bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical impact of model-based type iterative reconstruction with fast reconstruction time on image quality of low-dose screening chest CT
Authors: Yuki Hideaki , Oda Seitaro , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Funama Yoshinori , Kidoh Masafumi , Namimoto Tomohiro , Katahira Kazuhiro , Honda Keiichi , Tokuyasu Shinichi , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: March 2015

Background

Model-based type iterative reconstruction algorithms with fast reconstruction times are now available. The clinical feasibility of their reconstruction has not been evaluated adequately.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of model-based type iterative reconstruction, i.e. iterative model reconstruction (IMR), with fast reconstruction time on the qualitative and quantitative image quality at low-dose chest computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods

Thirty-one patients undergoing low-dose screening chest CT were enrolled. Images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), and IMR algorithms. The CT attenuation and image noise for all reconstructions were calculated at the lung apex, middle, and base. Using a 4-point scale, two reviewers visually evaluated the image quality with respect to vessel sharpness, streak artifact, the mediastinum, and the overall image quality of each reconstruction method.

Results

The mean estimated effective dose was 1.0 ± 0.3 mSv. There was no significant difference in the CT attenuation among the three reconstructions. The mean image noise of FBP, HIR, and IMR images was 124.3 ± 57.3, 34.8 ± 10.2, and 22.9 ± 5.8 HU, respectively. There were significant differences for all comparison combinations among the three methods ( P < 0.01). The best subjective overall image quality for the lung and mediastinum was obtained with IMR ( P < 0.01). The reconstruction time for IMR was within 3 min in all cases.

Conclusion

At low-dose chest CT, IMR can improve the qualitative and quantitative visualization of both lung and mediastinal structures especially in the lung apex at a clinically acceptable reconstruction time. Its application may improve diagnostic performance.
Measuring Public Support for Prisoner Reentry Options
Authors: Garland Brett , Wodahl Eric , Cota Lisa
Published: March 2015

Few topics have been discussed more extensively or feverishly within correctional academic and professional circles in the past few decades than prisoner reentry. Although program and policy evaluations have been conducted, a lack of public support for prisoner reentry initiatives could undermine the sustainability of prisoner reentry as a large-scale movement. Interestingly, no multivariate, explanatory analyses of the correlates of support for prisoner reentry policies could be found in the literature. This omission is due in part to the absence of clear psychometric measures to assess support. The current study examines the data obtained from a sample of residents in a Midwestern state to determine the dimensionality of support for prisoner reentry interventions using both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Specifically, our expectation is that the following three-factor structure will be identified: (a) support for transitional programs aimed at building skills and knowledge to handle the obstacles of the prison-to-community transitional process, (b) support for post-release transitional housing units, and (c) opposition to denying offenders housing opportunities. Our results support a three-factor model. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Design of an innovative, ecological portable waste compressor for in-house recycling of paper, plastic and metal packaging waste
Authors: Xevgenos D , Athanasopoulos N , Kostazos PK , Manolakos DE , Moustakas K , Malamis D , Loizidou M
Published: March 2015

Waste management in Greece relies heavily on unsustainable waste practices (mainly landfills and in certain cases uncontrolled dumping of untreated waste). Even though major improvements have been achieved in the recycling of municipal solid waste during recent years, there are some barriers that hinder the achievement of high recycling rates. Source separation of municipal solid waste has been recognised as a promising solution to produce high-quality recycled materials that can be easily directed to secondary materials markets. This article presents an innovative miniature waste separator/compressor that has been designed and developed for the source separation of municipal solid waste at a household level. The design of the system is in line with the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), since it allows for the separate collection (and compression) of municipal solid waste, namely: plastic (polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene), paper (cardboard and Tetrapak) and metal (aluminium and tin cans). It has been designed through the use of suitable software tools (LS-DYNA, INVENTROR and COMSOL). The results from the simulations, as well as the whole design process and philosophy, are discussed in this article.
Borrowed Authority
Authors: O’Keefe Meaghan M.
Published: March 2015

Rhetorical use of citation is a means of indirectly reaffirming authority while avoiding the appearance of argument. It is therefore an especially useful strategy for people and institutions with compromised public images. This article compares the American Catholic bishops’ written citational patterns in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ presidential year voting guides issued before and after the clerical sexual abuse scandals. To investigate these changing citational strategies, work on entextualization by linguistic anthropologists is integrated with micro-rhetorical methods to provide a socially situated, fine-grained English language analysis of citation within a religious discourse community. Findings suggest that the bishops’ new citational patterns work to obliquely erase the authorial presence of the American bishops, to show deference to the Vatican, and to avoid challenges from lay Catholics. Religious aims are advanced through typographical and grammatical strategies that are specific to written discourse.
Maternal Postsecondary Education Associated With Improved Cerebellar Growth After Preterm Birth
Authors: Stiver Mikaela L. , Kamino Daphne , Guo Ting , Thompson Angela , Duerden Emma G. , Taylor Margot J. , Tam Emily W.Y.
Published: March 2015

