bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Attitudes Toward Sexual Expression in Long-Term Care: Does Context Matter?
Authors: Yelland Erin , Hosier Amy
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to (a) examine how age and sex of long-term care (LTC) residents influence public attitudes toward sexuality in LTC and (b) understand how, in the absence of cognitive decline, residing in LTC influences the perception of sexuality as a basic human right. Attitudes were examined using a factorial vignette with a probability sample of 325 respondents from a southern state. Results indicate that attitudes were not statistically affected by a vignette character’s age or sex; but respondent education level, parenthood status, and religious affiliation did have direct bearing on attitudes. The notion of sexuality as a basic human right for residents of LTC was ultimately challenged as 19% of respondents said that LTC residents should not be permitted to have sexual relations with their spouse in the facility.
Insufficient Evidence of Purported Lunar Effect on Pollination in Ephedra
Authors: Margot Jean-Luc
Published: August 2015

It has been suggested that the timing of pollination in Ephedra foeminea coincides with the full moon in July. The implication is that the plant can detect the full moon through light or gravity and that this trait is an evolutionary adaptation that aids the navigation by pollinating insects. Here we show that there are insufficient data to make such a claim, and we predict that pollinations of E. foeminea do not in general coincide with the full moon.
Swearing Effects on Citizen-to-Citizen Commenting Online
Authors: Kwon K. Hazel , Cho Daegon
Published: August 2015

Swearing, the use of taboo languages tagged with a high level of emotional arousal, has become commonplace in contemporary political culture. The current study attempts to understand the ways in which swearing influences citizen-to-citizen news commenting online. Based on a large corpus of the 2-month user comments from 26 news websites in South Korea, the study examines swearing effects as well as its interplay with anonymity on garnering public attention and shaping other users’ perceptions of the comments. Findings suggest that swearing generally has a positive effect on increasing user attention to comments as well as gaining other users’ approvals. Comparisons between political and nonpolitical topics further suggest that swearing effect on gaining public attention is particularly prominent for political discussions. In contrast, the magnitude of change toward positive valence in public perception to comments is much greater for nonpolitical topics than for politics. From the findings, we conclude that an acceptable degree of swearing norms in online discussions vary across news topical arenas. The results also lead to discussions about the possibility of like-minded exposure to political comments as a default condition for online discussions. Finally, the study highlights the role of high-arousal emotions in shaping discursive participation in contemporary networked sociodigital environment.
Social distance and wage inequalities for immigrants in Switzerland
Authors: Ebner Christian , Helbling Marc
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the impact of the social distance between immigrants and Swiss natives on wage inequalities. Social distance is assumed to be high when immigrants come from a different culture, a different education system and speak a different language. By combining these three aspects, this article goes beyond existing studies that only focus on cultural differences. The empirical findings indicate that, net of education, immigrants with a high or very high social distance from the receiving society are strongly disadvantaged in terms of their salaries. Additional analyses show that the impact of typical explanatory factors for labour market success such as education, citizenship and length of stay also vary by the degree of social distance between immigrants and their destination country. The analyses are based on data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey for the years 2010 and 2011, which allow for detailed analyses on individual immigrant groups due to oversampling.
An engine cycle analysis of diesel-ignited ethanol low-temperature combustion
Authors: Divekar Prasad S , Asad Usman , Tjong Jimi , Chen Xiang , Zheng Ming
Published: August 2015

Modification of the fuel–air charge properties has the potential to improve the load range of low-temperature combustion with ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions (less than 0.2 g/kW h) and ultra-low smoke emissions (less than 0.01 g/kW h). The ignition characteristics of the cylinder charge are altered by injecting the highly reactive diesel fuel into a homogeneous lean air–fuel mixture of low-reactivity fuel. The ethanol–diesel combination has been of particular recent interest since ethanol is a renewable biofuel. The additional advantages of ethanol include excellent anti-knock properties, high volatility and reduction in the compression work through charge cooling. In this work, a detailed investigation using diesel-ignited ethanol experiments was conducted on a high-compression-ratio (18.2:1) diesel engine. The emissions, the combustion performance and the thermal efficiency characteristics are analysed at different values of the exhaust gas recirculation, the intake boost pressure, the ethanol fraction and the diesel injection timing. The empirical investigations supported by detailed zero-dimensional engine cycle simulations indicate that a diesel injection timing close to top dead centre provides direct control over the ignition timing across the engine load range. The nitrogen oxide–soot trade-off of conventional diesel combustion, which is affected by exhaust gas recirculation, is minimized to achieve clean combustion over a wide load range (indicated mean effective pressure, 4–17 bar) with increased ethanol fraction and moderate intake dilution through a combination of modulation of the exhaust gas recirculation level and an increase in the intake boost pressure. The operation at low loads is constrained by the minimum diesel amount necessary for stable and efficient combustion while progressively retarded combustion phasing is necessary at higher loads to satisfy the physical engine constraints (peak cylinder pressure, less than 170 bar; peak pressure rise rate, less than 15 bar/deg crank angle). The improved understanding of this combustion strategy through experimental and theoretical research provides the necessary guidance for obtaining clean efficient full-load operation (demonstrated at an indicated mean effective pressure of 19.2 bar).
Validation and flow structure analysis in a turbofan stage at windmill
Authors: Dufour Guillaume , García Rosa Nicolás , Duplaa Sébastien
Published: August 2015

