bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimate Partner Violence Among Same-Sex Couples in College: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Graham Laurie M. , Jensen Todd M. , Givens Ashley D. , Bowen Gary L. , Rizo Cynthia F.
Published: June 2016

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social issue with numerous detrimental effects on individuals, families, and society. Existing research and a social-ecological minority stress framework suggest, as compared with mixed-sex couples, those in same-sex relationships may be at heightened risk for perpetrating and experiencing IPV. Using a U.S. sample of college students ( N = 4,081), this secondary data analysis contrasted the prevalence of five forms of IPV (i.e., physical, sexual, psychological, injury, any type) between those in mixed-sex ( n = 3,960) and those in same-sex ( n = 121) intimate partnerships. Comparative analyses were supplemented with propensity score weighting to help balance members of mixed-sex and same-sex relationships across eight potentially confounding variables (e.g., biological sex, age). Prior to the application of propensity score weighting, results suggested those in same-sex relationships are significantly more likely to perpetrate and/or experience IPV resulting in physical injury. Results from post-weighting analyses retained the significance and magnitude of model estimates. Taken together, results suggest, as compared with mixed-sex couples, U.S. college students in same-sex couples have greater odds of experiencing IPV perpetration and victimization resulting in physical injury, even after accounting for the influence of several potentially confounding variables. Findings support the utility and future application of propensity score analytic techniques in this type of research as well as the importance of recognizing the unique IPV risk and service needs of people in same-sex relationships.
Prediction of weld-induced distortion of large structure using equivalent load technique
Authors: Mondal Arpan Kumar , Lohit Anche , Biswas Pankaj , Bag Swarup , Das Manas
Published: June 2016

Angular distortion in fusion welded joints is an alarming issue which affects the stability and life of the welded structures, occurs due to the changes in the temperature gradient during the welding process. This degrades the dimensional quality of a large structure during assembly which leads to rework the products and hence decreases the productivity. Predicting the weld-induced residual deformation before the production saves the valuable time and resources for rework. The conventional coupled transient, nonlinear, elasto-plastic thermo-mechanical analysis involves huge computational time. Computing a weld sample of small size with single pass itself takes several hours, which will be a huge amount of time in case of large structures consisting of several welding passes; thus, there is a real need of an efficient alternative technique to predict the post-weld distortions. In this work, an attempt has been made to determine the deformation in a submerged arc welded structure using equivalent load technique which reduces the total analysis time by one-third of the conventional techniques in case of a small weld structure. In this proposed method, the transient nonlinear elasto-plastic structural analysis part which is the major time-consuming part of analysis has been almost eliminated. So, this method can effectively use to predict the weld-induced distortion of very large structure with a computation time almost equal to the time required for transient thermal analysis of a small weld structure only. It is not feasible to analyze such a large welded structure with conventional coupled transient, elasto-plastic, nonlinear thermo-mechanical analysis. The predicted results of distortions have been validated with the experimental as well as published results and good agreements have been found.
Design and analysis of a novel seven-bar mechanical servo press with dual motors inputs
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhao Sheng-Dun , Li Jing-Xiang
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes a novel high capacity servo press system with two servo motor inputs and high ratio force amplifier mechanism for metal forming. First, the press structure was expressed. The force amplifier was made of seven-bar mechanism which possesses quick-return character and high ratio force amplifier. The symmetric structure balanced the force in horizontal direction, and dispersed the forces on two transmission routes. In theoretical study of the new structure, kinematic and dynamic analyses were obtained by examining the geometry of the structure. The performance of press was discussed by example demonstration. Finally, the kinematic experiments and metal forming experiments were carried out on the prototype machine by using grating scale system. The measured data match the theoretical calculation well, which validates the feasibility of this new press mechanism.
Analysis of multifractality of multivariable coupling relationship of complex electromechanical system in process industry
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Gao Jianmin , Gao Zhiyong , Gao Xu , Jiang Hongquan
Published: June 2016

Analysis of the multivariable coupling relationship, detection of the features of the coupling, and quantification of different degrees of each variable for the coupling are important foundations for information modeling, key point identification, and fault tracing of complex electromechanical systems. It is significant to understand the reasons associated with system conditions exchange, and improve the abilities of accident prevention and safety control of the system. In order to study the multifractal properties of the multivariable coupling relationship of the production system in the process industry, coupling detrended fluctuation analysis (CDFA) was applied. The strength and sources of the multifractality were estimated by shuffling and phase randomization with confidence bands. Different degrees of each variable were qualitatively and quantitatively quantified by the Chi square test. Empirical results showed that the CDFA was suitable for analyzing the multivariable coupling relationship of complex electromechanical system, and the coupling exhibited an obvious multifractal feature. Long-range correlation and fat-tailed probability density function of variables are sources for the multifractality of the multivariable coupling relationship of production system in process industry. Some invariant values, such as the multifractality power and ranks of different degree of single variable for the coupling, were detected for a specific operation condition, which were meaningful for conditions identification and information quality control of complex electromechanical system in process industry.
Optimization for rotor blade-tip planform with low high-speed impulsive noise characteristics in forward flight
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Zhao Qi-jun
Published: June 2016

