bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The g Factor and Cognitive Test Session Behavior
Authors: Frisby Craig L. , Wang Ze
Published: December 2015

Data from the standardization sample of the Woodcock–Johnson Psychoeducational Battery–Third Edition (WJ III) Cognitive standard battery and Test Session Observation Checklist items were analyzed to understand the relationship between g (general mental ability) and test session behavior (TSB; n = 5,769). Latent variable modeling methods were used to construct both the g and TSB factors, and measurement invariance of the two latent factors was tested across five age groupings (ages 6-8, 9-3, 14-19, 20-39, and 40+). Results indicated partial scalar invariance across age groups for both the g and TSB factors. Correlations between the g and TSB factors were moderately strong and statistically significant across all groups. Suggestions for future research that is most likely to advance theory development and scale development related to the relationship between g and TSB are discussed.
Academic Remediation–Focused Alternative Schools
Authors: Wilkerson Kimber L. , Afacan Kemal , Yan Min-Chi , Justin Whitney , Datar Sujata D.
Published: December 2015

School districts offer specialized programming for secondary students who experience high rates of course failure or low credit accumulation. While these alternative programs are meant to increase student success, little research evaluates outcomes for students attending them. In this study, we used propensity score matching (PSM) to investigate the effectiveness of secondary alternative schools on four student outcomes: school attendance, credits earned, number of office referrals, and number of suspensions. Findings from Poisson regression analyses indicate that attending an academic remediation–focused alternative school is associated with significantly lower attendance but also with earning significantly more credits than enrollment in a traditional school. In addition, enrollment in an alternative school is associated with significantly less office referrals and suspensions than enrollment in a traditional school. Implications for policy, practice, and further research are discussed.
Childhood Basal Ganglia Stroke and its Association with Trivial Head Trauma
Authors: Jauhari Prashant , Sankhyan Naveen , Khandelwal Niranjan , Singhi Pratibha
Published: December 2015

This study explored the clinical profile, risk factors, neuroimaging and outcome of childhood basal ganglia stroke. Children (6 months-12 years) with basal ganglia stroke registered between 2007-2011 were retrospectively enrolled, while newly diagnosed cases over the 2-year study period were enrolled prospectively. Children with recent trivial head trauma were compared with those without it. Of the 35 children enrolled, trivial head trauma was seen in 74%. The non–trivial head trauma group (n = 9) comprised unidentified etiology (4), Moyamoya syndrome (2), varicella infection (1), homocysteinemia (1), and probable mitochondrial cytopathy (1). Median duration to complete recovery was significantly less in the trivial head trauma group (median = 12, range = 1-72 weeks vs median = 38, range = 20-48 weeks, P = .001). Moreover, these children had increased chances of complete recovery (85% [22/26] vs 44.5% [4/9], P = .029). Basal ganglia stroke can follow trivial head trauma and may have a more favorable outcome.
Recording of Neonatal Seizures in Birth Certificates, Maternal Interviews, and Hospital Discharge Abstracts in a Cerebral Palsy Case-Control Study in Michigan
Authors: Li Qing , Lenski Madeleine , Copeland Glenn , Kinsman Stephen L. , Francis Matthew , Kirby Russell S. , Paneth Nigel
Published: December 2015

We evaluated the recording of neonatal seizures in birth certificates, hospital discharge abstracts, and maternal interviews in 372 children, 198 of them with cerebral palsy, born in Michigan hospitals from 1993 to 2010. In birth certificates, we examined checkbox items “seizures” or “seizure or serious neurologic dysfunction”; in hospital discharge abstracts ICD-9-CM codes 779.0, 345.X, and 780.3; and in maternal interviews a history of seizures or convulsions on day 1 of life recalled 2-16 years later. In 27 neonates, 38 neonatal seizures were recorded in 1 or more sources, 17 in discharge abstracts, 20 in maternal interviews, but just 1 on a birth certificate. The kappa coefficient (κ) between interviews and discharge abstracts was moderate (κ = 0.55), and substantial (κ = 0.63) if mothers noted use of antiepileptics. Agreement was higher (κ = 0.71 vs κ = 0.29) in term births than in preterm births. Birth certificates significantly underreported neonatal seizures.
The Role of the Hostile-World Scenario in Predicting Physical and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Shmotkin Dov , Avidor Sharon , Shrira Amit
Published: December 2015