In the present study, the flow through the fan stage of a high bypass ratio turbofan at windmill is studied numerically. First, steady mixing plane simulations are validated against detailed experimental engine test-bed measurements, at several locations within the fan stage and close to the core/bypass flow splitter. Good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is obtained for the global operating point in the fan map. For the two windmilling points considered, it appears that as the flight Mach number is reduced, the windmilling operating point moves closer to the stability limit of the fan. For the radial profiles, good agreement is found downstream of the rotor. Downstream of the stator, it is shown that the steady approach fails to reproduce some important feature of the flow. A local flow analysis is proposed, evidencing several characteristics of the flow in windmilling: in the rotor, the size of the separation zone is found to increase from hub to tip, due to a solidity effect. In the stator, massive flow separation occurs at mid-span, which leads to the formation of two streamwise counter-rotating vortices. Then, the nonlinear harmonic method is applied to a section (at 70% of the relative span) of the fan stage. A modal analysis is performed, showing a specific behavior at windmill: the massively separated flows in the rotor and the stator entail strong rotor/stator interaction modes. Finally, the unsteady flow pattern is examined: the velocity defect of the rotor wake, which periodically increases the flow angle on the stator, is shown to trigger a periodic movement of the reattachment point at the trailing edge of the stator, associated with vortex shedding from the lower side of the vane. The implication of this qualitative flow behavior on the method to extract computational fluid dynamics results for comparisons with experiments is discussed.
Crafting a public for geoengineering
Authors: Bellamy Rob , Lezaun Javier
Published: August 2015

In a short period of time, climate ‘geoengineering’ has been added to the list of technoscientific issues subject to deliberative public engagement. Here, we analyse this rapid trajectory of publicization and explore the particular manner in which the possibility of intentionally altering the Earth’s climate system to curb global warming has been incorporated into the field of ‘public engagement with science’. We describe the initial framing of geoengineering as a singular object of debate and subsequent attempts to ‘unframe’ the issue by placing it within broader discursive fields. The tension implicit in these processes of structured debate – how to turn geoengineering into a workable object of deliberation without implying a commitment to its reality as a policy option – raises significant questions about the role of ‘public engagement with science’ scholars and methods in facilitating public debate on speculative technological futures.
Individual and Ecological Variation in Child Undernutrition in India
Authors: Mejía-Guevara Iván , Krishna Aditi , Corsi Daniel J. , Subramanian S.V.
Published: August 2015

Despite the substantial burden of child undernutrition in South Asia, little is known on the relative importance and contribution of individual and micro/macro environments in shaping variation in child undernutrition. Using measures of anthropometry, we decompose the variation in child undernutrition in India to the levels of child, communities and states, quantifying the extent to which variation at each of these levels can be explained by known proximal and distal risk factors, measured at the individual (child/household) level. Data are from under-five singleton children participating in the 2005–2006 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3). The outcome variables were: height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ), as well as their associated measures of anthropometric failure: stunting, underweight and wasting, defined as more than two standard deviations below the median of the referred z-scores, respectively. We also considered the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF), defined by combinations of child anthropometric failure. After accounting for risk factors, of the total variation in HAZ, 93.2 per cent, 4.9 per cent and 1.9 per cent were attributable to the individual, community and state levels, respectively. The observed risk factors explained 6.3 per cent and 46.9 per cent of the variation at the individual and community level, respectively; however, between-state variation was not explained by these risk factors. Variability in other measures of anthropometry and anthropometric failure largely followed this pattern. Additionally, there were also considerable differences in the amount of variation at the individual and community levels among different states. Hence, there is a substantial variability at the community level compared to the state level, suggesting the presence of micro-geographies of undernutrition. Additionally, while a substantial majority of the variation in child undernutrition is at the individual level, our ability to explain variability in undernutrition at the individual-level risk factors is extremely limited. Further research is needed to explore community level or environmental factors affecting child undernutrition, generating evidence for policies to target these determinants.
Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jayanti , Haldar Sushil Kr.
Published: August 2015

