bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music enables the holistic development and discovery of self: A phenomenological study of two Christian musicians
Authors: Fung Annabella S. K.
Published: September 2016

Music draws on body, space, time and relationships to offer a sacred experience. Musicking makes personal, social, emotional and spiritual connections with people. Cultural identity is formed through the arts, and the spirituality in music is a medium through which people explore their identities. This study examines how music facilitates the holistic development of two Melbourne-born Chinese-Australian Christian musicians. The Confucian Evolving Self Model, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, and music education aims offer conceptualising scaffolds to illuminate their self-discovery. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to report on multiple semi-structured interviews undertaken over three years. This study considered the interaction of various value systems – the fusion of Confucianism, Christian and psychological cultures in the process of musical development and identity formation. It fills a research gap and complements existing approaches to understanding the social contexts influencing the acquisition of musical skills and musicians’ occupational choices. The permissive parenting that both participants experienced might account for them being able to follow a career in music without familial resistance. The current findings can advocate for music education because the spiritual aspects of musical experiences were perceived as a mirror in fostering the holistic development of both participants.
Tuning in to others: Exploring relational and collective bonding in singing and non-singing groups over time
Authors: Pearce Eiluned , Launay Jacques , MacCarron Pádraig , Dunbar Robin I. M.
Published: September 2016

Although it has been shown that singing together encourages faster social bonding to a group compared with other activities, it is unknown whether this group-level “collective” bonding is associated with differences in the ties formed between individual singers and individuals engaging in other activities (“relational” bonding). Here we present self-report questionnaire data collected at three time points over the course of seven months from weekly singing and non-singing (creative writing and crafts) adult education classes. We compare the proportion of classmates with whom participants were connected and the social network structure between the singing and non-singing classes. Both singers and creative writers show a steeper increase over time in relational bonding measured by social network density and the proportion of their classmates that they could name, felt connected with, and talked to during class compared to crafters, but only the singers show rapid collective bonding to the class-group as a whole. Together, these findings indicate that the process of creating a unitary social group does not necessarily rely on the creation of personal relationships between its individual members. We discuss these findings in the light of social cohesion theory and social identity theory.
Does the Victim–Offender Relationship Matter? Exploring the Sentencing of Female Homicide Offenders
Authors: Kim Bitna , Gerber Jurg , Kim Yeonghee
Published: September 2016

Empirical research pertaining to sentencing of homicide offenders has been restricted almost exclusively to samples of male offenders in the United States. To fill this void in international research and to explore questions regarding the treatment of female homicide offenders further, we examined the extent to which victim–offender relationships and motives independently affect the length of sentences imposed by analyzing a nationally representative sample of female offenders adjudicated guilty of homicide in South Korea, over the period 1986-2013. In contrast to previous studies conducted in Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States, the current study found that the victim–offender relationship has no affect on sentence lengths. Rather, the most significant predictor for the sentence lengths of the female homicide offenders was the motive for killing. We discuss future directions for international comparative research on the roles of victim–offender relationships and motives in sentencing outcomes of female offenders.
Condom-Insistence Conflict in Women’s Alcohol-Involved Sexual Encounters With a New Male Partner
Authors: Bryan Amanda E. B. , Norris Jeanette , Abdallah Devon Alisa , Zawacki Tina , Morrison Diane M. , George William H. , Davis Kelly C. , Danube Cinnamon L. , Stappenbeck Cynthia A.
Published: September 2016

First-time sexual intercourse with a new male partner, relative to other sexual encounters, is associated with heightened risk to women for contracting sexually transmitted infections. Little is known, however, about women’s condom-related decision-making processes during these first-time sexual encounters. In the present study, we surveyed a community sample of 179 women aged 18–30 about their alcohol consumption, desire to use a condom, perception of their partner’s desire to use a condom, condom-insistence conflict, and condom-decision abdication and use during their most recent alcohol-involved first-time sexual encounter with a new partner. With structural equation modeling, we tested a cognitive mediation model with various configurations of alcohol effects on abdication and condom use (direct, indirect, and moderator). A moderated mediation model fit the data best. Women experienced elevated condom-insistence conflict when they wanted to use a condom and perceived their partner did not; conflict, in turn, was associated with higher likelihood of abdication and lower likelihood of condom use. Higher alcohol intoxication attenuated the associations of desire to use a condom, and perceived partner’s desire to use a condom, with conflict. Results support an alcohol myopia-conflict inhibition-reduction model and emphasize the importance of sex education programs that not only teach young women about condom-related assertiveness and the effects of alcohol but also prepare them to respond to experiences of conflict that arise during sexual encounters.
Stiff Landings Are Associated With Increased ACL Injury Risk in Young Female Basketball and Floorball Players
Authors: Leppänen Mari , Pasanen Kati , Kujala Urho M. , Vasankari Tommi , Kannus Pekka , Äyrämö Sami , Krosshaug Tron , Bahr Roald , Avela Janne , Perttunen Jarmo , Parkkari Jari
Published: September 2016

