bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ perception of ethical climate and organizational commitment
Authors: Borhani Fariba , Jalali Tayebe , Abbaszadeh Abbas , Haghdoost Aliakbar
Published: September 2013

The high turnover of nurses has become a universal issue. The manner in which nurses view their organization’s ethical climate has direct bearing on their organizational commitment. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between nurses’ perception of ethical climate and organizational commitment in teaching hospitals in the southeastern region of Iran. A descriptive analytical design was used in this study. The sample consisted of 275 nurses working in four teaching hospitals in the southeastern region of Iran. The instruments used in this study included a demographic questionnaire, Ethical Climate Questionnaire, and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using Pearson’s correlation, t-test, and descriptive statistic through Statistical Package for Social Science, version 16. The result of this research indicated a positive correlation among professionalism, caring, rules, independence climate, and organizational commitment. Therefore, findings of this study are a guideline for researchers and managers alike who endeavor to improve organizational commitment.
When nothing is constant but change: Adaptive and sensorial materials and their impact on product design
Authors: Lehmhus Dirk , Brugger Jürgen , Muralt Paul , Pané Salvador , Ergeneman Olgaç , Dubois Marc-Alexandre , Gupta Nikhil , Busse Matthias
Published: September 2013

This article is the preface to the Special Issue of the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures on occasion of the Symposium A53 ‘MEMS/NEMS for Sensorial and Actorial Materials’ held at the Euromat 2011 Conference, Montpellier, France, September 12-15, 2011. The authors outline the concept of material-integrated sensing and intelligence, which is summarized in the term sensorial materials. Such materials are understood to incorporate sensing, signal and data processing as well as communication facilities to autonomously evaluate their own condition and/or their environment. To achieve these capabilities, bottom-up as well as top-down approaches are currently being discussed. The latter is highlighted in this work. Research efforts towards it range from materials science to sensor and microelectromechanical system (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) technology, microelectronics and computer science and were covered in the underlying Euromat symposium. As a specific aspect linked to the envisaged autonomy and a resulting adaptivity, for example, of internal self-representation and data interpretation, potential consequences for engineering design are sketched.
Hydrogen effect on the austenite–martensite transformation of the cycled Ni-Ti alloy
Authors: Gamaoun Fehmi , Skhiri Imen , Bouraoui Tarak , Ben Zineb Tarak
Published: September 2013

Because of its biocompatibility, superelastic Ni-Ti wire alloys have been successfully used in orthodontic clinics. The susceptibility of Ni-Ti shape memory alloys toward hydrogen embrittlement has been examined with respect to the residual stress after a few number of cycles in air at room temperature. Orthodontic wires have been cycled until having an imposed deformation of 2.1%, 4%, and 7.7% between 1 and 50 cycles and then have cathodically been charged by hydrogen with a current density of 10 A/m2 for 4 h in a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution at room temperature. Throughout cycling, a residual strain has been formed and has increased by the number of cycles and the value of the imposed deformation. After hydrogen charging, the critical stress enhances when the number of cycles is great and the value of the imposed deformation is high. In addition, an embrittlement occurs for the specimen submitted to 50 and 30 cycles with an imposed strain of 2.1% and 4%, respectively. Nevertheless, no embrittlement has been detected after 50 cycles until 7.7% of the imposed deformation. The results of this study imply that the embrittlement could be related to the discontinuity in the distribution of defects created by partial superelastic cycling.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a Major Form of Dehumanization in the Modern World
Authors: Gambrill Eileen
Published: September 2013

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) is one of the most successful technologies in modern times. In spite of well-argued critiques, the DSM and the idea of “mental illness” on which it is based flourish, with ever more (mis)behaviors labeled as brain diseases. Problems in living and related distress are converted into medical problems, obscuring the role of environmental factors such as poverty and related political, social, moral, and economic factors such as the interest of the state in controlling deviant behavior and maintaining the status quo. This view shrinks rather than expands opportunities for freedom, growth, and dignity. It ignores the vast literature showing that unusual environments create unusual behaviors and that by arranging learning opportunities we can change behavior. Reasons for this marketing success are discussed and alternatives suggested including consensual counseling regarding problems in living and drawing on a science of behavior attending to environmental learning opportunities.
Hiding the Plot
Authors: Andreassen Pernille , Grøn Lone , Roessler Kirsten Kaya
Published: September 2013

In this study we investigated the moral dilemmas and strategies of a group of Danish parents who were trying to help their overweight children lose weight. Data were drawn from repeated semistructured interviews carried out over a period of 2 years with 12 families with overweight children. Using a narrative approach, we show the moral dilemmas parents found themselves in when trying to further the two seemingly incompatible goals of helping their children lose weight and simultaneously strengthening their self-worth. When the children were young, the parents tried to hide the fact that they needed to lose weight to protect them from feeling stigmatized. As the children grew older, the parents became more forthright about weight loss so the children would take on more responsibility. We suggest that for parents, weight loss is experienced as a risky undertaking because they perceive their children’s self-worth as being in jeopardy during the process.
Biomechanical Comparison of Syndesmotic Injury Fixation Methods Using a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Ebramzadeh Edward , Knutsen Ashleen R. , Sangiorgio Sophia N. , Brambila Maximino , Harris Thomas G.
Published: September 2013

Background:

There is growing interest in suture-button devices for syndesmosis injury, which are intended to offer less rigid fixation than screw fixation.