Rotor noise is one of the most important issues for helicopter designer, and high-speed impulsive noise is particularly intense among the various rotor noise sources due to compressibility. Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics/Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equations with Penetrable Data Surface (CFD/FW-Hpds) methods and hybrid optimization technique, a new optimization design procedure for rotor blade planform with low high-speed impulsive noise characteristics is established. First, in order to accurately capture the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of rotor, based on the moving-embedded grid methodology, a CFD simulation is developed by solving the compressible Reynolds-average Navier–Stokes equations with Baldwin–Lomax turbulence model. The low dissipation Roe-Monotone Upwind-centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) scheme and highly efficient implicit lower–upper symmetric Gauss–Seidel scheme are used for spatial and temporal discretization, respectively. Second, taking the CFD results as sound pressure information input, the high-speed impulsive noise characteristics generated by transonic rotor are analyzed through a robust numerical method based on FW-Hpds equations. Third, the genetic algorithm and surrogated model based on radial basis function are combined as a hybrid optimization technique; during the optimization process, the blade grids are generated by a highly efficient parameterized method. Aiming at the minimization of the sound pressure level of rotor in forward flight, the parametric effect analyses of blade-tip shapes on transonic noise have been conducted first. Then, optimization analyses based on the rotor blade with double-swept and tapered tip have been accomplished with the aerodynamic performance as constraints. Compared with the baseline blade, it shows that the sound pressure level of rotor with optimized blade-tip shape can be decreased obviously at the present calculating condition due to its weaker transonic delocalization phenomenon in the region of blade tip. In the rotor plane, absolute peak value of sound pressure produced by the optimized blade planform is reduced about 59.1% of that by the baseline one, and the reduced value in sound pressure level is up to 5.6 dB.
An extended machining error propagation network model for small-batch machining process control of aircraft landing gear parts
Authors: Wang Yan , Jiang Pingyu , Leng Jiewu
Published: June 2016

The complex structure and small-batch nature of aircraft landing gear parts lead to complex machining error propagation mechanism and manufacturing complexity. An Extended Machining Error Propagation Network model is presented to quantitatively analyze the complex coupling relationship in the Small-batch Multistage Machining Process of aircraft landing gear parts. Firstly, to depict the coupling relationship quantitatively, the Quality Features are defined to describe the machining precision information of Machining Form Features, and the State Elements are defined to describe the running state information of Machining Elements. Then, Machining Form Features, Machining Elements, Quality Features, and State Elements are identified as different network nodes, and the coupling relationships (such as evolving, locating, machining, and attribute) among these nodes are mapped into network edges. Based on the in-process measuring and sensing data of each machining stage, the topological and physical metrics of the network are explored to analyze the error propagation characteristics. Finally, the machining process of an outer cylinder part from aircraft landing gear is studied to verify the proposed methods.
Controversies on Evolutionism: On the construction of scientific boundaries in public and internal scientific controversies about evolutionary psychology and sociobiology
Authors: Ruck Nora
Published: June 2016

This article analyzes several more or less public controversies around evolutionary psychology and sociobiology. It is asked how participants in the debate draw the lines between science and non-science and what is at stake in their boundary work practices. Evolutionists and their critics practice boundary work both in scientific insider debates and in public scientific controversies. All contenders agree that science is characterized by authority relations and disciplinary gatekeepers and that science is distinguished from other social practices and by a certain code of conduct. Evolutionists and their critics differ in their assessment of scientific authorities’ roles and responsibilities, in their definition of scientific code of conduct, and in their conception of the relation between science and society. The analysis offers insights into the social production of knowledge in both scientific and public discourse and into the ways in which scientists negotiate the very nature of science as such.
Methane turnover and environmental change from Holocene lipid biomarker records in a thermokarst lake in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Elvert Marcus , Pohlman John W , Becker Kevin W , Gaglioti Benjamin , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe , Wooller Matthew J
Published: June 2016

