bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensity, Chronicity, Circumstances, and Consequences of HIV-Related Fatigue
Authors: Barroso Julie , Harmon James L. , Madison Jane Leserman , Pence Brian Wells
Published: June 2013

HIV-related fatigue remains the most troubling complaint of seropositive people. Researchers often use tools to measure fatigue that were developed for other patient populations; thus, the measurement of fatigue specific to HIV is needed. This article describes results from the HIV-Related Fatigue Scale (HRFS) including: (a) the variability in intensity and chronicity of HIV-related fatigue, (b) the circumstances surrounding changes in fatigue, (c) the impact of fatigue on activities of daily living (ADLs), and (d) the consequences of HIV-related fatigue. We collected data every 3 months over a 3-year period from 128 people. HIV-related fatigue was chronic and did not appear to remit spontaneously; those who were the most fatigued at the beginning of the study remained the most fatigued over 3 years. Fatigue interfered more with instrumental activities of daily living than basic ADLs; it also interfered with work, family, and social life. Stress and depression increased fatigue.
Physical Restraint Usage at a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Barton-Gooden Antoinette , Dawkins Pauline E. , Bennett Joanna
Published: June 2013

This mixed method study examines the prevalence of restraint usage; perception of nurses and doctors about the practice and whether they were trained to apply physical restraints. The physical restraint prevalence tools were used to observe 172 adult patients and conduct 47 chart audits in the medical-surgical wards and a psychiatric unit in November 2011. Focus group discussions with nurses and doctors were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS and focus group discussions thematically analyzed. The prevalence of physical restraints between the medical-surgical wards was 75%. Nurses and medical doctors were not formally trained to apply restraint, and had learnt from peer observation. They expressed sadness, guilt, and fear when restraints are used and identified that inadequate institutional support existed. Restraint usage was high, and nurses and doctors experienced moral dilemma when they perceived that lack of formal training and inadequate institutional support may contribute to patient injury.
Leadership Research
Authors: Latham Soosan Daghighi
Published: June 2013

The positivist tradition for studying leadership involves correlational analyses and manipulation of an independent variable to determine the effect on a dependent variable while holding all other variables constant. Despite voluminous empirical data, an understanding of leadership has remained elusive. This article proposes the convergence of an arts-informed qualitative research with positivist methodologies, opening up space for a nontraditional approach to understanding leadership that is storied, embodied, and participatory. The epistemological pluralism of arts-informed research, rooted in the literary, visual, and performing arts, generates possibilities for understanding the tacit personal worldview of culturally diverse leaders who, as the result of globalization and changing demographics, are reaching leadership positions. Through a process of reflexivity, knowledge of the particular, and shared meaning-making, this approach has the potential to inform scholarship by enabling researchers to tap into and appreciate emotional as well as cognitive processes that differentiate and explain the behavior of leaders.
Preparing Music Preservice Teachers to Enhance Language Arts Reading Skills in the Elementary Music Classroom
Authors: Hall Suzanne N.
Published: June 2013

National Association of Schools of Music–accredited music education programs were investigated to determine how preservice students were equipped to address language arts within the general music classroom. The study began with a content analysis of degree programs ( N = 100), followed by a survey taken by instructors of the general music course related to perceptions and attitudes toward reading integration. Interviews were conducted to examine how instructors addressed language arts within the general music course. Data indicated that more than half the institutions required a reading course. Additionally, instructor attitudes were favorable toward reading integration, and a majority of the instructors perceived an awareness of a national reading crisis. Interview results revealed consistent themes toward reading integration and preservice teacher preparation to include (a) an awareness of key concepts and vocabulary in reading instruction, (b) instructor modeling of reading strategies applied to music instruction, and (c) opportunities for students to demonstrate integrative practices through assignments.
Arena
Authors: Vinkenburg Claartje J. , Jansen Paul G. W. , Dries Nicky , Pepermans Roland
Published: June 2013

