bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zrozumieć Walijczyków w ich politycznych decyzjach
Authors: Libor Grzegorz
Published: December 2018

To understand the Welsh in their political decisionsBrexit is one of the most important events that dominated the media discourse in 2017. The decision of the residents of the United Kingdom to leave the EU structures will certainly have not only serious economic consequences, but also political, social and cultural ones, both for the United Kingdom itself and for residents of countries that will stay in the European Union.While analysing the results of the referendum, which took place on 23rdJune 2016, it can be seen that the majority of voters in England and Wales voted in favour of leaving the European Union, while those in Scotland and Northern Ireland supported the United Kingdom remaining in the EU structures.The aim of the article is to explain why the majority of voters in Wales were in favour of the United Kingdom exit from the European Union and to indicate potential benefits or losses resulting from the decision taken. Zrozumieć Walijczyków w ich politycznych decyzjachBrexit jest jednym z tych wydarzeń, które zdominowały dyskurs medialny w 2017 roku. Decyzja mieszkańców Zjednoczonego Królestwa o opuszczeniu struktur unijnych będzie miała z pewnością poważne konsekwencje nie tylko ekonomiczne, o których mówi się najwięcej, ale również polityczne, społeczne i kulturowe, zarówno dla samego Zjednoczonego Królestwa, jak i mieszkańców państw, które pozostaną członkami Unii Europejskiej.Analizując wyniki referendum, do którego doszło 23 czerwca 2016 roku, dostrzec można, że za wyjściem z Unii Europejskiej opowiedziała się większość głosujących w Anglii i Walii, podczas gdy wyborcy w Szkocji oraz Irlandii Północnej optowali za pozostaniem Zjednoczonego Królestwa w strukturach unijnych.Celem artykułu jest próba wyjaśnienia, dlaczego większość głosujących na terenie Walii opowiedziała się za wyjściem Zjednoczonego Królestwa z Unii Europejskiej oraz wskazanie potencjalnych korzyści lub też strat wynikających z podjętej decyzji.
The politics of nationalism in the Polish-German borderland
Authors: Jaskułowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

The politics of nationalism in the Polish-German borderlandThe review discusses the book by John D. Kulczycki on the politics of national homogenization in the Third Reich and in post-war Poland in the Polish-German borderlands. Kulczycki’s book presents a comprehensive and well-structured analysis of the nationalising policies in the entire Polish-German borderland. Referring to the rich literature and primary sources, the author examines the main tenets of the Third Reich and Poland’s post-war politics, their local implementation and the similarities and differences between policies in various regions. It is argued that is a very successful and valuable syn- thesis. The great merit of the book is that it is based on clear and solid theoretical premises. Polityka nacjonalizacji na pograniczu polsko-niemieckimRecenzja omawia książkę Johna D. Kulczyckiego dotyczącą polityki narodowej homogenizacji prowadzoną przez III Rzeszę oraz powojenną Polskę na pograniczu polsko-niemieckim. Książka Kulczyckiego przedstawia całościową i uporządkowaną analizę tej polityki nacjonalizacji. Nawiązując do bogatej literatury i źródeł, autor analizuje główne założenia powojennej polityki III Rzeszy, a także powojennej Polski, ich lokalną realizację oraz podobieństwa i różnice między politykami w różnych regionach. Jest to bardzo udana i wartościowa synteza. Wielką zaletą książki jest to, że opiera się na jasnych i solidnych przesłankach teoretycznych.
On Material Transport by Shelfbreak Eddies
Authors: Marchal Olivier
Published: December 2018

The Lagrangian motion in the eddy field produced from an unstable retrograde jet along the shelf break is studied from idealized numerical experiments with a primitive equation model. The jet is initially in thermal wind balance with a cross-isobath density gradient and is not subjected to any atmospheric forcing. Over the course of the model integration, the jet becomes unstable and produces a quasi-stationary eddy field over a 2-month period. During this period, the cross-slope flow at the shelf break is characterized by along-slope correlation scales of O(10) km and temporal correlation scales of a few days. The relative dispersion of parcels across isobaths is found to increase with time as tb, where 1 < b < 2. This mixed diffusive–ballistic regime appears to reflect the combined effects of (i) the short length scales of velocity correlation at the shelf break and (ii) the seaward excursion of monopolar and dipolar vortices. Cross-slope dispersion is greater offshore of the front than inshore of the front, as offshore parcels are both subducted onshore below density surfaces and translated offshore with eddies. Nonetheless, the exchange of parcels across the jet remains very limited on the monthly time scale. Particles originating from the bottom experience upward displacements of a few tens of meters and seaward displacements of O(100) km, suggesting that the eddy activity engendered by an unstable along-slope jet provides another mechanism for bottom boundary layer detachment near the shelf edge.
Defining Pediatric Failure to Thrive in the Developed World: Validation of a Semi-Objective Diagnosis Tool
Authors: Larson-Nath Catherine , Mavis Alisha , Duesing Lori , Van Hoorn Megan , Walia Cassandra , Karls Catherine , Goday Praveen S.
Published: December 2018

