bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental tests and numerical modeling of ballistic impact on honeycomb sandwich structures reinforced by functionally graded plates
Authors: Arslan Kemal , Gunes Recep , Apalak M Kemal , Reddy JN
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study is to determine the ballistic impact response of a novel sandwich structure consisting of aluminum honeycomb and Al/SiC functionally graded face sheets and develop a compatible numerical model with experiments. The experiments were carried out by a single-stage gas gun system and numerical simulations were performed using the explicit finite element code, LS-DYNA®. The mechanical properties of the functionally graded face sheets through the thickness were considered in accordance with a power-law distribution. The Mori–Tanaka scheme was used in order to determine the effective material properties of the functionally graded face sheets at a local point. In order to simulate the elastoplastic behavior of the functionally graded face sheets, Tamura–Tomota–Ozawa model was implemented in the numerical model. The ballistic performance of the sandwich structure was investigated for metal-rich ( n = 0.1), linear ( n = 1.0), and ceramic-rich ( n = 10.0) compositions of the functionally graded face sheets. The results indicated that the ceramic fraction of the functionally graded face sheets was quite influential on energy absorption capability, damage mechanism, and impact resistance of the sandwich structure. The sandwich structure with linear functionally graded face sheets showed the highest ballistic performance in terms of damage and deformation shapes of the entire sandwich structure among investigated material compositions.
The Drug–Crime Connection in Adolescent and Adult Respondents
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to determine whether the nature of the drug–crime relationship differs as a function of participant age (adolescent vs. adult). It was hypothesized that the Drug × Crime interaction would predict subsequent drug use and serious offending in 924 early- to mid-adolescents but not in 722 adults. All participants came from the Offending, Crime, and Justice Survey conducted in England and Wales between 2003 and 2006. The hypothesis was supported by the results of two separate two-equation multivariate linear regression analyses. These findings indicate that the relationship between drug use and criminal offending varies as a function of participant age, such that the relationship is interactive during its formative years but becomes cumulative or additive during early adulthood. The research, theoretical, and practical implications of these results are discussed.
English and Language Teacher Education in Malaysia: An Exploration of the Influences on and Experiences of Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Macalister John
Published: March 2017

In multilingual Malaysia, the place of English has been debated at various times since independence in 1957. An initiative to address concerns about levels of English language proficiency in the country through teaching Science and Mathematics in English was launched in the early 21st century. For some teachers, a trans-national component was introduced in the language teacher education programme and this in part was an investment in raising the language proficiency of teachers. This article draws on interview data with two pre-service teachers who spent two years in New Zealand and identifies common themes regarding their views on English and on the contribution of the trans-national education experience to their English language learning while abroad. Although English was viewed positively, and proficiency and motivation did not present obvious barriers to developing social networks with target language speakers, the data indicates that personal language learning goals may not have been met; it is important to note that other goals were, however, achieved. As a result, this article suggests that more explicit attention to language learning in the language teacher education programme may have facilitated English language proficiency development.
A study for improving the energy efficiency of lifts with adjustable counterweighting
Authors: Tukia Toni , Uimonen Semen , Siikonen Marja-Liisa , Hakala Harri , Lehtonen Matti
Published: March 2017

This article presents a study of the potential energy efficiency improvement by means of adjusting the lift counterweight. The lift energy consumption in different counterweight set-ups is studied by employing measured lift traffic and energy consumption data from an office building in Finland. Overall, dimensioning the counterweight based on traffic analysis is one of the fastest and most cost-effective means of improving the energy efficiency of lifts. The results from the building imply, however, that with a relatively constant loading throughout the day, the continuous adjusting of the counterweight provides limited energy savings compared to systems where the counterweight is sized according to the average load. Nevertheless, active adjustment of the counterweight size may provide considerable savings in lift systems if there is a wide variation in the car loading between the hours of the day. Furthermore, reducing the counterweight potentially improves the ISO 25745-2 energy efficiency classification of the lift, thus increasing the product attractiveness in the market.