While the selection of top managers is vital to the performance and survival of organizations, the process by which these managers are selected remains uncharted territory. In this conceptual article, we propose that both structural conditions of and the selection process for top management positions are different from those at lower organizational levels. We build on the existing literature on succession, tournament models, and promotion systems to characterize top management selection. The main situational component of this characterization is that of relative versus absolute selection, which leads us to adopt the “arena” as a metaphor and critical framework for top management selection. Finally, we argue that due to certain cognitive features, the arena is an efficient but not necessarily effective selection process, which may contribute to side effects and negative outcomes for organizations. We conclude by setting the agenda for further research on top management selection.
Relative Weights of the Backpacks of Elementary-Aged Children
Authors: Bryant Benjamin P. , Bryant Judith B.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of the study was to describe the range of relative backpack weights of one group of elementary-aged children and the extent to which they exceeded recommended levels. A second purpose was to explore whether gender and age help predict the relative weight of children’s backpacks. Ninety-five 8- to 12-year-old elementary school students (56% girls; 88% car or bus riders) participated. Their school backpacks were weighed, and their age, gender, and mode of transportation to school were recorded. Only 40% of the sample carried backpacks that were less than 10% of their body weights. Five percent of the students’ backpacks exceeded 20% of their body weights. Neither age group nor gender significantly predicted relative backpack weight or relative weight levels. Recommendations are made for ways to reduce the weight these young children carry.
Nitrofurantoin-Induced Granulomatous Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Sakata Kenneth K. , Larsen Brandon T. , Boland Jennifer M. , Palen Brian , Muhm John R. , Helmers Richard A. , Tazelaar Henry D.
Published: June 2013

Nitrofurantoin-induced lung toxicity is relatively common, but rare histologic patterns sometimes occur that may make diagnosis difficult. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman taking prophylactic nitrofurantoin for urinary tract infections, who developed granulomatous interstitial pneumonia. She improved with cessation of nitrofurantoin, without other therapy. To our knowledge, this is the fourth reported case of granulomatous interstitial pneumonia associated with nitrofurantoin, and the first to show complete resolution with cessation of the drug alone, without steroids. It is important to recognize that idiosyncratic reactions to nitrofurantoin can produce a wide spectrum of histologic patterns. Of these patterns, granulomatous interstitial pneumonia is a rarely evidenced manifestation (possibly because few cases undergo a confirmatory lung biopsy). Recognition of granulomatous interstitial pneumonia as a manifestation of nitrofurantoin toxicity can aid in early identification of the reaction and prompt withdrawal of the drug, both of which are essential to prevent long-term complications.
The Career Indecision Profile
Authors: Carr Andrea , Rossier Jérôme , Rosselet Julien G. , Massoudi Koorosh , Bernaud Jean-Luc , Ferrari Lea , Nota Laura , Soresi Salvatore , Rowe-Johnson Meaghan , Brown Steven D. , Roche Meghan
Published: June 2013

This study tested for the measurement equivalence of a four-factor measure of career indecision (Career Indecision Profile–65 [CIP-65]) between a U.S. sample and two international samples; one composed of French-speaking young adults from France and Switzerland and the other of Italian adolescents. Previous research had supported the four-factor structure of the CIP-65 in both the United States and Iceland but also showed that items on two of the four scales may be interpreted differently by young adults growing up in these two countries. This study extends previous research by testing whether the four CIP-65 factors are measured equivalently in two additional international samples. Results largely supported the configural and metric invariance of the CIP-65 in the United States and international samples, but several scales showed a lack of scalar invariance. Some explanations are offered for these findings along with suggestions for future research and implications for practice.
Exploring the Content and Factorial Validity of Job Embeddedness Through the Lens of a Multigroup Sample
Authors: Oyler Jennifer D.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of the present research was to provide additional evidence for the construct validity of Mitchell, Holtom, Lee, Sablynski, and Erez’s Job Embeddedness Questionnaire (JEQ). While most studies have focused on building the nomological network of job embeddedness with organizationally relevant outcomes, scant research has focused attention on the psychometric properties of the JEQ. To this end, this study explores the meta-analytic relationships of the JEQ with job satisfaction and organizational commitment measures to help build additional evidence for the discriminant validity of the job embeddedness construct. Results revealed that the organizational dimensions of links, fit, and sacrifice and job satisfaction measures have differential relationships with perceived desirability and ease of movement variables thereby lending support to the construct validity of the JEQ. In addition, the content and factorial validity of the JEQ was examined using a cross-industry, multioccupational sample from 542 respondents. Results indicated that while the three-factor model for both organizational and community embeddedness had the best fit to the data, other psychometric properties were somewhat questionable. Recommendations were provided to refine the current operationalization of the JEQ and to expand the nomological network of job embeddedness by exploring predictors and outcomes of individual dimensions of organizational embeddedness and community embeddedness.
Qualitative Analysis of Clinical Notes
Authors: Rogers Daryn R. , Whiston Susan C.
Published: June 2013

Intake summaries and progress notes written by counseling trainees were examined to determine the extent to which work or academically related problems are discussed in counseling sessions when clients present with distress attributed to work or academic problems and personal concerns. Content analysis revealed that work or academically related problems were rarely discussed. The notes were also examined to explore factors or processes that distract counselors from addressing work or academically related problems in counseling sessions when clients indicated problems in work or academic area. Relational problems were found to be the most common topic that was likely to have distracted counselors from addressing work or academic problems. Finally, the data also revealed failure to integrate work and academic areas with discussions of personal concerns.
Ambivalence During and After Career Decision Making of High School Graduates
Authors: Kasperzack Daria , Ernst Anne Lena , Pinquart Martin
Published: June 2013

