bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Price and Expenditure Elasticities for Fresh Fruits in an Urban Food Desert
Authors: Weatherspoon Dave , Oehmke James , Dembélé Assa , Coleman Marcus , Satimanon Thasanee , Weatherspoon Lorraine
Published: June 2012

This study addresses the knowledge gap concerning the demand for fresh fruit in an urban food desert, where healthy foods are scarce by definition. Using register data from a non-profit greengrocer in Detroit—one of America’s largest and most severe food deserts—expenditure and price elasticities of fresh fruits are estimated. The results show that, if urban food desert consumers are given access to normally priced produce of acceptable quality, they will purchase it. Expenditure was found to play a major role in determining fruit demand. The food desert consumers were also found to be more price responsive than the average US consumer. The policy implications are clear: introducing neighbourhood stores providing access to good quality produce at competitive prices could be an important component of increasing fruit consumption.
Exploring the Existential Function of Religion and Supernatural Agent Beliefs Among Christians, Muslims, Atheists, and Agnostics
Authors: Vail Kenneth E. , Arndt Jamie , Abdollahi Abdolhossein
Published: June 2012

Building on research suggesting one primary function of religion is the management of death awareness, the present research explored how supernatural beliefs are influenced by the awareness of death, for whom, and how individuals’ extant beliefs determine which god(s), if any, are eligible to fulfill that function. In Study 1, death reminders had no effect among Atheists, but enhanced Christians’ religiosity, belief in a higher power, and belief in God/Jesus and enhanced denial of Allah and Buddha. Similarly, death reminders increased Muslims’ religiosity and belief in a higher power, and led to greater belief in Allah and denial of God/Jesus and Buddha (Study 2). Finally, in Study 3, death reminders motivated Agnostics to increase their religiosity, belief in a higher power, and their faith in God/Jesus, Buddha, and Allah. The studies tested three potential theoretical explanations and were consistent with terror management theory’s worldview defense hypothesis. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Linking Life Dissatisfaction to Health Behaviors of Older African Americans Through Psychological Competency and Vulnerability
Authors: Wickrama K. A. S. , Ralston Penny A. , O’Neal Catherine W. , Ilich Jasminka Z. , Harris Cynthia M. , Coccia Catherine , Young-Clark Iris , Lemacks Jennifer
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of life dissatisfaction on health behaviors of older African Americans and the linking role of psychological competency (e.g., control and agency) and psychological vulnerability (e.g., negative affect). A structural equation model using baseline data from a larger intervention study of older African Americans was examined. Respondents included 207 (153 females and 54 males with a median age of 60) older African Americans. Life dissatisfaction was directly associated with respondents’ daily fat consumption and sleep and indirectly associated with receiving regular physical exams, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption through their psychological processes. The association between life dissatisfaction and respondents’ health behaviors varied depending on the behavior under consideration. Programs and services designed to improve older African Americans’ health behaviors should address their psychological processes, as this research suggests these psychological processes are associated with different health behaviors.
Renal Pathophysiologic Role of Cortical Tubular Inclusion Bodies
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Stewart Zachary S. , Grzemski Felicity A. , Bobrowski Walter F.
Published: June 2012

Renal tubular inclusion bodies are rarely associated with drug administration. The authors describe the finding of renal cortical tubular intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies associated with the oral administration of a norepinephrine/serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NSRI) test article in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats were given an NSRI daily for 4 weeks, and kidney histopathologic, ultrastructural pathology, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Round eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed histologically in the tubular epithelial cells of the renal cortex in male and female SD rats given the NSRI compound. No evidence of degeneration or necrosis was noted in the inclusion-containing renal cells. By ultrastructural pathology, inclusion bodies consisted of finely granular, amorphous, and uniformly stained nonmembrane-bound material. By immunohistochemistry, inclusion bodies stained positive for d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) protein. In addition, similar inclusion bodies were noted in the cytoplasmic tubular epithelial compartment by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examination.  This is the first description of these renal inclusion bodies after an NSRI test article administration in SD rats. Such drug-induced renal inclusion bodies are rat-specific, do not represent an expression of nephrotoxicity, represent altered metabolism of d-amino acids, and are not relevant to human safety risk assessment.
Trauma Advocacy, Veteran Politics, and the Croatian Therapeutic State
Authors: Pupavac Mladen , Pupavac Vanessa
Published: June 2012

