bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Teaching and Learning: Decolonizing the Curriculum
Authors: Charles Marie
Published: November 2019

Why is the universal starting point of Black identity positioned around the history of colonialism, slavery, and servitude taught as damaged histories within the curriculum and disseminated through a Eurocentric viewpoint? How do we put back together a fractured, self-consciousness in an educational setting that negates the affective, conative, and cognitive domains of Black learner identities? The aim of this article is to identify, describe, evaluate, and then challenge through classroom practice (praxis) the prevailing myth of Black African Caribbean inferiority in the schooling process. It is concerned with the educational damage to Black children as a group who have culturally been identified in the literature as having negative experiences and low achievement outcomes in mainstream schooling. Utilizing Afrocentricity as the paradigmatic shift, the study described in this article was conducted to support those Black students’ affective, conative, and cognitive domains within an African episteme of guided group pedagogy. The classroom fieldwork described, over an intense 4-month period, used the researcher’s reframed units of change.
Epics as cultural commodities: Comics books of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
Authors: Singh Varsha
Published: November 2019

This article looks at the transformation of comic book adaptations of the Indian epics from Amar Chitra Katha ( ACK) to present-day representations. The overarching thrust of the article is to assess the stature of comic books as cultural “products” and to examine the ways in which culture, religion, politics, and industry entwine. The essay also works to interpret the trends and reasons behind the iconographic transition of comic books, the publication politics which underlie their production and dissemination, and their status as cultural commodities. Subgenres of comics which could be variously categorized as cyberpunk, post-apocalyptic, or superhero styled comics, and evidently have a niche market or readership, are being held as blueprints for oversimplified transference of what has been widely accepted as the “core” story of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Therefore, I also argue that contemporary visual culture in the domain of comic books has seen a gradual shift from ACK’s knowledge-based conservative pedagogy to a more globalized entertainment-oriented, market-centred strategy.
The Politics of Democratizing Finance: A Radical View
Authors: McCarthy Michael A.
Published: November 2019

How can finance be durably democratized? In the centers of financial power in both the United States and the United Kingdom, proposals now circulate to give workers and the public more say over how flows of credit are allocated. This article examines five democratization proposals: credit union franchises, public investment banks, sovereign wealth funds, inclusive ownership funds, and bank nationalization. It considers how these plans might activate worker and public engagement in decision making about finance by focusing on three modes of public participation: representative democracy, direct democracy, and deliberative minipublics. It then considers the degree to which democratization plans might be resilient to de-democratization threats from business. It argues that of the five, bank nationalization goes furthest in guarding against de-democratization threats but is still pocked with pitfalls if it relies solely on representative democracy. It argues that two criteria appear necessary for democratically durable alternatives: the active direct participation of workers and citizens and the weakening of businesses’ capacity for democratic retrenchment.
Democratizing Finance or Democratizing Money?
Authors: Mellor Mary
Published: November 2019

This article extends the critique of finance to money itself. It argues that our understanding of money has been distorted by a series of myths about its origin and nature, in particular, the claim that money emerged from the adoption of precious metal coinage in market systems. These myths obscure the social and political history of money and the role of states in money creation and circulation. Neoliberal ideology, by contrast, adopts a “handbag economics” that treats the state as a dependent household rather than an economic actor in its own right. An alternative view of money is put forward that sees money as a social and political construct and not just a passive reflection of market activity. It is argued that the sovereign power to create money should be recognized, reclaimed, and democratized as a public resource.
Financial Democratization and the Transition to Socialism
Authors: Block Fred
Published: November 2019

Historically, there has been little agreement between advocates of radical financial reform and socialist theoreticians. However, in the new circumstances of the twenty-first century, a productive synthesis of these two traditions might be possible. Drawing on the franchise model of credit creation elaborated by Robert C. Hockett and the dysfunctions created by the extreme concentration of private financial institutions, this article outlines a reform agenda that would both democratize finance and facilitate the flow of funds into valuable forms of investment that are currently starved for resources. If the new institutions envisioned in this proposal were able to take root and expand, they could ultimately facilitate a transition to socialism, defined as the subordination of the market to democratic politics.
The Measure of Machiavelli? Fear, Love, Hatred, and Trump
Authors: Brunello Anthony R.
Published: November 2019

