bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solidarity with solidity
Authors: Hargreaves Andy , O’Connor Michael T.
Published: August 2018

For decades, education researchers have been drawing attention to the importance of professional collaboration among teachers as a way to improve student achievement. But not all collaboration is equally effective. Andy Hargreaves and Michael O’Connor explain that the most successful and sustainable efforts are characterized by both solidity and solidarity, meaning that they draw on both expert knowledge and strong collegial relationships, creating what the authors call collaborative professionalism. A network of rural teachers in the Pacific Northwest who enhance curriculum across multiple schools and a lesson study program in Hong Kong are two examples of such successful collaborations.
Washington View
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: August 2018

Maria Ferguson looks at results from the latest PDK poll, which shows the highest level of support ever for increasing teacher salaries. This support is significant at a time of high-profile teacher strikes and the Supreme Court’s Janus ruling that forbids requiring non-union members to pay fair-share fees. Another acknowledgement of the challenges of teaching today was poll respondents’ reduced enthusiasm for the idea of their own children becoming teachers.
Under the Law
Authors: Underwood Julie
Published: August 2018

Julie Underwood summarizes three 2018 Supreme Court rulings and their implications for public education. In Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31, the Court ruled that public-sector unions cannot require employees to pay fair share fees to cover the costs of contract negotiations. In South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., the Court ruled that states can collect sales taxes from online retailers, even if they do not have a physical presence in the state. And in Lozman v. City of Riviera Beach, the Court protected citizens’ rights to speak at public meetings.
Career Confidential
Authors: Fagell Phyllis L.
Published: August 2018

In her regular advice column for education professionals, Phyllis Fagell responds to a principal’s question about a teacher who is competent, but too rigid and inflexible with her students. A teacher wonders about the value of a principal selection process in which the decisions appear to have been made without sufficient input from the selection committee.
Backtalk
Authors: Gándara Patricia
Published: August 2018

Every day, newspapers across the country report on the human tragedies caused by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies: families being separated, neighborhoods ripped apart, children coming home to find their parents gone. However, the press rarely mentions the immense toll this is taking on the nation’s schools, their students, and the educators who work with them. A survey of educators sheds much-needed light on the situation.
Discussions on education policies in media: Media representations of education activists in Turkey
Authors: Şen A Fulya
Published: August 2018

This study examines the media representations of Turkey's educational labour union, Eğitim-Sen. In so doing, it analyses the news coverage of the protests of Eğitim-Sen against the education policies of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government, structured by an Islamist political perspective. In this study, the content analysis has been carried out in order to investigate the attitude of the news media towards the education activism, as well as in order to take in issues of meaning and context. This analysis involves the online newspaper debates pertaining to the 13 February 2015 strike action of Eğitim-Sen, and the new curriculum announced in July 2017. This study aims to reveal how the struggles of Eğitim-Sen against the Islamification of the education system in Turkey are represented in the media, how Turkish media attempts to generate powerful voices, as well as how the media ignores the voices of dissidents. It has been concluded that Eğitim-Sen is underrepresented in the mainstream news media.
Parables and Proverbs in the Jesus-Tradition and Rabbinic Literature
Authors: Kister Menahem
Published: August 2018

This article deals mainly with four parables and proverbs attributed to Jesus, their synoptic parallels and their relationship to rabbinic literature: the parable of the wedding (Mt. 22.1-13//Lk. 14.15-24), the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk. 11.5-8) and the parable of the unjust judge (Lk. 18.1-7), and judging the judge and measure for measure (Mt. 7.1-5//Lk. 6.37-41//Mk 4.24-25). These parables and proverbs are treated as divergent versions of traditions, similar to the versions of traditions in rabbinic literature, and they are carefully compared with striking parallels in the latter. The integrative study of New Testament passages and rabbinic literature illuminates both and sheds light on the complexity, pluriformity, and religious message of these traditions.
Reading Gospel Parables as Jewish Literature
Authors: Notley R. Steven
Published: August 2018

The gospel parables are part of the broader genre of Jewish story-parables found in rabbinic literature. In the ﬁrst half of this article seven preliminary characteristics of Jewish parables are presented, some of which challenge our widely accepted assumptions regarding gospel parables. For example, although there is near scholarly consensus that Jesus told his parables in Aramaic, we do not have a single Aramaic story-parable in Jewish literature in Roman antiquity. All are in Hebrew. In the second half of the study, an example is given of how twin parables are used to convey a novel idea that emerged in Judaism of the Hellenistic period – the value of the human individual because they have been created in the image of God – to demonstrate that Jesus not only embraced this innovative Jewish humanistic approach, but also how he did so with parables.
Specialty Board Certification Rate as an Outcome Metric for GME Training Institutions: A Relationship With Quality of Care
Authors: Norcini John J. , Boulet John R. , Opalek Amy , Dauphinee W. Dale
Published: August 2018

