bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurogranin and BACE1 in CSF as Potential Biomarkers Differentiating Depression with Cognitive Deficits from Early Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schipke Carola G. , De Vos Ann , Fuentes Manuel , Jacobs Dirk , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Peters Oliver
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Major depressive disorder (MDD) can cooccur with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or may cause memory problems independently of AD. Previous studies have suggested that the AD-related cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers tau and Aβ(1–42) could help discriminate between early AD and depression unrelated to AD. Moreover, the postsynaptic protein neurogranin and presynaptic BACE1 have increasingly gained attention as potential new AD biomarkers, but they have not yet been investigated concerning depression. Methods: Using ELISAs, we studied CSF neurogranin and BACE1 levels in patients with mild (n = 21) and moderate (n = 19) AD, as well as in MDD patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) cognitive deficits. The clinical examinations included analyses of t-tau, Aβ(1–42), and Aβ(1–40), besides neuropsychological tests and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Depressive symptom severity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Along with classic AD biomarkers, neurogranin and BACE1 CSF levels differed between moderate AD and MDD (p ≤ 0.01). MDD associated with cognitive deficits was distinguished from mild AD through the CSF neurogranin/BACE1 ratio (p < 0.05), which was strongly correlated with GDS scores (ρ = –0.656; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The neurogranin/BACE1 ratio in CSF can distinguish between depression and AD among patients with similar cognitive deficits, along with the classic AD biomarkers. Further longitudinal studies are ongoing to identify which biomarkers have prognostic value.
Suscetibilidade ao impacto pluviométrico na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro: estudo de caso no município de Duque de Caxias
Authors: Oscar Júnior Antonio Carlos
Published: August 2018

Nos trópicos úmidos, a pluviosidade é o principal deflagrador de desastres, repercutindo em perdas econômicas, de infraestrutura e de vidas humanas. Face a isso, para o presente artigo, mapeou-se a suscetibilidade do território de Duque de Caxias ao impacto das chuvas. A metodologia baseou-se no cálculo de um indicador quantitativo referente a fatores de predisposição a desastres, agregando também fatores antrópicos. Dessa metodologia surge o índice de suscetibilidade a chuva do sistema territorial (ISST), que permitiu: (i) hierarquizar esse território de acordo com o grau de suscetibilidade ao impacto das chuvas e (ii) demonstrar a incoerência do macrozoneamento urbano. Observou-se que mais de 40% do território de Duque de Caxias apresenta um grau de suscetibilidade forte ou muito forte a chuva e que o Plano Diretor orienta a ocupação desses espaços, refletindo-se na exposição e vulnerabilidade da população local.
A formação do complexo corporativo metropolitano de São Paulo baseado na distribuição das sedes dos bancos de investimento (1966-2013)
Authors: Alves Caio Zarino Jorge
Published: August 2018

Como metrópole onipresente no território, São Paulo expressa sua condição de primazia sobretudo ao coordenar os ciclos de valorização do capital estruturados na rede urbana segundo uma divisão territorial do trabalho hierárquica. Essa gestão e esse controle do território se fazem especificamente a partir de seu centro metropolitano, composto pelo desdobramento do complexo corporativo, cujo ambiente construído intensivo em ciência, tecnologia e informação é atrativo para os serviços do setor quaternário da economia. Assim, procuramos identificar o processo dinâmico de formação do complexo corporativo da metrópole informacional de São Paulo pela análise da distribuição dos bancos de investimento no tecido urbano entre 1966 e 2013, ressaltando o deslocamento da principal centralidade de negócios do Centro Principal para o Centro Paulista, num primeiro momento, e, em seguida, deste para o Centro Berrini/Faria Lima.
Epistemologia da geografia e espaço geográfico: a contribuição teórica de Milton Santos
Authors: Cavalcante Leandro Vieira , Lima Luiz Cruz
Published: August 2018

O principal objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer uma relação entre a epistemologia da ciência geográfica e o espaço. Para tanto, parte da contribuição teórica de Milton Santos, que não mediu esforços para avançar no entendimento do objeto da ciência geográfica, revolucionando suas bases epistemológicas. Procuramos sistematizar algumas de suas principais ideias e apresentá-las de forma encadeada, visando facilitar sua compreensão e elucidar alguns questionamentos sobre a epistemologia da geografia. Primeiramente, discutimos a epistemologia da ciência geográfica e seu processo de renovação, evidenciado a partir dos anos 1980, procurando perceber como se insere aí a questão do espaço. Em seguida, tratamos da importância de Milton Santos para a (re)definição do objeto geográfico e discorremos sobre a natureza do espaço geográfico de acordo com as definições do autor.
A recusa de Marx da teoria do valor - David Harvey
Authors: Previatti Carine Botelho
Published: August 2018

