bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Dispositions
Authors: Nelsen Peter J.
Published: May 2014

Despite much debate in the literature, accrediting agencies continue to require that teacher education programs demonstrate that candidates possess requisite sets of dispositions deemed necessary for licensure. At least three unresolved and important questions remain unanswered that directly affect programs’ abilities to do so: Are dispositions immutable aspects of character or are they learned through experience and as such, are they subject to revision through education? How does the larger context of a program affect the development of dispositions? What is the link between observable actions and dispositions? While seemingly disparate questions, this article argues that John Dewey’s discussion of habits offers a theoretical framework that points to answers that respond to mandates and also open avenues for complex educational engagement. To make the case, the article presents a theoretical response to questions about dispositions grounded in Dewey’s conception of habits and then uses that conception to address each of the three proceeding questions in turn. The article’s central argument is that teacher educators should conceptualize dispositions as being comprised of clusters of habits. Habits describe our predispositions to draw upon modes of response to situations and problems that arise within specific contexts. Furthermore, the article concludes that regardless of the type of disposition involved, teacher education programs must create contexts that encourage the development of intelligent habits to inform intelligent dispositions.
Pearl Jephcott: The Legacy of a Forgotten Sociological Research Pioneer
Authors: Goodwin John , O’Connor Henrietta
Published: May 2014

While the lives and works of many sociologists have now been well documented, numerous sociologists at the ‘coal face’ of social research remain ignored. Consequently, beyond the contributions of those more ‘well-known’ scholars, considerably more needs to be done to examine the history of our discipline and reassess the significant contributions made by ‘other’ researchers so that we may reappraise what can be learnt from these ‘pioneer scholars’. In this article we focus on Pearl Jephcott (1900–1980), who in a research career spanning 40 years, but now largely forgotten, was at the forefront of methodological innovation in the 1960s. We offer an introduction to her work, focusing on questions such as why were her methods innovative and why is she now ignored within sociology?
Disenfranchised Violent Young Offenders in Scotland: Using Actor-Network Theory to Explore an Aetiology of Knife Crime
Authors: Holligan Chris
Published: May 2014

In recent years violent knife crime has attracted attention in the UK from government and media. This qualitative article utilises Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to theorise and describe the aetiology of urban knife crime. ANT embraces the potentially causal properties of physical places and culture to explain social phenomena. The article attempts to understand violent crime by applying ANT to empirical data in the form of life stories provided by incarcerated white male teenagers. ANT’s metaphysics elides the modernist split between the human realm and brute nature. This techno-social analysis extends our notion of causality, challenging our understanding of delinquency and legal culpability. By foregrounding embedded human and non-human actor networks the causes of reoffending are illuminated as interlocking.
The surface modification of ballistic textiles using plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD)
Authors: Struszczyk MH , Puszkarz AK , Wilbik-Hałgas B , Cichecka M , Litwa P , Urbaniak-Domagała W , Krucinska I
Published: May 2014

This paper describes studies on the surface modification of so-called ballistic materials (materials commonly used to protect the human body against firearms, i.e. fragments or bullets). Two materials, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite and aramid fabric, were investigated. The surfaces of these fibrous materials were modified using plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) to examine the effects of the modification on the material properties, which are important for designing ballistic protections. Accordingly, both the mechanical strength and water resistance of the modified materials were tested. The results clearly show the impact of the modification on both parameters.
Thermal comfort properties of Kevlar and Kevlar/wool fabrics
Authors: Mahbub Rana Faruq , Wang Lijing , Arnold Lyndon , Kaneslingam Sinnappoo , Padhye Rajiv
Published: May 2014

Recent research on ballistic vests has focused on comfort performance by enhancing thermal comfort and moisture management. Kevlar/wool fabric has been developed as a potential material for ballistic vests. This study investigates the thermal comfort properties of woven Kevlar/wool and woven Kevlar ballistic fabrics. In this context, the thermal resistance, water-vapor resistance, moisture management performance, air permeability and optical porosity of 100% Kevlar and Kevlar/wool ballistic fabrics were compared. The effects of fabric physical properties on laboratory-measured thermal comfort were analyzed. This study also presents the fabric bursting strength and tear strength for comparison. Experimental results showed a clear difference in thermal comfort properties of the two fabrics. It was found that Kevlar/wool possesses better moisture management properties and improved mechanical properties than Kevlar fabric.
Effect of nanofiber diameter on water absorption properties and pore size of polyamide-6 electrospun nanoweb
Authors: Hekmati Amir Houshang , Khenoussi Nabyl , Nouali Habiba , Patarin Joël , Drean Jean-Yves
Published: May 2014

