bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secular and Sacred Models of Psychology and Religion
Authors: Carter John D.
Published: February 2018

Religion has been viewed with varying degrees of favor or disfavor by psychology. Early in psychology's history, Freud was critical of religion; many Christians reacted with equal disfavor to psychology. More recently, Christians have attempted to articulate the relationship between psychology and Christianity. These attempts have followed the same four approaches or models that psychologists traditionally have taken toward religion. The purpose of this article is to analyze and describe the secular and Christian versions of the four common models. The article describes these models and classifies psychologists such as Allport, Freud, Fromm, Frankl, Ellis, Jung, Mowrer, and Thome, as well as several Christians who have attempted to integrate psychology and Christianity.
Toward A Biblical Theology of Marriage and Family Part 3: Gospels and Acts
Authors: Gangel Kenneth O.
Published: February 2018

Spiritual symbolism emphasizes with dominance in the New Testament as a major purpose of marriage and family. God teaches us truth regarding the Church by reminding us to study the relationship between husbands and wives, parents and children. In the New Testament also we encounter a uniquely Christian view of divorce from the teaching of Jesus and major segments of the Gospels deal with the relationship between the Father and Son establishing the Deity of Christ by establishing the family relationship in the heavenly Trinity. The sin of adultery comes in for particular condemnation in the teaching of Jesus as recorded by the Gospel writers. We quickly learn in opening the pages of the New Covenant that God intends to reaffirm all that He said of the family in the Old Testament while adding relatively few new concepts. No fewer than 13 indications of family terminology identify spiritual truth regarding the relationship between God and man. It remains for the writers of the Epistles, particularly the Apostle Paul, to clarify many of the concepts but the ground rules are established from the lips of Jesus Himself.
The Psychology of Faith and the Meaning of Transcendence in the Philosophy of Kierkegaard
Authors: Teschner George
Published: February 2018

The objective of the article is to examine the phenomenological meaning of the concept of faith in the philosophy of Kierkegaard and consider its psychbological implications. The article begins with a discussion of the aesthetic and ethical modes of existence showing how these are components of religious consciousness. A dialectical resolution of the conflict between aesthetic and moral impulses places the religious consciousness before a possibility which Kierkegaard calls the theological self that is wholly unlike what is known. It is in the context of the discussion of the possibility of this extraordinary self-identity that the attitude of faith and sin are analyzed. The movement toward the possibility which transcends the known is a death and rebirth process which, according to Kierkegaard, man is unable to choose on his own. Here the meaning of Christ is discussed as the bridge between the finite and infinite which replaces the necessity of choice with an acceptance of this extraordinary possibility achieved through a suspension of the standards of the ordinary and familiar. The article ends with a discussion of the role of reason and indirect communication in the dialogue between therapist and patient where the therapist is seeking to communicate a world view that transcends what for the patient is probable and familiar.
Christian Perspectives on the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: David James R. , Duda Francis C.
Published: February 2018

Using four selected concepts, the authors attempt to demonstrate the destructiveness of denigrating material concerns and separating them from the spiritual. These conceptualizations are: Separateness versus Unity, Coupleness, In God's Image, and Letting Go. In describing the interplay between these permission-giving Christian concepts and the desired sexual functioning, the authors affirm the underlying essential ingredients of a therapist's unique personal value system and the enduring commitment of the covenant of marriage.
Loneliness: A Social-Developmental Analysis
Authors: Ellison Craig W.
Published: February 2018

Loneliness is examined as a pervasive contemporary personal and social problem. Three kinds of loneliness are tentatively suggested and two underlying dynamics proposed. Loneliness is then analyzed with regard to its developmental origins in disrupted affectional bonds, rejection, and inadequately developed social skills. Culturally-related attitudes toward biological conditions are briefly pointed out. The widespread nature of the loneliness experience is related to four sociologically-based factors. Finally, existential loneliness is examined from the perspective of the Scriptures.
Pioneering Literature in the Psychology of Religion: A Reminder
Authors: Booth Howard J.
Published: February 2018

Select works of seven major pioneers in the psychology of religion are examined comparatively. Their studies inductively approached the phenomena of religion in individual experience, thus ascertaining with some sense of prediction the laws operating in religious growth. It is evident that these works set the stage at the turn of the century for the development of the field.
Loneliness and Faith
Authors: Sobosan Jeffrey G.
Published: February 2018

Loneliness is fundamentally an experience of isolation. It results from the apprehension that the individual is no longer able to communicate intelligibly with his surrounding world. He feels cut off, alienated from the people and events that inhabit his existence. In a religious context, he feels abandoned by God, no longer able to affirm once cherished beliefs. In the following article we will examine this experience at some length, analyzing first its general characteristics and then applying this analysis to the specific question of faith in God. We will conclude by suggesting that the antipode to the experience of loneliness is the experience of acceptance and that it is toward encouraging this latter experience that the healer of loneliness must apply his wit and understanding.
A Comparative Study of Religious Values of Christian and Public School Eighth Graders
Authors: Tjart David , Boersma Frederic J.
Published: February 2018

