bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteocalcin and Osteonectin Expression in Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wehrle-Martinez A. S. , Dittmer K. E. , Aberdein D. , Thompson K. G.
Published: March 2016

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant heterogeneous primary bone tumor responsible for up to 90% of all primary bone tumors in dogs. In this study, osteocalcin (OC) and osteonectin (ON) immunoreactivity was evaluated in 23 canine OSAs, 4 chondrosarcomas, 4 fibrosarcomas, 2 hemangiosarcomas, and 4 histiocytic sarcomas. The effects of three different decalcification agents (ethylenediaminetetraetic acid [EDTA], formic acid and hydrochloric acid [HCl]) on the immunoreactivity for OC and ON was also assessed. Immunoreactivity to OC was present in 19/23 (83%) cases of OSA and all cases of chondrosarcoma. In three OSAs the extracellular matrix showed immunoreactivity to OC. None of the fibrosarcomas, histiocytic sarcomas or hemangiosarcomas showed immunoreactivity to OC. The sensitivity and specificity for OC in canine OSA in this study was 83% and 71% respectively. For ON, 100% of both OSAs (23/23) and non-OSAs (14/14) showed cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to this antibody, giving a sensitivity of 100% but a complete lack of specificity. There were no significant differences in immunoreactivity for OC and ON between the different decalcification agents used. In conclusion, OC showed high sensitivity for identifying OSA but it failed to distinguish between OSA and chondrosarcoma, and the osteoid produced by neoplastic cells in most cases did not show immunoreactivity to OC. These factors may limit the practical utility of OC in the diagnosis of OSA in dogs when chondrosarcoma is a differential diagnosis. ON showed no specificity in detecting OSA and has little practical application for the diagnosis of OSA in dogs.
The impact of psychotic disorders and co-morbid substance abuse on vocational rehabilitation: results from an Australian national survey of psychosis
Authors: Waghorn Geoff , Hielscher Emily , Atyeo James , Saha Sukanta
Published: March 2016

Introduction

It is unclear from prior research whether or not substance abuse co-morbid with psychosis is an added barrier to success in vocational rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among three types of co-morbid substance abuse or dependence, by type of employment assistance received (disability employment services, mainstream unemployment services, other government programmes, and own resources), and by type of employment attained (competitive and non-competitive).

Method

Data were drawn from the Australian National Survey of High Impact Psychosis ( N = 1825). The survey was conducted in seven Australian catchment areas March to December 2010. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods were used.

Results

There were no added effects of lifetime substance abuse or dependence on any employment. However, there were some minor substance-specific effects. Past year cannabis use was negatively associated, while alcohol use was positively associated with being employed. All categories of lifetime substance abuse or dependence were associated with reduced utilisation of intensive forms of employment assistance.

Conclusion

At a population level, lifetime substance abuse or dependence had no added impact on current employment status. Those with psychosis co-morbid with lifetime substance abuse or dependence could benefit from greater utilisation of evidence-based supported employment.
Incidence of and Factors Associated With the Decision to Undergo Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction 1 to 10 Years After Injury
Authors: Sanders Thomas L. , Maradit Kremers Hilal , Bryan Andrew J. , Kremers Walter K. , Levy Bruce A. , Dahm Diane L. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Among patients treated nonoperatively for 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption, little is known about the frequency of ACL reconstruction within the first year of injury and the effect of age range, sex, and meniscal tears on the incidence of ACL reconstruction between 1 and 10 years after injury.

Purpose:

To (1) define the rate of delayed ACL reconstruction (between 1 and 10 years after injury) in a population-based cohort of isolated ACL tears and (2) evaluate predictive factors associated with delayed reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study included a population-based cohort of 1841 patients with new-onset, isolated ACL tears that occurred between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2010. The complete medical records were reviewed to confirm diagnosis and collect data on clinical characteristics and details of subsequent ACL surgery. To evaluate the incidence of ACL reconstruction between 1 and 10 years after injury, landmark survival analysis was performed with a landmark set at 1 year after injury. Early and late predictors of ACL reconstruction were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

A total of 661 patients were treated nonoperatively for the first year after ACL tears. Over a mean 10 years of follow-up, 213 patients (32%) underwent ACL reconstruction between 1 and 10 years after injury. Young age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55 per decade increase in age; 95% CI, 0.48-0.62) and meniscal tear at injury (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12-1.95) were significant predictors of undergoing delayed reconstruction. The rate of delayed ACL reconstruction decreased significantly over the study period ( P < .03). There was no association between sex (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.67-1.16) and delayed ACL reconstruction. Among patients who had delayed ACL reconstruction, 40% experienced a secondary meniscal tear before surgery.

