bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malnutrition and associated risk factors among elderly living in Lebanese community homes
Authors: Doumit Jacqueline
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and associated risk factors such as:, socio-economic, physical, pathological and psychological factors, among elderly residing in Lebanese nursing homes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This cross-sectional study was carried out in 36 elderly care nursing homes with 2,094 residents. Of these, only 221 (11 per cent) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions: oral, nutritional, depression, chronic diseases and activities of daily living, were collected. The analysis used a chi-square test and a binary logistic regression.

Findings

– High levels of malnourishment were found among elderly who had no jobs (p = 0.012) and had oral health problems (p = 0.038), functional impairment (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.021). Comorbid illnesses, however, had no significant association with nutritional status. In addition, the first and strongest predictor entered in the regression on malnutrition was functional impairment (p = 0.002) followed by oral health problems (p = 0.030) and depression (p = 0.036).

Originality/value

– The study is original in the sense that it emphasized the importance of three factors, autonomy, better oral and psychological health, in mediating nutritional outcomes for elderly residing in nursing homes.
Lipid profile and prevalence of dyslipidemia in urban women of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Agrawal Aachu , Varma Kanika , Gupta Rajeev
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the lipid profile and prevalence of dyslipidemia, as serum lipid levels have a major contribution in the development of cardiovascular diseases, in adult urban women of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, India.

Design/methodology/approach

– A house-to-house survey was done in four urban locations, and 501 women in the age group of 35-70 years were enrolled in the study. A general questionnaire was used to gather background information and general health status. Fasting blood samples were collected to determine the level of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dyslipidemia was assessed based on the criteria given in the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP ATP-III).

Findings

– Mean age of the women was 45.63 ± 9.91 years. Population mean levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TGs were 183.9 ± 15.3, 111.8 ± 18.0, 44.0 ± 6.2 and 140.6 ± 30.9 mg/dl, respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 33.9 and 18.7 per cent, respectively. Of a total of 500 subjects, 13.8 per cent had TC = 200 mg/dl, 12.6 per cent had LDL = 130 mg/dl, 85.4 per cent had HDL-C < 50 mg/dl and 23.0 per cent had TG = 150 mg/dl. An increase in serum lipids was most prominent in the 40-59 year age group.

Originality/value

– High prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in the community. Prevalence of low HDL-C was very high among the subjects.
Effect of sumac spice, Turkish coffee and yerba mate tea on the postprandial glycemic response to Lebanese mankoucheh
Authors: Haydamous Kahale Krystel , Tranchant Carole , Pakzad Sarah , Farhat Antoine G.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual effect of sumac (S), Turkish coffee (C) and yerba mate tea (Y) on the postprandial glycemic response to Lebanese mankoucheh, a common breakfast item in the Lebanese culture, and to determine the glycemic index (GI) of this food. S, C and Y are typical constituents of Lebanese meals. They may influence the postprandial glycemic response to carbohydrate-rich foods, but this has not been studied to date.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twelve healthy normoglycemic adults consumed on separate days the following test meals: mankoucheh without S (M) with water (control meal); M prepared with single or double doses of S (S1 and S2) with water; M with 60 or 120 mL of unsweetened C; or M with 100 or 200 mL of unsweetened Y. Meals were prepared according to standardized recipes containing 50 g of available carbohydrates. Capillary blood glucose measures were taken at fast and six times after meal ingestion over a two hour period. The GI of mankoucheh was determined using a standard protocol.

Findings

– The glycemic responses, evaluated at each time following meal ingestion, did not differ significantly among the seven meals, and neither did the incremental area under the glycemic response curves. The GI of mankoucheh was 61 ± 6, with no significant difference between M, M with S1 and M with S2.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to better characterize the glycemic properties of S, C, Y and mankoucheh in conditions that closely resemble how these dietary items are used and consumed by some cultural groups.
Ken Roberts: Master mechanic
Authors: LaBay Duncan G.
Published: May 2015

Ken Roberts, the owner of an independent automotive repair business in small coastal city in New England, arrived early for the workweek to discover an unscheduled and unknown vehicle awaiting repair in the driveway. Ken needed to develop a tactical plan for dealing with the owner and the potential repair of the vehicle, mindful of his reputation as one of the best independent shops in the area. As a service marketer, beyond providing competent repair work, he knew that word of mouth was crucial to his business's continued success. Students ar challenged to evaluate this situation and provide recommendations within the context of the marketing of services.
Deaf in the Family: The pursuit of a business venture with uncertain profit potential
Authors: Rosenberg Stuart
Published: May 2015

Josh Brochhausen and Adam Podrat, as partners in The Resource, wrote commercial music for the ads of several companies. They were innovators in the recording studio, and their music appealed to young consumers.

Josh and Adam also had become involved in producing records for hip hop artists. They undertook a project called Deaf in the Family, which was a full length album featuring artists from the hip hop underground. The record was well received among music critics from the underground press, but the project made no money because Josh and Adam did not have the financing to secure the appropriate clearances for the right to use samples from existing songs.

