bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Estimation Methods for Landline and Cell Phone Surveys
Authors: Arcos Antonio , del Mar Rueda María , Trujillo Manuel , Molina David
Published: September 2014

The rapid proliferation of cell phone use and the accompanying decline in landline service in recent years have resulted in substantial potential for coverage bias in landline random-digit-dial telephone surveys, which has led to the implementation of dual-frame designs that incorporate both landline and cell phone samples. Consequently, researchers have developed methods to allocate samples and combine the data from the two frames. In this article, we review point and interval estimation methods of proportions that can be used to analyze overlapping dual-frame surveys. We use data from the survey of attitudes toward immigrants and immigration (Opinions and Attitudes of the Andalusian Population regarding Immigration survey), a dual-frame telephone survey conducted in Andalusia, Spain, to explore these different statistical adjustments for combining landline and cell phone samples. Our application obtains good results for calibration, fixed weight, pseudo-empirical likelihood, and single-frame procedures. We recommend that one of these internally consistent estimators be used in practice. The results of these methods of estimation show that the negative image toward immigration continues to spread.
Positive Effects of Restricting Student Note-Taking in a Capstone Psychology Course
Authors: Long Gerald M.
Published: September 2014

Two versions of a senior-level capstone course with differing note-taking strategies were compared. In one semester, a traditional student note-taking format was used; in another semester, student note-taking was rendered unnecessary by providing students with complete instructor notes. Student performance in the course as well as student opinions of the course itself and the new no-notes format were assessed. The nature of students’ in-class participation increased significantly with the no–note-taking format, and final grades exhibited a modest improvement as well. Students were overwhelmingly positive in their reactions to the approach. Recommendations regarding the potential benefits of reducing the divided attention demands of note-taking in the classroom are discussed.
Effects of prosodic cues on topic continuity in child language production
Authors: Vernice Mirta , Guasti Maria Teresa
Published: September 2014

It remains controversial whether children are able to process and integrate specific linguistic cues in their mental model to the same extent as adults. In the present study, a sentence continuation task was employed to determine how Italian speakers (4-, 5-, 6-year-olds and adults) interpret prosodic cues to decide which referent is more salient in a sentence, and thus more likely to be continued as the subject of a subsequent utterance. Participants as young as 5 years of age showed the tendency to mention next, as the subject of their sentence continuations, the referent that received prosodic stress in the previous utterance. Conversely, 4-year-olds did not appear to rely on prosodic cues in order to decide which referent to mention next. These findings suggest that sensitivity to prosodic cues and the ability to integrate them in a further linguistic plan evolves with age and that a developmental change occurs between 4 and 6 years of age.
Central Venous Catheter Salvage in Home Parenteral Nutrition Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Dibb Martyn J. , Abraham Arun , Chadwick Paul R. , Shaffer Jon L. , Teubner Antje , Carlson Gordon L. , Lal Simon
Published: September 2014

Background: Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are a serious complication in the provision of home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Antibiotic salvage of central venous catheters (CVCs) in CRBSI is recommended; however, this is based on limited reports. We assessed the efficacy of antibiotic salvage of CRBSIs in HPN patients. Materials and Methods: All confirmed CRBSIs occurring in patients receiving HPN in a national intestinal failure unit (IFU), between 1993 and 2011, were analyzed. A standardized protocol involving antibiotic and urokinase CVC locks and systemic antibiotics was used. Results: In total, 588 patients were identified with a total of 2134 HPN years, and 297 CRBSIs occurred in 137 patients (65 single and 72 multiple CRBSIs). The overall rate of CRBSI in all patients was 0.38 per 1000 catheter days. Most (87.9%) infections were attributable to a single microorganism. In total, 72.5% (180/248) of CRBSIs were salvaged when attempted (coagulase‐negative staphylococcus, 79.8% [103/129], Staphylococcus aureus, 56.7% [17/30]; polymicrobial infections, 67.7% [21/30]; and miscellaneous, 66.1% [39/59]). CVC salvage was not attempted in 49 episodes because of life‐threatening sepsis (n = 18), fungal infection (n = 7), catheter problems (n = 20), and CVC tunnel infection (n = 4). Overall, the CVC was removed in 33.7% (100/297) of cases. There were 5 deaths in patients admitted to the IFU for management of the CRBSI (2 severe sepsis at presentation, 3 metastatic infection). Conclusions: This is the largest reported series of catheter salvage in CRBSIs and demonstrates successful catheter salvage in most cases when using a standardized protocol.
Fiscal Illusion in State and Local Finances
Authors: Afonso Whitney B.
Published: September 2014

