bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of flexural modulus, flexural strength and degree of conversion in BISGMA/TEGDMA resin filled with montmorillonite nanoparticles
Authors: Campos Luiza MP , Boaro Letícia C , Santos Tamiris MR , Marques Pamela A , Almeida Sonia RY , Braga Roberto R , Parra Duclerc F
Published: June 2016

This study had as its main objective to evaluate the flexural properties (strength and modulus) and degree of conversion of a dimethacrylate resin containing different amounts of nanoparticulated clay Montomorillonite (MMT) as filler. A series of composites containing similar amounts (in volume) of barium glass particles was also tested as control data. Eight formulations with polymeric matrix-based BisGMA/TEGDMA (Bisphenol A Bis(2-hydroxy-3 methacryloxypropyl)Ether/Triethyleneglycol Dimethacrylate), four added with MMT and four added with barium glass in the volume concentration of 20, 30, 40 and 50 vol% were studied. The degree of conversion was determined using near-IR spectroscopy. Elastic modulus and flexural strength were determined by the three-point bending test. The dispersion of MMT nanoparticles was determined by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The fillers montomorillonite and barium glass interacted with polymer matrix-based BisGMA/TEGDMA in a distinct manner. Although the addition of montomorillonite nanoparticles resulted in similar degree of conversion and higher elastic modulus values at all concentrations tested, only at the 20 vol% the flexural strength was statistically higher, compared to the control groups filled with barium glass. This could be related to the need of concentration optimization of montomorillonite for each type of polymer matrix in order to adjust or improve mechanical properties. The addition of low concentrations (<l 20% vol) of montomorillonite nanoparticles in dental composites resins – such as additive or hybrid filler – should be studied, aiming to the reduction of polymerization shrinkage, better mechanical properties and improvement of a new technology for future applications.
New and safe experimental model of radiation-induced neurovascular histological changes for microsurgical research
Authors: Barrera-Ochoa Sergi , Gallardo-Calero Irene , Sallent Andrea , López-Fernández Alba , Vergés Ramona , Giralt Jordi , Aguirre-Canyadell Marius , Velez Roberto
Published: June 2016

The aim is to create a new and safe experimental model of radiation-induced neurovascular histological changes with reduced morbidity and mortality for use with experimental microsurgical techniques. Seventy-two Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) were divided as follows: Group I: control group, 24 rats clinically evaluated during six weeks; Group II: evaluation of acute side-effects (two-week follow-up period), 24 irradiated (20 Gy) rats; and Group III: evaluation of subacute side-effects (six-week follow-up period), 24 irradiated (20 Gy) rats. Variables included clinical assessments, weight, vascular permeability (arterial and venous), mortality and histological studies. No significant differences were observed between groups with respect to the variables studied. Significant differences were observed between groups I vs II–III regarding survival rates and histological changes to arteries, veins and nerves. Rat body weights showed progressive increases in all groups, and the mortality rate of the present model is 10.4% compared with 30–40% in the previous models. In conclusion, the designed model induces selective changes by radiotherapy in the neurovascular bundle without histological changes affecting the surrounding tissues. This model allows therapeutic experimental studies to be conducted, including the viability of microvascular and microneural sutures post radiotherapy in the cervical neurovascular bundle.
Thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of epoxy resin modified using carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene liquid rubber
Authors: Dong Lina , Zhou Wenying , Sui Xuezhen , Wang Zijun , Wu Peng , Zuo Jing , Cai Huiwu , Liu Xiangrong
Published: June 2016

Epoxy (Ep) resin modified with carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) liquid rubber was investigated in this study. Fourier transform infrared verified the chemical reactions between oxirane ring of Ep and carboxyl groups of CTPB using benzyldimethylamine as a catalyst. The decrease of the thermal stability could be due to the lower thermal stability of CTPB compared with that of pure Ep. The mechanical results showed that CTPB-modified Ep was superior to that of the pure Ep, and the best overall mechanical properties were normally achieved with 20 phr of CTPB content. The impact strength of the system containing 20 phr CTPB increased by 193% due to the two-phase nature of the system. The dielectric constant and dissipation factor of the modified Ep obviously declined with the CTPB content compared with pure Ep, for instance, the dissipation factor remained less than 0.02 in wide frequency range.
Modelling and adaptive dynamic sliding mode control of dielectrophoresis-based micromanipulation
Authors: Luo Hua , Sun Weijie , Yeow John TW
Published: June 2016

