bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Administration Research in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Brewer Gene A. , Choi Yujin
Published: August 2013

In this article, we describe and explore the topics, methods, and author arrangements of the English language literature on public administration in East and Southeast Asia. Articles in the review are for the period 1999-2009 and were identified in the Web of Science. Searches identified 309 articles in the disciplinary area of public administration. The emphasis of scholarly attention is on East Asia—China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Four major characteristics of this literature are noted. First, it is comparative in nature. Second, it focuses on system and regime change, as well as policies, as the major topics and units of analysis. Thirdly, it is primarily based on normative argumentation, and where it is empirical, it typically relies on secondary data. Fourth, it is largely interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on many disciplines and scholars from around the globe, but it is dominated by scholars based in English language speaking countries. In conclusion, we discuss the implications of these findings for the public administration discipline and research in the region.
Public Administration Research in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Walker Richard M.
Published: August 2013

An integration of the research reported in the American Review of Public Administration symposium on public administration scholarship in East and Southeast Asia is offered. The overview finds that the extent of the English language research published in public administration journals as listed in the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) is limited and largely focused on East Asia. However, a review of studies published in the native languages of Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan points to a robust and healthy community that actively publishes on topics of administration and policy. The topics studied reflect international trends in research on management reform and social policy but show distinct differences at the country level, where local debates are more of an influence on academic writing. The scholarship tends toward the descriptive, and much needs to be done to improve the methodology. There is evidence that approaches to research are changing, and a shift in focus toward explanatory work and theory testing is occurring.
Work-Related Injuries
Authors: Houston Allison , Young Yuchi , Fitzgerald Edward F.
Published: August 2013

Objective: To examine whether certain personal and workplace factors increase risk for work-related injuries among home health aides. Method: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2007 National Survey of Home Health Aides among workers who provided formal caregiving to older adults or people with disabilities ( N = 3,377, weighted sample = 160,720). Results: Multivariate logistic regression identified six factors associated with injury: White race (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.18, 3.63); inappropriate workload (OR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.55, 6.93); having multiple jobs (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.30, 5.71); job dissatisfaction (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.23, 5.96); higher hourly pay rate (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.31, 4.33); and working in two locations (inpatient facility and patient’s home) compared with working in patient’s home only (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.51, 4.40). Discussion: Interventions should be developed to address preventable risk factors. Evaluations of candidate interventions should control for other related factors that are not modifiable.
The Relation Between Frequency of Binge Drinking and Psychological Distress Among Older Adult Drinkers
Authors: Bryant Ami N. , Kim Giyeon
Published: August 2013

Objectives: The present study examined the relation between past year frequency of binge drinking and psychological distress among older adult drinkers. Method: Data were obtained from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Adults aged 60 and older who had consumed alcohol in the past year ( n = 13,265) were analyzed. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6 (K6) scale. Multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results: A significant main effect of frequency of binge drinking was found in regression analyses, indicating that an increased frequency of binge drinking was significantly associated with increased psychological distress ( B = .10, p < .001). Results from additional analyses showed that binge drinking was related to increased psychological distress when individuals were binge drinking more than once in the past year. Discussion: The results suggest that binge drinking frequently may be related to increased experiences of psychological distress among older drinkers. Research and clinical implications are discussed.
Epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections in global indigenous populations: data availability and gaps
Authors: Minichiello Victor , Rahman Saifur , Hussain Rafat
Published: August 2013

Socioeconomic and health disadvantage is widespread within and across indigenous communities in the world, leading to differentials in morbidity and mortality between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, among indigenous populations are an emerging public health concern. The focus of this paper is on examining the STI epidemiology in indigenous communities in various parts of the world utilizing a range of data sources. Most of the STI research on global indigenous communities has concentrated on developed countries, neglecting more than half the world’s indigenous people in the developing countries. This has resulted in major gaps in data at global level for STIs and HIV/AIDS among indigenous populations. Available data show that the prevalence of STIs is increasing among the indigenous communities and in several instances, the rates of these infections are higher than among non-indigenous populations. However, HIV still remains low when compared with the rates of other STIs. The paper argues that there is an urgent need to collect more comprehensive and reliable data at the global level across various indigenous communities. There is also an opportunity to reverse current trends in STIs through innovative, evidence-based and culturally appropriate targeted sexual health programmes.
Incidence and progression of cervical lesions in women with HIV: a systematic global review
Authors: Denslow Sheri A , Rositch Anne F , Firnhaber Cynthia , Ting Jie , Smith Jennifer S
Published: August 2013