The preterm cerebellum is vulnerable to impaired development impacting long-term outcome. Preterm newborns (<32 weeks) underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The association between parental education and cerebellar volume at each time point was assessed, adjusting for age at scan. In 26 infants, cerebellar volumes at term ( P = .001), but not birth ( P = .4), were associated with 2-year volumes. For 1 cm3 smaller cerebellar volume (4% total volume) at term, the cerebellum was 3.18 cm3 smaller (3% total volume) by 2 years. Maternal postsecondary education was not associated with cerebellar volume at term ( P = .16). Maternal postsecondary education was a significant confounder in the relationship between term and 2-year cerebellar volumes ( P = .016), with higher education associated with improved volumes by 2 years. Although preterm birth has been found to be associated with smaller cerebellar volumes at term, maternal postsecondary education is associated with improved growth detectable by 2 years.
Non-Homicidal and Homicidal Sexual Offenders
Authors: Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Beauregard Eric
Published: March 2015

This study aims to examine the psychopathological profile of non-homicidal sexual offenders (NHSOs) and homicidal sexual offenders (HSOs). Using an incarcerated sample of 96 NHSOs and 74 HSOs in a federal penitentiary in Canada, these offenders are compared in terms of their offending process, maladaptive personality traits, and paraphilic behaviors. A number of cross-tabular and sequential logistic regression analyses are performed. Relative to their counterpart, findings indicate that a higher percentage of HSOs select a victim of choice, report deviant sexual fantasies, mutilate their victim, and admit to their offense upon apprehension, whereas a higher percentage of NHSOs select victims with distinctive characteristics. In addition, a higher percentage of HSOs manifest paranoid, schizotypal, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and impulsive personality traits, and overall odd and eccentric personality traits compared with NHSOs. Similarly, a higher percentage of HSOs engage in exhibitionism, fetishism, frotteurism, homosexual pedophilia, sexual masochism, and partialism compared with NHSO. These findings are discussed with their implications for offender profiling.
Revisiting the Association Between Television Viewing in Adolescence and Contact With the Criminal Justice System in Adulthood
Authors: Schwartz Joseph A. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: March 2015

A substantial number of previous studies have reported significant associations between television viewing habits and a host of detrimental outcomes including increased contact with the criminal justice system. However, it remains unclear whether the results flowing from this literature are generalizable to other samples and whether previously observed associations are confounded due to uncontrolled genetic influences. The current study addresses these limitations using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). The results of the preliminary models, which do not include controls for genetic influences, produced a pattern of results similar to those previously reported in the extant literature. The results of the genetically informed models revealed that the associations between television viewing and antisocial outcomes are not causal, but rather are driven by uncontrolled genetic influences. Further replication is required, but these findings suggest that results drawn from the extant literature may not be trustworthy.
Tales from the Mat
Authors: Green Kyle
Published: March 2015

Based upon five years of observant participation, I examine how participants justify their engagement with the controversial but increasing popular practice of mixed martial arts. Several themes emerge: necessity (“it is a violent world”), sociobiological discourse, emulating the exotic, spiritual teachings, alienation from consumer society, and the body as a project. These themes suggest that this pain-filled-practice is more than simply a site of exercise or sport, and in fact reveals complicated, gendered narratives about the broader social lives and struggles of the men who participate in the practice. I argue that the ambiguously defined field and the feeling of being out-of-place encourage identity exploration. This becomes an important part of the allure as the participants craft stories that provide meaning for the physical training. I conclude with reflections on how meaning is constructed in embodied cultural forms and on the value of these often-ignored forms for making sense of social life.
Interactive Relationships Among Multiple Dimensions of Professional Commitment
Authors: Bergin Adele J. , Jimmieson Nerina L.
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the main and interactive effects of four dimensions of professional commitment on strain (i.e., depression, anxiety, perceived health status, and job dissatisfaction) for a sample of 176 law professionals. The study utilized a two-wave design in which professional commitment and strain were measured at Time 1 and strain was measured again at Time 2 (T2), 2 months later. A significant two-way interaction indicated that high affective commitment was related to less T2 job dissatisfaction only for lawyers with low accumulated costs. A significant four-way interaction indicated that high affective professional commitment was only related to fewer symptoms of T2 anxiety for lawyers with high normative professional commitment and both low limited alternatives and accumulated costs. A similar pattern of results emerged in regard to T2 perceived health status. The theoretical and practical implications of these results for career counselors are discussed.
The Accuracy of the Core Files for Studying Nonprofit Location
Authors: McDougle Lindsey M.
Published: March 2015