There is no concordance between current diagnostic criteria for failure to thrive (FTT). We analyzed validity of the Semi-Objective Failure to Thrive (SOFTT) diagnosis tool, which uses a combination of subjective and objective components to make the diagnosis of FTT. The tool was used to diagnose FTT in 94 patients who met 1 of 7 accepted criteria for FTT. Concurrent and predictive validity were demonstrated using anthropometric z-scores and change in anthropometric z-scores, respectively. SOFTT results correlated with differences in anthropometric z-scores for length ( P = .011), weight, weight-for-length, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness ( P < .0001) between those diagnosed as normal and those with FTT. At follow-up, children with FTT compared with children rated as normal had significantly higher change in weight ( P ≤ .001) and body mass index ( P = .026) z-scores. The SOFTT tool leads to the accurate diagnosis of FTT demonstrated by concurrent and predictive validity.
2018 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS)
Authors: Colbert Samuel M. , Schoener Ashley E.
Published: December 2018

Ball State University has had the privilege of serving as host institution for Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) for 2 years. The purpose of SAS is to increase student membership and engagement in the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP), provide students with opportunities to learn and network, and highlight counseling students’ accomplishments. The SAS executive board developed two broad goals for the 2017–2018 year, including outreach to nonmember counseling students and engagement of SAS members. Inspired by the SCP and other divisions, SAS placed an emphasis on webinars as a means to engage and provide information to a geographically diverse membership base. The SAS executive board has conducted outreach, organized student programming, distributed funded awards, and had an active presence at various conferences. Furthermore, SAS has provided members with resources including networking, funding opportunities, and leadership positions.
Leadership in the Society of Counseling Psychology and the Academy: Insights and Reflections
Authors: Inman Arpana G.
Published: December 2018

In this Presidential Address, I reflect on my leadership journey both within the Society of Counseling Psychology and within the academy. Consistent with the theme of my presidency, Leadership Through Advocacy: Influencing and Advancing Change, I speak to the four initiatives that I developed during my presidential year (2017–2018), namely (a) leadership development in midcareer and early career professionals, (b) continued engagement in respectful dialogues, (c) master’s-level training, and (d) the Society’s strategic plan. Embedded within my leadership style, I speak to nine lessons that I learned as I navigated different leadership roles: leadership is a way of being; leadership is an evolving and developmental process; leadership is relational; leadership is about humility; leadership is about listening; leadership is about communication and amplification; leadership is about respectful and courageous engagement; leadership is about social and political responsibility; and leadership is about transparency and linking the past, present, and future.
Democracy Confused: When People Mistake the Absence of Democracy for Its Presence
Authors: Kruse Stefan , Ravlik Maria , Welzel Christian
Published: December 2018

A widely neglected phenomenon consists in the fact that large population segments in many countries confuse the absence of democracy with its presence. Significantly, these are also the countries where widespread support for democracy coexists with persistent deficiencies in the latter, including its outright absence. Addressing this puzzle, we introduce a framework to sort out to what extent national populations overestimate their regimes’ democratic qualities. We test our hypotheses applying multilevel models to about 93,000 individuals from 75 countries covered by the cross-cultural World Values Surveys. We find that overestimating democracy is a widespread phenomenon, although it varies systematically across countries. Among a multitude of plausible influences, cognitive stimuli and emancipative values work together as a psychologically activating force that turns people against overestimating democracy. In fact, this psychological activation not only reduces overestimations of democracy; it actually leads toward underestimations, thus increasing criticality rather than accuracy in assessments. We conclude that, by elevating normative expectations, psychological activation releases prodemocratic selection pressures in the evolution of regimes.
Numerical investigation on the effect of tow tension on the geometry of three-dimensional orthogonally woven fabric
Authors: Ying Zhiping , Hu Xudong , Cheng Xiaoying , Wu Zhenyu
Published: December 2018

The fabric geometry determines the mechanical performance of a textile composite. This paper investigates the effect of tow tension on the fabric geometry during the weaving process. A numerical model at the fiber scale was established by representing the fiber as a chain of truss elements connected by fully flexible hinges and having strong tensile modules. Fabric samples were woven on a homemade loom under different tension configurations to verify the numerical model. The model results with respect to the tow cross-section and path are in good agreement with observations of the homemade fabric sample. The tow cross-section deformation is the consequence of fiber rearrangement due to the transverse force originating from Z-binder tension. It is also found that the crimps of weft tows are different to those of warp tows. For weft tows, appreciable crimping is found in the regions of intercrossing with the Z-binder tow. Meanwhile, fibers undulate at the edges and remain straight in the middle of warp tows.
Predicting human dimensions in body images for automatic generation of female pants patterns
Authors: Gu Bingfei , Li Xinhua , Yan Yanhong , Su Junqiang
Published: December 2018

