bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of ZnAl-layered double hydroxide and organo-K10 montmorillonite for the removal of diclofenac from aqueous solution
Authors: Boukhalfa Nadia , Boutahala Mokhtar , Djebri Nassima
Published: September 2016

Two prepared adsorbents, namely, calcined ZnAl-layered double hydroxide and K10 montmorillonite intercalated with cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide cations are used in diclofenac sodium adsorption under the batch reactor operations. The pseudo-second-order model describes better the results of the kinetics. Fitting parameters revealed that the rate of adsorption increased with the increase in diclofenac sodium concentration and decrease in background electrolyte concentration and temperature, while the solution pH did not have a significant effect. The maximum adsorption capacities of diclofenac obtained by Langmuir model are found to be 55.46 and 737.02 mg/g for K10 montmorillonite intercalated with cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide cations and ZnAl-C LDH, respectively. The results of adsorption–desorption cycles revealed that ZnAl-C LDH and K10 montmorillonite intercalated with cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide cations have an excellent potential to be used as an economical adsorbent for the removal of diclofenac sodium from water.
Contributions of structural connectivity and cerebrovascular parameters to functional magnetic resonance imaging signals in mice at rest and during sensory paw stimulation
Authors: Schroeter Aileen , Grandjean Joanes , Schlegel Felix , Saab Bechara J , Rudin Markus
Published: September 2016

Previously, we reported widespread bilateral increases in stimulus-evoked functional magnetic resonance imaging signals in mouse brain to unilateral sensory paw stimulation. We attributed the pattern to arousal-related cardiovascular changes overruling cerebral autoregulation thereby masking specific signal changes elicited by local neuronal activity. To rule out the possibility that interhemispheric neuronal communication might contribute to bilateral functional magnetic resonance imaging responses, we compared stimulus-evoked functional magnetic resonance imaging responses to unilateral hindpaw stimulation in acallosal I/LnJ, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mice. We found bilateral blood-oxygenation-level dependent signal changes in all three strains, ruling out a dominant contribution of transcallosal communication as reason for bilaterality. Analysis of functional connectivity derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, revealed that bilateral cortical functional connectivity is largely abolished in I/LnJ animals. Cortical functional connectivity in all strains correlated with structural connectivity in corpus callosum as revealed by diffusion tensor imaging. Given the profound influence of systemic hemodynamics on stimulus-evoked functional magnetic resonance imaging outcomes, we evaluated whether functional connectivity data might be affected by cerebrovascular parameters, i.e. baseline cerebral blood volume, vascular reactivity, and reserve. We found that effects of cerebral hemodynamics on functional connectivity are largely outweighed by dominating contributions of structural connectivity. In contrast, contributions of transcallosal interhemispheric communication to the occurrence of ipsilateral functional magnetic resonance imaging response of equal amplitude to unilateral stimuli seem negligible.
An Intelligent Web-Based System for Diagnosing Student Learning Problems Using Concept Maps
Authors: Acharya Anal , Sinha Devadatta
Published: September 2016

The aim of this article is to propose a method for development of concept map in web-based environment for identifying concepts a student is deficient in after learning using traditional methods. Direct Hashing and Pruning algorithm was used to construct concept map. Redundancies within the concept map were removed to generate a learning sequence. Prototype learning system was developed based on this learning sequence using Android Emulator. For analysis purpose, 42 learners were given to learn the course Java Programming taught at graduation level. A posttest was conducted after learning for evaluation purpose. Multiple regression analysis method was applied on these results to develop regression equations for the proposed method of learning. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for statistical analysis purposes. It was found that posttest results are directly proportional to the quality of traditional learning. Better quality students require less time in constructing prototype system. Further concept mapping was found to have a positive impact on proposed method of learning. When the number of concepts is large, a learning sequence among these can be generated using the proposed method. This learning sequence can be used to identify the concept a student needs additional learning.
Do Program Implementation Factors or Fidelity Affect Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs’ Outcomes?
Authors: Brady Teresa J. , Murphy Louise B. , O’Colmain Benita J. , Hobson Reeti Desai
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate whether implementation factors or fidelity moderate chronic disease self-management education program outcomes.

Design:

Meta-analysis of 34 Arthritis Self-Management Program and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program studies.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

N = 10 792.

Measures:

Twelve implementation factors: program delivery fidelity and setting and leader and participant characteristics. Eighteen program outcomes: self-reported health behaviors, physical health status, psychological health status, and health-care utilization.

Analysis:

Meta-analysis using pooled effect sizes.