Studies show that the distribution of nonprofits varies considerably across communities. Affluent communities tend to have ample nonprofit resources and highly diverse nonprofit landscapes, whereas low-income communities often lack the variety of nonprofits found within wealthier areas. As a result of these differences, scholars have suggested that geographic unevenness in the presence of nonprofits may lead to extreme inequities and inefficiencies in how nonprofit services are accessed and administered. Although these concerns certainly warrant serious attention, several limitations have been acknowledged with the National Center for Charitable Statistic’s (NCCS) Core Financial Files—which have been the primary data source used to generate findings on geographic dimensions of the nonprofit sector in the United States. This research note examines the accuracy of the information in the Core Files after adjustments for each of these limitations.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of deep drawing of tailor-welded IF steel blanks with non-uniform blank holder forces
Authors: Asadian-Ardakani Mohammad Hossein , Morovvati Mohammad Reza , Mirnia Mohammad Javad , Dariani Bijan Mollaei
Published: March 2015

Tailor-welded blank is one of the promising technologies in the application of lightweight materials for auto body parts manufacturing. The material discontinuity across the weld line results in an inhomogeneous deformation and weld line displacement. In this study, a two-dimensional analytical model is proposed to predict the tension distribution along the cross section. An energy method is used to calculate the restraining force due to bending, sliding, and unbending phenomena on the die and punch radii. To control the weld line movement, a blank holder force control strategy is proposed to achieve force equilibrium at the bottom of the part across the weld line. Finite element simulations are performed to study the effect of die and punch radii, friction coefficient, thickness ratio, and blank holder forces on the weld line displacement in strip drawing process. Under a uniform blank holder force, the weld line moves toward the thicker/stronger side implying a higher blank holder force is required for the thinner/weaker side. The results show that the weld line displacement can be controlled by an appropriate blank holder force adjustment. In order to control the weld line movement in square cup deep drawing, blank holder force on the thinner side is increased and its influences on the deformation process are investigated. Comparisons of material draw-in, weld line movement, and forming force show a good agreement between the theoretical, numerical, and experimental results.
Slip-line field modelling of rounded-edge cutting tool for orthogonal machining
Authors: Uysal Alper , Altan Erhan
Published: March 2015

A new slip-line field model and its associated hodograph of rounded-edge cutting tool were developed for orthogonal micro-cutting operation using matrix technique. The new model considers the existence of dead metal zone in front of the rounded-edge cutting tool. The ploughing forces, chip up-curl radii, chip thicknesses, primary shear zone thicknesses and lengths of bottom side of the dead metal zone are obtained by solving the model depending on the experimental resultant force data. The effects of cutting edge radius, uncut chip thickness, cutting speed and rake angle on these outputs are specified.
Nonlinear robust adaptive trajectory tracking control for spacecraft proximity operations
Authors: Sun Liang , Huo Wei
Published: March 2015

Six degrees of freedom (6DOF) relative motion trajectory tracking control is studied for a chaser spacecraft with parametric uncertainties and external disturbances to approach a tumbling target in deep space. After modeling the nonlinear and coupled relative motion dynamics in the chaser body-fixed frame, reference trajectories of the relative attitude and relative position are designed, then a 6DOF integrated trajectory tracking controller is developed based on a robust adaptive method. Asymptotic stability of the 6DOF closed-loop system is derived within the Lyapunov framework. The performance of proposed controller is demonstrated through a numerical simulation example.
Finite-time attitude tracking control for spacecraft with uncertain actuator configuration
Authors: Hu Qinglei , Yu Yanbo , Li Bo , Qi Juntong
Published: March 2015

The issue of attitude tracking control with finite-time convergence is investigated for spacecraft in the presence of external disturbance and uncertain actuator configuration as well. More specifically, in view of backstepping technique, the attitude quaternion can firstly track the demanded command in finite time under the virtual control law by introducing a novel terminal sliding manifold. Then, the finite-time convergence to the sliding mode of the angular velocity error will be achieved under the proposed novel finite-time control and a parameter updating law, even under uncertain actuator misalignment. In addition, the finite-time stabilization/convergence of the sliding surface and the spacecraft attitude tracking error have been proved and analyzed using the Lyapunov method theoretically. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed scheme.
Hepatoprotective effects of selenium during diabetes in rats
Authors: Zou C , Qiu Q , Chen H , Dou L , Liang J
Published: March 2015

