bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality and uniformity control of fiber web by roller card system. Part II: Design and validation of a roller card control system
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Vu Huy Quang , Li Yu-Ching
Published: May 2013

Thin web is produced from flocks of raw fiber after being processed by a carding system. In the conventional carding machine, the multi-roller design of the system has dynamic characteristic of time delay, and the quality of web output evenness is affected by the control methods. Based on the new mathematical model of a carding machine, this paper employed a new carding control system and fiber optic sensor to establish a new carding control system. The proposed improved model predictive controller is developed to solve the problem of time delay in the roller carding system using a discrete state and linear quadratic objective function, in order to minimize the deviation between predictive output and given target value. The designed controller is compared with the proportional plus integral (PI) controller based on the conventional control theories and state feedback integral controller using modern control theories as well. In experimental verification, the fiber optic sensor is installed to measure web output at the doffer, a feeding roller is controlled to change the feeding of raw cotton. The results confirm that the proposed improved model predictive controller can be provided not only to enable the output response reach the control objects also improve the production efficiency of the carding machine and enhance the web output evenness.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Nehra Deepika , Carlson Sarah J. , Fallon Erica M. , Kalish Brian , Potemkin Alexis K. , Gura Kathleen M. , Simpser Edwin , Compher Charlene , Puder Mark ,   the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Published: May 2013

Background: Premature infants are at increased risk for metabolic bone disease, with resulting delayed bone growth, osteopenia, and rickets. Method: A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding neonatal patients at risk of metabolic bone disease receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to external and internal review and approval by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Board of Directors. Questions: (1) What maternal risk factors predispose the neonate to metabolic bone disease? (2) What is the optimal type of feeding to promote neonatal bone health? (3) When and how should vitamin D supplements be administered? (4) Does parenteral nutrition (PN) predispose a neonate to metabolic bone disease, and if so, are there PN formulation recommendations to minimize this risk?
Change the Referent? A Meta-Analytic Investigation of Direct and Referent-Shift Consensus Models for Organizational Climate
Authors: Wallace J. Craig , Edwards Bryan D. , Paul Jeff , Burke Michael , Christian Michael , Eissa Gabi
Published: May 2013

Based on earlier taxonomies of group composition models, aggregating data from individual-level responses to operationalize group-level constructs is a common aspect of management research. The present study contributes to the literature on group composition models by quantitatively integrating the climate literature via meta-analysis to determine which of the two most common methods of aggregation, direct consensus and referent-shift consensus, is the stronger predictor of group-level outcomes. We found that referent-shift consensus was a stronger predictor of job performance and customer service performance than direct consensus. However, we found that direct consensus was a stronger predictor of job attitudes than referent-shift consensus. We also found that climate-performance relationships were moderated by aggregation method of the performance criterion. The implications of these findings for advancing multi-level theory and research are discussed.
Conflict and Astroturfing in Niyamgiri: The Importance of National Advocacy Networks in Anti-Corporate Social Movements
Authors: Kraemer Romy , Whiteman Gail , Banerjee Bobby
Published: May 2013

Traditional models of transnational advocacy networks (TANs) and stakeholder management do not capture the nuance and dynamics of (counter-)organizing processes around anti-corporate mobilization. Based on the case of a resistance movement against a planned bauxite mine on tribal land in India, we develop a process theory of interactions between local, national and international actors within transnational advocacy networks. These encounters are not always friendly and are often characterized by conflict between actors with disparate goals and interests. We highlight the importance of national advocacy networks (NANs) in anti-corporate social movements and describe the conflicts and disruptions that result from ignoring them. Our findings also point to the role of corporate counter-mobilization strategies in shaping resistance movements. Our narrative revolves around a particular focal actor in the anti-mining campaign: a young tribal man who emerged as a passionate spokesperson for the movement, but later became a supporter of the controversial mine. Our findings contribute to a richer understanding of the processes underlying transnational and national anti-corporate mobilization.
Rogue Resistance: Sidestepping Isomorphic Pressures in a Patchy Institutional Field
Authors: Quirke Linda
Published: May 2013

