bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Law Enforcement Revisited: The “War” Against the War on Drugs
Authors: Alexandris Polomarkakis Konstantinos
Published: March 2017

From the closure of London’s nightclub Fabric to Duterte’s drug war, law enforcement has become the policy choice par excellence for drug control by stakeholders around the globe, creating a rift between theory and practice, the former vehemently dismissing most of its alleged benefits. This article provides a fresh look on the said regime, through examining its implications in the key areas of illicit drug markets, public health, and broader society. Instead of adopting a critical stance from the start, as much of the literature does, the issue is evaluated from the perspective of a focus on the logic and rationality of drug law enforcement approaches, to showcase from within how problematic the latter are. The article concludes by suggesting at least a reconceptualization of the concept, to give way to more sophisticated policies for finally tackling the issue of illegal drugs effectively.
Insecure People in Insecure Places: The Influence of Regional Unemployment on Workers’ Reactions to the Threat of Job Loss
Authors: Glavin Paul , Young Marisa
Published: March 2017

Social comparison theory predicts that unemployment should be less distressing when the experience is widely shared, but does this prediction extend beyond the unemployed to those who are at risk of job loss? Research demonstrates a link between aggregate unemployment and employed individuals’ perceptions of job insecurity; however, less is known about whether the stress associated with these perceptions is shaped by others’ unemployment experiences. We analyze a nationally representative sample of Canadian workers (Canadian Work, Stress, and Health study; N = 3,900) linked to census data and test whether regional unemployment influences the mental health consequences of job insecurity. Multilevel analyses provide more support for the social norm of insecurity hypothesis over the amplified threat hypothesis: the health penalties of job insecurity are weaker for individuals in high-unemployment regions. This contingency is partially explained by the ability of insecure workers in poor labor market contexts to retain psychological resources important for protecting mental health.
Hidden Dragons: The Revitalizing of Vancouver’s Chinatown From Humanistic Perspectives
Authors: Eng Peter Anthony , Donnelly Eve
Published: March 2017

This article presents a theoretical path for small communities to reverse rising tides of crime and addiction by means of a community reinforcement approach. Vancouver’s Chinatown offers an ideal opportunity for praxis due to the current enthusiasm of city planners in reviving this section of the city. At its highest level, we interpret a community’s revitalization to include progress toward individuation as a collective, accompanied with increased opportunities for self-fulfillment among its residents. Therefore, as a foundation for the suggested community reinforcement approach, we first apply the humanistic theories of Jung as a means to enhance the integration of Chinatown’s collective consciousness. Next, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs serves as a blueprint for the self-actualization of its inhabitants.
Brothers or others in arms? Civilian constituencies and rebel fragmentation in civil war
Authors: Mosinger Eric S
Published: March 2017

Why do united rebel fronts emerge in some insurgencies, while in other insurgencies multiple rebel groups mobilize independently to challenge the state, and often, each other? I develop a diffusion model of rebel fragmentation in which participation in rebellion spreads, completely or incompletely, through networks of civilians and dissidents. Using this theoretical framework I hypothesize that two factors jointly determine whether a rebel movement remains unified or fragments: the rebels’ investment in civilian mobilization, and the overall level of civilian grievances. The theory predicts that widely shared grievances motivate the formation of many small dissident groups willing to challenge the regime. Given the difficulty of collective action between disparate opposition actors, an emerging rebel movement will tend towards fragmentation when popular grievances are high. Yet extremely high civilian grievances can also help rebels activate broad, overlapping civilian social networks that serve to bridge together dissident groups. Mass-mobilizing rebel groups, benefiting from the participation of broad civilian networks, are most likely to forge and maintain a unified rebel front. I test this theory alongside several alternatives drawn from cross-national studies of conflict using regression analysis. The quantitative evidence lends considerable credence to the role of rebel constituencies in preventing or fomenting rebel fragmentation.
Predicting Factors of Zone 4 Attack in Volleyball
Authors: Costa Gustavo C. , Castro Henrique O. , Evangelista Breno F. , Malheiros Laura M. , Greco Pablo J. , Ugrinowitsch Herbert
Published: March 2017

This study examined 142 volleyball games of the Men’s Super League 2014/2015 seasons in Brazil from which we analyzed 24–26 games of each participating team, identifying 5,267 Zone 4 attacks for further analysis. Within these Zone 4 attacks, we analyzed the association between the effect of the attack carried out and the separate effects of serve reception, tempo and type of attack. We found that the reception, tempo of attack, second tempo of attack, and power of diagonal attack were predictors of the attack effect in Zone 4. Moreover, placed attacks showed a tendency to not yield a score. In conclusion, winning points in high-level men's volleyball requires excellent receptions, a fast attack tempo and powerfully executed of attacks.
New Guidance for an Old Problem
Authors: Handtke Violet , Wangmo Tenzin , Elger Bernice , Bretschneider Wiebke
Published: March 2017

