bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taking the Domestic View in Hawthorne’s Fiction
Authors: O’Malley Maria
Published: December 2015

Shifting the emphasis within feminist criticism from the act of speech to the act of hearing, this article argues that, in The Scarlet Letter, The House of the Seven Gables, and Blithedale Romance, Nathaniel Hawthorne reveals how the public sphere depends on the voices of dispossessed women even as it attempts to silence them.
ROGER WILLIAMS NOT A SEEKER BUT A “WITNESS IN SACKCLOTH”
Authors: Lemons J. Stanley
Published: December 2015

For more than 370 years Roger Williams has been called a “Seeker,” a label pinned on him by his enemies in the 1640s. But, it is time to discard this erroneous term and accept him as he saw himself as a one of God’s “Witnesses in Sack-cloth.”
The Number of Parties and Party System Nationalization in an Integrated Analytical Framework
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V.
Published: November 2015

This study develops a methodological tool for integration of research on party system fragmentation and party system nationalization. The method is built by decomposing a standard indicator of fragmentation, the effective number of parties, into individual-party components (effective size scores), and weighting them by nationalization scores, which allows for disaggregating the number of parties into two distinct components, the effective numbers of national and regional parties. As a result, it becomes possible to assess the influences of substantively important factors upon the components of the number of parties and the overall level of fragmentation in a methodologically consistent, quantifiable way. In addition, the proposed framework of analysis differentiates between direct and indirect effects upon party system fragmentation. A preliminary empirical test on a sample from 90 countries demonstrates that the proposed framework for analysis allows for achieving a rich and nuanced understanding of the factors of party system fragmentation.
Reading Scripture in a Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Stegmann Robert N. , Faure Marlyn
Published: November 2015

While the Bible continues to fund the religious imagination of the community of faith, the church has often been found guilty of reading the Bible oppressively. Such readings emerge because of a general ignorance of the layered traditions that reflect diverse social locations, and a complex transmission and interpretive history. This essay is particularly concerned with reading practices which both remains faithful to ancient biblical contexts, as well as to how gender identity, as a fluid construct, is continually negotiated in post-apartheid South Africa. By employing postcolonial optics, this paper hopes to re-imagine gendered identity in a post-apartheid South Africa.
The Issue of Tridentine Marriage in a Composite North Atlantic World
Authors: Codignola Luca
Published: November 2015

This article examines the transfer and the impact of the marriage stipulations enacted by the Council of Trent in French and British North America over a lengthy period of time from the early seventeenth century through 1738. It first examines marriage between two Native partners in the regions of Canada (the French settlement along the St. Lawrence River) and Acadia. It then considers marriages between residents of European origin and Natives. The article argues that in the 1660s the debate over the implementation and the effectiveness of any marriage policy lost its centrality. In the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century the issue of improper marriages among French inhabitants resurfaced in the West (Pays d’en Haut, Louisiana) as a consequence of contact with large Native nations that vastly outnumbered the population of European origin. In the Illinois country and in Louisiana the issue of intermarriage was further complicated by the presence of Africans, most of whom were enslaved. As for the British continental colonies, ethnic intermixing and intermarriage proceeded at a pace that, most probably, was not substantially different from New France, although, given the illegal and minuscule presence of a Catholic community, no evidence survived showing any intermarriage having been performed in compliance with Tridentine discipline or otherwise. In the end, however, this article shows that marriage policies, devised in Europe and implemented in North America, had in fact little real impact on the development of the relationship between Europeans and Native peoples.
Patrick Gordon as Scotsman
Authors: Dukes Paul
Published: December 2015

In this essay, a well known senior scholar of early modern Russian history reflects on his encounters with Professor Ruslan Skrynnikov and on his own research interests, especially the career and diary of General Patrick Gordon, the famous Scotsman who mentored Peter the Great. Also included are the author’s reflections on the “General Crisis of the Seventeenth Century” and the impact on history of global climate change.
The Origins and Development of the Term “Little Ice Age”
Authors: Gilson Christopher R.
Published: December 2015

This essay examines the definition and early development of the term “Little Ice Age,” a source of controversy in early modern studies and historical climatology. American geologist François Matthes first used the term “little ice-age” to describe the preceding 4,000 years, during which glaciers reached their greatest extent since the final Ice Age of the Pleistocene. Matthes’s reports for the American Geophysical Union’s Committee on Glaciers, however, demonstrate the critical importance of the sixteenth through nineteenth century. This essay discusses the relationship between Matthes’s theories of glaciation and climatic periodization and those of his predecessors and contemporaries, including Charles Rabot, Gordon Manley and G.S. Callendar. This essay also examines the early adoption and diffusion of Matthes’s evocative term, which appeared in popular publications only a decade after its initial introduction.
Typification of the Linnaean name Bignonia peruviana (Vitaceae)
Authors: Iamonico Duilio , Banfi Enrico , Galasso Gabriele , Lohmann Lucia , Lombardi Julio , Ardenghi Nicola
Published: December 2015

