bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcome After Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Muser Daniele , Santangeli Pasquale , Castro Simon A. , Pathak Rajeev K. , Liang Jackson J. , Hayashi Tatsuya , Magnani Silvia , Garcia Fermin C. , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Supple Gregory G. , Frankel David S. , Riley Michael P. , Lin David , Schaller Robert D. , Dixit Sanjay , Zado Erica S. , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E.
Published: October 2016

Background—

Catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can be challenging because of the complexity of underlying substrates. We sought to determine the long-term outcomes of endocardial and adjuvant epicardial CA in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

We examined 282 consecutive patients (aged 59±15 years, 80% males) with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent CA. Ablation was guided by activation/entrainment mapping for tolerated VT and pacemapping/targeting of abnormal electrograms for unmappable VT. Adjuvant epicardial ablation was performed for recurrent VT or persistent inducibility after endocardial–only ablation. Epicardial ablation was performed in 90 (32%) patients. Before ablation, patients failed a median of 2 antiarrhythmic drugs), including amiodarone, in 166 (59%) patients. The median follow-up after the last procedure was 48 (19–67) months. Overall, VT-free survival was 69% at 60-month follow-up. Transplant-free survival was 76% and 68% at 60- and 120-month follow-up, respectively. Among the 58 (21%) patients with VT recurrence, CA still resulted in a significant reduction of VT burden, with 31 (53%) patients having only isolated (1–3) VT episodes in 12 (4–35) months after the procedure. At the last follow-up, 128 (45%) patients were only on β-blockers or no treatment, 41 (15%) were on sotalol or class I antiarrhythmic drugs, and 62 (22%) were on amiodarone.

Conclusions—

In patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and VT, endocardial and adjuvant epicardial CA is effective in achieving long-term VT freedom in 69% of cases, with a substantial improvement in VT burden in many of the remaining patients.
Changes in Medical Therapy and Lifestyle After Anatomical or Functional Testing for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ladapo Joseph A. , Hoffmann Udo , Lee Kerry L. , Coles Adrian , Huang Megan , Mark Daniel B. , Dolor Rowena J. , Pelberg Robert A. , Budoff Matthew , Sigurdsson Gardar , Severance Harry W. , Douglas Pamela S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Diagnostic testing in the care of patients newly presenting with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease may influence risk factor management, independent of test type or test results. However, little is known about changes in medications and lifestyle after anatomical or functional testing.

Methods and Results

We examined what factors influenced preventive medical therapy and lifestyle practices at 60 days among 10 003 symptomatic patients (53% women; mean age 61 years) randomly assigned to anatomical testing with coronary computed tomographic angiography or functional testing (NCT01174550). We also assessed the association of preventive changes with major cardiovascular events. There were no differences in medications/lifestyle at baseline. At 60 days, relative to baseline, the computed tomographic angiography strategy was associated with a higher proportion of patients newly initiating aspirin (11.8% versus 7.8%), statins (12.7% versus 6.2%), and β‐blockers (8.1% versus 5.3%), compared to functional testing (
P
<0.0001 for each). No significant differences between computed tomographic angiography and functional testing strategies were observed for initiation of exercise, quitting smoking, or weight loss in overweight/obese patients, though overall prevalence of healthy eating was higher after computed tomographic angiography (
P
=0.002) while obese/overweight status was lower (
P
=0.040). Positive initial test results and revascularization demonstrated stronger associations with preventive medications and lifestyle than test type. Medication initiation was not associated with fewer cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

Positive initial test results and revascularization are primary drivers of changes in preventive medical and lifestyle practices, with test type making secondary contributions. However, substantial opportunities exist to further reduce cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01174550.
Crisis and Education in Southern Europe: The Effects of Austerity and Ideology
Authors: Capucha Luís , Sebastião João , Martins Susana da Cruz , Capucha Ana Rita
Published: October 2016

Since the mid-1970s, the countries of Southern Europe have been approaching European education patterns. This result can be observed in the positive dynamics and convergence with the rest of Europe. However, despite these visible results, the convergence was more evident up until the outbreak of the crisis, where the overall economic and political conditions also brought changes in policymaking in education to the Southern European countries, both in terms of policy priorities and educational outcomes. Therefore, while economic hardship and austere programs are a common trait in recent years, the changes cannot be directly or simply attributed to economic or financial constraints; these changes are mainly due to different political options endorsed by the governments of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. The main empirical sources are the Eurostat and theoecd. Other empirical material relates to national reports produced in the framework of an international project:ecseInternational Report, Educational Challenges in Southern Europe. Equity and efficiency in a time of crisis.
Climate Change and Social Conflicts
Authors: Sťahel Richard
Published: October 2016

