bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The facilitator of community music-making with older learners: Characteristics, Motivations and challenges
Authors: Hallam Susan , Creech Andrea , McQueen Hilary , Varvarigou Maria , Gaunt Helena
Published: November 2015

Although there is now an accepted need for initiatives that support older people’s well-being, little attention has been paid to the role of those facilitating such activities. This research explored the benefits and challenges for those working in facilitating musical activities with older people. The research was undertaken at three UK case study sites, and involved 14 music facilitators who completed questionnaires and were interviewed about their work. The findings showed that there were many rewards in working with older people but also considerable challenges in terms of venues, resources, and a lack of initial and ongoing training opportunities.
Children with Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia: Changes in articulation and perceived resilience with intensive multimodal intervention
Authors: Martin Maureen K , Wright Lindsay Elizabeth , Perry Susan , Cornett Daphne , Schraeder Missy , Johnson James T
Published: November 2015

Research into intervention strategies for developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD) clearly demonstrates the need to identify effective interventions. The goals of this study were to examine changes in articulation skills following the use of phonetic, multimodal intervention and to consider the relationship between these improved articulation skills and perceptions of resilience behaviors. These changes were related to components of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, Children and Youth version (ICF-CY). The intervention was implemented daily for 12 children diagnosed with DVD, ages 3 to 10 years, enrolled in a school for children with speech, language, and hearing impairments on a university campus in the southeast of the USA. Eleven children presented with significant comorbid conditions. Changes in articulation, along with changes in parents’ and speech-language therapists’ (SLTs’) perceptions of resilience behaviors were measured. At the end of a 2-year period, statistically significant gains in articulation and parents’ and SLTs’ perceptions of resilience behaviors were noted. The relationship between improved articulation skills and increased resilience behaviors is discussed.
Effectiveness of facial exercise therapy for facial nerve dysfunction after superficial parotidectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Infante-Cossio Pedro , Prats-Golczer Victoria-Eugenia , Lopez-Martos Ricardo , Montes-Latorre Enrique , Exposito-Tirado Jose Antonio , Gonzalez-Cardero Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

To compare the effectiveness of a daily home-based facial exercise therapy with a supervised rehabilitation technique for the treatment of postoperative facial dysfunction in patients undergoing conventional superficial parotidectomy.

Design:

Prospective, randomized trial, controlled.

Setting:

Surgery and Rehabilitation Units, university hospital.

Subjects:

Consecutive patients ( n=79, mean age 48 years) who underwent superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection were randomly divided into two groups.

Intervention:

Control group (CG) were given a daily homework manual to perform ordinary postoperative facial mimic exercises autonomously in front of the mirror at home. Experimental group (EG) patients with moderate-severe paresis received supervised rehabilitation therapy that consisted in weekly sessions with facial exercises and massages and performed daily facial exercises at home. EG patients with slight paresis were instructed to undertake self-massage and mirror exercises.

Main outcome measures:

Postoperative dysfunction of facial nerve and branches was quantified measuring the prevalence, magnitude and duration of paresis by the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System up to 12th months.

Results:

Facial paresis incidence at 1st week was 77.2%, being the marginal-mandibular nerve the most affected (64.5%). No statistically significant differences were found at any time of the study when comparing the frequency, magnitude and duration of paresis between EG and CG and among patients who had presented moderate-severe paresis. In the absence of intraoperative nerve injury, complete recovery of facial mobility was observed within 12 months, regardless of treatment group.

Conclusion:

Rehabilitation therapy and mirror facial exercises performed autonomously at home were equally effective for postoperative functional recovery.
Effects of lisdexamfetamine in a rat model of binge-eating
Authors: Vickers Steven P , Hackett David , Murray Fraser , Hutson Peter H , Heal David J
Published: November 2015

Binge-eating disorder is a common psychiatric disorder affecting ~2% of adults. Binge-eating was initiated in freely-fed, lean, adult, female rats by giving unpredictable, intermittent access to ground, milk chocolate over four weeks. The rats avidly consumed chocolate during 2hr binge sessions, with compensatory reductions of normal chow intake in these sessions and the days thereafter. Bodyweights of binge-eating rats were normal. The model’s predictive validity was explored using nalmefene (0.1–1.0mg/kg), R-baclofen (1.0–10mg/kg) and SB-334867 (3.0–30mg/kg) (orexin-1 antagonist), which all selectively decreased chocolate bingeing without reducing chow intake. Sibutramine (0.3–5.0mg/kg) non-selectively reduced chocolate and chow consumption. Olanzapine (0.3–3.0mg/kg) was without effect and rolipram (1.0–10mg/kg) abolished all ingestive behaviour. The pro-drug, lisdexamfetamine (LDX; 0.1–1.5mg/kg), dose-dependently reduced chocolate bingeing by ⩽71% without significantly decreasing normal chow intake. Its metabolite, d-amphetamine (0.1–1.0mg/kg), dose-dependently and preferentially decreased chocolate bingeing ⩽56%. Using selective antagonists to characterize LDX’s actions revealed the reduction of chocolate bingeing was partially blocked by prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor; 0.3 and 1.0mg/kg) and possibly by SCH-23390 (D1; 0.1mg/kg). RX821002 (α2-adrenoceptor; 0.1 and 0.3mg/kg) and raclopride (D2; 0.3 and 0.5mg/kg) were without effect. The results indicate that LDX, via its metabolite, d-amphetamine, reduces chocolate bingeing, partly by indirect activation of α1-adrenoceptors and perhaps D1 receptors.
Public Perspectives on Risks and Benefits of Forensic DNA Databases
Authors: Machado Helena , Silva Susana
Published: November 2015