Vitaceae Juss. is a family of 15 genera and about 750 species mainly distributed in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, the neotropics, and the Pacific islands, with a few genera [Vitis Linnaeus (1753: 202), Parthenocissus Planchon [1887: 447(–448)], Ampelopsis Michaux (1803: 159), and Nekemias Rafinesque (1838: 87)] occurring in temperate regions (APGIII 2009, Wen 2007, Wen et al. 2014). The family is well known for its economical importance since several species, especially Vitis vinifera Linnaeus (1753: 202) and several artificial hybrids of Vitis, are important sources of grapes, wine, and raisins (Ardenghi et al. 2014). Bignonia peruviana Linnaeus (1753: 625), one of the 19 Vitaceae names published by Carl Linnaeus (see Jarvis 2007) appears to be yet untypified, and is here investigated as part of ongoing studies on: (1) Linnaean types (by D. Iamonico, see e.g., Ferrer-Gallego et al. 2014, Iamonico 2014a, 2014b, 2014c, Iamonico et al. 2014, 2015, Sukhorukov et al. 2014); (2) the genus Vitis in Italy (by N.M.G. Ardenghi, E. Banfi, and G. Galasso, see e.g. Ardenghi et al. 2014, 2015a, 2015b); (3) the Neotropical Vitaceae (by J. Lombardi, see e.g., Lombardi 1995, 1997, 2000, Rodrigues et al. 2014); and (4) the Bignoniaceae (by L.G. Lohmann, see e.g., Lohmann et al. 2013, Lohmann & Taylor 2014, Fonseca et al. 2015, Medeiros & Lohmann 2015, Zuntini et al. 2014).
Lectotypification of the Linnaean name Linum campanulatum (Linaceae)
Authors: Bartolucci Fabrizio , IAMONICO DUILIO , WAGENSOMMER ROBERT P.
Published: December 2015

The genus Linum Linnaeus (1753: 277) consists of about 200 species distributed in temperate and tropical regions of the world. The Mediterranean area can be considered one of the centers of diversity of this genus (Greuter et al. 1989, Yilmaz et al. 2003, Yilmaz & Kaynak 2008, 2010, Tugay et al. 2010, Peruzzi 2011, Ruiz-Martin et al. 2015).
Mutinus albotruncatus (Phallales, Agaricomycetes), a new phalloid from the Brazilian semiarid, and a key to the world species
Authors: Silva Bianca Denise Barbosa da , Cabral Tiara Sousa , Martín María Paz , Marinho Paulo , Calonge Francisco Diego , Baseia Iuri Goulart
Published: December 2015

A new species of the genus Mutinus has been found in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Mutinus albotruncatus is described macro- and microscopically, and is characterized by the white pseudostipe and truncated apex. Molecular and ecological data are also provided. Phylogenetic analyses, based on LSU (large subunit of nuclear ribosomal DNA) and atp6 (subunit 6 of ATP synthase) sequences, support the inclusion of this new species in the genus Mutinus. A provisional key to the species of Mutinus known in the world is proposed.
A new Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum: Asparagaceae) from northern Thailand
Authors: Floden Aaron Jennings
Published: December 2015

Polygonatum Miller (1754, without pagination) (Asparagaceae) is a relatively large genus containing approximately 60 taxa (Chen & Tamura 2000). The majority of species are eastern Asian (Jeffrey 1980, Chen & Tamura 2000). Phyllotaxy, cytology, and filament morphology have been recognized as important in delimiting species (Suomalainen 1947, Tamura 1990, 1991, 1993). Specimens of an anomalous Polygonatum collected by J.F. Maxwell from northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon have a general affinity to P. punctatum Royle ex Kunth (1850: 142) and have been reported as that species (Tamura 1993, Maxwell 1998), but differ in their emaculate white and longitudinally ridged perigone. Cultivated material from the same locality (BSWJ6599, Figs. 1–2) provides clear observation of the differences that are not as apparent on pressed specimens. It differs in several morphological features from P. punctatum: stem characters; phyllotaxy; leaf shape; inflorescence type and position; perigone color; and filament size, orientation, and morphology. The combined morphological differences and non-contiguous distributions of P. costatum in comparison to P. punctatum support its recognition as a new species, thus far documented only from the highest elevation in northern Thailand.
First description of the male of Tegenaria zamanii Marusik & Omelko, 2014 (Araneae: Agelenidae) from northern Iran
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M. , ZAMANI ALIREZA
Published: December 2015