Methods:

The fixation strength with 2 different suture-button devices, ZipTight and TightRope, were compared using 5 cadaveric leg pairs (n = 10). In an additional 5 pairs (n = 10), ZipTight was compared to 3.5 mm quadricortical screw fixation. Ankle motion was measured intact, then following simulated syndesmosis injury and fixation. Cyclic loads (peak 750 N, 7.5 Nm) were applied. Finally, external rotation to failure was measured and failure mode was documented.

Results:

Range of motion increased after simulated injury and fixation with all devices (max 14.5 degrees). In all groups, diastasis remained below 1.0 mm intact and below 2.0 mm during cyclic loading. Compared to intact, under load to failure, diastasis with ZipTight devices increased by 4.7 ± 1.3 mm and 7.6 ± 4.3 mm, with TightRope, 6.3 mm, and screw construct, 1.3 mm. ZipTight specimens rotated approximately 80 ± 22 degrees before failure, TightRope, 67 ± 13 degrees, screw constructs, 76 ± 27 degrees. Mean failure torque was between 22.2 ± 6.9 Nm and 28.1 ± 12.7 Nm for ZipTight, compared to 32.9 ± 8.0 Nm for TightRope ( P = .07), and 30.1 ± 9.6 Nm for screw constructs ( P = .03). The majority of suture-button constructs failed by fibular fracture (ZipTight = 6, TightRope = 4), the remaining by device pull-through (ZipTight = 3, TightRope = 1) and loosening (ZipTight = 1). Conversely, 3 of screw-fixed specimens failed by device failure, 2 from bone fracture.

Conclusion:

Suture-button devices provided torsional strength below that of screw fixation. However, all devices may provide failure torques well above 20 Nm, exceeding likely torques applied in casts during healing.1,2,4

Clinical Relevance:

Suture-button devices appear to have provided adequate fixation strength for syndesmosis injuries.
Understanding the Language of the Occupy Movement
Authors: Catalano Theresa , Creswell John W.
Published: September 2013

In the expanding area of narrative inquiry, researchers often battle with the decision of how to analyze/interpret data. The aim of this article is to propose the use of cognitive linguistics as a tool in narrative analysis using as a case illustration interviews conducted in October/November 2011 with participants in the Occupy movement (Occupy). Results expose important metaphors/metonymies that reveal much about the perception of the movement by its inceptors. Not only did the analysis present the movement as a war and a force against government corporations, oppression, and inequality, but it was also seen as a strong structure and a family/community that needed to be awakened, fed, heard, seen, and felt. The contribution of this article lies not only in a greater understanding of Occupy but also in a demonstration of the value that an in-depth cognitive linguistic analysis has to offer in narrative inquiry.
The Wedding’s Missing Issue
Authors: Ocaña Almudena , Stake Robert E.
Published: September 2013

Secrets pose problems for qualitative researchers. It may be not enough to not mention the secret. Qualitative researchers work hard at discovering complexities, but work little at shrouding secrets. Anonymity slips away, perhaps first to the person most implicated. In this portrayal of a wedding, the secret might be guessed. The parents had another match in mind, yielded, but told the children to keep something secret, perhaps not knowing the researchers already knew. The issue was not mentioned in the text but perhaps it would have been better had the researcher tried not to know the secret. The account of an episode may be worth publishing because it brings out an issue of cultural or methodological importance. But the researcher may find that telling of the issue would violate the privacy of the actors, as defined by their own sense of privacy. Such was the case here. Keeping the secret unmentioned will usually be more important than revealing the secret, however anonymized, however informative it might be.
Using an Old Dog for New Tricks
Authors: Smith Jeffery S. , Gleim Mark R. , Robinson Stacey G. , Kettinger William J. , Park Sung-Hee ‘Sunny’
Published: September 2013

