bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non-invasive Model for Measuring Nociception after Tooth Pulp Exposure
Authors: Kramer P.R. , He J. , Puri J. , Bellinger L.L.
Published: July 2012

Temporomandibular arthritis will lengthen a rodent’s meal duration. We hypothesized that meal duration would also lengthen after tooth pulp exposure, suggesting that this behavior could be used to measure tooth nociception. To test this hypothesis, we placed rats in feeding units and subjected 4 anterior mandibular molars to pulp exposure, with and without pre-treatment with the analgesic buprenorphine-HCl. In the first study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in computerized sound-attenuated feeding modules, the pulp of 4 molars on the mandible were exposed, and meal duration was measured for 13 days. In a second study, rats were injected with either the analgesic buprenorphine-HCl or saline every 12 hrs; injections were started one day before pulp exposure. Meal duration was determined before and after treatment. In the first study, pulp exposure significantly increased daily meal duration for 8 days. In the second study, pulp exposure lengthened daily meal duration, but the group that was treated with buprenorphine-HCl showed no significant difference compared with control rats without pulp exposure. Evidence supports that a lengthening in meal duration is a response to tooth nociception and that this nociception can be measured for over a week.
Latent Classes of PTSD Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans
Authors: Steenkamp Maria M. , Nickerson Angela , Maguen Shira , Dickstein Benjamin D. , Nash William P. , Litz Brett T.
Published: July 2012

The authors examined heterogeneity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom presentation among veterans ( n = 335) participating in the clinical interview subsample of the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. Latent class analysis was used to identify clinically homogeneous subgroups of Vietnam War combat veterans. Consistent with previous research, three classes emerged from the analysis, namely, veterans with no disturbance (61.4% of the cohort), intermediate disturbance (25.6%), and pervasive disturbance (12.5%). The authors also examined physical injury, war-zone stressor exposure, peritraumatic dissociation, and general dissociation as predictors of class membership. The findings are discussed in the context of recent conceptual frameworks that posit a range of posttraumatic outcomes and highlight the sizable segment of military veterans who suffer from intermediate (subclinical) PTSD symptoms.
Exploratory Mokken Scale Analysis as a Dimensionality Assessment Tool
Authors: Smits Iris A. M. , Timmerman Marieke E. , Meijer Rob R.
Published: July 2012

The assessment of the number of dimensions and the dimensionality structure of questionnaire data is important in scale evaluation. In this study, the authors evaluate two dimensionality assessment procedures in the context of Mokken scale analysis (MSA), using a so-called fixed lowerbound. The comparative simulation study, covering various theoretically and empirically relevant conditions, indicates that the MSA procedures may result in scales that are inconsistent with the dimensionality of the data set at hand. That is, a single Mokken scale can be multidimensional, and two Mokken scales can pertain to a single dimension. In an illustrative evaluation, MSA using a range of lowerbounds, rather than a fixed lowerbound, was shown to have some benefits, but not to solve all limitations. The results of this study imply that MSA is perfectly suitable to create Mokken scales. However, MSA appears of limited value as a dimensionality assessment method.
Is it my overactive imagination? The effects of contextually activated attachment insecurity on sexual fantasies
Authors: Birnbaum Gurit E. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Weisberg Yanna J. , Barnea Efrat , Assulin-Simhon Zehorit
Published: July 2012

Three studies examined the effects of explicit and implicit insecurity priming on the content of sexual fantasies. In all studies, participants described a sexual fantasy narratively (Studies 1 and 2) or completed a fantasy checklist (Study 3) following contextual activation of attachment representations. In Study 1, explicit insecurity priming led to fantasies that involved interpersonal distance and hostility themes. This pattern was particularly pronounced among anxiously attached men, implying that they use distancing strategies when confronted with insecurity. In Studies 2 and 3, implicit insecurity priming led to similar distancing themes, regardless of attachment orientations. These findings suggest that sexual expressions constitute a unique route for coping with insecurities, which manifests the goals that are most likely to be challenged.
On the benefits of valuing being friends for nonmarital romantic partners
Authors: VanderDrift Laura E. , Wilson Juan E. , Agnew Christopher R.
Published: July 2012

Romantic relationships are, at their core, friendships. As such, it may be the case that valuing that aspect of the relationship fortifies the romantic relationship against negative outcomes and serves as a buffer against dissolution. We explored the role of valuing friendship within romantic relationships in two two-wave studies examining whether investing in the friendship aspect of the relationship (Study 1; N = 190) and placing importance on affiliative need fulfillment (Study 2; N = 184) were associated with positive concurrent outcomes and positive outcomes over time. Results revealed that valuing the friendship aspect of a romance is a strong positive predictor of concurrent romantic relationship qualities (i.e., love, sexual gratification, and romantic commitment), is associated with increases in these qualities over time and is negatively associated with romantic dissolution. Furthermore, evidence suggests that these benefits come from valuing friendship specifically, rather than any other aspect of the relationship (e.g., the sexual aspect).
Ventricular and Extraventricular Ependymal Tumors in 18 Cats
Authors: Woolford L. , Lahunta A. de , Baiker K. , Dobson E. , Summers B. A.
Published: July 2012