The spider family Agelenidae is a large-sized, globally-distributed family currently comprising 1174 species in 70 genera (World Spider Catalog 2015). The largest genus of the family, Tegenaria Latreille, 1804, consists of 114 accepted species, primarily distributed in the Palaearctic, but also with some species occurring in the Oriental and Nearctic regions (World Spider Catalog 2015; Kaya et al. 2010). So far, only four species of this genus have been recorded from Iran: T. domestica (Clerck, 1757), T. lenkoranica (Guseinov, Marusik & Koponen, 2005), T. pagana C.L. Koch, 1840 and T. zamanii Marusik & Omelko, 2014 (Zamani et al. 2015). Two of these species, T. lenkoranica and T. zamanii are currently known only from females. Latter species was originally described on the basis of recently collected specimens from a cave in Golestan Province of northern Iran, known as Shirabad (= Div Sepid) (Marusik et al. 2014). In July 2015, as a result of a collecting expedition made by the junior author and his team several specimens were observed and photographed in their natural habitat. A single adult male was collected, which is described and illustrated here for the first time. The specimen was photographed using an Olympus Camedia E-520 camera attached to an Olympus SZX16 stereomicroscope. Digital images were prepared using “CombineZP” image stacking software. Lengths of the leg measurements were measured on the dorsal side. The description of the palp refers to the left one. All measurements are given in millimetres. Measurements of palp and leg are listed as: total length (femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus, tarsus). The specimen will be deposited in the Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt am Main (SMF). The junior author wishes to thank his team for their assistance during the zoological expedition made to the cave and surrounding forests in northern Iran. James W. Berry kindly checked the English of an earlier draft of the manuscript.
Singapore social work practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients
Authors: Teh Yang Yang , Munisamy Yoges , Wong Peace Yuh Ju , Tan Kevin , Huang Jingrui , Au Yong Jacqueline
Published: November 2015

This is a first Singapore exploratory study to understand Singapore social workers’ perceptions of their practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients and examine how they may differ by their training, clinical experiences, and demographics. This is crucial, given the societal stigma and lack of social work support for the LGB populations in Singapore. A mixed method comprising a survey of 89 social workers and a focus group discussion was utilized. Findings suggest that clinical experiences with LGB clients, years of practice, and religious affiliations influence their work with this population. Recommendations include the need for more LGB-specific research and training, and review of practice supervision and ethical code to address practice dilemmas.
Tele-social work and mental health in rural and remote communities in Australia
Authors: Bryant Lia , Garnham Bridget , Tedmanson Deirdre , Diamandi Sophie
Published: November 2015

Rural and remote communities often have complex and diverse mental health needs and inadequate mental health services and infrastructure. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide an array of potentially innovative and cost-effective means for connecting rural and remote communities to specialist mental health practitioners, services, and supports, irrespective of physical location. However, despite this potential, a review of Australian and international literature reveals that ICT has not attained widespread uptake into social work practice or implementation in rural communities. This article reviews the social work literature on ICT, draws on research on tele-psychology and tele-education, and provides suggestions on how to enhance engagement with ICT by social workers to implement and provide mental health services and supports tailored to community values, needs, and preferences that are commensurate with the values of the social work profession.
The Impact of Power Distance Orientation on Recipients’ Reactions to Participatory Versus Programmatic Change Communication
Authors: Helpap Sevda
Published: December 2015

Research has shown that managerial communication can facilitate employees’ support for organizational change; however, the reasons for variations in employees’ evaluations of change communication have yet to be investigated. This study examines how participatory and programmatic change communications influence the change commitment and resistance intention of recipients while taking into consideration their power distance orientation (PD orientation). We conducted an experimental simulation study with 263 German employees, mostly of lower hierarchical status. The findings reveal that participatory communication is more likely to lead to change commitment than programmatic communication, particularly for employees with low PD orientation. Employees were more likely to commit to the change vision when the leader’s communication approach met the employees’ expectations regarding their PD orientation, suggesting that there is a moderating effect. In addition, a moderated mediation analysis revealed that PD orientation has an indirect impact on employees’ resistance intention through their level of change commitment.
Local power-sharing institutions and interreligious violence in Nigeria
Authors: Bunte Jonas B , Vinson Laura Thaut
Published: November 2015

News reports of clashes between Muslims and Christians in countries such as Nigeria are increasingly common. Yet, interreligious violence erupts only in some communities but not others. Under what conditions does religious identity become the fault line of communal violence? We argue that informal power-sharing institutions on the communal level are essential in shaping the incentives of potential perpetrators. We provide both qualitative and quantitative evidence for our claim that districts in which informal power-sharing agreements exist are less likely to experience interreligious violence. We conducted interviews with community leaders in 38 Nigerian districts to trace the process by which local power-sharing institutions exert influence on actors’ incentives to engage in religious violence. We complement this with quantitative analyses of a new dataset capturing interreligious violence on a subnational level. The analyses show that the overall degree of interreligious violence is significantly lower in districts with power-sharing than in those without. We also identify two causal mechanisms through which informal power-sharing institutions operate. First, these institutions affect the incentives of elites to appeal for cooperation. We show that the rhetoric of elites in districts with power-sharing is significantly more conciliatory. Second, power-sharing affects the general population’s perception of the interreligious tensions. Individuals living in districts with power-sharing institutions are less likely to experience religious diversity as threatening. Local-level informal power-sharing institutions are therefore an important foundation for communal peace and interreligious cooperation.
Rethinking Culture Teaching in English Language Programmes in Thailand
Authors: Snodin Navaporn S.
Published: November 2015