There is scarce knowledge about the influence of the professional group, education, and age on public perspectives on the risks and benefits of forensic DNA databases. Based on data collected through an online questionnaire applied to 628 individuals in Portugal, this research fills that gap. More than three quarters of the respondents believed that the Portuguese forensic DNA database can help fight crime more efficiently and develop a swifter and more accurate justice, whereas only approximately half thought that it could deter and prevent crime. Lack of security and control over access to data and the future unforeseen misuses of genetic information were the most relevant risks selected by the participants. Health care and life sciences professionals were more likely to agree with all the benefits, as opposed to those working in the field of law enforcement. More educated and older participants disagreed with benefits more often. Concerns with the risks increased with age.
Building the genomic nation: ‘Homo Brasilis’ and the ‘Genoma Mexicano’ in comparative cultural perspective
Authors: Kent Michael , García-Deister Vivette , López-Beltrán Carlos , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Schwartz-Marín Ernesto , Wade Peter
Published: November 2015

This article explores the relationship between genetic research, nationalism and the construction of collective social identities in Latin America. It makes a comparative analysis of two research projects – the ‘Genoma Mexicano’ and the ‘Homo Brasilis’ – both of which sought to establish national and genetic profiles. Both have reproduced and strengthened the idea of their respective nations of focus, incorporating biological elements into debates on social identities. Also, both have placed the unifying figure of the mestizo/ mestiço at the heart of national identity constructions, and in so doing have displaced alternative identity categories, such as those based on race. However, having been developed in different national contexts, these projects have had distinct scientific and social trajectories: in Mexico, the genomic mestizo is mobilized mainly in relation to health, while in Brazil the key arena is that of race. We show the importance of the nation as a frame for mobilizing genetic data in public policy debates, and demonstrate how race comes in and out of focus in different Latin American national contexts of genomic research, while never completely disappearing.
The Mechanical Functionality of the EXO-L Ankle Brace
Authors: Kleipool Roeland P. , Natenstedt Jerry J. , Streekstra Geert J. , Dobbe Johannes G.G. , Gerards Rogier M. , Blankevoort Leendert , Tuijthof Gabriëlle J.M.
Published: November 2015

Background:

A new type of ankle brace (EXO-L) has recently been introduced. It is designed to limit the motion of most sprains without limiting other motions and to overcome problems such as skin irritation associated with taping or poor fit in the sports shoe.

Purpose:

To evaluate the claimed functionality of the new ankle brace in limiting only the motion of combined inversion and plantar flexion.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In 12 patients who received and used the new ankle brace, the mobility of the joints was measured with a highly accurate and objective in vivo 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) stress test. Primary outcomes were the ranges of motion as expressed by helical axis rotations without and with the ankle brace between the following extreme positions: dorsiflexion to plantar flexion, and combined eversion and dorsiflexion to combined inversion and plantar flexion. Rotations were acquired for both talocrural and subtalar joints. A paired Student t test was performed to test the significance of the differences between the 2 conditions ( P ≤ .05).

Results:

The use of the ankle brace significantly restricted the rotation of motion from combined eversion and dorsiflexion to combined inversion and plantar flexion in both the talocrural ( P = .004) and subtalar joints ( P < .001). No significant differences were found in both joints for the motion from dorsiflexion to plantar flexion.

Conclusion:

The 3D CT stress test confirmed that under static and passive testing conditions, the new ankle brace limits the inversion–plantar flexion motion that is responsible for most ankle sprains without limiting plantar flexion or dorsiflexion.

