bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediating embodied protest: Performative body in social protests in the Internet age in China
Authors: Lin Zhongxuan
Published: December 2018

The performative body treats the body as a potential site of resistance. Situated in the specific Chinese context, this study explores the female performative body and its emotional, spatial, and visual manifestation in the embodied protests. Particularly, this article uses Ye Haiyan, a famous Internet celebrity in China, as a particular case to illustrate how the deployment of the performative body can provide a site of embodied protests in a specific Chinese context, why it is reasonable and possible, and what is its implication. By examining Ye Haiyan’s bodily practices, this article illustrates how Ye Haiyan turns her body into a site of struggle and a political resource, how she deploys her body as a weapon to evoke broader emotional and moral resonances, and how she provokes Internet users to spectate, interpret, and imitate her body images, making possible a space of appearance in cyberspace. The article finally discusses its possible contribution and limitation.
DIC-DOC-K-means: Dissimilarity-based Initial Centroid selection for DOCument clustering using K-means for improving the effectiveness of text document clustering
Authors: Lakshmi R , Baskar S
Published: December 2018

In this article, a new initial centroid selection for a K-means document clustering algorithm, namely, Dissimilarity-based Initial Centroid selection for DOCument clustering using K-means (DIC-DOC- K-means), to improve the performance of text document clustering is proposed. The first centroid is the document having the minimum standard deviation of its term frequency. Each of the other subsequent centroids is selected based on the dissimilarities of the previously selected centroids. For comparing the performance of the proposed DIC-DOC- K-means algorithm, the results of the K-means, K-means++ and weighted average of terms-based initial centroid selection +  K-means (Weight_Avg_Initials +  K-means) clustering algorithms are considered. The results show that the proposed DIC-DOC- K-means algorithm performs significantly better than the K-means, K-means++ and Weight_Avg_Initials+  K-means clustering algorithms for Reuters-21578 and WebKB with respect to purity, entropy and F-measure for most of the cluster sizes. The cluster sizes used for Reuters-8 are 8, 16, 24 and 32 and those for WebKB are 4, 8, 12 and 16. The results of the proposed DIC-DOC- K-means give a better performance for the number of clusters that are equal to the number of classes in the data set.
Who matters most? Social support, social strain, and emotions
Authors: Pierce Kayla D. R. , Quiroz Christopher S.
Published: December 2018

This research investigates the way in which social support and social strain stemming from spouses, children, and friends have different impacts on emotional states. While previous studies have compared the relative impact of different sources, our research builds upon these studies by (1) comparing various close network ties and (2) leveraging longitudinal data to investigate the causal links between support and strain from different sources and emotional states over time. We analyze individuals who have a spouse, a child, and friends across three waves of the Americans’ Changing Lives data. Although we find that social support and strain from all three sources are associated with emotional states, this relationship is not always causal. In the majority of cases, the same people who experience support or strain in their relationships are also more likely to experience more positive or negative emotional states, respectively. Only spousal interactions and child-based strain have a direct causal effect on emotional states.
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder: The Appraisal of Facial Attractiveness and Its Relation to Conscious Awareness
Authors: Tsikandilakis Myron , Bali Persefoni , Chapman Peter
Published: December 2018

Previous research suggests that facial attractiveness relies on features such as symmetry, averageness and above-average sexual dimorphic characteristics. Due to the evolutionary and sociobiological value of these characteristics, it has been suggested that attractiveness can be processed in the absence of conscious awareness. This raises the possibility that attractiveness can also be appraised without conscious awareness. In this study, we addressed this hypothesis. We presented neutral and emotional faces that were rated high, medium and low for attractiveness during a pilot experimental stage. We presented these faces for 33.33 ms with backwards masking to a black and white pattern for 116.67 ms and measured face-detection and emotion-discrimination performance, and attractiveness ratings. We found that high-attractiveness faces were detected and discriminated more accurately and rated higher for attractiveness compared with other appearance types. A Bayesian analysis of signal detection performance indicated that faces were not processed significantly at-chance. Further assessment revealed that correct detection (hits) of a presented face was a necessary condition for reporting higher ratings for high-attractiveness faces. These findings suggest that the appraisal of attractiveness requires conscious awareness.
Interaction between time organization and participation dimensions among higher education students
Authors: Porath Merav , Rosenblum Sara
Published: December 2018

Introduction

In today's academic world, higher education students from all study areas are expected to simultaneously cope with a variety of assignments, which increases stress levels. This tension may affect productivity, health and quality of life. Hence, it is important for students to adopt effective time organization and management techniques. This study aims to characterize time organization and participation dimensions, and the relationships between those dimensions among undergraduate students.

