bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring parental perspectives of participation in children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Lyons Rena , Brennan Sara , Carroll Clare
Published: February 2015

The everyday lives of children with disabilities are not well understood, with few studies exploring how participation in everyday life is conceptualized and given meaning. The overall aims of this study were, first, to explore parental views of their children’s participation and, second, to identify barriers and facilitators in relation to participation in everyday activities. A qualitative research strategy was adopted, whereby parents of children with Down syndrome (DS) aged 6–12 years were selected using purposive sampling. Five interviews with seven participants were audio-recorded and analysed using a framework approach whereby the overall research aims guided the analysis. Analysis of the data identified two main themes and seven sub-themes. The first theme was the value of participation. Parents reported that through participation in activities, their children developed skills that in turn enhanced their well-being and sense of belonging. The second theme was barriers and facilitators of participation, which included four subthemes: child factors, attitudes and views of others, modifications to the environment and logistical issues. Findings also illustrate how the child and his/her physical, social and attitudinal environments are inherently intertwined, with parents identifying the influence of several interacting factors on their child’s participation in everyday activities. This study supports the view that while frameworks like the ICF have an important role in understanding disability, they need to be supplemented with personal experiences of children and others in their lives. Speech and language therapists need to consider activities and participation both from the perspective of factors within children themselves and also from the point of view of barriers and facilitators in the children’s environment.
Climate change and water in the UK – past changes and future prospects
Authors: Watts Glenn , Battarbee Richard W. , Bloomfield John P. , Crossman Jill , Daccache Andre , Durance Isabelle , Elliott J. Alex , Garner Grace , Hannaford Jamie , Hannah David M. , Hess Tim , Jackson Christopher R. , Kay Alison L. , Kernan Martin , Knox Jerry , Mackay Jonathan , Monteith Don T. , Ormerod Steve J. , Rance Jemima , Stuart Marianne E. , Wade Andrew J. , Wade Steven D. , Weatherhead Keith , Whitehead Paul G. , Wilby Robert L.
Published: February 2015

Climate change is expected to modify rainfall, temperature and catchment hydrological responses across the world, and adapting to these water-related changes is a pressing challenge. This paper reviews the impact of anthropogenic climate change on water in the UK and looks at projections of future change. The natural variability of the UK climate makes change hard to detect; only historical increases in air temperature can be attributed to anthropogenic climate forcing, but over the last 50 years more winter rainfall has been falling in intense events. Future changes in rainfall and evapotranspiration could lead to changed flow regimes and impacts on water quality, aquatic ecosystems and water availability. Summer flows may decrease on average, but floods may become larger and more frequent. River and lake water quality may decline as a result of higher water temperatures, lower river flows and increased algal blooms in summer, and because of higher flows in the winter. In communicating this important work, researchers should pay particular attention to explaining confidence and uncertainty clearly. Much of the relevant research is either global or highly localized: decision-makers would benefit from more studies that address water and climate change at a spatial and temporal scale appropriate for the decisions they make.
Evidence for changes in historic and future groundwater levels in the UK
Authors: Jackson Christopher R. , Bloomfield John P. , Mackay Jonathan D.
Published: February 2015

We examine the evidence for climate-change impacts on groundwater levels provided by studies of the historical observational record, and future climate-change impact modelling. To date no evidence has been found for systematic changes in groundwater drought frequency or intensity in the UK, but some evidence of multi-annual to decadal coherence of groundwater levels and large-scale climate indices has been found, which should be considered when trying to identify any trends. We analyse trends in long groundwater level time-series monitored in seven observation boreholes in the Chalk aquifer, and identify statistically significant declines at four of these sites, but do not attempt to attribute these to a change in a stimulus. The evidence for the impacts of future climate change on UK groundwater recharge and levels is limited. The number of studies that have been undertaken is small and different approaches have been adopted to quantify impacts. Furthermore, these studies have generally focused on relatively small regions and reported local findings. Consequently, it has been difficult to compare them between locations. We undertake some additional analysis of the probabilistic outputs of the one recent impact study that has produced coherent multi-site projections of changes in groundwater levels. These results suggest reductions in annual and average summer levels, and increases in average winter levels, by the 2050s under a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario, at most of the sites modelled, when expressed by the median of the ensemble of simulations. It is concluded, however, that local hydrogeological conditions can be an important control on the simulated response to a future climate projection.
River water temperature in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hannah David M. , Garner Grace
Published: February 2015