Research on radio frequency identification (RFID) applications has grown significantly as the technology can potentially improve organizational performance and enable new business models. However, actual implementation has been slow to transition from back office operations to front office applications, as many customers have demonstrated concern about the invasion of personal privacy and/or the improper utilization of information. This research aims to explore the customer acceptance issue by examining the factors that potentially enable and inhibit the utilization of RFID-enabled systems. To accomplish this goal, we conducted three studies using information from over 800 consumers, while employing three different methodologies. Results indicate potential usage of RFID systems can be positively impacted by the perceived usefulness (PU) of the technology, while privacy concerns have a negative impact. In particular, the positive impact of PU appears to weigh more heavily on consumers than the negative impact of privacy concerns. Additionally, there are differences in privacy concerns, technology attitudes, and purchase intentions based on how the system is labeled, along with the nature of the privacy statement. Accordingly, firms need to be specific in their privacy statements as this practice yields higher customer purchase intentions. From a managerial perspective, it is imperative that companies present a clear message to customers as to how RFID can benefit them while also being clear and concise about how any information associated with the technology will be used in an ethical manner.
Masculinity, Competence, and Health
Authors: Trautner Mary Nell , Kwan Samantha , Savage Scott V.
Published: September 2013

Like other visible characteristics such as skin color, gender, or age, body size is a diffuse status characteristic that impacts perceptions, interactions, and social outcomes. Studies demonstrate that individuals hold preconceived notions about what it means to be fat and document a long list of negative stereotypes associated with fat individuals, including laziness, unintelligence, and incompetence. Such perceptions have consequences for employment, including decisions about hiring, promotion, compensation, and dismissal. In this article, we examine how body size and race interact to affect individuals’ perceptions of success, competence, health, laziness, and masculinity. Based on undergraduate students’ ratings of photographs of men, our findings demonstrate significant differences between evaluations of black and white men based on body size. Thin white men are perceived to be more intelligent, more successful, and more competent than their thin black counterparts. However, these results reverse when the men are overweight: overweight black men are seen as more intelligent and more competent than overweight white men. They are also seen as more successful and hardworking and more masculine. These results suggest that the stigma of body size differently impacts black and white men; individuals judge overweight white men more negatively than overweight black men. We discuss two possible explanations for these findings: black threat neutralization and race-based attribution theory.
Comparing long-term results of PASAT and SDMT scores in relation to neuropsychological testing in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sonder Judith M , Burggraaff Jessica , Knol Dirk L , Polman Chris H , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives:

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) shows advantages over the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) as a cognitive test in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). To determine which of these tests is most valid and reliable over time as an indicator of the cognitive state of MS patients, long-term test results of both tests were compared in relation to scores of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological tests (BRBN).

Methods:

For 485 MS patients visiting the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam for different research projects, a total number of 1078 visits with BRBN (including PASAT and SDMT) was planned. Observed and model-based correlations were used to calculate the construct validity of the SDMT and PASAT 3 seconds test (PASAT3) by comparing correlations with the BRBN-sumscore. The test-retest reliability of each test was also computed.

Results:

For the construct validity, higher correlations were found between SDMT and BRBN compared to PASAT3 and BRBN, especially for the model-based correlations at baseline. The reliability of the measurements was good for all instruments, with the highest coefficients for the SDMT.

Conclusion:

As a single assessment tool for cognition in MS, the SDMT is more valid and reliable compared to PASAT3.
Case: Infertility claim succeeds against GP: Swift v Dr Edbrooke (Sheffield County Court, 21/12/12 – HHJ Robinson)
Authors: Polak Sabrina R
Published: September 2013

The defendant GP failed to refer the claimant patient to the early pregnancy unit for specialist care and/or a diagnostic scan despite knowing that the claimant was at a higher-than-average risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. The claimant subsequently suffered a rupture of an ectopic pregnancy and a life-threatening haemorrhage resulting in the claimant being unable to conceive naturally.
The use of telemedicine to train perioperative nurses in rural settings
Authors: Seibert Pennie S , Reddy Tatiana , Whitmore Tiffany , Valerio Jennifer , DeHaas CodieAnn
Published: September 2013

The training available to perioperative nurses in rural areas is often inefficient and can be difficult to access. We designed a distance training programme using educational material from the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Over a six-year period, we compared the performance of 22 nurses undertaking the programme via telemedicine with that of 13 nurses undertaking it conventionally, in person. The telemedicine nurses were based at six rural hospitals and interacted with their preceptors via remotely controlled videoconferencing systems. There was no significant difference in the time taken to complete the programme: 118 days in the telemedicine group and 84 days in the in-person group. There were no significant differences between groups in the AORN module scores. The average AORN final examination score was 88% for the telemedicine group and 91% for the in-person group. The scores from skills assessed were not significantly different between groups. The majority of students in the in-person and telemedicine groups considered that the programme was a success (92% and 91% respectively). The study suggests that telemedicine merits serious consideration for training in perioperative nursing specifically, and probably more generally in the nursing field.
Factors in the selection of a teleradiology provider in the United States
Authors: Hunter Tim B , Krupinski Elizabeth A , Weinstein Ronald S
Published: September 2013