Electrospinning is a common method used to produce nanofiber from almost all types of polymers. By changing effective parameters of this process, especially polymer solution concentration, it is possible to produce nanoweb that consists of nanofibers with different averages of diameter. Here, the effect of nanofibers’ diameter on textural properties (water absorption time and pore size) of polyamide-6 nanoweb has been studied. In this way, three nanowebs with nanofibers’ average diameter of 111, 151, and 318 nm were electrospun from three different concentrations of 15, 20, and 25 wt%, respectively. Contact angle measurement and mercury porosimetry were used to investigate the nanowebs’ water absorption properties and porosity (pore size). The results from the water absorption test demonstrated that the absorption time of a 2 µL water droplet was remarkably shorter for electrospun nanoweb with larger nanofiber diameter. Nanowebs electrospun from 15 and 20 wt% concentrations had roughly the same absorption regime, while for 25 wt% the absorption regime was totally different. Mercury porosimetry of electrospun nanowebs revealed that the pore size in the nanoweb structure decreased by decreasing average diameter of nanofibers. The results of this study showed that contact angle measurement and mercury porosimetry tests could be used as complementary methods to scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and presented as promising methods to study the textural and physical properties of electrospun nanowebs.
Structure and spinning of composite yarn based on the multifilament spreading method using a modified ring frame
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Awais , Yu Weidong , Zheng Yong-hong , He Yong
Published: May 2014

This research work describes a new technique for producing staple fiber core-filament wrapped composite yarn, with the help of an innovative multifilament spreading method, using a slightly modified ring frame. The purpose is to develop an efficient and economic process for spreading the multifilament uniformly, to realize and improve the wrapping of the multifilament around staple core. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the role of micro grooves’ dimensions in the formation of the multifilament layer and related effects on cover spun yarn properties. A modified ring frame was used to make 48 tex (12 Ne) composite yarn, which was compared to a similar composite yarn made on a conventional ring frame, for the tensile and hairiness properties. It was concluded that this mechanical spreading method can be used to increase the spinnability for short staple fibers and to overcome the problems associated with other spreading techniques and also can help to improve the breaking extension and hairiness properties of the composite yarn without the decrease of yarn tenacity.
Estimation of the moisture regain of cotton fiber using the dielectric spectrum
Authors: Lv Han Ming , Ma Li , Ma Chong Qi , Fu Hong Jun
Published: May 2014

A broad band dielectric spectrum measurement system and a newly presented measuring method were adopted to measure the dielectric spectrum of cotton fiber assemblies with different moisture regains in the measurement frequencies from 0.1 Hz to 20  MHz. The experimental results showed that the permittivity of cotton fiber assembly increases with the increase in the moisture regain, and decreases with the increase in measurement frequency. For the cotton fiber assembly with the moisture regain less than 3%, its real part of permittivity is linear with respect to moisture regain from 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz. However, for the cotton fiber assembly with moisture regain greater than 3%, its real part of permittivity is linear with respect to moisture regain only in the frequency much higher than 100  kHz. Moreover, the change rate of the real part permittivity per unit mass, which is independent of the weight but closely related to the moisture regain of the cotton fiber assembly, was presented to estimate the moisture regain of cotton fiber assembly with moisture regain greater than 3%.
Kinematic design and motion analysis of spatial rapier drive mechanisms used in weaving machines
Authors: Eren Recep , Erturk Mesrur , Hascelik Barıs
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an approach for the kinematic design of a rapier drive mechanism containing a spatial mechanism and analyses rapier motion curve. Kinematic design and analysis equations are derived and then the link lengths of the spatial mechanism are calculated in order to satisfy the critical rapier positions inside and outside the shed. In this way, the portions of one loom revolution, during which the rapiers are inside and outside the shed, are determined. The rapier motion curve is obtained by using kinematic analysis equations. It is shown that the position of the oscillating link in the spatial mechanism and the loom main shaft angle at which the rapier enters the shed have the most significant effect on the rapier motion curve. The gear ratio has also some effect on the rapier motion curve. Different rapier motion curves are obtained by changing these parameters and the suitability of these curves for rapier motion is discussed.
Specific Mindfulness Skills Differentially Predict Creative Performance
Authors: Baas Matthijs , Nevicka Barbara , Ten Velden Femke S.
Published: May 2014

Past work has linked mindfulness to improved emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and basic cognitive abilities, but is unclear about the relation between mindfulness and creativity. Studies examining effects of mindfulness on factors pertinent to creativity suggest a uniform and positive relation, whereas work on specific mindfulness skills suggests that mindfulness skills may differentially predict creativity. To test whether the relation between mindfulness and creativity is positive and uniform (the uniform hypothesis) or differentially depends on particular components of mindfulness (the differential hypothesis), we conducted four studies in which mindfulness skills were measured, extensively trained, or manipulated with a short, incidental meditation session. Results supported a differential relation between mindfulness and creativity: Only the ability to observe and attend to various stimuli consistently and positively predicted creativity. Results regarding other mindfulness skills were less consistent. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Perceived Stigma Among People With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Brown Robyn Lewis
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

This study addresses whether age, functional limitation and other stressor exposure, and psychosocial coping resources influence variation in perceived stigma and the form this influence takes (i.e., independent and/or interdependent).

