bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards searching as a learning process: A review of current perspectives and future directions
Authors: Rieh Soo Young , Collins-Thompson Kevyn , Hansen Preben , Lee Hye-Jung
Published: January 2016

We critically review literature on the association between searching and learning and contribute to the formulation of a research agenda for searching as learning. The paper begins by reviewing current literature that tends to characterize search systems as tools for learning. We then present a perspective on searching as learning that focuses on the learning that occurs during the search process, as well as search outputs and learning outcomes. The concept of ‘comprehensive search’ is proposed to describe iterative, reflective and integrative search sessions that facilitate critical and creative learning beyond receptive learning. We also discuss how search interaction data can provide a rich source of implicit and explicit features through which to assess search-related learning. In conclusion, we summarize opportunities and challenges for future research with respect to four agendas: developing a search system that supports sense-making and enhances learning; supporting effective user interaction for searching as learning; providing an inquiry-based literacy tool within a search system; and assessing learning from online searching behaviour.
Should irregular migrants have the right to healthcare? Lessons learnt from the Spanish case
Authors: Boso Àlex , Vancea Mihaela
Published: January 2016

This article critically evaluates the Royal Decree-Law 16/2012, which regulates migrants’ access to public healthcare services in Spain. In particular, it examines the political rationale behind the restriction of migrants’ access to primary and specialised healthcare services. We depart from the right to health as it is defined in the Spanish and international legislations to deconstruct three arguments used by the Popular Party government – the administrative status, high health costs and possible pull effect of welfare policies – to legitimise irregular migrants’ exclusion from full medical coverage. We contend that the Royal Decree-Law 16/2012 not only fails to meet the requirements of a human rights based approach but it may also be economically inefficient in the medium to long term.
Policemen and ‘Women of Ill Repute’: A Study of Male Sexual Attitudes and Behaviour in Fascist Italy
Authors: Dunnage Jonathan
Published: January 2016

Based on an analysis of personnel documents of the Italian Interior Ministry Police, the article investigates the sexual attitudes of police personnel during the Mussolinian dictatorship and the manner in which their commanders dealt with ‘misconduct’ related to this (particularly liaisons with/exploitation of prostitutes, and other extra-marital relationships). This is considered in the contexts of both the fascist regime’s attempt to ‘moralize’ Italian society in correspondence to its demographic campaign, a task largely entrusted to the police themselves, and the hierarchical regulation of the sexual conduct of policemen which pre-dated Mussolini’s rise to power. The article also examines the impact of the sexual mentality and behaviour of representatives of an authoritarian state on the communities they policed. Though the sexual ‘misconduct’ of police personnel appeared to reflect the sexual culture nurtured by fascism (particularly the squadrismo movement), the article questions this, given similarities in attitudes and behaviour registered during the Liberal period. Such an analysis is also undertaken with a view to reflecting upon the sexual practices of Italian males in general during the fascist period.
In Defence of Freedom? The Practices of Armed Movements in Pre-1914 Europe: Italy, Spain and France
Authors: Millan Matteo
Published: January 2016

the purpose of this article is to analyse the role played by organized political violence in pre-1914 Europe, with special regard to labour conflicts, through an analysis of the social composition and the practices of four movements which deliberately resorted to armed organization: the Somatén in Catalonia (Spain), the Jaunes trade union in the French Département du Nord, and the Citizen Patrols and agrarian squads in the Province of Bologna (Italy). Despite their different origins and contexts, these movements pursued similar political strategies based upon the deliberate use of violence and guns, and shared anti-socialist, authoritarian and anti-democratic purposes. Analysis of their practices and political cultures enables us to evaluate the nature of the democratic processes in pre-1914 Europe and also helps to contextualize and understand the political and social violence which came to the fore after the end of the war in 1918.
The role of CA3 GABAA receptors on anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by NMDA receptor antagonists
Authors: Zarrabian Shahram , Farahizadeh Maryam , Nasehi Mohammad , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: January 2016

Cognitive functions are influenced by memory and anxiety states. However, a non-linear relation has been shown between these two domains. The important role of the hippocampus in memory and emotional responses may link the pathogenesis of anxiety to memory-related GABAergic and glutamatergic processes in the hippocampus. To investigate the role of GABAA receptors in relation to blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the CA3 region, and balancing the glutamatergic and GABAergic system activities as an approach for the management of related disorders, the elevated plus-maze test–retest paradigm was used to investigate the anxiolytic-like state on the test day and avoidance memory state on the retest day. The data showed that injection of D-AP5, the NMDA receptor antagonist, induced anxiolytic-like behavior and impaired avoidance memory. Injection of GABAA agonist (muscimol), but not the antagonist (bicuculline), induced avoidance memory impairment. Neither muscimol nor bicuculline altered anxiety-like behaviors. Muscimol pretreatment did not change D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors but potentiated avoidance memory impairment. Bicuculline pretreatment blocked D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and contradicted its effect on avoidance memory. Our findings indicate that alteration of the CA3 GABAA receptor activity can effectively affect the anxiolytic-like behaviors and avoidance memory deficit induced by D-AP5.
Neurotensin: A role in substance use disorder?
Authors: Ferraro Luca , Tiozzo Fasiolo Laura , Beggiato Sarah , Borelli Andrea C , Pomierny-Chamiolo Lucyna , Frankowska Malgorzata , Antonelli Tiziana , Tomasini Maria C , Fuxe Kjell , Filip Malgorzata
Published: January 2016

Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide originally identified in extracts of bovine hypothalamus. This peptide has a close anatomical and functional relationship with the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine system. Neural circuits containing neurotensin were originally proposed to play a role in the mechanism of action of antipsychotic agents. Additionally, neurotensin-containing pathways were demonstrated to mediate some of the rewarding and/or sensitizing properties of drugs of abuse.

This review attempts to contribute to the understanding of the role of neurotensin and its receptors in drug abuse. In particular, we will summarize the potential relevance of neurotensin, its related compounds and neurotensin receptors in substance use disorders, with a focus on the preclinical research.
White-matter connectivity related to paliperidone treatment response in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kim Min-Kyoung , Kim Borah , Lee Kang Soo , Kim Chan Mo , Bang Seong Yun , Choi Tai Kiu , Lee Sang-Hyuk
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to examine whether white-matter (WM) connectivity of patients with schizophrenia at early stage of treatment is related to treatment response after paliperidone extended-release (ER) treatment. Forty-one patients with schizophrenia and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were included in this study. Brain magnetic resonance scans at 3 Tesla were conducted at early stage of treatment. Voxel-wise statistical analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA) data was performed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. At baseline and eight weeks after paliperidone treatment, patients were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Among the patients with schizophrenia, the FA values of the corpus callosum, corona radiata, internal capsule, external capsule, superior longitudinal fasciculus and fronto-temporal WM regions showed significant negative correlations with scores of the treatment response. The current study suggests that the treatment response after paliperidone ER treatment may be associated with the fronto-temporo-limbic WM connectivity at early stage of treatment in patients with schizophrenia, and it could be used as a predictor of treatment response to paliperidone ER treatment after studies with large samples verify these results.
Unilateral fetal-type circle of Willis anatomy causes right–left asymmetry in cerebral blood flow with pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling: A limitation of arterial spin labeling-based cerebral blood flow measurements?
Authors: Barkeij Wolf Jurriaan JH , Foster-Dingley Jessica C , Moonen Justine EF , van Osch Matthias JP , de Craen Anton JM , de Ruijter Wouter , van der Mast Roos C , van der Grond Jeroen
Published: January 2016

The accuracy of cerebral blood flow measurements using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling can be affected by vascular factors other than cerebral blood flow, such as flow velocity and arterial transit time. We aimed to elucidate the effects of common variations in vascular anatomy of the circle of Willis on pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling signal. In addition, we investigated whether possible differences in pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling signal could be mediated by differences in flow velocities. Two hundred and three elderly participants underwent magnetic resonance angiography of the circle of Willis and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling scans. Mean pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-cerebral blood flow signal was calculated for the gray matter of the main cerebral flow territories. Mean cerebellar gray matter pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-cerebral blood flow was significantly lower in subjects having a posterior fetal circle of Willis variant with an absent P1 segment. The posterior fetal circle of Willis variants also showed a significantly higher pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-cerebral blood flow signal in the ipsilateral flow territory of the posterior cerebral artery. Flow velocity in the basilar artery was significantly lower in these posterior fetal circle of Willis variants. This study indicates that pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling measurements underestimate cerebral blood flow in the posterior flow territories and cerebellum of subjects with a highly prevalent variation in circle of Willis morphology. Additionally, our data suggest that this effect is mediated by concomitant differences in flow velocity between the supplying arteries.
The Influence of Cast Shadows on the Detection of Three-Dimensional Curved Contour Structure
Authors: Khuu Sieu K. , Honson Vanessa J. , Challinor Kirsten L.
Published: January 2016