Conclusion:

In this study population of 1841 patients, 62% of patients received ACL reconstruction within 1 year of injury. Of patients treated nonoperatively for 1 year after ACL tears, 32% underwent delayed ACL reconstruction. Predictors of reconstruction beyond 1 year were young age (50% reduction in reconstruction per decade increased age) and baseline meniscal tear. Sex was not predictive for reconstruction beyond 1 year from injury.
AP Stylebook normalizes sports as a male space
Authors: Bien-Aimé Steve
Published: March 2016

This study examines gender representation in the sports section of the 2012 Associated Press Stylebook. A content analysis of entries finds that female-gendered references appear rarely, while men and male-gendered references appear in abundance.
Benefit of Stereotactic Procedures in a Series of 43 Children
Authors: Quick-Weller Johanna , Lescher Stephanie , Kashefiolasl Sepide , Weise Lutz Martin , Seifert Volker , Marquardt Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Stereotactic biopsies are procedures that enable neurosurgeons to obtain tissue samples of brain tumors located in eloquent areas with a low risk of perioperative complications. In this study, we examined stereotactic procedures (STX) in children. We focused on effectiveness, safety, and histopathological results to evaluate the benefits of the procedure.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective database and included 43 children aged less than 18 years who underwent STX between 1998 and May 2015. All MRIs were evaluated by a single, experienced neuroradiologist. For all biopsies, Leksell stereotactic frame was used and fixed to the children’s head with four pins. Entry and targetpoints were calculated by BrainLab navigation system. We assessed age, tumor localization, number of samples, histological diagnosis, and postoperative treatment.

Results:

Median age of the patients was 11 years (range 1-18 years), and median number of tissue samples taken was 12 (range 1 with mere puncture of a cyst to 36). Histopathological examination revealed a final diagnosis in all patients. 3 patients underwent puncture of a cyst. 27 patients had a postoperative imaging. Only in 3 patients, CT scan revealed blood in the area where the biopsy had been taken. All bleedings were small and without clinical sequelae.

Conclusion:

Stereotactic procedures are accurate and save surgeries to obtain tumor tissue from eloquent areas to base further therapy on. This not only applies to adults but also to children of all ages.
Glucose Levels in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Requiring Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Edriss Hawa , Selvan Kavitha , Sigler Mark , Nugent Kenneth
Published: March 2016

Background:

Recent studies suggest that patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently develop hyperglycemia, which has been linked to adverse outcomes.

Methods:

We retrospectively collected information about patient demographics, admission diagnosis, comorbidities, use of insulin, and glucose levels and related tests in 174 patients who required mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure.

Results:

These patients had a mean age of 57.8 ± 16.8 years, a mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score of 13.8 ± 6.1, and an overall mortality of 32.2%. The mean number of ventilator days was 7.5 ± 7.1. The mean highest glucose level was 239.3 ± 88.9 mg/dL in patients with COPD (n = 41) and 259.1 ± 131.7 mg/dL in patients without COPD (n =133). Patients with diabetes had higher glucose levels than patients without this diagnosis ( P < .05). Patients receiving corticosteroids did not have increased glucose levels ( P > .05). The mortality rate was higher in patients with glucose levels >140 mg/dL than in patients below 140 mg/dL (35.1% vs 10.5%, P < .05 unadjusted analysis).

Conclusion:

In this study, hyperglycemia occurred in 89% of the patients with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The most important risk factor for this was a premorbid diagnosis of diabetes.
The Meta-Disciplinary: Capital at the Threshold of Control
Authors: Welsh John
Published: March 2016

Discipline and Punish has been the seminal text for students of the rationality of disciplinary power. In recent years, critical scholarship has become increasingly keen to move analytically beyond the normative mode of disciplinary power. As such, D&P is increasingly marginalized as a text, in favour of Foucault’s later works. In this discursive context, this paper has a twofold aim. Firstly, I want to think through the transformations in labour control over the last 30 years of neoliberal counterrevolution in terms of the movement beyond disciplinary power. Secondly, I shall critique the autonomous and normative governmentality concept by the reinsertion of the ‘genealogy of capital’ in terms of the ontology of axiomatic capitalism. I shall address the undertreated genealogical movement from disciplinarity to governmentality, by arguing for something provisionally tagged meta-disciplinarity. The worth of such a move is to challenge the critical potency of the governmentality concept as is, in the belief that the ‘meta-disciplinary’ offers the most promising and relevant ligature from Foucault’s work into Marxist scholarship on the transformations of neoliberal capitalism and the technologies of its megamachine that confronts us 40 years on.
Plus Ça Change … Re-Articulating Authoritarianism in the New Turkey
Authors: Ongur Hakan Ovunc
Published: March 2016

