bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against stored abstractions: A radical exemplar model of language acquisition
Authors: Ambridge Ben
Published: September 2019

The goal of this article is to make the case for a radical exemplar account of child language acquisition, under which unwitnessed forms are produced and comprehended by on-the-fly analogy across multiple stored exemplars, weighted by their degree of similarity to the target with regard to the task at hand. Across the domains of (1) word meanings, (2) morphologically inflected words, (3) n-grams, (4) sentence-level constructions and (5) phonetics and phonology, accounts based on independently-represented abstractions (whether formal rules or prototype categories) fail for two reasons. First, it is not possible to posit abstractions that delineate possible and impossible form; e.g. that (1) rule in pool tables and data tables, but rule out chairs, (2) rule in the past-tense forms netted and bet but rule out * setted and * jet, (3) rule in the bigram f+t but rule out (probabilistically) v+t, (4) rule in both John feared Bill and John frightened Bill but rule out * John laughed Bill, (5) rule in Speaker A but rule out Speaker B as the person who produced a particular word (e.g. Sa’urday). Second, for each domain, empirical data provide evidence of exemplar storage that cannot be captured by putative abstractions: e.g. speakers prefer and/or show an advantage for (1) exemplar variation even within word-meaning ‘category boundaries’, (2) novel inflected forms that are similar to existing exemplars, (3) n-grams that have occurred frequently in the input, (4) SVO sentences with he as SUBJECT and it as OBJECT and (5) repeated productions of ‘the same’ word that are phonologically similar or, better still, identical. An exemplar account avoids an intractable lumping-or-splitting dilemma facing abstraction-based accounts and provides a unitary explanation of language acquisition across all domains; one that is consistent with models and empirical findings from the computational modelling and neuroimaging literature.
Improving the Mathematics Performance of Second-Grade Students with Mathematics Difficulties through an Early Numeracy Intervention
Authors: Bryant Diane Pedrotty , Pfannenstiel Kathleen Hughes , Bryant Brian R. , Roberts Greg , Fall Anna-Mari , Nozari Maryam , Lee Jihyun
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an early numeracy Tier 2 intervention on the mathematics performance of second-grade students with persistent mathematics difficulties. Whole number content and instructional design features were used to boost performance in second-grade early numeracy concepts and skills. Researchers employed a pretest-posttest control group design with randomized assignment of 83 students to the treatment condition and 38 students to the comparison condition. The research team’s mathematics interventionists delivered instruction four days per week for 20 weeks to small groups of second-grade students who were identified with persistent mathematics difficulties. Proximal and distal measures were used to determine the effects of the intervention. Findings showed that students in the treatment group outperformed students in the comparison group on the proximal measure of mathematics performance. There were no differences between groups on the problem-solving measures.
Rural Development in Iran: A Survey of Policies and Outcomes
Authors: Shakoori Ali
Published: September 2019

This article examines secular changes in post-revolutionary rural Iran by focusing on rural social attitudes, social stratification, demography, morphology, and architecture. Offering a review of major rural reforms, it contends that although in the first two decades after the revolution, rural communities were primarily affected by state policies, they have been chiefly influenced by macro developments since then, nationally or globally. Rural change has been associated with the integration of the rural structure into the modern structure rather than adhering to the state-specific rural reforms and/or its ideological imperatives. The article concludes that such developments have resulted in greater access to modern amenities and paved the way for rural communities to adopt modern changes that were not necessarily on the government’s ideological agenda. Hence, the revolutionary objectives of an equal distribution of rural development benefits and combating rural poverty remain elusive.
Kinesio taping versus compression garments for treating breast cancer–related lymphedema: a randomized, cross-over, controlled trial
Authors: Pajero Otero Violeta , García Delgado Esther , Martín Cortijo Concepción , Romay Barrero Helena María , de Carlos Iriarte Esperanza , Avendaño-Coy Juan
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of Kinesio taping compared to compression garments during maintenance phase of complex decongestive therapy for breast cancer–related lymphedema.

Design:

Randomized, cross-over, controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatient tertiary-level hospital rehabilitation setting.

Subjects:

Randomized sample of 30 women with breast cancer–related lymphedema.

Interventions:

Participants received two interventions, Kinesio taping and compression garment, both lasting four weeks, whose order was randomized by blocks. A four-week washout period was established prior to the interventions and between them.

Measurements:

The main outcome was the lymphedema Relative Volume Change. Secondary outcomes were range of motion of arm joints, self-perception of comfort, and lymphedema-related symptoms (pain, tightness, heaviness, and hardness).