Ependymal tumors are reported rarely in domestic animals. The aims of this study were to examine the clinical and pathologic features of ventricular and extraventricular ependymomas and subependymomas in 18 domestic cats examined between 1978 and 2011. Parameters examined included age, sex, breed, clinical signs, and macroscopic and histopathologic features. The mean age of affected cats was 9 years, 4 months; median age, 8.5 years. There were 8 female and 4 male cats, and 6 cats for which sex was not recorded. Breeds included 10 domestic shorthaired, 2 domestic longhaired, 1 Persian, and 1 Siamese. Clinical signs included altered mentation or behavior, seizures, circling, propulsive gait, generalized discomfort, and loss of condition. The tumors often formed intraventricular masses and usually arose from the lining of the lateral or third ventricles, followed by the fourth ventricle, mesencephalic aqueduct, and spinal cord central canal. Three tumors were extraventricular, forming masses within the cerebrum and adjacent subarachnoid space. Histologically, 15 tumors were classified as variants of ependymomas (classic, papillary, tanycytic, or clear cell) and 3 as subependymomas. Tumors were generally well demarcated; however, 6 ependymomas focally or extensively infiltrated the adjacent neural parenchyma. Characteristic perivascular pseudorosettes were observed in all ependymomas; true rosettes were less common. Some tumors had areas of necrosis, mineralization, cholesterol clefts, and/or hemorrhage. This cohort study of feline ependymal tumors includes subependymoma and primary extraventricular ependymoma, variants not previously described in the veterinary literature but well recognized in humans.
Mixed Use by Default
Authors: Hirt Sonia
Published: July 2012

Zoning is such a cornerstone of the US planning system that for US planners it may be hard to imagine that one can regulate development without it. But is zoning a widely shared institution? Is it as integral to the planning systems of other “developed” nations as it is in the United States? Based on a review of literature and planning documents, this article contrasts land-use regulation in five European countries (England, France, Germany, Sweden, and Russia) to that in the United States. It argues that far from being universal, zoning (at least the type of land-use zoning routinely applied in the United States) is not practiced in Europe. The comparison allows us to appreciate the uniqueness of US institutions and speculate on the cultural underpinnings of the European–American differences.
Waterproof Dress
Authors: Shephard Arlesa J.
Published: July 2012

Waterproof clothing was an important form of dress in the nineteenth century. The popularity and demand for waterproof garments increased toward the end of the nineteenth century due to improvements in apparel technology as well as an increase in consumption power. Until now, little research has been done to examine the design and function of these garments and the roles they played in the daily lives of people in the late nineteenth century. This research examined United States' patents between 1880 and 1895 as well as catalogs and other materials from the period to better understand the designs, functions and uses of waterproof apparel. The patents were compared with products available in the catalogs to better understand which types of garment designs were necessary and practical for consumer use.
Variation in Fat, Lactose, and Protein Composition in Breast Milk over 24 Hours
Authors: Khan Sadaf , Hepworth Anna R. , Prime Danielle K. , Lai Ching T. , Trengove Naomi J. , Hartmann Peter E.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Data regarding the association between breast milk composition and infant feeding patterns (frequency and amount of breast milk taken) would help in understanding the regulation of food intake in breastfed infants.

Objective:

This study examined the relationship between breast milk macronutrient concentration and patterns of milk intake in breastfeeding infants over a 24-hour breastfeeding period.

Methods:

Mothers of healthy term infants (n = 15) collected pre- and postfeed breast milk samples from each feed at each breast over a 24-hour period. Breast milk samples were analyzed for fat, lactose, total protein, casein, and whey protein content. The energy content for each feed was calculated.

Results:

Breastfeeding patterns and milk composition varied greatly between individuals. The fat content of milk significantly differed over 24 hours ( P = .01), whereas the concentration of lactose and protein content remained the same. The mean 24-hour total protein, whey, and casein intake was inversely ( P < .01), whereas lactose concentration was positively ( P = .03) related to the number of breast feeds per day. No relationship was seen either between fat or energy content and feeding patterns. The mean (SD) concentration of fat, lactose, and total protein over the 24-hour period was 43 (12) g/L, 68 (7) g/L, and 13 (2) g/L, respectively.