Their problem centered on the uncertainty of financial success in producing hip hop records, which was their passion, and deciding whether to devote energy and resources toward it, and away from making commercial music, which was their livelihood.
The Untsiya Company: Business Development in Russia
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Gina Vega
Published: May 2015

In December 2007, Sergey Nikolaev, founder and CEO of the Untsiya company, a tea shop chain in St. Petersburg, Russia, was facing a major decision about the future of his company: should he diversify the business or focus solely on tea sales via exclusive shops? Founded in 2002, the Untsiya Company had enjoyed dramatic growth and great success in the St. Petersburg market. By 2007, having directed the successful roll-out of his tea shop chain, Nikolaev wanted to grow to the next level and was prepared to revise his corporate strategy, even to the extent of changing his existing, stable organizational structure. Students are challenged to select a growth strategy and related organizational changes to implement that strategy.
Traditional Craft Designs: Getting the Numbers Right
Authors: Browin Anthony R.
Published: May 2015

Traditional Craft Designs is a sole proprietorship located in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. The firm's owner, Ms. Debra Atwell was recently offered an attractive opportunity to lease space at the Crown Point International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago to establish a retail outlet. She then met with an officer of the National Entrepreneurship Development Company to discuss the opportunity and seek a $40,000 loan to finance the capital and operating costs associated with the proposed retail outlet. Students are required to assist Ms. Atwell with the preparation of historical financial statements and a financial analysis that must accompany her loan application.
Augustine State: Initiating Online Course Offerings1
Authors: Timmerman John E. , Lovvorn Al S. , Barth Michael M. , Morris R. Franklin
Published: May 2015

Dean Lynn, of Augustine State University's School of Business Administration, has been asked to develop online offerings as a prototype for the rest of the university. The decision he faced was whether to (A) take on the project alone or (B) make a ten-year commitment to a specialized vendor. If option B was selected, the further choice was whether to allow the vendor to handle everything short of instruction with a customized program or to handle only the marketing elements of the task. In the course of considering what to do, Dean Lynn was faced with the financial as well as the qualitative dimensions of the choice. The purpose of this case is to provide students a vehicle to explore the myriad considerations inherent in every organization's decision making process… qualitative as well as quantitative.
I am Hungry: Cheap eats in Cyberspace
Authors: Zinsmeister Sean , Venkatraman Meera
Published: May 2015

I AM HUNGRY (IAH), a free mobile App for the iPhone and Facebook, was introduced in early 2010 by a small Web 2.0 startup business. This location based App provided users with a list of restaurants and food specials within a one-mile radius of their current location. It offered significant benefits to both restaurants and end users, yet IAH struggled to generate a sustained revenue stream. The case is set in late 2010 when co-founders Markarian and Kravets evaluated IAH performance and considered their options. The two segments, Mom and Pop restaurants and college students, presented different challenges. In the restaurant segment, IAH faced a dilemma not uncommon to Web startups. Should they push for growth (number of restaurants) at the expense of revenue (offering the App free) or should they charge for the App at the expense of growth? Focusing on the end user, the case discusses the outcomes of an IAH promotion at Collegefest, a heavily attended back-to-school event. Data from Google Analytics and Facebook Insights revealed that the event was a success in terms of user traffic. But, was that enough? The case asks students to deliberate on the appropriate performance metrics for evaluating next steps.
Examining Extrinsic Factors that Influence Product Acceptance: A Review
Authors: Li X.E. , Jervis S.M. , Drake M.A.
Published: May 2015

Drivers of liking (DOL) studies are useful for product development to formulate acceptable products; however, DOL alone are insufficient for understanding why a product is purchased and repurchased, which is ultimately the indication of a successful product. Ultimately sensory attributes drive product success (that is, repeat and continued purchase). However, ignoring the importance of extrinsic factors may neglect the vital product attributes responsible for the initial purchase, which may in turn, affect repeat purchase. The perception of sensory attributes assessed by DOL is mitigated by external perceptions of quality. If the sensory attributes do not deliver based upon the quality cues, the product will not be acceptable. Four key extrinsic factors that affect DOL are the perceived satiety, brand and labeling, price, and the emotional impact to decision making. In order to more thoroughly understand what the DOL for a product is, these 4 product cues should be considered in conjunction with sensory attribute perception to gain a holistic understanding of product acceptance.
Risk factors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia: A retrospective single‐center study
Authors: He Qi Bin , Xu Te , Wang Jing , Li Yun Hong , Wang Lei , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: May 2015

Objective

With an increased use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), post‐ERCP complications have attracted much attention. We aimed to identify independent risk factors of post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and hyperamylasemia, and to develop a simple scoring system of the factors contributing to the clinical prevention against PEP.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center analysis was performed in 4234 ERCP procedures between September 2007 and December 2012. Patient‐related and procedure‐related risk factors for PEP and post‐ERCP hyperamylasemia were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. A scoring system was developed based on the independent risk factors.