Educational outcome measures, known to be associated with the quality of care, are needed to support improvements in graduate medical education (GME). This retrospective observational study sought to determine whether there was a relationship between the specialty board certification rates of GME training institutions and the quality of care delivered by their graduates. It is based on 7 years of hospitalizations in Pennsylvania ( N = 354,767) with diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or pneumonia. The 2,265 attending physicians were self-identified internists, and they completed their training in 59 institutions. The percentage of board-certified physicians from each training institution, excluding the physician herself or himself, was calculated and an indicator of whether it exceeded 80% was created. This was analyzed against inhospital mortality and length of stay, adjusted for patient/physician/hospital characteristics. There were significantly lower odds of mortality (adjusted Odd’s ratio [ OR] = .92, 95% CI [0.86, 0.98]) and log length of stay (adjusted OR = .98, 95% CI [.94, .99]) when the attending physician trained in a residency program with an 80% or greater certification rate. The results suggest that specialty certification rates may be a useful educational outcome for residency training programs.
Economic Integration and Security in the Middle East and North Africa: What Prospects for a Liberal Peace?
Authors: El-Anis Imad
Published: August 2018

Since the late 1980s governments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have created commercial institutions in order to promote regional economic integration. The primary aim of this policy has been regarded as the promotion of economic welfare gains at the national level. The second, albeit less-emphasized goal, has been to promote regional peace through economic interdependence. This study examines the prospects for a liberal peace in the MENA by analyzing two stages of the commercial institutional peace. First, the study considers whether commercial institutions have promoted intra-regional trade in the MENA. Second, it examines whether economic interaction has had an impact on promoting peace within the region. Twenty states are considered here and the unit of analysis is the dyad-year over a 25-year period from 1990 to 2014. This study finds that commercial institutions in the MENA have only a limited positive correlation with trade volume and while there is a direct positive correlation between economic integration and peace in the region, this is quite limited. These findings suggest that the conclusions made by previous studies demonstrate a direct positive correlation between commercial institutions (and economic integration more generally) and peace, may be less applicable to some regions such as MENA.
Transoral Dermoid Cyst Excision: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kim Jin Pyeong , Lee Dong Kun , Moon Jeong Hwan , Park Jung Je , Woo Seung Hoon
Published: August 2018

Objective

Transoral surgery is becoming a preferred technique because it does not leave any scar after surgery. However, transoral surgery for a dermoid cyst of the oral cavity is not standardized yet, due to the anatomic complexity of this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a transoral dermoid cyst excision.

Study Design

Multicenter prospective observational study.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

This study was designed as a 4‐year prospective multicenter evaluation of dermoid cyst excisions within the floor of mouth. Clinical outcomes and complications related to procedures were evaluated among patients. The primary outcome was the efficacy of the procedure, and the secondary outcome was cosmetic satisfaction of each procedure.

Results

Twenty‐one patients underwent transoral dermoid cyst excisions, and 22 underwent transcervical excisions. In the transoral surgery group, the mean size of the dermoid cyst was 5.35 cm (95% CI, 4.79‐5.91), and in the transcervical surgery group, it was 6.19 cm (95% CI, 5.67‐6.71). There was no significant differences with respect to overall demographic characteristics between the groups. However, the duration of the operation was shorter with the transoral group than with the transcervical group (P =. 001), and cosmetic satisfaction was much better in the transoral group (P <. 001).

Conclusion

Transoral dermoid cyst excision is a potentially safe and effective method that can lead to easy and quick removal of an oral cavity dermoid cyst, with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Assessing the Quality of the Management of Tonsillitis among Australian Children: A Population‐Based Sample Survey
Authors: Hibbert Peter , Stephens Jacqueline H. , de Wet Carl , Williams Helena , Hallahan Andrew , Wheaton Gavin R. , Dalton Chris , Ting Hsuen P. , Arnolda Gaston , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to design and validate a set of clinical indicators of appropriate care for tonsillitis and (2) to measure the level of tonsillitis care that is in line with guideline recommendations in a sample of Australian children.

Study Design

A set of tonsillitis care indicators was developed from available national and international guidelines and validated in 4 stages. This research used the same design as the CareTrack Kids study, which was described in detail elsewhere.

Setting

Samples of patient records from general practices, emergency departments, and hospital admissions were assessed.

Subjects and Methods

Patient records of children aged 0 to 15 years were assessed for the presence of, and adherence to, the indicators for care delivered in 2012 and 2013.

Results

Eleven indicators were developed. The records of 821 children (mean age, 5.0 years; SD, 4.0) with tonsillitis were screened. The reviewers conducted 2354 eligible indicator assessments across 1127 visits. Adherence to 6 indicators could be assessed and ranged from 14.3% to 73.2% (interquartile range 31.5% to 72.2%).