This article outlines the role of globalized mass media in the perception of environmental and social threats and its reciprocal conditionality in the globalized society. It examines the reasons why the global environmental crisis will not lead to a world-wide environmental movement for change of the basic imperatives of the world economic-political system. Coherency between globalized mass media and wide-spreading of consumer lifestyle exists despite the fact that it deepens the devastation of environment and social conflicts. Globalized mass media owned by transnational corporations are not only a part of the current global economic-political system, but also the prerequisite of its creation and existence, as well as social contradictions and conflicts.
Laugh and Resist! Humor and Satire Use in the Gezi Resistance Movement
Authors: Kaptan Yeşim
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on the local humor employed in the Gezi Park Protests, one of the most widespread protests in the history of modern Turkey. By analyzing examples of widely circulated graffiti in the social media during and after the Gezi Park protests, I explore the role of socio-cultural and political humor in the protests as a form of resistance, which is intertwined in many ways with local popular culture, as well as global cultural forms of resistance used in anti-capitalist movements such as the Occupy Wall Street movement and public protests in Greece, Egypt, Algeria, and Spain. The humor and laughter in political processes manifests relation to traditional Turkish cultural forms. However, context-bounded humor originating from local meanings and traditional folk stories in the humorous graffiti of the Gezi Protests is considered not only an artistic and creative form of opposition to the conservative-religiousakpgovernment, but also a local response to global capitalism.
Cosmopolitanism and Ethics
Authors: Rivera Isaias
Published: October 2016

The word “cosmopolitanism” is often used to describe a form of civic universalism that in the view of some contemporary philosophers is a well-matched response to present circumstances. Given that the fact of pluralism is among the salient features of these circumstances, how does contemporary thinking on cosmopolitanism suggest that we resolve the ethical dilemmas that cultural differences presents? As early as 308bc the Stoics taught on the use of reason and autonomy in the individual. Self control was believed to be a method to achieve virtue, wisdom, and unbiased character. The Stoics believed in the development of clear judgment through logic and experience.
Deep-sea (>1000 m) Goniasteridae (Valvatida; Asteroidea) from the North Pacific, including an overview of Sibogaster, Bathyceramaster n. gen. and three new species
Authors: MAH CHRISTOPHER L.
Published: October 2016

Research cruises by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have resulted in the discovery of three new species of asteroids from the lower bathyal/abyssal regions of the North Pacific. A new genus, Bathyceramaster is described to accommodate “Mediaster” elegans Ludwig 1905 and related species. New records and in situ observations are also presented. An identification key and taxonomic account of the deep-sea Goniasteridae known from this region including one new genus and two new species is included. An overview of the genus Sibogaster, including a new widely occurring species, is also included.
Description of a new species of Chimarrhometra Bianchi, 1896 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from China
Authors: YE ZHEN , ZHOU YANYAN , BU WENJUN
Published: October 2016

The genus Chimarrhometra Bianchi is recorded for the first time from China and C. yunnanensis sp. n. is described. Photographs of the male and female dorsal habitus and male and female genitalic structures are provided. Habitat photos and a distribution map for the species of Chimarrhometra also are provided.
Hydrometeorological Characterization of a Flash Flood Associated with Major Geomorphic Effects: Assessment of Peak Discharge Uncertainties and Analysis of the Runoff Response
Authors: Amponsah William , Marchi Lorenzo , Zoccatelli Davide , Boni Giorgio , Cavalli Marco , Comiti Francesco , Crema Stefano , Lucía Ana , Marra Francesco , Borga Marco
Published: October 2016

Postflood indirect peak flow estimates provide key information to advance understanding of flash flood hydrometeorological processes, particularly when peak observations are combined with flood simulations from a hydrological model. However, indirect peak flow estimates are affected by significant uncertainties, which are magnified when floods are associated with important geomorphic processes. The main objective of this work is to advance the integrated use of indirect peak flood estimates and hydrological model simulations by developing and testing a procedure for the assessment of the geomorphic impacts–related uncertainties. The methodology is applied to the analysis of an extreme flash flood that occurred on the Magra River system in Italy on 25 October 2011. The event produced major geomorphic effects and peak discharges close to the maxima observed for high-magnitude rainstorm events in Europe at basin scales ranging from 30 to 1000 km2. Results show that the intensity of geomorphic impacts has a significant effect on the accuracy of postflood peak discharge estimation and model-based flood response analysis. It is shown that the comparison between rainfall–runoff model simulations and indirect peak flow estimates, accounting for uncertainties, may be used to identify erroneous field-derived estimates and isolate consistent hydrological simulations. Comparison with peak discharges obtained for other Mediterranean flash floods allows the scale-dependent flood response of the Magra River system to be placed within a broader hydroclimatological context. Model analyses of the hydrologic response illustrate the role of storm structure and evolution for scale-dependent flood response.
The Privatization of Political Representation
Authors: Levine Jeremy R.
Published: October 2016

