bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture, history, and psychology: Some historical reflections and research directions
Authors: Wagoner Brady , Brescó de Luna Ignacio
Published: August 2018

Psychologists have typically narrated their discipline’s history so as to glorify an experimental method, which analyzes the mind independently of cultural and historical factors. In line with Jahoda’s sociocultural sensitivity to psychology, this article critically interrogates the plausibility for this vision of psychology as cut off from wider social processes, and offers an alternative based on a re-appropriation of concepts and methods from psychology’s past that highlight cultural processes. This approach is illustrated with a study of how people remember history narratives on the basis of cultural resources taken over from social groups they belong to, and which thus embed them within a stream of history. Both psychologists’ narratives of their discipline and people’s everyday memory of history are shown to be motivated toward the justification of particular visions of social reality.
Situated understanding of human development in Africa: Systematic inquiries at the nexus of psychology, social science and history
Authors: Serpell Robert
Published: August 2018

Gustav Jahoda contended that mainstream psychology’s contribution to our understanding of human experience has been impoverished by a neglect of culture. Over a long series of publications, he argued that the disciplines of psychology, anthropology and history have much to learn from one another, since socio-cultural and politico-economic contexts have influenced the formulation of theories and the dissemination of ideas about human nature. In light of his analyses, I argue in this article that systematic inquiries aspiring to generate a situated understanding of human development in Africa should acknowledge and seek to synthesize the complementary strengths of different academic disciplines. And I recommend that African researchers resist the pressure of an enduring Western cultural hegemony embedded in the methodological dictates of many international scholarly, professional and administrative organizations. Such pressure often threatens to do epistemological violence to indigenous modes of thought preferred by local families and communities in whose care African children are growing up. I end by briefly describing some African studies that illustrate ways in which researchers can address the challenge of resisting oppressive hegemony without losing the opportunity to learn from the wisdom accumulated by human development researchers in other socio-cultural and historical contexts.
Social psychology as a developmental discipline in the dynamics of practical life: Gustav Jahoda’s pioneering studies on children’s social thinking
Authors: Marková Ivana , Jesuino Jorge Correia
Published: August 2018

Gustav Jahoda’s research on children’s development of ideas and concepts constitutes a fundamental contribution to social psychology as a developmental and cultural discipline. Jahoda conceived humans in their interdependent relations with socio-cultural and historical environments in which they live, attain knowledge and act. Jahoda’s research on the diversities of thought and agency in children was the subject of meticulous conceptual and methodological rigour. His scholarly work crossed several social and human sciences. This tribute focuses on Jahoda’s early studies of children’s ‘social thinking’ about nationality and economic systems that he carried out in Glasgow. Later in his life Jahoda pursued his ideas on children’s thinking in a close dialogue with other scholars among whom Jean Piaget, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl and Serge Moscovici assumed particular relevance.
Nurturing culture in psychology: Conversations with Gustav
Authors: Cole Michael
Published: August 2018

Over the course of his long career, Gustav Jahoda was both a supporter and a trenchant critic of my efforts to elaborate a theory of culture and cognition. Toward the end of his life, he argued that cross-cultural psychologists' attempts (including my own) to provide a viable common definition had proven themselves futile. He urged that the quest for a “true definition” was misguided and should be replaced by more local efforts that explain the specific manner in which the term is being used for the specific research problem at hand. This essay offers an example of a decades-long research project that adopted his advice and applied it to the design of activities for the promotion of children’s learning and development.
Quasi-experimental research in culture sensitive psychology
Authors: Dasen Pierre R. , Mishra Ramesh C. , Wassmann Jürg
Published: August 2018

The research presented in this article follows up on several aspects of Gustav Jahoda’s long and fruitful career: (1) his early fieldwork on cognitive development in Africa, particularly in the area of spatial skills; (2) his interest in cross-cultural psychology as a research method; and (3) his insistence on bringing anthropology and psychology together. The topic of our research is the development of a so-called “geocentric” frame of spatial reference. This is a cognitive style, in which individuals describe and represent small-scale table-top space in terms of large-scale geographic dimensions. We explore the development with age of geocentric language and cognition, and the relationships between the two. We also explore the many environmental and socio-cultural variables that favor the use of this frame. We demonstrate how we untangled several of these variables by using a succession of within-society group comparisons, in several societies where a geocentric frame is in common usage (Bali, Indonesia, India, and Nepal). Our research program unfolds like a detective story, where one finding that is difficult to interpret because of several confounded variables leads to another quasi-experimental group comparison that suggests another hypothesis, which is then tested in a further session of field-work. In each case, we emphasize how important it was to have extensive linguistic and ethnographic knowledge before implementing psychological tests. The research design is not cross-cultural as such (we hardly ever perform comparisons between societies), but culturally sensitive within a series of societies; in other words, as Dasen and Jahoda (1986 , p. 413) defined it, “cross-cultural developmental psychology is not just comparative: essentially it is an outlook that takes culture seriously.”
Developing a Web-based regional tourism satellite account (TSA) information system
Authors: Wu Doris Chenguang , Liu Jingyan , Song Haiyan , Liu Anyu , Fu Hui
Published: August 2018