Early release of seriously ill and elderly prisoners is possible in several countries, but only few prisoners gain such exemption. We identified hurdles to the implementation of early release laws in Europe by analyzing legal requirements for such release and with 40 stakeholder qualitative interviews. Provisions are based on prisoners’ health status and the ability to care for them in prison. Interviews revealed three barriers: practical hurdles, penological goals, and multiple interests. Finally, early release is obstructed because three justifications are often confounded: compassion, the principle of equivalence, and practical concerns, such as costs and overcrowding.
Study on the equivalent luminance of luminous fibers in photopic vision and scotopic vision
Authors: Yan Yanhong , Liu Chengxia , Ding Xiaojun
Published: March 2017

Colored luminous fibers were prepared by a melt spinning process, adding colored pigments and long afterglow rare earth material into polyamide fiber. The colored luminous fibers had a variety of colors in photopic vision, and emitted colored light in mesopic vision and scotopic vision. Based on the experimental data of the emission spectra and the test luminance of the luminous fibers, the effect of the emissive colors of the luminous fibers on the equivalent luminance at different vision states was analyzed. The results showed that the effect of the emissive colors of white, red, yellow, and green luminous fibers on the equivalent luminance was not obvious in photopic and scotopic vision, but that of blue luminous fiber was obvious in photopic vision but not in scotopic vision.
The relationship between instrumental leaf grade and Shirley Analyzer trash content in cotton lint
Authors: Liu Yongliang , Delhom Christopher
Published: March 2017

With the increasing acceptance of high volume instrument (HVI™) instrumental leaf grade index in both domestic and international trading, there is a continued interest in the relationship between instrumental leaf grade and equivalent trash gravimetric content (% percent by mass) from cotton customers and regulators. Due to the complexity of not only trash type, size, and its weight distribution but also the nature of HVI and gravimetric methods, it is an on-going challenge to examine such a relationship. In this study, the Shirley Analyzer (SA) was used to determine the gravimetric cotton trash in percent by mass (%). This system is the traditional cotton trash reference method that is still utilized as a routine tool in the cotton industry, despite being a destructive process that is both labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study first investigated the correlations between three SA trash readings ( SAvisible, SAinvisible, and SAtotal) and respective leaf grade categories, and it revealed a general trend of increasing SAvisible and SAtotal trash content with elevating leaf grade. Then, comparison of SAvisible trash content in the current study to that in separate studies indicated a good agreement for low leaf grade cottons (<4). Next, the principal component analysis of near infrared spectra from SAvisible trash portions revealed a different pattern in PC1 score between low leaf grade (1–4) and high leaf grade (5 and 6) SA visible trash remains, implying a general change of more leaf-related trash in low leaf grade cottons to more non-leaf-related trash in high leaf grade cottons.
The effect of the transfer abilities of single layers on the heat and mass transport through multilayered outerwear clothing for cold protection
Authors: Angelova Radostina A , Reiners Priscilla , Georgieva Elena , Kyosev Yordan
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with performance properties related to human thermo-physiological comfort of three-layer textile systems used for the production of outerwear for cold protection. The transfer of heat and fluids through the compound single layers (woven and non-woven) is investigated and compared to the heat and mass transfer of the systems for clothing. Six characteristics are measured for both single layers and systems of layers: thermal resistance, air permeability, water vapor resistance, relative water vapor permeability, the accumulative one-way transport index and overall moisture management capacity. For each of the characteristics, regression analysis is applied to prove or reject the proposed mathematical dependencies between the transfer abilities of the single layers and the respective systems. The results obtained showed that the fluid transfer abilities of the single layers applied in clothing for cold protection strongly affect the fluid transfer ability of the system of layers, while the heat transfer of the system is dominated by the heat transfer ability of the thermo-insulating layer. The proposed approach for assessment of the transfer processes through a system of layers for the production of outerwear for cold protection could be successfully applied in the design of other textile and clothing items, produced by using systems of different textile layers.
Midwestern Misfits
Authors: Marshall S. Alexandra , Allison M. Kathryn
Published: March 2017

