bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System and component modelling and optimisation for an efficient 10 kWe low-temperature organic Rankine cycle utilising a radial inflow expander
Authors: White Martin , Sayma Abdulnaser I
Published: February 2015

Small-scale (10 kWe) organic Rankine cycles for low temperature applications such as heat recovery and solar power present a significant development opportunity but limited prototypes have been developed. This paper aims to address this by describing a system modelling tool which is used to select a working fluid, optimise cycle conditions, and preliminarily size a radial inflow rotor for an experimental test rig. The program is a steady-state sizing and optimisation tool which advances on current models by combining component models and cycle analysis with multi-objective optimisation and turbomachinery design aspects. Sizing and off-design pump and expander models are based on non-dimensional characteristic plots, whilst an additional design program achieves an expander rotor design. A novel objective function couples component and system performance with complexity. Results from an optimisation study indicate that R1234ze is the optimal working fluid for the defined objective function with a predicted net power output of 7.32 kWe, correlating to a cycle efficiency of 7.26%, and evaporator and condenser areas of 1.59 m2 and 2.40 m2, respectively. However, after considering operating pressures and fluid availability, R245fa has been highlighted as the most suitable fluid for a planned experimental radial expander test rig and a preliminary turbine design is proposed.
Taurine ameliorates 5-flourouracil-induced intestinal mucositis, hepatorenal and reproductive organ damage in Wistar rats
Authors: Al-Asmari AK , Al-Zahrani AM , Khan AQ , Al-Shahrani HM , Ali Al Amri M
Published: February 2015

5-Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly used anticancer drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer but has potential adverse effects such as intestinal mucositis, renal, hepatic, and reproductive organ toxicity. Attention has been given to approaches to reduce the side effects and improve the therapeutic effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we have investigated the protective effect of taurine (Tau) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced adverse effects in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups with six animals ( n = 6) in each group. Group I received vehicle only and served as control group. Groups II, III, and IV animals were given oral gavage of 5-FU at 50 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. Tau was given to the animals of groups III and IV 30 min prior to 5-FU administration. We observed marked elevation in the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity after 5-FU administration, which was reversed by Tau pretreatment. Histological observation of liver, kidney, intestine, testis, and prostate revealed that 5-FU administration resulted in anomalies like distortion of normal cellular architecture, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and loss of cellular integrity. These histopathological changes were markedly suppressed by Tau treatment. In conclusion, biochemical and histological findings of this study suggest that Tau has strong preventive potential against complications of anticancer drug 5-FU and hence Tau may play an important role in combinational chemotherapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.
Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on mitomycin C-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in rat kidney and heart tissues
Authors: Rjiba-Touati K. , Ayed-Boussema I. , Guedri Y. , Achour A. , Bacha H. , Abid-Essefi S.
Published: March 2015

Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of several human malignancies. Nevertheless, the prolonged use of the drug may result in a serious heart and kidney injuries. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has recently been shown to exert an important cytoprotective effect in experimental brain injury and ischemic acute renal failure. The aim of the present work is to investigate the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of rhEPO against MMC-induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Our results showed that MMC induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. rhEPO administration in any treatment conditions decreased oxidative damage induced by MMC. It reduced malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. rhEPO ameliorated reduced glutathione plus oxidized glutathione modulation and the increased catalase activity after MMC treatment. Furthermore, rhEPO restored DNA damage caused by MMC. We concluded that rhEPO administration especially in pretreatment condition protected rats against MMC-induced heart and renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity.
Bone morphogenetic protein 7 attenuates epithelial–mesenchymal transition induced by silica
Authors: Yang G , Zhu Z , Wang Y , Gao A , Niu P , Chen L , Tian L
Published: March 2015

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in the pulmonary fibrosis. It has been reported that bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) was able to reverse EMT in proximal tubular cells. Therefore, we test the hypothesis that EMT contributes to silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and BMP-7 inhibits EMT in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Progressive silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the rat was used as a model of silicosis. Epithelial and mesenchymal markers were measured from rat fibrotic lungs. Then the effects of BMP-7 on the EMT were further confirmed in A549 cells. There are increases of vimentin as a mesenchymal marker and decreases of E-cadherin as an epithelial marker in the silica-exposed rat lungs, which is in agreement with the A549 cells data. However, BMP-7 treatment significantly reduced expression of vimentin in the rat pulmonary fibrosis model and in A549 cells. In conclusion, EMT contributes to silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Meanwhile, the treatment of BMP-7 can inhibit silica-induced EMT in vitro and in vivo.
Crisis construal in the North Atlantic Financial Crisis and the Eurozone crisis
Authors: Jessop Bob
Published: February 2015