Ninety-one Christian and 100 public school eighth graders were given three instruments to assess their religious values. These paper and pencil tests were, respectively, the semantic differential for the terms God and Prayer, Allport's “Intrinsic-Extrinsic” Religious Orientation Scale and Rokeach's “Instrumental Values” scale. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for all three measures. Specifically, Christian school students had greater positive orientations to the concepts God and Prayer, more intrinsic religious orientations, and a greater preference for moral (interpersonal) behaviors than did their public school counterparts. The results were discussed in terms of an integration of the findings, problems associated with generalizing from self-report date to actual overt behavior, and with respect to potential research possibilities.
The Search for Self-Esteem
Authors: Wilder W. Glenn
Published: February 2018

The discussion centers on the problem of attaining a consistently stable and healthy self-esteem as essential to psychological integrity. Opposing healthy self-esteem is the need for self-deification, a phenomenon significantly related to psychopathology as attested to in the writings of various theorists. From a Christian perspective, the relationship between sin and psychopathology is believed to be causal. Theologically defined pride is isolated by the reviewer as the essential element in sin. Pride is identical to the need for self-deification and is opposed to healthy self-esteem. The Bible holds the authoritative and definitive discussion of the problem and also provides the solution.
Using Behavioral Psychology to Encourage Personal Evangelism
Authors: Ratcliff Donald E.
Published: February 2018

Principles from behavioral psychology may be utilized by the local church pastor to help motivate laymen toward personal evangelism. A series of four steps can be used to shape behavior, bringing the laymen closer and closer to the actual witnessing situation. Maximizing the outcomes through reinforcement must take place at each step. Desensitization may also be used for those laymen who have strong fears of the witnessing situation. By combining behavioral psychology with a strong spiritual focus, laymen may be helped to become effective soul winners.
Conversion Experience, Belief System, and Personal and Ethical Attitudes
Authors: Paloutzian Raymond F. , Jackson Steven L. , Crandall James E.
Published: February 2018

Two studies assessed the relation between type of religious belief system (“ethical” vs. “born again” Christianity), type of conversion experience (sudden vs. gradual vs. unconscious), and four attitudinal dependent variables: the Purpose in Life Test, Social Interest Scale, Religious Orientation Scale, and Dogmatism. In Study 1, 84 college students served as subjects. In Study 2, 177 adults of varying ages served as subjects. The same basic pattern of results was obtained for the two studies. Born again Christians were significantly more intrinsically motivated in their religious beliefs and higher in social interest than ethical Christians. Sudden converts were significantly more intrinsic in religious orientation than unconscious converts. Professed Christians scored significantly higher on the Purpose in Life Test and Social Interest Scale than professed non-Christians. The findings suggest that it is useful to classify Christians according to type of belief and type of conversion experience. A deep religious commitment seemed to be accompanied by a sense of meaning in life, greater concern for the welfare of others, and a more dogmatic way of thinking.
Jpt: Its Relevance Reviewed
Authors: Wichern Frank B.
Published: February 2018

JPT has been a valuable resource to mental health professionals and scientists during the last ten years. Its future relevance as a forum for psychological-theological integration depends on its continued commitment to publishing empirical, as well as theoretical, literature that addresses such pertinent issues as counselor-church relations and professional values and ethics. However, the centrality of Christ as the source of all wisdom should be the guiding principle for JPT's integrative efforts.
The Dream of Joseph: A Jungian Interpretation
Authors: Walsh John A.
Published: February 2018

Religion and psychology both recognize the value of dreams as avenues into greater self-knowledge. Religion's specific interest is in discerning the revelatory dimension of dreams. This article explores the biblical account of Joseph's dream recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, and attempts to put forth an interpretation of this dream as a model. The purpose of this model is to give further understanding to the meaning of biblical dreams as avenues of self-knowledge and essential events of divine revelation. The psychology of C.G. Jung is employed as a working hypothesis for the interpretation of the dream. The analysis of the dream as a model for personal dream interpretation discloses a way that dreams may be used to further spiritual development.
The Needs of Evangelical Christian Leaders in the United States
Authors: Ellison Craig W. , Mattila William S.
Published: February 2018

An empirical investigation of the psychological difficulties experienced by Christian leaders was conducted by means of a needs survey. Results indicated that subjects considered their difficulties as relatively minor, although stress, frustration, lack of time, and feelings of inadequacy were reported as their most pressing experiences. Personal unrealistic expectations were identified as a major causal factor for these difficulties. In addition, these leaders revealed significant discrepancies between their actual and ideal ministry emphases.
Narcissus Precedes Oedipus: A Response to Vitz and Gartner
Authors: Bridgman Laird , Carter John D.
Published: February 2018