Automated, precise single particle manipulation in the microscale is in great demand and is one of the great challenges in biomedical and biochemical engineering. Automatic micromanipulation has also become a microrobotics challenge. Following this challenge, control technology is integrated with dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based micromanipulation technology in this paper to construct automatic DEP-based micromanipulation systems. DEP micromanipulation systems with electrodes of quadrupole polynomial geometry are developed as controllable microactuators. A semianalytical modelling method is proposed to formulate the analytical models of the DEP manipulation systems, which manifests that the DEP manipulation systems are non-affine non-linear systems. Then, taking the parameter uncertainties, unmodelled dynamics and external disturbances into account, an adaptive law combined with a dynamic sliding mode controller is designed for two-dimensional trajectory tracking control of a DEP micromanipulation system. The closed-loop system is proved stable in the presence of bounded lumped uncertainty based on the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, simulation results show the validity of the proposed control design.
Placing Job Characteristics in Context: Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Job Characteristics Since 1975
Authors: Wegman Lauren A. , Hoffman Brian J. , Carter Nathan T. , Twenge Jean M. , Guenole Nigel
Published: June 2016

Despite frequent references to “the changing nature of work,” little empirical research has investigated proposed changes in work context perceptions. To address this gap, this study uses a cross-temporal meta-analysis to examine changes in five core job characteristics (e.g., task identity, task significance, skill variety, autonomy, and feedback from the job) as well as changes in the relationship between job characteristics and job satisfaction. An additional analysis of primary data is used to examine changes in two items related to interdependence. On average, workers perceived greater levels of skill variety and autonomy since 1975 and interdependence since 1985. In contrast, the results of a supplemental meta-analysis did not support significant changes in the association between the five core job characteristics and satisfaction over time. Thus, although there is some evidence for change in job characteristics, the findings do not support a change in the value placed on enriched work. Implications for researchers and organizations navigating the modern world of work are highlighted.
Political economy and media production: a reply to Dwyer
Authors: Murdock Graham , Golding Peter
Published: June 2016

This is a response to an article by Paul Dwyer in this Journal which makes several claims about the nature and impact of the political economy approach to the analysis of media and communications. We argue that Dwyer’s article misunderstands or is unaware of the history of this approach, and quite fundamentally misconstrues its central tenets. Our response explains how, in capitalist societies, media organisations are integrated into general processes of accumulation, how they exercise power, and how their strategies shape the communications landscape. We explain how the critical political economy approach actually works and illustrate how it has been deployed for concrete analysis in ways that Dwyer seems unaware of. Analysis of shifts in the organisation of capitalism and of their consequences for the structure of cultural production is essential alongside detailed research into how shifting webs of pressure and opportunity impinge on the everyday business of crafting cultural goods in specific cultural industries. We argue that, contra Dwyer, contemporary analysis has a rich legacy of work in both areas on which to build.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece
Authors: Hukkanen Renee R. , Halpern Wendy G. , Vidal Justin D.
Published: June 2016

In July 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a new draft guidance entitled “Testicular Toxicity: Evaluation during Drug Development Guidance for Industry,” with a 90-day public comment period. As the nonclinical assessment of testicular toxicity often relies on the expert interpretation of pathology affecting the male reproductive tract, this draft guidance is considered directly relevant to the toxicologic pathology community. Therefore, a working group was formed through the Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists (STPs) to provide a detailed review of the draft guidance. Specific comments on the guidance were submitted to the FDA by the STP. The draft guidance and all comments received are currently under review with the FDA. This commentary provides a summary of the components of the draft guidance and the comments submitted by the STP with acknowledgment of different perspectives reflected in comments from other respondents.
The use of sternal wedge osteotomy in pectus surgery: when is it necessary?
Authors: Kara Murat , Gundogdu Ahmet Gokhan , Kadioglu Salih Zeki , Cayirci Ertug Can , Taskin Necati
Published: June 2016

Background

The Ravitch procedure is a well-established surgical procedure for correction of chest wall deformities. Sternal wedge osteotomy is an important part of this procedure. We studied the incidence of wedge osteotomy with respect to the type of chest wall deformity in patients undergoing surgical correction with the use of a recently developed chest wall stabilization system.

Methods

A total of 47 patients, 39 (83%) male and 8 (17%) female with a mean age of 14.9 ± 2.1 years, underwent the Ravitch procedure. Twenty-four (51.1%) had pectus carinatum, 19 (40.4%) had pectus excavatum, and 4 (8.5%) had pectus arcuatum. A conventional or oblique sternal wedge osteotomy was performed as indicated, followed by chest wall stabilization using the MedXpert system.

Results

Of the 47 patients, 27 (57.4%) had a sternal wedge osteotomy. All cases of pectus arcuatum and redo cases underwent sternal wedge osteotomy. Pectus excavatum cases tended to have a greater incidence of wedge osteotomy compared to pectus carinatum cases (68.4% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.052). Patients with more resected ribs had a greater rate of wedge osteotomy (63.4%) compared to those with fewer resected ribs (16.7%, p = 0.043).