This study argues that the understanding of politics that prevails in contemporary Turkey resonates with Ernesto Laclau’s perspective on Turkish politics of the 1930s. Adapting Laclau’s antagonistic politics to the analysis of contemporary Turkey produces a critical counter-narrative that reveals in effect a continuation of an authoritarian tradition, between the socio-political discourses of the 1930s CHP and the present AKP. Accordingly, discourses of both political movements are fundamentally inspired by the same logic of difference, one that reduces the role of the construction of equivalential chains among different pre-existing political demands to a pragmatist game of hegemony. Their authoritarianisms, however, differ from one another in terms of the symbolic frameworks within which each respective regime is sustained. Whereas the early CHP represented French-inspired, Jacobin-like, nationalist approach to democracy, the AKP has established US-paralleling, neoliberal and neo-conservative governmentality, which was made public in the party’s New Turkey Manifesto in 2014.
One University Making a Difference in Graduate Education
Authors: Brown Cynthia J. , Wilson Carol B.
Published: March 2016

As online education gains momentum, strategies to promote student engagement, develop social presence, and create a virtual community are essential for students’ successful learning. A university with a philosophy grounded in caring developed two strategies for the graduate online education setting. These two strategies intentionally promote caring for self and others as a means to foster engagement, social presence, and a vibrant online community. One strategy was online Caring Groups, that is, small groups of four to five nursing students created each semester in one of the students’ required courses in the online setting. The second strategy was the creation of two Caring Connections online sites, one for master of science in nursing students and one for doctorate in education nursing students. The sites were developed external to required courses to provide support for the online students throughout the graduate programs. Each site provides an ongoing space for students and faculty to post and discuss inspirational quotes, self-care tips, music, and photographs. The online Caring Groups and Caring Connections sites will be described, including how they were created, how they are used by students, how faculty support students, lessons learned, and how Caring Groups are integrated into the curriculum
Ambition, personalist regimes, and control of authoritarian leaders
Authors: Kosterina Svetlana
Published: March 2016

Why do elites in some authoritarian regimes but not others remove from power the leaders who harm their interests? We develop a formal theory explaining this. The theory shows how elites’ ambition prevents them from controlling authoritarian leaders. Because ambitious elites are willing to stage coups to acquire power even when the leader is good, ambition renders elites’ claims that the leader’s actions harm them less credible, making the other elites less likely to support coups. We show that the impact of the proportion of competent politicians on personalist regimes is non-monotonic: personalist regimes are most likely to emerge not only when there are few competent politicians but also when there are lots of them. We also provide insight into which elites become coup-plotters. The theory explains the emergence of personalist regimes, the frequency of coups, and why some authoritarian countries enjoy a more competent leadership than others.
Storable votes and judicial nominations in the US Senate
Authors: Casella Alessandra , Turban Sébastien , Wawro Gregory
Published: March 2016

We model a procedural reform aimed at restoring a proper role for the minority in the confirmation process of judicial nominations in the US Senate. We propose that nominations to the same level court be collected in periodic lists and voted upon individually with storable votes, allowing each senator to allocate freely across the list a fixed number of total votes. Although each nomination is decided by simple majority, storable votes make it possible for the minority to win occasionally, but only when the relative importance its members assign to a nomination is higher than the relative importance assigned by the majority. Numerical simulations approximate the composition of the 113th and 114th Senates. Under plausible assumptions motivated by a game theoretic model, we find that a minority of 45 senators would be able to win about 20 percent of confirmation battles when the majority party controls the presidency, and between 40 and 60 percent when the president identifies with the minority party. For most parameter values, the possibility of minority victories increases aggregate welfare.
Orthogonal cutting of TA6V alloys with chamfered tools: Analysis of tool–chip contact lengths
Authors: Barelli Floran , Wagner Vincent , Laheurte Raynald , Dessein Gilles , Darnis Philippe , Cahuc Olivier , Mousseigne Michel
Published: March 2016

In aerospace industry, the materials constituting aircraft evolved considerably in recent decades. The choice of composite materials (carbon fiber–reinforced plastic or multi-material) reduces the weight of structures, but for critical parts that support important forces or temperature, the indicated materials are alloys based on nickel or titanium. Consumption of titanium for the aerospace industry is growing rapidly, and the new generations of aircraft show an increase in the percentage of titanium. The TA6V is mostly used for structural parts, especially for engine pylon. Due to its low thermal properties, it shows a poor machinability, leading tools to undergo severe wears. The aim of this work is to understand the relation between cutting conditions and chamfered tool geometries on chip formation and tool wear. Based on a model dedicated to the understanding of cutting process with chamfered tool and on experimental tests, this work will show the influence of feed, cutting speed, chamfer length and rake angle on tool–chip contact lengths. It will also show the influence of these parameters on the variability of these contacts within a same geometry or cutting condition. This will lead to another interpretation of tool wears and pressures on the rake face.
Integration of cell formation and job sequencing to minimize energy consumption with minimum make-span
Authors: Iqbal Neelum , Aziz Muhammad Haris , Jahanzaib Mirza , Ahmad Wasim , Hussain Salman
Published: March 2016