Perceived sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience more bullying in schools than their heteronormative peers. The social ecological model offers a framework for exploring the phenomenon of homophobic bullying. This study aimed to describe experiences of victimized youth. Using critical qualitative inquiry, youth ( N = 16) of ages 15 to 20 who self-identified as having been bullied for being perceived to be SGM and who resided in a Midwestern state in the United States were interviewed in-person or online. Thematic analysis revealed that gender nonconformity was a common factor in being bullied. Subthemes are as follows: the sociocultural context shapes school climate; victimized youth felt a perception of being seen as deviant; and, victimized youth react to victimization differently. Findings indicate that bullying for gender nonconformity is a sociocultural issue. Improving the school climate for gender nonconforming youth is still needed. Implementing supportive programs and protective policies at the broader socioecological levels can help.
Mania induced by adalimumab in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ghossoub Elias , Habli Mohamad , Uthman Imad , Maalouf Fadi T
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Monoclonal antibodies such as antagonists of tumor necrosis factor-alpha have been shown to have beneficial effects on the well-being of patients with inflammatory illnesses. However, mood episodes triggered by such agents have been reported. We herein report the case of mania induced by adalimumab treatment in an adult with ankylosing spondylitis, which later resolved once adalimumab was discontinued and mood stabilizers were initiated.

Methods

A 25-year-old man, with prior history of dysthymia, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and started on adalimumab. He gradually developed manic symptoms over seven to eight months, while maintained on adalimumab. As his condition did not improve with outpatient management, the patient was admitted to the Psychiatry inpatient unit.

Results

Valproate and aripiprazole were initiated, and adalimumab was substituted with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Mood symptoms resolved within days, and the patient was discharged. Upon follow-up, the patient was euthymic and compliant to his psychotropic medications. He was started on certolizumab, a different immunomodulatory, for his ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusions

Immunological modulation might be a key factor in triggering, maintaining, or treating mood symptoms. Further research in this field is warranted to better understand the pathophysiology of mania. To our knowledge, manic symptoms induced by adalimumab have not been previously reported in the literature, which is why our case report can have an impact in recognizing this important clinical adverse effect.
A new route to exposed thermal mass: Sound-absorbing poured concrete
Authors: Lombardo S , Orr JJ , Coley DA , Wood MJ
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the novel possibility of utilising the structural concrete floor slab as a means of providing additional mid- to low-frequency sound absorption through the addition of cavities on the ceiling side, formed using flexible formwork, acting as Helmholtz resonators. Mid- to low-frequency sound absorption in rooms is typically achieved through the use of perforated plasterboard or a suspended tile-in-grid system. Such an approach can separate the room from the thermal mass of the ceiling above, leading to higher peak temperatures or increased cooling load. Suspended ceilings can also increase the embodied energy of the building and limit the potential for stack effect ventilation by reducing room height. In this work, frequency-dependent absorption coefficients of perforated concrete samples were measured using an impedance tube test. The results were found to agree with a theoretical analysis, suggesting that it would be relatively easy to predict the performance of perforations of other depths and diameters including those targeted at absorbing higher frequencies.

Practical application: The measurements indicate that such a slab could be used as a practical replacement for perforated plasterboard or a tile-in-grid system. This would allow the slab to be tuned to the building’s acoustic performance and structural requirements. The approach has the potential to: (1) reduce the embodied and operational energy of buildings; (2) improve thermal comfort and (3) create a better acoustic environment in situations where surface robustness or longevity is important, for example public stairwells, pathways under roads and metro stations.
The Tone Dilemma: Comparing the Effects of Flattery and Verbal Aggression in a Political Speech
Authors: Cavazza Nicoletta
Published: March 2017

In the realm of political communication, the effects of personal verbal attacks on political opponents have long been studied. However, less well understood are the effects of flattery on such opponents. I present an experiment showing that praising a political opponent elicits an audience’s positive emotions, which in turn positively influences source trustworthiness, and ultimately increases the likelihood of voting for that source. In contrast, attacking an opponent elicits aversion, which in turn negatively influences source trustworthiness, thus reducing the likelihood of voting for the source.
Reading liminal and temporal dimensionality in the Baxter family ‘public-narrative’
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: March 2017

This article draws upon inductive research to explore the complex liminal and temporal dimensionality of storytelling in a family-business context, uncovering alternative social constructions of family-business stories as ‘Public-Narrative’ and ‘Business-Romance’. It develops theoretical insights, advancing our understanding of how narrative devices influence theories of family business. Developing a more nuanced understanding of where such stories sit within the overarching rubric of organisational-stories is central to expanding the theoretical knowledge base. Understanding such stories as generative scripts helps us author new entrepreneurial identities across generations. An analysis of the ‘Baxter Public-Narrative’ revealed viable, alternative themes and storylines, particularly romance and adventure, expanding available storied repertoires. The findings suggest that generational and inter-generational storylines change over time in a morphological manner with each successive generation.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults: an analysis of differences between survivors and non-survivors
Authors: Panholzer Bernd , Meckelburg Katrin , Huenges Katharina , Hoffmann Grischa , von der Brelie Michael , Haake Nils , Pilarczyk Kevin , Cremer Jochen , Haneya Assad
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a promising option for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this single-center observational cohort study, data from a patient group with severe ARDS treated with ECMO was analyzed.