My research suggests that organizational fields are patchy and uneven. This patchiness allows organizations at the margins of fields to sidestep pressures for conformity. As a case study, this paper examines the private school field in Toronto, Canada. Data come from interviews and site visits at 60 Toronto private schools. My findings suggest that Toronto’s private school field is segmented, incorporating diverse private school forms, including elite, religious, and ‘rogue’ (non-elite, non-religious) schools. Within one subfield – small rogue private schools – a high degree of heterogeneity exists. These findings suggest a nuanced conception of institutional fields, with more attention to organizational agency, multiple field logics and diversity among organizational forms. This paper examines how organizations at the margins of fields are able to evade pressures for conformity, and how a heterogeneous organizational field can also be comprised of clusters of homogeneity.
Morphological and Histological Changes of Rabbit Vocal Fold after Steroid Injection
Authors: Jin Hee‐Jin , Lee Sang‐Hyuk , Lee Seon‐Uk , Lee Hyun‐Sub , Jin Sung‐Min , Kim Dong‐Hun , Chae Seung‐Wan , Sohn Jin‐Hee
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and histological change of vocal folds (VFs) after steroid injection in a rabbit model.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐four New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. We randomly classified rabbits into the 3 groups and triamcinolone acetonide suspension was injected to the right VF with different concentrations. Left VF was injected with the same volume of phosphate‐buffered saline as control. Endoscopic evaluation was performed to measure morphological changes. The larynges were collected for histological analysis, and the VFs were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin for assessing inflammatory response, glandular atrophy, and muscular atrophy and with Masson's trichrome for assessing collagen deposition.

Results

In morphological assessment, there were no differences in VF mass reduction, mucosal atrophy, and granulation formation between both VFs. Histological assessments showed no significant difference in inflammatory response, glandular atrophy, and collagen deposition between both VFs. However, there was a difference in muscular atrophy and epithelial layer thinning in steroid injected right VFs. Muscular atrophy had been completely recovered over time, but mild epithelial thinning was continued until 12 weeks. The longer exposure time and larger dose did not increase the intensity of muscular atrophy or epithelial thinning.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the VF steroid injection resulted in no significant changes in morphology and histology of rabbit VF. However, steroid injection may induce several VF histological changes and these results are needed to be considered when treating humans.
Laughing at Adversity
Authors: Ladegaard Hans J.
Published: May 2013

This article analyses excerpts from narratives told by foreign domestic helpers in a Hong Kong church shelter. The stories are trauma narratives about physical assault, sexual abuse, starvation, and other forms of exploitation, and the women also suffer the pains of being separated from their families. Therefore, it is to be expected that crying is a salient paralinguistic feature, but it is more surprising that laughter is equally salient. The article analyses selected excerpts from foreign domestic helper narratives focusing on the functions of laughter. Theories of laughter are reviewed and it is argued that existing theoretical frameworks do not adequately account for the examples identified in these narratives. Here, laughter has little to do with humour but is used to express “the seriousness of social life”. A model expressing the tragi-comic span of life experiences is proposed as the way forward in further in-depth studies of laughter in discourse.
Expression of the NOB1 gene and its clinical significance in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lin Shan , Meng Wei , Zhang Wei , Liu Jia , Wang Peisong , Xue Shuai , Chen Guang
Published: May 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between expression of the NIN1/RPN12 binding protein 1 homologue gene ( NOB1) in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue and clinicopathological variables.

Methods

Expression of NOB1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma, normal thyroid and benign thyroid tumour tissue was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Relationships between immunohistochemical scores and several clinicopathological variables were also examined.

Results

Expression of NOB1 mRNA and protein in papillary thyroid carcinomatissue was significantly higher than in normal thyroid tissue and benign thyroid tissue, while there was no significant difference between normal thyroid tissue and benign thyroid tumour tissue. A high level of NOB1 protein expression was associated with large tumour size and Union for International Cancer Control stage, but was not significantly correlated with sex or age.

Conclusions

Compared with normal thyroid and benign thyroid tumour tissue, papillary thyroid carcinomas showed higher expression of NOB1, which indicates that the expression level of the NOB1 gene in the thyroid may play a key role in the occurrence and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Efficacy and safety of a 14-day administration of tolvaptan in the treatment of patients with ascites in hepatic oedema
Authors: Sakaida Isao , Yamashita Satoyoshi , Kobayashi Tomoo , Komatsu Masafumi , Sakai Terufumi , Komorizono Yasuji , Okada Mitsuru , Okita Kiwamu ,   For the ASCITES 14-Day Administration Study Group
Published: May 2013

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of 14 days’ orally administered tolvaptan as adjunctive treatment for hepatic oedema in Japanese liver cirrhosis patients with insufficient response to conventional diuretics, with the option to increase dose in those who did not respond initially.

Methods

This multicentre, single-arm, phase 3 study allocated patients with liver cirrhosis and persistent ascites to 7-day treatment with 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan followed by an additional 7 days’ treatment. Responders at day 7 (achieving ≥1 kg body-weight reduction) continued on 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan; nonresponders (<1 kg body-weight reduction) received 15 mg/day tolvaptan. Conventional diuretic treatment continued throughout. The primary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline, as a marker of ascites volume.