Change in river water temperature has important consequences for the environment and people. This review provides a new perspective on the topic by evaluating changes in river water temperature for the UK over the 20th century and possible changes over the 21st century. There is limited knowledge of space-time variability in, and controls on, river temperature at the region scale and beyond over the 20th century. There is historical evidence that UK river temperature has increased in the latter part of the 20th century, but low agreement on the attribution of changes to climatic warming because river temperature is a complex, dynamic response to climate and hydrological patterns moderated by basin properties and anthropogenic impacts. Literature is scarce to evaluate changes to UK river temperature in the 21st century, but it appears as likely as not that UK river temperature will increase in the future. However, there are a number of interlinked sources of uncertainty (related to observations, scenarios, process interactions and feedback) that make estimating direction and rate of temperature change for rivers across the UK with confidence very challenging. Priority knowledge gaps are identified that must be addressed to improve understanding of past, contemporary and future river temperature change.
The implications of climate change for the water environment in England
Authors: Arnell Nigel W. , Halliday Sarah J. , Battarbee Richard W. , Skeffington Richard A. , Wade Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

This paper reviews the implications of climate change for the water environment and its management in England. There is a large literature, but most studies have looked at flow volumes or nutrients and none have considered explicitly the implications of climate change for the delivery of water management objectives. Studies have been undertaken in a small number of locations. Studies have used observations from the past to infer future changes, and have used numerical simulation models with climate change scenarios. The literature indicates that climate change poses risks to the delivery of water management objectives, but that these risks depend on local catchment and water body conditions. Climate change affects the status of water bodies, and it affects the effectiveness of measures to manage the water environment and meet policy objectives. The future impact of climate change on the water environment and its management is uncertain. Impacts are dependent on changes in the duration of dry spells and frequency of ‘flushing’ events, which are highly uncertain and not included in current climate scenarios. There is a good qualitative understanding of ways in which systems may change, but interactions between components of the water environment are poorly understood. Predictive models are only available for some components, and model parametric and structural uncertainty has not been evaluated. The impacts of climate change depend on other pressures on the water environment in a catchment, and also on the management interventions that are undertaken to achieve water management objectives. The paper has also developed a series of consistent conceptual models describing the implications of climate change for pressures on the water environment, based around the source-pathway-receptor concept. They provide a framework for a systematic assessment across catchments and pressures of the implications of climate change for the water environment and its management.
Applied physical geography
Authors: Watts Glenn
Published: February 2015

In the papers collected in Man's Impact on the Hydrological Cycle in the United Kingdom Hollis gives us a fascinating view of the concerns and approaches of practising hydrologists in the late 1970s. Hollis, a physical geographer from University College London, spent most of his research career considering the way that humans acted to change their surroundings, looking first at the impact of urbanisation on flooding and later at the management of wetlands. The papers in this book cover a wide range of subjects, from the impact of forestry to the effects of house building on channel morphology and function. Many provide valuable reviews and insights into contemporary thinking on the effect of humans on the UK environment, and the modern reader will discover much of value in the ideas and approaches described in this book.
Hydraulic geometry of natural rivers
Authors: Gleason Colin J.
Published: February 2015

The geomorphic relationships known as hydraulic geometry (HG) were first introduced by Leopold and Maddock in 1953, and their application remains critically important for assessing water resources the world over. The practical utility of HG for discharge monitoring, habitat studies, and understanding geomorphic change over time is unquestioned, but its elevation beyond empirically observed relationship to physical principle is not complete, despite universal acceptance of its existence. This review summarizes six decades of HG research while surveying rational, extremal, and empirical attempts to derive HG’s underlying physical principles. In addition, so called non-Leopoldian forms of HG are discussed, expanding HG beyond its original construction to examine a range of research that invokes HG in novel ways. The recent discovery of at-many-stations hydraulic geometry (AMHG) is also discussed in the context of previous HG literature. Finally, some common themes linking disparate HG research communities are described in conjunction with suggestions for possible new directions for HG research in the future.
Exacerbation of SUNCT and SUNA syndromes during intravenous dihydroergotamine treatment: A case series
Authors: Lambru Giorgio , Shanahan Paul , Matharu Manjit
Published: February 2015

Background

The management of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) remains challenging in view of the limited understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

An initial observation that patients with both chronic migraine (CM) or cluster headache (CH) and SUNCT/SUNA receiving intravenous dihydroergotamine (IV DHE) had complained of dramatic worsening of the latter led to review of the case notes of patients with CM or CH and co-existent SUNCT/SUNA seen between 2008 and 2013 and who had a trial of IV DHE.