Methods:

Data from 46 patients [median age 54 years (18 to 72), male: 65.2%] were evaluated retrospectively between January 2009 and September 2015.

Results:

Diagnosis leading to ARDS was pneumonia in 63.1% of the patients. The median SOFA Score was 13 (10 to 19) and the median LIS was 3.5 (2.67 to 4). The median duration of ECMO support was 12 days (1 to 86). Twenty-eight patients (60.9%) were successfully weaned from ECMO and 22 patients survived (47.8%). Non-survivors needed significantly more frequent renal replacement therapy (37.5% vs. 18.2%; p<0.01) and transfusion of red blood cell concentrates [0.4 units (0.3 to 1.2) vs. 0.9 units (0.5 to 1.6); p<0.01] during ECMO support compared to patients who survived.

Conclusion:

This report suggests that ECMO currently allows treatment of severe ARDS with presumed improved survival. The incidence rate of acute kidney injury and transfusion are associated with adverse outcomes.
A multidisciplinary perioperative strategy for attaining “more physiologic” cardiac surgery
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Antonitsis Polychronis , Deliopoulos Apostolos , Argiriadou Helena
Published: March 2017

Background:

Cardiac surgery is, by definition, a “non-physiologic” intervention associated with systemic adverse effects. Despite advances in surgical technique, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology as well as anaesthesia management and patient care, there is still significant morbidity and subsequent mortality.

Aim:

We consider that the contemporary demand for further improving patient outcome mandates the upgrade from optimal perfusion during the procedure as the gold standard to the concept of a “more physiologic” cardiac surgery. Our policy is a multidisciplinary perioperative strategy based on goal-directed perfusion throughout surgery incorporating in-line monitoring. This translates to “prevent rather than correct” malperfusion through real-time adjustment rather than correction of derangement detected late by incremental evaluation.

Method:

The strategy is based on continuous monitoring of cardiac index, SvO2, DO2i, DO2i/VCO2i and rSO2. Data acquisition is followed by action when needed; this includes stepwise: transfusion, increase of cardiac output and initiation of inotropic/vasoactive support. Moreover, implementation of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) is considered as a fundamental component of physiologic perfusion when on-CPB, providing improved circulatory support and end-organ protection.

Conclusion:

We consider that, with this strategy which establishes optimal perfusion perioperatively, we attain the goal of a “more physiologic” cardiac surgery.
Electroacupuncture brain protection during ischemic stroke: A role for the parasympathetic nervous system
Authors: Chi Laiting , Du Kairong , Liu Dongdong , Bo Yulong , Li Wenzhi
Published: March 2017

The demand for using parasympathetic activation for stroke therapy is unmet. In the current study, we investigated whether the neuroprotection provided by electroacupuncture (EA) in an experimental stroke model was associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The results showed that parasympathetic dysfunction (PD), performed as unilateral vagotomy combined with peripheral atropine, attenuated both the functional benefits of EA and its effects in improving cerebral perfusion, reducing infarct volume, and hindering apoptosis, neuronal and peripheral inflammation, and oxidative stress. Most importantly, EA rats showed a dramatically less reduction in the mRNA level of choline acetyltransferase, five subtypes of muscarinic receptors and α7nAChR, suggesting the inhibition of the impairment of the central cholinergic system; EA also activated dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the largest source of parasympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons in the lower brainstem (detected by c-fos immunohistochemistry), and PD suppressed these changes. These findings indicated EA may serve as an alternative modality of PNS activation for stroke therapy.
Risk Factors for Revision Surgery After Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Repair: A National Perspective
Authors: Taylor Samuel A. , Degen Ryan M. , White Alexander E. , McCarthy Moira M. , Gulotta Lawrence V. , O’Brien Stephen J. , Werner Brian C.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Data regarding risk factors for revision surgery after superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair are limited to institutional series.

Purpose:

To define risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair among patients in a large national database.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A national insurance database was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic SLAP repair (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 29807) for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear. Patients without a CPT modifier for laterality were excluded. Revision surgery was defined as (1) subsequent ipsilateral SLAP repair (CPT 29807), (2) ipsilateral arthroscopic debridement for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear (CPT 29822 or 29823, with diagnosis code 840.7), (3) subsequent ipsilateral arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (CPT 29828), (4) subsequent ipsilateral open biceps tenodesis (CPT 23430), and (5) subsequent biceps tenotomy (CPT 23405). Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair, including patient demographics/comorbidities, concomitant diagnoses, and concomitant procedures performed. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% CIs, and P values were calculated. The estimated financial impact of revision surgery was also calculated.