Background:

Few prospective studies have investigated the biomechanical risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between biomechanical characteristics of vertical drop jump (VDJ) performance and the risk of ACL injury in young female basketball and floorball players.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

At baseline, a total of 171 female basketball and floorball players (age range, 12-21 years) participated in a VDJ test using 3-dimensional motion analysis. The following biomechanical variables were analyzed: (1) knee valgus angle at initial contact (IC), (2) peak knee abduction moment, (3) knee flexion angle at IC, (4) peak knee flexion angle, (5) peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF), and (6) medial knee displacement. All new ACL injuries, as well as match and training exposure, were then recorded for 1 to 3 years. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results:

Fifteen new ACL injuries occurred during the study period (0.2 injuries/1000 player-hours). Of the 6 factors considered, lower peak knee flexion angle (HR for each 10° increase in knee flexion angle, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.88) and higher peak vGRF (HR for each 100-N increase in vGRF, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09-1.45) were the only factors associated with increased risk of ACL injury. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.6 for peak knee flexion and 0.7 for vGRF, indicating a failed-to-fair combined sensitivity and specificity of the test.

Conclusions:

Stiff landings, with less knee flexion and greater vGRF, in a VDJ test were associated with increased risk of ACL injury among young female basketball and floorball players. However, although 2 factors (decreased peak knee flexion and increased vGRF) had significant associations with ACL injury risk, the ROC curve analyses revealed that these variables cannot be used for screening of athletes.
Occupational exposure to the municipal solid waste workers in Chandigarh, India
Authors: Ravindra Khaiwal , Kaur Kamalpreet , Mor Suman
Published: September 2016

Manual handling of municipal solid waste is of serious concern owing to emerging occupational risks. Considering this, health risks of municipal solid waste workers involved in street sweeping, waste collection, waste processing and rag picking were assessed in Chandigarh, India, using an interview schedule as a study tool. Result shows that the waste worker profession is mainly dominated by males, except in rag pickers, and with a lower literacy rate. Age distribution shows that 16% of waste collectors and 11% of rag pickers were below 18 years of age. Daily income of the waste workers ranges from ₹100 to ₹200. It was observed that 22.2% of waste collectors, 43.2% of street sweepers and 25.5% of rag pickers do not use any type of protective gears owing to their casual attitude, which results in various types of injuries. The major occupational health issues reported by various categories of waste workers were respiratory disorders, injuries and allergies having prevalence of 12.3%–17.6%, 4.9%–44.4% and 35.3%–48.9%, respectively. Waste workers are vulnerable to occupational health hazards and hence there is a need to safeguard them through formulation of new laws and policies.
Sustainability assessment and prioritisation of bottom ash management in Macao
Authors: Sou WI , Chu Andrea , Chiueh PT
Published: September 2016

In Macao, about 7200 t yr−1 of bottom ash (BA) is generated and conventionally landfilled with construction waste. Because the properties of BA are similar to those of natural aggregates, it is suitable to be recycled as construction material. However, pre-treatment processes for BA reuse may require more resource input and may generate additional environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment, multi-media transport model analysis, cost–benefit analysis and the analytical hierarchy process were conducted to evaluate the impacts of current and potential BA management scenarios regarding environmental, economic, social and regulatory aspects. The five analysed scenarios are as follows: (0) BA buried with construction and demolition waste (current system); (1) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of the natural aggregate in asphalt concrete; (2) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of the natural aggregate in cement concrete; (3) pre-treated BA used to replace 25% of cement in cement concrete; and (4) pre-treated BA sent to China, blended with municipal solid waste for landfill. The results reveal the following ranking of the scenarios: 3 > 2 > 0 > 1 > 4. Scenario 3 shows the best conditions for BA recycling, because the quantity of cement concrete output is the highest and this brings the greatest economic benefits. Our use of integrated analysis provides multi-aspect investigations for BA management systems, particularly in accounting for site-specific characteristics. This approach is suitable for application in other non-western regions.
Construction and demolition waste generation rates for high-rise buildings in Malaysia
Authors: Mah Chooi Mei , Fujiwara Takeshi , Ho Chin Siong
Published: September 2016

