bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Service Organizations, Discretionary Funding, and Neighborhood Crime Rates
Authors: Jacoby Annette
Published: January 2017

This article explores whether or not the presence and funding of neighborhood organizations are associated with local crime rates and how this impact differs by level of crime. The small body of literature on social organizations suggests there are no associations between social organizations and crime. Furthermore, the link between community organizations and neighborhood crime rates has not been analyzed longitudinally. Based on an analysis of two time periods, this article reveals causal mechanisms that influence neighborhood crime rates. The article uses geocoded incident-level crime and discretionary funding data from New York City for both 2010 and 2015. The analysis shows that neighborhood organizations supported by discretionary funding drive down crime rates, although this effect varies by initial level of crime in 2010.
Can positive faith-based encounters influence Australian young people’s drinking behaviours?
Authors: Hutton Alison , Whitehead Dean , Ullah Shahid
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Alcohol-related accidents and injuries occur disproportionately within young people – especially when gathering at social events. This study represents a partnership between a faith-based group of volunteers specifically trained to counsel and support young people to reduce their risk of alcohol-related harm, Adelaide City Council, and the South Australian Police Force aimed at reducing risk-related alcohol consumption in a metropolitan nightclub district area. It posits that supporting young people to party safely, alongside positive community engagement, may deter unsafe consumption practices – such as pre-loading and binge-drinking.

Methods:

Retrospective online survey evaluated the impact on attitudes of young people who received the intervention.

Results:

Findings suggest volunteers were perceived as positive role models who demonstrated a genuine sense of care and ability to support. As a result, one-third of respondents identified potentially more carefully pre-plan their drinking behaviour on their next night out.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that young people are responsive to positive interventions and that future pre-planning may become a more natural part of their party routine – resulting in less likelihood of alcohol-related risk. The outcome measure, that young people’s intentions to moderate their drinking as a result of positive encounters, is an important one.
Learning From Mistakes: How Mistake Tolerance Positively Affects Organizational Learning and Performance
Authors: Weinzimmer Laurence G. , Esken Candace A.
Published: January 2017

Organizational learning has been shown to affect performance. This study offers a fine-grained view regarding different types of learning opportunities. Specifically, opportunities to learn from mistakes are examined. Using three separate samples, we first establish statistically reliable and unidimensional measures of both organizational learning and mistake tolerance. Second, we empirically demonstrate the mediating role of organizational learning on the mistake tolerance–performance relationship. Our results offer findings that will generalize to other organizational contexts. We conclude with a dialogue suggesting prescriptive advice for managers and provide a discussion of how learning from mistakes can be an important catalyst in organizational change. Using specific items from our survey, we stress that managers need to make a conscious effort to communicate to employees the value in learning from mistakes as an important part of improving and changing existing organizational practices.
Information Sources Used by European Tourists: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Korneliussen Tor , Greenacre Michael
Published: January 2017

This study investigates which information sources European tourists use when making decisions about their travel/holiday plans. Using survey data based on national representative samples of tourists from 27 member countries of the European Union allows generalizable conclusions to be drawn. The data were analyzed using correspondence analysis of overall country data. The findings indicate that there are systematic differences in how information sources are related to one another and that the various countries within the European Union differ in their tourists’ use of information sources. Six segments of information source behavior are revealed. These segments reflect economic development and the national cultures of European nations. Management implications are highlighted. The findings of this study can be used to segment tourists’ use of information sources according to country, economic development, and national culture.
Engaging Adults With Chronic Disease in Online Depressive Symptom Self-Management
Authors: Wilson Marian , Hewes Casey , Barbosa-Leiker Celestina , Mason Anne , Wuestney Katherine A. , Shuen Jessica A. , Wilson Michael P.
Published: January 2017

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate participant engagement and effects of an Internet-based, self-directed program for depressive symptoms piloted among adults with a chronic disease. Eligible participants ( N = 47) were randomly assigned to either the “Think Clearly About Depression” online depression self-management program or the control group. The Patient Health Questionnaire–8 and Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scales were administered at baseline and at Weeks 4 and 8 after initiating the intervention. Number Needed to Treat analysis indicated that one in every three treatment group participants found clinically significant reductions in depressive symptoms by Week 8. Paired-sample t tests showed that depressive symptoms and self-efficacy in management of depressive symptoms improved over time for those in the treatment group and not for those in the control group. Participants’ engagement and satisfaction with the online program were favorable.
Trust Development With the Spanish-Speaking Mexican American Patient: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Jones Sharon M.
Published: January 2017