The rise of populist leaders like Trump certainly raises issues of leadership and effectiveness. The current populist moment may be one of “Cultural Backlash,” but there is also merit in resurrecting and assessing the work of Niccolò Machiavelli in evaluating Trump's leadership and success. Would Machiavelli, with his emphasis on a “success ethic” and a studied moral indifference, rate Trump to be a “great prince?” This article analyzes Machiavelli's role and contemporary relevance as well as what he might say about a leader like Donald Trump. Machiavelli offers one insight into a style of leader that exposes the dangers of ignorance allied with self‐interest in a nationalist pose. Also, we can visualize (with Machiavelli's help) a modern reconsideration of the dimensions of love, hate, and fear in 21st century leadership—especially among national populist leaders. This matters politically to us all.
The Certainty of Uncertainty: Taiwanese Public Opinion on U.S.–Taiwan Relations in the Early Trump Presidency
Authors: Wu Chung‐li , Lin Alex Min‐Wei
Published: November 2019

The election of Donald Trump has injected new uncertainties into the conduct of U.S. foreign affairs in Asia. For Taiwan, regional security is challenging because it must simultaneously deal with an increasingly belligerent China and an America led by the unconventional Trump. Based on public opinion data, this study analyzes how the Taiwanese public perceives the state of U.S.–Taiwan relations, and how certain they are about America's overall commitment to Taiwan in this era. Results indicate that people in their 20s, pan‐Green partisans, and those favoring Taiwan independence perceive U.S.–Taiwan relations to be better under President Trump. Moreover, supporters of the pan‐Green coalition and of Taiwan independence, together with the more “ambivalent” respondents, likewise feel more certain about America's commitment to Taiwan's security. On the contrary, pan‐Blue partisans and Taiwanese citizens with mainland Chinese ethnicity are generally more pessimistic and skeptical about U.S.–Taiwan ties and partnership with Trump in the White House.
Pressure transient analysis of a vertical well with multiple etched fractures in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Luo Erhui , Hu Yongle , Fan Zifei , Zhao Wenqi , Wang Chenggang , Sun Meng , Li Xuanran
Published: November 2019

Acid fracturing has been widely used as an industry practice in explored and developed carbonate reservoirs. It is very important to understand responses of reservoirs and improve production performance of a well due to the presence of fracture networks by stimulation treatments. Pressure transient analysis is one of the most effective diagnostic techniques available to enhance our understanding of natural and artificial-etched fracture behavior. This work presented a novel mathematical model for unsteady state flow of naturally fractured porous medium into multiple etched fractures intersecting a vertical well, and three different geometric shapes of matrix blocks containing slabs, cylinders and spheres were considered. The new solution was derived by using the Laplace transformation and the point source function integral approach. The polar coordinate transformation was used to deal with the radial distribution of arbitrary fracture number and angle. Then the model was validated by comparison with three published cases. Finally, type curves were plotted to identify flow regimes: linear flow, transitional flow, pseudoradial flow, and boundary dominant flow if the closed or constant pressure boundary exists. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was investigated. The results showed that the acid-etched fracture parameters containing fracture number, fracture distribution and conductivity had a significant impact on pressure behavior at early times. However, natural fracture storativity coefficient and interporosity flow parameter mainly affected the transitional flow at intermediate times. Moreover, the shape of matrix blocks had a little influence on transient responses at intermediate times. It is found that multiple etched fractures existing near the wellbore consume less pressure drop and increase the productivity of a well as a whole.
Introduction: media, culture, and change across the Pacific
Authors: Boellstorff Tom , Horst Heather A
Published: November 2019

This essay introduces the a collection of articles in a special issue focused upon ‘Media, Culture and Change across the Pacific’. It foregrounds the importance of media in reconfiguring our relationships to different categories of place. It asks the following: When does media drive culture change and when might it even act as a conservative force? How do different forms of media, with different patterns of ownership, authorship, and participation, shape social action and cultural personhood?
Interventions for Attitudes and Empathy Toward People With Dementia and Positive Aspects of Caregiving: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Han Areum
Published: November 2019

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the effect of interventions on three outcomes among caregivers of people with dementia and health professionals, including positive aspects of caregiving, attitudes toward people with dementia, and empathy.

Methods:

Three electronic databases were searched to find RCTs published in peer-reviewed journals until January 7, 2019. A total of 13 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in meta-analysis.

Results:

The included studies compared psychoeducational interventions, a combination of education, skill-building, and coping strategies, to control group. Meta-analyses of the included studies found that the overall effects of psychoeducational interventions on three outcomes were not statistically significant compared to control groups.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that there is no evidence for the positive effect of psychoeducational interventions on these outcomes, warranting further RCT studies designed to target on these outcomes.
Household Water Quality Testing and Information: Identifying Impacts on Health Outcomes and Sanitation- and Hygiene-Related Risk-Mitigating Behaviors
Authors: Okyere Charles Yaw , Pangaribowo Evita Hanie , Gerber Nicolas
Published: November 2019

Background:

In 2014, a group of 512 households in multipurpose water systems and also relying on unimproved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in the Greater Accra region of Ghana were randomly selected to participate in water quality self-testing and also receipt of information in the form of handouts on how to improve water quality.