Construction and demolition waste continues to sharply increase in step with the economic growth of less developed countries. Though the construction industry is large, it is composed of small firms with individual waste management practices, often leading to the deleterious environmental outcomes. Quantifying construction and demolition waste generation allows policy makers and stakeholders to understand the true internal and external costs of construction, providing a necessary foundation for waste management planning that may overcome deleterious environmental outcomes and may be both economically and environmentally optimal. This study offers a theoretical method for estimating the construction and demolition project waste generation rate by utilising available data, including waste disposal truck size and number, and waste volume and composition. This method is proposed as a less burdensome and more broadly applicable alternative, in contrast to waste estimation by on-site hand sorting and weighing. The developed method is applied to 11 projects across Malaysia as the case study. This study quantifies waste generation rate and illustrates the construction method in influencing the waste generation rate, estimating that the conventional construction method has a waste generation rate of 9.88 t 100 m−2, the mixed-construction method has a waste generation rate of 3.29 t 100 m−2, and demolition projects have a waste generation rate of 104.28 t 100 m−2.
Microfoundations in international relations
Authors: Kertzer Joshua D.
Published: September 2016

Many of our theories of international politics rely on microfoundations. In this short note, I suggest that although there has been increasing interest in microfoundations in international relations (IR) over the past 20 years, the frequency with which the concept is invoked belies a surprising lack of specificity about what microfoundations are, or explicit arguments about why we should study them. I then offer an argument about the value of micro-level approaches to the study of conflict. My claim is not that all theories of IR need to be developed or tested at the micro-level in order to be satisfying, but rather, that many of our theories in IR already rest on lower-level mechanisms—they either leave these assumptions unarticulated or fail to test them directly. In these circumstances, theorizing and testing micro-level dynamics will be especially helpful. I illustrate my argument using the case of resolve, one of the central explanatory variables in the study of international security. I argue that the absence of microfoundations for resolve is one reason why IR scholars have had difficulties testing whether resolve has the effects we often claim, and sketch out a two-stage research design political scientists can use to study unobservable phenomena.
Bio-printing cell-laden Matrigel–agarose constructs
Authors: Fan Rong , Piou Marine , Darling Evan , Cormier Denis , Sun Jun , Wan Jiandi
Published: September 2016

3D printing of biological architectures that mimic the structural and functional features of in vivo tissues is of great interest in tissue engineering and the development of transplantable organ constructs. Printable bio-inks that are compatible with cellular activities play critical roles in the process of 3D bio-printing. Although a variety of hydrogels have been used as bio-inks for 3D bio-printing, they inherit poor mechanical properties and/or the lack of essential protein components that compromise their performance. Here, a hybrid Matrigel–agarose hydrogel system has been demonstrated that possesses both desired rheological properties for bio-printing and biocompatibility for long-term (11 days) cell culture. The agarose component in the hybrid hydrogel system enables the maintenance of 3D-printed structures, whereas Matrigel provides essential microenvironments for cell growth. When human intestinal epithelial HCT116 cells are encapsulated in the printed Matrigel–agarose constructs, high cell viability and proper cell spreading morphology are observed. Given that Matrigel is used extensively for 3D cell culturing, the developed 3D-printable Matrigel–agarose system will open a new way to construct Matrigel-based 3D constructs for cell culture and tissue engineering.
Production and characterization of hyaluronic acid microparticles for the controlled delivery of growth factors using a spray/dehydration method
Authors: Babo Pedro S , Reis Rui L , Gomes Manuela E
Published: September 2016

Hyaluronic acid is the main polysaccharide present in the connective tissue. Besides its structural function as backbone of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid plays staple roles in several biological processes including the modulation of inflammation and wound healing processes. The application of hyaluronic acid in regenerative medicine, either as cells and/or drug/growth factors delivery vehicles, relies on its ability to be cross-linked using a plethora of reactions, producing stable hydrogels. In this work, we propose a novel method for the production of hyaluronic acid microparticles that presents several advantages over others that have been used. Basically, droplets of hyaluronic acid solution produced with a nozzle are collected in an isopropanol dehydration bath, and stabilized after crosslinking with adipic acid dihydrazide, using a cabodiimide-based chemistry. The size and morphology of the hyaluronic acid microparticles produced by this method varied with the molecular weight and concentration of the hyaluronic acid solution, the nozzle chamber pressure, the distance between the nozzle and the crosslinking solution, and the number of crosslinking steps. The degree of crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid microparticles produced was tunable and allowed to control the rate of the degradation promoted by hyaluronidase. Moreover, the particles were loaded with platelet lysate, a hemoderivative rich in cytokines with interest for regenerative medicine applications. The hyaluronic acid microparticles showed potential to bind selectively to positively charged molecules, as the factors present in the platelet lysate. It is envisioned that these can be further released in a sustained manner by ion exchange or by the degradation of the hyaluronic acid microparticles matrix promoted by extracellular matrix remodeling.
Cognitive Distortions Among Sexual Offenders Against Women in Japan
Authors: Hazama Kyoko , Katsuta Satoshi
Published: September 2016