Global data on cervical lesion incidence and progression in HIV-positive women are essential for understanding the natural history of cervical neoplasia and informing screening policy. A systematic review was performed summarizing the incidence and progression of cervical lesions in HIV-positive women. Of 5882 HIV-positive women from 15 studies, incidence ranged from 4.9 to 21.1 cases per 100 woman-years for any cervical lesion and 0.4 to 8.8 cases per 100 woman-years for high-grade cervical lesions. HIV-positive women showed a median three-fold higher incidence of cervical lesions compared to HIV-negative women. Of 1099 HIV-positive women from 11 studies, progression from low- to high-grade lesions ranged from 1.2 to 26.2 cases per 100 woman-years. Both incidence and progression rates increased with lower CD4 counts. The effect of antiretroviral therapy on the natural history of cervical neoplasia remains unclear. HIV-positive women have higher incidence and progression of cervical neoplasia. Cervical cancer screening should be integrated into HIV treatment programmes.
The role of implementation intention formation in promoting hepatitis B vaccination uptake among men who have sex with men
Authors: Vet Raymond , Wit John BF de , Das Enny
Published: August 2013

This study assessed the separate and joint effects of having a goal intention and the completeness of implementation intention formation on the likelihood of attending an appointment to obtain vaccination against the hepatitis B virus among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands. Extending previous research, it was hypothesized that to be effective in promoting vaccination, implementation intention formation not only requires a strong goal intention, but also complete details specifying when, where and how to make an appointment to obtain hepatitis B virus vaccination among MSM. MSM at risk for hepatitis B virus ( N = 616), with strong or weak intentions to obtain hepatitis B virus vaccination, were randomly assigned to form an implementation intention or not. Completeness of implementation intentions was rated and hepatitis B virus uptake was assessed through data linkage with the joint vaccination registry of the collaborating Public Health Services. Having a strong goal intention to obtain hepatitis B virus vaccination and forming an implementation intention, each significantly and independently increased the likelihood of MSM obtaining hepatitis B virus vaccination. In addition, MSM who formed complete implementation intentions were more successful in obtaining vaccination ( p < 0.01). The formation of complete implementation intentions was promoted by strong goal intentions ( p < 0.01).
Failure of moxifloxacin treatment in Mycoplasma genitalium infections due to macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance
Authors: Couldwell Deborah L , Tagg Kaitlin A , Jeoffreys Neisha J , Gilbert Gwendolyn L
Published: August 2013

Increasing azithromycin treatment failure in sexually transmitted Mycoplasma genitalium infection, is linked to macrolide resistance and second-line treatment relies on the fluoroquinolone, moxifloxacin. We recently detected fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance-associated mutations in 15% and 43%, respectively, of 143 initial M. genitalium PCR-positive specimens.

For a subset of 33 Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre patients, clinical information and results of sequence analysis of M. genitalium macrolide and fluoroquinolone target genes – the 23S rRNA gene, and parC and gyrA, respectively – were used to examine whether mutations were associated with treatment failure. Macrolide resistance-associated mutations correlated with microbiological ( p = 0.013) and clinical ( p = 0.024) treatment failure, and fluoroquinolone resistance-associated mutations with microbiological moxifloxacin treatment failure ( p = 0.005). We describe the first reported cases of clinical and microbiological moxifloxacin treatment failure. Failure of first- and second-line antibiotic treatment of M. genitalium infection is occurring and likely to increase with current treatment strategies.
Health-related quality of life, fatigue and mood in patients with SLE and high levels of pain compared to controls and patients with low levels of pain
Authors: Waldheim E , Elkan A-C , Pettersson S , Vollenhoven R van , Bergman S , Frostegård J , Henriksson E Welin
Published: August 2013

Objective

The objective of this paper is to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and higher levels of pain and to compare them to patients with lower levels of pain and controls.

Method

Patients were dichotomized into two groups based on SLE-related pain score on the visual analog scale (VAS): low-pain group (76%, n = 64, VAS 0–39 mm) and high-pain group (24%, n = 20, VAS 40–100 mm) . Sex- and age-matched controls were randomly selected from the general population. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding self-reported pain, HRQoL, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Medical assessments also were recorded.

