bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding Support in a Community Pharmacy
Authors: Lenell Amy , Friesen Carol A. , Hormuth Laura
Published: April 2015

Well Babies at Walgreens is a unique community-based corporate partnership program that offers breastfeeding support by a lactation professional in a private room at the pharmacy. Walgreens is a community pharmacy chain with more than 8000 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The primary goal of Well Babies is to support breastfeeding women using a model that is expandable to other Walgreens pharmacy sites. The Well Babies program offers drop-in services, with a professional consultation by a lactation consultant and baby weight check, if desired. Well Babies creators are developing a business plan for Walgreens and a toolkit that would help other stores implement the program. An additional goal is to improve continuity of care for breastfeeding by engaging pharmacists as vital members of the health care team. Offering breastfeeding support at a pharmacy improves access and encourages support persons to attend while simultaneously allowing the family to complete other errands. This initiative included education for pharmacists to improve the recommendations they make for breastfeeding mothers and to improve awareness among pharmacists of the benefits associated with breastfeeding and the need to preserve the breastfeeding relationship. The first drop-in location opened in April 2012. Grant funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, awarded to the Indiana State Department of Health, made it possible to open a second drop-in location in June 2013. Future plans include developing an employee lactation program and expanding Well Babies at Walgreens at other store locations.
Practising kinship care: Children as language brokers in migrant families
Authors: Bauer Elaine
Published: April 2015

Language brokering is an activity whereby children interpret and translate for their migrant parents who have not yet learned the language of the new country. The majority of the studies have been conducted among children and adolescents, primarily exploring the psychological and emotional impact on the child and the development of the parent–child relationship resulting from the activity. These studies report mixed results ranging from negative to positive outcomes. Largely unexplored, however, is the practical contributions children make to their families and to their communities in their activities as language brokers. This article uses data from a UK Economic and Social Research Council Professorial Fellowship programme of work entitled ‘Transforming experiences: Re-conceptualising identities and “non-normative” childhoods’ to explore the retrospective childhood experiences of adults from migrant families who have grown up interpreting and translating for their parents in sometimes complex and sensitive situations where adults are usually in control. It examines some of the consequences of the activity in terms of the benefits and drawbacks. It also highlights how from both practical and cultural perspectives, child language and cultural brokering could be understood as one of the many ways that children of migrants contribute to the settlement and functioning of their families, and in the process, practice and learn about kinship care at an early age. Thus, although there may be some limitations to the activity, there are also significant benefits.
Sexualisation and the transition from childhood to adulthood in France: From age-related child development control to the construction of civilisational divides
Authors: Voléry Ingrid
Published: April 2015

This article is based on the study of the forms of the sexualisation of children as constructed by the French authorities between 2000 and 2013. It shows that approaches addressing the transition from childhood to adulthood have combined two types of discourse. The first of these traces the contours of the nature of the child who is to be protected from the disorders related to gender and to growing up more generally; the second draws on the sexualisation of children in disadvantaged urban areas to designate ‘foreigners from within’ and reinforces an ethnocultural conception of the nation. The article concludes with reflections on how the issue of age-related child development is addressed in globalised capitalist societies
Shifting research methods with a becoming-child ontology: Co-theorising puppet production with high school students
Authors: Mayes Eve
Published: April 2015

The conception of the child that a researcher holds has implications for research methods. This article adds to work that mobilises Deleuze and Guattari’s becoming-child in Childhood Studies, exploring what their conceptual tools do to research methods and analysis. I map how puppet production emerged as a research method during an ethnography at a high school and how the students and I co-theorised the methodological value of puppet production. Exploring one particular puppet production, it is argued that puppet productions, analysed with young people, may open up conceptual possibilities, but must be examined alongside the dynamic conditions of their creation and analysis.
Preparation and properties of bismaleimide resins based on novel bismaleimide monomer containing fluorene cardo structure
Authors: Zhang Liying , Na Liyan , Xia Lianlian , Xiong Xuhai , Fan Shengdi , Chen Ping
Published: April 2015

Novel bismaleimide resins based on 9,9-bis[4-(4-maleimidophenoxy)phenyl]fluorene (PFBMI), 2,2′-diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA), and 4,4′-dimaleimido diphenylmethane (BDM) were prepared in this article. The thermal properties of PFBMI/DABPA in different proportions (1:0.87, 1:1, and 1:1.2) were carefully characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that resins had good thermal stabilities especially the one at 1:0.87. Its 10% weight loss reached 433.4°C, and the residual weight percentage (RW%) was more than 50%. In addition, PFBMI was blended into BDM/DABPA in a different ratio, and the curing characteristic, thermomechanical behavior, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and moisture absorption behavior of these blends were investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of PFBMI into BDM/DABPA did not decrease the thermal stability of the modified resins but increased the RW% at 600°C. Moreover, the impact strength of the modified resins can be significantly enhanced; when the ratio is 0.08:1, it increased by 35%. The water absorption rate also decreased with the increase in the concentration of PFBMI. PFBMI monomers play an important role on the toughness reinforcement of the BDM/DABPA resin.
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone) terminated with phthalonitrile group
Authors: Liu Tao , Yan Wei , Su Yu , Yu Hongyang , Zhao Nan , Yang Yanhua , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: April 2015