Objectives and Research Design:

Using a cluster-randomized controlled design, we study the health, sanitation, and hygiene behavior impacts of the household water quality testing and information experiment.

Subjects:

The study has three arms: (1) adult household members, (2) schoolgoing children, and (3) control group.

Measures:

The study measures the effects on handwashing with soap, cleanliness of households, and prevalence of diarrhea and self-reported fever. We also address impacts on child health and nutrition outcomes, particularly diarrhea and anthropometric outcomes.

Results:

We show that there is high household willingness to participate in this intervention on water quality self-testing. About 7 months after households took part in the intervention, the study finds little impacts on health outcomes and on sanitation- and hygiene-related risk-mitigating behaviors, regardless of the intervention group, either schoolchildren or adult household members. Impacts (direction and extent) are rather homogeneous for most of the outcomes across treatment groups.

Conclusions:

The study discusses the implications of the findings and also offers several explanations for the lack of transmission of impacts from the household water quality testing and information intervention on health outcomes and on sanitation and hygiene behaviors.
Perceptions of grandparents’ generativity and personal growth in supplementary care providers of middle-aged grandchildren
Authors: Noriega C. , Velasco C. , López J.
Published: November 2019

Considering the Generativity Model in later life by Cheng, the objective of this study was to analyze how grandparents’ socializing values and styles toward grandchildren aged 6–12 are associated with grandparents’ personal growth. A sample of 300 grandparents participated in this study. Socializing styles (authoritative and permissive) mediated between participants’ personal and relationship values and their personal growth. Abilities and knowledge values showed a positive and a significant relation with grandparents’ personal growth. In contrast, the authoritarian style and materialistic values were not associated with grandparents’ personal growth. These results show how commitment to generative concerns and acts, such as grandchildren’s socialization, relates to grandparents’ well-being. The need to develop social programs promoting intergenerational shared activities and positive family interactions is stressed.
Simultaneous assessment of plaque morphology, cerebral micro-embolic signal status and platelet biomarkers in patients with recently symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Murphy Stephen J , Lim Soon T , Kinsella Justin A , Tierney Sean , Egan Bridget , Feeley Tim M , Dooley Clare , Kelly James , Murphy Sinead M , Walsh Richard A , Collins Ronan , Coughlan Tara , O’Neill Desmond , Harbison Joseph A , Madhavan Prakash , O’Neill Sean M , Colgan Mary P , Meaney Jim F , Hamilton George , McCabe Dominick JH
Published: November 2019

The relationship between plaque morphology, cerebral micro-embolic signals (MES) and platelet biomarkers in carotid stenosis patients warrants investigation.

We combined data from two prospective, observational studies to assess carotid plaque morphology and relationship with cerebral MES and platelet biomarkers in patients with recently symptomatic (≤4 weeks of transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/ischaemic stroke) versus asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Plaque morphology on ultrasound was graded with Grey-Scale Median (GSM) and Gray–Weale (GW) scoring. Bilateral transcranial Doppler ultrasound classified patients as ‘MES+ve’ or ‘MES-ve’. Full blood counts were analysed and flow cytometry quantified CD62P and CD63 expression, leucocyte-platelet complexes and reticulated platelets.

Data from 42 recently symptomatic carotid stenosis patients were compared with those from 36 asymptomatic patients. There were no differences in median GSM scores between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (25 vs. 30; P = 0.31) or between MES+ve vs. MES-ve symptomatic patients (36 vs. 25; P = 0.09). Symptomatic patients with GSM-echodense plaques (GSM ≥25) had higher platelet counts (228 vs. 191 × 109/L), neutrophil–platelet (3.3 vs. 2.7%), monocyte–platelet (6.3 vs. 4.55%) and lymphocyte–platelet complexes (2.91 vs. 2.53%) than ‘ asymptomatic patients with GSM-echodense plaques’ ( P ≤ 0.03).