Results:

There were 4751 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 121 patients (2.5%) required revision surgery after SLAP repair. Regression analysis identified numerous risk factors for revision surgery, including age >40 years (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P = .045), female sex (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8; P = .010), obesity (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2; P = .001), smoking (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4; P < .0001), and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.0-4.2; P < .0001) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 4.1-6.3; P < .0001) at or before the time of surgery. Concomitant rotator cuff repair and distal clavicle excision were not significant risk factors for revision surgery. The cost of revision surgery averaged almost $9000.

Conclusion:

Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing. The diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1) at or before the time of surgery was an especially significant risk factor for revision surgery. The high cost of revision surgery highlights the importance of appropriate indications to avoid the need for subsequent procedures.
Recommendations for Infant Feeding Policy and Programs in Dzimauli Region, South Africa: Results From the MAL-ED Birth Cohort
Authors: Mushaphi Lindelani Fhumudzani , Mahopo Tjale Cloupas , Nesamvuni Cebisa Noxolo , Baloyi Brenda , Mashau Ellen , Richardson Jeniata , Dillingham Rebecca , Guerrant Richard , Ambikapathi Ramya , Bessong Pascal
Published: March 2017

Background:

There is strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first 6 months of life reduces the risk of diseases in infancy and in later life.

Objective:

To understand the maternal reasoning that influences optimum infant feeding practices of caregivers in semirural communities of Limpopo province.

Methods:

Nested qualitative study among mothers in an ongoing birth cohort study was conducted; structured and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data from 234 infants after 6 months of follow-up was included for quantitative analysis. Four focus discussion groups comprising 7 to 10 caregivers were used to obtain perception of mothers on breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview guide was used to stimulate discussions. Thematic content analyses were conducted to identify the main themes that influence breastfeeding practices of caregivers.

Results:

Over 90% of the caregivers initiated breastfeeding after delivery. However, less than 1% of mothers practiced EBF by 3 months, and none of the children were exclusively breastfed for up to 6 months. All caregivers introduced non–breast milk liquids and solids by the second month of child’s life. Common reasons for introducing non–breast milk foods included insufficiency of breast milk production, going back to work or school, and influence by elderly women (mothers/mothers-in-law) and church members.

Conclusion:

Exclusive breastfeeding was not practiced in this community due to cultural and religious beliefs and misinformation. The involvement of elderly women and church members in infant feeding education and promotion programs and the dissemination of breastfeeding information through mobile phones to younger mothers are recommended.
Urinary bladder extracellular matrix hydrogels and matrix-bound vesicles differentially regulate central nervous system neuron viability and axon growth and branching
Authors: Faust Anne , Kandakatla Apoorva , van der Merwe Yolandi , Ren Tanchen , Huleihel Luai , Hussey George , Naranjo Juan Diego , Johnson Scott , Badylak Stephen , Steketee Michael
Published: March 2017

Central nervous system neurons often degenerate after trauma due to the inflammatory innate immune response to injury, which can lead to neuronal cell death, scarring, and permanently lost neurologic function. Extracellular matrix bioscaffolds, derived by decellularizing healthy tissues, have been widely used in both preclinical and clinical studies to promote positive tissue remodeling, including neurogenesis, in numerous tissues, with extracellular matrix from homologous tissues often inducing more positive responses. Extracellular matrix hydrogels are liquid at room temperature and enable minimally invasive extracellular matrix injections into central nervous system tissues, before gelation at 37℃. However, few studies have analyzed how extracellular matrix hydrogels influence primary central nervous system neuron survival and growth, and whether central nervous system and non-central nervous system extracellular matrix specificity is critical to neuronal responses. Urinary bladder extracellular matrix hydrogels increase both primary hippocampal neuron survival and neurite growth to similar or even greater extents, suggesting extracellular matrix from non-homologous tissue sources, such as urinary bladder matrix-extracellular matrix, may be a more economical and safer alternative to developing central nervous system extracellular matrices for central nervous system applications. Additionally, we show matrix-bound vesicles derived from urinary bladder extracellular matrix are endocytosed by hippocampal neurons and positively regulate primary hippocampal neuron neurite growth. Matrix-bound vesicles carry protein and RNA cargos, including noncoding RNAs and miRNAs that map to the human genome and are known to regulate cellular processes. Thus, urinary bladder matrix-bound vesicles provide natural and transfectable cargoes which offer new experimental tools and therapeutic applications to study and treat central nervous system neuron injury.
Poor Relationships and Physical Violence at School Are Associated With More Forms of Psychological Violence Among Brazilian Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Melanda Francine Nesello , dos Santos Hellen Geremias , Urbano Mariana Ragassi , de Carvalho Wladithe Organ , González Alberto Durán , Mesas Arthur Eumann , de Andrade Selma Maffei
Published: March 2017