Results:

Modest to moderate statistically significant differences for 4 of 6 implementation factors; these findings were counterintuitive with better outcomes when leaders and participants were unpaid, leaders had less than minimum training, and implementation did not meet fidelity requirements.

Conclusion:

Exploratory study findings suggest that these interventions tolerate some variability in implementation factors. Further work is needed to identify key elements where fidelity is essential for intervention effectiveness.
Worksite Food and Physical Activity Environments and Wellness Supports Reported by Employed Adults in the United States, 2013
Authors: Onufrak Stephen J. , Watson Kathleen B. , Kimmons Joel , Pan Liping , Khan Laura Kettel , Lee-Kwan Seung Hee , Park Sohyun
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To examine the workplace food and physical activity (PA) environments and wellness culture reported by employed United States adults, overall and by employer size.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using web-based survey on wellness policies and environmental supports for healthy eating and PA.

Setting:

Worksites in the United States.

Participants:

A total of 2101 adults employed outside the home.

Measures:

Survey items were based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Worksite Health ScoreCard and Checklist of Health Promotion Environments and included the availability and promotion of healthy food items, nutrition education, promotion of breast-feeding, availability of PA amenities and programs, facility discounts, time for PA, stairwell signage, health promotion programs, and health risk assessments.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics were used to examine the prevalence of worksite environmental and facility supports by employer size (<100 or ≥100 employees). Chi-square tests were used to examine the differences by employer size.

Results:

Among employed respondents with workplace food or drink vending machines, approximately 35% indicated the availability of healthy items. Regarding PA, 30.9% of respondents reported that their employer provided opportunities to be physically active and 17.6% reported worksite exercise facilities. Wellness programs were reported by 53.2% working for large employers, compared to 18.1% for smaller employers.

Conclusion:

Employee reports suggested that workplace supports for healthy eating, PA, and wellness were limited and were less common among smaller employers.
Application of fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution in computer numerical control end milling of in-situ Al-4.5%Cu-TiC metal matrix composite
Authors: Das Biswajit , Roy Susmita , Rai RN , Saha SC
Published: September 2016

In the present investigation, an effort has been made to explore the outcome of cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed and depth of cut) on surface roughness parameters ( Ra, Rz) and cutting force ( Fc) using solid carbide end mill cutter. During the existing study, a novel fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, grey relational and response surface analysis technique is utilized to find out the optimal settings of computer numerical control milling process parameters with an endeavour to improve the quality of the machined surface. Hence, generating optimum surface roughness values are essential to obtain high productivity in the manufacturing of different machined parts. In this article, the first motive is to investigate computer numerical control milling of Al-4.5%Cu-TiC metal matrix composite developed by in-situ technique using fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and grey relational analysis to find out optimum cutting parameters. The second motive is to verify using response surface analysis mathematical model depending on cutting parameters of surface roughness and cutting force in milling. The potentiality of the developed model is proved by analysis of variance technique. The analysis of variance result shows that the depth of cut is the leading process parameter affecting the surface roughness and cutting force values.
Oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers
Authors: Dobrakowski M , Pawlas N , Kasperczyk A , Kozłowska A , Olewińska E , Machoń-Grecka A , Kasperczyk S
Published: September 2016

There are many discrepancies among the results of studies on the genotoxicity of lead. The aim of the study was to explore lead-induced DNA damage, including oxidative damage, in relation to oxidative stress intensity parameters and the antioxidant defense system in human leukocytes. The study population consisted of 100 male workers exposed to lead. According to the blood lead (PbB) levels, they were divided into the following three subgroups: a group with PbB of 20–35 μg/dL (low exposure to lead (LE) group), a group with a PbB of 35–50 µg/dL (medium exposure to lead (ME) group), and a group with a PbB of >50 μg/dL (high exposure to lead (HE) group). The control group consisted of 42 healthy males environmentally exposed to lead (PbB < 10 μg/dL). A comet assay was used to measure the DNA damage in leukocytes. We measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the value of the total antioxidant capacity. The level of PbB was significantly higher in the examined subgroups than in the control group. The percentage of DNA in the tail was significantly higher in the LE, ME, and HE subgroups than in the control group by 10% ( p = 0.001), 15% ( p < 0.001), and 20% ( p < 0.001), respectively. The activity of GR was significantly lower in the LE and ME subgroups than in the control group by 25% ( p = 0.007) and 17% ( p = 0.028), respectively. The activity of G6PD was significantly lower in the ME subgroup by 25% ( p = 0.022), whereas the activity of GST was significantly higher in the HE subgroup by 101% ( p = 0.001) than in the control group. Similarly, the activity of SOD was significantly higher in the LE and ME subgroups by 48% ( p = 0.026) and 34% ( p = 0.002), respectively. The concentration of MDA was significantly higher in the LE, ME, and HE subgroups than in the control group by 43% ( p = 0.016), 57% ( p < 0.001), and 108% ( p < 0.001), respectively. Occupational lead exposure induces DNA damage, including oxidative damage, in human leukocytes. The increase in DNA damage was accompanied by an elevated intensity of oxidative stress.
Relative efficiency of joint-model and full-conditional-specification multiple imputation when conditional models are compatible: The general location model
Authors: Seaman Shaun R , Hughes Rachael A
Published: September 2016

