bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate Attached Hamstring Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Maturity With Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liu Shaohua , Li Hong , Tao Hongyue , Sun Yaying , Chen Shiyi , Chen Jiwu
Published: February 2018

Background:

The hamstring tendons are commonly harvested for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with detachment of the tibial insertion. Retaining the insertion may help to preserve vascularity and viability of the graft and bypass the stages of avascular necrosis and revascularization, which might be beneficial to graft maturity.

Purpose:

To investigate and compare graft maturity by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ACL reconstruction with preservation or detachment of hamstring tendon tibial insertion at up to 2 years.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Forty-five patients (age range, 18-45 years) undergoing isolated ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon were enrolled and randomized to 2 groups. The tibial insertion of the hamstring tendon was preserved in the study group (n = 21) and detached in the control group (n = 24). Patients had follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, which consisted of the following: (1) clinical examination and (2) MRI evaluation of graft signal intensity based on signal/noise quotient (SNQ) values. Finally, 18 patients in the study group and 19 in the control group received full follow-up evaluation (ie, at all 4 time points).

Results:

All knees acquired full range of motion at 24 months without significant laxity. At each time point, the KT-1000 arthrometer revealed no significant difference between groups; the clinical scores significantly improved in both groups, although the difference between groups was not significant. In the control group, the SNQ value increased from 3 months, peaked at 6 months, and then decreased (3 months, 21.4 ± 12.7; 6 months, 25.6 ± 12; 12 months, 18.3 ± 7.7; 24 months, 15.3 ± 6.3). However, the insertion-preserved graft in the study group maintained relatively lower and unchanged signal intensity throughout all time points (3 months, 15.0 ± 11.2; 6 months, 14.9 ± 6.3; 12 months, 12.6 ± 7.0; 24 months, 14.6 ± 7.0). Between groups, there was no significant difference at 3 or 24 months ( P = .11 and .75, respectively), while the SNQ values were significantly lower in the study group versus the control group at 6 and 12 months ( P = .002 and .02, respectively).

Conclusion:

The insertion-detached hamstring tendon grafts underwent a significantly increasing change in signal intensity during the first 2 years after ACL reconstruction, while the insertion-preserved grafts kept a relatively lower and unchanged signal intensity. The difference was most significant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.
Rotator Cuff Repair in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Azzam Michael G. , Dugas Jeffrey R. , Andrews James R. , Goldstein Samuel R. , Emblom Benton A. , Cain E. Lyle
Published: February 2018

Background:

Rotator cuff tears are rare injuries in adolescents but cause significant morbidity if unrecognized. Previous literature on rotator cuff repairs in adolescents is limited to small case series, with few data to guide treatment.

Hypothesis:

Adolescent patients would have excellent functional outcome scores and return to the same level of sports participation after rotator cuff repair but would have some difficulty with returning to overhead sports.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence 4.

Methods:

A retrospective search of the practice’s billing records identified all patients participating in at least 1 sport who underwent rotator cuff repair between 2006 and 2014 with an age <18 years at the time of surgery and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical records were evaluated for demographic information, and telephone follow-up was obtained regarding return to play, performance, other surgery and complications, a numeric pain rating scale (0-10) for current shoulder pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Assessment Form, and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index.

Results:

Thirty-two consecutive adolescent athletes (28 boys and 4 girls) with a mean age of 16.1 years (range, 13.2-17.9 years) met inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine patients (91%) had a traumatic event, and 27 of these patients (93%) had no symptoms before the trauma. The most common single tendon injury was to the supraspinatus (21 patients, 66%), of which 2 were complete tendon tears, 1 was a bony avulsion of the tendon, and 18 were high-grade partial tears. Fourteen patients (56%) underwent single-row repair of their rotator cuff tear, and 11 (44%) underwent double-row repair. All subscapularis injuries were repaired in open fashion, while all other tears were repaired arthroscopically. Twenty-seven patients (84%) completed the outcome questionnaires at a mean 6.2 years after surgery (range, 2-10 years). The mean ASES score was 93 (range, 65-100; SD = 9); mean Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, 89% (range, 60%-100%; SD = 13%); and mean numeric pain rating, 0.3 (range, 0-3; SD = 0.8). Overall, 25 patients (93%) returned to the same level of play or higher. Among overhead athletes, 13 (93%) were able to return to the same level of play, but 8 (57%) were forced to change positions. There were no surgical complications, but 2 patients did undergo a subsequent operation.