Clinical Relevance:

This test demonstrated its use in the objective evaluation of braces.
Analysis of mesoscopic pore size in 3D-interlock fabrics and validation of a predictive permeability model
Authors: Vernet N , Trochu F
Published: November 2015

This paper reports an experimental investigation aiming to validate a predictive model of in-plane and transverse permeability for three-dimensional interlock fabrics as a function of fabric architecture. Composite specimens were fabricated and cut to conduct microscopic observations of pore dimensions for five three-dimensional interlock fabrics compressed to a fiber volume content of 58%. The pore cross-section height and width, the number of pores and the pore tortuosity were measured to evaluate an average pore size and distribution along the warp and weft directions for each fabric considered. The changes of these geometrical parameters are analyzed as a function of the fabric structure. A previously developed permeability analytical model is applied using the geometrical characteristics derived from the experimental observations. This allows comparing the experimental permeability to the theoretical predictions of the model and to the values calculated by the same model from the experimentally observed pore dimensions at the considered fiber volume content of 58%. The good agreement obtained in all cases between the measured and calculated values of permeability confirms the validity of the proposed analytical model.
Socio-Spatial Integration of Older Adults in Four Types of Residential Environments in Israel
Authors: Schorr Adi Vitman , Iecovich Esther , Alfasi Nurit , Shamai Shmuel
Published: November 2015

The socio-spatial integration of older people in different types of residential environments is a key factor affecting the well-being of older people. This study, which included a convenience sample of 565 participants, examined the socio-spatial integration of older people living in two different regional areas (central and peripheral) and four different residential environments (metropolitan hub, city, and town and rural settlements) in Israel. Willing participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Socio-spatial integration was assessed by recognition of their neighbors and sense of belonging to the residential environment. The findings show that older adults who resided in the town and in rural settlements were more socio-spatially integrated in their living environments compared with their counterparts who resided in cities. The best predictors of socio-spatial integration were a combination of personal characteristics and characteristics of the environment (perceived accessibility) except for rural settlements, where none of the variables predicted socio-spatial integration.
Fibroblast-loaded cholecyst-derived scaffold induces faster healing of full thickness burn wound in rabbit
Authors: Revi Deepa , Geetha C , Thekkuveettil Anoopkumar , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V
Published: November 2015

Graft-assisted healing is often proposed for clinical management of large-sized third-degree cutaneous burn wounds. Skin-graft substitutes prepared by loading appropriate cell types on suitable scaffolds have been found successful. We have previously shown that cholecyst-derived scaffold prepared by a non-detergent/enzymatic method can be used as skin-graft substitute for promoting healing of full thickness excision wounds in rabbit. This article examines the use of this scaffold for preparing bio-artificial grafts by loading homologous fibroblasts. The healing potential was evaluated in a rabbit model of full thickness skin-burn wound. The healing process was evaluated by gross morphology evaluation and histomorphology evaluation at 7, 14 and 28 days of healing. Ex vivo imaging of the wounded tissue was performed and it was found that the loaded fibroblasts remained viable at least for 14 days in the healing wound. By the first week, re-epithelialisation was evident in all animals treated with the cell-loaded graft. Histomorphological wound healing parameters such as the quickness of re-epithelialisation, the nature of collagen deposition and the extent of neo-vascularisation indicated that cell-loaded grafts promoted faster healing of the wounds. Results of immunohistochemistry indicated a parallel change in the number of proliferating cells and myofibroblast in the healing tissue. Although the pathophysiology of the healing reaction was not established, the observations suggested that homologus fibroblast-loaded cholecyst-derived scaffold promoted faster healing of third-degree wounds in rabbit model by modulating myofibroblast response. It was concluded that cholecyst-derived scaffold prepared by the non-detergent/enzymatic method is a potential scaffold for fabricating bioartificial skin grafts.
Comparison of four decontamination treatments on porcine renal decellularized extracellular matrix structure, composition, and support of renal tubular epithelium cells
Authors: Poornejad Nafiseh , Nielsen Jeffery J , Morris Ryan J , Gassman Jason R , Reynolds Paul R , Roeder Beverly L , Cook Alonzo D
Published: November 2015

Engineering whole organs from porcine decellularized extracellular matrix and human cells may lead to a plentiful source of implantable organs. Decontaminating the porcine decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds is an essential step prior to introducing human cells. However, decontamination of whole porcine kidneys is a major challenge because the decontamination agent or irradiation needs to diffuse deep into the structure to eliminate all microbial contamination while minimizing damage to the structure and composition of the decellularized extracellular matrix. In this study, we compared four decontamination treatments that could be applicable to whole porcine kidneys: 70% ethanol, 0.2% peracetic acid in 1 M NaCl, 0.2% peracetic acid in 4% ethanol, and gamma (γ)-irradiation. Porcine kidneys were decellularized by perfusion of 0.5% (w/v) aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate and the four decontamination treatments were optimized using segments (n = 60) of renal tissue to ensure a consistent comparison. Although all four methods were successful in decontamination, γ-irradiation was very damaging to collagen fibers and glycosaminoglycans, leading to less proliferation of human renal cortical tubular epithelium cells within the porcine decellularized extracellular matrix. The effectiveness of the other three optimized solution treatments were then all confirmed using whole decellularized porcine kidneys (n = 3). An aqueous solution of 0.2% peracetic acid in 1 M NaCl was determined to be the best method for decontamination of porcine decellularized extracellular matrix.
Evaluation of the biocompatibility of regenerated cellulose hydrogels with high strength and transparency for ocular applications
Authors: Patchan Marcia W , Chae J Jeremy , Lee Justin D , Calderon-Colon Xiomara , Maranchi Jeffrey P , McCally Russell L , Schein Oliver D , Elisseeff Jennifer H , Trexler Morgana M
Published: November 2015