Cultural political economy integrates research on sense and meaning-making into analysis of the basic features of capital accumulation, including its contradictions, crisis tendencies and crisis dynamics. This article applies this approach to the objective overdetermination and subjective indeterminacy of economic crises. This dual character means that struggles over crisis construal shape the nature and relative success, if any, of efforts at crisis management. An important aspect of this process is the nature of learning in, through and from crisis. The article illustrates the cultural political economy (CPE) approach by examining crisis construals and crisis management in the North Atlantic Financial Crisis and the Eurozone crisis. It ends with some general remarks on the CPE approach to the articulation of crisis construals and crisis management.
American empire and the relative autonomy of European capitalism
Authors: Panitch Leo , Gindin Sam , Aquanno Scott M
Published: February 2015

This article examines the relationship between European states and the informal American empire following the Second World War. Building on neo-Marxist theory, it argues that any attempt to understand the political response to the ongoing euro crisis has to consider the deeper determinations of the trajectories of the states of North America and Western Europe through the course of the making of global capitalism since 1945. This involves, in particular, taking seriously the leading responsibility that the American state has had, and still has, for securing the conditions for capital accumulation internationally, even while other capitalist states retain their ‘relative autonomy’ within the informal American empire.
Toward One of the Leading Education-Based Economies? Investigating Aims, Strategies, and Practices of Finland’s Education Export Landscape
Authors: Schatz Monika
Published: February 2015

Since the first publication of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results in 2000, the Finnish education system has received much praise both in Finland and abroad. In recent years, Finland started to build up its own education export sector with the aim of becoming a leading actor in the international field of education export. The evolution of Finnish education export is an interesting case study not only because it is a recent phenomenon but also because of Finland’s unique legal position toward the commercialization of education. This article introduces the current action steps and stakeholders of this newly emerging sector. It explores aims, strategies, and practices from the perspective of the Finnish government, Finnish education institutions, and the private sector, and sets Finnish education export in a global perspective. It is sensitive toward current challenges in the field to provide valuable insights not only for the international audience but also for Finnish actors.
A Narrative Inquiry Into Academic Experiences of Female Saudi Graduate Students at a Comprehensive Doctoral University
Authors: Sandekian Robyn E. , Weddington Michael , Birnbaum Matthew , Keen J. Katée
Published: February 2015

Saudi student enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities has nearly tripled since 2009-2010, in large part due to the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. The representation of Saudi females is also increasing due to the loosening of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing restrictions on women’s travel and acceptable fields of study and careers. This constructivist study highlights some of the academic experiences of female Saudi graduate students at a Comprehensive Doctoral University in the western United States. Challenges related to students’ insufficient English language skills, differences in their comfort levels interacting with American and Saudi men, positive relationships with both male and female faculty members, and generally positive feelings about their experiences at their university of choice emerged as themes within the data. The participants’ varied prior experiences with mixed-gendered educational environments led to differing levels of comfort with developing relationships with men.
Discovery of the Meanings, Expressions, and Practices Related to Malaria Care Among the Maasai
Authors: Strang Cecily W. , Mixer Sandra J.
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Although malaria is preventable and treatable, morbidity and mortality from this disease continue among the Maasai of Southern Kenya. Prior to this study, the Maasai’s generic and professional malaria care/cure practices were largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to discover, describe, and systematically analyze meanings, expressions, and practices that promote culturally congruent malaria care among this population. Design: The qualitative, ethnonursing research method was used to conduct in-depth examination of the Maasai ethnohistory and culture relevant to malaria care and analyze data from 48 interviews conducted in Maasailand. Findings: Guided by the “culture care theory,” four themes were discovered related to Maasai community, traditional, spiritual, and professional care/cure practices. These significant findings filled a research gap and contribute to nursing knowledge and caring practice. Practice Implications: These study findings have implications for culturally congruent malaria care education, practice, research, policy, and partnership with traditional and professional caregivers.
After Incarceration and Adult Learning
Authors: Schwartz Joni
Published: February 2015

Mass incarceration in America is a moral, economic, and societal crisis with serious implications for many men of color and high school non-completers who are incarcerated at proportionally higher rates than Whites or college graduates. For the formerly incarcerated, engagement in adult learning, whether high school equivalency (HSE) or college, decreases the likelihood that they will return to prison, increases opportunities for employment, and serves as a powerful re-integration tool in society. This article describes one community college’s collaborative inquiry and writing project that uses archival, auto-ethnographic, and interview data to explore how formerly incarcerated students might be effectively engaged in adult education and offers this inquiry project as a potential model for this engagement. Through the voice of the faculty/instructor, this article conceptualizes the inquiry writing project process using a two-part framework: Chevalier and Buckles’ five stages of collaborative inquiry and critical race theory (CRT).
Leading an Experiment in Police Body-Worn Video Cameras
Authors: Drover Paul , Ariel Barak
Published: February 2015