Results

PEP occurred in 226 (5.3%) ERCP procedures and hyperamylasemia in 774 (18.3%) procedures. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.449), first‐time ERCP (OR 1.745), latent jaundice (OR 1.917), difficult cannulation (OR 3.317) and pancreatography (OR 1.823) were all proven to be significant risk factors for predicting PEP. In addition, difficult cannulation (OR 1.990) and pancreatography (OR 2.009), age <60 years (OR 1.294), prior diabetes (OR 0.614), biliary duct stent placement (OR 1.884) and nasobiliary drainage (OR 1.613) were associated with developing hyperamylasemia. Prophylactic pancreatic duct stent (PS) might prevent against PEP in significantly high‐risk patients (score ≥6).

Conclusions

Both patient‐related and procedure‐related risk factors are important for predicting PEP and post‐ERCP hyperamylasemia. Technical procedures, for example, PS, are necessary to prevent PEP in patients at the highest risk.
The Declining Volume of Workers’ Training in Britain
Authors: Green Francis , Felstead Alan , Gallie Duncan , Inanc Hande , Jewson Nick
Published: May 2015

The conventional focus on the training participation rate, rather than training volume, in official statistics and research has obscured a radical transformation in workers’ training in Britain. To obtain a picture of the trend in training volume, we synthesize a narrative through a new analysis of multiple surveys. The duration of training fell sharply with the result that the training volume per worker declined by about a half between 1997 and 2012. This fall is hard to reconcile with optimistic rhetoric surrounding the knowledge economy. Potential explanations are discussed. We conclude with recommendations to improve the collection of training statistics.
Corporate Governance and Takeover Outcomes
Authors: Aktas Nihat , Croci Ettore , Simsir Serif Aziz
Published: May 2015

Manuscript type

Review

Research Question/Issue

This article reviews how and through which channels corporate governance shapes takeover outcomes.

Research Findings

We summarize the main findings of the empirical literature that investigates the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on takeover outcomes. The internal and external governance mechanisms that we consider are: the board of directors, the takeover market, blockholders, financial markets in general, product market competition, and the labor market.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This article adopts an agency perspective of the firm and reviews the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) literature through the lens of corporate governance. We highlight how the different corporate governance mechanisms affect the takeover process and outcomes.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The article systematizes the current state of the research linking corporate governance and takeovers. In doing so, we emphasize which mechanisms policymakers can use to improve the efficiency of the takeover market. Alternatively, the review also offers indications concerning mechanisms that could be used to mitigate agency conflicts and, as such, increase firm value.
Derivatives of 1,4‐naphthoquinone as visible‐light‐absorbing one‐component photoinitiators for radical polymerisation
Authors: Strzelczyk Rafał , Podsiadły Radosław
Published: May 2015

Bifunctional visible‐light photoinitiators for free radical polymerisation based on a 1,4‐naphthoquinone skeleton were synthesised and characterised using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Their basic spectroscopic properties, such as absorption and low‐temperature phosphorescence spectra, and their red‐ox properties were also measured. These initiators contain an appropriate electron/hydrogen donor group in the skeleton and do not require an additional coinitiator for initiation. During irradiation they act both as a triplet photosensitiser and as a hydrogen/electron donor. The ability of each naphthoquinone to act as a photoinitiator strongly depends on its chemical structure. These studies suggest that initiator radicals are generated from the triplet state in an intermolecular electron/hydrogen transfer reaction.
VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES AND DAILY HAPPINESS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Gimenez‐Nadal J. Ignacio , Molina Jose Alberto
Published: May 2015

This article analyzes differences in daily happiness between those individuals in the United States who perform voluntary activities during the day and those who do not. Using the Well‐Being Module of the American Time Use Survey 2010, we find that those who devote any time to voluntary activities during the day report higher levels of daily happiness than those who do not. Comparing the happiness obtained from a range of activities, we find that volunteering is among the most enjoyable, indicating that time spent on voluntary activities is utility‐enhancing. We document that the effect of voluntary activities on the experienced utility of individuals can be decomposed into a “time‐composition” effect and an “activity” effect, with the latter explaining between 11% and 46% of the observed difference. (JELD13, J16, J22)
Counter‐intelligence in a command economy
Authors: Harrison Mark , Zaksauskienė Inga
Published: May 2015

This article provides the first thick description of the counter‐intelligence function in a command economy of the Soviet type. Based on documentation from Soviet Lithuania, the article considers the KGB (secret police) as a market regulator, commissioned to prevent the disclosure of secret government business and forestall the disruption of government plans. Where market regulation in open societies is commonly intended to improve market transparency, competition, and fair treatment of consumers and employees, KGB regulation was designed to enforce secrecy, monopoly, and discrimination. One consequence of KGB regulation of the labour market may have been adverse selection for talent. Here it is argued that the Soviet economy was designed to minimize costs.
Hyposalivation and dietary nutrient intake among community‐based older Japanese
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Yoshihara Akihiro , Ito Kayoko , Sato Misuzu , Minagawa Kumiko , Muramatsu Kanako , Watanabe Reiko , Manz Michael C. , Ansai Toshihiro , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: May 2015

Aim

Saliva is important for maintaining oral function and regulating oral health. Reduced saliva flow rate, which is common among older adults, has been reported to be associated with perceived chewing and swallowing difficulties; however, its relationship to actual nutrient intake is unclear. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between hyposalivation and nutrient intake among older Japanese adults.