This study proposed a method on how to obtain and predict body measurements from frontal and side images of a subject for the individualized pattern generation of women's pants. According to the relationship between front and back patterns and a body torso, 32 important pattern dimensions relevant to certain body dimensions were determined by the graphic flattening method. For the body dimensions (such as perimeters) that could not be directly extracted from the body images, the prediction models were established based on the available width and depth measurements. The body measurements from the body images of 425 subjects were compared with the corresponding manual measurements, which showed a good correlation between the automated and manual measurements. The tried-on test showed that the pants made with the generated patterns demonstrated good fitting effect at the important characteristic landmarks of a participating subject. This method can accelerate the pattern-making process for women's pants based on body measurements, reducing human efforts, costs and production time.
Cross-Country Analysis of Tourist Activities Based on Venue-Referenced Social Media Data
Authors: Vu Huy Quan , Li Gang , Law Rob
Published: December 2018

Insights into the activity preferences of specific tourist groups are crucial for tourism practitioners in developing appropriate travel packages that attract tourists and meet their expectations. Tourist activities across different countries often vary depending on what these destinations can offer. Existing attempts to obtain comprehensive information on tourist activities across multiple countries often fail because of the limitations of traditional data collection approaches, which are heavily reliant on surveys and questionnaires. This study proposes to address the challenge by introducing a new type of data called venue-referenced social media data (VR-SMD), which can effectively determine various tourist activities and the temporal preferences for each activity at different destinations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of VR-SMD using a case study that focuses on Malaysian outbound travelers. Their cross-cultural differences from another travel group, namely, Thai outbound travelers, are highlighted through a comparative analysis. Analysis results provide valuable insights for various tourism applications.
Learning to structure sentences through the acquisition of grammatical words: Introduction to the special issue on the role of grammatical words in young children’s syntactic development
Authors: Ninio Anat
Published: December 2018

Until recently, grammatical words such as determiners, auxiliary verbs and prepositions have been considered marginal for the early stages of syntactic development. Lately the trend has turned, and recently some authors have been arguing for the opposite view, according to which grammatical words or functional words (FWs) have a central role in syntactic development. This special issue is devoted to the hypothesis that FWs bootstrap syntactic development in children. The first article, by Dye et al., sets the background with a thorough literature review. The second article, by Ninio, offers evidence that functional categories (FCs) may be the source of transfer and facilitation of major syntactic principles. The remainder of the special issue is devoted to five studies that offer an empiricist model of learning a vocabulary of FWs and its connection to syntactic structure. The major conclusion is that this interrelated complex system is not innate but learned from the linguistic input. Evidence comes from studies of development of several languages: French (Le Normand), German (Szagun et al.), English, Spanish and Bantu (Demuth); of development in typically and atypically developing child populations (Leonard); and of monolingual as well as bilingual development (Kedar). Each of the studies examines a different aspect of such a learning theory. The special issue provides important theoretical insights into the process of acquisition, and may contribute to various applied uses by serving as the basis for remedial teaching and intervention.
An experimental study of alternative hot water alternating gas injection in a fractured model
Authors: Ebadati Amirhossein , Akbari Erfan , Davarpanah Afshin
Published: December 2018

Alternative injection of gas as slugs with water slugs, or alternative water gas injection, is the conventional technique for improving the recovery factor due to its high potential for mobilizing the residual oil in place in the reservoirs and to control gas mobility. The water alternating gas methodology is a combination of two oil recovery procedures: gas injection and waterflooding. The principal parameters that must be evaluated in water alternating gas injection in laboratory scale are reservoir heterogeneity, rock type, and fluid properties. In the current investigation, a feasibility study has been performed to analyze the five various scenarios of enhanced oil recovery techniques and compare them experimentally. The laboratory experiments are done for one of the Iranian reservoirs which have been subjected to waterflooding for several years, and the amount of recovery factor for water flooding is about 42%. The results of this study illustrate that water alternating gas injection and hot water alternating gas injection exert a profound impact on the amount of recovery factor. Moreover, the primary purpose of this study is to assess the application of alternative hot water and hot carbon dioxide gas injections in the conventional and fractured reservoir model.
The Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonist Zibotentan Induces Damage to the Nasal Olfactory Epithelium Possibly Mediated in Part through Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Esvelt Marian A. , Freeman Zachary T. , Pearson Alexander T. , Harkema Jack R. , Clines Gregory T. , Clines Katrina L. , Dyson Melissa C. , Hoenerhoff Mark J.
Published: December 2018

