bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Don’t Fall Into Those Stereotype Traps
Authors: Kass Sarah A.
Published: March 2013

The current work examines some notable women in existential psychology, with a discussion of their contributions to the field and how they incorporated the work of previous existential philosophers and clinicians. The analyses are based on their own writings, dating back to the 1950s, as well as some secondary source material that reviewed their work. What the research reveals is first that there are many more women in the history of existential psychology than most people currently know about—especially from the 1950s and 1960s. Second, the “feminine” version of existential psychology really stresses the emphasis on depth, presence, and being. Even nonexistential theorists, including Winnicott and Guntrip noted that this idea of being with rather than doing for the client splits along gender lines—feminine for “being” and masculine for “doing.” But in a world where the many of the existential psychologists currently practicing are male—in 2011, the Society for Humanistic Psychology had 60.8% male members to only 39% female—bringing this feminine component to existential therapy by introducing the work of these female practitioners is vital to make existential psychotherapy a richer practice not just for women but for everyone.
Lexical Selection in Action: Evidence from Spontaneous Punning
Authors: Otake Takashi , Cutler Anne
Published: March 2013

Analysis of a corpus of spontaneously produced Japanese puns from a single speaker over a two-year period provides a view of how a punster selects a source word for a pun and transforms it into another word for humorous effect. The pun-making process is driven by a principle of similarity: the source word should as far as possible be preserved (in terms of segmental sequence) in the pun. This renders homophones (English example: band–banned) the pun type of choice, with part–whole relationships of embedding ( cap–capture), and mutations of the source word ( peas–bees) rather less favored. Similarity also governs mutations in that single-phoneme substitutions outnumber larger changes, and in phoneme substitutions, subphonemic features tend to be preserved. The process of spontaneous punning thus applies, on line, the same similarity criteria as govern explicit similarity judgments and offline decisions about pun success (e.g., for inclusion in published collections). Finally, the process of spoken-word recognition is word-play-friendly in that it involves multiple word-form activation and competition, which, coupled with known techniques in use in difficult listening conditions, enables listeners to generate most pun types as offshoots of normal listening procedures.
Public Reasoning without Sociology: Amartya Sen’s Theory of Justice
Authors: Holmwood John
Published: March 2013

Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach to social justice has helped to form UN millennium goals as well as other policy expressions of both national and international political agencies. It has had a major influence on many researchers across a range of disciplines, from economics, politics and philosophy to development studies and social policy. However, despite the relevance of Sen’s approach to sociological concerns – inequality, after all, is at the core of the discipline – sociology is the one discipline that has remained relatively immune to his influence. It is also the case that Sen makes very few references to sociological research despite it having clear relevance to his interests. In this article I want to consider some of the reasons for this state of affairs and its consequences. These include consequences for Sen’s own approach, but more important is what it reveals about current sociological reasoning and its limitations.
Digital Imagery and Child Embodiment in Paediatric Genetics: Sources and Relationships of Meaning
Authors: McLaughlin Janice
Published: March 2013

Paediatric genetics involves multiple visually based diagnostic processes. While examining the external features of a child plays an important role, of increasing importance are biochemical analyses of blood, which produce digital diagrams that display variations in the shape and composition of chromosomes. The level of magnification and detail that can now be captured is allowing new patterns of variation to be ‘seen’ and possible diagnosis to be made, which were not possible before. However, this generates questions about whether these forms of genetic diagnosis and digital visualisation are increasing the scope of medicine to define the body as ill – regardless of whether symptoms are present. This article, drawing from research in a paediatric genetic service, cautions against giving too much power to digital imagery. It does so by arguing that the imagery is only one source of visualisation relevant to how the child’s body is read and understood.
Communicative Reason, Deconstruction, and Foundationalism
Authors: Thomassen Lasse
Published: March 2013

How should we read Jürgen Habermas, and is it possible to defend a nonfoundationalist conception of communicative reason? In “‘No-Saying’ in Habermas,” Stephen K. White and Evan Robert Farr read Habermas’s writings on civil disobedience through the idea of no-saying, which they believe to be “just as primordial” as consensus or yes-saying in Habermas’s theory of communicative reason. By underlining this otherwise underdeveloped aspect of no-saying in Habermas’s work, White and Farr believe that it is possible to avoid an unwarranted emphasis on consensus and to salvage a non-foundationalist conception of communicative reason. In developing their argument, White and Farr use my deconstructive reading of Habermas’s writings on civil disobedience as a point of contrast, and this gives me the opportunity to clarify the strategy of the deconstructive reading and the differences over foundationalism that divide my deconstructive approach from White and Farr’s reconstruction of Habermas’s communicative paradigm. I argue (1) that they misconceive the relationship between the deconstruction and the deconstructed text and (2) that they end up defending a view of communicative voice too uncritical of what it means to have a voice.
Practitioner Compliance With Risk/Needs Assessment Tools
Authors: Miller Joel , Maloney Carrie
Published: March 2013