This article reports on perceptions and practices in relation to integrating culture into EFL teaching and how course material was designed within the Thai curriculum framework. Thai teachers’ understanding of what constitutes culture, the role it plays in language learning and how such understanding is being translated into pedagogical practices are under investigation. The practice demonstrated an attempt to adapt the Byram’s model to fit local circumstances, policies and needs. The knowledge of everyday cultures of native speakers was promoted, whilst cultures in the prior curriculum merely constituted high cultures such as literature. Potential materials, including newspapers and magazine articles, nonfiction, TV programmes and films were suggested to encourage an ethnographic frame of mind in students. The discussion of a few practical ways in which these materials can be used to promote cultural awareness and how they could be used to facilitate opportunities for language skills practice were provided. Feedback from students include the novelty of the experience, changing perspectives, facilitating better communication, practical and useful knowledge, fun, autonomous learning, critical thinking and empathy towards other cultures.
Introduction: The languages of scientists
Authors: Gordin Michael D. , Tampakis Kostas
Published: December 2015

Much of the scholarship in the history of science has undervalued the significance of the debates around language choice and language use. After surveying various historiographical trends characterizing the relationship of science to language, this introduction explores the role of language-choice in nation-building, education, publication and transnational exchanges. It concludes with a brief summary of the four case studies in this special issue, which explore the German, Greek, English and Russian languages in the context of the sciences in nineteenth-century Europe.
The Recovery of Self-Interest Well Understood as a Regime Value
Authors: Newswander Chad B. , Matson Aaron , Newswander Lynita K.
Published: November 2015

Understood in economic terms, interest elevates baser human impulses and degrades higher human potential as it motivates individuals to value material gains over moral ones. Because of this influence, it is difficult to consider interest as a regime value. But just because it is beleaguered does not mean it ought to be abandoned, especially because interest is placed front and center in the constitutional order. Providing a perspective of the merits of interest, Alexis de Tocqueville offers a conceptualization that allows this regime value to be relevant even for contemporary administrators operating in spaces of diffused public responsibility.
Application of T2 relaxometry in lateralization and localization of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and corresponding comparison with MR volumetry
Authors: Chen Hui , Yu Guilian , Wang Jiangtao , Li Feng , Li Guangming
Published: December 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) volumetry is insensitive to subtle mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), while T2 relaxometry is potential useful in detecting MTS, especially MTS in early course.

Purpose

To explore and compare the feasibility of T2 relaxometry and MR volumetry in evaluation of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and lateralization of the epileptogenic zone, so as to optimize and enhance lesion depiction.

Material and Methods

For the 17 unilateral MTLE patients and 14 normal participants, the hippocampus and amygdala were contoured on axial T2-weighted (T2W) images and then co-registered onto T2 relaxation maps. Abnormal is defined as an elevated asymmetric ratio of larger than 2 SD. Visual and quantitative volumetric assessment were combined as outcomes of MR volumetry to distinguish MR-positive and MR-negative lesions. Operative and pathological findings were used as gold standard.

Results

T2 values of lesions were significantly elevated. In lateralizing the epileptogenic zones, T2 relaxometry yielded an overall accuracy of 94.1% (sensitivity 92.6%, specificity 100%), and MR volumetry yielded an overall accuracy of 82.4% (sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 57.1%), meaning a better performance of T2 relaxometry ( P < 0.001, by chi-square test). For pathologically sclerotic structures, most (25/27) were recognized by T2 relaxometry, while 24 of 27 sclerotic structures were detected via MR volumetry. MR volumetry wrongly discerned three normal regions as MTS, while one MR-negative sclerotic hippocampus was detected by T2 relaxometry.

Conclusion

T2 relaxometry is feasible in non-invasive lateralization of epileptogenic zone, and more advantaged than MR volumetry in detecting MR-negative lesions, facilitating prompt diagnosis and longitudinal disease monitoring.
Diagnostic performance of CT, MRI and PET/CT in patients with suspected colorectal liver metastases: the superiority of MRI
Authors: Schulz Anselm , Viktil Ellen , Godt Johannes Clemens , Johansen Cathrine K , Dormagen Johann Baptist , Holtedahl Jon Erik , Labori Knut Jørgen , Bach-Gansmo Tore , Kløw Nils-Einar
Published: December 2015

Background

Meticulous imaging of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is mandatory to optimize outcome after liver resection. However, the detection of CRLM is still challenging.