Objective: The hostile-world scenario (HWS) denotes a personal belief system regarding threats to one’s physical and mental integrity. We examined whether the HWS predicted health among older adults. Method: The Israeli branch of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE-Israel) provided data on 1,286 participants, aged 50+, interviewed in two waves 4 years apart. A special measure assembled items pertinent to the HWS throughout the SHARE survey. Nine outcomes indicated physical health (e.g., activities of daily living, medical conditions) and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms, satisfaction with life). Results: The HWS at Wave 1 predicted all physical and mental outcomes at Wave 2, except cognitive functioning, beyond effects of sociodemographics and the respective outcome’s baseline at Wave 1. This predictive effect was stronger among older participants. Discussion: The results support the conception of the HWS as a psychological monitor that senses approaching functional declines in later life.
To Give or Not to Give
Authors: Christensen Robert K. , Nesbit Rebecca , Agypt Brett
Published: December 2015

In this article, we address a gap in our knowledge of workplace philanthropy. We explore the factors that distinguish givers from nongivers in workplace campaigns using observational data from a population of employees at a large, public university that has sponsored two annual giving campaigns from 2001 to 2008. The analyses correct for common issues—such as nonresponse and self-reporting biases—that frequently arise in empirical studies of philanthropy. This article is intended to supplement previous research that focuses on workplace givers. We conclude that several factors distinguish workplace givers from nongivers, such as age, gender, salary, duration of employment, and rank. This fuller exploration of workplace giving contributes to a broader understanding of philanthropic giving and its many manifestations.
Modelling and multi-response optimization of wire electric discharge machining parameters using response surface methodology and grey–fuzzy algorithm
Authors: Choudhuri Bikash , Sen Ruma , Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Saha Subhash Chandra
Published: December 2015

Wire electric discharge machining is a non-conventional machining wherein the quality and cost of machining are influenced by the process parameters. This investigation focuses on finding the optimal level of process parameters, which is for better surface finish, material removal rate and lower wire consumption for machining stainless steel-316 using the grey–fuzzy algorithm. Grey relational technique is applied to find the grey coefficient of each performance, and fuzzy evaluates the multiple performance characteristics index according to the grey relational coefficient of each response. Response surface methodology and the analysis of variance were used for modelling and analysis of responses to predict and find the influence of machining parameters and their proportion of contribution on the individual and overall responses. The measured values from confirmation experiments were compared with the predicted values, which indicate that the proposed models can be effectively used to predict the responses in the wire electrical discharge machining of AISI stainless steel-316. It is found that servo gap set voltage is the most influential factor for this particular steel followed by pulse off time, pulse on time and wire feed rate.
Artificial neural network–based and response surface methodology–based predictive models for material removal rate and surface roughness during electro-discharge diamond grinding of Inconel 718
Authors: Unune Deepak Rajendra , Mali Harlal Singh
Published: December 2015

Hybrid machining processes growing popularity in the processing of difficult-to-cut materials due to their distinct merits over individual machining processes attributed by an amalgamation of two or more machining mechanisms simultaneously. This research study deals with the response surface methodology and artificial neural network with backpropagation algorithm–based mathematical modeling of electro-discharge diamond grinding of Inconel 718 superalloy. The matrix experiments were designed based on central composite design. The wheel speed, current, pulse-on-time, and duty factor were chosen as control factors, while material removal rate and average surface roughness ( Ra) were chosen as performance parameters. The analysis of variance test shows that the wheel speed is the major factor influencing both the material removal rate and the Ra and contributes 89.03% and 79.10% on material removal rate and Ra, respectively, followed by current which contributes 4.43% and 8.38% on material removal rate and Ra, respectively. The modeling and predictive abilities of developed artificial neural network model (4-24-2) were related to the response surface methodology model using root mean square error and absolute standard deviation. The predicted values of material removal rate and Ra by response surface methodology and artificial neural network are in close agreement with the actual experimental results.
Effect of plasma nitriding treatment on structural, tribological and electrochemical properties of commercially pure titanium
Authors: Çelik İlhan , Karakan Mehmet
Published: December 2015

In this study, plasma nitriding treatment was applied to commercially pure titanium (Grade 2). Structural properties, electrochemical and tribological behaviours of the nitrided pure titanium specimens were comparatively investigated. Microstructure and morphology of the plasma nitrided specimens were analysed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, corrosion tests were conducted in Ringer’s solution, which represents a human body environment, to determine electrochemical properties. Then, tribological and frictional properties were investigated using pin-on-disc tribometer, and a micro-hardness tester was used to measure the hardness of the coatings. The results showed that plasma nitrided specimens exhibited higher surface hardness than the untreated specimens did. In addition, the plasma nitrided specimens at 700 °C presented significantly better performance than the other plasma nitrided specimens (at 500 °C and 600 °C) under dry wear conditions. Moreover, corrosion test results showed that corrosion behaviours of untreated and nitrided samples had similar characteristic.
Hazards and vulnerabilities among informal wetland communities in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Isunju John Bosco , Orach Christopher Garimoi , Kemp Jaco
Published: December 2015