A series of novel cross-linkable hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone) (HPAEK) polymers (CN-HPAEK n) were synthesized using 2,4′,6-trifluoro-benzophenone as a BB′2 monomer, hydroquinone as an A2 monomer, and 4-nitrophthalonitrile as an endcapping reagent and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The average molecular weights of the prepared polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatographic analysis. Thermal cross-linking of CN-HPAEK n, catalyzed by p-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]sulfone, was then performed via heating their films up to 350°C. The uncured synthesized polymers had good solubility, while the cured samples became insoluble in common organic solvents. Spectra measurement demonstrated trimerization reaction of terminal cyano groups to form triazine rings. The resulting cured samples had high glass transition temperatures and excellent thermal stability with high char yield. Gel content measurements demonstrated that the cured polymers had high cross-linking density, with significantly high gel content of over 95.0%. Thermal mechanical analysis indicated that the cured phthalonitrile resins possessed good thermal mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. These kinds of phthalonitrile resins may be used as a candidate for high-performance polymeric film materials.
A systematic selective disassembly approach for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment with case study on liquid crystal display televisions
Authors: Jin Guoqing , Li Weidong , Wang Sheng , Gao Shuming
Published: April 2015

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment is one of the major waste streams in terms of quantity and toxicity, and a critical step in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment end-of-life processing is through disassembly. Compared with full disassembly, which is a sub-optimal solution due to its high operational cost, selective disassembly is more economic and practical as only selected parts with recycling potential are considered. In this article, a systematic selective disassembly approach for handling Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment with a maximum disassembly profit in accordance to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directives has been developed. First, a space interference matrix is generated based on the interference relationship between individual components in the three-dimensional computer-aided design model of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. A matrix analysis algorithm is then applied to obtain all the feasible disassembly sequences through the obtained space interference matrix in a three-dimensional environment. Second, an evaluation and decision-making method is developed to find out an optimal selective disassembly sequence from the obtained feasible disassembly sequences. The evaluation takes into account the disassembly profit and requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directives, which regulate on recycling rates of different types of products and removal requirements of (1) hazardous, (2) heavy and (3) high-value components. Thus, an optimal solution is a selective disassembly sequence that can achieve the maximum disassembly profit, while complying with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Restriction of Hazardous Substances restrictions based on a brute-force search method. Finally, an industrial case on Changhong liquid crystal display televisions of the type LC24F4 is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed approach.
Chattering-free adaptive fast convergent terminal sliding mode controllers for position tracking of robotic manipulators
Authors: He Shaoming , Lin Defu , Wang Jiang
Published: April 2015

The paper documents a new continuous adaptive fast terminal sliding mode control approach for position tracking of robotic manipulators. Combining linear sliding mode and terminal sliding mode, a fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode manifold is presented. Considering the discontinuous property of the sign function, which is often used in traditional sliding mode controller and will result in high-freqsency chattering in the control channel, the proposed controller adopts the continuous saturation function for chattering elimination. Besides the continuous property, convergence to the origin asymptotically and in finite time can be guaranteed in theory with the proposed controller, which is quite different from traditional boundary layer technique, where only bounded motion around the sliding manifold can be ensured. For asymptotic stability, it is only required that the lumped uncertainty is bounded, but the upper bound may be unknown by virtue of the designed adaptive methodology. The obtained results are applied to the problem of position tracking for robotic manipulators. Detailed simulations with some comparisons under various conditions demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nonlinear energy sink with combined nonlinearities: Enhanced mitigation of vibrations and amplitude locking phenomenon
Authors: Benarous Nir , Gendelman Oleg V
Published: April 2015

The paper considers dynamic response of primary linear oscillator with nonlinear energy sink (NES) that comprises purely cubic oscillator with internal rotator. It is demonstrated that this NES exhibits enhanced mitigation capabilities and, in particular, remains efficient for much broader range of initial energies as compared to regular cubic NES with the same mass. This enhanced performance is related to very special response regime revealed in “detached” cubic-rotatory NES and referred to as “amplitude locking”. In this regime, the amplitude of the oscillator remains independent on frequency of the system for very broad frequency range. This phenomenon is explored analytically and numerically, and possible applications are discussed.
Effect of manufacturing errors on load distribution in large diameter slewing bearings of fast breeder reactor rotatable plugs
Authors: Aithal Sriramachandra , Siva Prasad N , Shunmugam MS , Chellapandi P
Published: April 2015