The present study investigated the hepatoprotective role of selenium during alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, normal control, selenium treated, diabetic, and selenium-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the animals by injecting alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose rate of 150 mg/kg body weight. Selenium in the form of sodium selenite was supplemented to rats at a dose level of 1 ppm in drinking water, ad libitum for two time durations of 2 and 4 weeks. The effects of different treatments were studied on various parameters in rat liver, which included serum glucose levels, serum insulin levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione reduced (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, metallothionein (MT), and histoarchitecture. A significant increase in the serum glucose levels, LPO levels, and in enzyme activities of ALP, ALT, and AST was observed in diabetic rats which, however, got decreased significantly upon supplementation with selenium. On the contrary, decreased enzyme activities of GSSG, SOD, and CAT and depressed levels of GSH as well as serum insulin levels were observed in diabetic rats which got improved following selenium supplementation. Interestingly, MT levels were increased both in diabetic and selenium-treated diabetic rats. Further, marked alterations in histoarchitecture were seen in diabetic rats with the prominent features being congestion in sinusoids, lipid accumulation, and centrilobular hepatocyte degeneration. However, selenium treatment to diabetic rats showed overall improvement in the hepatic histoarchitecture.
Glucocorticoid with or without additional immunosuppressant therapy for patients with lupus podocytopathy: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Hu W X , Chen Y H , Bao H , Liu Z Z , Wang S F , Zhang H T , Liu Z H
Published: March 2015

Lupus podocytopathy is a newly recognized class of lupus nephritis characterized by extensive glomerular foot process effacement without capillary wall immune deposits. The treatment response and relapse of glucocorticoid with or without additional immunosuppressive agents has not been well investigated. In this study, 50 patients with lupus podocytopathy were included and received glucocorticoid alone (glucocorticoid monotherapy) or glucocorticoid plus additional immunosuppressive agents (combination therapy) for their induction or maintenance treatment regimens. The treatment response and relapse rate in the two groups were respectively analyzed. We found that the induction treatment with glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy led to remission in 47 patients (94.0%) at 12 weeks treatment, with complete remission (CR) occurring in 38 patients (76.0%). The CR rate compared between glucocorticoid monotherapy and combination therapy showed no difference (76.7% vs 75.0%, p = 0.9), the median time to CR was four weeks (range: 2.0–6.0 weeks) in glucocorticoid monotherapy and 8.0 weeks (range: 3.7–12.0 weeks) in combination therapy ( p = 0.076). Twenty-seven of 47 patients (57.4%) relapsed during maintenance, the relapse rate was much higher in the glucocorticoid monotherapy group than in the combination therapy group (89.5% vs 35.7%, p < 0.001), regardless of the induction regimens being glucocorticoid monotherapy or combination therapy. No patient developed end stage renal disease or died during follow-up for 6–125 months (median 62 months). In conclusion, the remission of lupus podocytopathy could be induced by glucocorticoid monotherapy or glucocorticoid plus other immunosuppressive agents, while the remission should be maintained by the combination regimen.
Understanding the super-strong behavior of magnetorheological fluid in simultaneous squeeze-shear with the Péclet number
Authors: Lucking Bigué Jean-Philippe , Charron François , Plante Jean-Sébastien
Published: March 2015

Under squeezing flow, magnetorheological fluid can undergo a strengthening phenomenon which results in a drastic increase of its yield stress. This behavior, also known as the super-strong effect, could be used to significantly increase the performance (e.g. torque-to-weight) of rotary magnetorheological fluid devices (e.g. brakes, clutches), but has yet to be exploited due to limited predictability of the phenomenon. To better understand the occurrence of the super-strong effect, a novel test bench capable of small amplitude oscillatory shear is designed to study the behavior of high-concentration magnetorheological fluid submitted to different simultaneous squeeze-shear conditions and magnetic field strengths. Experimental results, obtained up to 5 mm/s compression speed, show that the squeeze-strengthening effect can be correlated to the Péclet number when squeeze flow is dominant, suggesting that the super-strong behavior is governed by solid–liquid phase separation. This super-strong effect, however, is found greatly reduced when the super-imposed shear-rate approaches the squeeze-rate order of magnitude.
Valsartan Promoting Atherosclerotic Plaque Stabilization by Upregulating Renalase
Authors: Zhou Mingxue , Ma Chao , Liu Weihong , Liu Hongxu , Wang Ning , Kang Qunfu , Li Ping
Published: March 2015

Background:

Renalase is a protein that can regulate sympathetic nerve activity by metabolizing catecholamines, while redundant catecholamines are thought to contribute to atherosclerosis (As). Catecholamine release can be facilitated by angiotensin (Ang) II by binding to Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors. Valsartan, a special AT1 antagonist, can dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, but it remained unclear whether valsartan can promote the stability of atherosclerotic plaque by affecting renalase.

Objective:

This study examined the tissue distribution of renalase in ApoE−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet and the effect of valsartan on expression of renalase.

Methods:

ApoE−/− mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 13 or 26 weeks. As a control, 10 C57BL mice were fed with a standard chow diet. After 13 weeks on the high-fat diet, the ApoE−/− mice were randomized (10 mice/group) and treated with valsartan, simvastatin, or distilled water (control group) for an additional 13 weeks accompanied by a high-fat diet.