This article considers international trauma advocacy and Croatian veteran politics. The article begins by discussing international trauma advocacy and therapeutic state legitimation. International trauma advocacy seeks to promote peace, however unwittingly it has legitimized veteran politics antithetical to its ideals. The second half of the article goes on to consider Croatian state legitimation and privileged veteran pensions. The article suggests that Croatia is developing therapeutic forms of state legitimation. The article highlights the problems of Croatia as a therapeutic state and its recognition of extensive veteran privileges. The article concludes that the veteran privileges represent a political, social, and economic burden which is hindering Croatia’s postconflict development.
Creep constitutive model considerations for high-temperature finite element numerical simulations
Authors: Hosseini Ehsan , Holdsworth Stuart R , Mazza Edoardo
Published: June 2012

Finite element modelling is increasingly used as an integral part of creep analyses for the integrity assessment of high-temperature structures. An important consideration in such finite element simulations is the constitutive model used to represent the creep strain response of the component material as a function of temperature, stress and time. There are a variety of creep models which can be chosen by the analyst for implementation in finite element codes. In this study, five different creep models have been fitted to a set of experimental uniaxial creep curves for a 1%CrMoV turbine rotor steel at 550 °C. Subsequently, the derived constitutive equations have been implemented in finite element model representations of a series of fracture mechanics compact tension specimens manufactured from the same heat of the steel and loaded at the same temperature. The outcome clearly demonstrates the potential sensitivity of high-temperature numerical analyses of structures to the type of creep model adopted, and to the scope of the experimental data from which the model is derived. This is shown by comparing the load point displacement records from a number of compact tension specimen creep crack incubation tests with the results of finite element simulations employing the different creep deformation models. FE calculated steady-state creep stress/strain distributions ahead of the notches of compact tension specimens can also exhibit a strong sensitivity to the type of creep model adopted. Prior benchmarking the effectiveness of finite element simulation procedures for critical high-temperature components with the selected material creep model equation is therefore strongly recommended.
Where Is Social Structure in Personality Research?
Authors: Cortina Lilia M. , Curtin Nicola , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: June 2012

For decades, feminist scholars have argued that to understand a person’s behavior, one must understand not only that individual but also the social structure in which she or he is embedded. Has psychology heeded these calls? The authors investigated this question using the subfield of personality as an exemplar. Based on a systematic analysis of publication trends in nine prominent journals, the authors found that social-structural analyses rarely appear in highly cited journals specifically devoted to personality research. Instead, these analyses appear in journals that focus on certain social structures (gender and race/ethnicity), while still neglecting others (social class and sexual orientation). To illustrate how greater attention to social structure can advance the scientific understanding of individuals, the authors then identified specific research programs that look closely at both personality and structure. The article concludes with specific recommendations for research and teaching in personality psychology, gender and race psychology, and beyond.
Intrinsic Risk Factors of Noncontact Ankle Sprains in Soccer
Authors: Fousekis Konstantinos , Tsepis Elias , Vagenas George
Published: June 2012

Background:

Ankle sprain is an extremely common injury in soccer players. Despite extensive research, the intrinsic cause of this injury under noncontact conditions remains unclear.

Purpose:

To identify intrinsic risk factors for noncontact ankle sprains in professional soccer players.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2

Methods:

One hundred professional soccer players were assessed in the preseason for potential risk factors of noncontact ankle sprains. The assessment included (A) ankle joint asymmetries (right-left) in isokinetic muscle strength, flexibility, proprioception, and stability; (B) somatometric asymmetries; (C) previous injuries; and (D) lateral dominance traits. Noncontact ankle sprains were prospectively recorded and diagnosed for a full competition period (10 months).

Results:

Seventeen of the players sustained at least 1 noncontact ankle sprain. Logistic regression revealed that players with (A) eccentric isokinetic ankle flexion strength asymmetries (odds ratio [OR] = 8.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95-40.36, P = .005), (B) increased body mass index (OR = 8.16; 95% CI, 1.42-46.63, P = .018), and (C) increased body weight (OR = 5.72; 95% CI, 1.37-23.95, P = .017 ) each had a significantly higher risk of a noncontact ankle sprain. A trend for younger players (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.061-1.24, P = .092) and for players with ankle laxity asymmetries (OR = 3.38; 95% CI, 0.82-14.00, P = .093) to be at greater risk for ankle sprain was also apparent to the limit of statistical significance (.05 < P < .10).

Conclusion:

Functional strength asymmetries of the ankle flexors and increased body mass index and body weight raise the propensity for ankle sprains in professional soccer players. Age and asymmetries in ankle laxity are potential factors worth revisiting, as there was an indication for younger players and players with ankle instability to be at higher risk for ankle injury. Proper preseason evaluation may improve prevention strategies for this type of injury in soccer.
Thoracic and Lumbar Fractures Associated With Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries According to the AO Comprehensive Classification
Authors: Gertzbein Stanley D. , Khoury David , Bullington Andrew , St. John Thomas A. , Larson Andrew I.
Published: June 2012

Background:

The incidence of spinal fractures varies from 1% to 17% in alpine skiing injuries. Distinctions have been made regarding the differences in the mechanisms of injury and fracture types between skiing and snowboarding. Although fracture patterns have been described, there have not been any detailed descriptions of the specific fracture types and subgroups.