Conclusion:

The association between milk protein intake and the breastfeeding frequency suggests that the protein intake may play a role in infant appetite control.
A Nation Dispossessed: The Tea Party Movement and Race
Authors: Zeskind Leonard
Published: July 2012

This analysis combines both qualitative information and quantitative data. The author reviewed numerous first person reports of Tea Party rallies, conferences and meetings from every corner of the country, and read most of the movement’s own literature. The Tea Parties are described as a unique movement appearing at a specific historical moment. The movement encompasses constituent national networks, core members and more loosely aligned supporters. Its supporters are overwhelmingly white and middle class. Matters of race and national identity motivate many Tea Partiers as well as a sense of dispossession from their place of privilege in the racial order. This analysis takes at face value the movement’s dress, symbols and invocation of the constitution, as well as its claims to embody the aspirations of a narrow body of ‘real Americans’. By making an exclusionary claim on the nation’s founding moments, they actually set themselves apart from other Americans.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Leedahl David D. , Vo Phil H. , Maxson Pamela M. , Lovely Jenna K.
Published: July 2012

This review provides an update on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and the pharmacologic considerations for perioperative care. By age 85 years, approximately 90% of men have prostate histologic characteristics consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pharmacologic treatment with an alpha1 receptor antagonist may reduce symptoms and, when given in combination with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, may decrease the risk of urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention. Transurethral resection of the prostate has been the historical standard when surgical intervention is indicated. However, recent evidence suggests that Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate may have similar efficacy with less risk of complications and with decreased catheterization time. Prostatic urological operations may have perioperative complications, including urethral bleeding, acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection, urge incontinence, and venous thromboembolism. Pharmacist recommendations for the appropriate use of laxatives, antibiotics, anticoagulation, and urinary antispasmodics are key components of perioperative management. Surgical interventions improve symptoms but may have complications, providing the pharmacist an opportunity to improve perioperative care.
Poly(aryl ether ketone/sulfone)s containing ortho-methyl and pendant trifluoromethyl-substituted phenyl groups: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Shang Chengyuan , Zhao Xiaojuan , Li Junwei , Liu Jingang , Huang Wei
Published: July 2012

Two novel bisphenols, 1,1-bis(4′-hydroxy-3′,5′-dimethylphenyl)-1-(3′′-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (4M6FDO) and 1,1-bis(4′-hydroxy-3′,5′-dimethylphenyl)-1-[3′′,5′′-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (4M9FDO), with methyl groups ortho-substituted to the phenol groups, bulky trifluoromethyl-substituted phenyl groups and trifluoromethyl groups in the structure, were synthesized and characterized. The bisphenols were polymerized with 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone and bis(4-fluorophenyl) sulfone, respectively, via a aromatic nucleophilic substitution polycondensation to afford four poly(aryl ether ketone/sulfone)s (PAEKs/PAESs) with the inherent viscosities of 0.32–0.52 dL g−1. The ortho-methyl and pendant trifluoromethyl-substituted phenyl groups endow the polymers with good solubility, the rigidity of the polymer chains increase the glass transition ( Tg) of the polymers to 197–235 °C. Flexible and tough films cast from N,N-dimethylacetamide showed good thermal stability, low dielectric constants of 2.67–2.73 and low water uptakes of 0.21–0.40%. Moreover, the polymers showed good transparency with light transmittance at 450 nm as high as 96% and cutoff wavelength as low as 285 nm. The PAEKs also exhibited low light-absorption at the optocommunication wavelengths of 1310 and 1550 nm.
The influence of precipitation and friction control agents on forces at the wheel/rail interface in heavy haul railways
Authors: Oldknow Kevin , Eadie Donald T , Stock Richard
Published: July 2012

This paper presents an analysis of the influence of materials that can be present in the so-called “third-body layer” at the wheel/rail interface on curving forces generated in heavy haul operating conditions. The third-body layer is the interfacial layer whose shear properties determine the bulk frictional characteristics that emerge in wheel/rail contact. It is often postulated that precipitation (rain) provides an effective form of lubrication at the wheel tread/rail head interface, reducing curving forces and corresponding wear. The postulate is explored through the analysis of lateral and vertical force data collected under a wide range of environmental conditions in full-scale revenue service. The effects of precipitation are rigorously explored and compared with the effects of top of rail friction modifiers, which are intentionally introduced into the third-body layer.