Prompt emergency treatment for ocular injury, particularly in a battlefield setting, is essential to preserve vision, reduce pain, and prevent secondary infection. A bandage contact lens that could be applied in the field, at the time of injury, would protect the injured ocular surface until hospital treatment is available. Cellulose, a natural polymer, is widely used in biomedical applications including bandage materials. Hydrogels synthesized from different cellulose sources, such as plants, cotton, and bacteria, can have the optical transparency and mechanical strength of contact lenses, by tailoring synthesis parameters. Thus, we optimized the fabrication of cellulose-based hydrogels and evaluated their in vivo biocompatibility and related physical properties. Our data demonstrate that along with tailorable physical properties, our novel cellulose-based hydrogels could be made with contact lens geometry, exhibit no significant signs of material toxicity after 22 days of in vivo testing, and show significant promise for use as a corneal bandage immediately following ocular trauma.
Three-dimensional plotted hydroxyapatite scaffolds with predefined architecture: comparison of stabilization by alginate cross-linking versus sintering
Authors: Kumar Alok , Akkineni Ashwini R , Basu Bikramjit , Gelinsky Michael
Published: November 2015

Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are essentially characterized by porous three-dimensional structures with interconnected pores to facilitate the exchange of nutrients and removal of waste products from cells, thereby promoting cell proliferation in such engineered scaffolds. Although hydroxyapatite is widely being considered for bone tissue engineering applications due to its occurrence in the natural extracellular matrix of this tissue, limited reports are available on additive manufacturing of hydroxyapatite-based materials. In this perspective, hydroxyapatite-based three-dimensional porous scaffolds with two different binders (maltodextrin and sodium alginate) were fabricated using the extrusion method of three-dimensional plotting and the results were compared in reference to the structural properties of scaffolds processed via chemical stabilization and sintering routes, respectively. With the optimal processing conditions regarding to pH and viscosity of binder-loaded hydroxyapatite pastes, scaffolds with parallelepiped porous architecture having up to 74% porosity were fabricated. Interestingly, sintering of the as-plotted hydroxyapatite–sodium alginate (cross-linked with CaCl2 solution) scaffolds led to the formation of chlorapatite (Ca9.54P5.98O23.8Cl1.60(OH)2.74). Both the sintered scaffolds displayed progressive deformation and delayed fracture under compressive loading, with hydroxyapatite–alginate scaffolds exhibiting a higher compressive strength (9.5 ± 0.5 MPa) than hydroxyapatite–maltodextrin scaffolds (7.0 ± 0.6 MPa). The difference in properties is explained in terms of the phase assemblage and microstructure.
How Childhood Maltreatment Profiles of Male Victims Predict Adult Perpetration and Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Davis Kelly Cue , Masters N. Tatiana , Casey Erin , Kajumulo Kelly F. , Norris Jeanette , George William H.
Published: November 2015

This study used latent class analysis to empirically identify subgroups of men based on their exposure to childhood maltreatment (i.e., emotional neglect and abuse, physical neglect and abuse, and sexual abuse). It then examined subgroups’ differential perpetration of adult intimate partner violence (IPV; both psychological and physical), violence against peers, and sexual assault. Finally, we compared sociodemographic variables and psychosocial functioning across profiles to characterize the adult experiences of men in different maltreatment groups. The community sample consisted of 626 heterosexually active 21- to 30-year-old men. We identified four subgroups: Low Maltreatment (80% of the sample), Emotional and Physical Maltreatment (12%), Emotional and Sexual Maltreatment (4%), and Poly-Victimized (4%). The Low Maltreatment group had significantly lower IPV perpetration rates than the Emotional and Physical Maltreatment group, but groups did not significantly differ on peer violence or sexual assault perpetration rates. Overall, Poly-Victimized men were significantly worse off than the Low Maltreatment group regarding income, education level, and incarceration history. Their rates of recent anxiety and depression symptoms were also higher than those of Low Maltreatment men. Findings support the use of person-oriented techniques for deriving patterns of childhood maltreatment and how these patterns relate to psychological, behavioral, and social factors in adulthood.
Sexual Assault Characteristics and Perceptions of Event-Related Distress
Authors: Blayney Jessica A. , Read Jennifer P.
Published: November 2015