Purpose:

To address the patterns of spinal fractures associated with these sports and to determine the incidence of various fracture groups and subgroups as well as to determine whether the fracture patterns differ between skiing and snowboarding injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures associated with either skiing or snowboarding over a period of 5 years. The injuries were classified according to the AO Comprehensive Classification. In addition, isolated transverse process fractures and isolated spinous process fractures were included. Cervical spine fractures were excluded from this study.

Results:

There were a total of 119 patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures that were identified after 1,283,348 skiing/snowboarding days. There were a total of 146 fractures, of which 114 were classified according to the AO Comprehensive Classification, with the remaining fractures (n = 32) consisting of isolated transverse or spinous process fractures. The preponderance of these injuries (94.7%) was compression injuries. Burst fractures (A3.1 and A3.2) made up 23%, and simple compression fractures (A1.1, A1.2, and A1.3) made up 71% of the total. Distraction injuries composed only 4.4%, and rotation injuries composed 0.9% of the total. The snowboarders incurred only compression fractures, whereas the 5 distraction injuries and the 1 rotational injury were noted only in the skier population. There were no patients with neurological deficits in this review. Fourteen skiers (14%) and 10 snowboarders (8%) were found to have isolated transverse process fractures. All 6 isolated spinous process fractures (4% of all fractures) were in the thoracic spine.

Conclusion:

Thoracic and lumbar fractures caused by skiing and snowboarding are mainly stable injuries, composed of either compression fractures, mostly simple compression injuries, or isolated transverse and spinous process fractures. Neurological injury was not seen in this study.
Normative Resistance and Inventive Pragmatism
Authors: Pfeffer Carla A.
Published: June 2012

Transgender individuals and families throw existing taxonomic classification systems of identity into perplexing disarray, illuminating sociolegal dilemmas long overdue for critical sociological inquiry. Using interview data collected from 50 cisgender women from across (primarily) the United States and Canada, who detail 61 unique partnerships with transgender and transsexual men, this work considers the pragmatic choices and choice-making capacities (or “agency”) of this social group as embedded within social systems, structures, and institutions. Proposing the analytic constructs of “normative resistance” and “inventive pragmatism” to situate the interactional processes between agency and structure in the everyday lives of this understudied group of cisgender women, this work theorizes the liminal sociolegal status of an understudied family form. In so doing, it exposes the increasingly paradoxical consolidation and destabilization of sociolegal notions of identity, marriage, normativity, and parenthood—challenging, contributing to, and extending current theoretical and empirical understandings of agency and structure in twenty-first-century families.
Preparation of carboxylated/sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)s for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Li Long , Liu Chang , Guo Meimei , Wang Yan , Liu Baijun , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: June 2012

Derived from a hydroquinone monomer, a series of poly(arylene ether ketone)s containing ethyl benzoate pendants were first prepared as starting materials via aromatic nucleophilic substitution polycondensations. Sulfonated analogues could be obtained by simply stirring the obtained polymers in 95–98% sulfuric acid at room temperature. Following this, poly(arylene ether ketone)s bearing both carboxyl and sulfonic acid groups were prepared through a hydrolysis reaction of the ester groups on the above sulfonated polymers. The properties, including thermal, oxidative and dimensional stability, water absorption, mechanical properties, proton conductivity and methanol crossover of both sulfonated and sulfonated/carboxylated polymers were well investigated. It was found that some membranes exhibited good properties for proton exchange membranes.
Curing of DGEBA/ZnO nanocomposite with new fluorinated curing agents
Authors: Ghaemy Mousa , Bazzar Maasoomeh , Berenjestanaki Farshad Rahimi
Published: June 2012

In this study, two new fluorinated curing agents bearing imidazole-bisphenol and imidazole-diamine groups in their structures, namely: 4,4′-(2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-diyl)diphenol (TFIDO) and 4,4′-(4,4′-(2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-diyl)bis(4,1-phenylene)bis(oxy)bis (3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline) (TFIA) were synthesized, fully characterized and used to cure diglycidylether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)-based epoxy resin and blend of DGEBA with nano ZnO (NZ) particles. Two mechanisms were anticipated to play roles in the curing reactions based on adducts formation and ionic complexes. The DGEBA/TFIDO system was more reactive than the DGEBA/TFIA system, whereas the thermal stability of DGEBA/TFIA was higher than that of DGEBA/TFIDO. These results can be explained by the increase in cross-linking density and more CF3 groups in TFIA. The results indicated that cured materials showed red shift in absorption and fluorescence emission spectra and significant improvements in the water repellency and thermal stability. The NZ particles as catalyst increased the rate of cure reaction by decreasing the activation energy ( Ea) and increasing the rate constant values.
Poverty and Health
Authors: Fuller-Rowell Thomas E. , Evans Gary W. , Ong Anthony D.
Published: June 2012