Estimating the parameters of a regression model of interest is complicated by missing data on the variables in that model. Multiple imputation is commonly used to handle these missing data. Joint model multiple imputation and full-conditional specification multiple imputation are known to yield imputed data with the same asymptotic distribution when the conditional models of full-conditional specification are compatible with that joint model. We show that this asymptotic equivalence of imputation distributions does not imply that joint model multiple imputation and full-conditional specification multiple imputation will also yield asymptotically equally efficient inference about the parameters of the model of interest, nor that they will be equally robust to misspecification of the joint model. When the conditional models used by full-conditional specification multiple imputation are linear, logistic and multinomial regressions, these are compatible with a restricted general location joint model. We show that multiple imputation using the restricted general location joint model can be substantially more asymptotically efficient than full-conditional specification multiple imputation, but this typically requires very strong associations between variables. When associations are weaker, the efficiency gain is small. Moreover, full-conditional specification multiple imputation is shown to be potentially much more robust than joint model multiple imputation using the restricted general location model to mispecification of that model when there is substantial missingness in the outcome variable.
Influence of Self-esteem on Ethical Behaviours and Corporate Responsibility Values: The Mediating Role of Power-distance
Authors: Suar Damodar , Gochhayat Jyotiranjan , Suar Jyotirmaya
Published: September 2016

This study analyzed whether self-esteem directly predicts ethical behaviours and corporate responsibility values and whether power-distance mediates such relationships. A total of 410 students from two business schools in eastern India participated. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on socio-demographics and on self-esteem, power-distance, ethical behaviours and corporate responsibility values. Results revealed that self-esteem was positively associated with ethical behaviours and corporate responsibility values. Power-distance was a partial mediator in the relationships of self-esteem with ethical behaviours and corporate responsibility values suggesting that promoting self-esteem can partially reduce power-distance and can foster ethicality. These quantitative findings were substantiated with qualitative narratives from middle-level corporate executives.
Federalism and Foreign Policy in India—Experiences of UPA and NDA-II Regimes
Authors: Basu Partha Pratim
Published: September 2016

This article, set in the tradition of analysing the domestic inputs to foreign policy, explores the interface of federalism and the making and execution of foreign policy in India by looking at six case studies drawn from the United Progressive Alliance UPA (2004–2014) and the National Democratic Alliance NDA-II (2014 onwards) periods. Although the Indian Constitution has vested the power to conduct foreign policy almost exclusively in the Union government, serious differences between the two layers of government in the Indian federation have never been unknown altogether. However, it is argued here that the twin developments of the 1990s, that is, rise of coalition governments at the central level and introduction of neoliberal reforms in the Indian economy, enabled States to deepen their footprints in the foreign policy arena. In conclusion, the article attempts a comparison of the two regimes’ performances in handling the issues concerned and asserts that instead of depending on ad hoc political management skills, these developments should be addressed through devising some new mechanism to achieve effective consultations between the Centre and the States on the foreign policy front.
Explaining the Turmoil at the Top of Australian Politics and the Implications for India
Authors: Bloomfield Alan
Published: September 2016

Five Australian prime ministers have come and gone in the past five years. The turbulence at the top, however, is likely over because Malcolm Turnbull, the leader of the conservative Liberal Party, is likely to remain in the prime minister’s office for several years. This article first provides some background to the Australian political system before explaining why so prime ministers came and went between 2010 and 2015. It then considers the implications of all this for Australian foreign policy. The argument is simple: despite the constant personnel changes at the pinnacle of power there are actually few ‘deep’ differences between the two parties – or their leaders – in the realm of foreign policy. There are some differences, of course, so the final section considers the potential for changes in several policy-areas – climate change, national security, trade policy and asylum seekers – but any potential changes are judged likely to be minor and incremental. The article then finishes with consideration of what all of this means for India and, again, the conclusion is simple; it is likely to be ‘business as usual’ as Canberra tries to steadily improve the bilateral relationship in both security and economic terms.
From giving orders to engaging in dialogue: Military norms being challenged at the Swedish riding school
Authors: Thorell Gabriella , Hedenborg Susanna , Stråhlman Owe , Morgan Karin
Published: September 2016