Interpersonal trust between patient and nurse is important in patient-centered care. Trust development may be more difficult if the patient and nurse do not speak the same language. In this grounded theory study, Spanish-speaking Mexican American adults ( n = 20) hospitalized on a medical-surgical or obstetric unit in the Midwestern United States were interviewed. Through data analysis, a model of how trust develops between nurse and patient revealed eight categories and the core category Caring for Me Well Even When Not Understanding Me. The beginning phase had four categories: Asking for Help, Bothering, Communicating, and Understanding. The middle phase had two categories: Platicando (chatting) and Being Available. The end point category was Having Trust, and outcomes were Feeling Comfortable and Feeling Supported. The language barrier was a hindrance to trust development but the nurse’s way of being (personality) was more important. Therefore, the patient did develop trust with nurses who did not speak Spanish.
Class Shaming in Post-Recession U.S. Advertising
Authors: McAllister Matthew P. , Aupperle Anna
Published: January 2017

Class is an issue rarely foregrounded in advertising criticism, although the emphasis on consumption and commodity-defined images of the good life frequently makes advertising a class-oriented discourse. The degree and manner that advertising contains overt symbols and discussions of class may be influenced by the particular era in which a campaign appears. This article argues that several “postrecession” U.S. campaigns including for Buick, Allstate, and DirecTV make class comparisons explicit, as seen in “class shaming” strategies such as a ridicule of service workers, presenting the wealthy as victimized by the working class, and “lower-classface” performances that contrast class-based lifestyles. In such ads, representations of the working class are equated with losers, incompetents, and non-brand users in the ads, while affluent users and opulent lifestyles are celebrated. Final reflections focus on the ideological implications of more obvious depictions of class in current and future advertising.
Modified total cavopulmonary shunt as a staged Fontan operation
Authors: Asai Hidetsugu , Tachibana Tsuyoshi , Shingu Yasushige , Kato Hiroki , Wakasa Satoru , Matsui Yoshiro
Published: January 2017

The left superior vena cava became occluded in an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After a bidirectional Glenn procedure, he presented with severe oxygen desaturation and right ventricular dysfunction; the left superior vena cava drained into the inferior vena cava through collateral veins. As salvage therapy, we created a modified total cavopulmonary shunt using only autologous tissue in which the right hepatic vein and inferior vena cava drained into the pulmonary artery via a lateral tunnel in the right atrium. Immediately after surgery, his oxygen saturation increased and right ventricular function improved.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of post-pneumonectomy air leak and adult respiratory distress syndrome of the non-operated lung
Authors: Marek Szkorupa , Martin Simek , Ondrej Zuscich , Josef Chudacek , Cestmir Neoral , Vladimir Lonsky
Published: January 2017

Post-pneumonectomy air leak and severe respiratory failure of the non-operated lung is considered to be a life-threatening complication of lung surgery. We present the case report of a 68-year-old man who underwent a right pneumonectomy for spinocellular carcinoma. Refractory respiratory failure occurred following bronchial stump air leakage and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) of the non-operated lung. Established veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) was utilized to maintain tissue oxygenation while re-do surgery was performed. The leaking bronchial stump was closed with an azygos vein patch and, subsequently, weaning off ECMO was accomplished 7 days later. The patient fully recovered and he is limited only by mild exertional dyspnea at 24 months follow-up after the initial surgery.
What Do Book Awards Signal? An Analysis of Book Awards in Three Countries
Authors: Dekker Erwin , de Jong Marielle
Published: January 2017

This article analyzes the role of awards as quality signals in the book industry. Drawing on a novel dataset of book awards, it examines the level of consensus between expert juries (as measured by awards and nominations), active consumption (as measured by consumer ratings), passive consumption (as measured by sales), and long-term consecration (as measured by inclusion in anthologies or prestigious lists) in the book industry of the United States, France, and the Netherlands or Flanders. It finds that there is virtually no overlap in the books that receive recognition by different expert juries, in stark contrast to similar research in the movie industry. Only in the United States we find some evidence of a consensus between expert book juries, active and passive consumption, and long-term consecration. From this comparison, we draw theoretical implications, drawing on the theory of economic coordination regimes by Karpik, about the different meaning of awards as signals of quality. In particular, we argue that when authenticity is important, we should not expect quality signals to converge, but when authenticity is less important, quality signals should be expected to converge more.
What is privatization? A political economy framework
Authors: Mercille Julien , Murphy Enda
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a political economic framework for understanding privatization. Its claims are illustrated empirically through examples from contemporary Europe. Theoretically, it starts with the concept of accumulation by dispossession, which refers to the conversion of non-capitalist spaces and practices into the capitalist sphere. This conversion occurs through privatization, liberalization, and marketization. The paper focuses on privatization and presents a schematic that outlines four forms it can take: corporatization, outsourcing, public–private partnerships, and divestiture/asset transfer. These are located on a continuum denoting the extent of private sector involvement. The schematic is an important methodological contribution that enables comparative research on privatization across economic sectors and geographical settings. It thus improves on the accumulation by dispossession literature, which has focused largely on case studies but neglected generic frameworks.
Finite element and analytical modeling to predict the frictional oblique indentation response of GLARE fiber–metal laminates
Authors: Bikakis George SE
Published: January 2017