Commercial teleradiology is well established in the US. There are many factors to consider when engaging a teleradiology provider. One of the basic questions is what do you expect to gain from it? Do you want a final reading from an attending radiologist (known as a consultant radiologist in many countries) or would you be satisfied with a preliminary reading from a teleradiology provider and a final reading from your own in-house radiologist the following day? Do you simply require after-hours coverage or do you need to supplement the coverage provided by your own internal radiologists during normal working hours? Teleradiology is not without its drawbacks. It can add additional costs, particularly for after-hours coverage. Teleradiology rarely provides in-house coverage for procedures, and the interpreting radiologist may sometimes be difficult to contact for consultation. Choosing a teleradiology vendor requires due diligence. When the contracting entity defines its expectations well and chooses its teleradiology vendor with care, the end result will be satisfactory for all concerned, including the patients.
Accuracy and reliability of teledermatoscopy with images taken by general practitioners during everyday practice
Authors: van der Heijden Job P , Thijssing Leonie , Witkamp Leonard , Spuls Phyllis I , de Keizer Nicolette F
Published: September 2013

We assessed the accuracy and reliability of teledermatoscopy with images taken by a general practitioner (GP) compared to face-to-face dermatological examination. GPs selected patients for teledermatoscopy and took both macro and dermatoscopic photographs. Patients were then referred to the local dermatologist for face-to-face examination. Accuracy and inter-observer reliability were calculated for the diagnosis and management plan. Image quality was rated by two observers on a three-point scale. A total of 108 teledermatoscopy consultations sent by 13 GPs were assessed by four dermatologists. Agreement was 0.61 (kappa) on diagnostic group and 0.23 on management plan. The inter-observer reliability was 0.65 on diagnostic group and 0.36 on management plan. The image quality was reported as bad in 36% of cases, reasonable in 28% and good in 36%. Agreement for cases with good quality images was 0.66 on diagnostic group and 0.42 on management plan. Teledermatoscopy in general practice had overall a lower accuracy and reliability than face-to-face consultation. In cases where a good quality image was reported, the accuracy increased, which emphasises that teledermatoscopy is highly dependent on a good quality images.
Confirmatory factor analytic structure and measurement invariance of quantitative autistic traits measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale-2
Authors: Frazier Thomas W , Ratliff Kristin R , Gruber Chris , Zhang Yi , Law Paul A , Constantino John N
Published: September 2013

Understanding the factor structure of autistic symptomatology is critical to the discovery and interpretation of causal mechanisms in autism spectrum disorder. We applied confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of measurement invariance to a large ( N = 9635) accumulated collection of reports on quantitative autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale, representing a broad diversity of age, severity, and reporter type. A two-factor structure (corresponding to social communication impairment and restricted, repetitive behavior) as elaborated in the updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) criteria for autism spectrum disorder exhibited acceptable model fit in confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was appreciable across age, sex, and reporter (self vs other), but somewhat less apparent between clinical and nonclinical populations in this sample comprised of both familial and sporadic autism spectrum disorders. The statistical power afforded by this large sample allowed relative differentiation of three factors among items encompassing social communication impairment (emotion recognition, social avoidance, and interpersonal relatedness) and two factors among items encompassing restricted, repetitive behavior (insistence on sameness and repetitive mannerisms). Cross-trait correlations remained extremely high, that is, on the order of 0.66–0.92. These data clarify domains of statistically significant factoral separation that may relate to partially—but not completely—overlapping biological mechanisms, contributing to variation in human social competency. Given such robust intercorrelations among symptom domains, understanding their co-emergence remains a high priority in conceptualizing common neural mechanisms underlying autistic syndromes.
A review of membrane-based air dehumidification
Authors: Yang Bo , Yuan Weixing , Gao Feng , Guo Binghan
Published: September 2013

Air dehumidification plays an important role in improving air quality and maintaining thermal comfort. Increasing attention is paid to the membrane-based technology, which is based on water vapour transmembrane transport driven by mass transfer potential, together with sensible heat transfer under temperature difference. Membrane-based air dehumidification has been applied in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, compressed air dehumidification and environmental control in space vehicle, and some other engineering fields. This paper summarizes recent research results in these fields, including fundamental principles, membrane materials, membrane module structures, operation conditions and theory models. In the end, two methods of membrane-based dehumidification performance evaluation are introduced from perspective of energy and exergy, respectively.
Experimental study on one-side confined jets from a parallel-flow outlet in a push–pull ventilation system
Authors: Wang Yi , Huang Yanqiu , Zhou Yu , Shu Yibo , Liu Jiaping
Published: September 2013