Neste artigo recente, ainda não publicado em livro, David Harvey compara a teoria do valor-trabalho de Ricardo e a teoria do valor adotada por Karl Marx, trazendo uma amostra das discussões de seu mais recente livro, Capital e a loucura da razão econômica. O autor discute as diferenças entre essas teorias e seus desdobramentos nos estudos marxistas atuais, concluindo que a forma valor dos estudos de Marx não pode ser considerada um “princípio imóvel e estável no mundo tumultuado do capital, mas uma métrica instável e em constante mudança”, que se expressa nas “novas práticas de reprodução social e massivas transformações nas vontades, necessidades e desejos de toda uma população” pela inserção na vida cotidiana. Segundo o autor, isso demonstra que essa teoria está “muito além do que Ricardo tinha em mente e é igualmente distante daquela concepção de valor geralmente atribuída a Marx”.
The Character Thinks Ahead: Creative Writing with Deep Learning Nets and Its Stylistic Assessment
Authors: Dean Roger T. , Smith Hazel
Published: August 2018

The authors discuss how to control outputs from deep learning models of text corpora so as to create contemporary poetic works. They assess whether these controls are successful in the immediate sense of creating stylometric distinctiveness. The specific context is the authors’ piece The Character Thinks Ahead (2016–2017); the potential applications are broad.
How to Know You’ve Survived Death
Authors: White Claire , Kinsella Michael , Bering Jesse
Published: August 2018

Reports of people who have survived death have captured the attention of mainstream audiences. Why do these ideas enjoy persistent and widespread success in contemporary Western culture? Adopting a cognitive approach to the study of afterlife accounts and drawing upon our own research, we argue that mainstream survival narratives are popular because they provide convincing evidence that one has journeyed to another realm. Such accounts are convincing, in part, because they meet default cognitive assumptions about what human survival would look like if it were possible. We support this claim by highlighting recurring common themes in recounted episodes of near-death experiences and past life accounts and outlining how key findings in the cognitive science of religion, in conjunction with culturally situated accounts, can help scholars concerned with ideas about anomalous experiences to better understand their appeal.
A catalogue and bibliography of non-marine (freshwater and estuarine) Rhodophyta (red algae) of India
Authors: GANESAN E. K. , WEST JOHN A. , NECCHI JR. ORLANDO
Published: August 2018

An annotated bibliographic catalogue of Indian red algae (Rhodophyta) occurring in freshwater and estuarine habitats (moist terrestrial soils, ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, large inland brackish water lagoons and coastal estuaries), based on more than a century (1846 to 2017) of publications is presented in a single coherent work for the first time. There have been 81 taxonomic entities (species, varieties and doubtful records), distributed among 21 genera recorded for the vast Indian sub-continent. Species distribution among the 21 genera are as follows: Audouinella—12; Balliopsis—1; Batrachospermum—11; Bostrychia—7; Caloglossa—8; Catenella—3; Chroodactylon (including Asterocytis)—2; Chroothece—1; Compsopogon—8, Compsopogonopsis—1; Hildenbrandia—1; Kumanoa—7; Kyliniella—1; Lemanea—6; Nothocladus—1; Polysiphonia—1; Porphyridium—1; Sheathia—1; Sirodotia—4; Thorea—2; and Tuomeya—2. Of the seven currently recognized classes of Rhodophyta, no members of Bangiophyceae, Cyaniodiophyceae, or Rhodellophyceae are recorded from India. For each taxon, the following information is provided: (i) valid and currently accepted binomial (ii) synonyms as applicable to Indian records (iii) references with distribution in India and (iv) brief notes. Descriptions of new species based on Indian collections (holotypes) are indicated and some new combinations were made, when necessary. Several generic records (e.g., Balliopsis, Hildenbrandia, Kyliniella, Nothocladus and Tuomeya) and some species records (e.g. Batrachospermum longiarticulatum, Lemanea australis, L. catenata, L. fluviatilis, L. mamillosa, L. torulosa and Thorea hispida) warrant detailed confirmatory data based on reinvestigation of fresh collections for morphology, reproduction and particularly molecular data to confirm the presence in the country. Future collections, especially in the Indian Biodiversity Hotspots (Indo-Burma, Western and Eastern Ghats and Andaman & Nicobar Islands), may uncover the occurrence of genera such as Bangia, Cyanidium and Nemalionopsis known to be present in neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Nepal and Thailand. Geothermal (acidic) hot water springs in India may reveal the presence of extremophilic unicellular red algal genera like Cyanidium, Cyanidioschyzon and Galdieria of the Cyanidiophyceae. Two maps showing the political and biogeographic zones of India are included. The need to preserve holotype and duplicate/voucher specimens with GPS data of future collections of red algal groups in a centralized national facility is also highlighted.
The taxonomic revision of Asian Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) IV: lectotypification of A. caul­­­­ialata, with a new species from Yunnan, China—A. pseudocaulialata
Authors: ZHU XIN-XIN , LIAO SHUAI , LIU JI-NAN , ZHANG CHAN , MA JIN-SHUANG
Published: August 2018