Cell formation is the fundamental step while designing a cellular manufacturing system. Integration of job sequencing with cell formation can attain lower make-spans. The traditional cell formation and scheduling problems consider performance indicators such as productivity, time and flexibility in cellular manufacturing system; however, energy consumption has not been given due attention. Therefore, this research addressed the minimization of total energy consumption by implementing an energy-efficient schedule at the cell formation stage of cellular manufacturing system. For this purpose, a two-phase approach is proposed; in phase I, formation of independent cells is being carried out by considering energy-efficient routings and genetic algorithm is used for improving search performance. In phase II, a formulation is being developed to compute the total energy of the system based on optimal job sequence with respect to minimum idle running of the machines in each independent cell. For the proposed approach, a code is being developed in MATLAB software. Different sample problems have been evaluated. The results showed that the proposed approach is effective in generating independent cells and sequences with minimum energy consumption and make-span.
TCAS algorithm for general aviation based on ADS-B
Authors: Lin Chin E , Hung Tzu-Wen , Chen Hsin-Yuan
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a new traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) for general aviation (GA) that uses automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B). The proposed GA-TCAS alerts the pilot of upcoming potential conflicts, which are becoming increasingly common as the number of GA movements increases. Conflict detection and avoidance uses the ADS-B and GA maneuvers. The algorithm selects the angle according to the intruder’s heading and position in order to reduce the nuisance alerts. The detection algorithm has three stages: proximate advisory, traffic advisory, and resolution advisory. The relationship between the turn angle and the horizontal miss distance (HMD) are calculated to determine a resolution when an intruder enters the separation bubble. Using the encounter models for visual flight rule (VFR) to evaluate the performance of this TCAS algorithm, the resolution should follow the VFR and prioritize in different situations. In flight simulations, the proposed GA-TCAS is tested using real ultralight flight data. The system performance is demonstrated using flight trajectories from conflict detection and resolution.
Coal consumption and economic growth in South Africa: An empirical investigation
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we examine the causal relationship between coal consumption and economic growth in South Africa, which is one of the largest coal producers and consumers in the world. We incorporate employment as an intermittent variable between coal consumption and economic growth – thereby creating a simple trivariate causality model. Using the ARDL bounds testing approach, we find that there is a unidirectional causal flow from economic growth to coal consumption in South Africa – both in the short run and in the long run. The results also show that there is a short-run unidirectional causal flow from coal consumption to employment, as well as a bidirectional causality between economic growth and employment. The study, therefore, concludes that for South Africa, it is economic growth, which Granger-causes coal consumption, and not vice versa. This implies that coal conservation could be achieved in South Africa – without necessarily compromising economic growth.
An economic appraisal of solar versus combined cycle electricity generation for African countries that are capital constrained
Authors: Baurzhan Saule , Jenkins Glenn P
Published: March 2016

Many public electric utilities in Africa are capital constrained. In this paper, an economic analysis is carried out to investigate the efficiency of investing in solar photovoltaic power plants, as an option for on-grid power generation. A comparison is made in terms of the economic net present value as well as greenhouse gases savings if the same amount were invested in a combined cycle thermal power generation. The results show that economic net present value is negative for solar photovoltaic plant, whereas it is a large positive value for the combined cycle plant. In addition, the combined cycle plant would be two times as effective in reducing greenhouse gases as the same value of investment in solar photovoltaic plant. Even with solar investment costs falling, it will take 9–18 years of continuous decline before solar generation technology will become cost-effective for most of Africa.
Observer-based adaptive sliding mode control and fuzzy allocation for aero and reaction jets’ missile
Authors: Chang Yafei , Yuan Ruyi , Tan Xiangmin , Yi Jianqiang
Published: March 2016

In this article, a novel control scheme is proposed to solve the problem of robust and fast tracking control for the longitudinal model of a dual-control missile steered by a combination of aerodynamic fins and reaction jets in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. The control scheme contains two aspects, one is the observer-based adaptive sliding mode control law of the control moment and the other is the fuzzy allocation method which assigns the control moment to the fins and the reaction jets. The main contributions of the article are as follows: (1) to compensate the disturbances and uncertainties on the sliding mode surface and enhance the system robustness, an observer-based sliding mode surface is designed; (2) an adaptive sliding mode control scheme is proposed by introducing an adaptive term derived from radical basis function network, which does not require knowledge of the bound of the system uncertainties and external disturbances. Meanwhile, it eliminates the chattering phenomenon without deteriorating the system fast-response characteristic and robustness; (3) a control-moment allocator based on fuzzy reasoning is designed to make the system respond fast while avoiding wasting of the reaction jets. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme is effective in improving control robustness and response rapidity.
An experimental and analytical piezoelectric energy harvesting from a simply supported beam with moving mass
Authors: Assadi Hamed , Dehghan Hamani Iraj , Tikani Reza , Ziaei-Rad Saeed
Published: March 2016