Social-class discrimination is evident in many societies around the world, but little is known about its impact on the poor or its role as an explanatory variable in the link between socioeconomic status and health. The current study tested the extent to which perceived discrimination explains socioeconomic gradients in physical health. Participants were 252 adolescents (51% male, 49% female; mean age = 17.51 years, SD = 1.03 years) who participated in Wave 3 of an ongoing longitudinal study focusing on the developmental consequences of rural poverty. Physical health was operationalized as allostatic load, a measure of cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by overactivation of physiological systems that respond to stress. Mediation analyses suggested that 13% of the effect of poverty on allostatic load is explained by perceived discrimination. The findings suggest that social-class discrimination is one important mechanism behind the influence of poverty on physical health.
Living fat in a thin-centric world: Effects of spatial discrimination on fat bodies and selves
Authors: Owen Lesleigh
Published: June 2012

Traditional narratives about fat experiences often exclude tangible, lived experiences in favor of examining fatness as a social and interpersonal symbol. In order to expand considerations of what it means to literally be fat, I use information from interviews, personal journals, and ethnographic research to explore how fat persons experience and navigate their daily, spatial worlds. Key to my analysis is an exploration of the concept of spatial discrimination, or experiencing the physical and emotional effects of living in a world designed with smaller bodies in mind. I propose spatial discrimination as a form of microaggression, a type of discrimination that implicitly, and through a myriad small words and examples, derides the physicalities and identities of marginalized persons. Finally, I explore three common, social psychological methods of coping with spatial discrimination: withdrawal, invisibility, and disembodiment, all of which illustrate fat persons’ adaptations to moving through physical spaces that implicitly exclude them.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of rat following acute inhalation exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Srinivas A , Rao P Jaganmohan , Selvam G , Goparaju A , Murthy Balakrishna P , Reddy Neelakanta P
Published: June 2012

In this research, we investigated the toxicity responses of rat following a continuous 4 h inhalation exposure of only the head and nose to iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs, size = 15–20 nm). The rats for the investigation were exposed to a concentration of 640 mg/m3 Fe3O4 NPs. Markers of lung injury and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood, oxidative stress in lungs, and histopathology were assessed on 24 h, 48 h, and 14 days of postexposure periods. Our results showed a significant decrease in the cell viability, with the increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, and alkaline phosphatase in the BALF. Total leukocyte count and the percentage of neutrophils in BALF increased within 24 h of postexposure. Immediately following acute exposure, rats showed increased inflammation with significantly higher levels of lavage and blood proinflammatory cytokines and were consistent throughout the observation period. Fe3O4 NPs exposure markedly increased malondialdehyde concentration, while intracellular reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly decreased in lung tissue within 24-h postexposure period. On histological observation, the lung showed an early activation of pulmonary clearance and a size-dependant biphasic nature of the Fe3O4 NPs in causing the structural alteration. Collectively, our data illustrate that Fe3O4 NPs inhalation exposure may induce cytotoxicity via oxidative stress and lead to biphasic inflammatory responses in Wistar rat.
Unconditional tests for comparing two ordered multinomials
Authors: Shan Guogen , Ma Changxing
Published: June 2012

We consider two exact unconditional procedures to test the difference between two multinomials with ordered categorical data. Exact unconditional procedures are compared to other approaches based on the Wilcoxon mid-rank test and the proportional odds model. We use a real example from an arthritis pain study to illustrate the various test procedures and provide an extensive numerical study to compare procedures with regards to type I error rates and power under the unconditional framework. The exact unconditional procedure based on estimation followed by maximization is generally more powerful than other procedures, and is therefore recommended for use in practice.
Performed and preferred participation in science and technology across Europe: Exploring an alternative idea of “democratic deficit”
Authors: Mejlgaard Niels , Stares Sally
Published: June 2012

Republican ideals of active scientific citizenship and extensive use of deliberative, democratic decision making have come to dominate the public participation agenda, and academic analyses have focused on the deficit of public involvement vis-à-vis these normative ideals. In this paper we use latent class models to explore what Eurobarometer survey data can tell us about the ways in which people participate in tacit or in policy-active ways with developments in science and technology, but instead of focusing on the distance between observed participation and the dominant, normative ideal of participation, we examine the distance between what people do, and what they themselves think is appropriate in terms of involvement. The typology of citizens emerging from the analyses entails an entirely different diagnosis of democratic deficit, one that stresses imbalance between performed and preferred participation.
Proximate Determinants of Fertility in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tey Nai Peng , Ng Sor Tho , Yew Siew Yong
Published: June 2012