Conclusion

Our main findings are consistent with the international literature: the treatment of many children who present with confirmed or suspected tonsillitis is inconsistent with current guidelines. Future research should consider how the indicators could be applied in a structured and automated manner to increase the reliability and efficiency of record reviews and help raise clinicians’ awareness of appropriate tonsillitis management.
Unilateral Hearing Loss in Youth: Development of Candidate Items for a Condition‐Specific Validated Instrument
Authors: Purcell Patricia L. , Edwards Todd C. , Wisneski Meghan , Chan Dylan K. , Ou Henry , Horn David L. , Skirko Jonathan R. , Sie Kathleen C. Y.
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study interviewed youth with unilateral hearing, utilizing their responses to generate candidate items for a condition‐specific patient‐reported instrument.

Study Design

Mixed methods, cross‐sectional.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Participants and Methods

Youth with unilateral hearing loss and normal hearing in the contralateral ear were identified and recruited for participation through query of an audiometric database and through hearing loss clinics. Interviews with the youth were qualitatively analyzed to identify common themes and generate items related to functional impact. A multi‐institutional expert panel reviewed items with prespecified item selection criteria. Participants rated items for impact on daily life. For preliminary criterion validity assessment, statistical analyses explored correlations between functional scores and type and severity of hearing loss.

Results

Thirty‐nine youth aged 9 to 18 years with unilateral hearing loss participated; 31% used a hearing device. Fifteen youth participated in interviews; thematic analysis, item crafting, and expert panel item review resulted in 41 items. Twenty‐six youth responded to the items, reporting low functional scores in the domains of sound localization, ear positioning, and noise environment. They reported better levels of function in carrying out group conversations, focusing on schoolwork, and feeling safe during activities. Multivariate linear regression found that youth scored 0.4 points (or approximately 8%) lower on the functional impact scale with every 20–dB HL increase in pure tone average in the abnormal ear.

Conclusion

Youth with unilateral hearing loss report functional impact, particularly related to sound localization, ear positioning, and noise environment; therefore, they may benefit from a condition‐specific functional assessment instrument.
Impact of basic public service level on pro-environmental behavior in China
Authors: Fan Bo , Yang Wenting , Han Ting
Published: August 2018

Most environmental problems are rooted in human behavior, and can be influenced by pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Therefore, on the basis of previous studies, the authors propose a theoretical framework that considers individual and contextual factors to hierarchically analyze PEB. Considering practical conditions, the authors regard basic public service as an independent variable on the contextual level in the study. The impacts of the contextual level on the individual level and PEB are also systematically and comprehensively studied. Data from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey and the 2014 China Statistical Yearbook are analyzed, and a hierarchical linear model is adopted to test the proposed multi-level theoretical framework. Results show that basic public service is an important factor influencing PEB. Basic public service consists of three areas. Of these areas, basic education and life security exert a significant promotional effect on PEB. Furthermore, basic public service also can moderate the relationship between individual factors and PEB. The multi-level theoretical framework provides a systematic perspective for further research into PEB. The findings also offer researchers a beneficial reference for analyzing behavioral change. Several suggestions are proposed for policymakers to bring about effective change in PEB.
Is MRI an adequate replacement for CT scans in the three-dimensional assessment of acetabular morphology?
Authors: Goronzy Jens , Blum Sophia , Hartmann Albrecht , Plodeck Verena , Franken Lea , Günther Klaus-Peter , Thielemann Falk
Published: August 2018

Background

Appropriate three-dimensional imaging of the hip joint is a substantial prerequisite for planning and performing surgical correction of deformities. Although surgeons still use computed tomography (CT), modern and fast acquisition techniques of volumetric imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pelvic measurements enable similar resolution.

Purpose

This study was designed to determine if already described measures of acetabular morphology are comparable in both techniques and if assessment can be performed with equal intra-observer and inter-observer reliability.

Material and Methods

Thirty-two hips (16 patients) were examined with a pelvic CT and a MRI with 3-T. Pelvic orientation was standardized by each observer in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. Acetabular version as well as seven acetabular sector angles were measured by two observers twice with a minimum of four weeks between sessions.

Results

Inter-rater reliability showed excellent results for intra- and inter-rater reliability for CT (0.977–0.999) and MRI (0.969–0.998) measuring acetabular version and sector angles. Evaluating the reliability of CT and MRI for each observer revealed excellent results (0.972–0.998). Evaluating the Bland–Altman plots for intra-observer reliability showed an equal distribution of angles, within acceptable 95% limits of agreement. The same results were observed for inter-observer reliability evaluating CT and MRI as well as inter-method reliability.