The authors briefly respond to Vitz and Gartner's reply to their article, “Christianity and Psychoanalysis: Original Sin–Oedipal or Preoedipal?”, and focus specifically on three of the larger issues raised.
On De-Staging Our Relationships
Authors: Oosterhuis Alyce
Published: February 2018

This article argues for the need to de-stage our understanding of changes in faith and marriage. The use of stages suggests that faith and marriage develop in discrete, invariant, hierarchical, and universal steps towards completion. Linking specific ages to stages fosters communal fragmentation rather than unity. Stages often become pejorative labels of lesser than/greater than dimensions. Stage descriptions are generic rather than supportive of individual uniqueness. There are alternatives to stage concepts which can capture the essence of change more biblically and holistically.
Internal Locus of Control for Expectation, Perception and Management of Answered Prayer
Authors: Mitchell Christina E.
Published: February 2018

Locus of control is the learned approach to assigning cause to outcomes. Individuals who see events as self-determined are internals and those who see them as determined by outside factors are externals. Therapists who work with internals know them to be generally self-sufficient, goal-directed and responsible. Thus when they submit to therapy they admit to a deficiency similar to the admission of helplessness when they pray. They may need assistance in being as effective in setting goals and recognizing and managing outcomes in therapy and prayer as they believe themselves to be in other aspects of life.
A Maturity-Empowering Model of Christian Parenting
Authors: Balswick Jack , Balswick Judith
Published: February 2018

This maturity-empowering model of Christian parenting integrates social science literature on parent/child relationships and a biblical model of God as parent. This model presents (a) a parenting style which evolves with and corresponds to the developing needs of children, and (b) an empowering style which assists children in progressing from dependency to self-sufficiency and maturity which enables them to empower others.
Leadership Styles of Effective Ministry
Authors: Nauss Allen
Published: February 2018

Societal changes in the last half century have raised expectations for today's pastoral ministry. However, ministerial studies to date have revealed no clear picture of effective ministry. Following Malony's (1976) suggestion, this study attempts to identify leadership style as a primary theme. Selected parish office holders were asked first to rate the performance of 310 parish pastors in three districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod on the Ministerial Function Scale (MFS). Scores were obtained for the original six factors of the MFS (Preacher-Priest, Administrator, Community and Social Involvement, Personal and Spiritual Model, Visitor-Counselor and Teacher) and also for a seventh factor of Evangelist added for this research project. Multiple regression analyses of the parishioners’ ratings of the pastors on the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire yielded squared coefficients of correlation ranging from .39 to .74 in developing predictive formulae for effectiveness in the seven functions and an overall effectiveness rating. Different styles of effective ministry including primarily sets of leader behaviors were projected for each of the functions. Implications are suggested for seminary and in-service ministerial training.
Changing Resistant Assumptions in Christian Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Craigie Frederic C. , Tan Siang-Yang
Published: February 2018

Drawing upon a large secular literature, Christian approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy have emphasized the importance of helping clients to change false assumptions about themselves, their faith, and the world. A common clinical challenge, however, is that clients indicate that they know the truth in an academic sense, but are not able to relate to and incorporate the truth in such a way that it transforms their lives. They know the truth, but it does not set them free. This article describes a number of approaches to assess core assumptions accurately, to help clients to take different perspectives about changing resistant assumptions, and to utilize behavioral strategies, social support, imagery and prayer as vehicles for experiencing and incorporating God's truth in a deeper way.
Rational-Emotive Therapy in Christian Perspective
Authors: Jones Stanton L.
Published: February 2018

Rational-emotive therapy (RET), a common cognitive-behavioral approach to psychotherapy, is critiqued from a Christian perspective. Positively, RET is openly value-oriented, prizing of rationality, and balanced in its attempt to deal with the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings of the client from a rational perspective. Such an approach can be a helpful tool for the Christian therapist to use. Difficulties with RET thought from a Christian perspective include incompatibilities with values endorsed by RET, an overemphasis on rationality, problems with the understanding of rationality and emotion, and an overly atomistic view of the self. These tensions make it quite impossible for a truly Christian approach to therapy to be overly identified with RET. Two systems of “Christian counseling” which are quite akin to RET are briefly examined in light of the RET critique.
Self-Esteem in the Presence of God
Authors: Johnson Eric L.
Published: February 2018