Practical application: This article presents practical approaches to analysing the energy consumption of counterbalanced lifts. The modelled results can be used to optimise the mass of the counterweight in order to achieve considerable energy savings in the actual or expected traffic profile.
Internet-Delivered Acceptance-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder With and Without Therapist Support: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Gershkovich Marina , Herbert James D. , Forman Evan M. , Schumacher Leah M. , Fischer Laura E.
Published: March 2017

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States. Although evidenced-based behavioral treatments are available, less than 20% of those with SAD receive treatment. Internet-based interventions can address barriers to treatment access, and guided Internet-based treatments have been demonstrated to be effective for SAD. However, the optimal role (if any) of the therapist in such programs remains unclear. We examined the acceptability and efficacy of a novel Internet-based cognitive-behavior therapy for SAD that utilizes traditional behavioral interventions (e.g., exposure) within the context of a model emphasizing mindfulness and psychological acceptance. Forty-two participants were randomized to an eight-module self-help intervention with ( n = 20) or without ( n = 22) adjunctive therapist support; the therapist support was delivered through 10 to 15 min of weekly videoconferencing and daily text messages. Both groups experienced a significant reduction in SAD symptoms and improvements in functioning and quality of life, with no significant differences between groups in both completer-only and intent-to-treat analyses. However, the therapist support group evidenced lower attrition than the minimal support group (20% vs. 50%). Implications for dissemination and future directions are discussed.
Using an Allometric Equation to Accurately Predict the Energy Expenditure of Children and Adolescents With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Martincevic Inez , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: March 2017

Background: Pediatric patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) require targeted nutrition therapy that relies on calculating energy needs. Common energy equations are inaccurate in predicting resting energy expenditure (REE), influencing total energy expenditure (TEE) estimates. Equations based on allometric scaling are simple, accurate, void of subjective activity and/or stress factor bias, and they estimate TEE. Objective: To investigate the predictive accuracy of an allometric energy equation (AEE) in predicting TEE of children and adolescents with NAFLD. Methods: Retrospective study performed in a single institution. The allometric equation was used to calculate AEE, and the results were compared with TEE calculated using indirect calorimetry data (measured REE) multiplied by an activity factor (AF) of 1.5 or 1.7. Results: Fifty‐six patients with a mean age of 13 years were included in this study. The agreement between TEE (using an AF of 1.5) and AEE was −96 kcal/d (confidence interval, −29 to 221). The predictive accuracy of the allometric equation was not different between obese and nonobese patients. Conclusions: Allometric equations allow for accurate estimation of TEE in children with NAFLD.
An umbrella of legitimacy: Rebel faction size and external military intervention
Authors: Szentkirályi Levente , Burch Michael
Published: March 2017

How may the legitimacy of rebel groups shape the decisions of third-party states to support insurgencies militarily? In aiming to better understand how the (group-level) attributes of insurgencies motivate interventions on their behalf, we argue that the size of rebel forces serves as a proxy for a revolution’s perceived legitimacy within the international community. Specifically, we maintain that the larger the insurgency, the greater the insurgency’s perceived legitimacy and, thus, the more likely intervention on its behalf becomes. This analysis challenges previous studies that have confined the causal salience of faction size to relative capabilities or strength, and it also underscores the controversial policy implications of this finding.
3D Computed Tomography Evaluation of Morphological Changes in the Femoral Tunnel After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Graft for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Kita Keisuke , Tanaka Yoshinari , Toritsuka Yukiyoshi , Amano Hiroshi , Uchida Ryohei , Shiozaki Yoshiki , Takao Rikio , Horibe Shuji
Published: March 2017

Background:

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for recurrent lateral patellar dislocation is gaining popularity. However, the morphological changes in the femoral tunnel after MPFL reconstruction are still not fully documented.

Purpose:

This study used 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography to evaluate morphological changes in the femoral tunnel after MPFL reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft to investigate factors affecting the phenomenon and to elucidate whether it is associated with clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients with recurrent patellar dislocation were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients included 6 males and 17 females with a mean age of 24 years (range, 14-53). The MPFL was reconstructed by creating 2 patellar bone sockets and 1 femoral bone socket anatomically under X-ray control, and the semitendinosus autograft was fixed with cortical suspension devices. Computed tomography scans obtained 3 weeks and 1 year after surgery were reconstructed into 3D constructs with a volume analyzer. Cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the aperture and inside the femoral tunnel were compared between the 2 time points. Likewise, the location of tunnel walls and center of the femoral tunnel footprint were evaluated. Relationships were assessed between femoral tunnel morphological changes and potential risk factors—such as age, body mass index, sex, femoral tunnel positioning, patellar height, sulcus angle, congruence angle, lateral tilt angle, degree of trochlear dysplasia, lateral deviation of the tibial tubercle, and Kujala score.

Results:

No patient reported recurrence of patellar dislocation during the follow-up period. The CSA of the femoral tunnel aperture enlarged by 41.1% ± 34.7% ( P < .01). The center, anterior border, and proximal border of the femoral tunnel significantly shifted in the anterior direction ( P < .01). The distal border significantly shifted in both anterior and distal directions ( P < .01). Patella alta was associated with distal migration of the tunnel center ( P < .05). Morphological changes were not associated with other risk factors or Kujala score.