This study conducted a series of experiments on the airflow characteristics of one-side confined jets from a parallel-flow outlet with a two-tier perforated plate and a honeycomb in a push–pull ventilation system. Maximum velocity, maximum temperature and airflow trajectory were analysed and compared with previous studies about different outlets. The results showed that the dimensionless turbulence coefficient of the parallel-flow outlet was smaller than either the cased axial fan with open grille’s or the swirl diffuser’s turbulence coefficients from isothermal condition. Different development laws for the parallel-flow outlet discharging a hot air jet ( Ar0 = 0.024) on the floor were put forward. Furthermore, it was found that the velocity decay rate of the hot air jets with a parallel-flow outlet on the floor was slower than with the circular aperture over a flat surface. When Ar0 ranged from 0.024 to 0.044, a semi-empirical equation was established to describe the trajectory of the hot jets from a parallel-flow outlet in a push–pull ventilation system. In addition, the baffle height of the suction outlet could be determined and corrected appropriately.
Black social work students’ experiences of practice learning: Understanding differential progression rates
Authors: Fairtlough Anna , Bernard Claudia , Fletcher Joan , Ahmet Akile
Published: September 2013

As a group, Black and ethnic minority students progress more slowly on their social work programmes in England than their white counterparts. The article reports on a qualitative study with social work students and key informants in a purposive sample of eight social work programmes.

Findings

Factors relating to the characteristics of individual students, the social work programme, the HEI and practice learning environments appeared to be affecting student experience and progression. The article focuses on practice learning. Many student participants reported experiences of disadvantaged educational backgrounds, economic pressures and caring responsibilities. Key informants in some sites described particular challenges faced by these students. Students reported experiences of racism in placements where the majority of staff or service users were white.

Application

Concepts drawn from work by Pierre Bourdieu such as ‘habitus’, ‘field’ and ‘social and cultural capital’ are used to make sense of these findings. Some practical ways in which social work programmes might seek to counter educational disparities and racism faced by black and ethnic minority students are suggested: these include monitoring systems, training for practice educators and tutors, support for black and ethnic minority students and agreements between HEIs and placement providers.
Second generation identities: The case of transnational young females of Russian descent in Israel
Authors: Eisikovits Rivka A.
Published: September 2013

The present paper explores the transnational orientation of second-generation female immigrant teenagers of Russian descent in Israel and their position regarding these two cultures and the respective part they play in the participants’ identity negotiations. Comparisons are made with findings of two previous studies on gender-based adaptation styles of youth of similar origin, who arrived during mid-to-late adolescence. This is in order to investigate the impact of age at arrival on gendered features of identity construction. Comparative analyses are also performed, with pertinent findings, among additional second-generation transnationals, such as Vietnamese and Filipino in the United States. These serve as heuristics in an attempt to disclose common characteristics in second-generation identity construction processes among young female transnational migrants.
The business model: Present and future—beyond a skeumorph
Authors: Arend Richard J
Published: September 2013

In this essay, we address the research question of when is the business model idea useful? We argue that the use of the term “business model” as a “description” of how a traditional venture operates is strong on redundancy and weak on theoretical grounding. We argue that the idea behind a “model” of value creation, especially involving nonmonetary exchanges is, however, of great importance moving forward. Up to this point, there has been a quite practical approach used in understanding the idea and its effects. But now, there is a need to transition from the “idea-as-given” perspective to a “not-given” perspective in order to place the business model in a theoretical perspective where it can be understood in more abstract terms and then applied in new ways. That transition leads to new research questions, a new determination of the idea’s value in nontraditional contexts, and new effects on existing related theories and on policies to control potential effects.
Political Action Versus Personal Action
Authors: Hussey Laura S.
Published: September 2013

Scholarship commonly treats the state as social movements’ default target and venue, explaining pursuit of change through nongovernmental channels in terms of lack of political opportunity. This article presents the “pregnancy help” branch of the American pro-life movement as a potential counterexample, as its recent growth has coincided with a seeming expansion of opportunities for the pro-life movement’s political wing. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this article explores the role of political opportunity in the founding, growth, and sustenance of these service-oriented pro-life organizations. I find that political opportunity concerns mattered little to the origins of the pro-life movement’s pregnancy help branch, but that they contributed somewhat to the path of its development over time. I argue that some social movements’ pursuit of change through nongovernmental channels may better reflect participants’ ideas, personalities, life situations, and orientations toward problem solving more than strategic assessment of the political opportunity structure.
Neoliberalism’s War Against Teachers in Dark Times
Authors: Giroux Henry A.
Published: September 2013