Body-worn video (BWV) is seen internationally as having the potential to reduce public complaints against police, police use of force, and attrition of prosecutions due to lack of physical evidence. Beyond the Cambridge trial in Rialto, California, however, no studies have tested the effects of BWV. The present study documents a Police leaders’ implementation of a randomized controlled trial of the use of BWV. The main objectives are to identify the challenges to implementing a trial and identify how they were overcome. The solutions to these challenges may provide key lessons for police leaders, not only as they undertake evidence-based testing, but also as they manage police operations and implement change.
The Predictive Validity of the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) for Multiple Adverse Outcomes in a Secure Psychiatric Inpatient Setting
Authors: O’Shea Laura E. , Picchioni Marco M. , Dickens Geoffrey L.
Published: February 2015

The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) aims to assist mental health practitioners to estimate an individual’s short-term risk for a range of adverse outcomes via structured consideration of their risk (“Vulnerabilities”) and protective factors (“Strengths”) in 20 areas. It has demonstrated predictive validity for aggression but this is less established for other outcomes. We collated START assessments for N = 200 adults in a secure mental health hospital and ascertained 3-month risk event incidence using the START Outcomes Scale. The specific risk estimates, which are the tool developers’ suggested method of overall assessment, predicted aggression, self-harm/suicidality, and victimization, and had incremental validity over the Strength and Vulnerability scales for these outcomes. The Strength scale had incremental validity over the Vulnerability scale for aggressive outcomes; therefore, consideration of protective factors had demonstrable value in their prediction. Further evidence is required to support use of the START for the full range of outcomes it aims to predict.
Family Caregivers’ Experiences of Caring for a Relative With Younger Onset Dementia
Authors: Cabote Christy Joy , Bramble Marguerite , McCann Damhnat
Published: February 2015

Family caregiving for people with younger onset dementia affects everyone in the family unit. This article presents findings of a qualitative systematic review exploring the experiences of family caregivers of persons with younger onset dementia. A systematic search resulted in the inclusion of five relevant articles, and two groups within the family unit were identified—child caregivers and adult and spousal caregivers. Using the thematic synthesis approach, five themes emerged: dementia damage, grief for loss of relationship, changes in family roles, positive and negative impacts of family caregiving, and transition to formal care. The review findings support increasing evidence that despite the stress of caring for a person with dementia damage, family members have the capacity to cope, adapt, and grow through their experiences. Nurses can assist families to identify their unique strengths and enhance family resiliency so they can navigate the “lonely road” of younger onset dementia.
On the derivative of the stress–strain relation in a no-tension material
Authors: Padovani Cristina , Šilhavý Miroslav
Published: February 2015

The stress–strain relation of a no-tension material, used to model masonry structures, is determined by the nonlinear projection of the strain tensor onto the image of the convex cone of negative-semidefinite stresses under the fourth-order tensor of elastic compliances. We prove that the stress–strain relation is indefinitely differentiable on an open dense subset [Formula: see text] of the set of all strains. The set [Formula: see text] consists of four open connected regions determined by the rank k = 0, 1, 2, 3 of the resulting stress. Further, an equation for the derivative of the stress–strain relation is derived. This equation cannot be solved explicitly in the case of a material of general symmetry, but it is shown that for an isotropic material this leads to the derivative established earlier by Lucchesi et al. ( Int J Solid Struct 1996; 33: 1961–1994 and Masonry constructions: Mechanical models and numerical applications. Berlin: Springer, 2008) by different means. For a material of general symmetry, when the tensor of elasticities does not have the representation known in the isotropic case, only general steps leading to the evaluation of the derivative are described.
Nonlinear waves and solitons in complex solids
Authors: Pastrone Franco , Enghelbrecht Jüri
Published: February 2015

The problem of the propagation of nonlinear waves in complex solids, namely bodies with different internal microstructures, is analyzed. In the first part, we make use of a general model of microstructured solids as introduced by Engelbrechet and Pastrone ( Acc Sc Torino Mem Sc Fis 2011; 35: 23–36) and study two particular relevant models: one-dimensional solid with hierarchical microstructure and with concurrent microstructures. As expected, the hierarchical microstructure leads, with a particular but meaningful choice of the strain energy function, to a sixth-order partial differential equation (PDE) with a characteristic hierarchical structure. Hence, the case of two concurrent microstructures, as introduced by Berezovski, Engelbrecht and Berezovski ( Acta Mech 2011; 220(1–4): 349–363), is studied and again for suitable explicit forms of the energy function we can obtain a fourth-order PDE and actually prove the possibility of propagation of solitary and cnoidal waves.
Tailoring the Blood Ordering Process for Cardiac Surgical Cases Using an Institution-Specific Version of the Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule
Authors: Ural Kelly Graham , Volpi-Abadie Jacqueline , Owen Garrett , Gilly George , Egger Allison L. , Scuderi-Porter Heather
Published: February 2015