Results:

Knockout of ApoE caused a dramatic increase in expression of renalase in mice adipose tissue. With the disturbance of lipid metabolism induced by a high-fat diet, renalase expression decreased in the liver. Renalase can be expressed in smooth muscle cells and M2 macrophages in atherosclerotic plaque, and its expression gradually decreases in the fibrous cap during the transition from stable to vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. Valsartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, promotes the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque by increasing the levels of renalase in serum and the expression of renalase in the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaque. It also reduces triglyceride levels in serum and increases the expression of renalase in the liver.

Conclusions:

Renalase may be a potential-related gene of lipid metabolism and As, and it may be the possible molecular target of valsartan to help stabilize atherosclerotic plaque.
Thromboelastography as a Surrogate Marker of Perisurgical Hemostasis in Gaucher Disease
Authors: Ioscovich Alexander , Fadeev Dmitri , Kenet Gili , Naamad Mira , Schtrechman Gal , Zimran Ari , Elstein Deborah
Published: March 2015

Thromboelastography (TEG) has long been available for routine monitoring of perisurgical and postpartum hemostasis, especially at point of care. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare TEG parameters to concomitant standard clotting test results in an unselected cohort of patients with Gaucher disease to ascertain whether TEG values are specific and sensitive enough to substitute for classic coagulation tests for decision making. This remains a cogent concern because of high incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients with Gaucher disease. Thromboelastography values were compared to concomitant platelet counts, partial thromboplastin time, international normalization ratio, and plasma fibrinogen. Demographic characteristics were collected from patients’ files. There were 22 patients with Gaucher disease (2 children; 12.5%) for whom there were 24 TEG results at the same time as classic coagulation test results and 30% performed platelet function tests. The current study shows linear and/or monotonic relationships between platelet counts and several TEG values that were significant over a range of platelet counts including severe thrombocytopenia. The fibrinogen component, correlating only with the rate of clot lysis, played a lesser role. Based on these preliminary results albeit in a small cohort with only 1 case of hemorrhage, there is putative support for the intention to treat patients with Gaucher disease based on TEG results using the same TEG protocol as for other patients undergoing comparable procedures in our institution.
One-dimensional models of fourth and sixth orders for rods derived from three-dimensional elasticity
Authors: Pruchnicki Erick
Published: March 2015

The displacement field in rods can be approximated by using a Taylor–Young expansion in transverse dimension of the rod. These involve that the highest-order term of shear is of second order in the transverse dimension of the rod. Then we show that transverse shearing energy is removed by the fourth-order truncation of the potential energy and so we revisit the model presented by Pruchnicki. Then we consider the sixth-order truncation of the potential which includes transverse shearing and transverse normal stress energies. For these two models we show that the potential energies satisfy the stability condition of Legendre–Hadamard which is necessary for the existence of a minimizer and then we give the Euler–Lagrange equations and the natural boundary conditions associated with these potential energies. For the sake of simplicity we consider that the cross-section of the rod has double symmetry axes.
The sexuality-assemblages of young men: A new materialist analysis
Authors: Alldred Pam , Fox Nick J
Published: March 2015

This article presents a new materialist exploration of young men and sexuality that shifts the focus away from bodies and individuals, toward the affective flow within assemblages of bodies, things, ideas and social institutions, and the sexual capacities this flow produces. Using data from two empirical studies, we explore the sexuality assemblages of teen boys and young men, and the micropolitics of these assemblages. We find that the sexuality produced in the bodies of young men is highly territorialised and aggregated by various materialities. However, we also reveal how young men resist these conventional sexualities.
Fostering diverse friendships: The role of beliefs about the value of diversity
Authors: Bahns Angela J. , Springer Lauren S. , The Carla
Published: March 2015

Encouraging dialogue between people of differing social backgrounds and beliefs can reduce prejudice and lead to greater appreciation of diversity, which in turn fosters attitudinally diverse friendships. We investigated how beliefs about the value of diversity relate to attitudinal diversity within relationship dyads. In a field study of naturally occurring relationship pairs in two neighborhoods of Boston ( N = 89 dyads), participants completed measures of diversity beliefs and sociopolitical attitudes. People placed higher value on diversity in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood compared to people in the North End neighborhood, and relationship pairs were more attitudinally diverse in Jamaica Plain than in the North End. Attitudinal diversity within pairs was predicted by how highly the pair jointly valued diversity. Further, pairs’ greater valuing of diversity in Jamaica Plain mediated the effect of neighborhood on attitude diversity. These findings suggest that individual differences in appreciation for diversity are meaningful predictors of diverse relationships.
Sickness absence and subsequent disposable income: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Wiberg Michael , Friberg Emilie , Palmer Edward , Stenbeck Magnus
Published: March 2015