Results

A total of 51 patients received 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan for 7 days, which caused a significant reduction in mean body weight (55% response rate). During the second 7-day treatment period, 30 patients received 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan and 13 patients received tolvaptan 15 mg/day: response rates were 43% and 23%, respectively. Two serious adverse events were observed. Serum sodium was within normal range.

Conclusions

Tolvaptan therapy for 14 days (with possible dose increase as necessary), in combination with conventional diuretics, effectively reduced body weight in patients with hepatic oedema.
Influence of laparoscopic carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on neonate circulation and respiration
Authors: Li Li-Wei , Zhang Wei , Ai Yan-Qiu , Li Li , Peng Zhou-Quan , Wang Hong-Wei
Published: May 2013

Objective

This study investigated the influence of laparoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on neonate circulation and respiration.

Methods

The study included neonates undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery. CO2 insufflation pressure was maintained within 8–14 mmHg for pneumoperitoneum creation. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide ( PETCO2) and maximum inspiratory pressure were monitored continuously. Arterial blood samples were collected: 5 min before pneumoperitoneum creation (baseline); 5, 10, and 20 min after CO2 insufflation; 10 min after CO2 exsufflation; 10 min after surgery. pH, partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were also measured.

Results

Thirty-six neonates were included. HR and MAP significantly increased after pneumoperitoneum creation, then decreased to baseline after CO2 exsufflation. PaCO2 and PETCO2 were significantly higher after pneumoperitoneum creation, whereas pH was significantly lower 20 min after pneumoperitoneum creation compared with baseline. No significant differences were observed in SpO2 and SaO2.

Conclusion

CO2 pneumoperitoneum had a significant effect on neonatal circulation and respiration, suggesting that the pneumoperitoneal pressure should be limited within a certain range in neonates undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
Immunohistochemical levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and CD44 variant 6 protein in the diagnosis and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhou Yuanhang , Li Tianyi , Guo Jingjing , Zhou Zhongwen
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To investigate the ability of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) protein levels to diagnose papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), compared with routine diagnostic methods using tissue sections; to explore the relationship between MMP-2 and CD44v6 protein levels and lymph node metastases (LNM) in PTC.

Methods

Archival PTC specimens from patients with PTC, with or without lateral cervical LNM, were included in this retrospective immunohistochemical study. MMP-2 and CD44v6 protein levels were analysed immunohistochemically using routinely prepared tissue sections.

Results

Specimens from 66 patients with PTC were reviewed retrospectively (35 patients with lateral cervical LNM; 31 patients without LNM). The percentages of samples with cells that demonstrated positive protein staining differed significantly between PTC specimens, benign thyroid nodules and adjacent normal follicular epithelium (MMP-2: 86.4%, 60.0%, and 25.7%, respectively; CD44v6: 80.3%, 37.1% and 22.9%, respectively). The level of CD44v6 protein staining was found to be significantly and positively correlated with the level of MMP-2 protein staining in PTC specimens.

Conclusions

Both MMP-2 and CD44v6 might be useful tumour markers for predicting risk of lateral cervical LNM in patients with PTC.
Osteoporosis and related factors in older females with skeletal pain or numbness: A retrospective study in East China
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Liu Yuxin , Zheng Yanping
Published: May 2013

Objective

To analyse relationships between incidence of osteoporosis, age and clinical symptoms in older female patients in East China.

Methods

Data from females aged ≥30 years, admitted to QiLu Hospital between January 1999 and December 2011 were retrospectively assessed for osteoporosis. Correlations between osteoporosis diagnosis, age and clinical symptoms were analysed. Factors associated with osteoporosis were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Out of 4212 patients enrolled, 1673 were assigned to the osteoporosis group and 2539 to the nonosteoporosis group. Neck, shoulder and arm pain negatively correlated with osteoporosis diagnosis. Lumbar and back pain had no correlation with osteoporosis diagnosis. In patients with osteoporosis there was no relationship between bone density and site of clinical symptoms. Bone density decreased, as age increased, in patients aged >50 years in the osteoporosis group.

Conclusion

The present study revealed a relationship between epidemiological distribution of osteoporosis and associated factors in adult females suffering from pain or numbness, in East China.
Forensic Pathology of Companion Animal Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Gerdin J. A. , McDonough S. P.
Published: May 2013

Submission of cases of suspected animal abuse and neglect (AAN) to veterinary pathologists is increasingly frequent. These cases require modification of postmortem procedures and written reports, as the questions asked by courts typically differ from those asked in routine diagnostic cases. Here we review the practice of veterinary forensic pathology as it applies to cases of companion AAN, as well as the fundamental principles of forensic pathology, the components of a forensic necropsy, and the goals of the necropsy in cases of blunt-force trauma, projectile wounds, and starvation. Future directions and endeavors in veterinary forensic pathology are broached.
Distribution of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Viral Protein and Nucleic Acid Within Central Nervous Tissue Lesions in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Kiupel M. , Fitzgerald S. D. , Pennick K. E. , Cooley T. M. , O’Brien D. J. , Bolin S. R. , Maes R. K. , Piero F. Del
Published: May 2013