Background. Excess ordering of blood products for surgical cases is expensive and wasteful. Evidence has shown that institution-specific versions of the Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule (MSBOS) lead to better ordering practices. Most MSBOSs recommend a crossmatch for a minimum of 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for cardiac surgical cases; however, studies have shown that >50% of these patients receive no transfusions. Our aim was to create a blood order algorithm for cardiac surgical cases that would decrease unnecessary crossmatching. Methods. Retrospective data was collected for 264 patients from January 2011 through April 2012. The crossmatch-to-transfusion ratio (C:tx), transfusion probability (%T), and transfusion index (TI) were calculated for each type of procedure. Results. All 264 patients were crossmatched and 98 patients were transfused, resulting in an overall transfusion probability (%T) of 37.12% (95% confidence interval 31.52-43.09). A total of 1175 units of blood were crossmatched, but only 370 units of blood were transfused, resulting in a C:tx of 3.17 (95% confidence interval 2.61-4.03). The average number of units transfused per procedure (transfusion index) was 1.40. C:tx was highest and TI was lowest for CABG, where approximately 11 units of blood were ordered for every 1 unit transfused (C:tx =11.70 ± 3.04), and the TI was 0.32. Conclusions. Using the gold standard C:tx of >2:1 as an indicator of inappropriate blood utilization, our analysis confirmed that excessive crossmatching occurred for several procedures. Now a subset of cardiac surgical cases only requires a type and screen order prior to surgery.
FTY720 (fingolimod) treatment tips the balance towards less immunogenic antigen-presenting cells in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Luessi Felix , Kraus Stefan , Trinschek Bettina , Lerch Steffen , Ploen Robert , Paterka Magdalena , Roberg Torsten , Poisa-Beiro Laura , Klotz Luisa , Wiendl Heinz , Bopp Tobias , Jonuleit Helmut , Jolivel Valérie , Zipp Frauke , Witsch Esther
Published: March 2015

Objective:

We aimed to clarify whether fingolimod has direct effects on antigen-presenting cells in multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods:

Frequency and phenotype of directly ex vivo dendritic cells and monocytes were analyzed in 43 individuals, including fingolimod-treated and untreated multiple sclerosis patients as well as healthy subjects. These cells were further stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to determine functional effects of fingolimod treatment.

Results:

Absolute numbers of CD1c+ dendritic cells and monocytes were not significantly reduced in fingolimod-treated patients indicating that fingolimod did not block the migration of antigen-presenting cells to peripheral blood. CD86 was upregulated on CD1c+ dendritic cells and thus their activation was not impaired under fingolimod treatment. Quantitative analyses of gene transcription in cells and protein content in supernatants from ex vivo CD1c+ dendritic cells and monocytes, however, showed lower secretion of TNFα, IL1-β and IL-6 upon lipopolysaccharide-stimulation. These results could be matched with CD4+MOG-specific transgenic T cells exhibiting reduced levels of TNFα and IFN-γ but not IL-4 upon stimulation with murine dendritic cells loaded with MOG, when treated with fingolimod.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that fingolimod – apart from trapping lymphocytes in lymph nodes – exerts its disease-modulating activity by rebalancing the immune tolerance networks by modulation of antigen-presenting cells.
Representation and emotion causation: A cultural psychology approach
Authors: Clarà Marc
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes a way of conceptualizing the role of representation in emotion causation from the perspective of Vygotskian cultural psychology. It is argued that emotion is caused by the agency of the object within activity, but this agency is mediated by representations. It is argued that the kind of representation which mainly mediates emotion causation is what Vygotsky called perezhivanie, which, we suggest, is the same as what in the literature on emotion has been called appraisal. This position diverges from the two most widespread hypotheses on emotion causation: (1) representation causes feeling and emotion; and (2) representation enters the emotional process once feeling has already been caused by the environment.
Using structural equation modeling to understand the impact of Bollywood movies on destination image, tourist activity, and purchasing behavior of Indians
Authors: Josiam Bharath M , Spears Daniel L , Pookulangara Sanjukta , Dutta Kirti , Kinley Tammy R , Duncan Jennifer L
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of Bollywood movies on destination image, tourist activity, and purchasing behaviors of Indian viewers. Surveys were administered in a face-to-face format in New Delhi, India, to a convenience sample of over 600 respondents. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to test the hypotheses and explore causal relationships. Findings identified a profile of Bollywood movies viewers, sources of information used to determine destination choice, and the level of involvement among viewers in foreign travel. Additionally, this study explored the relationships between Bollywood movies and tourist motivations and the propensity to participate in activities featured. Findings indicated that engagement in Bollywood movies has a positive impact on both hedonic and utilitarian involvement factors and that utilitarian involvement positively impacts destination awareness. Furthermore, destination awareness has a positive impact on tourist activity but not consumption behaviors at a destination. However, activity behavior does positively influence tourist consumption behavior.
Affect and Popular Zionism in the British Jewish community after 1967
Authors: Hakim Jamie
Published: February 2015