Equestrian sport is one of the largest sports among young girls in Sweden. A majority of these girls get their riding education at riding schools that provide horses and instructors. Previous research has pointed out that the Swedish riding school is characterised by a traditional stable culture that originated in army practices. Presently Swedish children and youth sport at large are undergoing a change driven by increased commercialisation and individualisation. The aim of this article is therefore to explore and analyse how Swedish riding instructors perceive and experience their professional role in regards to these changes. Interviews with 10 riding instructors have been analysed using a constructivist approach of Grounded theory, as well as institutional theory and institutional economic theory. It was discovered that the riding instructors, due to an economic recession, feel that the institutional arrangements of the riding schools have become governed by the economy. The riding instructors thus feel impelled to change and adapt to new teaching styles – from instruction characterised by giving orders to teaching characterised by dialogue. This study illustrates how economic challenges require continuous development of the riding instructors’ pedagogical ability, and have made them more aware of their profession, its historical heritage and norms.
Optimal configuration and combination of piezoelectric transducer and inductor for synchronized-switch-damping-on-an-inductor technique
Authors: Onoda Junjiro , Shimose Shigeru , Minesugi Kenji
Published: September 2016

This article describes the optimal configuration and combination of piezoelectric transducers and inductors for the synchronized-switch-damping-on-an-inductor technique. The technique suppresses structural vibrations by inverting the polarity of the electric voltage in a piezoelectric transducer using a switched inductive shunt circuit at each displacement extremum. The energy dissipation rate of synchronized switch damping on an inductor depends on the impedances of the transducer and the inductor in the circuit, especially the resistive component, in this inversion. For this study, mathematical models of the equivalent resistances of transducers and inductors for this inversion phenomenon were formulated based on experiments with various transducers and inductors. Using these models, the optimal ratio of the thickness–area of patch-type piezoelectric transducers and that of the length–cross-sectional area of the lead of the inductors were analytically obtained. The optimization of series–parallel connections of multiple transducers and inductors was also shown to be equivalent to this one. The optimal mass budget allocation for the transducers and inductors was also formulated. Two examples of optimization, involving an increase in energy dissipation rates by a factor of 4, were presented. The examples showed that the time taken to suppress free vibrations in a clamped beam was reduced to half through the optimization.
A new approach for structural damage detection exploring the singular spectrum analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Mario A , Vieira Filho Jozue , Lopes Vicente , Inman Daniel J
Published: September 2016

This article presents a novel approach for damage detection applied to structural health monitoring systems exploring the residues obtained from singular spectrum analysis. In this technique, a lead zirconate titanate patch acting as actuator excites the structure, and three other patches are used as sensors to receive the structural responses. This method is based on a high-frequency excitation range in order to overcome the problem caused when the low-vibration modes are excited. In this method, a wideband chirp signal, with low amplitude and variable frequency, is used to excite the structure. The response signals are acquired in the time domain, and the singular spectrum analysis procedure is performed. The residues obtained between the reconstructed and original time series are used to compute statistical metrics. The residues calculated from singular spectrum analysis are used to compute the root mean square deviation and correlation coefficient deviation metric indices, rendering the damage detection approach more reliable. Tests were carried out on an aluminum plate, and the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method making it an excellent approach for structural health monitoring applications. The results exploring different numbers of components used during the reconstruction process of time series are obtained, and the highlights are presented.
Invasive Renal Angiomyolipoma With Cytologic Atypia
Authors: Parekh Vishwas , Shen Dejun
Published: September 2016

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign neoplasm of the kidney arising sporadically in an idiopathic manner, or syndromically as a component of tuberous sclerosis complex. Although the classic AML has no malignant potential, and is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the kidney, variant AML cases with epithelioid morphology have demonstrated aggressive or invasive behavior. Classic AML, on the other hand, can occasionally display focal histology concerning for sarcomatous transformation, but in the absence of invasive features, it is easy to distinguish from a malignancy. In this article, we describe a remarkable case of classic AML that harbored areas histologically mimicking liposarcoma and invaded into the renal vein and extended up to inferior vena cava, thereby presenting a unique diagnostic conundrum. However, the tumor is negative for a CPM gene amplification, arguing against a liposarcomatous transformation. In addition, the patient does not have any sign of recurrence and metastasis clinically after 2 years of follow-up, also favoring a benign diagnosis of this tumor.
Tax Incidence and Demand Convexity in Cournot, Bertrand, and Cournot–Bertrand Models
Authors: Tremblay Mark J. , Tremblay Victor J.
Published: September 2016