Method

The research sample consisted of 60 undergraduate students who completed several questionnaires: demographic, time organization and participation scales assessing daily time organization; an occupational questionnaire; and additional questions for assessing further daily participation dimensions that are unique to students.

Results

Time-organization ability related to and maintained a predictive relationship with individual daily participation aspects. Particularly, academic and daily routine constituted a majority (44%) of the students' time. Regression analysis indicated that the way the students' daily activities were organized in terms of time use explained between 12% and 18% of the variance of daily participation dimensions as performance, enjoyment and motivation levels.

Conclusion

Time-organization abilities significantly affected students' participation dimensions. Further research is recommended to help develop an assessment and intervention programme suiting student needs and enhancing their productivity potential and wellbeing.
Job Seeking patterns of Female and Male Ph.D. Recipients
Authors: Leviton Laura C. , Whitely Susan E.
Published: December 2018

A questionnaire survey of female and male Ph.D's was undertaken to examine sex differences in job seeking, job attainment, and factors influencing career advancement. Women and men held generally similar values with respect to home life and a career, but women rated both home and career values somewhat more highly than men. Women also reported more conflicts in pursuing a career. Although job quality did not differ by sex, job seeking patterns of women and men differed: men sought more jobs and obtained more offers. The difference in job seeking patterns combined with the somewhat greater reported job conflicts indicates that these women overcame obstacles in the way of their career advancements. Possible explanations are explored.
The Role of Calcaneofibular Ligament Injury in Ankle Instability: Implications for Surgical Management
Authors: Hunt Kenneth J. , Pereira Helder , Kelley Judas , Anderson Nicholas , Fuld Richard , Baldini Todd , Kumparatana Pam , D’Hooghe Pieter
Published: December 2018

Background:

Acute inversion ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Higher grade sprains, including anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injury, can be particularly challenging. The precise effect of CFL injury on ankle instability is unclear.

Hypothesis:

CFL injury will result in decreased stiffness, decreased peak torque, and increased talar and calcaneal motion and will alter ankle contact mechanics when compared with the uninjured ankle and the ATFL-only injured ankle in a cadaveric model.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten matched pairs of cadaver specimens with a pressure sensor in the ankle joint and motion trackers on the fibula, talus, and calcaneus were mounted on a material testing system with 20° of ankle plantarflexion and 15° of internal rotation. Intact specimens were axially loaded to body weight and then underwent inversion along the anatomic axis of the ankle from 0° to 20°. The ATFL and CFL were sequentially sectioned and underwent inversion testing for each condition. Linear mixed models were used to determine significance for stiffness, peak torque, peak pressure, contact area, and inversion angles of the talus and calcaneus relative to the fibula across the 3 conditions.

Results:

Stiffness and peak torque did not significantly decrease after sectioning of the ATFL but decreased significantly after sectioning of the CFL. Peak pressures in the tibiotalar joint decreased and mean contact area increased significantly after CFL release. Significantly more inversion of the talus and calcaneus as well as calcaneal medial displacement was seen with weightbearing inversion after sectioning of the CFL.

Conclusion:

The CFL contributes considerably to lateral ankle instability. Higher grade sprains that include CFL injury result in significant decreases in rotation stiffness and peak torque, substantial alteration of contact mechanics at the ankle joint, increased inversion of the talus and calcaneus, and increased medial displacement of the calcaneus.

Clinical Relevance:

Repair of an injured CFL should be considered during lateral ligament reconstruction, and there may be a role for early repair in high-grade injuries to avoid intermediate and long-term consequences of a loose or incompetent CFL.
“It’s Not Just a Simple Meal. It’s So Much More”: Interactions Between Meals on Wheels Clients and Drivers
Authors: Thomas Kali S. , Gadbois Emily A. , Shield Renee R. , Akobundu Ucheoma , Morris Andrea M. , Dosa David M.
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives: Meals on Wheels (MOW) programs provide home-delivered meals to over 1.5 million older adults; yet, very little is known about the drivers who make meal deliveries possible. Specifically, we do not have clear insight into their interaction with clients or the benefits that they may receive through their service. The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of MOW drivers, the interactions among drivers and clients, and the benefits of the program to both. Research Design and Method: This qualitative research study reports on interviews with 84 MOW staff (leadership, case managers/client assessors, volunteer coordinators) and drivers at six geographically and operationally distinct programs across the United States. Results: Qualitative analysis of the interviews with MOW staff and drivers revealed the following key themes: (a) clients have multiple vulnerabilities; (b) clients appear to derive social, as well as nutritional benefit from receiving meals; (c) drivers report they provide additional support to their clients beyond delivering the meal; (d) social bonds between drivers and clients were reported to strengthen over time; (e) drivers claim that they, too, derive validation and personal benefit through their meal delivery. Discussion and Implications: This research highlights the significant contributions that meal delivery drivers made in the lives of MOW clients beyond the actual meal itself. This research also spotlights the perceived benefits experienced by the drivers and points to the importance of conducting further research to determine the effects of meal delivery on client and drivers’ outcomes, more broadly.
An Argument for Action Research-Inspired Participatory Mapping
Authors: Saija Laura , Pappalardo Giusy
Published: December 2018