Fuel and other subassemblies in fast breeder reactor are handled through a combination of small rotatable plug, large rotatable plug and transfer arm. Rotation of the plugs is facilitated through large slewing bearings. These bearings are subjected to heavy loads and moments. Manufacturing errors on the rolling elements and races influence the load sharing among the elements. As a result, higher load acting on a rolling element causes excessive local deformation and unacceptable indentation. The higher load can also cause excessive sub-surface shear stress and fatigue failure of rolling races. Too stringent tolerances demand sophisticated machines, whereas liberal tolerances mean compromise on the performance and life of the bearing. There are no established methods for design of slewing bearings that include the influence of manufacturing errors. Hence, an attempt has been made to find the influence of manufacturing errors on load distribution among the rolling elements using finite element method. It is observed that size error on the ball and waviness error (waviness spacing and height) on the raceway are the two influencing factors on load distribution. To study the influence of waviness error on the raceway, three sectors of bearing simulating waviness spacing of 10.8°, 18° and 36° with different waviness (peak-to-valley) height of 30 µm, 50 µm and 75 µm are analysed. It is observed that waviness height has larger influence on the load distribution among bearing balls when compared to waviness spacing.
Motor-torque-limited power-on upshift control in electric vehicles with automatic transmissions
Authors: Chen Zhifeng , Liu Yanfang , Fu Yanxiao , Xu Xiangyang
Published: April 2015

The power-on upshift control in automatic transmissions has a significant effect on the shift quality and is very complex. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the limited motor torque control and the performance of the power-on upshift control in electric vehicles. First, a simplified model for an electric vehicle powertrain with a general two-speed automatic transmission was built. Then, a power-on upshift control strategy was introduced into the powertrain model, with the aim of a constant output torque during power-on upshifts. The control strategy fully utilized the control flexibility of electric motors and specifically focused on the effects of the limited motor torque control during power-on upshifts. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed control strategy could significantly improve the shift quality of electric vehicles under mild driving conditions. However, the performance of the proposed control strategy under aggressive driving conditions was impaired by the limited motor torque control. An effective solution was proposed to improve the performance of the power-on upshift control under aggressive driving conditions. This work may be helpful to improve the shift quality of both electric vehicles and internal-combustion engine vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Numerical study of the waste heat recovery potential of the exhaust gases from a tractor engine
Authors: Punov Plamen , Lacour Stéphanie , Périlhon Christelle , Podevin Pierre , Descombes Georges , Evtimov Teodossi
Published: April 2015

The paper presents an analysis of the possibilities of exhaust gas heat recovery for a tractor engine with an output power of 110 kW. On the basis of a literature review, the Rankine cycle seems to be the most effective way to recover the exhaust gas energy. This approach reduces the fuel consumption and allows engines to meet future restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions. A simulation model of the engine by means of a one-dimensional approach and a zero-dimensional approach was built into the simulation code AVL BOOST, and a model of the Rankine cycle was implemented. The experimental values of the effective power of the engine, the mass flow and the exhaust gas temperature were used to validate the engine model. The energy balance of the engine shows that more than 28.9% of the fuel energy is rejected by exhaust gases. Using the engine model, the energy and the exergy of the exhaust gases were studied. An experimental study of the real working cycle of a tractor engine revealed that the engine operates most of the time at a constant speed ( n = 1650 r/min) and a constant load (brake mean effective pressure, 10 bar). Finally, Rankine cycle simulations with four working fluids were carried out at the most typical operating point of the engine. The simulation results reveal that the output power of the engine and the efficiency of the engine increase within the range 3.9–7.5%. The highest value was achieved with water as the working fluid while the lowest value was obtained with the organic fluid R134a. The power obtained with water as the working fluid was 6.69 kW, which corresponds to a Rankine cycle efficiency of 15.8%. The results show good prospects for further development of the Rankine cycle.
A low-cost, high-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging–compatible actuator
Authors: Secoli Riccardo , Robinson Matthew , Brugnoli Michele , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando
Published: April 2015