The continuing decline in fertility despite a contraction in contraceptive use in Peninsular Malaysia since the mid-1980s has triggered considerable interest in the reasons behind this phenomenon, such as increase in abortion, sterility, and out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Fertility decline has been attributed to rapid socioeconomic development, which can only influence fertility through the intermediate variables. Application of vital statistics, population census, and survey data of Peninsular Malaysia on Bongaarts’s model vindicates that marriage postponement and contraceptive use are the 2 most important proximate determinants of fertility, but the effects are not uniform across the ethnic groups. For instance, the predicted total fertility rate for Chinese and Malays are 2.9 and 1.6, respectively, compared with the observed level of 3.0 and 1.9. Postpartum infecundability and abortion also play a part in explaining ethnic fertility differentials. The fertility inhibiting effects of these proximate determinants have significant implications on reproductive health and future population growth.
Unpoetic Justice
Authors: Converse Caren Wakerman
Published: June 2012

Despite the legal and social ramifications of presentence investigation reports, little is known about them outside the legal community. The author uses the frameworks of genre theory and activity systems to analyze the documents, the criminal justice system’s ideology of sentencing, and the statutes and regulations that govern the reports. What emerges is an ambiguous and contradictory genre at odds with the philosophy of individualized justice underpinning its origins, a genre that has eschewed narrative for the sake of objectivity. The article further underscores the value of employing a flexible theoretical framework when studying workplace genres.
Communicating a Green Corporate Perspective
Authors: Mason Marianne , Mason Robert D.
Published: June 2012

This study examines the corporate environmental reports of 100 companies listed in the 2009 Fortune 1000 in order to illustrate how this type of genre communicates a green corporate ethos to audience members who are trying to distinguish between greenwashing tactics and true environmental concerns. The authors analyze how corporate environmental reports are constructed at macro and micro discursive levels to promote a socially responsible image to in-group (e.g., employees and stockholders) and out-group (e.g., consumers) members. The results of the analysis show how these reports use ideological persuasion to influence or change audience members’ opinions about corporate environmental sustainability.
Effect of parameter variations on the performance of direct current (DC) servomotor drives
Authors: Shanmugasundram Ramasami , Zakaraiah Karim Muhammed , Yadaiah Narri
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the design and implementation of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) for the brushless direct current (BLDC) servomotor drive system. The performance of the BLDC servomotor drive system is analyzed under different operating conditions such as change in inertia, resistance, load disturbance and change in reference speed. Simulation and experimental results are presented to prove that the parameter variations will considerably affect the performance of the PID controller based BLDC drive but not the MRAC based BLDC drive due to its inherent capability to adapt itself to the changing environment. Moreover, determining mechanical load parameters accurately for the small DC servomotor drives is a great challenge to the control system designers as they are very essential for the design of controllers. This paper also presents a simple and accurate method for determining the mechanical parameters of motor and load.
Use of Mental Health Services Among Asian and Latino Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cho Hyunkag
Published: June 2012

Asian and Latino Americans are two of the fastest growing populations in the United States, but have been underrepresented in literature on intimate partner violence (IPV), especially in relation to mental health care. This study used the National Latino and Asian American Study to examine differences in use of mental health services between Asian and Latino victims of IPV. The results show that Asian victims used mental health services less than Latinos, controlling for education, English proficiency, family values, the type of IPV, and perceived mental health status, and that help seeking of those victims was affected by various individual and social factors.
Power in discursive practices: The case of the STOP EPAs campaign
Authors: Del Felice Celina
Published: June 2012

Transnational activism has increased in relation to international trade and development politics in the past decades, yet their power has been inadequately studied. This article analyses the STOP EPAs campaign (2004–2009) which aimed to influence the negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. It is analysed through a framework in which decisional and discursive power converge. It is argued that the campaign contributed to shaping the negotiations’ discursive practices and, thus, helped to frame what was possible in terms of decisions. It did so by both reproducing and challenging underlying assumptions of trade and development policies, fostering the inclusion of more voices and issues in debates, and shaping subjects’ identities. It was in the ‘play of practice’ that activism opened limited but important spaces for change, as observed in the discussions over what a pro-development World Trade Organization-compatible free trade agreement would entail.
On the relationship between autistic traits and executive functioning in a non-clinical Dutch student population
Authors: Maes Joseph HR , Vissers Constance ThWM , Egger Jos IM , Eling Paul ATM
Published: June 2012