Population pressure, urbanization and industrial developments, among other factors, have resulted in severe degradation of environmental resources such as wetlands. In the face of increased climate variability, several hazards continue to emerge, affecting the vulnerable sectors of society, especially the poor. Risks due to hazards and vulnerabilities are context specific; they are shaped by causal mechanisms and local conditions, which need to be understood if risks are to be reduced. In this paper, a range of hazards, perceived vulnerabilities and associated factors among wetland communities in Kampala have been analysed. The analysis is based on a survey of 551 households using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study focused on communities living in four wetlands that drain the city’s wastewater into Murchison Bay in Lake Victoria. Results show floods and waterlogging as the principal hazards; however, secondary effects of floods and waterlogging such as disease vectors and diseases affect more people than the floods. Tenants were more likely than landlords/homeowners to be exposed to floods, and households that spend more than US$ 80 per month were less likely than households that spend less to be exposed to floods. Households that had been exposed to floods before were more likely to perceive themselves as vulnerable. Variations in exposure to hazards and perceived vulnerabilities could be due to differences in the capacity to resist, cope with, or adapt to minimize vulnerability. An investigation of adaptation mechanisms responding to the various hazards identified in this paper would enrich understanding of the elements that shape risk in this context.
Decline of rental housing in India: the case of Mumbai
Authors: Tandel Vaidehi , Patel Shirish , Gandhi Sahil , Pethe Abhay , Agarwal Kabir
Published: December 2015

The amount of rental housing in India has declined significantly over the years for various reasons, including the nature of the rent control laws. This paper assesses the impact of rent control for Mumbai, where it has created a shortfall in formal, affordable rental housing and contributed to distortions in the land market. The paper describes how “first-generation” rent control in Mumbai has led to deterioration of the existing rental housing stock, virtually halted the construction of new housing for rental in the city, and given rise to informal practices such as pagdi or key money. It also analyses the spatial concentration and composition of rent-controlled tenements in the city. It proposes reforms that would allow a gradual move towards rationalized rent controls, arguing that such second-generation controls will help incentivize investments in the rental sector and reduce the demand in the housing market at large, with implications for prices and affordable housing in particular.
Establishing the Attention-Distractibility Trait
Authors: Forster Sophie , Lavie Nilli
Published: December 2015

Failures to focus attention will affect any task engagement (e.g., at work, in the classroom, when driving). At the clinical end, distractibility is a diagnostic criterion of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we examined whether the inability to maintain attentional focus varies in the overall population in the form of an attention-distractibility trait. To test this idea, we administered an ADHD diagnostic tool to a sample of healthy participants and assessed the relationship between ADHD symptoms and task distraction. ADHD symptom summary scores were significantly positively associated with distractor interference in letter-search and name-classification tasks (as measured by reaction time), as long as the distractors were irrelevant (cartoon images) rather than relevant (i.e., compatible or incompatible with target names). Higher perceptual load during a task eliminated distraction irrespective of ADHD score. These findings suggest the existence of an attention-distractibility trait that confers vulnerability to irrelevant distraction, which can be remedied by increasing the level of perceptual load during the task.
Extending multivariate-t linear mixed models for multiple longitudinal data with censored responses and heavy tails
Authors: Wang Wan-Lun , Lin Tsung-I , Lachos Victor H
Published: December 2015

The analysis of complex longitudinal data is challenging due to several inherent features: (i) more than one series of responses are repeatedly collected on each subject at irregularly occasions over a period of time; (ii) censorship due to limits of quantification of responses arises left- and/or right- censoring effects; (iii) outliers or heavy-tailed noises are possibly embodied within multiple response variables. This article formulates the multivariate- t linear mixed model with censored responses (MtLMMC), which allows the analysts to model such data in the presence of the above described features simultaneously. An efficient expectation conditional maximization either (ECME) algorithm is developed to carry out maximum likelihood estimation of model parameters. The implementation of the E-step relies on the mean and covariance matrix of truncated multivariate- t distributions. To enhance the computational efficiency, two auxiliary permutation matrices are incorporated into the procedure to determine the observed and censored parts of each subject. The proposed methodology is demonstrated via a simulation study and a real application on HIV/AIDS data.
Philanthropic Engagement in Education
Authors: Srivastava Prachi
Published: December 2015