In this article, energy harvesting from a beam with traveling mass is studied. Harvesting was carried out by attaching a thin piezoelectric patch directly on the beam. A theoretical formulation was presented for the problem of energy harvesting from moving mass on a simply supported beam. To validate the results, an experimental setup was designed and fabricated to measure the beam response and voltage induced in the piezoelectric patch during the mass traveling on the beam. The results indicate that the analytical and experimental values for the beam midpoint deflection and the piezoelectric voltage are in good agreement. Finally, the effect of resistive load on the harvested power was considered and the optimum resistive load for maximizing the power was calculated.
Functional Connectivity of the Infant Human Brain
Authors: Gao Wei , Lin Weili , Grewen Karen , Gilmore John H.
Published: March 2016

Infancy is a critical and immensely important period in human brain development. Subtle changes during this stage may be greatly amplified with the unfolding of different developmental processes, exerting far-reaching consequences. Studies of the structure and behavioral manifestations of the infant brain are fruitful. However, the specific functional brain mechanisms that enable the execution of different behaviors remained elusive until the advent of functional connectivity fMRI (fcMRI), which provides an unprecedented opportunity to probe the infant functional brain development in vivo. Since its inception, a burgeoning field of infant brain functional connectivity study has emerged and thrived during the past decade. In this review, we describe (1) findings of normal development of functional connectivity networks and their relationships to behaviors and (2) disruptions of the normative functional connectivity development due to identifiable genetic and/or environmental risk factors during the first 2 years of human life. Technical considerations of infant fcMRI are also provided. It is our hope to consolidate previous findings so that the field can move forward with a clearer picture toward the ultimate goal of fcMRI-based objective methods for early diagnosis/identification of risks and evaluation of early interventions to optimize developing functional connectivity networks in this critical developmental window.
Building Capacity for Trauma-Informed Care in the Child Welfare System
Authors: Lang Jason M. , Campbell Kimberly , Shanley Paul , Crusto Cindy A. , Connell Christian M.
Published: March 2016

Exposure to childhood trauma is a major public health concern and is especially prevalent among children in the child welfare system (CWS). State and tribal CWSs are increasingly focusing efforts on identifying and serving children exposed to trauma through the creation of trauma-informed systems. This evaluation of a statewide initiative in Connecticut describes the strategies used to create a trauma-informed CWS, including workforce development, trauma screening, policy change, and improved access to evidence-based trauma-focused treatments during the initial 2-year implementation period. Changes in system readiness and capacity to deliver trauma-informed care were evaluated using stratified random samples of child welfare staff who completed a comprehensive assessment prior to ( N = 223) and 2 years following implementation ( N = 231). Results indicated significant improvements in trauma-informed knowledge, practice, and collaboration across nearly all child welfare domains assessed, suggesting system-wide improvements in readiness and capacity to provide trauma-informed care. Variability across domains was observed, and frontline staff reported greater improvements than supervisors/managers in some domains. Lessons learned and recommendations for implementation and evaluation of trauma-informed care in child welfare and other child-serving systems are discussed.
The contact problem for a piecewise-homogeneous orthotropic plate with a finite inclusion of variable cross-section
Authors: Shavlakadze Nugzar , Odishelidze Nana , Criado-Aldeanueva Francisco
Published: March 2016

A piecewise-homogeneous elastic orthotropic plate, reinforced with a finite wedge-shaped inclusion, which meets the interface at a right angle and is loaded with normal forces is considered. The normal contact stresses along the contact line are determined and the behavior of the contact stresses in the neighborhood of singular points is established. By using methods of the theory of analytic functions, the problem is reduced to a singular integro-differential equation in a finite interval. Using an integral transformation a Riemann problem is obtained, the solution of which is presented in explicit form.
Engaged scholarship: Steering between the risks of paternalism, opportunism, and paralysis
Authors: Strumińska-Kutra Marta
Published: March 2016

This article uses an example of critically oriented Action Research to reflect on the pitfalls and tensions inherent in engaged scholarship. The tensions are analyzed within three types of research-related relationships involving power: (1) between the participatory inquiry and its cultural, institutional, and social environment; (2) within ‘the community’ being studied, which itself is not homogeneous in terms of interests, values, and ability of their realization; and (3) between the researcher and ‘the community’. These tensions connect to an attempt to use the three mutually exclusive approaches of pragmatism, critical theory, and constructivism. It is claimed that this meta-theoretical inconsistency, though not elegant, should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Following any approach in isolation would expose the researcher to the risk of opportunism (pragmatism), paternalism (critical theory), or relativism, and therefore paralysis (constructivism). Keeping a minimum level of variety enables the researcher to escape those pitfalls and to conduct ethical and emancipatory inquiry.
Customer-based brand equity building
Authors: Šerić Maja , Gil-Saura Irene , Mikulić Josip
Published: March 2016