Results

Twenty-four patients were identified. IV DHE was ineffective for SUNCT/SUNA in 16 patients, while one patient reported a marginal improvement. Five patients reported dramatic worsening of the SUNCT/SUNA. Moreover, two patients developed new-onset SUNA during their first IV DHE infusion. Out of these seven patients, those requiring repeated courses of IV DHE consistently experienced exacerbations of SUNCT/SUNA which were suppressed with IV lidocaine.

Conclusions

DHE is an ineffective treatment option for SUNCT and SUNA. Physicians who intend to offer IV DHE to CH or CM patients should warn them that IV DHE could exacerbate and possibly even lead to a de novo onset of SUNCT/SUNA. In view of the reported worsening or new onset of SUNCT/SUNA in patients using dopamine agonists for the treatment of pituitary prolactinomas, we speculate that DHE might worsen or induce SUNCT and SUNA, at least in a sub-group of patients, through a perturbation in the dopaminergic system.
Using the Transpersonal in Dreamtelling and Conflict
Authors: Friedman Robi
Published: February 2015

The transpersonal may be considered a relational mechanism, which connects people through the boundary permeability and reciprocity of influence in the matrix. The transpersonal perspective enriches our understanding of the potential conscious and unconscious communication in groups, especially in working with dreams. Inter- and intrapersonal dimensions complement each other in three uses of dreaming and dreamtelling: the informative, the formative and the transformative (of relations). Not every dream told may be explored, and dreams told may often include a request for containment and a demand for influence. The transpersonal perspective also elucidates dynamics in groups, which focus on conflict dialogue and may also promote development in this area.
Young Learners
Authors: Chan Man Ching Esther
Published: February 2015

The Early Literacy Knowledge and Skills (ELKS) instrument was informed by the work of Ferreiro and Teberosky based on the notion that young children could be differentiated according to levels of sophistication in their understanding of the rules of written language. As an initial step to evaluate the instrument for teaching purposes, the present study examines its psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency reliability, model-data fit, item discrimination, match between item difficulty and ability range in the sample, and item difficulty according to Ferreiro and Teberosky’s theory of early literacy development. Overall, the ELKS instrument showed good psychometric properties in these areas, although two items in particular may require further investigation and possible revision according to the model-data fit index. Future directions to investigate the potential classroom application of the instrument are suggested.
Using Multilevel Factor Analysis With Clustered Data
Authors: Huang Francis L. , Cornell Dewey G.
Published: February 2015

Advances in multilevel modeling techniques now make it possible to investigate the psychometric properties of instruments using clustered data. Factor models that overlook the clustering effect can lead to underestimated standard errors, incorrect parameter estimates, and model fit indices. In addition, factor structures may differ depending on the level of analysis. The current study illustrates the application of multilevel factor analytic techniques using a large statewide sample of middle school students ( n = 39,364) from 423 schools. Both multilevel exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to investigate the factor structure of the Positive Values Scale (PVS) as part of a school climate survey. Results showed that for the PVS, a two-correlated factor model at Level 1 and a one-factor model at Level 2 best fit the data. Implications and guidance for applied researchers are discussed.
The interdependence of conflict management attempts
Authors: Diehl Paul F. , Regan Patrick
Published: February 2015

Standard conflict management studies treat individual conflict management attempts, whether the same or different techniques, as independent of one another across time and space. This article considers the implications and lays out research agenda for several configurations that relax that assumption: (a) multiple approaches in the same conflict; (b) spatial and temporal interrelationships; (c) interactions with ongoing hostilities; and (d) techniques in different phases of the conflict. Included is a discussion of how the articles in the special issue fit within these frameworks.
Forecasting conflict management in militarized interstate disputes
Authors: Owsiak Andrew P.
Published: February 2015

Is predicting the international community’s cumulative response to an interstate dispute possible? Can we predict what form conflict management will take and how it will evolve over the course of a dispute? I employ the concept of a conflict management trajectory to test a forecasting model of conflict management. This model accurately predicts conflict management behavior and uncovers numerous novel insights—including that the initial intervention indicates clearly the resources the international community is willing to spend on managing the dispute. These results confirm the need to theorize further about conflict management interdependence and offer clear advice to the policy community.
Insufficient Protein Intake Is Associated With Increased Mortality in 630 Patients With Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ney Michael , Abraldes Juan G. , Ma Mang , Belland Dawn , Harvey Andrea , Robbins Sarah , Den Heyer Vanessa , Tandon Puneeta
Published: February 2015