This article argues that the rise of domestic and international philanthropic engagement in education in India cannot be understood in isolation; rather, it is part of a broader trend of what is termed ‘new global philanthropy in education’ in the Global South. Central to understanding the nature of this engagement is the localised expression of global flows, that is, the movement and connections of ideas and actors that enable philanthropic action and discourse. Based on a global review of the literature, this article contextualises and applies a conceptual framework of philanthropic governance to India given the country’s prominence in the review. It also presents illustrative examples of philanthropic engagement in India.
School Education and the Lack of Parent Information
Authors: Bhattacharji Prashant , Kingdon Geeta Gandhi
Published: December 2015

Many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries publish school rankings annually, based on the aggregated student performance of different schools in the (high-stakes) board examinations. The literature cites two reasons in favour of the public availability of information on school performance: first, the highly valued imperative of providing parents information that will enable them to make more informed school choices for their children, and, second, the idea that when parents are better informed, poorly performing schools are under greater pressure to be accountable for improving their quality in order to compete to attract students. Detractors fear that rankings reflect not only the schools’ quality but also the family backgrounds of their students. This article examines evidence for the claim that when school rankings are published, school quality increases. It also examines the ways in which countries ensure that school rankings reflect school quality and not the home backgrounds of their students. The article shows how school rankings based on subject performance can help principals diagnose the teaching of which subjects needs strengthening, and reveals how rankings can help parents choose from among all the schools in the neighbourhood of a city. The article also demonstrates that objective school rankings (based on exam results) and subjective school rankings (based on the perceptions of principals and parents of ‘academic reputation’) differ substantially, with a correlation coefficient of only around 0.6–0.7. This suggests that subjective ‘academic reputation’ rankings are not a good substitute for objective rankings, and that stakeholders are not well informed about the actual academic standards of schools, a situation that strengthens the case for the public provision of information about school results. The article argues for the need for a healthy debate in India about the efficacy and relevance of school rankings as a way of improving school accountability and raising standards.
Parents Negotiating Change
Authors: Johansson Shruti Taneja
Published: December 2015

This article explores the views and experiences of schooling among parents of children with autism from middle-income families in urban India. A total of 18 parents with children attending private mainstream schools in Kolkata were interviewed about their school choice, interactions with the school and perceptions regarding their child’s schooling. The findings position parents as strategic agents, who actively negotiate a range of obstacles, resolve dilemmas and handle tensions to ensure their child’s admission and continuity in school. It was clear that parents shared a precarious and fragile relationship with the school. While parents were, on the face of it, positive about the school, parental accounts show how the school had not made any significant changes to accommodate the needs of their child. The article concludes by reflecting on the complexities inherent in these findings and questions why these agentic middle-class parents who could be the impetus of greater change seemed rather limited in the ways in which they sought the school to change to accommodate their child with disability.
Education for Liberation
Authors: Venkatesh Karthik
Published: December 2015

This article attempts to dwell on four aspects specific to Mahatma Phule’s work in education: (i) Mahatma Phule’s own social and educational background which undoubtedly had a fair degree of influence on his subsequent social activism. (ii) The article will also attempt to explore Phule’s educational activism in terms of his founding and establishment of schools and other aspects connected to the continued functioning of the schools. (iii) The key to understanding Phule’s views on education would necessarily involve paying close attention to two of his most important works— Ghulamgiri (Slavery) and Shetkaryacha Asud (The Cultivator’s Whipcord). An exhaustive scrutiny of all of Phule’s writings which constitute a fairly extensive canon to gather his views on education, is too wide-ranging. Instead, an attempt will be made in this article to gather in one place his work specific to the educational field as gleaned from his more famous writings. By presenting a selection from his texts, the reader is also invited to scrutinise the works herself to further develop her understanding. (iv) Many of Phule’s ideas were something of a first. An attempt is made to draw a parallel between Phule and his ideas of education and some of today’s educational ideas.
Surviving Chinese Competition in a Post-Multi-Fibre Arrangement World
Authors: Dey Ancharaz Vinaye , Kasseeah Harshana
Published: December 2015

Mauritius is a small island economy where textile and clothing firms were previously benefiting from preferential access to the EU and the US markets under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) which imposed limits on the exports of big exporters. With the phasing out of the MFA, Mauritian textile and clothing firms now have to compete with Asian drivers, especially China, without any artificial support. This article studies post-MFA stabilization in a sample of clothing firms in Mauritius. Data are collected by means of face-to-face interviews with the senior management of 20 firms. Findings indicate that the firms have been involved in a series of changes after the phase out of the MFA. These changes include investment in technology, marketing strategies, production reorganization, rationalizing and closing down units of production, and increased specialization. Evidence also indicates that the competitive edge of Mauritian firms lies in their ability to accept small orders with short lead times, and delivering good quality on time. Institutions have also played a major role in ensuring the survival of the clothing industry through industrial policy and relevant support structures.
Formation, development and current state of industrial democracy in Germany
Authors: Müller-Jentsch Walther
Published: December 2015