Our purpose was to identify individual and work-related factors that are associated with psychological violence (PV) and are related to a higher number of PV forms among teachers. This cross-sectional study included 789 elementary and high school teachers in a municipality in southern Brazil. Data were obtained through interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. PV was characterized by reports of insults from students, humiliation by colleagues or teachers, and threats in the 12 months preceding the study. Factors associated with the number of PV forms were also investigated. Poisson regression models were used for the analyses. More than half (64.1%) of the teachers reported at least one event of PV, 38.3% reported only one form, 21.5% reported two forms, and 4.3% reported all three surveyed forms. After adjustments, poor relationships with superiors or students and having suffered physical violence at school remained associated with at least one PV episode. The same variables were associated with the number of forms of PV, as were age (inverse relationship) and violence outside of school. The higher the number of aggregated factors, the more estimated forms of PV, particularly among the younger teachers. These results highlight the importance of adopting strategies that promote a nonviolent and safe school environment for teachers, which will in turn improve work conditions, the quality of education, and teachers’ health.
Examining the Relationship Between Witnessing Intimate Partner Violence and Victimization Among Children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Eissa Majid A. , Saleheen Hassan N. , Almuneef Maha
Published: March 2017

Childhood exposure to violence can lead to physical, mental, and emotional harm, whether a child is a direct victim or a witness to violent events. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) and victimization among children. A cross-sectional, national study was conducted in secondary high schools in the five main provinces of Saudi Arabia (SA) using International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) ISPCAN Child Abuse and Neglect Screening Tool–Child: Home version. Boys and girls, public and private schools were selected to participate. Students ( N = 16,939) aged 15 to 18 years completed the survey instrument which included demographics, different types of abuse (physical, psychological, and sexual), neglect, and witnessing IPV. Mean age of the participants was 16.8 ± 0.9 years, and 51% were boys. Eighty-one percent lived with both parents, 6% with single parent, and 2% with step-parent. Fifty-two percent of the participants witnessed IPV. Those who witnessed IPV were more likely to be abused compared with those who did not ( p < .01). Among those who witnessed physical IPV, girls had a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing psychological abuse (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, confidence interval [CI] = [1.9, 6.8]), physical abuse (OR = 1.3, CI = [1.0, 1.6]), and neglect (OR = 1.6, CI = [1.4, 1.9]) but less likelihood of experiencing sexual abuse (OR = 0.6, CI = [0.5, 0.7]) than boys. Among those who witnessed psychological IPV, girls had a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing neglect (OR = 1.3, CI = [1.2, 1.5]) but less likelihood of experiencing sexual abuse (OR = 0.5, CI = [0.5, 0.6]) than boys. Boys who witnessed physical IPV and psychological IPV had a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing sexual abuse compared with girls. Witnessing IPV increases the chances of child and adolescent victimization. Multidisciplinary approaches involving social workers, law enforcement personnel, and domestic violence and child protection workers could effectively respond to this problem.
Awareness, Facilitators, and Barriers to Policy Implementation Related to Obesity Prevention for Primary School Children in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Camelina , Moy Foong Ming , Lim Jennifer N. W. , Dahlui Maznah
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To assess the awareness, facilitators, and barriers to policy implementation related to obesity prevention for primary school children.

Design:

A cross-sectional study administered using an online questionnaire.

Setting:

Conducted in 447 primary schools in a state in Malaysia.

Participants:

One school administrator from each school served as a participant.

Measures:

The questionnaires consisted of 32 items on awareness, policy implementation, and facilitators and barriers to policy implementation.

Analysis:

Descriptive analysis was used to describe the awareness, facilitators, and barriers of policies implementation. Association between schools’ characteristics and policy implementation was assessed using logistic regression.

Results:

The majority (90%) of school administrators were aware of the policies. However, only 50% to 70% of schools had implemented the policies fully. Reported barriers were lack of equipment, insufficient training, and limited time to complete implementation. Facilitators of policy implementation were commitment from the schools, staff members, students, and canteen operators. Policy implementation was comparable in all school types and locality; except the policy on “Food and Drinks sold at the school canteens” was implemented by more rural schools compared to urban schools (odds ratio: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-2.69).

Conclusion:

Majority of the school administrators were aware of the existing policies; however, the implementation was only satisfactory. The identified barriers to policy implementation were modifiable and thus, the stakeholders should consider restrategizing plans in overcoming them.
Evaluation of a Behavioral Intervention With Multiple Components Among Low-Income and Uninsured Adults With Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Ahn SangNam , Lee Joonhyung , Bartlett-Prescott Jenny , Carson Lisa , Post Lindsey , Ward Kenneth D.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To examine the effects of a community-based behavioral intervention with multiple components on health outcomes among low-income and uninsured adults who were obese and had diabetes and treated in a “real-world” setting.