Conclusion:

Surgical repair of high-grade partial-thickness and complete rotator cuff tears yielded successful outcomes among adolescents, with excellent functional outcomes at midterm follow-up. However, overhead athletes may have difficulty playing the same position after surgery.
HCV viraemia in anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients: Do we need HCV RNA detection test?
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Griveas Ioannis , Sveroni Eirini , Argiana Vasiliki , Kalliaropoulos Antonios , Martinez-Gonzalez Beatriz , Deutsch Melanie
Published: February 2018

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still common among dialysis patients, but the natural history of HCV in this group is not completely understood. The KDIGO HCV guidelines of 2009 recommend that chronic haemodialysis patients be screened for HCV antibody upon admission to the dialysis clinic and every 6 months thereafter if susceptible to HCV infection. However, previous studies have shown the presence of HCV viraemia in anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients as up to 22%.

Objectives:

To evaluate the presence of HCV viraemia, using HCV RNA detection, among anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients from a tertiary dialysis unit in Athens.

Methods:

We enrolled 41 anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients diagnosed with third-generation enzyme immunoassay. HCV viraemia was evaluated using a sensitive (cut-off: 12 IU/mL) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (COBAS AmpliPrep/TaqMan system) for HCV RNA.

Results:

None of the 41 anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients were shown to be viraemic.

Conclusions:

Routine HCV RNA testing appears not to be necessary in anti-HCV-negative haemodialysis patients.
The Debate in Urban Anthropology and the Development of the Empirical Investigation of Governance
Authors: De Vivo Paola
Published: February 2018

The complexity of our ‘object’ of study, leading to the question ‘what is really the city?’ requires the use of different levels of analyses. At the same time, a way must be found to develop an explanatory model that brings together the knowledge thus produced. The study of governance in the city is necessarily part of any research aimed at investigating empirically the processes regulating the social life. The key implication is to address its impact; a task made particularly complex by the often difficult relationship between the implementation of governance and the interaction with a diversity of societal actors, for the ongoing dialectic between the formal and the informal in urban life. We often find that this dialectic produces ambiguity, unexpected results, gaps between planned objectives, and competition instead of cooperation among actors, pointing to the weakness of the rationalistic model of public action. Perhaps the most important lesson that we have learnt about government and governance is that the delusion that we feel when trying to understand urban policies results from our incapacity fully to grasp the complexity of human life.
Italian Elite Groups at Work: A View from the Urban Grassroots
Authors: Pardo Italo
Published: February 2018

Western élite groups’ moralities and actions can and should be studied empirically. Contrary to belief held in the 1980s in mainstream social anthropology that fieldwork in the classic anthropological fashion could not be done among the western élite, the findings of long-term research in this field have yielded key ethnographic insights leading to academic and public debate. In this article I draw on ethnographic research on legitimacy, power, and governance among key Neapolitan élite groups to offer reflections on a style of governance that has at once engendered and thrived on the blurring of the dividing line between what is legitimate and what is not legitimate in public life. The discussion focuses on powerful, tightly networked groups that, inspired by an elitist philosophy of power, have been hard at work to gain and maintain power, while losing trust and authority. The analysis builds towards an understanding of their implosion and of the corresponding erosion of the relationship between citizenship and governance.
Ethnicity in the City: Tatar Urban Youth Culture in Kazan, Tatarstan
Authors: Friedli Andrea
Published: February 2018

In this article, the city and the urban space shall be understood as a political platform, where identities and powers are bargained, and as a screen on which they are projected. In this context, I will reflect on the strategies of identity management ‘from below’ employed by Tatar young people in Kazan and on their attempt to build a ‘Tatar urban youth culture’. These identity strategies are mainly oriented against the ‘Russian other’, a decadent consumerist West and an ignorant rural Tatar culture and their main issue is the ‘repossessing’ of Kazan and the Tatarisation of the city. Such strategies namely include the use of the Tatar language in predominantly Russophone public spheres, the introduction of Tatar folkloristic elements in music and fashion as well as the appeal to a (lost) Tatar urban culture associated with an enlightened approach to Islam and to the pre-revolutionary Tatar intelligentsia. Tatar youth scenes thus use ethnicity as a resource in the linguistic, religious, historic and cultural (re)appropriation of the urban space, which in turn has to be understood as a symbolic political act in a specific historical as well as ‘glocal’ context. Thus, this article can be seen as a contribution to a critical approach towards cosmopolitanism introducing alternative concepts to reflect relationships, norms and values in urban life.
Do Investments in Mental Health Systems Result in Greater Use of Mental Health Services? National Trends in Mental Health Service Use (MHSU) in the Canadian Military and Comparable Canadian Civilians, 2002-2013
Authors: Fikretoglu Deniz , Liu Aihua , Zamorski Mark Allen , Rusu Corneliu , Jetly Rakesh
Published: February 2018

Background:

Mental disorders constitute a significant public health problem worldwide. Ensuring that those who need mental health services access them in an appropriate and timely manner is thus an important public health priority. We used data from 4 cross-sectional, nationally representative population health surveys that employed nearly identical methods to compare MHSU trends in the Canadian military versus comparable civilians.