The article covers the history and development of German co-determination (works councils and board-level representation). The first section addresses the terminology of industrial democracy by comparing the different meanings in English and German industrial relations vocabulary. This is followed by a section on the history of the institutions of worker committees, works councils and board-level representation in German industries, beginning from the first voluntary introduction of worker committees by social-minded employers through the periods of the Kaiserreich and the Weimar Republic and on into post-war Germany. A third section addresses the present role and functions of works councils, including their learning process by interaction with management and their symbiotic relationship with the trade unions, followed by a section on the differences and similarities between works councils and human resource management. The last section analyses the changes and current trends in the field of shop-floor participation, works councils and board-level representation.
The Swedish wage-earner funds and economic democracy: is there anything to be learned from them?
Authors: Furåker Bengt
Published: December 2015

In 1983, the Social Democratic government in Sweden proposed that wage-earner funds should be implemented in the country and this proposal was adopted by parliament. The reform was initiated by LO, the large blue-collar trade union, and had been debated for more than a decade. Its purpose was to develop economic democracy, counteract the concentration of capital ownership but also to increase collective savings and supply capital for investments. When a coalition government, led by the conservatives, took office in 1991, the wage-earner funds were abolished. It is unlikely that this type of reform will reappear on the Swedish political agenda in the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, collective funds of some kind might be a way to start dealing with the lack of economic democracy and the unequal distribution of capital. In light of the Swedish experience with wage-earner funds, this article discusses some issues related to such a strategy.
Impact of Caregiving for a Child With Cancer on Parental Health Behaviors, Relationship Quality, and Spiritual Faith
Authors: Wiener Lori , Viola Adrienne , Kearney Julia , Mullins Larry L. , Sherman-Bien Sandra , Zadeh Sima , Farkas-Patenaude Andrea , Pao Maryland ,   Lone Parent Study Group
Published: December 2015

Caregiving stress has been associated with changes in the psychological and physical health of parents of children with cancer, including both partnered and single parents. While parents who indicate “single” on a demographic checklist are typically designated as single parents, a parent can be legally single and still have considerable support caring for an ill child. Correspondingly, an individual can be married/partnered and feel alone when caring for a child with serious illness. In the current study, we report the results from our exploratory analyses of parent self-reports of behavior changes during their child’s treatment. Parents (N = 263) of children diagnosed with cancer were enrolled at 10 cancer centers. Parents reported significant worsening of all their own health behaviors surveyed, including poorer diet and nutrition, decreased physical activity, and less time spent engaged in enjoyable activities 6 to 18 months following their child’s diagnosis. More partnered parents found support from friends increased or stayed the same since their child’s diagnosis, whereas a higher proportion of lone parents reported relationships with friends getting worse. More lone parents reported that the quality of their relationship with the ill child’s siblings had gotten worse since their child’s diagnosis. Spiritual faith increased for all parents.
Living With a Contested, Stigmatized Illness
Authors: Armentor Janet L.
Published: December 2015

This study focuses on the negotiation of relationships among women living with the chronic illness fibromyalgia. Twenty in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Drawing from interactional and constructionist perspectives, the analysis focuses on participants’ approaches to communicating with others about their illness, the reactions of others to their experiences, and participants’ strategies to manage stigma. Participants attempted to describe their illness experience to others through direct and educational approaches. Often, in the management of their relationships with close family and friends, there was an unspoken awareness of illness effects, and social support was offered. However, disbelief and a lack of understanding often led participants to avoid social interactions in the attempt to hide from the stigma associated with an invisible and contested illness.
A Three-Component Framework for Trade Show Performance Evaluation
Authors: Lin Yeqiang , Jiang Jeff , Kerstetter Deborah
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to propose and examine a three-component trade show evaluation framework on exhibitors’ and visitors’ performance that accounts for the relationships between all three key stakeholders (i.e., visitors, exhibitors, and organizers). After a review of previous literature on stakeholder theory and trade show performance evaluation, the visitor–exhibitor–organizer (VEO) framework was proposed to examine dimensions of overall satisfaction of trade show exhibitors and visitors. Based on the VEO framework, exhibitor and visitor performance evaluation models consist of three components that address three corresponding stakeholders: satisfaction with self-performance and satisfaction with the other two key stakeholders, respectively. To validate the framework, exhibitor and visitor models were tested using data from 514 visitors and 92 exhibitors. The results validated the VEO framework by indicating that the three key stakeholders must be accounted for when evaluating trade show performance. All three dimensions (i.e., satisfaction with self-performance, and the other two stakeholders) contributed to overall satisfaction and positive behavioral intention.
The polarization of the judiciary
Authors: Sennewald Marc A , Manning Kenneth L , Carp Robert A
Published: December 2015