This study examines practitioners’ compliance and noncompliance with risk/needs assessment tools, using a national survey of frontline community corrections staff. Focusing on respondents required to complete tools and make decisions based on them, analysis showed that tools were mostly filled out when required, but decisions were not always based on the tool result. Latent class analysis suggests about half of the tool-using subgroup were “substantive” compliers who completed tools carefully and honestly and tended to use them for decision making. The remaining tool users were “formal” in their compliance: filling out the tools, but often making decisions that did not correspond with tool results, and in some cases even manipulating the information included in them. Multivariate analysis suggests that practitioners’ belief in risk/needs tools, agency monitoring and training, perceptions of agency procedural justice, and agencies’ projected confidence in their local risk/need tool may help explain patterns of compliance and noncompliance.
Demystifying Values-Affirmation Interventions
Authors: Shnabel Nurit , Purdie-Vaughns Valerie , Cook Jonathan E. , Garcia Julio , Cohen Geoffrey L.
Published: March 2013

Two experiments examined for the first time whether the specific content of participant-generated affirmation essays—in particular, writing about social belonging—facilitated an affirmation intervention’s ability to reduce identity threat among negatively stereotyped students. Study 1, a field experiment, revealed that seventh graders assigned to a values-affirmation condition wrote about social belonging more than those assigned to a control condition. Writing about belonging, in turn, improved the grade point average (GPA) of Black, but not White students. In Study 2, using a modified “belonging-affirmation” intervention, we directly manipulated writing about social belonging before a math test described as diagnostic of math ability. The more female participants wrote about belonging, the better they performed, while there was no effect of writing about belonging for males. Writing about social belonging improved performance only for members of negatively stereotyped groups. Implications for self-affirmation theory and practice are discussed.
Effects of Lactose‐Containing vs Lactose‐Free Infant Formula on Postprandial Superior Mesenteric Artery Flow in Term Infants
Authors: Schroeder Valerie A. , Mattioli Leone F. , Kilkenny Teresa A. , Belmont John M.
Published: March 2013

Background: Dietary dextrose and fructose may promote vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. In certain infant populations, altered postprandial mesenteric hyperemia (PPH) may increase risk for feeding intolerance. Objective: To compare superior mesenteric artery (SMA) PPH following feeds of lactose‐containing (LC) formula vs lactose‐free (LF; dextrose + sucrose) formula. Methods: In a 2 × 2 crossover study with 6 term newborns, 3 received LC first followed by LF 3 hours later. The remaining 3 received the reverse order. Ultrasound measures of pre‐ and postprandial SMA flow, diameter, and resistance were taken 5 minutes preprandial and 10, 30, and 40 minutes postprandial. Results: Mean ± SD age and weight (n = 6) were 24.1 ± 2.3 hours and 3.1 ± 0.21 kg. Formula intake was similar for LC and LF (22.5 ± 2.8 mL and 25 ± 1.8 mL, respectively; P = .076). Both formulas increased SMA flow at 10 and 30 minutes. However, postprandial flow was greater for LC overall (P = .004) and especially at 30 minutes (LC 103 mL/min, 52% increase vs LF 92.7 mL/min, 31% increase; P = .014). For both formulas, vasodilation was seen at 10 and 30 minutes and was overall significantly greater following LC than following LF (9.1% vs 6.5%; P = .028). Both formulas elicited significant decreases in SMA vascular resistance over the 10‐ to 30‐minute period (overall P = .016). However, decreases did not differ across formulas (P = .672). Conclusions: The LC formula elicited a greater SMA PPH response than did LF. SMA flow for both formulas was within normal limits; thus, differences are likely inconsequential for a term newborn. However, in a vulnerable preterm infant, differences may become significant.
Developing New Capabilities across a Supplier Network through Boundary Crossing: A Case Study of a China-Based MNC Subsidiary and its Local Suppliers
Authors: Hong Jacky F. L. , Snell Robin Stanley
Published: March 2013