This article deals with the response of GLARE (GLAss REinforced) fiber–metal laminates subjected to frictional oblique indentation. The indentation response is initially predicted using ANSYS software and a three-dimensional analysis with geometric and material nonlinearities. The classical Coulomb friction model is employed to simulate friction between the contacting surfaces. Then, analytical formulae are derived to predict the GLARE plate indentation load and strain energy as a function of the indentor’s displacement, the friction coefficient, and the indentation direction. These formulae are applied successfully for the GLARE plates with various diameters and indentation directions. The analytical results agree very well with the corresponding finite element analysis results.
A Naturalistic Study of Driving Behavior in Older Adults and Preclinical Alzheimer Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Babulal Ganesh M. , Stout Sarah H. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Ott Brian R. , Carr David B. , Webb Mollie , Traub Cindy M. , Addison Aaron , Morris John C. , Warren David K. , Roe Catherine M.
Published: January 2017

A clinical consequence of symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is impaired driving performance. However, decline in driving performance may begin in the preclinical stage of AD. We used a naturalistic driving methodology to examine differences in driving behavior over one year in a small sample of cognitively normal older adults with ( n = 10) and without ( n = 10) preclinical AD. As expected with a small sample size, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, but older adults with preclinical AD drove less often, were less likely to drive at night, and had fewer aggressive behaviors such as hard braking, speeding, and sudden acceleration. The sample size required to power a larger study to determine differences was calculated.
Treatment of Epileptic Encephalopathies: Current State of the Art
Authors: Nariai Hiroki , Duberstein Susan , Shinnar Shlomo
Published: January 2017

Childhood epileptic encephalopathies are age-dependent disorders of the brain whose hallmarks include loss of neurologic function over time, abnormal electroencephalographic findings, and seizures. Ictal and interictal electrographic activity are conjointly thought to be at the root of the often devastating neuropsychological deterioration, which is specific to the maturing brain. The goals of treatment are not only to control seizures, but also to prevent or reverse neurologic loss of function. In general, time is of the essence in diagnosis, and experienced specialists should promptly design a treatment plan. Hormonal and immune therapies are at the forefront of treatment in many cases, with traditional antiepileptic drugs and surgery (when an identifiable lesion is present) playing a limited role. However, gold standard evidence for treatment of epileptic encephalopathies remains limited. Ongoing clinical and basic research may lead to better understanding of these catastrophic conditions and to better and more effective therapies.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Health-Care Utilization Among Children in the United States
Authors: Merianos Ashley L. , Odar Stough Cathy , Nabors Laura A. , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess patterns of health-care utilization among children who potentially had tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) compared to those who were not exposed.

Design:

A secondary data analysis of the 2011 to 2012 National Survey on Children’s Health was performed.

Setting:

Households nationwide were selected.

Participants:

A total of 95 677 children aged 0 to 17 years.

Measures:

Sociodemographic characteristics, TSE status, and health-care visits were measured.

Analysis:

Multivariable logistic regression models were performed.

Results:

A total of 24.1% of children lived with smokers. Approximately 5% had home TSE. Participants who lived with a smoker were significantly more likely to have had a medical care visit (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.22) and were more likely to seek sick care or health advice at an emergency department (OR = 1.23, CI = 1.23-1.24) but were less likely to have had a dental care visit (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.82-0.83) than those who did not live with a smoker. Similar findings were found among participants who had home TSE.