Results:

The decrease in the Relative Volume Change was greater in the Kinesio taping intervention (–5.7%, SD = 2.0) compared to that observed using compression garments (–3.4%, SD = 2.9) ( P < 0.001). The range of motion of five upper-limb movements increased after applying taping (between 5.8° and 16.7°) ( P < 0.05), but not after compression ( P > 0.05). In addition, taping was perceived as more comfortable by patients (between 2.4 and 3 points better than compression in four questions with a 5-point scale ( P < 0.001)) and further reduced lymphedema-related symptoms compared to compression (between 0.96 and 1.40 points better in four questions with a 6-point scale ( P < 0.05)).

Conclusion:

Kinesio taping was more effective than compression garments for reducing the lymphedema volume, with less severe lymphedema-related symptoms, better improvement of upper-limb mobility, and more comfort.
Investigation on offshore wind energy potential in Benin Republic
Authors: Aza-Gnandji Maurel R , Fifatin François-Xavier , Dubas Frédéric , Nounangnonhou Télesphore C , Espanet Christophe , Vianou Antoine
Published: September 2019

This article presents a study on offshore wind energy viability in Benin Republic. Weibull law has been used to model the spatial distribution of daily wind speed data in Benin Republic’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The spatial distribution of wind energy potential in Benin’s exclusive economic zone has been obtained at several heights by extrapolating Weibull parameters. Wind resource has then been categorized using National Renewable Energy Laboratory standards. Bathymetric data in the exclusive economic zone are used to determine areas showing good compromise between exploitable wind potential and turbine’s foundation. We have shown that Benin’s offshore resources can reach Class 7 at 100 m height, Class 6, respectively, at 100 and 80 m heights and finally Class 5 at 50 m height. We have also shown that locations close to the shore are the most suitable to offshore wind power generation in Benin’s exclusive economic zone.
Growing Old as a Member of an Ethnic Minority in Hong Kong: Implications for an Inclusive Long-Term Care Policy Framework
Authors: Chui Cheryl Hiu-kwan , Arat Gizem , Chan Karrie , Wong Paul Wai Ching
Published: September 2019

Hong Kong is experiencing significant demographic changes as a result of rapid population aging and immigration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that ethnic minorities, in particular aged members of South Asian ethnic minorities, face significant and diverse obstacles in accessing services important to their general welfare. This study is the first systematic attempt to explore the long-term care needs of Nepalese older adults in Hong Kong and the barriers they face in accessing long-term care services. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 Nepalese older adults. We found that Nepalese older adults have similar physical and psychosocial needs as those of their local Chinese counterparts. However, participants face a range of structural, knowledge, and attitudinal barriers that together deter them from accessing long-term care services, despite their right to do so. Policy recommendations to mitigate these barriers are given, with reference to the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities Framework.
Assessment of the biochemical methane potential of mono- and co-digested dairy farm wastes
Authors: Adghim Mohamad , Abdallah Mohamed , Saad Suhair , Shanableh Abdallah , Sartaj Majid
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the methane potential of mono- and co-digested dairy farm wastes. The tested substrates included manure from lactating, dry, and young cows, as well as waste milk and feed waste. The highest methane yield was achieved from the lactating cow manure, which produced an average of 412 L of CH4 kg−1 volatile solids, followed by young and dry cow manures (332 and 273 L of CH4 kg−1 volatile solids, respectively). Feed and milk yielded an average of 325 and 212 L of CH4 kg−1 volatile solids, respectively. Co-digesting the manures from lactating and young cows with feed improved methane production by 7%. However, co-digesting the dry cow manure with feed achieved only 85% of the calculated methane yield. Co-digesting manure and milk at a ratio of 70:30 enhanced the methane potential from lactating, dry, and young cow manures by 19, 30, and 37%, respectively. Moreover, co-digesting lactating, dry, and young cow manures with milk at a ratio of 30:70 enhanced the methane yield by 60, 30, and 88%, respectively. The cumulative methane production of all samples was accurately described using the Gompertz model with a maximum error of 10%. Carbohydrates contributed the most to methane potential, while proteins and lipids were limiting.
Testing the Reliability and Construct Validity of a Chinese Translation of BASC-3-SRP for 12- to 18-Year-Old Youth
Authors: Tan Tony Xing , Yi Zhiyao , Kamphaus Randy W. , Wang Yan , Li Zhengjie , Cheng Ke
Published: September 2019

We tested the reliability and construct validity of a Chinese translation of one of the forms of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (3rd Edition)–Self-Report of Personality for adolescent 11- to 21-year olds (BASC-3-SRP-A). The BASC-3-SRP-A yields 16 subscales that form four composite scales. Data were obtained from 444 12- to 14-year olds (Group 1; girls: 59.0%) and 759 15- to 18-year olds (Group 2; girls: 69.2%). For both groups, Cronbach’s alphas for most of the 16 subscales were higher than .70 and were higher than .83 for the four composite scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using Mplus 8 on the combined sample yielded support for the construct validity of the Chinese translation of the BASC-3-SRP-A. Findings support the use of BASC-3-SRP-A among Chinese youth.
Luke 2:52 as a Basis for How We “Do” Christian Education
Authors: Nason Patricia L.
Published: September 2019