After decades of both enthusiasm and criticism over participatory mapping in planning, some scholars are accusing it of being an empty ritual, unable to deal with substantial issues or being servile in the face of power. This article presents a participatory mapping and planning experience carried out by an action-research partnership in the Simeto valley (Italy). It claims that reframing participatory mapping through action research means both dealing directly with power and addressing substantial issues. Action research-based mapping’s effectiveness is related less to mappers’ ability to map spatial changes and more to the impact that mapping has on the mappers themselves.
Planning for Diverse and Affordable Housing Supply? A Survey of 200 Australian Planning Schemes
Authors: Gilbert Catherine , Gurran Nicole
Published: December 2018

This paper examines how local plans regulate residential development in Australia, where there has been intense concern over housing supply and affordability. Drawing on repeat surveys of the content of local land-use plans, the study asks: What are the main objectives and mechanisms for residential development control within local plans? To what extent do plans enable or constrain diverse and affordable housing? And how does the content of local plans vary between municipalities and over time? The study finds that newer plans are more likely to contain objectives for housing diversity, but few include specific mechanisms to deliver affordable homes.
A Palliative Care Intervention in Forgiveness Therapy for Elderly Terminally Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Hansen Mary J. , Enright Robert D. , Klatt John , Baskin Thomas W.
Published: December 2018

Palliative care is now considered an essential part of end-of-life care, yet little research examines the efficacy of interventions addressing the psychological treatment of dying patients. Forgiveness therapy has been shown to be effective in improving psychological well-being and may provide a valuable addition to a terminal cancer patient's overall treatment plan. This study experimentally tested the effectiveness of a four-week forgiveness therapy in improving the quality of life of elderly terminally ill cancer patients. Participants (n=20) were randomly assigned to a forgiveness therapy group or to a wait-list control group, which received forgiveness therapy in the second four-week period. All participants completed instruments measuring forgiveness, hope, quality of life, and anger at pre-test, post-test 1, and post-test 2. The forgiveness therapy group showed greater improvement than the control group, with one-tailed t-tests, on all measures. After receiving forgiveness therapy, participants in both forgiveness treatment conditions demonstrated significant improvements on all measures. The aggregated effect size was large. The four-week forgiveness therapy demonstrated psychological benefits for elderly terminally ill cancer patients and thus may be an appropriate addition to the treatment plan for terminal cancer patients.
Living with Advanced Cancer and Short Life Expectancy: Patients’ Experiences with Managing Medication
Authors: Sand Anne Marit , Harris Janet , Rosland Jan Henrik
Published: December 2018

Our aim is to explore patients’ experiences of using medicines when they are living with far-advanced cancer and short life expectancy; our method is a qualitative interview study. At a daycare centre at a palliative clinic in Norway, we interviewed 15 patients with advanced incurable cancer with multiple metastases who had a short life expectancy. We found that in taking their medications, they feared losing control, becoming addicted, or suffering harmful effects. Non-compliance was the rule, not the exception: patients juggled doses or dosage intervals, or they stopped taking the medications. They wanted to take as little medication as possible and self-manage it to gain control over their lives. We concluded that patients need to discuss their medication practice. If they choose alternative medication strategies, that choice must be respected. For patients, the issue is self-management, not compliance. Patients with a short life expectancy want to negotiate their medication practice with health care professionals and take an active role in tailoring it to suit their preferences. Health professionals should therefore consider a concordance rather than a compliance model for these patients.
Might Massage Or Guided Meditation Provide “Means to A Better End”? Primary Outcomes from An Efficacy Trial with Patientsatthe end of Life
Authors: Downey Lois , Diehr Paula , Standish Leanna J. , Patrick Donald L. , Kozak Leila , Fisher Douglass , Congdon Sean , Lafferty William E.
Published: December 2018