A taxonomic revision of A. caulialata is carried out in present study. It is lectotypiﬁed and epitypified, and the description of its leaf and inflorescence is revised. A new species, A. pseudocaulialata, from Yunnan, China, is also described and illustrated here. It is similar to A. caulialata in the shape of limb and color of throat, but can be distinguished by morphology of lamina and lobes of limb, and the length of anthers and gynostemium. The new species is also compared with A. faviogonzalezii and A. kwangsiensis, as they all have broadly ovate to suborbicular lamina. Whereas, A. pseudocaulialata differs from A. faviogonzalezii in the shape of limb, color of throat, and the length of capsule; differs from A. kwangsiensis in the color of limb, type of processes on the limb, the size of throat, and the length of capsule.
Plastid phylogenomic study of grape species and its implications for evolutionary study and conservation of Vitis
Authors: MU XIAN-YUN , SHEN XUE-LI , WU YUAN-MI , ZHU YI-XUAN , DONG SHU-BIN , XIA XIAO-FEI , LIN QIN-WEN , FAN PEI-GE , LIU YU-LIN , ZHANG ZHI-XIANG
Published: August 2018

Because of rapid diversification and frequent interspecific gene flow within the genus and inappropriate molecular markers used for phylogenetic studies, phylogeny and evolution of the economically significant crop genus Vitis are poorly resolved and understood, and species delimitation of Vitis remain disputable. In order to better understand of relationships within Vitis, phylogenomic analysis of chloroplast genomes were performed based on extensive sampling scheme. Well resolved phylogenetic tree and clear divergence pattern of Vitis were obtained in the present study. The results shows that subg. Vitis was constituted by three strongly supported monophyletic clades whose species are distributed in North America, Europe and Asia, respectively. Nine molecular markers are provided as potential markers for DNA barcoding and phylogenetic study of Vitis. Furthermore, taxonomic position of the critically endangered species endemic to Northern China, V. baihuashanensis, is investigated and suggested to be a separate species based on phylogenomic analysis and morphological comparisons, and effective conservation actions is badly needed. Molecular resources reported in this study could also be used for genetic engineering studies of Vitis, and will potentially promote genomic exploration of crop wild relatives and conservation of the germplasm.
A new species of Marasmius section Globulares from Kerala State, India
Authors: SHARAFUDHEEN SHAHINA A. , MANIMOHAN PATINJAREVEETTIL
Published: August 2018

Marasmius cystidiatus sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India based on both morphology and nrITS sequence-based molecular phylogeny. The phylogenetic tree inferred from maximum likelihood analysis showed M. cystidiatus nesting within the clade representing Marasmius section Globulares. Within this clade, M. cystidiatus formed a distinct lineage, sister to a cluster containing mostly members of the series Atrorubentes. A comprehensive description and photographs of both basidiocarps and microscopic structures of the new species are provided along with a comparison with morphologically close and phylogenetically related species.
Health and justice partnerships for young adults – when health and law unite in care
Authors: Ewais Tatjana , Banks Cate
Published: August 2018

Background:

Issues of health and law are closely connected in people with chronic illness but as yet there is little emphasis in current health services funding and planning on establishing formal links between these two important areas.

Context:

The Mater Young Adult Health Centre and Health Advocacy Legal Clinic partnership offers an example of an innovative and effective health–justice and multidisciplinary practice. Health and legal services are co-located in a purpose-built tertiary hospital for adolescents and young adults with complex health needs, which facilitates close collaboration between health and legal professionals and interdisciplinary work.

Aim and objectives:

In this paper, we explore young people’s health and well-being in a contemporary context of holistic care provided within a health–justice partnership in a tertiary hospital for young adults with chronic illness.

Methods:

Using illustrative examples, we describe the collaborative treatment model involving health and law professionals working in an interdisciplinary clinic.

Findings:

While we touch on the role of students in the clinic and the educational benefits for the them, our primary focus is on describing the integration of law and health as a model of care and the importance of growth and shift in the understandings of professionals. We provide examples of treatment, coordinated actions and successful outcomes in the well-being of three complex young people, their families and the community.

Conclusion:

We conclude by offering future visions of service expansion, both in terms of availability on-site as well as increased support.
Influence of Culture on Categorical Structure of Emotional Words: Comparison Between Japanese and Korean
Authors: Park Eun-Joo , Kikutani Mariko , Yogo Masao , Suzuki Naoto , Lee Jang-Han
Published: August 2018