This longitudinal study investigated ambivalence during and after the decision in favor of a field of study or apprenticeship in 220 German high school graduates. In addition, participants underwent measurements of career decision-making self-efficacy, neuroticism, conscientiousness, current satisfaction with life as well as satisfaction with the chosen training. On average, we found low to moderate levels of ambivalence during and after career decision making. Analyses showed that ambivalence in career decision making is negatively linked to both current satisfaction with life and satisfaction with the chosen training. Furthermore, the finding of significant predictors of ambivalence during and after career decision making revealed a useful basic approach for further career-choice research as well as suggestions for the development of prevention and intervention programs for ambivalent persons.
Interactive Effects of Physical Disability Severity and Age of Disability Onset on RIASEC Self-Efficacies
Authors: Tenenbaum Rachel Z. , Byrne Conor J. , Dahling Jason J.
Published: June 2013

In this study, the authors focused on the context of physical disabilities (i.e., one’s age when a disability manifests and the severity with which it impacts major life activities) to better understand how disabilities influence vocational self-efficacies. Consistent with Social Cognitive Career Theory, age of onset moderated the relationship between disability severity and self-efficacies in the Realistic, Artistic, Social, and Conventional vocational domains. Specifically, disability severity had a strong, negative impact on self-efficacies for people who became physically disabled later in life. In contrast, the relationship between disability severity and self-efficacy was nonsignificant for people who became disabled in early childhood. These findings held across Holland’s Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional domains when controlling for a variety of other person inputs and domain-specific learning experiences.
Linking Gender Role Orientation to Subjective Career Success
Authors: Ngo Hang Yue , Foley Sharon , Ji Ming Shuang , Loi Raymond
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the relationships among gender role orientation (i.e., masculinity and femininity), psychological capital (PsyCap), and subjective career success. Based on gender role theory, we predict that masculinity has a stronger effect on an individual’s job and career satisfaction than femininity does. We also expect that PsyCap mediates the relationships between gender role orientation and the outcome variables. A data set collected from 362 Chinese employees was used to test the hypotheses. The results of regression analyses show that the effect of masculinity on job and career satisfaction is stronger than that of femininity. Additionally, both masculinity and femininity are positively related to an individual’s level of PsyCap. The various components of PsyCap, including self-efficacy, hope, and optimism, are found to play different roles in mediating the relationships between gender role orientation and job and career satisfaction.
Framing the Controversial
Authors: Huttunen Suvi , Hildén Mikael
Published: June 2013

Geoengineering is an example of a highly political science-driven topic. We explore how researchers frame geoengineering and what implications these frames have for the science-policy interface and the politicization of science. Our analysis revealed three main ways to frame geoengineering in scientific literature. The “Risk-benefit” frame emphasizes calculation and further research, the “Governance” frame emphasizes the need to develop institutions and procedures, and the “Natural balance” frame focuses on the ethical aspects of geoengineering. The researchers’ frames have different political implications, indicating a need to ensure transparency and dialogue at the science-policy nexus.
Hospitalizations of Adults ≥60 Years of Age With Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Yusuf Hussain R. , Reyes Nimia , Zhang Qing C. , Okoroh Ekwutosi M. , Siddiqi Azfar-E-Alam , Tsai James
Published: June 2013

We assessed the rates, trends, and factors associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis among hospitalizations of adults ≥60 years of age during the period 2001 to 2010. Data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey were used for this study. During the period 2001 to 2010, the estimated annual number of hospitalizations in which a VTE diagnosis was recorded, among adults ≥ 60 years of age, ranged from approximately 2 70 000 in 2001 to 4 23 000 in 2010. The rate of such hospitalizations per 1 00 000 US population ≥60 years of age ranged from 581 in 2001 to 739 in 2010. During the period 2001 to 2004, there was a significant increasing trend in the rate of hospitalizations with VTE among women ≥60 years of age. The factors positively associated with an increased risk of VTE diagnosis were female sex, summer and autumn seasons (compared with spring), venous catheterization, cancer, and greater length of hospital stay.
The Two Faces of American Urban Policy
Authors: Kantor Paul
Published: June 2013

This article reviews and reconceptualizes America’s urban policy to highlight enduring sources of stability and change. It suggests that U.S. urban policy has two faces, one social and the other developmental. Both are built upon different political pillars. Each follows a different political logic. They are projections of powerful interests routinely playing very different political games. Consequently, this dual reality profoundly shapes the prospects for initiating new directions in U.S. urban policy in today’s political environment. Significant shifts in urban social policy are now at play, while the forces supporting the developmental face appear more resilient.
Criminal History and Future Offending of Juveniles Convicted of the Possession of Child Pornography
Authors: Aebi Marcel , Plattner Belinda , Ernest Melanie , Kaszynski Katie , Bessler Cornelia
Published: June 2013