Luke 2:52 is used to support the acceptance of integration of social sciences into Christian education; however, Luke 2:52 is taken out of context to defend developmental goals. Topics include the sufficiency of Scripture, comparison of humanistic philosophy to biblical theology, an overview of Christian education’s acceptance of developmental theories, and an examination of the authorial meaning of the text. Conclusions consist of an exhortation for Christian education professors to be diligent in exploring theories founded by secularists.
Supporting Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Factory Workers and Their Unemployed Neighbors: Peer Counseling in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider Rukhsana , Thorley Virginia
Published: September 2019

Background

Thirty-six percent of females are employed in Bangladesh, many in the readymade garments manufacturing industry. Inadequate access to health information, care, and long working hours makes exclusive breastfeeding particularly challenging for these employed mothers.

Research aim

To describe the influence of a breastfeeding education and support program on breastfeeding patterns of mothers working in garment and other factories in Bangladesh.

Methods

A descriptive two-group prospective, mixed methods, longitudinal prospective study was conducted from May 2015 to March 2017. Peer counselors were trained to provide home-based counseling from 6 months of pregnancy until infants completed 6 months for pregnant and lactating factory workers and neighboring unemployed women. The total evaluation sample ( N = 304) consisted of participants still employed ( n = 190) and unemployed ( n = 144). Peer counselors recorded socioeconomic information, weights, and infant feeding patterns. Descriptive statistical analyses examined the peer counselors’ influence on breastfeeding practices.

Results

Initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hr was high in both groups, 173 (91%) among the employed, and 101 (89%) among the unemployed participants. Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was reported by 107 out of 125 (86%) of the employed participants versus 72 out of 76 (95%) of those unemployed.

Conclusions

Community-based peer counselors can help to inform, encourage, and support both factory workers and unemployed women with optimal breastfeeding patterns. Factories who have female workers should consider employing outreach peer counselors as part of their community social responsibility, and as a way to contribute to the sustainability of these programs.
Optimization of processability and physical and mechanical properties of extruded polyethylene- Tetra Pak cartons composites by experimental design
Authors: Guillén-Mallette J , Carrillo-Baeza JG , Aranda-Ayala AA , Rivero-Ayala MA
Published: September 2019

A scanning experimental design that uses Taguchi methodology allowed to apply an orthogonal type model L12 to determine the optimal formulation and process variables—in two levels—to obtain extruded polyethylene (PE) composites with Tetra Pak multilayer cartons. The variables of the first type were the following: types of PE and mixtures of ethylenic copolymer processing aids; particle size; content of milled Tetra Pak containers, zinc oxide lubricant, mixtures of ethylenic copolymer processing aids, calcium carbonate, stearic acid, and titanate coupling agent. The variables of the second type were the speed and temperature profile of the extruder. This methodology applied two criteria for the evaluation of results, the separate analysis and the evaluation of multiple criteria of response parameters. The results showed the most important independent variables that affected the response parameters, being the extrusion speed with 49.8%, the type of PE with 18.4%, and the mixture of ethylenic copolymer processing aids with 8.1%. The optimal run showed the expected favorable results, such as plasticity with 89.6 cm/cm, mass flow with 0.80 kg/h, density with 1.11 kg/m3, torque with 574 mg, molten mass pressure of 111 lbf/in2, temperature of fusion of 149°C, impact resistance of 32 J/m, tensile strength of 11 MPa, and flexural modulus of 314 MPa.
Introduction to Special Issue on Career Education
Authors: Cinamon Rachel Gali , Hardin Erin E. , Flum Hanoch
Published: September 2019

The current introduction describes several features and outcomes of the changing world of work that serves as conceptual anchors and rational for the career education programs that are included in the current special issue. The four papers target the goal of increasing social equality and the goal to promote fair and sustainable development through career interventions in schools, and therefore reflect an emphasis on social justice and social equality. These interventions target potentially vulnerable groups of students and offer theory-driven models that, with culturally appropriate adjustments to the specific context, schools can include in their curriculum.
Workforce development and higher education in Ghana: A symmetrical relationship between industry and higher education institutions
Authors: Owusu-Agyeman Yaw , Fourie-Malherbe Magda
Published: September 2019