To perform minimally invasive surgical interventions with the aid of robotic systems within a magnetic resonance imaging scanner offers significant advantages compared to conventional surgery. However, despite the numerous exciting potential applications of this technology, the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging–compatible robotics has been hampered by safety, reliability and cost concerns: the robots should not be attracted by the strong magnetic field of the scanner and should operate reliably in the field without causing distortion to the scan data. Development of non-conventional sensors and/or actuators is thus required to meet these strict operational and safety requirements. These demands commonly result in expensive actuators, which mean that cost effectiveness remains a major challenge for such robotic systems. This work presents a low-cost, high-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging–compatible actuator: a pneumatic stepper motor which is controllable in open loop or closed loop, along with a rotary encoder, both fully manufactured in plastic, which are shown to perform reliably via a set of in vitro trials while generating negligible artifacts when imaged within a standard clinical scanner.
Design and development of a device to measure the deformities of clubfoot
Authors: Khas Kanwaljit S , Pandey Pulak M , Ray Alok R
Published: April 2015

Clubfoot describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth, in which the foot of a baby is twisted out of shape or position. In order to develop an effective treatment plan for clubfoot and/or assess the extent to which existing interventions are successful, medical practitioners need to be able to accurately measure the nature and extent of the deformity. This is typically performed using a goniometer. However, this device is only able to measure one dimension at a time. As such, a complete assessment of the condition of a foot can be extremely burdensome and time-consuming. This article describes a new device that can quickly and efficiently take several measurements on feet of various sizes and shapes. The use of this device was verified by measuring the deformities of real clubfeet. A silicone rubber clubfoot model was also used in this study to clearly illustrate the effectiveness with which the proposed device can measure the various deformities of clubfoot. It is envisaged that the use of this device will significantly reduce the time and effort orthopedists require to measure clubfoot deformities and develop and assess treatment plans.
Assessment of non-contacting optical methods to measure wear and surface roughness in ceramic total disc replacements
Authors: Green Naomi C , Bowen James , Hukins David WL , Shepherd Duncan ET
Published: April 2015

This study presents a method for measuring the low volumetric wear expected in ceramic total disc replacements, which can be used to replace intervertebral discs in the spine, using non-contacting optical methods. Alumina-on-alumina ball-on-disc tests were conducted with test conditions approximating those of cervical (neck region of the spine) total disc replacement wear tests. The samples were then scanned using a three-dimensional non-contacting optical profilometer and the data used to measure surface roughness and develop a method for measuring the wear volume. The results showed that the magnification of the optical lens affected the accuracy of both the surface roughness and wear volume measurements. The method was able to successfully measure wear volumes of 0.0001 mm3, which corresponds to a mass of 0.0001 mg, which would have been undetectable using the gravimetric method. A further advantage of this method is that with one scan the user can measure changes in surface topography, volumetric wear and the location of the wear on the implant surface. This method could also be applied to more severe wear, other types of orthopaedic implants and different materials.
Effect of HIV diagnosis disclosure on psychosocial outcomes in Thai children with perinatal HIV infection
Authors: Boon-yasidhi V , Naiwatanakul T , Chokephaibulkit K , Lolekha R , Leowsrisook P , Chotpitayasunond T , Wolfe M
Published: April 2015

A provider-assisted, counselling-based, paediatric HIV disclosure model was developed and implemented at two tertiary-care hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. All undisclosed perinatally acquired HIV-infected children, aged 7–18 years, and their caretakers were offered the four-step disclosure service, including: screening, readiness assessments and preparation, disclosure sessions, and follow-up evaluations. To assess psychosocial outcomes of disclosure, we compared the scores of the Children Depression Inventory and the PedsQL 4.0™ at baseline and at two-month and six-month follow-up visits, and compared the scores of the Child Behavioral Checklist at baseline and at six-month follow-up. Disclosure was made to 186 children, 160 of whom completed post-disclosure assessments. The median Children’s Depression Inventory score in 135 children decreased significantly from 11 at baseline to 8 at two-month and six-month follow-up ( p < 0.01). The median PedsQL 4.0™ scores in 126 children increased significantly from 78 at baseline to 80 at two-month and 84 at six-month follow-up ( p = 0.04). The median Child Behavioral Checklist scores were not significantly changed. In conclusion, paediatric HIV diagnosis disclosure using this model was found to have positive effect on the children’s mood and quality of life, and no negative effect on children’s behaviours. This disclosure programme should be expanded to improve the psychosocial health of HIV-infected children.
Syphilis serology in pregnancy: an eight-year study (2005–2012) in a large teaching maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: McGettrick Padraig , Ferguson Wendy , Jackson Valerie , Eogan Maeve , Lawless Mairead , Ciprike Vaneta , Varughese Alan , Coulter-Smith Sam , Lambert John S
Published: April 2015