Conclusion

Modern MRI scans are equally applicable to assess the bony pelvis as CT scans. In addition, MRI would enable the examination of soft tissues such as chondrolabral structures and muscle in the same examination. Since hip-preserving surgery is mostly conducted in younger patients, the reduction of radiation exposure is a benefit.
Iterative scatter correction for grid-less skeletal radiography allows improved image quality equal to an antiscatter grid in adjunct with dose reduction: a visual grading study of 20 body donors
Authors: Lisson Christoph G , Lisson Catharina S , Kleiner Sebastian , Regier Marc , Beer Meinrad , Schmidt Stefan A
Published: August 2018

Background

Iterative scatter correction (ISC) is a new technique applicable to plain radiography; comparable to iterative reconstruction for computed tomography, it promises dose reduction and image quality improvement. ISC for bedside chest X-rays has been applied and evaluated for some time and has recently been commercially offered for plain skeletal radiography.

Purpose

To analyze the potential of ISC for plain skeletal radiography with regard to image quality improvement, dose reduction, and replacement for an antiscatter grid.

Material and Methods

A total of 385 radiographs with different imaging protocols of the pelvis and cervical spine were acquired from 20 body donors. Radiographs were rated by four radiologists. Ratings were analyzed with visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis. The area under the VGC curve was used as a measure of difference in image quality.

Results

Without ISC, the grid-less images were rated significantly worse than their grid-based counterparts (0.389, P = 0.005); adding ISC made image quality equal (0.498; P = 0.963). In grid-less imaging, reduction of dose by 50% led to significant image quality impairment (0.415, P = 0.001); this was fully counterbalanced when ISC was added (0.512; P = 0.588).

Conclusion

ISC for plain skeletal radiography has the ability to replace the antiscatter grid without image quality impairment, to improve image quality in grid-less imaging, and to reduce patient radiation dose by 50% without substantial loss in image quality.
Percutaneous cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma using ultrasound-guided targeting and computed tomography-guided ice-ball monitoring: radiation dose and short-term outcomes
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu , Won Jong Yun , Park Sung Yoon
Published: August 2018

Background

Usefulness of ultrasound (US)-guided mass targeting and computed tomography (CT)-guided ice-ball monitoring in percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still uncertain.

Purpose

To assess radiation dose and short-term outcomes of PCA for RCC using US-guided targeting and CT-guided ice-ball monitoring.

Material and Methods

Thirty-nine consecutive patients who underwent PCA for biopsy-proven RCC were included. Mass targeting was performed with US and ice-ball was monitored with CT guidance. Effective radiation dose of CT during PCA was recorded. Follow-up was conducted with contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (mean follow-up time = 10.1 ± 7.0 months). Local tumor progression was defined by the presence of focal enhancing areas at the ablation zone (CT, ≥ 20 HU; MRI, presence of focal enhancement on subtraction contrast-enhanced image). Technical success, major complication rate (e.g. Clavien–Dindo classification ≥ 3), and one-year local tumor progression-free survival (PFS) rate were analyzed.

Results

Mean effective radiation dose in association with PCA was 12.1 ± 4.5 mSv (range = 7.0–25.2 mSv). Technical success was achieved in 100%. Local tumor progression occurred in a single patient (2.6%, 1/39), and one-year local tumor PFS rate was 95.7%. No major complication was found.

Conclusion

PCA using US-guided targeting and CT-guided ice-ball monitoring may allow acceptable local tumor control for RCC, as a radiation-reducing strategy.
The relationship between inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and DIO-1 concentration in patients with chronic renal failure accompanied with or without euthyroid sick syndrome
Authors: Qin Shu-Lan , He Qi , Hu Ling , He Chun-Yan , Gao Li-Cheng , Young Charlotte Aimee , Chen Juan , Jiang Cheng-Fang , Luo Xiang-Feng , Zhou Ying , Sheng Xia , Li Zhi-Hong , Chen Mei-Ling , Xu Gaosi
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationship between inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and type 1 deiodinase (DIO-1) concentration in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) with or without euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS).

Methods

This study recruited patients with CRF and divided them into two groups: group 1 had low free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels; and group 2 had normal FT3 levels. Group 3 consisted of healthy volunteers. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, 8-isoprostane and DIO-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse correlations between parameters.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled into each group and the groups were comparable in terms of vital signs, white blood cell count, free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations. The serum DIO-1 concentration was significantly higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the DIO-1 concentration was inversely correlated with the TNF-α concentration.