We investigate the proximate determinants of economic growth in South Asia from 1996 to 2010. The study is conducted in a panel data framework with a special emphasis on the role of institutions in conjunction with physical capital stock, human capital stock and openness as the major predictor variables. Moreover, we also attempt to ascertain the direct and indirect effects of corruption on the economies in South Asia and thereby estimate the effects of various constraints that could restrict high growth in the region in the near future. Human capital stock and openness are crucial to the region’s economic growth, but institutions need substantial reform if the accelerated growth rates are to be sustained. The impact of physical capital stock is subject to each country’s institutional quality. Corruption is found to have a negative influence on the economies of South Asia, and its interplay with weak institutions tends to magnify this adverse impact. In the future, institutional reform should be directed towards curbing the ill effects of corruption to sustain the growth of South Asian countries.
Chhaupadi Culture and Reproductive Health of Women in Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat Chhabi , Kim Chun-Bae , Choi Eun Hee , Aryal Anu , Park Myung Bae , Doh Young Ah
Published: August 2015

Different sociocultural barriers concerning women’s health are still prevalent. Chhaupadi culture in Nepal is that threat wherein menstruating women have to live outside of the home in a shed-like dwelling. Our study aims to determine the factors of reproductive health problems related to Chhaupadi. A cross-sectional study was performed with women of menstrual age (N = 672) in Kailali and Bardiya districts of Nepal. Data were collected with stratified sampling and analyzed using SPSS. Reproductive health problems were observed according to the World Health Organization reproductive health protocol. Regression analysis was performed to show the association between relevant variables. Results reveal that one fifth (21%) of households used Chhaupadi. Condition of livelihood, water facility, and access during menstruation and precisely the Chhaupadi stay was associated ( P < .001) with the reproductive health problems of women. The study concludes that Chhaupadi is a major threat for women’s health. Further research on appropriate strategies against Chhaupadi and menstrual hygiene should be undertaken.
Triad of Intraspinal Meningioma, Schwannoma, and Ependymoma
Authors: Rasheed Faiza , Fatima Saira , Ahmad Zubair
Published: August 2015

Mixed tumors composed of schwannoma and meningioma are extremely rare and are usually associated with neurofibromatosis type 2. So far, all the cases reported have involved the cerebellopontine angle. Only 3 reported cases did not have a clear association with neurofibromatosis type 2. We report a mixed tumor comprising schwannoma admixed with meningioma and ependymoma in the cervical spinal cord of a 22-year-old male.
Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Expression in Adenocarcinomas of the Bile Duct
Authors: Lino-Silva Leonardo S. , Salcedo-Hernández Rosa A. , García-Gómez Miguel A. , Ruiz-García Erika B. , Aguilar-Romero José M. , Domínguez-Rodríguez Jorge A. , Herrera-Gómez Ángel , Maldonado-Martínez Héctor A.
Published: August 2015

Background. The immunoreactivity of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is a very specific marker for lung and thyroid neoplasms; the expression of TTF-1 has also been demonstrated in extrapulmonary carcinomas. We examined the expression of TTF-1 in 15 intestinal-type adenocarcinomas of the extrahepatic bile duct. We then compared the expression to TTF-1 staining with other immunohistochemical markers including cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2), Napsin A, and MUC2. We additionally compared the clinicopathological prognostic factors with the TTF-1 expression status. Results. Nuclear TTF-1 staining was detected in 2 cases (13.3%), and Napsin A was positive in the same 2 cases (13.3%). All cases were positive for CK20, CDX2, and MUC2; 5 cases were positive for CK7. There was no correlation between TTF-1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics. Conclusions. To avoid potential pitfalls, TTF-1 should be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical setting, histology, and the results of markers such as CK7, CK20, Napsin A, and CDX2. This report is the first of TTF-1 positivity in adenocarcinomas from the extrahepatic biliary tract.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Management of Thromboembolic Disorders
Authors: Amin Alpesh , Marrs Joel C.
Published: August 2015

Anticoagulation therapy is central to the management of thromboembolic disorders, and the use of direct oral anticoagulants offers several advantages over standard therapy with parenteral heparins and vitamin K antagonists. In phase III clinical trials, the direct oral anticoagulants (given once or twice daily) all demonstrated favorable benefit–risk profiles compared with conventional standard therapy for the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism and for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. In clinical practice, many factors may influence overall clinical outcomes in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, including adherence and persistence to the prescribed therapy, which becomes particularly important during long-term therapy. When choosing an anticoagulant for an individual patient, the pharmacological and clinical profile of the anticoagulant, its dosing regimen, and the patient’s clinical characteristics (eg, renal function and comorbidities) and preferences should be considered. This review examines the rationale for and clinical evidence of the selected dosing regimens of the direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The potential influence of dosing strategies (eg, once- or twice-daily dosing) and other factors on patient adherence and therapy persistence are also discussed.
Self-Criticism as a Mechanism Linking Childhood Maltreatment and Maternal Efficacy Beliefs in Low-Income Mothers With and Without Depression
Authors: Michl Louisa C. , Handley Elizabeth D. , Rogosch Fred , Cicchetti Dante , Toth Sheree L.
Published: August 2015