This study targeted individuals from Korea and Japan to investigate whether their concepts of emotion can be classified as more prototypical (central concepts) and less typical exemplars (peripheral concepts), and how they distinguish them. In Study 1, participants listed examples of “emotion,” and the most frequently reported words were defined as central and others as peripheral concepts. Five central and five peripheral concepts chosen from Study 1 were used in the following four studies, which examined the characteristics of the two conceptual classes and how clearly these are distinguished by Japanese and Koreans. Study 2 identified how strongly the central and peripheral concepts were associated with the word “emotion,” and Study 3 evaluated how good these words were as examples of emotion. In Study 4, the central and peripheral words replaced a word “emotion” in a given sentence and participants assessed how natural the sentence sounded. Study 5 evaluated the fuzziness of the boundary between the central and peripheral concepts. The results of all the studies demonstrated that the concepts of emotion for both Japanese and Koreans are organized based on their typicality. The distinction between the central and peripheral concepts is, however, found to be much more ambiguous for Koreans than for Japanese. The present research revealed that there is a common structure for the concepts of emotion, but it also showed that culturally specific categorization styles as well as language variation can influence how people conceptualize emotion.
Affective Experience on Social Networking Sites Predicts Psychological Well-Being Off-Line
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Luo Yu L. L. , Liu Yunzhi , Yang Ziyan
Published: August 2018

Previous studies have pondered the relevance of social networking sites (SNSs) to psychological well-being, but few have taken online affective experience into consideration. To extend previous research on the relationship between SNSs and psychological well-being, we opted to target emotions experienced while visiting SNSs as a means to predict off-line well-being. In our two studies, we surveyed affective experience on SNSs, overall life satisfaction, and general emotional well-being of young adults who access SNSs regularly. The results consistently demonstrated a positive association between SNS affective experience and off-line well-being. This finding held with SNS activities (Studies 1 and 2) and relevant personality traits (i.e., the Big Five factors, self-esteem; Study 2) considered in simultaneity. Our research highlights the important role of affective experience on SNSs in predicting off-line well-being as well as helps clarify the relationship between SNSs and well-being.
Turning space into place: The place-making practices of school girls in the informal spaces of their high school
Authors: Fataar Aslam , Rinquest Elzahn
Published: August 2018

This article explores the place-making and identifications practices of two high school girls in the out-of-classroom spaces of their school. We employ Henri Lefebvre's spatial triad, consisting of the interaction between the physical, social and mental dimensions of space, as the conceptual foundation for understanding how these girls turn space into place at their school. The article is based on an ethnographic study in which we utilised a range of methods, including unstructured, semi-structured and photo-elicitation interviews; participant observation; focus group discussions; student-produced photography and photo-diaries. We found that the ways in which the girls inhabited and ‘made place’ in the school's out-of-classroom spaces are determined by their unique biographies, interactions with the school's expressive culture, and the subsequent social networks, movements and practices that they mobilise in these out-of-classroom spaces. Via these daily practices, they turn their school spaces into a place which, in their unique ways, they are able to call home.
Rethinking Research on Prediction and Prevention of Psychotherapy Dropout: A Mechanism-Oriented Approach
Authors: Cooper Andrew A. , Kline Alexander C. , Baier Allison L. , Feeny Norah C.
Published: August 2018

Dropout is a ubiquitous psychotherapy outcome in clinical practice and treatment research alike, yet it remains a poorly understood problem. Contemporary dropout research is dominated by models of prediction that lack a strong theoretical foundation, often drawing on data from clinical trials that report on dropout in an inconsistent and incomplete fashion. In this article, we assert that dropout is a critical treatment outcome that is worthy of investigation as a mechanistic process. After briefly describing the scope of the dropout problem, we discuss the many factors that limit the field’s present understanding of dropout. We then articulate and illustrate a transdiagnostic conceptual framework for examining psychotherapy dropout in contemporary research, concluding with recommendations for future research. With a more comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting retention, research efforts can shift toward investigating key processes underlying treatment dropout, thus, boosting prediction and informing strategies to mitigate dropout in clinical practice.
A rare case of Ebstein’s anomaly with left ventricular noncompaction
Authors: Tourmousoglou Christos , Bogossian Harilaos , Ninios Vlasis , Ninios Elias
Published: August 2018

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac disease characterized by apical displacement of the tricuspid valve with decreased right ventricular function. Left ventricular noncompaction is a cardiomyopathy characterized by the presence of numerous and prominent trabeculations together with deep intertrabecular recesses in a portion of the ventricular wall, principally at the lateral and apical level. We describe the very rare case of a patient living for 78 years with a benign form of Ebstein’s anomaly and left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy with slightly reduced systolic function.
Living After Auschwitz: Memory, Culture and Biopolitics in the Work of Bernard Stiegler and Giorgio Agamben
Authors: Abbinnett Ross
Published: August 2018