Conclusions

Patients with CRF without ESS showed higher concentrations of DIO-1 than patients with ESS. The DIO-1 concentration was inversely correlated with the TNF-α concentration, which might indicate that the inflammatory response was milder in the patients with CRF without ESS than in those with ESS.
‘AnthropOcean’: Oceanic perspectives and cephalopodic imaginaries moving beyond land-centric ecologies
Authors: Brugidou Jeremie , Fabien Clouette
Published: August 2018

We sought contributions from the widest possible spectrum, asking the authors to reflect upon the notion of ‘AnthropOcean’: theory, fiction, journal, ethological accounts, or ethnographic material from time spent at sea, testimony by those who have gained experience from the ocean, encounters with ocean inhabitants (no species preferred), etc. The aim is to build imagination and sensitivity upon these contributions in order to invent new narrative forms coherent with our contemporary experiences of an animated world. We would like to suggest that oceanic sensitive-anthropology can provide precious sense-ideas in order to think, feel and imagine the contemporary ecological crisis. Considering our present as anything but an ‘end of the world’, and more as a profound transformative process, how can ocean-sense-ideas bring useful intuitions? How can ocean inhabitants, ecosystems and dynamics, teach us a lesson in imagination? Can we dream other dreams than that of industrial exploitation?
A Novel External Nasal Splint
Authors: Honeybrook Adam , Woodard Charles R. , Simmons Walter N.
Published: August 2018

Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals suffer from nasal bone fractures, and in 2016, more than 780 000 rhinoplasty surgeries were performed globally. As part of the comprehensive care for these patients, external nasal splints are routinely used during the healing process. Nasal splints stabilize the bony and cartilaginous nasal framework and provide compression to the nose, thereby reducing nasal edema and hastening recovery. In this article, we present a novel external nasal splint that addresses some of the shortcomings of other commercially available nasal splints.
Dynamic characteristics of sandwich composite with debonding
Authors: Idriss M , El Mahi A
Published: August 2018

The article presents the results of experimental and finite element analyses of the flexural vibration behavior sandwich composite with different debonding ratios. Sandwich composite consists of two thin skins composed of E-glass fiber and epoxy resin bonded to lightweight and weaker core material of PVC foams. Experimental tests using the impulse technique were performed on the sandwich constituents and sandwich composites with different debonding lengths. The modal dynamic characteristics of sandwich composite were measured and discussed for each debonding ratio. A finite element modeling was used to determine the natural frequencies, modal shapes, and stress and strain fields for each element of sandwich composites for each debonding ratio. The modal strain energy approach was used to determine the contribution of energies dissipated of the core and the skins in the total dissipated energy and the global damping of the different sandwich composites. The results obtained by this approach are compared with those obtained experimentally.
Flight controller learning based on real-time model estimation of a quadrotor aircraft
Authors: Alabsi Mohammed , Fields Travis
Published: August 2018

Aircraft prototyping and modeling is usually associated with resource expensive techniques and significant post-flight analysis. The NASA Learn-To-Fly concept targets the replacement of the conventional ground-based aircraft development and prototyping approaches with an efficient real-time paradigm. The work presented herein describes a learning paradigm of a quadcopter unmanned aircraft that utilizes real-time flight data. Closed-loop parameter estimation of a highly collinear model terms such as those found on a quadrotor is challenging. Using phase optimized orthogonal multisine input maneuvers, collinearity of flight data decreases leading to fast and accurate convergence of the Fourier transform regression estimator. The generated models are utilized to reconfigure a nonlinear dynamic inversion controller in normal, failure, and learning testing conditions. Results show highly accurate model estimation in different testing scenarios. Additionally, the nonlinear dynamic inversion controller easily integrates the identified model parameters without any need for gain scheduling or computationally expensive methods. Overall, the proposed technique introduces an efficient integration between real-time modeling and control adaptation utilizing the limited computational power of the quadcopter’s microcomputer.
Economic dispatch of multi-carrier energy systems considering intermittent resources
Authors: Daryani Narges , Tohidi Sajjad
Published: August 2018

The concept of energy hub as the interface in multi-carrier energy systems has been introduced recently. This concept motivates the researchers to concentrate on multi-carrier energy systems with the purpose of achieving more efficient performance. Multi-carrier energy systems as the upcoming energy providing systems should economically operate in comparison with conventional decoupled energy systems. Economic dispatch of a multi-carrier energy system including the combined electrical-gas network with distributed resources is studied in this paper. Applying the mentioned problem to real systems leads to a large-scale nonlinear problem which should be optimized by using the optimization techniques. In this paper, adaptive group search optimization algorithm is utilized to solve the multi-carrier economic dispatch problem. The decomposing solution is implemented in order to facilitate the optimizing procedure. Additionally, the proposed method is applied to an 11-hub test system and the obtained results are analysed. The efficiency of the proposed approach is then evaluated.
Is participation in music festivals a self-expansion opportunity? Identity, self-perception, and the importance of music’s functions
Authors: Lawendowski Rafał , Besta Tomasz
Published: August 2018