This article reports findings from a randomized controlled trial of massage and guided meditation with patients at the end of life. Using data from 167 randomized patients, the authors considered patient outcomes through 10 weeks post-enrolment, as well as next-of-kin ratings of the quality of the final week of life for 106 patients who died during study participation. Multiple regression models demonstrated no significant treatment effects of either massage or guided meditation, delivered up to twice a week, when compared with outcomes of an active control group that received visits from hospice-trained volunteers on a schedule similar to that of the active treatment arms. The authors discuss the implications of their findings for integration of these complementary and alternative medicine therapies into standard hospice care.
Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Cancer Patients Admitted to An Acute Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Jones Jennifer M. , Cohen S. Robin , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: December 2018

This paper describes the quality of life and symptom burden of 211 cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit (PCU) in a comprehensive cancer centre. Participants completed the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test, and Palliative Performance Scale within 24 hours of admission to the PCU. The mean MQOL total was 6.1±1.4, and the mean single-item scale score was 4.9±2.4. The mean total ESAS score was 36.3±15.8, with a median of six reported symptoms. Women and younger patients reported a lower quality of life (QoL) and a higher symptom burden. Regression and correlational analyses highlighted the importance of the existential and psychological domains to overall QoL. These findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches to managing the complex physical, psychosocial, and existential needs of cancer patients admitted to acute PCUs.
Using A Quality Framework to Assess Rural Palliative Care
Authors: Goodridge Donna , Duggleby Wendy
Published: December 2018

Introduction: High-quality palliative care may remain out of reach for rural people who are dying. The purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities and issues affecting the provision of high-quality palliative care from the perspective of nurses employed in two rural health regions. Method: Using an interpretive descriptive design, focus groups and in-depth individual interviews of 44 nurses were conducted. Results: Descriptions of challenges and opportunities fell into three themes: effectiveness and safety, patient-cen-tredness, and efficiency and timeliness. Patient-cen-tredness was seen as a major strength of rural palliative care. Major challenges included provision of adequate symptom management and support of home deaths. The scarcity of health human resources and the negative impact these shortages had on all dimensions of palliative care quality consistently underpinned the discussions. Conclusion: Implementing outcome measurements related to symptom management and home deaths may be a critical foundation for enhancing the quality of rural palliative care.
Determinants of place of Death for recipients of Home-Based Palliative Care
Authors: Masucci Lisa , Guerriere Denise N. , Cheng Richard , Coyte Peter C.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Health system restructuring combined with the preferences of many terminally ill care recipients and their caregivers has led to an increase in home-based palliative care, yet many care recipients die within institutional settings such as hospitals. This study sought to determine the place of death and its predictors among palliative care patients with cancer. Methods: Study participants were re cruited from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, a regional palliative care program based in Toronto, Canada. A total of 137 patients and their family caregivers participated in the study; application of various exclusion criteria restricted analysis to a sub-sample of 110. Bivariate (chi-square) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were conducted. Results: 66 percent of participants died at home. Chisquare analysis indicated that women were more likely to die at home than men; multivariate analysis indicated that women and those living with others were significantly more likely to die at home than men or those who lived alone. Conclusion: Place of death is influenced by the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, the characteristics of their caregivers, and health service factors. Palliative care programs need to tailor services to men and those living alone in order to reduce institutional deaths.
Prognosticating in Palliative Care: A survey of Canadian Palliative Care Physicians
Authors: Corkum Mark , Viola Raymond , Veenema Chris , Kruszelnicki Dan , Shadd Joshua
Published: December 2018

Objective: To determine how palliative care physicians view the accuracy and importance of prognostication, what information they consider, and what processes they use. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to members of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians (CSPCP). Respondents recorded their perceptions about prognostication and the factors they considered when predicting survival. A patient scenario was described in which a prognosis was requested by two different people: a patient's daughter and a palliative care admissions coordinator. Results: 90 responses were received from 219 CSPCP members (41.1 percent). There was moderate agreement be tween respondents’ perceptions of their own accuracy and that of other physicians (κ=0.549). Of all the respondents, 89.9 percent believed that prognosticating was somewhat or very important. They considered clinical factors most commonly when prognosticating. A range of predictions was given for the scenario; often, the same physician gave different answers to the two people requesting a prognosis. Conclusion: Palliative care physicians believe that prognostication is important and use clinical factors to estimate survival. They often give different estimates to different information recipients.
Professional Development: Iranian and Swedish Nurses’ experiences of Caring for Dying People
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Ghazanfari Zahra , Sävenstedt Stefan , Häggström Terttu
Published: December 2018