Result

Fatigue score in the high-pain group (median, 36.5; interquartile range (IQR), 32.5–39.7) was significantly higher ( p < 0.001) compared to the low-pain group (median, 23; IQR, 14.6–34.1), as well as scores for anxiety (median, 9; IQR, 6.5–11.5) and depression (median, 7.5; IQR, 5.5–9) ( p < 0.001). The high-pain group had significantly lower scores compared to the low-pain group in all dimensions in the SF-36 ( p ≤ 0.001–0.007). No statistical differences were detected between the low-pain group and controls in any measurement except for the dimensions physical function, general health, vitality and social function in SF-36.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE scoring higher degrees of pain were burdened with more fatigue, anxiety and depression and lower levels of HRQoL compared to patients with lower levels of pain who did not differ significantly from the general population in most dimensions. These results elucidate the importance of identifying patients with higher degrees of pain who are probably in need of more extensive multidimensional interventions to decrease symptom burden.
Failing a student nurse
Authors: Black Sharon , Curzio Joan , Terry Louise
Published: August 2013

The factors preventing registered nurses from failing students in practice are multifaceted and have attracted much debate over recent years. However, writers rarely focus on what is needed to fail an incompetent pre-registration nursing student in their final placement. This hermeneutic study explored the mentor experience of failing a pre-registration nursing student in their final placement. A total of 19 mentors were recruited from 7 different healthcare organisations in both inner city and rural locations in the southeast of England. Participants took part in individual reflective interviews about their experience of failing a pre-registration nursing student in their final placement. These experiences were interpreted through a hermeneutic discovery of meaning. The new horizon of understanding which developed as a result of this research is framed within the context of moral stress, moral integrity and moral residue with the overall synthesis being that these mentors’ stories presented a new horizon of moral courage.
“Drunk and Proud”, from the streets to the stands: America Football Club fans, aguante and alcohol consumption in Mexican football fandom
Authors: Varela Sergio
Published: August 2013

An ethnographic description of a typical match day of Ritual del Kaos barra fans provides elements to discuss the consumption of alcohol as a specific practice of aguante. For the young Mexican-organized supporters of professional football clubs the concept of aguante has become the key concept for their daily practices. America Football Club fans of Ritual del Kaos display aguante practices under different denominations. Three of them are descontrol, colorido and carnaval. These concepts are in some sense contradictory one to the other but at the same they are complementary. Descontrol is practiced as if was completely “irrational” and purely emotional. Colorido and carnaval are apparently pure organized and rationalized practices. Nevertheless, the three of them are a combination of emotional and rationalized actions. In that sense, the interpretation of this phenomenon will be given by the melodramatic imagination coordinates.
The Process Leading to Help Seeking Following Childhood Trauma
Authors: Stige Signe Hjelen , Træen Bente , Rosenvinge Jan H.
Published: August 2013

In this article we explore the process leading to help seeking following childhood trauma among women who were currently in treatment. We interviewed 13 participants from six treatment groups for clients exposed to human-inflicted traumas. Transcripts were analyzed using a hermeneutical-phenomenological approach. Help seeking was initiated after a prolonged period of time (13 to 58 years after first trauma exposure), during which participants relied heavily on a strategy of managing on their own. Self-management contributed to delays in help seeking, but was also an important resource. High levels of distress were reported prior to help seeking, often without help seeking being considered as an option. The participants sought help when encountering situational demands exceeding available resources, resulting in experiences of exhaustion and loss of control. We present a model of the help-seeking process, underlining the importance of respecting and exploring the individual process of seeking help when offering trauma-specific treatment.
Factors Associated With Utilization of an Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation Service in an Urban Public Hospital
Authors: Bhatraju Pavan , Friedenberg Allison S. , Uppal Amit , Evans Laura
Published: August 2013

Rationale: To evaluate factors associated with palliative care consultation (PCC) in an urban public hospital. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who died on inpatient medical services. Results: Patients with a PCC were more likely to have a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order at the time of death (p<0.001) and had a decreased likelihood of death in the ICU (p<0.001). Factors associated with PCC in a multivariate analysis included: cancer diagnosis (p=0.01), at least a high school education (p=0.04), older age (p=.003), and birth outside the US (p=0.03). Conclusion: The increased PCC utilization for immigrants is in contrast to previously reported literature. This increased use may be because access to services in a municipal hospital is not driven by demographic and socioeconomic factors.
“Time(x) Out of Joint”
Authors: Di Domenico MariaLaura , Fleming Peter
Published: August 2013

The prolonged and acrimonious industrial dispute and subsequent closure of the Timex Electronics plant in Dundee, Scotland, in 1993 is a key marker in U.K. manufacturing and labor relations history that was extensively covered in the media at that time. A discourse analysis of U.K. print-media representations of the dispute reveals both vivid accounts of the labor relations collapse and evocative imagery reaching beyond this particular event. Newspaper accounts were found to be laced with dark images including those of death and specters from the past, symbolizing the continuing expiration of much of British manufacturing and ghostly ever presence of Thatcher-era industrial relations. This leads us to a deeper interpretation, drawing on Derrida’s Spectres of Marx, exposing the dark shadow lurking within the post-1989 neoliberal capitalist ebullience present at the time of the strike, and presaging the present global crisis in capitalism and regret over the closure of such manufacturing plants.
Material damage evaluation with measured microdefects and multiresolution numerical analysis
Authors: Shen Jie , Mao Jianghui , Boileau James , Chow Chi L
Published: August 2013