Research in Western countries has indicated that the cognitive distortions of sexual offenders play an etiological and maintenance role in offending. The present study examines whether the cognitive distortions hypothesized by previous Western studies can be found in Japanese sexual offenders against women. This study used the questionnaire administered by probation officers in the special cognitive-behavioral treatment programs for sexual offenders, which have been implemented since 2006 in Japan. Participants in the offender group were 80 Japanese male probationers and parolees (more than 19 years old, M age = 34.6, SD = 8.8) convicted of rape ( n = 39) or indecent assault ( n = 41). All of them attended special treatment programs at probation offices. The non-offender comparison group consisted of 95 Japanese male probation officers and police officers ( M age = 35.5, SD = 11.4). A factor analysis of the questionnaire responses extracted three factors: Blaming the Victim, Minimization, and Avoidance of Responsibility. The data analyses showed that sexual offenders scored significantly higher than non-offender participants on the three subscales. No significant differences were found among four sexual offender groups classified as rapists or indecent assaulters and with or without previous convictions for sexual offenses. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that rapists and indecent assaulters placed on probation or parole in Japan hold cognitive distortions concerning sexual assaults against women than the control group of probation and police officers. The findings of this study also suggest that cognitive distortions exhibited by sexual offenders against women transcend cultural divides.
Post-Discharge Needs of Victims of Gun Violence in Chicago: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Patton Desmond , Sodhi Aparna , Affinati Steven , Lee Jooyoung , Crandall Marie
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to understand the post-discharge needs of violently injured patients and their families to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of gun violence. We recruited 10 patients from the trauma registry of a Midwestern university hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center (L1TC). After obtaining the informed consent, semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted. Discussions focused on post-discharge needs and resources to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation process, and aid in community reintegration. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed thematically in stages of open, axial, and selective coding methods. Seven main themes were identified at the hospital and community level. These included the following: (a) feeling stigmatized by hospital personnel, (b) patient–provider communication, (c) feeling discharged too soon, (d) issues in obtaining medicines, (e) challenges with Chicago Police Department, (f) transportation to trauma center for follow-up care, and (g) concerns with returning back to the community. Patients reported the need for mental health counseling for themselves and their family, more follow-up, and help with financial paperwork among others. For the victims of gun violence, there exists a chasm between injury and care, and an even wider one between care and rehabilitation. The findings can inform health care, social workers, and rehabilitation professionals in their efforts to better address the myriad of unmet needs pre- and post-discharge. For trauma centers, the identified needs provide a template for developing an individualized- and community-centered resource pathway to improve outcomes and reduce suffering for this particularly vulnerable subset of patients.
The Currency of Connections
Authors: Engbers Trent , Rubin Barry M. , Aubuchon Craig
Published: September 2016

Proponents of social capital theory have long argued that it is not only in the best interest of civic life to build social capital but that social capital is vital for the economic health of communities. Yet past studies have failed to distinguish among different types of social capital and have relied on inaccurate measures of economic health. This study reexamines what has become conventional wisdom by analyzing the social capital of American metropolitan areas and its impact on economic well-being. It improves on past studies by examining different types of social capital (i.e., trust, group membership, social networks) and substituting the change in competitive-advantage jobs from shift-share analysis for total job growth and other traditional economic development measures of wealth creation. The study finds that bridging social capital positively affects the economic welfare of communities with respect to job creation.
Manufacturing procedure to make flat thermoplastic composite laminates by automated fibre placement and their mechanical properties
Authors: Van Hoa Suong , Duc Hoang Minh , Simpson Jeff
Published: September 2016

Automated fibre placement (AFP) is a relatively new process for the manufacturing of composite structures. Among many attractive features, it provides high-speed of material deposition, more repeatability in terms of quality of the part, less labour intensive (as compared with traditional methods of manufacturing such as Hand Lay-Up), less waste and the ability to transition more seamlessly from design to manufacturing. AFP can be used to process both thermoset composites and thermoplastic composites. Thermoplastic composites processing holds many potential benefits. This is because if the process is done right in producing parts with good quality, it is fast since it does not require a second process such as curing in an autoclave or oven. For the purpose of comparison of performance and for design, it is necessary to determine the mechanical properties of laminates made using this process. However, there are challenges in making flat coupons for the purpose of testing for mechanical properties. This article presents these challenges and the procedure developed to make flat laminates using a simple AFP machine. Mechanical properties of these laminates are also determined and compared with those obtained from laminates made using conventional autoclave moulding.
Effects of train bogie patterns on the mechanical performance of ballasted railway tracks with unsupported sleepers
Authors: Mosayebi Seyed-Ali , Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Esmaeili Morteza
Published: September 2016