The marketing literature suggested that customers are adding incremental value to a product by its brand, conceptualizing this phenomenon in terms of brand equity. This article is a contribution to this area of study as it provides a new understanding of the process of brand equity building, when approached from the customer point of view. The empirical research is centred on the hospitality industry, more specifically, upscale (i.e. four- and five-star) hotels in Croatia. The data were collected from 475 guests in 24 upscale hotels. The results reveal that image and loyalty exert a direct impact on the overall brand equity, while the influence of trust and affective commitment is mediated by loyalty.
The role of familism in weight loss treatment for Mexican American women
Authors: McLaughlin Elizabeth A , Campos-Melady Marita , Smith Jane Ellen , Serier Kelsey N , Belon Katherine E , Simmons Jeremiah D , Kelton Katherine
Published: March 2016

Mexican American women are disproportionately affected by overweight/obesity and the health complications accompanying them, but weight loss treatments are less successful in this ethnic group. High levels of familism, a value reflecting obligation to family that supersedes attention to oneself, interfere with weight loss for Mexican American women. This mixed methods study investigated overweight Mexican American women’s beliefs about how familism, and Mexican American culture, might hinder weight loss success, and how treatments might be culturally adapted. Results suggest a need to support women in their commitment to family while also helping them make changes. Recommendations for culturally adapted treatments are made.
“That would be good but most men are afraid of coming to the clinic”: Men and women’s perspectives on strategies to increase male involvement in women’s reproductive health services in rural Uganda
Authors: Sileo Katelyn M , Wanyenze Rhoda K , Lule Haruna , Kiene Susan M
Published: March 2016

In Uganda, increasing male involvement in reproductive health services may improve women’s access to care. The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing male support for women’s reproductive health services and to elicit suggestions for strategies to increase male involvement. In 2008–2009, focus groups ( N = 76) were conducted with men and women in a rural hospital in Uganda. A content analysis approach was used for data analysis. Our findings point to the need for multi-level approaches that educate and mobilize men, while improving quality of care at the facility level to increase male involvement in reproductive health services.
Health behaviors in older adults: Considering age, affect, and attitudes
Authors: Whitehead Brenda R
Published: March 2016

Identifying psychological factors associated with engagement in healthy behaviors in later life is a key to effective behavior interventions. In all, 204 adults ( Mage = 80) took a questionnaire assessing objective and perceived health, positive affect and negative affect, aging attitudes, and three classes of health behaviors: eating/nutrition, exercise, and general health behavior. Regression models found better eating behavior was best explained by older age, more exercise was best explained by more positive affect, and better general lifestyle behavior was best explained by worse perceived health. Programs promoting health behaviors in older adults can utilize the findings to tailor interventions to the health behavior of interest.
What led health professionals to study and practise acupuncture in Spain?
Authors: García-Escamilla Esther , Rodríguez-Martín Beatriz , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: March 2016

Acupuncture is the most widespread practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Western world. This confers special relevance to the experiences and circumstances of life to explain the health-illness process. Recent research has reported an increasing interest of Western health professionals in its practice. The aim of this study was to map and understand the motivation of health professionals to study and practise acupuncture in Spain. A total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted with Spanish health professionals trained in acupuncture. Participants were selected following a theoretical sampling. Grounded theory dimensional analysis guided this research in order to obtain a theoretical explanation of the motivations of health professionals to study and practise acupuncture. Their motivations were focused on six categories: humanisation of medicine, acquiring additional therapeutic resources, efficacy and far-reaching healing potential of acupuncture, attraction to acupuncture philosophy, external influences (other professionals and relevant sources of information) and work-related motivation. Our results show that health professionals were attracted to acupuncture because of the Traditional Chinese Medicine worldview (a philosophical approach) and therapeutic benefits of acupuncture (a practical approach). Acupuncture offers the possibility to improve the healthcare assistance by transcending the reification of human beings resulting from the pre-eminence of the biomedical paradigm and facilitating cooperation between disciplines. Participants consider acupuncture as a complete medicine, not merely as a technique, and highlight the importance of traditional Chinese concepts to practise it.
Three-Year Results of a Single-Centre Single-Blinded Randomised Study Evaluating the Impact of Mesh Pore Size on Chronic Pain after Lichtenstein Hernioplasty
Authors: Nikkolo C. , Vaasna T. , Murruste M. , Seepter H. , Kirsimägi Ü. , Lepner U.
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims:

The aim of the present study was to determine whether usage of mesh with larger pores, compared with mesh with smaller pores, would result in a decreased rate of chronic pain at 3-year follow-up. According to earlier published short-term results, differences in mesh pore size do not influence the rate of chronic pain.