We examined the association between autistic traits and different aspects of executive functioning (EF), using non-clinical Social Science and Science students as participants. Autistic traits, and associated personality traits, were measured using the Autism Quotient (AQ) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), respectively. EF was examined by means of a random number generation test and a phonemic fluency test. Using appropriate dependent measures, the following EF components were examined: 1) inhibition of prepotent responding, 2) simple output inhibition, 3) working memory monitoring and updating, and 4) switching. No significant relationship was found between the AQ and each of the four components of EF. However, two TCI subscales were reliably correlated with either the working memory or the shifting component. These results were discussed in view of the concept of an autism spectrum with respect to executive abilities.
Mechanisms of brain impact injuries and their prediction: A review
Authors: Post Andrew , Hoshizaki T Blaine
Published: June 2012

Brain injuries are a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. Currently a great deal of controversy exists concerning the mechanism of these injuries and concussion in particular. The following review discusses the anatomical mechanisms which are known to cause brain injuries and the variables currently used to predict their incidence. This review examines how current engineering techniques and measurements are being used to research brain injury mechanisms. The text examines the past and current measurement techniques and their benefits and drawbacks when it comes to predicting brain injuries and understanding brain injury research. Finally, future methods of quantifying brain injury are discussed with concluding remarks concerning the efficacy of current measurement techniques to predict brain injuries.
Public journalism is a joke: The case for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert
Authors: Faina Joseph
Published: June 2012

Scholars have increasingly turned their attention to understanding and assessing the impact of faux news anchors Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, and Stephen Colbert, host of The Daily Show spinoff The Colbert Report. While important work has been done to illustrate the impact of these shows on political participation and public discourse they are still placed within traditional notions of political knowledge and civic participation. Such characterizations remain incomplete for understanding the lasting role Stewart and Colbert may play in contemporary journalism. In this article I contend that Stewart and Colbert are performing underappreciated roles as public journalists as well as serving to re-envision a mass mediated public journalism for the 21st century. Ultimately, through the use of humor, Stewart and Colbert invite a heightened sense of participation in public life in the contemporary mass mediated landscape, adhering to the principles and promises of public journalism.
Lokomat Robotic-Assisted Versus Overground Training Within 3 to 6 Months of Incomplete Spinal Cord Lesion
Authors: Alcobendas-Maestro Mónica , Esclarín-Ruz Ana , Casado-López Rosa M. , Muñoz-González Alejandro , Pérez-Mateos Guillermo , González-Valdizán Esteban , Martín José Luis R.
Published: June 2012

Background. About 75% of persons with ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) Impairment Scale C and D incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) achieve walking ability. Objective. To compare a walking reeducation program using Lokomat with conventional overground training among individuals with incomplete SCI of both traumatic and nontraumatic etiology. Methods. A total of 80 participants from 3 to 6 months after onset admitted to 1 site for rehabilitation were included in a single-blind randomized clinical trial of 2 parallel groups, with blind evaluation by independent observers. Patients received 40 walking reeducation sessions of equal time using a Lokomat program with overground practice or overground mobility therapy alone. Primary measurements of outcome were walking speed and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II). Secondary outcomes were the 6-minute walk test, locomotor section of the Functional Independence Measure, Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), Ashworth Scale, and Visual Analog Scale for pain. Results. No significant differences were found at entry between treatment groups. Walking speed for Lokomat (0.4m/s [0.6-0.2]) and overground therapy (0.3m/s [0.5-0.2]) groups did not differ. The WISCI II for the Lokomat group (16 [8.5-19]) was better than for overground therapy (9 [8-16]). The 6-minute walk test and LEMS displayed significant differences in favor of Lokomat therapy but were not corrected for multiple comparisons. Conclusions. Robotic-assisted training was equivalent to conventional walk training in patients with a variety of nonprogressive spinal cord pathologies for walking speed, but the need for orthotics and assistive devices was reduced, perhaps because of greater leg strength in the robotic group.
A Team Cognitive Readiness Framework for Small-Unit Training
Authors: Fiore Stephen M. , Ross Karol G. , Jentsch Florian
Published: June 2012