This paper presents an alternative method of material damage evaluation based on the X-ray computer tomography-detected microdefects and multiscale computer simulation. This is achieved by developing a method of the digital diagnosis and full-field numerical calculation of material degradation in macroscopic material test specimens. The method comprised three basic components: (a) digital detection and processing of micro/mesoscale material defects of macroscopic material test specimens; (b) multilevel meshing and multilevel finite element analysis for evaluating local/global material degradation; and (c) synchronized experimental and numerical determination of material damage. The unique contributions of the proposed approach include (a) a multilevel finite element meshing and analysis scheme that makes the full-field estimation of material degradation in macroscopic test specimens computationally tractable on regular workstations, (b) full-field exploration of mesoscale material defects (i.e., those with a feature size from several micrometers to a few millimeters), which play a crucial role in failure analysis of engineering components, and (c) the proposed method offers a significantly better accuracy in estimating material degradation in terms of effective modulus than the conventional analytical models in continuum damage mechanics and micromechanics. Test results of aluminum alloys confirm the efficacy of our approach in the digital interrogation of material degradation.
Sensorless anti-swing control for overhead crane using voltage and current measurements
Authors: Gholabi Amin , Ebrahimi Mohammad , Yousefi Gholam Reza , Ghayour Mostafa , Ebrahimi Ali , Jali Hamed
Published: August 2013

One of the most critical issues in overhead cranes is the swing of a suspended load while the crane starts to move and accelerates, changes the movement direction, breaks or stops. This can lead to severe damage, and therefore several methods have been applied to damp the load swings. Most of these methods are based on information about the swing angle of a suspended load. In traditional methods, camera vision, acceleration or inclinometers sensors, simple pendulums and other types of sensors have been used. Generally, a method is desired if it can estimate the swing angle with the least equipment costs, while using an uncomplicated calculation method and the minimum sensitivity to environmental situations and industrial noises. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed to estimate the swing angle. To do so, the supplied voltage and current of the induction motor which drives the trolley are measured, and then using a new proposed method based on a dynamic analysis of the mathematical dynamic model, the swing angle is estimated and is used in the controller system to damp the swings. The proposed method is verified by means of computer simulations.
Passivity-based chaos control and synchronization of the four dimensional Lorenz-Stenflo system via one input
Authors: Uyaroğlu Yılmaz , Emiroğlu Selçuk
Published: August 2013

This paper discusses chaos control and synchronization of the four dimensional Lorenz-Stenflo system based on passive control technique. Using passive theory, chaos control and synchronization of a four dimensional Lorenz-Stenflo chaotic system are realized with one input. The designed controllers ensure the stability of the controlled system and error dynamical system between two identical Lorenz-Stenflo systems. Also, the controllers ensure that the controlled system and error dynamical system converge to zero equilibrium. Numerical simulations show that the proposed method is effective for the Lorenz-Stenflo system.
Modeling the dependency of displacement variability on thermal effects
Authors: Bortoluzzi Daniele , Casciati Sara , Faravelli Lucia
Published: August 2013

The problem of cleaning structural monitoring data from thermal effects has been studied since the pioneering developments in this area. The first attempts approached the problem in a statistical way, in terms of time history correlations. The availability of powerful numerical tools able to solve the thermo-mechanical stress-strain analysis suggests pursuing a dynamic modeling approach. However, defining boundary conditions and assigning the initial conditions can be problematic. Some aspects of such an analysis are discussed in this paper and a proposed procedure is exemplified with reference to an existing railway bridge.
The Public Health Journey
Authors: Koh Howard K.
Published: August 2013

The public health journey is a remarkable one, filled with twists and turns as well as risks and rewards. Because promoting the health of others represents a mission brimming with meaning, our professional work is also profoundly personal. At this extraordinary moment in our nation’s public health history, I reflect on the purpose of the journey and comment on the opportunities before us to become a healthier nation in the future.
Public Spending in Selected Caribbean Countries
Authors: Grenade Kari , Wright Allan
Published: August 2013

This study examines the relationship between the ratio of government expenditure to gross domestic product and economic activity by investigating the empirical validity of Wagner’s law in selected Caribbean countries. Additionally, the study tests the ratchet hypothesis by searching for evidence of asymmetry in public spending over the business cycle. It narrows a gap in the Caribbean literature by (1) explicitly considering population structure in the empirical investigation of Wagner’s Law and (2) utilizing advanced econometrics techniques that incorporate nonlinearity in testing causality. The study finds no empirical support for Wagner’s Law, with and without population structure taken into account. However, the ratchet hypothesis is validated. The findings provide useful information for policy makers that can help broaden their understanding of the relationship between government spending and national income, which could aid policy formulation.
Bending analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates using a simple four-unknown shear and normal deformations theory
Authors: Zenkour Ashraf M
Published: August 2013