In an era of public-private partnerships, what role do nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) play in urban governance? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Boston, this article presents a new way to understand CBOs’ political role in poor neighborhoods: CBOs as nonelected neighborhood representatives. Over the course of four years, I followed nine CBOs in six Boston neighborhoods as they planned community development projects. The CBOs in my study superseded elected politicians as the legitimate representatives of poor urban neighborhoods. Private funders and government agencies legitimated CBO leaders’ claims and treated them as the preferred representatives of neighborhoods’ interests. Elected district representatives, by contrast, exhibited limited influence over resources and were rarely involved in community development decision-making. By reconsidering CBOs’ political role in urban neighborhoods, this study uncovers a consequential realignment of urban political representation. It also identifies an important tradeoff between the urban poor’s access to resources and the ability to hold their leaders democratically accountable—a tradeoff that will remain so long as governments continue to rely on private actors in public governance.
The first 30 months of the MindSpot Clinic: Evaluation of a national e-mental health service against project objectives
Authors: Titov Nickolai , Dear Blake F , Staples Lauren G , Bennett-Levy James , Klein Britt , Rapee Ronald M , Andersson Gerhard , Purtell Carol , Bezuidenhout Greg , Nielssen Olav B
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The MindSpot Clinic provides online mental health services to Australian adults with anxiety and depression. This paper describes users of MindSpot between January 2013 and June 2015. Outcomes are considered against three key objectives: improving access to mental health services, improving public awareness of how to access services and providing evidence-based treatments.

Method:

Website traffic data were examined to determine patterns of use. Demographic characteristics, past service utilisation and reasons for contacting MindSpot were analysed. Outcomes for patients enrolled in a MindSpot treatment course were also analysed. Primary outcomes were scores on the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-Item, Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian Version, administered at assessment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up.

Results:

The website was visited by almost 500,000 Australians, of which 33,990 adults started assessments, and 25,469 people completed assessment and were eligible for analysis. Mean age was 36.4 years (standard deviation = 13.3 years; range = 18–94 years), and 72% were female. The proportion living in rural or remote regions and who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander closely matched national statistics. The majority (82%) reported that they were not currently in contact with mental health services. Most patients sought an assessment, information about treatment options, or referral to another service, and only 24% of those completing an assessment commenced a MindSpot treatment course. Of these, large clinical effects ( d: 0.7–2.4; average symptom reductions: 25.5% to 61.6%) were found from assessment to follow-up on all outcome measures. Deterioration ranged from 1.0% to 4.3%.

Conclusion:

Based on the number of website visits, completed assessments and treatment outcomes, MindSpot achieved its three programme objectives. This model of service provision has considerable value as a complement to existing services, and is proving particularly important for improving access for people not using existing services.
Post-secularism, Multiculturalism, Human Rights, and Religion in Ontario
Authors: Seljak David
Published: October 2016

Most Canadians believe that they have resolved the issue of religious freedom—as well as the problems of the injustice of Christian privilege and discrimination based on religion—by redefining the social order according to Canadian models of secularism, multiculturalism, and human rights. Typical of this resolution were the protections against discrimination based on religion or “creed” in the Ontario Human Rights Code, drafted in 1962. However, dramatic social and demographic changes in Ontario over the last fifty years have presented the efforts of the Ontario Human Rights Commission to protect and promote religious freedom with unexpected challenges. New forms of ethno-racial and religious pluralism, more widespread secularism, more religious hybridity and innovation, and greater degrees of individualized expression of religious identity have forced the Commission to rethink its policies pertaining to religious freedom. The Commission is wrestling with the fact that not only has Ontario become more religiously diverse in terms of the number of world religions and sub-divisions in those traditions, but religion in Ontario is expressing itself in unprecedented forms. At the same time, jurisprudence and public attitudes about the role of religion in secular, liberal democracies are also evolving. This article examines the Commission’s treatment of religious freedom in its policy work on balancing competing human rights and protection of freedom based on creed. It analyzes the Commission’s challenges in formulating policies around religious freedom by examining the interaction between secularism, multiculturalism, and human rights culture in the context of the transition of Canada’s social order to a post-secular society.
Religion as Culture
Authors: Marshall Alison
Published: October 2016