Arctic lakes and wetlands contribute a substantial amount of methane to the contemporary atmosphere, yet profound knowledge gaps remain regarding the intensity and climatic control of past methane emissions from this source. In this study, we reconstruct methane turnover and environmental conditions, including estimates of mean annual and summer temperature, from a thermokarst lake (Lake Qalluuraq) on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska for the Holocene by using source-specific lipid biomarkers preserved in a radiocarbon-dated sediment core. Our results document a more prominent role for methane in the carbon cycle when the lake basin was an emergent fen habitat between ~12,300 and ~10,000 cal yr BP, a time period closely coinciding with the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM) in North Alaska. Enhanced methane turnover was stimulated by relatively warm temperatures, increased moisture, nutrient supply, and primary productivity. After ~10,000 cal yr BP, a thermokarst lake with abundant submerged mosses evolved, and through the mid-Holocene temperatures were approximately 3°C cooler. Under these conditions, organic matter decomposition was attenuated, which facilitated the accumulation of submerged mosses within a shallower Lake Qalluuraq. Reduced methane assimilation into biomass during the mid-Holocene suggests that thermokarst lakes are carbon sinks during cold periods. In the late-Holocene from ~2700 cal yr BP to the most recent time, however, temperatures and carbon deposition rose and methane oxidation intensified, indicating that more rapid organic matter decomposition and enhanced methane production could amplify climate feedback via potential methane emissions in the future.
Kernel machine score test for pathway analysis in the presence of semi-competing risks
Authors: Neykov Matey , Hejblum Boris P , Sinnott Jennifer A
Published: June 2016

In cancer studies, patients often experience two different types of events: a non-terminal event such as recurrence or metastasis, and a terminal event such as cancer-specific death. Identifying pathways and networks of genes associated with one or both of these events is an important step in understanding disease development and targeting new biological processes for potential intervention. These correlated outcomes are commonly dealt with by modeling progression-free survival, where the event time is the minimum between the times of recurrence and death. However, identifying pathways only associated with progression-free survival may miss out on pathways that affect time to recurrence but not death, or vice versa. We propose a combined testing procedure for a pathway’s association with both the cause-specific hazard of recurrence and the marginal hazard of death. The dependency between the two outcomes is accounted for through perturbation resampling to approximate the test’s null distribution, without any further assumption on the nature of the dependency. Even complex non-linear relationships between pathways and disease progression or death can be uncovered thanks to a flexible kernel machine framework. The superior statistical power of our approach is demonstrated in numerical studies and in a gene expression study of breast cancer.
Book Review: ALessandro Mongili and Giuseppina Pellegrino (2014), Information Infrastructure(s): Boundaries, Ecologies, Multiplicity
Authors: Pelizza Annalisa
Published: June 2016

ALessandro MOngili and Giuseppina Pellegrino (2014), Information Infrastructure(s): Boundaries, Ecologies, Multiplicity. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 380 pp., £52.99, (Hardcover), ISBN: 978-1443866552.
Labor migration among elite sport coaches: An exploratory study
Authors: Orlowski Johannes , Wicker Pamela , Breuer Christoph
Published: June 2016

Coaches are critical to elite sport achievements because they represent the link between sport policies and athletes. Yet, labor migration of elite sport coaches challenges the competitiveness of the sport system of the sending country and brain drain is a concern for policy-makers. Previous research on labor migration in sport has focused on athletes in professional team sports. Based on the push–pull framework, this study seeks to explore the factors affecting labor migration of elite sport coaches in less commercialized sports. Semi-structured interviews with nine elite sport coaches employed in Germany were conducted. The following migration factors emerged from the analysis: job-related factors (salary, workload, financial planning security, pressure, politics within the sport federation, and recognition of the coaching job in society); social factors (family support, and children’s education); competitive factors (training environment, and sport equipment); and seeking new experiences (new culture/language, and challenging task). Networks were found to be critical to the reception of job offers. A combination of various push and pull factors from several levels (i.e., individual, household, organizational, and national level) is at work when examining potential coach migration. Policy- makers should consider these factors when they strive to create a more attractive working environment for coaches.
Facilitation in Action
Authors: Treff Marjorie E. , Earnest Steve
Published: June 2016

This article describes the experiences of two graduate faculty members from Indiana University who facilitated two workshops sponsored by Ball State University at Highlander Research and Education Center, one in May of 2013, and another in May of 2014. We describe the history of Participation Training, the program we used to plan and conduct workshops; the professional values that framed our planning and communication; challenges that arose and how we addressed those; and the changes and actions we have incorporated into our professional lives as a result of these workshops. Finally, we offer questions for further study.
Debriefing Research Games
Authors: van den Hoogen Jop , Lo Julia , Meijer Sebastiaan
Published: June 2016

Background. Debriefing is an intrinsic part of games for learning and proper debriefing can also be beneficial to research games. However, the literature on how to debrief research games is sparse and only provides the professional with an abstract topic guide.