The primary aim of the current study was to examine self-criticism as a potential mechanism mediating the relation between mothers’ own childhood maltreatment history and changes in subsequent maternal efficacy beliefs in a diverse sample of low-income mothers with and without major depressive disorder. Longitudinal data were drawn from a larger randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy for depression among low-income mothers and their 12-month-old infant. Results indicated that higher levels of maltreatment in childhood led mothers to hold more self-critical judgments in adulthood. Additionally, mothers who had experienced more extensive childhood maltreatment histories perceived themselves as less efficacious in their role as mother. Structural equation modeling indicated that self-criticism mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and mothers’ decreased perceived competency in her maternal role from when her child was an infant to the more demanding toddler years. Finally, this relationship held over and above the influence of mothers’ depressive diagnostic status. Directions for future research and the clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological appearance of the caecum in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Hahn Harriet , Freiche Valérie , Baril Aurélie , Charpentier Julie , Desquilbet Loïc , Le Poder Sophie , Servely Jean-Luc , Laloy Eve , Pey Pascaline
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasonographic and endoscopic appearance and characteristics of the caecum in asymptomatic cats, and to correlate these findings with histology.

Methods

Ex vivo ultrasonographic and histologic evaluations of a fresh caecum were initially performed. Then, 20 asymptomatic cats, privately owned or originating from a reproductive colony, were recruited. All cats had an ultrasonographic examination of the ileocaecocolic junction, where the thickness of the caecal wall, ileocolic lymph nodes and the echogenicity of the local fat were assessed. They all underwent a colonoscopy with a macroscopic assessment of the mucosa and biopsies for histology.

Results

An ultrasonographic hypoechoic nodular inner layer, which corresponded to the coalescence of multiple lymphoid follicles originating from the submucosa and protruding in the mucosa on histology, was visible in all parts of the caecum. The combined mucosa and submucosa was measured ultrasonographically and defined as the follicular layer. Although all cats were asymptomatic, 3/19 cats showed mild caecal inflammation on histology. The most discriminatory ultrasonographic parameter in assessing this subclinical inflammation was the thickness of the follicular layer at the entrance of the caecum, with a cut-off value of 2.0 mm. All cats (20/20) showed some degree of macroscopic ‘dimpling’ of the caecal mucosa on endoscopy.

Conclusions and relevance

Lymphoid follicles in the caecal mucosa and submucosa constitute a unique follicular layer on ultrasound. In asymptomatic cats, a subtle, non-clinically relevant inflammation may exist and this is correlated with an increased thickness of the follicular layer on ultrasound. On endoscopy, a ‘dimpled aspect’ to the caecal mucosa is a normal finding in the asymptomatic cat.
Motivation to study music in Australian schools: The impact of music learning, gender, and socio-economic status
Authors: McPherson Gary E. , Osborne Margaret S. , Barrett Margaret S. , Davidson Jane W. , Faulkner Robert
Published: August 2015

This study extends an eight-country mapping exercise (McPherson & O’Neill, 2010; see Research Studies in Music Education issues 2010–2011) to include students’ motivation to study music within the Australian context. It sought to determine whether music learners (students learning an instrument or voice), might be more motivated to study academic subjects at school, and whether gender and socio-economic status (SES) affected student motivation to learn music at school. A total of 2,727 students from grades 5 to 12 completed a questionnaire based on Eccles and Wigfield’s expectancy-value framework. Data collected included: ratings of competence beliefs, interest, importance, usefulness and difficulty for music, English, maths, and science; indications of whether the students were currently learning a musical instrument or voice (music learners); and whether they would like to if given the opportunity. There was an overall significant decline in competence beliefs, interest, importance, and usefulness across the school years, in contrast with increased task difficulty ratings across the school years. Music learners reported significantly higher competence beliefs, interest, importance, usefulness, and less task difficulty than non-music learners. This advantage applied across all school grades for music, competence beliefs for English in upper primary and lower secondary school grades, and for maths in lower secondary grades. Although females reported music as more important and useful than males, their competence beliefs and task difficulty ratings were equivalent. Music was considered slightly less interesting for females than for males. The value of music as a subject declined significantly for upper SES students from upper primary to lower secondary schools. The greatest number of participants (40.8%) who expressed a desire to learn a musical instrument came from the lower SES category in upper primary school. This is an important result in the Australian context, indicating that this may be a positive time to recruit learners. This study provides new information regarding the relationship between motivation and desire to learn a musical instrument across school grades, gender, and socio-economic factors.
Exploring contributions of project-based learning to health and wellbeing in secondary education
Authors: Allison Pete , Gray Shirley , Sproule John , Nash Christine , Martindale Russell , Wang John
Published: August 2015