Today’s Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which came to power in 1949, continues to recognize religion and Christianity as part of the dominant Western culture, and as the means to establish relationships and promote religion and culture. When faced with a moral or ethical dilemma the CCP looks to a Confucian past for traditions just as the Canadian state draws on the Protestant and Catholic cultures of its so-called founding peoples. The Chinese state has additionally attempted to manage religious engagement by propping up select Buddhist temples and working through grassroots personal webs of connection to household religious altars, enshrined deities, and communal practices. In China and in Canada, states claim neutrality but in both cases and for different reasons religion is treated as culture. The paper’s ethno-historical approach draws on over 15 years of fieldwork and historical research throughout the Chinese cultural sphere (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Canada). Looking across histories and nations it traces state governance in China and Canada, webs of connections, and personal interactions that have shaped religious identities and the resurgence of Chinese temple life and select religious cults.
Managing Religious Diversity in China
Authors: Laliberté André
Published: October 2016

In this essay I argue that despite the scope of change in the realms of military, security, economic, and social policies, as well as changes in the legal sphere, the path dependency left by the institutions of the previous imperial and republican regimes has influenced the current arrangements for the regulation of religion by the state in China. This state of affairs has less to do with something specific to Chinese culture and more to do with the particular institutional context of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In the first section of this paper, I consider the influence of previous regimes’ institutions that is still felt in the current regulatory mechanisms for the control of religion. Then, in the second section, I explore the current approach to religious affairs, drawing attention to its quadripartite dimensions: political, legal, administrative, and managerial. In a third section I examine the nature of the challenges faced by the Communist Party of China, the legal and state apparatus of the PRC, and the religious institutions. The discussion uses evidence from fieldwork that I have undertaken over the space of ten years on the philanthropic activities of Buddhist institutions in China. I conclude by discussing the political obstacles that stand in the way of implementing a secular state in China that is genuinely pluralist and supportive of religious diversity.
Islam and State Policy in Contemporary China
Authors: Wang Jianping
Published: October 2016

Since Deng Xiaoping adopted a pragmatic policy of opening up and reforming the country in the late 1970s, Islam has witnessed a revival in China. Just as the Chinese nation has experienced rapid economic, political and social development, so too has Islam grown and diversified. Since Muslims generally enjoy the freedom to practice their religion and the benefit of China’s Preferential Program (a policy giving special privileges to minority Muslims) – if they obey the state law and keep harmonious relations with other social groups – some Chinese Muslims regard today as a “golden age” for Islam in the People’s Republic. This paper offers an overview of the major developments in Chinese Communist policy on religion and discusses the internal and external influences of domestic and international relations on Communist Party policy towards Chinese Muslims. It argues that Chinese Communist Party policy since the 1970s protects religious freedom but does so while maintaining state control over religion. Further, in the case of Islam in the People’s Republic, state protection and control are defined according to the domestic and international concerns of the State.
Community-Based Equity Audits
Authors: Green Terrance L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To equitably transform urban schools of color and the neighborhoods where they are nested requires approaches that promote community equity and foster solidarity among a range of stakeholders. However, most school–community approaches solely focus on improving school-based outcomes and leave educational leaders with little guidance for how to critically understand their school’s community context and act in solidarity with neighborhood stakeholders on community issues. The purpose of this conceptual article is to introduce what I call community-based equity audits and explain how educational leaders can use this process to work toward equitable school-community outcomes. Method and Approach: This process builds on equity audits in educational leadership, community audits, and community-based research practices and is theoretically grounded in Freirean dialogue. To demonstrate its impacts, this article draws on reflections of aspiring principals who conducted community-based equity audits in a leadership preparation program. Findings: The community-based equity audit consists of four phases: disrupt deficit views about community, conduct initial community inquiry and shared community experiences, establish a community leadership team, and collect equity, asset-based community data for action. Implications: This instrument is developed to guide educational leaders, and those who prepare them, in creating context-specific, equitable school–community solutions.
Cornel West’s Pragmatic Understanding of America
Authors: Conlon James
Published: October 2016

Cornel West’s intellectual performance does not fit neatly into the usual academic categories. One of his goals from the beginning, as he himself repeatedly attests, has been “to examine critically the soul of American civilization.” This article summarizes his understanding of America and explores some of the ways it has been articulated. It first examines some specific ways that West finds American civilization distinctive in both its institutions and attitudes. It then offers his analysis of what American citizenship means, the ethical commitments inherent in its founding vision, and any contemporary allegiance to it. Finally, it examines the significance West gives to blues and jazz in American life. Since they are, he argues, America’s most distinctive artistic creations, they have played an important role in expressing its democratic soul. The overall understanding of America that emerges from West’s prodigious and multifaceted work provides not only interesting possibilities for American self-reflection but also directions for political change.
Mechanical and thermal characterisation of multifunctional composites incorporating phase change materials
Authors: Yoo Sanghyun , Kandare Everson , Mahendrarajah Ghowsalya , Al-Maadeed Mariam A , Khatibi Akbar Afaghi
Published: October 2016