All cases of positive syphilis serology detected in antenatal and peripartum screening in a large teaching maternity hospital in inner city Dublin, Ireland over an eight-year period (2005–2012 inclusive) were reviewed and included in our study. Demographic, antenatal registration, laboratory (including co-infections), partner serology, treatment and delivery data were recorded in our database. Infant follow-up, treatment and outcome data were also collected. During this period, 194 women had positive syphilis serology, of which 182 completed their pregnancies at the institution. This accounts for 0.28% of the total number of women completing their pregnancies during this time (N = 66038); 79 had no previous diagnosis of infection. There was one case of re-infection during pregnancy. Thirty-two women were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. There was one case suggestive of congenital syphilis infection. Our study is a comprehensive analysis of the diagnosis, management and clinical outcomes of women testing positive for syphilis infection in pregnancy. It reveals the relatively high prevalence of syphilis infection in the population utilising the maternity services in north inner-city Dublin. It re-enforces the importance of continued active surveillance to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with maternal syphilis infection. It also highlights the importance of strategies such as re-testing high-risk groups and definitive screening of spouse serology.
Comparative cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of cobalt (II, III) oxide, iron (III) oxide, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide nanoparticles on human lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Rajiv S , Jerobin J , Saranya V , Nainawat M , Sharma A , Makwana P , Gayathri C , Bharath L , Singh M , Kumar M , Mukherjee A , Chandrasekaran N
Published: April 2015

Despite the extensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various fields, adequate knowledge of human health risk and potential toxicity is still lacking. The human lymphocytes play a major role in the immune system, and it can alter the antioxidant level when exposed to NPs. Identification of the hazardous NPs was done using in vitro toxicity tests and this study mainly focuses on the comparative in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of four different NPs including cobalt (II, III) oxide (Co3O4), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) on human lymphocytes. The Co3O4 NPs showed decrease in cellular viability and increase in cell membrane damage followed by Fe2O3, SiO2, and Al2O3 NPs in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of exposure to human lymphocytes. The oxidative stress was evidenced in human lymphocytes by the induction of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and depletion of catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. The Al2O3 NPs showed the least DNA damage when compared with all the other NPs. Chromosomal aberration was observed at 100 µg/ml when exposed to Co3O4 NPs and Fe2O3 NPs. The alteration in the level of antioxidant caused DNA damage and chromosomal aberration in human lymphocytes.
An Assessment of Felt Needs and Expectations of People Living With HIV/AIDS Seeking Treatment at NGOs in Delhi, India
Authors: Singh Megharita M. , Garg Suneela , Nath Anita , Gupta Vimal K.
Published: April 2015

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) continue to face stigma and discrimination in society. The felt needs of PLHAs can be met by means of a comprehensive, holistic, and integrated approach by the concerned sectors. This study included 100 PLHAs admitted at 3 care homes run by nongovernmental organizations in New Delhi. As many as 22% of the patients had been diagnosed with pulmonary Koch’s. Unemployment rates were found to increase after disease onset. Majority were satisfied with the medical treatment and overall care provided at these centers. About 25% expressed that they would like the government to provide them with suitable jobs. Less than one third (30%) of the PLHAs expressed satisfaction with their family life whereas the rest yearned for love and acceptance from society. Study findings highlight the important role of nongovernmental organizations and stresses on the need for a holistic approach toward the care of these people.
Association Between Infant Feeding Practices and First Meaningful Words at First Year of Life
Authors: Chaimay Bhunyabhadh , Ruagdaraganon Nichara , Thinkhamrop Bandit , Thinkhamrop Jadsada
Published: April 2015

Feeding practices show many benefits for child and cognitive development. The objective was to investigate the association between infant feeding practices and the first meaningful words of Thai children. The participants enrolled in this longitudinal study were 4245 children born between July 2000 and June 2002. They resided in 3 rural and 2 urban areas of Thailand and were followed from birth to childhood. The outcome was time from birth to expression of first meaningful words. Outcome and feeding information were gathered using a diary method, with parents and caregivers recording daily development. Nonstatistically significant corresponding reduction in time to expression of first meaningful words was found among children who were breastfed, and this increased with duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may reduce the time taken for expression of first meaningful words by about 2% (hazard ratio = 0.98; 95% confidence interval = 0.94 to 1.01). No association between infant feeding practices and the expression of first meaningful words was found.
Cooperative Medical Insurance and the Cost of Care in Shandong, PR China
Authors: Mahmood Mohammad Afzal , Raulli Alexandra , Yan Wang , Dong Han , Aiguo Zhang , Ping Dong
Published: April 2015