It is widely accepted within Jewish historiography that the ‘Six Day War’ (1967) had a profound effect on the British Jewish community’s relationship with Israel and Zionism. While this scholarship touches on the affective nature of this relationship, it rarely gives this aspect sustained consideration. Instead of seeing Zionism as an ideology or a political movement, this article argues that the hegemonic way that Zionism has existed within British Jewry since 1967 is as an affective disposition primarily lived out on the planes of popular culture and the British Jewish everyday. As such, it can be more accurately labelled Popular Zionism. In order to make this argument, this article uses a theoretical framework developed by Lawrence Grossberg that brings the thought of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari to bear on British cultural studies and supports it by drawing on 12 semi-structured interviews with British Jews and original archival material.
Work participation in Q-fever patients and patients with Legionnaires’ disease: A 12-month cohort study
Authors: Van Loenhout Joris A.F. , Hautvast Jeannine L.A. , Akkermans Reinier P. , Donders Nathalie C.G.M. , Vercoulen Jan H. , Paget W. John , van der Velden Koos
Published: February 2015

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess long-term work participation of Q-fever patients and patients with Legionnaires’ disease, and to identify which factors are associated with a reduced work participation in Q-fever patients. Methods: Q-fever patients participated at four time points until 12 months after onset of illness, patients with Legionnaires’ disease only at 12 months. Data were self-reported using questionnaires on the amount of hours that patients worked, and on socio-demographic, medical, psychosocial and lifestyle aspects. Results: Our study included 336 Q-fever patients and 190 patients with Legionnaires’ disease. There was a decrease in the proportion of Q-fever patients with reduced work participation over time, from 45% at 3 months to 19% at 12 months (versus 15% of patients with Legionnaires’ disease at 12 months). Factors associated with reduced work participation of Q-fever patients in a multivariate model were having symptoms, a higher level of sorrow, being a former smoker (compared to never smoking), not consuming any alcohol and following additional treatment for the long-term health effects of Q-fever. Conclusions: Despite an increase in work participation of Q-fever patients over time, almost one in five Q-fever patients and one in six patients with Legionnaires’ disease still suffer from reduced work participation at 12 months. Occupational and insurance physicians need to be aware of the long-term impact of these diseases on work participation.
Ethnicity differences in breast cancer stage at the time of diagnosis in norway
Authors: Latif F. , Helgeland J. , Bukholm G. , Bukholm I. R. K.
Published: February 2015

Background and aims:

Several studies have demonstrated that breast cancer survival rates differ with ethnicity. Most of these studies analyzed discrepancies between African-American and Caucasian-American women and were performed in the United States. There are increasing concerns about differences in breast cancer survival among immigrants from Asia and Africa living in Europe, including those living in Scandinavian countries. There are few data on breast cancer survival in relation to race or ethnicity in Scandinavian countries, even though immigrants from Asia and Africa have lived in Scandinavian countries for decades. The aim of this study was to identify variations in breast cancer incidence, treatment modalities, relapse, and survival among women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia compared to ethnic Norwegian women.

Material and methods:

The incidence, treatment modalities, relapse, and survival of breast cancer were analyzed in women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia in a nation-based study over a period of 7 years. Results for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia were compared with those from a group of ethnic Norwegian women during the same period. In our study, 63 patients from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia were diagnosed with breast cancer during the period 2002–2009 in Norway.