Aim. The purpose of this study was to design a framework for the debriefing of research games that are used in ongoing innovation processes.

Method. We used the literature on debriefing and experimental research and our experience as game designers to build a framework that tackles the context, substance and method of debriefing research games.

Results. Our framework provides three contributions. First, it shows how the context in which a research game is applied sometimes impacts the functionality of the game in negative ways. This can be helped by designing both the game and the debriefing together. Second, we operationalize validity to a greater extent, as this is the core of a good research game. Third, we provide a methodology for debriefing professionals that opens up the black box of the gaming simulation session.

Conclusion. The debriefing framework provides a method to collectively assess the validity, reliability and robustness of the causal claims associated with the research conducted.
Dynamic responses of concrete piers under close-in blast loading
Authors: Hu Zhi-Jian , Wu Liang , Zhang Yi-Feng , Sun LZ
Published: June 2016

Piers are essential components for bridge structures while exposed directly to car-bombed detonation. Numerical simulation and failure-mode investigation are conducted for concrete piers under close-in blast loading to better understand their dynamic responses. The effects of pier geometry, reinforcement arrangement, and location of detonation are particularly studied on the horizontal velocity and displacement of the pier base. The results demonstrate that circular piers provide more effective blast resistance than square piers under the same blast circumstance. Failure modes for concrete piers are determined by the longitudinal rebar arrangement, which contributes to the major part of shear capacity of the pier base when subjected to close-in blast loading. While the hoop effect is limited for blast resistance of piers, the restraining influence of the ground is significant with respect to the pier base, and performance-based seismic design concept such as plastic-hinges can be employed at the base of concrete piers for anti-blast design.
Epidemiology of Nonfatal Injuries Among Schoolchildren
Authors: ALBashtawy Mohammed , Al-Awamreh Khetam , Gharaibeh Huda , Al-Kloub Manal , Batiha Abdul-Monim , Alhalaiqa Fadwa , Hamadneh Shereen
Published: June 2016

Nonfatal injuries are considered as one of the major public health hazards affecting schoolchildren, and the majority of these injuries occur at school or in the home. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months, March–May 2015. The participants were 4,355 Jordanian schoolchildren in Grades 7–12. The Pearson χ2 test was computed, and the odds ratio was used to determine the magnitude of various risk factors for nonfatal injuries among schoolchildren. The overall incidence of nonfatal injury was 33.9%. The group most likely to sustain nonfatal injuries was boys, aged 12–15, in Grade 7, whose parents had a low level of education or a high family income. Injury prevention in schools and at homes is a cornerstone for protection or reducing the incidence of injuries. School nurses have a duty to follow up and examine the accident reports and evaluate whether safety policies are applied and are effective in different school settings. Furthermore, health and education authorities should develop a national program for preventing injuries.
Intensive Academic Interventions for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Maggin Daniel M. , Wehby Joseph H. , Gilmour Allison F.
Published: June 2016

Research has consistently demonstrated that students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are at risk for academic underachievement. Despite the persistent and strong association between academic problems and EBD, there remains a dearth of information on the process for developing intensive academic interventions for students with EBD. The intent of the present article is to describe and review an experimental approach for developing intensive and individualized academic interventions that provide a potentially valuable method for informing the development of academic interventions. Specifically, brief experimental analyses of academic behavior allow for the comparison of two or more interventions over a relatively short period of time. These formal comparisons provide essential information on which particular practice or set of strategies produce improved responding for the student on the particular skill of interest. The authors contextualize the brief experimental analysis methods within the data-based individualization (DBI) approach advanced by the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) before reviewing recent research on the approach. Results are used to make recommendations for subsequent research and practice.
Mathematical model for two-dimensional dry friction modified by dither
Authors: Wijata Adam , Awrejcewicz Jan , Matej Jan , Makowski Michał
Published: June 2016