Zibotentan, an endothelin-A receptor antagonist, has been used in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and neoplasia. Castrated athymic nude mice receiving zibotentan for a preclinical xenograft efficacy study experienced weight loss, gastrointestinal bloat, and the presence of an audible respiratory click. Human side effects have been reported in the nasal cavity, so we hypothesized that the nasal cavity is a target for toxicity in mice receiving zibotentan. Lesions in the nasal cavity predominantly targeted olfactory epithelium in treated mice and were more pronounced in castrated animals. Minimal lesions were present in vehicle control animals, which suggested possible gavage-related reflux injury. The incidence, distribution, and morphology of lesions suggested direct exposure to the nasal mucosa and a possible systemic effect targeting the olfactory epithelium, driven by a type 2 immune response, with group 2 innate lymphoid cell involvement. Severe nasal lesions may have resulted in recurrent upper airway obstruction, leading to aerophagia and associated clinical morbidity. These data show the nasal cavity is a target of zibotentan when given by gavage in athymic nude mice, and such unanticipated and off-target effects could impact interpretation of research results and animal health in preclinical studies.
Dynamic prescribed-wake vortex method for aerodynamic analysis of offshore floating wind turbines
Authors: Aird Jeanie , Gaertner Evan , Lackner Matthew
Published: December 2018

A prescribed-wake vortex model for evaluating the aerodynamic loads on offshore floating turbines has been developed. As an extension to the existing UMass analysis tool, WInDS, the developed model uses prescribed empirical wake node velocity functions to model aerodynamic loading. This model is applicable to both dynamic flow conditions and dynamic rotational and translational platform motions of floating offshore turbines. With this model, motion-induced wake perturbations can be considered, and their effect on induction can be modeled, which is useful for floating offshore wind turbine design. The prescribed-wake WInDS model is shown to increase computational efficiency drastically in all presented cases and maintain comparable accuracy to the free wake model. Results of prescribed-wake model simulations are presented and compared to results obtained from the free wake model to confirm model validity.
Gendering peace in Northern Ireland: The role of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security
Authors: Pierson Claire
Published: December 2018

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on ‘women, peace and security’ was passed in 2000 to recognise and enhance women’s participation in peace-building. The Resolution has growing global significance in conflicted societies yet there is limited analysis of its implementation in specific social contexts. Utilising feminist theory on gender in conflicted societies and original empirical evidence from key grassroots community activists in Northern Ireland, I will consider the potential of the 1325 framework as a tool for conceptualising and achieving gender security and equality. This article contributes to an understanding of the importance of deep contextual interpretation for implementation of the women, peace and security agenda and argues for a feminist intersectional interpretation of the Resolution to enable its transformative potential for both peace-building and gender equality.
Childhood Maltreatment, Borderline Personality Features, and Coping as Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Krause-Utz Annegret , Mertens Lea J. , Renn Julian B. , Lucke Pauline , Wöhlke Antonia Z. , van Schie Charlotte C. , Mouthaan Joanne
Published: December 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious mental and physical health concern worldwide. Although previous research suggests that childhood maltreatment increases the risk for IPV, the underlying psychological mechanisms of this relationship are not yet entirely understood. Borderline personality (BP) features may play an important role in the cycle of violence, being associated with interpersonal violence in both childhood and adult relationships. The present study investigated whether BP features mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and IPV, differentiating between perpetration and victimization, and taking maladaptive stress coping and gender into account. Self-reports on IPV, childhood trauma, BP features, and maladaptive stress coping were collected in a mixed (nonclinical and clinical) sample of 703 adults ( n = 537 female, n = 166 male), using an online survey. A serial mediation analysis (PROCESS) was performed to quantify the direct effect of childhood maltreatment on IPV and its indirect effects through BP features and maladaptive coping. Childhood maltreatment severity significantly positively predicted IPV perpetration as well as victimization. BP features, but not coping, partially mediated this relationship. Follow-up analyses suggest that affective instability and interpersonal disturbances (e.g., separation concerns) play an important role in IPV perpetration, while interpersonal and identity disturbances may mediate the effect of childhood maltreatment on IPV victimization. In clinical practice, attention should be paid not only to histories of childhood abuse and neglect but also to BP features, which may be possible risk factors for IPV.
The Effects of Cultural Self-Construal and Self-Disclosure on Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction in SNS
Authors: Lee Hanna , Hwang Sun-Jin
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the research was to determine the effects of cultural self-construal of users in social networking sites (SNS) on the way they perceive self-disclosing activities, attach to brand community, and satisfy with brand relationship. With the growth of social media, it has brought diverse users from different countries in a single platform enabling people from divergent cultures to communicate and be influenced by each other shaping unique self-construal. Hence, we used newly developed cultural self-construal as an antecedent of self-disclosure. Data were collected from 460 female adults. The results showed that the perceptions of self-disclosure are the key antecedents of relationship advancement, which are differently influenced by cultural self-construal. The way users perceive self-disclosing activities positively influenced brand community attachment, and subsequently brand relationship satisfaction. The results provided valuable insights for practitioners by presenting the importance of using brand community in SNS as a long-term branding channel.
Manufacturing Consent in Venezuela: Media Misreporting of a Country, 1998–2014
Authors: MacLeod Alan
Published: December 2018