Recently, symptomatic carotid stenosis patients with ‘GSM-echodense plaques’ have enhanced platelet production/secretion/activation compared with their asymptomatic counterparts. Simultaneous assessment with neurovascular imaging and platelet biomarkers may aid risk-stratification in carotid stenosis.
Test–retest characteristic of [18F]MK-6240 quantitative outcomes in cognitively normal adults and subjects with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Salinas Cristian , Lohith Talakad G , Purohit Ajay , Struyk Arie , Sur Cyrille , Bennacef Idriss , Beaver John , Martarello Laurent
Published: November 2019

[18F]MK-6240 is a selective, high-affinity PET radiotracer for imaging neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we report test–retest (T–RT) reproducibility of [18F]MK-6240 in AD and healthy volunteers (HV). Twelve subjects with AD and three cognitively normal HV were enrolled in the study and dynamically scanned for 150 min with [18F]MK-6240 under a T–RT protocol. Two radioactivity doses were investigated: 165 ± 3 MBq (n = 6) and 300 ± 40 MBq (n = 9). Serial arterial blood samples were taken for each scan to obtain metabolite-corrected input functions. Following intravenous administration of [18F]MK-6240, the tracer rapidly partitioned into the brain and its heterogenous distribution pattern was consistent with known NFT pathology in AD. In contrast, uptake in HV was low and uniform across the brain parenchyma. Across all subjects, average T–RT variabilities in NFT-rich regions were ∼21%, ∼14% and ∼6% for various quantitative metrics: total distribution volume (VT), binding potential (BPND), and standardized uptake ratio (SUVR90–120), respectively. No significant differences in SUVR T–RT variability were observed between the high and low injected radioactivity groups (5.6% and 6.1%, respectively). This work suggests [18F]MK-6240 has adequate SUVR T–RT characteristics supporting the use of this outcome in future studies.
The JCBFM Symposium at BRAIN 2019
Authors: Dijkhuizen Rick M
Published: November 2019

A symposium dedicated to the readership of the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism was organized by the Journal’s editorial team at the BRAIN 2019 meeting in Yokohama, Japan. The JCBFM Symposium offered excellent presentations by two top-cited authors and two Associate Editors, with topics ranging from basic science to clinical studies, followed by stimulating discussion with the audience. Hence, the JCBFM Symposium was a great example of committed participation of authors, editors and readers of the Journal, who all contribute to the advancement of translational neurovascular research.
Sensorless control of wind power generator with flywheel energy storage system
Authors: Hocine L , Menaa M , Yazid K
Published: November 2019

For the purpose of sensorless low-speed control of direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator–based wind power systems, a technique based on the rotating high-frequency voltage-signal injection is discussed in this article, which improves the efficiency of the method and eliminates the phase shift introduced by traditional filters; band pass and low-pass filters are replaced by an extended complex Kalman filter algorithm. In addition, a flywheel energy storage system based on a squirrel cage induction machine is connected with the wind power generator by a DC bus through two power converters. For sensorless control of the induction machine, a rotor speed estimation method based on the extended complex Kalman filter is established. Finally, network connection interface of the complete system is presented and the efficiency of the proposed sensorless control of the whole chain of wind power generation is shown by numerical simulations using MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Production of complex shape magnets using additive manufacturing: A state-of-the-art analysis
Authors: Silva Thiago Felipe Vieira , Stoppa Marcelo Henrique
Published: November 2019

Additive manufacturing has been gaining ground both in the industry and in the academic world due to its flexibility, easy operation, and the possibility of making products in the most varied formats. Also, it can be observed that magnets are largely produced using a sintering process, although it results in high (BH)max, this process is very limited in relation to the shapes of the magnets, thus, additive manufacturing can be used to produce complex shaped magnets. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the state of the art regarding the applied methods to produce permanent magnets and materials for magnet production. Considering this, a literature review was conducted using the methodology called mapping study to select the articles to be used, thus, demonstrating that the main compound used as the magnetic particle is NdFeB alloy powder. Finally, it can be concluded that the magnets produced by additive manufacturing have lower (BH)max than those produced by sintering processes, which despite having high filling capacity of magnetic particles increases the magnet’s magnetic capacity, limits their shape, those by manufacturing magnets can be produced with complex shapes, the heating temperature may reduce the maximum energy, and the coercive force improves it.
Higher education and start-up intentions: The role of intellectual capital in entrepreneurial processes
Authors: Matricano Diego
Published: November 2019

This article investigates the influence that attending university classes can have on entrepreneurial processes leading to the creation of start-ups. In particular, attention is focused on the three main components of intellectual capital (IC) – human, relational and structural capital – that individuals can develop in university classes and that can affect their intentions with regard to entrepreneurship. From an empirical point of view, the article tests whether human, relational and structural capital have a different impact on start-up expectations by comparing young university students, young graduates and older people. The statistical analysis is based on binomial logistic regression models and uses second-hand data retrieved from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor website and provided by 2000 Italian respondents. The results reveal noticeable differences between young university students, young graduates and older people, indicating that IC components affecting entrepreneurship processes do vary in relation to the profiles of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Monitoring tool wear using wavelet package decomposition and a novel gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine model
Authors: Kong Dongdong , Chen Yongjie , Li Ning
Published: November 2019