A new dynamic two-dimensional friction model is developed that is based on the bristle theory. Actually, it is the Reset Integrator Model converted into a two-dimensional space. Usually, two-dimensional friction models are in fact one-dimensional models that are rotated into a slip velocity direction. However, this common approach cannot be applied to the bristle model. That is why the idea of a two-dimensional bristle is presented. The bristle’s deformation is described using polar coordinates. The carried-out numerical simulation of a planar oscillator has proved that the new model correctly captures the mechanism of smoothing dry friction by dither applied in both a perpendicular and co-linear way regarding body velocity. Furthermore, the introduced mathematical model captures two-dimensional stick-slip behaviour. Cartesian slip velocity components are the only inputs to the model. In addition, our proposed model allows one to describe friction anisotropy using bristle parameters. The paper contains the results of an experimental verification of the new friction model, conducted with a special laboratory rig employed to investigate a two-dimensional motion in the presence of dither as well as to validate our numerical results.
dispel4py: A Python framework for data-intensive scientific computing
Authors: Filguiera Rosa , Krause Amrey , Atkinson Malcolm , Klampanos Iraklis , Moreno Alexander
Published: June 2016

This paper presents dispel4py, a new Python framework for describing abstract stream-based workflows for distributed data-intensive applications. These combine the familiarity of Python programming with the scalability of workflows. Data streaming is used to gain performance, rapid prototyping and applicability to live observations. dispel4py enables scientists to focus on their scientific goals, avoiding distracting details and retaining flexibility over the computing infrastructure they use. The implementation, therefore, has to map dispel4py abstract workflows optimally onto target platforms chosen dynamically. We present four dispel4py mappings: Apache Storm, message-passing interface (MPI), multi-threading and sequential, showing two major benefits: a) smooth transitions from local development on a laptop to scalable execution for production work, and b) scalable enactment on significantly different distributed computing infrastructures. Three application domains are reported and measurements on multiple infrastructures show the optimisations achieved; they have provided demanding real applications and helped us develop effective training. The dispel4py.org is an open-source project to which we invite participation. The effective mapping of dispel4py onto multiple target infrastructures demonstrates exploitation of data-intensive and high-performance computing (HPC) architectures and consistent scalability.
Mobile health solutions for the aging population: A systematic narrative analysis
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Mileski Michael , Moreno Joshua
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The ubiquitous nature of mobile technology coupled with the acceptance of mobile health (mHealth) among the elderly offers an opportunity to augment the existing medical workforce in long-term care. The objective of this review and narrative analysis is to identify and analyse facilitators and barriers to adoption of mHealth for the elderly.

Methods

Studies over the last year were identified in multiple database indices, and three reviewers examined abstracts ( k = 0.82) and analysed articles for themes which were tallied in affinity diagrams to identify frequency of occurrence in the literature (n = 36).

Results

The three facilitators mentioned most often were independence (18%), understanding (13%), and visibility (13%). The three barriers mentioned most often were complexity (21%), limited by users (12%) and ineffective (12%).

Discussion and conclusions

The reviewers concluded that the work done so far illustrates that mHealth enables a perception of independence. Future research should focus on the barriers of complexity of technology and improving existing medical literacy in order to facilitate further adoption.
Medical mistrust in the context of Ebola: Implications for intended care-seeking and quarantine policy support in the United States
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A , Bogart Laura M , Klompas Michael , Katz Ingrid T
Published: June 2016

This investigation explores Ebola conspiracy beliefs, a form of medical mistrust, and their potential impact on health behavior. Results of an online survey in the United States in December 2014 demonstrated that 16 percent of 202 participants held conspiracy beliefs. Participants who were less knowledgeable about Ebola, more mistrustful of medical organizations, and more xenophobic more strongly endorsed conspiracy beliefs. Participants who more strongly endorsed conspiracy beliefs reported that they would be less likely to seek care for Ebola and were less supportive of quarantining people returning from West Africa. Results suggest that medical mistrust may influence health behaviors during infectious disease outbreaks.
Sexual surveillance and control in a community-based intellectual disability service
Authors: Feely Michael
Published: June 2016

Within contemporary policy documents regarding intellectual disability and sexuality we often find a progress narrative that contrasts a dark past, when the sexuality of disabled people was suppressed, with an enlightened present, when we recognize the sexual rights of all human beings. In this paper – which pertains to the Republic of Ireland – I take up the Foucauldian and Deleuzian position of treating such progress narratives with suspicion. From this perspective, I offer an alternative reading of the treatment of intellectual disability and sexuality in the present, and I seek to map just some of the subtle but effective ways this population’s sexuality continues to be controlled today.
School starters’ vision – An educational approach
Authors: Wilhelmsen Gunvor B
Published: June 2016

