bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEMÓRIA DE EVENTOS ENOS NA PRECIPITAÇÃO DA AMÉRICA DO SUL
Authors: Silva E. R. , Silva Maria Elisa Siqueira
Published: January 2016

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT-BR; mso-fareast-language: PT-BR; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Neste estudo, buscou-se identificar as áreas de precipitação na América do Sul (AS) mais bem correlacionadas linearmente com a temperatura de superfície do oceano (TSM), nas regiões de Niño 1+2, 3, 3.4 e 4 do Pacífico Equatorial, na escala mensal. Os cálculos foram realizados para dados com e sem defasagem temporal, para o período de 1978 a 2005. Além da TSM, foram considerados o Índice de Oscilação Sul e o Multivariate ENSO Index. Áreas com maiores valores de correlação positiva e negativa foram encontradas, respectivamente, ao sul do Brasil, nordeste da Argentina e Paraguai e, ao norte da AS. A precipitação da região norte da AS apresenta altos valores de correlação com os índices climáticos oceânicos para defasagens maiores que a precipitação da região sudeste. Para defasagens temporais maiores que seis meses, os valores de correlação não são estatisticamente significativos. Assim, sugere-se que o sinal do Pacífico seja mais persistente na precipitação do norte da AS em comparação à precipitação da região sudeste. Em valores absolutos, o El Niño-Oscilação Sul está mais relacionado à precipitação da região Norte do Brasil enquanto que em valores relativos à precipitação da região Nordeste do Brasil apresenta maior decréscimo para casos de El Niño.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO GEOMORFOLÓGICA E OCUPAÇÃO ANTRÓPICA DE ZONAS COSTEIRAS: O CASO DA PONTA DO SEIXAS, LITORAL DA PARAÍBA - BRASIL
Authors: Souza Alexandre Dos Santos , Furrier Max Furrier
Published: January 2016

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: PT-BR; mso-fareast-language: PT-BR; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">O presente trabalho tem por objetivo fazer uma caracterização físico-ambiental de um marco geográfico do litoral brasileiro compreendido pela Ponta do Seixas, ponto mais oriental das Américas, localizado no estado da Paraíba. Nessa zona costeira (como em outros pontos do litoral paraibano e brasileiro), os processos modeladores naturais, atrelados ao uso e ocupação do solo por atividades antrópicas desenvolvidas irregularmente, têm acelerado os processos erosivos e a degradação da paisagem local. A análise da área demonstrou a eminente necessidade de implantação de medidas técnicas que promovam a conservação da paisagem. Entre as implicações da ocupação desse espaço costeiro, averiguou-se como a evolução da erosão na linha praial tem provocado graves danos socioeconômicos e paisagísticos. Outra característica dessa zona litorânea são os elementos da infraestrutura civil, construídos, em sua maioria, sobre a área limítrofe da berma, em trechos onde se faz sentir a influência da maré, fato que fere a legislação ambiental vigente no Brasil e contribui visivelmente com a degradação de um espaço de relevante representatividade geográfica.
Oberonia mucronata (D. Don) Ormerod & Seidenf. (Orchidaceae), new addition to the flora of Gujarat, India
Authors: Bhatt Mital R. , Nagar Padamnabhi S.
Published: January 2016

Oberonia mucronata (D.Don) Ormerod & Seidenf. is characterized by its dense flowered racemose inflorescence, petals with erose-toothed margin, and tri-lobed lip with dentate margin. A brief description and images are provided here for easy identification of the species along with a report of its new distribution record in Gujarat State.

 
Magnolia lanuginosa (Wall.) Figlar & Noot. in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, northeastern India: re-collection and implications for conservation
Authors: Mir Aabid Hussain , Iralu Viheno , Pao Ngakhainii Trune , Chaudhury Gunjana , Khonglah Clarence G , Chaudhary Kanhaiya Lal , Tiwari Brijesh Kumar , Upadhaya Krishna
Published: January 2016

Magnolia lanuginosa (Wall.) Figlar & Noot. [= Michelia lanuginosa Wall.], a rare tree species of Meghalaya, is restricted to the West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.  The species was considered to have become extinct from the state.  The present paper reports a recent re-collection of the species from four locations in the West Khasi Hills after a lapse of almost 100 years.  In addition, the population structure, regeneration status and the threat to the species are also discussed so as to develop effective strategies for its conservation. 