Most child pornography is distributed online. It is estimated that 3% to 15% of child pornography consumers are juveniles. The present study analyzed a consecutive sample of 54 male juveniles convicted of the possession of child pornography. Demographic characteristics, criminal history, and subsequent offending were assessed from criminal files and official reports. Juvenile possessors of child pornography were compared to three different groups of juveniles: Juvenile possessors of other illegal pornography ( n = 42), juveniles who committed a sexual contact offense against a child ( n = 64), and juveniles who committed a sexual contact offense against a peer or adult ( n = 104). Juvenile possessors of child pornography were found to have downloaded the illegal material more frequently and over a longer time period than juvenile possessors of other illegal pornography. Furthermore, juvenile possessors of child pornography differed from juveniles who had committed a sexual contact offense in terms of demographics and showed fewer previous and subsequent offending than juveniles who sexually offended against a peer or adult. We conclude that juvenile possessors of child pornography need a specific target intervention focusing on dysfunctional Internet use and sexually deviant arousal.
How Customer Satisfaction Affects Employee Satisfaction and Retention in a Professional Services Context
Authors: Frey Regina-Viola , Bayón Tomás , Totzek Dirk
Published: June 2013

While retention of highly qualified employees is vital for professional services firms, prior research has largely neglected the role of customers as a driver of employee satisfaction and retention. Drawing on an experimental study and a dyadic field study, this article shows that client satisfaction is an important determinant of employee satisfaction, which in turn increases employee retention. Thus, for professional services firms, the common logic in relationship marketing that employee satisfaction affects client satisfaction can also be reversed. First, in line with balance theory, an attitudinal transfer occurs from the client to the employee which is stronger when both share the same opinion about their collaboration. Second, in line with Herzberg’s motivational theory, client satisfaction indirectly affects employee satisfaction by affecting the perceived appreciation the employee receives from the customer. These findings have three major managerial implications: First, investments into client satisfaction might pay off double by enhancing revenues and profit on one hand, and enhancing employee satisfaction and retention, on the other hand. Second, positive client feedback has positive effects on employee satisfaction and recognition. Third, these results suggest that marketing and human resource issues are intertwined in professional services firms. Thus, service firms should encourage ample communication and collaboration between these functions.
Comparison of high-definition oscillometry — a non-invasive technology for arterial blood pressure measurement — with a direct invasive method using radio-telemetry in awake healthy cats
Authors: Martel Eric , Egner Beate , Brown Scott A , King Jonathan N , Laveissiere Arnaud , Champeroux Pascal , Richard Serge
Published: June 2013

This study compared indirect blood pressure measurements using a non-invasive method, high-definition oscillometry (HDO), with direct measurements using a radio-telemetry device in awake cats. Paired measurements partitioned to five sub-ranges were collected in six cats using both methods. The results were analysed for assessment of correlation and agreement between the two methods, taking into account all pressure ranges, and with data separated in three sub-groups, low, normal and high ranges of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. SBP data displayed a mean correlation coefficient of 0.92 ± 0.02 that was reduced for low SBP. The agreement level evaluated from the whole data set was high and slightly reduced for low SBP values. The mean correlation coefficient of DBP was lower than for SBP (ie, 0.81 ± 0.02). The bias for DBP between the two methods was 22.3 ± 1.6 mmHg, suggesting that HDO produced lower values than telemetry. These results suggest that HDO met the validation criteria defined by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus panel and provided a faithful measurement of SBP in conscious cats. For DBP, results suggest that HDO tended to underestimate DBP. This finding is clearly inconsistent with the good agreement reported in dogs, but is similar to outcomes achieved in marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys, suggesting that this is not related to HDO but is species related. The data support that the HDO is the first and only validated non-invasive blood pressure device and, as such, it is the only non-invasive reference technique that should be used in future validation studies.
Sustainability as a provocation to rethink management education: Building a progressive educative practice
Authors: Kurucz Elizabeth C , Colbert Barry A , Marcus Joel
Published: June 2013

An important aim of critical management education is to stand in critique of mainstream educative practice, while engaging in ideas of new possibility and proposals for alternative action. Opportunities for critique can be opened by identifying paradox or the appearance of contradiction in the imperatives underpinning conventional approaches to management and management education. One such contradiction is the “sustainability paradox”: our dominant approaches to wealth creation degrades both the ecological systems and the social relationships upon which their very survival depends. In this article, we offer, from within a critical management education frame, an alternative vision of management education as a progressive educative practice: one that embraces our embeddedness in the natural world and our social relation to one another. We conclude with ideas for redirecting the contextual, organizational, curricular, and pedagogical dimensions of management education toward such a vision.
Collective voicing as a reflexive practice
Authors: Pässilä Anne H , Oikarinen Tuija , Harmaakorpi Vesa
Published: June 2013