Our nested case study shows how a China-based focal subsidiary of a Japanese MNC used various power bases to orchestrate a co-opetitive and diverse supplier ecosystem, and to drive cumulative cycles of collaborative capability development involving successive phases of capability gap articulation, evolution and institutionalization. All phases of capability development required the crossing of cognitive boundaries, which was facilitated by mutual engagement with boundary objects, and by common possession of generic background knowledge disseminated by the focal firm. The capability evolution phase also required the crossing of social and governance boundaries, which was supported and legitimized by shared framing assumptions about mutual benefit and continuous development, while the capability institutionalization phase also required the crossing of governance boundaries. Although the focal firm was open to suggestions for mutual benefit, it exercised unilateral control over design decisions, thereby pressurizing its suppliers to engage in capability development to meet specifications that they found arduous. Supplier diversity was a resource, and co-opetition a driving force for the discovery of solutions to manufacturability problems during the capability evolution phase, such that failure to develop requisite capabilities was uncommon.
Forming process and mechanical properties of fibers-reinforced polymer concrete
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Jianhua , Bai Wenfeng , Hao Shimei
Published: March 2013

For good vibration alleviating properties, polymer concrete has attracted much attention in the field of elementary machine components. In this article, glass fiber and carbon fiber were applied to improve the mechanical properties of polymer concrete. Seen from the experimental results, as far as compression strength is concerned, fiber-reinforced polymer concrete is better than polymer concrete, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer concrete is better than glass fiber reinforced polymer concrete. However, considering both technical and economical factors, it could be concluded that glass fiber is the proper strengthening fiber for polymer concrete.
Experimental and analysis of the mechanical behaviors of multi-walled nanotubes/polyurethane nanoweb-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Liu Ling , Zhou Yexin , Pan Shengqiang
Published: March 2013

Thermoplastic polyurethan-based nanowebs with various strengths and moduli were electrospun by adding multi-walled nanotubes. The obtained webs were impregnated with epoxy resin to form a reinforced composite. The tensile properties of the nanoweb-reinforced composites were determined to demonstrate the effect of the nanowebs on the properties of the epoxy resin. A significant increase in the mechanical response is observed, up to 29% in tensile strength, 4% in elastic modulus and 19% in tensile strain, compared with neat epoxy, when the weight fraction of multi-walled nanotubes is 3 wt% within the webs. To further understand the mechanical behavior of the nanoweb-reinforced composites, a micromechanical theory, bridging model, is employed and the in situ properties of the epoxy matrix and nanofibers is studied. The effect of incorporation of nanofibers and multi-walled nanotubes is indicated in the micromechanical analysis, which is helpful for the optimization design of nanofibers-reinforced epoxy composites.
Effect of synthesis method on magnetic and thermal properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Frounchi Masoud , Hadi Mina
Published: March 2013

Polyvinylidene fluoride magnetic nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting using two types of magnetic nanoparticles: (a) magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method using oleic acid as a coating agent and (b) Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by hydrolysis method without using a coating agent. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed mean diameters of 135 and 46 nm in co-precipitation and hydrolysis methods, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the magnetic nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed inside the polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction confirmed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles induced nucleation of β- crystalline phase in the matrix polymer. The thermal properties of polyvinylidene fluoride magnetic nanocomposites were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry. The decrease in crystallinity of the nanocomposites was concomitant with the increase in the melting temperature. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer. The magnetic properties increased with increasing Fe3O4 content and the polyvinylidene fluoride magnetic nanocomposites prepared by hydrolysis method showed higher magnetization.
Reuse of MSWI bottom ash mixed with natural sodium bentonite as landfill cover material
Authors: Puma Sara , Marchese Franco , Dominijanni Andrea , Manassero Mario
Published: March 2013

The research described in this study had the aim of evaluating the reuse of incinerator slag, mixed with sodium bentonite, for landfill capping system components. A characterization was performed on pure bottom ash (BA) samples from an incinerator in the north of Italy. The results show that the BA samples had appropriate properties as covers. The compacted dry unit weight of the studied BA (16.2 kN m−3) was lower than the average value that characterizes most conventional fill materials and this can be considered advantageous for landfill cover systems, since the fill has to be placed on low bearing capacity ground or where long-term settlement is possible. Moreover, direct shear tests showed a friction angle of 43°, corresponding to excellent mechanical characteristics that can be considered an advantage against failure. The hydraulic conductivity tests indicated a steady-state value of 8 × 10−10 m s−1 for a mixture characterized by a bentonite content by weight of 10%, which was a factor 10 better than required by Italian legislation on landfill covers. The results from a swell index test indicated that fine bentonite swelled, even when divalent cations were released by the BA. The leaching behaviour of the mixture did not show any contamination issues and was far better than obtained for the pure BA. Thus, the BA–bentonite mixture qualified as a suitable material for landfill cover in Italy. Moreover, owing to the low release of toxic compounds, the proposed cover system would have no effect on the leachate quality in the landfill.
Preschool Screening
Authors: Dowdy Erin , Chin Jenna K. , Quirk Matthew P.
Published: March 2013