Tourism satellite accounts (TSAs) have been widely recognized as standard tools to measure the contribution of tourism to destination economies. However, issues such as high costs of data collection and delayed release of TSAs have limited their regular compilation and practical application in some countries/regions. This study, therefore, introduces an innovative Web-based TSA information system that integrates all functions of the entire TSA compilation process chain, covering data input, data storage and management, TSA table compilation, statistical analysis and other extended applications. The system not only improves the efficiency of tourism data management and TSA compilation but also enhances and extends the usefulness of TSAs for assessing the economic contribution of tourism to destinations. This Web-based TSA information system is established and discussed for a case study in Guangdong Province, China. Overall, the methodology and results reported herein provide academics and practitioners with new perspectives on regional TSA development and applications.
Home-based family focused rehabilitation for adolescents with severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Burgess Mary , Lievesley Kate , Ali Sheila , Chalder Trudie
Published: August 2018

Aims:

The purpose of this article is to describe and evaluate a home based, family focused rehabilitative approach for severely affected housebound adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The main aims were to facilitate a return to school, improve physical functioning, reduce fatigue and assess any adverse effects of the intervention.

Methods:

Six housebound adolescents aged 11–18, diagnosed with CFS by a paediatrician, were assessed and treated at home by an experienced cognitive behaviour therapist. Outcomes were assessed 12 months after discharge from treatment.

Results:

At 12 months follow-up all patients had returned to either school or college, and physical functioning had improved in most of the patients. Fatigue had reduced in some. No adverse effects of the intervention were reported.

Conclusion:

Severely affected adolescents with CFS showed improved physical functioning and social adjustment after a home-based rehabilitative approach. Although several patients showed improvements in physical functioning, they did not all show substantial improvements in fatigue. At this crucial stage of development, it is important to offer young people and their parents hope by stating that improvement is possible.
Multiaxial fatigue life estimation of defective aluminum alloy considering the microstructural heterogeneities effect
Authors: Ben Ahmed Amal , Bahloul Ahmad , Houria Mohamed Iben , Nasr Anouar , Fathallah Raouf
Published: August 2018

The Al–Si–Mg high-cycle fatigue behavior is mainly affected by the microstructural heterogeneities and the presence of casting defects. This attempt aims to develop an analytical approach based on the evaluation of the highly stressed volume caused by local porosities and defined as the affected area methodology. The proposed approach is able to predict the aluminum alloy fatigue response by considering the effect of microstructure described by the secondary dendrite arm spacing and its correlation with the defect size effect. A representative elementary volume model is implemented to evaluate the stress distribution in the vicinity of the defect and to determine its impact on the high-cycle fatigue resistance. Work hardening due to cyclic loading is considered by applying the Lemaitre–Chaboche model. The Kitagawa–Takahashi diagrams corresponding to different microstructures and for two loading ratios: R σ = 0 and R σ = −1 were simulated based on the AA method. Simulations were compared to the experimental results carried out on cast aluminium alloy A356 with T6 post heat-treatment. The results show clearly that the proposed approach provides a good estimation of the A356-T6 fatigue limit and exhibits good ability in simulating the Kitagawa–Takahashi diagrams for fine and coarse microstructures.
Men in Black: Performing masculinity in 17th- and 18th-century Iceland
Authors: Hayeur-Smith Michèle , Lucas Gavin , Mould Quita
Published: August 2018

Studies in masculinity have lagged behind in the field of gender studies though recent scholarship is making up for this disparity. In this paper, we tackle the question of masculinity and modernity in early modern Iceland through an analysis of archaeological material relating to dress from the site of an Icelandic bishopric and school, Skálholt, during the late 17th and 18th centuries. We explore both the symbolic and performative dimensions of dress in relation to masculinity as it is traversed by other facets of identity including status, nationalism, and calling. An important focus of our study is to unravel the subtle negotiations that are evident in dress and linked to the performative construction of different and sometimes competing masculinities. Tensions between Lutheran ideals, nationalistic pride in homespun and elite status, and more generally between clerical and nonclerical masculinities can all be seen in the way dress and dress accessories are made to work.
Ripple Effects of the Communities Preventing Childhood Obesity Project
Authors: Gold Abby L. , Bennett Keith , Jansen Rick J. , Mobley Amy R. , Procter Sandra B. , Smathers Carol , Contreras Dawn , Peters Paula , Keim Ann , Oscarson Renee
Published: August 2018