Many individuals living in our post-Christian culture have placed the self in the position most cultures reserve for their god(s). Present cultural interest in self-esteem flows from this religious orientation. Unfortunately, the Christian church has not been entirely impervious to this non-Christian religious influence. While acknowledging the psychological importance of self-esteem, the author suggests that self-esteem is an unavoidably religious experience. An attempt is made to outline a Christian understanding of proper self-esteem: an affective response to the self-knowledge and self-evaluation that results from knowing God. The evaluative context of the Christian and non-Christian are also contrasted. The article concludes with some implications of the material for personal life and professional practice.
Measuring Spiritual Giftedness: A Factor Analytic Study of a Spiritual Gifts Inventory
Authors: Ledbetter Mark F. , Foster James D.
Published: February 2018

The evangelical community has seen a recent proliferation of spiritual gifts inventories. These inventories resemble personality measures developed by psychologists and are designed to help individuals identify their spiritual gifts. This study examines the psychometric properties of one such inventory designed to measure 14 spiritual gifts. Thirty-one male and 41 female evangelical college-aged students were administered the Hocking (1975) Spiritual Gifts Inventory. In general, the subscales (i.e., spiritual gifts) showed poor to moderate reliabilities. Interscale factor analysis using an oblique rotation produced a three-factor solution and does not support the ability of this inventory to measure 14 unique gifts. The hermeneutical implications of the three-factor solution and the ethical concerns in using inventories that have not been validated but appear “scientific” are discussed.
Pulmonary mucormycosis mimicking an endobronchial mass
Authors: Sayan Muhammet , Arpag Huseyin , Tokur Mahmut , Bahar Abdulkadir Yasir
Published: February 2018

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that can infect different regions of the body. This entity may present in rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, and disseminated forms. Although pulmonary mucormycosis is usually seen as an invasive parenchymal consolidation or cavitation, it may rarely present as an endobronchial mass. We describe a case of endobronchial mucormycosis in which the fungal mass was completely removed via rigid bronchoscopy before medical therapy.
Experimental investigation of semiactive robust control for structures with magnetorheological dampers
Authors: Aggumus Huseyin , Cetin Saban
Published: February 2018

This study investigates reducing the vibration of structures under different earthquakes using magnetorheological dampers. To investigate the effect of the magnetorheological damper arrangement on reducing the vibration amplitude of structures, experimental studies are conducted in which magnetorheological dampers are commanded by a robust controller. So, the performance of the system is investigated using different combinations of two magnetorheological dampers on a building and three different arrangements for dampers are considered for experimental study. Additionally, an H∞ controller is designed to determine the voltage transmitted to the magnetorheological dampers. The results show that the magnetorheological damper commanded with the robust controller effectively reduces the vibration of a six-story steel structure. Furthermore, the magnetorheological damper arrangement in which the one end is connected to the ground reduces the vibration amplitudes.
Breast tomosynthesis for the clarification of mammographic BI-RADS 3 lesions can decrease follow-up examinations and enables immediate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Bahrs Sonja D , Otto Vanessa , Hattermann Valerie , Klumpp Bernhard , Hahn Markus , Nikolaou Konstantin , Siegmann-Luz Katja
Published: February 2018

Background

The limited sensitivity of mammography in case of a high breast density often produces unclear or false-positive findings, so-called BI-RADS 3 lesions, which have to be followed up to prove benignity. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) was developed to reduce such summation effects.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of an additional DBT on the management of mammographic BI-RADS 3 findings and whether DBT can decrease the time to definitive diagnosis or not.

Material and Methods

We analyzed 87 patients with a mammographic non-calcified BI-RADS 3 lesion who underwent an additional DBT of the affected breast. A follow-up two-dimensional (2D) examination or a histological result of the lesion had to be available. The images were analyzed especially for the BI-RADS category and incremental diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, the inter-reader reliability and the radiation dose were evaluated.

Results

The BI-RADS category has been changed by the addition of DBT: 57.1% were assessed as BI-RADS 1 or 2, 4.6% as BI-RADS 4, and only 38.3% remained as BI-RADS 3. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the three readers showed a good agreement for inter-reader reliability. No false-negative examination was found in the follow-ups. Nine lesions were biopsied (seven benign, two malignant). Both malignant lesions were suspicious in the DBT (BI-RADS 4). A significant higher glandular dose was necessary for the DBT.

Conclusion

DBT has the potential to reduce the recall-rate of BI-RADS 3 lesions and to find and diagnose malignant lesions earlier than 2D mammography alone.
Mammographic screening attendance among immigrant and minority women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bhargava Sameer , Moen Kåre , Qureshi Samera Azeem , Hofvind Solveig
Published: February 2018

Background

Groups of immigrant and minority women are more often diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer than other women. Mammographic screening aims to reduce mortality from breast cancer through early detection in asymptomatic women.

Purpose

To compare mammographic screening attendance among immigrant and minority women to that of other women.