A refined trigonometric higher-order plate theory is presented for bending analysis of simply supported functionally graded ceramic–metal sandwich plates. The effects of transverse shear strains as well as the transverse normal strain are taken into account. The number of unknown functions involved in the present theory is only four as against six or more in case of other shear and normal deformations theories. Several types of the present symmetric and non-symmetric sandwich plates are used. The faces are assumed to be functionally graded through the thickness, while the core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic material. The present refined plate theory is used to derive the field equations of the functionally graded sandwich plates. Numerical results of the present theory are compared with other theories to show the effect of the inclusion of transverse normal strain on the deflections and stresses.
Modeling impact on aluminium sandwich including velocity effects in honeycomb core
Authors: Kolopp Amélie , Alvarado Raquel A , Rivallant Samuel , Bouvet Christophe
Published: August 2013

A numerical model has been developed on metallic sandwich structures as an armor for aeronautical applications. Several combinations of AA5086-H111 aluminium skins and aluminium honeycomb core have been studied, considering medium-velocity and high-energy impacts. The aim is to establish links between the sandwich performances and the material and geometrical parameters. An elasto-plastic, strain-rate dependent behavior has been implemented to represent the skins and the core. The sandwich model has been calibrated and validated from the experimental data. Dynamic effects, as well as strong couplings between the skins and the core appear to have a significant effect on the target performance.
Compression performance of integrated 3D composite sandwich structures
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Xiao Jiayu , Zeng Jingcheng , Liu Jun
Published: August 2013

A new type of 3D composite sandwich structure with foam core reinforced by composite columns, which can be called integrated 3D composite sandwich structure, is designed, fabricated, and studied. The integrated 3D composite sandwich structure inherits the advantages and improves the shortcomings of the traditional foam core composite sandwich structures. All types of the samples with different consisting materials and structural parameters are tested and analyzed under compressive load. The results show that the compressive properties of the integrated 3D composite sandwich structures are obviously better than those of the traditional foam core composite sandwich structures and due to the fact that the composite columns and the foam support each other. Moreover, the support effect is more obvious for the better toughness foam. And the structural parameters have significant influence on the out-of-plane compressive properties, especially the diameter of composite columns and the distance between composite columns. However, the variety of these parameters results in a corresponding change of the mass and then effect the specific compressive properties. Consequently, it is necessary to find a balance among these parameters in order to get the optimal properties.
Gene expression changes underlying cortical pathology: clues to understanding neurological disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dutta Ranjan
Published: August 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with an unknown etiology. The clinical disease course is variable, with the majority of patients experiencing reversible episodes of neurological disability in the third or fourth decade of life, eventually followed by a state of irreversible progression. Continuous axonal and neuronal loss is thought to be the major cause of this progression. Over the last decade, extensive research has targeted the gray matter and its role in MS pathogenesis. While pathological and imaging studies have begun to reveal important clues about the role of cortical pathology, gene expression studies in MS cortex are still emerging. Microarray-based comparative gene expression profiling provides a snapshot of genes underlying a particular condition and has been performed using brain tissues from patients with progressive MS. In this review, we summarize existing data from gene expression changes in cortical tissues from MS brains and how they may provide clues to the pathogenesis.
Do depressive symptoms predict the incidence of myocardial infarction independent of hopelessness?
Authors: Pössel Patrick , Mitchell Amanda M , Ronkainen Kimmo , Kaplan George A , Kauhanen Jussi , Valtonen Maarit
Published: August 2013

Depression and hopelessness predict myocardial infarction, but it is unclear whether depression and hopelessness are independent predictors of myocardial infarction incidents. Hopelessness, depression, and myocardial infarction incidence rate 18 years later were measured in 2005 men. Cox regressions were conducted with hopelessness and depression serving as individual predictors of myocardial infarction. Another Cox model examined whether the two predictors predict myocardial infarction when adjusting for each other. Depression and hopelessness predicted myocardial infarction in independent regressions, but when adjusting for each other, hopelessness, but not depression, predicted myocardial infarction incidents. Thus, these results suggest that depression and hopelessness are not independent predictors of myocardial infarction.
Beyond the barricades: Social movements as participatory practice in health promotion
Authors: Stephens Christine
Published: August 2013