Conclusion:

The CSA of the femoral tunnel aperture enlarged, and the tunnel aperture migrated anteriorly with time after MPFL reconstruction. Risk factors for patellar dislocation other than patella alta did not influence morphological changes of the femoral tunnel.
Increased Risk of Revision After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Allografts Compared With Autografts
Authors: Maletis Gregory B. , Chen Jason , Inacio Maria C.S. , Love Rebecca M. , Funahashi Tadashi T.
Published: March 2017

Background:

The use of allograft tissue for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains controversial.

Purpose:

To compare the risk of aseptic revision between bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts and BPTB allografts.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data was conducted using the Kaiser Permanente ACLR Registry. A cohort of patients who underwent primary unilateral ACLR with BPTB autografts and BPTB allografts was identified. Aseptic revision was the endpoint. The type of graft and allograft processing method (nonprocessed, <1.8-Mrad, and ≥1.8-Mrad irradiation) were the exposures of interest evaluated. Age (≤21 and ≥22 years) was evaluated as an effect modifier. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and race. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were employed. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs are provided.

Results:

The BPTB cohort consisted of 5586 patients: 3783 (67.7%) were male, 2359 (42.2%) were white, 1029 (18.4%) had allografts (nonprocessed: 155; <1.8 Mrad: 525; ≥1.8 Mrad: 288), and 4557 (81.6%) had autografts. The median age was 34.9 years (interquartile range [IQR], 25.4-44.0) for allograft cases and 22.0 years (IQR, 17.6-30.0) for autograft cases. The estimated cumulative revision rate at 2 years was 4.1% (95% CI, 2.9%-5.9%) for allografts and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.3%-2.2%) for autografts. BPTB allografts had a significantly higher adjusted risk of revision than BPTB autografts (HR, 4.54; 95% CI, 3.03-6.79; P < .001). This higher risk of revision was consistent with all allograft processing methods when compared with autografts and was also consistently higher in patients with allografts regardless of age.

Conclusion:

When BPTB allograft tissue was used for ACLR, an overall 4.54 times adjusted higher risk of revision was observed compared with surgery performed with a BPTB autograft. Whether the tissue was irradiated with either high- or low-dose radiation, chemically processed, or not processed at all made little difference in the risk of revision. The differences in the revision risk were also consistent in younger and older patients. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the increased risk of revision when a BPTB allograft is used for ACLR.
3D-Printed Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffold Augmented With Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Total Meniscal Substitution: A 12- and 24-Week Animal Study in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Zheng , Wang Shao-Jie , Zhang Ji-Ying , Jiang Wen-Bo , Huang Ai-Bing , Qi Yan-Song , Ding Jian-Xun , Chen Xue-Si , Jiang Dong , Yu Jia-Kuo
Published: March 2017

Background:

Total meniscectomy leads to knee osteoarthritis in the long term. The poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold is a promising material for meniscal tissue regeneration, but cell-free scaffolds result in relatively poor tissue regeneration and lead to joint degeneration.

Hypothesis:

A novel, 3-dimensional (3D)–printed PCL scaffold augmented with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would offer benefits in meniscal regeneration and cartilage protection.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

PCL meniscal scaffolds were 3D printed and seeded with bone marrow–derived MSCs. Seventy-two New Zealand White rabbits were included and were divided into 4 groups: cell-seeded scaffold, cell-free scaffold, sham operation, and total meniscectomy alone. The regeneration of the implanted tissue and the degeneration of articular cartilage were assessed by gross and microscopic (histological and scanning electron microscope) analysis at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. The mechanical properties of implants were also evaluated (tensile and compressive testing).

Results:

Compared with the cell-free group, the cell-seeded scaffold showed notably better gross appearance, with a shiny white color and a smooth surface. Fibrochondrocytes with extracellular collagen type I, II, and III and proteoglycans were found in both seeded and cell-free scaffold implants at 12 and 24 weeks, while the results were significantly better for the cell-seeded group at week 24. Furthermore, the cell-seeded group presented notably lower cartilage degeneration in both femur and tibia compared with the cell-free or meniscectomy group. Both the tensile and compressive properties of the implants in the cell-seeded group were significantly increased compared with those of the cell-free group.

Conclusion:

Seeding MSCs in the PCL scaffold increased its fibrocartilaginous tissue regeneration and mechanical strength, providing a functional replacement to protect articular cartilage from damage after total meniscectomy.