Cast shadows have been shown to provide an effective ordinal cue to the depth position of objects. In the present study, two experiments investigated the effectiveness of cast shadows in facilitating the detection of spatial contours embedded in a field of randomly placed elements. In Experiment 1, the separation between the cast shadow and the contour was systematically increased to effectively signal different contour depth positions (relative to background elements), and this was repeated for patterns in which the lighting direction was above and from below. Increasing the shadow separation improved contour detection performance, but the degree to which sensitivity changed was dependent on the lighting direction. Patterns in which the light was from above were better detected than patterns in which the lighting direction was from below. This finding is consistent with the visual system assuming a “light-from-above rule” when processing cast shadows. In Experiment 2, we examined the degree to which changing the shape of the cast shadow (by randomly jittering the position of local cast shadow elements) affected the ability of the visual system to rely on the cast shadow to cue the depth position of the contour. Consistent with a coarse scale analysis, we find that cast shadows remained an effective depth cue even at large degrees of element jitter. Our findings demonstrate that cast shadows provide an effective means of signaling depth, which aids the process of contour integration, and this process is largely tolerant of local variations in lighting direction.
Older Adults’ Acceptance of Activity Trackers
Authors: Preusse Kimberly C. , Mitzner Tracy L. , Fausset Cara Bailey , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2016

Objective: To assess the usability and acceptance of activity tracking technologies by older adults. Method: First in our multimethod approach, we conducted heuristic evaluations of two activity trackers that revealed potential usability barriers to acceptance. Next, questionnaires and interviews were administered to 16 older adults ( Mage = 70, SDage = 3.09, rangeage = 65-75) before and after a 28-day field study to understand facilitators and additional barriers to acceptance. These measurements were supplemented with diary and usage data and assessed whether and why users overcame usability issues. Results: The heuristic evaluation revealed usability barriers in System Status Visibility, Error Prevention, and Consistency and Standards. The field study revealed additional barriers (e.g., accuracy, format) and acceptance-facilitators (e.g., goal tracking, usefulness, encouragement). Discussion: The acceptance of wellness management technologies, such as activity trackers, may be increased by addressing acceptance-barriers during deployment (e.g., providing tutorials on features that were challenging, communicating usefulness).
Evaluation of Neuroleptic Utilization in the Intensive Care Unit During Transitions of Care
Authors: Gilbert Brian , Morales James R. , Searcy Randi J. , Johnson Donald W. , Ferreira Jason A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with inappropriate continuation of neuroleptics postdischarge from the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed including all patients greater than 18 years of age who received neuroleptic medications in an ICU.

Results:

One hundred sixty-one patients were included during the 12- month study period. There were 85 (53%) patients discharged from the ICU with inappropriate continuation of a neuroleptic medication. There were 54 (34%) patients discharged from the hospital with inappropriate continuation of a neuroleptic medication. Patients were more likely to be discharged from the ICU with an inappropriate neuroleptic if they were prescribed multiple neuroleptics ( P = .02), did not have a urine drug screen collected at admission ( P = .023), or if trazodone was utilized in their therapy ( P = .004). Patients were more likely to be discharged from the hospital with a neuroleptic if they had multiple neuroleptic orders ( P = .0001) or if trazodone was utilized in their therapy ( P = .0023).

Conclusion:

Risk factors associated with the continuation of inappropriate neuroleptic medications upon discharge from the ICU or the hospital include multiple neuroleptic medications prescribed, the lack of a urine drug screen upon admission, and the utilization of trazodone.
Kinship and Intimate Partner Violence Against Married Women in Ghana: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Sedziafa Alice Pearl , Tenkorang Eric Y. , Owusu Adobea Y.
Published: January 2016

In African societies, kinship ties determine how women are socialized, their access to power and wealth, as well as custody of children, often considered important factors in married women’s experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet studies that examine how kinship norms influence IPV are scant. Using in-depth interviews collected from women identifying with both matrilineal and patrilineal descent systems, we explored differences in Ghanaian women’s experiences of IPV in both kin groups. Results show that while IPV occurs across matrilineal and patrilineal societies, all women in patrilineal societies narrated continuous pattern of emotional, physical, and sexual assault, and their retaliation to any type of violence almost always culminated in more experience of violent attacks and abandonment. In matrilineal societies, however, more than half of the women recounted frequent experiences of emotional violence, and physical violence occurred as isolated events resulting from common couple disagreements. Sexual violence against matrilineal women occurred as consented but unwanted sexual acts, but patrilineal women narrated experiencing violent emotional and physical attack with aggressive unconsented sexual intercourse. Contextualizing these findings within existing literature on IPV against women suggests that policies aimed at addressing widespread IPV in Ghanaian communities should appreciate the dynamics of kinship norms.
Young Adults’ Inferences Surrounding an Alleged Sexual Assault
Authors: Johnson Kim K. P. , Ju Hae Won , Wu Juanjuan
Published: January 2016