This research was conducted to identify the cost of care associated with utilization of village clinics and membership of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) in 2 counties of Shandong province, PR China. A total of 397 community members and 297 patients who used the village clinics were interviewed. The average cost for primary care treatment of 1 episode of illness was about 55 yuan (about US$8). Although more than 50% of people had NCMS membership, many consider the monetary reimbursements as insufficient. The low insurance reimbursement rates and inability to pay out-of-pocket expenses compromise access to care. Delays can cause more serious illnesses with potential to overburden the secondary care at the township and county hospitals. Those rural people who have not yet enjoyed the benefits of China’s economic development may not benefit from recent health care reform and finance mechanisms unless schemes such as the NCMS provide more substantial subsidies.
An elite hockey player’s experiences of video-based coaching: A poststructuralist reading
Authors: Taylor William G , Potrac Paul , Nelson Lee J , Jones Luke , Groom Ryan
Published: April 2015

In this article, we present a poststructuralist reading of Claire’s (a pseudonym) experiences of receiving video-based coaching in elite level field hockey. Data were gathered through a series of in-depth interviews that formed part of a recursive and iterative data collection and analysis process. Interpreting Claire’s stories through a neo-Foucauldian application of Mathiesen’s synopticon revealed how the presence of a video camera mediated Claire’s practice and imposed a critical gaze, one that became collectively and institutionally consumed. We argue that the thoughts presented in this paper have significant implications for coach practice and education and that, as a result, there is a need for further critical inquiry into coaches’ uses of video-based technology.
Time stability studies of electrorheological response of dispersions with different types of charge carriers
Authors: Korobko Evguenia V , Novikova Zoya A , Sermyazhko Elena S , Murashkevich Anna N , Eshenko Ludmila S
Published: April 2015

The behavior of hydrous and anhydrous fillers of various types in the electric field is investigated. Rheological and dielectric properties of dispersions containing 20 wt% of the filler in the insulating oil are determined. The comparative results of the experimental determination of the change in shear stress and current density over time at the impact of the electric field of different intensity are presented.
Magnetorheological energy absorber with dual concentric annular valves
Authors: Bai Xian-Xu , Wereley Norman M , Choi Young-Tai
Published: April 2015

For semi-active shock and vibration mitigation systems using magnetorheological energy absorbers, fail-safe performance is of particular significance if electric power is lost. At the same time, the minimization of the field-off damping force of the magnetorheological energy absorbers at high speed is also important because the damping force due to the viscous damping force at high speed becomes too excessive, and thus, the controllable dynamic range is rapidly reduced. In this article, a fail-safe magnetorheological energy absorber with dual concentric annular valves and an inner-set permanent magnet is proposed to decrease the field-off damping force while keeping an appropriate dynamic range for improving shock and vibration mitigation performance. In the magnetorheological energy absorber, the dual concentric annular valves are configured so as to decrease the baseline damping force, and magnetic activation methods using the electromagnetic coil winding and the permanent magnet are used to maintain appropriate magnetic intensity in these concentric annular valves. An initial field-on damping force is produced by the magnetic field bias generated from the inner-set permanent magnet in consideration of the failure of the electric power supply. The initial field-on damping force of the magnetorheological energy absorbers can be increased (or decreased) by applying positive (or negative) current to the electromagnetic coil winding, and thus, bidirectional controllable damping performance could be realized. After establishing the analytical damping force model of the magnetorheological energy absorber using a Bingham-plastic nonlinear fluid model, its working principle and magnetic properties are analytically validated and analyzed via electromagnetic finite element analysis. The performance of the magnetorheological energy absorber is also theoretically compared with that of a conventional magnetorheological energy absorber with a single valve with the constraint of an identical volume under different excitation velocities.
Association Between Topiramate Use and Serum Bicarbonate Levels in a Veteran Population
Authors: Sciegienka Anna , Argo Tami , Cantrell Matthew , Alexander Bruce
Published: April 2015

Background: Topiramate has been associated with metabolic acidosis secondary to decreased serum bicarbonate. Product labeling recommends serum bicarbonate monitoring at baseline and periodically thereafter. Objective: The study objective was to assess changes in serum bicarbonate within the first year of topiramate use in an outpatient veteran population. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study conducted at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Inclusion criteria required a minimum of 1 topiramate outpatient prescription between October 1, 1999, and August 31, 2012, and at least 1 serum bicarbonate level within 12 months prior to topiramate initiation. Patients with topiramate nonadherence, concurrent use of sodium bicarbonate or oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and individual serum bicarbonate values obtained during inpatient hospitalizations were excluded. Change in bicarbonate was evaluated using a paired t test. Decreases in bicarbonate of ≥5 mEq/L, values <20 mEq/L, days to lowest value, and correlation between adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and topiramate discontinuation were evaluated. Results: Of 546 patients reviewed, 350 were included in the analysis. There was a statistically significant decrease of 2.7 mEq/L in bicarbonate following initiation of topiramate. Only 1 patient had a bicarbonate value <17 mEq/L. There was no association between bicarbonate decrease ≥5 mEq/L and ADRs. Conclusions: A statistically significant reduction in bicarbonate levels occurred with topiramate, which was clinically insignificant. ADR occurrence did not correlate with bicarbonate levels <17 mEq/L or a decrease ≥5 mEq/L. Our results indicate that serum bicarbonate levels should only be monitored before topiramate initiation and in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acidosis.
Red and Blue States of Mind
Authors: Miller Patrick R. , Conover Pamela Johnston
Published: April 2015