Method:

The surveys were all conducted by Statistics Canada, approximately a decade apart (Military-2002, Military-2013, Civilian-2002, and Civilian-2012). The sample size for the pooled data across the surveys was 35,984. Comparisons across the 4 surveys were adjusted for differences in need in the 2 populations at the 2 time points.

Results:

Our findings suggested that first, in the Canadian military, there was a clear and consistent pattern of improvement (i.e., increase) in MHSU over the past decade across a variety of provider types. The magnitudes of the changes were large, representing an absolute increase of 7.15% in those seeking any professional care, corresponding to an 84% relative increase. Second, in comparable Canadian civilians, MHSU remained either unchanged or increased only slightly. Third, the increases in MHSU over time were consistently greater in the military than in the comparable civilian sample.

Conclusions:

Our findings point to advantages with respect to MHSU of the military mental health system over the civilian system in Canada; these advantages have widened substantially over time. These findings speak strongly to the potential impact of analogous changes in other health systems, both military and civilian.
Pyrolysis and ignition delay time of poly(methyl methacrylate) exposed to ramped heat flux
Authors: Zhai Chunjie , Peng Fei , Zhou Xiaodong , Yang Lizhong
Published: February 2018

Usually, the constant heat flux is used in the previous studies of polymeric pyrolysis. However, the ramped heat flux may be more realistic under a fire condition. For further understandings of polymer pyrolysis in the early stage of fire, the influences of ramped heat flux on pyrolysis of poly(methyl methacrylate) were experimentally and theoretically investigated. Linearly and quadratically ramped heat fluxes were controlled by the output power of a radiative heater. Surface temperature, mass loss rate, and ignition time were experimentally obtained to explore the thermochemical stability of poly(methyl methacrylate) under ramped heat fluxes. A one-dimensional model was used to predict the pyrolysis process, where kinetic parameters were evaluated by a genetic algorithm. Finally, ignition criteria including critical surface temperature and critical mass loss rate were revisited. We observed that the two ignition criteria give similar ignition time when the heat flux increases fast.
Academically Successful Latino Undocumented Students in College: Resilience and Civic Engagement
Authors: Borjian Ali
Published: February 2018

This qualitative study focused on academically successful undocumented immigrant college students who also advocate for access to educational opportunities for others. Using purposeful sampling, eight students attending a large university were recruited and interviewed. Findings indicate that academically successful students are eager to obtain economic security and are highly motivated to give back to their communities. Respondents emphasized that pro-immigrant public policy and institutional processes and support are important factors for their development of academic resiliency and success. Findings revealed that although the results of the U.S. presidential election have saddened and angered the respondents, they continue to express their strong commitment to pursue their dreams. Researchers are urged to focus on academically successful undocumented immigrant students in order to learn about the factors that contribute to their academic success. Learning from resilient students can inform educators regarding effective practices that support students who are currently less successful in school.
Opportunities to Write: An Exploration of Student Writing During Language Arts Lessons in Norwegian Lower Secondary Classrooms
Authors: Blikstad-Balas Marte , Roe Astrid , Klette Kirsti
Published: February 2018

Research suggests that student development as writers requires a supportive environment in which they receive sustained opportunities to write. However, writing researchers in general know relatively little about the actual writing opportunities embedded in students’ language arts lessons and how students’ production of texts in class is framed. The present study analyzes 178 video-recorded language arts lessons across 46 secondary classrooms in Norway based on the Protocol for Language Arts Teaching Observation. Specifically, we assess how often and in what situations students get an opportunity to engage in writing or are explicitly encouraged to write. We found that some writing assignments are short and fragmented, especially when students are merely recopying information from teachers’ materials. However, our analysis also provides detailed insight into how some teachers facilitate sustained, genre-focused, and process-oriented writing opportunities. These are powerful examples of successful writing instruction, and they suggest that when Norwegian language arts teachers prioritize writing, the opportunities to write are both sustained and scaffolded, the purpose of writing is explicit, and genre-specific assessment criteria are often used.
Emerging environmental Multi-Level Governance in China? Environmental protests, public participation and local institution-building
Authors: Hensengerth Oliver , Lu Yiyi
Published: February 2018

Chinese state reforms have resulted in both horizontal and vertical diffusion of actors in policy-making and policy implementation, leading to the creation of new collaborative institutions between government and non-government actors. At the non-governmental level, this has inter alia enabled the development of non-governmental organizations and the passage of a raft of legislation for public participation and access to information. However, the political and legal constraints imposed by the authoritarian system have meant that private citizens still find it hard to make their voice heard. Public participation legislation has suffered from an implementation gap, leading to the proliferation of environmental protests across China. For private citizens, therefore, protest outside of the formal-legal channels is a key tool to influence the policy process and demand public participation and better government accountability. There are indications that protests may result in the improvement and creation of local institutions that facilitate public participation, which in turn help to foster a new model of governance that contains features of Multi-Level Governance.
Assessment of tool path strategies for milling complex surfaces in hardened H13 steel
Authors: Magalhães Laurence Colares , Ferreira Joao Carlos Espindola
Published: February 2018