The support condition of railway sleepers has a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of railway tracks due to the passing of different trains. One of the important issues in this regard relates to existing unsupported sleepers on the railway tracks. These sleepers cause changes in the dynamic responses of railway tracks under a moving train. In the literature, the effects of train bogie patterns on the behavior of tracks with and without unsupported sleepers have not been completely investigated till now. Therefore, the present study investigates this issue using numerical analyses. In this regard, first, a finite element model of a railway track is utilized, and the results are verified and validated against those of previous studies. Then, equations of three vehicle models are derived and their interactions with the track model are investigated. These models include vehicles without bogies and vehicles with two- and three-axle bogies. During the numerical analyses, the effects of the unsupported sleepers on the dynamic performance of the track are studied. Finally, based on the achieved numerical results, many regression equations are derived between the train axle loads with rail bending moments, sleeper displacements, and support forces for tracks.
Measurement and assessment of out-of-round electric locomotive wheels
Authors: Tao Gongquan , Wang Linfeng , Wen Zefeng , Guan Qinghua , Jin Xuesong
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a detailed investigation of out-of-round electric locomotive wheels through extensive measurement conducted at field sites. More than 2000 wheels, of seven types of locomotives widely used in China, have been measured since April 2013. The measurement results indicate that two types of freight traffic locomotives suffer serious polygonal wear problems with center wavelengths ranging from 160 to 315 mm. The dominating wavelength is 200 mm. Therefore, the investigations are mainly focused on the two locomotive types. The other types, which are taken for comparison, do not exhibit obvious polygonal wear. However, they exhibited more or less eccentricity. The effect of wheel re-profiling on the wheel polygon is also investigated and discussed. The dominating harmonic orders and center wavelengths after re-profiling are consistent with those before re-profiling at the correct circumstances, if the center wavelength of the polygonal wear is about 200 mm.
Output feedback observer-based dynamic surface controller for quadrotor UAV using quaternion representation
Authors: Dou Jingxin , Kong Xiangxi , Chen Xiaozhe , Wen Bangchun
Published: September 2016

An output feedback observer-based dynamic surface controller is presented for attitude tracking problem of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle, which is subject to measurement noise and external disturbances. The dynamics model of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle is firstly introduced with the quaternion representation. Subsequently, a nonlinear augmented observer is introduced for simultaneously estimating the unavailable states and uncertain disturbances from the measurement of system output. The output feedback controller based on the nonlinear augmented observer is designed with the dynamic surface control technique. The Lyapunov stability analysis shows that the attitude tracking performance is ensured and all signals of the closed-loop system remain bounded. Finally, simulative and experimental results are carried out to illustrate, compared with other observer-based controller, the effectiveness of the proposed method is better.
Discordant HIV DNA PCR results among infants diagnosed with HIV infection and initiated on ART: a case series
Authors: Jagtap Dhanashree D , Gawde Nilesh C , Kamble Suchit V , Sharma Ajay P , Paranjape Ramesh S
Published: September 2016

This case series reports three infants diagnosed with HIV-1 infection using DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The three children were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at ten, four and six months of age. Their serological tests at 18 months of age were negative for HIV-1. The first child was discontinued from ART. The other two children were HIV-negative after 18 months, but were continued on ART. Such seroreversion may be either due to viral suppression or false-positive DNA PCR results. There is a need to develop guidelines to address such discordant cases.
Insiders and outsiders on a European scale
Authors: Prosser Thomas
Published: September 2016

There is evidence of an emerging Europe-wide ‘insider–outsider’ divide. In parallel to the patterns of dualization within national industrial relations systems, ‘core’ European countries retain relatively low unemployment and contractual security, while ‘peripheral’ countries are increasingly marked by high levels of unemployment and contractual insecurity. I contend that such a system is in the interests of insiders in core countries. As a consequence of the capacity of bargaining regimes in core countries to achieve superior competitiveness, and the tendency for workers in these countries to be relatively indifferent to austerity, divergent outcomes result within the eurozone. In conclusion, I reflect on implications for dualization theory and EU cohesion.
An assessment of information literacy skills among first-year postgraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture Tanzania
Authors: Lwehabura Mugyabuso J. F.
Published: September 2016

This study was set to examine and identify some aspects of information literacy skills among postgraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture and determine challenges and problems facing them in terms of searching and use of various information resources. Systematic probability sampling and questionnaires were used to collect data from175 students out of 314 first-year postgraduate students registered. The findings showed that although information literacy exists among students, a good number of students demonstrated significant deficiency in their information literacy knowledge and skills in key aspects including searching for information from electronic sources, application of various information search techniques such as Boolean operators, use of truncation, synonyms and concept maps. Based on the findings, the paper recommends addressing the shortcomings found by introducing a mandatory information literacy course for both postgraduate and undergraduate students to ensure effective independent learning among students.
Factors affecting knowledge creation in academic libraries
Authors: Koloniari Maria , Vraimaki Eftichia , Fassoulis Kostas
Published: September 2016