Monitoring tool wear has drawn much attention recently since tool failure will make it hard to guarantee the surface integrity of workpieces and the stability of manufacturing process. In this paper, the integrated approach that combines wavelet package decomposition, least square support vector machine, and the gravitational search algorithm is proposed for monitoring the tool wear in turning process. Firstly, the wavelet package decomposition is utilized to decompose the original cutting force signals into multiple sub-bands. Root mean square of the wavelet packet coefficients in each sub-band are extracted as the monitoring features. Then, the gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine model is constructed by using the extracted wavelet–domain features so as to identify the tool wear states. Eight sets of cutting experiments are conducted to prove the superiority of the proposed integrated approach. The experimental results show that the wavelet–domain features can help to ameliorate the performance of the gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine model. Besides, gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine performs better than gravitational search algorithm–support vector machine in prediction accuracy of tool wear states even in the case of small-sized training data set and the time consumption of parameters optimization in gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine is less than that of gravitational search algorithm–support vector machine under large-sized training data set. What's more, the gravitational search algorithm–least square support vector machine model outperforms some other related methods for tool wear estimation, such as k-NN, feedforward neural network, classification and regression tree, and linear discriminant analysis.
Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency combined with lateral and/or medial meniscal injury results in abnormal kinematics and kinetics during level walking
Authors: Liu Xiaode , Huang Hongshi , Yin Wei , Ren Shuang , Rong Qiguo , Ao Yingfang
Published: November 2019

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are commonly combined with meniscal tears. This study was performed to analyze the kinematics and kinetics of knees with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency with or without a combined medial or/and lateral meniscal injury during level walking. In all, 29 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and 15 healthy male volunteers were recruited. Among these patients, 12 had isolated unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injuries (ACLD group), 5 had combined anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscal injuries (ACLDL group), 5 had combined anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscal injuries (ACLDM group), and 7 had combined anterior cruciate ligament and medial/lateral meniscal injuries (ACLDML group). A subject-specific musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model was utilized to estimate the tibiofemoral joint kinematic and kinetic behaviors based on the experimental data measured by using an optical tracking system. Regardless of the presence or absence of meniscal injury, the knees with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency exhibited significantly less extension than the control knees at the terminal stance (range of extension: ACLD, 4.84° ± 4.31°; ACLDL, 6.65° ± 5.73°; ACLDM, 5.21° ± 4.77°; ACLDML, 6.91° ± 4.30°; control, 12.35° ± 5.52°; P < 0.05). A lower extension moment and adduction moment in all anterior cruciate ligament deficiency affected knees were detected during the terminal stance when compared with control knees ( P < 0.05). The ACLDML group showed significantly lower proximal-distal compressive forces and anterior-posterior shear forces (approximately 0.5–1.5 body weight; P < 0.05) compared to the other 4 groups, while the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral shear forces tended to increase in the ACLD, ACLDL, and ACLDM groups at the mid to terminal stance. Significant lower adduction-abduction and internal-external moment peaks were observed in ACLDML groups, but not in the ACLD, ACLDL and ACLDM groups. These results indicate that the combination of an anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscal injury could alter the kinematics and kinetics of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency affected knees depending on the presence and type of the meniscal tear.
Cost-effectiveness of a melanoma screening programme using whole disease modelling
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Rivera Michele , Girardi Giovanni , Vecchiato Antonella , Rebba Vincenzo , Pizzo Elena , Sileni Vanna Chiarion , Palozzo Angelo Claudio , Montesco Maria , Zorzi Manuel , Sartor Gino , Scioni Manuela , Bolzan Mario , Fiore Paolo Del , Bonavina Maria Giuseppina , Rugge Massimo , Baldo Vincenzo , Rossi Carlo Riccardo
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the potential impact of a melanoma screening programme, compared with usual care, on direct costs and life expectancy in the era of targeted drugs and cancer immunotherapy.

Methods

Using a Whole Disease Model approach, a Markov simulation model with a time horizon of 25 years was devised to analyse the cost-effectiveness of a one-time, general practitioner-based melanoma screening strategy in the population aged over 20, compared with no screening. The study considered the most up-to-date drug therapy and was conducted from the perspective of the Veneto regional healthcare system within the Italian National Health Service. Only direct costs were considered. Sensitivity analyses, both one-way and probabilistic, were performed to identify the parameters with the greatest impact on cost-effectiveness, and to assess the robustness of our model.

Results

Over a 25-year time horizon, the screening intervention dominated usual care. The probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. The key drivers of the model were the proportion of melanomas detected by the screening procedure and the adherence of the target population to the screening programme.