This article assesses Western news media coverage of Venezuela between 1998 and 2014. It found that the major newspapers in the UK and US reproduce the ideology of Western governments, ignoring strong empirical evidence challenging those positions. The press portrayed Venezuela in an overwhelmingly negative light, presenting highly contested minority opinions as facts while barely mentioning competing arguments, as Herman and Chomsky’s (2002) propaganda model would predict. After conducting interviews, it is clear that a small cadre of pre-selected journalists is immersed into a highly antagonistic newsroom culture that sees itself as the “resistance” to the Venezuelan government and its purpose to defeat it. As a result, hegemony of thought reigns and some journalists report self-censorship.
The Impact of Life Course Employment and Domestic Duties on the Well-Being of Retired Women and the Social Protection Systems That Frame This
Authors: Zella Sara , Harper Sarah
Published: December 2018

Objectives: The article addresses whether specific combinations of employment and domestic duties over the life course are associated with variations in women’s health at the time of retirement. It also explores the differences of this relationship in four European welfare states. Method: Women from three waves of SHARE (Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe) are grouped using sequence analysis. Using logistic regression models, group differences in later life depression and self-reported health are tested. Predicted probabilities are applied to analyze welfares’ differences. Results: The findings confirm that a combination of employment and domestic duties across the life course has a positive association with later life health. Being outside the labor market is detrimental for women’s health. Well-being across the life course is framed by the welfare context in which women live. Discussion: We suggest that further research is needed to explore the mechanisms linking work and care trajectories to poor health and enable appropriate interventions.
Evaluating communication as an essential precondition for inter-organisational learning in Governance Networks – The case of the Healthy Cities Network in Germany
Authors: Grüb Birgit , Martin Sebastian
Published: December 2018

The Healthy Cities Network (HCN) of the WHO seems to be an effective approach to introduce innovative ideas into the healthcare sector. It is a knowledge-based network and at the same time a learning network. Within literature, communication is carved out as an essential precondition for such organisational learning. Still, there exists no study that explicitly focusses on the communication processes of the HCN Germany. The aim of this study is to get first insights into such communication processes and the information flow within the HCN Germany and to analyse these with respect to the processes of inter-organisational learning. An online questionnaire was sent to all member institutions of the HCN Germany. The questionnaire analysed the communication between the member cities and also between the member cities and the other institutions of the HCN Germany. Furthermore, the efficiency and the outcome of the communication and information exchange is evaluated. The evaluation showed that the communication and the exchange of information within the network is rated rather good and that there is transfer as well as the sharing of knowledge. So far joint learning processes between the network members and also between the member cities and the other institutions of the HCN Germany are lacking. For the further development of the network and the development of the network as a learning organisation there should be also joint learning processes, which means the cooperation between the network members and the other network institutions should be deepened.
The Zero-Sum Fallacy in Evidence Evaluation
Authors: Pilditch Toby D. , Fenton Norman , Lagnado David
Published: December 2018

There are many instances, both in professional domains such as law, forensics, and medicine and in everyday life, in which an effect (e.g., a piece of evidence or event) has multiple possible causes. In three experiments, we demonstrated that individuals erroneously assume that evidence that is equally predicted by two competing hypotheses offers no support for either hypothesis. However, this assumption holds only in cases in which competing causes are mutually exclusive and exhaustive (i.e., exactly one cause is true). We argue that this reasoning error is due to a zero-sum perspective on evidence, wherein people assume that evidence that supports one causal hypothesis must disconfirm its competitor. Thus, evidence cannot give positive support to both competitors. Across three experiments ( N = 49, N = 193, N = 201), we demonstrated that this error is robust to intervention and generalizes across several different contexts. We also ruled out several alternative explanations of the bias.
X-ray-induced reproductive dysfunction and differentially expressed piRNAs in male mice
Authors: Liu X , Chen Q , Ding X , Zhao Y , Zhang K , Yu P , Cui F , Xue B
Published: December 2018