Knowledge has been widely recognised as the most valuable asset of an organisation and the creation of new knowledge as a prerequisite for improving service quality and achieving innovation. The current study, adopting a business-oriented approach, aims to explore the factors that affect knowledge creation in Greek academic libraries. More specifically, building on the findings of a preliminary study, it empirically tests the influence of knowledge enablers, namely organisational culture, organisational structure, human resource management and information technology, on both knowledge-centred strategy implementation and knowledge creation, using structural equation modelling. The results suggest that libraries must develop and implement a knowledge-centred strategy, supported by the proper social and technological context, to achieve the creation of new knowledge. Organisational culture emerged as the most important influencing factor, thus indicating that library leaders must focus on building a knowledge-conducive culture, characterised by collaboration and trust.
Biological variation of 20 analytes measured in serum from clinically healthy domestic cats
Authors: Falkenö Ulrika , Hillström Anna , von Brömssen Claudia , Strage Emma M.
Published: September 2016

The applications of data on biological variation include assessment of the utility of population-based reference intervals, evaluation of the significance of change in serial results, and setting of analytical quality specifications. We investigated the biological variation of 19 biochemistry analytes and total T4, measured in serum from 7 clinically healthy domestic cats sampled once weekly for 5 weeks. Samples were frozen and analyzed in random order in the same analytical run. Results were analyzed for outliers, and the components of variance, subsequently generated by restricted maximum likelihood, were used to determine within-subject and between-subject variation (CVI and CVG, respectively), as well as analytical variation (CVA) for each analyte. Indices of individuality, reference change values, and analytical performance goals were calculated. The smallest CVI and CVG were found for calcium, chloride, and sodium, whereas the largest values were calculated for bile acids. Nine analytes (albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, creatinine, phosphate [phosphorus], total protein, total T4) demonstrated high individuality, indicating limited utility of population-based reference intervals. Individuality was low, and population-based reference intervals were thereby considered appropriate for 5 analytes (bile acids, calcium, fructosamine, glucose, potassium). The intermediate individuality observed for 4 analytes (creatine kinase, iron, magnesium, urea) indicated that population-based reference intervals should be used with caution.
Activity, specificity, and titer of naturally occurring canine anti–DEA 7 antibodies
Authors: Spada Eva , Proverbio Daniela , Baggiani Luciana , Canzi Ilaria , Perego Roberta
Published: September 2016

The reported prevalence of naturally occurring anti–dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 7 antibodies in DEA 7–negative dogs is as high as 50%. Characterization of these antibodies may better define their importance in canine transfusion medicine. We determined in vitro activity, specificity, and titer of anti–DEA 7 antibodies in DEA 7–negative dogs. Plasma samples from 317 DEA 7–negative dogs were cross-matched with DEA 7–positive red blood cells (RBCs) using gel column technology. Agglutination occurred with DEA 7–positive RBCs but not with DEA 7–negative RBCs in 73 samples (23%), which were hence classified as containing anti–DEA 7 antibodies. These samples were evaluated for hemolytic and agglutinating activity, strength of agglutination, and antibody specificity and titers. All samples showed agglutination but none showed hemolysis. Gel agglutination was graded as 1+ for 20 samples (27%), 2+ for 49 samples (67%), 3+ for 4 samples (6%); no samples were graded 4+. The agglutination titer was <1:2 for 51 samples (73%), 1:2 for 13 samples (19%), 1:4 for 4 samples (5%), and 1:8 for 2 samples (3%). Of 16 samples treated with 2-mercaptoethanol, 11 samples (69%) contained only IgM, 4 samples (25%) exhibited only IgG activity, and 1 sample (6%) had both IgG and IgM activity. Low titers of warm, weakly agglutinating, mostly naturally occurring IgM anti–DEA 7 antibodies were found in 23% of DEA 7–negative dogs. The presence of naturally occurring anti–DEA 7 antibodies suggests that cross-matching of canine blood recipients is advisable, even at first transfusion, to minimize delayed transfusion reactions.
Tuning of a piezoelectric vibration absorber attached to a damped structure
Authors: Soltani P , Kerschen G , Tondreau G , Deraemaeker A
Published: September 2016