Methods:

Using data from two waves of a large community study of adults (age 20–93) with chronic health conditions ( n = 417), a residual change regression analysis considers direct and moderating factors influencing perceived stigma over a 3-year period.

Results:

Age, functional limitation, the experience of discrimination, and self-esteem independently account for variation in perceived stigma. Moderation tests reveal that age is associated with a greater increase in stigma in the context of greater functional limitation and increases in limitation. Functional limitation and stressor exposure are also associated with declines in stigma in the context of greater mastery and self-esteem.

Discussion:

Multiple processes bear on perceived stigma among people with chronic health conditions. Implications for stigma and stress research are discussed.
Babywearing in the Age of the Internet
Authors: Russell Nancy Ukai
Published: May 2014

This article explores how mothers learn to “babywear” or carry their children on the body using a sling, wrap, or soft carrier. The practice has grown more popular due to the hands-free convenience it offers and the desire of mothers to follow attachment parenting practices. But the profusion of products and unfamiliarity with the practice has led to concerns about health and safety risks. Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out at free educational meetings in northern California where mothers, after having done research on the Internet, received advice and instruction from certified educators. The combination of communications technology and in-person meetings allowed mothers to learn caring practices that differ from past patterns that relied on family and physical proximity. Social networks develop that function both locally and in a wider context to create a new parenting culture that draws on global inputs of consumer choice and knowledge.
Truth-Default Theory (TDT)
Authors: Levine Timothy R.
Published: May 2014

Truth-Default Theory (TDT) is a new theory of deception and deception detection. This article offers an initial sketch of, and brief introduction to, TDT. The theory seeks to provide an elegant explanation of previous findings as well as point to new directions for future research. Unlike previous theories of deception detection, TDT emphasizes contextualized communication content in deception detection over nonverbal behaviors associated with emotions, arousal, strategic self-presentation, or cognitive effort. The central premises of TDT are that people tend to believe others and that this “truth-default” is adaptive. Key definitions are provided. TDT modules and propositions are briefly explicated. Finally, research consistent with TDT is summarized.
On Organizing Algorithms
Authors: Neyland Daniel
Published: May 2014

This short paper acts as a comment on Totaro and Ninno's ‘The Concept of Algorithm as an Interpretative Key of Modern Rationality’ and also introduces some new avenues for exploring the organization of algorithms. In recent discussion of algorithms, concerns have been expressed regarding the apparent power, agential capacity and control that algorithms command of our lives ( Beer, 2009 ; Lash, 2007 ; Slavin, 2011 ; Spring, 2011 ; Stalder and Mayer, 2009 ). The logic of order, if there is one within these discussions, appears somewhat distinct from the metaphor of recursion suggested by Totaro and Ninno. Using this distinction as a starting point, the paper explores alternative metaphors from which to begin an engagement with political questions of algorithmic ordering. The paper argues for engaging with associative metaphors of: algorithmic account, fluidity, absent-presence and sociality. The paper explores these associative metaphors through an important set of emerging questions regarding organizing algorithms: who and what is included or excluded, on what terms and to what ends?
On Art Exhibitions
Authors: Simmel Georg
Published: May 2014

This early essay by Georg Simmel, first published in 1890, reflects on some sociological features of the phenomenon of the art exhibition in European culture at the end of the nineteenth century. The text presents Simmel's judgement at this time – in some respects negative, in other respects positive – of the consequences of the juxtaposition of multiple visual objects within definite temporary institutional spaces for future artistic production, organisation and reception. Particularly notable in the text are some themes that look forward both to Simmel's own better-known essay of 1902, ‘The Metropolis and Mental Life’, and to Walter Benjamin's famous study of 1936, ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction’.
Relationship quality and oxytocin
Authors: Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Birmingham Wendy C. , Light Kathleen C.
Published: May 2014