The effects of X-ray radiation on spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in mice were analyzed. Male C57BL/6 J mice were divided into control and two irradiation groups ( n = 9 mice/group). After irradiation of their reproductive regions, the mice were fed for 3 days (irradiation group 1) or 7 days (control and irradiation group 2). The sperm viability, motility, velocity, and motion curve were analyzed. After piRNA expression profiling, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was conducted for validation. Ionizing radiation led to vessel dilation and congestion, fewer spermatogenic cells, and reduced sperm production compared to the control. At 3 and 7 days postirradiation, the sperm count (grade d) increased while sperm viability and sperm lateral head displacement decreased. At 7 days, the sperm abnormality rate was higher compared to the control. Many piRNAs were differentially expressed after irradiation, including decreased and increased expression of mmu_piR_009082 and mmu_piR_020217, respectively. Downregulated piRNAs were involved in Rap1 signaling, non-homologous end-joining, hedgehog signaling, oxytocin signaling, and cholinergic synapse. Upregulated piRNAs participated in pathways including proteoglycans in cancer, phosphatidylinositol signaling, cGMP-PKG signaling, and stem cell pluripotency regulation. X-ray irradiation inhibited spermatogenesis and increased abnormal sperm rate in mice. piRNA-related signaling pathways may be involved in this process.
Quality Management Practices in Namibian SMEs: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Mutingi Michael , Chakraborty Ayon
Published: December 2018

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have significantly contributed to growth, innovation and success of several economies across the world. However, SMEs in emerging economies have faced stiff competition in the global market. The purpose of this research is to provide an insight into the status of quality management (QM) practices in Namibian SMEs. This article presents a survey-based approach to evaluate the application of QM practices, the associated critical success factors (CSFs), business performance indicators for quality improvement and the reasons for non-implementation of the quality tools from an emerging economy perspective. An online questionnaire was designed and distributed to 182 Namibian SMEs through stratified random sampling. The overall response rate was 37.86 per cent. Analysis of results showed that the level of application of QM practices was generally low. The main reasons for not implementing QM initiatives were as follows: (a) unknown tools in enterprises, (b) difficulties in data collection and (c) high costs of training. Relative influences of CSFs and the Critical-to-Quality (CTQs) were also evaluated. Intriguingly, top management commitment and support was not a major CSF. Low response rate and context specificity tend to limit the generalization of the results. The study provides insights for policymakers to develop effective policies for QM education and training programmes, hence facilitating effective adoption of QM practices in a developing world context.
Looking Beyond the Financial Numbers: The Relationship Between Macroeconomic Indicators and the Likelihood of Financial Distress
Authors: Hafeez Ammar , Kar Sujata
Published: December 2018

The current article aims to identify important macroeconomic variables that could indicate the likelihood of financial distress among 294 Indian firms included in the BSE 500 index. Twelve years of financial data and macroeconomic indicators were analysed through a logit model. The study applied a synthetic measure of financial distress adopted from Bhattacharjee and Han (2014, China Economic Review, 30, 244–262.) which is based on the interest coverage ratio. A significant negative relationship is reported between the likelihood of financial distress among firms and three macroeconomic indicators, namely, the index of industrial production (IIP), exchange rate and a 10-year bond yield. Accordingly, the classification accuracy reported for the full, training and testing samples was 75.51, 79.49 and 70 per cent, respectively. With respect to theoretical contribution, the study has underlined the difference between financial distress and bankruptcy. An additional classification test was conducted wherein the harmonic mean based on the current dataset characteristics was the discriminating score. A prediction accuracy of 76.92 and 70 per cent with respect to the training and testing sample was reported.
Hospitalization Due to Assault Injury Across Different Age Groups, 2010 to 2014: A Population-Based Study in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Seah Rebecca , Draper Brian , Mitchell Rebecca
Published: December 2018

Objective. Assault is a global public health issue that affects individuals of all ages. This study describes the epidemiological profile of assault-related hospitalization and health outcomes across different age groups in New South Wales, Australia. Methods. Population-based linked hospitalization and mortality data from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2014, were used to identify assault-related hospitalizations. Age-standardized rates were calculated and health outcomes were examined by age group. Results. There were 22 579 hospitalizations due to assault, with an age-standardized rate of 55.9 per 100 000 population (95% confidence interval = 55.2 to 56.70). Assault by bodily force (63.1%) and by sharp or blunt objects (21.6%) were the most common injury mechanisms. Individuals above 60 years had the highest mean hospital length of stay at 7.3 days, 30- and 90-day mortality, and average hospitalization costs at $9757. Conclusion. The findings have important implications in informing the development and strategies to reduce assault-related incidents in the community.
Critical Service-Learning: Learning Through Experience to Advance Teacher Education
Authors: Tinkler Alan , Tinkler Barri , Reyes Cynthia , Elkin Suzanna
Published: December 2018