Purpose

To evaluate prospectively if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced sequences had a better diagnostic performance for CRLM compared to computed tomography (CT) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET/CT).

Material and Methods

Forty-six patients scheduled for resection of suspected CRLM were evaluated prospectively from September 2011 to January 2013. None of the patients had undergone previous treatment for their CRLM. Multiphase CT, liver MRI with diffusion-weighted and dynamic Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced sequences and low-dose PET/CT were performed. Two independent, blinded readers evaluated the examinations. The reference standard was histopathological confirmation (81/140 CRLM) or follow-up.

Results

A total of 140 CRLM and 196 benign lesions were identified. On a per-lesion basis, MRI had the significantly highest sensitivity overall and for CRLM < 10 mm ( P < 0.001). Overall sensitivity/specificity and PPV/NPV were 68%/94% and 89%/81% for CT, 90%/87% and 82%/93% for MRI, and 61%/99% and 97%/78% for PET/CT. For CRLM < 10 mm it was 16%/96% and 54%/80% for CT, 74%/88% and 64%/93% for MRI, and 9%/98% and 57%/79% for PET/CT.

Conclusion

MRI had the significantly highest sensitivity compared with CT and PET/CT, particularly for CRLM < 10 mm. Therefore, detection of CRLM should be based on MRI.
Torque rheological properties of polypropylene/cocoa pod husk composites
Authors: Chun Koay Seong , Husseinsyah Salmah , Yeng Chan Ming
Published: December 2015

The torque rheological properties of plastic wood composites are important to practical processing, but the research in this field is rare. In present, a Brabender plastrograph torque rheometer was used to analyse the rheological behavior of polypropylene (PP)/cocoa pod husk (CPH) composites. The effect of processing parameter, filler content, and addition of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) on torque rheological properties was investigated. The torque rheological data found that the processing torque increased with the increases of rotor speed, filler content, and addition of MAPP. The PP/CPH composites melt behavior as pseudoplastics and shear thinning occurred at higher shear rate. The decrease of power law index ( n) evidenced the pseudoplasticity of PP/CPH composites increased at higher filler content and presence of MAPP. The increase of viscosity on PP/CPH was due to filler–filler interaction at higher filler content and strong filler–matrix adhesion after addition of MAPP. The activation energy of PP/CPH composites also increased with higher amount of CPH and addition of MAPP.
Smart Cities Governance
Authors: Castelnovo Walter , Misuraca Gianluca , Savoldelli Alberto
Published: November 2015

Most of the definitions of a “smart city” make a direct or indirect reference to improving performance as one of the main objectives of initiatives to make cities “smarter”. Several evaluation approaches and models have been put forward in literature and practice to measure smart cities. However, they are often normative or limited to certain aspects of cities’ “smartness”, and a more comprehensive and holistic approach seems to be lacking. Thus, building on a review of the literature and practice in the field, this paper aims to discuss the importance of adopting a holistic approach to the assessment of smart city governance and policy decision making. It also proposes a performance assessment framework that overcomes the limitations of existing approaches and contributes to filling the current gap in the knowledge base in this domain. One of the innovative elements of the proposed framework is its holistic approach to policy evaluation. It is designed to address a smart city’s specificities and can benefit from the active participation of citizens in assessing the public value of policy decisions and their sustainability over time. We focus our attention on the performance measurement of codesign and coproduction by stakeholders and social innovation processes related to public value generation. More specifically, we are interested in the assessment of both the citizen centricity of smart city decision making and the processes by which public decisions are implemented, monitored, and evaluated as regards their capability to develop truly “blended” value services—that is, simultaneously socially inclusive, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable.
Gender on the ropes: An autoethnographic account of boxing in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Nash Meredith
Published: November 2015

This paper documents how I fought for a place as a boxer in a regional Tasmanian boxing gym over a 30 month period. This work builds on existing ethnographic accounts that argue that, for women, becoming a boxer is more than just a matter of developing a fit body and physical skill – it is a continual project of negotiating gendered identity. Using an analytic autoethnographic methodology and drawing on contemporary theories of masculinity, I share my individual experiences as a boxer and, in turn, reveal the complexities of bodywork and gendered identity within Tasmanian amateur boxing culture. My closing discussion analyses the way in which performances of masculinity were precarious, fragmented and anxious.
Impact of U.K. and Australian Transnational Higher Education in Malaysia
Authors: Arunasalam Nirmala Devi
Published: November 2015