The problem with remembering Auschwitz is that the neoliberal paradigm of economic utility, demotic happiness, and programmed consumption has tended to erase its facticity from public consciousness. Technoscientific capitalism functions as a regime of amnesic performance that prevents a ‘working through’ of the Nazi genocide. I argue that Agamben’s work on the implicit violence of the biopolitical paradigm gives a crucial insight into the fate of humanity in the time of global capitalism. However, I contend that the idea of testimony he presents in Remnants of Auschwitz recapitulates a Heideggerian ontology of experience that is enacted outside of the technological dynamics of trauma and memory. I employ Stiegler’s concept of epiphylogenetic memory, first, to explore the economy of fascisms that has emerged within the networks of global capitalism (hyper-nationalisms, religious fundamentalisms, technological transhumanisms) and, second, to examine the material affects through which Auschwitz returns to the scene of this economy.
Input frequency and construction interference interactions in L2 development
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Dong Xiaoli
Published: August 2018

The interaction between input frequency and constructional interference receives little attention in second language (L2) research. Two studies were conducted to test the effect of this interaction. Study 1 examined effects of both Zipfian frequency (ZF) and balanced frequency (BF) on L2 learning of English subject-extracted relative clauses (SRs). Participants learned SRs and finished a picture description task at pretest, posttest and delayed posttest. Results suggest that ZF was not superior to BF for learners to use SRs. Study 2 tested effects of ZF and BF on L2 learning of English object-extracted relative clauses (ORs). The learning and testing procedures were the same as those in Study 1, but different from Study 1 participants either with or without previous exposure to SRs learned ORs. Results show that ZF was not superior to BF for learners without previous exposure to SRs to use ORs, but more beneficial than BF for those with previous exposure to SRs to use ORs to describe pictures. These findings demonstrate that ZF was more effective than BF in inhibiting SR interference.
Review Article: Curiosity, Paradox and Dissatisfaction: Queer Analyses of Human Rights
Authors: Langlois Anthony J.
Published: August 2018

Three recent books are discussed which offer queer analyses of attempts to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people from violence and discrimination using the international human rights regime. A common theme is the way in which equal rights are invoked and institutionalised to address prejudice, discrimination and violence. The take, however, is critical: while it may be a remarkable turn of events that the United Nations (UN) and similar institutions have become LGBTI advocates, such Damascene conversions generate their own dilemmas and rarely resolve structural and conceptual paradoxes. This article foregrounds the curiosity of queer scholars engaged with the application of human rights to matters of sexuality and gender, observes how they articulate the paradoxes and dissatisfactions that are produced in this normatively and politically charged field, and draws out the limitations and complexities of rights politics in combating systemic exclusion.
Strategically Aligning Capital Improvement Prioritization to Performance Goals
Authors: Sperling Elliot , Ross Catherine
Published: August 2018

In complying with federal reporting requirements, state transportation agencies will need to demonstrate progress toward achieveing national performance targets in their next long-range transportation plan (LRTP) and state transportation improvement program (STIP). In order to better understand current practices a survey was administered to state departments of transportation (DOTs) to gauge their overall status in complying with rulemakings on transportation performance management, and to measure DOT interest in using new metrics and prioritization techniques to advance data-driven processes for decision making. Furthermore, it was to examine evidence of cross-modal project evaluation and to explore practices by which states align decision criteria and analysis techniques with national performance goals and objectives. Survey results revealed the transition in practice toward performance-based approaches, but more limited use of cross-modal evaluation criteria. Case studies were also used to document decision criteria areas that help states advance alignment of their planning and programming processes. From the survey and case study analysis, recommendations are provided to underscore the need for multi-criteria decision analysis, or a similar decision analysis framework, to help states align project evaluation with national performance goals. As state DOTs adopt performance-based approaches they must review their project selection processes to ensure performance measures are linked to current investments, and funded projects align with agency goal areas and desired outcomes.
Creating a Predictive Model for Pavement Deterioration using Geographic Weighted Regression
Authors: Romano Maddalena , Siegel Maxwell S. , Chan Hui Yan (Terri)
Published: August 2018

This paper represents an effort by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) to develop, by means of geographically weighted regression (GWR), an empirical pavement deterioration model for the five boroughs of New York City. Evaluation of probabilistic and deterministic models from existing literature, as well as statistical modeling techniques and applications, were examined to inform model selection. A model using GWR was selected as the preferred methodology. Validation tests demonstrated an adjusted R2 of .808 and a standard error (σ) representing 4.8% of the mean. Emphasis is placed on the novelty and practicality of GWR as a means for pavement deterioration prediction. Future applications of this model will aid decision makers in strategically allocating limited funds to priority projects.
The Costs of Compliance: An Environmental Justice Analysis of Automobile Emissions Testing Siting in Metropolitan Chicago
Authors: Lowe Kate , Nolan Lauren
Published: August 2018