Based on social comparison and social identity theory, we argue that average partisans in contemporary U.S. politics view elections as group competitions in which partisan identities are at stake. Using nationally representative survey data, we demonstrate that stronger partisan identities, more than ideological identities or issue preferences, are associated with a greater sense of partisan hostility—specifically, party rivalry and anger. That hostility mediates the impact of partisan identities on political attitudes and actions. As a result, strong partisan identifiers hold the most hostile and uncivil attitudes and are the most likely to participate in elections. Thus, in the context of elections, the behavior of partisans resembles that of sports team members acting to preserve the status of their teams rather than thoughtful citizens participating in the political process for the broader good. We explore the implications of these findings for the current state of American politics.
Varying the Un-Variable
Authors: Lehoucq Fabrice , Kolev Kiril
Published: April 2015

This paper assesses the hypothesis that election quality is worse under plurality voting systems than under proportional representation (PR). We use a two-pronged research design that permits us to harness the advantages of most similar and most different approaches to limit problems of endogeneity that afflict hypothesis testing in comparative politics. We use a subnational database of more than 1,300 accusations of electoral fraud from Costa Rica (1901–1948) that uniquely varies formulae among (provincial) electoral districts. Our statistical models reveal that plurality leads to more ballot rigging than proportional systems. We also demonstrate that plurality voting systems are associated with inferior election quality in the Quality of Elections Database (QED), which covers 170 countries between 1975 and 2004. Our findings suggest that electoral formulae, a basic feature of institutional design, have as much impact as social structure on whether elections are free and fair.
Fiscal Policy and Economic Inequality in the U.S. States
Authors: Hayes Thomas J. , Medina Vidal D. Xavier
Published: April 2015

To what extent can state governments influence economic inequality? How do state fiscal policies of redistribution affect families in different economic situations? Using a large database of state fiscal policymaking tools (taxing and spending) between 1976 and 2006, we examine the effect of these tools on state-level inequality as well as the average incomes of families in different economic groups. We find that state taxing and spending efforts can influence these indicators of economic inequality, though these fiscal policy tools can have differential effects. Spending on unemployment compensation and cash assistance as well as revenue from taxes on corporations is found to reduce state-level inequality. We also find unemployment compensation to positively benefit the bottom 10th percentile of income earners, whereas the inheritance tax helps all income groups. Corporate tax revenue is associated with higher middle-class incomes, whereas income tax revenue benefits both middle and upper incomes. Sales tax revenue positively benefits wealthy earners. Higher property tax revenue is associated with decreased income for all groups. These results suggest that state governments can affect redistribution through fiscal policies by affecting state-level inequality as well as the economic fortunes of different income groups.
99mTc-HDP SPECT-CT Aids Localization of Joint Injections in Degenerative Joint Disease of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Parthipun Arum , Moser Joanna , Mok Wing , Paramithas Anton , Hamilton Paul , Sott Andrea Helene
Published: April 2015

Background:

Pain relating to degenerative joint disease within the foot and ankle can be difficult to localize with clinical examination alone due to the complex anatomy of the joints. The aim of this study was to determine whether single-photon emission computed tomography combined with conventional computed tomography (SPECT-CT) could be used to localize the site of degenerative joint disease for intra-articular injection and thereby improve the clinical success of the procedure.

Methods:

A prospective study was performed involving 203 patients who had undergone triple-phase 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate bone scans with SPECT-CT of the foot and ankle for degenerative joint disease. Fifty-two patients went on to have joint injections for degenerative joint disease, with clinical follow-up. Correlation with the clinical diagnosis and the outcome of intra-articular injections with 0.5% bupivacaine and 80 mg of Depo-Medrone was performed. A successful outcome was determined by an improvement in the visual analog pain score of at least 50%.