This article is based on an empirical study of the importance of a symmetrical relationship between higher education institutions (HEIs) and cognate industry in Ghana. Using social capital theory as the theoretical underpinning of the study, the authors investigate how social structure and networks serve to explain HEI–industry relationships. The research follows a mixed-methods approach for gathering and analysing data from students, academics and industry representatives. The results suggest that the current relationships between HEIs and industry in Ghana could be improved through joint agreements, academic engagement and the development of policies that create synergy between the two entities. Additionally, the benefits to HEIs from such symmetrical relationships include the development of students’ employability skills and technology proficiency as well as the contribution of industry experts to educational programmes. The authors discuss the implications of their findings in relation to theory, practice and future research.
Cellular pathologies and genotoxic effects arising secondary to heavy metal exposure: A review
Authors: Kocadal K , Alkas FB , Battal D , Saygi S
Published: September 2019

Environmental pollution is significant and oftentimes hazardous in the areas, where mining, foundries and smelters and other metallurgical operations are located. Systematic research on the chronic effects of metals started during the past century; nevertheless, it is evident that even today, there are large gaps in knowledge regarding the assessment of the health effects caused by environmental and occupational exposures to these metals. Heavy metals induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress, make several repair-inhibiting cellular changes and alter the DNA repair processes. They favour the ‘false’ repairing of double-strand breaks (DSBs), propagate DNA mutations and induce carcinogenesis. A detailed literature search was performed using the MedLine/PubMed database. Depending on the mechanism of action, arsenicals can act as genotoxins, non-genotoxic agents and carcinogens. Cadmium can bind to proteins, reduce DNA repair, activate protein degradation, up-regulate cytokines and proto-oncogenes (c-fos, c-jun and c-myc), induce the expression of metallothionein, haeme-oxygenases, glutathione transferases, heat-shock proteins, acute-phase reactants and DNA polymerase β at lower concentrations. Inorganic mercury damages oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport pathways at the ubiquinone–cytochrome b5 locus and thus induces ROS production. Abandoned mining areas generate environmentally persistent waste. These specific sites urgently require maximally efficient and cheap remediation. This bears the need for methodologies employing green and sustainable remediation. Phytoremediation is important in that it is a prevalent in situ remediation technique. Its advantages include the use of solar energy, cost-effectiveness, easy operation, reduction in secondary contaminants, the use of biomass for biofuel production and low-cost adsorbents.
Library and information science as a career in Kuwait
Authors: Buarki Hanadi , Al-Omar Mashael
Published: September 2019

The Library and Information Science discipline is in constant flux, facing myriad impediments with the development of technology. Per se, the field introduced information and communications technology into its curriculum which has changed librarians’ roles in information handling. Moreover, the integration of the term ‘information’ changed the nomenclature thereby giving a new name of Information Science/Studies, embracing an enormous range of subjects. The present study investigates the previous and current skills of alumni at the Department of Library and Information Science, College of Basic Education, Kuwait. Descriptive analysis of the distributed survey revealed frequencies and percentages data on participants’ gender, marital status, age, grade point average, certificate obtained, employment sector, years of experience, and salary. Qualitative data revealed comments on employment issues, difficulties faced, and the Department of Library and Information Science curriculum. The findings suggested that the majority of the alumni have benefited from their major as their employment is relevant (84%), it is within their specialisation and most of them (56%) are employed in a library setting. The most frequently learned skill is ethics (54%), and the skills that needed improvement are library skills and English language proficiency. The research data initiated a list of skills required and organisations employing the alumni. It is recommended that LIS alumni should be equippedwith multi-tasking skills to work at the job market institutions, and that LIS schools should start offering a PhD qualification in Kuwait. This research contributes to decisions in curriculum updating from the viewpoint of alumni to meet the requirements of the job market. The research is the first study to collect data from LIS alumni in Kuwait at CBE, PAAET and realises their concerns. Departments sharing a similar curriculum can benefit as the research is an initial step that should be regularly taken to update the curricula.
Libraries as agents for development: The potential role of Egyptian rural public libraries towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals based on the UN 2030 Agenda
Authors: Mansour Essam
Published: September 2019

The key purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of Egyptian rural public libraries, being one of the social agents for development, towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals according to the United Nations Agenda for 2030. To meet the objectives and questions of the study, a multi-faceted research methodology was adopted and conducted in the period from September to November 2017. The study used a qualitative approach in terms of personal interview, discussion and observations of group meetings, and examination of documents to investigate the implementation of community development programmemes and services in 34 rural public libraries representing the four main administrative divisions comprising Egypt. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals have been discussed with ways in which Egyptian rural public libraries can include and meet them. Challenges facing libraries in the provision of information (poor infrastructure, inappropriate collections and related facilities and services, high levels of illiteracy, lack of funding and cooperation between related agencies, inappropriate training of library and information professionals, lack of studies and surveys, as well as analyses of information needs of rural communities) have also been emphasized. This study concluded that Egyptian rural public libraries have struggled to be part of the United Nations Agenda for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. They have tried as much as possible to integrate and adapt to the surrounding community in light of the common economic, political and social factors and conditions. Despite these challenges, these libraries showed a good response that is characterized as somewhat positive, though not sufficient, toward the achievement of these goals.
Optimization of FSW parameters for maximum UTS of AA6082/SiC/10P composites
Authors: Bhushan Rajesh Kumar , Sharma Deepak
Published: September 2019