Sexual assault (SA) is a potent psychological stressor, linked to harmful mental health outcomes in both the short- and long-term. Specific assault characteristics can add to the toxicity of SA events. Although research has assessed characteristics of the assault itself (e.g., force, penetration), few studies have examined the larger socioenvironmental context in which SA takes place. This was the purpose of the present study. Young adults ( N = 220; 80% female; 54% current students) reported on their most recent SA during college. Cross-sectional associations were tested via structural equation modeling to determine the contributions of socioenvironmental context and assault characteristics in predicting event-related distress. Socioenvironmental context from the most recent assault included assault setting, intoxication at the time of the assault, perpetrator relationship, and prior consensual sexual experiences with the perpetrator. We also examined assault characteristics, including physical force and penetration. Participants reported how upsetting the most recent assault was (a) at the time it occurred and (b) currently. Results revealed differential patterns for socioenvironmental context and assault characteristics based on the timing of distress (past or present). Notably, many of the socioenvironmental factors showed associations with distress above and beyond the powerful effects of physical force and penetration. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the unique factors that contribute to and maintain psychological distress in sexually victimized young adults.
Understanding Support Providers’ Views of “Helpful” Responses to Sexual Assault Disclosures: The Impacts of Self-Blame and Physical Resistance
Authors: Sit Victoria , Schuller Regina A.
Published: November 2015

Prior research on the factors associated with various disclosure responses has often been conducted on sexual assault victims and formal support providers, while informal helpers, who are the most common recipients of disclosures, have received far less attention. This experimental study examined potential informal helpers’ views of disclosure reactions and their influence on the self-reported likelihoods of engaging in those responses. Undergraduate students at a large Canadian university ( N = 239) received vignettes describing a hypothetical sexual assault disclosure that varied on victim’s self-blame and physical resistance, and then rated common disclosure reactions. The results revealed that participants’ perceptions of various responses were at odds with victims’ experiences, with many negative responses, such as victim blame and egocentrism, viewed as equally or more helpful than positive responses, such as emotional support. Moreover, when the victim blamed herself and did not physically resist, positive responses were seen as less helpful whereas negative responses were seen as more helpful, with some notable gender differences. Regression analyses indicated that the perceived helpfulness of each response was the strongest predictor of the likelihood of providing that response. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
“You Blame Me, Therefore I Blame Me”: The Importance of First Disclosure Partner Responses on Trauma-Related Cognitions and Distress
Authors: Bonnan-White Jess , Hetzel-Riggin Melanie D. , Diamond-Welch Bridget K. , Tollini Craig
Published: November 2015

Trauma recovery processes may be understood within a socioecological model. Individual factors (such as sex of the survivor) and microsystem factors (including trauma characteristics) have been studied extensively. However, there is a paucity of research examining the effects of macrosystem factors on the impact of trauma—especially examining how the response of the first person to whom the survivor disclosed affects trauma-related cognitions and distress. Sixty-three college student participants reported a history of disclosing at least one traumatic event in an online, anonymous survey. Participants also provided information on the first person they told about the trauma, the social reactions of that person, general social reactions to trauma disclosure, the participants’ trauma-related cognitions and psychological distress (PTSD, other mental health issues), details about the traumatic event, and basic demographic information. Paired sample t tests showed that participants experienced the responses of the first person they told about their trauma as more favorable than the responses of the all of the people to whom they told about the event. Women and survivors of non-interpersonal trauma reported more supportive responses than men and survivors of interpersonal trauma. Hierarchical linear regressions showed that interpersonal trauma and victim blame on the part of the first person the survivor told were associated with more negative trauma-related cognitions. Interpersonal trauma, emotional support, and victim blame were associated with a greater degree of trauma-related distress. The results suggest that participants perceived the response of the first person they told as more beneficial than the response of the rest of their exosystem. However, the reactions of the first person the survivor told differed based on the sex of the survivor and the type of trauma they experienced. Consistent with previous research, interpersonal trauma and victim blame by the first person the survivor told about the trauma were associated with more trauma-related distress and negative cognitions. Trauma-related distress was also associated with greater emotional support by the disclosure partner. The results support the use of the socioeological model to better understand the complex nature of trauma recovery and have implications for prevention.
A Cumulative Risk Model of Child Physical Maltreatment Potential: Findings From a Community-Based Study
Authors: Lamela Diogo , Figueiredo Bárbara
Published: November 2015