This study investigated outcomes of the provision, by one Australian and two U.K. universities, of bridging programs that allow registered Malaysian nurses to upgrade their diploma qualifications to degree level. The study was informed by current literature on Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) programs. Not sufficiently explored in the literature are nurses’ lived experiences of such programs and how far they apply TNHE theory in clinical practice. Using hermeneutic phenomenology, interviews were conducted with 18 Malaysian nurses who completed these TNHE programs. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings were that personal and professional development did occur but it cannot be attributed entirely to the quality of the TNHE provision, which all nurses found to be problematic. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors mediated how far nurses applied the taught theory in their clinical practice. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the long-term impacts of TNHE programs on clinical practice.
Anthropological Perspectives on Participation in CBPR
Authors: Cartwright Elizabeth , Schow Diana
Published: November 2015

In this article, we anthropologically explore one part of the process of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR): participation. Participation in CBPR is usually conceptualized as whether, and the degree to which, community members are involved in the research process. Our focus regarding participation is less on quantity and more on quality of the interaction between community members and researchers; within this context, we elaborate the concept of “bridging” as it is understood in CBPR. Using data from our ongoing “Water Project” in the Peruvian Andes, we explore how interaction, as a participative act of the research interview, creates the space for participating and imagining. Out of this interaction come data that are elaborated, contextualized, and, ultimately, from a CBPR perspective, made useful for meaningful engagement and community action.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Incision Healing After Total Ankle Replacement Using the Agility Total Ankle Replacement System
Authors: Kane Justin M. , Costanzo James A. , Raikin Steven M.
Published: November 2015

Background:

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to aid in healing of operative incisions has been well documented in the literature. Most studies have been conducted retrospectively with small sample sizes and are conflicting in their outcomes. As such, no consensus exists regarding the utility of PRP for augmenting incisional healing. The Agility total ankle replacement (TAR) poses a significant challenge with respect to incisional healing in the immediate postoperative time frame and was used as a standardized implant in this study. We hypothesized that treating the anterior incision with PRP after Agility TAR would reduce the incidence of incision healing complications.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 133 consecutive Agility TAR performed by a single surgeon at a single institution was conducted. Platelet-rich plasma was used to augment incisional closure in 78 patients undergoing TAR. Fifty-five patients had incisional closure without PRP application. Incision healing complications were stratified into patients healing without any complications (none), patients requiring prolonged local wound care (minor), and patients requiring a return to the operation theater to address an incisional complication (major).

Results:

No statistically significant difference existed between patients treated with PRP incisional augmentation and those without PRP augmentation. Eight patients (10.3%) receiving PRP underwent operative treatment of an incisional complication, whereas 3 patients (5.5%) who had a nonaugmented closure required operative treatment ( P = .52). The incidence of minor complications was not statistically significant, with 25 (32.1%) patients receiving PRP and 15 (27.3) patients who had a nonaugmented closure requiring prolonged local treatment ( P = .85).

Conclusions:

Limited data exist regarding the use of PRP in the augmentation of the closure of operative incisions. We were unable to find a statistically significant reduction in incision-related complications in patients who had their incisions augmented with PRP.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Ethics Information Seeking and Sharing Among Scientists
Authors: Kahlor Lee Ann , Dudo Anthony , Liang Ming-Ching , Lazard Allison J. , AbiGhannam Niveen
Published: November 2015

As nanotechnologies permeate our daily lives, it is increasingly important that we understand the ethical considerations of these innovations and to what extent scientists attend to these considerations. Guided by the theory of reasoned action and an extended version of that model that includes prior knowledge, sense of responsibility, and ethics involvement, we surveyed a sample of nanoscientists to explore their ethics information seeking and sharing. Path analyses support the theory of reasoned action as a useful framework. Findings suggest that making ethics information more available to scientists and redoubling social pressure to seek and share ethics information may help close the ethics-to-practice gap that exists today.
Preoperative Physiology, Imaging, and Management of Ebstein’s Anomaly of the Tricuspid Valve
Authors: Morray Brian
Published: December 2015

Ebstein’s anomaly of the tricuspid valve (TV) refers to an embryological derangement of TV formation causing tethering of the septal and posterior leaflets of the valve to the underlying myocardium and apical displacement of the effective valve annulus, resulting in significant TV insufficiency and dilation of the right heart structures. The pathological abnormalities of the valve can vary significantly, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Fetal diagnosis and neonatal presentations of the disease are typically the most severe and are associated with the highest mortality rates. Patients with less-severe disease will present later in life with symptoms of right heart failure and tachyarrhythmias. Medical and surgical management strategies are driven by the age at presentation, severity of disease, and any associated cardiac abnormalities. There are an increasing number of surgical options focused on valve repair.
Ten Years Experiences With Preoperative Evaluation Clinic for Day Admission Cardiac and Major Vascular Surgical Patients
Authors: Silvay George , Zafirova Zdravka
Published: December 2015