Friction stir welding (FSW) offers significant advantage when compared with fusion joining process such as no shield gas or flux are used, no harmful gases are produced, thereby making the FSW environmentally friendly. In this work, an experimental approach has been used for studying and optimizing the FSW process, applied on AA6082/SiC/10P composite plates. In particular, the effect of process parameters on ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of FSW joint has been investigated. The UTS of FSW joints is affected by FSW parameters. The FSW of the AA6082/SiC/10P composite plates was carried out with different combinations of FSW parameters. The experiments were conducted according to the Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. Taguchi method of designing the experiments was used for optimization of the FSW parameters. The signal to noise ratio and analysis of variance were used to determine the effects of FSW parameters on the UTS of the welded joints. The optimum FSW parameters for the maximum UTS were found to be the tool rotation speed of 1800 r/min, the welding speed of 100 mm/min and the tool tilt angle of 2°. UTS increased by 24.5% when FSW was carried out at optimum process parameters as compared to initial FSW parameters. Results have shown good agreement between the predicted and experimental values of UTS. High tensile strength is required for use of FSWed AA6082/SiC/10P composite joints in aerospace industry.
The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with atopic eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiao Ruimin , Yang Zhongyang , Wang Yang , Zhou Jing , Zeng Yuxiao , Liu Zhishun
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for patients with atopic eczema (AE).

Methods:

Two reviewers searched 13 databases from their inception through 31 July 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with AE. Dichotomous data and continuous data were analyzed using risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD), respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

A total of eight RCTs (with 434 participants) were included. The results of one included RCT showed that acupuncture was better than no treatment at reducing itch intensity measured using a visual analogue scale in patients with AE. The combined results of six RCTs showed that acupuncture was better than conventional medicine at reducing the eczema area and severity index (EASI) (MD: −1.89, 95% CI: −3.04 to −0.75, I2: 78%) and the combined results of seven RCTs showed that acupuncture was better than conventional medicine in terms of global symptom improvement (RR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.11, I2: 55%) in AE. We had insufficient data to show significant effects of acupuncture on quality of life and AE recurrence rate. No severe adverse events were found related to acupuncture.

Limitations:

The included RCTs had some methodological limitations, and most of the included trials were conducted in China. This analysis only included studies that compared acupuncture alone with no treatment or positive control (conventional medicine), so the specific effects of acupuncture could not be evaluated.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture might be effective at reducing itch intensity and may be more effective than conventional medicine at reducing EASI and improving the global symptoms of AE.

Protocol registration:

PROSPERO CRD42018096261
Comparison of survivor scores for differentiation therapy of cancer to those for checkpoint inhibition: Half full or half empty
Authors: Sell Stewart , Ilic Zoran
Published: September 2019

Differentiation therapy is directed to the self-renewing cancer stem cells, as well as their progeny transit amplifying cells, to force them to mature to terminal differentiation. Differentiation therapy is effective in treatment of neuroblastomas and myeloid leukemias. Checkpoint inhibition therapy removes blocks to cancer reactive T-killer cells and allows them to react to malignant cells and limit the growth of cancer. The percentage of patients with a given cancer that responds to either therapy is less than hoped for, and the duration of response is variable. Multiplying the response rate (percentage of patients responding to therapy) by the duration of response may be used to derive a survival score for patients treated with differentiation therapy or checkpoint inhibition. By this criterion, differentiation therapy gives better survival scores than checkpoint inhibition. Yet, checkpoint inhibition is considered a great success, mostly because it may be applied to many different types of cancer, and differentiation therapy is considered relatively ineffective because it is limited to a few specific cancers. On the other hand, the cost of checkpoint inhibition treatment is 10–20 times more per patient than that of differentiation therapy. Hopefully, future combined treatments and advances in both approaches will increase the effectiveness of these cancer treatments.
A Three-Dimensional Model for Evaluating Individual Differences in Tempo and Tempo Variation in Musical Performance
Authors: Zhou Danny Quan , Fabian Dorottya
Published: September 2019