Prior studies report that couples with higher relationship quality show higher oxytocin (OT) levels, yet other studies report those with higher distress have increased OT. This study investigated these competing predictions in the context of a support enhancement intervention among 34 young married couples ( N = 68). Preintervention marital quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) was examined for associations with plasma and salivary OT levels 4 weeks apart and for changes between these time points within the intervention group. High relationship quality, not distress, was associated with higher OT in both saliva and plasma at both time points. No significant interaction was found between marital quality and intervention condition; relationship quality and support intervention were both independently associated with higher postintervention OT levels.
Evidence-based use of FFP: the influence of a priming strategy without FFP during CPB on postoperative coagulation and recovery in pediatric patients
Authors: Miao X , Liu J , Zhao M , Cui Y , Feng Z , Zhao J , Long C , Li S , Yan F , Wang X , Hu S
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Although fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is one of the most commonly used hemostatic agents in clinical specialties today, there is little evidence available supporting its administration. Our present study observed the effects of a priming strategy without FFP during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on postoperative coagulation and clinical recovery in pediatric patients, aiming to supply new evidence for evidence-based use of FFP.

Method:

Eighty pediatric patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB were randomized to receive either 10-20 ml/kg 4% succinylated gelatin (Gelofusine, GEL group, n = 40) or 1-2 units FFP (FFP group, n = 40) in the pump prime. Rapid-thromboelastography (r-TEG) and functional fibrinogen level were measured before skin incision and 15 minutes after heparin reversal. We recorded the volume of chest tube drainage, transfusion requirements and the dosage of pharmacological agents. The ventilation time, ICU length of stay and hospitalization time after surgery were also collected.

Results:

After heparin neutralization, there were significantly elevated levels of fibrinogen in the FFP group, which were manifested by r-TEG parameters MAf and FLEV. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirements and the usage of pharmacological agents. Recovery time was also comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, prophylactic use of FFP in the priming solution does not provide clinical benefits as presumed. Artificial colloids, such as Gelofusine, can be used safely and effectively as a substitute for FFP in the pump prime. TEG is an effective assessment tool to evaluate postoperative coagulation function in pediatric patients.
Conceptualizing Academic Norms in Middle School
Authors: McCormick Meghan P. , Cappella Elise
Published: May 2014

A wide body of research has documented the relationship between social norms and individual behaviors. There is growing evidence that academic behaviors in early adolescence—when most children begin middle school—may be subject to normative influence as well. However, the structure and composition of peer relationships within middle schools have yet to be fully incorporated into current conceptualizations of academic norms. A social network approach that considers the structure of students’ friendship networks can be a useful framework for informing understanding of middle school academic norms. This article integrates research and theory on social norms and social networks to introduce a model to improve understanding of academic norms in middle schools. Implications for future research are discussed.
‘Red Storm Ahead’: Securitisation of Energy in US–China Relations
Authors: Nyman Jonna
Published: May 2014

Energy is becoming more and more important to state survival and economic development, and is increasingly considered an issue of ‘national security’. In 2005, the bid by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) for US energy company Unocal was securitised by US elite actors, who called for presidential action on the grounds of ‘national security’. This article argues that securitisation of energy is problematic, as it impedes cooperation and encourages strategic and/or economic competition between states over energy supplies by tying energy to a national security ‘us vs. them’ scenario. Moreover, it limits the energy security debate. The article will use a securitisation approach to analyse the discourse of the Unocal affair, together with a smaller complementary case study of US–China cooperation on shale gas to show the possibility of dealing with energy in desecuritised terms. It argues that the current literature on energy ‘security’ analyses policy in overly simplistic competition/cooperation terms and fails to recognise the policy implications of securitising energy. In contrast, a securitisation approach to energy can explain the (re)presentation of energy as a policy issue and allows an analysis of how using particular discourse makes particular policy possible, while silencing alternative policy options. This has implications for policy-making in this area as energy policy/practice should be desecuritised.
Change process characteristics and resistance to organisational change: The role of employee perceptions of justice
Authors: Georgalis Joanna , Samaratunge Ramanie , Kimberley Nell , Lu Ying
Published: May 2014

Although there are many potential causes of failed change, ‘resistance to change’ is widely recognised as a significant contributor to this problem. Much of the literature relating to resistance has focused on the context-specific antecedents which can be divided into those relating to change outcomes and those that focus on change implementation. Justice research acknowledges the importance of employee perceptions of fairness in change management, and identifies it as a key factor in developing positive employee attitudes toward organisational change. Using change process characteristics of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX), participation and information as antecedents, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of employee perceptions of justice on resistance to change. The results of a survey of 100 employees in an Australian workplace indicate that informational justice mediated the relationship between LMX and resistance to change.
The Effect of Smoking on Rotator Cuff and Glenoid Labrum Surgery
Authors: Santiago-Torres Juan , Flanigan David C. , Butler R. Bryan , Bishop Julie Y.
Published: May 2014