The polarization of political parties in the United States is a well-documented phenomenon. This paper considers polarization of the judicial branch and relates it to the evolution of the parties. In this paper we define polarization specifically as movement from a modal distribution (of votes, attitudes, or decisions) to a bimodal distribution along a liberal-conservative spectrum over time. Using data compiled from 90,000 United States District Court decisions published in the Federal Supplement between 1934 and 2008, we find that the judiciary began to polarize in the 1960s and has remained polarized. We consider a number of competing explanations for the polarization of the district courts, including a top-down view that emphasizes presidential power and a bottom-up view that focuses on the sorting of elites that form the pool of potential judges.
A concept analysis of children’s agency within the health literature
Authors: Montreuil Marjorie , Carnevale Franco A
Published: December 2015

The capacity of children to act as agents is being increasingly recognized and has important implications for health research and practice. However, there are various discrepancies in how children’s agency is defined in the literature. The aim of this analysis was to examine the concept of children’s agency within the health-related literature, using Rodgers evolutionary method. The following questions were addressed: How did the concept of agency become associated with children in the health-related literature? What are the sociocultural and legal contexts that surround the concept of children’s agency? What is the meaning of children’s agency? Forty-five articles were included in the analysis. An inductive approach was used to identify the attributes of children’s agency as well as the temporal, disciplinary, and paradigmatic trends in its conceptualization. The concept of children’s agency first appeared in the health literature in the 1980s and was defined as an ability children could gradually develop. Later on, children’s agency was used to refer to the capacity of all children to influence their own and others’ health-care needs and is now increasingly used to refer to children as active agents who reflect on and construct their social worlds.
American tourists in Cuba: Is the communist country a forbidden or a tainted fruit?
Authors: Wilson Jackson , Látková Pavlína
Published: December 2015

Americans are the majority of tourists in the Caribbean, but the US embargo against Cuba prevents almost all American tourists from visiting Cuba. This study uses mixed methods to examine a group of American tourists' destination image of Cuba before and after a tour in Cuba. The American tourists in this study described Cuba as a forbidden fruit, a desirable destination that Americans are not allowed to or at least should not visit. On the positive side, travelling to Cuba was seen as a scarce opportunity that has the allure of the prohibited and the attraction of viewing communism from a previous era. Conversely, the image of Cuba was also tainted by the history of political antagonism with America and associated concerns about tourist safety, cost, and a limited market place. However, actual and potential changes in Cuba are likely to heavily impact the destination image in the near future.
The nature of an upscale nature: Bro Hof Slott Golf Club and the political ecology of high-end golf
Authors: Jönsson Erik
Published: December 2015

Political ecology, as a perspective for exploring power-permeated socio-ecological transformations, has to date rarely engaged with tourism. Neither has tourism theory, with some notable exceptions, engaged much with political ecology. In this article, I argue that the resultant lack of dialogue between these signifies a loss for political ecology and tourism theory alike, but also that current conceptualisations of tourism have much to offer for instigating a dialogue. Combining social-constructivist, political economy–oriented and Actor–Network-Theory conceptualisations of tourism with political ecology work, I account for the establishment of Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Upplands-Bro, northwest of Sweden’s capital. Here, immense investments have transformed shorelines into a meticulously maintained upscale golf landscape. But the development simultaneously sparked new future visions for what Upplands-Bro could become and conflicts concerning whether the development breached local plans, thereby illuminating the political nature of tourist-oriented environmental transformation.
The Relationship Between Food Security, Housing Stability, and School Performance Among College Students in an Urban University
Authors: Silva Meghan R. , Kleinert Whitney L. , Sheppard A. Victoria , Cantrell Kathryn A. , Freeman-Coppadge Darren J. , Tsoy Elena , Roberts Tangela , Pearrow Melissa
Published: December 2015

Although younger populations, such as emerging adults, have been shown to be particularly susceptible to food insecurity and housing instability, the current research is predominantly devoid of literature examining these experiences on college campuses. The present study explores the food and housing vulnerabilities that may be barriers to academic success for students who attend an urban university. The results of a survey of students ( n = 390) indicated that nearly a quarter of the students had experienced some level of food insecurity. Furthermore, students reported disproportionately high rates of housing instability, which negatively affected their class attendance and performance as well as their ability to continue at the university. Implications of these findings pertaining to students, college personnel, administrators, and other stakeholders are discussed.
Has Psychiatric Medication Reduced Crime and Delinquency?
Authors: Finkelhor David , Johnson Melanie
Published: December 2015