Background: The ability to effectively teach culturally and linguistically diverse students is critically important. Research has shown that providing teacher candidates educative experiences through critical service-learning can better prepare future teachers and can foster a social justice stance. Purpose: This study examines teacher candidates’ perceptions of a critical service-learning experience in a literacy methods course where participants worked in community settings to support English language learners. Methodology/Approach: Using an interpretative framework, the authors collected and analyzed data from 18 participants including reflection portfolios, questionnaires, and interviews. Findings/Conclusions: This study found that the critical service-learning experience (a) cultivated an understanding of the identities, strengths, and motivations of learners; (b) nurtured their practice; and (c) fostered their understanding of the importance of community engagement, which all contribute to a social justice perspective. Implications: This study demonstrates how critical service-learning enriches understanding within our communities, which allows individuals to tackle issues to advance social justice and equity.
School Personnel Knowledge and Perceived Skills in Diabetic Emergencies in Georgia Public Schools
Authors: Wright Alesha , Chopak-Foss Joanne
Published: December 2018

Diabetes affects tens of thousands of school-aged children in the United States. The ability to appropriately manage their diabetes is essential to preventing life-threatening health complications if occurring during the school day. The purpose of this study was to assess school personnel’s knowledge of diabetes (types 1 and 2) and perceived self-competence in performing diabetes management skills. A non-probability sample of elementary school personnel ( N = 809) from five different school districts in Georgia completed a diabetes knowledge and competence questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and principal component analysis were performed to analyze the data. School personnel reported limited knowledge of diabetes basics and an overall low perceived self-competence in performing many of the diabetic management skills. Despite state legislation enacted to assist children with diabetes in school and available training for school districts, the study found that school personnel are not well trained and lack confidence in performing diabetes management.
Testing Measurement Invariance of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire Across 27 Countries
Authors: Iurino Kathryn , Saucier Gerard
Published: December 2018

It has become clear that there are multiple “moralities”: diverse bases that guide people’s judgments of right and wrong. The widely known Moral Foundations Theory stipulates that there are at least five such moralities, measurable via questionnaire, and tends to assume that these distinct foundations are rooted deep in humanity’s evolutionary past. Were this true, we should find that the structure of five foundations is cross-culturally generalizable. Such assumptions are best tested in a diverse range of global populations with no built-in Western bias. Here, we test the measurement invariance of the short-form Moral Foundations Questionnaire across 27 countries spanning the five largest continents. We find that it is difficult to specify Moral Foundations Questionnaire items in a quantitative five-factor model that will converge nonproblematically across a wide variety of populations.
Complexity in Global Musical Belongings: Post-human Methodology in Analysis of Marginalized Teenagers in Oslo
Authors: Hovde Sunniva
Published: December 2018

Analyzing global complexity demands for a sensitive perspective on power and hierarchies. This article is an inquiry on how post-human theories can contribute to analytical methodological tools with the aim of emphasizing nuances, differences and marginalized local, national and global strings of musical affiliation.
A Meta-Analytic Review of Sex Differences on Delay of Gratification and Temporal Discounting Tasks in ADHD and Typically Developing Samples
Authors: Doidge Joshua L. , Flora David B. , Toplak Maggie E.
Published: December 2018

Objective: To examine whether males and females with ADHD differ in their preferences for delayed rewards, since there is some evidence that suggests a sex difference with typically developing (TD) samples. Method: We used meta-analyses to examine sex differences on delay of gratification and temporal discounting tasks in both TD and ADHD samples. We identified 28 papers with 52 effect sizes for children and adults, and calculated the average effect size for sex comparisons within TD and ADHD samples. Results: The estimated mean difference between TD males and TD females was negligible, but males with ADHD were more likely to choose the larger delayed rewards than females with ADHD. Meta-regressions indicated that task type, age, and reward type did not significantly predict sex differences. Conclusion: These findings suggest that females referred for ADHD may make less adaptive choices by preferring smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards more often than males with ADHD. Implications of our findings are discussed.
On the decoupled biharmonic airy stress function for the square-end adhesive layer and sandwich structure core
Authors: Radice JJ
Published: December 2018