The modern battlefield is characterized by a need to mitigate the effects of creative tactics by insurgent enemies. At the small-unit level, this need requires coordination by team members highly proficient in battle drills and immediate actions. Furthermore, these teams must demonstrate a facility in adaptive decision making and flexible action execution to effectively respond to threats. At issue is whether current training theory can appropriately support this need to enable teams that are not only procedurally ready but also cognitively ready. In this article, the authors provide a theoretical framework meant to guide the development of training for team cognitive readiness (TCR). Beginning with perceptual processing and cue recognition, elevating to problem solving and decision making, and scaling up to complex coordinative processes, TCR requires a comprehensive theoretical framework capable of addressing the varied processes and performance demands at the small-unit level. In service of this need, the authors provide a framework to improve the understanding of, and to improve adaptive coordination in, teamwork in dynamic environments.
Experimental investigation on the study of mechanical and microstructural properties of hybrid composite cement beams reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibres
Authors: Hunashyal Anand M , Quadri Sayed S , Banapurmath Nagaraj R
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the behavior of reinforced cement composite beams with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers. The percentage of carbon fibers was fixed at 0.25 wt% of cement, while the percentage of multi-walled carbon nanotubes was fixed at 0.75 wt% of cement. Dispersion of both multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers was carried out using the ultrasonic energy method. Composite beams were tested under flexure in order to evaluate their mechanical properties such as flexural strength, toughness and ductility. These results were then compared with the results of plain cement control beams. Microstructural tests like scanning electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were conducted on hybrid nanocomposite material, to study the dispersion of carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers, bonding of carbon nanotubes in C-S-H, temperature effects and the elemental composition. From the study it is concluded that the load-carrying capacity of composite beams under three-point loading is substantially higher than for plain controlled beams.
Evaluación de proceso del programa de educación afectivo-sexual Ni ogros ni princesas
Authors: García-Vázquez Jose , Ordóñez Adelina Lena , Álvarez y Óscar Suárez
Published: June 2012

Resumen

Fundamento: En 2008, se puso en marcha el programa Ni ogros ni princesas en 12 centros de secundaria de Asturias (España) para incorporar la educación afectivo-sexual. El programa proponía 14 actividades, dirigidas a alumnado, profesorado y familias. Este estudio recoge la evaluación de proceso de esta intervención, en relación a la ejecución de las actividades, participación, satisfacción, utilidad percibida y propuestas de mejora. Métodos: La población de estudio fueron los 12 centros que participaron en el programa, y su alumnado, profesorado y familias. Se obtuvo información sobre la ejecución de actividades mediante un cuestionario de seguimiento; se recogió la satisfacción y utilidad percibida con cuestionarios auto-administrados para alumnado y profesorado; también se recogieron sus propuestas de mejora, y las de las familias, en grupos focales. Resultados: El número medio de actividades realizadas por los 12 centros fue 11,6. Se implicaron 185 docentes (26%), que impartieron sesiones al 81% del alumnado en estos 12 centros. El número medio de sesiones impartidas fue 6 en cada nivel de la ESO. El 79% del profesorado se sintió bastante/muy satisfecho con su actuación y al 65% del alumnado le gustaron bastante/mucho estas sesiones. Más del 60% de estudiantes y docentes consideraron que estas sesiones servían bastante/mucho para aumentar conocimientos, reflexionar, mejorar la igualdad, conocer otras opiniones y favorecer el respeto a la diversidad sexual. Entre las propuestas de mejora, más horas para la educación sexual, liberación horaria para el profesorado, y más actividades para familias. Conclusiones: El programa fue una intervención novedosa y percibida como útil para incorporar la educación sexual en los centros de secundaria, ya que contó con un gran nivel de ejecución, así como una alta participación, satisfacción y utilidad percibida por el alumnado y profesorado.
Review and recommendations for online physical activity and nutrition programmes targeted at over 40s
Authors: Cavill Jamie-Lee , Jancey Jonine Maree , Howat Peter
Published: June 2012

Issues addressed. Australia’s ageing population is becoming less physically active and increasingly overweight and obese. There is a need to support physical activity and healthy dietary practices to control overweight and obesity and to prevent chronic disease amongst the middle aged and older population (40 years or more). The Internet is emerging as a potentially effective method of delivering health promotion programmes. Methods. Literature relating to online physical activity and nutrition programmes published from 2000 to 2009 were identified through a search of four databases and by examining reference lists of relevant articles. Results. Eighteen relevant references were identified: 10 online physical activity programmes and eight online physical activity and nutrition programmes. Twelve studies reported significant short-term effects on behaviour change or weight loss, and four studies did not assess behaviour change, but focused on the usefulness of website strategies, attitude changes and/or recruitment methods. Seven studies experienced low retention rates. Conclusions. Evidence to date suggests that the Internet is no more effective than print materials, face-to-face programmes and other health promotion methods. Several studies found positive short-term effects from using Internet-based programmes, including those aimed at the target group (40 years or more). Therefore the use of the Internet as a method for delivering health promotion programmes is worthy of future consideration. So what? The Internet provides an opportunity for health promotion professionals to engage vastly more people in health promotion interventions, as well as providing a tool to interact and engage with them. From a population health perspective this is becoming more important as the incidence of lifestyle related diseases increases among middle to older aged people. Although online physical activity and healthy weight programmes vary in degrees of effectiveness, the Internet cannot be ignored as a future medium for health promotion. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programmes.
Appropriate health promotion for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: crucial for closing the gap
Authors: Demaio Alessandro , Drysdale Marlene , de Courten Maximilian
Published: June 2012