The preschool years are a critical time to identify and treat early emotional or behavioral problems. Universal screening can be used to identify emotional and behavioral risk in preschoolers and fits well within current service delivery frameworks. This criterion-related validity study examined the use of a brief teacher-rated screener, the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS Preschool) in a sample of 65 preschool-age students from a predominately Latino/a background. Findings suggest that screening results from the BESS Preschool are highly correlated with important outcomes, including kindergarten readiness, receptive vocabulary, and social emotional development.
Theoretical Convergence in Assessment of Cognition
Authors: Bowden Stephen C.
Published: March 2013

In surveying the literature on assessment of cognitive abilities in adults and children, it is easy to assume that the proliferation of test batteries and terminology reflects a poverty of unifying models. However, the lack of recognition accorded good models of cognitive abilities may reflect inattention to theoretical development and injudicious use of empirical methods to validate models. In contrast, the studies of Weiss and colleagues in this volume reflect an evaluation of a widely cited model of cognitive abilities, the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model for understanding the construct validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for adults and children. Using the CHC model as the basis for evaluating a test battery provides an excellent example of statistical analysis as theoretical evaluation, an approach long advocated by methodologists. In this commentary several specific aspects of model evaluation and refinement are also discussed.
Shifting Patterns and Reactions—Migration Policy in the New EU Member States
Authors: Barnickel Christiane , Beichelt Timm
Published: March 2013

This article presents an analysis of patterns of migration and related policy reactions in the new EU member states. The empiric findings that combine both similarities and dissimilarities between cases are interpreted against two major context factors: (1) democratic and economic transition as well as (2) Europeanization. As it turns out, late socialism and the first stage of transition are more relevant for understanding migration flows, whereas impacts from the EU level help us to make sense of the character of reactions. As expected by Europeanization research, the migration policies of Central European countries do not amount to homogeneous profiles of migration policy. In order to understand differences, we can again refer to different transition paths prevalent in specific cases.
Application of GDQ method in nonlinear analysis of a flexible manipulator undergoing large deformation
Authors: Fazel Mohammad R , Moghaddam Majid M , Poshtan Javad
Published: March 2013

Analysis of a flexible manipulator as an initial value problem, due to its large deformations, involves nonlinear ordinary differential equations of motion. In the present work, these equations are solved through the general Frechet derivatives and the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method directly. The results so obtained are compared with those of the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. It is seen that both the results match each other well. Further considering the same manipulator as a boundary value problem, its governing equation is a highly nonlinear partial differential equation. Again applying the general Frechet derivatives and the GDQ method, it is seen that the results are in good match with the linear theory. In both cases, the general Frechet derivatives are introduced and successfully used for linearization. The results of the present study indicate that the GDQ method combined with the general Frechet derivatives can be successfully used for the solution of nonlinear differential equations.
Numerical investigation of electrohydrodynamic effects on the airflow through corrugated channels
Authors: Deylami HM , Amanifard N , Dolati F , Kouhikamali R , Mostajiri K
Published: March 2013

To enhance the forced convection heat transfer of turbulent air stream inside the different corrugated channels, a numerical study has been conducted to explore the effect of electrohydrodynamic actuator. In this regard, a two-dimensional numerical approach has been developed to evaluate the average Nusselt number and friction factor. The results obtained show that, while the thermal enhancement factor without electrohydrodynamic is best with trapezoidal corrugation for flows in the low Reynolds number regime, the addition of electrohydrodynamic works best with rectangular corrugation.
Reliability prediction through guided tail modeling using support vector machines
Authors: Acar Erdem
Published: March 2013

Reliability prediction of highly safe mechanical systems can be performed using classical tail modeling. Classical tail modeling is based on performing a relatively small number of limit-state evaluations through a sampling scheme and then fitting a tail model to the tail part of the data. However, the limit-state calculations that do not belong to the tail part are discarded, so majority of limit-state evaluations are wasted. Guided tail modeling, proposed earlier by the author, can provide a remedy through guidance of the limit-state function calculations toward the tail region. In the original guided tail modeling, the guidance is achieved through a procedure based on threshold estimation using univariate dimension reduction and extended generalized lambda distribution and tail region approximation using univariate dimension reduction. This article proposes a new guided tail modeling technique that utilizes support vector machines. In the proposed method, named guided tail modeling with support vector machines (GTM-SVM), the threshold estimation is still performed using univariate dimension reduction and extended generalized lambda distribution, while the tail region approximation is based on support vector machines. The performance of guided tail modeling with support vector machines is tested with mathematical example problems as well as structural mechanics problems with varying number of variables. GTM-SVM is found to be more accurate than both guided tail modeling and classical tail modeling for low-dimensional problems. For high-dimensional problems, on the other hand, the original guided tail modeling is found to be more accurate than guided tail modeling with support vector machines, which is superior to classical tail modeling.
Adaptive gas path diagnostics using strong tracking filter
Authors: Pu Xingxing , Liu Shangming , Jiang Hongde , Yu Daren
Published: March 2013