The paper reports an experimental investigation on the mechanical and thermal properties of multifunctional composite laminates integrated with microencapsulated phase change materials. The different microstructures were created by incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials in glass–epoxy composites at weight fraction between 0 and 20 wt.%. To characterise the mechanical properties, tension, compression and flexural tests were conducted. The scanning electron microscope studies were used to investigate the damage mechanisms associated with these loading conditions. Thermal storage capability of the multifunctional composites was characterised using heat flux meters. The apparent heat capacity of the composites was linearly proportional to the concentration of microencapsulated phase change materials. Alternative design analysis resulted in an optimised laminate configuration with high thermal storage capability coupled with excellent mechanical properties.
Covert Operations, Wars, Detainee Destinations, and the Psychology of Democratic Peace
Authors: Crandall Christian , Cox Owen , Beasley Ryan , Omelicheva Mariya
Published: October 2016

We explore US covert forcible actions against democratic governments and their citizens and show that interdemocratic use of covert force is common and can be accommodated within the theory of democratic peace. Grounded in the Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy, we argue that democracies are constrained by public perceptions of their legitimacy from overtly aggressing against other democratic states. When democracies desire to aggress against their democratic counterparts, they will do so covertly. We test the assumptions of the theory and its implication with (1) laboratory studies of the conflation of democracy with ally status and (2) historical analyses of covert militarized actions and prisoner detention, which show that US forcible actions, when carried out against democracies and their citizens, are carried out clandestinely.
How can political trust be built after civil wars? Evidence from post-conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Wong Pui-Hang
Published: October 2016

As a fundamental concept in peace research, trust, or the lack of it, has shown to be associated with the onset of violent conflict, the instability of negotiated settlement, and the sustainability of peace. Despite its proven importance, the question of how political trust can be built after civil conflicts has only received limited attention and remains unanswered. While previous studies demonstrated that improved provision of public services plays a significant role in a trust-building process, the present article shows a more nuanced picture, namely that service enhancement only works if it reflects the needs of people. Projects that do not properly mirror the needs of people, however, have no direct effect on building political trust. Using micro-level data from Sierra Leone, the article finds that people are more likely to trust governments that are willing to listen and respond to their needs and demands. Though government performance carries the previously hypothesized effect, its explanatory power reduces substantively once responsiveness is introduced into the analysis. This finding also holds when potential biases due to endogeneity and sample selection are considered. Results from a mediation analysis also indicate that if government performance has any effect, it is transmitted through the responsiveness mechanism. Overall, this article contributes to the literature by clarifying the mechanism of trust-building in post-conflict societies.
Welcoming Immigrants with Similar Occupational Interests: Experimental Survey Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Siu-yau , Vyas Lina , Chou Kee-lee
Published: October 2016

Recent studies in America and Europe suggest that individual economic self-interest plays little role in explaining individual attitudes towards immigrants. A key piece of evidence for this proposition is that natives do not show particular hostility towards immigrants whose skill levels are similar to their own. We conducted an experimental survey of Hong Kong residents to examine their attitudes towards immigrants from Mainland China. We found that positive attitudes towards low-skilled immigrants were more prevalent among local labourers – whose job security would presumably be under greater threat from them – than among executives and professionals. Similarly, the premium attached to highly skilled immigrants increases significantly with locals’ occupational prestige, suggesting that immigrants are more likely to find support among natives who share similar occupational interests. Our results remain robust even after controlling for a range of potential explanatory variables. We conclude with a critical discussion of the use of skill levels to estimate the occupational interests of natives and assess the value of relying on the conventional labour market competition model to generate hypotheses about the role of economic self-interest in shaping immigration preferences.
Dimensionality of Policy Space in Consociational Northern Ireland
Authors: Garry John , Matthews Neil , Wheatley Jonathan
Published: October 2016

A criticism of consociational power sharing as an institutional response to violent conflict is that it buttresses rather than ameliorates the underlying (linguistic, religious or ethno-national) divide, hence prohibiting the emergence of new dimensions of political competition (such as economic left-right or moral liberal-conservative dimensions) that are characteristic of ‘normal’ societies. We test this argument in the context of the illustrative Northern Ireland case, using data from expert coding of party policy documents and opinion data derived from two Voter Advice Applications (VAAs). We find evidence for a moral liberal-conservative dimension of politics in addition to the ethno-national dimension. Hence, we caution against assuming that consociational polities are unidimensional.
Relationship between the cross-link structure and properties of peroxide and sulfur-cured magnetic composites based on NR and NBR
Authors: Kruželák Ján , Sýkora Richard , Dosoudil Rastislav , Hudec Ivan
Published: October 2016