Conclusion:

TSE is a risk factor for increased use of pediatric medical care. Based on the high number of children who potentially had TSE and received sick care or health advice at an emergency emergency department, this setting may be a venue to deliver health messages to caregivers.
From assimilation to Jewish identity: The dilemmas of French Jewry under the Occupation
Authors: Freadman Anne
Published: January 2017

Following the Napoleonic edict granting citizenship to the Jews, and the implementation of laws consolidating the secularism of the Third Republic, France seemed to have confirmed its status as a land of freedom for European Jews. This changed with the collaboration of Vichy France with the Nazi Occupation. This article studies personal writings, principally diaries, in order to discover the forms of experience of the crisis of identity that beset the Jews of France in the ‘Dark Years’ following this. It shows that under the secularist model of assimilation, this resolved into a series of dilemmas: israélite ou juif, French or Jewish, secular or religiously observant, nationalist, communist or Zionist. The article ends with the key figure of Wladimir Rabinovitch, bringing the account into the second half of the twentieth century. Notwithstanding some key international changes, the terms of these dilemmas has not changed.1
Can post-religious France exist? Abd Al Malik, Frenchness and Islam
Authors: Rebourcet Séverine
Published: January 2017

This article explores the work of the writer, rapper and slam poet Abd Al Malik, who shook up the music world with his message of religious tolerance in the midst of the suburb riots in France in 2005 and the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015. It shows how he builds on his religious conversions and revelations to pose challenging questions about Islam, its interpretations, and its relationship with French society. In his essays and novel, he challenges the readiness of France to accept Muslim culture in its national and cultural identity. In his last novel, he tells the story of a converted Muslim frontrunner in a national presidential election and his reception by the French population. Malik campaigns in favour of a post-religious France through his music and through his literary works. He dismantles the idea that Islam is a religion of people of colour and insists on its multi-ethnicity. His ideal post-religious France would be based on acceptability and inclusivity, love and universalism. Malik insists that Islam is not radicalism. According to him the Islamist message that he denounces is based on a narrow and ‘ignorant’ interpretation of Islam, which negates both modernity and the Western world. Malik, as a Sufi Muslim, suggests that Islam actually enables religious practices that embrace deep French values and promote the aspiration to ‘vivre ensemble’.
Laïcité and atheism in France
Authors: Kelly Michael
Published: January 2017

Atheists were among the most militant supporters of laïcité in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They saw it as a means of curtailing the traditional power of the Catholic church in French society. However, in recent years, the main religious groupings have come to the defence of laïcité as a protection for religious freedom. This article traces the changing relationship between atheism and laïcité in its different forms. It identifies the main groups that advocate both principles, and examines the work of recent secular thinkers who seek to offer an alternative ethical position and even an alternative spirituality. It argues that while some atheist groups still see laïcité as a crucial weapon in the battle against religious power, the leading atheist intellectuals are focusing instead on the personal beliefs and values of citizens, and are offering new perspectives on religion and secularism.
‘There is no alternative’: How Italian and Spanish leaders’ discourse obscured the political nature of austerity
Authors: Borriello Arthur
Published: January 2017

The Eurozone crisis and the remarkable convergence of national governments towards austerity policies draw scholars’ attention to the discursive strategies that they have used in order to legitimate their economic decisions. This article studies the common features of austerity discourse beyond national and partisan boundaries. It relies on an in-depth analysis combining lexicography and the study of metaphors in speeches of the Italian and Spanish heads of government between 2011 and 2013. While drawing on recent work addressing the legitimation of economic policies, this research takes a step back in order to shed light on the broader discourse on which austerity policies rely and in order to explain the common patterns in various political actors’ discourse. Rooted in a post-foundational approach, it identifies several discursive strategies for depoliticising economic issues (e.g. the construction of an economic common sense, the appeal to external constraints and the metaphorical naturalisation of economics), thus unveiling their political nature. The ‘restructuring’ and ‘rescaling’ of social practices are identified as the main mechanisms pertaining to the articulation of such a broader hegemonic discourse.
Destiny rides again: the reappearance of silicone gel-filled breast implant toxicity
Authors: Brawer A E
Published: January 2017

Background

Twenty-five years ago attorneys representing ailing women in class action litigation against silicone breast implant manufacturers made the procedural error of defining silicone-induced toxicity in the courtroom before it was properly studied in the exam room. This aberrant methodology perverted the proper research process, rendered verification of any real disease elusive, and cemented the groundwork for a repeat public health crisis potentially affecting two million women in the USA who possess new silicone gel devices inserted over the past 10 years.

Patients and methods

Six women, previously well, aged 27 to 53 (mean 42), were recipients of the new generations of cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implants approved for general use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since December of 2006. They averaged seven years of total implantation time, and none experienced implant rupture.