There is increasing pressure on state and local governments to be transparent. The ultimate goal of increased transparency is to improve the accountability and the efficiency of government through greater citizen awareness. However, despite the abundance of data now available at the click of a button, citizens are still distrustful and dissatisfied with government policies. Fiscal illusion may be at the root of the disconnect. Fiscal illusion suggests that the citizens systematically misperceive their tax burdens and subsequently the cost of government. These issues are discussed with an emphasis on the relationship between fiscal illusion and transparency in this essay.
Caregiver Well-Being
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Dujela Carren , Smith André
Published: September 2014

We know much about caregiving women compared with caregiving men and caregiving spouses compared with caregiving adult children. We know less about the intersections of relationship and gender. This article explores this intersection through the well-being (burden and self-esteem) of caregivers to family members with dementia. Throughout British Columbia, Canada, 873 caregivers were interviewed in person for on average, over 1½ hours. The results reveal that daughters experience the highest burden but also the highest self-esteem, suggesting the role is less salient for their self-identities. Wives emerge as the most vulnerable of the four groups when both burden and self-esteem are considered. The data confirm the usefulness of the intersectionality framework for understanding co-occupancy of more than one status and indicate that positive cognitive well-being and negative affective well-being can be differentially related. Multivariate analyses confirm the importance of caregiver, not patient, characteristics for burden and self-esteem.
The clinical practice of speech and language therapists with children with phonologically based speech sound disorders
Authors: Oliveira Carla , Lousada Marisa , Jesus Luis MT
Published: September 2014

Children with speech sound disorders (SSD) represent a large number of speech and language therapists’ caseloads. The intervention with children who have SSD can involve different therapy approaches, and these may be articulatory or phonologically based. Some international studies reveal a widespread application of articulatory based approaches in children with different SSD. In Portugal no survey has been previously conducted about speech and language therapists (SLTs) practices when working with children with SSD, so it is still unknown how SLTs treat children with SSD. This study aims to explore the use of different intervention approaches of SLTs in Portugal, and to describe the approaches most frequently used in treating children who have phonologically based SSD. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire available on the web platform Advanced Communication and Swallowing Assessment (ACSA; http://acsa.web.ua.pt ), and data analysis was based on 88 responses, corresponding to 5% of the total Portuguese SLTs population. Results showed that the intervention approaches most used with children who have SSD are phonological awareness (97% of the participants), auditory discrimination (92%), meaningful minimal contrast therapy (75%) and parent-based work (58%). The great majority of SLTs combined several approaches in their intervention. There was also a high percentage of SLTs that used articulation based approaches, namely articulation work (31%) in cases of phonologically based disorders. Most (63%) SLTs used weekly interventions over a period of more than six months (51%).

The data presented here agrees with the results obtained in South African, UK and USA studies in terms of the approaches most frequently used in intervention with children who have phonologically based SSD. Regarding the frequency and duration of intervention, there is a discrepancy between the results obtained and what is commonly used across research. The characteristics described by the Portuguese SLTs for establishing the differential diagnosis of SSD do not always reflect the evidence available in recent literature. The findings presented in this article revealed the intervention approaches that SLTs currently use to treat children with phonologically based SSD and the theoretical foundations that guide their clinical practice. This allows the reader to compare clinical practice of SLTs across countries and research studies.
An in vitro study to optimise treatment of varicose veins with radiofrequency-induced thermo therapy
Authors: Badham George E , Strong Sophie M , Whiteley Mark S
Published: September 2014

Objective

To develop a reproducible method of using radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy with adequate thermal spread to ablate the whole vein wall in a truncal vein but avoiding carbonisation, device sticking and high impedance “cut outs” reducing interruptions during endovenous treatments.

Methods

Porcine liver was treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy under glass to allow measurements, observation and video recording. Powers of 6–20 W were used at varying pullback speeds to achieve linear endovenous energy densities of 18–100 J/cm. Thermal spread, carbonisation of treated tissue and high-impedance cut outs were recorded.

Results

The currently recommended power settings of 18 and 20 W produced sub-optimal results. If pulled back at 3 s/cm to achieve linear endovenous energy densities around 60 J/cm, tissue carbonisation and high impedance cut outs occurred. When high powers and fast pullbacks of 1 s/cm were used, no carbonisation or cut outs occurred but thermal ablation of the liver model was below target due to reduced time for thermal conduction. Low powers (6–12 W) with slow pullbacks (6–12 s/cm) achieved target thermal ablation with minimal carbonisation and high impedance cut outs.