Regardless of the aims and purposes of education, recent trends in pedagogy suggest an increasing popularity of project-based learning (PBL) and a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to learning, however ill-defined they may be. Connections between PBL, curriculum trends and health and wellbeing are reviewed, as well as potential value of schools bringing the three together to enhance learning. Interviews were undertaken with students ( n = 37) following a range of 2-week residentials involving PBL to examine students’ perspectives on connections with prior learning at school, the approach to learning and any connections to health and wellbeing. The results from the hierarchical content analysis revealed five emerging themes. Implications for theory, practice and further research are discussed.
The association of children’s distress during venepuncture with parent and staff behaviours
Authors: Thompson Susan , Ayers Susan , Pervilhac Charlotte , Mahoney Liam , Seddon Paul
Published: August 2015

Venepuncture and other needle-related procedures can distress children and have a lasting negative impact. Adults’ behaviour during these procedures may affect children’s reactions. However, the literature is contradictory and rarely considers verbal and non-verbal behaviour together. This study therefore examined the effect of adults’ verbal and non-verbal behaviour on children’s distress during venepuncture. Participants comprised 51 child and carer dyads and 10 staff members. Child anxiety was measured before the procedure. The procedure was recorded. The resulting audio-visual data were coded using the Child–Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale–Revised. Correlation analysis identified variables that were significantly associated with child distress: child anxiety, carer distress-promoting behaviour, staff distress-promoting behaviour and intimate distance. These were included in a path diagram of child distress. Exploration of the diagram identified that children’s anxiety was mostly strongly associated with children’s distress during venepuncture. Staff and carer behaviour did not increase children’s distress. The results suggest interventions to reduce children’s distress during venepuncture may be more effective if they focus on reducing children’s anxiety beforehand.
Elevated temperature behaviour of Ti6Al4V sheets with thermo-electro-chemical modified surfaces for biomedical applications
Authors: Valoppi Beatrice , Ghiotti Andrea , Bruschi Stefania
Published: August 2015

Deformation at elevated temperature of Ti6Al4V sheets may represent a process route alternative to machining and Additive Manufacturing (AM) operations to produce biomedical implants characterized by a high surface-to-thickness-ratio. The paper investigates the mechanical and microstructural behaviour at elevated temperature of Ti6Al4V sheets whose surface was properly modified through thermo-electro-chemical processes to enhance the roughness, and therefore osseointegration, as well as bioactivity, to meet the requirements imposed by the specific biomedical application. After the surface characterization, tensile tests were carried out at different temperatures on samples modified on the surface in order to investigate the ductility, microstructure and micro-hardness after deformation and the effect of the surface treatments on them. The optimal surface treatment and deformation temperature were identified, which assured, at the same time, significant ductility increase compared to room temperature, and preservation of the roughness and bioactivity characteristics.
Characterization of hybrid fillers based on carbon black of different types obtained by impregnation
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Ahmed A , Al-Hartomy Omar A , Al-Solamy Falleh R , Dishovsky Nikolay , Malinova Petrunka , Lakov Lako
Published: August 2015

The paper presents the investigations on obtaining dual phase fillers with preset silica content running a successful impregnation of two completely different types of conventional carbon black with silicasol. The hybrid fillers studied were characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. The total pore volume, the average pore diameter, the specific surface area, the oil absorption number, and iodine adsorption of the fillers were also investigated. The distribution of both phases within the hybrid filler obtained and their interpenetration were investigated with scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The hybrid products obtained were investigated as reinforcing fillers of natural rubber-based composites. The results obtained show that the suggested impregnation with silicasol of conventional carbon black is a perspective method for preparation of carbon-silica dual phase fillers. The method provides an easy control over the quantitative ratio between the two phases. The fillers thus prepared do not change significantly the curing and mechanical characteristics of the vulcanizates, but improve their thermal aging resistance. The isolation of the carbon black aggregates by the silica phase, and the interpenetration of the two phases is a prerequisite to obtain elastomer composites of good mechanical and microwave properties suitable for producing of microwave shielding devices.
Picture perfect: ‘4D’ ultrasound and the commoditisation of the private prenatal clinic
Authors: Thomas Gareth M
Published: August 2015

Non-medical ‘four-dimensional’ ultrasound is commercially advertised as promoting maternal ‘bonding’, providing reassurance and tendering entertaining experiences for expectant parents. Despite the proliferation of this technology, it has not yet been subjected to sufficient social scientific attention. Drawing on an ethnography of a private prenatal clinic in the United Kingdom, I explore how four-dimensional scans, providing detailed real-time images of a foetus, have transformed the prenatal clinic into a site of consumption. I argue that the discourse present in four-dimensional scans and the materiality of the clinic achieve two things. First, they blur the boundary between clinical and non-clinical practices. This must be carefully negotiated by professionals who perform serious emotional labour to balance the delicate tension of offering expertise and medically based reassurance with providing a joyful experience for parents as consumers. Second, the four-dimensional scan and clinic’s materiality promote the notion of ‘perfection’, particularly around the idealised family and future body. I conclude by reflecting on how such non-medical technologies play a central role in the commoditisation of pregnancy, bodies, the family and prenatal care in an increasingly consumer-led market.
Early Individual Prevention of Chronic Offenders: The Use of Criminological Theories in the Governance of Swedish Police and Social Services
Authors: Kassman Anders , Wollter Filip , Oscarsson Lars
Published: August 2015