In the present work, rubber magnetic composites were prepared by incorporation of strontium ferrite into rubber matrices based on natural rubber (NR) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The sulfur and peroxide curing systems were introduced in cross-linking of rubber matrices. The research was aimed at the evaluation of magnetic filler content and type of curing system on the cross-link density, physical–mechanical and magnetic properties of prepared composites. The relationship between the composition of elastomers and cross-link structure within the rubber matrices, formed by applying different curing systems, was under investigation through strain–stress behavior of tested materials. The achieved results showed that ferrite behaves as a reinforcing filler in peroxide-cured composites based on NR, and in both, sulfur as well as peroxide-cured composites based on NBR. The results also demonstrated that the cross-linking degree and the type of cross-link structure as well as the composition of rubber matrices, to a large extent, influence the property spectrum of tested composite systems.
Nonlinear coupling control method for underactuated three-dimensional overhead crane systems under initial input constraints
Authors: Zhang Menghua , Ma Xin , Rong Xuewen , Tian Xincheng , Li Yibin
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we present an enhanced coupling nonlinear control method for three-dimensional overhead crane systems under initial input constraints. The proposed control method can achieve superior control performance and strong robustness with respect to system parameter variations and external disturbances. Moreover, it guarantees ‘soft’ trolley start by introducing hyperbolic tangent functions into the controller. More precisely, we enhance the coupling behaviour between the trolley movement and the payload swing by fabricating two composite signals, based on which an energy-like storage function is established. Then, a nonlinear coupling control method under initial input constraints is derived directly. Lyapunov techniques and LaSalle’s invariance theorem are successfully adopted to find the asymptotic stability solution while satisfying the initial input constraints. Strict mathematical analysis of the control scheme with initial input constraints is provided as theoretical support for the superior performance of the controller. Simulation and experimental results are conducted to show the superior performance and strong robustness of the proposed control method.
Shaping the Development of Prejudice
Authors: Bratt Christopher , Sidanius Jim , Sheehy-Skeffington Jennifer
Published: October 2016

Social dominance orientation (SDO) has been theorized as a stable, early-emerging trait influencing outgroup evaluations, a view supported by evidence from cross-sectional and two-wave longitudinal research. Yet, the limitations of identifying causal paths with cross-sectional and two-wave designs are increasingly being acknowledged. This article presents the first use of multi-wave data to test the over-time relationship between SDO and outgroup affect among young people. We use cross-lagged and latent growth modeling (LGM) of a three-wave data set employing Norwegian adolescents (over 2 years, N = 453) and a five-wave data set with American university students (over 4 years, N = 748). Overall, SDO exhibits high temporal rank-order stability and predicts changes in outgroup affect. This research represents the strongest test to date of SDO’s role as a stable trait that influences the development of prejudice, while highlighting LGM as a valuable tool for social and political psychology.
Emotional Labor Predicts Service Performance Depending on Activation and Inhibition Regulatory Fit
Authors: Chi Nai-Wen , Grandey Alicia A.
Published: October 2016

When service providers regulate their moods and expressions (i.e., deep acting and surface acting), are they better performers? Drawing on the framework of activation-inhibition regulatory systems and regulatory fit, we propose (a) that deep acting represents an activation-oriented regulation strategy and surface acting, an inhibition-oriented regulation strategy; (b) that these strategies have separate pathways to desirable performance (i.e., affective delivery) and counterproductive performance (i.e., service sabotage), respectively; and (c) that performance is optimized when momentary regulation strategies are aligned with activation- and inhibition-oriented traits. Empirically, across two studies, we employ a multilevel approach (i.e., within- and between-person), a multisource approach (i.e., self, coworker, customer), and a multicontext approach (i.e., banks and restaurants) to test regulatory fit as applied to emotional labor. In two studies, we support separate activation and inhibition pathways, plus regulatory fit, in that deep acting is beneficial to affective delivery for those higher in two activation traits—namely, extraversion and openness—and that surface acting predicts service sabotage for those lower in an inhibition trait: conscientiousness. We empirically rule out mood as the explanation for these effects, propose future research to apply regulatory fit to other outcomes and contexts, and suggest practical implications for services.
Peace and Exclusion
Authors: Quie Marissa
Published: October 2016