People differ from each other, and this includes performers of music. The study of individual differences is well established in many social science disciplines but has been largely neglected in music performance research. To what extent do performers play differently from each other? How can these differences be concisely described and precisely assessed? Questions like these remain unanswered. Focusing on tempo and tempo variation in performance, this article contributes to knowledge by describing a well-defined, clearly illustrated and systematically classified taxonomy for identifying differences in tempo and tempo variation. Based on findings from past theoretical and empirical research on tempo in performance, it presents a model whereby performers’ individual differences in tempo and tempo variation can be evaluated. The model identifies six variables representing three dimensions of tempo and tempo variation: basic tempo, global tempo variation, and local tempo variation. It has the potential for providing researchers with a toolbox for analyzing differences among individual performers’ use of tempo and tempo variation by assessing the extent to which each of the variables is embodied in specific performances. Evgeny Kissin’s and Lars Vogt’s recorded performances are used to illustrate how the model will perform its role. Researchers could test the model further by analyzing a larger repertoire and/or carrying out experiments to generate more comprehensive knowledge about individual differences in performance style.
The Liability of Volatility and How it Changes Over Time Among New Ventures
Authors: Lundmark Erik , Coad Alex , Frankish Julian S. , Storey David J.
Published: September 2019

This article theorizes how short-term revenue volatility affects new venture viability and how such volatility develops over time. Tracking the bank accounts of 6,578 new ventures over a 10-year period, we find that, even after controlling for a range of other factors, short-term revenue volatility is a strong predictor of venture exit. Although short-term revenue volatility is associated with the depletion of buffer resources and financial default, surviving ventures do not, on average, decrease their short-term revenue volatility over time. However, short-term revenue volatility decreases at the cohort level due to higher exit rates of volatile ventures.
Are Impulsive Adolescents Differentially Vulnerable to Normative or Situational Peer Influences? A Partial Replication Study
Authors: De Buck Ann , Pauwels Lieven J. R.
Published: September 2019

Ample research in criminology investigates the role of deviant peers in the development of adolescent offending. Different theoretical explanations account for distinct peer influences. The socialization perspective argues that deviant peers influence behavior through the provision of norms and values, whereas the situational perspective argues that deviant peers provide situational opportunities for deviant behavior. This study partially retests the propositions put forward by Thomas and McGloin’s study of dual systems, differential peer effects, and adolescent offending. We address the question to what extent trait impulsivity affects social and situational peer processes controlling for parental supervision, family bond, school bond, and deviant norms. Analysis of the cross-national International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD3) data suggests that adolescents at the edges of trait impulsivity are differentially vulnerable to the effects of deviant peer processes. However, the findings need to be nuanced. We discuss the contribution of the current study to a better understanding of the interplay between individual characteristics and exposure to deviant peers.
Clinical Transformation in Care for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease at an Urban Academic Medical Center
Authors: Rizk Sanaa , Axelrod David , Riddick-Burden Gaye , Congdon-Martin Elisabeth , McKenzie Steven , Haines Carol , Ward Lawrence , McAna John , Crawford Albert G.
Published: September 2019

This article demonstrates effects on utilization of a clinical transformation: changing locus of care from a dedicated sickle cell day unit to an approach that “fast-tracks” patients through the emergency department (ED) into an observation unit with 24/7 access. Retrospective quantitative analyses of claims and Epic electronic medical record data for patients with sickle cell disease treated at Thomas Jefferson University (inpatient and ED) assessed effects of the clinical transformation. Additionally, case studies were conducted to confirm and deepen the quantitative analyses. This study was approved by the Thomas Jefferson University Institutional Review Board. The quantitative analyses show significant decreases in ED and inpatient utilization following the transformation. These effects likely were facilitated by increased observation stays. This study demonstrated the impact on utilization of transformation in care (from dedicated day unit to an approach that fast-tracks patients into an observation unit). Additional case studies support the quantitative findings.
A Model of Blood Component–Heart Interaction in Cardiac Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury using a Langendorff-Based Ex Vivo Assay
Authors: Muessig Johanna M. , Kaya Sema , Moellhoff Luise , Noelle Johanna , Hidalgo Pareja Leonie , Masyuk Maryna , Gerdes Norbert , Pernow John , Kelm Malte , Jung Christian
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cellular interactions of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets with endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes play a crucial role in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, addressing the specific impact of such cell-to-cell interactions in commonly employed in vivo models of cardiac I/R injury is challenging due to overlap of neuronal, hormonal, and immunological pathways. This study aimed to refine a Langendorff-based ex vivo transfer model to evaluate the impact of specific blood components on cardiac I/R injury.

Material and methods:

Murine whole blood, defined murine blood components (RBCs, platelet-rich plasma [PRP], and platelet-poor plasma [PPP], respectively) as well as human RBCs were loaded to the coronary system of isolated murine hearts in a Langendorff system before initiating global ischemia for 40 minutes. Following 60 minutes of reperfusion with Krebs Henseleit Buffer, left ventricular function and coronary flow were assessed. Infarct size was determined by specific histological staining following 120 minutes of reperfusion.