Results:

In 19 (37%) patients, the site of degenerative joint disease determined by SPECT-CT differed from the initial clinical assessment and resulted in a change in management. Overall, 46 (88%) patients showed an improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated a high clinical success rate for SPECT-CT-guided joint injections. The technique was useful in localizing degenerative joint disease of the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot as an adjunct to clinical examination.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Near-surface waves in a system consisting of a covering layer and a half-space with imperfect interface under two-axial initial stresses
Authors: Akbarov Surkay D , Negin Masoud
Published: April 2015

The influence of shear-spring + normal-spring type imperfect interface conditions on the dispersion of the generalized Rayleigh waves in a system consisting of a covering layer and a half-space with two-axial homogeneous initial stresses is investigated. The three-dimensional linearized theory of elastic waves in initially stressed bodies is employed and the plane-strain state is considered. The elasticity relations of the materials of the constituents are described through the Murnaghan potential and the influence of the third order elastic constants which enter the expression of this potential is taken into consideration. The corresponding dispersion equation is derived and an algorithm is developed for numerical solution to this equation. Numerical results on the action of the parameters, which enter the formulation of the imperfect contact conditions, on the wave dispersion curves are presented and discussed. The results of these investigations can be successfully used for estimation of the degree of the bonded defects between the covering layer and the half-space.
Surgical Team Member Assessment of the Safety of Surgery Practice in 38 South Carolina Hospitals
Authors: Singer Sara J. , Jiang Wei , Huang Lyen C. , Gibbons Lorri , Kiang Mathew V. , Edmondson Lizabeth , Gawande Atul A. , Berry William R.
Published: April 2015

We assessed surgical team member perceptions of multiple dimensions of safe surgical practice in 38 South Carolina hospitals participating in a statewide initiative to implement surgical safety checklists. Primary data were collected using a novel 35-item survey. We calculated the percentage of 1,852 respondents with strongly positive, positive, and neutral/negative responses about the safety of surgical practice, compared results by hospital and professional discipline, and examined how readiness, teamwork, and adherence related to staff perception of care quality. Overall, 78% of responses were positive about surgical safety at respondent’s hospitals, but in each survey dimension, from 16% to 40% of responses were neutral/negative, suggesting significant opportunity to improve surgical safety. Respondents not reporting they would feel safe being treated in their operating rooms varied from 0% to 57% among hospitals. Surgeons responded more positively than nonsurgeons. Readiness, teamwork, and practice adherence related directly to staff perceptions of patient safety ( p < .001).
Changing the Image Repair Equation
Authors: Brown Kenon A. , Billings Andrew C. , Mastro Dana , Brown-Devlin Natalie
Published: April 2015

Utilizing a 2 (race) × 2 (sex) × 3 (response strategy) factorial experiment, this study interrogates the extent to which an athlete’s race and gender impacts the image repair process, specifically within the hypermediated realm of athlete transgressions. Using a national sample of 287 participants, results supported for the effectiveness of the mortification strategy above reducing offensiveness and evading responsibility strategies. Moreover, regardless of the transgression response, Black athletes were consistently rated more positively than their White athletic counterparts, deviating from the majority of prior research. Discussion of the role of the Black athlete is offered in light of the unexpected findings, with explanations postulated based on expectancy violation theory and the principle of covariance.
Summer for the Scientists? The Scopes Trial and the Pedagogy of Journalism
Authors: Parks Perry
Published: April 2015

A main goal of John T. Scopes’ supporters during his 1925 trial for teaching evolution in Tennessee was to educate the public on evolution science through newspapers. This paper argues that, though journalists, lawyers, and scholars expected newspaper coverage to make Americans smarter about evolution, little effort was devoted to that aim. Rather, a preference for conflict and an emerging professional objectivity resulted in more confusion than clarity, just as news coverage of evolution and other controversial science issues does today.
Confusing Roles, Uncertain Responsibilities
Authors: Thomas Ryan J. , Hindman Elizabeth Blanks
Published: April 2015

Conceptualizing journalism as a paradigm, we analyze 193 journalistic texts responding to Juan Williams’ 2010 dismissal from NPR for comments made on Fox News. We found three dominant themes. First, journalists appeared unsure of Williams’ role within the journalistic paradigm, indicative of the role confusion that characterizes contemporary journalism. Second, journalists invoked the objectivity norm despite its incongruity with the case, evidence of a paradigm grasping for certainties at a time of industry upheaval. Finally, journalists used Williams as a proxy to engage the public in a dialogue on the responsibilities of the commentator.
Social and Health Care Professionals’ Views on Responsible Agency in the Process of Ending Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Virkki Tuija
Published: April 2015

This article examines social and health care professionals’ views, based on their encounters with both victims and perpetrators, on the division of responsibility in the process of ending intimate partner violence. Applying discourse analysis to focus group discussions with a total of 45 professionals on solutions to the problem, several positions of responsible agency in which professionals place themselves and their clients are identified. The results suggest that one key to understanding the complexities involved in violence intervention lies in a more adequate theorization of the temporal and intersubjective dimensions of the process of assigning responsibility for the problem.