Results

All six became ill on average 3.5 years from the time of implantation. By seven years the women manifested multiple types of skin rashes, polyarthritis, fatigue, protracted AM stiffness, myalgias, headaches, photosensitivity, hair loss, paresthesias, tinnitus, lymphadenopathy, chest pain, cognitive dysfunction, dry eyes, skin pigment changes, itching, muscle twitching, dizziness, nausea, easy bruising, and odor and smell sensitivity. Three of the four who were explanted noted improvement and/or resolution of at least 50% of their total disease manifestations.

Conclusions

These six women are representative of over 70,000 other breast implant recipients who, over the past three years, have had their new silicone devices permanently removed because of alleged gel-induced toxicity. The recurrence of this public health crisis has been fueled by manufacturers’ research fraud, FDA ineptness, faulty informed consent, patient abandonment, proprietary manufacturing secrecy, misleading advertising, physician indifference, aberrant research methodology, and lax Congressional oversight.
Bayesian joint analysis of heterogeneous- and skewed-longitudinal data and a binary outcome, with application to AIDS clinical studies
Authors: Lu Xiaosun , Huang Yangxin , Chen Jiaqing , Zhou Rong , Yu Shuli , Yin Ping
Published: January 2017

In medical studies, heterogeneous- and skewed-longitudinal data with mis-measured covariates are often observed together with a clinically important binary outcome. A finite mixture of joint models is currently used to fit heterogeneous-longitudinal data and binary outcome, in which these two parts are connected by the individual latent class membership. The skew distributions, such as skew-normal and skew-t, have shown beneficial in dealing with asymmetric data in various applications in literature. However, there has been relatively few studies concerning joint modeling of heterogeneous- and skewed-longitudinal data and a binary outcome. In this article, we propose a joint model in which a flexible finite mixture of nonlinear mixed-effects models with skew distributions is connected with binary logistic model by a latent class membership indicator. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed models and method, and a real example from an AIDS clinical trial study illustrates the methodology by modeling the viral dynamics to compare potential models with different distribution specifications; the analysis results are reported.
Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout Among Muslim Nurses Caring for Chronically Ill Children in a Turkish Hospital
Authors: Günüşen Neslihan Partlak , Wilson Marian , Aksoy Burcu
Published: January 2017

Purpose: This study investigated secondary traumatic stress and its relationship to burnout among nurses working at a Turkish hospital. Design: A mixed-methods design included a cross-sectional survey administering the Professional Quality of Life instrument and Maslach Burnout Inventory to 106 nurses. Interviews with a subgroup of eight participants explored nurses’ experiences and coping strategies related to caring for chronically ill pediatric patients. Results: High risk levels of secondary traumatic stress existed among 40.6% participants, and those over the age of 40 years were at greater risk. Two main interview themes emerged that identified (a) consequences and (b) coping strategies while caring for chronically ill children. Nurses experience emotional burdens and may purposefully distance themselves from chronically ill children. Social support from nurse colleagues and spiritual beliefs assist coping. Implications: Workplaces should acknowledge stressors inherent in chronic pediatric nursing care. Environments that welcome spiritual practices and actively encourage social support could address job hazards.
Diversity in the Outdoors: National Outdoor Leadership School Students’ Attitudes About Wilderness
Authors: Gress Sara , Hall Troy
Published: January 2017

Outdoor experiential education (OEE) programs often cater to white, upper-class individuals. With major demographic shifts occurring in the United States, OEE organizations are confronting this imbalance. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is addressing this issue with its Gateway Scholarship Program. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine whether Gateway Scholarship and non-scholarship students held different wilderness attitudes and whether those attitudes changed following NOLS courses. A quantitative posttest and retrospective pretest was administered online ( n = 74), with follow-up telephone interviews ( n = 19). Results showed that Gateway students held less positive pre-course wilderness attitudes than non-Gateway students, but most post-course scores had converged. Both groups experienced positive change in wilderness attitudes. Interview data revealed potential reasons for attitude change and areas of possible concern about the conceptualization of wilderness promoted by NOLS.
Strategies for Developing Family Nursing Communities of Practice Through Social Media
Authors: Isaacson Kris , Looman Wendy S.
Published: January 2017

This discussion article presents communities of practice (CoPs) and bridging social capital as conceptual frameworks to demonstrate how social media can be leveraged for family nursing knowledge, scholarship, and practice. CoPs require a shared domain of interest, exchange of resources, and dedication to expanding group knowledge. Used strategically and with a professional presence, mainstream social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube can support the family nurse in developing and contributing to CoPs related to family nursing. This article presents four strategies—curate, connect, collaborate, and contribute—for establishing and growing a social media presence that fits one’s professional goals and time availability. Family nurses who leverage social media using these strategies can strengthen existing CoPs and at the same time bridge networks to reach new audiences, such as family advocacy groups, policy makers, educators, practitioners, and a wide array of other extended networks.
Suboptimal control of fractional-order dynamic systems with delay argument
Authors: Jajarmi Amin , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2017