Our world is rapidly becoming a global community. This creates a need for us to further understand the universal phenomena of death and professional care for dying persons. A transcultural study was undertaken using a phenomenological approach to illuminate the meaning of nurses’ experiences of professional development in the contexts of Iran and Sweden. Eight registered nurses working in oncology units in Tehran, Iran, and eight working in the context of a hospital and private homes in northern Sweden were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using the principles of phenomenological hermeneutics inspired by Paul Ricoeur. A naive reading guided a structural analysis, which yielded four main themes: coping with existential, organizational, and cultural contexts; sharing knowledge, experiences, and responsibilities; using embodied knowledge; and developing personal competence. The interpreted comprehensive understanding revealed that the meaning of professional development is that it actualizes other-oriented values and self- oriented values. Caring professionally for dying people was a learning process that could help nurses to develop their personal and professional lives when they were supported by teamwork, reflective practice, and counselling.
Lessons in Death and Dying on An East African Surgical Ward
Authors: Mitchell Katrina B.
Published: December 2018

General surgery resident Katrina B. Mitchell, MD, served for two years as a teaching assistant in the department of surgery at Weill Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania, the academic partner institution of her home hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. The following is an account of one of her experiences in East Africa.
Palliative and End-Of-Life Care in Newfoundland's Deaf Community
Authors: Maddalena Victor , O'shea Fiona , Murphy Myles
Published: December 2018

The Deaf community is a distinct cultural and linguistic community (the uppercase D is a cultural identification). Compared to the general population, the Deaf community, as a social group, experiences poorer health status. Deaf people seek care less frequently than the general population and have fewer interactions with the health system. Their encounters with the health system are often characterized by communication difficulties, fear, mistrust, and frustration. Qualitative research was used to explore the experiences of family caregivers who provided end-of-life care for a Deaf person. Key findings indicate that the Deaf community has limited understanding of their options for palliative and end-of-life care. Communication and health literacy are key barriers to accessing appropriate end-of-life care. Pain and symptom management, consideration of physical environments, and limited access to bereavement care are common issues faced by Deaf people when caring for loved ones at the end of life.
Quality of Life for Hong Kong Chinese Patients with Advanced Gynecological Cancers in the Palliative phase of Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chan Kwok Ying , Chan Man Lui , Yau Thomas Chung Cheung , Li Cho Wing , Cheng Hon Wai , Sham Mau Kwong
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the quality of life (QOL) of Hong Kong Chinese patients with advanced gynecological cancers (AGC). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 53 consecutive patients with AGC who were admitted to a university-based palliative care unit. The assessment tools utilized were: the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire for Hong Kong Chinese (MQOL-HK); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS); and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS), sexual relationships subscale. The mean total score of the MQOL-HK was 4.63 ± 1.94, within which the physical domain scored the worst (mean=3.99, SD=2.15, range: 0–7). Depression symptoms were common (62 percent). The median PPS was 40 percent. Younger age, higher HADS depression scores, and higher HADS anxiety scores were significantly correlated with poorer QOL. Furthermore, younger age and depression were significant predictors for a worse MQOL-HK score. In conclusion, Chinese patients with AGC have a relatively poor QOL, especially in the physical domain and in terms of depression symptoms. Age and depression symptoms are the most important factors affecting QOL. Proper identification of physical symptoms and depression symptoms, along with appropriate treatments, are important for improving QOL for patients.
Factors Enabling Shared Care with Primary Healthcare Providers in Community Settings: The experiences of Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Teams
Authors: DeMiglio Lily , Williams Allison
Published: December 2018

Interdisciplinary palliative care (PC) teams experience a number of barriers in their efforts to establish and maintain shared care partnerships with primary health care providers (PHCPs) in caring for patients in community settings. A qualitative study was undertaken in southern Ontario to examine how teams negotiate barriers in order to share mutual responsibility for patients with PHCPs (i.e., family physicians and community nurses). Over a one-year period, focus group interviews (n=15) were conducted with five teams to explore their experiences to better understand the factors that enable shared care. Using a conceptual framework put forth by Williams et al. (2010), the findings reveal that teams circumvent local level barriers through four enabling factors: team characteristics, geography, adaptation of practice, and relationship building. Understanding these factors and strategies to foster them will assist other jurisdictions wanting to establish a similar shared care service delivery model.
Associations between Japanese People's Concern about Family Caregiver Burden and Preference for End-Of-Life Care Location
Authors: Fukui Sakiko , Fujita Junko , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2018