Results:

Loading of murine whole blood to the coronary system of isolated murine hearts at the beginning of 40 minutes of global ischemia improved left ventricular function after 60 minutes of reperfusion and reduced the infarct size in comparison to buffer-treated controls. Similarly, isolated murine RBCs, PRP, and PPP mediated a protective effect in the cardiac I/R model. Furthermore, human RBCs showed a comparable protective capacity as murine RBCs.

Conclusion:

This Langendorff-based transfer model of cardiac I/R injury is a feasible, time-, and cost-effective model to evaluate the impact of blood components on myocardial infarction. The presented method facilitates loading of blood components of genetically modified mice to murine hearts of a different mouse strain, thus complementing time- and cost-intensive chimeric models and contributing to the development of novel targeted therapies.
Distributional Impacts of State and Local Tax Policy in a Heterogeneous-agent Model
Authors: Barro Jorge A.
Published: September 2019

This article presents a dynamic heterogeneous-agent life-cycle model with housing demand to evaluate the economic implications of reforming US state and local personal tax structures. Because of the extensive reliance of state and local governments on income, sales, and property tax revenue, those three taxes are explicitly modeled to generate a baseline and varied to evaluate alternative policy proposals. The results of the model show that the sales tax burden falls evenly across the distribution of income earners, while the property tax burden falls more heavily on the highest income earners. By design, the model’s income tax is progressive, so the tax burden shares rise with income. Results also show that the property tax generally improves utilitarian social welfare relative to income and sales taxation, but the magnitude of these gains depends on the availability of a state and local tax deduction on federal income taxes.
Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions
Authors: Scotton William J , Hill Lisa J , Williams Adrian C , Barnes Nicholas M
Published: September 2019

Serotonin syndrome (SS) (also referred to as serotonin toxicity) is a potentially life-threatening drug-induced toxidrome associated with increased serotonergic activity in both the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS). It is characterised by a dose-relevant spectrum of clinical findings related to the level of free serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]), or 5-HT receptor activation (predominantly the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A subtypes), which include neuromuscular abnormalities, autonomic hyperactivity, and mental state changes. Severe SS is only usually precipitated by the simultaneous initiation of 2 or more serotonergic drugs, but the syndrome can also occur after the initiation of a single serotonergic drug in a susceptible individual, the addition of a second or third agent to long-standing doses of a maintenance serotonergic drug, or after an overdose. The combination of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), in particular MAO-A inhibitors that preferentially inhibit the metabolism of 5-HT, with serotonergic drugs is especially dangerous, and may lead to the most severe form of the syndrome, and occasionally death. This review describes our current understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of SS, and summarises some of the drugs and interactions that may precipitate the condition. We also discuss the newer novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), a growing public health concern due to their increased availability and use, and their potential risk to evoke the syndrome. Finally, we discuss whether the inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), in particular the neuronal isoform (TPH2), may provide an opportunity to pharmacologically target central 5-HT synthesis, and so develop new treatments for severe, life-threatening SS.
Newer Forms of Tobacco Products: Characteristics of Poly Users Among Adults Living in Colorado—A Secondary Data Analysis of the Attitudes and Behaviors Survey on Health 2015
Authors: El Hajj Dana , Cook Paul F , James Katherine A , Battaglia Catherine , Prochazca Allan V
Published: September 2019

Aims:

Data from The Attitudes and Behaviors Survey (TABS) conducted in 2015 were used to investigate the prevalence of different forms of tobacco use and marijuana use among adults in Colorado.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of TABS on health data was conducted. A representative sample of 8616 adults 18 years and older participated in the survey, with sample weights used to adjust for oversampling.

Results:

Lifetime prevalence of cigarette-only use was 25.8%, compared with 10.6% for hookah use, 7.0% for both hookah and cigarettes, 12.6% for anything except cigarettes, and 43.0% for marijuana. The typical hookah user was a single/living alone (15.9%), English-speaking (11.6%), male (16.7%), age < 30 years (24.2%), with some college education (13.0%), and income less than 35 000 per year (14.3%). Hookah users, whether or not they also used cigarettes, were similar to those who used any other noncigarette tobacco products. The typical marijuana user was a single/living alone (50.2%), white (46.0%), English-speaking (46.7%), male (48.5%), age < 30 years (50.1%), with a graduate degree (40.8%) and salary of at least 50 000 per year (43.4%).