This paper originated from the 2011 IHHA Conference.
Learning the game: Football fandom culture and the origins of practice
Authors: Dixon Kevin
Published: July 2012

Based on the partial results of a doctoral programme, this article explores the significance of Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice for explaining the experiential processes involved in becoming a football fan. Whilst recognizing value in the theoretical construct habitus, in the sense that football cultures appear to be self perpetuating (in part) based on histories of objective social conditions and accrued experiences, the findings indicate that caution must be taken not to overemphasize the structuring power of habitus and the unopposed continuation of tradition at the expense of the reflexive nature and subtle transformation of fandom practice in late modern life.
The sociology of emotion in elite sport: Examining the role of normalization and technologies
Authors: Lee Sinden Jane
Published: July 2012

Recent research has examined the role of negative emotion norms and elite athletes’ decisions to continue to train in sport when they are not physically healthy enough to do so. According to Lee Sinden ((2010) The normalization of emotion and the disregard of health problems in elite amateur sport. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology 4: 241–256; (2012) The elite sport and Christianity debate: Shifting focus from normative values to the conscious disregard for health. The Journal of Religion and Health), athletes are persuaded to accept negative perceptions of emotions through a process called “normalization of emotion”. The author draws on Foucault ((1977) Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York: Vintage Books) and Shogan ((1999) The Making of High-Performance Athletes: Discipline, Diversity, and Ethics. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press), to show how normalization works through an athlete’s emotions using methods of normalizing, including hierarchical observation, normalizing judgment, and the examination (Lee Sinden, 2010, 2012). The author discusses how negative perceptions of emotion, described as “technologies of emotion” (Lee Sinden, 2010, 2012), are a collection of historical myths that continue to work in elite sport to homogenize athletes’ outward emotional expressions. The consequence of normalization of emotion is the disassociation of athletes with their thoughts and feelings, and the potential subsequent suppression of concerns, such as training intensities and health. The following paper explores the theories of “normalization of emotion” and “technologies of emotion” in more detail. Through understanding how negative perceptions of emotions are socialized in sport, and the consequences of socializing emotions in this way, researchers and sport advocates may realize the need for a paradigm shift in the way elite sport understands and celebrates athletes’ diverse emotionalities.
Exploitation in college sports: Race, revenue, and educational reward
Authors: Van Rheenen Derek
Published: July 2012

The question of whether college athletes are exploited is regularly debated in the popular press and academic literature about college sports. The concept of exploitation, with its philosophical and psychological implications, however, is rarely discussed in detail. This paper problematizes and expands the way in which the concept has been presented within the context of college sports, arguing that exploitation is primarily a moral construct understood as an unfair exchange between two parties. For college athletes, an unfair financial exchange can be measured by comparing the surplus value and marginal revenue product. These calculations may evidence the degree of economic exploitation, but many people still believe college athletes are fairly compensated with a subsistence wage in the form of an athletic scholarship. It is more difficult to quantify the promise or value of an education above and beyond this subsistence wage, most often defined as a college degree. The over-representation of Black college athletes on revenue-producing teams, and the corresponding lower graduation rates of this population when compared to other students, highlight the racial and cultural divisions of opportunity. Institutions face a crisis of conscience when educational opportunities are offered to certain students based primarily on their athletic ability, especially when these opportunities are perceived as disingenuous due to the academic preparation and demanding athletic commitments of these recruited college athletes.
The Fifth Vital Sign
Authors: Neale Kelly Lynn
Published: July 2012

Adolescent oncology patients with chronic pain require holistic management using interdisciplinary care, multimodal therapies, and family-centered treatment. Adolescents are at a crucial stage of development and require unique assessment that incorporates seeking their input, valuing their opinion, and establishing a developmentally appropriate treatment plan to give them a sense of control. This article discusses the essential elements of assessment that pediatric nurse practitioners should use when evaluating chronic pain in this unique patient population. A comprehensive assessment should determine the biological, psychosocial, and developmental functioning of the patient through objective and subjective measurements. The purpose of this literature review is to outline the mainstays of evaluating pain in a vulnerable population. Ascertaining the barriers that lead to underreporting and undertreating this symptom may lead to more effective management. This article assembles concepts established in research conducted on adolescents with nonmalignant chronic pain and studies on pain in the general pediatric oncology population to assist in evaluating adolescent oncology patients with chronic pain.
Credit Building in IDA Programs
Authors: Birkenmaier Julie , Curley Jami , Kelly Patrick
Published: July 2012

Objective: This article reports on the impact of the Individual Development Account (IDA) program on credit. Method: Using a convenience sample of IDA participants ( N = 165), data were analyzed using paired sample t tests, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, Mann–Whitney U Tests, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. Results: Results indicate that participants improved their credit history and score, as compared with nonparticipants, and those who completed the program within a year experienced the most positive change in credit score. Conclusion: IDAs facilitate improvement in credit score and history.
Physician Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience With Advance Care Planning, Palliative Care, and Hospice
Authors: Snyder Sara , Hazelett Susan , Allen Kyle , Radwany Steven
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate primary care physicians’ understanding of and experience with advance care planning (ACP), palliative care, and hospice and how this might affect their utilization of these services. Methods: Investigator-generated survey.