Clinical Relevance:

The study suggests the potential of the novel 3D PCL scaffold augmented with MSCs as an alternative meniscal substitution, although this approach requires further improvement before being used in clinical practice.
Performances and structure changes of neat PPS fiber and nano Ti-SiO2-modified PPS fiber after over-temperature oxidation
Authors: Lian Dandan , Zhang Ruiping , Lu Jianjun , Dai Jinming
Published: March 2017

Neat polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fiber and nano titanium-silicon dioxide-modified PPS fibers (A-PPS) were submitted to an over-temperature in air environment at 200, 220, and 240°C for 24, 192, and 360 h, respectively. Molecular and supramolecular structures were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The outside color of the PPS fibers turned yellow and the mechanical properties were reduced after over-temperature, but the performances of the A-PPS fibers were better than that of the neat PPS fibers. The analyses of the molecular and supramolecular structures showed that the temperatures of 200 and 220°C could not change the crystalline form but could increase the crystallinity of the PPS fibers. The crystallization temperature high-shifted and the crystallization FWHM increased after over-temperature. More significant changes at 240°C could be observed such as breaking of the macromolecular chains, mutual cross-linking, and increase of the melting enthalpy to a higher value than the complete crystallization enthalpy of PPS. Cross-linking between the benzene rings and oxidation of the S atoms did not change the PPS crystalline form but decreased the lattice constant. XPS spectra showed that the cross-linking and oxidation of the S atoms of the PPS fibers mainly came from the breaking of the C–S–C bonds, while the break ratio of the C–S–C bonds was relatively smaller in the case of the A-PPS fibers.
Positioning variation modeling for aircraft panels assembly based on elastic deformation theory
Authors: Wang Qing , Hou Renluan , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin , Maropoulos Paul George , Zhang Xianzhi
Published: March 2017

Dimensional variation in aircraft panel assembly is one of the most critical issues that affect the aerodynamic performance of aircraft, due to elastic deformation of parts during the positioning and clamping process. This article proposes an assembly deformation prediction model and a variation propagation model to predict the assembly variation of aircraft panels, and it derives consecutive three-dimensional deformation expressions which explicitly describe the nonlinear behavior of physical interaction occurring in compliant components assembly. An assembly deformation prediction model is derived from equations of statics of elastic beam to calculate the elastic deformation of panel component resulted from positioning error and clamping force. A variation propagation model is used to describe the relationship between local variations and overall assembly variations. Assembly variations of aircraft panels due to positioning error are obtained by solving differential equations of statics and operating spatial transformations of the coordinate. The calculated results show a good prediction of variation in the experiment. The proposed method provides a better understanding of the panel assembly process and creates an analytical foundation for further work on variation control and tolerance optimization.
Prediction of axial compressor blade excitation by using a two-way staggered fluid-structure interaction model
Authors: Brandsen Jacobus D , van der Spuy Sybrand J , Venter Gerhard
Published: March 2017

A vibration excitation system has been developed to excite the rotor blades of an axial compressor, in the specified nodal diameter mode and at the specified frequency, by injecting additional compressed air into the compressor flow path. The system was fitted to the Rofanco compressor test bench at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. A two-way staggered fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model was constructed that was capable of simulating the vibrations of the rotor blades excited by the vibration excitation system. The results of the FSI simulations were verified using available experimental data. It was concluded that the FSI model is able to recreate the vibrations of the rotor blades with sufficient accuracy. The results of the FSI simulations also indicated that the vibration excitation system should be capable of exciting the blades in the selected mode shape and at the selected frequency, provided the excitation frequency is close to the natural frequency of the first bending mode of each rotor blade.
The extended downscaling approach: A new R-tool for pollen-based reconstruction of vegetation patterns
Authors: Theuerkauf Martin , Couwenberg John
Published: March 2017

The extended downscaling approach (EDA) is a quantitative method in palynology that aims to detect past vegetation patterns and communities in the landscape. The EDA uses iterative forward modelling to fit vegetation composition to robust landscape patterns by comparing simulated with actually observed pollen deposition. The approach employs a set of pollen records, preferably from medium sized to large lakes or peatlands, as well as maps of robust landscape patterns, such as soils and relief. So far, the EDA has been applied in simple settings with only few taxa. To be able to apply the model also in more complex situations, we have implemented the EDA in the R environment for statistical computing. We here test the performance of the EDAinR function in five synthetic scenarios of increasing complexity. In all cases, the EDA is well able to reconstruct vegetation composition, also on rare landscape units. If uncertainty is added both to the pollen data and pollen productivity estimates, the EDA still correctly reconstructs species composition on more than 90% of the total landscape in all scenarios, underlining that the EDA performs well also in complex settings. The EDAinR function will be available within the R package DISQOVER.
Risk factors to predict the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Park D J , Kang J H , Lee J W , Lee K E , Kim T J , Park Y W , Lee J S , Choi Y D , Lee S S
Published: March 2017

Objectives

We analyzed the clinical follow-up results of 88 lupus nephritis patients to find prognostic factors for the development of chronic kidney disease in ethnically homogeneous Korean patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis.