A 2 (dress) × 2 (victim alcohol use) × 2 (perpetrator alcohol use) between subjects factorial design was used to investigate the influence of dress, alcohol use, and gender of participants on inferences made by college students ( N = 430) about an alleged victim and perpetrator of a sexual assault. Whether being schematic on appearance moderated the influence of dress was also tested. Dress of the victim and alcohol use significantly influenced inferences of the alleged victim and the perpetrator. There was an interaction effect for dress, alcohol use, and gender on inferences concerning the perpetrator. Wearing body-revealing dress and alcohol use by the alleged victim were interpreted as a sign of the sexual interest of the victim. Alcohol use by the alleged perpetrator influenced inferences concerning the believability of his statements. Being schematic on appearance did not appear to moderate the influence of dress on participants' perceptions.
Charter School Teacher Job Satisfaction
Authors: Roch Christine H. , Sai Na
Published: January 2016

We examine whether working conditions in charter schools and traditional public schools lead to different levels of job satisfaction among teachers. We distinguish among charter schools managed by for-profit education management organizations (EMOs) and non-profit charter management organizations (CMOs) and stand-alone charter schools. We investigate our research question using data from the School and Staffing Survey. We find that teachers in charter schools are less satisfied with their jobs than teachers in traditional public schools. We also find that teachers in EMO-managed schools appear less satisfied than those in stand-alone charter schools. Our analyses suggest that lower salaries and limited union memberships help drive these lower levels of satisfaction, particularly among stand-alone charter schools and charter schools managed by EMOs.
Comparison Between an Empirically Derived and a Standard Classification of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment From a Sample Of Adults With Subjective Cognitive Complaints
Authors: Campos-Magdaleno María , Facal David , Juncos-Rabadán Onésimo , Picón Eduardo , Pereiro Arturo Xosé
Published: January 2016

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare an empirically derived classification of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) from a sample of adults with subjective cognitive complaints by using cluster analysis of their performance on the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) with a classification of aMCI based on standard clinical criteria. Method: Three hundred ninety-one individuals aged 48 years and older were diagnosed as aMCI or healthy controls. Cluster analysis of the CVLT performance was conducted, followed by logistic regression analysis. Results: A two-cluster solution performed on the CVLT measures correctly classified 98.0% of the aMCI patients and 73.4% of the healthy controls diagnosed by using standard aMCI criteria. Discussion: The empirically derived classification of aMCI is consistent with the classification based on standard criteria; however, standard criteria should also be considered to prevent false positives.
Implementation of an acoustic stall detection system using near-field DIY pressure sensors
Authors: Corsini Alessandro , Tortora Cecilia , Feudo Sara , Sheard Anthony G , Ullucci Graziano
Published: January 2016

In this paper, the use of DIY transducers is proposed to detect the pressure instabilities in a low-speed industrial axial fan. The authors aim is to detect rotating stall, a well-studied aerodynamic instability with a typical frequency that can be even lower than 10 Hz in low-speed industrial fans. Pressure transducers and piezoelectric sensors, such as microphones, in turbomachinery are used respectively in the near and far field as standard methods to perform time-resolved pressure measurements. Other classes of sensors, such as electret microphones, may be not suited for pressure measurements, especially in the ultrasound region because their cut-off frequency is about 20 Hz. In this study, the authors use a low-cost DIY technology, as alternative technology to stall detection, in comparison with a high precision piezoelectric sensor. The authors performed the pressure measurements using a dynamic transducer, a piezoresistive transducer, and a piezoelectric high sensitivity sensor that provides the measurement baseline. They implemented and set-up a measurement chain to identify the typical rotating stall pattern in low-speed axial fans. The results have been validated with respect to the state-of-the-art acoustic control techniques described in literature. The signals acquired using the two technologies are discussed using a combination of spectral and time-domain space reconstruction. The acoustic patterns obtained through the phase space reconstruction show that the DIY dynamic sensor is a good candidate solution for the rotating stall acoustic analysis.
A 14,000-year record of fire, climate, and vegetation from the Bear River Range, southeast Idaho, USA
Authors: Lundeen Zachary J , Brunelle Andrea
Published: January 2016

The vegetation and fire history of the Bear River Range (BRR), Southeast Idaho has been reconstructed from pollen, plant macrofossils, and macroscopic charcoal from lacustrine sediments. Overall, the BRR record shows independent responses of vegetation and fire regime to climate variation. The reconstructions suggest strong seasonal bias from the proxies evaluated, with the pollen record most sensitive to insolation-driven summer temperature trends, and the charcoal-based fire record more sensitive to winter snowpack variability. Together, the proxies suggest that the early Holocene experienced larger than average snowpacks but very warm summers. Warmer than modern summer temperatures were maintained through much of the mid-Holocene, but snowpacks decreased dramatically, creating the most extreme xeric conditions in the Holocene between ~7100 and 6000 BP. After 6000 BP, summers began to show a consistent cooling trend. Winter precipitation remained low until ~4400 BP, after which higher than average snowpacks are indicated until 2000 BP. Pollen and charcoal data relationships at ~8800 BP and from 1800 to 800 BP suggest periods with anomalously wet summers that created a unique fire regime during those intervals.
A new subfossil locality for the extinct large Malagasy eagle Stephanoaetus mahery (Aves: Falconiformes): Implications for time of extinction and ecological specificity
Authors: Goodman Steven M , Muldoon Kathleen M
Published: January 2016