Although good visual capacity is essential for children’s learning, we have limited understanding of the various visual functions among school starters. In order to extend this knowledge, a small-scale study was undertaken involving 24 preschool children age 5–6 years who completed a test battery originally designed for visual impairment specialists to measure visual acuity for distance and close work, and for visual attention and reaction capacity in the field of vision. The results revealed that school starters have a less mature visual acuity at a close reading distance than at a far distance. In this group, there were significant gender differences in visual acuity and reaction time in the visual field. This article discusses whether the level of visual development and gender differences may influence how pupils react, behave and learn in school, and questions whether this insight ought to have an impact on our expectations with regard to children’s school performance. In the context of pressures to begin formal teaching of literacy and numeracy earlier in some countries, the question of visual readiness becomes critical. The question should also make educators alert to the dangers of expecting all children to succeed in learning to read at the same early age, and of labelling those who do not succeed in making an early start as intellectually deficient.
Identification of distributed damage in bridges from vehicle-induced dynamic responses
Authors: Li HL , Lu ZR , Liu JK
Published: June 2016

This article presents a distributed damage identification approach based on dynamic response sensitivity of the moving vehicle. Numerical studies are carried out on a simply supported beam and a continuous two-span bridge under a vehicle with nonlinear springs for identification of distributed damage due to the cracks. Combined Newmark direct integration method and Runge–Kutta method are used to calculate the dynamic responses of the coupled bridge–vehicle system. The numerical results show that the distributed damage(s) can be identified accurately by the measured acceleration data of four virtual moving acceleration sensors and it is insensitive to the measurement noise.
Modal content-based damage indicators for disbonds in adhesively bonded composite structures
Authors: Ren Baiyang , Lissenden Cliff J
Published: June 2016

Adhesive bonding is a promising joining method for composite materials. This article focuses on the use of modal content-based damage indicators to improve the sensitivity of guided waves to disbonds in the adhesive. Wave-defect interaction is modeled using frequency-domain finite element analysis in order to identify modes sensitive to adhesive degradation in joints between carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates. Phased array transducers and multielement array sensors designed for structural health monitoring are employed to enable preferential mode excitation and modal content extraction, respectively. The domains in dispersion curve space predicted to have good, intermediate, and no sensitivity to disbond were experimentally found to have good, intermediate, and limited sensitivity using a feature of the received signals associated with the modal amplitude or a modal amplitude ratio. Furthermore, the modal amplitude was found to decrease monotonically with increasing disbond size, demonstrating that it has potential to quantitatively size disbonds.
A review of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's international education surveys: Governance, human capital discourses, and policy debates
Authors: Morgan Clara , Volante Louis
Published: June 2016

Given the influential role that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) plays in educational governance, we believe it is timely to provide an in-depth review of its education surveys and their associated human capital discourses. By reviewing and summarizing the OECD's suite of education surveys, this paper identifies the ways in which the OECD frames these surveys and embeds them in human capital discourses. We observe that the OECD's large-scale education surveys contribute to its growing cognitive and normative governance role in the global governance of education. The significance of our analysis lies in highlighting these surveys' truth claims as objective measures of human capital while at the same time pointing to their contested and controversial role in broader educational debates. We focus on three contested terrains: student testing, educational system improvement, and the politics of educational reform. In conclusion, we suggest that there is a need for an alternative paradigm – one that values the significant role that public schools play in building socially cohesive and equitable societies.
Improved Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Japanese Men With Late-Onset Hypogonadism
Authors: Okada Keisuke , Miyake Hideaki , Ishida Takaki , Sumii Kenta , Enatsu Noritoshi , Chiba Koji , Matsushita Kei , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and to identify parameters predicting the efficacy of TRT in improving LUTS. This study included 60 consecutive Japanese men who were diagnosed with LOH and subsequently received TRT between January 2009 and December 2014. In this series, 250 mg of testosterone was injected intramuscularly every 3 or 4 weeks in all patients. The following parameters were retrospectively reviewed: body mass index (BMI), Aging Male Symptom (AMS) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function–5 (IIEF-5) score, residual urine volume, prostate volume, serum levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and total- and free-testosterone levels before and 6 months after TRT. No significant differences were observed in BMI, residual urine volume, or prostate volume between surveys before and after TRT. The AMS score, IPSS, and IIEF-5 score were significantly improved and significant increases were noted in the serum levels of PSA and total- and free-testosterone levels after TRT. An analysis of IPSS subscores documented the significant improvement in storage symptom scores, but not in voiding symptom scores after TRT. Multivariate analyses of parameters assessed in this study identified the pretreatment AMS score, posttreatment IIEF-5 score, and prostate volume as independent predictors of improvements in IPSS following TRT. This study revealed that TRT appeared to have considerable therapeutic effects on LUTS, particularly on storage symptoms, in men with LOH.
Accuracy of 2 Different Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Schierenbeck Fanny , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Liska Jan
Published: June 2016

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is today provided by various techniques. This study aims to compare two different CGM-systems: the FreeStyle Libre subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring system (SC-CGM) and the Eirus intravascular microdialysis continuous glucose monitoring system (MD-CGM) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

A total of 26 patients were equipped with both the SC-CGM and the MD-CGM systems. The SC-CGM system was placed subcutaneously in the left upper-arm and the MD-CGM system was placed in the superior vena cava. Reference blood glucose values were obtained by analyzing arterial blood in a blood gas analyzer. Reference glucose values were then paired with glucose values from both CGM-systems and analyzed for accuracy.