Several strands of research are consistent with the possibility that expansions in psychiatric medication usage have reduced crime and delinquency. Estimates suggest that medication usage has increased to as much as 9% of the youth population and up to 20% of the adult population in the United States and is high among populations associated with the criminal justice system. Studies show that four classes of commonly used psychiatric medication do reduce aggressive behavior, and crime rates are lower among diagnosed patients receiving such medications compared to those not. Prescriptions for medication increased fivefold for youth during the time that crime has declined in the United States and elsewhere, and two population-level analyses find some association between prescription rates and crime trends over time. However, true experimental studies are lacking, and one of the better trend studies does not show strong associations. This article proposes a research agenda for this issue.
Neighborhood Context, Street Efficacy, and Fear of Violent Victimization
Authors: Yuan Yue , Dong Beidi , Melde Chris
Published: December 2015

Drawing on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the current study investigates the relationship between individuals’ perceived self-efficacy of avoiding unsafe situations and fear of violence in a neighborhood context. Specifically, it is hypothesized that adolescents who report higher levels of street efficacy are less likely to exhibit fear of violence than adolescents who report lower levels of street efficacy. Using panel data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, the authors estimate a series of multilevel ordinal logistic regression models to explain the relationship between street efficacy and fear of violence controlling for both individual-level and neighborhood-level covariates. The results confirm the hypothesis that adolescents’ prior street efficacy is negatively associated with subsequent fear of violence. The current study suggests that a social cognitive perspective should be incorporated into the fear of crime literature. Policy implications of the findings are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
Reviewing State Legislative Agendas Regarding Sexual Assault in Higher Education
Authors: Richards Tara N. , Kafonek Katherine
Published: December 2015

Given the seriousness of campus gender-based violence, and the limitations regarding existing federal legislation, many states are considering new legislation to strengthen their college and university’s policies regarding such violence. Using content analysis, the present research examined the proposed legislation from the 2014-2015 legislative cycle ( N = 70) and identified themes regarding legislative aims. The range of merits and potential challenges pertaining to the bills proposed by state legislatures as well as those that were recently signed into law are then discussed. Recommendations for the proliferation of some regulations and caution regarding the extension of other legal mandates are provided.
The combination of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol trifenatate in the management of asthma: clinical trial evidence and experience
Authors: Albertson Timothy E. , Richards John R. , Zeki Amir A.
Published: December 2015

The treatment of persistent asthma has been aided by the recent approval of new medications. The combined inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) powder inhaler fluticasone furoate (FF)/vilanterol trifenatate (VI) is one of these new agents, which was recently approved as a maintenance therapy for persistent asthma. This once-daily ICS/LABA inhaler has previously been approved and used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a maintenance therapy. Both FF and VI individually have been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of persistent asthma; the combination of FF/VI at the dose of 100/25 μg daily improves trough peak expiratory flows and forced expiratory volume in 1 s. It also reduces the frequency of asthma exacerbations in patients with persistent asthma. The once-daily dosing is well tolerated, with limited clinically significant adverse events; the once-daily inhaled dosing regimen should also improve medication adherence. The data supporting the use of the FF/VI inhaler in persistent asthma are reviewed. The dry powder inhaler of FF/VI (100/25 μg) is an effective and well tolerated once-daily maintenance treatment for patients with persistent asthma.
Recent emergence of carbapenem-resistant organisms in a low prevalence UK setting in London
Authors: Hughes John , Goldenberg Simon D , Tosas Olga , Edgeworth Jonathan D , Otter Jonathan A
Published: December 2015

Carbapenem-resistant organisms are emerging as a global health threat. The prevalence of CROs in London is largely unknown. A retrospective review of microbiology records indicates an increased in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (none in 2011 to 1.3% of 386 in 2013, P = 0.073) and Acinetobacter baumannii (9.1% of 11 in 2011 to 31.2% of 16 in 2013, P = 0.001) in a background of low prevalence at a London hospital. This suggests that CROs may be emerging in our patient population. These increases demand an urgent enhanced surveillance response.
Working through paradoxes: Transnational migrants’ urban learning tactics using locative technology
Authors: Kim Heewon , Lingel Jessa
Published: December 2015

This study examines the ways in which transnational city newcomers interact with locative technology to build knowledge about their urban surroundings. We conducted semistructured interviews with 25 transnational migrants recently relocated to the greater New York City area, investigating their day-to-day smartphone use, navigation tactics, and uses of location-based services. Our analysis reflects on three themes: tensions surrounding different navigation strategies (searching vs. browsing); social monitoring practices (awareness vs. surveillance); and perceptions of online information sources (credibility/trust vs. distrust). Together, these themes highlight the contradictory outcomes of technology use both facilitating and hindering the processes of urban learning. We conclude with a discussion of paradoxical outcomes of technological use as a means of unpacking the sociotechnical tensions that emerge from locative technology use among transnational migrants in new urban environments.
Changes in Romantic Competence and Career Adaptability Among Emerging Adults in Psychotherapy
Authors: Atzil-Slonim Dana , Reshef Muli , Berman Emmy , Peri Tuvia , Shulman Shmuel
Published: December 2015