Conclusions

A sternal wedge osteotomy is more commonly performed in patients with pectus excavatum compared to those with pectus carinatum. All redo and pectus arcuatum cases need a wedge osteotomy for proper correction. Wedge osteotomy is very likely in more aggressive corrections with more rib resections.
Contemporary endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection in China
Authors: Li Hailei , Chan Yiu-Che , Cheng Stephen W
Published: June 2016

Objective

Endovascular stent-grafts have been used in China to treat type B aortic dissection since 1999, and there is a plethora of cohort studies in the contemporary literature. The aim of this review was to analyse the published results of endovascular treatment for type B aortic dissection in China.

Method

A systematic literature review of all published literature from January 1999 to October 2014 on endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection in China was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases.

Results

Seventy papers were retrieved (4 English, 66 Chinese) with a total of 4208 patients; 3396 (80.7%) were male, and the mean age ranged from 43 to 65 years. Procedural success was reported in 99.4% ± 1.7%. Complications were reported in 14.6% ± 11.1%, with major complications in 1.7% ± 2.9%, and the most devastating neurologic complications in 1.1% ± 2.2% (stroke 0.9% ± 2.4%, paraplegia 1.5% ± 0.7%). Postoperative endoleak occurred in 8.1% ± 7.6%. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 2.4% ± 3.3%. During follow-up, false-lumen thrombosis occurred in 92.1% ± 11.7%. Reintervention was performed in 1.3% ± 3.3%. The incidence of proximal and distal stent-graft-induced new entry was 0.5% ± 1.3% and 0.9% ± 2.7%, respectively, with endoleak in 2.7% ± 4.4% and mortality of 2.2% ± 3.2%.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that use of endovascular stent-grafts for type B aortic dissection in China is feasible and safe with low rates of perioperative complications and short-term mortality. However, a standardised reporting system and long-term follow-up data are lacking.
Structural change and the sustainability of regional convergence: Evidence from the Italian regions
Authors: Di Berardino Claudio , Mauro Giuseppe , Quaglione Davide , Sarra Alessandro
Published: June 2016

Empirical studies on economic convergence have typically paid poor attention to the role played by the structural characteristics of the economy. Using OECD data for the period 1995–2007, the relationship between structural change and the convergence process of the Italian regions is analysed by integrating two approaches. A modified version of shift-and-share analysis is first used in order to break the average growth rate of labour productivity into its infra-sectoral and structural components. The existence of a relationship between the components of the growth rate and the presence of regional convergence is then assessed econometrically. Unlike in most studies reported in the literature, the regression coefficient is broken up in two separate parts to assess how much of the observed regional growth can be referred to the infra-sectoral and the structural components. The empirical results confirm the existence of a (slow) convergence, but also that only structural change has played a statistically significant support role. The regional disparities are, in most cases, unchanged or even worsened when the infra-sectoral productivity growth is considered. In terms of policy implications, strong emphasis must remain on sectoral policies: ‘place-based’ and ‘sectoral smart specialisation’ policies are crucial for the convergence process to be sustainable in the long term.
The entanglements of transnational feminism and area studies
Authors: Oza Rupal
Published: June 2016

In this essay, I consider the relationship between transnational feminism and area studies. I suggest that transnational feminism’s long engagement with the difference offers a way in which to address the critiques of area studies which has tended to identify places with particular “traits”. I examine how particular strands of western feminism intertwined with the project of area studies by seeking to define, reform, and consolidate places and people within their ambit of power. If we consider area studies to be organized in a horizontal scale focused on large regional spaces defined by “traits”, then transnational feminism adds a vertical dimension to the study of area studies with its focus on the intimate spaces of power.
Feminist care ethics, becoming area
Authors: Ramdas Kamalini
Published: June 2016

In rethinking area studies, I argue for a more open approach to standpoint theory, one that is rooted in a feminist ethics of care. The latter’s commitment to intimate knowing, and its problematisation of the distance between self and other, allows for a more relational approach to place. By drawing from feminist care ethics, it thus becomes possible to address criticisms of essentialism and distancing that place-based standpoint theory is also charged with. I address these theoretical debates as a researcher from an ‘Area’ who ‘never left’; and within the context of my own struggles with knowing how to place, and distance myself as an academic and member of the LGBTQ activist community in Singapore.
People with low serum folate levels have higher risk of colorectal adenoma/advanced colorectal adenoma occurrence and recurrence in China
Authors: Ding Hui , Gao Qin-Yan , Chen Hui-Min , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: June 2016

Objective

To investigate the potential association between serum folate levels and colorectal adenoma (CRA) occurrence and recurrence.

Methods

This prospective study measured baseline serum folate levels in outpatients who were screened for CRA using colonoscopy. Participants were then randomly selected to produce one group with CRA and one without CRA. These two subgroups underwent further follow-up observations of colonoscopy to determine the occurrence of new and recurrent CRA.