Kalman filters are very popular in gas path diagnostics. This algorithm estimates the engine state variables to assess engine health conditions and is accurate in tracking gradual deterioration. However, the performance of the Kalman filter deteriorates when an abrupt fault occurs. There could be a long delay with the Kalman filter in diagnosing the abrupt fault. In addition, the Kalman filter may transfer the abrupt fault on to other components. In this article, an adaptive gas path diagnostic method using strong tracking filter is described that can track gradual deterioration and abrupt fault accurately. The strong tracking filter is an adaptive extended Kalman filter, which introduces suboptimal fading factors into the prediction error covariance of the extended Kalman filter algorithm. The suboptimal fading factors automatically increase when an abrupt fault occurs, therefore, more importance is given to the new measurement in state estimation which allows the filter to quickly track abrupt faults. All of the suboptimal fading factors become one when gradual deterioration occurs, and in this situation, the strong tracking filter becomes the common extended Kalman filter to filter the measurement noise. Therefore, the strong tracking filter can track abrupt faults quickly and accurately, filter measurement noise, and obtain noise-free parameter estimation for gradual deterioration. The strong tracking filter is applied to heavy-duty gas turbine gas path diagnostics for a variety of simulated fault cases to demonstrate the capability of the strong tracking filter in accurately tracking gradual deterioration and abrupt fault.
Assessing the status of library information systems security
Authors: Ismail Roesnita , Zainab Awang Ngah
Published: March 2013

This study proposes an instrument to assess the current information system security status in libraries. The instrument is based on a model named LISSAM (library information systems security assessment model), which comprises five components: technological security foundation, information security policy, procedures and control, administrative tools, methods, and awareness creation. The instrument was pilot-tested with 50 respondents responsible for information systems or information technology in their libraries. All components received Cronbach alpha scores of <0.60 and were found to be reliable and acceptable. Findings revealed that over 95% of libraries have a high level of technological implementation but 54% scored poorly on organizational measures, especially on the lack of security policies, procedures, and user training. High scores on technological implementation were found to be correlated to sufficient financial support and early information and computer technology adoption.
Mycophenolate mofetil alleviates lupus nephritis through urokinase receptor signaling in a mice model
Authors: Cheng C-C , Lee Y-F , Lan J-L , Wu M-J , Hsieh T-Y , Lin N-N , Wang J-M , Chiu Y-T
Published: March 2013

Lupus nephritis (LN) is usually associated with widespread effacement of the podocytes’ foot processes leading to proteinuria. Induction of urokinase receptor (uPAR) signaling in podocytes leads to foot process effacement and urinary protein loss via promoting podocytes’ motility and kidney permeability in the glomerulus. Very little is known about uPAR signaling in LN. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressive agent, efficiently modulates the development of LN in humans and mice, but there are no data concerning the direct uPAR involvement on podocytes in LN. The MMF efficiency and uPAR involvement signaling in NZB×NZW F1 lupus-prone mice were examined by proteinuria, renal function and pathology, immune complex deposits, and uPAR expression of podocytes by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative RT-PCR. After MMF treatment, the proteinuria ( p < 0.01), BUN level ( p < 0.05) and immunodeposition in glomeruli ( p < 0.001) were significantly improved. Most important, the renal uPAR mRNA levels ( p < 0.001) and uPAR protein level of podocytes ( p < 0.001) were significantly reduced. The beneficial effect of MMF on LN could be attributed, at least in part, to the inhibition of uPAR expression in podocytes. These findings demonstrated uPAR could have potential as a predictive index for response to LN therapeutics.
Postoperative Range of Motion Trends Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Ajis Adam , Henriquez Hugo , Myerson Mark
Published: March 2013

Background:

It is still unknown how ankle range of motion changes following total ankle arthroplasty. This study was undertaken to more accurately address patient expectations, guide postoperative rehabilitation, and improve our understanding of how ankle range of motion changes with time.

Methods:

119 total ankle replacements of 3 different prosthetic designs from 1 surgeon were retrospectively examined and compared. Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ranges of motion were calculated and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The different ankle replacement systems were analyzed individually and together to determine whether trends were replicated.

Results:

No significant increase in ankle range of motion was found 6 months postoperatively ( P = .75). Mean combined postoperative range of motion did not change significantly from 24.3 degrees at 1 year versus a preoperative mean of 22.7 degrees ( P = .75). Mean dorsiflexion improved significantly at the 6-week postoperative stage by 5.5 degrees ( P < .001), whereas plantar flexion only improved by 2.9 degrees ( P = .06). Mean dorsiflexion improved from preoperative levels by 5.4 degrees ( P = .001), whereas mean plantar flexion decreased by 3.7 degrees ( P = .004).