With schools becoming increasingly organized under the dictates of punitive and market cultures, the autonomy of educators is being constrained in such ways as to prevent them from carrying out pedagogies that might provide their students with a political consciousness and a sense of social responsibility. Teachers in the United States today are being forced to embody the role of ‘technician’ and to carry out harsh disciplinary policies, teaching-to-the-test mandates, and strict curricula that suffocate educators’ abilities foster critical civic capacities in their students. In response to this crisis of pedagogical agency among educators, this article unravels the current neoliberal attacks being waged on teachers in today’s culture of consumerism and violence. Taking up the media’s brief celebration of teachers as defenders of youth after the fall 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the article addresses the heightened difficulties teachers face in safeguarding the futures of young people. Despite the short-lived praise of teachers following the shootings, educators today are greatly subject to attacks, waged by advocates for school privatization and market-based educated, against their role as public servants and critical intellectuals. In return, educators must fight against this anti-democratic configuration of education by reconceptualising themselves as engaged citizens and public intellectuals committed to making the pedagogical more political and the political more pedagogical to nurture the critical and civic capacities of the emergent generation.
Writing for Equity Inside and Out
Authors: Pierce Joy
Published: September 2013

Graduate students and research scholars are required to demonstrate active scholarly engagement in conversations relevant to their fields. Publishing is the primary barometer of success at research-intensive universities; however, not all publications are counted equal. The gate-keeping functions of a discipline’s top tier journals naturalize rational, jargon-laden, and definitive ideas of what scholarship should be. Living theory and praxis compel an academic scholar to reach into the community. How may emerging scholars make a difference in an underserved community through research? How does one maintain an active, community-engaged qualitative research trajectory and publish, publish, publish? Universities relegate service as the least important criterion for advancement despite the importance of furthering social justice projects, which benefit institutions of higher learning and local communities. Graduate students and scholars of color, however, are questioning the institutional practices and views of merit surrounding community-based research praxis that challenges and redefines institutional structures.
Resisting the Unholy Alliance Between a University and a Prison Company
Authors: Schoorman Dilys
Published: September 2013

This critical case study of a decision to name a university’s football stadium after a private prison company is presented from an autoethnographic perspective to discuss individual and group responses to the decision. Highlighted in the analysis are implications for faculty governance. Readers are encouraged to consider how their own institution’s governance structures are equipped to address similar affronts to democratic governance and the moral obligation of a university committed to the public good. It is intended that the analysis of the reaction of one university will facilitate the opportunities for developing proactive agendas for safeguarding the role of universities as public spheres for democratic engagement.
Metropolitan Strategies, Psychogeographic Investigations
Authors: Shukaitis Stevphen , Figiel Joanna
Published: September 2013

The ideas and practices of the Situationist International (SI) and the Italian autonomists of the 1960s and 1970s continue to provide inspiration for developing strategies for contesting capitalism. This essay proposes to bring together concepts from these traditions, working between the Situationist concept of psychogeography and the dérive, with autonomist writings on the shaping of the metropolis. Drawing on the autonomist concepts of class composition analysis and conducting a workers’ inquiry, it will be suggested that they can be usefully combined with psychogeographic investigations and methods to understand the shifting terrain of surplus value production within the metropolis based on an analysis of these transformations to develop new forms of political action and ways to sabotage the accumulation process.
Endoscopic Removal of Symptomatic Gastric Heterotopic Pancreas
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Guoxin , Ge Nan , Wang Sheng , Guo Jintao , Liu Wen , Sun Siyu
Published: September 2013

Aims, The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic removal of symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas (HP). Patients and Methods. From January 2010 to December 2011, 9 patients with suspected symptomatic HP were enrolled in the study. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to clarify the HP tissue location and to choose the endoscopic resection method. Endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to remove the HP tissue. Symptoms in the enrolled patients were assessed before and after endoscopic removal of the HP tissue. Tumor pathology and complications were recorded after the treatment. A standard follow-up was scheduled at 1 week and 2 months after treatment. Results. Removal of suspected HP with endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was successful in all 9 cases. Abdominal pain, leukocytosis, and bleeding occurred in 6 patients, 2 patients, and 1 patient, respectively, after treatment and were relieved by symptomatic treatment. There were no other unpredictable complications. The symptoms related to HP, including epigastric pain, bloating, and postprandial fullness, were relieved significantly after the treatment. During follow-up, there was no recurrence of HP in any patient. Conclusions. Endoscopic removal appears to be a safe and effective method to treat gastric lesions suspected to be HP with symptoms. The symptoms, such as epigastric pain, bloating, and postprandial fullness were well resolved after endoscopic treatment.
Availability-based optimal maintenance policies for repairable systems in military aviation by identification of dominant failure modes
Authors: Rai Rajiv N , Bolia Nomesh
Published: September 2013