Results and conclusion:

Comparison between women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia and ethnic women from Norway revealed significant differences in cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, type of surgical treatment, and relapse and breast cancer mortality rates. The findings of this study demonstrate that the outcome after a breast cancer diagnosis is significantly worse for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia than for ethnic Norwegian women. In addition, the mean age at the breast cancer diagnosis was lower for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia, especially those from Sri Lanka and Somalia, than for ethnic Norwegian women.
On the question of authority in the Arab Spring
Authors: Hassanzadeh Navid
Published: February 2015

This article is a comparative theoretical study of authority in the Arab Spring which draws upon the work of Max Weber and Khalil Ahmad Khalil, and examines the theoretical importance of a shift away from authority understood along the lines of single, charismatic individuals. I argue that the central implication of the lack of dominant leaders in the Arab Spring is the potential for the growth of a popular form of charismatic authority. This popular understanding of charisma would have several important consequences for building a more broadly inclusive arrangement of democratic rule. First, it would allow for the self-realization of ordinary citizens in a way that was not possible in an authoritarian setting, where popular aspirations and demands were realized only abstractly, if not simply denied, by being invested in the figure of an ‘inspirational leader.’ This self-realization relies upon an important reversal of an image of Arab publics as incapable of self-governance. Second, it would signal a shift towards greater collective control in governance. In place of the relations of dependency and clientelism that have plagued many Arab societies since the formal end of modern colonial rule, popular charisma represents the prospect of political relations founded upon broad-based control, and towards this end, it would signal an embrace of greater accountability for those in positions of power. Finally, it can provide lessons beyond the context of authoritarianism, meaning for democratic theory, by outlining the consequences involved in investing undue authority in single leaders or offices.
Assessing Disfluencies in School-Age Children Who Stutter
Authors: Gregg Brent A. , Sawyer Jean
Published: February 2015

The question of what size speech sample is sufficient to accurately identify stuttering and its myriad characteristics is a valid one. Short samples have a risk of over- or underrepresenting disfluency types or characteristics. In recent years, there has been a trend toward using shorter samples because they are less time-consuming for school-based speech-language pathologists. However, it is questionable whether shorter samples are adequate to properly diagnose and evaluate stuttering. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a systematic examination of the effect of speech sample size on the frequency and type of disfluency in the school-age population. The participants included 30 school-aged children who stutter, ranging in age from 7 to 12 years. Results indicated that there was not a significant change in stuttering-like disfluencies (SLD) or length of disfluent events as the size of the speech sample increased.
Prolonged Exposure in the Treatment of PTSD Following an Apartment Fire
Authors: Willis Alexandria , Perle Jonathan G. , Schnur Leonard
Published: February 2015

Foa, Hembree, and Rothbaum’s Prolonged Exposure treatment manual has been found to be an effective treatment modality for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is comparable with other evidence-based PTSD treatments. Although the manual details weekly 90-min sessions, this time frame is not always feasible for those clinicians who may be confined to a 50-min appointment. In addition, Foa et al.’s inclusion of audio and video for taped exposures is not always possible given some centers’ technological limitations and client finances. The current case summary details an adapted version of the manual that takes into account such limitations to treat a 26-year-old Jamaican-Canadian female who presented for treatment of PTSD following a fire destroying her home and possessions. Eighteen weekly 50- to 60-min sessions included components of psychoeducation, breathing retraining, in vivo exposures, imaginal exposures, and a trauma narrative (in replacement of audio/video exposures). From pre- to postassessment, significant gains were noted, including a reduction in intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal, and elimination of reexperiencing and sleep disturbances. At the conclusion of treatment, the client also demonstrated an ability to confront the trauma, memories, situations, activities, and places that she had avoided. Self-report measures further validated gains. Due to complicating factors, a follow-up evaluation was not able to be completed. Treatment complications, diversity factors, and implications for future work are discussed.
Safety and Effectiveness of Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance in the Management of Postsurgical Lesion of the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Abbruzzese Lorenza , Iacopi Elisabetta , Coppelli Alberto , Bonino Giovanni , Goretti Chiara , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: February 2015