We investigate the price effect of an excise tax in a duopoly setting. Previous studies have considered the Cournot and Bertrand models but ignore the Cournot–Bertrand model in which one firm competes in output and the other firm competes in price. This omission is important because Cournot–Bertrand behavior is observed in the real world, and the Cournot–Bertrand model provides dramatically different results. Unlike in the Cournot and Bertrand models, we find that firms in the same industry have different pass-through rates in the Cournot–Bertrand model even when they face identical demand and cost conditions. This provides another reason why tax incidence policy is so complex.
New equations for enhanced film thickness in line contacts under pressurized ambient conditions
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Kumar Punit
Published: September 2016

An elastohydrodynamic lubrication model is proposed for line contacts under pressurized ambient conditions often encountered in hydraulic pumps, submarine machinery and many other submerged systems. It has been demonstrated that the film forming behavior under such conditions is essentially different from that in conventional elastohydrodynamic lubrication contacts. The numerical simulation results are regressed to develop new central and minimum film thickness equations for Newtonian fluids as functions of ambient pressure, speed, load, and material parameters. An alternative approach is also discussed which involves the use of existing film thickness formulas with ambient viscosity and pressure–viscosity coefficient pertaining to the desired pressure range. A film thickness enhancement of more than 100% over conventional elastohydrodynamic lubrication case is observed. This enhancement is shown to be highly sensitive to the pressure–viscosity coefficient. Besides, the effect of shear-thinning behavior is also investigated and it is found to lower the film thickness enhancement, especially at high ambient pressures.
Coping with psychosomatic symptoms: The buffering role of psychological flexibility and impact on quality of life
Authors: Leonidou Chrysanthi , Panayiotou Georgia , Bati Aspasia , Karekla Maria
Published: September 2016

Individual differences in avoidant coping were hypothesized to exacerbate quality of life impairment associated with somatization and illness anxiety symptoms; psychological flexibility was expected to moderate this impairment. Individuals from a random community sample ( N = 298; 182 females), who met screening criteria for somatization and illness anxiety, reported lower quality of life and psychological flexibility and greater avoidant coping compared to controls. Psychological flexibility significantly moderated the impact of somatization and illness anxiety on quality of life domains. Findings suggest that decreasing avoidant coping through therapy may be promising in mitigating the negative impact of these symptom categories.
I am going to make the most out of it! Italian university Credit Mobility Students’ social representations of alcohol use during study abroad experiences
Authors: Aresi Giovanni , Fattori Francesco , Pozzi Maura , Moore Simon C
Published: September 2016

The aim was to explore shared representations of alcohol use in students who were to travel abroad to study. Focus group data from Italian students ( N = 69) were collected. Analyses used Grounded Theory Methodology and were informed by the four key components of Social Representation Theory (cognition, emotion, attitude and behavioural intentions). The study abroad experience was described as one that would involve an increase in alcohol consumption compared to pre-departure levels. Reasons given included greater social and leisure opportunities involving alcohol, reduced social control and features of the host country environment. Opportunities to intervene and address risky alcohol use in this group are discussed.
Context and relationships: Using the systemic approach with music therapy in work with children, adolescents and their families
Authors: Cobbett Steve
Published: September 2016

This article considers the theoretical and practical use of the systemic approach in music therapy. An overview of the basic elements of the systemic approach is given. The potential benefits the approach can bring to music therapy practice are outlined with reference to the author’s work with young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and their families. The potential for the systemic approach to contribute to the ongoing development of music therapy theory and practice is also explored, with particular reference to community music therapy. Two case studies are used to illustrate the use of the approach in practice.
Decolonising Israeli society? Resistance to Zionism as an educative practice
Authors: Weizman Elian
Published: September 2016

According to Samia Mehrez (1991 : 255), a complete decolonisation process must include both the colonised and colonising societies. For the colonisers, decolonisation entails liberation from the hegemonic system of thought and from ‘imperialist, racist perceptions, representations, and institutions’. Rooted in the conceptualisation of Israel as a settler colonial project, this article aims to shed light on decolonisation attempts from within the (colonising) Israeli society. Here, resistance practices of groups of Jewish-Israeli anti-Zionists, in active support of the Palestinian struggle, entail a confrontation with the state but at the same time include another, long-term dimension: the formation of discourse and practice that challenge the Zionist consensus, which thus function as an educative practice. This article aims to shed light on these activities and to conceptualise them as acts of ‘critical pedagogy’. Indeed, their resistance teaches the Jewish-Israelis first about the reality of the oppression that Palestinians suffer. Second, and crucially, it reveals to the Jewish-Israelis the boundaries of permitted political activity and the possibility of overlooking and disregarding social conventions and legal norms. Most importantly, this type of activity (that is largely Palestinian-led and directed), symbolises the struggle against the boundaries and borders imposed by the state, aimed at separating Israelis from Palestinians and thus it constitutes a counter-hegemonic praxis.
‘The most atypical experience of my life’: The experience of popular music festivals on cruise ships
Authors: Cashman David
Published: September 2016