Results

A total of 1310 participants were screened at baseline: 888 were healthy subjects without CRA; and 422 had CRA. Two subgroups were randomly selected ( n = 200 per group) for follow-up. In the overall population, baseline serum folate levels were significantly lower in patients with CRA or advanced CRA (A-CRA) compared with healthy participants without CRA. Similar findings were shown for the follow-up study in terms of the association between CRA and A-CRA occurrence and recurrence and baseline serum folate levels. After controlling for confounders, increased serum folate was associated with a reduced risk of occurrence of CRA (odds ratio [OR] 0.993, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.924, 1.066) and recurrence of CRA (OR 0.749, 95% CI 0.322, 1.742).

Conclusions

Higher serum folate levels may be protective against CRA and/or A-CRA.
Using the prisms of gender and rank to interpret research collaboration power dynamics
Authors: Gaughan Monica , Bozeman Barry
Published: June 2016

Collaboration is central to modern scientific inquiry, and increasingly important to the professional experiences of academic scientists. While the effects of collaboration have been widely studied, much less is understood about the motivations to collaborate and collaboration dynamics that generate scientific outcomes. A particular interest of this study is to understand how collaboration experiences differ between women and men, and the attributions used to explain these differences. We use a multi-method study of university Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics faculty research collaborators. We employ 177 anonymous open-ended responses to a web-based survey, and 60 semi-structured interviews of academic scientists in US research universities. We find similarities and differences in collaborative activity between men and women. Open-ended qualitative textual analysis suggests that some of these differences are attributed to power dynamics – both general ones related to differences in organizational status, and in power dynamics related specifically to gender. In analysis of semi-structured interviews, we find that both status and gender were used as interpretive frames for collaborative behavior, with more emphasis placed on status than gender differences. Overall, the findings support that gender structures some part of the collaborative experience, but that status hierarchy exerts more clear effects.
Promoting participation and engagement for people with dementia through a cognitive stimulation therapy programme delivered by students: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Murray Carolyn M , Gilbert-Hunt Susan , Berndt Angela , de la Perrelle Lenore
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Dementia can affect participation and engagement due to deprivation of cognitive, social and sensory stimulation. To meet this need, educators and a service provider collaborated for occupational therapy students to provide cognitive stimulation therapy for people with dementia.

Method

We used a published, evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme called ‘Making a Difference’. However, due to student availability, we adapted the programme to be conducted once weekly for 12 weeks by students in pairs. These services occurred in both community and residential settings. Following completion of the programme in 2012, perspectives of staff ( n = 8), family carers ( n = 5) and three people with dementia were sought about their involvement. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

We found three themes of ‘something to talk about’, ‘it was a new relationship’ and ‘wanting to have a go’. Despite some initial concerns about people with dementia becoming stressed, the programme promoted social interactions, participation and engagement. The students adopted a relationship-centred approach with empathy and deliberate planning of sessions being important.

Conclusion

Through provision of the adapted Making a Difference programme, occupational therapy students were able to fulfil an unmet need while learning from their experience.
Current understanding of hydrological processes on common urban surfaces
Authors: Redfern Thomas W. , Macdonald Neil , Kjeldsen Thomas R. , Miller James D. , Reynard Nick
Published: June 2016

Understanding the rainfall-runoff behaviour of urban land surfaces is an important scientific and practical issue as storm water management policies increasingly aim to manage flood risk at local scales within urban areas, whilst controlling the quality and quantity of runoff that reaches receiving water bodies. By reviewing field measurements reported within the literature on runoff, infiltration, evaporation and storage on common urban surfaces, this study describes a complex hydrological behaviour with greater rates of infiltration than often assumed, contradicting a commonly adopted, but simplified classification of the hydrological properties of urban surfaces. This shows that the term impervious surface, or impermeable surface, referring to all constructed surfaces (e.g. roads, roofs, footpaths, etc.) is inaccurate and potentially misleading. The hydrological character of urban surfaces is not stable through time, with both short (seasonal) and long term (decadal) changes in hydrological behaviour, as surfaces respond to variations in seasonal characteristics and degradation in surface condition. At present these changing factors are not widely incorporated into hydrological modelling or urban surface water management planning, with static values describing runoff and assumptions of imperviousness often used. Developing a greater understanding of the linkages between urban surfaces and hydrological behaviour will improve the representation of diverse urban landscapes within hydrological models.
Initiation Timing of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation for Tendon-Bone Healing in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Lu Hongbin , Chen Can , Qu Jin , Chen Huabin , Chen Yong , Zheng Cheng , Wang Zhanwen , Xu Daqi , Zhou Jingyong , Zhang Tao , Qin Ling , Hu Jianzhong
Published: June 2016

Background:

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) has been proven to be a beneficial biophysical therapy for tendon-bone (T-B) healing. However, the optimal time to initiate LIPUS treatment has not been determined yet. LIPUS initiated at different stages of the inflammatory phase may profoundly affect T-B healing.