Methods

The participants were 352 community‐based Japanese aged 80 years. A stimulated salivary flow rate <0.5 mL/min was defined as hyposalivation. Multivariable analysis of differences in nutrient and food intake outcome variables, which were collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire, between groups with/without hyposalivation was carried out using general linear models. Models included adjustment for number of teeth, denture use, sex, income, education, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, diabetes, medication, activities of daily living, depression and total calorie intake.

Results

The hyposalivation group had significantly lower intake of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and folate than the group without hyposalivation (P < 0.05) after adjusting for confounders. Vegetable, fish and shellfish consumption was significantly lower in the hyposalivation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dietary intake was poorer in those with hyposalivation than among those without. A decrease in stimulated salivary flow rate could have negative effects on geriatric nutrition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 500‐507.
Arabinoxylan content and characterisation throughout the bread‐baking process
Authors: Kiszonas Alecia M. , Fuerst E. Patrick , Luthria Devanand , Morris Craig F.
Published: May 2015

End‐use quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is influenced in a variety of ways by nonstarch polysaccharides, especially arabinoxylan (AX). The objective of this study was to track total and water‐extractable AX (TAX and WEAX, respectively) throughout the bread‐baking process, using wholemeal and refined flour. The TAX and WEAX content and the ratio of arabinose: xylose were assessed in flour, mixed dough, proofed dough and the bread loaf, which was separated into crumb, upper crust and bottom crust. Changes in TAX during the baking process differed between the refined flour and wholemeal samples, suggesting a change in the TAX availability which we ascribe to molecular interactions and heat treatment. WEAX content dramatically decreased during baking, suggesting that oxidative cross‐linkages rendered it unextractable. Higher levels of WEAX and lower levels of arabinose substitution were correlated with higher loaf volumes for refined flour among the hard wheat varieties. Having a better understanding of the importance of both WEAX content and arabinose substitution allows for directed breeding efforts towards improved hard wheat varieties for optimum bread baking.
Neonatal screening for α‐thalassemia by cord hemoglobin Barts: how effective is it?
Authors: Wu M.‐Y. , Xie X.‐M. , Li J. , Li D.‐Z.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

It has long been recognized that the hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's in cord blood is an accurate indicator of α‐thalassemia and that the level of Hb Bart's was increased accordingly with the increasing numbers of the defective α‐genes.

Methods

This study used an automatic capillary electrophoresis system to determine the Hb Bart's levels in cord blood. Molecular analyses were used to detect various genotypes of α‐thalassemia.

Results

Sixty‐nine of the total 1169 newborns were found to have an increased Hb Bart's in cord blood, in whom the diagnosis of α‐thalassemia was confirmed by the DNA analysis. The remaining 1100 newborns had no detectable Hb Bart's at birth; among these, 45 carriers of silent α‐thalassemia were diagnosed by DNA analysis. All the 45 cases had only the ‐α3.7 deletion genotype.

Conclusion

For newborns of one α‐gene mutation, especially for 3.7‐kb deletion, the method based on Hb Bart's is inadequate and is therefore not reliable for screening.
Cord IGF‐I concentrations in Indian newborns: associations with neonatal body composition and maternal determinants
Authors: Wiley A. S. , Lubree H. G. , Joshi S. M. , Bhat D. S. , Ramdas L. V. , Rao A. S. , Thuse N. V. , Deshpande V. U. , Yajnik C. S.
Published: May 2015

Background

Indian newborns have been described as ‘thin‐fat’ compared with European babies, but little is known about how this phenotype relates to the foetal growth factor IGF‐I (insulin‐like growth factor I) or its binding protein IGFBP‐3.

Objective

To assess cord IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations in a sample of Indian newborns and evaluate their associations with neonatal adiposity and maternal factors.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 146 pregnant mothers with dietary, anthropometric and biochemical measurements at 28 and 34 weeks gestation. Neonatal weight, length, skin‐folds, circumferences, and cord blood IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations were measured at birth.