In this work, parts with complex geometry were machined in hardened H13 steel using different tool path strategies for roughing and finishing, seeking to evaluate how the tool paths and cutting conditions influence machining time, surface roughness, and geometric precision. The results showed a reduction of up to 7.8% in roughing time and 25% reduction in finishing time among the evaluated tool paths. The roughness of the complex surface depends significantly on the tool path used and is significantly impaired by the increase in the feed per tooth. The geometric deviations varied from 0.02 to 0.23 mm depending on the adopted tool path.
Optimal trajectory planning considering optimal torque distribution of redundantly actuated parallel mechanism
Authors: Park Sumin , Kim Jongwon , Lee Giuk
Published: February 2018

Previous studies on the optimal operation planning of redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms have focused on optimal torque distribution for a predefined trajectory. However, the optimized result obtained for a predefined trajectory cannot guarantee an optimal operation plan, because the torque distribution ability of a redundantly actuated parallel mechanism is highly dependent on the shape of the end-effector trajectory. Therefore, we can expect the redundantly actuated parallel mechanism performance to be enhanced when both the trajectory and torque distribution are optimized during the optimal operation planning stage. We propose a novel redundantly actuated parallel mechanism optimization procedure that can optimize both the end-effector trajectory and torque distribution. The proposed procedure is composed of two stages of optimizers, i.e. upper- and lower-level optimizers that generate the end-effector trajectory and distribute the torques along the generated trajectory, respectively. Composition of these two stages of the optimization procedure allows optimization of both the trajectory and torque distribution, despite the correlation between them. The proposed optimization procedure is simulated using two types of cost functions. All the simulation results show that the proposed procedure facilitates optimization of the end-effector trajectory and the torque distribution concurrently. Also, the cost function value is minimized to a greater extent than in the result with the optimal torque distribution along the initial trajectory.
Analysis of gastric myoelectrical activity from the electrogastrogram signals based on wavelet transform and line length feature
Authors: Al Kafee Abdullah , Akan Aydin
Published: February 2018

Electrogastrogram is used for the abdominal surface measurement of the gastric electrical activity of the human stomach. The electrogastrogram technique has significant value as a clinical tool because careful electrogastrogram signal recordings and analyses play a major role in determining the propagation and coordination of gastric myoelectric abnormalities. The aim of this article is to evaluate electrogastrogram features calculated by line length features based on the discrete wavelet transform method to differentiate healthy control subjects from patients with functional dyspepsia and diabetic gastroparesis. For this analysis, the discrete wavelet transform method was used to extract electrogastrogram signal characteristics. Next, line length features were calculated for each sub-signal, which reflect the waveform dimensionality variations and represent a measure of sensitivity to differences in signal amplitude and frequency. The analysis was carried out using a statistical analysis of variance test. The results obtained from the line length analysis of the electrogastrogram signal prove that there are significant differences among the functional dyspepsia, diabetic gastroparesis, and control groups. The electrogastrogram signals of the control subjects had a significantly higher line length than those of the functional dyspepsia and diabetic gastroparesis patients. In conclusion, this article provides new methods with increased accuracy obtained from electrogastrogram signal analysis. The electrogastrography is an effective and non-stationary method to differentiate diabetic gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia patients from the control group. The proposed method can be considered a key test and an essential computer-aided diagnostic tool for detecting gastric myoelectric abnormalities in diabetic gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia patients.
The Gender-Equality Paradox in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
Authors: Stoet Gijsbert , Geary David C.
Published: February 2018

The underrepresentation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a continual concern for social scientists and policymakers. Using an international database on adolescent achievement in science, mathematics, and reading ( N = 472,242), we showed that girls performed similarly to or better than boys in science in two of every three countries, and in nearly all countries, more girls appeared capable of college-level STEM study than had enrolled. Paradoxically, the sex differences in the magnitude of relative academic strengths and pursuit of STEM degrees rose with increases in national gender equality. The gap between boys’ science achievement and girls’ reading achievement relative to their mean academic performance was near universal. These sex differences in academic strengths and attitudes toward science correlated with the STEM graduation gap. A mediation analysis suggested that life-quality pressures in less gender-equal countries promote girls’ and women’s engagement with STEM subjects.
Hair and Salivary Testosterone, Hair Cortisol, and Externalizing Behaviors in Adolescents
Authors: Grotzinger Andrew D. , Mann Frank D. , Patterson Megan W. , Tackett Jennifer L. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Harden K. Paige
Published: February 2018