Methods

Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data at the time of kidney biopsy and during follow-up were obtained. Renal biopsy specimens were reclassified according to the International Society of Pathology/Renal Pathology Society classification, separately, by two renal pathologists blinded to the previous classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model to identify independent risk factors for chronic kidney disease in lupus nephritis patients.

Results

Eighteen of 88 patients (20.5%) developed chronic kidney disease during a mean follow-up of 47.6 months (range: 12–96 months). Patients who developed chronic kidney disease were older at onset of lupus nephritis, had less education, and were more likely to have hypertension; they had lower serum albumin levels, lower platelet levels, higher serum creatinine levels, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher chronicity index, and lower frequency of anti-ribosomal P antibodies, and they were less likely to be in complete remission in the first year. In stepwise multivariable analyses, hypertension, lower glomerular filtration rate, and failure to achieve complete remission in the first year of treatment were significant predictors of the development of chronic kidney disease in lupus nephritis patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that patients with hypertension and decreased kidney function at the onset of lupus nephritis and showing a poor response to immunosuppressive drugs in the first year should be monitored carefully and managed aggressively to avoid deterioration of kidney function.
Interaction between Migration and Development
Authors: Kumar Nandan , Bhagat R. B.
Published: March 2017

While agrarian stress has become a long-term phenomenon in the developing countries like India and land is likely to lose its importance as a determinant of wealth and power in rural areas, households are coping, adapting and securing their livelihood through diversification into non-agricultural activities. The study is aimed to understand the process of out-migration and income diversification of households in rural areas. It is based on the primary survey of a block of an underdeveloped region like the state of Bihar in north India. The study based on field experiences shows that the size of agricultural economy has become very small and it can hardly support the household economy while the expenditure is increasingly diversifying and household needs more income in cash. Households are adapting to the situation by using their available young male labour force, deploying them at different locations and earning remittances.
The Growth of Local Education Transfers
Authors: Gallagher Ryan M. , Persky Joseph J. , Kurban Haydar
Published: March 2017

We argue that previous research studying the relationship between a growing elderly population and local support for public education has overlooked a key component to public education finance: redistribution payments made by older households. A fuller accounting of these payments indicates that a growing elderly population might very well prove to be a boon to local public school students not a burden as has been previously suggested. Beginning with a national sample of suburban school districts, this article shows that a higher elderly to student ratio within a district actually increases per-student revenues, even after accounting for the downward pressure that older households place on tax rates. We then explore a specific channel through which elderly households redistribute resources to school-age children: local property taxes. Focusing on Chicago-area suburban school districts, we show that a rise in a community’s elderly to student ratio actually increases the level of per-student property tax redistribution that occurs.
Quantifying the value of sport broadcast rights
Authors: Fujak Hunter , Frawley Stephen , Bush Stephen
Published: March 2017

Although sport broadcasting has received a considerable amount of academic attention, how sport content is valued and monetised from a broadcaster perspective remains relatively underdeveloped. This article adopts multisided market theory to test the broadcast value of Australia’s two most valuable sport broadcasting properties, the Australian Football League and the National Rugby League. To do so, a content and ratings analysis was performed to quantify the interaction between content and viewership within broadcasts. The article concludes that innate game dynamics have a significant bearing on the value generated for broadcasters from sport content. Advertising aired during intermissions generated audiences 23% lesser than advertising within the match itself. Notably, the National Rugby League’s most valuable timeslot was a delayed telecast, which although potentially reducing the audience size, allowed for an increase in the concentration of advertising within the telecast.
Improving healthcare through the use of ‘medical manslaughter’? Facts, fears and the future
Authors: Brazier Margot , Devaney Sarah , Griffiths Danielle , Mullock Alex , Quirk Hannah
Published: March 2017