Conclusions

Using low power (6 W) and a slow discontinuous pullback (6 s every 0.5 cm, in steps), we were able to achieve our target thermal ablation in the porcine liver model without carbonisation and high impedance cut outs. This suggests the currently recommended power levels could be reduced, reducing the need to remove the device to clean the electrodes during treatment while achieving target thermoablation of the treated tissue.
Not Simply More of the Same
Authors: Vemer Pepijn , Goossens Lucas M. A. , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P. M. H.
Published: September 2014

In cost-effectiveness (CE) Markov models, heterogeneity in the patient population is not automatically taken into account. We aimed to compare methods of dealing with heterogeneity on estimates of CE, using a case study in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We first present a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) in which we sampled only from distributions representing parameter uncertainty. This ignores any heterogeneity. Next, we explored heterogeneity by presenting results for subgroups, using a method that samples parameter uncertainty simultaneously with heterogeneity in a single-loop PSA. Finally, we distinguished parameter uncertainty from heterogeneity in a double-loop PSA by performing a nested simulation within each PSA iteration. Point estimates and uncertainty differed substantially between methods. The incremental CE ratio (ICER) ranged from €4900 to €13,800. The single-loop PSA led to a substantially different shape of the CE plane and an overestimation of the uncertainty compared with the other 3 methods. The CE plane for the double-loop PSA showed substantially less uncertainty and a stronger negative correlation between the difference in costs and the difference in effects compared with the other methods. This came at the cost of higher calculation times. Not accounting for heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and the double-loop PSA can be viable options, depending on the decision makers’ information needs. The single-loop PSA should not be used in CE research. It disregards the fundamental differences between heterogeneity and sampling uncertainty and overestimates uncertainty as a result.
Application of the capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch in neuropathic pain of the head and face: A case series
Authors: Gaul Charly , Resch Sonja
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Treatment of neuropathic or neuralgic head and facial pain due to dental, traumatic or surgical nerve lesions or post-herpetic neuropathy is often challenging.

Cases

We are reporting on four patients with neuropathic pain syndromes successfully treated with a capsaicin 8% patch in the affected area of the head or face.

Discussion

Treatment with the capsaicin 8% patch seems to be effective and safe for application to the facial and head region. The capsaicin 8% patch might be an additional treatment option if first-line treatment with anticonvulsants or antidepressants was ineffective or limited by side effects.
Are Immigrants More Likely Than Native-Born Americans to Perpetrate Intimate Partner Violence?
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Cooper-Sadlo Shannon , Maynard Brandy R. , Larson Matthew
Published: September 2014

Despite an emerging body of research indicating that immigrants are less likely than native-born Americans to engage in crime and antisocial behavior, less attention has focused specifically on intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among immigrant populations. We address this gap by using data from Wave II of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and compare immigrants from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America to native-born Americans with respect to multiple forms of IPV. After controlling for an extensive array of confounds, results indicate that in the aggregate, immigrants are significantly more likely to perpetrate IPV. However, examination of major world regions indicates these results are driven by Latin American immigrants. Immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe report a lower prevalence of IPV perpetration than native-born Americans. This study extends prior research on the immigrant paradox and suggests that future studies take into account regional heterogeneity when examining IPV and other forms of violence in immigrant populations.
A Study of Pay Satisfaction and Work-to-Family Conflict
Authors: Khokhar Arif Masih , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad
Published: September 2014

The authors suggest that employees offset their work–family conflict (WFC) levels with their pay satisfaction levels, on the basis of exchange and justice theories. Data was randomly collected from public sector teachers working in 95 public sector primary and secondary schools located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities, Pakistan. Results indicate that satisfaction with pay has a negative relationship with WFC. An analysis of the dimensions of pay satisfaction indicate that satisfaction with pay level, benefits level and pay structure was negatively related to WFC, but pay raises were not. Age moderate the relationship between satisfaction with pay and WFC such that higher pay satisfaction decreases WFC more for younger employees than the older employees.
A Multilevel Governance and Growth Management
Authors: Lee Youngmi , Feiock Richard C. , Lee In Won
Published: September 2014

The use of local impact fees is examined as a product of governmental supply and community demands in a political market. Whereas new regionalism emphasizes the embeddedness of city-level decisions in a regional context, political market theories and the empirical study of local growth decisions treat city decisions as being shaped by local conditions, institutions, and processes. Hierarchical general linear modeling provides a statistical method to examine influences on policy decisions at multiple levels. This article estimates a hierarchical general linear model that captures the impact of political market forces and control variables on the enactment or continuation of impact fees. The likelihood of using impact fees varies across metropolitan areas, and intergovernmental revenue facilitates local innovation, but larger council size is a barrier to application of this policy innovation. The conclusion provides a research approach and agenda for practitioners and scholars to better understand multilevel governance and its implications for policy choice.
Research on the surface treatment of silicon dioxide on the tribological properties of carbon fiber-filled polymethylmethacrylate composite
Authors: Jianguo Zhang
Published: September 2014