What does a “responsible end” to war in Afghanistan mean? As a panacea for international disengagement, the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP) was launched in 2010. After the 2001 intervention, the Bonn Agreement laid the foundations for a new Afghan state. Its exclusion of the Taliban signaled continuing conflict. The APRP is ostensibly designed to address this and other exclusions and foster an “inclusive peace.” This article probes the peace process at the macro-, meso-, and micro levels within the context of ongoing war. It examines the abandonment and marginalization experienced by women, segments of the insurgency, civil society and human rights groups as well as fragile communities undergoing reintegration. I argue that these exclusions are facilitated by a coalescence of interests that have reinforced the cycle of war and deepened exclusion. Consequently, the peace process has become incapable of offering real solutions, instead functioning as a pretext for excluding already marginalized groups.
Skateboarding, Helmets, and Control
Authors: O’Connor Paul
Published: October 2016

Skateboarding has a global reach and will be included for the first time in the 2020 Olympic Games. It has transformed from a subcultural pursuit to a mainstream and popular sport. This research looks at some of the challenges posed by the opening of a new skatepark in Hong Kong and the introduction of a mandatory helmet rule. It explores attitudes to helmets in skateboard media, the local government, and among the skateboarders who use the new skatepark. It argues that helmet use is not only an issue of safety but also an issue of control. From the skateboarders’ perspective, it is about participant control over their sport, and from a government perspective, it is about accountability. The contrast between the two approaches is explored through the concepts of edgework and audit culture. As skateboarding continues to become a mainstream sporting activity, such issues of control will prove to be more relevant and must be negotiated in partnership. The growth in new skateparks, many of which are concrete, underlines the need for this discussion. It is argued that helmet use will continue to be a site of conflict as skateboarding becomes further incorporated into a mainstream sport, and that how helmets are represented in skateboarding will come to indicate who has control over the sport.
Applications of a Within-Study Comparison Approach for Evaluating Bias in Generalized Causal Inferences From Comparison Groups Studies
Authors: Jaciw Andrew P.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Past studies have examined factors associated with reductions in bias in comparison group studies (CGSs). The companion work to this article extends the framework to investigate the accuracy of generalized inferences from CGS.

Objectives:

This article empirically examines levels of bias in CGS-based impact estimates when used for generalization, and reductions in bias resulting from covariate adjustment. It assesses potential for bias reduction against criteria from past studies.

Research design:

Multisite trials are used to generate impact estimates based on cross-site comparisons that are evaluated against site-specific experimental benchmarks. Strategies for reducing bias are evaluated. Results from two experiments are considered.

Subjects:

Students in Grades K–3 in 79 schools in Tennessee and students in Grades 4–8 in 82 schools in Alabama.

Measures:

Grades K–3 Stanford Achievement Test reading and math scores; Grades 4–8 Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) 10 reading scores.

Results:

Generalizing impacts to sites through estimates based on between-site nonexperimental comparisons leads to bias from differences between sites in average performance, and in impact, and covariation between these quantities. The first of these biases is larger. Covariate adjustments reduce bias but not completely. Criteria for bias reduction from past studies appear to extend to generalized inferences based on CGSs.

Conclusion:

When generalizing from a CGS, results may be affected by bias from differences between the study and inference sites in both average performance and average impact. The same factors may underlie both forms of bias. Researchers and practitioners can assess the validity of generalized inferences from CGSs by applying criteria for bias reduction from past studies.
Asymmetrically committed relationships
Authors: Stanley Scott M. , Rhoades Galena K. , Scott Shelby B. , Kelmer Gretchen , Markman Howard J. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: October 2016

This study compared romantic relationships in which there was a substantial difference (>1 SD) in the commitment levels of the two partners to those with more equal levels. These asymmetrically committed relationships (ACRs) were studied in a national, longitudinal sample of unmarried, opposite-sex romantic relationships ( N = 315 couples); 64.8% ( n = 204) of relationships were categorized as non-ACRs, 22.8% were ACRs in which the male partner was less committed than the female partner ( n = 72), and 12.4% ( n = 39) were ACRs in which the female partner was less committed than the male partner. Those who were cohabiting or who had children together were more likely to be in ACRs than those without these characteristics. Compared to those not in ACRs, the less committed partners in ACRs (referred to as “weak links”) reported lower relationship adjustment, more conflict, and more aggression in their relationships; however, these differences were explained by their low levels of commitment. The more committed partners in ACRs (“strong links”) also reported lower relationship adjustment, more conflict, and more aggression than those not in ACRs, even when controlling for their levels of commitment (which were also higher, on average, than those not in ACRs); this finding is noteworthy given that high levels of commitment usually inhibit conflict and aggression. Relationships in which the female partner was the weak link were more likely to break up within 2 years (54%) than those with male weak links (29%) or non-ACRs (34%). However, asymmetrical commitment was not nearly as important a predictor of breakup as females’ levels of commitment. The findings advance the understanding of asymmetrical commitment in romantic relationships and highlight the value of studying both members of a couple in research on commitment.
A randomized, single-blinded pilot study evaluating the effects of kinesiology taping and the tape application techniques in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis
Authors: Giray Esra , Karadag-Saygi Evrim , Mansiz-Kaplan Basak , Tokgoz Duygu , Bayindir Ozun , Kayhan Onder
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To investigate the effects of kinesiology taping and different types of application techniques of kinesiology taping in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis.