The objective of this paper is to derive an approximate closed-form solution to the [Formula: see text] optimization of piezoelectric materials shunted with inductive-resistive passive electrical circuits in the presence of damping in the primary structure. To this end, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is utilized in which the zero-order solution is the recently-developed exact solution for an undamped primary system. Simplified, though accurate, expressions for the optimum frequency and damping ratios are also provided.
Global Social Entrepreneurship Competitions
Authors: Huster Karin , Petrillo Carl , O’Malley Gabrielle , Glassman Debra , Rush Jessica , Wasserheit Judith
Published: September 2016

A growing number of organizations have launched social entrepreneurship competitions to help students develop the knowledge and skills to create sustainable solutions to the intertwined challenges of health and development. We conducted a program evaluation of the first 9 years of the Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC) at the University of Washington to assess the outcome of participation. Method: We sent an e-mail survey to all GSEC participant finalists from 2005 to 2013. Responses to closed-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed for major themes. Results: Of the 111 finalist teams, 46% responded to the survey. Motivations for participating included prestige (77%), networking (62%), and mentoring (49%). Of respondents, 76.4% indicated their teams were interdisciplinary, having backgrounds in business (78%), engineering (39%), and health sciences (22%). Of the 19 teams awarded a prize, 12 subsequently launched their businesses. Most respondents (81.4%) felt GSEC helped them become better global social entrepreneurs. Conclusion: Evaluation results suggest that networking and mentoring are key benefits of participation, and that more could be done to increase health sciences students’ involvement. Further research is necessary to explore the global impact and social return on investment of these competitions.
Modelling low-cycle fatigue tests using a gradient-enhanced continuum damage model
Authors: da Costa Mattos Heraldo S
Published: September 2016

This study is concerned with the modelling of uniaxial low-cycle fatigue tests using a gradient-enhanced continuum damage model. The aim of the paper is to show that a simple but adequate description can be performed using such kind of phenomenological approach. The model accounts for the coupling between plasticity and damage, including a mathematically consistent description of the softening behaviour and size dependency. It successfully predicts low-cycle fatigue and can deal with regular cycles. A consistent procedure to identify experimentally the constitutive parameters that appear in the theory is proposed. Lifetime predictions for different loading amplitudes are compared with experimental data for two aluminium alloys showing a good agreement. The one-dimensional model can be interpreted as a particular version of a more general gradient-enhanced damage model, which is summarized at the end of the paper.
Terror on Repeat
Authors: Ouellet Marie , Bouchard Martin
Published: September 2016

Criminal and terrorist organizations often depend on repeat offenders to maintain the group’s longevity, especially after repeated law enforcement interventions. Yet, little is known about the offenders who perpetrate multiple incidents on behalf of a group. Relying on data for 118 terrorist offenders involved across eight attacks from 2000 to 2005, this study examines the correlates of repeat offending within a terrorist organization. Our main predictor, criminal social capital, is measured by the number and structure of co-offending ties. Poisson regression results demonstrate that offenders with a higher number of connections are more likely to be involved in multiple attacks; while offenders positioned as brokers—bridging otherwise unconnected others—are less likely to reoffend. In addition, being a leader and graduate education was associated with repeat offending. These findings suggest that selection is based on more than an offender’s skill set but also on their embeddedness within the group.
Hull mixed-model assembly line balancing using a multi-objective genetic algorithm simulated annealing optimization approach
Authors: Zhong Yu-guang
Published: September 2016

Hull assembly line balancing has significant impact on performance of shipbuilding system and is usually a multi-objective optimization problem. In this article, the primary objectives of the hull assembly line balancing are to minimize the number of workstations, to minimize the static load balancing index, to minimize the dynamic load balancing index between workstations, and to minimize the multi-station-associated complexity. Because this problem comes under combinatorial optimization category and is non-deterministic polynomial-time hard, an improved genetic algorithm simulated annealing is presented. In genetic algorithm simulated annealing, the task sequence numbers are used as chromosomes, and selection, crossover, and mutation operators only deal with the elements of task set instead of the ones of the problem space. In order to prevent the algorithm appearing early convergence or getting local optimal result, the simulated annealing algorithm is used to deal with the individuals. Meanwhile, the algorithm is embedded with the hierarchical scheduling tactics in order to solve the selection problem on optimal solution in the Pareto-optimal set. A number of benchmark problems are solved to prove the superior efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Finally, a case study of the optimization of a hull assembly line was given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.
Modeling General, Specific, and Method Variance in Personality Measures: Results for ZKA-PQ and NEO-PI-R
Authors: Abad Francisco J. , Sorrel Miguel A. , Garcia Luis Francisco , Aluja Anton
Published: September 2016