This article focuses on the co-construction of a reflexive practice in a public health-care organisation. We study how the reflexive methods of applied drama and theatre facilitate ‘collective voicing’, specifically in the context of dental health-care professionals’ reflections on their own practices in perplexed situations. Our emphasis is on research-based theatre as a way by which the employees of an organisation can become more reflexive in their relationship with customers. This study makes use of the research-based theatre approach, illustrating how various voices – even those of young customers – are expressed, heard and discussed in order to interpret the status quo of perplexed situations and relationships and to imagine possible choices for disentangling the perplexity. Our study demonstrates the value of post-Boalian applied drama and theatre practices and presents a path for collective voicing as a learning process enabling reflexive practice in organisations.
Exploring a spatial–temporal understanding of organizational learning
Authors: Rowe Andrew
Published: June 2013

This article responds to calls for research into the production of time-space in organizations – in particular, it does so as a way of synthesizing the diverse ways of thinking in the existing organizational learning literature. This is achieved by drawing upon Lefebvrian-informed research into spatial–temporal rhythms, enabling the investigation of the rhythmic production and reproduction of time-spaces from a 12-month ethnography of a UK Management Team. This rhythmic approach also augments extant spatial and temporal organizational research. It reveals how learning involves contrary spatial–temporal experiences – highlighting the interplay of rhythms, which raises reflexive implications for both managers and researchers.
An experimental and numerical investigation of frictional losses and film thickness for four cylinder liner variants for a heavy duty diesel engine
Authors: Spencer Andrew , Avan Emin Yusuf , Almqvist Andreas , Dwyer-Joyce Rob S , Larsson Roland
Published: June 2013

The piston ring pack is the single greatest contributor to mechanical losses in a heavy duty diesel engine, accounting for 1.1–6.8% of the total losses. Therefore, the piston ring-cylinder liner contact is potentially the most rewarding area to study when attempting to reduce mechanical losses in a heavy duty diesel engine. In this work, four different heavy duty diesel engine cylinder liner variants have been tested to evaluate the lubricating conditions that occur when a section of top compression ring is reciprocated against them in a lubricated environment. Two of the cylinder liners were traditional grey cast iron and plateau honed with different honing angles, one had ANS Triboconditioning® applied and the last was plasma sprayed with a stainless steel and ceramic coating, then honed. An experimental test rig was used where friction and film thickness was recorded, by means of an ultrasonic technique. A numerical model was also developed to calculate the friction and film thickness. Comparisons are made between the simulation and experiment, and the four cylinder liner variants are also evaluated. It was found that both simulation and experiment could differentiate between all surfaces and the results from the model and experiment also correlated well with each other. A lower plateau average surface roughness, as exhibited by the ANS Triboconditioning® and plasma liners, led to a significant reduction in friction.
A wavelet-analysis-based differential method for engine wear monitoring via on-line visual ferrograph
Authors: Wu Jiaoyi , Mi Xinyan , Wu Tonghai , Mao Junhong , Xie You-Bai
Published: June 2013

Wear over time affects engine’s reliability and efficiency. On-line wear monitoring could provide timely information about engine health condition. In the current study, on-line monitoring of engine wear via an on-line visual ferrograph was performed in reliability tests of gasoline engines, and a wavelet-analysis-based differential method of data analysis for wear condition estimation was proposed. The tests were designed for 220 h, which consist of a running-in stage of 20 h and a thermal shock cycle test stage of 200 h. One of the tests was terminated because of failures in the main bearings and crankshaft journal at 146th hour of thermal shock cycle test, while the other two completed successfully without failures. Index of particle coverage area, which represents wear-debris concentration in lube oil, was studied, and piecewise trend-extraction of index of particle coverage area was achieved by wavelet decomposition and reconstruction. The first-order differential of the index of particle coverage area trend was used to represent the wear rate or the generation rate of debris for health condition assessment of engines. Off-line oil analyses were performed in laboratory via an analytical ferrograph, and engine disassembly results of the engines were given to determine the causes of engine failures if it happened. It is found that favorable trend extraction from index of particle coverage area could be achieved by the segmented wavelet de-noising. Moreover, on-line visual ferrograph monitoring estimated the engine wear at macro-levels effectively, and it provided an advance warning for the failures after the continued deterioration of the engine wear. The study and application of this method can make early failure prediction of engine and avoid serious fault.
Influence of the topography of brain damage on depression and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gobbi C , Rocca MA , Riccitelli G , Pagani E , Messina R , Preziosa P , Colombo B , Rodegher M , Falini A , Comi G , Filippi M
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Involvement of selected central nervous system (CNS) regions has been associated with depression and fatigue in MS. We assessed whether specific regional patterns of lesion distribution and atrophy of the gray (GM) and white matter (WM) are associated with these symptoms in MS.