Modeling of imperfect repair through perfect renewal process uses an “as good as new” repair assumption and nonhomogeneous Poisson process uses an “ABAO” repair assumption. In practice, repair actions do not result in such extreme situations but in a complex transitional one, that is, general repair. This article discusses generalized renewal process for an aero engine as repairable component. Maximum likelihood estimators for the reliability parameters are estimated using generalized renewal process, for field failure data of an aero engine. The current practice designates repairable components, as high failure rate components based on intuition, experience and the number of unscheduled failures at repair depots. A methodology is developed to designate high failure rate components based on availability by taking into consideration the dominant failure modes of the aero engine. Then, a comparison is made with a “Black Box” approach. The present maintenance policy is then reviewed by reducing the present time between overhauls for the high failure rate components. We observe a noteworthy enhancement in all the performance parameters in the suggested maintenance policy. We also observe that percent improvement achieved in all performance parameters on reducing the next overhaul cycle time, with failure modes analysis is more than when failure modes are not considered.
Accelerated degradation tests for reliability estimation of a new product: A case study for washing machines
Authors: De Carlo Filippo , Borgia Orlando , Tucci Mario
Published: September 2013

Accelerated degradation test is a valuable technique able to provide information on the duration of highly reliable products. It is widely used in electronics, where component life often cannot be estimated in an acceptable time with the classic reliability estimation techniques. In the mechanical engineering sector, however, accelerated degradation tests are not so common. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of accelerated degradation test methodology to a new mechanical subassembly of a washing machine. In particular, we tried to identify which was the most appropriate degradation parameter, choosing among three possible alternatives. The methodology was applied to the new oscillating group of a washing machine, with oversized dimensions and innovative materials. The first selection of elements that could be monitored initially provided three parameters: the drum deformation, the bearing temperature and the vibrations of the rotation shaft. The research allowed the identification of the deformation as the most appropriate parameter for the reliability estimation of the oscillating unit. The originality of this study lies in the fact that accelerated degradation tests of washing machines is not discussed in earlier studies. In addition, the application of such methodology to select the best from three different parameters is not studied earlier. In this study, another peculiarity of accelerated degradation test has been emphasized: it is possible to quickly enrich the know-how on a new product, allowing an in-depth knowledge of new elements, in far more rapid speed than using the traditional approach.
Strontium ranelate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: new insights and emerging clinical evidence
Authors: Reginster Jean-Yves , Beaudart Charlotte , Neuprez Audrey , Bruyère Olivier
Published: September 2013

Osteoarthritis is a primary cause of disability and functional incapacity. Pharmacological treatment is currently limited to symptomatic management, and in advanced stages, surgery remains the only solution. The therapeutic armamentarium for osteoarthritis remains poor in treatments with an effect on joint structure, that is, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are the only medications for which some conclusive evidence for a disease-modifying effect is available. Strontium ranelate is currently indicated for the prevention of fracture in severe osteoporosis. Its efficacy and safety as a DMOAD in knee osteoarthritis has recently been explored in the SEKOIA trial, a 3-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Outpatients with knee osteoarthritis, Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3, and joint space width (JSW) of 2.5–5 mm received strontium ranelate 1 g/day ( n = 558) or 2 g/day ( n = 566), or placebo ( n = 559). This sizable population was aged 62.9 years and had a JSW of 3.50 ± 0.84 mm. Treatment with strontium ranelate led to significantly less progression of knee osteoarthritis: estimates for annual difference in joint space narrowing versus placebo were 0.14 mm [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.23 mm; p < 0.001] for 1 g/day and 0.10 mm (95% CI 0.02–0.19 mm; p = 0.018) for 2 g/day, with no difference between strontium ranelate groups. Radiological progression was less frequent with strontium ranelate (22% with 1 g/day and 26% with 2 g/day versus 33% with placebo, both p < 0.05), as was radioclinical progression (8% and 7% versus 12%, both p < 0.05). Symptoms also improved with strontium ranelate 2 g/day only in terms of total WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score ( p = 0.045), and its components for pain ( p = 0.028) and physical function ( p = 0.099). Responder analyses using a range of criteria for symptoms indicated that the effect of strontium ranelate 2 g/day on pain and physical function was clinically meaningful. Strontium ranelate was well tolerated. The observation of both structure and symptom modification with strontium ranelate 2 g/day makes SEKOIA a milestone in osteoarthritis research and treatment.
Primary T-cell lymphoma of the testicle: a rare case report of its clinical presentation, radiologic findings, pathologic interpretation, and treatment
Authors: Hebert Kristi , Woo Howard , Halat Shams
Published: September 2013