Results:

Older age, more years in practice, and more personal and professional experience with ACP were correlated with an increase in the percentage of patients with progressive, chronic life-limiting diseases with whom physicians discussed advance directives. Overall, 97.5% of physician’s expressed comfort in discussing ACP yet reported discussing advance directives with only 43% of appropriate patients.

Discussion:

Often, discussions about ACP or referrals to palliative care or hospice do not occur until the patient is near the end of life. Our results indicate that primary care physician’s personal and professional experience with ACP may be contributing to some of the barriers to these discussions.
The Bushido Matrix for Couple Communication
Authors: Li Chi-Sing , Lin Yu-Fen , Ginsburg Phil , Eckstein Daniel
Published: July 2012

The concept of Japanese Bushido and its seven virtues were introduced by the authors in this article for the practice and application of couple communication. The Bushido Matrix Worksheet (BMW) was created for enhancing couple’s awareness and understanding of each other’s values and experiences. An activity and a case study to demonstrate the use of the BMW were also included.
Motivational Interviewing, Nonadherence to Medical Treatment, and Families
Authors: Sperry Len
Published: July 2012

Counselors and other clinicians are increasingly faced with treatment adherence issues particularly when counselling individuals and families dealing with medical conditions. Since motivational interviewing has proven to be effective in increasing patient motivation to change and in reducing nonadherence, it has become a valuable and necessary counseling intervention. The article describes motivational interviewing and its application as an adjunctive intervention with patients and their families who are dealing with medical conditions when treatment adherence is a concern. It illustrates this application with a clinical illustration.
Analyzing Image Fragmentation in Promotional Brochures
Authors: Camprubi Raquel , Guia Jaume , Comas Jordi
Published: July 2012

Tourism image is a relevant issue that affects the way in which tourists make decisions regarding their choice of destination. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on emitted images and particularly on the fragmentation of emitted images in tourism destinations. This article proposes a conceptual framework to analyze emitted tourism destination image fragmentation patterns and explores these patterns in two urban destinations, Perpignan and Girona, with the purpose of finding out why they emerge, which are their relevant dimensions, and how these are interrelated. By analyzing the promotional brochures of these destinations the authors first identify the attributes of their induced images and, then, by means of a cluster analysis, determine the patterns of fragmentation of their emitted image. The results show that both destinations have a slightly different image fragmentation pattern in terms of image content, and a clearly different structural pattern of image fragmentation, as Perpignan has a more centralized pattern than Girona. This difference is reflected in the higher relevance of the local destination marketing organization in the case of Perpignan.
The impact of social media on destination branding
Authors: Lim Yumi , Chung Yeasun , Weaver Pamela A
Published: July 2012

A one-way conversation with consumers in destination branding was pervasive when destination-marketing organizations created and generated their destination brands. However, social media has made a two-way conversation possible with consumers participating in the development of a destination brand identity/image. This study investigates consumer perception of destination brands created by consumer-generated videos and destination-marketing organization videos. The findings suggest that consumer-generated videos do not carry the same destination brand as destination marketer-generated videos. In addition, consumer-generated videos have little positive impact on a destination brand. This study provides insight into destination-branding strategies with respect to the roles that social media plays in creating destination-brand identity and image.
Using travel blogs to examine the postconsumption behavior of tourists
Authors: Bosangit Carmela , Dulnuan Juline , Mena Miguela
Published: July 2012

This study proposes that travel blogging has become part of tourist practices, particularly in the postconsumption stage. Travel blogs serve as platforms where tourists can remember, evaluate, store, and enrich their travel experiences. Extant literature has recognized travel blogs as a valuable source of information on tourists’ activities, perceptions of destinations, and word-of-mouth communication. This study suggests that an examination of travel blogs, looking at how tourists reconstruct their travel experiences and the actions behind the blogging, can provide a deeper understanding of the postconsumption behavior of tourists. Recent tourist experience models have emphasized that the postconsumption stage of a travel experience extends beyond the evaluation of the experience by the tourist. In this study, the discourse analysis of travel blogs by 19 British long-haul and multiple-destination travelers reveals three common actions behind travel blogging: representing places, acts of self-presentation, identity construction, and “othering.” The analysis shows bloggers employing linguistic techniques and self-presentation strategies in their travel narratives. Implications of the key findings for marketing strategies and destination image are discussed.
Social media marketing in tourism education
Authors: Zehrer Anita , Grabmüller Alice
Published: July 2012