This article is concerned with the effects of the silane surface treatment of silicon dioxide (SiO2) on the tribological properties of the SiO2-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (SiO2/PMMA) composites filled with carbon fiber (CF). Silane treatment and CF bring positive effect to improve friction reduction and antiwear properties of SiO2/PMMA composites. Fourier transform infrared analysis shows that SiO2 has been oxidized and etched by silane treatment. The presence of active groups increases the polarity of SiO2, and so the bonding property between the particle and the matrix improves. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that this hybrid reinforcement could be interpreted in terms of a positive rolling effect of the particles between the two sliding surfaces, which protected the short CFs from being pulled out of the PMMA matrix.
Experimental study for flow characteristics of eccentric butterfly valves
Authors: Kim Chul Kyu , Yoon Joon Yong
Published: September 2014

An experimental study was performed to investigate the flow characteristics of single, double, and triple eccentric butterfly valves and concentric inclined disc butterfly valves. Valve flow coefficients, relative valve flow coefficients, and valve loss coefficients are compared between each type of butterfly valve in detail. These coefficient curves are quite different from those of conventional butterfly valves. Finally, the triple eccentric butterfly valve is recommended for use in flow rate or pressure controls, while single or double eccentric butterfly valves are better used in on–off regulation of large flow rates.
Complement C5-inhibitor rEV576 (coversin) ameliorates in-vivo effects of antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Romay-Penabad Z , Carrera Marin AL , Willis R , Weston-Davies W , Machin S , Cohen H , Brasier A , Gonzalez EB
Published: September 2014

Activation of the complement cascade is an important mechanism for antiphospholipid antibody-mediated thrombosis. We examined the effects of rEV576 (coversin), a recombinant protein inhibitor of complement factor 5 activation, on antiphospholipid antibody-mediated tissue factor up-regulation and thrombosis. Groups of C57BL/6J mice ( n = 5) received either IgG from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or control IgG from normal human serum (NHS). Each of these groups of mice had IgG administration preceded by either rEV576, or phosphate buffer control. For each of the four treatment groups, the size of induced thrombus, tissue factor activity in carotid homogenates, anticardiolipin and anti-β2glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) levels were measured 72 h after the first injection. Mice treated with IgG-APS had significantly higher titers of anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2GPI at thrombus induction compared with those treated with IgG-NHS. The IgG-APS/phosphate buffer treatment induced significantly larger thrombi and tissue factor activity compared with other groups. Mice treated with IgG-APS/rEV576 had significantly smaller thrombi and reduced tissue factor activity than those treated with IgG-APS/phosphate buffer. The data confirm involvement of complement activation in antiphospholipid antibody-mediated thrombogenesis and suggest that complement inhibition might ameliorate this effect.
Monadic, material and mirroring: Female bodies in track athletics culture
Authors: Stewart Carly , Pullen Emma
Published: September 2014

This study explored how female track athletes experience and use their bodies within the contexts (social places) that form part of their everyday routines. Using ethnographic methods (focus groups, observations, self-directed photographic elicitation, and reflexive diary entries) the research focused on a training group of five semi-elite female track athletes based in the UK in which one researcher was a full participant. Arthur Frank’s theory of the body is employed as an analytical lens to explore and illuminate the predominant types of body usage manifest in their embodiments. The findings indicated that the athletes were predominantly mirroring bodies, with focus on appearance central to their experiences. Crucially, these women desired more muscle in the mirroring process. Finally, attention is drawn to Frank’s typology as a useful framework through which to contribute to some of the key issues related to women’s experiences of their bodies in sport.
A framework agreement in the hairdressing sector
Authors: Bandasz Krzysztof
Published: September 2014

The debate on the agreement in the hairdressing sector reflects fundamental questions about the role of the European social dialogue and the social partners in European governance. In 2012 trade unions and employers’ organizations reached a compromise on improving health and safety standards in the sector across the EU. Despite the relatively narrow scope of the agreement, it has become a highly politicized battleground of the European social dialogue and the European Commission took an unprecedented decision to – de facto – block its implementation.
Newly Arrived Elderly Immigrants
Authors: Sadarangani Tina R. , Jun Jin
Published: September 2014