Background:

Several orthopaedic conditions have been reported to be adversely affected by smoking. Only a few studies have looked at outcomes related to smoking in shoulder surgery.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To determine whether smoking has a negative influence on tendinous, ligamentous, and cartilaginous shoulder surgery. The hypothesis was that smoking has a negative influence from both a basic science and clinical outcomes perspective on soft tissue shoulder surgery.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review of multiple medical databases was performed evaluating clinical outcomes and basic science studies to determine the effects of smoking on tendinous, ligamentous, and cartilaginous shoulder surgery. The search strategy was based on “shoulder AND [smoke OR smoking OR nicotine OR tobacco].” English language clinical outcomes or basic science studies following soft tissue surgery of the shoulder were included. Studies excluded consisted of those with evidence level 5, partial or total shoulder arthroplasty, fracture reduction and fixation, oncologic mass excision, and osteotomy around the shoulder.

Results:

Ten studies were identified for inclusion and analysis. Eight of these studies, which included 1 basic science study, investigated the relationship between smoking and outcomes of rotator cuff repair (RCR), and 2 examined the effects of smoking on outcomes of glenoid labrum repair. No studies were found that specifically explored the effects of smoking on cartilaginous shoulder surgery. The basic science study and 3 of the 7 clinical outcomes studies investigating smoking and rotator cuff (RTC) surgery outcomes found a statistically significant negative association resulting in decreased RTC tendon repair quality, decreased biomechanics, poorer clinical outcomes, and impaired healing of small-medium RTC tears as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, 1 of 2 clinical outcomes studies examining smoking and glenoid labrum repair reported an increased need for surgical revision of superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears in smokers. No basic science studies were found that investigated the effects of smoking on glenoid labrum surgery.

Conclusion:

Smoking has a negative influence on RCR clinical outcomes and is associated with decreased healing of small-medium RTC tears after repair. The current literature suggests a negative influence of nicotine and smoking on RCR from both a basic science and clinical outcomes perspective. Smoking cessation would benefit patients undergoing RCR and improve clinical outcomes. The relationship of smoking and labral/SLAP repair or articular cartilage is less clear. Further research is needed to evaluate associations with these surgeries and outcomes.

Clinical Relevance:

Smoking has a negative influence on RCR clinical outcomes and is associated with decreased healing of small-medium RTC tears after repair.
Fear or Greed? Duty or Solidarity? Motivations and Stages of Moral Reasoning
Authors: Ferraz Meyer Leandro Frederico , Braga Marcelo José
Published: May 2014

As institutional economists recognize the limits of the canonical self-interest assumption, the lack of a theory of human valuation specifying the determinants of individuals’ utility judgments renders the prediction of behavior in collective action dilemmas virtually impossible. This problem hinders our ability to devise institutions to help cope with a variety of pressing social dilemmas that persist. We suggest that scholars can overcome this difficulty by integrating models of sociocognitive and moral development into the framework of institutional analysis and that such integration aligns with a new revolutionary shift in the social sciences. This shift is evidenced by the “rehabilitation” of key notions once downplayed due to the dominance of positivism. We present results from hypothesis testing linked to a cognitivist-developmental theory of human valuations. These results demonstrate that cooperative motivations and choices in public goods provision dilemmas are associated with further stages of interior development of the participants. We conclude that institutions addressing choices in morally relevant conflicts of action should be designed to promote swifter movement of individuals along the path of interior growth.
Effect of viscose fabric modification on the mechanical and water absorption properties of composites prepared through vacuum infusion
Authors: Rajan R , Riihivuori J , Rainosalo E , Skrifvars M , Järvelä P
Published: May 2014

Viscose fabric-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites were successfully prepared through vacuum infusion process. Unidirectional viscose fabric was modified by two different organosilane coupling agents and by acetylation treatment. The main objective was to study the influence of fabric treatment on the mechanical and water absorption properties of the composites. Flexural, tensile and impact properties of composites were studied. The results from mechanical testing of composites pointed out that 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane treatment increased the flexural and impact strengths of the composites with respect to untreated fabric composite. The impact strength of 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane-treated fabric composites almost doubled compared to the value of untreated fabric composite. Among all the composites under study, those with fabrics treated by 2 vol% 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane in ethanol/water (95:5) solution exhibited significant improvement in water uptake resistance. An unsaturated polyester gelcoat and topcoat were applied as the outer surface on the composites with untreated fabric. This was done in order to investigate the visual surface appearance and evaluate the gelcoat and topcoat effect on water absorption after accelerated water immersion test. The regenerated cellulose fibre as reinforcement shows high potential to be used as an alternative for natural bast fibres, especially, when toughness of material matters. Chemical treatment of regenerated cellulose fibres could result in improvement in properties of polymer composites, considering that the appropriate treatment method is selected for the corresponding fibre–matrix system.
Prader-Willi Syndrome With a Long-Contiguous Stretch of Homozygosity Not Covering the Critical Region
Authors: Yingjun Xie , Yi Zhou , Jianzhu Wu , Yunxia Sun , Yongzhen Chen , Liangying Zhong , Xiangyi Jing , Qun Fang
Published: May 2014