An outbreak of eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) occurred in Michigan free-ranging white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) during late summer and fall of 2005. Brain tissue from 7 deer with EEE, as confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, was studied. Detailed microscopic examination, indirect immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used to characterize the lesions and distribution of the EEE virus within the brain. The main lesion in all 7 deer was a polioencephalomyelitis with leptomeningitis, which was more prominent within the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, and brainstem. In 3 deer, multifocal microhemorrhages surrounded smaller vessels with or without perivascular cuffing, although vasculitis was not observed. Neuronal necrosis, associated with perineuronal satellitosis and neutrophilic neuronophagia, was most prominent in the thalamus and the brainstem. Positive IHC labeling was mainly observed in the perikaryon, axons, and dendrites of necrotic and intact neurons and, to a much lesser degree, in glial cells, a few neutrophils in the thalamus and the brainstem, and occasionally the cerebral cortex of the 7 deer. There was minimal IHC-based labeling in the cerebellum and hippocampus. ISH labeling was exclusively observed in the cytoplasm of neurons, with a distribution similar to IHC-positive neurons. Neurons positive by IHC and ISH were most prominent in the thalamus and brainstem. The neuropathology of EEE in deer is compared with other species. Based on our findings, EEE has to be considered a differential diagnosis for neurologic disease and meningoencephalitis in white-tailed deer.
Pathology and Diagnostic Criteria of Clostridium difficile Enteric Infection in Horses
Authors: Diab S. S. , Rodriguez-Bertos A. , Uzal F. A.
Published: May 2013

Clostridium difficile is commonly associated with diarrhea and colitis in humans and other mammals, including horses. To this date, the epidemiologic, microbiologic, clinical, and diagnostic aspects of C. difficile–associated disease (CDAD) in horses have been thoroughly described. However, reports describing the enteric pathology of this disease in horses are limited. This study presents a comprehensive description of the pathologic characteristics of CDAD in 21 horses and discusses the criteria for the diagnosis of the disease. Case selection was based on C. difficile A/B toxins detection (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in intestinal content samples accompanied by compatible gross and microscopic enteric lesions. Grossly, multifocal, segmental, or diffuse hemorrhage; congestion; and/or marked gelatinous edema of the intestinal wall with abundant bloody or green watery contents were observed. Histologically, the most common lesion was severe necrotizing or necrohemorrhagic enteritis, colitis, or typhlocolitis, with mucosal and/or submucosal thrombosis and marked submucosal edema. The pathology of CDAD in horses is similar to that caused by other equine enteric pathogens; therefore, a definitive diagnosis requires detection of C. difficile A/B toxins in the intestinal contents.
Music-induced analgesia in chronic pain: Efficacy and assessment through a primary-task paradigm
Authors: Finlay Katherine A.
Published: May 2013

Research into music-induced analgesia, the ability of music to affect the perception of pain, has under-represented the non-acute, chronic pain population. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the impact of music listening on chronic pain. In order to extend questionnaire-based approaches of pain assessment, a computerized visual search task was used before and after music listening as an objective measure of pain-related cognitive processing difficulties. Twenty-three participants (chronic pain sufferers or age/gender matched controls) listened to music for 28 days. Questionnaire-based results indicated that music listening consistently reduced pain intensity, unpleasantness and anxiety levels in the short term. However, there were no long-term or cumulative changes in pain relief or anxiety, with participant ratings at baseline comparable to those at 28 days. Visual search task performance demonstrated that chronic pain sufferers showed pain-related cognitive processing inhibitions on the target deviations demanding the greatest processing capacity. This suggests that, though music-induced analgesia was demonstrated through reduced pain ratings, chronic pain continued to interfere with cognitive processing. Durability of music-induced analgesia is therefore likely to be time-limited and hindered by pain-related attentional disruption, reduced engagement and low absorption levels. Explanations of results and suggestions for alternative objective measures of music listening interventions are offered.
Equality, dignity and fairness: Brazilian citizenship in comparative perspective
Authors: de Oliveira Luís R Cardoso
Published: May 2013

Taking up a tension between two conceptions of equality in Brazil, the article argues that focusing on the idea of equality of treatment as the main parameter to assess the exercise of citizenship in Western Democracies may not be sufficient to elucidate the demands for respecting rights or the demonstrations of indignation prompted by the perception of insult when legitimate expectations of recognition and considerateness are not observed. It is further argued that demands of citizenship rights must me understood in the interplay between notions of equality, dignity and fairness, which are local categories, dependent on local civic sensibilities.
Mística, myself and I: Beyond cultural politics in Brazil’s Landless Workers’ Movement
Authors: Flynn Alex
Published: May 2013