Material and Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane identified 1369 papers published between January 1995 and March 2016. In the review, we included 33 studies investigating mammographic screening attendance among immigrant and/or minority women. In a meta-analysis, we included 19 of the studies that compared attendance among immigrant and/or minority women with that among other women, using a random effects model.

Results

The review included studies from Europe, North America, and Oceania, with 42,666,093 observations of opportunities for mammographic screening. Attendance was generally lower among immigrant and minority women compared to other women (46.2% vs. 55.0%; odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.56–0.73; P < 0.05, I2 = 99.9%). Non-Western immigrants had lower attendance rates than other immigrants.

Conclusion

Immigrant and minority women had lower mammographic screening attendance than other women, which could potentially put them at increased risk for more advanced breast cancer. This review emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to engage with the preventative health needs of diverse populations in attempts to achieve equality in access to, and use of, care.
Endovascular treatment for the control of active vaginal bleeding from uterine cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Cheng Shi , Park Sohee , Shin Ji Hoon , Nouri Yasir , Kim Jong-Woo , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Ko Gi-Young
Published: February 2018

Background

Endovascular treatment has become a significant therapeutic option for the management of intractable bleeding in gynecologic malignancies. However, the endovascular treatment types were almost never mentioned when active bleeding from different arteries was identified.

Purpose

To present angiographic details and evaluate clinical efficacy of endovascular treatments to control active vaginal bleeding in uterine cervical cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, six, consecutive cervical cancer patients treated with radiotherapy who underwent endovascular treatment for active vaginal bleeding were included. Angiographic findings, endovascular treatment details, and clinical outcomes were obtained.

Results

Ten endovascular procedures were technically successful, in which bleeding arteries were the internal iliac artery/its branches (n = 5), external iliac artery (EIA) (n = 3), uterine artery (n = 1), and superior rectal artery (n = 1), and bleeding manifested as contrast extravasation (n = 6), pseudoaneurysm (n = 1), or both (n = 3). Three of the four repeated procedures showed different bleeding sites from the primary ones. Stent graft was inserted to preserve the patency of the bleeding EIA in two patients. For another EIA rupture, both proximal and distal embolization were performed, followed by femoral-to-femoral bypass to preserve blood flow. Bleeding control within one month was achieved in 80% (8/10). One minor complication, mild transient pelvic pain, occurred in one patient.

Conclusions

Various endovascular treatment was feasible and effective to control active vaginal bleeding from cervical cancer. Repeated procedures showed commonly different bleeding foci and stent graft insertion was effective for preserving the patency of the large bleeding artery.
Proliferative Lesions of the Endometrium of 50 Four-Toed Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Chambers James K. , Shiga Takanori , Takimoto Haruka , Dohata Atsushi , Miwa Yasutsugu , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Uchida Kazuyuki
Published: February 2018

Uteri from 50 four-toed hedgehogs ( Atelerix albiventris) with clinical signs of uterine disease were histopathologically examined. Sixteen animals (32%) were diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, 7 animals (14%) were diagnosed with endometrial polyp, and 27 animals (54%) were diagnosed with endometrial neoplasia. The mean ages of the animals with endometrial hyperplasia, polyp, and neoplasia were 28.7 months, 29.4 months, and 25.2 months, respectively. The neoplasms were classified into 7 endometrial mixed tumors, 12 endometrial stromal nodules, and 8 endometrial stromal sarcomas. However, the endometrial stromal nodules and endometrial stromal sarcomas often developed within or were contiguous with an endometrial polyp or mixed tumor. Interestingly, the stromal tumors and the stromal components of the endometrial polyp and mixed tumor displayed extraendometrial differentiation (eg, into adipocytes, granular cells, smooth muscle cells, and osteoid tissue). The endometrial stromal sarcomas exhibited severe cellular atypia and invaded subendometrial tissue. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated that the stromal cells of the hyperplastic lesions as well as the neoplastic lesions were positive for CD10, the progesterone receptor, and Wilms tumor 1. The four-toed hedgehog develops unique uterine neoplasms that are mainly composed of endometrial stromal cells and probably arise from endometrial polyps and/or mixed tumors.
Lab Versus Parent Ratings of Temperament: A Brief Examination of Potential Uses for Professionals Across Settings
Authors: McCrary Megan K. , DiLalla Lisabeth Fisher
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the Infant Behavior Record (IBR) as an observer-rated measure of temperament. The aim was to determine whether the IBR and a parent-rated measure of temperament were comparably associated with children’s performance on laboratory tasks and with a measure of the home environment. We found several significant associations between the IBR and laboratory performance and no significant correlations between parent ratings and laboratory performance. Conversely, there were several significant associations between parent-rated temperament and the home environment and no significant associations between the IBR and the home environment. These findings lend evidence to the utility of the IBR as an observer-rated measure of temperament that can be used by teachers, clinicians, and other professionals working with children.
Usage of Social Media Tools for Collaborative Learning: The Effect on Learning Success With the Moderating Role of Cyberbullying
Authors: Sarwar Binesh , Zulfiqar Salman , Aziz Saira , Ejaz Chandia Khurram
Published: February 2018