Results

Average cord IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 concentrations were 46.6 (2.2) and 1269.4 (41) ng mL−1, respectively. Girls had higher mean IGF‐I than boys (51.4 ng mL−1 vs. 42.9 ng mL−1; P < 0.03), but IGFBP‐3 did not differ. Cord IGF‐I was positively correlated with all birth size measures except length, and most strongly with neonatal sum‐of‐skin‐folds (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). IGFBP‐3 was positively correlated with ponderal index, sum‐of‐skin‐folds and placenta weight (r = 0.21, 0.19, 0.16, respectively; P < 0.05). Of maternal demographic and anthropometric characteristics, only parity was correlated with cord IGF‐I (r = 0.27, P < 0.001). Among dietary behaviours, maternal daily milk intake at 34 weeks gestation predicted higher cord IGF‐I compared to no‐milk intake (51.8 ng mL−1 vs. 36.5 ng mL−1, P < 0.01) after controlling for maternal characteristics, placental weight, and newborn gestational age, sex, weight and sum‐of‐skin‐folds. Sum‐of‐skin‐folds were positively associated with cord IGF‐I in this multivariate model (57.3 ng mL−1 vs. 35.1 ng mL−1 for highest and lowest sum‐of skin‐fold quartile, P < 0.001). IGFBP‐3 did not show significant relationships with these covariates.

Conclusion

In this Indian study, cord IGF‐I concentration was associated with greater adiposity among newborns. Maternal milk intake may play a role in this relationship.
Application of vacuum sealing drainage to the treatment of seawater‐immersed blast‐injury wounds
Authors: Shi Bing , Sun Jingjing , Cao Yingli , Yang Fen , Wu Yujia , Liang Xianping , Li Li
Published: May 2015

The aims of this study were to observe the effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with three different negative pressures on the wound healing rate, macrophage count and the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) as well as its receptor CD44 in seawater‐immersed blast‐injury wounds (SIBIW) and to determine the optimal negative pressure value. In a minipig SIBIW model, different suction pressures and routine dressing were applied. Histological and immunohistochemical comparisons as well as molecular biology methods were performed to compare the wound healing conditions, macrophage count and the levels of HA and CD44. The wound healing rate of the VSD group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with the −120 mmHg group exhibiting the best effects. The macrophage count of the VSD group was higher than that of the control group. The HA level fluctuation was higher in the VSD group, with the −120 mmHg and the −180 mmHg groups showing the most significant fluctuation (P < 0·05). CD44 was expressed in the full‐thickness wound‐limbic tissues and was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group, with the −120 mmHg group having the most obvious expression. VSD significantly improved the healing ability and increased the macrophage count and the HA content. It also promoted CD44 expression. −120 mmHg is the optimal negative pressure value.
Optical Temperature Sensing Behavior of High‐Efficiency Upconversion: Er3+–Yb3+ Co‐Doped NaY(MoO4)2 Phosphor
Authors: Yang Xingxing , Fu Zuoling , Yang Yanmin , Zhang Chunpeng , Wu Zhijian , Sheng Tianqi
Published: May 2015

A class of Yb3+/Er3+ co‐doped NaY(MoO4)2 upconversion (UC) phosphors have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route with further calcination. The structural properties and the phase composition of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The UC luminescence properties of Yb3+/Er3+ co‐doped NaY(MoO4)2 were investigated in detail. Concentration‐dependent studies revealed that the optimal composition was realized for a 2% Er3+ and 10% Yb3+‐doping concentration. Two‐photon excitation UC mechanism further illustrated that the green enhancement arised from a novel energy‐transfer (ET) pathway which entailed a strong ground‐state absorption of Yb3+ ions and the excited state absorption of Yb3+–MoO42− dimers, followed by an effective energy transfer to the high‐energy state of Er3+ ions. We have also studied the thermal properties of UC emissions between 303 and 523 K for the optical thermometry behavior under a 980 nm laser diode excitation for the first time. The higher sensitivity for temperature measurement could be obtained compared to the previous reported rare‐earth ions fluorescence based optical temperature sensors. These results indicated that the present sample was a promising candidate for optical temperature sensors with high sensitivity.
Microwave Processing for Improved Ionic Conductivity in Li2O–Al2O3–TiO2–P2O5 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Davis Calvin , Nino Juan C.
Published: May 2015

Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 (LATP) was synthesized using a glass‐ceramics approach through crystallization in a conventional box furnace and a modified microwave furnace. The microstructure of samples that were microwave processed at 1000°C showed a larger average grain size (0.87 μm) when compared with the grain size of conventionally processed samples (0.30 μm) at the same temperature. Microwave processing led to significant enhancement of the conductivity when compared with conventional processing for all crystallization temperatures investigated. The highest total conductivity achieved was of glass microwave processed at 1000°C, with a conductivity of 5.33 × 10−4 S/cm. This conductivity was five times higher than that of LATP crystallized conventionally at the same temperature.
Respecting Embedded Disability
Authors: Akhtar Sahar
Published: May 2015