How do grassroots social movements respond to shifting perceptions within their bases on key issues? This article centres its analysis on the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST – Landless Rural Workers’ Movement) and instances of the movement’s cultural activity, in particular, mística. It is recognised that the MST’s cultural activity reflects a deep engagement with cultural politics, and further, that the movement’s culture sector contributes directly to the delineation and formation of the ‘landless’ identity. However, from an ethnographic perspective and privileging the experiences of the members of the movement, this article goes beyond cultural politics to suggest that shifting notions of individualism, in the context of the movement’s cultural activity, are having an impact on MST artistic expression and members’ daily lives. The article argues that from within the bases of the movement, there has been a shift from what can be termed a receptive individualism, where members internalise cultural activity, to an expressive individualism, where members actively seek to shape the movement’s cultural programmes. Members speak of a lack of visceral energy that the culture sector’s activities used to possess, which provides the impetus for the article’s concluding remarks on how social movements respond to transformation more widely.
“Do You Know What It Feels Like to Drown?”
Authors: Thomas Kristie A. , Joshi Manisha , Sorenson Susan B.
Published: May 2013

Strangulation is a unique and particularly gendered form of nonfatal intimate partner violence, affecting 10 times as many women as men. Medical research documents multiple negative health outcomes of such victimization, and in the past decade nearly 30 U.S. states have enacted laws making nonfatal strangulation a felony. We extended prior work by using grounded theory in a qualitative study to explore women’s experiences of, thoughts about, and reactions to being strangled. Each of the 17 mostly well-educated and African American domestic violence shelter residents had been strangled at least once by an intimate partner; most had survived multiple strangulations. Despite other severe abuse and a high level of fear, all were shocked that their partner strangled them. Participants reported an intense sense of vulnerability when they recognized during the assault how easily they could be killed by their partner. Nonetheless, they seemed to think of strangulation, not as a failed murder attempt, but as a way to exert power. Efforts to extricate themselves from a “choking” largely failed and resistance resulted in an escalation of the violence. Moreover, strangulation is difficult to detect which, as participants observed, makes it especially useful to the abuser. The aftereffects permeated the relationship such that strangulation need not be repeated in order for her to be compliant and submissive, thus creating a context of coercive control.
Intimate Partner Violence Among Stigmatized Latina Workers
Authors: Fernandez-Esquer Maria Eugenia , Diamond Pamela M.
Published: May 2013

Latinas recently immigrated to the United States who work in bars or cantinas are at risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) due to the heavy drinking and sex-related expectations associated with their work and the stigmatized nature of their occupation. We explored the influence of demographic characteristics, substance abuse, and sexual risk behaviors on IPV reported by cantineras for primary and nonprimary sexual partners. Results based on interviews conducted with 669 cantineras indicate that length of residency in the United States and current sexual practices predict IPV perpetrated by both their primary and nonprimary sexual partners. There were also partner-specific predictors of violence related to the substance use and working practices of cantineras. Our findings have implications for understanding the partner violence experienced by this subgroup of stigmatized Latina immigrants and for the ability of current IPV research to capture their experience.
The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use, and HIV on Depressive Symptoms Among Abused Low-Income Urban Women
Authors: Illangasekare Samantha L. , Burke Jessica G. , McDonnell Karen A. , Gielen Andrea C.
Published: May 2013

Intimate partner violence (IPV), substance use, and HIV are often co-occuring health problems affecting low-income urban women, and have been described as connected epidemics making up a “syndemic.” Research suggests that each issue separately is associated with depressive symptoms, but no studies have examined the combined effect of IPV, substance use and HIV on women’s depression. Interviews were conducted with 96 women recruited from community health clinics serving low-income women in an urban U.S. city. All women were over 17, not pregnant, English-speaking, without private insurance and had experienced physical IPV in the past year. Women were primarily African American (82%) and 82% were receiving income assistance. Twenty seven percent were HIV-positive, and 27% had used heroin or cocaine in the past 6 months. Based on the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D ), 73% were depressed. Women who experienced severe IPV in the past 6 months were compared to women who experienced no IPV or psychological IPV only in the past 6 months; those who experienced severe IPV were 5.3 times more likely to be depressed, controlling for HIV status, drug use, age, and relationship status. Women who experienced severe IPV, were HIV-positive, and used drugs (7.3% of sample) were 7.98 times as likely to be depressed as women without these characteristics. These findings confirm that severe IPV is significantly associated with depression among urban abused women. Furthermore, this research suggests that the syndemic effect of IPV, substance use, and HIV could be even more detrimental to women’s mental health. Health practitioners and researchers should be aware of the combined impact of the IPV, substance use, and HIV syndemic and consider how they can address the mental health needs of urban women.
Multiple Mediators of the Relationships Among Maternal Childhood Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, and Offspring Psychopathology
Authors: Miranda Jenniffer K. , de la Osa Nuria , Granero Roser , Ezpeleta Lourdes
Published: May 2013