A national Swedish project was followed in 12 municipalities aimed at youth aged 15–20 years. Neither police nor social services systematically used the indicators based on criminological research and proposed by national authorities. The police and social services thought they had more contemporary and holistic intuitive knowledge than any systematic indicators could provide. Despite implementation difficulties, the project was described as a success at the political level and widely dispersed. The specific and systematic image of early indicators provided momentum at the policy level. The local authorities welcomed the opportunity to reach a group considered difficult to manage.
Representing knowledge: Assessment of creativity in humanities
Authors: Zemits Birut Irena
Published: August 2015

Traditionally, assessment for university students in the humanities has been in an essay format, but this has changed extensively in the last decade. Assessments now may entail auditory and visual presentations, films, mind-maps, and other modes of communication. These formats are outside the established conventions of humanities and may be considered as creative works. Exploring definitions and research in the field of assessment of creativity, highlighting ways to explicitly assess the creative aspects of student work. An obligatory first year common unit titled “Cultural intelligence and capability” is examined as a model of how creative assessment can be used to extend engagement with subject material. Implications of considering creative aspects, in an explicit way, are reviewed. The underpinning argument is that in the current learning settings, creativity should be seen as an intrinsic part of appraisal criteria in the humanities as much as in the arts.
Translation of an Action Learning Collaborative Model Into a Community-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
Authors: Schifferdecker Karen E. , Adachi-Mejia Anna M. , Butcher Rebecca L. , O’Connor Sharon , Li Zhigang , Bazos Dorothy A.
Published: August 2015

Action Learning Collaboratives (ALCs), whereby teams apply quality improvement (QI) tools and methods, have successfully improved patient care delivery and outcomes. We adapted and tested the ALC model as a community-based obesity prevention intervention focused on physical activity and healthy eating. Method. The intervention used QI tools (e.g., progress monitoring) and team-based activities and was implemented in three communities through nine monthly meetings. To assess process and outcomes, we used a longitudinal repeated-measures and mixed-methods triangulation approach with a quasi-experimental design including objective measures at three time points. Results. Most of the 97 participants were female (85.4%), White (93.8%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (95.9%). Average age was 52 years; 28.0% had annual household income of $20,000 or less; and mean body mass index was 35. Through mixed-effects models, we found some physical activity outcomes improved. Other outcomes did not significantly change. Although participants favorably viewed the QI tools, components of the QI process such as sharing goals and data on progress in teams and during meetings were limited. Participants’ requests for more education or activities around physical activity and healthy eating, rather than progress monitoring and data sharing required for QI activities, challenged ALC model implementation. Conclusions. An ALC model for community-based obesity prevention may be more effective when applied to preexisting teams in community-based organizations.
Spatial Analysis Methods for Health Promotion and Education
Authors: Chaney Robert A. , Rojas-Guyler Liliana
Published: August 2015

This article provides a review of spatial analysis methods for use in health promotion and education research and practice. Spatial analysis seeks to describe or make inference about variables with respect to the places they occur. This includes geographic differences, proximity issues, and access to resources. This is important for understanding how health outcomes differ from place to place; and in terms of understanding some of the environmental underpinnings of health outcomes data by placing it in context of geographic location. This article seeks to promote spatial analysis as a viable tool for health promotion and education research and practice. Four more commonly used spatial analysis techniques are described in-text. An illustrative example of motor vehicle collisions in a large metropolitan city is presented using these techniques. The techniques discussed are as follows: descriptive mapping, global spatial autocorrelation, cluster detection, and identification and spatial regression analysis. This article provides useful information for health promotion and education researchers and practitioners seeking to examine research questions from a spatial perspective.
Clinically Unsuspected Prion Disease Among Patients With Dementia Diagnoses in an Alzheimer’s Disease Database
Authors: Maddox Ryan A. , Blase J. L. , Mercaldo N. D. , Harvey A. R. , Schonberger L. B. , Kukull W. A. , Belay E. D.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Brain tissue analysis is necessary to confirm prion diseases. Clinically unsuspected cases may be identified through neuropathologic testing.

Methods:

National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Minimum and Neuropathologic Data Set for 1984 to 2005 were reviewed. Eligible patients had dementia, underwent autopsy, had available neuropathologic data, belonged to a currently funded Alzheimer’s Disease Center (ADC), and were coded as having an Alzheimer’s disease clinical diagnosis or a nonprion disease etiology. For the eligible patients with neuropathology indicating prion disease, further clinical information, collected from the reporting ADC, determined whether prion disease was considered before autopsy.