Prader-Willi syndrome is a common and complex disorder affecting multiple systems. Its main manifestations are infantile hypotonia with a poor sucking reflex, a characteristic facial appearance, mild mental retardation, hypogonadism and early-onset obesity. Prader-Willi syndrome is due to the absence of paternally expressed imprinted genes at 15q11.2-13, and 3 main mechanisms are known to be involved in its pathogenesis: paternal microdeletions, maternal uniparental disomy events, and imprinting defects. DNA methylation analysis can detect almost all individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome but is unable to distinguish between the molecular classes of the disease. Thus, additional methods are necessary to identify the molecular classes. Here, we employed chromosomal microarray analysis–single nucleotide polymorphism for diagnosis and detected a long-contiguous stretch of homozygosity on chromosome 15, which is highly predictive of maternal uniparental disomy on chromosome 15. Other methods, including fluorescence in situ hybridization, chromosomal microarray analysis–comparative genomic hybridization, genotyping and family linkage analysis, were performed for further validation. In conclusion, our study highlights the use of long-contiguous stretch of homozygosity detection for the diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome.
Surgical Management of Severe Colitis in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Halaweish Ihab , Alam Hasan B.
Published: May 2014

Severe colitis, an umbrella encompassing several entities, is one of the most common acute gastrointestinal disorders resulting in critical illness. Clostridium difficile infection is responsible for the majority of nosocomial diarrhea with fulminant C difficile colitis (CDC) carrying a high mortality. Optimal outcomes can be achieved by early identification and treatment of fulminant CDC, with appropriate surgical intervention when indicated. Ischemic colitis, on the other hand, is uncommon with a range of etiological factors including abdominal aortic surgery, inotropic drugs, rheumatoid diseases, or often no obvious triggering factor. Most cases resolve with nonsurgical management; however, prompt recognition of full-thickness necrosis and gangrene is crucial for good patient outcomes. Fulminant colitis is a severe disease secondary to progressive ulcerative colitis with systemic deterioration. Surgical intervention is indicated for hemorrhage, perforation, or peritonitis and failure of medical therapy to control the disease. Although, failure of medical management is the most common indication, it can be difficult to define objectively and requires a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. This article proposes some simple management algorithms for these clinical entities, with a focus on critically ill patients.
Acquaintance Molestation and Youth-Serving Organizations
Authors: Lanning Kenneth V. , Dietz Park
Published: May 2014

This article is based not only on the research literature but also on the extensive field experience of the authors in consulting with investigators, attorneys, and organizations on the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and civil litigation of molestation of children within or in connection with youth-serving organizations. Acquaintance molesters have often pursued careers or sought out paid or volunteer work with organizations through which they can meet children. To address the problem of such offenders, it is necessary for youth-serving organizations to recognize the diversity of sexual activity, the phenomena of “nice-guy” offenders and compliant child victims, and the grooming/seduction process, each of which is reviewed here. The four most important protection practices for organizations are screening; management, and supervision; response to suspicions, allegations, and complaints; and prevention and awareness programs. The authors recommend general approaches to each of these and describe the reasons many organizations resist implementing available preventive measures.
How Youth-Serving Organizations Enable Acquaintance Molesters
Authors: Boyle Patrick
Published: May 2014

In recent years, some of the country’s most prominent institutions have been ensnared in child sex abuse scandals. While each abuse incident features its own particular circumstances, institutions that have been the subject of these scandals have displayed similar patterns of organizational behavior that allowed molesting to occur and molesters to escape accountability. We can learn from those patterns to better understand and combat acquaintance molestation in youth-serving organizations.

Although sex abuse is an inherent risk in youth work, American youth-serving organizations have responded to this risk largely on a case-by-case basis after abuse incidents have been revealed, rather than through proactive strategies to reduce the risk of abuse and to respond effectively to allegations. An examination of abuse scandals reveals common patterns of behavior among paid and volunteer staff in organizations that did not enact comprehensive, proactive strategies: Faith in the organiation blinded staff to the liklihood of abuse; organizations kept workers ignorant about the extent of the abuse problem; when abuse accusations arose, staff gave the benefit of the doubt to the adult; when abuse accusations were confirmed, staffers did not know how to respond; and not knowing how to resopnd, staff prioritized the protection of the organization.