The aim of the study was to examine whether maternal depression, mothers’ and fathers’ parenting, child physical punishment and negative life events (NLE) mediate the effect of maternal childhood abuse (CA), intimate partner violence (IPV) and cumulative violence (both CA and IPV) on Spanish children’s and adolescents’ psychopathology. Furthermore, multiple mediator models examine whether IPV mediates the effect of CA on the contextual and family factors mentioned above. Three hundred and eighteen Spanish outpatients aged 7 to 18 and their parents were assessed using a structured interview and other instruments for measuring the study variables. Structural equation models (SEMs) showed multiple pathways explaining psychopathological problems among offspring of mothers who suffered CA, IPV and both of these violent experiences. In particular, mothers’ depression mediated the link between maternal CA, IPV, cumulative violence and children’s externalizing, and total behavior problems. Child NLE was an important pathway between maternal CA and total behavior problems, as well as between cumulative violence and both externalizing and total problems. IPV contributed to explaining the link between maternal CA and contextual and family factors, such as child physical punishment and NLE, which were in turn, associated with children’s behavior problems. Findings show the complex interconnections between different types of violence and their harmful effects on the mental health of women and their offspring, as well as the need to extend our knowledge on this subject.
Defining and Evaluating Perceptions of Victim Blame in Antigay Hate Crimes
Authors: Cramer Robert J. , Nobles Matt R. , Amacker Amanda M. , Dovoedo Lisa
Published: May 2013

Victimology research often hinges on attribution of blame toward victims despite a lack of conceptual agreement on the definition and measure of the construct. Drawing on established blame attribution and intent literature, the present study evaluates psychometric properties of the Perceptions of Victim Blame Scale (PVBS) using mock jury samples in a vignette-based capital murder antigay hate crime context. Factor analyses show support for a three-factor structure with the following perceptions of victim blame subscales: Malice, Recklessness, and Unreliability. All factors displayed expected positive associations with homonegativity and authoritarianism. Likewise, all factors displayed null relations with trait aggression and social desirability. Only the Malice factor predicted sentencing decisions after controlling for crime condition and support for the death penalty. Results are reviewed with respect to blame attribution theory and practical application of a revised PVBS.
Survivor Experience of a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Authors: Barron Ian G. , Topping Keith J.
Published: May 2013

Addressing gaps in the research, the current study assesses the impact of a community-based child sexual abuse prevention program on known survivor knowledge/skills, disclosures, and subjective experience. Methodologically, novel measures of program fidelity and implementation cost are applied. A pre- posttest wait-list control design was utilized with intervention ( n = 10) and comparison groups ( n = 10). Measures included a standardized knowledge/skill questionnaire, coding of disclosures, subjective experience questionnaires, in-depth interviews, video analysis of program adherence, and a measure of cost. Analysis involved nonparametric tests and thematic analysis of interview and video data. Cost was calculated for the group and per survivor. Survivors achieved significant gains in knowledge/skills, made further disclosures, and were positive about their program experience. No gains were identified in the control group. Costs were small. Future studies need to explore survivor experience of programs delivered in classrooms.
Patterns of Resource Utilization and Mental Health Symptoms Among Women Exposed to Multiple Types of Victimization
Authors: Young-Wolff Kelly C. , Hellmuth Julianne , Jaquier Veronique , Swan Suzanne C. , Connell Christian , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: May 2013

Although the value of resources aimed to support women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) is clear, few studies have investigated how exposure to multiple types of victimization influences women’s resource utilization. We applied latent class analysis (LCA) to a sample of 412 women who used IPV in their current relationships to test whether women’s resource utilization is associated with different patterns of victimization, including current IPV victimization, past IPV victimization, and childhood victimization. Three classes of women were identified: the Low Cumulative IPV class ( n = 121) included women with a low prevalence of past IPV victimization and low severity of current IPV victimization; The High Past/ Low Current IPV class ( n = 258) included women with a high prevalence of past IPV victimization but low severity of current IPV victimization; and the High Cumulative IPV class ( n = 33) included women with a high prevalence of past IPV victimization and severe current IPV victimization. Multiple types of childhood victimization were highly prevalent among women in all three classes. Women in the High Cumulative IPV class used a greater variety of resources, experienced a greater number of posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms, drug problems, and used more severe IPV aggression compared to women in other classes. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of resource utilization among women in relationships characterized by bidirectional IPV and underscore the potential clinical utility of adapting services to meet the specific needs of women with unique profiles of victimization.
Evaluating Thermal and Sensorial Performance of Organic Cotton, Bamboo-Blended, and Soybean-Blended Fabrics
Authors: An Su Kyoung , Gam Hae Jin , Cao Huantian
Published: May 2013