This research examines the practice of community coaching within coalitions in the Communities Preventing Childhood Obesity project. A quasi-experimental design was used in seven Midwestern states. Each state selected two rural, low-income communities with functioning health coalitions. Coalitions were randomly assigned to be intervention or comparison communities. After 4 years of the coaching intervention, ripple effect mapping served as one method for examining the coalitions’ work that may affect children’s weight status. A research team from each state conducted ripple effect mapping with their two coalitions, resulting in 14 ripple maps. Community capitals framework and the social–ecological model were used for coding the items identified within the ripple maps. A quantitative scoring analysis determined if differences existed between the intervention and comparison coalitions in terms of the activities, programs, funding, and partnerships for social–ecological model score (e.g., individual, community, policy levels), community capitals score, and ripples score (e.g., number of branches formed within the maps). All scores were higher in intervention communities; however, the differences were not statistically significant ( p > .05). Assessing community assets, such as availability of a community coach, is necessary in order to decide whether to deploy certain resources when designing health promotion strategies.
Retreating From Life: The Boy Whose Body Experienced His Pain
Authors: Harwood Anna , Shalev Amit , Ben-Shaul Sharon , Meir Rachel , Kiansky Ela , Horn Keren , Deitcher Chane , Dror Sima , Galili Esti
Published: August 2018

The expression of psychological distress through somatic symptoms is most prevalent among children. Somatic symptom disorders represent a difficult category of disorders to treat and they are often misdiagnosed due to their physical symptomology and dismissed due to their malingering stigma. The current case report follows the treatment of David, a 10-year-old Caucasian male, admitted into the pediatric psychiatric ward of a general hospital, uncommunicative, showing little signs of responsiveness, and dependent on nursing staff for basic needs. Following a complex treatment protocol which integrated key elements of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavior (CBT) treatment recommendations for somatic disorders, David was discharged after 6 months as an inpatient. This in-depth case study provides a synthesis of the varied research on somatic symptom disorders and an acute understanding of how to combine the understanding of complex family dynamics and individual personality structure with empirically reinforced treatment strategies.
Clinical Benefits of Acupuncture for the Reduction of Hormone Therapy–Related Side Effects in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pan Yuanqing , Yang Kehu , Shi Xiue , Liang Haiqian , Shen Xiping , Wang Renjie , Ma Li , Cui Qi , Yu Runze , Dong Yi
Published: August 2018

Importance. Acupuncture can help reduce unpleasant side effects associated with endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Nevertheless, comprehensive evaluation of current evidence from randomized controlled trials(RCTs) is lacking. Objective. To estimate the efficacy of acupuncture for the reduction of hormone therapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients. Evidence review. RCTs of acupuncture in breast cancer patients that examined reductions in hormone therapy–related side effects were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases through April 2016. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the 5.2 Cochrane Handbook standards, and CONSORT and STRICTA (Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture) statements. Intervention. Interventions included conventional acupuncture treatment compared with no treatment, placebo, or conventional pharmaceutical medication. Major outcome measures were the alleviation of frequency and symptoms and the presence of hormone therapy–related side effects. Findings/Results. A total of 17 RCTs, including a total of 810 breast cancer patients were examined. The methodological quality of the trials was relatively rigorous in terms of randomization, blinding, and sources of bias. Compared with control therapies, the pooled results suggested that acupuncture had moderate effects in improving stiffness. No significant differences were observed in hot flashes, fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, Kupperman index, general well-being, physical well-being, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL). Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy appears to be potentially useful in relieving functional stiffness. However, further large-sample trials with evidence-based design are still needed to confirm these findings.
A hierarchical adaptive routing algorithm of wireless sensor network based on software-defined network
Authors: Zhao Zhong-Nan , Wang Jian , Guo Hong-Wei
Published: August 2018

The target tracking issue has always been the hotspot in wireless sensor network, and with the emergence of new application in multimedia and real-time transmission, new requirements are proposed for transmission performance of target tracking routing; therefore, a software-defined network–based hierarchical adaptive routing algorithm of wireless sensor network is proposed in this article. The algorithm takes into account both network energy and throughput, uses Hopfield neural network algorithm to calculate the optimal path among adjacent clusters as a local routing (LR), and builds the Multi-choice Knapsack Problem model based on local paths to realize end-to-end global routing, in order to realize the routing of tracking target information under multi-objective conditions. The test bed includes physical and simulation tests. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) and Sequential Assignment Routing under different test scenarios.
The Effects of Ramadan-Fasting (RF) on Inflammatory and Hematological Indices of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Male Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rejeb Hadhemi , Ben Khelifa Mouna , Ben Abdallah Jihene , Mrad Sawssan , Ben Rejeb Mohamed , Hayouni Abdelaziz , Benzarti Mohamed , Limem Khelifa , Kortas Mondher , Rouatbi Sonia , Ben Saad Helmi
Published: August 2018