Information and communication technology has increasingly gained importance in marketing of the tourism and travel industry. Social media have literally become an integral part of the society and as such have gained increasing interest beyond industries such as tourism. In higher education, we have seen a trend towards a rather slow adaptation of new technologies for instance in online instruction; however, the opportunities for creating and sharing knowledge in an education context should not be neglected. Social network sites are the fastest growing and most popular of the Internet-based technologies; recent statistics show that many Facebook users are students and that a great deal of communication between students happens online. This article investigates a higher educational institution in Austria, which actively links with their students on a social network site for marketing purposes, presents its development and provides the results of an online user survey. Results indicate that among social network sites, Facebook is the most popular site students use; however, they spend more time observing than actually posting content.
Building online brand communities
Authors: Hede Anne-Marie , Kellett Pamm
Published: July 2012

The Internet has impacted the tourism sector and tourists substantially. Yet, very little information is known about how tourism organisations are using the second generation of the Internet, Web 2.0, and its various social media platforms in relation to their marketing activities. This article explores ways in which events, as an integral part of the tourism sector, are using Web 2.0 tools to build their online brand communities. While the qualitative analysis highlights benefits for events, it also identifies the risks and challenges that events face in using Web 2.0. These include the capacity to resource this aspect of marketing and the ability to protect their brand from the advent of counter- and alter-brand communities when online brand community building activities are not fully effective.
Culture and service-related positive disconfirmations
Authors: Magnini Vincent P , Kara Derya , Crotts John C , Zehrer Anita
Published: July 2012

It has long been understood in the service sector that positive disconfirmations of expectations drive customer satisfaction. Using a sample of 334 consumers’ travel blog postings that describe positive disconfirmations of international hotel guests, this research finds that a traveler’s home country culture influences whether or not the positive disconfirmation is service-related. Specifically, travelers from individualistic countries and low power distance countries experience a greater proportion of service-related positive disconfirmations than those from collective or high power distance nations. From a theoretical perspective, this research extends the emerging body of research that demonstrates the various influences of culture on consumer satisfaction.
Making people criminal: The role of the criminal law in immigration enforcement
Authors: Aliverti Ana
Published: July 2012

This article analyses the recent expansion of immigration offences in Britain. Drawing on criminal law scholarship, it considers the reasons for relying on the criminal law in immigration enforcement. On the one hand, criminal law is used symbolically. In this view, the creation of criminal offences may be read as an attempt to appease a sector of the electorate, the media and the Opposition about the ‘immigration problem.’ By introducing these offences, the government sent a message that the situation is under control. On the other hand, the criminal law serves regulatory functions, offering the UK Border Agency a range of options for dealing with unwanted immigrants. In practice, most immigration offences are rarely enforced. Instead, the criminal law often seems to primarily work as a threat, relied on to enforce compliance with immigration rules. A criminal prosecution is reserved for those foreigners for whom the primary sanction –expulsion- cannot be carried out. In these cases, a criminal prosecution and conviction facilitate administrative proceedings leading to removal. Given that the criminalization of immigration breaches is in stark contrast with a number of criminal law principles, this paper argues that the normative justification of criminal law in immigration matters is weak and it should have no role to play in the enforcement of immigration rules.
Assessing households’ willingness to pay for an immediate pandemic influenza vaccination programme
Authors: Asgary Ali
Published: July 2012

Aims:

This study sought to contribute to the existing literature on pandemic influenza vaccination studies by providing additional evidences of households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for protection against influenza during a pandemic situation from North America.

Methods:

A standard dichotomous-choice contingent valuation survey was designed and completed in a sample of 306 individuals living in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada.

Results:

This study shows that, on average, households are willing to pay $417.35 for immediate pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination. Results show that the vaccine price, age, gender, occupation, organisation, annual family income, receiving annual flu shot, having additional insurance, having someone with a serious illness in the house, knowledge about pandemics, trusting official information on pandemics, supporting government expenditure, and rating government pandemic planning have significant effects on the decision to accept the vaccine bids.