The criminal law looks set to play a larger role in regulating healthcare. Until recently, health professionals only faced the prospect of criminal liability if it could be proved that their gross negligence resulted in the death of a patient. In such a case, the professional could face a charge of gross negligence manslaughter (GNM). Prosecutions for ‘medical manslaughter’ have generated concern among doctors worried about what is perceived as a rise in the number of doctors facing criminal prosecution and the impact prosecutions are having on healthcare practice. May more frequent resort to the criminal process damage rather than promote better health care? In seeking to try to answer this question, the first problem is that reliable data in this area about how many prosecutions are brought and how they fare are limited due to the way cases are recorded. What evidence does exist is often based on media reports or samples that are not representative. This paper will argue that, while the real risk of being prosecuted for medical manslaughter remains low, such fears should not be dismissed because, as Donald Berwick has argued, ‘fear is toxic’ – for health professionals and their patients.
‘When it comes to HIV, that’s when you find out the genuinity of that love’: The experience of disclosing a HIV+ status to an intimate partner
Authors: Smith Charlotte , Cook Rachel , Rohleder Poul
Published: March 2017

Despite a medical discourse of the ‘normalisation’ of HIV, it remains a highly stigmatising condition and makes the issue of disclosing one’s HIV status particularly complex. This article reports on the experience of 18 people living with HIV in the United Kingdom of disclosing their HIV+ status in arguably their most important relationship, their intimate partnership. Five main themes arose: disclosure as the battlefield, preparing psychologically to disclose, disclosure as a test of the partner’s love, disclosure as an opportunity for the partner to know them more deeply and the renegotiation of the relationship narrative.
Whites for racial justice: How contact with Black Americans predicts support for collective action among White Americans
Authors: Selvanathan Hema Preya , Techakesari Pirathat , Tropp Linda R. , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: March 2017

Advantaged group members have an important role to play in creating social change, and intergroup contact has tremendous implications in shaping intergroup relations. However, little research has examined how intergroup contact predicts advantaged group members’ inclinations toward collective action to support the interests of disadvantaged groups. The present research investigates how contact with Black Americans shapes White Americans’ willingness to engage in collective action for racial justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Three studies of White Americans (total N = 821) consistently reveal that positive contact with Black Americans predicts greater support for collective action through a sequential process of fostering greater feelings of empathy for Black Americans and anger over injustice. These findings hold even when taking into account other relevant psychological factors (i.e., White guilt and identification, negative contact, group efficacy, and moral convictions). The present research contributes to our understanding of how advantaged group members come to engage in social change efforts.
Testing the Assumptions concerning the Effects of the German Pension Reform Based on Latin American and Eastern European Outcomes
Authors: Mesa-Lago Carmelo , Hohnerlein Eva Maria
Published: March 2017

The pension reform, approved in Germany in 2001, and implemented on January 1, 2002, has been described by the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Walter Riester, as ‘one of the greatest social reforms this country has seen’ (Federal Ministry, 2002a) and it has prompted considerable discussion and publications. This article analyses key assumptions on the effects of the German reform in the light of two decades of experience with structural pension reforms (‘privatisation’) in Latin America. This region has pioneered this type of reform and has influenced both the international debate and changes in other regions such as Eastern Europe. The article has four objectives: (1) to elaborate a taxonomy of old-age structural pension reforms in the world and place Germany's within it; (2) to identify and analyse crucial assumptions related to the effects of the German reform (incentives for affiliation, competition and administrative costs, impact on the level of pensions, sustainability of the public pension contribution ceiling, and effects on national saving, fiscal costs, the capital market and investment returns); (3) to contrast those German assumptions that are similar to their counterparts in Latin America with data collected on real outcomes from the pension reforms in several countries of that region and, to a lesser extent, from a few Eastern European countries (the two regions combined embrace more than 80 million insured persons in private pensions); and (4) to summarise our findings and draw some useful lessons. Economic, social security and other differences between Germany and the countries compared will be taken into account in the analysis.
Articles Originally Presented at the EISS Conference on ‘EU Enlargement and Social Security’: Pension Reform in the East European Accession Countries
Authors: Müller Katharina
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on the recent pension reform choices in the East European accession countries, which have seen many developments in this highly sensitive policy area. The paper does not discuss the desirability of alternative pension reform paths but, instead, seeks to explain how different pension reform choices came to be made in five EU accession countries. Three of the countries – Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria – represent countries which have adopted partial pension privatisation, while the other two countries – the Czech Republic and Slovenia – have reformed existing PAYG schemes without resorting to privatisation. The behaviour of individual and collective actors in the pension reform arena in each of these countries and the economic, political and institutional constraints on them are analysed in an attempt to explain why some countries have opted for radical reforms while other have not.
Economic and Social Challenges of Member and Accession States: Social Security in the Europe Agreements
Authors: Guild Elspeth
Published: March 2017