Although testosterone is associated with aggression in the popular imagination, previous research on the links between testosterone and human aggression has been inconsistent. This inconsistency might be because testosterone’s effects on aggression depend on other moderators. In a large adolescent sample ( N = 984, of whom 460 provided hair samples), we examined associations between aggression and salivary testosterone, hair testosterone, and hair cortisol. Callous-unemotional traits, parental monitoring, and peer environment were examined as potential moderators of hormone-behavior associations. Salivary testosterone was not associated with aggression. Hair testosterone significantly predicted increased aggression, particularly at low levels of hair cortisol (i.e., Testosterone × Cortisol interaction). This study is the first to examine the relationship between hair hormones and externalizing behaviors and adds to the growing literature that indicates that androgenic effects on human behavior are contingent on aspects of the broader endocrine environment—in particular, levels of cortisol.
Combined numerical and experimental investigations of heat transfer of a highly loaded low-pressure turbine blade under periodic inlet flow condition
Authors: Nikparto Ali , Schobeiri Meinhard T
Published: February 2018

This paper experimentally and numerically investigates heat transfer characteristics of a low-pressure turbine blade under steady/unsteady flow conditions. Generally, the low-pressure turbine blades are not exposed to excessive temperatures that require detailed heat transfer predictions. In aircraft engines, they operate at low Re-numbers causing the inception of large separation bubbles on their suction surface. As documented in previous papers, the results of detailed aerodynamic simulations have shown significant discrepancies with experiments. It was the objective of the current investigation to determine the discrepancies between the experimental and numerical heat transfer results. It is shown that small errors in aero-calculation results in large deviations of heat transfer results. The characteristics of the blades mentioned above, make low-pressure turbine blades suitable candidates for evaluating the predictive capability of any numerical method. Documenting the scope of these discrepancies defines the framework of the current paper. The periodic flow inside the gas turbine engine was simulated using the cascade facility at the Turbomachinery Performance and Flow Research Laboratory (TPFL) of Texas A&M University. In this study, the wakes that originate from stator blades were simulated by moving rods. The instrumented blade was covered with a liquid crystal sheet and it was used to measure heat transfer coefficient. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were used for numerical investigation purposes. Measurements and simulations were conducted at three different Reynolds numbers (110,000, 150,000, and 250,000). Furthermore, for unsteady flow condition, reduced frequencies of the incoming wakes were varied. The current paper includes a comprehensive heat transfer assessment of the predictive capability of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes based tools. The effect of the separation bubbles on heat transfer is thoroughly discussed in this paper. Comparisons of the experimental and numerical results detail the differences and identify the sources of error that leads to in accurate calculations in terms of predicting heat transfer calculation results.
A burden to the welfare state? Expectations of non-EU migrants on welfare support
Authors: Albertini Marco , Semprebon Michela
Published: February 2018

In recent decades European institutions have been promoting the broadening of immigrants’ social rights, while at national levels political battles have been led around the definition of the legitimate community of welfare receivers. Immigrants have been often depicted as undeserving individuals threatening welfare state sustainability, although existing research does not fully support this view. At the same time, political and academic debates on immigrants and welfare have diverted attention away from immigrants themselves, failing to address their experiences and welfare support expectations. This article aims to contribute to filling this gap by addressing to what extent non-European immigrants expect the Italian welfare state to provide support for their family. The empirical evidence builds on a survey administered, between 2014 and 2015, to about 350 immigrants from Maghreb, China and the Philippines residing in the Emilia-Romagna region. By means of a mixed-method comprising qualitative and quantitative analyses, the article shows that only a minority of respondents, particularly Maghrebis, have some expectations in terms of public welfare support. It suggests that such support is almost exclusively expected to cope with the needs of the young-family generation, while the needs of the elderly members are assumed to be met through relatives’ informal support. Moreover, the article highlights marked differences in expectations across specific groups and points to explicatory variables such as country of origin, gender, educational level, age on arrival and length of stay. It further reflects on immigrants’ degree of knowledge of the welfare state functioning and specifies the rationales, based on perceived rights or meritocratic criteria, explaining expectations for support.
Closing the gender gap in pensions: A microsimulation analysis of the Norwegian NDC pension system
Authors: Halvorsen Elin , Pedersen Axel West
Published: February 2018