Newcomer elderly immigrants, defined as adults older than the age of 65 who have arrived in the United States in the last 10 years, represent a growing sector of the American population. Newcomers who experience limited English proficiency, financial strain, and acculturative stress are at considerable risk of developing poor health outcomes. Nursing’s focus on healthy aging and aging in place has largely ignored the experiences of these older adults, who are said to be “aging out of place.” This concept analysis uses Rodgers’s evolutionary method to define “aging out of place” and illustrates why existing theories of elderly migration do not necessarily apply to this population. The challenge for nurses is incorporating the family, with whom conflict may arise, into the care of these elders. Community-based strategies that enable social integration and create a greater division of labor in the care of newcomer elders are called for.
Views of Women’s Sexuality and Violence Against Women in Turkey
Authors: Gursoy Elif , McCool William F. , Sahinoglu Serap , Yavuz Genc Yasemin
Published: September 2014

Purpose: This study explored Turkish university students’ views of women-related issues—gender roles, sexuality, and violence against women. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 605 students—337 females and 268 males—at Ankara University, Turkey. A survey exploring students’ views of female sexuality and violence was used. Comparisons of responses were made among groups based on sex, year of study at the university, and field of study at the university. Results: Three relevant findings were found: male students had more traditional, nonegalitarian approaches toward women’s issues than female students; educational levels and fields of study did not significantly influence students’ views of women; and a small percentage of students approve of violence against women. Discussion: These results show that patriarchal values in Turkish society influence the formation of students’ opinions, and university education alone cannot affect everyone’s views of gender roles, women’s sexuality, and violence against women.
Reconsidering the McKibben muscle: Energetics, operating fluid, and bladder material
Authors: Meller Michael A , Bryant Matthew , Garcia Ephrahim
Published: September 2014

In spite of extensive modeling and characterization efforts, little is known about the energetics of McKibben muscle actuators. This article experimentally investigates the effectiveness of traditional McKibben muscles at converting fluid energy delivered to the actuator to mechanical output work over full actuation cycles. Once these efficiency metrics are established, a comparison of the efficiencies of traditional pneumatic fluidic artificial muscles and hydraulic fluidic artificial muscles is presented. Two new hydraulic oil compatible bladder materials are tested—an elastomeric Viton bladder and an inelastic low-density polyethylene bladder. The performance of these muscle variants is compared by measuring blocked force and free contraction as a function of pressure, hysteresis, and energy efficiencies. The measurement of fluid volume delivered to the fluidic artificial muscles over their actuation ranges is shown to be useful for evaluating the accuracy of existing cylindrical volume models. Models of the energy conversion efficiency are developed and compared to the experimental data. The results show that using an inelastic bladder significantly improves the efficiency, force capacity, and contraction range of McKibben muscles; however, it also increases the actuator’s hysteretic behavior. Powering the muscles hydraulically and operating at higher pressures improves the efficiency as well.
The Development and Validation of the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale
Authors: Oxhandler Holly K. , Parrish Danielle E.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

This article describes the development and validation of the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale (RSIPAS). The RSIPAS is designed to assess social work practitioners’ self-efficacy, attitudes, behaviors, and perceived feasibility concerning the assessment or integration of clients’ religious and spiritual beliefs in clinical practice.

Methods:

After establishing content validity of the RSIPAS with a group of nationally known experts in the area of religion/spirituality and behavioral health, a national sample of master’s social workers ( N = 482) was randomly selected to assess the scale’s internal consistency, criterion validity, discriminant validity, and factorial validity.

Results:

Findings support the scale’s reliability (α = .95), criterion validity, discriminant validity, and factorial validity.

Conclusions:

The RSIPAS may be a useful instrument for elucidating current views and training needs among social work practitioners or to evaluate the outcomes of training or educational programs that provide content on religion and spirituality in the practice context.
Health Care Professionals Implementing a Smoke-Free Policy at Inpatient Psychiatric Units
Authors: Grant Lyle G. , Oliffe John L. , Johnson Joy L. , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: September 2014

Smoke-free grounds policies (SFGPs) were introduced to inpatient psychiatric hospital settings to improve health among patients, staff, and visitors. We conducted an ethnographic study in Northern British Columbia, Canada, to describe how the implementation of SFGPs is affected by institutional cultures. Data reported here included participant observation, document review, informal discussions ( n = 11), and interviews with health care professionals (HCPs; n = 19) and staff ( n = 2) at two hospitals. We used iterative and inductive processes to derive thematic findings. Findings related to HCPs illustrate how local contexts and cultural factors affect SFGP implementation. These factors included individual beliefs and attitudes, the influence of group norms, leadership and consensus building, and locale-specific norms. Strong, consultative leadership, in which leaders solicited input from and long-term support of people most directly responsible for policy implementation, was key to success.
Liminal Reproductive Experiences After Therapies for Hematological Malignancy
Authors: Halliday Lesley E. , Boughton Maureen A. , Kerridge Ian
Published: September 2014