Conclusions:

We found no notable improvement in ankle range of motion after 6 months following total ankle arthroplasty. We also found a disproportionately higher increase in dorsiflexion compared with plantar flexion following surgery and an overall reduction in mean plantar flexion range compared with preoperative values. Notwithstanding this discrepancy, total mean ankle range of motion 1 year postoperatively was similar to preoperative values. Reasons for the discrepancy between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion are unclear.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Assessment of the Quality of Web-based Information on Bunions
Authors: Chong Yew Ming , Fraval Andrew , Chandrananth Janan , Plunkett Virginia , Tran Phong
Published: March 2013

Background:

The Internet provides a large source of health-related information for patients. However, information on the Internet is mostly unregulated, ranging from factually correct to misleading or contradictory information. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of information available on World Wide Web on the topic of bunions.

Methods:

Websites were identified using 3 search engines (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) and the search term bunions. The first 30 websites in each search were analyzed. Websites were assessed using the validated DISCERN rating instrument to determine the quality of health content and treatment information. The DISCERN tool possesses moderate to very good strength of interobserver agreement, ranging from .41 to .82.

Results:

A total of 90 websites were assessed and studied. Forty-eight sites were duplicated, leaving 42 unique sites. Of these, 60% (25/42) provided patient-related information, 21% (9/42) were advertisements, 7% (3/42) promoted medical centers, 5% (2/42) were dead links, 5% (2/42) were news articles, and 2% (1/42) was doctor’s information. In determining the quality of unique sites, of a maximum score of 5, the average overall DISCERN score was 2.9 (range, 1.8 to 4.6). Only 24% (10/42) of websites were classified as “good” or “excellent.” Although most websites contained information on symptoms, causes, risk factors, investigations, and treatment options on bunions, 60% (25/42) did not provide adequate information on the benefits for each treatment, 45% (19/42) did not contain any risks of treatment, and 76% (32/42) did not describe how treatment choices affect overall quality of life. The sources of information were clear in 33% (14/42), and the date when this information was reviewed was given in only 50% (21/42). Only 29% (12/42) of websites had been updated within the past 2 years.

Conclusions:

Overall, the quality of patient information on bunions varies widely. We believe clinicians should guide patients in identifying the best possible and genuine information on the World Wide Web.

Clinical Relevance:

Patients are commonly using the internet as an information resource, in spite of the highly variable quality of this information. They should be encouraged to exercise caution and to utilize only well-known sites.
Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis in Hemophilic Arthropathy
Authors: Bai Zhengwu , Zhang Enshui , He Yeteng , Yan Xinfeng , Sun Huaqiang , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2013

Background:

Ankle arthrodesis is an accepted treatment for patients with advanced disabling tibiotalar arthritis, mostly in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and posttraumatic arthritis. No detailed reports have been published regarding the use of arthroscopy for the treatment of the end-stage hemophilic ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the results of arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in hemophilic arthropathy of the ankle.

Methods:

Ten patients (10 ankle joints) who underwent arthroscopically assisted ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage hemophilic A arthritis were enrolled in this study. The rate of ankle fusion, incidence of complications, and clinical rating by the Morgan system were analyzed.

Results:

In this series, the fusion rate was 100%, and patients achieved bone fusion as shown by radiographs. The average time to fusion was 10.5 weeks. Superficial wound infection occurred in 1 patient. According to the Morgan system, there were 8 (80%) good to excellent results and 2 (20%) fair results. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the operation.

Conclusions:

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was an effective alternative to open technique with established advantages in hemophilic arthropathy.

Level of Clinical Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Reissner’s mixed variational theorem-based finite cylindrical layer methods for the three-dimensional free vibration analysis of sandwich circular hollow cylinders with an embedded functionally graded material layer
Authors: Wu Chih-Ping , Fan Ting-Yu , Li Hao-Yuan
Published: March 2013

Based on Reissner’s mixed variational theorem (RMVT), finite cylindrical layer methods (FCLMs) were developed for the three-dimensional (3D) free vibration analysis of simply supported, functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich circular hollow cylinders. The FGM sandwich cylinder consists of a thick and soft FGM core bounded with two thin and stiff homogeneous material face sheets, in which the material properties of the FGM core are assumed to obey an exponent-law varying exponentially with the thickness coordinate. In this formulation, the FGM sandwich cylinder is divided into a number of equal-thickness cylindrical layers, where the trigonometric functions and Lagrange polynomials are used to interpolate the in- and out-of-surface variations of the field variables of each individual layer, respectively. An h-refinement process instead of a p-refinement one is adopted to yield the convergent solutions in this study, and the layerwise linear, quadratic or cubic function distribution through the thickness coordinate is thus assumed for the related field variables. The accuracy and convergence of the RMVT-based FCLMs developed in this article are assessed by comparing their solutions with the exact 3D solutions available in the literature.
Women’s experiences of pelvic inflammatory disease: Implications for health-care professionals
Authors: Newton Danielle , Bayly Christine , Fairley Christopher K , Chen Marcus , Keogh Louise , Temple-Smith Meredith , Williams Henrietta , McNamee Kathleen , Fisher Jane , Henning Dorothy , Hsueh Arthur , Hocking Jane
Published: March 2013