Methods:

Brain dual-echo and 3D T1-weighted images were acquired from 123 MS patients (69 depressed (D), 54 non-depressed (nD), 64 fatigued, 59 non-fatigued) and 90 controls. Lesion distribution, GM and WM atrophy were estimated using VBM and SPM8.

Results:

Gender, age, disease duration and conventional MRI characteristics did not differ between D-MS and nD-MS patients. Fatigued patients experienced higher EDSS and depression than non-fatigued ones. Lesion distribution and WM atrophy were not related to depression and fatigue. Atrophy of regions in the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes had a combined effect on depression and fatigue. Atrophy of the left middle frontal gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus were selectively related to depression. No specific pattern of GM atrophy was found to be related to fatigue.

Conclusions:

Depression in MS is linked to atrophy of cortical regions located in the bilateral frontal lobes. A distributed pattern of GM atrophy contributes to the concomitant presence of depression and fatigue in these patients.
Parental behaviour in paediatric chronic pain: A qualitative observational study
Authors: Dunford Emma , Thompson Miles , Gauntlett-Gilbert Jeremy
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Parental behaviour appears to influence the adjustment of children with chronic pain. However, research in this area has failed to produce consistent evidence. Studies have tended to rely on self-report measures derived from adult pain populations. This qualitative, observational research provides descriptive data of parental behaviour in a clinical environment.

Design:

A qualitative observational study was made of parents and adolescents in a physically stressful setting. Modified grounded theory was used to analyse verbal and non-verbal behaviours.

Methods:

Eight parent–adolescent dyads seeking treatment for chronic pain were videoed during physical exercise sessions. Verbal and non-verbal behaviours were recorded and transcribed.

Results:

Four overarching categories emerged: ‘monitoring’, ‘protecting’, ‘encouraging’ and ‘instructing’. These often had both verbal and non-verbal aspects. Within these categories, more precise behavioural groups were also identified.

Conclusions:

This research identifies categories of parental behaviour that were derived directly from observation, rather than imposed on the basis of results from different populations. Four categories of behaviour were derived, which clarify and extend dimensions used in existing self-report instruments. Careful description of parental behaviours showed features that past research has neglected, and highlighted potential drawbacks of apparently positive parental actions.
The truth about the truth: What matters when privacy and anonymity can no longer be promised to those who participate in clinical trial research?
Authors: Freeman Cook Ann , Hoas Helena
Published: June 2013

The ramifications of including genetic components in the clinical studies conducted in non-academic settings create unique ethical challenges. We used a qualitative research design consisting of semi-structured interviews that took place between October 2010 and September 2012. The sample consisted of 80 participants − 38 physicians and 42 coordinators − who worked across a number of different settings, including clinics, private practices, small hospitals, free standing research centers, and blended hospital-institutes in both rural and urban communities in 13 states across the United States. The respondents primarily conducted industry sponsored trials and recruited their own patients as research participants. A majority of the respondents (65%) reported that most of the studies they conducted included an additional genetics component, and so participants were asked to donate specimens for genomics or biobanking. While genomics association studies were perceived as being of benefit, awareness of ethical implications associated with such studies was limited. The rapid advances in genetic technologies make it hard for clinicians and coordinators to help patients make informed decisions about participating in clinical research, and underscore the need to ensure that the regulations governing research on human subjects keep pace with the social and technological changes. It seems essential to discern legitimate ethical concerns and find ways to convey what is going on, what is possible and what might not be possible in terms of protecting privacy, anonymity, and confidentiality.
Innovative design of bicycle helmet liners
Authors: Teng Tso-Liang , Liang Cho-Chung , Nguyen Van-Hai
Published: June 2013

Bicycle helmets are designed to reduce the acceleration/deceleration of the head during impacts. During an accident, the main parts of a helmet responsible for shock absorption are the energy-absorbing liner and the outer shell. In the present study, several geometrical structures of convex acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic shell, such as a truncated conical form and a semi-spherical form, were investigated for their energy-absorbing capacity. Moreover, several liner dimension parameters were also optimised. The energy was absorbed in these structures by a combination of folding and collapsing. The idea of a sandwich liner using the aforementioned structures was also constructed to analyse its advantages compared to their single structures. This study performs finite element analyses on helmet impact tests using LS-DYNA software based on the EN1078 standards. The purpose of the present study was to determine a structure of liner that reaches high effective protection and to design helmet models with single and dual liners. The final work in this study was performed to optimise the height cone of linear semi-sphere cones. This innovative design for a helmet liner demonstrated high energy-absorbing capabilities. Moreover, this helmet impact test model can serve as a valuable tool to assist future development of safety-helmet technologies.
Bending, buckling and free vibration characteristics of FG-CNT-reinforced polymer composite beam under non-uniform thermal load
Authors: Mayandi K , Jeyaraj P
Published: June 2013