Ensuring automobile tailpipe emissions meet regulatory standards is an important mechanism for implementing the Clean Air Act Amendments. Research has documented the inequitable distribution of air pollution and its negative impacts, but little is known about how the costs of reducing vehicle emissions are distributed. Spurred by the closure of the sites for mandatory vehicle emissions testing within the city of Chicago, this study examines how implementation details—specifically emissions testing siting—could have unintended negative environmental consequences and how the burdens of traveling to emissions testing sites are distributed by race and income. A conservative estimate projects 1.9 million additional miles traveled from Chicago to suburban emissions testing sites during a two-year testing cycle, following the closures of Chicago’s testing sites. Both before and after the closings, higher shares of poor and Black residents, who are protected by federal environmental justice rules, show statistically significant correlations with increased travel time to a testing facility. However, the prior time and distance advantage associated with higher shares of White, non-Latino residents is no longer statistically significant due to worsened access to facilities. From a historic perspective, this does not represent an environmental justice improvement, as rather than improving historically worse access for protected population groups, public facilities became less accessible. The study demonstrates the need for emissions testing programs to conduct environmental justice analyses of travel to testing sites and suggests to researchers the importance of retrospective environmental justice analysis to consider the continued legacy of past inequities.
Democracy and civil war: The case of Colombia
Authors: Steele Abbey , Schubiger Livia I
Published: August 2018

We argue that scholarship on the Colombian civil war can fertilize the research program on political violence and democracy in two ways. First, the Colombian case demonstrates that the scholarly research agenda on electoral violence should expand to incorporate a broader focus on democratic institutions. In the context of an ongoing civil war, democratic reforms in Colombia had a substantial impact on the dynamics of wartime violence. Second, the Colombian case showcases an overlooked danger of decentralization that, if implemented under the wrong conditions, can facilitate the capture of democratic institutions by political and criminal armed groups. These insights have important implications for the study of wartime democratic governance and state-building relevant both for the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC, and for cases beyond Colombia.
Colombia: Democracy, violence, and the peacebuilding challenge
Authors: Flores Thomas E , Vargas Juan F
Published: August 2018

After years of painstaking negotiations and political obstacles, the end to the conflict between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government appears irreversible. Daunting challenges to the implementation of the agreement remain, however. The five pieces in this special issue rigorously examine those challenges. In doing so, they explore how the field of peace science can help us understand Colombia’s transition from war to peace and how Colombia raises new unexplored questions for scholars. This introduction describes the principal findings of the special issue before offering tangible advice to peacebuilders working in Colombia.
Workplace Violence in County Hospitals in Eastern China: Risk Factors and Hospital Attitudes
Authors: Wang Nan , Wu Dan , Sun Chenhui , Li Lu , Zhou Xudong
Published: August 2018

Workplace violence (WPV) against health workers is a public concern worldwide. Yet little is known about WPV in Chinese county level hospitals and its risk factors. The current study aimed to examine the prevalence of and the risk factors of WPV in county hospitals. A total of 1,388 health workers were interviewed in eight county hospitals in four counties of Zhejiang Province. Results indicated that 7.8% of participants suffered physical attacks and 21.2% suffered physical threats, 51.6% experienced or witnessed Yi Nao (medical disturbance created by gangs using extreme means to obtain compensation from a hospital) at least once in the past year. Physical attacks were seen significantly more in physicians (10.9%) than in nurses (5.9%). Physicians were threatened at 27.1%, followed by nurses at 20.2%. Compared with general medicine, health workers working in emergency were significantly more likely to suffer physical attacks (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.4, 5.2], p < .01) and WPV (physical attacks or threats; OR =2.5, 95% CI = [1.6, 4.1], p < .001). Being encouraged to tolerate WPV was correlated with physical attacks (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = [3.5, 10.4], p < .001) and WPV (OR = 6.7, 95% CI = [4.6, 9.8], p < .001). Health workers in county hospitals were vulnerable to encounter WPV. This highlights the need for a focused systematic prevention concerning health workers’ safety and governmental regulations and the need for hospitals to encourage their employees to report the WPV.
Self-Concept in the Context of Diabetes Prevention: Development of the Lifestyle Health-Related Self-Concept Questionnaire
Authors: Thomas Jenifer J. , Lutes Lesley , Smirnova Ekaterina , Das Bhibha M. , Huzurbazar Snehalata , Aldrich Lisa , Lee Mariah
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Understanding psychosocial factors in the context of lifestyle change is important to recognize distinctions in type 2 diabetes prevention behaviors. A relatively stable psychosocial feature, such as health-related self-concept (HRSC), may indicate factors that promote or repress positive health behaviors. The present study created a questionnaire specific to lifestyle change activities by modifying the Generalized Health-Related Self-Concept Questionnaire (G-HRSC).

Design:

A modified lifestyle health-related self-concept (Lifestyle-HRSC) questionnaire was developed through creation of new items, context expert review of new items, and small and large sample test of new items.

Participants:

101 college students completed the Lifestyle-HRSC.

Analysis:

Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (0.64) and Bartlett sphericity tests (χ2 = 6350.7 [ df = 3081], P < .01) indicated the sample met criteria for factor analysis. Principle component factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization.

Results:

Six factors were revealed: nutrition, social support, avoiding diabetes, physical activity, problem solving, and challenges related to being healthy. Item analysis was conducted to remove correlated and conceptually redundant items and to create the 31-item final questionnaire.