No previous study has evaluated the effects of RF on inflammatory and hematological indices of COPD patients. The main objective of the present pilot study was to assess the effects of RF on some inflammatory and hematological indices measured in male patients with stable COPD. Fifteen COPD patients (mean ± SD of age: 71 ± 6 years) who fasted during Ramadan 2017 volunteered for the study. Three sessions (Before-Ramadan, End-Ramadan and After-Ramadan) were selected. Spirometry tests and blood samples were consistently performed 2.5–4.5 hr before the interruption of the fasting. Assessment sessions comprised: spirometry, inflammatory [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); C-reactive protein (CRP)] and hematological [red and white blood cells (RBC, WBC); hemoglobin; hematocrit; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; platelets] indices. Findings were analyzed by applying Friedman ANOVA. The median (lower–upper quartiles) of ESR (Before-Ramadan: 3 (2–9), End-Ramadan: 7 (0–13), After-Ramadan: 9 (5–15) mm/h) and CRP (Before-Ramadan: 20 (11–38), End-Ramadan: 15 (9–34), After-Ramadan: 20 (12–46) mg/L) were not significantly affected by RF. Among all the hematological indices, RF influenced only hemoglobin (Before-Ramadan: 14.4 ± 2.2, End-Ramadan: 13.4 ± 1.3, After-Ramadan: 12.2 ± 0.9 g/dL), hematocrit (Before-Ramadan: 45 ± 7, End-Ramadan: 40 ± 4, After-Ramadan: 39 ± 4%), RBC (Before-Ramadan: 5.1 ± 1.0, End-Ramadan: 4.6 ± 0.7, After-Ramadan: 4.4 ± 0.5 106/mm3) and WBC (Before-Ramadan: 8,673 ± 1,911, End-Ramadan: 7,840 ± 1,526, After-Ramadan: 9,507 ± 2,190/mm3). Compared to the Before-Ramadan session, the End-Ramadan session values for hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC and WBC were lower. Compared to the After-Ramadan session, the End-Ramadan session values for hemoglobin and WBC were higher and lower, respectively. In conclusion, RF caused significant reduction in hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC and WBC. However, it did not induce any significant changes in the CRP and ESR indices.
A numerical investigation of microwave ablation on porous liver tissue
Authors: Keangin Pornthip , Rattanadecho Phadungsak
Published: August 2018

The understanding of heat transport in biological tissues is important for enhanced insight on the physiological mechanisms and thermoregulatory mechanisms. This article presents a numerical simulation of microwave (MW) ablation using a single-slot MW antenna on two layers of porous liver tissue. The two layers are of tumor and normal tissue. A porous media approach is proposed for mathematical model of MW ablation. Three coupled models which include transient momentum equations and a transient energy equation coupled with an electromagnetic wave propagation (EWP) equation are analyzed. This article focuses on the influences of the tumor diameter, tumor porosity, and input MW power on the specific absorption rate (SAR) profile, temperature profile, and blood velocity profile within the porous liver tissue. The results obtained from the calculation of porous media model are examined and compared with the one of bioheat model along with the experimental results from previous work. The results indicated that all parameters have a significant effect on the SAR profile, temperature profile, and blood velocity profile in the porous liver tissue. The advanced results in this research can be used in applications such as it provides guidance on the practical treatment and can be developed medically for therapeutic.
Stress/strain and curvature analysis of laser-scribed polyethylene terephthalate films with multiple grooves using finite element method
Authors: Heo Do Won , Kang Min Gi , Lee Ho , Kim Sung Yeol
Published: August 2018

Laser scribing can be used to enhance the flexibility of polymer films for flexible device applications. To optimize the bending curvature by controlling the scribing parameters—the depth, number, and interval of the scribed grooves, finite element analysis was conducted on the bending tests of scribed polyethylene terephthalate films. Moreover, the influences of the parameters on the stress/strain near the grooves were investigated. The maximum stress/strain and curvature generally increased with an increase in depth, whereas these values decreased with an increase in number and intervals. However, to maintain the mechanical stability of the films, the parameters were limited. The optimization results revealed that the maximum value of the curvature was 2.6 mm−1 at depth = 40 and intervals = 25 μm, for number = 7. An empirical equation relating the curvature to depth and intervals was also provided. The results of the analysis are useful for the design of laser-scribed grooves on various polymer films, for the enhancement of their bending curvature, while minimizing the mechanical instability.
Noise-silencing technology for upright venting pipe jet noise
Authors: Liu Enbin , Peng Shanbi , Yang Tiaowei
Published: August 2018