In certain ways, many disabilities seem to occupy a middle ground between illnesses like cancer and identity‐traits like race: like illnesses, they can present a wide variety of obstacles in a range of social and natural environments and, insofar as they do, they are something we should prevent potential people from having for their own sake; at the same time, those same types of disabilities can be, like race, a valuable part of the identity of the persons who already have them. I consider this seemingly dual nature of a significant class of disabilities to attempt to understand the proper relation of those disabilities to persons and how we should value or respect them. I argue for a distinction between embedded disabilities (e.g. John's blindness) and general disabilities (e.g. blindness‐in‐general); importantly not everyone with a disability will turn out to have an embedded disability. I then show that expressing negative value judgments about general disabilities does not typically express disrespect for people with disabilities — thereby addressing a long‐standing charge made by many in the disabilities community. Finally, I show that unlike with disabilities, expressing negative judgments about the general form of identity‐traits like race does typically express disrespect for people with those identity‐traits.
How Do Women with an Intellectual Disability Experience the Support of a Doula During Their Pregnancy, Childbirth and After the Birth of Their Child?
Authors: McGarry Alison , Stenfert Kroese Biza , Cox Rachel
Published: May 2015

Background

With increasing numbers of people with an intellectual disability choosing to become parents, the right support is imperative for effective parenting (Macintyre & Stewart ). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of parents who received support from Doulas during pregnancy, birth and following the birth of their child. In addition, the experiences of the Doulas who provided the support were investigated.

Materials and Methods

Four women with an intellectual disability who received Doula support were interviewed before and after the birth of their child. Three Doulas were interviewed after the birth about their experiences of supporting women with an intellectual disability.

Results

Interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Themes were identified from each interview, before an overall analysis of themes from each support phase was undertaken.

Conclusions

Pre‐natally, the Doula was considered helpful and a reliable source of information about pregnancy. Each mother perceived Doula support as a means of keeping her child in her care. Post‐natally, mothers described a trusting relationship with their Doula, who enabled them to make informed choices. Doulas described how they adapted their work to meet the needs of parents with intellectual disability. Being involved in Child Protection procedures was perceived as stressful and challenging.
Outcome of Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation in Patients with End‐Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
Authors: EL‐CHAMI MIKHAEL F. , LEVY MATHEW , KELLI HEVAL M. , CASEY MARY , HOSKINS MICHAEL H. , GOYAL ABHINAV , LANGBERG JONATHAN J. , PATEL ANSHUL , DELURGIO DAVID , LLOYD MICHAEL S. , LEON ANGEL R. , MERCHANT FAISAL M.
Published: May 2015

Subcutaneous ICD in Dialysis Patients

Background

Although the subcutaneous ICD (S‐ICD®) is an attractive alternative in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), data on S‐ICD outcomes in dialysis patients are lacking.

Methods

Patients with cardiomyopathy undergoing S‐ICD implantation in our center were stratified by need for chronic dialysis at the time of implant. The primary endpoint was incidence of death, heart failure hospitalization or appropriate S‐ICD shocks, and secondary endpoints were incidence of inappropriate shocks or implant related complications requiring surgical re‐intervention. Mean follow‐up was longer in the nondialysis cohort (514 ± 495 vs. 227 ± 233 days, P = 0.006), so all endpoints were analyzed using time‐dependent comparisons and reported as annual event rates.

Results

Out of 79 S‐ICD implants included in this analysis, 27 patients were on dialysis. Dialysis patients were older and more likely to be diabetic. Mean ejection fraction across the entire cohort was 26.9% without significant difference between dialysis and nondialysis groups. Although not significant, the incidence of the primary endpoint was higher in the dialysis cohort (23.8%/year vs. 10.9%/year, P = 0.317), driven primarily by a higher rate of appropriate shocks. The rate of inappropriate shocks was similar between groups (dialysis 6.0%/year vs. nondialysis 6.8%/year, P = 0.509). No patients in the dialysis cohort had complications requiring surgical re‐intervention versus 6 patients in the nondialysis cohort (P = 0.086).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that S‐ICD implantation in dialysis patients is not associated with an excess risk of implant related complications or inappropriate shocks.
Ac45 silencing mediated by AAV‐sh‐Ac45‐RNAi prevents both bone loss and inflammation caused by periodontitis
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Chen Wei , Hao Liang , Zhu Guochun , Lu Yun , Li Sheng , Wang Lin , Li Yi‐Ping
Published: May 2015

Aim

Periodontitis induced by oral pathogens leads to severe periodontal tissue damage and osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption caused by inflammation. On the basis of the importance of Ac45 in osteoclast formation and function, we performed this study to evaluate the therapeutic potential of periodontitis by local adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated Ac45 gene knockdown.

Material and Methods

We used AAV‐mediated short hairpin RNAi knockdown of Ac45 gene expression (AAV‐sh‐Ac45) to inhibit bone erosion and gingival inflammation simultaneously in a well‐established periodontitis mouse model induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis W50. Histological studies were performed to evaluate the bone protection of AAV‐sh‐Ac45. Immunochemistry, ELISA and qRT‐PCR were performed to reveal the role of Ac45 knockdown on inflammation, immune response and expression of cytokine.