In this article, we use an advanced microsimulation model to study the distributional effects of the reformed Norwegian pension system with a particular focus on gender equality. The reformed Norwegian system is based on the notional defined contribution (NDC)-formula with fixed contribution/accrual rates over the active life-phase and with accumulated pension wealth being transformed into an annuity upon retirement. A number of redistributive components are built into the system: a unisex annuity divisor, a ceiling on annual earnings, generous child credits, a possibility for widows/widowers to inherit pension rights from a deceased spouse, a targeted guarantee pensions with higher benefit rates to single pensioners compared to married/cohabitating pensioners, and finally a tax system that is particularly progressive in its treatment of pensioners and pension income. Taking complete actuarial fairness as the point of departure, we conduct a stepwise analysis to investigate how these different components of the National Insurance pension system impact on the gender gap in pensions and on general (Gini) inequality in the distribution of pension income within a cohort of pensioners. Our analysis concentrates on one birth cohort – individuals born in 1963 – and we study three different outcomes: the distribution of annual pensions early in retirement (at age 70), the distribution of the total sum of pension benefits received over retirement, and the distribution of the average annual pension benefits received over the retirement phase. In addition, we look at three alternative income concepts. These are personal income, equivalised household income, and finally an original income concept developed for this study: personal income adjusted for the economies of scale enjoyed by couple households.
Fluoride-associated ultrastructural changes and apoptosis in human renal tubule: a pilot study
Authors: Quadri JA , Sarwar S , Sinha A , Kalaivani M , Dinda AK , Bagga A , Roy TS , Das TK , Shariff A
Published: February 2018

The susceptibility of the kidneys to fluoride toxicity can largely be attributed to its anatomy and function. As the filtrate moves along the complex tubular structure of each nephron, it is concentrated in the proximal and distal tubules and collecting duct. It has been frequently observed that the children suffering from renal impairments also have some symptoms of dental and skeletal fluorosis. The findings suggest that fluoride somehow interferes with renal anatomy and physiology, which may lead to renal pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride-associated nephrotoxicity. A total of 156 patients with childhood nephrotic syndrome were screened and it was observed that 32 of them had significantly high levels ( p ≤ 0.05) of fluoride in urine (4.01 ± 1.83 ppm) and serum (0.1 ± 0.013 ppm). On the basis of urinary fluoride concentration, patients were divided into two groups, namely group 1 (G-1) ( n = 32) containing normal urine fluoride (0.61 ± 0.17 ppm) and group 2 (G-2) ( n = 32) having high urine fluoride concentration (4.01 ± 1.83 ppm). Age-matched healthy subjects ( n = 33) having normal levels of urinary fluoride (0.56 ± 0.15 ppm) were included in the study as control (group 0 (G-0)). Kidney biopsies were taken from G-1 and G-2 only, who were subjected to ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) and apoptotic (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling) analysis. Various subcellular ultrastructural changes including nuclear disintegration, chromosome condensation, cytoplasmic ground substance lysis, and endoplasmic reticulum blebbing were observed. Increased levels of apoptosis were observed in high fluoride group (G-2) compared to normal fluoride group (G-1). Various degrees of fluoride-associated damages to the architecture of tubular epithelia, such as cell swelling and lysis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear condensation, apoptosis, and necrosis, were observed.
Methods for performing dimensionality reduction in hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Xu Jun-Li , Esquerre Carlos , Sun Da-Wen
Published: February 2018

This paper provides several useful strategies for performing the dimensionality reduction in hyperspectral imaging data, with detailed command line scripts in the Matlab computing language as the supplementary data. Due to the vast number of data dimensionality reduction methods available, this paper will mainly focus on some commonly used approaches adopted in hyperspectral imaging. In this work, transformation-based methods include principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis, while band selection methods are comprised of partial least squares regression combined with the variable importance in the projection scores, selectivity ratio, and significance multivariate correlation; Monte Carlo sampling-based methods including enhanced Monte Carlo variable selection and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling; model population analysis-based methods from libPLS including uninformative variable elimination, random frog, and PHADIA; Matlab built-in functions for feature selection including Relieff, stepwise regression, and sequential feature selection; and the selection method guided by genetic algorithm. The example data included in supplementary material, also available for download, will be used to simplify decision tree models for differentiation of white stripe and red muscle pixels on salmon fillets, since classification is one of the main application domains of hyperspectral imaging. In this work, there are many original codes and functions developed, such as fast multiple scattering correction preprocessing, outlier detection, optimal cutoff value determination, spikes, and dead spectra identification and correction for hyperspectral image. More importantly, a further selection function based on variance inflation factor is proposed to diagnose and alleviate collinearity problem because collinearity and multicollinearity are always expected to be severe in the spectral data. In this work, step-by-step procedure is provided for easy adaptation of these strategies to individual case.
Least-squares support vector machine and successive projection algorithm for quantitative analysis of cotton-polyester textile by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Yisen , Zhou Songbin , Liu Weixin , Yang Xinhui , Luo Jun
Published: February 2018