Community-based health promotion has focussed on empowering disadvantaged groups, but there is growing awareness of the need to address everyday practices used to maintain power and privilege across social divisions. Participatory Action Research projects have proved subject to problems of resistance from dominant social groups. Social movements seeking to reshape power relations, give voice to excluded people and promote a social environment in which their problems are understood have been suggested as an alternative approach. A model of social movements based on theories and observations of social movement dynamics offers a practical framework for initiating such social change.
Neoliberal prisons and cognitive treatment: Calibrating the subjectivity of incarcerated young men to economic inequalities
Authors: Kramer Ronald , Rajah Valli , Sung Hung-En
Published: August 2013

Based on fieldwork conducted in a cognitive-treatment setting for young men in jail, this article argues that contemporary rehabilitation efforts not only manifest theories of disciplinary and risk society, but also embody ideologies of the self and economic relations that are consistent with neoliberal capitalism. Drawing from Marxist theories of penality, we show that correctional officers seek to reconfigure the subjectivity of young incarcerated men in ways that adjust them to economic inequalities. For instance, they frequently portray labor markets as accessible and readily offering stable employment opportunities. When correctional officers acknowledge structural limitations and racial inequality, they are likely to dismiss such concerns by insisting upon the power of individual choice to overcome social barriers. We consider why correctional officers embrace neoliberal ideologies and note some implications for future research.
National virtue and the ‘media sexualisation of children’ discourse in Australia
Authors: Baird Barbara
Published: August 2013

Most studies of the media sexualisation of children debate focus on its significance in terms of discourses of sexuality and gender. This article makes observations about public meetings called to express concern about media sexualisation held in several Australian capital cities 2009–2010 to argue that media sexualisation is also meaningful in relation to discourses of nation. Drawing on the claim made by Valerie Walkerdine that concern with the eroticisation of girls is a defence against acknowledgement of difficult sexual desires and Gayle Rubin’s observation that concerns with children’s sexuality often carry other political agendas, this article argues that the concern with media sexualisation of children in the Australian context carries meaning about national identity and national virtue. It places the emergence of the discourse in the recent history of revelations about the systemic abuse of children by the state and the Christian churches throughout the 20th century and into this century, and argues that the media sexualisation discourse constitutes subjects who, via their investment in innocence, are exonerated from any culpability in this compromising national history.
Desire and constraint in the construction of South African teenage women’s sexualities
Authors: Bhana Deevia , Anderson Bronwynne
Published: August 2013

Understanding the ways in which South African teenage women give meaning to sexuality is important particularly in the context of increased risk to HIV and violence. Drawing from a focus-group interview with teenage women, this article challenges representations of African female sexuality as docile, in suffering and pain. Instead the article argues that teenage women’s construction of sexuality reveals both agency and complicity with male power. Agency was evident in the expression of sexual desire and pleasure and the ability to act on same-sex relations. Agency was ambiguous however and constrained by the need to protect sexual reputations, complicity in violent gender relations and the use of alcohol and drugs which serves to advance male sexual opportunities and power. The article demonstrates the need to work with young women as sexual agents, constrained by unequal relations of power, understanding and reflecting on their complicity in the reproduction of inequalities as well as taking heed of the diverse contexts within which gender relations are produced in South Africa.
The impact of protective agent on room temperature sintering nanosilver conductive ink
Authors: Ran Jun , Mo Lixin , Li Wenbo , Li Weiwei , Fan Xinming , Fu Jilan , Li Luhai
Published: August 2013

In order to obtain a newly room temperature sintering conductive ink that has great potential applications in printed electronics, especially for some temperature-sensitive substrate, the silver nanoparticles with dodecylamine as the protective agent (Ag/DDA) were prepared, and the effects of protective agent on the insulative–conductive transition time of nanosilver coating at room temperature as well as the stability of nanosilver conductive ink were investigated. The content of the protective agent of Ag/DDA particles was tested by thermogravimetric analysis, and the interaction mechanism between nanosilver and protective agent was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. In addition, the conductive ink was also prepared with well-dispersed Ag/DDA nanoparticles, and the ink was coated on polyethylene terephthalate and polyimide substrate by Meyer bar (#5). Then, such nanosilver coatings were treated at room temperature to investigate the insulative–conductive transition time. The X-ray diffraction spectra and morphologies of such nanosilver coatings treated at room temperature under different times were also performed. The results showed that the insulative–conductive transition time of the nanosilver coating could be effectively shortened when the protective agent (dodecylamine) is 7.69%. The resulting sheet resistance of the room temperature sintering nanosilver coating after 72 h was 0.15 Ω/sq, which is sufficiently low to be used in printed electronics.
Novel ultraviolet-curable methacrylate nanocomposite as coatings for cultural heritage applications
Authors: Esposito Corcione Carola , Frigione Mariaenrica
Published: August 2013