Purpose:

An established rabbit model was used to preliminarily investigate the effect of LIPUS initiation timing on T-B healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 112 mature rabbits that underwent partial patellectomy were randomly assigned to 4 groups: daily mock sonication (control group) and daily ultrasonication started immediately postoperatively (immediate group), on postoperative day 7 (7-day delayed group), or on postoperative day 14 (14-day delayed group). Peripheral leukocyte counts at the inflammatory phase were used to assess postoperative inflammation. The rabbits were sacrificed at 8 or 16 weeks postoperatively for microarchitectural, histological, and mechanical evaluations of the patella–patellar tendon (PPT) junction.

Results:

The biomechanical properties of the PPT junction were significantly improved in the LIPUS-treated groups. Significantly higher ultimate strength and stiffness were seen in the 7-day delayed group compared with the other groups at 8 weeks postoperatively ( P < .05 for all). Newly formed bone expansion from the remaining patella in the ultrasonic treatment groups was significantly increased and remodeled compared with the control group. Micro–computed tomography analysis showed that the 7-day delayed group had significantly more bone volume and bone mineral content at the interface as compared with the other groups at 8 weeks postoperatively ( P < .05 for all). Histologically, the ultrasonic treatment groups exhibited a significantly better PPT junction, as shown by more formation and remodeling of the fibrocartilage layer and newly formed bone. Additionally, peripheral leukocyte counts displayed a significant increase from postoperative day 1 to day 3 in the immediate group as compared with the other groups. Furthermore, postoperative hydrarthrosis was more likely in the immediate group.

Conclusion:

LIPUS started at postoperative day 7 had a more prominent effect on T-B healing compared with the other treatment regimens in this study.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of the study may help optimize the initiation timing of LIPUS for T-B healing.
Définir les choix à risque
Authors: Warren Marika
Published: June 2016

Les choix de vivre « à risque » sont complexes et difficiles. Ils peuvent être structurés par les politiques organisationnelles. Certaines personnes veulent vraiment vivre dans des situations à haut risque ou perçues comme telles parce qu’elles en tirent un avantage important. Cependant, il est probable que ces choix dépendent en grande partie du contexte et qu’ils ne se soient pas posés dans une autre situation. L’article plaide pour la responsabilité d’être attentif aux effets des décisions organisationnelles sur les choix de vivre à risque et sur la répartition globale du risque.
Migrant Women’s Social Support in a Metropolis of China
Authors: Liu Meirong , Wu Lei , Chen Lan
Published: June 2016

Social support and gender are important issues for understanding Chinese internal migrants. This study attempts to explore the social support conditions and needs of Chinese internal migrant women. Fifteen migrant women living in Beijing were interviewed about the types and sources of social support they received and needed. They reported receiving various types of support mainly from informal ties, but rarely from formal support networks. They identified the needs for social support clustered on instrumental, informational, and emotional support. Moreover, although they reported willingness to seek formal support, they expressed concerns for the credibility and availability of possible formal support.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Which Is the Most Convincing of Them All? Exploring Anti-Domestic Violence Posters
Authors: Shortland Neil D. , Palasinski Marek
Published: June 2016

Although domestic abuse of women by men has received significant media, police, and research attention, domestic violence directed toward men has been marginalized across the board and is still rarely treated seriously. The purpose of this research, then, is to examine and compare different anti-domestic violence messages in which the abuser’s gender is not always clear. In Study 1, 200 U.K. participants (100 females and 100 males, aged 18-67, M = 28.98, SD = 9.613) evaluated posters that varied across three levels; in that the subject (male or female) was depicted as being silenced, bruised, or experiencing live abuse. The results showed that the posters featuring female victims were all rated as more effective than posters showing male victims. In Study 2, 140 different U.K. participants (95 females; 45 males) aged 18 to 59 ( M = 27.27, SD = 10.662) evaluated the cartoon facial images of Disney characters who had been altered to look like victims of violence and real-life corresponding photos of human models. The results showed that the realistic posters were found to be more believable, emotional, and effective than the cartoons. The implications of such perceptions are discussed.
Salesforce Control and Compensation System
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: June 2016