A correlational study was conducted among attendees of three music festivals in Poland ( N = 828). The main goal was to examine how functions ascribed to music are related to (a) a feeling of being united with other attendees, (b) the perception of being independent from or (c) interdependent with other attendees, and (d) a feeling of self-growth resulting in self-expansion. Using structural equation modelling, we showed the following. First, people who feel stronger connections and experience more personal relationships with other attendees report a stronger feeling of self-growth during music festivals and ascribe more importance to the social functions of music. Second, a strong, direct relationship exists between independent self-construal (i.e., an individualistic view of the self as autonomous from other people) and the self-awareness function of music as well as between interdependent self-construal (i.e., a more collectivistic view of the self as embedded in the group and community) and the social function of music. Finally, the results of the mediation analysis of self-expansion for the relationships between different aspects of self and the functions of music indicated that self-expansion is a statistically significant partial mediator of these relationships for the social and self-awareness function of music but not for the emotional function. That is, participants, who experienced changes in self-construct related to self-growth and self-development from their participation in a music festival used music to facilitate self-awareness and social relatedness.
A quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of equine (horse and donkey)-originated meat in processed bovine meat products
Authors: Türkanoǧlu Özçelik Aysun , Yılmaz Semiramis , Gökbora Sevda , İnan Mehmet
Published: August 2018

Meat is one of the most important basic foodstuffs in human nutrition. Nowadays, adulteration and authenticity are common problems for meat products. Identification of meat species is important in terms of consumer protection and prevention of adulteration. There are different methods to determine adulteration of meat and meat products. These methods are histological controls, serological tests, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In this study, species identification and quantification analysis of meat and meat products were done by using horse-, donkey-, and bovine-specific primers with quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Triple meat mixtures containing horse and donkey meat ranging from 0.1 to 50% levels were prepared within a bovine mixture for using species identification and quantification analysis. The method specificity was confirmed by melting curve analysis. In conclusion, quantitative polymerase chain reaction is an easy, rapid, and reliable method for meat species identification, and with this study an applicable method was developed for the detection and quantification of equine-originated meat in bovine meat products.
Preference of kittens for scratchers
Authors: Zhang Lingna , Plummer Rebekkah , McGlone John
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine kitten preferences towards different scratchers and the effects of catnip and cat odor on kitten scratching behaviors.

Methods

Two-choice preference tests were conducted to compare scratchers and preferred scratchers with or without additives (ie, catnip, catnip oil, cat hair) in six studies. Kittens (n = 40, <8 weeks old) had access to two scratchers on the floor of a simulated living room for 20 mins and interactions were video-recorded. The time each kitten spent scratching each scratcher was compared.

Results

In study 1, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred over a hemp post with a toy on top, and no difference was observed in the other pairs of scratchers compared. In study 2, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred by kittens compared with a raised scratcher covered with window screen or with carpet, and no differences were observed between the latter two scratchers. In study 3, the scratcher covered with window screen set upright was preferred over the same scratcher laid horizontally on the floor. The S-shaped cardboard was preferred over the scratcher covered with bubble wrap. In study 4, kittens preferred the S-shaped cardboard over the scratchers covered with window screen or short-fiber carpet but not over the scratcher covered with long-fiber carpet. In study 5, the S-shaped cardboard was strongly preferred over the long cardboard and rectangular cardboard but not over the boat-shaped cardboard. In study 6, dried catnip plant, catnip oil spray or the hair from other cats did not alter the scratching behavior exhibited by the kittens vs the control S-shaped cardboard alone.

Conclusions and relevance

The S-shaped cardboard scratcher was a preferred scratcher for kittens. Catnip or odor of other cats did not alter this behavior in kittens. S-shaped cardboard may be a preferred scratching device for kittens.
Do relational norms matter in outsourcing relationships? Lesson learned from hotel sectors
Authors: Chun-Lai Pei , Espino-Rodríguez Tomás F , Baum Tom
Published: August 2018

The study examines relational norms in outsourcing relationships. The study analyzes some factors that determine the use of relational norms, such as outsourcing benefits and the competitive strategy (cost leadership and differentiation). In addition, it analyzes the influence of the use of relational norms on the outsourcing success. Based on a sample of 127 outsourcing relationships in two tourist destinations, a partial least squares structural model was used to test the hypotheses. The findings show that the outsourcing benefits and competitive strategy determine the use of relational norms. They also show that there is a positive relationship between relational norms and outsourcing success. Some differences were found between the two destinations analyzed.
A three-dimensional method for the simulation of temperature fields induced by solar radiation
Authors: Yan Yihang , Wu Dingjun , Li Qi
Published: August 2018