Material and Methods:

The patients were randomized into two study groups for which meshes with similar weight but different pore size were used: the UM group received Ultrapro mesh (pore size 3–4 mm) and the OM group received Optilene LP mesh (pore size 1 mm). Pain scores were measured on a visual analog scale. The feeling of a foreign body was a yes-or-no question.

Results:

A total of 65 patients in the UM group and 63 patients in the OM group were included in analysis. Of the patients, 33.9% in the UM group and 15.9% in the OM group reported having experienced pain during different activities at 3-year follow-up (P = 0.025). Comparison with the results of 6-month follow-up (46.3% in the UM group, 34.3% in the OM group) showed that the rate of chronic pain had decreased significantly in the OM group (P = 0.009) but not in the UM group (P = 0.113). The feeling of a foreign body in the inguinal region was experienced by 23.1% of the patients in the UM group and by 15.9% in the OM group (P = 0.375). There was one hernia recurrence in the OM group. Severe preoperative pain and younger age were identified as risk factors for development of chronic pain.

Conclusions:

Mesh with larger pores, compared with mesh with smaller pores, has no advantages in reducing the rate of chronic pain. We speculate that the reason for the higher rate of chronic pain in the study group where the mesh with larger pores was used might have been the different composition of the meshes at implantation. Also, it is possible as development of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair is multifactorial, we failed to find a plausible explanation for this difference. Low recurrence rates were achieved with both meshes used in our study.
The Use of Blood Products in Adult Patients with Burns
Authors: Koljonen V. , Tuimala J. , Haglund C. , Tukiainen E. , Vuola J. , Juvonen E. , Lauronen J. , Krusius T.
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Burn anemia represents a common complication following a burn injury. Burn anemia etiology carries distinct features occurring at each stage of the post-injury and treatment periods resulting from different causes. We aimed to analyze the use of blood components in Finnish burn victims and to identify patient- and injury-related factors influencing their use.

Methods:

To study the use of blood products in burn patients, we used data collected from the Optimal Use of Blood registry, developed through co-operation between 10 major hospital districts and the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. Burn patients ⩾18 years treated at the Helsinki University Hospital between 2005 and 2011 with an in-hospital stay ⩾1 day who received at least one transfusion during their hospital stay were included in this study.

Results:

Among all 558 burn patients, 192 (34%) received blood products during their hospital stay. The transfused cohort comprised 192 burn patients. The study cohort received a total of 6087 units of blood components, 2422 units of leukoreduced red blood cells, 1728 units of leukoreduced platelets, and 420 units of single-donor fresh frozen plasma or, after 2007, 1517 units of Octaplas® frozen plasma. All three types of blood components were administered to 29% of patients, whereas 45% received only red blood cells and 6% received only Octaplas. Transfused patients were significantly older (p < 0.001), experienced fire-/flame-related accidents and burns to multiple locations (p < 0.001), and their in-hospital mortality exceeded that for non-transfused burn patients fivefold (p < 0.05).

Discussion:

We show that Finnish adult burn patients received ample transfusions. The number of blood components transfused varied according to the anatomical location of the injury and patient survival. Whether the additional mortality is related directly to transfusions or is merely a manifestation of the more severe burn injury remains unknown.
Do Treatment Policies for Proximal Humerus Fractures Differ among Three Nordic Countries and Estonia? Results of a Survey Study
Authors: Launonen A. P. , Lepola V. , Laitinen M. , Mattila V. M.
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose:

Proximal humerus fractures are common fragility injuries. The incidence of these fractures has been estimated to be 82–105 per 105 person-years. Treatment of this fracture, especially in the elderly, is controversial. Our study group published a systematic review of the available literature and concluded that non-operative methods are favored over operative methods in three- and four-part fractures. The aim of this multinational study was to compare treatment policies for proximal humerus fractures among the Nordic countries and Estonia.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted as a questionnaire-based survey, using the Internet-based program, Webropol® ( webropol.com ). The questionnaire link was sent to the surgeons responsible for treating proximal humerus fractures in major public hospitals in Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Questionnaire included questions regarding the responder’s hospital, patient characteristics, and examinations taken before decision making. Clinical part included eight example patient cases with treatment options.

Results:

Of the 77 recipients of the questionnaire, 59 responded; consequently, the response rate was 77%. Based on the eight presented displaced fracture examples, in both Estonia and Norway and in Finland, 41% and 38%, respectively, preferred surgical treatment with locking plate. In Sweden, the percentage was 28%. The pre- and post-operative protocols showed a similarity in all participant countries.

Conclusion:

Our survey revealed a remarkable uniformity in the current practice of operative treatments and rehabilitation for proximal humerus fractures in the participant countries.
Use of Laparoscopy in Gastrointestinal Surgery in Sweden 1998–2014: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Sundbom M. , Hedberg J.
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims:

One by one, minimally invasive alternatives to established gastrointestinal procedures have become clinical routine. We have studied the use of laparoscopy in four common procedures—cholecystectomy, appendectomy, reflux surgery, and bariatric surgery—as well as in major resectional gastrointestinal surgery in Sweden.