Results:

In all, 514 paired MD-CGM/arterial blood gas glucose values and 578 paired SC-CGM/arterial blood gas glucose values were obtained. Mean difference (SD) for the MD-CGM system was 0.9 (15.1) mg/dl and for the SC-CGM system −43.4 (20) mg/dl. ISO criteria (ISO15197:2013) were not met by either CGM system. In the Clarke error grid, all paired samples were within the zones AB for the MD-CGM system, and 94% in zone A. For the SC-CGM system, 99.1% of the paired samples were within zones AB, and 18.9% in zone A. Both the MD-CGM and the SC-CGM systems were reliable and used without complications.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that the Eirus intravascular microdialysis system monitors glucose continuously with superior accuracy compared to the FreeStyle Libre subcutaneous glucose monitoring system, which repeatedly measured a glucose value that was lower than the reference method.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: van Beers Cornelis A. J. , DeVries J. Hans
Published: June 2016

The necessity of strict glycemic control is unquestionable. However, hypoglycemia remains a major limiting factor in achieving satisfactory glucose control, and evidence is mounting to show that hypoglycemia is not benign. Over the past decade, evidence has consistently shown that real-time continuous glucose monitoring improves glycemic control in terms of lowering glycated hemoglobin levels. However, real-time continuous glucose monitoring has not met the expectations of the diabetes community with regard to hypoglycemia prevention. The earlier trials did not demonstrate any effect on either mild or severe hypoglycemia and the effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring on nocturnal hypoglycemia was often not reported. However, trials specifically designed to reduce hypoglycemia in patients with a high hypoglycemia risk have demonstrated a reduction in hypoglycemia, suggesting that real-time continuous glucose monitoring can prevent hypoglycemia when it is specifically used for that purpose. Moreover, the newest generation of diabetes technology currently available commercially, namely sensor-augmented pump therapy with a (predictive) low glucose suspend feature, has provided more convincing evidence for hypoglycemia prevention. This article provides an overview of the hypoglycemia outcomes of randomized controlled trials that investigate the effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring alone or sensor-augmented pump therapy with a (predictive) low glucose suspend feature. Furthermore, several possible explanations are provided why trials have not shown a reduction in severe hypoglycemia. In addition, existing evidence is presented of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia who have the highest risk of severe hypoglycemia.
A critical evaluation of the understanding of critical thinking by school teachers: The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Mok Francis KT , Yuen Timothy WW
Published: June 2016

There is a strong belief that critical thinking should be cultivated in schools. But it is not clear how critical thinking is understood by front-line teachers who are given the responsibility of training critical thinkers. Based on a study conducted in Hong Kong, we found that some school teachers were in favor of a “positive” image of critical thinker who is knowledgeable, prudent, being critical to the critics who are ready to criticize, and being constructive after making criticisms. We try to argue that such a positive portrayal, although uncontroversial from a detached point of view, may not be adequate in the context of Hong Kong where a critical stance toward power holders and established interests is badly needed. Without paying due attention to the “aporetic” dimension, such understanding of critical thinking would make it difficult for students to adopt a critical stance to the prevailing cultural beliefs, social values, political institutions, or economic ideologies that merit the greatest attention.
Experiences of the transition into retirement: An interview study
Authors: Djukanović Ingrid , Peterson Ulla
Published: June 2016

Retirement is one of the most important transitions in a person's life, which also might affect health and well-being. Adjustment to a life as retiree does not follow a uniform pattern, which emphasizes the importance of an individual perspective. This article uses transition theory as a theoretical perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 individuals newly retired, focusing on experiences from the last year of work and the time after retirement. Content analysis was used to analyze data. Two themes emerged: ‘become aware of’ and ‘become adapted to’. Nine subthemes describe the individual experiences reflecting positive expectations and outcomes but also feelings of grief and disconnectedness and fears about loss of social network and identity. Transition into retirement should receive more attention from a nursing perspective since experiences such as, for example, grief, disconnectedness and loss of identity if unaddressed could lead to an unhealthy transition.
Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Samani Nasrin Babadaei , Jokar Azam , Soveid Mahmood , Heydari Mojtaba , Mosavat Seyed Hamdollah
Published: June 2016

Aim.