Implications:

In Colorado, in 2015, cigarette use was still highest among all forms of tobacco, but the use of other tobacco products such as vaping and hookah is on the rise, especially among young adults. Marijuana and hookah users were demographically similar to each other, and different from the typical cigarette user. These results indicate the need for further study of alternative tobacco product use, especially among young adults.
Day-to-day reliability, agreement and discriminative validity of measuring walking-related performance fatigability in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Van Geel Fanny , Veldkamp Renee , Severijns Deborah , Dalgas Ulrik , Feys Peter
Published: September 2019

Background:

Day-to-day reliability and cut-off values to detect abnormal walking fatigability (WF) remain to be investigated in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods:

In all, 49 pwMS (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ± standard deviation (SD): 3.3 ± 1.9) and 28 matched healthy controls (HC) performed the six-minute walking test (6MWT) on two different days to determine day-to-day reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)) and limits of agreement (LOA) for five different equations of WF.

Objective:

To examine day-to-day reliability, agreement and discriminative validity for measuring WF.

Results and conclusion:

WF expressed as the ratio between the first and sixth minute had the best day-to-day reliability (ICC’s range of 0.76–0.95 and 0.60–0.86, respectively) in both pwMS and HC, while LOA were 15% and 7%, respectively. Ecological validity and clinical importance should be further investigated.
Challenging care work: General practitioners’ perspectives on caring for young adults with complex psychosocial problems
Authors: Andersen Julie Høgsgaard , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Reventlow Susanne , Davidsen Annette Sofie
Published: September 2019

The international literature shows that primary care is well placed to address mental health problems in young people, but that primary care professionals experience a range of challenges in this regard. In Denmark, young adults who have complex psychosocial problems, and who are not in education or work, cause political and academic concern. They are also in regular contact with their general practitioners, the Danish municipalities and psychiatric services. However, little is known about general practitioners’ perspectives on caring for this vulnerable group of patients. In this article, we investigate how general practitioners’ care work is shaped by the bureaucratic management of care in a complex infrastructure network comprising the general practitioners, psychiatry, the municipalities and the young adults. The analysis is based on interviews and focus groups with general practitioners, psychiatric nurses and social workers. We employ Tronto’s concept of care and the concept of boundary work as a theoretical framework. We argue that general practitioners strive to provide care, but they are challenged by the following: contested diagnostic interpretations and the bureaucratic significance of diagnoses for the provision of care from psychiatry and the municipalities, systemic issues with handling intertwined social and mental health problems, and the young adults’ difficulties with accessing and receiving available care.
Conflict as a point of no return: Immigrant and internally displaced journalists in Ukraine
Authors: Voronova Liudmila
Published: September 2019

The Ukrainian Euromaidan protests in 2013, alongside the Brexit vote and the so-called ‘refugee crisis’, have strongly changed the imaginary of Europe. Apart from ideological shifts and geopolitical changes, the situation in Ukraine has led to a geographic relocation and displacement of media producers and audiences alike. Yet, in the Ukrainian context and beyond, little is known about dislocated journalists in conflict situations. This article addresses the specific experiences of immigrant and internally displaced journalists, their imagined audiences and the overarching construction of post-revolutionary Ukraine as an imagined community. The argument draws empirically from the dislocatory experiences and relocatory trajectories of two groups: immigrant journalists, who moved to Ukraine from Russia, and journalists who migrated internally – to Kyiv and other government-controlled Ukrainian regions from Crimea and non-government-controlled areas of Donbas. For immigrant and internally displaced journalists, the search for new identities and positions is strongly related to their imagination of the audiences. The journalists notice a simultaneous fragmentation and unification of the audiences driven by both top-down and down-up intentions of post-revolutionary nation building. They hope to contribute to turning the fragmented communities into a media nation that will perceive them as ‘us’.
Connected Sahrawi refugee diaspora in Spain: Gender, social media and digital transnational gossip
Authors: Almenara-Niebla Silvia , Ascanio-Sánchez Carmen
Published: September 2019

While there is increasing scholarly attention given to the impact of digital technologies on forced migration, the points of view and situated experiences of refugees living in the diaspora are understudied. This article addresses Sahrawis refugee diasporas, which have close ties with the Sahrawi political cause. Resulting from the unresolved Western Sahara conflict, Sahrawi forced migrants are at the eye of one of the world’s most protracted refugee situations. While most Sahrawis live in refugee camps in Algeria, some Sahrawis have managed to travel onwards. Social media allows those living elsewhere to maintain connections with contacts living in their original refugee camp. However, Facebook has become a complex environment, particularly for Sahrawi women. Gendered mechanisms of control, such as digital transnational gossip, result in a paradoxical politics of belonging: these women simultaneously desire to keep in touch but do not want to become a subject of gossip. From narratives of Sahrawi young women based in Spain gathered through interviews between 2016 and 2018, as well as a specific Facebook campaign and fan page, the focus is on strategies Sahrawi women develop to avoid and confront digital transnational gossip.