In recent years, consumers have begun showing an increased interest in environmentally friendly fibers along with growing concerns about environmental problems. This trend encourages the development and use of fibers from renewable sources as substitutes for petroleum-based synthetic fibers in the textile and apparel industry. Though renewable fibers have already been used for many purposes and will become an important element of the apparel industry, there lacks the objective performance evaluation of fabrics made with renewable sourced fibers. This study evaluated comfort and sensorial performance of knit fabrics for young children's clothing made with renewable fibers. In this research, organic cotton, bamboo viscose blended, and soybean blended fabrics with jersey, French terry and 1x1 rib knit structures were investigated. Effects from fabric thickness, fiber content, and knit structure on comfort and sensorial performance were assessed. Appropriate fabric choices for different apparel applications were also suggested.
Thermal degradation analysis of short-time heated polymers
Authors: Bayerl Thomas , Brzeski Markus , Martínez-Tafalla Manuel , Schledjewski Ralf , Mitschang Peter
Published: May 2013

The thermal degradation of short-time heated carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK, CF/PEEK) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), in the range of 10 ms up to 3 min, was investigated by various detection methods such as differential scanning calorimetry, gravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Therefore, the polymers were heated by extrinsic and intrinsic heating methods, including induction heating, infrared heating, and laser heating, which provides the highest heat flux. The short-time heated polymers revealed thermal degradation after several milliseconds of laser irradiation as well as after several seconds of induction heating. CF/PEEK exhibited a decrease in crystallinity and melting extrapolated onset temperature with an increase in irradiation time and power. The FTIR results indicated that random chain scissoring started at the phenyl ring bonding, the ether bonding, and the aromatic hydrogen bonding, whether some new nonaromatic hydrogen bonding occurred. HDPE showed a decrease in melting peak temperature and some changes in the methylene stretching bonding.
Studies of properties and characteristics of low-density polyethylene/thermoplastic sago starch-reinforced kenaf core fiber composites
Authors: Sarifuddin Norshahida , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zuraida
Published: May 2013

The disposal problems associated with the conventional plastic have imposed a long-standing quest of developing the degradable material. Indeed, blending of conventional plastic with renewable resources as the base materials is an attempt of imparting some level of biodegradability on the resulting composites. Thus, for this study, the effect of plasticized sago starch (plasticized) incorporation on the properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-reinforced with kenaf core fiber (KCF) was evaluated. The ratio of LDPE/KCF was fixed at 80/20 and blended with the thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) content ranging from 10 to 40 wt%. The blended samples were characterized by means of mechanical performance, Fourier transform infrared analysis, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry behavior, water uptake, and morphological properties. The experimental result shows that there is a gradual decrease in tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break with an increase in TPSS loading. The degree of dispersion and adhesion of TPSS in LDPE/KCF composites revealed by scanning electron micrograph supports the findings of tensile properties. The thermal stability of the composite was clearly improved with the addition of TPSS. However, water uptake and hydrophilic character of the composite system tended to augment as the TPSS imparted to the composites.
Non-destructive testing of jute–polypropylene composite using frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging
Authors: Banerjee D , Chattopadhyay SK , Chatterjee K , Tuli S , Jain N , Goyal I , Mukhopadhyay S
Published: May 2013

A recently developed frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging (FMTWI) has been applied for subsurface defect detection of jute fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix composite. Composites are subject to manufacturing and in-service defects like voids, delamination, cracks and so on. Active thermography like lock-in thermography (LT) and pulsed thermography (PT) has been widely used for non-destructive testing of composites and laminates. FMTWI may be viewed as a superposed LT, wherein multiple frequency response is obtained through single measurement. It is very much suitable for newly developed material for which the thermal properties are not well established, thereby impeding the choice of appropriate frequency for conventional LT. In this article, FMTWI is applied to detect and characterize artificially generated subsurface defects in jute–PP composite. The measurements also show the effect of frequency on the depth of defect detection and accuracy.
The Feasibility of a Holistic Wellness Program for HIV/AIDS Patients Residing in a Voluntary Inpatient Treatment Program
Authors: Morgan Vanessa
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this project was to examine the feasibility of an ongoing holistic wellness program in a residential facility treating persons with HIV/AIDS. The goal was to create a voluntary, four week holistic wellness intensive within the established inpatient behavioral health treatment program. Participants were given practicable holistic self care tools to effectively manage HIV related symptoms, general medical issues, addiction, depression, stress and anxiety. The program incorporated evidence-based holistic activities including yoga, therapeutic dance, meditation, Reiki, and reflective journaling. Narrative survey results and post-program evaluation support that an ongoing holistic wellness program within the existing treatment model is feasible and could have numerous potential beneficial effects. This project clearly exemplified the ideal opportunity for holistic nurses to implement innovative holistic interventions within the current healthcare delivery system. It is the author’s observation that future studies with a larger participant group to further examine measurable benefits can lend valuable information and insight into the future development of holistic wellness programs for residential treatment facilities.
The Journey of Discovering Compassionate Listening
Authors: Kimble Peter , Bamford-Wade Anita
Published: May 2013