The aim of the research was to develop, optimize and characterize photopolymerizable siloxane-modified methacrylic-based nanosystems, expressly designed for the preservation and protection of materials for cultural heritage (wood, natural stone, etc.). A methacrylate-based ultraviolet-curable resin was chosen since it is characterized by a high reactivity, even at room temperature, when compared to commercial thermosetting products thermally polymerized in situ. Moreover, the ultraviolet cure process allows to solve environmental problems related to the use of polymers in solution since it drastically reduces volatile solvent emission. The nanostructured ultraviolet-cured products, obtained with the inclusion of organically modified boehmite, are expected to lead to protective films with high final performance in terms of surface properties and hydrophobicity. The experimental formulations were deeply investigated, in both the liquid and the solid states. The dimensions of the nanoparticles in the ultraviolet-curable liquid formulations were first estimated by dynamic light scattering analysis. Photocalorimetric analysis was employed to analyze the ultraviolet-induced radical photopolymerization reaction mechanisms. The viscosity of the formulations produced was analyzed, using a plate and plate rheometer, as a function of the shear rate. The formulations were photocured on a glass substrate, using a medium-pressure Hg ultraviolet lamp, and the following properties were measured: transparency, scratch and surface hardness, glass transition temperature and contact angle with water.
Spectral response of carbon nanotube-based device
Authors: Ying Wu , Jun Zhang , Xiaoyun Zhang , Hong Li , Zhaoying Zhou , Junjie Bai , Yu Liu
Published: August 2013

Being direct band-gap materials, carbon nanotubes have a potential to be efficient spectrum detection material. By depositing the carbon nanotubes on the substrate surface using chemical vapor deposition growth methods, a carbon nanotube-based device is fabricated with micromachined techniques. The structure of the carbon nanotube-based device is characterized using scanning electron microscope image. The spectra of carbon nanotube-based device are measured. The photocurrent as a function of wavelength reveals a broad absorption at wavelength from 500 to 1000 nm, showing the potential application in wide-range spectrum detection.
Senior Managers’ Perspectives of Leading and Managing Effective, Sustainable and Successful Partnerships
Authors: Dhillon Jaswinder K.
Published: August 2013

Formal and informal partnerships have become key features of education policy and practice in many countries and managing such collaborative arrangements is an important dimension of the role(s) of leaders of educational organizations. Recent research has shown both the tensions and conflict that can develop in partnerships as well as the opportunities and benefits of partnership working for organizations and individuals. This article focuses on the characteristics of partnerships that contribute to their effectiveness, sustainability and success, filling a gap in the literature on educational partnerships. The research data emanate from a qualitative study of partnership working in England. The study used a grounded approach and inductively linked characteristics of partnerships found in the partnership literature with empirical data from a case study of a sub-regional partnership of education and training organizations. This combined evidence is used to conceptualize partnership as a continuum of weak to strong forms of partnership and to develop a table of characteristics which underpin such partnerships. The findings reveal the extent to which trust, networks, norms and values support effective, sustained and successful partnerships. These characteristics are differentiated and may fluctuate during the lifecourse of a partnership but remain fundamental features of partnership working and significantly contribute to the strength and effectiveness of partnerships.
The role of obesity in gastrointestinal cancer: evidence and opinion
Authors: Donohoe Claire L. , O’Farrell Naoimh J. , Doyle Suzanne L. , Reynolds John V.
Published: August 2013

There is increasing recognition of the impact of being overweight and obese on the development of cancers at diverse sites including the gastrointestinal tract. Large epidemiological studies indicate that up to 14% of tumours may be related to obesity. Pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning this association are not well understood and so are discussed in this review.
A patient with profound weight loss after gastric bypass surgery: A case report
Authors: Flannery Michael T
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

A case of profound weight loss after gastric bypass surgery with multiple negative evaluations.

Case presentation:

A 41-year-old African-American female presented with greater-than-expected weight loss after gastric bypass and increasing abdominal pain over a 2-year period. An extensive workup was pursued for the patient with blood analysis, tumor markers, imaging studies both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, arterial studies, and endoscopy from above and below, all of which demonstrated normal results. The patient was followed up without improvement, and repeated studies were also normal. The patient was labeled with a nonorganic etiology for her symptoms, which led to a psychiatry referral which was refused.

Conclusion:

The patient’s surgeon, who already had removed a normal appendix and gallbladder, repeated a laparoscopic exam. The exam was normal except for a small focus of pancreatic cancer in the celiac plexus. The patient died from perioperative sepsis from peritonitis 2 days after surgery. The case is discussed and findings reviewed.
A case of mistaken identity: When lupus masquerades as primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Hasrouni Edy , Rogers Heesun J , Tabarroki Ali , Visconte Valeria , Traina Fabiola , Afable Manuel , Sekeres Mikkael A , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P , Tiu Ramon V
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

Autoimmune myelofibrosis is an uncommon hematologic disease characterized by anemia, bone marrow myelofibrosis, and an autoimmune feature. Myelofibrosis is often associated with other conditions, including infections, nutritional/endocrine dysfunction, toxin/drug exposure, and connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. Absence of clonal markers ( JAK2) and heterogeneity of the symptoms often complicate the diagnosis.