Conclusions:

The results reconfirm the findings of similar studies that influenza vaccine programmes are highly cost-effective despite the high programme cost, because people’s WTP (benefits) for this programme is much higher than the actual costs. Pandemic influenza vaccination programmes should consider the demographic and economic status of the target population as such characteristics have significant impacts on the benefits that people place on such programmes.
Do schools put children’s oral health at risk owing to lack of a health-promoting policy?
Authors: Anttila Jaakko , Kankaanpää Rami , Tolvanen Mimmi , Saranpää Salla , Hiiri Anne , Lahti Satu
Published: July 2012

Background: To achieve a healthy school environment with good nutrition as recommended by World Health Organization, health-promoting policies are needed. Aims: To ascertain whether Finnish schools had oral-health-promoting policies and whether the presence of the policy was associated with practical actions related to oral-health promotion. Another aim was to determine if and how the policy and the actions had changed in 2007–09. Methods: This longitudinal survey was implemented in Finnish upper comprehensive school classes 7–9 ( n=970) in 2007–09. The questionnaire contained 32 questions concerning selling of sweet- and healthy products, school policy, and decision-makers of the policy. From the nine items on the questionnaire, three variables were formed by weighting the response categories: Policy, Exposure, and Enabling. The mean values of each variable were calculated and the statistical significances of the changes were analysed using nonparametric Friedman’s test. The correlations between the variables were investigated by Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: The majority of schools did not have clearly defined oral-health-promoting policies, then they improved in making them, decreased exposure of pupils to sweet products, and offered more oral-health-enabling factors ( p<0.041). In 2009, the oral-health-promoting policy and enabling factors of the schools correlated positively ( r=0.200; p=0.001) and pupil exposure to selling of sweet products and oral-health-enabling factors correlated negatively ( r=−0.176; p=0.005). Conclusions: As even a national recommendation do not seem to have a major effect in changing oral-health-promoting policies, schools need more support on their way towards healthier school environment.
Factors that impact on the safety of patient handovers: An interview study
Authors: Siemsen Inger Margrete Dyrholm , Madsen Marlene Dyrløv , Pedersen Lene Funck , Michaelsen Lisa , Pedersen Anette Vesterskov , Andersen Henning Boje , Østergaard Doris
Published: July 2012

Aims: Improvement of clinical handover is fundamental to meet the challenges of patient safety. The primary aim of this interview study is to explore healthcare professionals’ attitudes and experiences with critical episodes in patient handover in order to elucidate factors that impact on handover from ambulance to hospitals and within and between hospitals. The secondary aim is to identify possible solutions to optimise handovers, defined as “situations where the professional responsibility for some or all aspects of a patient’s diagnosis, treatment or care is transferred to another person on a temporary or permanent basis”. Methods: We conducted 47 semi-structured single-person interviews in a large university hospital in the Capital Region in Denmark in 2008 and 2009 to obtain a comprehensive picture of clinicians’ perceptions of self-experienced critical episodes in handovers. We included different types of handover processes that take place within several specialties. A total of 23 nurses, three nurse assistants, 13 physicians, five paramedics, two orderlies, and one radiographer from different departments and units were interviewed. Results: We found eight central factors to have an impact on patient safety in handover situations: communication, information, organisation, infrastructure, professionalism, responsibility, team awareness, and culture. Conclusions: The eight factors identified indicate that handovers are complex situations. The organisation did not see patient handover as a critical safety point of hospitalisation, revealing that the safety culture in regard to handover was immature. Work was done in silos and many of the handover barriers were seen to be related to the fact that only few had a full picture of a patient’s complete pathway.
Parental restrictive mediation of children’s internet use: Effective for what and for whom?
Authors: Lee Sook-Jung
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of parental restrictive mediation and to examine the effects of restrictive mediation on children’s internet use. Data were obtained through a survey of Korean children from fourth to ninth grade, and their parents. According to the findings, the age of a child, parental perception of the negative influence of the internet, parental perception of their child’s low self-control, and parental internet skills were significant predictors of restrictive mediation. Restrictive mediation was significantly associated with reduced online risks and reduced time spent online, and was not associated with addictive use. In particular, the effects of restrictive mediation on online time and online risks were greater for a child with low self-control. This study advances the understanding of the effects, predictors and moderators of restrictive mediation.
Impact localization in composite structures of arbitrary cross section
Authors: Ciampa Francesco , Meo Michele , Barbieri Ettore
Published: July 2012

This article proposes an in situ structural health monitoring method able to locate the impact source and to determine the flexural Lamb mode A0 velocity in composite structures with unknown lay-up and cross section. The algorithm is based on the differences of the stress waves measured by six surface-attached acoustic emission piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) sensors and is branched off into two steps. In the first step, the magnitude of the squared modulus of continuous wavelet transform, which guarantees high accuracy in the time–frequency analysis of the acoustic waves, was used to identify the time of arrival of the flexural Lamb wave. Then, the coordinates of the impact location and the group speed values are obtained by solving a set of non-linear equations through a combination of local Newton’s iterative method associated with line search and polynomial backtracking techniques. The proposed method, in contrast to the current impact localization algorithms, does not require a priori knowledge of the anisotropy angular-group velocity pattern of the measured waveforms as well as the mechanical properties of the structure. To validate this method, experimental location testing was conducted on two different composite structures: a quasi-isotropic carbon fibre–reinforced plastic laminate and a sandwich panel. The results showed that source location was achieved with satisfactory accuracy (maximum error in estimation of the impact location was approximately 3 mm for quasi-isotropic carbon fibre–reinforced plastic panel and nearly 2 mm for sandwich plate), requiring little computational time (nearly 1 s). In addition, the values of the fundamental flexural Lamb mode A0 obtained from the optimization algorithm were compared with those determined by a numerical spectral finite element method.
When inferiority meets non-inferiority: Implications for interim analyses
Authors: Bratton Daniel J , Williams Hywel C , Kahan Brennan C , Phillips Patrick PJ , Nunn Andrew J
Published: July 2012