This article considers the growing phenomenon of music festivals on cruise ships. These commercial events, partnerships between event companies and shipping lines, celebrate a particular genre of music and occur aboard a cruise ship. The views of 138 festivalgoers primarily concentrated within six festivals were considered. According to these sources, the festival experience of these events is centred on three factors: live performances, interaction with fellow festivalgoers and star musicians (collectively referred to as ‘ship fam’), and interaction with the constructed space of the cruise ship. Cruise ship music festivals are a different type of music festival, still occurring within festival space, but within the mobile experiential cocoon of a cruise ship.
Voluntourism, sensemaking and the leisure-volunteer duality
Authors: Liston-Heyes Catherine , Daley Carol
Published: September 2016

A key feature of voluntourism is that participants expect both to be entertained and to help others to different extents. The duality between the leisure and volunteering aspects of the trip creates ambiguities in expectations. This article focusses on group sensemaking about this leisure-volunteer duality and the role of trip leaders in its management. It uses a case study approach to investigate the behaviours of participants on a voluntourist trip to South America. Among other things, it compares participants’ ex ante expectations with ex post evaluations of the trip and tracks the events that shaped views on the quality of the experience. More concretely, the key events that triggered conflicts between the leisure and volunteer dimensions of the trip are identified and analysed using the factors that influenced the sensemaking outcome. Implications centre on the importance and use of sensemaking tools for voluntourist organisations and trip leaders in the management of the leisure-volunteer tensions that are part and parcel of voluntourism.
Which conception of political equality do deliberative mini-publics promote?
Authors: Leydet Dominique
Published: September 2016

In democratic political systems, political equality is often defined as an equality of opportunity for influence. But inequalities in resources and status affect the capacity of disadvantaged citizens to achieve an effective political equality. One common thread running through recent democratic innovations is the belief that appropriate institutional devices and procedures can alleviate the impact of background inequalities on the presence and voice of the disadvantaged within those designs. My objective is to achieve a clearer understanding of the conception of political equality that informs a specific subset of these designs: deliberative mini-publics. I focus firstly on the methods of participant selection advocated to secure equal presence. According to what principle is participation distributed? If it is according to the ‘equal probability’ principle, rather than ‘equal opportunity’, what difference does this make in terms of political equality? Secondly, achieving equality of voice is usually conceived in terms of equalising opportunities for influence among participants. How is this objective understood and what does this say about the underlying conception of political equality?
‘I’d like to see your identity cards please’ – Negotiating authority in police–adolescent encounters: Findings from a mixed-method study of proactive police practices towards adolescents in two German cities
Authors: Hunold Daniela , Oberwittler Dietrich , Lukas Tim
Published: September 2016

Next to exclusionary and discriminatory practices in other live domains, tense police–adolescent relations and the treatment of ethnic minority adolescents by the police are discussed as the foremost trigger for urban riots across Europe. Discretionary identity checks and ‘stop and search’ practices are particularly contentious. Situated in a country that has not experienced urban riots by marginalized and ethnic minority young people yet, our study investigates the impact of police behaviour, in particular stop and search practices, on the quality of interactions between police and young people in Germany. The study is based on extensive participant observation of police patrols, in-depth interviews with police officers and a large-scale standardized youth survey. Qualitative and quantitative evidence unequivocally suggest the absence of discriminatory practices by the police based on the ethnic background of adolescents and an overall positive character of police–adolescent relations. However, transparency – explaining the reasons for police actions – and adhering to formal rules cannot be said to be the primary attributes of the proactive control actions we observed. Rather, informal adaption strategies seemed to prevail. These findings shed new light on the question of how police authority is negotiated on the streets and contribute to the search for causes of violent protests against the police.
Riots in the welfare state: The contours of a modern-day moral economy
Authors: Hörnqvist Magnus
Published: September 2016