Through a cross-sectional nationwide survey, this study identified the associations between Japanese people's choice of end-of-life care location and their sense of being a burden or a source of concern to their family members. A total of 1,042 people responded to the survey (a response rate of 55 percent). Of these, 44 percent said they would prefer to receive end-of-life care at home, 15 percent in hospital, 19 percent in a palliative care unit, 10 percent in a public nursing home, and 2 percent in a private nursing home. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that those who thought it most important to relieve caregiver burden on family members tended to prefer a palliative care unit or a public nursing home to their own homes; those who were most concerned about the effect their death would have on their family members tended to prefer a hospital or a palliative care unit to their own homes. These findings may assist in the development of a more effective end-of-life care system in Japan and in other countries.
An Objective Method for Evaluating Next-Generation Sequencing Panels
Authors: Angione Kaitlin , Gibbons Melissa , Demarest Scott
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Next-generation sequencing panels are particularly useful in identifying genetic diagnoses in patients with nonspecific clinical findings by allowing for analysis of many genes at once. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple, objective system to evaluate the quality of available next-generation sequencing panels.

Methods:

A list of potentially important features of next-generation sequencing panels generated from the literature was evaluated for accessibility and objectivity and distilled to a “core” set of quality features. This was then applied to a clinical setting using the example of epilepsy panels. Panels at 8 laboratories were rated based on several objective measures to create a scoring system that differentiated between labs in a clinically meaningful way.

Results:

There was substantial variability in 6 “core” test criteria, allowing for creation of a scoring system that clearly distinguished labs based on identified strengths and weaknesses of each panel.

Conclusion:

We have demonstrated an objective method for comparing next-generation sequencing panels that can be applied or adapted to any clinical phenotype for which genetic testing is available. This method offers an unbiased approach to determining the ideal test for a given indication at a given time.
Adolescent Girls’ Perceptions of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Corr Méabh , McSharry Jennifer , Murtagh Elaine M.
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To synthesize evidence from qualitative studies relating to adolescent girls’ perceptions of physical activity participation. The protocol for this review is registered with PROSPERO (ID no. CRD42017054944).

Data Source:

PubMed, Sports Discus, Academic Search Complete, and Education Resources Information Centre.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Studies reporting qualitative data that explored the views/opinions/perceptions of adolescent girls (>12 and <18 years old) published between 2001 and 2016 were included. Studies not in English, those focusing on school physical education or specific sports, and those including special populations were excluded.

Extraction:

Study characteristics and results were extracted to a form developed by the authors and managed using NVivo 10 (QSR International’s NVivo 10 software). Data were extracted by 1 reviewer, and a sample (25%) was checked by a second reviewer.

Synthesis:

Data were synthesized using a thematic network and managed using NVivo 10. The validity of the included studies was assessed using the “Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2018)” checklist. The ENTREQ and PRISMA statement was followed when reporting this qualitative synthesis.

Results:

Of the 1818 studies identified in the search strategy, 24 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Global themes were identified using a thematic network. These themes were “Gender Bias in Sport,” “Motivation and Perceived Competence,” “Competing Priorities during Adolescence,” and “Meeting Societal Expectations.”

Conclusions:

The results of this review provide insights into adolescent girls’ views on physical activity. Future research is needed to investigate the potential impact of alternative activity programs on adolescent girls with appropriate follow-up. Researchers and individuals working with young girls must consider the role of perceived motor competence in participation and how this can impact their perceptions.
Sintering metal injection molding parts of tungsten-based steel using microwave and conventional heating methods
Authors: C Veeresh Nayak , MR Ramesh , Desai Vijay , Samanta Sudip Kumar
Published: December 2018

In recent years, the near net shape metal injection molding process combines desirable features of plastic injection molding and powder metallurgy processes to gain high strength-to-weight ratio for manufacturing complex-shaped parts. The metal injection molding process consists of mixing, molding, debinding, and sintering. Microwave processing has attracted much attention in global research because of its unique features such as its ability to heat and sinter a wide variety of metals and its significant advantages in energy efficiency, processing speed, and compatibility. Also, it presents few environmental risks and can produce refined microstructures. The injected samples to be sintered are composed of fine tool steel metal powder and binders, stearic acid, paraffin wax, low-density polyethylene, and polyethylene glycol (600). In recent years, microwave-assisted post-treatment is considered a novel method for processing green parts. In this work, the green parts are subjected to high-intensity microwave fields which operate at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Metal injection molding compacts were sintered using multi-mode microwave radiation. The sintering of a metal injection molding compact by microwaves has hardly been reported. The metal injection molding compact showed better results than those produced by sintering with conventional heating. This study evaluates the effect of conventional sintering and microwave sintering on mechanical properties. By optimizing the sintering process, increased sintered hardness, a more homogeneous microstructure, and greater shrinkage were obtained using microwave-assisted sintering.
Model-based gear-shift optimization for an automated manual transmission
Authors: Huang Hua , Gühmann Clemens
Published: December 2018