Considering traditional use of Tribulus terrestris in diabetes and proven antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of T terrestris in animal studies, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of T terrestris on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Methods.

Ninety-eight women with diabetes mellitus type 2 were randomly allocated to receive the T terrestris (1000 mg/d) or placebo for 3 months. The patients were evaluated in terms of the fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid profile.

Results.

Tribulus terrestris showed a significant blood glucose–lowering effect in diabetic women compared to placebo ( P < .05). Also, the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein of T terrestris group was significantly reduced compared with placebo, while no significant effect was observed in the triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels.

Conclusions.

The study showed preliminary promising hypoglycemic effect of T terrestris in women with diabetes mellitus type 2.
Behavioral versus Questionnaire Measures of Expectations
Authors: Walker Lisa Slattery , Gur Shahar
Published: June 2016

The goal of the present research is to determine the degree of correspondence between the observed behavior in an experiment and the attitudes expressed in a questionnaire administered after an experiment. To do so, we replicate Driskell and Mullen’s study using more data from multiple experiments and conduct more sophisticated analyses. The attitudinal measures are questionnaire items regarding study participants’ views of themselves, a partner, and their task performance, measured after interaction. The behavioral measure records the participants’ resistance to influence from their partners and is thought to reflect underlying expectations for competence. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we find that there is a strong relationship between attitude and behavior, such that they appear to represent a single construct. Implications of this finding for experimental methodology are discussed in support of more concise approaches.
Reconciling Religion and LGBT Rights
Authors: Coley Jonathan S.
Published: June 2016

Why do some Christian colleges and universities approve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups and inclusive nondiscrimination policies while others resist them? Scholars are beginning to develop models to explain LGBT inclusion in schools, but they have undertheorized the role of religion in facilitating or impeding LGBT inclusion. In this article, I draw from the literature on religion and the “culture wars,” especially insights into religions’ theological orientations, to explain Christian colleges and universities’ inclusion of LGBT students. I show that communal orientations—theological emphases on social justice—strongly predict the adoption of LGBT groups and inclusive nondiscrimination policies at Christian colleges and universities. By contrast, individualist orientations—theological emphases on personal piety—impede the adoption of such groups and policies. Importantly, I find little support for alternative explanations of Christian colleges and universities’ inclusion of LGBT students that focus on liberal or conservative teachings on same-sex relationships. Beyond bridging literatures on the political sociology of LGBT rights and religion and the culture wars, the article supports an emerging theoretical framework for understanding the role of religion in a wide range of social justice debates.
Dysfunctional breathing and reaching one’s physiological limit as causes of exercise-induced dyspnoea
Authors: Depiazzi Julie , Everard Mark L.
Published: June 2016

Key points

Excessive exercise-induced shortness of breath is a common complaint. For some, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is the primary cause and for a small minority there may be an alternative organic pathology. However for many, the cause will be simply reaching their physiological limit or be due to a functional form of dysfunctional breathing, neither of which require drug therapy.

The physiological limit category includes deconditioned individuals, such as those who have been through intensive care and require rehabilitation, as well as the unfit and the fit competitive athlete who has reached their limit with both of these latter groups requiring explanation and advice.

Dysfunctional breathing is an umbrella term for an alteration in the normal biomechanical patterns of breathing that result in intermittent or chronic symptoms, which may be respiratory and/or nonrespiratory. This alteration may be due to structural causes or, much more commonly, be functional as exemplified by thoracic pattern disordered breathing (PDB) and extrathoracic paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (pVFMD).

Careful history and examination together with spirometry may identify those likely to have PDB and/or pVFMD. Where there is doubt about aetiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing may be required to identify the deconditioned, unfit or fit individual reaching their physiological limit and PDB, while continuous laryngoscopy during exercise is increasingly becoming the benchmark for assessing extrathoracic causes.

Accurate assessment and diagnosis can prevent excessive use of drug therapy and result in effective management of the cause of the individual’s complaint through cost-effective approaches such as reassurance, advice, breathing retraining and vocal exercises.

This review provides an overview of the spectrum of conditions that can present as exercise-­induced breathlessness experienced by young subjects participating in sport and aims to promote understanding of the need for accurate assessment of an individual’s symptoms. We will highlight the high incidence of nonasthmatic causes, which simply require reassurance or simple interventions from respiratory physiotherapists or speech pathologists.