This study explored the health-care experiences of women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease. Many women felt empowered about their health post-diagnosis; however, a smaller number reported becoming hyper-vigilant towards symptoms. Infertility was the greatest concern for women. Inadequate information and treatment resulted in negative health experiences, whereas clinician honesty and concern were viewed positively. The findings highlight the need for community education encouraging early presentation for the treatment of pelvic pain and emphasise the need for health practitioners to be responsive to the psychosocial aspects of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Cultural studies and critical literacies
Authors: Rutten Kris , Rodman Gilbert B , Wright Handel Kashope , Soetaert Ronald
Published: March 2013

This article introduces a special issue on the topic of ‘Cultural Studies and Critical Literacies’. The collection of articles is related to the central theme of the inaugural Summer Institute of the Association for Cultural Studies: to explore the implications of studying literacy by combining perspectives from cultural studies and (critical) literacy studies. Furthermore, with this issue we want to map current trends in cultural studies by sharing and extending some of the discussions that took place at the Institute with the larger cultural studies community. In this introductory article, we will start by revisiting some of the work done at the intersection of literacy studies and cultural studies to set the scene for our collection of articles that focuses on different contemporary ‘uses’ of literacy.
Practise what you preach: Engaging in humanities research through critical praxis
Authors: Adema Janneke
Published: March 2013

This article explores how a cultural studies perspective can be used to critically analyse practices of conducting research within the (digital) humanities. It uses, among others, the example of the author’s PhD dissertation currently in process, which is set up as a theoretical and practical intervention into existing discourses surrounding the dominant form of formal communication within the humanities: the scholarly monograph. A methodology of critical praxis is seen as an integral part of the research project as well as an important step in developing academic or research literacy through actively engaging in the production of communicative norms and practices. Envisioning the book as a site of struggle over new forms and systems of communication within academia, the dissertation argues for alternative ways of thinking of and performing the monograph in an experimental manner. By making use of digital platforms, tools and media to share, remix and update the research as it evolves, the aim is to develop a digital, open and collaborative research practice. This will offer a practical critique of the dominant structures, politics and practices of producing and distributing research results. This article thus argues for the empowering potential of critically analysing and actively engaging with the dominant norms underlying communication in the humanities as well as with the structures that determine academic literacy and the established and accepted practices herein. By arguing for a potential new future for the book within scholarly communication as an emergent and evolving form, based on accessibility, sharing, process and change, this article makes a case for new ways of engaging a critical praxis that is more speculatory, open-ended and experimental.
An analytical method for the inverse dynamic analysis of the Stewart platform with asymmetric-adjustable payload
Authors: Hajimirzaalian Hamidreza , Ferraresi Carlo , Moosavi Hassan , Massah Mehdi
Published: March 2013

This article presents the dynamic analysis and simulation for a nonlinear model of a Stewart platform with asymmetric-adjustable payload, based on Lagrangian approach. Due to the asymmetry of payload, the moment of inertia matrix is not diagonal and computing their terms is more complicated than for a symmetric load. Previous research about dynamic analysis of the Stewart platform are mostly considering static and symmetric payload, while numerous applications may have asymmetric payload such as satellite antenna trackers or surgical tables and so on.

This article considers an asymmetric-adjustable payload applied to a Stewart platform, deriving the dynamic equations of the model. Moreover, the moment of inertia matrix and Coriolis-centrifugal terms matrices, which are useful for control analysis of the robot, are obtained. In addition, to verify the correctness of the model, the system has been modelled in ADAMS engineering software and the inverse dynamic solution has been developed by both analytical (Lagrangian formulation) and simulation (ADAMS) methods. The results show that the analytical model is so reliable and accurate that it can be used for dynamic analysis in other similar problems. Finally, the singularities of the model are determined.
Child welfare in Ghana: The relevance of children’s rights in practice
Authors: Manful Esmeranda , Manful Saka E
Published: March 2013

When Ghana ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) it made a commitment to ensure compliance with the UNCRC by reviewing its children and youth social policies. Yet, to date, there is little empirical evidence that compares how children’s rights are perceived by professionals at the strategic and operational levels in Ghana. Thus, this article seeks to provide an insight by comparing the two professional levels. Drawing on in-depth interview data with government personnel who have strategic responsibilities of child care policies and with operational staff in a residential child care institution we analyse how the relevance of children’s rights is constructed by these two groups.