This article accounts for the tacit politics of the 2013 Stockholm riots. Based on interviews with local residents and a study of the parliamentary debate, it is suggested that the post-war Swedish welfare state generated commonly shared conceptions, which ascribed a temporary legitimacy to the riots within the community by conceptualizing poor living conditions and police racism as government infractions. The modern moral economy was endorsed by the political establishment, with a cynical twist. For future studies of similar riots, it is argued that, although the classical notion of moral economy successfully directs attention to the normative conceptions that propel riots, the notion must be extended with a racialized dimension, the concept of citizenship, and new incarnations of government infraction.
Assessing Situated Reading Motivations Across Content Areas: A Dynamic Literacy Motivation Instrument
Authors: Neugebauer Sabina Rak
Published: September 2016

While educators and researchers agree on the crucial role of literacy motivation for performance, research on methods for accurately assessing adolescent reading motivation is still uncommon. The most used reading motivation instruments do not attend to the multiple content areas in which adolescents read. The present study examines a new content-area sensitive measure of reading motivation. One hundred forty middle school students across content-area classrooms participated. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of this measure, and associations among existing measures, social aspects of literacy events, and teacher-rated content-area reading performance were explored to examine the validity and utility of this measure for classroom practice. Educational implications include the potential for teachers to adapt instruction based on students’ content-area-specific reading motivations.
Investigation of energy efficiency for electro-hydraulic composite braking system which is based on the regenerated energy
Authors: Ma Bin , Lin Muyi , Chen Yong , Wang Lian-xin
Published: September 2016

A novel structure of the combined braking system based on the regenerative braking energy has been proposed to achieve simplified structure and energy-saving capability simultaneously, which includes the hydraulic regenerative braking system, electro-hydraulic braking system, and the power coordinate module. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the developed system are discussed. The corresponding mathematic models are developed, a fuzzy control method which can fulfill the power coordinate between the high-pressure and low-pressure accumulators is proposed, and the correctness of the model is verified with the utilization of the test bench. The dynamic characteristics and efficiency are further investigated in various parameters based on MATLAB/Simulink, such as the vehicle initial braking speed, the upper pressure, the liquid capacity, and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the regenerative braking accumulator. The results of the simulations which provide strong evidence for the liquid capacity and initial SOC of the regenerative braking accumulator are the key factors that affect the energy recovery efficiency, and the initial braking speed is the key point that affects the total energy. The results can provide analytical references to practical applications.
Exploring the relationship between cold case homicide survivors and the media
Authors: Wellman Ashley RP
Published: September 2016

After a homicide, survivors are thrust into relationships with a myriad of professionals. For cold case homicide survivors, these relationships are likely to develop into long-term, persistent interactions. Interviews from 24 cold case homicide survivors in the United States reveal that media professionals are often the source of additional trauma, and yet, most survivors expressed a need for continued communication and continued coverage of their case. Utilizing social constructivist grounded theory for data collection and analysis, common themes emerging from the survivors’ stories include inadequate coverage of the case, inaccurate portrayal of victim or information, negative reactions to the media, and positive experiences and desire for long-term coverage. Implications and recommendations for survivors and media professionals are detailed within.
Association between anthropometry, upper extremity strength, and sprint and endurance paddling performance in competitive and recreational surfers
Authors: Coyne Joseph OC , Tran Tai T , Secomb Josh L , Lundgren Lina , Farley Oliver RL , Newton Robert U , Sheppard Jeremy M
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the correlations with anthropometry, upper extremity strength, and surfboard paddling performance in recreational and competitive surfers. Twenty-nine recreational and competitive male surfers were assessed for height, mass, relative arm span, relative seated height, relative biacromial width, and skinfolds (Sum7). The upper extremity strength variables assessed were the relative 1RM pull up and 1RM dip. The surfboard paddling variables assessed were a 15 m sprint-paddling test and a 400 m endurance-paddling water-based test. Pearson correlation analysis and independent t-tests were used to compare differences between groups and determine the significant correlations between variables. Sum7 and relative arm span were correlated with speed in all paddling efforts meanwhile the sprint-paddling ability was correlated with the upper extremity strength. Significant differences between competitive and recreational surfers exist in relative arm span and endurance paddle performance. The strong relationships between the physical variables can be used by sports coaches and support staff to influence talent identification, training, and nutrition programs.
Uncontrolled asthma and its risk factors in adult Chinese asthma patients
Authors: Zhong Nanshan , Lin Jiangtao , Zheng Jinping , Lai Kefang , Xie Canmao , Tang Ke-Jing , Huang Mao , Chen Ping , Wang Changzheng
Published: September 2016

Background:

Asthma affects a large number of patients in China, but relatively little is known about asthma management among Chinese patients. This study aims to estimate asthma control rate among adult Chinese patients and to identify predictors associated with uncontrolled asthma.