Since the December 2002 European Union Council Meeting in Copenhagen, most of the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) are now virtually guaranteed accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004. As interest now turns to the terms of accession and the single accession treaty, the history of the Europe Agreements with these countries and the continuing interest in them has been eclipsed somewhat. This, however, does not mean that they lack importance or relevance. Indeed, the agreements and their provisions on workers and social rights will continue to regulate the position of nationals of the CEECs until accession. For Bulgarians and Romanians who have been left out of the first round of accession, the agreements will continue to have important consequences for their access to benefits.
The Puzzle of Egalitarianism. The Relationship between Employment, Wage Inequality, Social Expenditure and Poverty
Authors: Cantillon Bea , Marx Ive , Van Den Bosch Karel
Published: March 2017

In social policy debates, there are fundamentally different views of links between such key variables as employment, low pay, social transfers and poverty. This paper reviews basic empirical evidence on the validity of these views and the policy prescriptions that follow from them, drawing mainly on cross-country comparative studies. These reveal that clear and striking cross-country correlations prevail, but not, as is often so readily suggested, between low pay (wage compression) and employment performance, or between employment performance and poverty. Instead, results indicate a strong but negative cross-country correlation between the level of social spending and the incidence of poverty, as well as a strong and positive cross-country correlation between the incidence of low pay and the incidence of relative poverty. While the former correlation has become part of the received wisdom in social policy research, the latter is more surprising, as the correlation is not due to a strong link between low pay and poverty at the individual level. In addition, the incidence of low wage employment and social expenditure are also strongly and (negatively) related.

We examine these correlations in more depth, particularly the link between the level of social spending and poverty. Since there is such a clear and strong negative link between the level of social expenditure and the level of poverty, it is tempting to think that more social spending offers an easy means of reducing poverty. However, a simple simulation exercise using Luxemburg Income Study data from the mid 90's suggests that putting more money into social transfer systems as they currently exist in the EU would not have a positive outcome on poverty rates in all countries. In the final section of the paper, we briefly summarise the results, and put forward a recommendation for further research.
Towards ‘Flexicurity’? Balancing Flexibility and Security in EU Member States
Authors: Wilthagen Ton , Tros Frank , van Lieshout Harm
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on the ‘flexibility-security nexus' in employment and the labour market in four EU-member states: Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. The starting point of the paper is the concept of ‘flexicurity’, viewed as a particular way of dealing with this nexus. The paper explores differences in the emphasis put on types and levels of flexibility and security, as well as the particular trade-offs between forms of flexibility and security. Co-ordinated decentralisation and flexible multi-level governance in national Industrial Relations systems seem to represent important preconditions for the introduction of flexicurity arrangements, as the Danish and Dutch cases show.
The Importance of Institutional Regimes for Active Labour Market Policies — The Case of Denmark
Authors: Larsen Flemming
Published: March 2017

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the Danish labour market policy as an example of ‘transitional labour market’ (TLM) and ‘flexicurity’ arrangements, and to assess what general lessons, if any, can be learnt from the Danish example. That is, it seeks to determine whether any implied and express conditions were prerequisites for its success. The article begins by taking a close look at the political history of the Danish labour market, with a brief description of Danish industrial relations and an assessment of its importance for labour market policy. This is followed by a brief historical overview of labour market policy developments. The argument is that policy design as such is not the linchpin -it is, rather, the institutionalisation of the implementation of policy (with a public framework for social dialogue on labour market policy) that is crucial.
Pensioners in Poverty: The Impact of Benefits-in-Kind on Pensioner Incomes and Poverty Measures in Australia, Ireland and the UK
Authors: MacDougall Audrey
Published: March 2017

Cross-national studies of pensioner income and poverty have widened the definition of income to take account of factors such as taxation, home ownership and government services to produce comparative rankings of welfare generosity reflecting the reality of pensioners' experience. One area absent from current research is an exploration of the impact of benefits-in-kind on income and poverty measures. This article starts to address that gap. It explores the availability of benefits-in-kind across a sample of Western countries and examines in detail the impact of such benefits on measures of income, poverty and cross-national comparisons for two hypothetical pensioner households in the three countries (Australia, Ireland and the UK) which appear to make most use of such benefits. It suggests that including benefits-in-kind in measures of income will raise a proportion of pensioners in these countries above national poverty lines and in Ireland and Australia will assist in meeting adequacy standards. The impact on cross-national rankings is marginal although this calculation is fraught with difficulties. The article concludes by suggesting that further in-depth research on a larger number of countries involving a wider variety of households would be beneficial for cross-national comparisons and national policy-making.
The ‘Open Method of Co-Ordination’ as an Instrument for Implementing the Principle of Subsidiarity?
Authors: Kohl Jürgen , Vahlpahl Tobias
Published: March 2017