In this article, we discuss the psychosocial health of young women related to fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood after therapies for hematological malignancies. We utilized a hermeneutical phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 women who had previously received treatment for a hematological malignancy and had experienced uncertainty surrounding their ability to start or extend their biological family. Our presented findings are interpretations of the women’s own words as they articulated how they inhabited a liminal space. We concluded that although fertility and motherhood possibly might not be immediate concerns when they received a diagnosis of hematological malignancy, young women could subsequently experience ongoing issues and concerns related to reproductive uncertainty and motherhood capabilities, which have the potential to affect emotionally and psychosocially on their lives. These issues might possibly require longer-term support, counseling, and informational resources. We also discuss the strengths, limitations, and implications of the study.
Integrating Early Palliative Care for Patients With HIV
Authors: Lofgren Sarah , Friedman Rachel , Ghermay Rahwa , George Maura , Pittman John Richard , Shahane Amit , Zeimer Dorothy , Del Rio Carlos , Marconi Vincent C.
Published: September 2014

Increasingly clinicians are using palliative care to address the symptomatic and psychosocial effects of disease often missed by routine clinical care, termed “early” palliative care. Within an inner-city medical center, we began a program to integrate early palliative care into HIV inpatient care. Patient symptom burden and desired services were assessed and compared to provider perceptions of patient’s needs. From 2010-2012, 10 patients, with a median CD4+ T-cell count of 32.5 cells/μL, and 34 providers completed the survey. Providers ranked their patients’ fatigue, sadness, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and body image significantly higher than patients it for themselves. Patients ranked medical care, pharmacy, social work, physical therapy, and housing as significantly more important to them than providers estimated them to be. These differences may reflect the fact that physicians often overlook patients’ unmet basic needs. Early palliative care may narrow this gap between providers’ and patients’ perceptions of needs through good communication and targeting barriers, such as housing instability, which are vital to overcome for consistent long-term follow up.
Parents’ and Adolescents’ Perspectives on Parenting
Authors: Janssens Annelies , Goossens Luc , Van Den Noortgate Wim , Colpin Hilde , Verschueren Karine , Van Leeuwen Karla
Published: September 2014

Uncertainty persists regarding adequate measurement of parenting behavior during early adolescence. The present study aimed to clarify the conceptual structure of parenting by evaluating three different models that include support, psychological control, and various types of behavioral control (i.e., proactive, punitive, and harsh punitive control). Furthermore, we examined measurement invariance of parenting ratings by 1,111 Flemish adolescents from Grade 7 till 9, their mother, and father. Finally, criterion validity of parenting ratings was estimated in relation to adolescent problem behavior. Results supported a five-factor parenting model indicating multiple aspects of behavioral control, with punitive and harsh punitive control as more intrusive forms and proactive control as a more supportive form. Similar constructs were measured for adolescents, mothers, and fathers (i.e., configural and metric invariance), however on a different scale (i.e., scalar noninvariance). Future research and clinical practices should acknowledge these findings in order to fully grasp the parenting process.
Effect of co-milled wheat, green gram and barley on the rheological and quality characteristics of cookies
Authors: Tulse Siddharth B , V Reshma , Rajiv Jyotsna , Sakhare Suresh D
Published: September 2014

Studies were carried out on the co-milling of wheat (W), green gram (GG) and barley (BR) grains using a roller milling system. The co-milled straight run flours obtained by varying proportions of wheat, barley and green gram WGGBR-1 (90:5:5), WGGBR-2 (80:10:10) and WGGBR-3 (70:15:15) were used in the cookie baking experiments. As the amount of GG and BR increased in blend, water absorption increased (56.5–58.4%) and dough stability and extensibility values decreased (104–92 mm). Hardness of cookie doughs and spread ratio (7.70–6.00) of cookies decreased and breaking strength values increased from 2900 to 3700 g in cookies made using co-milled blends WGGBR-1, WGGBR-2 and WGGBR-3. The highest breaking strength value (3700 g), large islands, gummy mouth feel and lowest overall quality score of 51.5 were recorded for cookies made with blend WGGBR-3 indicating that the cookies had unacceptable hard texture. The optimum blend for cookies was WGGBR-2 (80:10:10) and the cookies possessed slightly small islands, crisp, light texture and a pleasant taste. These cookies had 12.30 and 8.00% protein and dietary fibre as against the control cookie values of 8 and 4%, respectively. The in vitro protein digestibility of the control cookies was 61% and it was 51% for cookies made with WGGBR-2 blend.
A Meta-Analysis of the Relations Between Three Types of Peer Norms and Adolescent Sexual Behavior
Authors: van de Bongardt Daphne , Reitz Ellen , Sandfort Theo , Deković Maja
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between three types of peer norms—descriptive norms (peer sexual behaviors), injunctive norms (peer sexual attitudes), and peer pressure to have sex—and two adolescent sexual behavior outcomes (sexual activity and sexual risk behavior). Adolescent sexual activity was more strongly associated with descriptive norms ( ESrfixed = .40) than with injunctive norms ( ESrfixed = .22) or peer pressure ( ESrfixed = .10). Compared with the sexual activity outcome, the effect size for descriptive norms (peer sexual risk behavior) for sexual risk behavior was smaller ( ESrfixed = .11). Age, gender, peer type, and socio-cultural context significantly moderated these associations. Additional analyses of longitudinal studies suggested that selection effects were stronger than socialization effects. These findings offer empirical support for the conceptual distinction between three types of peer norms and hold important implications for theory, research, and intervention strategies.
Friendly foes: Hybrid gangs or social networking
Authors: Bolden Christian L.
Published: September 2014