Background: For patients awaiting liver transplantation, we aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of insufficient protein intake as well as to determine whether very low protein intake was an independent predictor of malnutrition and mortality. Materials and Methods: Adults with cirrhosis who were activated on our local liver transplant waiting list between January 2000 and October 2009 were included. Estimated protein intake was derived from dietary records. Patients with incomplete dietary records were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression and competing risk analysis were used. Results: Of 742 potential patients, 112 were excluded due to insufficient data, leaving 630 patients for evaluation. Mean protein intake was 1.0 ± 0.36 g/kg/d and only 24% of patients met the expert consensus recommended threshold of > 1.2 g/kg of protein per day. Very low protein intake (< 0.8 g/kg/d) was associated with worse liver disease severity (as measured by Child‐Pugh or MELD). Protein intake below 0.8 g/kg/d was an independent predictor both of malnutrition as measured by the subjective global assessment (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.0 [1.3–3.0]) and of transplant waiting list mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.8 [1.2–2.7]). Conclusion: In this large cohort of liver transplant waitlisted patients, very low protein intake was prevalent and independently associated with malnutrition and mortality. Unlike many other prognostic factors, protein intake is potentially modifiable. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of targeted protein repletion on clinically relevant outcomes such as muscle mass, muscle function, immune function, and mortality.
Challenges to Nutrition Therapy in the Pediatric Critically Ill Obese Patient
Authors: Martinez Enid E. , Ariagno Katelyn , Arriola Aldis , Lara Kattina , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: February 2015

Background: Obesity has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in critically ill children. The optimal approach to nutrition therapy in this vulnerable cohort is unclear. Methods: We report the nutrition management of 2 obese patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We focus on their nutrition assessment, energy requirements, and macronutrient delivery. Results: Case 1 describes a 19‐year‐old male, body mass index (BMI) 52.4 kg/m2, who was admitted after emergent orthopedic surgery. Case 2 describes a 13‐year‐old male, BMI 31.5 kg/m2, who was admitted with respiratory distress. Average PICU length of stay was 2 months. Nutrition assessments, including weight and height, were obtained early and regularly. Skinfold measurements were challenging. Estimated energy expenditure by predictive equations was significantly higher compared with measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) by indirect calorimetry in both cases. The Mifflin St‐Jeor equation (in case 1) overestimated MREE by 681 kcal/d; the Schofield equation (in case 2) overestimated MREE by 662 kcal/d. Both patients had barriers to enteral nutrition and prolonged periods of time when they received no enteral nutrition, requiring parenteral nutrition for 28% and 75% of their PICU stay, respectively. Average daily protein delivered was 0.8 g/kg and 1 g/kg, below adult recommended protein intake for obese patients and pediatric recommendations for age. Conclusions: These cases were notable for (1) challenges to anthropometric assessments, (2) inaccurate estimates of energy requirements, (3) suboptimal enteral nutrition delivery, (4) need for supplemental parenteral nutrition, and (5) suboptimal protein intake. Research is needed to determine the best approach to nutrition therapy in this cohort.
Mothering and Domestic Violence
Authors: Wendt Sarah , Buchanan Fiona , Moulding Nicole
Published: February 2015

This article aimed to explore the complications and complexities of mothering in the contexts of domestic violence. Through interviews with nine women who had mothered in domestic violence, it was found that women do attempt to protect children from physical and emotional harm; however, the climate of fear, power, and control present in domestic violence limits protection, and women try pleasing their partners to prevent violence. This article argues the hostility of this environment needs to be acknowledged in constructions of protection and gender needs to be central in understandings of mothering in domestic violence.
In Search of Women of Color in the Social Work Journal Literature (1998–2007)
Authors: Barretti Marietta Anne
Published: February 2015

This article reports secondary analysis findings that categorized the content on women of color in 17 selected social work journals over 10 years. Included are the number of articles per journal containing content on women of color, referents to their social identities, themes, curricular areas, authors’ analytical methods, and the amount and degree of feminist content. Data are compared to women overall. In most areas, the content on women of color was proportionate to women overall with some noted exceptions especially in social identity, and feminist and human rights content. Implications for social work are discussed.
“People Are Enemies to What They Don’t Know” Managing Stigma and Anti-Muslim Stereotypes in a Turkish Community Center
Authors: Paul Crystal , Becker Sarah
Published: February 2015