In recent years, the notion of ‘subsidiarity’ has gained prominence in European discourse on the sharing of competences among different levels in the multi-level political system of the European Union. This article addresses the question whether the ‘Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC)’ is a suitable instrument for implementing the principle of subsidiarity and, at the same time, for promoting policy convergence in the European Union. In the first part of the article, the general concept of subsidiarity is reviewed in light of its role in the European context. In the next part, the evolution of the ‘Open Method of Co-ordination’, its general characteristics and its application to various policy fields are examined. Based on this analysis, a critical evaluation is undertaken in the final part of the article concerning the potential policy outcomes of the OMC from a longer term perspective. This analysis is carried out from an institutionalist perspective, focussing on the consequences that the OMC is likely to have on the mindsets and behaviour of political actors. This before leads to the conclusion that the OMC can help to create a normative commitment to coordinating national policies with respect to commonly agreed goals while leaving the competences of policy-making mainly with the Member States. In this way, the OMC respects subsidiarity and national diversity, but at the same time contributes to achieving greater convergence of economic and social policies.
The (IN)Visibility of Gender in the New Regulation
Authors: Paskalia Vicki
Published: March 2017

This article looks at the new co-ordination Regulation 883/04 from a gender perspective. The focus is on the provisions of the Regulation concerning its personal scope and some of its fundamental principles. The article considers whether these provisions function satisfactorily with regard to workers (often female) who have interrupted work because of child-rearing; as well as with regard to former spouses, who are covered by the Regulation in their capacity as family members of a Community worker, after the termination of their marriage. The article argues that, although the Reg. 883/03 provides some improvement with regard to the first category, namely workers interrupting work because of child-rearing, a great deal remains to be done. It also notes that no attention at all has been paid to the issue of marriage dissolution, qnd that this makes the situation of former spouses very uncertain and vulnerable. Finally, the article argues that the development of a gender dimension within the framework of the law of co-ordination is necessary in order to adjust the Regulation to new situations and for the satisfactory protection of a considerable number of persons, mainly women, who find themselves in situations such as those above.
Who Wants to Continue at Work? Finnish Pension Reform and the Future Plans of Older Workers
Authors: Forma Pauli , Tuominen Eila , Väänänen-Tomppo Irma
Published: March 2017

The ageing of the population challenges the financing of pensions in the future. As a result, pension systems have been reformed in many countries. In addition to reforming the financing principles of pensions, an important aim for social policy has become the postponement of retirement. In Finland, pension reform came into force at the beginning of 2005, with the aim, through a variety of measures, of encouraging workers to stay on at work. Under the new system it is possible to retire flexibly between the ages of 63 and 68. This article, using extensive survey-data, examines the plans of Finnish wage and salary earners to continue working beyond the lowest pensionable age of 63. First of all, it examines whether older Finnish workers on the whole intend to continue working beyond the pensionable age and whether economic incentives increase their intention to go on working. Secondly it analyses the way in which different socio-demographic and socio-economic factors are related to plans to continue working. The results show that Finns take quite a reserved attitude towards remaining at work in spite of financial incentives. Moreover, those who plan to continue working are more likely to be male, to be highly educated, to be private sector workers in good health and to be individuals who live alone. Private pension arrangements and long work careers decrease willingness to continue at work. Activities relating to the treatment of older workers in the workplace as well as the demands of the job and the extent of control over work also affect plans to go on working. Managerial work, features of the job and job satisfaction are also important but less so than the aforementioned factors. All in all the results show that the aim of postponing retirement will be hard to achieve since most workers do not want to go on working and would rather retire as soon as possible.
The EU Constitution: What Went Wrong for ‘Social Protection’?
Authors: Korda Maria , Schoukens Paul
Published: March 2017

In October 2004, the ‘Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe’ was signed by European leaders. This new EU Treaty, was supposed, after its ratification by the 25 EU Member States, to consolidate and replace all the disparate European Treaties that have accumulated over the years. Some people argued that this new European treaty was a major step forward in the construction of a social Europe. However, after two member states rejected the new Treaty, the future of the new Constitution is unclear. In this article, the authors investigate the extent to which the European Constitution introduced new competencies in the field of social protection. Were European competencies in the field of social protection enhanced? Or were they restricted? In order to give answer these questions, existing EC/EU treaties are compared with the EU Constitution, specifically with regard to those competence grounds that are directly or indirectly relevant for the enactment of social security measures. In order to underpin this comparison, the authors analyse the preparatory activities for the EU Constitution that took place in the European Convention on the Future of Europe.