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic magnetic resonance (TMR) in the management of the diabetic foot (DF), we treated a group of consecutive type 2 diabetic inpatients with wide postsurgical lesions (Group A: N = 10; age 67.7 ± 18.9 years, duration of diabetes 22.3 ± 6.6 years, 8.1 ± 1.1%, body mass index 29.4 ± 2.1 kg/m2), for 2 consecutive weeks, while admitted, with a low-intensity magnetic resonance equipment, in addition to standard treatment. Patients, compared with a matched control group with the same clinical characteristics (Group B), were then followed monthly for 6 months to evaluate healing rate (HR), healing time (HT), rate of granulation tissue (GT) at 3 months, and adverse events. HR was of 90% in Group A and 30% in Group B ( P < .05); GT was 73.7 ± 13.2% in Group A versus 51.84 ± 18.77% in Group B ( P < .05). HT in Group A was 84.46 ± 54.38 days versus 148.54 ± 78.96 days in Group B ( P < .01). No difference in adverse events (5 in Group A and 6 in Group B) was observed throughout the study period. In this pilot study, the use of TMR at this dose and duration was safe. The results also permit the observation that TMR plus standard care offered a faster healing rate compared with standard care alone.
Survey of Wound-Healing Centers and Wound Care Units in China
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Xia Lei , Jia Lijing , Fu Xiaobing
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to report the Chinese experience of establishing hospital-based wound care centers over 15 years. A total of 69 wound-healing centers (WHCs) and wound care units (WCUs) were involved. Questionnaires were diverged to the principal directors of these sites; data extracted for this study included origin, year of establishment, medical staff, degree of hospitals, wound etiology, wound-healing rate, hospital stay, and outcomes data. The period of data extraction was defined as before and after 1 year of the establishment of WHCs and WCUs. The earliest WHC was established in 1999, and from 2010 the speeds of establishing WHCs and WCUs rapidly increased. The majority of WHCs were divisions of burn departments, and all WHCs came from departments of outpatient dressing rooms. Full-time multidisciplinary employees of WHCs differed greatly to WCUs. Types of wound and outcomes vary with those of centers reported from Western countries and the United States. Improvement in wound healing caused by the establishment of WHCs and WCUs in China occurred without doubt. Some advices include the following: rearrange and reorganize the distribution of WHCs and WCUs; enact and generalize Chinese guidelines for chronic wounds; utilize medical resources reasonably; improve multidisciplinary medical staff team; draw up and change some medical and public policies and regulations.
A meta-analysis of distributed leadership from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Tian Meng , Risku Mika , Collin Kaija
Published: February 2015

This article provides a meta-analysis of research conducted on distributed leadership from 2002 to 2013. It continues the review of distributed leadership commissioned by the English National College for School Leadership (NCSL) ( Distributed Leadership: A Desk Study, Bennett et al., 2003), which identified two gaps in the research during the 1996–2002 period. The review found that the studies had been unable to conceptualise distributed leadership or empirically outline its application. The two research gaps identified by Bennett et al. (2003) constitute the focus of the present review, which attempts to determine whether recent research has been able to fill these gaps. Based on the findings of the present meta-analysis, the authors recommend directions for future studies on distributed leadership.
An evaluation of a community living initiative in Ireland
Authors: Sheerin Fintan , Griffiths Colin , de Vries Jan , Keenan Paul
Published: February 2015

One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decongregation. Allied to this is the belief that life in community settings offers greater opportunities and richer experiences than does life in institutional settings. This study explores the experiences of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities who moved from residential settings to living units in the community. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it considers the significance of that move for them and seeks to understand the extent to which their lives have changed. Whereas it emerges that this was a positive period in their lives, it is clear that a number of issues remain to be addressed and these provide useful information for similar developments in the future.
Integrating human factors training into safety management and risk management: A case study from aviation maintenance
Authors: Cromie Samuel , Ross Derek , Corrigan Siobhan , Liston Paul , Lynch Darragh , Demosthenous Evangelos
Published: February 2015

Aviation is facing the challenge of integrating new regulatory requirements on safety management systems with a range of existing processes addressing human factors in line with regulations. This article presents an approach to using mandated human factors continuation training as a tool for risk management within the safety management system. A three-phase blended learning programme was designed to address identified human and organisational hazards within the operation, to enhance knowledge and application of risk management strategies, and to build a stronger safety culture within the operation. The article outlines how the programme is designed to address regulatory, organisational and pedagogical requirements. The ‘Wobbly Steps’ concept, which is elaborated in this article, is used as a central metaphor for conveying the link between organisational resources and individual risky behaviours or unsafe acts. The training programme is embedded in an evaluation process designed to guide the effective design, development and delivery of the programme as well as assessing the impact of the training on the safety culture and performance of the operation.
SkSP-V sampling plan for accelerated life tests
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Jun Chi-Hyuck , Arshad Ashifa
Published: February 2015

Here, we will develop a time-truncated skip-lot sampling plan (type V) for an accelerated life test. The lifetime of a product under the accelerated condition follows a Weibull distribution having the same shape parameter under the use condition but a new scale parameter adjusted by the acceleration factor. The plan parameters for the proposed sampling plan were found by satisfying the producer’s and the consumer’s risks. The performance of the proposed plan is compared with the existing single sampling plan for accelerated life testing. The proposed plan is more efficient than the existing plan in terms of the average sample number. The extensive tables are provided for the proposed plan so that industrial engineers can use the plan in practice.
Phytochemical and in vitro and in vivo biological investigation on the antihypertensive activity of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Ronchi Silas Nascimento , Brasil Girlandia Alexandre , do Nascimento Andrews Marques , de Lima Ewelyne Miranda , Scherer Rodrigo , Costa Helber B. , Romão Wanderson , Boëchat Giovanna Assis Pereira , Lenz Dominik , Fronza Marcio , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Endringer Denise Coutinho , de Andrade Tadeu Uggere
Published: February 2015

Aims:

The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of leaves Mangifera indica L. using in vitro and in vivo assays.