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, anti-Muslim discourse and sentiment has become pervasive in the West. Using a collaborative ethnographic approach, we observe how participants at a Turkish Community Center (TCC) cultivate stigma management strategies against the cultural backdrop of post-9/11 anti-Muslim stereotypes. In our analysis, we use Goffman’s work on stigma and critical race theory to explore the socially embedded nature of stigmatization processes for Turkish Muslims in a local community center. Our findings reveal how aspects of Turkish culture and Islam, together with a structural context that facilitates collective stigma management, allow TCC participants to effectively manage stigma and combat anti-Muslim stereotypes. Turkish participants use the practice of “dialogue” to prioritize secular identity(ies) through cultural education, normalize the Muslim self in conversation about religion, and embody a gendered presentation of Islam and Turkish culture. While facilitating individual and collective resilience for TCC participants in the face of stigmatization and pervasive anti-Muslim sentiment, these practices also contribute to the reproduction of broader patterns of racial, cultural, and gender inequality.
Effect of nanoclay on the nucleation, crystallization and melting behaviour of polypropylene
Authors: Sahoo Rajesh K , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: February 2015

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of virgin polypropylene (PP) and its nanocomposites have been evaluated using differential scanning calorimetric technique. The nanocomposites were prepared using melt intercalation method. It is observed that the crystallization peak temperature of nanocomposite is marginally higher than virgin PP at various cooling rates. The non-isothermal crystallization melt data were analysed using Avrami, Ozawa and Mos models. The half-time for crystallization decreased with incorporation of clay nanoparticles. The values of crystallization rate constant and cooling rate at unit crystallization time showed that the crystallization rate increased with the increasing of cooling rates for virgin PP and nanocomposite, but the crystallization rate of nanocomposite was faster than that of PP at a given cooling rate. The activation energy for non-isothermal crystallization of virgin polymer and nanocomposites based on Kissinger method has been determined to be 186 and 196 kJ mol−1, respectively. The polarized micrographs showed that the number of effective nuclei increased in the PP-clay nanocomposite, where the clay acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent during the crystallization of the nanocomposite.
Study on downward flame spread behavior of flexible polyurethane board in external heat flux
Authors: Ma Xin , Tu Ran , Zhao Yanli , Xie Qiyuan
Published: February 2015

In this work, the downward flame spread of flame of flexible polyurethane (FPU) foam with a different width was studied in an external radiant heat source. The effects of external radiation heat flux on the main parameters of flame spread, such as the flame height, mass loss rate, flame spread rate and flame pulsation frequency were investigated. The experimental results show that the flame spread of the FPU is an accelerating process when there is an external radiation condition and is a steady one without it. As the flame spread over board, the amount of pyrolysis gases involved in the combustion process showed a positive relationship with the external radiation heat flux. The flame height is under a combined effect of width and external radiation heat flux. However, the flame pulsation frequency shows a negative correlation with the fuel width and the radiation heat flux. Finally, an empirical equation approximation of linear pool fire is introduced to analyze the flame spread behavior of FPU as well as the validation with experiment data.
An Overview: Hegemony, Ideology and the Reproduction of Domination
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: February 2015

One of the more fundamental questions for sociological theory and research is the extent to which rule though consent is generally far more effective than coercion, but how do ruling classes, or perhaps status groups, engineer that very consent? How do elites get large masses of people to “willingly assent” to their claims of entitlements to their wealth, power and status? This was a fundamental question for Marx, who attempted to understand how and why capitalism endured despite its hardships and adversities for the vast majorities of the workers. This became one of the central questions for later Marxist thinkers such as Lukacs, Gramsci and the Frankfurt Scholars. In the present issue, the work of a number of scholars, influenced by these traditions, will attempt to provide some answers to the fundamental question of why people act in ways that subvert their own self-interests, elide their freedom and thwart self-realization.
Union Organizing after the Collapse of Neoliberalism in Argentina: The Place of Community in the Revitalization of the Labor Movement (2005–2011)
Authors: Elbert Rodolfo
Published: February 2015

Recent Argentine history showed that since 2003 the labor movement became increasingly relevant due to protests organized by unionized formal workers. Labor revitalization in a context of persistent informality raised the following question: Were there union organizing strategies that related formal workers to the broader working class community that included informal workers? This article answered the question through the analysis of union strategies from three formal sector firms located in one city of the Northern Gran Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2005 and 2011. The evidence from this comparison showed that in two of the factories there were union strategies to reach the community. The existence of a grassroots democratic union in the shop floor appeared as a necessary condition for inclusive union strategies. The scale of those relations varied according to the geographical pattern of workers’ housing, which was the result of the company’s localization strategy.
Characteristics of Postgraduate Year 1 Pharmacy Residency Programs at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Naples Jennifer G. , Rothrock-Christian Tracie , Brown Jamie N.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

Although the characteristics of pharmacy postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency programs have been examined among large academic medical centers, there are no identified studies comparing the attributes of individual programs in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration System. The primary objective of this study was to describe and contrast characteristics of VA PGY1 residency programs.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey of VA pharmacy residency programs. An online survey was distributed electronically to residency program directors of VA PGY1 residencies.