To accurately model the stress transfer through a square ended sandwich structure core or a square ended adhesive layer, a Decoupled Biharmonic Airy stress function solution is derived. This solution satisfies the zero stress natural boundary conditions at the traction free surfaces and the matched displacement essential boundary conditions at the top and bottom material interfaces. This model asymptotically satisfies the biharmonic equation on the Airy stress function that arises from simultaneous imposition of point equilibrium and displacement field compatibility. For an example case, the stress field is investigated for an idealized state of pure shear. In this case, the shear and normal stress fields are found to be finite and differentiable throughout the domain. This includes finite valued through-thickness normal stresses at the sharp corners of an elastic medium. The resulting stress components are compared with the Goland–Reissner model and the Closed Form Higher Order (CFHO) model and it is found that the Goland–Reissner model and the CFHO model significantly underestimate the peak stress values as compared to the Decoupled Biharmonic model.
Vascular access for hemodialysis: Current practice in Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Long Duc , Nguyen Dung Huu
Published: December 2018

A well-functioning vascular access is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis procedure, which directly affects the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. We use three main types of access: native arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, and central venous catheter. Arteriovenous fistula remains the first and best choice for chronic hemodialysis. It is the best access for longevity, the lowest related complications, and for this reason, arteriovenous fistula use is strongly recommended by guidelines from different countries, including Vietnam. In practice, well-functioning arteriovenous fistula creation is not always simple. In this case, arteriovenous fistula creation with vein transposition or translocation is certainly useful. When native vein options have been exhausted, prosthetic can be used as the second option of maintenance hemodialysis access alternatives. Central venous catheters are very common and have become an important adjunct in maintaining patients on hemodialysis. In Bach Mai hospital, we certainly create about 1000 new arteriovenous fistulas every year (among these, about 84.98% new hemodialysis patients start hemodialysis without permanent accesses and depend on temporary central venous catheters) and successfully matured arteriovenous fistula rate is 92.6%. Among hemodialysis population in Bach Mai, 2.29% have arteriovenous grafts and 2.81% of patients still depend on cuffed tunneled catheters. The preferable locations for catheter insertions are the internal jugular and femoral veins. Proper vascular access maintenance requires integration of different professionals to create a vascular access team. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is not available. In our circumstance, we have achieved some advantages for hemodialysis patients but still a big gap to an advanced country.
Everything to everyone? Not when you are internally divided
Authors: Lehrer Roni , Lin Nick
Published: December 2018

Despite the normative importance of a clear party stance to political competition and representation, research has discovered that parties and candidates tend to employ the “broad-appeal” strategy to becloud their true policy intentions in order to expand their electoral support. Empirical work by Somer-Topcu demonstrates evidence that being ambiguous indeed helps political parties gain votes in elections since equivocal messages make voters underestimate the preference divergence between themselves and parties. In this article, we ask under what conditions would the “broad-appeal” strategy fail to work? We then propose internal unity of political parties as a critical condition for this strategy to work effectively. If a party is internally divided, conflict within the party accentuates the true policy intentions of the party and then counterbalances the discounting effect of being ambiguous on voters’ perceptions. Using survey data from the German Internet Panel, we show that voters underestimate policy distances to ambiguous parties only if they perceive them as internally united. Using a two-stage estimator, we also present evidence that the underestimation of policy distances affects voters’ vote choices.
Diagnostic validity of static telepathology supporting hospitals without local pathologists in low-income countries
Authors: Voelker Hans-Ullrich , Stauch Gerhard , Strehl Annette , Azima Yasmin , Mueller-Hermelink Hans-Konrad
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Static telepathology (TP) was used to support a hospital in Tanzania that cannot employ a resident pathologist but has a basic laboratory. Histological slides were prepared by the local technical staff and digital images were uploaded into an Internet-based system; consultant pathologists in Germany could give their opinion. The aim of the study was to examine the diagnostic validity of this project without local pathologists.

Methods

The set-up period for special training of local technical assistants was 10 weeks. Diagnoses of the first 545 cases that were processed via TP were compared with the results of a second opinion on the basis of routine slides created from the corresponding paraffin blocks, which were sent to Germany.

Results

Of all cases, 384 (70%) TP diagnoses were completely confirmed by the second opinion. Minor deviations (e.g. divergent subtypes of tumours or other aetiology of non-specific reactive processes) were documented in 76 cases (14%), so that overall, 84% of diagnoses were useful in the setting of the available therapeutic possibilities. The results were better in some subgroups of diseases (90–100% useful diagnoses) and suboptimal (minimum 63%) in a few subgroups with rare diseases. Thirty (5%) malignant diseases were primarily misinterpreted as being benign and 12 (2%) benign diseases as malignant. Forty-three (8%) cases were insufficient for diagnosis using TP and could not be provided with a primary assessment.

Discussion

Static TP can help support medical services in low-income countries in the absence of local pathologists with a potentially high diagnostic validity, especially for selected groups of diseases. The procedure can significantly improve the diagnostic procedures before commencement of therapy – a substantial contribution within a globalised world.