Methods:

A total of 4125 asthma patients aged ⩾17 years and representing all regions of mainland China except Tibet were surveyed. Asthma control status was assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and classified as controlled (ACT score ⩾ 20) and uncontrolled (ACT score ⩽ 19). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors associated with uncontrolled asthma from the factors including demographics, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and treatment adherence.

Results:

Asthma was controlled in 44.9%, and uncontrolled in 55.1% of the study participants. High rates of uncontrolled asthma were found in patients with treatment nonadherence (77.3%), poor adherence (66.2%), no schooling (64.8%), or obesity (62.9%). The risk of uncontrolled asthma was much higher in the treatment nonadherence group than the complete adherence group [odds ratio (OR) = 4.55 (3.68–5.62), p < 0.001]. Other predictors for uncontrolled asthma included concomitant rhinitis [OR = 1.31 (1.14–1.50), p < 0.001], obesity [OR = 1.31 (1.05–1.64), p = 0.019], asthma duration > 3 years [OR = 1.22 (1.07–1.39), p = 0.004] and age ⩾ 45 years [OR = 1.23 (1.07–1.41), p = 0.004].

Conclusions:

About half of the participants in this study had uncontrolled asthma. Treatment nonadherence is one of the significant predictors, which is very strongly associated with uncontrolled asthma. Efforts should be prioritized to promote patients’ treatment adherence to improve asthma control while attention is needed on rhinitis or obesity.
Comparison of Three Total Ankle Replacement Systems Done at a Single Facility
Authors: Coetzee J. Chris , Petersen Daryle , Stone Rebecca M.
Published: September 2016

Background. Ankle replacement surgery is an established and accepted way to treat end stage ankle arthritis. Though there are multiple publications looking at results with various ankle replacement systems, most of them are single implant longitudinal studies from a single institution. There are, however, no prospective randomized studies evaluating the outcomes of different total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) systems; in fact, there are no comparative studies at all. Methods. The comparative results of 3 different total ankle systems (INBONE, STAR, and Salto Talaris) were evaluated. All the TAA system implants were performed at a single institution from 2007 to 2011. The data were evaluated by authors completely independent from the study institution. The goal was to look at the results in an objective, noninstitution perspective. Results. At minimum 2-year follow-up there is no statistical difference in outcomes scores or functional tests between the INBONE, STAR, or Salto Talaris, with all 3 TAA systems resulting in statistically significant improvement of all parameters since baseline. Conclusions. This is the first study that compares the results of 3 different total ankle replacement systems done at a single institution over the same period of time. Even though it is not a randomized study, it gives a valuable perspective of the short-term results.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series
Relapse prediction: A meteorology-inspired mobile model
Authors: Bishop F Michler
Published: September 2016

Predicting relapses to binge drinking in non-dependent drinkers may now be possible with smartphones. Smartphones have been shown to help individuals reduce their drinking and may help binge drinkers accelerate that process. Predicting the weather has improved greatly over the past 50 years, but predicting a binge drinking episode may be less difficult. It is hypothesized that the number of factors with high predictive value for any particular individual may not be large. Collecting data over time, a smartphone should be able to learn which combination of factors has a high probability of leading to an episode of binge drinking.
The Promise of Kickstarter: Extents to Which Social Networks Enable Alternate Avenues of Economic Viability for Independent Musicians Through Crowdfunding
Authors: Wang Cynthia
Published: September 2016

Since its inception in 2009, Kickstarter, a crowdsourced funding site, has been a platform for independent creative projects to get funding, ostensibly providing alternate routes of economic viability outside of a traditional framework of creative production and distribution. Kickstarter comes onto the scene after the proliferation of online social networking sites, through which bridging social capital ties are more easily maintained. This article investigates the ways in which independent musicians have used Kickstarter in conjunction with pre-existing social networks to fund their album and sustain themselves and their artistic endeavors economically while also exploring how social networks provide ways for these “Kickstarter campaigns” to reach potential backers (funders). Through three online surveys targeting musicians, their backers, and general Kickstarter backers, yielding a total of 61 respondents, this article finds that pre-existing personal social networks and relations are imperative to the successful funding of Kickstarter campaigns.
On the Role of Emotion in the Future of Journalism
Authors: Beckett Charlie , Deuze Mark
Published: September 2016

In this essay, we contextualize journalism in an emotionally charged networked environment. As journalism and society change, emotion is becoming a much more important dynamic in how news is produced and consumed. Highlighting how quality reporting and editing has always had emotion at its core, we move on to articulate ways to do “affective” news well and advocate promising avenues to study and theorize it. In this context, we suggest that more research and knowledge is needed regarding the ontology of data, the political economy of identity when privacy goes public, and on the sociology of influence when power is redistributed emotionally.