Results:

Responses from 33 (33%) PGY1 programs were available for the analysis. Programs reported growth over the previous 2 years and expected continued expansion. There was a wide variety of learning opportunities, although experiences were customizable based on residents’ interests. Notably, many programs allowed residents to seek rotations at other locations if specific experiences were not available on-site. Additionally, most programs had a mandatory staffing component and required residents to present the results of residency research projects.

Conclusion:

There is a high degree of variability among individual VA facilities with regard to the requirements and opportunities available to PGY1 pharmacy residents. This assessment is able to characterize the currently established residency programs and allows for an active comparison of programs in a nationally integrated health care system.
Combined outputs variance constrained and input variance constrained design for flight control
Authors: Oktay Tugrul
Published: February 2015

In this article, an algorithm combining two different variance constrained control strategies (i.e. output variance constrained: OVC controller and input variance constrained: IVC controller) is developed. Performance of the resulting novel control technique called as combined output and input variance constrained controller is evaluated on helicopters. Their linearized state-space models are used to see feasibility and efficiency of this new strategy (i.e., output and input variance constrained). Closed loop responses of some outputs and inputs of interest and also some outputs out of interest are investigated while using output and input variance constrained for air vehicle flight control system. Then, closed loop performance of output and input variance constrained is compared with respect to the two other classical control techniques (i.e. outputs variance constrained and input variance constrained). Finally, robustness of output and input variance constrained with respect to the modeling uncertainities is examined.
Qualitative research ethics on the spot
Authors: Øye Christine , Sørensen Nelli Øvre , Glasdam Stinne
Published: February 2015

Background:

The increase in medical ethical regulations and bureaucracy handled by institutional review boards and healthcare institutions puts the researchers using qualitative methods in a challenging position.

Method:

Based on three different cases from three different research studies, the article explores and discusses research ethical dilemmas.

Objectives and ethical considerations:

First, and especially, the article addresses the challenges for gatekeepers who influence the informant’s decisions to participate in research. Second, the article addresses the challenges in following research ethical guidelines related to informed consent and doing no harm. Third, the article argues for the importance of having research ethical guidelines and review boards to question and discuss the possible ethical dilemmas that occur in qualitative research.

Discussion and conclusion:

Research ethics must be understood in qualitative research as relational, situational, and emerging. That is, that focus on ethical issues and dilemmas has to be paid attention on the spot and not only at the desktop.
Trade openness and unemployment: Empirical evidence for Nigeria
Authors: Nwaka Ikechukwu D , Uma Kalu E , Tuna Gulcay
Published: February 2015

In the wake of the global financial crisis, unemployment rates and openness to trade have been the subject of considerable research, especially in developing countries. This study analyses the impacts of trade policy on unemployment rates in Nigeria. Using time series data from 1970 to 2010, it adopts the vector error correction methodology. In order to explore the impact of a range of variables on the relationship between trade openness and national unemployment rates, these variables, in a system of equations, include measures of trade openness, public recurrent spending on education, foreign price shocks and real gross domestic product or alternatively income per capita. The findings reveal that in the long run, real output and income per capita lead to a decline in unemployment, but trade openness policy is associated with an increase in unemployment. Foreign policy shocks, as proxied by commodity prices, also exert a positive effect on unemployment rates and do not contribute subsequently to restoring the system to equilibrium. However, the initial impact of openness and foreign price shocks captured by short-term dynamics are observed to reduce unemployment.
Living With and Treating Rare Diseases
Authors: Garrino Lorenza , Picco Elisa , Finiguerra Ivana , Rossi Daniela , Simone Paola , Roccatello Dario
Published: February 2015

We explored the experiences of illness of patients suffering from rare diseases and of the health professionals who care for them at the Center for the Interregional Coordination of Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta in Italy. The research was carried out between 2010 and 2011. We collected qualitative data from 22 patients and 12 health professional health care providers. The interviews were analyzed using the Colaizzi phenomenological approach. We identified five themes from the narratives of the patient participants—dealing with disease development, living with the disease, everyday living, relating to others, and relations with health care providers—and four themes from the professional health care participants—dealing with the disease, dealing with expectations, building relationships, and being operators in the context. The study has raised awareness about the issue of rare diseases and it provides some useful considerations for improving services.
Understanding Universal Elements in Mental Health Recovery
Authors: Moran Galia , Russo-Netzer Pninit
Published: February 2015