As a result, child molesters have been falsely exonerated or not held accountable, abused children have been disbelieved, and abuse has continued. These organizations inadvertently achieved the opposite of their missions: They enabled child molesters at the expense of children.
Intimate Partner Violence in the Relationships of Men With Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Mitra Monika , Mouradian Vera E.
Published: May 2014

Despite the growing literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization against people with disabilities, few studies have examined IPV against men with disabilities. This study uses population-based data to examine the prevalence of past-year and lifetime IPV against men with disabilities in the United States in comparison with men without disabilities and women with and without disabilities, compare the demographic characteristics of men with disabilities who reported IPV to those of other men, and examine associations of IPV and disability status with mental and physical health and other health risks among men. Results indicate that, adjusting for demographic characteristics, men with disabilities were more likely to report lifetime IPV than men without disabilities and, among those reporting any lifetime IPV, men with disabilities were more likely to report past-year IPV than both nondisabled men and women. With few exceptions, comparisons of health indicators revealed that men with disabilities reporting lifetime IPV were more likely than other men to report poor health status and to report engaging in health risk behaviors. Directions for future research and programmatic and policy implications of these results are discussed.
Examining the Impact of Disability Status on Intimate Partner Violence Victimization in a Population Sample
Authors: Hahn Josephine W. , McCormick Marie C. , Silverman Jay G. , Robinson Elise B. , Koenen Karestan C.
Published: May 2014

This study examined effects of impairments in physical and mental health on the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (≥18 years). A total of 34,563 adults completed interviews in two waves of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Physical and mental health impairments, as well as IPV victimization, were assessed using validated surveys in the total sample and by gender. In the total sample, physical health impairments at Wave 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.04, 1.42], p < .05) and mental health impairments at Wave 1 (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = [1.45, 1.91], p < .001) were significantly associated with higher risk of IPV victimization at Wave 2, compared with those without reported impairments. Higher risk of later IPV victimization was also seen among females who reported physical health impairments ( OR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.04, 1.53], p < .05) and mental health impairments (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = [1.63, 2.28], p < .001) compared with those who did not report similar limitations. Among males, higher risk of IPV victimization was significantly associated with mental health impairments (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = [1.19, 1.82], p < .001), compared with those without mental health impairments. Adults with physical and mental health impairments may benefit from targeted interventions aimed at preventing IPV.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Battered Women in Lebanon
Authors: Khadra Christelle , Wehbe Nancy , Lachance Fiola Jacinthe , Skaff Wadih , Nehmé Mona
Published: May 2014

Intimate partner violence against women is common in Lebanon and can lead to major health problems. However, the incidence of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in battered women has not been extensively explored in the Lebanese cultural context. The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) to determine the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among women in Lebanon who have been physically abused by their partners, (b) to assess whether the rate of PTSD symptoms varied according to sociodemographic variables, and (c) to reveal other attributes that might be risk factors for developing symptoms of PTSD. Of the 95 physically abused women who met inclusion criteria, 85 completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic questions, the physical abuse subscale of the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS), and the PTSD Checklist−Civilian Version (PCL-C). Results showed a high prevalence of PTSD symptoms (97%), positively correlated with physical violence ( r = .719). Lower education level and recent abuse were correlated with symptom severity, as were the number of problematic habitual behaviors in the abusive partner and the use of psychotherapy. Increased involvement of health care professionals in the detection of women at risk, with referral to appropriate resources, is suggested to improve prevention and management efforts.
The Effect of Brief, Passive Psychoeducation on Knowledge and Ratings of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States and Argentina
Authors: Bridges Ana J. , Karlsson Marie , Lindly Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

This study explored the benefits of brief, passive psychoeducation about intimate partner violence (IPV) in two diverse samples. Participants were 100 college students from the United States and Argentina. The experimental group received brief psychoeducation about IPV, whereas control subjects did not. Results indicated that participants receiving brief, passive psychoeducation did significantly better on a subsequent IPV knowledge quiz and were significantly more likely to label IPV scenarios as abusive than participants in the control group. Mean differences were largest for the more subtle forms of IPV (e.g., social and economic abuse). In contrast, mean differences were negligible for physical and sexual abuse, in part because nearly all participants saw these acts as abusive regardless of condition. There were no significant differences in knowledge improvement as a function of cultural group. Prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.
Evaluating the Chinese Revised Controlling Behaviors Scale
Authors: Tiwari Agnes , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Chan Ko Ling , Yan Elsie Chau Wai , Lam Gloria Ling Lee , Tang Debbie Hoi Ming , Graham-Kevan Nicola
Published: May 2014