We report on the second known locality for a large Malagasy eagle, Stephanoaetus mahery, that went extinct during the Holocene. This nearly complete skeleton comes from Ankilitelo Cave, a deep vertical pitfall shaft in the southwestern lowland portion of the island and in the subarid bioclimatic zone. The specimen was radiocarbon dated to 5550 ± 30 BP (Beta-415922). The holotype of this species comes from Ampasambazimba in the Central Highlands, part of the subhumid bioclimatic zone. The eagle remains from Ankilitelo Cave considerably expands the known geographical and ecological range of this species, which would have been a formidable predator and presumably feeding principally on lemurs.
Becoming a nurse as a moral journey: A constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Ranjbar Hadi , Joolaee Soodabeh , Vedadhir Abouali , Abbaszadeh Abbas , Bernstein Colleen
Published: January 2016

Background:

Nursing students, during their study, experience significant changes on their journey to become nurses. A major change that they experience is the development of their moral competency.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to explore the process of moral development in Iranian nursing students.

Research design:

A constructivist grounded theory method was adopted. Twenty-five in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face intensive interviews with 22 participants were conducted from September 2013 to October 2014. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using writing memos and the constant comparative method.

Participants and research context:

The setting was three major nursing schools within Tehran, the capital of Iran. Nineteen nursing students and three lecturers participated in the study.

Ethical considerations:

The study was approved by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Committee for Medical Research Ethics (92/D/130/1781). It was explained to all participants that their responses would be treated with confidentiality and that they would not be identified in any way in the research and any publication ensuing from the research. All participants agreed to be interviewed and signed written consent forms agreeing to the recording and analyses of the interview data gathered.

Findings:

Findings indicated three levels of moral development along with the formation of professional identity. The three levels of moral development, getting to know the identity of nursing (moral transition), accepting nursing identity (moral reconstruction), and professional identity internalization (professional morality), were connected to the levels of professional identity formation.

Discussion:

The proposed model added a new insight to professionalism in nursing.

Conclusion:

From the findings, it was concluded that to enhance higher moral practice, nursing instructors should promote the professional identity of nursing students. Reinforcement of moral characteristics and professional identity within registered nurses occurs over a series of phases and, once fully integrated into the identity of nursing students, the moral characteristics that they acquire become part of their both professional and personal identities.
Testing a spectral model of tonal affinity with microtonal melodies and inharmonic spectra
Authors: Milne Andrew J. , Laney Robin , Sharp David B.
Published: January 2016

Tonal affinity is the perceived goodness of fit of successive tones. It is important because a preference for certain intervals over others would likely influence preferences for, and prevalences of, “higher-order” musical structures such as scales and chord progressions. We hypothesize that two psychoacoustic (spectral) factors—harmonicity and spectral pitch similarity—have an impact on affinity. The harmonicity of a single tone is the extent to which its partials (frequency components) correspond to those of a harmonic complex tone (whose partials are a multiple of a single fundamental frequency). The spectral pitch similarity of two tones is the extent to which they have partials with corresponding, or close, frequencies. To ascertain the unique effect sizes of harmonicity and spectral pitch similarity, we constructed a computational model to numerically quantify them. The model was tested against data obtained from 44 participants who ranked the overall affinity of tones in melodies played in a variety of tunings (some microtonal) with a variety of spectra (some inharmonic). The data indicate the two factors have similar, but independent, effect sizes: in combination, they explain a sizeable portion of the variance in the data (the model-data squared correlation is r2 = .64). Neither harmonicity nor spectral pitch similarity require prior knowledge of musical structure, so they provide a potentially universal bottom-up explanation for tonal affinity. We show how the model—as optimized to these data—can explain scale structures commonly found in music, both historical and contemporary, and we discuss its implications for experimental microtonal and spectral music.
Mental health screening in immigration detention: A fresh look at Australian government data
Authors: Young Peter , Gordon Michael S
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

The poor mental health of asylum seekers and refugees in immigration detention has consistently been reported in peer-reviewed literature internationally; however, data on the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees detained in Australian immigration has been very limited.

Methods:

We re-analysed mental health screening data obtained by the Human Rights Commission.

Results:

Longer time in detention was associated with higher self-reported depression scores, with female individuals being more vulnerable to time in detention than those of male gender. Approximately one-half of the refugee group who agreed to complete the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire had post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. On clinician-rated measures, one-third of the children, adolescents and adults suffered with clinical symptoms requiring tertiary outpatient assessment.