Previous studies have identified the predictive risk factors of child physical maltreatment (CPM). However, a significant number of these studies assessed risk factors in isolation. The cumulative risk hypothesis postulates that health problems are caused by the accumulation of risk factors, independently of the presence or absence of specific risk indicators. Few studies examined the effect of cumulative risk on CPM potential. This study aimed to test two concurrent models of cumulative risk of CPM potential by investigating whether CPM potential was better predicted by a threshold cumulative risk model or a linear cumulative risk model. Data from the National Representative Study of Psychosocial Context of Child Abuse and Neglect in Portugal were used. Parents of school-age children ( N = 796) answered to self-report measures regarding sociodemographic variables, history of child maltreatment, psychological distress, and CPM potential. A cumulative risk index was computed, comprising 10 dichotomized risk factors. Evidence for a threshold cumulative effect was found. Additional bivariate logistic regressions revealed that the odds for high-potential CPM were dramatically higher for those parents with six or more risk factors when compared with parents with any one risk factor. By testing and confirming a threshold cumulative effect on CPM potential, it was possible to find a “trigger point” from which a dramatic increase in child physical maltreatment potential occurs.
Managing the Threat of Violence: Coping Strategies Among Juvenile Inmates
Authors: Reid Shannon E. , Listwan Shelley Johnson
Published: November 2015

This article reports findings on violence, safety, and coping strategies from interviews conducted with 281 male youth incarcerated in California’s Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Descriptive analyses revealed that youth report that violence is a common occurrence and that some locations, such as school or housing units, were particularly dangerous. Analysis of how youth avoid violence revealed three distinct precautionary or coping strategies. These three categories highlight a range of conflict management techniques from avoidance to aggression. Those youth who were younger, sex offenders, or newer to the facility used more passive avoidance techniques while gang members and those more active in violent misconduct used more aggressive techniques. A third group, those youth proactively navigating their interactions, had spent more time in their current institution and were marginally more likely to be adult court commitments. Intervention and policy implications of this study are also discussed.
Special Education Teachers’ Experiences Supporting and Supervising Paraeducators
Authors: Douglas Sarah N. , Chapin Shelley E. , Nolan James F.
Published: November 2015

In recent years, there has been an increase in paraeducator supports, in large part because students with low incidence disabilities are being included more frequently in general education settings. As a result, special education teachers have been given additional supervisory responsibilities related to directing the work of paraeducators in special and general education settings. Many teachers, however, feel unprepared for this supervisory role. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of current practices in paraeducator supervision, the authors interviewed 13 special education teachers who were nominated by district special education administrators as exemplary supervisors of paraeducators. From the interviews, three themes emerged: creating effective teams, ensuring appropriate training and evaluation, and recommendations for the field. Practices for paraeducators working with students with low incidence disabilities in general education settings are noted in the first two themes. Implications for policy, practice, teacher preparation, and future research are also discussed.
“It’s Somebody Else’s Milk”
Authors: Esquerra-Zwiers Anita , Rossman Beverly , Meier Paula , Engstrom Janet , Janes Judy , Patel Aloka
Published: November 2015

Background:

Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM), rather than preterm infant formula, is recommended for premature infants when mother’s milk is not available.

Objective:

This study explored the maternal decision-making process in providing consent for DHM feedings.

Methods:

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers of premature (mean gestational age = 27 weeks, birth weight = 942 grams) infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in this qualitative, descriptive study. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results:

Although only 1 mother had any previous knowledge of DHM, all mothers provided consent for DHM because they “wanted what is best for my baby.” Mothers trusted that DHM was better than formula when their infant’s feeding requirements exceeded their own milk supply. However, most mothers described a tension between wanting their infants to receive only “their” milk and DHM being “somebody else’s milk.” This desire to be the only provider of human milk was more common than concerns about the quality and safety of DHM. The mothers’ tension was mediated by trusting the NICU clinicians’ recommendations, having adequate time to make an informed decision, observing the positive outcomes of DHM, and feeling empowered that they made the best decision for their infant.

Conclusion:

The experiences of these mothers reflect the importance of approaching mothers for consent only when DHM is needed, respecting mothers’ beliefs and values about DHM, and providing help in mediating any tension with regard to their infants receiving “somebody else’s milk.”
Clopidogrel Response Variability
Authors: Oliphant Carrie S. , Trevarrow Brian J. , Dobesh Paul P.
Published: November 2015

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is standard therapy following acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite the use of potent antiplatelet agents, vascular events continue to occur. Lack of response to clopidogrel therapy has been widely investigated using various methods of platelet function testing. These studies have consistently found an association between poor clopidogrel response and an increased risk of vascular events. Strategies to overcome this problem include higher clopidogrel doses or the use of an alternative P2Y12 agent. To date, the majority of studies investigating tailored antiplatelet therapy have failed to show any reduction in clinical events likely due to the low-risk population studied. Despite this lack of benefit from altering therapy, platelet function testing may be done in certain patient populations. Patients at high risk of deleterious outcomes from stent thrombosis may be an appropriate patient population for platelet function testing to ensure adequate response to therapy. In addition, emerging data suggests a potential role for platelet function testing to assess for bleeding risk. The purpose of this article is to review the key studies demonstrating response variability to clopidogrel therapy, strategies to overcome variability, and practical considerations for the clinician.
Comparing the Overall Health, Stress, and Characteristics of Canadians with Early-Onset and Late-Onset Dementia
Authors: Novek Sheila , Shooshtari Shahin , Menec Verena H.
Published: November 2015