Conclusion:

The Lifestyle-HRSC provides additional knowledge regarding the relationship between self-concept and health as well as insights into the role of psychosocial factors in the context of diabetes prevention.
Collective Well-Being to Improve Population Health Outcomes: An Actionable Conceptual Model and Review of the Literature
Authors: Roy Brita , Riley Carley , Sears Lindsay , Rula Elizabeth Y.
Published: August 2018

Objectives:

To propose collective well-being as a holistic measure of the overall “health” of a community. To define collective well-being as a group-level construct measured across 5 domains (vitality, opportunity, connectedness, contribution, and inspiration) and introduce an actionable model that demonstrates how community characteristics affect collective well-being. To review the literature describing each domain’s association with health outcomes and community characteristics’ associations with collective well-being.

Methods:

We came to consensus on topics describing each component of our conceptual model. Because “well-being” is not indexed in MEDLINE, we performed topic-specific database searches and examined bibliographies of papers retrieved. We excluded articles that were limited to narrow subtopics or studies within small subpopulations. Preference was given to quasi-experimental or randomized studies, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses. Consensus was reached on inclusion or exclusion of all articles.

Results:

Reviewed literature supported each of the proposed domains as important aspects of collective well-being and as determinants of individual or community health. Evidence suggests a broad range of community characteristics support collective well-being.

Conclusions:

The health and quality of life of a community may be improved by focusing efforts on community characteristics that support key aspects of well-being. Future work should develop a unified measure of collective well-being to evaluate the relative impact of specific efforts on the collective well-being of communities.
Imperfection sensitivity in the vibration behavior of functionally graded arches by considering microstructural defects
Authors: Amir Mohammad , Talha Mohammad
Published: August 2018

In this paper, imperfection sensitivity in the vibration behavior of functionally graded arches with microstructural defects (porosity) has been studied. The temperature-dependent material properties of functionally graded arches are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction by a simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. The formulations are based on the Reddy’s higher order shear deformation theory using finite element method. Convergence and comparison studies have been performed to describe the efficacy of the present formulation. The obtained results have been compared with the limited available literature. The parametric studies have been performed to study the influence of the temperature rise, volume fraction index, and porosity index on the frequency response of the functionally graded arches. The effect of various modes of initial geometrical imperfections has also been examined. The obtained numerical results can be used as benchmark solutions for future researches in this field of study.
A novel semi-active control strategy based on the cascade quantitative feedback theory for a vehicle suspension system
Authors: Ramamurthy Jeyasenthil , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a robust controller for semi-active suspension system with actuator dynamics using the quantitative feedback theory. It solves the vehicle vibration attenuation problem using the novel cascade approach. The proposed cascade quantitative feedback theory control approach consists of the inner and outer loop. The damping force tracking of the magneto-rheological damper is chosen as the inner loop, while the outer loop is for the vibration attenuation. The inner loop is added to the control structure to enhance damping force tracking capabilities. The damping force of the magneto-rheological damper depends on the many factors, such as the complex and nonlinear (hysteresis) dynamics and operating temperature. The actuator (magneto-rheological damper) dynamics is well approximated by a first-order model with an uncertain time constant which captures the essential dynamics. The simulation case study is conducted on a realistic quarter car suspension system to show the effectiveness of the proposed cascade control method. The proposed method is found to deliver superior performances, in terms of ride comfort and road holding, over the skyhook, [Formula: see text] control, and single-loop quantitative feedback theory control under the bump, sine, and random road disturbances.
Making spaces for co-production: collaborative action for settlement upgrading in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Shand Wayne
Published: August 2018

To make co-production work as a strategy for urban development, and to establish a basis for collaborative action, states and organized communities must find a way to manage their unequal power relationship. Effective partnerships, constructed through projects of co-production, require participants to move beyond institutionally defined roles of service provider and service consumer to forge new terms for collaboration and spaces for joint decision-making. The processes of making space for co-production can be centrally important to establishing the legitimacy of development activity that includes the urban poor as stakeholders. Drawing from research undertaken in Harare, Zimbabwe, this paper examines how a memorandum of understanding was used to frame dialogue between community and state actors and facilitate co-production of housing and infrastructure in a low-income settlement.
Association of Perceived Futile or Potentially Inappropriate Care With Burnout and Thoughts of Quitting Among Health-Care Providers
Authors: Lambden Jason P. , Chamberlin Peter , Kozlov Elissa , Lief Lindsay , Berlin David A. , Pelissier Latrice A. , Yushuvayev Elina , Pan Cynthia X. , Prigerson Holly G.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Futile or potentially inappropriate care (futile/PIC) has been suggested as a factor contributing to clinician well-being; however, little is known about this association.

Objective:

To determine whether futile/PIC provision is associated with measures of clinician well-being.