Admission on the day of surgery for elective cardiac and noncardiac surgery is the prevalent practice in North America and Canada. This approach realizes medical, psychological and logistical benefits, and its success is predicated on an effective outpatient preoperative evaluation. The establishment of a highly functional preoperative clinic with a comprehensive set up and efficient logistical pathways is invaluable. This notion in recent years has included the entire perioperative period, and the concept of a perioperative anesthesia/surgical home (PASH) is gaining popularity. The anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians can organize and lead the entire process from the preoperative evaluation, through the hosptial discharge. The functions of the PASH include preoperative optimization of medical conditions and psychological preparation of the patients and their support system; the care in the operating room and intensive care unit; pain management; respiratory therapy; cardiac rehabilitation; and specialized nutrition. Along with oversight of the medical issues, the preoperative visit is an opportune time for counseling, clarification of expectations and discussion of research, as well as for utilization of various informatics systems to consolidate the pertinent information and distribute it to relevant health care providers. We review the scientific foundation and practical applications of a preoperative visit and share our experience with the development of the preoperative evaluation clinic, designed specifically for cardiac and major vascular patients scheduled for day admission surgery. The ultimate goal of preoperative evaluation clinic is to ensure a safe, efficient, and cost-effective perioperative care for patients undergoing a complex type of surgery.
Evaluation of an ultrasound-guided technique for axillary brachial plexus blockade in cats
Authors: Ansón Agustina , Laredo Francisco G , Gil Francisco , Soler Marta , Belda Eliseo , Agut Amalia
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate and refine an ultrasound (US)-guided technique to block the brachial plexus (BP) at the level of the axillary space in live cats.

Methods

Eight adult experimental cats were enrolled into the study. The animals were sedated and positioned in dorsal recumbency with the limb to be blocked abducted 90º. The US transducer was placed in the axillary region and a non-traumatic peripheral nerve block needle was inserted in-plane with respect to the transducer, medial to the BP up to the level of the axillary artery. Lidocaine 1% (0.4 ml/kg) was injected as the needle was being progressively withdrawn in a caudal-to-cranial direction. The efficacy of the block was confirmed by evaluation of the motor and sensory functions of the blocked forelimb. Motor blockade was assessed observing the position of the blocked leg on standing and walking patterns. Sensory blockade was evaluated by the stimulation of mechanical nociceptors in the dermatomes supplied by the four major sensory nerves of the distal thoracic limb.

Results

The BP was successfully located by US in all cases. The achieved BP block was complete in six cats (75%) and partial in the remaining two cats (25%). All animals recovered uneventfully from the sedation and the BP blocks.

Conclusions and relevance

The US-guided block at the axillary space evaluated in this study is a feasible, reproducible and safe technique to block the BP plexus in experimental live cats.
Predicting negative emotional states following first onset acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Marke Victoria , Bennett Paul
Published: November 2015

This study identified predictors of anxiety and depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Predictors included illness beliefs, fear/threat at the time of the cardiac event, threat reappraisal over time and social support. A total of 97 participants completed questionnaires in hospital and 1- and 6-month follow-up. Perceived threat and fear at the time of the cardiac event predicted affective response at both time points, partly mediated by threat reappraisal. Contemporaneous measures of illness beliefs contributed additional variance, although not always in the predicted direction: high concern and control over the illness were associated with emotional distress. Assessment of patients for risk of negative emotional outcomes of acute coronary syndrome needs to consider their beliefs about their illness and the degree of threat and fear experienced at the time of the event. Interventions need to help people cope with negative emotional states as well as challenging inappropriate illness beliefs.
Enhancement of vehicle braking performance on split-μ roads using optimal integrated control of steering and braking systems
Authors: Mirzaeinejad Hossein , Mirzaei Mehdi , Kazemi Reza
Published: December 2015

Shorter stopping distance and less deviation from the straight line are two requirements of vehicle safe braking on split-µ roads. The first one is achieved by controlling the longitudinal slip of each wheel at its optimum value calculated by road conditions. However, in order to directly control the vehicle directional stability, a new multivariable controller is optimally developed for integrated active front steering (AFS) and direct yaw moment control. In an efficient way to manage two control inputs, the weights of the integrated optimal control law are online determined by fuzzy logics. These logics are defined using the stability index obtained by the phase plane analysis of nonlinear vehicle model. In this way, the required external yaw moment can be calculated for different driving conditions to only compensate the drawback of AFS for stabilising the vehicle system. The minimum usage of stabilising external yaw moment leads to the less reduction of maximum achievable braking forces of one side wheels and results the shorter stopping distance. By determination of the weighs in limit conditions, the integrated control law easily leads to the stand-alone braking control law. The simulation results carried out using a validated vehicle model demonstrate that the integrated control system has a better braking performance compared with the stand-alone braking system, reported in literature, to attain the shorter stopping distance with less lateral deviation on split-µ roads.
Optimal luminance of internally illuminated wayfinding signs
Authors: Lasauskaite R , Reisinger M
Published: December 2015