The adoption level of emerging web technologies is rapidly growing in educational settings. Given the widespread popularity of social media, it has become essential to understand and adopt social media sites to develop future educational plans as well as deploy current course material on new technologies. This article addresses the issue of perception and usage of social media from the perspective of student collaborative learning and learner performance by incorporating the Technology Acceptance Model and Constructivism Theory about collaborative learning. By analyzing the results using a Structure Equation Modeling technique, this study found that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment all have a significant positive relationship with social media usage. The results indicate that social media serves as a dynamic tool to expedite the development of learning environments by encouraging cooperation and communication among students which reinforce their learning behavior and performance. However, it was found that a negative relationship exists between perceived enjoyment and collaborative learning. Cyberbullying as a moderator was found to be a dampening factor in the positive relationship between collaborative learning and learner performance.
L’éthique du silence : le conflit d’intérêts explique-t-il le silence des employés?
Authors: Anderson James
Published: February 2018

Le silence des employés constitue une menace importante pour la réussite des organisations. Dans le présent article, les auteurs avancent que le silence dérive du conflit d’intérêts (CdI) structurel entre les employés et leur employeur. Cet argument repose sur la thèse également défendue dans l’article selon laquelle les leaders, qu’ils l’acceptent ou non, dépendent de leurs employés pour obtenir de l’information fiable sur le travail effectué, car ceux-ci connaissent intimement ce qu’ils font. La parole des employés devient donc une nécessité organisationnelle. C’est également une réalisation morale, car elle oblige l’individu à risquer ses intérêts personnels au profit de ceux de l’organisation. Les leaders doivent prendre des mesures pour atténuer les CdI et inciter les employés à s’exprimer. Le présent article leur fournit plusieurs stratégies en ce sens.
Bionanocomposite scaffolds based on chitosan–gelatin and nanodimensional bioactive glass particles: In vitro properties and in vivo bone regeneration
Authors: Covarrubias Cristian , Cádiz Monserrat , Maureira Miguel , Celhay Isabel , Cuadra Felipe , von Marttens Alfredo
Published: February 2018

Bone repair bionanocomposite scaffolds were produced by incorporating dense bioactive glass nanoparticles or mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres into a chitosan–gelatin polymer blend. The in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds was assessed in simulated body fluid, and cell viability and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed with dental pulp stem cells. Bone regeneration properties of the scaffold materials were in vivo assessed by using a critical-sized femoral defect model in rat. The scaffold nanocomposites showed excellent cytocompatibility and ability to accelerate the crystallization of bone-like apatite in vitro. Bionanocomposites prepared with bioactive glass nanoparticles were particularly more active to promote the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells as judged by the higher activity of alkaline phosphatase. This result is attributed to the faster dissolution of bioactive glass nanoparticles into osteogenic ionic products compared to mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres. In vivo experiments demonstrated that bioactive glass nanoparticles (5%)/chitosan–gelatin bionanocomposite significantly produces the highest amount of new bone (∼80%) in the defect area after eight weeks of implantation. The bone regeneration capacity exhibited by the scaffolds formulated with nanodimensional bioactive glass particles make them attractive for bone reconstruction applications.
State Health Insurance Regulation and Self-Employment Rates After the Great Recession: The Role of Guaranteed Issue Mandates
Authors: Chattopadhyay Jacqueline
Published: February 2018

Individual-level research has found self-employment positively linked to regulations that facilitate health insurance access outside the large group market. Since self-employment can aid regional economies, if such a relationship holds at the state level, insurance regulation may bolster state economic development. Yet such regulations may spawn high insurance premiums, which can depress self-employment. This study tested whether state self-employment rates from 2009 to 2011 related positively to states’ use of “guaranteed issue” mandates in the individual and small group markets from 2008 to 2010. These mandates require insurers to offer coverage to all applicants. Self-employment rates are measured as the share of the nonagricultural labor force self-employed, and alternately as the number of individual proprietorships per 1,000 population. Both measures are statistically higher in states that mandate guaranteed issue for groups of one in the small-group market than in states that do not; however, they are insensitive to individual market-guaranteed issue and inversely related to premiums.
A lightweight optimal design model for bolted flange joints without gaskets considering its sealing performance
Authors: Ma Benben , Zhu Yichao , Jin Fan , Ding Quan , Guo Xu
Published: February 2018