Design:

Cross-sectional, self-administered, online questionnaire.

Setting:

Two New York City Hospitals.

Participants:

Attending physicians, residents, nurses, and physician assistants in the fields of internal medicine, surgery, neurology, or intensive care.

Exposure(s):

Provision of perceived futile/PIC.

Measurements:

Main outcomes included (1) clinician burnout, measured using the Physician Worklife Study screen; (2) clinician depression, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire; and (3) intention to quit, measured using questions assessing thoughts of quitting and how seriously it is being considered.

Results:

Of 1784 clinicians who received surveys, 349 participated. Across all clinicians, 91% reported that they either had or had possibly provided futile/PIC to a patient. Overall, 43.4% of clinicians screened positive for burnout syndrome, 7.8% screened positive for depression, and 35.5% reported thoughts of leaving their job as a result of futile/PIC. The amount of perceived futile/PIC provided was associated with burnout (odds ratio [OR] 3.8 [16-30 patients vs 1-2 patients]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-12.8) and having thoughts of quitting (OR, 7.4 [16-30 patients vs 1-2 patients]; 95% CI: 2.0-27), independent of depression, position, department, and the number of dying patients cared for.

Conclusions:

A large majority of clinicians report providing futile/PIC, and such care is associated with measures of clinician well-being, including burnout and intention to quit.
Physicians’ Religious Characteristics and Their Perceptions of the Psychological Impact of Patient Prayer and Beliefs at the End of Life: A National Survey
Authors: Thompson Kathryn , Tak Hyo Jung , El-Din Magdy , Madani Syed , Brauer Simon G. , Yoon John D.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Physicians who are more religious or spiritual may report more positive perceptions regarding the link between religious beliefs/practices and patients’ psychological well-being.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary data analysis of a 2010 national survey of US physicians from various specialties (n = 1156). Respondents answered whether the following patient behaviors had a positive or negative effect on the psychological well-being of patients at the end of life: (1) praying frequently, (2) believing in divine judgment, and (3) expecting a miraculous healing. We also asked respondents how comfortable they are talking with patients about death.

Results:

Eighty-five percent of physicians believed that patients’ prayer has a positive psychological impact, 51% thought that patients’ belief in divine judgment has a positive psychological impact, and only 17% of physicians thought the same with patients’ expectation of a miraculous healing. Opinions varied based on physicians’ religious and spiritual characteristics. Furthermore, 52% of US physicians appear to feel very comfortable discussing death with patients, although end-of-life specialists, Hindu physicians, and spiritual physicians were more likely to report feeling very comfortable discussing death (adjusted odds ratio range: 1.82-3.00).

Conclusion:

US physicians hold divided perceptions of the psychological impact of patients’ religious beliefs/practices at the end of life, although they more are likely to believe that frequent prayer has a positive psychological impact for patients. Formal training in spiritual care may significantly improve the number of religion/spirituality conversations with patients at the end of life and help doctors understand and engage patients’ religious practices and beliefs.
Traditional Versus Alternative Pathways to Certification: Assessing Differences in Music Teacher Self-Efficacy
Authors: West Justin J. , Frey-Clark Marta L.
Published: August 2018

Teacher-credentialing policy debates often center on questions of whether traditional or alternative pathways to teacher certification better position future teachers for success. Given the growing number of teachers entering the profession via alternative pathways, we sought to compare the self-efficacy of alternatively and traditionally certified music teachers using a sample from Texas ( n = 143). Our findings indicated that traditionally and alternatively certified music teachers reported comparable levels of self-efficacy. We also found that, regardless of certification pathway, teachers with 10 or fewer years of experience reported lower self-efficacy than teachers with 11 or more years of experience. We conclude that alternative pathways to certification may offer a viable entry point into the profession and may be particularly advantageous in diversifying the teacher pool and addressing areas of music teacher shortages. We also offer recommendations for cultivating high self-efficacy in preservice teachers, irrespective of certification pathway, as well as avenues for future study of the alternative pathway.
Factors Affecting Delivery of the HPV Vaccination: A Focus Group Study With NHS School-Aged Vaccination Teams in London
Authors: Rockliffe Lauren , McBride Emily , Heffernan Catherine , Forster Alice S.
Published: August 2018

This study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to delivery of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in schools. Four focus groups were conducted with 28 staff members, from four National Health Service school-aged vaccination (SAV) teams in London. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. School engagement and support, and understanding and education about the vaccination (or conversely, a lack of) were identified as both barriers and facilitators. Limited school and team resources, fear of the vaccination, and poor consent form return were identified as barriers. Explanations for why some girls do not complete the vaccination series were provided. Individualizing approaches used to promote and encourage the vaccination was identified as a facilitating factor. Optimal delivery of the HPV vaccination program is dependent on school engagement and the allocation of time for SAV teams to promote vaccination uptake. Immunization program providers should work with schools to improve understanding and support of the HPV vaccination program.