Conclusions:

This paper consolidates the findings of the 2014 Australian Human Rights Commission report and it provides an argument for public reporting of refugee data.
An investigation of selected chemical contaminants in commercial pet foods in Egypt
Authors: Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , El Sharkawy Nabela I. , Moustafa Gihan G.
Published: January 2016

Our study aimed to identify the levels of various contaminants in both wet and dry commercial pet foods in Egypt. A total of 20 local and imported pet food products (3 samples each) were screened for heavy metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy, for mycotoxins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and for nitrate and nitrite levels by nitrate–nitrite spectrophotometry. Cat food, on average, had greater concentrations of the metals cadmium, chromium, lead, and tin than dog food. Of the investigated metals, only tin concentration exceeded the safe level compared with the standards of the National Research Council and the European Commission for the dog and cat. According to the guidelines of the Association of American Feed Control Officials for canned pet foods, the nitrate and nitrite contents of examined foods greatly exceeded the recommended level. No total aflatoxins were detected in the surveyed samples. None of the samples analyzed had levels above international limits established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for ochratoxin, and only 1 sample exceeded the level for aflatoxin B1. Of the 20 samples analyzed for zearalenone, 4 samples had higher levels than the FAO maximum tolerable levels. These results indicate that pet foods marketed in Egypt, especially cat foods, occasionally contain contaminants that could result in adverse effects in pets.
The Role of Language Use in Reports of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Adolescents
Authors: Zamora-Kapoor Anna , Omidpanah Adam , Monico Evelyn , Buchwald Dedra , Harris Raymond , Jimenez Nathalia
Published: January 2016

Objective:This study examined the role of English language use in the reported frequency of musculoskeletal pain among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White youth. Method: This is a secondary data analysis using a cross-sectional sample of 12,189 Hispanic and non-Hispanic White adolescents recruited for the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Respondents were classified into three groups: (a) English-speaking non-Hispanic Whites, (b) English-speaking Hispanics, and (c) Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Results: After controlling for body mass index and demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral variables, Spanish-speaking Hispanics reported the least frequent musculoskeletal pain ( OR = 0.415, 95% CI [0.361, 0.477]; p < .001), followed by English-speaking Hispanics ( OR = 0.773, 95% CI [0.690, 0.865]; p < .001). Conclusion: The experience of musculoskeletal pain is a physiological as well as a cultural phenomenon. Implications for Practice: Health care providers should consider the role of language use in reports of pain in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White adolescents.
Size-dependent electromechanical bending, buckling, and free vibration analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric nanobeams
Authors: Tadi Beni Yaghoub
Published: January 2016

In this article, by applying the Euler–Bernoulli model and using the consistent size-dependent theory, the nonlinear formulation of functionally graded piezoelectric material nanobeam is developed. In this formulation, the nonlinear geometric effect resulting from mid-plane stretching for the nanobeam behavior is taken into account, and the nonlinear governing equations of the functionally graded piezoelectric material nanobeam are derived using Hamilton’s principle and the variational method. The power-law distribution rule is assumed for the mechanical properties in beam thickness. Afterwards, in the special case, analysis of nanobeam under mechanical and electrical loading for the clamped–clamped and cantilever functionally graded piezoelectric material nanobeams are investigated, and the effects of electrical force, mechanical force, and material properties of functionally graded piezoelectric material beam on the static responses, buckling, and free vibrations are discussed and some significant results are obtained.
Effectiveness of Learning Through Experience and Reflection in a Project Management Simulation
Authors: Geithner Silke , Menzel Daniela
Published: January 2016

Aim. In close cooperation with an international automotive supplier we developed the “C2” business simulation game in order to meet real work practice needs. Based on the example of a site-location decision and the setup of a new factory in China, the participants of the game experienced the challenges of an interdisciplinary project team as well as project management in complex and rapidly changing situations. During the game we used the creative learning method LEGO® Serious Play®,1 which helps to express different understandings through hands-on modelling. The aim of the game is to acquire and improve both technical project management knowledge and soft skills of the participants.

Method. In total, 47 students participated in one of six two-day game sessions. They reported self-perceptions about their skill level through pre- and post-game questionnaires. Further data were collected during the simulation game based on observations, lessons learned reflections of the participants and evaluation questionnaires.

Results. Results from our pre- and post-game self-assessment questionnaires show that the “C2” business simulation game improves not only conceptual knowledge about project management but also team working and the participants’ other soft skills. Results indicate that the students’ reactions to the simulation game were positive, and students felt that the LEGO Serious Play method helped them to better cope with challenges of teamwork, influences of stakeholders, risk factors and unpredictable project situations.