The lightweight optimal design of bolted flange joint system without gaskets is still a challenging problem, mainly owing to two issues: the relatively large number of mutually dependent geometric design parameters and the complicated role played by the contact details between members. With these two issues properly addressed, this article aims for devising a concise formulation for lightweight optimal design of bolted joint systems without gaskets. After a systematic examination of the correlations between design parameters, the total number of free design variables is reduced to three: member thickness, bolt spacing, and bolt specification, respectively. Besides, a finite element analysis that can resolve more contact details between members is conducted, and the influencing factors on the pressure distribution at the member surface are thus identified, with a criterion for the system sealing failure incorporated. Based on the findings in this work, a novel design scheme for the joint system is proposed, and good agreement between our predictions and results obtained by a full three-dimensional finite element analysis is shown. The proposed approach can be used to optimize the design parameters of bolted joint systems considering sealing performance without heavy finite element computation and can find applications in many relevant engineering fields.
Analysis of the dynamic response and fatigue reliability of a full-scale carbody of a high-speed train
Authors: Lu Yaohui , Dang Linyuan , Zhang Xing , Feng Zhen , Zeng Jing , Dong P , Xiang Penglin
Published: February 2018

For a vehicle operating under different line conditions, coupled with track irregularity and many other factors, the carbody is subjected to extremely complex random loads, and the load mainly exists in the form of an alternating load; therefore, the primary type of failure is fatigue failure. With the continuous improvement in train speed, lightweight designs of carbody structures and the application of high-strength aluminium alloy, the safety and reliability of a carbody require more attention. An investigation of the dynamic fatigue reliability of a full-scale carbody of a high-speed train under random load conditions is carried out. A dynamics model of the vehicle system has been established for acquiring the time history of forces acting on the carbody by each air spring (hereinafter referred to as ‘the load–time history’). A surrogate model (a simple model instead of a complex carbody model) of the carbody is established based on the Box–Behnken matrix design and the polynomial fitting method; then, the load–time history is transformed to the stress–time history of the points of concern, and the results are compared with the results of the transient analysis, which verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the surrogate model. Then, a stress block spectrum is obtained by rain flow counting, and the stress probability distribution is determined. Combined with the probability distribution of fatigue strength, a dynamic stress–strength interference model (the area of interference between strength and stress in the model changes over time) is established. The failure rate and dynamic reliability of the points of concern for two cases are analysed: without considering the strength degradation and considering the strength degradation. The results show that without considering the strength degradation during service, with increased service mileage, the fatigue strength reliability of the points of concern decreases continuously, and the corresponding failure rate of the points of concern decreases with time and reaches a steady value, which has the characteristics of the first two stages of the bathtub curve. By considering the strength degradation during service, the reliability of the points of concern decreases gradually, and the corresponding failure rate of the points of concern decreases and then increases, with all the features of the bathtub curve. In addition, compared with the base metal region, the fatigue resistance of the welded structure decreases due to welding. Under the same service conditions, the reliability of the welded region is relatively low, and fatigue failure is more likely to occur.
Easier Seen Than Done: Merely Watching Others Perform Can Foster an Illusion of Skill Acquisition
Authors: Kardas Michael , O’Brien Ed
Published: February 2018

Modern technologies such as YouTube afford unprecedented access to the skilled performances of other people. Six experiments ( N = 2,225) reveal that repeatedly watching others can foster an illusion of skill acquisition. The more people merely watch others perform (without actually practicing themselves), the more they nonetheless believe they could perform the skill, too (Experiment 1). However, people’s actual abilities—from throwing darts and doing the moonwalk to playing an online game—do not improve after merely watching others, despite predictions to the contrary (Experiments 2–4). What do viewers see that makes them think they are learning? We found that extensive viewing allows people to track what steps to take (Experiment 5) but not how those steps feel when taking them. Accordingly, experiencing a “taste” of performing attenuates the illusion: Watching others juggle but then holding the pins oneself tempers perceived change in one’s own ability (Experiment 6). These findings highlight unforeseen problems for self-assessment when watching other people.
Early-Childhood Conduct Problems Predict Economic and Political Discontent in Adulthood: Evidence From Two Large, Longitudinal UK Cohorts
Authors: Lewis Gary J.
Published: February 2018

Longstanding interest has been directed toward the etiology of sociopolitical attitudes. Personality traits have been posited as antecedents; however, most work addressing such links has been limited to cross-sectional study designs. The current study used data from two large (both Ns > 8,700), longitudinal cohorts of individuals from the United Kingdom who were parent-assessed on a measure of temperament (assessing anxiety, conduct problems, and hyperactivity) at age 5 or 7 years and on a range of sociopolitical attitudes at age 30 or 33 years. In both cohorts, higher levels of childhood conduct problems predicted higher levels of economic and political discontent in adulthood. These associations were still evident when controlling for sex, childhood intelligence, and parental social class. In both cohorts, this pathway was partially mediated by educational attainment and achieved social class. These findings are consistent with the perspective that early-life temperament gives rise to adult political sentiment.
Combined detection of uMCP-1 and uTWEAK for rapid discrimination of severe lupus nephritis
Authors: Dong X W , Zheng Z H , Ding J , Luo X , Li Z Q , Li Y , Rong M Y , Fu Y L , Shi J H , Yu L C , Wu Z B , Zhu P
Published: February 2018