Aims: Studies show a negative association between an absence from work due to disease of injury (sickness absence (SA)) and subsequent earnings; however, little is known about the association between SA and an individuals’ subsequent overall economic welfare. Our primary objective was to evaluate individuals’ disposable income (DI) following a spell of SA. Our secondary objective was to examine if the potential association between SA and DI differs, depending on the diagnosis given to that sickness or the duration of the SA spell. Methods: We used a cohort based on a linked individual register database that includes all individuals living in Sweden from 2001 to 2005, aged 30–54. DI was measured 2–6 years after a spell of SA and compared with a propensity score-matched reference group (individuals without SA in 2005). Each year of follow-up during 2007–2011 was estimated by linear regression for three different forms of exposure: SA (yes/no), diagnosis specific (cancer, circulatory, injuries, musculoskeletal or mental illnesses), and by duration of the SA spell (15–29, 30–89, 90–179 or > 179 days). Results: Individuals with SA during 2005 had 4% lower disposable income in subsequent years than the reference group. Our results were similar across diagnoses, except for mental diagnoses, where disposable income was 7–10% lower than the reference group; and for cancer, where we found only a marginal difference among those with SA and the reference group. Furthermore, DI was negatively associated with the SA spell duration. Conclusions: SA was associated with lower subsequent DI, 2–6 years after a SA spell, especially after a mental illness diagnosis and if the SA was for longer spells.
Reduction in pedometer-determined physical activity in the adult Danish population from 2007 to 2012
Authors: Matthiessen Jeppe , Andersen Elisabeth Wreford , Raustorp Anders , Knudsen Vibeke Kildegaard , Sørensen Mette Rosenlund
Published: March 2015

Aims: To examine the development in pedometer-determined physical activity from 2007–2008 to 2011–2012 in the adult Danish population. Methods: The study population comprised two random samples of 18–75-year-old individuals who took part in cross-sectional studies in 2007–2008 ( n=224) and 2011–2012 ( n=1515). Pedometer data (sealed Yamax SW 200) were obtained for seven consecutive days. Data for 1624 participants (48.2% men) were included in the analysis. An overall step-defined activity level was examined based on a graduated step index (sedentary, low active, somewhat active, active, highly active). The pedometer-determined outcomes were analysed using regression models. Results: A borderline significant decline ( p=0.077) from 8788 to 8341 steps/day (−446 (95% confidence intervals −50, 943)) was found between 2007–2008 and 2011–2012. Furthermore, a 23.7% (95% confidence intervals −41.7%, −0.1%) lower overall step-defined activity level was observed in 2011–2012 compared to 2007–2008. These changes were primarily due to a reduced level of activity among women. The proportion of individuals taking ⩾10,000 steps/day decreased non-significantly from 34.8% to 29.3%, whereas the proportion taking <5000 steps/day did not differ between survey periods. Conclusions: This nationally representative survey suggests an overall reduction in the physical activity level among Danish adults. The reduction was due to a shift in the population distribution from higher to lower levels of activity. If this shift is true, it is worrying from a public health perspective. Our study result needs, however, to be confirmed by other population studies.
Outcome after red trauma alarm at an urban Swedish hospital: Implications for prevention
Authors: Bagher Ali , Andersson Lina , Wingren Carl Johan , Ottosson Anders , Wangefjord Sakarias , Acosta Stefan
Published: March 2015

Aims: We applied the new injury severity scoring system and studied mechanisms of injury and risk factors for mortality, in order to find potential preventive measures, in the present Scandinavian trauma cohort triaged through red trauma alarm according to the Medical Emergency Triage and Treatment System. Methods: Individuals were identified in hospital and forensic records. New injury severity scoring system >15 was defined as major trauma. Inter-rater reliability of new injury severity scoring system was expressed as intra-class correlation coefficient with 95% confidence intervals. Results: There were 125 major and 303 minor traumas. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.83 (95% confidence intervals 0.58–0.94) for major trauma and intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.96 (95% confidence intervals 0.89–0.98) for minor trauma. Traffic (37%) and fall (31%) accidents were the leading mechanisms of injury. Elderly (aged ⩾65 years) were at an increased risk of fall accidents ( p<0.001). The overall 3 month mortality rate was 10.3% (2% for new injury severity scoring system 16–24, 39% for new injury severity scoring system 25–40 and 68% for new injury severity scoring system >40). A higher new injury severity scoring system score ( p<0.001), higher age ( p<0.001), shock at admission ( p<0.001), intensive care unit stay ( p<0.004) and administration of massive red blood cell transfusion ( p<0.048) were associated with mortality. Thirty-three patients underwent forensic autopsy and were tested positive for one or multiple drugs in 52% and 33%, respectively. Conclusions: The high prevalence of detected drugs among those undergoing forensic toxicological examination suggests that toxicology screening should be integrated into all red trauma alarm admissions, which may have implications on prevention of future trauma morbidity and mortality.
‘Money makes the world go around’: Social workers in parliamentary finance committees in Israel
Authors: Weiss-Gal Idit , Nouman Hani
Published: March 2015

The study examined social workers’ participation in two powerful parliamentary committees in Israel: the Finance Committee (FC) and the Economics Affairs Committee (EAC). It sought to better understand the characteristics of social workers who participated in these committees, their inputs, and to uncover differences between these findings and those on social workers in other parliamentary committees. Qualitative and quantitative content analyses were conducted on the minutes of the committees’ sessions between 1999–2013.