Bending, buckling and free vibration behaviors of functionally graded (FG) carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer composite beam under different non-uniform thermal loads have been analyzed using finite element method. Extended rule of mixture is used to obtain effective material property of the composite. Four different types of FG beam exposed to four different assumed one-dimensional temperature distributions along the length of the beam are analyzed. Parameters studies are carried out to investigate influences of the volume fraction of the carbon nanotube, functional grading and the nature of temperature variation on bending, buckling and free vibration characteristics. It is found that bending deflection reduces with increase in volume fraction of the CNT except for unsymmetrical functional graded beam. The static bending deflection and deformed shape of the beams are significantly influenced by the nature of temperature field. The critical buckling temperature of the beam with symmetric CNT distribution (where CNTs concentration is far from the neutral axis) is greater than other beams under different temperature fields and its value is less when the beams are exposed to uniform temperature rise above ambient temperature compared to other non-uniform temperature variations. However, the critical buckling temperature is not increasing significantly with increase in volume fraction of the CNT. The fundamental buckling mode shape is not sensitive to the nature of temperature variation but bending amplitude of the buckling mode shape is significantly influenced by functional grading of CNT and volume fraction of the CNT. The natural frequency of the beams reduces significantly with increase in temperature and the free vibration mode shapes are not influenced by temperature rise, nature of temperature variation and volume fraction of the CNT.
Apparent effects of in-cylinder pressure oscillations and cycle-to-cycle variability on heat release rate and soot concentration under long ignition delay conditions in diesel engines
Authors: Kyrtatos Panagiotis , Hoyer Klaus , Obrecht Peter , Boulouchos Konstantions
Published: June 2013

In diesel engines, long ignition delay due to cold in-cylinder conditions has been shown to lead to high cycle-to-cycle variability, as well as result in pressure oscillations due to rapid localised pressure rise rates from the resulting premixed combustion. These pressure oscillations appear as superimposed pressure waves on the engine indication graph, with an oscillation frequency corresponding to the first radial vibration mode. In the current study, the influences of pressure oscillations on heat release rate and the progress of in-cylinder soot concentration are investigated. Results showed that cycles where pressure oscillations occur reach a higher peak pressure than average or low pressure oscillation cycles, as a result of increased diffusion combustion rate and apparent mixing rate. Additionally, using in-cylinder soot pyrometry, cycles with high pressure oscillations were shown to exhibit increased soot oxidation rates. The combination of the two above-mentioned observed effects leads to the conclusion that pressure oscillations in direct injection diesel engines result in more rapid mixing due to increased turbulent intensity.
From consumerism to guilt: Economic crisis and discourses about consumption in Spain
Authors: Alonso Luis E , Rodríguez Carlos J Fernández , Rojo Rafael Ibáñez
Published: June 2013

The economic crisis that Spain has been facing since 2008 has produced significant effects in the way citizens are dealing with consumption. Beyond austerity practices and concerns about an uncertain future, there is a rising anxiety about the sustainability of current consumption patterns. Moreover, it is interesting to analyse how consumption evolves in a situation in which the budget is highly constrained. How do people from different social classes perceive consumption under these circumstances? Our contribution deals with those issues using data from a focus groups based research project whose main goal was to map necessities and consumption practices in Spain, trying to assess the impact of the crisis. In this article we will discuss the results focusing on how different groups of interviewees elaborate a discourse about it which ranges from guilt to a strong moral discourse related to the adequate level of consumption. We consider that this paper might provide a deeper knowledge of the relationship between consumption and social class in a context of financial and economic crisis.
A technology roadmap of assistive technologies for dementia care in Japan
Authors: Sugihara Taro , Fujinami Tsutomu , Phaal Robert , Ikawa Yasuo
Published: June 2013

The number of elderly people in Japan is growing, which raises the issue of dementia, as the probability of becoming cognitively impaired increases with age. There is an increasing need for caregivers, who are well-trained, experienced and can pay special attention to the needs of people with dementia. Technology can play an important role in helping such people and their caregivers. A lack of mutual understanding between caregivers and researchers regarding the appropriate uses of assistive technologies is another problem. A vision of person-centred care based on the use of information and communication technology to maintain residents’ autonomy and continuity in their lives is presented. Based on this vision, a roadmap and a list of challenges to realizing assistive technologies have been developed. The roadmap facilitates mutual understanding between caregivers and researchers, resulting in appropriate technologies to enhance the quality of life of people with dementia.
‘I can’t … I won’t?’ International students at the threshold of social interaction
Authors: Wright Clare , Schartner Alina
Published: June 2013