Design:

A longitudinal design with a retrospective comparison group was used to examine the ability of a health promotion program to improve body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among 87 treatment group and 62 comparison group participants.

Setting:

Urban/metropolitan city in the United States.

Intervention:

A community-based behavioral intervention with 3 components including health-coach visits, registered dietitian visits, and exercise consultations delivered over 12 months.

Measures:

Biometric measurements were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months, whereas self-reported measurements were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Analysis:

Linear mixed models with participant-level random intercepts were fitted for BMI and HbA1c.

Results:

The treatment group demonstrated reductions in BMI (percentage change = −2.1%, P < .001) and HbA1c (−0.6%, P < .001) as well as improvement in diabetes knowledge (+5.4%, P = .025), whereas the comparison group did not show any improvements in biometric measures. Dietitian visits were the most effective treatment component to reduce HbA1c (coefficient = −0.08, P = .025).

Conclusion:

Multiple component behavioral intervention in community settings, particularly when delivered by registered dietitians, shows promise to combat the dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes among low-income and uninsured patients.
The Efficacy of Using Financial Incentives to Change Unhealthy Behaviors Among a Rural Chronically Ill and Uninsured Population
Authors: Kranker Keith
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To measure the effects of weight loss, medication compliance, and physical activity financial incentives delivered by health providers to uninsured patients.

Design:

Full factorial (orthogonal) randomized design.

Setting:

Primary care clinic in rural Mississippi.

Participants:

A total of 544 uninsured adult patients with diabetes or hypertension. All patients were enrolled in the clinic’s care management program.

Intervention:

Patients randomly received 0, 1, 2, or 3 financial incentives. Incentives for weight loss, medication compliance, and physical activity were awarded quarterly over 1 year.

Measures:

Weight loss, medication compliance, physical activity, and 6 clinical measures related to diabetes and hypertension.

Analysis:

Cross-section and panel data regression models were used to compare outcomes for those who received incentives to those who did not receive incentives and to measure interaction effects.

Results:

Effects of the weight loss incentive were positive but statistically insignificant (−3.7 lb; P = .106), while medication compliance was high in both the treatment and control groups (+2.37 percentage points; P = .411), and physical activity take-up was very limited. Effects on clinical outcomes, as well as interaction effects between incentives, were mixed and generally statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

This study found little to no evidence that these financial incentives had beneficial effects on the incentivized behaviors in this setting. Likewise, the study found no effects on clinical outcomes nor any systematic evidence of interaction effects between 2 and 3 incentives.
Aquatic Activities During Pregnancy Prevent Excessive Maternal Weight Gain and Preserve Birth Weight: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bacchi Mariano , Mottola Michelle F. , Perales Maria , Refoyo Ignacio , Barakat Ruben
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of a supervised and regular program of aquatic activities throughout gestation on maternal weight gain and birth weight.

Design:

A randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

Instituto de Obstetricia, Ginecología y Fertilidad Ghisoni (Buenos Aires, Argentina).

Participants:

One hundred eleven pregnant women were analyzed (31.6 ± 3.8 years). All women had uncomplicated and singleton pregnancies; 49 were allocated to the exercise group (EG) and 62 to the control group (CG).

Intervention:

The intervention program consisted of 3 weekly sessions of aerobic and resistance aquatic activities from weeks 10 to 12 until weeks 38 to 39 of gestation.

Measures:

Maternal weight gain, birth weight, and other maternal and fetal outcomes were obtained by hospital records.

Analysis:

Student unpaired t test and χ2 test were used; P values ≤.05 indicated statistical significance. Cohen’s d was used to determinate the effect size.

Results:

There was a higher percentage of women with excessive maternal weight gain in the CG (45.2%; n = 28) than in the EG (24.5%; n = 12; odds ratio = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.89; P = .02). Birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes showed no differences between groups.

Conclusion:

Three weekly sessions of water activities throughout pregnancy prevents excessive maternal weight gain and preserves birth weight.

Trial Registration:

The clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT 02602106.
Microbial Diversity in Milk of Women With Mastitis: Potential Role of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci, Viridans Group Streptococci, and Corynebacteria
Authors: Mediano Pilar , Fernández Leonides , Jiménez Esther , Arroyo Rebeca , Espinosa-Martos Irene , Rodríguez Juan M. , Marín María
Published: March 2017

Background:

Lactational mastitis constitutes a significant cause of premature weaning. However, its etiology, linked to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, has been scarcely reported.