Conclusions

The screening programme proved to be a dominant option compared with usual care. These findings should prompt serious consideration of the design and implementation of a regional or national melanoma screening strategy within a National Health Service.
Revisiting vicarious liability in sexual harassment cases heard under the Sex Discrimination Act
Authors: Easteal Patricia , Saunders Skye
Published: November 2019

This article considers recent trends in the judicial interpretation of workplace vicarious liability provisions with respect to sexual harassment matters under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) ( SDA). In a study undertaken by the authors in 2008, we found that the Federal Court and Federal Magistrates Court appeared to be taking a ‘broad-brush’ approach in interpreting employers’ duty to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment and defining ‘in connection with employment’. The authors update that analysis and evaluate a sample of cases from 2011 to 2018, concluding that it is possible the Courts are approaching these legislative elements of vicarious liability with an increasingly narrow brush.
The Crime–Immigration Nexus: Cultural Alignment and Structural Influences in Self-Reported Serious Youth Delinquent Offending Among Migrant and Native Youth
Authors: van der Gaag Renske S.
Published: November 2019

Young people with a migrant background are often overrepresented in crime statistics. This study used data from the third International Self-Report Delinquency (ISRD3) study to examine to what extent cultural alignment—cultural resemblance between host and heritage country—and structural influences—socioeconomic starting position and related disadvantage—mediated differences in offending between native students and students of four different migrant backgrounds—Western, Post-Communist, Asian, Middle Eastern—in five Western European countries. This study showed that all migrant groups, except for the Asian group, had significantly higher lifetime serious offending rates than native students. Opposed to the expectations, however, the Western group with the highest levels of cultural alignment—suggesting easier adaptation to the host country—also had the highest offending rates. In the mediation analysis, cultural alignment and structural disadvantage did not satisfactorily explain the relatively large differences in offending between Western and native students and further research would be needed to better understand these differences. In contrast, for the Middle Eastern group, structural disadvantage fully explained differences in offending with native students, also when accounting for cultural alignment; in other words, mechanisms related to structural disadvantage—for example, exposure to risks of delinquent development—for this group appeared to be more determining in explaining differences in offending with natives than their level of cultural alignment or background. For Asian and Post-Communist students, structural disadvantage mediated the largest part of the difference in offending with natives, but cultural alignment for these groups also explained part of this difference. This finding suggests that for these two groups mechanisms related to both cultural alignment—for example, acculturation processes, higher probability of parent–child conflict, and so on—and structural disadvantage are needed to understand differences in offending with native students.
Classroom Heterogeneity, Immigration Background, and Juvenile Delinquency in Switzerland: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Siegmunt Olga , Lukash Anastasiia
Published: November 2019

In this article, we explore the relationship between the heterogeneity of secondary school classes and juvenile delinquency. The heterogeneity of school classes was measured by calculating the Herfindahl index of variety in students’ immigration background. The index was composed of three groups: natives, first-generation immigrants, and second-generation immigrants. Involvement in 13 forms of juvenile delinquency, committed during the last 12 months, was our independent variable. The offenses were grouped into minor, violent, and property offenses. The data analyzed the national class-based sample of seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students in Switzerland ( n = 4,158) and were collected in 2013 within the framework of the Third International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD3). In general, it was found that juveniles are more likely to commit offenses when they attend school classes with higher heterogeneity, regardless of the nature of the heterogeneity (i.e., mixture of natives, first-generation immigrants, or second-generation immigrants). Within the bivariate analysis, the heterogeneity of school classes relates significantly to involvement in graffiti, vandalism, shoplifting, group fight, robbery, burglary, bicycle theft, vehicle theft, and personal theft. After statistically controlling for gender and school grade, effects of class heterogeneity persist for selected offenses.
Use of Licensed Vocational Nurses in California Schools: A Descriptive Study
Authors: McClanahan Rachel , Weismuller Penny C. , Johnson Sandra
Published: November 2019

The demand for schools to provide complex health-care services for students with chronic conditions has induced districts to hire licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Questions remain about how overlapping responsibilities and skills of nursing staff works to facilitate care. The purpose of this mixed-methods descriptive study was to examine the use of LVNs to identify factors related to the supports and impediments to school nurse (SN) practice. The sample consisted of members of the California School Nurse Organization, and methodologies consisted of an online survey and one-on-one interviews. LVNs perform duties within their scope of practice, allowing SNs time for activities related to the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing PracticeTM, confirming appropriate use, and alignment with National Association of School Nurses guidance on the utilization of LVNs. Identified areas of concern included role definition and orientation and supervision of the LVN. Insights into best practices for the effective addition of the LVN to the team are provided.
Digitoxin Attenuates Heart Failure, Reduces Myocardial Hypertrophy, and Preserves the Calcium-Binding Proteins in Infarcted Rats
Authors: Picollo Camila T. , Santos Alexandra A. dos , Antonio Ednei L. , Silva Jairo M. A. , Bocalini Danilo , Serra Andrey Jorge , Ihara Silvia S. M. , Tucci Paulo J. F.
Published: November 2019