Results

We found that Ac45 knockdown impaired osteoclast‐mediated extracellular acidification and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, local administration of AAV‐sh‐Ac45 protected mice from bone erosion by >85% and attenuated inflammation and decreased infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages in the periodontal lesion. Notably, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was also reduced.

Conclusions

Local AAV‐sh‐Ac45 gene therapy efficiently protects against periodontal tissue damage and bone erosion through both inhibition of osteoclast function and attenuating inflammation, and may represent a powerful new treatment strategy for periodontitis.
Executive dysfunction affects word list recall performance: Evidence from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Consonni Monica , Rossi Stefania , Cerami Chiara , Marcone Alessandra , Iannaccone Sandro , Francesco Cappa Stefano , Perani Daniela
Published: May 2015

The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is widely used in clinical practice to evaluate verbal episodic memory. While there is evidence that RAVLT performance can be influenced by executive dysfunction, the way executive disorders affect the serial position curve (SPC) has not been yet explored. To this aim, we analysed immediate and delayed recall performances of 13 non‐demented amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with a specific mild executive dysfunction (ALSci) and compared their performances to those of 48 healthy controls (HC) and 13 cognitively normal patients with ALS. Moreover, to control for the impact of a severe dysexecutive syndrome and a genuine episodic memory deficit on the SPC, we enrolled 15 patients with a diagnosis of behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and 18 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results documented that, compared to cognitively normal subjects, ALSci patients had a selective mid‐list impairment for immediate recall scores. The bvFTD group obtained low performances with a selectively increased forgetting rate for terminal items, whereas the AD group showed a disproportionately large memory loss on the primary and middle part of the SPC for immediate recall scores and were severely impaired in the delayed recall trial. These results suggested that subtle executive dysfunctions might influence the recall of mid‐list items, possibly reflecting deficiency in control strategies at retrieval of word lists, whereas severer dysexecutive syndrome might also affect the recall of terminal items possibly due to attention deficit or retroactive interference.
Impact of Instructors’ Caring on Students’ Perceptions of Their Own Caring Behaviors
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , McEnroe‐Petitte Denise M. , Papathanasiou Ioanna V. , Edet Olaide B. , Arulappan Judie
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between instructors’ and students’ caring behaviors and to explore the impact of instructors’ caring on students’ perceptions of their own caring behaviors.

Design

A descriptive, nonexperimental design was used in this study.

Methods

A total of 586 student nurses from four countries (Greece, the Philippines, India, and Nigeria) were recruited to participate in this study during the months of September 2013 to January 2014. Data collection was based on interviews using two standardized questionnaires: the Nursing Students’ Perception of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) and the Caring Behavior Inventory (CBI). Inferential statistics such as the Pearson r correlation and regression analysis were used to determine correlations between relevant variables.

Findings

Student nurses perceived “instills confidence through caring” (mean = 4.275, SD = 0.755) as the most frequently demonstrated subscale, while “control vs. flexibility” (mean = 3.469, SD = 0.701) was the least demonstrated subscale. The highest self‐reported subscale in the CBI was “assurance” (mean = 4.796, SD = 0.949), while “connectedness” (mean = 4.541, SD = 0.985) was the lowest self‐rated subscale. The NSPIC correlated significantly with the CBI (r = .587, p < .001). Four of the five subscales in the NSPIC correlated significantly with the CBI when considered individually; the exception was the “Supportive learning climate” subscale (r = .009, p < .40). Among the NSPIC subscales, “instills confidence through caring” explained 32% in the CBI and “appreciation of life's meaning” explained 3% in the CBI.

Conclusions

Instructors’ caring behaviors influenced nursing students’ caring behaviors positively. Through positive faculty modeling and role modeling, nursing students can be professionally trained to develop the competence of caring.

Clinical Relevance

The knowledge generated from this study provides direction in developing useful and effective caring strategies and curricular programs for nursing students. Understanding this concept in a cross‐cultural context is necessary in order to develop an international perspective about caring, which is necessary in developing and formulating effective teaching and clinical strategies.
Philosophical Switch for the Third Wave of Psychology in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Kuo
Published: May 2015