When a natural gas transmission and distribution station performs a planned or emergency venting operation, the jet noise produced by the natural gas venting pipe can have an intensity as high as 110 dB, thereby severely affecting the production and living environment. Jet noise produced by venting pipes is a type of aerodynamic noise. This study investigates the mechanism that produces the jet noise and the radiative characteristics of jet noise using a computational fluid dynamics method that combines large eddy simulation with the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings acoustic analogy theory. The analysis results show that the sound pressure level of jet noise is relatively high, with a maximum level of 115 dB in the low-frequency range (0–1000 Hz), and the sound pressure level is approximately the average level in the frequency range of 1000–4000 Hz. In addition, the maximum and average sound pressure levels of the noise at the same monitoring point both slightly decrease, and the frequency of the occurrence of a maximum sound pressure level decreases as the Mach number at the outlet of the venting pipe increases. An increase in the flow rate can result in a shift from low-frequency to high-frequency noise. Subsequently, this study includes a design of an expansion-chamber muffler that reduces the jet noise produced by venting pipes and an analysis of its effectiveness in reducing noise. The results show that the expansion-chamber muffler designed in this study can effectively reduce jet noise by 10–40 dB and, thus, achieve effective noise prevention and control.
Community pharmacists’ attitudes, opinions and beliefs about leadership in the profession: An exploratory study
Authors: Shikaze Davin , Arabi Muhammad , Gregory Paul , Austin Zubin
Published: August 2018

Background:

The profession of pharmacy needs effective leaders to navigate change. Indirect indicators suggest there are insufficient numbers of pharmacists who actually want to be leaders. A paucity of research limits our understanding of what motivates and demotivates pharmacists to be leaders. This exploratory study was undertaken to investigate community pharmacists’ attitudes, opinions and beliefs about leadership.

Methods:

Interviews with 38 pharmacists were conducted either in person or using telecommunication applications such as Skype. A semistructured interview guide was used to elicit comments about leadership in general and in pharmacy, perceived leadership roles and barriers/enablers to leadership. Data were analyzed using Chan and Drasgow’s motivation-to-lead framework.

Results:

Key barriers to assuming leadership roles included lack of education/support, inadequate compensation, concerns about work-life balance, time constraints and a generalized discontent about leadership in society and in the profession.

Discussion:

While some of these barriers could be addressed through formal education (such as conflict management training) or through managerial influence (e.g., remuneration or scheduling to improve work-life balance), some (such as cynicism about leadership) will be more challenging to address. The need to address these barriers will grow as the need for new and emerging leaders in pharmacy continues to evolve.
Asymptomatic reference values for the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation – electronic data collection and its clinical implications
Authors: McLean James M. , Hasan Afsana P. , Willet Jake , Jennings Matthew , Brown Kimberly , Goodwins Laura , Goetz Tom
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to establish normal asymptomatic population values for the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation in healthy, asymptomatic individuals of different age, gender, ethnicity, handedness and nationality, using electronic data collection. Two-hundred and ninety-two Australian and 293 Canadian citizens with no active wrist pain, injury or pathology in their dominant hand, were evaluated. Participants completed an electronically administered questionnaire and were assessed clinically. There was no statistically significant association between both wrist scores and nationality. There was a statistically significant association between both wrist scores and age, demonstrating that as age increased, normal wrist function declined. This study has established an electronic, asymptomatic control group for future studies using these scores. When using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation, the control group can be sourced from a pre-established control group within a database, without necessarily being sourced from the same country of origin.

Level of evidence: II
Anaesthetics: What a GP needs to know
Authors: Carnachan Amelia
Published: August 2018

Every year, more than 3 500 000 patients require a general anaesthetic. When undergoing a general anaesthetic comorbidities can increase a patient’s risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality, and thus, it is sometimes necessary to delay planned procedures in order to address this problem. When referring patients for consideration of surgery, GPs have a fundamental role in optimisation of many chronic conditions in order to reduce peri-operative mortality and avoid delays. Furthermore, with the increase of day surgery procedures and prompt discharge, GPs are regularly reviewing patients post-operatively and have to advise on the management of common side effects and complications. This article will discuss the management of chronic conditions and comorbidities prior to surgical referral, as well as common complications of general anaesthesia that GPs may encounter.
Study on divergence approximation formula for pressure calculation in particle method
Authors: Yue Zhu , Shengyao Jiang , Xingtuan Yang , Riqiang Duan
Published: August 2018