Results:

Of 6000 eligible patients in the NACC database, 7 (0.12%) were clinically unsuspected but autopsy-confirmed prion disease cases.

Conclusion:

The proportion of patients with dementia with clinically unrecognized but autopsy-confirmed prion disease was small. Besides confirming clinically suspected cases, neuropathology is useful to identify unsuspected clinically atypical cases of prion disease.
Evaluation of Su Fu’ning Lotion’s Inhibitory Effects on Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo by Intravesical Instillation
Authors: Ren Liansheng , Yang Xihua , Zhao Lili , Zhang Hong , Wang Jing
Published: August 2015

Background. Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor with a very high recurrence rate after surgery. Intravesical instillation can help clear up the residual tumor cells after surgery and thereby reduce the recurrence rate. Objective. To establish a bladder tumor transplantation animal model and to evaluate the inhibitory effects of a novel perfusate, Su Fu’ning Lotion (SFN), on bladder tumor. Methods. SFN was compared with several commonly used chemotherapy drugs, including mitomycin (MMC) and pirarubicin (THP) for anticancer effects on the bladder cancer cell lines T24, BTT, and BIU-87 and SFN half inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined after 48 hours of treatment. In addition, bladder cancer orthotopic transplantation tumor models were established in BALB/C nude mice and T739 mice, and SFN anticancer effects were assessed in vivo, with normal saline and MMC as negative and positive controls, respectively. Results. SFN, MMC, and THP were all lethal to bladder cancer cells, in vitro, with SFN and THP significantly superior to MMC. IC50 values for SFN were 13.22, 11.22, and 12.5 µg/mL on T24, BTT, and BIU-87 cells, respectively. In vivo, SFN significantly reduced the mouse bladder wet weight and prolonged the animal survival compared with controls ( P < .05), suggesting that SFN significantly inhibited T24/BTT cell growth in mice. Conclusion. SFN inhibited the bladder cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and significantly prolonged the survival of mice with bladder cancer xenografts, indicating that SFN could be used as a perfusate after surgery for removal of residual bladder cancers cells.
The impact of acute aerobic exercise on chitinase 3-like protein 1 and intelectin-1 expression in obesity
Authors: Huang Chun-Jung , Slusher Aaron L , Whitehurst Michael , Wells Marie , Maharaj Arun , Shibata Yoshimi
Published: August 2015

Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) and intelectin 1 (ITLN-1) recognize microbial N-acetylglucosamine polymer and galactofuranosyl carbohydrates, respectively. Both lectins are highly abundant in plasma and seem to play pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively, in obesity and inflammatory-related illnesses. The aim of this study was to examine whether plasma levels of these lectins in obese subjects are useful for monitoring inflammatory conditions immediately influenced by acute aerobic exercise. Plasma interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, was also examined. Twenty-two (11 obese and 11 normal-weight) healthy subjects, ages 18–30 years, were recruited to perform a 30 min bout of acute aerobic exercise at 75% VO2max. We confirmed higher baseline levels of plasma CHI3L1, but lower ITLN-1, in obese subjects than in normal-weight subjects. The baseline levels of CHI3L1 were negatively correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness (relative VO2max). However, when controlled for BMI, the relationship between baseline level of CHI3L1 and relative VO2max was no longer observed. While acute aerobic exercise elicited an elevation in these parameters, we found a lower ITLN-1 response in obese subjects compared to normal-weight subjects. Our study clearly indicates that acute aerobic exercise elicits a pro-inflammatory response (e.g. CHI3L1) with a lower anti-inflammatory effect (e.g. ITLN-1) in obese individuals. Furthermore, these lectins could be predictors of outcome of exercise interventions in obesity-associated inflammation.
Worldwide Trends in Dairy Production and Consumption and Calcium Intake: Is Promoting Consumption of Dairy Products a Sustainable Solution for Inadequate Calcium Intake?
Authors: Wang Youfa , Li Shiru
Published: August 2015

Background

Adequate calcium intake is critical for good health. Inadequate calcium intake is a worldwide problem and is more serious in countries where consumption of dairy products is low.

Objective

To analyze worldwide trends in production and consumption of dairy products and in calcium intake.

Methods

Data were taken from Food and Agriculture Organization food balance sheets, from published studies, and from surveys of four countries with large populations and large dairy production (China, India, the United States, and Russia). Linear regression models were fitted to estimate average annual changes and to project future trends.