The determination of temperature fields is usually required for the calculation of structural deformation and stress induced by temperature variation. To guarantee the serviceability and safety of structures by improving calculation accuracy, this study presents a three-dimensional structural temperature field simulation framework that accounts for shadowing effects and changes in solar radiation intensity throughout the day. Field experiments were conducted to update the established model and to verify the accuracy of the numerical algorithm. The proposed method was finally applied in a case study to determine the temperature fields of both a rail and a U-shaped concrete girder. The results show that the temperature field of the concrete girder had obvious nonlinear distribution characteristics. Three-dimensional structural temperature field analysis is especially required for complicated structures with varied sections along the longitudinal axis.
Effect of axial compression ratio on concrete-filled steel tube composite shear wall
Authors: Hou Hetao , Fu Weiqi , Qiu Canxing , Cheng Jirun , Qu Zhe , Zhu Wencan , Ma Tianxiang
Published: August 2018

This study proposes a new type of shear wall, namely, the concrete-filled steel tube composite shear wall, for high performance seismic force resisting structures. In order to study the seismic behavior of concrete-filled steel tube composite shear wall, cyclic loading tests were conducted on three full-scale specimens. One conventional reinforced concrete shear wall was included in the testing program for comparison purpose. Regarding the seismic performance of the shear walls, the failure mode, deformation capacity, bearing capacity, ductility, hysteretic characteristics, and energy dissipation are key parameters in the analysis procedure. The testing results indicated that the bearing capacity, the ductility, and the energy dissipation of the concrete-filled steel tube composite shear walls are greater than that of conventional reinforced concrete shear walls. In addition, the influence of axial compression ratio on the seismic behavior of concrete-filled steel tube composite shear wall is also investigated. It was found that higher axial compression ratio leads to an increase in the bearing capacity of concrete-filled steel tube composite shear walls while a reduction in the ductility capacity.
Experimental studies on seismic behavior of precast hybrid steel–concrete beam
Authors: Zhang Xizhi , Zhang Shaohua , Niu Sixin
Published: August 2018

This study aims to investigate the seismic behavior of precast hybrid steel–concrete beams. Five full-scale beam specimens, including four precast hybrid steel–concrete beams and a conventional precast concrete beam, were tested under cyclic loading. Furthermore, a new connection form was proposed to facilitate the constructability of the steel-to-concrete connection. The main experimental parameters were the steel beam length and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio. In addition, the influence of the reduced beam section of the steel beam on seismic behavior of precast hybrid steel–concrete beams was observed and investigated. Detailed analysis was performed on the basis of the observed failure modes and the relationships obtained from the experimental data, such as hysteretic curves, deformation curves, stiffness degradation curves, energy dissipation capacity, load curvature curves, and strain development curves. Experimental results showed that the failure mode of precast hybrid steel–concrete beams was different from that of precast concrete beams. The precast hybrid steel–concrete beam retained ductility comparable to that of precast concrete beams. Generally, the initial stiffness of precast hybrid steel–concrete beams was smaller than that of precast concrete beams, but the stiffness degradation was more stable. On the basis of measured crack propagation and failure mode, deformation curves, and the development of strain in steel beams and longitudinal reinforcements, the stress between the steel beam and concrete beam can be effectively transmitted to one another by the proposed connection form.
Open window into professional learning: Post-qualifying learning among Japanese social workers
Authors: Asano Takahiro
Published: August 2018

This study examined how Japanese social workers understood learning experiences and continued to learn as professionals in their working context with qualitative methods: interviews and observations. They saw their learning as something about changes in their understanding in varying ways. Although those perspective changes in learning varied widely depending on their learning situation, three components of professional learning have been identified: Experience; Opportunity; and Reflection. These three components are not entirely distinct from each other, but inextricably interwoven. The findings in the study indicate that there is a significant gap between what the social workers value in learning and what is expected from professional communities including their organisations, professional associations, and universities in today’s uncertain working environments, where ‘control and standardisation’ are increasingly emphasised within the evidence-based practice movement. In the gap, the voices of social workers have been underrepresented in the discourse of professional development—which tends to centre on the form of formal learning—in their professional communities. To share the awareness of diverse and complex learning as experienced by social workers themselves can be a first step in making a difference to professional learning in the context of Japanese social work.
Between exclusion and compulsory service: The treatment of the Jewish “Mischlinge” as an example for social inequality creation in the Hitler-Jugend
Authors: Benecke Jakob
Published: August 2018