Health promotion for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their people has generally had limited efficacy and poor sustainability. It has largely failed to recognise and appreciate the importance of local cultures and continues to have minimal emphasis on capacity building, community empowerment and local ownership. Culturally Appropriate Health Promotion is a framework of principles developed in 2008 with the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Health Promotion. It serves as a guide for community-focused health promotion practice to be built on and shaped by the respect for understanding and utilisation of local knowledge and culture. Culturally Appropriate Health Promotion is not about targeting, intervening or responding. Rather, it encourages health programme planners and policymakers to have a greater understanding, respect, a sense of empowerment and collaboration with communities, and their sociocultural environment to improve health. This commentary aims to examine and apply the eight principles of Culturally Appropriate Health Promotion to the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context. It proposes a widespread adoption of the framework for a more respectful, collaborative, locally suitable and therefore appropriate approach to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion.
Where are the champions of global health promotion?
Authors: Laverack Glenn
Published: June 2012

For many years the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided the global direction and leadership that has helped to shape the way we view health promotion today. The future role of the WHO is now uncertain and the lack of global leadership for health promotion and identification of who will provide the future direction are issues that need to be addressed. The crucial question posed in this commentary is: Where are the individuals and organisations that will provide the global leadership and vision for health promotion in the future? We need named champions for the future leadership of health promotion practice – people and organisations who offer a leadership style that will maintain its global profile, be representative across sectors and have the ability to maintain its political efficacy. The two key health promotion approaches, top-down and bottom-up, do not always share the same goals, and they demand different styles of leadership. This is an important consideration in our goal to find champions who can work with both approaches and understand how to accommodate them as a part of the future direction of health promotion. This commentary raises key questions to stimulate discussion and action towards addressing the lack of global leadership in health promotion. It discusses some of the key players, leadership characteristics and the contradictions in style that are inherent in achieving a goal of charismatic global champions.
Las estrategias de promoción y prevención en el Modelo Integral de Atención en Salud - Trienio 2003-2006, Tabasco, México
Authors: Calvo Silvia Martínez , Padrón y Hilda Santos
Published: June 2012

Resumen

Introducción. Las estrategias de atención de salud previstas en el modelo de atención del Estado de Tabasco para el período 2003-2006, se organizaron en dos grupos: i) relacionadas con la promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades; y ii) relacionadas con la gestión y administración de los servicios de salud. La estrategia dirigida a la promoción de salud y la prevención de enfermedades, fue considerada como prioritaria en el nuevo Modelo de Atención de Salud y para ello, se privilegió la participación comunitaria. Objetivo. después de casi 3 años de ejecución, era imprescindible indagar sobre lo alcanzado, para lo cual, se diseñó y ejecutó un ejercicio valorativo, cuya descripción representa el objetivo de este trabajo. Metodología. se realizó un ejercicio valorativo, desarrollado durante los meses de agosto-octubre del año 2006 en Jurisdicciones Sanitarias seleccionadas en el estado de Tabasco, in México. Resultados. destacan hallazgos como, la creación y funcionamiento de los Comités de Salud, la identificación del trabajo intersectorial y la utilidad de la participación comunitaria. Conclusiones. se concluye que en todo modelo de atención de salud, son ineludibles las actividades de promoción y prevención para obtener resultados exitosos. Estas actividades mantienen su vigencia y utilidad, particularmente, las acciones intersectoriales y la toma de decisiones con participación comunitaria. Sin dudas, la creación y funcionamiento del Comité Local de Salud, principal órgano coordinador municipal para las actividades de promoción y prevención, requiere perfeccionar su funcionamiento.
Faith-Based Accountability Mechanism Typology
Authors: Steiner Sherrie
Published: June 2012

The conditions associated with the stability of democratic global governance have been a leading concern of political sociology. Globalization, a situation of “governance without government,” has accountability gaps that International Nongovernmental Organizations—religious and secular—bridge with activism. They strengthen democratic norms by exercising soft power as accountability mechanisms in international relations. Religious and secular accountability mechanisms differ in structure and function. This article presents a Faith-Based Accountability Mechanism typology that outlines a set of attributes for an exercise of religious soft power that might strengthen the democratic process in global governance. A coalition service model that preserves the public trust in appropriate contexts is developed in contrast to monopolistic religious surveillance models. The typology is illustrated with case study data from the 2011 Interfaith Summit in Bordeaux, France.