Contemporary models of personality assume a hierarchical structure in which broader traits contain narrower traits. Individual differences in response styles also constitute a source of score variance. In this study, the bifactor model is applied to separate these sources of variance for personality subscores. The procedure is illustrated using data for two personality inventories—NEO Personality Inventory–Revised and Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire. The inclusion of the acquiescence method factor generally improved the fit to acceptable levels for the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire, but not for the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised. This effect was higher in subscales where the number of direct and reverse items is not balanced. Loadings on the specific factors were usually smaller than the loadings on the general factor. In some cases, part of the variance was due to domains being different from the main one. This information is of particular interest to researchers as they can identify which subscale scores have more potential to increase predictive validity.
An Interactive, Graphical Tool for Retrospectively Assessing Symptom Frequency and Severity: An Illustration With Eating Disorder Behaviors, Body Weight, and Stress
Authors: De Young Kyle P. , Anderson Drew A.
Published: September 2016

There are few assessments that gather valid, highly detailed data on short-term (i.e., weekly) symptom frequency/severity retrospectively. In particular, methodologies that provide valid data for research investigating symptom changes are typically prospective, expensive, and burdensome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new interactive and graphical assessment tool for gathering detailed information about eating-related symptom frequency/severity retrospectively over a 3-month period. A mixed eating disorder sample ( N = 113) recruited from the community provided symptom data once weekly for 12 weeks and completed the Interactive, Graphical Assessment Tool (IGAT) assessing eating disorder symptoms on three occasions to determine the test–retest and concurrent validity of the IGAT. The IGAT performed marginally better than other measures for retrospective symptom frequency assessment in the eating disorders and did so at a greater level of detail than other available tools. Future research should evaluate the IGAT with other behaviors of interest.
Microfinance Participation and Marital Violence in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Murshid Nadine Shaanta , Zippay Allison
Published: September 2016

This study explores the experiences of marital violence within the context of microfinance participation among a sample of women living in poverty in Bangladesh. Status inconsistency theory suggests that the higher incomes and female independence that may occur with microfinance participation may threaten or destabilize marital norms in Bangladesh, and have implications in terms of increased violence. We use qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 30 women residing in a slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to assess the circumstances in which there may be an association between microfinance participation and marital violence and elucidate the context in which this interaction occurs.
Efficacy of Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) Occupational Therapy Intervention Among Children With ADHD: An RCT
Authors: Hahn-Markowitz Jeri , Berger Itai , Manor Iris , Maeir Adina
Published: September 2016

Objective: To examine the efficacy of a Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) intervention for children with ADHD. Method: Random allocation of 107 children to study or control groups preceded 10 parent–child weekly Cog-Fun sessions emphasizing executive strategy training in games and daily activities. Controls received treatment after crossover. Study participants were followed up 3 months post-treatment. Outcomes included parent/teacher ratings of executive functions, ADHD symptoms, and parent ratings of quality of life. Results: Eight children withdrew prior to treatment. All children in both groups who began treatment completed it. Mixed effects ANOVA revealed significant Time × Group interaction effects on all parent-reported outcomes. Treatment effects were moderate to large, replicated after crossover in the control group and not moderated by medication. Parent-reported treatment gains in the study group were maintained at follow-up. No significant Time × Group interaction effects were found on teacher outcomes. Conclusion: Cog-Fun occupational therapy (OT) intervention shows positive context-specific effects on parent, but not teacher, ratings.
Implementation of Lifestyle Modification Program Focusing on Physical Activity and Dietary Habits in a Large Group, Community-Based Setting
Authors: Stoutenberg Mark , Falcon Ashley , Arheart Kris , Stasi Selina , Portacio Francia , Stepanenko Bryan , Lan Mary L. , Castruccio-Prince Catarina , Nackenson Joshua
Published: September 2016

Background. Lifestyle modification programs improve several health-related behaviors, including physical activity (PA) and nutrition. However, few of these programs have been expanded to impact a large number of individuals in one setting at one time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a PA- and nutrition-based lifestyle modification program could be effectively conducted using a large group format in a community-based setting. Method. One hundred twenty-one participants enrolled in a 16-week, community-based lifestyle modification program and separated in small teams of 13 to 17 individuals. Height, weight, fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption, physical fitness, and several psychosocial measures were assessed before and after the program. Results. Significant improvements in 6-minute walk distance (+68.3 m; p < .001), chair stands (+6.7 repetitions; p < .001), FAV servings (+1.8 servings/day; p < .001), body weight (−3.2 lbs; p < .001), as well as PA social support and eating habits self-efficacy were observed. Our lifestyle modification program was also successful in shifting participants to higher levels of stages of change for nutrition and PA, increasing overall levels of self-efficacy for healthy eating, and improving levels of social support for becoming more active. Conclusions. A lifestyle modification program can be successfully implemented in a community setting using a large group format to improve PA and FAV attitudes and behaviors.