The National Socialist regime was, generally speaking, not interested in an outright levelling of social differentiation patterns, as they were present within the German society around 1933. On the contrary: old hierarchies were to be fought and new ones were to be established—both according to the Nazi administration’s social ideology and, deriving from it, its racial ideology. The Hitler-Jugend, the Nazi’s youth organization, can be subsumed under this conclusion. The following contribution takes a closer look at the particular fate of Jewish “Mischlinge,” classified as such by the Nazi regime, in order to explore the question as to what extent the phenomena of social inequality occurred in the Nazi youth organization and how it can be ordered in a systemized manner. Two difficult fields of research are being united here: on the one hand, there is the research field regarding the Hitler-Jugend that is hardly manageable, but shows desiderata; and on the other hand, the thus-far rarely consequently and systematically conducted analysis ofthe National Socialists’ repressive policies targeting the newly created population group of Jewish “Mischlinge” in Germany.
Experimental and numerical studies on the vibration serviceability of fanshaped prestressed concrete floor
Authors: Cao Liang , Qi Hongtuo , Li Jiang
Published: August 2018

An extensive experimental and numerical research was undertaken to study the vibration serviceability of a long-span fanshaped prestressed concrete floor system to be used in the lounge of a major airport. Specifically heel-drop and jumping impact tests were conducted to obtain the natural frequencies and modal damping ratios of the floor system, followed by the discussion on the distribution of peak accelerations. Running tests and simulation were also performed to capture the acceleration responses. Moreover, the finite element method was used to evaluate the dynamic characteristics. The floor system is found to have a low fundamental frequency (≈6.00 Hz) and the corresponding modal damping ratio (average ≈2.20%). The comparison of the experimental results with the published American institute of steel construction (AISC) design guide indicates that the prestressed concrete floor system exhibits satisfactory vibration perceptibility overall. The study results also show that the intensity and the location of impact excitation have a significant influence on the rate of acceleration decay. A crest factor βrp is proposed based on the test results to calculate the maximum root mean square acceleration for running for convenience.
Correlation of TGN-020 with the analgesic effects via ERK pathway activation after chronic constriction injury
Authors: Zhao Liang , Li Dan , Liu Nan , Liu Lu , Zhang Zhuo , Gao Chao , Kawano Hitoshi , Zhou Fang-Yuan , Li Hong-Peng
Published: August 2018

Extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway activation in astrocytes and neurons has been reported to be critical for neuropathic pain development after chronic constriction injury. TGN-020 was found to be the most potent aquaporin 4 inhibitor among the agents studied. The present study aimed to assess whether the inhibition of aquaporin 4 had an analgesic effect on neuropathic pain and whether the inhibition of astrocytic activation and ERK pathway was involved in the analgesic effect of TGN-020. We thus found that TGN-020 upregulated the threshold of thermal and mechanical allodynia, downregulated the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, attenuated the astrocytic activation and suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion. Additionally, TGN-020 suppressed ERK phosphorylation in astrocytes and neurons after injury. The findings suggested that the analgesic effects of TGN-020 in neuropathic pain were mediated mainly by the downregulation of chronic constriction injury–induced astrocytic activation and inflammation, which is via the inhibition of ERK pathway in the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion.
Clinical, electrophysiological, and cutaneous innervation changes in patients with bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy reveal insight into mechanisms of neuropathic pain
Authors: Bechakra Malik , Nieuwenhoff Mariska D , van Rosmalen Joost , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Scheltens-de Boer Marjan , Sonneveld Pieter , van Doorn Pieter A , de Zeeuw Chris I , Jongen Joost LM
Published: August 2018

Bortezomib is a mainstay of therapy for multiple myeloma, frequently complicated by painful neuropathy. The objective of this study was to describe clinical, electrophysiological, and pathological changes of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BiPN) in detail and to correlate pathological changes with pain descriptors. Clinical data, nerve conduction studies, and lower leg skin biopsies were collected from 22 BiPN patients. Skin sections were immunostained using anti-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibodies. Cumulative bortezomib dose and clinical assessment scales indicated light-moderate sensory neuropathy. Pain intensity >4 (numerical rating scale) was present in 77% of the patients. Median pain intensity and overall McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) sum scores indicated moderate to severe neuropathic pain. Sural nerve sensory nerve action potentials were abnormal in 86%, while intraepidermal nerve fiber densities of PGP9.5 and CGRP were not significantly different from healthy controls. However, subepidermal nerve fiber density (SENFD) of PGP9.5 was significantly decreased and the axonal swelling ratio, a predictor of neuropathy, and upper dermis nerve fiber density (UDNFD) of PGP9.5, presumably representing sprouting of parasympathetic fibers, were significantly increased in BiPN patients. Finally, significant correlations between UDNFD of PGP9.5 versus the evaluative Pain Rating Index (PRI) and number of words count (NWC) of the MPQ, and significant inverse correlations between SENFD/UDNFD of CGRP versus the sensory-discriminative MPQ PRI/NWC were found. BiPN is a sensory neuropathy, in which neuropathic pain is the most striking clinical finding. Bortezomib-induced neuropathic pain may be driven by sprouting of parasympathetic fibers in the upper dermis and impaired regeneration of CGRP fibers in the subepidermal layer.