Hybrid gangs have been identified as having organizational processes that differ from traditional gangs. This study comparatively examines structural processes and characteristics of gangs in a chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have “hybrid” gangs, Orlando. A limited number of recent studies have indicated that some gangs may better fit into a social network framework, which calls into question presumptions about hybrid gangs. In this analysis, cooperation between gang members from rival gangs is examined through a social network lens, and findings indicate that such cooperation is a normalized process in the gang landscape.
Group and intergroup parameters of gang activities: An introduction and research agenda
Authors: Wood Jane L. , Giles Howard
Published: September 2014

In introducing this Special Issue on gangs, we overview the thrust of its papers, demonstrating how they assist in plugging research gaps from the dearth of psychological attention to gangs. The papers therein raise important theoretical considerations of group process effects, social identity, and communication influences in gangs. Also included are empirical examinations of how attitudes to formal organized crime groups may nurture progang views, how social networks bridge gang divides, the dehumanization and social dominance association with gang membership, and how membership longevity associates with gang members’ attitudes to their group. We conclude with theoretical prospects and empirical vistas for future work. For instance, vitality theory may help explain members’ immersion in gangs, discursive strategies could explain how youth are enticed into gangs, and examinations of community and law enforcement attitudes to gangs may provide insight into how oppositional attitudes are fostered on both sides of the gang divide.
Caregiver strain, age, and psychological well-being of older spousal caregivers in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow Esther Oi-wah , Ho Henry CY
Published: September 2014

With the social policy movement, smaller family size, longer lifespan, confined living conditions, and limited caregiving resources, informal caregiving for older adults in Hong Kong has become the main responsibility of the spouse. Their psychological well-being becomes a major concern as they may experience immense strain from undertaking the caregiving role while suffering from age-related declines. To examine whether psychological well-being differs by caregiver strain and age, 112 spousal caregivers aged 55 and over were recruited from 13 caregiver resource centres in Hong Kong. Participants responded to a structured questionnaire on multiple dimensions of psychological well-being.

Findings

Of the respondents, 22.9% reported high levels of strain and 9.9% reported high levels of depression. Results from t-tests revealed that caregivers who perceive low levels of strain are more likely to report lower caregiving distress, higher general mental health, lower depressive symptoms, higher subjective well-being, higher life satisfaction, and higher purpose in life. Old-old caregivers are more likely to report lower caregiving distress, lower depressive symptoms, and higher subjective well-being than young-old caregivers.

Applications

Findings are discussed in relation to the transactional model of stress and coping, selective optimization with compensation theory, and socio-cultural context in Hong Kong. It is suggested that culturally sensitive intervention programs should be custom-tailored for older spousal caregivers by honouring their contributions, affirming their strengths, enhancing their SOC strategies, and educating on successful ageing.
Experiences of Youth Justice: Youth Justice Discourses and Their Multiple Effects
Authors: McAlister Siobhán , Carr Nicola
Published: September 2014

Interventions within youth justice systems draw on a range of rationales and philosophies. Traditionally demarcated by a welfare/justice binary, the complex array of contemporary rationales meld different philosophies and practices, suggesting a mutability that gives this sphere a continued (re)productive and felt effect. While it may be increasingly difficult to ascertain which of these discourses is dominant in different jurisdictions in the UK, particular models of justice are perceived to be more prominent (Muncie, 2006). Traditionally it is assumed that Northern Ireland prioritizes restoration, Wales prioritizes rights, England priorities risk and Scotland welfare (McVie, 2011; Muncie, 2008, 2011). However, how these discourses are enacted in practice, how multiple and competing rationales circulate within them and most fundamentally how they are experienced by young people is less clear. This article, based on research with young people who have experienced the full range of interventions in the youth justice system in Northern Ireland, examines their narratives of ‘justice’. It considers how different discourses might influence the same intervention and how the deployment of multiple rationalities gives the experience of ‘justice’ its effect.
Subjective Experiences of an Art Museum Engagement Activity for Persons With Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Flatt Jason D. , Liptak Amy , Oakley Mary Ann , Gogan Jessica , Varner Tresa , Lingler Jennifer H.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

To describe the subjective experiences of older adults with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or related cognitive disorders (ADRDs) and their family caregivers who participated in an art museum engagement activity.