Findings

It is concluded that at both professional levels the concept of children’s rights is associated with legislation and institutions, rhetoric of rights and child participation. However, for many of the operational staff children’s rights appeared to be an abstract concept even though it was central to their daily work.

Applications

The study suggests that implementation of the UNCRC has so far remained largely at the policy level, as a result, very little has been accomplished to advance children’s rights in terms of changing the relationship between the State and children. It is therefore critical to organise more child rights training for professionals who are engaged in direct work with and/for children at all levels of the Ghanaian society to inform their practice. Further, the training needs to rectify the limitation and misconstrual of the concept of children’s rights to only child participation.
Hummus: The making of an Israeli culinary cult
Authors: Hirsch Dafna , Tene Ofra
Published: March 2013

Hummus – an Arab dish adopted by Jews in Israel and made into a ‘national dish’ and a culinary cult – was first industrialized in Israel in 1958. In this article we look at the impact of the food industry on shaping both consumption patterns and the signification of the dish. Contrary to accounts that contrast mass production to authenticity and tradition, fast to slow food, globalized trade to local production, we regard the industrial and the artisanal as interdependent and mutually constitutive realms of production and consumption. We argue, first, that the Israeli food industry has played a crucial role in turning hummus into a national symbol and a culinary cult. Second, we argue that the growing popularity of industrial hummus not only did not replace the consumption of artisanal hummus, but the other way around. Third, we argue that the industry is simultaneously an agent of globalization and of localization of hummus: it expands the spread of hummus globally and at the same time it sometimes tries to fix to it a local (‘national’) identity.
Selection Method, Partisanship, and the Administration of Elections
Authors: Burden Barry C. , Canon David T. , Lavertu Stéphane , Mayer Kenneth R. , Moynihan Donald P.
Published: March 2013

The methods used to select public officials affect the preferences they bring to office, the incentives they face while in office, and, ultimately, the policy goals they pursue. We argue that the preferences and actions of local election officials (LEOs) differ depending on whether they are elected or appointed. We test these expectations with a data set that includes the survey responses of 1,200 Wisconsin LEOs, structured interviews, census data, and returns from the 2008 presidential election. Drawing upon a natural experiment in how officials are selected, we find that, compared to appointed officials, elected officials express greater support for voter access and expressless concern about ballot security and administrative costs. For appointed officials, we find that voter turnout in a municipality is lower when the LEO’s self-reported partisanship differs from the partisanship of the electorate but only in cases where the official is a Republican.
A Moment of Transformative Learning
Authors: James Deborah M. , Collins Luke C. , Samoylova Ekaterina
Published: March 2013

This study describes a moment during clinical supervision when a student speech and language therapist reported that she had a moment of illumination that changed her trajectory from failing her clinical placement to passing it. The student’s self-report of the moment is provided. The clinical supervision was conducted using video feedback where the student watched successful edited clips of herself interacting with a patient in the university clinic. The clinical supervision where the moment of illumination occurred was recorded and two short extracts of this moment were analysed for evidence of a transformative process using Mezirow’s theory. The content of the student’s speech during the moment of illumination followed the steps and sequence of the transformative learning model. An analysis of the way the speech sounded showed that the moment was characterised by slow speech rate and flat monotonous pitch in both speakers and preceded by the educator modelling stopping and thinking. The use of video footage in student clinical supervision may be used with differential effect. Footage of strengths may be an effective trigger for disorientation and especially when feelings of failure or weakness are most prominent. The way the discussion of the video footage is led by the clinical educator may also support deep reflection.
Does Therapeutic Dose of Sildenafil Citrate Treatment Lead to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction?
Authors: Damar Elif , Toklu Yasin , Tuncel Altug , Balci Melih , Aslan Yilmaz , Simsek Saban , Atan Ali
Published: March 2013

The possible effects of sildenafil citrate administration at therapeutic dosage on visual acuity, color vision, intraocular pressure, macular thickness, macular volume, and central serous chorioretinopathy in patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated. The study consisted of 43 male patients diagnosed as having erectile dysfunction according to the first five question version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). All patients were given sildenafil citrate 50 mg po 2 to 3 times/week for a month. The patients were evaluated at the first week and at the end of the treatment. The macular thickness and volume assessments with optic coherence tomography did not differ significantly in foveal, parafoveal areas, parafoveal superior hemisphere, parafoveal inferior hemisphere, parafoveal temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants. Central serous chorioretinopathy was not found in any of the patients.