The epistemological goal of indigenous psychology is to construct a series of culture‐inclusive theories to represent the universal structure of human minds on one hand, and to account for people's specific mentalities in a particular indigenous culture on the other hand. In order to attain this goal, three levels of breakthrough must be made for the sustainable progress of indigenous psychology: philosophical reflection, theoretical construction, and empirical research. In my book, Foundations of Chinese Psychology: Confucian Social Relations, I explained how I constructed the “Face and Favor” model, which may reflect the deep structure of universal human mind in interpersonal relationships. Then I used it as a framework to analyze the inner structure of Confucianism, which might enable us to understand the specific mentality of people living in Confucian society. The attributes of Confucian ethics were analyzed from the perspective of modern ethics, and a series of culture‐inclusive theories were constructed on the presumption of relationalism to integrate findings of previous empirical researches on social exchange, achievement motivation, face dynamism, quanxi and organizational behaviors, and strategies of conflict resolution in Confucian society. Through the efforts of this book, it is expected that we may not only achieve the epistemological goal of indigenous psychology, but also establish the research tradition of Confucian relationalism in social psychology. I applied the approach of multiple philosophical paradigms to overcome the problematic situation left by Wundt, and utilized critical realism to explain the philosophical switch for the third wave of psychology.
How Can Indigenous Research Contribute to Universal Knowledge? An Illustration with Research on Interpersonal Harmony
Authors: Leung Kwok , Wang Jie , Deng Hong
Published: May 2015

The indigenous perspective can provide a more complete, in‐depth, and accurate account of psychological phenomena for a given culture, but a major issue is that indigenous research tends to be ignored by researchers from other cultures. Chinese researchers who conduct research on indigenous issues may find it hard to publish in major English‐language journals. This paper explores how Chinese indigenous research is able to contribute to universal knowledge. Chinese are characterized by a relational and collectivistic orientation, whereas theories in the West tend to have a self‐focus, primarily due to its individualistic culture. However, most psychological research conducted in the Chinese context is guided by Western theories, which likely results in incomplete understanding of Chinese behavior. A relational perspective can augment Western theories and facilitate the contribution of Chinese indigenous research to new theory development. To illustrate this possibility, this article summarizes current indigenous research on two harmony motives, and shows how such research can contribute to a compelling refinement and extension of social exchange theory.
Magnetic, in situ, mineral characterization of Chelyabinsk meteorite thin section
Authors: Nabelek Ladislav , Mazanec Martin , Kdyr Simon , Kletetschka Gunther
Published: May 2015

Magnetic images of Chelyabinsk meteorite's (fragment F1 removed from Chebarkul lake) thin section have been unraveled by a magnetic scanning system from Youngwood Science and Engineering (YSE) capable of resolving magnetic anomalies down to 10−3 mT range from about 0.3 mm distance between the probe and meteorite surface (resolution about 0.15 mm). Anomalies were produced repeatedly, each time after application of magnetic field pulse of varying amplitude and constant, normal or reversed, direction. This process resulted in both magnetizing and demagnetizing of the meteorite thin section, while keeping the magnetization vector in the plane of the thin section. Analysis of the magnetic data allows determination of coercivity of remanence (Bcr) for the magnetic sources in situ. Value of Bcr is critical for calculating magnetic forces applicable during missions to asteroids where gravity is compromised. Bcr was estimated by two methods. First method measured varying dipole magnetic field strength produced by each anomaly in the direction of magnetic pulses. Second method measured deflections of the dipole direction from the direction of magnetic pulses. Bcr of magnetic sources in Chelyabinsk meteorite ranges between 4 and 7 mT. These magnetic sources enter their saturation states when applying 40 mT external magnetic field pulse.
Predictors of re‐employment: A question of attitude, behavior, or gender?
Authors: Andersson Kin
Published: May 2015

This longitudinal study examined the predictive value of attitudes, personal‐related variables, job search behaviour, and demographic variables on re‐employment among 142 assembly workers who had been made redundant. Participants completed a questionnaire within a week after leaving their jobs, and another 15 months later. Results of hierarchical logistic regression revealed that gender (being male), was the strongest predictor of re‐employment. Willingness to relocate and desire to change occupation also increased the odds of re‐employment 15 months after dismissal. On the other hand ‐ having children at home and anonymous‐passive job‐search behaviour, which is more prevalent among women, decreased the odds for re‐employment. The study is contributing to research by revealing gender differences in job search behaviour and the importance of focusing qualitative differences instead of merely quantitative measures in job‐search behaviour. And even more important, despite attitude and job‐search behaviour, there is still differences that seems to be related to gender and family responsibility.
The Impact of Large‐Scale Collective Action on Latino Perceptions of Commonality and Competition with African Americans*
Authors: Jones‐Correa Michael , Wallace Sophia J. , Zepeda‐Millán Chris
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of protests on Latinos' perceptions of commonality and competition with African Americans. We hypothesize that the reinforcement and politicization of in‐group identities leads to greater identification and sense of commonality with other marginalized racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

This study utilizes geocoded Latino National Survey data combined with an expanded protest event data set to estimate the effect of temporal and spatial proximity to immigrant rights protests on Latinos’ perceptions of commonality and competition with African Americans using ordered logistic regression models.

Results

The findings suggest that respondents’ proximity to marches had a positive impact on Latino perceptions of commonality with African Americans. The results also show that proximity to protests did not lead to an increase in feelings of competition with African Americans except in the case of electoral representation.

Conclusions

Examining temporal and spatial effects of protests improves our understanding of how protests can influence public opinion and how protests can influence identities and group relations.