Testicular T-cell lymphoma is an extremely rare disease, with a particularly poor prognosis. This report reviews the clinical, radiologic and pathologic features of a case of testicular T-cell lymphoma, as well as the current treatment recommendations and prognosis of this disease based on current literature. A 78-year-old male presented with unilateral testicular swelling. Ultrasound confirmed an intra-testicular mass, and subsequent orchiectomy was performed. Pathologic diagnosis was consistent with primary peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the testicle. There was no evidence of metastatic disease. He is currently undergoing CHOP chemotherapy followed by intrathecal chemotherapy. Primary testicular T-cell lymphoma is a very rare disease with few case reports in the literature. Evaluation should always include CT imaging, lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy. The diagnosis imparts a poor prognosis, with an overall median survival of 12–24 months.
Exposure to UV radiation and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis
Authors: Monnereau Alain , Glaser Sally L. , Schupp Clayton W. , Ekström Smedby Karin , de Sanjosé Silvia , Kane Eleanor , Melbye Mads , Forétova Lenka , Maynadié Marc , Staines Anthony , Becker Nikolaus , Nieters Alexandra , Brennan Paul , Boffetta Paolo , Cocco Pierluigi , Glimelius Ingrid , Clavel Jacqueline , Hjalgrim Henrik , Chang Ellen T.
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Our pooled analysis found an inverse association between several measures of UVR exposure and Hodgkin lymphoma. Significant UVR-related inverse associations of EBV-positive HL with a dose-response relationship support etiologic heterogeneity in HL.
On the improvement of Mocanu’s conditions
Authors: Nunokawa M , Owa S , Cho NE , Sokół J , Yavuz Duman E
Published: September 2013

We estimate

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under several assumptions. By using Nunokawa’s lemma, we improve a few of Mocanu’s results obtained by differential subordinations. Some applications for strongly starlikeness and convexity are formulated.

MSC:30C45, 30C80.
Human adipose-derived stem cells cultured in keratinocyte serum free medium: Donor’s age does not affect the proliferation and differentiation capacities
Authors: Ding Dah-Ching , Chou Hsiang-Lan , Hung Wei-Ting , Liu Hwan-Wun , Chu Tang-Yuan
Published: September 2013

Background

Although donor age-related effects of characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), such as a decrease in the proliferation and differentiation capacity and an increase of senescence and apoptosis, are evident, such effects are generally less prominent in adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). Using a hormone and growth factor rich medium (KFSM), this study cultured ASC from abdominal subcutaneous fat of 27 adult females in three age groups: 30-39 y, 40-49 y and 50-60 y, and investigated the growth and differentiation characteristics.

Results

The derived ASC had an immunophenotype similar to that of bone marrow derived MSC (BMSC). They could be stably expanded with an average population doubling time of 21.5 ± 2.3 h. Other than a higher pre-adipogenic commitment and a lower adipogenic differentiation capability in ASC derived from the old age group, other characteristics including proliferation rate, doubling time, telomere length, as well as the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacity were the same regardless of the donor’s age.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates a promising proliferation and differentiation capabilities of ASC regardless of the donor’s age. The compromised adipogenic potential in the older donors could be a benefit for their application in regeneration therapy.
Dengue virus infection induces autophagy: an in vivo study
Authors: Lee Ying-Ray , Hu Hsuan-Yun , Kuo Szu-Han , Lei Huan-Yao , Lin Yee-Shin , Yeh Trai-Ming , Liu Ching-Chuan , Liu Hsiao-Sheng
Published: September 2013

Background

We and others have reported that autophagy is induced by dengue viruses (DVs) in various cell lines, and that it plays a supportive role in DV replication. This study intended to clarify whether DV infection could induce autophagy in vivo. Furthermore, the effect of DV induced autophagy on viral replication and DV-related pathogenesis was investigated.

Results and conclusions

The physiopathological parameters were evaluated after DV2 was intracranially injected into 6-day-old ICR suckling mice. Autophagy-related markers were monitored by immunohistochemical/immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting. Double-membrane autophagic vesicles were investigated by transmission-electron-microscopy. DV non-structural-protein-1 (NS1) expression (indicating DV infection) was detected in the cerebrum, medulla and midbrain of the infected mice. In these infected tissues, increased LC3 puncta formation, LC3-II expression, double-membrane autophagosome-like vesicles (autophagosome), amphisome, and decreased p62 accumulation were observed, indicating that DV2 induces the autophagic progression in vivo. Amphisome formation was demonstrated by colocalization of DV2-NS1 protein or LC3 puncta and mannose-6-phosphate receptor (MPR, endosome marker) in DV2-infected brain tissues. We further manipulated DV-induced autophagy by the inducer rapamycin and the inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA), which accordingly promoted or suppressed the disease symptoms and virus load in the brain of the infected mice.

We demonstrated that DV2 infection of the suckling mice induces autophagy, which plays a promoting role in DV replication and pathogenesis.