Gear shift quality is traditionally optimized in a vehicle on the road, through the evaluation of the driver’s perception. This classical human-feedback-based method faces different challenges, such as low reproducibility and high cost. In order to overcome these drawbacks, an innovative automatic virtual calibration framework is proposed in the Model-in-the-Loop environment. The devised framework is composed of a dynamic model of the transmission system, an adaptive gear shift controller, an objective assessment of the gear shift quality, and a multi-objective optimization algorithm. The Pareto-optimal front with multi-conflicting criteria, such as shift time and shift comfort, can be obtained within this framework. In particular, an improved hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is developed to enhance the optimization performance. The optimization of the shift trajectory for an automated manual transmission synchronization system is implemented as a case study. The obtained optimal shift trajectories are also validated on a transmission test bench.
How Does a Social Open Innovation Succeed? Learning from Burro Battery and Grassroots Innovation Festival of India
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Egbetoku Abiodun A. , Zhao Xiaofei
Published: December 2018

As people pay attentions to social innovation as the source of innovative ideas and the repository of new business models, this study poses the following research questions: How does a social open innovation succeed? What is the success factor of social open innovation? What are the successful dynamics of social open innovation?

This article selected two case studies: one is the Burro Battery Company in Ghana and the other is grassroots innovation enterprise of India known as the Honey Bee Network and its collaborator, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Ahmedabad. The first case is a social open innovation firm case while the second case is a social open innovation policy case. Through deep case study, we found out the ways of success of social open innovation strategy and social open innovation policy.
Crime, Deprivation and Social Sustainability—Evidence across States in India
Authors: Sengupta Ramprasad , Mukherjee Sovik
Published: December 2018

We focus in this article on the dimension of social sustainability of the development process— particularly on the determining factors of social tension which results in social disruption in violent forms of the different types of crime—murder, property-related, riots in the presence of polarization and Left-wing insurgency across major states in India. This article makes an attempt to explore the role of economic deprivation—thus, resulting in economic inequality and poverty in addition to infrastructural and other socio-economic developmental factors in determining such crimes in this context. While economic growth has a definite positive role in abating such violent forms of crime and their associated tension, the development strategy should give high priority to literacy, internal security and human development for building up peace and a socially sustainable society in India.
Comments by Young People and Considerations for Career Educators
Authors: McMahon Mary , Patton Wendy
Published: December 2018

Career development is a complex lifelong process influenced by a diversity of factors. This paper examines the perceptions of children and adolescents about the influence of school on their career development. The data was gathered through focus group interviews with children and adolescents in the following school age groups: pre-school, infants, primary, secondary and post-compulsory. While young people were able to make links between school and career on a number of dimensions, these links were made differentially. Recommendations for much closer formal links between school and work were made.
A Program Description and Evaluation
Authors: Otto Luther
Published: December 2018

Young people report that choosing careers is one of the biggest problems they face. This article outlines a rationale for involving parents directly in their sons’ and daughters’ career planning, and describes a program used in high schools that equips parents to help their children choose careers. The author draws on research and practice in the US, although the concept has application beyond the US.
Improving Career Services
Authors: Lenz Janet , Reardon Robert
Published: December 2018

This case study describes an effort to integrate academic scholarship and career services delivery in a university setting. The resulting model is a “teaching career centre” where applied research, undergraduate and graduate instruction and training, and comprehensive career services are provided.