This mixed-method study tracked social interaction and adaptation among 20 international postgraduates on a 1-year programme in the UK, examining assumptions that language proficiency and interactional engagement directly underpin sociocultural adaptation. Participants remained frustrated by a perceived ‘threshold’ barring successful interaction with English speakers, while reporting reluctance to take up available opportunities, independent of language proficiency and sociocultural adaptation. We challenge linear models of adaptation and call for assistance to international students in crossing the threshold to successful interaction.
Improvement of arterial wall characteristics by the low-dose fluvastatin and valsartan combination in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Savić Vedran , Eržen Barbara , Janić Miodrag , Lunder Mojca , Boncelj Maja , Kanc Karin , Janež Andrej , Šabovič Mišo
Published: June 2013

We tested whether short-term, low-dose treatment with the fluvastatin and valsartan combination could improve impaired arterial wall characteristics in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of 44 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients were randomised into the treatment group [ n = 22; received a low-dose combination of fluvastatin (10 mg daily) and valsartan (20 mg daily)] and the control group ( n = 22; received placebo), both for 30 days. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid artery β-stiffness were measured. Significant improvements in FMD (+73.2%), PWV (−7.5%) and β-stiffness (−10.0%) were achieved after 1-month treatment compared to the control group (all p values < 0.001). Three months after therapy discontinuation, important residual improvement in measured parameters was still present. No changes in lipids and blood pressure accompanied the beneficial improvements. We conclude that relatively simple intervention (low-dose, short-term fluvastatin/valsartan combination) produces substantial, long-term improvement of arterial wall characteristics in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.
Choice of anti-hypertensive agents in diabetic subjects
Authors: Patel Bhoomika M , Mehta Anita A
Published: June 2013

Hypertension is an extremely common co-morbid condition in diabetes leading to acceleration in micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications. The use of anti-hypertensives in diabetic patients should be considered in the context of preventing the development of complications. Various factors contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetes in hypertension. With the advancements in technology, the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms has increased, and this can contribute in providing evidence for beneficial role of certain anti-hypertensives. Many clinical trials have been carried out for use of diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. The present review gives an overview of pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension and diabetes in addition to the details of clinical trials of anti-hypertensives in diabetic patients. This is an attempt to provide some evidences for the clinicians, which may serve as a guide for use of anti-hypertensives in clinical practice.
Daily Assistance for Individuals With Dementia via Videophone
Authors: Yasuda Kiyoshi , Kuwahara Noriaki , Kuwabara Kazuhiro , Morimoto Kazunari , Tetsutani Nobuji
Published: June 2013

We previously developed remote reminiscence conversation and schedule prompter systems via the videophone to improve psychological stability and to assist individuals with dementia to perform household tasks. Our results showed that the psychological stability of 1 patient persisted for 3 hours after remote conversations. The task completion rate afforded by the schedule prompter system, which displays a video reminder series automatically, was 52%. In the present study, we also investigated whether psychological stability was sustained in other patients. Furthermore, motivational prompter videos were added to enhance the original schedule prompter system. We found that 1 in 4 patients living at home showed greater stability while conversing with a conversation partner on the videophone than while watching television programs, and that she remained stable for 3 hours after remote conversations. The task completion rate afforded by the revised schedule prompter system was 82%. These 2 remote systems are promising tools for assisting individuals with dementia in their daily lives.
Managing Agitation Using Nonpharmacological Interventions for Seniors With Dementia
Authors: Janzen Shannon , Zecevic Aleksandra A. , Kloseck Marita , Orange J. B.
Published: June 2013

Approximately 36 million people have Alzheimer’s disease worldwide, and many experience behavioral issues such as agitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of long-term care (LTC) staff regarding the current use of nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) for reducing agitation in seniors with dementia and to identify facilitators and barriers that guide NPI implementation. Qualitative methods were used to gather data from interviews and focus groups. A total of 44 staff from 5 LTC facilities participated. Findings showed that both medications and NPIs are used for the management of agitation. The use of NPIs was facilitated by consistency in staffing, and the ability of all the staff members to implement them. Common barriers to NPI use included the perceived lack of time, low staff-to-resident ratios, and the unpredictable and short-lasting effectiveness of NPIs. This study offers insight into perceived factors that influence implementation of NPIs and the perceived effectiveness of NPIs.