We previously showed that digitoxin prolongs the survival of rats with heart failure due to myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we evaluated the effect of digitoxin on myocardial structure, ventricular function, and proteins involved in calcium kinetics. Seventy-two rats with MI >35% of the left ventricle were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: sham (n = 15), digitoxin (n = 11), infarction (n = 20), and infarction + digitoxin (n = 26). The rats were assessed 120 days after surgery by echocardiogram, hemodynamics, papillary muscle mechanics, collagen content, cardiomyocyte nuclear volume, and Western blot analysis of proteins involved in calcium kinetics. Digitoxin was administered via the rat chow. Two-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons. Myocardial infarction caused inotropic impairment, pulmonary congestion, increase of nuclear volume, myocardial collagen, and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger levels, and decreased SERCA2 and phosphorylated phospholamban levels. Treatment with digitoxin showed improvements in cardiac remodeling, inotropism, ventricular performance, pulmonary congestion, collagen accumulation, nuclear volume, and proteins involved in calcium kinetics. In rats with heart failure due to MI, long-term treatment with digitoxin attenuates congestive heart failure, mitigates myocardial remodeling and contractile impairment, and preserves myocardial levels of proteins involved in calcium kinetics.
Modified precise direct time integration method for the transient response analysis of viscoelastic systems using an internal variable model
Authors: Abbasi Taufeeq Ur Rehman , Zheng Hui
Published: November 2019

Engineering systems for different levels of energy dissipation use internal variable models, which may lead to tremendous problems in accurate analysis. This article aims to provide an alternative direct integration method for the analysis of systems involving an anelastic displacement field model. A new state-space formulation built on an augmented set of anelastic variables for asymmetric systems is developed. Then, a precise time integration method based on state-space matrix formulation is proposed by introducing a Legendre–Gauss quadrature. The new integration method in terms of numerical stability and its implementation is discussed. The effect of sensitivity of the selection of the time-step and computational time on the performance of the new method is investigated by using a multi-degree-of-freedom system. The performance of the new method is also evaluated in terms of both computational accuracy and efficiency at higher degrees of freedom by using a continuum system. It is demonstrated that the computational accuracy and efficiency of the new method on large-scale problems are higher than that of the direct integration linear displacement–velocity method.
“Night Hawks” Watching Over the City: Redeployment of Night Watchmen and the Politics of Public Space in Turkey
Authors: Batuman Bülent , Erkip Feyzan
Published: November 2019

Technological advances have enormously increased surveillance techniques in the last three decades. In this article, we scrutinize the re-instatement of bekçi, the traditional night watchmen patrolling the residential neighborhoods in Turkey, which was obsolete for decades. We analyze the re-emergence of the bekçi in relation to the dynamics of urbanization, and with a perspective of power and surveillance. Our discussion bridges the Foucauldian notion of “visibility,” equating it with being subject to surveillance, and the Arendtian emphasis on “appearance” as the precondition for a claim to public space (hence, citizenship) in order the uncover the role of visibility within the mechanisms of power in public space. We argue that although the bekçi seems outmoded, especially within the context of ever-increasing advancement of surveillance technologies; its recent deployment in the public spaces of Turkish metropolises brings about new modes of politics of visibility parallel to the changing modality of the urban environment.
Tribological and thermal properties of a crowned gear pair with high-speed and heavy-load in thermal micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Xiao Zeliang , Shi Xi
Published: November 2019

The oil film stiffness, temperature rise of oil film, flash temperature and frictional loss ratio of a crowned gear pair with non-Newtonian transient thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rough surfaces in high-speed and heavy-load operating conditions are investigated. The pressure, film thickness, coefficient of friction and temperature rise are calculated along the action line of spur gears to verify the validity of full numerical solution. Subsequently, the effects of high-speed, heavy-load and roughness on those tribological and thermal properties of a crowned gear drive are discussed. The results show that in high-speed, heavy-load and rough surface contact, the crown modification is in favor of stability improvement of gear drive due to smoother curve of oil film stiffness. The temperature rise of the oil film and flash temperature on tooth surface are quite high which are prone to result in gear scuffing. Moreover, small flash temperature and frictional loss ratio occur in the domains near the start of active profile and the tip due to the effect of crown modification.
Novel fiber-reinforced polymer cross wrapping strengthening technique: A comparative study
Authors: Zeng Jun-Jie , Duan Zhi-Jian , Guo Yong-Chang , Xie Zhi-Hong , Li Li-Juan
Published: November 2019