The application of near infrared spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of cotton-polyester textile was investigated in the present work. A total of 214 cotton-polyester fabric samples, covering the range from 0% to 100% cotton were measured and analyzed. Partial least squares and least-squares support vector machine models with all variables as input data were established. Furthermore, successive projection algorithm was used to select effective wavelengths and establish the successive projection algorithm-least-squares support vector machine models, with the comparison of two other effective wavelength selection methods: loading weights analysis and regression coefficient analysis. The calibration and validation results show that the successive projection algorithm-least-squares support vector machine model outperformed not only the partial least squares and least-squares support vector machine models with all variables as inputs, but also the least-squares support vector machine models with loading weights analysis and regression coefficient analysis effective wavelength selection. The root mean squared error of calibration and root mean squared error of prediction values of the successive projection algorithm-least-squares support vector machine regression model with the optimal performance were 0.77% and 1.17%, respectively. The overall results demonstrated that near infrared spectroscopy combined with least-squares support vector machine and successive projection algorithm could provide a simple, rapid, economical and non-destructive method for determining the composition of cotton-polyester textiles.
Acceptability of non-speculum clinician sampling for cervical screening in older women: A qualitative study
Authors: Freeman Madeleine , Waller Jo , Sasieni Peter , Lim Anita WW , Marlow Laura AV
Published: February 2018

Objectives

One reason that women over age 50 report avoiding cervical screening is increased discomfort postmenopause. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of human papillomavirus testing on clinician-collected vaginal samples without a speculum (‘non-speculum’) for cervical screening among older women.

Methods

Thirty-eight women in England aged 50–64 with a range of cervical screening experience (‘up-to-date’ n = 17, ‘overdue screening’ n = 18, ‘never screened’ n = 3) were identified via a recruitment agency. Women participated in focus groups or interviews about the potential for using clinician-collected samples without a speculum. Discussions were analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results

The two main themes identified were women’s perceptions of the speculum and attitudes towards non-speculum screening. Many women reported negative experiences with the speculum, including increased pain after the menopause. Women generally had positive attitudes towards non-speculum clinician sampling and felt it would be a less intrusive option, but expressed concern that it could be less accurate than screening with a speculum. Women who were ‘up-to-date’ preferred conventional screening, while overdue and never screened women welcomed the option to be screened without a speculum.

Conclusions

Human papillomavirus testing on non-speculum clinician-collected vaginal samples could be an acceptable alternative cervical screening method for older women. Offering this approach could increase screening uptake in older women who find conventional cervical screening to be less acceptable with ageing or the menopause.
Future Apparel Buying Intention: Mediating Effect of Past Apparel Buying Behaviour and Past Apparel Buying Experience
Authors: Krishnakumar M.
Published: February 2018

Apparel buying behaviour is influenced by various factors like consumer attitude, store attributes, external factors, product attributes, etc. Besides, factors like the past apparel buying behaviour of the consumers and the past apparel buying experience may also have significant influence in the future apparel buying intention of apparel. This study aims at the effect of various factors on future apparel buying intention and also the mediating effect of past apparel buying behaviour and past apparel buying experience on future apparel buying intention. The results showed that there were partial mediating effects of past apparel buying behaviour and past apparel buying experience on future apparel buying intention. Based on the findings, managerial implications have been suggested for the apparel retailers.
Impact of Corporate Citizenship on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour of Managers: A Study from Selected Indian Banks
Authors: Jain Neena R. , Rizvi Irfan A.
Published: February 2018

The primary aim of this research article is to explore the relationship between corporate citizenship (CC) and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), specific to selected banks in India. The article has used multi-cross-sectional descriptive empirical data collected from a sample of 430 managers from selected banks in the public and private sectors. The instruments used are a scale developed by Maignan and Ferrell (2000) for CC and a scale developed by Lee and Allen (2002) for OCB. The results show a significant positive association between CC and OCB. Findings also reveal that the ethical and discretionary dimensions of CC are significant predictors of employee OCB. The article draws upon the data to see the impact of demographics on CC and OCB. The demographic variable of age in the organizations is found to have an impact on the employee perception of CC and also OCB demonstrated by them. The results highlight the need for strengthening CC practices in the organization and the role of managers in communicating strongly the citizenship practices adopted by the organization to foster positive work attitudes.
Gen Y Attributes—Antecedents to Teaching Pedagogy
Authors: Gupta Poornima , Goyal Preeti
Published: February 2018

There has been a growing global focus on student learning outcomes. Research has also shown that the current generation in higher education has significantly different learning characteristics than its predecessors. It then becomes essential to understand this generation’s learning attributes that can provide useful guidance in designing teaching pedagogies for this generation. We specifically study goal orientation, learning affectivity, competition and trust in this generation. The findings indicate that this generation significantly differs from the previous generation on the attributes of trust and competition. Gen Y was found to be more competitive and less trusting than Gen X.
The Effect of Transgenerational Control Intention on Family-Firm Performance: It Depends Who Pursues It
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Jaskiewicz Peter , Wulf Torsten , Combs James G.
Published: February 2018

