea. Notably, this study concluded that although low institution selectivity is a strong pull factor, that selectivity is also a determinant of students’ study-abroad satisfaction. This study contributes to the limited research by exploring the distinct push–pull factors of Chinese students who are studying in Asia—East to East—particularly in Korea.
Financing Study Abroad: An Exploration of the Influence of Financial Factors on Student Study Abroad Patterns
Authors: Whatley Melissa
Published: March 2017

This study examines the role of financial aid variables, namely, student loan and grant amounts, expected family contribution, and financial need, on the decision to study abroad among students in the University System of Georgia. Findings indicate that, generally, student loans negatively influence the likelihood of a student studying abroad whereas grant aid increases the likelihood. Students with higher levels of expected family contribution are less likely to participate in study abroad, as are those with more financial need. This study adds to our knowledge of factors that predict student study abroad participation in that it accounts for financial factors that have not yet been examined in the study abroad literature. Findings have important implications for students, study abroad practitioners, and institutions alike in terms of student access to international experiences, and also point to several directions for future research on the influence of students’ finances on their international educational experiences.
Teaching Versus Living: Managerial Decision Making in the Gray
Authors: Soltes Eugene
Published: March 2017

Preparing students for the consequential ethical decisions that they will face in their careers is among the most difficult tasks of management education. I describe some of these challenges based on my book Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the White-Collar Criminal and recent work in behavioral ethics. I explore why some decisions are much more easily resolved in the classroom than in practice and offer three ways to more effectively prepare students: integrating ethical decision making with core-discipline teaching, cultivating moral humility rather than moral confidence, and creating opportunities for norm reinforcement.