The design of salesforce control and compensation system is crucial in salesforce management as it plays an important role in influencing ethics of salespeople. The performance of a sales organization is positively influenced by ethical behavior of sales people. To understand this relationship, this research applies game theory in the areas of salesforce control and compensation system. Research considers multiple equilibria in the game to identify optimal payoff and finds that a sales organization is better off with outcome control when sales people behave honestly as it has the highest payoff among all other possibilities. The propensity for sales people to make unethical choices can be reduced by designing an appropriate salesforce control system and a relevant compensation plan. Ethical behavior in sales organization can also be influenced by various organizational drivers such as ethical climate, code of ethics, hiring, selection and training process and ethical leadership. By such organizational influences, if a salesperson is motivated to act ethically by putting high efforts for building long term customer relationships, trust and loyalty, it results into a win-win situation for both sales people and the organization. Research has developed various models and payoff matrices to validate application of game theory in the field of salesforce compensation.
Adult and Youth Involvement in Gun-Related Crime: Implications for Gun Violence Prevention Interventions
Authors: Circo Giovanni M. , Pizarro Jesenia M. , McGarrell Edmund F.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study is to assess whether distinct targeted violence prevention programs are needed to address gun violence based on offender age. Police incident reports were used to analyze the temporal, situational, and spatial patterns of offending between a group of adult and youthful offenders in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Chi-square and logistic regression multivariate techniques were used to test the differences and similarities between these groups. The findings suggest that youth and adult offenders of gun crimes in Detroit are not significantly different in the time or place in which they offend. Only modest differences were observed in terms of situational characteristics. The most significant differences between youth and adult offenders involved the age of their victim and the presence of co-offenders. Policy implications are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(arylene ether ketone)s with 3,6-diphenyl-9H-carbazole pendants using C–N coupling reaction
Authors: Liu Bei , Chen Zheng , Lin Liming , Han Yuntao , Pang Jinhui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: June 2016

3,6-Diphenyl-9 H-carbazole pendants are grafted herein to poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PAEKs) via the Ullmann C–N coupling reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that PAEKs containing a carbazole pendant (Cz) have been synthesized through the Ullmann C–N coupling reaction. The high molecular weights of PAEK-Cz (PAEKs with 3,6-diphenyl-9 H-carbazole pendants) are inherited from their precursors, owing to the high reactivity of their monomers. The obtained PAEK-Cz- x polymers exhibit good solubility in most common organic solvents and excellent thermal stabilities, with the 5% weight loss temperatures for all products being above 598°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. The glass transition temperatures are all above 199°C and can be controlled by adjusting the feed ratio of monomers. The polymer membranes obtained by the casting method are tough and thus have strong potential for practical applications.
Identification of dangerous hoisting loads based on vibration characteristics
Authors: Ma Chi , Xiao Xingming , Ma Xiaoping
Published: June 2016

The dynamical behaviors of steel ropes and containers caused by different dangerous hoisting loads are theoretically and experimentally investigated to improve the hoisting safety in coal mines. Subsequently, the identification method is studied. The modal analysis technique based on Ritz Series and the Dempster–Shafer evidence theory is respectively employed during the study on vibration and identification. The vibration characteristics are apparently different with different categories and severities of dangerous loads. The different dynamical behaviors could be used as the basis of identification. The Dempster–Shafer evidence theory efficiently reduces uncertainty during the identification process of dangerous hoisting loads. Outcomes of this study might make a significant contribution to the hoisting safety in coal mines.
Condition monitoring approaches for the detection of railway wheel defects
Authors: Alemi Alireza , Corman Francesco , Lodewijks Gabriel
Published: June 2016

Condition monitoring systems are commonly exploited to assess the health status of equipment. A fundamental part of any condition monitoring system is data acquisition. Meaningfully estimating the current condition and predicting the future behaviour of the equipment strongly depend on the characteristic of the data measurement stage. Nowadays, condition monitoring has wide applications in the railway industry, and various monitoring approaches have been proposed for the inspection of wheel and rail conditions. In-service condition monitoring of wheels provides the real-time data required for maintenance planning, while in-workshop inspection is normally done at fixed intervals carried out periodically. In-service data acquisition can be divided into on-board and wayside measurements. In this paper, on the basis of these classifications, the existing data acquisition techniques for the monitoring of railway wheel condition are reviewed, and the state-of-the-art methods and required research are discussed.
Strategically Stunning
Authors: Netchaeva Ekaterina , Rees McKenzie
Published: June 2016

The phenomenon of increased desire for, and use of, appearance-enhancing items during times of economic recession has been termed the lipstick effect. The motivation underlying this effect has been attributed to women’s desires to enhance their attractiveness to financially stable partners (Hill, Rodeheffer, Griskevicius, Durante, & White, 2012). In the present research, we found evidence for our proposal that during times of economic recession, the heightened economic concern experienced by women translates into increased desire to use appearance-enhancing items to both attract romantic partners and create a favorable impression of themselves in the workplace, as both strategies can help women become secure financially. We also found that women with high economic concern elect to improve their professional appearance more frequently than their romantic attractiveness, which suggests that their motivation to obtain resources through a job dominates their motivation to obtain resources through a partner.
A case of drug-induced lupus erythematosus secondary to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole presenting with pleural effusions and pericardial tamponade
Authors: Jose A , Cramer A K , Davar K , Gutierrez G
Published: June 2016