This article presents a comparative study on behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer–confined concrete in axially loaded circular columns strengthened using three different fiber-reinforced polymer partial wrapping strengthening schemes: the fiber-reinforced polymer ring wrapping, the fiber-reinforced polymer strip helical wrapping, and the novel fiber-reinforced polymer strip cross helical wrapping. The test results show that at an identical confinement ratio, the strength enhancement efficiency of the fiber-reinforced polymer strip helical wrapping is slightly weaker than those of the other two strengthening schemes, while the strain enhancement efficiency of the fiber-reinforced polymer strip helical wrapping is the strongest among the three strengthening schemes. An analysis-oriented stress–strain model is proposed for the confined concrete with fiber-reinforced polymer partial wrapping, and the comparisons show that the model is capable to provide satisfactory predictions on stress–strain behavior of confined concrete with fiber-reinforced polymer partial wrapping.
Racist mobilisation and sexualisation in the ‘refugee debate’ in Germany
Authors: Köttig Michaela , Sigl Johanna
Published: November 2019

In our article, we focus on the racist mobilisations that are reflected in the so-called refugee debate in Germany. Special emphasis is placed on the discussion around real and supposed sexualised violence from (young) male refugees towards girls and women. Based on selected examples (Night of New Year’s Eve in Cologne 2015/16, Women’s March and protests after migrant murders of women), we analyse the racialisation of sexism that is being undertaken by the far right, but is being increasingly supported in large parts of society. To explain this phenomenon, we adopt a historical perspective considering Germany’s colonial past and the period of National Socialism.
Parents’ experiences of abuse by their adult children with drug problems
Authors: Svensson Bengt , Richert Torkel , Johnson Björn
Published: November 2019

Aims:

To examine parents’ experiences of abuse directed at them by their adult children with drug problems.

Material and Method:

The material consists of 32 qualitative interviews on child-to-parent abuse with 24 mothers and eight fathers. The interviewees had experienced verbal abuse (insults), emotional abuse (threats), financial abuse (damage to property and possessions) and physical abuse (physical violence).

Findings:

In the parents’ narratives, the parent-child interaction is dominated by the child’s destructive drug use, which the parents are trying to stop. This gives rise to conflicts and ambivalence. The parents’ accounts seem to function as explaining and justifying their children’s disruptive behavior in view of the drug use. The fact that an external factor - drugs - is blamed seems to make it easier to repair the parent-child bonds. The parents differentiate between the child who is sober and the child who is under the influence of drugs, that is, between the genuine child and the fake, unreal child. The sober child is a person that the parent likes and makes an effort for. The child who is on drugs is erratic, at times aggressive and self-destructive.

Conclusions:

The interviewed parents’ well-being is perceived as directly related to how their children’s lives turn out. The single most important factor in improving the parents’ situation is to find a way for their adult child to live their lives without drug problems.
Gender relations in the workplace: The experience of female managers in African harbours
Authors: Primecz Henriett , Karjalainen Helena
Published: November 2019

Scholarship on women in management has been dominated by White Western women, rendering African women management research largely invisible. Consequently, we know very little about female managers in African contexts. This study advances knowledge of the career obstacles, work–life balance issues and leadership styles of African women leaders, by presenting testimonies based on exploratory qualitative interviews with 26 female port managers from two North African countries and eight sub-Saharan countries. The findings show that the interviewees in this sample are not subjugated women on the periphery of their societies. Rather, they are active agents who are capable of producing effective professional identities and mostly represent middle- or upper-class women in their societies. Although they face similar issues as those identified in previous women in management literature, including subtle or overt discrimination, work–life balance difficulties and a lack of recognition from male counterparts, their situation differs slightly from those in the West owing to their cultural, historical and religious context.
The importance of team psychological safety climate for enhancing younger team members’ innovation-related behaviors in South Korea
Authors: Moake Timothy R , Oh Nahyun , Steele Clarissa R
Published: November 2019

Indigenous cultural nuances such as age-related hierarchies in South Korea have the potential to impact workers’ engagement in innovation-related behaviors (IRBs). We use self-categorization theory to examine both the relationship between employee age and IRBs and the cross-level interaction effects of team psychological safety climate. Using a multilevel sample of 282 South Korean employees working in 65 teams across 45 different organizations in various industries, we find that team psychological safety climate moderates the relationship between age and engaging in IRBs. More specifically, we find that when teams have a weaker psychological safety climate, age is positively related to engaging in IRBs. However, when teams have a stronger psychological safety climate, age is not related to engaging in IRBs. We discuss the implications of these findings for innovation and managing work teams in Eastern contexts.