In this paper, an efficient linear programming formulation is proposed for a class of fractional-order optimal control problems with delay argument. By means of the Lagrange multiplier in the calculus of variations and using the formula for fractional integration by parts, the Euler–Lagrange equations are derived in terms of a two-point fractional boundary value problem including an advance term as well as the delay argument. The derived equations are then reduced into a linear programming problem by using a Grünwald–Letnikov approximation for the fractional derivatives and introducing a new transformation in the calculus of variations. The new scheme is also effective for the delay fractional optimal control problems influenced by the external persistent disturbances. Numerical simulations and comparative results verify that the proposed approach is efficient and easy to implement.
Noteworthy Literature Published in 2016 for Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Jurado Julissa E. , Stiles Brendon
Published: January 2017

The past year has produced several important articles in the field of thoracic surgery, spanning many different diseases. Thoracic surgeons continue to investigate methods to perform complex operations and procedures less invasively, with the least possible morbidity to our patients. We also continue to critically evaluate new technology and procedures to ensure that they meet our rigorous standards for oncologic efficacy and for management of benign disease. Importantly, as we continue to evolve, thoracic surgeons have remained focused on optimizing processes of care, both inside and outside the operating room. The purpose of this review is to highlight the major advances in thoracic surgical disease in the year 2016.
Free transverse vibration analysis of orthotropic multi-viscoelastic microplate system embedded in visco-Pasternak medium via modified strain gradient theory
Authors: Jamalpoor A , Bahreman M , Hosseini M
Published: January 2017

In this paper, an analytical process is proposed to investigate the size-dependent free vibration of orthotropic multi-viscoelastic microplate systems (OMVMPS) embedded in Kelvin–Voigt visco-Pasternak medium according to the modified strain gradient theory. Governing equations of motion in the partial form and the related boundary conditions are derived by utilizing the Kirchhoff plate theory and Hamilton’s variational principle. The two different sorts of “chain” boundary conditions like “clamped Chain” and “free chain” systems are considered for the ends of microplate system. Navier’s method, which convinces that the simply supported boundary conditions and trigonometric methods are applied to analytically investigate the size effect of the natural frequencies of OMVMPS. The numerical outcomes are offered to report the variation of OMVMPS natural frequencies with the numerous amounts of the microplate numbers, the length scale parameter, aspect ratio, visco-Pasternak foundation parameters, the thickness of microplate, and higher modes number. Several numerical outcomes of this research depict that when the number of microplates is low, there is a significant distinction between natural frequencies achieved for “clamped chain” and “free chain” systems. Also, it is demonstrated that by increasing the number of microplates, the effect of the visco-Pasternak substrate on the natural frequency of system vibration decreases.
Electoral formula, legal threshold and the number of parties
Authors: Górecki Maciej A , Kukołowicz Paula
Published: January 2017

We exploit a rare natural experiment, a recent reform of local elections in Poland, to study an extension of Duverger’s laws. We analyse party system fragmentation under single-member plurality rule vis-à-vis a proportional representation formula accompanied by a legal threshold. We demonstrate that the presence of a threshold alters Duverger’s ‘psychological’ effect. Proportional representation with a threshold tends to be on a par with single-member plurality as regards restricting the effective number of electoral parties, largely due to the absence of smaller groupings with spatially concentrated support. At the same time, Duverger’s ‘mechanical’ effect takes a rather standard form, single-member plurality being relatively powerful at constraining the effective number of legislative parties.
Intraparty democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: von dem Berge Benjamin , Obert Peter
Published: January 2017

In the postcommunist period, political parties in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) had to convincingly demonstrate that they are a vital part of a functioning democratic society. Well-developed intraparty democracy (IPD) is one way of accomplishing this. By asking what factors are relevant to an explanation of IPD formation, we present an analytical framework in which the formation of IPD can be investigated and explore the patterns of IPD and their determinants. We draw on a newly constructed data set based on standardized content analysis, including 129 party statutes from 14 major political parties from Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia between 1989 and 2011. Relying on unit fixed-effects regression approaches, our analyses suggest that especially imperatives related to party origin and Europeanization have important implications for the formation of IPD within CEE parties.
Body image satisfaction among male military veterans with cancer
Authors: Raggio Greer A , Naik Aanand D , Moye Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Impaired body satisfaction is commonly reported among cancer patients. This study prospectively evaluated body image disturbance among male military veterans with head and neck or colorectal cancer. Patients ( N = 109) completed measures at three points post-diagnosis. Results showed about one-third of participants reporting body-related concerns. Endorsement did not change significantly during the study period. Predictors of worse body satisfaction included younger age, lower education, less social support, and weight loss. Results indicate a substantial minority of men with cancer endorsing body image disturbance, and highlight psychosocial circumstances and weight change as key considerations.
Fighting for recognition: Online abuse of women bloggers in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Eckert Stine
Published: January 2017