Objective: Dementia is increasingly recognized as a public health priority, but little is known about persons with early-onset dementia (EOD). The objectives of this article are (a) to compare the socio-demographic and health characteristics of people with EOD and late-onset dementia (LOD) and (b) to examine the relationships between EOD and overall health and life stress. Method: Data were from the Survey on Living With Neurological Conditions in Canada (SLNCC). Logistic regression models were used to identify the characteristics associated with EOD and LOD, and to assess the impact of EOD on overall health and life stress. Results: Compared with LOD, individuals with EOD were more likely to be male, to have a mood disorder, and to have a longer illness duration. EOD was associated with high life stress, but not with negative overall health. Discussion: This study identified attributes associated with EOD that have important implications for service planning.
Using social media content for screening in recruitment and selection: pros and cons
Authors: Jeske Debora , Shultz Kenneth S
Published: November 2015

The article considers the arguments that have been made in defence of social media screening as well as issues that arise and may effectively erode the reliability and utility of such data for employers. First, the authors consider existing legal frameworks and guidelines that are present in the UK and the USA, as well as the subsequent ethical concerns that arise when employers access and use social networking content for employment purposes. Second, several arguments in favour of the use of social networking content are made, each of which is considered from several angles, including concerns about impression management, bias and discrimination, data protection and security. Ultimately, the current state of knowledge does not provide a definite answer as to whether information from social networks is helpful in recruitment and selection.
Tangible Prayer in Early Judaism and Early Christianity
Authors: Moses Robert E.
Published: November 2015

Both the Jewish and Christian faiths view prayer as dialogue with the God of Israel. Prayer assumes that God is near to those in need and is attentive to the cries of the saints. Those who pray to God can hope and believe that God will hear or acknowledge their prayers. Yet there exists a tradition in both early Judaism and early Christianity, especially in apocalyptic thought but not exclusive to it, that views prayers as something tangible and, therefore, requiring an intermediary to transport and present before God. This notion of prayer complicates the assumption that God hears all prayers, for according to this tradition the angel bearing the prayers of the saints and/or God's response to the prayers may face obstacles while transporting the prayers to God or God's response to humans.
Letting go and holding on: The politics of performance management in the United Kingdom
Authors: Matthews Felicity M
Published: November 2015

This article analyses the politics of performance management in the United Kingdom, focusing on the extent to which a highly centralised Westminster majoritarian polity has encouraged the top-down control of public services. It does so by comparing the approaches to performance management that prevailed under the Labour Governments (1997–2010) and the Coalition (2010–2015) to demonstrate the degree of continuity that exists between the ostensibly divergent approaches that each sought to develop. In particular, the article reveals that despite various promises to ‘let go’, successive governments have instead sought to ‘hold on’ to the detail of delivery, which has resulted in a burgeoning disconnect between ‘managers’ and ‘the managed’. Presenting the results of an extensive programme of original empirical research, this article is therefore of significance for theories of performance management, and illuminates the connection between macro-level ‘patterns of democracy’ and meso-level ‘patterns of public administration’.
Investigation of mixed convection and particle dispersion of nanofluids in a vertical duct
Authors: Bazdidi-Tehrani Farzad , Sedaghatnejad Mohammad , Vasefi Seyed Iman , Ekrami Jolandan Naeem
Published: November 2015

In the present paper, mixed convection of TiO2-water and CuO-water nanofluids in a laminar flow within a vertical rectangular duct is investigated numerically. The two-phase Euler-Lagrange approach is applied to simulate nanoparticles dispersion in the base fluid. Effects of nanoparticles concentration, aspect ratio, buoyancy and Brownian and Thermophoretic forces in a wide range of Richardson number ([Formula: see text]) on the hydrodynamics and thermal parameters are presented and discussed. It is observed that at [Formula: see text], dispersion of nanoparticles in the base fluid improves heat transfer rate more considerably. Whilst an improvement in convective heat transfer of CuO-water nanofluids is shown to be more than 22% at [Formula: see text], it does not exceed 15% at [Formula: see text]. Moreover, at [Formula: see text], particles disperse in the centre region of duct cross section and variation in aspect ratio does not alter the amount of enhancement of heat transfer significantly.
Study on 2.5D C/C composite finger seal integrate optimization combined with microstructural parameters of material and macro geometry of finger seal
Authors: Su Hua , Wang Lu
Published: November 2015