Design:

Prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

An outpatient rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary university hospital.

Subjects:

Infants with congenital muscular torticollis aged 3-12 months.

Interventions:

Group 1 included 11 infants who only received exercises, Group 2 included 12 infants who received kinesiology taping applied on the affected side by using inhibition technique in addition to exercises. Group 3 included 10 infants who additionally received kinesiology taping applied on the unaffected side by using facilitation technique and on the affected side by using inhibition technique.

Main measures:

Range of motion in lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, muscle function and degree of craniofacial changes were assessed at pretreatment, post treatment and, 1 month and 3 months’ post treatment.

Results:

Friedman analysis of within-group changes over time revealed significant differences for all of the outcome variables in all groups except cervical rotation in Group 3 ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found between groups at any of the follow-up time points for any of the outcome variables ( P>0.05).

Conclusions:

There is no any additive effect of kinesiology taping to exercises for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. Also different techniques of applying kinesiology taping resulted in similar clinical outcomes.
Victimisation of the elderly in the municipalities of Ljubljana and Uppsala
Authors: Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara , Nivala Johanna
Published: October 2016

The paper starts by reviewing key studies of victimisation of the elderly and continues by presenting a comparison of some types of victimisation of the elderly in the municipalities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Ljubljana (Slovenia). A randomly chosen sample of women and men over 65 years of age was invited to take part in the survey by receiving a questionnaire by post. The response rate was almost 40% ( n = 635) in Ljubljana and almost 71% ( n = 1,059) in Uppsala. The results show that the elderly are predominantly victims of property crime in both municipalities. However, the prevalence of victimisation among the elderly over 65 years of age in Ljubljana is higher with respect to harassment, threats, theft and fraud in comparison to Uppsala’s elderly. Even though strangers are the most common offenders in both municipalities, adult children are the second most frequent perpetrators, but only in Ljubljana. The study gives an interesting insight into the similarities/differences between the two municipalities and is also the first study targeting the elderly in Slovenia.
Stroke-induced immunodepression and dysphagia independently predict stroke-associated pneumonia – The PREDICT study
Authors: Hoffmann Sarah , Harms Hendrik , Ulm Lena , Nabavi Darius G , Mackert Bruno-Marcel , Schmehl Ingo , Jungehulsing Gerhard J , Montaner Joan , Bustamante Alejandro , Hermans Marcella , Hamilton Frank , Göhler Jos , Malzahn Uwe , Malsch Carolin , Heuschmann Peter U , Meisel Christian , Meisel Andreas ,   on behalf of the PREDICT Investigators
Published: October 2016

Stroke-associated pneumonia is a frequent complication after stroke associated with poor outcome. Dysphagia is a known risk factor for stroke-associated pneumonia but accumulating evidence suggests that stroke induces an immunodepressive state increasing susceptibility for stroke-associated pneumonia. We aimed to confirm that stroke-induced immunodepression syndrome is associated with stroke-associated pneumonia independently from dysphagia by investigating the predictive properties of monocytic HLA-DR expression as a marker of immunodepression as well as biomarkers for inflammation (interleukin-6) and infection (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein). This was a prospective, multicenter study with 11 study sites in Germany and Spain, including 486 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Daily screening for stroke-associated pneumonia, dysphagia and biomarkers was performed. Frequency of stroke-associated pneumonia was 5.2%. Dysphagia and decreased monocytic HLA-DR were independent predictors for stroke-associated pneumonia in multivariable regression analysis. Proportion of pneumonia ranged between 0.9% in the higher monocytic HLA-DR quartile (≥21,876 mAb/cell) and 8.5% in the lower quartile (≤12,369 mAb/cell). In the presence of dysphagia, proportion of pneumonia increased to 5.9% and 18.8%, respectively. Patients without dysphagia and normal monocytic HLA-DR expression had no stroke-associated pneumonia risk. We demonstrate that dysphagia and stroke-induced immunodepression syndrome are independent risk factors for stroke-associated pneumonia. Screening for immunodepression and dysphagia might be useful for identifying patients at high risk for stroke-associated pneumonia.