For wayfinding signage it is essential that the sign is conspicuous and that the messages it contains are legible. This study investigated the optimal luminance for internally lit wayfinding signs in Swiss railway stations. The results demonstrated first, that increasing the light output of the LEDs inside the sign improved conspicuousness of the signage against its surroundings, and second, that considerable improvement of the signage’s legibility could only be observed until its white text reached a luminance of 100 cd/m2. Hence, for internally illuminated signage in general indoor situations, a luminance of 100 cd/m2 is recommended. Very high luminances should be avoided because even if conspicuity is improved, legibility might worsen.
Starting a fire together: The dynamics of co-offending in juvenile arson
Authors: Uhnoo Sara
Published: November 2015

Criminology has an incomplete and imprecise understanding of the qualitative aspects of juvenile co-offending. This article explores one type of juvenile crime, namely arson. Using publicly available judicial records, it analyses 60 cases of fire-setting in Sweden in which there were two or more perpetrators aged under 21 acting jointly. The resulting categorization shows the social organization of juvenile fire-setting to be centred around nine different positions that a young person can take during the planning, preparation and commission phase of an arson offence. The findings highlight the usefulness of bringing together criminological research on co-offending and juvenile fire-setting to better understand the dynamics driving and facilitating youth arson and group aspects of youth delinquency and crime more generally.
Acute Metabolic Effects of Olanzapine Depend on Dose and Injection Site
Authors: Klingerman Candice M. , Stipanovic Michelle E. , Hajnal Andras , Lynch Christopher J.
Published: December 2015

Atypical antipsychotics (AAPs), such as olanzapine (OLZ), are associated with metabolic side effects, including hyperglycemia. Although a central mechanism of action for the acute effects on glycemia has been suggested, evidence for peripheral versus central effects of AAPs has been mixed and has not been explored for an effect of OLZ on the respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Here, we tested the hypothesis that some inconsistencies in the glycemic responses are likely a result of different doses and central sites of injection. We also compared the effects of central versus peripherally administered OLZ on the RER of unsedated rats. Third ventricle infusion of OLZ at 0.3 mg/kg caused hyperglycemia within 30 minutes, with a higher dose (1.8 mg/kg) needed to elicit a similar response in the lateral ventricles. In contrast, 3 mg/kg of OLZ was needed to raise blood glucose within 30 minutes when given intragastrically, and 10 mg/kg resulted in a prolonged hyperglycemia lasting at least 60 minutes. Third ventricle injection of OLZ significantly decreased RER after 75 minutes, whereas intragastric OLZ resulted in a faster drop in RER after 30 minutes. Since changes in glycemia were most sensitive when OLZ was infused into the third ventricle, but effects on RER were more rapidly and efficaciously observed when the drug was given peripherally, these results raise the likelihood of a dual mechanism of action involving hypothalamic and peripheral mechanisms. Some discrepancies in the literature arising from central administration appear to result from the injection site and dose.
Heat transfer characteristics of circular and elliptic cylinders in cross flow
Authors: Park Jang Min , Kim Ook Joong , Kim Seock Joon , Shin Yeon-Chol
Published: December 2015

This article presents heat transfer characteristics of circular and elliptic cylinders in cross flow for various Reynolds numbers. Numerical investigations as well as wind tunnel experiments are carried out to study the convective heat transfer of in-line cylinder banks. In particular, the heat transfer characteristics of upstream and downstream cylinders are compared in terms of local and average Nusselt numbers. The effects of turbulence induced by upstream cylinders on the heat transfer of downstream cylinders are discussed with the help of detailed numerical results.
Novice head teachers’ isolation and loneliness experiences
Authors: Tahir Lokman , Thakib Mohd Taufiq Mohd , Hamzah Mohd Hilmi , Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan Mohd , Musah Mohammed Borhandden
Published: November 2015

Most studies in headship focus on the elements of training and head teachers’ capabilities in leading schools. The concept of isolation experienced by head teachers during the early years of their headship is, however, overlooked. This article attempts to explore the neglected aspect of headships’ experiences with isolation that later contributes to the betterment of the headship appointment. This mixed-methods study explores the experience of head teachers’ isolation in the early phase of their leadership years, and presents findings on the strategies used to overcome the isolation. Using an open-ended questionnaire, a total of 170 novice head teachers from Malaysian primary and secondary schools were asked to give their responses on experiences of isolation. Furthermore, 10 novice head teachers, who experienced isolation in the early phase of their leadership years, were interviewed. Findings revealed that the level of isolation among the head teachers was fairly low, and they perceived their isolation experience as temporary.