The moving particle semi-implicit method is a meshless particle method for incompressible fluid and has proven useful in a wide variety of engineering applications of free-surface flows. Despite its wide applicability, the moving particle semi-implicit method has the defects of spurious unphysical pressure oscillation. Three various divergence approximation formulas, including basic divergence approximation formula, difference divergence approximation formula, and symmetric divergence approximation formula are proposed in this paper. The proposed three divergence approximation formulas are then applied for discretization of source term in pressure Poisson equation. Two numerical tests, including hydrostatic pressure problem and dam-breaking problem, are carried out to assess the performance of different formulas in enhancing and stabilizing the pressure calculation. The results demonstrate that the pressure calculated by basic divergence approximation formula and difference divergence approximation formula fluctuates severely. However, application of symmetric divergence approximation formula can result in a more accurate and stabilized pressure.
Patient-centred outcomes in lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review of available evidence in UK populations
Authors: Evans Jonathan P , Smith Chris , Porter Ian , Gangannagaripalli Jaheeda , Goodwin Vicki , Valderas Jose
Published: August 2018

Background

For Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to be useful, they must have evidenced reliability, validity and responsiveness in both the condition and population of interest. The aim of this study is to systematically review the evidence for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in UK patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL. Studies were included if reporting administration of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in UK populations with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures characteristics and target populations were assessed using a structured classification system. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures reporting in randomised controlled trials was assessed against Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) standards (Patient-Reported Outcome extension).

Results

A total of 16 articles were included. Out of seven different Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, there was evidence of partial validation for five. The assessment of validity, reliability and responsiveness of all Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in lateral elbow tendinopathy UK populations extended to just 20 individual patients. No articles conformed to the CONSORT Patient-Reported Outcome extension standards.

Conclusion

There exists a paucity of data on the psychometrics of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in UK lateral elbow tendinopathy populations. Without these data, trial design and interpretation are significantly hindered. The high prevalence of this condition and significant volume of studies being conducted into novel treatments highlight the need for this knowledge gap to be resolved.
“Lead by Example”
Authors: Beck Matthew J.
Published: August 2018

This phenomenological study explored the collaborative experiences between school counselors and principals in their work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students. The study data revealed four overarching themes: (a) learning through storytelling, (b) leading by example, (c) creating intentional partnerships, and (d) pushing the system. This article includes implications for future research and school counselor practice regarding how school counselors and principals can forge a strong, intentional relationship toward effective advocacy for LGBT youth.
Mental State Can Influence the Degree of Postoperative Axial Neck Pain Following Cervical Laminoplasty
Authors: Oshima Yasushi , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Taniguchi Yuki , Hayakawa Kentaro , Fukushima Masayoshi , Oichi Takeshi , Oka Hiroyuki , Riew K. Daniel , Tanaka Sakae
Published: August 2018

Study design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To investigate factors influencing the incidence of moderate to severe postoperative axial neck pain following cervical laminoplasty.

Methods:

We reviewed 125 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent double-door laminoplasty. The primary outcomes were the Numerical Rating Scale score (NRS score, 0-10) for neck pain, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey score (Physical and Mental Component Summary scores [PCS and MCS, respectively]), and satisfaction. Imaging parameters on plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were also evaluated. Patients with moderate to severe postoperative neck pain (NRS ≥ 5) were compared with those with no or mild neck pain (NRS ≤ 4).

Results:

One hundred and three patients (82%) with complete data were eligible for inclusion. There were 67 men and 36 women, with a mean age of 65 years (32-89 years). Twenty-five patients (23%) had moderate to severe postoperative axial pain (NRS ≥ 5) and were compared with the other 78 patients (NRS ≤ 4), which revealed several predictive factors, including female sex, the presence of preoperative neck pain, low postoperative PCS, low preoperative and postoperative MCS, and satisfaction with the treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the postoperative MCS ( P = .002) was a risk factor for postoperative neck pain, although the preoperative MCS did not reach statistical significance ( P = .06).

Conclusions:

Patients with a low mental state, possibly before surgery, are at a high risk for postoperative axial neck pain. None of the imaging parameters were statistically different.
Signal-to-Noise-Ratio-Aware Dynamic Range Compression in Hearing Aids
Authors: May Tobias , Kowalewski Borys , Dau Torsten
Published: August 2018