Conclusion. These results suggest that our business simulation game has the potential to be an effective learning and training tool to provide students with relevant skills necessary for project managers. By giving students the opportunity to act in an authentic scenario based on a real project case, we can support their action-oriented as well as their trial-and-error learning, or in short their learning through experience.
So, You’re Thinking About Starting a Ukulele Program?
Authors: Giebelhausen Robin
Published: January 2016

Ukulele has become popular both for music classrooms and for the everyday musician. Within this article, I outline major considerations for teachers who would like to integrate the ukulele into their curriculum.
Good News in Inclusive String Music Education
Authors: Bugaj Kasia
Published: January 2016

There has been a paradigm shift in the field of string instrument instruction and working with students with disabilities over the past 25 years. The previously reported lack of educational preparation for teachers in including students with disabilities in string classrooms and ensembles seems to have been improved upon through teacher training programs, in-service conferences, clinics, and videos. Furthermore, on a closer—illustrated—look, teaching strategies used in early stages of string instruction easily transfer to working with students with disabilities. The increase in interest, participation, and success of students with disabilities in the strings classroom has clarified the need for a body of empirical research in this area.
Composite Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma and Columnar Cell Variant of Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid
Authors: Taconet Sarah , Bosq Jacques , Hartl Dana , Schlumberger Martin , Leboulleux Sophie , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Al-Ghuzlan Abir
Published: January 2016

Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the thyroid and columnar cell variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PCT) are uncommon neoplasms. We report the first case of composite MEC and columnar cell variant of PCT. An 86-year-old man consulted for a 47-mm thyroid nodule, cytologically compatible with PCT. Total thyroidectomy was performed. Histological diagnosis, with support of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, was mixed primary carcinoma of the thyroid, associating an MEC component with predominantly columnar cell variant of PCT. Sixteen months after surgery and external beam radiation therapy, the patient was free of recurrence or distant metastasis. This case report offers an opportunity to highlight the potential pitfalls concerning the interpretation of mucin histochemistry in thyroid tumors.
Torsional Failure of Carbon Fiber Composite Plates Versus Stainless Steel Plates for Comminuted Distal Fibula Fractures
Authors: Wilson William K. , Morris Randal P. , Ward Adam J. , Carayannopoulos Nikoletta L. , Panchbhavi Vinod K.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Carbon fiber composite implants are gaining popularity in orthopedics, but with few independent studies of their failure characteristics under supra-physiologic loads. The objective of this cadaveric study was to compare torsional failure properties of bridge plating a comminuted distal fibula fracture with carbon fiber polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite and stainless steel one-third tubular plates.

Methods:

Comminuted fractures were simulated in 12 matched pairs of fresh-frozen human fibulas with 2-mm osteotomies located 3 cm proximal to the tibiotalar joint. Each fibula pair was randomized for fixation and implanted with carbon fiber and stainless steel 5-hole one-third tubular plates. The constructs were loaded in external rotation at a rate of 1-degree/sec until failure with a materials testing system. Torsional stiffness and mode of failure, as well as displacement, torque, and energy absorption for the first instance of failure and peak failure, were determined. Statistical analysis was performed with paired t tests and chi-square.

Results:

There were no significant differences among the 12 pairs for torsional stiffness, first failure torque, peak failure displacement, peak failure torque, or peak failure energy. Stainless steel plates exhibited significantly higher displacement ( P < .001) and energy absorption ( P = .001) at the first indication of failure than the carbon fiber plates. Stainless steel plates permanently deformed significantly more often than the carbon fiber plates ( P = .035). Carbon fiber plates exhibited no plastic deformation with delamination of the composite, and brittle catastrophic failure in 1 specimen.

Conclusions:

In a comminuted human fibula fracture fixation model, carbon fiber implants exhibited multiple pre-peak failures at significantly lower angles than the first failure for the stainless steel implants, with some delamination of composite layers and brittle catastrophic failure rather than plastic deformation.

Clinical relevance:

The torsional failure properties of carbon fiber composite one-third tubular plates determined in this independent study provide novel in vitro data for this alternative implant material.
Coming Out (of the Darkness)
Authors: Purnell David
Published: January 2016

This autoethnographic account details the struggles to accept my own identity and same-sex attraction. Due to my need to pass, I moved often. With each move, I found the darkness that I needed to survive for it was only in the darkness that I could explore my desire and simultaneously stay hidden. Coming out of the darkness began an intensely difficult journey. This journey takes the discussion of growing up in a shame culture further into adult life and the effect over time that growing up in such a culture has on life, self-worth, and love.
Inviting Emotional Connections to Ethnographic Research
Authors: Ares Nancy
Published: January 2016