Research aim:

The aim of this study was to describe the microbial diversity in milk samples from women suffering from lactational mastitis and to identify more accurately a collection of isolates belonging to coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci, and coryneform bacteria.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional descriptive one-group study. A total of 5,009 isolates from 1,849 mastitis milk samples was identified by culture, biochemical, and/or molecular methods at the species or genus level. A more precise identification of a collection of 211 isolates was carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results:

Mean total bacterial count in milk samples was 4.11 log10 colony-forming units/ml, 95% confidence interval [4.08, 4.15]. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common species being isolated from 91.56% of the samples, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 29.74%. Streptococci and corynebacteria constituted the second (70.20%) and third (16.60%) most prevalent bacterial groups, respectively, found in this study. In contrast, Candida spp. was present in only 0.54% of the samples. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a high diversity of bacterial species among identified isolates.

Conclusion:

Many coagulase-negative staphylococci, viridans group streptococci, and corynebacteria, usually dismissed as contaminant bacteria, may play an important role as etiologic agents of mastitis. Proper diagnosis of mastitis should be established after performing microbiological testing of milk based on standardized procedures. A reliable analysis must identify the mastitis-causing pathogen(s) at the species level and its(their) concentration(s).
Does God Want Me to Be a Teacher? Motives Behind Occupational Choice of Israeli Ultraorthodox Women
Authors: Goldfarb Yael
Published: March 2017

Motives behind occupational choice of graduates in two tertiary training programs for Israeli ultraorthodox (Haredi) women, practical engineering (PE) and teaching (T), are explored. Five hundred and twelve participants (278 PEs and 234 Ts) answered a questionnaire referring to 13 potential work motives. The main findings are as follows: (a) factor analysis reveals that the 13 components cluster into the four composite factors of “intrinsic motive,” “calling motive,” “extrinsic motives relating to job conditions,” and “extrinsic motives relating to effect of choice on society”; (b) t tests show that PEs express higher intrinsic motives than Ts and Ts express a higher sense of “calling” than PEs; and (c) t tests further show that for the whole sample, intrinsic motives are ranked higher than extrinsic motives (relating to both job conditions and society). Discussion suggests counseling and public policy that can lead to more successful integration of Haredi women into the world of labor.
Distributed flexoelectric modal signals on circular cylindrical shells
Authors: Li Hua , Hu Kaiming , Tzou HS
Published: March 2017

Flexoelectricity exhibits both direct effect and converse effect. For direct flexoelectric effect, mechanical strain gradients induce a homogeneous electric polarization in dielectrics. Thus, the induced electric field between the electrodes can be measured. Compared with the piezoelectric sensors, the main advantage of the flexoelectric sensors is that they are not sensitive to the in-plane strains. This paper presents segmented flexoelectric sensors laminated on circular cylindrical shells, and investigates the electromechanical strain-gradient/signal-generation characteristics and distributed modal flexoelectric signals on the cylindrical shells. The dynamic equations of the proposed flexoelectric sensor are derived based on the direct flexoelectric effect and thin shell assumptions. The model of modal signal is derived to investigate the sensing characteristics. In case studies, the effects of design parameters, i.e. size and thickness of the sensors and geometry of the shells, are evaluated and compared. Numerical results indicate that the contribution of longitudinal bending strain gradient is dominant in the total signals of most evaluated modes, except that in modes 1 and 2, where the contribution of the circumferential bending strain gradient is slightly higher. The amplitudes of the modal signals decrease with the shell radius, but increase with the sensor thickness.
A hybrid optimization strategy for the maintenance of the wheels of metro vehicles: Vehicle turning, wheel re-profiling, and multi-template use
Authors: Zhu Wei , Yang Di , Huang Jun
Published: March 2017

The wheel–rail contact relationship has a great impact on the security and reliability of metro vehicles in service. In particular, wear modeling and maintenance optimization of the wheels play significant roles with regard to both safety and cost. However, it is difficult to provide a satisfactory model of wheel wear because of the open nature of real wheel–rail systems and the constantly varying environmental conditions in which they operate. Historically, re-profiling, which also has its limitation to some extent, was adopted as a common strategy to restore the original profiles of the worn wheels. Acknowledging that re-profiling is not the only strategy for dealing with wheel wear, the authors of this study have developed a more advanced optimization approach that includes two more strategies, namely, vehicle turning and multi-template use, to give as near an optimal solution as possible. Vehicle turning refers to the reversal of the vehicle’s orientation on the rail, whereas multi-template use refers to the situation where different re-profiling templates are used alternately. In this paper, re-profiling, vehicle turning, and multi-template use have been discussed separately. Then a hybrid optimization strategy for the maintenance of the wheels of metro vehicles has been proposed, with the aim of maximizing the wheel life while minimizing the relevant costs. An initial case study on the Shanghai Metro system shows that the proposed approach is able to provide a more reasonable solution for the optimization of the maintenance strategies.