Transgenerational control intention (TCI) is a pivotal characteristic of many family firms. Yet, it remains unclear whether TCI benefits family-firm performance by instilling a long-term view, or hurts performance by fueling harmful socioemotional wealth (SEW) goals. We posit that it depends who pursues it. When faced with TCI, family managers are known to suffer from cognitive biases that, we submit, do not similarly apply to nonfamily managers. Thus, only family managers harm performance when pursuing TCI. An empirical investigation of 107 private German family firms supports our theory; the effect of TCI on firm performance depends on who pursues it.
Images of Entrepreneurship: Exploring Root Metaphors and Expanding Upon Them
Authors: Lundmark Erik , Krzeminska Anna , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: February 2018

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of metaphors to theory development, metaphors’ influence on entrepreneurship theorizing has been largely unexplored. This is problematic because a field’s metaphors shape its underlying assumptions. This study takes stock of the entrepreneurship field through its metaphors by analyzing a corpus of highly cited entrepreneurship articles. We identify and explain eight root metaphors for entrepreneurship—parenthood, mutagen, conduit of knowledge, method, mindset, networking, exploration, and politics—underpinning the mainstream of the field. We then extend and combine the metaphors to develop a research agenda for building on the metaphors and moving beyond them.
Necessity or Opportunity? The Effects of State Fragility and Economic Development on Entrepreneurial Efforts
Authors: Amorós José Ernesto , Ciravegna Luciano , Mandakovic Vesna , Stenholm Pekka
Published: February 2018

This paper studies the effects of state fragility and economic development on necessity and opportunity-based individual entrepreneurial efforts. We contribute to the literature on the contextual determinants of entrepreneurship by examining multilevel data on 956,925 individuals from 51 countries for the period of 2005–2013. We show that state fragility has a positive effect on necessity-based entrepreneurial efforts while hindering opportunity-based efforts. Our findings illustrate that the level of economic development moderates the relationship between state fragility and necessity-driven entrepreneurial efforts reducing the likelihood of the latter. We discuss the implications for theory and for proentrepreneurship policy.
Entrepreneurial Orientation Rhetoric in Franchise Organizations: The Impact of National Culture
Authors: Watson Anna , Dada Olufunmilola (Lola) , Wright Owen , Perrigot Rozenn
Published: February 2018

This study examines the role of national culture on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) rhetoric contained within franchisee recruitment promotional materials, where EO rhetoric is defined as the strategic use of words in organizational narratives to convey the risk taking, innovativeness, proactiveness, autonomy, and competitive aggressiveness of the firm. The sample comprised 378 franchise organizations, in five different countries (Australia, France, India, South Africa, and the UK). The results indicate that franchise systems operating in high uncertainty avoidance and feminine cultures use less entrepreneurially oriented rhetoric, suggesting that EO rhetoric in franchise organizations varies according to different national cultural contexts.
How Angel Know-How Shapes Ownership Sharing in Stage-Based Contracts
Authors: Erzurumlu S. Sinan , Joglekar Nitin , Lévesque Moren , Tanrisever Fehmi
Published: February 2018

We draw upon stewardship theory to formally derive bounds on the investment amount in a business prospect, and to characterize ownership sharing when investors offer two-stage financing along with know-how to increase the prospect’s valuation. In the early-development stage, we show that the direct effect of investor know-how increases the entrepreneur’s share while the indirect effect from that know-how due to its interaction with the investment size, decreases it. In the subsequent growth stage, the direct effect decreases the entrepreneur’s share while the indirect effect increases it. These tradeoffs offer theoretical and practical implications for writing investment contracts involving investor know-how.
Comparative study about the cantilever generators with different curve fixtures
Authors: Liu Weiqun , Liu Congzhi , Li Xiangyun , Zhu Qiao , Hu Guangdi
Published: February 2018

Magnetic interaction and pre-stress effect are two regular ways of introducing nonlinearities for wideband energy harvesting. However, the susceptibility to the fabrication and assembling makes it a tough job to exactly tune the magnetic field distribution and the preload as desired for the purpose of avoiding large deviation from design and model, especially in the micro-electro-mechanical systems scale. The nonlinear generator by introducing a curve fixture to the cantilever beam instead of the rectangular fixture presents a feasible and simple solution with good micro-electro-mechanical system fabrication compatibility. In this article, three prototypes of with different curve fixtures with the same size requirement are fabricated for detailing the influence of the selection of the fixture curve. Experimental and numerical investigations reveal that the generator has better performance when the nonlinear stiffness introduced by the curve fixture is smooth, especially in the case of no linear stiffness segment.