This article presents the concept of “compassionate listening” in critical life moments to gain insight into the process of listening with compassion. This insight evolved through a process of layered reflection using a series of texts, particularly stories that captured critical moments in working with people who were facing crisis situations or who were dying. Writing and reflecting on these stories enabled me to identify how I engaged with patients and their loved ones as a palliative care nurse specialist. I was able to explore how compassionate listening could be used to ascertain their needs, particularly when they were unable or unsure of how to proceed.
‘Food is a funny thing within residential child care’: Intergenerational relationships and food practices in residential care
Authors: Punch Samantha , McIntosh Ian
Published: May 2013

This article is based on an ethnographic study that explored everyday food practices and relationships in three residential children’s homes in Scotland. On the one hand, food practices in residential child care can be used to cross intergenerational boundaries in a positive, enabling and caring manner. On the other hand, food can be interpreted differently by children and staff, at times resulting in negative interactions which may involve control and resistance. Thus food practices in a residential care setting can be used both to develop a sense of unity across the generations as well as reinforcing intergenerational power inequalities.
The gender wage gap and its institutional context: a comparative analysis of European graduates
Authors: Triventi Moris
Published: May 2013

This article examines whether there is a gender gap in monthly wages among recent graduates in 11 European countries, and which variables account for it. We extend previous works considering a broader range of variables including perceived skills, responsibility at work, family obligations and attitudes to family and work. Regression analyses applied to data from the ‘Research into Employment and professional FLEXibility’ (REFLEX) survey (2005) show that in all countries there is a significant ‘raw wage gap’, but with noticeable cross-country variation. Decomposition analyses show that the ‘residual wage gap’ (discrimination) is lower in Nordic countries and higher in the Czech Republic, with the United Kingdom, continental and southern European countries placed in between them. Employment characteristics and working hours are the most important factors accounting for the gender gap. Wage discrimination is lower in countries with high trade union density, centralized collective bargaining, family-friendly policies, and high level of women’s empowerment in society.
All work and no pay: consequences of unpaid work in the creative industries
Authors: Siebert Sabina , Wilson Fiona
Published: May 2013

This research note evaluates the benefits and pitfalls of unpaid work as an entry route into employment in the creative industries and investigates the consequences of this practice for those who already work in the sector. Based on a qualitative study of perspectives of stakeholders in unpaid work, this article argues that the social capital thesis, often used as a rationale for unpaid work, inadequately explains the practice of unpaid work experience, primarily because it does not take cognisance of the consequences of this practice for other people working in the sector. The study also highlights methodological issues that need to be considered in the future. As well as the importance of a plurality of stakeholder perspectives, the study emphasizes the need to consider the perspectives of those who are excluded from unpaid work and those who are potentially displaced by it.
Effects of tert-butyl substitutes of fluorinated diamine on the properties of polyimides
Authors: Lu Yunhua , Xiao Guoyong , Chi Haijun , Dong Yan , Hu Zhizhi
Published: May 2013

To investigate the effect of tert-butyl substitutes on the properties of fluorinated polyimides (PIs), 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzene (1), 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2- tert-butylbenzene (2), and 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2,5-di- tert-butylbenzene (3), which were synthesized in this study. Three series of organosoluble and light-colored PIs were synthesized from 1, 2, and 3 with four dianhydrides 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA), pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and prepared through a typical two-step polymerization method. These obtained PIs with tert-butyl substituents were soluble in amide polar solvents and even in less polar solvents. The glass transition temperatures ( Tg) of PIs with two tert-butyl substitutes can be reached at 327.7°C, and the 5% weight loss temperatures of PI derived from CBDA were lowest at 439.7°C. These PI films had cutoff wavelengths between 301.2 and 400.0 nm and the transparency at 450 nm between 43.0 and 86.2%. Compared with diamine 1, we found that the introduction of tert-butyl side group of the diamine improved the solubility and Tg of PIs, but decreased the optical transmittance and thermal stability of PIs.