Women who blog about politics or identify as feminist in Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States face great risks of online abuse. In-depth interviews with 109 bloggers who write about feminisms, family, and/or maternity politics revealed that 73.4% had negative experiences due to blogging and/or social media use. Most of these negative experiences involved not only abusive comments but also stalking, trolls, rape threats, death threats, and unpleasant offline encounters. Response strategies included moderating comments, exposing abuse, adaptation, and solidarity. I argue that the democratic potential of social media in democracies remains haphazard because online abuse is not fully recognized as entangling online and offline communication, constituted and constructed through technological, legal, social, and cultural factors. Using the theoretical approaches of digital feminisms, I call for more systematic empirical work on global recognition of online abuse as punishable crime.
Better the devil you know? Risk-taking, globalization and populism in Great Britain
Authors: Steenbergen Marco R , Siczek Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Right-wing populist parties in European democracies appeal to citizens’ feelings of uncertainty related to globalization by promoting tough immigration laws and curbing the power of the European Union. This article adds to our understanding of how individuals’ risk propensity relates to support for right-wing populist parties and their ideas in the context of globalization. In particular, by drawing on survey data from the United Kingdom we investigate how this personality trait relates to support for the United Kingdom Independence Party and the vote for a British exit from the European Union. The article explores the complex interplay between risk propensity and right-wing populist appeals by dissecting the direct, indirect and total effects of this trait.
Tuning and History: A personal overview
Authors: Isaacs Ann Katherine
Published: January 2017

The text places Tuning History in the context of the rapidly developing international collaboration among historians which began in Europe in 1989, with the ECTS Pilot project, and continued, from 2000 on, with the European History Networks (for research and for curriculum development) working in parallel and in collaboration with Tuning, in Europe and other continents. The History ‘Subject Area Group’ has often taken the role of pilot discipline, representing the Humanities in key European and other projects. The text points out the connection of this key role with the great diversity in History learning and teaching worldwide: historical narratives and debates are very different in different countries, and this very difference makes international collaboration a powerful heuristic tool. History training forms valuable competences for many professional and societal roles, and in student-centred higher education systems, learning outcomes can be defined with reference to competences rather than to specific subject matter.
Data Power in Education: Exploring Critical Awareness with the “Learning Analytics Report Card”
Authors: Knox Jeremy
Published: January 2017

The burgeoning field of learning analytics (LA) is gaining significant traction in education, bolstered by the increasing amounts of student data generated through educational software. However, critical discussions of LA are in short supply. Drawing on work in the cultural studies of data and critical algorithm studies, this paper begins by examining three central issues: the distancing and “black boxing” of LA disciplinary practices, the mythologizing of objective data, and the concern for future prediction. The second section describes the design and implementation of the “Learning Analytics Report Card” (LARC), a pilot project that sought to develop experimental approaches to LA. As such, rather than seeking to simply produce analytics, the LARC attempted to foster critical awareness of computational data analysis among teachers and learners.
Effects of electron beam irradiation on structure and properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber
Authors: Dai Dongliang , Shi Meiwu
Published: January 2017

This study introduced trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate into ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers through supercritical CO2 pretreatment before the fibers were irradiated under an electron beam. Significant differences, emerging in the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers’ gel content, mechanical properties, and creep property according to their different irradiation doses, were studied through one-way analysis of variance. Regression equations were established between the irradiation dose and the gel content, breaking strength, elongation at break, and creep rate by regression analysis. A reasonable irradiation dosage range was determined after a verification experiment and the impact trends were analyzed; additionally, the sensitized irradiation crosslinking mechanism of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers was preliminarily examined. Then the surface morphology, chemical structures, thermal properties, and crystal properties of treated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers were measured. The results showed that as the irradiation dose increased, the gel content first rose and then declined; the breaking strength decreased continuously; the elongation at break increased at first and then decreased; and the creep rate originally fell and then rose before finally declining slowly. Electron beam irradiation had a significant etching effect on the fibers’ surface, and both the melting point and crystallinity decreased slightly.
Physical structure and mechanical properties of knitted hernia mesh materials: A review
Authors: Sanbhal Noor , Miao Linli , Xu Rui , Khatri Awais , Wang Lu
Published: January 2017