Fast-acting dynamic range compression is a level-dependent amplification scheme which aims to restore audibility for hearing-impaired listeners. However, when being applied to noisy speech at positive signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), the gain function typically changes rapidly over time as it is driven by the short-term fluctuations of the speech signal. This leads to an amplification of the noise components in the speech gaps, which reduces the output SNR and distorts the acoustic properties of the background noise. An adaptive compression scheme is proposed here which utilizes information about the SNR in different frequency channels to adaptively change the characteristics of the compressor. Specifically, fast-acting compression is applied to speech-dominated time-frequency (T-F) units where the SNR is high, while slow-acting compression is used to effectively linearize the processing for noise-dominated T-F units where the SNR is low. A systematic evaluation of this SNR-aware compression scheme showed that the effective compression of speech components embedded in noise was similar to that of a conventional fast-acting system, whereas natural fluctuations in the background noise were preserved in a similar way as when a slow-acting compressor was applied.
Health Literacy Competence of Health Education Students in Three Universities
Authors: Dawkins-Moultin Lenna , McKyer Lisako , McDonald Andrea
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Limited health literacy challenges health care and perpetuates health disparities. Health agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization, have recommended health literacy training for all health professionals, but little is known about the health literacy competence of health education professionals. The purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy knowledge and experience of advanced health education students. Method. We used a cross-sectional design to collect data from a sample of 250 juniors and seniors enrolled in health education programs who self-reported an intention to take the certified health education specialists examination. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Findings. Results showed most students (84%) scored below 70% on the knowledge component of the test, even though majority of them (94%) reported health literacy training was included in their health educator preparation curriculum. A correlation analysis found health literacy knowledge was not associated with students’ reports of health literacy in their health education curriculum. Prior academic degree was negatively correlated with health literacy knowledge (ρ = −.211, p < .05), and there was a negative correlation between health literacy knowledge and health literacy experience (ρ = −.189, p < .05). Discussion. The study identified weaknesses and gaps in the health literacy knowledge and skills of students, most of who were in the final phase of their professional preparation. The findings have implications for research, practice, and credentialing.
An introduction to the Tangut Homonyms
Authors: West Andrew
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses a printed edition of a hitherto unknown Tangut linguistic text called Homonyms, which was sold at auction in Beijing in 2014. The book is complete in 14 folios, and comprises two prefaces on three folios; an initial section on two folios showing the cursive forms of sample Tangut characters, ordered by components; and a main section on nine folios which lists 577 groups of homophone characters, listed under head characters that derive from the Tangut books Synonyms and Mixed Characters. The homophone groups do not closely correspond to homophones in other Tangut linguistic texts such as Homophones and Sea of Writing, and so this text may represent the phonetic system for a different dialect or historical stage of the Tangut language.
Value-based purchasing may unfairly penalize specialty centers performing combined liver–colon multivisceral resections
Authors: Leeds Ira L , Pronovost Peter J , Austin J Matthew , Haut Elliott R
Published: August 2018

Background

Some of the measures in value-based purchasing programs may be flawed due to inadequate risk adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the surgical casemix on surgical site infection rates using combined colectomy–hepatectomy resections as a test case.

Methods

We identified all adult patients undergoing elective colon surgery (2007–2013) in the National Inpatient Sample. We defined patients with a concurrent liver resection as “multivisceral resections.” Cases from each hospital were pooled by hospital identifier. The association between surgical site infection rate and the proportion of multivisceral resections performed was compared statistically. Findings were further tested for independence against hospital-level characteristics similar to risk-adjusted surgical site infection rate reporting.

Results

We identified 1014 hospitals performing 127,646 colon surgeries including 1168 (0.9%) multivisceral resections. The overall surgical site infection rate for multivisceral resection was 11.3% versus 1.6% for colectomy-only resections (p < 0.001). Simple linear regression demonstrated a 2.3% increase in a hospital’s surgical site infection rate for each 1% increase in the proportion of multivisceral resections performed. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated a preserved association.

Conclusion

A hospital’s rate of surgical site infections is positively associated with the proportion of multivisceral resections performed. Value-based purchasing programs should assess readily available data for further risk-adjustment inclusion.
Evolution and migration of shale facies and their control on shale gas: A case study from the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formations in the Sichuan Basin and its surroundings
Authors: Hu Zongquan , Du Wei , Sun Chuanxiang , Wu Jing , Zhu Tong , Zhao Jianhua , Yan Caina
Published: August 2018

The Fuling gas field, the largest commercial discovery of shale gas in China, has been producing from the organic-rich shale in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation and Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China. A refined shale gas E&P and sweet spots identification require studies to be carried out not only at the sedimentary facies scale but also at the petrographic scale. This paper focuses on the characteristics of organic-rich shales. Based on data from outcrops, drilling cores, X-ray diffraction, thin sections, and scanning electric microscope, a systematic analysis of wells and well-correlation sections indicates that shales in the study area underwent two progressive and regressive cycles. In addition, differences in lithofacies and their organic or inorganic components are significant either in the vertical or in the horizontal direction, which generally controls the material basis of shale gas. The early-stage siliceous shale distributes in the east, whereas the late-stage carbonate-bearing shale extends to the west. In the southeastern Sichuan Basin, the siliceous composition decreases, whereas the clay minerals increase upward. In the central Sichuan uplift, there is a higher carbonate content. And with our new lithofacies maps, distribution of the sweet spots was identified. The northeastern Sichuan Basin has the siliceous shale in the Wufeng Formation and the silicon-bearing shale in the Longmaxi Formation, making it a play area with the greatest gas potential. The southern Sichuan Basin occurs as a favorable lithofacies area with the stacked siliceous shale in the Wufeng Formation and the calcareous shale in the Longmaxi Formation. The relatively favorable lithofacies area covers the regions extending from the periphery of southern Sichuan Basin toward the central Sichuan uplift and the northern Guizhou uplift, featuring stacked carbonate-bearing shale and clay mineral-bearing shale in the Longmaxi Formation. The shallow-marine areas close to the uplifts are dominated by mudstone and silty mudstone, thereby possessing poor material basis.
Nomenclature of the Italian species of subtribe Conyzinae (Asteraceae: Astereae)
Authors: Iamonico Duilio
Published: August 2018