Case presentation:

Here, we present two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus–induced autoimmune myelofibrosis. The first case is of a 36-year-old African American female with diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus at the age of 12 years. The second patient is a 44-year-old African American male with family history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed anemia and constitutional symptoms later on. Both patients showed hypercellularity and fibrotic changes of the bone marrow. Moreover, mutational analysis showed that both patients were wild type for JAK2 (V617F and exon 12) and MPL (exon 10).

Conclusions:

These two cases illustrate that anemic patients with fibrotic changes in the bone marrow without other clinicopathologic features associated with primary myelofibrosis in the presence of clinical manifestations and history of an autoimmune disease should suggest an autoimmune myelofibrosis. These cases demonstrate that a good clinical history combined with molecular technologies and pathomorphologic criteria are helpful in distinguishing between primary myelofibrosis and a nonclonal myelofibrosis from an associated condition.
Evaluating an Entertainment–Education Telenovela to Promote Workplace Safety
Authors: Castaneda Diego E. , Organista Kurt C. , Rodriguez Leslie , Check Pietra
Published: August 2013

Occupational safety and health professionals worked with health communication experts to collaborate with a major Spanish language television network to develop and implement a construction workplace safety media intervention targeting Latino/Hispanic audiences. An Entertainment–Education (EE) health communication strategy was used to create a worksite safety storyline weaved into the main plot of a nationally televised Telenovela (Spanish language soap opera). A secondary analysis of audience survey data in a pre/posttest cross-sectional equivalent group design was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this EE media intervention to change knowledge, attitudes, and intention outcomes related to the prevention of fatal falls at construction worksites. Results indicate that using culturally relevant mediums can be an effective way of reaching and educating audiences about specific fall prevention information. This is aligned with recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to increase interventions and evaluations of culturally relevant and competent health communication.
Neuroaesthetics and Philosophy
Authors: Holt Jason
Published: August 2013

Some philosophers even recently have been skeptical about whether science can reveal anything significant about art. Although some scientists’ ventures into art theory have seemed to warrant such suspicions, including early speculative forays into neuroaesthetics, against such skepticism, the argument here is that neuroaesthetics is crucial for understanding aesthetic experience and ultimately art itself. Because certain core proposals of early versions of neuroaesthetics (e.g., the art-as-caricature thesis) seem to justify this skepticism and yet, at the same time, prove more defensible than they might initially seem, they are ideal illustrations of how neuroaesthetics at a more abstract level dovetails with the philosophy of art, and so provides a complementary, not competing perspective that can help complete, verify, and defend such philosophical theories. In particular, it is proposed that aesthetic experience involves a distinctive corticolimbic response, that such experience is therefore testable and may be found even with so-called anti-art, and that its value consists in resolution of conflict between the higher cortex and limbic system generated by the evolution of the former.
ThePCDH1gene and asthma in early childhood
Authors: Mortensen Li J. , Kreiner-Møller Eskil , Hakonarson Hakon , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bisgaard Hans
Published: August 2013

Previous studies have suggested that variants in the protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) gene, which is important for cell–cell adhesion, are associated with asthma, bronchial, hyperresponsiveness and atopic dermatitis in school children.

Our aim was to associate common variants of thePCDH1gene with longitudinally assessed asthma phenotypes and atopic dermatitis in early childhood. We analysed eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms inPCDH1from 411 children born to asthmatic mothers from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood birth cohort. Asthma and atopic dermatitis were diagnosed prospectively to the age of 7 years and asthma was categorised by temporal pattern: transient early respiratory symptoms, persistent symptoms and late-onset symptoms. Bronchial responsiveness was measured at age 6 years. We used additive genetic models.

Kaplan–Meier plots revealed early onset in hetero- and homozygotes for the rs10063472-T allele. Significant association was observed between the transient early phenotype and rs10063472-T (transient earlyversusall: OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.21–3.01, p=0.0058; transient earlyversusasymptomatic: OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.23–3.25, p=0.0053). No association was observed for other symptom patterns or bronchial responsiveness. Significant association was observed for atopic dermatitis and rs11167761-A (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.24–2.75, p=0.0026).

Common variations inPCDH1increase the risk of developing both transient early asthma and atopic dermatitis in early childhood.