Methods:

Four focus groups were conducted with 10 persons with ADRD and 10 family caregivers following the completion of a 1-time, 3-hour engagement activity. Participants also completed a brief satisfaction survey, and associations were examined using nonparametric statistics.

Results:

Three key themes were identified: cognitive stimulation, social connections, and self-esteem. In addition, we identified programmatic issues such as activity-specific concerns and program logistics that could help improve future art program offerings. Past experience with art and perceived social cohesion were correlated with participants’ overall satisfaction with the program.

Discussion:

Efforts aimed at improving the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers should consider the potential role of art museums.
Development of a New Device for Synovial Biopsies
Authors: Hügle Thomas , Gashi Gani , Wiewiorski Martin , Müller-Gerbl Magdalena , Valderrabano Victor , Nowakowski Andrej M.
Published: September 2014

Background. Synovial biopsy is a reliable procedure that permits the identification of specific pathologies. Currently available needles for blind synovial biopsy usually consist of 2 components. We designed a novel 1-piece device for blind and minimal invasive synovial biopsy of the knee joint. Methods. A convex-shaped trocar with internal sharp plunger at the distal end and a fluid channel was engineered. Synovial biopsy of the suprapatellar recessus of the knee was performed in 8 different cadavers. The intra-articular position of the tip was confirmed by aspiration of prior injected saline fluid. The trocar was levered upward with the open notch of the device facing the anterior wall of the recessus. Then, the punch mechanism was closed and the device removed. Routine histology of the obtained tissue was performed. After the intervention, the joints were prepared for macroscopic inspection of the synovial tissue, including penetration and biopsy sites. Results. Fifteen interventions were performed. In all cases, sufficient synovial tissue was obtained. Mean length of the biopsies was 2.4 mm (range 2.0-4.3 mm) and width was 2.0 mm (range 1.4-2.6 mm). Inside the suprapatellar recessus, the mean distance from the entry site of the device to the biopsy site was 3.8 cm (range 1.1-3.4 cm). Histological analysis confirmed synovial and capsule tissue in all cases. Conclusion. This new device is a potentially useful tool for quick synovial biopsy of the knee in the clinical setting.
Storage battery remaining useful life prognosis using improved unscented particle filter
Authors: Li Limin , Wang Zhongsheng , Jiang Hongkai
Published: September 2014

Storage battery is one of the most important power sources in portable devices, marine systems, automotive vehicles, aerospace systems, and so on. For this kind of battery, it is essential to prognose its remaining useful life before its end of life, which would reduce some unnecessary sudden disasters caused by battery failure. In this article, we propose an improved unscented particle filter method for prognosing the remaining useful life of storage battery, in which the sigma samples of unscented transformation in traditional unscented particle filter are generated by singular value decomposition, and then, those sigma points are propagated by the standard unscented Kalman filter to generate a sophisticated proposal distribution. When both improved unscented particle filter and unscented particle filter methods were used for prognosing the remaining useful life of storage battery, it shows that the performance of improved unscented particle filter is better than unscented particle filter; the proposed method is more robust in remaining useful life prognosis procedure.
The non-operative management of hand fractures
Authors: Giddins G. E. B.
Published: September 2014

Most hand fractures can be treated non-operatively. Some hand fractures, such as open injuries or markedly displaced intra-articular fractures, are almost always treated operatively. The treatment of many fractures, such as proximal interphalangeal joint fracture subluxations or spiral phalangeal fractures, is unclear. The aim of this review is to establish those injuries where the outcome of non-operative treatment is unlikely to be improved with surgery. This may help to prevent unnecessary surgery, concentrate work on finding the sub-groups that may benefit from surgery and to establish which injuries do so well with non-operative treatment that the only valuable clinical research in future will be large cohort studies of non-operative treatment or randomized controlled trials comparing operative and non-operative treatments. The relevant fractures are spiral metacarpal fractures, transverse metacarpal shaft and neck (boxer’s) fractures, base of proximal phalanx avulsion fractures, thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar and radial collateral ligament injuries and bony mallet injuries. For the majority of these injuries, current knowledge suggests that the outcome of non-operative treatment cannot reliably be improved upon with surgery.

Level of evidence IV