We report a case of drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) secondary to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) in a patient with underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The initial presentation was with febrile pleural and pericardial effusions followed by cardiac tamponade. The patient was treated with a short course of corticosteroids with complete resolution of symptoms. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of TMP/SMX-induced DILE presenting with life-threatening serositis. When confronted with sterile exudative effusions, clinicians should strongly consider non-infectious etiologies.
Teaching British Values in Our Schools
Authors: Struthers Alison EC
Published: June 2016

Determining exactly what ‘British values’ are is a problem with which successive governments have grappled. This article considers in detail the most recent attempt to explicate the meaning of the term through the 2014 fundamental British values (FBV) curriculum guidance for English schools. It suggests that the articulation of FBV included in the guidance conflicts with the United Kingdom’s existing international obligations concerning the teaching of human rights values in schools, arguing that the guidance is a threat to such teaching on two levels: (i) it counters the ethical aims of educating about human rights by facilitating potentially subversive or discriminatory interpretation of the values it promotes and (ii) it is likely to perpetuate anti-human rights sentiment by entrenching, or at least doing nothing to challenge, existing misconceptions and misunderstandings of human rights. Human rights values, by contrast, are rooted in universality and the idea of a common humanity. Couching British values in the broader framework of human rights would therefore not only address much of the current anti-human rights sentiment, but would also be likely to contribute to societal cohesion and harmony to a far greater extent than the vague and potentially discriminatory FBV guidance.
The Feldstein–Horioka Puzzle and Structural Breaks: Evidence from the Largest Countries of Asia
Authors: Ketenci Natalya
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this article is to investigate the level of capital mobility in the largest economies of Asia by testing the Feldstein–Horioka puzzle. Panel estimations using quarterly data for the period from 1995 to 2011 have been made for the seven largest economies of Asia, specifically Russia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, India, Indonesia and China. This group of countries has gained significant economic power in the world over the last decade. Specifically, the growth rates of the sample has for a long period of time exceeded the growth rates of most developed countries. The total GDP adjusted for PPP is far above of the GDP of the European Union and NAFTA groups and very close to the G7 group. The article examines changes in investment savings relationships when the presence of structural shifts—where such exist—is taken into account. Recently developed panel techniques are employed to examine the investment–savings relationship and estimate saving–retention coefficients. As a result of these estimations, countries were divided into two groups consisting of stable and unstable economies. This division of countries allows for more precise estimates of capital mobility. The empirical findings reveal the existence of the moderate level of capital mobility in the group. Results indicate that countries with relatively higher capital mobility are exposed to the negative effects of international market fluctuations.

JEL Classification: F32
Understanding the Behaviour of Capital Flow and its Components: The Indian Experience
Authors: Majumder Sayantan Bandhu , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: June 2016

The article analyses the behaviour of net total capital inflow and its components since the introduction of liberalisation in India in 1991. An introspective analysis of capital flow reveals that capital inflow in India is volatile in nature and it is volatile in exactly the wrong direction, in a sense that it is pro-cyclical rather than countercyclical. However, all types of flows should not be treated equally. Being the most volatile and least persistent components, FPI and commercial bank inflow should be monitored very cautiously. The volatility of foreign direct investment (FDI) and commercial borrowing has gradually increased, although it has declined recently. External assistance has declined steadily and lost its dominance relative to the other counterparts. There is ample evidence of complementarity among the components of capital flows though we get a glimpse of substitutability between FDI and FPI—the two most voluminous components of capital flows. Contrary to a-cyclical, non-debt creating flows, commercial borrowings and commercial bank flows are found to be pro-cyclical in nature. The net total capital inflow series contain three structural breakpoints, at 1995Q4, 2002Q4 and 2006Q2. Domestic growth performance, policy changes and external shocks are the key factors behind these obtained structural breaks. There was a noticeable change in the behaviour of total capital flow and its components over the four phases identified in the article.

JEL Classification: F21, F32, F41
Trade Facilitation in the Commonwealth: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Narayanan Badri , Sharma Sachin , Razzaque Mohammad
Published: June 2016

This article examines the economic impact of trade facilitation between Commonwealth country members, using a global computable general equilibrium framework. We document enormous economic impact, much higher than a complete tariff liberalisation amongst these countries. The economic impact is quite visible in terms of welfare, gross domestic product, employment and trade in several sectors. We abstract from the costs involved in such trade facilitation—accounting for them is beyond the scope of this study.