Materials and Methods:

The National Patient Registry was used to identify all in-hospital procedures performed in patients above the age of 15 during 1998–2014, meeting our inclusion criteria. For each group, the annual number of procedures and proportion of laparoscopic surgery were studied, as well as applicable subgroups. Differences in age, gender, as well as geographical differences were evaluated in the most recent 3-year period (2012–2014).

Results:

In total, 537,817 procedures were studied, 43% by laparoscopic approach. In 2012–2014, the proportion of laparoscopic surgery ranged from high rates in the four common procedures (cholecystectomy 81%, appendectomy 47%, reflux surgery 72%, and bariatric surgery 97%) to rather low numbers in resectional surgery (4%–10%), however, increasing in the last years. In appendectomy and cholecystectomy, men were less likely to have laparoscopic surgery (42% versus 51% and 74% versus 85%, respectively, p < 0.001). Substantial geographical differences in the use of laparoscopy were also noted, for example, the proportion of laparoscopic appendectomy varied from 11% to 76% among the 21 different Swedish counties.

Conclusion:

The proportion of laparoscopy was high in the four common procedures and low, but rising, in major resectional surgery. A large variation in the proportion of laparoscopic surgery by age, gender, and place of residence was noted.
Tumor Size of Invasive Breast Cancer on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Conventional Imaging (Mammogram/Ultrasound): Comparison with Pathological Size and Clinical Implications
Authors: Haraldsdóttir K. H. , Jónsson Þ. , Halldórsdóttir A. B. , Tranberg K.-G. , Ásgeirsson K. S.
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim:

In Landspitali University Hospital, magnetic resonance imaging is used non-selectively in addition to mammogram and ultrasound in the preoperative assessment of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess invasive tumor size on imaging, compare with pathological size and evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance imaging on the type of surgery performed.

Material and Methods:

All women with invasive breast cancer, diagnosed in Iceland, between 2007 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. In all, 438 of 641 (68%) patients diagnosed had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded and 65 patients with multifocal or contralateral disease were assessed separately.

Results:

Correlations between microscopic and radiologic tumor sizes were relatively weak. All imaging methods were inaccurate especially for large tumors, resulting in an overall underestimation of tumor size for these tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging under- and overestimated pathological tumor size by more than 10 mm in 16/348 (4.6%) and 26/348 patients (7.5%), respectively. In 19 patients (73%), overestimation of size was seen exclusively on magnetic resonance imaging. For tumors under- or overestimated by magnetic resonance imaging, the mastectomy rates were 56% and 65%, respectively, compared to an overall mastectomy rate of 43%. Of 51 patients diagnosed with multifocal disease on pathology, 19 (37%) were diagnosed by mammogram or ultrasound and 40 (78%) by magnetic resonance imaging resulting in a total detection rate of 84% (43 patients). Fourteen (3%) patients were diagnosed preoperatively with contralateral disease. Of those tumors, all were detected on magnetic resonance imaging but seven (50%) were also detected on mammogram or ultrasound or both.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that routine use of magnetic resonance imaging may result in both under- and overestimation of tumor size and increase mastectomy rates in a small proportion of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging aids in the diagnosis of contralateral and multifocal disease.
Do restrictive asylum and visa policies increase irregular migration into Europe?
Authors: Czaika Mathias , Hobolth Mogens
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the extent to which restrictive asylum and visa policies trigger an unintended behavioural response of potential and rejected asylum seekers. Based on our analysis of bilateral asylum and visa policies on migrant flows to 29 European states in the 2000s, we find evidence of a significant deflection into irregularity at work. Our estimates suggest that a 10% increase in asylum rejections raises the number of irregular migrants by on average 2% to 4%, and similarly, a 10% increase in short-stay visa rejections leads to a 4% to 7% increase in irregular border entries. We identify significant nuances in the impact of restrictive asylum and visa policies on the number of apprehensions ‘at the border’ versus ‘on territory’.
Ascetic Protestantism and capitalism
Authors: Adair-Toteff Christopher
Published: March 2016

This is a review essay of the volume of the Max Weber Gesamtausgabe which contains the version of Die protestantische Ethik und der “Geist” des Kapitalismus that was published in the Archiv für Sozialwissenschaft und Sozialpolitik in 1904-1905. This volume also contains the major criticisms of Weber’s work and his replies. In addition, it includes some of his other writings from 1904 to 1911 as well as Ernst Troeltsch’s lecture on natural law which he gave at the first conference of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziologie in 1910. Together, these writings provide a relatively complete view of Weber’s ideas concerning ascetic Protestantism and the rise of modern capitalism.