While studies indicate that a growing number of emerging adults have difficulty meeting developmental challenges and, as a consequence, experience distress, the extent to which psychotherapy can help emerging adult clients cope with developmental tasks remains unexplored. This study examined the extent to which two core developmental capabilities of emerging adults—romantic competence and career adaptability—change during psychotherapy and the association between these changes and symptom change. Forty-six clients aged 21–31 (26 females; 56%) completed outcome measures and interviews regarding their romantic competence and career adaptability at the beginning and the end of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The mean duration of treatment was 26 sessions ( SD = 6.88). Findings indicated that romantic competence and career adaptability increased significantly throughout treatment while symptoms decreased. Change in romantic competence was associated with change in symptoms. The findings suggest that therapy could be helpful in the pursuit of the core developmental tasks; and that improvement in romantic competence is associated with symptom relief.
Dissecting the Role of Amygdala Reactivity in Antisocial Behavior in a Sample of Young, Low-Income, Urban Men
Authors: Hyde Luke W. , Shaw Daniel S. , Murray Laura , Gard Arianna , Hariri Ahmad R. , Forbes Erika E.
Published: December 2015

Neuroimaging has suggested that amygdala reactivity to emotional facial expressions is associated with antisocial behavior (AB), particularly among those high on callous–unemotional (CU) traits. To investigate this association and potential moderators of this relationship, including task/stimuli effects, subregional anatomy of the amygdala, and participant race, we used fMRI in a sample of 167 racially diverse 20-year-old men from low-income families. We found that AB, but not CU traits, was negatively related to amygdala reactivity to fearful faces. This result was specific to fearful faces and strongest in the centromedial subregion of the amygdala. Arrest record was positively related to basolateral amygdala reactivity to fearful and angry faces. Results were strongest among those identified as African American and not present in those identified as European American. Our findings suggest substantial complexity in the relationship between amygdala function and AB reflecting moderating effects of task stimulus, subregional anatomy, and race.
Is Chromosome 15q13.3 Duplication Involving CHRNA7 Associated With Oral Clefts?
Authors: Xie Yingjun
Published: December 2015

Copy number variants have been associated with intellectual disability, multiple congenital anomalies and craniofacial disorders. It has been reported that microduplication of 15q13.3 is associated with autism, cognitive impairment, seizures, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Here, the author identified microduplications in the 15q13.3 region in 4 cases from 3 Chinese families using chromosomal microarray analysis–single nucleotide polymorphism array (CMA-SNP). These 4 cases include 2 fetuses from 2 unrelated families and a father and a daughter from a third family. The identified microduplications of 15q13.3 are approximately 400 kb in size, encompassing just 1 gene, cholinergic receptor, neuronal nicotinic, alpha polypeptide 7 ( CHRNA7). Three-fourths of the probands exhibit oral clefts, which has not been previously reported in cases with this duplication genotype. Therefore, in this study, the author describes for the first time the common feature of oral clefts in patients carrying a microduplication of 15q13.3 encompassing the CHRNA7 gene, which sheds light on the correlation between CHRNA7 and cleft palate.
Poverty and Affluence across the First Two Generations of Voluntary Migration from Africa to the United States, 1990–2012
Authors: Emeka Amon S.
Published: December 2015

The first substantial waves of voluntary migration from Africa arrived in the United States in the last quarter of the twentieth century. The largest number of them hailed from Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa. Highly select in their educational aspirations and achievements, many of them settled and started families. By 2010, their U.S.-born children had begun to reach adulthood, offering us a first look at intergenerational mobility among voluntary migrants from Africa. The racial diversity in this group of immigrants allows us to gauge the impact of racial stratification on immigrant adaptation. 1990 U.S. census and 2008–2012 American Community Survey data are used to uncover patterns of affluence and poverty among young Egyptian, Ethiopian, Nigerian, and South African immigrants in 1990 and U.S.-born men and women of those ancestries in 2008–2012. White and Black cohorts of U.S. birth and stock serve as additional referents. I find that women of the African second generation have advanced faster than their male counterparts and that racial group membership is at least predictive of financial well-being as specific national origins, with Black Africans, and Ethiopians in particular, showing pronounced disadvantages compared with White Africans in both the immigrant and second generations.