The kinds of activities accomplished to date could not have been realised without the joint collaboration that took place between academic and student affairs. Each of the individuals involved in the effort brought a unique perspective and set of skills that enabled the team as a whole to accomplish much more than any one individual working alone or working solely within their own division. The collaborative effort described in this case study demonstrates that this type of activity can be sustained over an extended period of time, can be done in a manner where each party involved benefits, and can be cost-effective and productive for the organisation as a whole.
Development of the Psychological Contract Inventory (Psycon)
Authors: Hutton Dorothy , Cummins Robert
Published: December 2018

This paper reports the factor structure of a new measure of the psychological contract, the Psychological Contract Inventory (PsyCon). Previous work on the measurement of the psychological contract is reviewed. The study was based on data from 114 employees between the ages of 25 and 65, The solution is simple and has intuitive appeal. The PsyCon inventory can now be used in future research.
Update: The Purnell Theory and Model for Culturally Competent Health Care
Authors: Purnell Larry
Published: December 2018

The Purnell model and theory were created in 1998 and received input for clarity and parsimonious assumptions from several faculty at the University of Delaware. Initially, they were used in education and clinical practice settings to develop them further and to determine their usefulness in those settings. Since that time, changes have been made with additional assumptions, variant characteristics of culture, and an extensive assessment guide that can be used by all health professionals.
Psychometric Properties of the Merrill–Palmer–Revised Scales of Development in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Dempsey Erin E. , Smith Isabel M. , Flanagan Helen E. , Duku Eric , Lawrence Michael A. , Szatmari Peter , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Vaillancourt Tracy , Volden Joanne , Mirenda Pat , Waddell Charlotte , Georgiades Stelios , Elsabbagh Mayada , Ungar Wendy J. , Bennett Teresa
Published: December 2018

Psychometrically sound tests of intellectual ability are indispensable for research and assessment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few tests have been validated for use with this population. The Merrill–Palmer–Revised Scales of Development (M-P-R) is a standardized test of intellectual ability that was validated for use with typically developing preschoolers. The current study’s aim was to investigate the criterion validity of the M-P-R for assessing cognitive skills in preschoolers with ASD ( N = 180). Good concurrent validity was demonstrated, with a large positive correlation between the M-P-R Receptive Language domain and the PLS-4 Auditory Comprehension subscale. The Cognitive domain of the M-P-R showed a medium positive correlation with later WISC-4 scores, showing acceptable predictive validity. Cognitive strengths and weaknesses assessed using the M-P-R mirrored those described for other measures, with most children obtaining higher standard scores on the Cognitive than the Receptive Language domain. An exploratory factor analysis suggested that one factor accounted for the majority of variability in M-P-R domains.
Prospects for the Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke
Authors: Caldwell Madison , Martinez Lisa , Foster Jennifer G. , Sherling Dawn , Hennekens Charles H.
Published: December 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), principally myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, is the leading clinical and public health problem in the United States and is rapidly becoming so worldwide. Their primary prevention is promising, in theory, but difficult to achieve in practice. The principal modalities that have demonstrated efficacy include therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) and adjunctive drug therapies under the guidance of the health-care provider and tailored to the individual patient. The prevention and treatment of the pandemic of overweight and obesity and lack of regular physical activity, both of which are alarmingly common in the United States, prevention and treatment of hypertension, avoidance and cessation of cigarette smoking, adoption and maintenance of a healthy diet, and avoidance of heavy alcohol consumption all have proven benefits in decreasing the risks of a first MI and stroke as well as other clinical manifestations of CVD. Although adoption of TLCs would avoid the need for adjunctive drug therapies in many primary prevention subjects, this strategy is difficult to achieve or maintain for most and may be insufficient for many, especially those at high risk with metabolic syndrome. The criteria for metabolic syndrome, affecting over 40% of the adult population older than 40 in the United States, include overweight or obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, a precursor of diabetes. The adjunctive therapies of proven benefit in the primary prevention of MI and stroke include statins, blood pressure medications, aspirin, and drugs to treat insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Fortunately, even for patients who prefer prescription of pills to proscription of harmful lifestyles, these drug therapies still have net benefits. The adoption and maintenance of TLCs and adjunctive drug therapies into clinical practice will reduce both the incidence of and mortality from a first MI and stroke as well as other major clinical manifestations of CVD.
Household Food Insecurity and Parent-to-Child Aggression
Authors: Helton Jesse J. , Jackson Dylan B. , Boutwell Brian B. , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: December 2018

Nearly 13 million children in the United States live in households struggling with food insecurity. Although biosocial theories suggest a strong link between the lack of food and child maltreatment, and a handful of studies have established a correlation between nutritional deficits and family violence, it is unclear if household food insecurity itself is associated with physical and psychological child abuse apart from other issues related to poverty. The current study examines this possibility by analyzing data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( n = 2,330). Sixteen percent of households were food insecure, and food insecurity at Wave 3 was associated with an increased use of parent-to-child psychological and physical aggression at the follow-up interview. This relationship held even after controlling for important covariates, such as maternal depression and impulsivity. We conclude by discussing what additional research is required, as well as how our findings might intersect with social policy on this topic.