Background

The objective of a non-inferiority trial is to determine whether a new or existing treatment is not less effective than another existing or current treatment by more than a pre-specified margin, Δ, usually with the requirement that the new treatment has some other advantage such as reduced cost or lower toxicity. A possible but unusual result in a non-inferiority trial is for the confidence interval for the treatment effect to lie between zero and Δ, implying that the new treatment is both inferior and non-inferior to the control. Such a result could occur in non-inferiority trials with large sample sizes or large non-inferiority margins. The possibility of this scenario occurring has implications for interim analyses. In standard superiority trials, stopping guidelines are often based on the p value obtained from testing whether treatments are equally effective. In non-inferiority trials, however, even if a new treatment is found to be inferior to the control at an interim analysis, there may still be a reasonable chance of demonstrating non-inferiority in the final analysis.

Purpose

To explore the issues arising from trials where a simultaneously inferior and non-inferior result could occur and to describe appropriate methods for deciding whether such trials should be stopped for futility at an interim analysis.

Methods

Conditional power is used to assess futility or the inability of the trial to show non-inferiority at the final analysis, by calculating the probability of demonstrating non-inferiority in the final analysis conditional on the observed results and upon assumptions on the future results of the trial. The Bullous Pemphigoid Steroids and Tetracyclines Study (BLISTER) trial is an example of a trial where a simultaneous inferior and non-inferior result could occur. A method for calculating conditional power for non-inferiority using simulations is described and applied at a hypothetical interim analysis of this trial.

Results

Stopping guidelines for futility based on conditional power are shown to be better suited to non-inferiority trials than the typical methods used in superiority trials. Simulations are a straightforward and flexible way of calculating conditional power.

Limitations

Calculating conditional power relies on assumptions about future treatment efficacy, and therefore, a number of different conditional power values can be obtained. Careful consideration should be given to which assumptions are most likely to be true. Additionally, when choosing a stopping guideline for futility, consideration needs to be given to avoid overinflating the type II error rate.

Conclusions

Conditional power is an appropriate tool for defining stopping guidelines for futility in non-inferiority trials, particularly those with large non-inferiority margins.
Reviewing “monsters”: The press reception and media constructions of contemporary street gang memoirs
Authors: Metcalf Josephine
Published: July 2012

In 1993, a new trend of memoirs began to emerge in the United States, exploring contemporary street gang life in the ghettos and barrios. The first memoirs in this cycle form the subject of this paper: Sanyika Shakur’s Monster and Luis Rodriguez’s Always Running. There have been polarised debates about such texts which have been variously demonised as violent and sensationalist or, by contrast, praised as offering a pedagogic and preventative anti-gang stance. Such contradictory responses are reflected in the memoirs themselves, emphasising the frisson of violent gang exploits and the sober, salutary reflection of politicised and educated hindsight. The memoirs developed an extensive life in the media, becoming a site for channeling charged discussions about youth, crime, race, and violence, opening up a series of discourses about black/Mexican masculinity, censorship, celebrity, and cultural commerce. This paper seeks to understand how these popular narratives, with their charged themes and topical content, came to be interpreted by commentators.
Trends in Political Communication in Hungary
Authors: Szabó Gabriella , Kiss Balázs
Published: July 2012

The paper highlights the trends of political communications (PC) that have arisen in Hungary after the collapse of communist regime (1989). The authors have identified four main trends in the field of PC: fragmentation, the multiplication of PC channels and means, endless amount of PC arenas, Internet, Web 2.0, fragmentation of content, amateurism in PC; post-objectivity, the end of the requirement of unbiased and balanced coverage, more emphasis on the rise of opinion, on media as community focal point rather than window to the objective reality; the performative turn, the representation of self, a strong focus on act, dramaturgy, and aesthetics in PC; and popularization, the convergence of popular culture and politics, fan democracy, entertaining politics, involvement of citizens, etc.