Reliable markers for the rapid discrimination of severe renal damage remain a vital concern for lupus nephritis (LN). To determine a better tool for kidney damage detection, the present study compared the evaluation ability of novel urinary cytokines and chemokines (namely urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (uMCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (uTWEAK)) with traditional serum or urinary markers (namely urinary alpha 1-microgrobulin (uα1-MG), beta 2-microglobulin (uβ2-MG) and serum complement C3 (C3), complement C4 (C4), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cystatin C (Cys C)) in discriminating LN renal damage. Correlations between markers with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) renal SLEDAI scores, biopsy activity index (BAI) and biopsy chronicity index (BCI) scores were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate a single or combined model in discriminating active renal involvement (rSLEDAI scores > 0) and patients with poor pathological outcome (BAI scores ≥ 7). uMCP-1 and uTWEAK possess higher correlation coefficients with renal damage and larger areas under ROC curves (AUCs) than other markers. A combined model of uMCP-1 and uTWEAK showed an AUC of 0.887, sensitivity of 86.67% and specificity of 80.00% to discriminate active LN, and an AUC of 0.778, sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 81.82% to discriminate LN with poor outcome, which are better than the utility of any markers individually.
Adjustment for time-invariant and time-varying confounders in ‘unexplained residuals’ models for longitudinal data within a causal framework and associated challenges
Authors: Arnold KF , Ellison GTH , Gadd SC , Textor J , Tennant PWG , Heppenstall A , Gilthorpe MS
Published: February 2018

‘Unexplained residuals’ models have been used within lifecourse epidemiology to model an exposure measured longitudinally at several time points in relation to a distal outcome. It has been claimed that these models have several advantages, including: the ability to estimate multiple total causal effects in a single model, and additional insight into the effect on the outcome of greater-than-expected increases in the exposure compared to traditional regression methods. We evaluate these properties and prove mathematically how adjustment for confounding variables must be made within this modelling framework. Importantly, we explicitly place unexplained residual models in a causal framework using directed acyclic graphs. This allows for theoretical justification of appropriate confounder adjustment and provides a framework for extending our results to more complex scenarios than those examined in this paper. We also discuss several interpretational issues relating to unexplained residual models within a causal framework. We argue that unexplained residual models offer no additional insights compared to traditional regression methods, and, in fact, are more challenging to implement; moreover, they artificially reduce estimated standard errors. Consequently, we conclude that unexplained residual models, if used, must be implemented with great care.
Efficient robust doubly adaptive regularized regression with applications
Authors: Karunamuni Rohana J , Kong Linglong , Tu Wei
Published: February 2018

We consider the problem of estimation and variable selection for general linear regression models. Regularized regression procedures have been widely used for variable selection, but most existing methods perform poorly in the presence of outliers. We construct a new penalized procedure that simultaneously attains full efficiency and maximum robustness. Furthermore, the proposed procedure satisfies the oracle properties. The new procedure is designed to achieve sparse and robust solutions by imposing adaptive weights on both the decision loss and the penalty function. The proposed method of estimation and variable selection attains full efficiency when the model is correct and, at the same time, achieves maximum robustness when outliers are present. We examine the robustness properties using the finite-sample breakdown point and an influence function. We show that the proposed estimator attains the maximum breakdown point. Furthermore, there is no loss in efficiency when there are no outliers or the error distribution is normal. For practical implementation of the proposed method, we present a computational algorithm. We examine the finite-sample and robustness properties using Monte Carlo studies. Two datasets are also analyzed.
Individualisation reversed: the cross-class politics of social regulation in the UK’s public/private pension mix
Authors: Bridgen Paul , Meyer Traute
Published: February 2018

Since the turn of the century UK pension politics has been dominated by legislative and regulatory efforts to increase the state’s redistributive role in the pension system. Such developments are unexpected by the theoretical literature on welfare states. This predicts regulatory disputes in multi-pillar pension systems, but does not expect egalitarian reforms in liberal systems like the UK where organised labour is weak. We explain these reforms as a product of a temporary cross-class alliance, facilitated by a cohesive pension policy network, and formalised by an independent Pensions Commission. The consensus was possible because the public/private nature of the UK pension system politicised the non-state sphere, shaping the preferences of pension policy actors, and leading business to reach a compromise agreement with unions.