In our study, we examined underlying human elements embedded in mental health recovery, by exploring shared positive change among peer providers with serious mental illnesses in recovery and a normative sample in spiritual growth following adversity. We conducted secondary analysis based on two independent qualitative study samples consisting of 31 American peer providers and 27 Israeli adults. We identified three shared and two distinct enablers of positive change: peer groups, significant mentor, self-transcendent experiences. Distinct enablers were having meaningful task/role (clinical sample) and deliberate choice to commit to change in face of uncertainty (non-clinical sample). Enablers facilitated positive processes of meaning making and enhancement of agency. Enablers provided opportunities to which the person responded and made use of—thus, enacting a positive reinforcement of change processes. The findings highlight the value of examining mental health recovery in a broad holistic perspective and have implications for practice.
Association of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms With Coronary Artery Disease in the Multi-Ethnic Malaysian Population
Authors: Chu Wern Cui , Aziz Ahmad Fazli Abdul , Nordin Abdul Jalil , Cheah Yoke Kqueen
Published: February 2015

Genetic variants of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) influence high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, respectively, and might increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study is to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the risk of CAD and to evaluate their potential interactions. A total of 237 patients with CAD and 101 controls were genotyped. The association of the polymorphism with the risk of CAD varied among the ethnic groups. Moreover, the concomitant presence of both CETP B1 and eNOS 4a alleles significantly increased the risk of CAD in the Malay group (OR = 33.8, P < .001) and the Indian group (OR = 10.9, P = .031) but not in the Chinese group. This study has identified a novel ethnic-specific gene–gene interaction and suggested that the combination of CETP B1 allele and eNOS 4a allele significantly increases the risk of CAD in Malays and Indians.
Reconceiving Military Base Redevelopment
Authors: Ashley Amanda Johnson , Touchton Michael
Published: February 2015

The U.S. Department of Defense has closed 128 domestic bases over the last 30 years through the Base Realignment and Closure Process. Current scholarship describes this process and provides snapshots of transition, yet there is very little systematic knowledge of what follows base closure. We introduce an original data set chronicling military base redevelopment and present evidence suggesting that the variation in the built environment on former military bases stems from considerations somewhat unique to military redevelopment, particularly the presence of federal funding, contamination of redevelopment parcels, and economic output in the surrounding county. Our arguments offer new directions for redevelopment scholarship and a first step for developing best practices to help cities redevelop mothballed bases.
Less Is More
Authors: Babchishin Kelly M. , Hanson R. Karl , Blais Julie
Published: February 2015

Given that sexual offenders are more likely to reoffend with a nonsexual offense than a sexual offense, it is useful to have risk scales that predict general recidivism among sexual offenders. In the current study, we examined the extent to which two commonly used risk scales for sexual offenders (Static-99R and Static-2002R) predict violent and general recidivism, and whether it would be possible to improve predictive accuracy for these outcomes by revising their items. Based on an aggregated sample of 3,536 adult male sex offenders from Canada, the United States, and Europe (average age of 39 years), we found that a scale created from the Age at Release item and the General Criminality subscale of Static-2002R predicted nonsexual violent, any violent, and general recidivism significantly better than Static-99R or Static-2002R total scores. The convergent validity of this new scale (Brief Assessment of Recidivism Risk–2002R [BARR-2002R]) was examined in a new, independent data set of Canadian high-risk adult male sex offenders ( N = 360) where it was found to be highly correlated with other risk assessment tools for general recidivism and the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R), as well as demonstrated similar discrimination and calibration as in the development sample. Instead of using total scores from the Static-99R or Static-2002R, we recommend that evaluators use the BARR-2002R for predicting violent and general recidivism among sex offenders, and for screening for the psychological dimension of antisocial orientation.
A Systematic Review of Behavioral Health Interventions for Sex Offenders With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Marotta Phillip L.
Published: February 2015

This article reviews evaluation studies of programs designed to treat sex offenders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) published in peer-reviewed journals between 1994 and 2014. The design of this study is mirrored after PRISMA (Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations for conducting a systematic literature review. The study design, study setting, characteristics of participants, type of treatment, and intervention procedures comprise areas of focus for evaluating the implementation of treatment programs. Therapeutic outcomes include changes in attitudes consistent with sex offending, victim empathy, sexual knowledge, cognitive distortions, and problem sexual behaviors. Eighteen treatment evaluation studies were identified from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Cognitive-behavioral treatments were the most commonly delivered treatment modality to sex offenders with IDD. Other less common treatments were dialectical behavioral therapy, problem solving therapy, mindfulness, and relapse prevention. No randomized controlled trials were identified. The most common designs were multiple case studies and pre- and post-treatment assessments with no control and repeated measures follow-up. Small sample sizes, no control groups, and wide variation in treatment length and follow-up time complicate the qualitative synthesis of study findings. Short follow-up times introduce the potential for bias in conclusions surrounding treatment efficacy for many of the studies reviewed in this analysis. The overall quality of studies examining treatments for sex offenders with IDD is poor and requires further development before rendering firm conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions for this population.
ExaSAT: An exascale co-design tool for performance modeling
Authors: Unat Didem , Chan Cy , Zhang Weiqun , Williams Samuel , Bachan John , Bell John , Shalf John
Published: February 2015