Findings

At least one social worker spoke in 50 of the FC sessions and in 26 of the EAC sessions. These sessions dealt with a wide range of subjects, including national and local social services budgets, social problems, and vulnerable populations. The social workers expressed opinions on deficiencies in social policies and made recommendations for dealing with social problems. Their opinions conveyed support for social provision in a period in which the neo-liberal discourse was in ascendant. They also provided information on diverse aspects of current social policies. Most of the social worker participants were employed in the government sector.

Implications

In terms of theory, the study augments our knowledge of social workers as policy actors. In terms of practice, it shows that finance committees are relevant and accessible arenas of social work activity. Awareness of the inputs and the roles identified can enable social workers to better understand their potential contribution to the discussions of such committees and conceptualize their possible roles in them.
Contrast threshold measurements of peripheral targets in night-time driving images
Authors: Cengiz C , Maksimainen M , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: March 2015

Properly defining the visual adaptation field in night-time driving conditions is important in order to implement the CIE 191 system of mesopic photometry. In night-time driving, visual scenes include several objects with different luminances. The luminance distribution affects visual performance. In this study, contrast threshold measurements were conducted using simulated night-time driving images taken from a street illuminated by LED light sources. A large screen illuminated by three projectors, providing a visual field subtending 180° ×44°, was used to provide the background and target. Ten subjects (mean age 30 years) participated in the experiment. The subjects were asked to detect the targets appearing at different eccentricities (from −60° to 60°). The results indicate that the target luminance and luminance distribution of the surrounding area affects peripheral target detection. Under similar luminance distributions, the contrast threshold values did not differ between circular 10° and 20° fields of view. The results support the importance of the area surrounding the road for the visual adaptation field.
Increasing the Institutional Commitment of College Students
Authors: Davidson William B. , Beck Hall P. , Grisaffe Douglas B.
Published: March 2015

Measurement shortcomings have hampered the understanding of institutional commitment (IC) in college students. Therefore, this study sought to (a) develop validated indices of IC and associated psychosocial attributes and (b) use these indices to test a nomological network of variables and their direct and indirect relationships to IC. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses performed upon the responses of 2,982 undergraduates at eight schools produced psychometrically desirable constructs that were then used to examine a structural equations model of IC. Results confirmed the direct effects of academic integration, social integration, and degree commitment. Also, three constructs had indirect effects: advising effectiveness, academic efficacy, and collegiate stress. These findings offer schools the opportunity to collect reliable and valid scores on key variables in the nomological network surrounding IC and provide a tool for designing efficient interventions.
Jump Start
Authors: Hu Jiayi , Hagedorn Linda Serra
Published: March 2015

This study analyzes data from one of the larger credit-based college transition programs for international students, the U.S. Bound College Credit Program or USBC2 Program (a pseudonym), mainly offered to high school students around the globe who are planning on attending American colleges or universities. Upon successful program completion, these students can enroll in an American college with 31 college credits. Using quantitative data, this study discusses the efficacy of the program by comparing students who have successfully enrolled in a 4-year institution bringing in USBC2 credits with two other comparison groups, namely, international students without advanced credit and American students with a similar level of advanced credit. Results indicate the statistical differences in grades (grade point average), retention rates, and credit hours among three matched groups of students. Recommendations are made for those interested in the success of international college students.
Using Multiple Sources of Data to Gauge Outcome Differences Between Academic-Themed and Transition-Themed First-Year Seminars
Authors: Zerr Ryan J. , Bjerke Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Students in two different types of first-year experience seminar courses at a moderately sized public university were compared using a large variety of measures—both direct and indirect. One of these first-year experience types was a three-credit academic-themed course offered in sections with variable content; the other was a two-credit transition-themed course. In terms of direct measures such as retention to the second year, first-year grade point average, and number of earned credits during the first year, no significant differences were found. The academic-themed seminar did rate significantly better according to certain indirect measures related to academic engagement. These quantitative findings were consistent with qualitative information obtained from focus groups conducted with the students in the academic-themed seminar. The overall picture from across the data sources suggests that students were realizing a greater benefit from the academic-themed first-year seminar.
The Lingering Effects of Tobacco Control Advertising
Authors: Li Judy , Newcombe Rhiannon , Walton Darren
Published: March 2015