Mesh implantation for hernia repair is one of the common surgical techniques. The goal of this review is to highlight the basic requirements of mesh in order to select the most appropriate hernia mesh considering mesh type, physical properties and mechanical properties. Textile warp-knitted synthetic meshes have significantly decreased recurrence rate of hernia. Polypropylene light weight mesh with antimicrobial coating is taking attention of researchers due to its improved compliance, infection resistance, hydrophobicity, inert nature and strong material. Composite meshes have better tissue incorporation, reduced shrinkage and improved mechanical properties. The mesh porosity is an important factor to predict the biocompatibility of all meshes. Usually, large pore size meshes are better than small pore size meshes because of their flexibility, decreased shrinkage, reduced scar bridging and increased tissue ingrowth. All synthetic and composite meshes have higher strength than the human abdominal wall. Mesh type, mesh structure, mechanical properties and mesh implantation techniques are important factors for hernia repair. It is critical to understand the physical structure and mechanical properties of mesh material in relation to human abdominal wall. Moreover, mesh surface functionalization and grafting with plasma is a new development technique to enhance the loading of antimicrobial agent for the prevention of mesh infection.
Evaluation of Trends in the Use of InterStim for Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Abelson Jonathan S. , Spiegel Joshua D. , Yeo Heather L. , Mao Jialin , Sun Tianyi , Sedrakyan Art , Milsom Jeffrey W. , Garrett Kelly A.
Published: January 2017

Background: Fecal incontinence (FI) represents a large source of morbidity and is a challenging clinical problem to manage. InterStim was approved to treat FI in 2011. Little is known about its adoption. We sought to characterize patterns of use of Interstim since Food and Drug Administration approval for FI. Methods: The New York State SPARCS database was used to evaluate InterStim use for FI from 2011 to 2014. The primary endpoint was the number of successful implantations of InterStim. Secondary endpoints included device removal, median time to removal of device, 90-day infection rates, and percentage of procedures performed by surgeon specialty and geographic location. Results: A total of 369 patients with FI underwent “Stage 1” of InterStim from 2011 to 2014. A total of 302 patients underwent “Stage 2,” yielding a trial period failure rate of 18.2%. The majority of patients who underwent successful implantation were female (87.7%) and White (78.8%). Twenty-nine patients underwent device removal after a median duration of 147 days. Estimated risk of removal at median follow-up of 2 years was 11.8%. Colorectal surgeons comprised 51.1% of all providers followed by gynecologic (24.4%) and urologic surgeons (17.8%). A total of 71.7% of providers performed <5 procedures, while 3 of the highest volume providers performed 50.7% of all procedures. Conclusions: InterStim for FI has been used by a wide variety of providers in New York State although only a few high-volume providers have performed the majority of procedures. White, female patients with Medicare are the most common recipients of InterStim. Further work must be done to develop strategies for improving access to this technology and to determine whether volume relates to outcomes.
A Mixed Methods Study of the Social Support Networks of Female Sex Workers and Their Primary Noncommercial Male Partners in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Wagner Karla D. , Syvertsen Jennifer L. , Verdugo Silvia R. , Molina Jose Luis , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: January 2017

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at risk for multiple health harms, including HIV. This article describes a mixed methods study of the social support networks of 19 FSWs and their primary male sex partners in Tijuana, Mexico. We collected quantitative and qualitative social network data, including quantitative network measures, qualitative narratives, and network visualizations. Methodologically, we illustrate how a convergent mixed methods approach to studying personal social support networks of FSWs can yield a more holistic understanding of network composition and role. From a health-related perspective, we show how migration/deportation and stigma shape social networks and might be leveraged to support HIV prevention interventions. We believe others can benefit from a mixed methods approach to studying social networks.
Money Talks
Authors: Guthrie George E.
Published: January 2017

The cost of providing medical care is increasing. The driving forces include inherent health care system conflicts of interest and financial incentives for procedures and technology. Effective lifestyle medicine principles are not easily adopted and rewarded in the present environment. Recent moves toward outcomes-based pay systems offer the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine principles while bypassing many of the biases, application delays, and political machinations of the traditional randomized control trial methodology. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine is uniquely positioned to be a leading organization in improving health, enhancing patient experience, and reducing the cost of care.