The present study evaluated the utility of the Chinese version of the Revised Controlling Behaviors Scale (C-CBS-R) as a measure of controlling behaviors in violent Chinese intimate relationships. Using a mixed-methods approach, in-depth, individual interviews were conducted with 200 Chinese women survivors to elicit qualitative data about their personal experiences of control in intimate relationships. The use of controlling behaviors was also assessed using the C-CBS-R. Interview accounts suggested that the experiences of 91 of the women were consistent with the description of coercive control according to Dutton and Goodman’s conceptualization of coercion. Using the split-half validation procedure, a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was conducted with the first half of the sample. The area under the curve (AUC) for using the C-CBS-R to identify high control was .99, and the cutoff score of 1.145 maximized both sensitivity and specificity. Applying the cutoff score to the second half gave a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 95%. Overall, the C-CBS-R has demonstrated utility as a measure of controlling behaviors with a cutoff score for distinguishing high from low levels of control in violent Chinese intimate relationships.
First Do No Harm
Authors: Brown Laura S.
Published: May 2014

This article explores the risks to authors and their clients of creating psychological literature based on case studies. The author considers how the events that occurred in Nicole Taus’s case might have affected those clients with whom she wrote case studies. Finally, the author analyzes the potential losses to the field should other participants in case studies be at risk of the kind of intrusive invasion of privacy experienced by Taus and calls for the development of ethical principles for psychological science.
Determinants of Apparel Exports in Developed Economies
Authors: Lee Juyoung , Karpova Elena , Lee Minjung
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that can explain apparel export in economically developed countries. Theoretical framework is based on the gravity model and economic geography theory. Three factors were investigated in relation to apparel export in developed countries: (a) supply of apparel export, (b) potential apparel demand and (c) existence of fashion capital. Secondary data were collected for thirty-one country-members of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Multiple regression analysis showed that apparel domestic supply and potential apparel demand are strong determinants of apparel export in developed countries. The final model explained the 74% of variance in apparel exports from developed countries. Understanding determinants that drive apparel export could facilitate development of new strategies for fostering competitiveness of domestic apparel industries. The results might be beneficial to multinational companies assessing possible apparel production sites for high-value added products.
Effect of ion exchange treatment on dynamic compression properties of polypropylene/muscovite-layered silicate composites
Authors: Omar Mohd Firdaus , Akil Hazizan Md , Ahmad Zainal Arifin , Rasyid Mohd Fadli Ahmad , Noriman NZ
Published: May 2014

Filler treatment is one of the recognized methods that can be implemented to improve the mechanical properties of composite materials. However, no research has examined this particular issue from the dynamic perspective. Hence in this study, both untreated and treated polypropylene (PP)/muscovite (M)-layered silicate composites were tested under static and dynamic loadings of up to 1100 s−1, using a universal testing machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus, respectively. M particles were treated with lithium nitrate and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant, through an ion exchange treatment. This treatment process was successfully proven, using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Results show that the treated PP/M specimens with a fine state of dispersion level show better mechanical performances under a wide range of strain rates that were investigated, when compared with the untreated PP/M specimens. In addition, the mechanical properties of both the tested PP/M-layered silicate composites also show great dependency on the strain rate applied, where yield stress, compression modulus, ultimate compressive strength, and absorbed energy steadily increased when the strain rate was increased. However, the yield strain shows a contrary trend. Postdamage analyses were found to be consistent with the mechanical results for both tested specimens.
Bionanocomposites based on thermoplastic starch and cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Orue Ander , Corcuera M Angeles , Peña Cristina , Eceiza Arantxa , Arbelaiz Aitor
Published: May 2014

The goals of this work are to obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS) with different glycerol/water ratios, verify its characterization by different techniques, and study the influence of addition of cellulose nanofibers in the matrix of TPS. The general procedure for processing starchy materials involves granular alteration with the combination of temperature, shear, and plasticizers. Distilled water and glycerol are used as plasticizers, and the influence of both of them has been studied in tensile properties. By infrared spectroscopy analysis, the addition of plasticizers created new physical links (hydrogen bonds) with starch molecules thereby shifting the characteristic peaks of native corn starch to higher wave number. The most suitable composition for the elaboration of bionanocomposites has been determined and bionanocomposites with different content of cellulose nanofibers have been obtained and their mechanical properties have been studied.