Two central struggles facing activist scholars, including critical ethnographers of education, are (a) power relations researchers and participants navigate and (b) dissemination of our work to reach multiple audiences, including study participants and others outside academia. This one-act ethnodrama was written as part of a critical ethnography of a community change initiative. Ethnodrama is an appropriate choice given roles afforded participants and audience in which emotional connections and closeness of data and experience are highlighted.
Tolerable Levels of Nonclinical Vehicles and Formulations Used in Studies by Multiple Routes in Multiple Species With Notes on Methods to Improve Utility
Authors: Gad Shayne Cox , Spainhour Charles B. , Shoemake Catherine , Pallman Danielle R. Stackhouse , Stricker-Krongrad Alain , Downing Philip A. , Seals Richard E. , Eagle Leslie Anne , Polhamus Kara , Daly Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Formulation of nonclinical evaluations is a challenge, with the fundamental need to achieve multiples of the clinical exposure complicated by differences in species and routes of administration-specific tolerances, depending on concentrations, volumes, dosing regimen, duration of each administration, and study duration. Current practice to approach these differences is based on individual experience and scattered literature with no comprehensive data source (the most notable exception being our 2006 publication on this same subject). Lack of formulation tolerance data results in excessive animal use, unplanned delays in the evaluation and development of drugs, and vehicle-dependent results. A consulting firm, a chemical company, and 4 contract research organizations conducted a rigorous data mining operation of vehicle data from studies dating from 1991 to 2015, enhancing the data from this author’s 2006 publication (3 of the six 2015 contributors were also 2006 contributors). Additional data were found in the published literature. The results identified 108 single-component vehicles (and 305 combination formulations) used in more than 1,040 studies across multiple species (dog, primate, rat, mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, minipig, pig, chick embryo, and cat) by multiple routes for a wide range of study durations. The tabulated data include maximum tolerated use levels by species, route, duration of study, dose-limiting toxicity where reported, review of the available literature on each vehicle, guidance on syringe selection, volume and pH limits by route with basic guidance on nonclinical formulation development, and guidance on factors to be considered in nonclinical route selection.
Retrospective evaluation of toceranib phosphate (Palladia) in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wiles Valerie , Hohenhaus Ann , Lamb Kenneth , Zaidi Bushra , Camps-Palau Maria , Leibman Nicole
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical benefit and adverse event profile of toceranib phosphate in the treatment of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC).

Methods

Data obtained from the medical records of cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 treated with toceranib phosphate were compared with medical record data from cats that did not receive toceranib, cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation, to determine the response to toceranib treatment and adverse event profile of toceranib in cats. Concurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was allowed.

Results

Forty-six cats with FOSCC were included; 23 received treatment with toceranib (group 1) and 23 did not (group 2). The overall biological response rate in group 1 was 56.5%. Median survival time of toceranib-treated cats was significantly longer at 123 days compared with 45 days in cats not treated with toceranib ( P = 0.01). Cats achieving stable disease or better on toceranib therapy had significantly longer progression-free survival ( P <0.0001) and median survival ( P = 0.0042) times than those with progressive disease on toceranib. Administration of NSAIDs was also associated with significantly improved survival time ( P = 0.0038) among all cats. Anorexia was common but may reflect the underlying disease in these patients. Toceranib was well tolerated in cats, with the most common side effect being mild gastrointestinal toxicity.

Conclusions and relevance

Toceranib was well tolerated in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma and may lead to improved survival times, especially when combined with NSAIDs. NSAID administration was also associated with improved survival times, and the relative benefit of toceranib and NSAIDs is difficult to determine from this retrospective study. Despite improvement in survival times, long-term survival in this patient population remained poor. As toceranib was well tolerated and may improve survival time, prospective evaluation of toceranib alone is warranted to assess response as a single agent and as part of multimodal therapy in an effort to achieve a more durable response in FOSCC.
The limits of process: On (re)reading Henri Bergson
Authors: Mutch Alistair
Published: January 2016

This article offers a reading of the work of Henri Bergson as it pertains to organizations through the lens of ideas drawn from critical realism. It suggests an alternative to interpretations based on a stark division between process and realist perspectives. Much of the existing literature presents a rather partial view of Bergson’s work. A review suggests some interesting parallels with themes in critical realism, notably the emergence of mind. Critical realism has a focus on process at its heart, but is also concerned with how the products of such processes become stabilized and form the conditions for action. This suggests that attention might usefully be paid to the relationship between organizational action and the sedimented practices grouped under the heading of ‘routines’. More attention to Bergson’s account of the relationship between instinct, intuition and intelligence provides a link to the social character of thought, something which can be mapped on to Archer’s work on reflexivity and the ‘internal conversation’. This suggests that our analyses need to pay attention to both memory and history, to building and dwelling, rather than the one-sided focus found in some process theory accounts.