Results

Overall global dairy production and supply (total and per capita) have increased since 1980, especially in developing countries. There are large between-region and between-country differences in the levels of production, supply, and consumption and in the trends. In 1997 India surpassed the United States to become the largest dairy producer. Consumption of dairy products in China has more than tripled since 1982 and has increased sevenfold among urban residents. The increase has been more dramatic during recent years. In spite of increases in dairy production and consumption in China and India, calcium intake has decreased in these countries. The average daily per capita consumption of dairy products was more than 200 g in the United States in 1999–2004 but less than 27 g in China in 2002; the average daily per capita intake of calcium was 962 mg in US men and 756 mg in US women in 1999–2004, but less than 400 mg in China in 2002.

Conclusions

Global production and supply of dairy products have been increasing since 1980, which has an impact on the environment. Dairy consumption and calcium intake remain low in most countries examined as compared with recommended amounts of dairy products and calcium. Promotion of consumption of dairy products does not necessarily increase total calcium intake.
Simulation Model of the Impact of Biofortification on the Absorption of Adequate Amounts of Zinc and Iron among Mexican Women and Preschool Children
Authors: Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , García-Guerra Armando , Flores-Aldana Mario , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia , Hotz Christine
Published: August 2015

Background

Biofortification is an agricultural process that attempts to increase the iron and zinc content of staple food crops. Improving the absorption of zinc and iron could contribute to reducing the high rates of deficiency of these micronutrients in developing-country settings.

Objective

To simulate the effects of biofortification of staple food crops (maize, wheat, rice, and beans) on the absorption of zinc and iron among women and children in Mexico.

Methods

We analyzed dietary data from the 1999 Mexican National Nutrition Survey. On the basis of the intake of the four staple food crops and the increase in zinc and iron content that could be achieved by conventional breeding in the short term, the prevalence of inadequacy in the amounts of absorbed zinc and iron was determined. The mean increase in the amounts of absorbed zinc and iron was compared according to rural and urban residence and according to region of the country.

Results

In rural areas, simulated biofortification of maize resulted in a reduction in the prevalence of absorption of inadequate amounts of zinc of 47% in children and 56% in women but had no effect on the prevalence of absorption of inadequate amounts of iron. The increase in zinc absorption was greater in rural populations and in the Central and Southern regions ( p < .05).

Conclusions

Biofortification of maize could significantly improve zinc absorption among children and women in Mexico living in areas most vulnerable to zinc deficiency. Studies of the biological impact of biofortified maize on zinc status are warranted.
Storage, Preparation, and Usage of Fortified Food Aid among Guatemalan, Ugandan, and Malawian Beneficiaries: A Field Study Report
Authors: Rowe Jonathan P. , Brodegard William C. , Pike Oscar A. , Steele Frost M. , Dunn Michael L.
Published: August 2015

Background

An important consideration in determining the ability of fortified food-aid commodities to meet the nutritional needs of beneficiaries is the manner in which commodities are utilized and prepared and the degree to which micronutrient losses occur during handling and cooking by the beneficiaries.

Objective

A field study was conducted in Uganda, Malawi, and Guatemala to obtain data on storage, preparation, and usage of fortified blended foods provided by the US Agency for International Development.

Methods

Interview and observational data on the use of corn-soy blend, cornmeal, soy-fortified cornmeal, soy-fortified bulgur, and fortified vegetable oil were collected from more than 100 households and two wet-feeding sites (where food is prepared and served by staff on-site) in 32 villages.

Results

Storage practices by beneficiaries appeared to be appropriate, and all commodities observed were free from off-flavors and odors. Cooking water was typically obtained from boreholes or open wells with a pH range of 4.7 to 7.7. Food preparation usually took place in covered areas with the use of an aluminum or clay pot over a wood-fueled fire. Thin or thick porridges were the most common dishes prepared from cereal-based products, with concentration ranges of 10% to 31% (wt/wt) in water. Cooking times for porridges ranged from 5 to 53 minutes, with a mean of 26 minutes. Tortillas and beverages were other preparations commonly observed in Guatemala. Vegetable oil was typically used for pan frying.

Conclusions

Cooking fuel could be saved and nutritional quality probably improved if relief agencies emphasized shorter cooking times. These data can be used to simulate preparation methods in the laboratory for assessment of the nutritional impact of cooking.
Global obstetric medicine: Collaborating towards global progress in maternal health
Authors: Firoz Tabassum , Ateka-Barrutia Oier , Rojas-Suarez Jose Antonio , Wijeyaratne Chandrika , Castillo Eliana , Lombaard Hennie , Magee Laura A
Published: August 2015

Globally, the nature of maternal mortality and morbidity is shifting from direct obstetric causes to an increasing proportion of indirect causes due to chronic conditions and ageing of the maternal population. Obstetric medicine can address an important gap in the care of women by broadening its scope to include colleagues, communities and countries that do not yet have established obstetric medicine training, education and resources. We present the concept of global obstetric medicine by highlighting three low- and middle-income country experiences as well as an example of successful collaboration. The article also discusses ideas and initiatives to build future partnerships within the global obstetric medicine community.