In commercial market research, “pulsing” advertising is found to be more cost-effective than placing advertisements continuously. However, the benefits of pulsing policy in social marketing have rarely been tested. This study explores the lingering effect of tobacco control advertising. If the effects of tobacco control advertisements linger beyond the time they are on-air, this would provide a theoretical basis for using pulsing policy in tobacco control campaigns. This study analyzed responses from two independent samples of smokers and recent quitters, where respondents reported whether they were exposed to any tobacco control advertising in the last week. Sample 1 was cross-sectional ( n = 3,106), and Sample 2 followed a self-refreshed panel methodology where 846 participants were interviewed for up to 6 times (3,120 interviews). Both studies used the same survey instrument and were in field concurrently. Eighty percent of Sample 1 reported recent exposure to advertising. This was strikingly similar to the response from Sample 2 recorded at their first interview (81%). However, panel members’ self-reported exposure to campaigns decreased at each subsequent interview (approximately a fortnight apart) and eventually reached 56% at the sixth interview. Building on the premises of priming theory, the first response from each Sample 2 respondent represented his or her intuitive thought—a result of the lingering effect of advertising. The drop in recall over time could be due to respondents self-correcting their responses after being primed in the previous surveys. Our findings suggest the effects of tobacco control campaigns linger and support the use of pulsing policy in tobacco control advertising.
Setting Up an Online Panel Representative of the General Population
Authors: Blom Annelies G. , Gathmann Christina , Krieger Ulrich
Published: March 2015

This article looks into the processes and outcomes of setting up and maintaining a probability-based longitudinal online survey, which is recruited face-to-face and representative of both the online and the offline population aged 16–75 in Germany. This German Internet Panel studies political and economic attitudes and reform preferences through bimonthly longitudinal online interviews of individuals. The results presented here demonstrate that a carefully designed and implemented online panel can produce high-quality data at lower marginal costs than existing panels that operate solely in a face-to-face mode. Analyses into the representativeness of the online sample showed no major coverage or nonresponse biases. Finally, including offline households in the panel is important as it improves the representation of the older and female segments of the population.
Locating the “Internet Hindu”
Authors: Mohan Sriram
Published: March 2015

The article seeks to offer an understanding of the politics and presence of this increasingly visible, informal online political formation in India, whose members are referred to as the Internet Hindus. Used to describe young, often urban, middle-class/upper-middle-class followers of Hinduism residing in India (and abroad), the term has come to be associated almost entirely with those who aggressively voice their right-wing political views and support for Narendra Modi on social media platforms. The article explores the politics espoused by some of these “ Internet Hindus” and frames them vis-à-vis the larger themes foregrounded by the electoral victory of the Hindu nationalist political outfit, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In doing so, the article attempts to locate “ Internet Hindus” in a democracy, which has the third largest Internet user base in the world, and seeks to deconstruct their ethno-nationalistic online posturing, while reflecting on what this may mean for the online collective itself.
Evaluation of Demons- and FEM-Based Registration Algorithms for Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Juan , Li Dengwang , Yin Yong , Zhao Fen , Wang Hongjun
Published: March 2015

We evaluated and compared the accuracy of 2 deformable image registration algorithms in 4-dimensional computed tomography images for patients with lung cancer. Ten patients with non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer were enrolled in this institutional review board-approved study. The displacement vector fields relative to a specific reference image were calculated by using the diffeomorphic demons (DD) algorithm and the finite element method (FEM)-based algorithm. The registration accuracy was evaluated by using normalized mutual information (NMI), the sum of squared intensity difference (SSD), modified Hausdorff distance ( d H_ M), and ratio of gross tumor volume ( rGTV) difference between reference image and deformed phase image. We also compared the registration speed of the 2 algorithms. Of all patients, the FEM-based algorithm showed stronger ability in aligning 2 images than the DD algorithm. The means (±standard deviation) of NMI were 0.86 (±0.05) and 0.90 (±0.05) using the DD algorithm and the FEM-based algorithm, respectively. The means of SSD were 0.006 (±0.003) and 0.003 (±0.002) using the DD algorithm and the FEM-based algorithm, respectively. The means of d H_ M were 0.04 (±0.02) and 0.03 (±0.03) using the DD algorithm and the FEM-based algorithm, respectively. The means of rGTV were 3.9% (±1.01%) and 2.9% (±1.1%) using the DD algorithm and the FEM-based algorithm, respectively. However, the FEM-based algorithm costs a longer time than the DD algorithm, with the average running time of 31.4 minutes compared to 21.9 minutes for all patients. The preliminary results showed that the FEM-based algorithm was more accurate than the DD algorithm while compromised with the registration speed.