The current study focuses on performance analysis and structural optimization of the 2.5 D C/C composite finger seal. A micro/macrostructural integrated optimization method of 2.5D C/C composite finger seal is presented. Based on uniform strain assumption the stiffness average method is used to predict the elastic properties of 2.5D C/C composite material. In order to achieve the advantage of the designability of composite material, the microstructure parameters are also as design variables together with the macro structure of finger seal. Considering the two optimization objectives, leakage and contact pressure, are both implicit functions of the structure parameters of finger seal which obtained by finite element method, a Krige model is established to replace the finite element method analysis in each optimization iteration, which could improve the optimization calculating efficiency obviously. By using the multi objective genetic algorithm NSGA-II the 2.5D C/C composite finger seal optimization is implemented availably. An example is given which indicates the leakage and contact pressure of finger seal decrease significantly through the integration optimization of 2.5D C/C composite finger seal which develop a new approach to design finger seal with high performances.
Fibre behaviour in the spunbonding process. Part I: Characterisation of air flow and fibre motion in the diffuser
Authors: Battocchio Francesco , Sutcliffe MPF , Teschner F
Published: November 2015

The random fibre oscillatory behaviour induced by turbulence in the diffuser of an industrial spunbonding rig is measured experimentally. The turbulent air flow is firstly characterised by constant temperature hot-wire anemometry: averaged flow quantities, such as the mean velocity and the turbulent kinetic energy, as well as time dependent quantities, such as the integral time and the energy spectrum, are measured. The influence of the turbulent flow on the dynamics of a nylon fibre of diameter 200 µm and a spunbonding fibre of diameter 18 µm in the diffuser is then investigated by extracting the transverse displacement from images acquired by a digital camera.
Vision-based smooth obstacle avoidance motion trajectory generation for autonomous mobile robots using Bézier curves
Authors: Simba Kenneth Renny , Uchiyama Naoki , Aldibaja Mohammad , Sano Shigenori
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes an obstacle avoidance trajectory generation method that provides a smooth trajectory in real time. The trajectory is generated from an environmental top-view image, where a fisheye lens is used to capture a wide area at low height. Corners of the obstacles are detected and corrected using the log-polar transform and are used to generate a simple configuration space that reduces the computation time. An optimal path is computed by using the A[Formula: see text] algorithm and replaced by a smooth trajectory generated based on piecewise quintic Bézier curves. Based on the established goal and visual information, a method for generating the first and second derivatives at the start and end points of each Bézier segment is proposed to generate a continuous curvature trajectory. The method is simple and easy to implement and has an average computation time of 1.17s on a PC (CPU: 1.4 GHz) for a workspace containing five to six obstacles. Experimental results verify that the proposed method is effective for real-time motion planning of autonomous mobile robots.
Optimization of the suspension parameters of a rail vehicle based on a virtual prototype Kriging surrogate model
Authors: Yang Yue , Zeng Wei , Qiu Wen-sheng , Wang Ting
Published: November 2015

The design and integration of suspension parameters directly affects the riding quality of a rail vehicle. This study is intended to develop an approach to the optimization of suspension parameters of rail vehicles based on a virtual prototype Kriging model. To construct the virtual prototype Kriging model, a virtual prototype model of a rail vehicle and its suspension system was established based on a vertical model for its dynamics and using virtual prototype software. A virtual prototype Kriging model of a rail vehicle based on riding quality was also proposed, in which the training sample was obtained as different combinations of suspension parameters using the virtual prototype and dynamics simulations based on the design of experiments method. On this basis, an optimization model of the suspension parameters was established, in which the objective function was the Kriging model of the riding quality index. The optimized combination of suspension parameters was determined using the Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm. The dynamics simulation results before and after optimization for different rail profiles indicated that the riding quality was significantly improved, which demonstrated the universality and effectiveness of this approach.
Junction-tree-based cooperative orbit determination for crosslink-augmented satellite constellations
Authors: Dai Mengyuan , Mu Hua , Wu Meiping
Published: November 2015

The lack of ground-tracking resources has become a primary bottleneck for the Chinese BeiDou navigation satellite system. As crosslinks have been widely recognized as a promising augmentation for the autonomous navigation of the global navigation satellite system, this article studies a new decentralized data fusion method for orbit determination of crosslink-augmented satellite constellations. In the new solution, the system is modeled as a probabilistic graphical model, the dynamical Bayesian network, and a graphical method named junction tree is introduced to analyze the structure of the system. By dividing and arranging the predictions and estimations of junction tree in a proper sequence, a new decentralized solution with centralized equivalent precision is designed. As the solution requires satellites in the constellation cooperating with each other through communications and measurements, it is named junction-tree-based cooperative orbit determination. Simulation results indicate that junction-tree-based cooperative orbit determination has centralized equivalent precision and good robustness after satellite failures, whereas centralized solutions such as extended Kalman filter may suffer from processing center malfunctions. Junction-tree-based cooperative orbit determination could not only serve as an optional choice for global navigation satellite system autonomous navigation but also be used as a general scheme for decentralized data fusion in cooperative systems such as unmanned aerial vehicle formations and so on.