Methodology:

The ethanol extract of leaves of M. indica was fractionated to dichloromethanic, n-butyl alcohol and aqueous fractions. The chemical composition of ethanolic extract and dichloromethanic fraction were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated in the DPPH scavenging activity assay. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was investigated using in vitro and in vivo assays. The chronic antihypertensive assay was performed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar rats treated with enalapril (10 mg/kg), dichloromethanic fraction (100 mg/kg; twice a day) or vehicle control for 30 days. The baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated through the use of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by morphometric analysis.

Results:

The dichloromethanic fraction exhibited the highest flavonoid, total phenolic content and high antioxidant activity. Dichloromethanic fraction elicited ACE inhibitory activity in vitro (99 ± 8%) similar to captopril. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of ferulic acid (48.3 ± 0.04 µg/g) caffeic acid (159.8 ± 0.02 µg/g), gallic acid (142.5 ± 0.03 µg/g), apigenin (11.0 ± 0.01 µg/g) and quercetin (203.3 ± 0.05 µg/g). The chronic antihypertensive effects elicited by dichloromethanic fraction were similar to those of enalapril, and the baroreflex sensitivity was normalized in SHR. Plasma ACE activity and cardiac hypertrophy were comparable with animals treated with enalapril.

Conclusions:

Dichloromethanic fraction of M. indica presented an antihypertensive effect, most likely by ACE inhibition, with benefits in baroreflex sensitivity and cardiac hypertrophy. Altogether, the results of the present study suggest that the dichloromethanic fraction of M. indica leaves may have potential as a promoting antihypertensive agent.
Thyroid hormonal status among children with obesity
Authors: Ghergherehchi Robabeh , Hazhir Nazanin
Published: February 2015

Background:

It is presumed that free T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are related to obesity, but the findings are inconsistent. In this study we evaluated T4 and TSH concentrations between normal children and those with obesity and possible correlations between body mass index (BMI) and these markers.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 190 children who were overweight and obese and 133 children without obesity of the same age and sex were evaluated. Thyroid function tests (TSH, total T4, free T4 and free T3) were measured in all subjects in both groups. Thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) were determined among those with elevated TSH levels.

Results:

Levels of TSH and total T4 were significantly higher in children with obesity compared with the control group. Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in children with obesity (14.7%) compared with normal subjects (6.8%, p = 0.02). Among children with obesity and increased TSH levels, 10.7% had positive thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. There was significantly positive correlation between BMI z score and TSH level ( r = 0.198, p < 0.001) and T4 level ( r = 0.18, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

TSH and total T4 levels are increased in children who are overweight or obese and are a common finding in these children, but the incidence of thyroid antibodies is low in these patients and so could not be accounted for by thyroid autoimmunity. Due to these findings it is possible that increased TSH and total T4 levels are a consequence of obesity and could be reduced by decreasing BMI.
A sphere of resonance for networked learning in the ‘non-places’ of our universities
Authors: Hayes Sarah
Published: February 2015

The logic of ‘time’ in modern capitalist society appears to be a fixed concept. Time dictates human activity with a regularity, which as long ago as 1944, George Woodcock referred to as The Tyranny of the Clock. Seventy years on, Hartmut Rosa suggests humans no longer maintain speed to achieve something new, but simply to preserve the status quo, in a ‘social acceleration’ that is lethal to democracy. Political engagement takes time we no longer have, as we rush between our virtual spaces and ‘non-places’ of higher education. I suggest it is time to confront the conspirators that, in partnership with the clock, accelerate our social engagements with technology in the context of learning. Through Critical Discourse Analysis I reveal an alarming situation if we do not. With reference to Bauman’s Liquid Modernity, I observe a ‘lightness’ in policy texts where humans have been ‘liquified’ Separating people from their own labour with technology in policy maintains the flow of speed a neoliberal economy demands. I suggest a new ‘solidity’ of human presence is required as we write about networked learning. ‘Writing ourselves back in’ requires a commitment to ‘be there’ in policy and provide arguments that decelerate the tyranny of time. I am, though, ever-mindful that social acceleration is also of our own making, and there is every possibility that we actually enjoy it.