JEL Classification: F13, F62, F68
The relationship between ‘competitive intelligence’ and the internationalization of North African SMEs
Authors: Tarek Bel Hadj , Adel Ghodbane , Sami Aouadi
Published: June 2016

This article aims to develop a model of competitive intelligence in the case of North African small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, its objective is to analyse the mediating and moderating effects of innovation and the protection of information assets and the international competitiveness of SMEs based on export intensity. The results show that the relationship between business intelligence and the international competitiveness of SMEs is both mediated and moderated by innovation and the protection of information assets. The originality of this research lies in the design of a competitive intelligence model that integrates business intelligence in terms of the mediation and moderation effects of innovation and the protection of information assets and international competitiveness.
The Perils of Integrating Wellness and Safety and Health and the Possibility of a Worker-Oriented Alternative
Authors: Howard John , Chosewood L. Casey , Hudson Heidi L.
Published: June 2016

In response to the article by Michael B. Lax, MD entitled “The perils of integrating wellness and safety and health and the possibility of a worker-oriented alternative,” the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides updated information on the current focus and priorities and addresses concerns raised regarding the Total Worker Health® initiative. Many of the concerns and criticisms in the report echo those NIOSH publicly shares on a regular basis. The theory and practice of Total Worker Health (TWH) continues to evolve in response to valuable stakeholder input like that provided by Dr. Lax. In 2015, NIOSH updated the TWH concept to emphasize the main focus of TWH is the primacy of traditional health protection which prioritizes employer responsibilities for the organization of work over individual worker health behaviors. NIOSH acknowledges the past lack of “fit” between theory and practice in some publications of TWH-funded grantees as Dr. Lax points out. NIOSH is hopeful that the solicitation of new research, which is now underway, will clarify the work-centered priorities for TWH-funded research. Based on input from Dr. Lax and other stakeholders, NIOSH looks forward to contributing more effectively to protecting and promoting worker safety and health in the new twenty-first century world of work.
Mantras and Myths
Authors: Flick Uwe
Published: June 2016

Critiques about the development in mixed-methods research (MMR) by some of its protagonists mention the following: ignorance of earlier developments, too much focus on designs rather than issues, more a metaphor than a mode of research, the belief in paradigms, and too much focus on methods instead of theoretical and methodological issues. Myths and mantras in the MMR literature are discussed here. For overcoming the limitations of MMR becoming evident in these critiques, myths, and mantras, triangulation is discussed. A revitalization of this concept in recent formulations (triangulation 3.0; systematic triangulation of perspectives) outlines triangulation as a framework of a critical and reflexive MMR.
Migration, Unemployment, and Lifeworld
Authors: Flick Uwe , Hans Benjamin , Hirseland Andreas , Rasche Sarah , Röhnsch Gundula
Published: June 2016

Migration is an issue for many countries. It affects several areas of social problems, for example, work and unemployment. A relevant issue to study in the context of unemployment and social welfare is, “Which are experiences of migrants with different language backgrounds in finding work and support?” For a running study with episodic interviews and mobile methods with migrants from the former Soviet Union to Germany, several issues are discussed in a “new critical inquiry”: Critical issues in the studied area (help, control, normative claims); applying (familiar) qualitative methods (interviewing in various languages and cultural backgrounds or mobile methods); triangulation in a new critical migration research.
Boundaries and Speed Bumps: The Role of Modernized Counties Managing Growth in the Fragmented Metropolis
Authors: Deslatte Aaron
Published: June 2016

Many counties in the U.S. federalist system have morphed from a limited role in service delivery to a workhorse for municipal-style local government. They also facilitate development and sprawl, helping to shape development patterns of the modern fragmented metropolis. Why do counties accommodate development demand that deviates from long-term land-use plans intended to prevent sprawl? Utilizing panel data of county land-use changes in Florida, this study finds evidence that the decisions are shaped by both external competition for growth and internal institutional incentives. Fragmentation fuels more leapfrog development patterns on the urban fringe. Horizontal fragmentation encourages counties to compete for development, whereas vertical fragmentation via special districts facilitates such development through provision of services and reducing pressure for public officeholders to raise taxes. However, these fragmentation effects are also influenced by modernized institutions in counties such as home-rule charters and form of government.
Common Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care Units
Authors: Borges Tatiana Longo , Miasso Adriana Inocenti , Reisdofer Emilene , dos Santos Manoel Antonio , Vedana Kelly Graziani Giacchero , Hegadoren Kathleen Mary
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Considering the high worldwide prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), characterizing the association between CMD and quality of life (QoL) constitute a valuable measure to gauge patient’s functional impairment due to CMD symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with the incidence of CMD and its impact on the QoL in primary health care (PHC) patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study completed in a municipality in Brazil. Standardized tools included the Self-Reporting Questionnaire–20 to detect CMDs and the WHOQOL-brief to assess QoL, in addition to a sociodemographic and treatment-related questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 41.4% of the patients met cutoff scores for a CMD, and the presence of a CMD was associated with female gender and marital status. Patients with CMDs had lower QoL scores than patients who were negative for a CMD. CONCLUSIONS: CMDs are highly prevalent in PHC settings and affect patients’ QoL. The high frequency of CMD in those that seek care through PHC necessitate incorporating mental health services into the range of available services.