One of the emerging challenges to designing HPC systems is understanding and projecting the requirements of exascale applications. In order to determine the performance consequences of different hardware designs, analytic models are essential because they can provide fast feedback to the co-design centers and chip designers without costly simulations. However, current attempts to analytically model program performance typically rely on the user manually specifying a performance model. We introduce the ExaSAT framework that automates the extraction of parameterized performance models directly from source code using compiler analysis. The parameterized analytic model enables quantitative evaluation of a broad range of hardware design trade-offs and software optimizations on a variety of different performance metrics, with a primary focus on data movement as a metric. We demonstrate the ExaSAT framework’s ability to perform deep code analysis of a proxy application from the Department of Energy Combustion Co-design Center to illustrate its value to the exascale co-design process. ExaSAT analysis provides insights into the hardware and software trade-offs and lays the groundwork for exploring a more targeted set of design points using cycle-accurate architectural simulators.
Task-based language teaching: An empirical study of task transfer
Authors: Benson Susan D
Published: February 2015

Since the 1980s, task-based language teaching (TBLT) has enjoyed considerable interest from researchers of second language acquisition (SLA), resulting in a growing body of empirical evidence to support how and to what extent this approach can promote language learning. Although transferability and generalizability are critical assumptions for TBLT, there is little empirical evidence that task-related language abilities are indeed transferable. The current study was conducted to address this need for empirical research on generalizability and transfer critical for the planning of teaching and assessment of learning by specifically investigating whether or not transfer occurs between two similar pedagogic tasks. Fifty-three randomly assigned low-level adult second language learners were trained in a computer lab to complete one of two pedagogic tasks or no task, after which all participants were tested on two transfer tasks. Although the results of a MANCOVA did not provide statistically significant evidence of transfer, a post hoc analysis on a subset of the lowest proficiency learners suggests that task-related language abilities are transferable. Directions for future research and implications for teaching and assessment are discussed in light of the present findings.
Psychometric assessment of the Arabic version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) measure in a refugee population
Authors: Kira Ibrahim A. , Ramaswamy Vidya , Lewandowski Linda , Mohanesh Jamal , Abdul-Khalek Husam
Published: February 2015

The study explored the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the ISMI measure on an Arab sub-sample ( N = 330) in a health clinic that served mostly refugees in Michigan, USA. Study measures included the ISMI, PTSD, depression, anxiety, CTD (Cumulative Trauma Disorders), and traumatic stress measures. Data analysis included factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The Arabic form of the measure was found to have robust psychometric qualities, with high reliability construct and predictive validity. Factor analysis identified a general stigma factor and different levels of stigma resistance factors. General stigma was significantly associated with and predicted post-trauma symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and CTD (complex PTSD), while tough stigma resistance was associated negatively with PTSD and depression and positively with positive appraisal of traumatic events.
‘It’s a fine line between . . . self discipline, devotion and dedication’: negotiating authority in the teaching and learning of Ashtanga yoga
Authors: Lea Jennifer , Philo Chris , Cadman Louisa
Published: February 2015

This article looks at the production and shaping of the self via Ashtanga yoga, a bodily practice, growing in significance in Western cultures, which can involve a radical form of (re)shaping the self. In particular, it looks at the interaction of external and internal sources of authority, including the yoga student’s own expertise of themselves (experiential authority), the authority of the practice and the authority of the teacher. This allows the article to rethink standard models of authority in educational and ‘spiritualities of life’ literatures, which have generally imagined a top-down singular form of authority, essentially stamped onto the subjects being educated. The article outlines what might enter into a more ‘distributed’ form of authority – being not simply the educator figure (their positionality, status, institutional location, contextualisation within prior fields of knowledge/belief) but also how their exertion of authority meshes (and sometimes conflicts with) the ‘experiential authority’ of the subjects being educated, articulating with their own ‘self-authority’ (what they know, expect and command from themselves, on the basis of countless prior experiences, encounters, interactions, times and spaces). The article draws upon qualitative fieldwork carried out in Brighton, UK.