The typification of the names Conyza albida, Erigeron aegyptiacus and E. karvinskianus is discussed. Specimens from the B, LINN, and M are respectively designated as the lectotypes. The name C. albida is confirmed to be a heterotypic synonym of E. sumatrensis.
Narrating Near-Death Experience
Authors: Yee Thomas B.
Published: August 2018

Rarely do the worlds of classical music and video games collide explicitly; when they do, as in the 2007 JRPG Eternal Sonata, the result is of marked semiotic interest. The game’s complex metafictional plotline – involving multiple levels of narrative seeking to blend fantasy and reality – invites speculation and interpretation, particularly concerning its multivalent ending. This article uses recently developed analytical methods from the burgeoning field of musical semiotics to glean poignant interpretative meaning from the video game’s musical surface. By invoking music-theoretic work in intertextuality (Klein 2004), musical narrative (Almén 2008), and virtual agency (Hatten forthcoming), I argue that the video game’s musical score is a hermeneutic key for decoding artistic meaning in Eternal Sonata. Thus, ludomusicology contributes vitally to the semiosis of a video game’s meaning as a holistic, multimedia entity.
Zu Wasser und zu Land
Authors: Schmidt Karl Matthias
Published: August 2018

The paper lines up with studies that discuss the impact of the Jewish War and Vespasian’s advancement on the composition of the Gospel According toMark. Its topic is to show that Mk 4,35-41 and Mk 5,1-20 form a structural unity that insinuates the idea of a Christian peace, distinguished from Roman warfare and peace. Following those scholars who read Mk 5,1-20 as an allusion to the legio X Fretensis it is argued that Mk 4,35-41 and Mk 5,1-20 are tied together in light of the Roman peace propaganda that claimed apeace by land and by sea - as did Vespasian after the civil war, when he reminded the Romans of Octavian’s victory at fretum Siculum.
A User Perspective on the Vulnerabilities of Smart Watches: Is Security a Concern?
Authors: Popescul Daniela , Georgescu Mircea
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, we are witnessing a serious gain in popularity of the wearable smart things. A triumphalist language referring to their benefits can be noticed in mass media, revealing the hype in their adoption. Multiple advantages are perceived by the consumers, and work as positive drivers in the wearables market. Yet, there is little awareness regarding their privacy and security – such concerns are constantly expressed by academia, but usually ignored by buyers and manufacturers. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide some preliminary insights into how do the users perceive vulnerabilities as interferences, frequent disconnections, hardware and software malfunctions, improper/difficult configuration etc. of hand worn devices. The analysis was realized by means of netnography, using emag.ro, the oldest and largest ecommerce site in Romania as online source. Inspired by a similar study conducted by (Genaro Motti & Caine, 2016), we selected and reviewed 931 comments posted by the buyers of the ten most popular smart watches, in order to identify the hardware, software and connectivity problems they faced while using the devices and to assess the awareness of the buyers to security and privacy issues. Also, an overview of the privacy and security policies published by selected smart watches’ manufactures was made, and some conclusion regarding the recommended future actions for wearable buyers, sellers and manufacturers were presented.
Family Ownership and Firm Performance: Romania Versus Germany
Authors: Schank Milena J. , Murgea Aurora , Enache Cosmin
Published: August 2018

A consistent body of research is dedicated to the relationship between the ownership structure of a firm and its financial performance. Despite that, the hitherto researches fail to reach a consensus regarding this issue since both negative and positive relationships have been found out. This paper examines the impact of ownership’s type (more precise the impact of the family ownership) on the firm’s financial performance. The analysis includes a comparison between family and non-family firm performance using a sample of 1,161 Romanian companies and 1,342 German companies for a time frame that range between 2008 to 2015. Based on different types of static panel data regressions: Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), Random Effects (RE) and a corrective model (PCSE), the main findings show very different results for the two considered countries. Financial performance, expressed as return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) seems to be insensitive to family ownership in Romanian companies and statistically positively correlated with it for German ones. A potential explanation for these outputs consists in the different development circumstances in the two countries in the period that forego the Second War. At the same time, other variables considered do not show significant differences in outcome between the two countries: size, age, capital intensity and leverage negatively influence the financial performance of companies.