 
Comments on the list of marine mammals from Kerala
Authors: Kumarran R. P.
Published: January 2016

Nameer et al. 2015 in their recent paper on vertebrate diversity of Kerala presents an erroneous analysis on marine mammals based on incorrect checklist produced by Nameer (2015). It is necessary that the following errors should be corrected by Nameer et al. (2015) and Nameer (2015) and corrigenda be published.  This helps to prevent misleading information being repeatedly published in future.
A new species of Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 from Jordan (Diptera: Calliphoridae: Polleniinae)
Authors: ROGNES KNUT
Published: January 2016

A new species, Pollenia bartaki sp. nov., assigned to the Pollenia rudis species-group in Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, is described on the basis of a single male specimen captured in Jordan. Its strongly curved surstylus is unique in the genus. The nominal species Pollenia aurata Séguy, 1934 and P. bazini Séguy, 1934 are formally transferred to the genus Xanthotryxus Aldrich, 1930, comb. nov.
Bryozoa of Floridan Oculina reefs
Authors: WINSTON JUDITH E.
Published: January 2016

The deep-water Oculina coral reefs on the continental shelf off the east central coast of Florida are a unique protected marine habitat. A complete inventory of the Oculina-associated fauna is important to support its conservation. This paper provides an inventory of the bryozoans of the Oculina reef area. Unusually, the bryozoan fauna is dominated by encrusting cribrilinid bryozoans. These include two new species of Puellina and three other Floridan-Atlantic shelf Puellina only recently described. Additional cribrilinid species belong to the genera Klugerella and Rosulapelta. Other bryozoans found in the habitat include 38 encrusting cheilostome species, six of them new to science, belonging to the genera Callopora, Parasmittina, Parasmittina, Smittina, Microporella and Stephanollona. Cyclostomes were only sparsely represented, comprising three encrusting taxa.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Urinary Tract Infection in Children
Authors: Grier William R. , Kratimenos Panagiotis , Singh Sabina , Guaghan John P. , Koutroulis Ioannis
Published: January 2016

Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic with an estimated 16% to 18% of children and adolescents qualifying as obese and another 21% to 24% considered overweight. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing serious infections. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–Kids’ Inpatient Database 2009 was queried to analyze national trends in patient encounters, specifically those listing patients as comorbid obese and then identified those with urinary tract infection (UTI) as primary or secondary diagnosis. Propensity matching was used to calculate risk for UTI in the inpatient obese pediatric population. A total of 86 638 pediatric hospital admissions were enrolled in the study of which 41 819 included the diagnosis of obesity, and a UTI was diagnosed in 2445 of the cases. In a propensity-matched sample, matched for age, sex, race, and diabetes mellitus, the risk of UTI was increased by 45% in obese females. Obese males did not have a significantly increased risk for UTI.
Hypernatremia in Children With Diarrhea
Authors: Chisti Mohammad Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed , Ahmed A M Shamshir , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Islam Md Munirul , Huq Sayeeda , Shahrin Lubaba , Bardhan Pradip Kumar , Salam Mohammed Abdus
Published: January 2016

We sought to investigate the magnitude, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of children suffering from hypernatremic diarrhea and to identify risk factors for fatal outcome among them. We reviewed 2 data sets of children <15 years admitted to the in-patient ward of the Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b) with diarrhea and hypernatremia (serum sodium ≥150 mmol/L): ( a) March 2001 to March 2002 (n = 371) and ( b) March 2009 to August 2011 (n = 360). We reviewed their records and collected relevant information for analyses. The prevalence of hypernatremia was 5.1% (371/7212) and 2.4% (360/15 219), case fatality rate was 15% and 19%, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, the risk for death significantly increased in association with serum sodium ≥170 mmol/L, nutritional edema, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, and absent peripheral pulses and reduced with the sole use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) or ORS following intravenous fluid, if indicated (for all, P < .05). Thus, managing children with hypernatremia using only ORS or ORS following intravenous fluid may help reduce the number of deaths.
Flexibility and Security within European Labor Markets
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Doerflinger Nadja , De Franceschi Fabio
Published: January 2016

In this comparative qualitative study, the authors examine how local bargaining shapes the trade-off between labor flexibility and employment security policies in four multinational subsidiaries in Belgium, Britain, and Germany. They also consider whether and how union power to shape flexibility and security policies is affected by national institutions, the way that multinationals organize their subsidiaries, and local contextual factors. Findings support this multilevel, interdependent framework. Trade-offs are shaped by differences in workers’ structural power in specific local subsidiaries. Differences in inter-subsidiary organizational configurations, markets, and technologies modify how unions can leverage collective resources to wield power in their relationship with management.
Australia’s New Colombo Plan: Enhancing regional soft power through student mobility
Authors: Byrne Caitlin
Published: January 2016

The New Colombo Plan (NCP), a key plank in the Australian government’s foreign policy agenda, leverages student mobility as public diplomacy to improve Australia’s standing and influence within the Indo-Pacific region. Conceptualized as a “rite of passage” for young Australians, the NCP has been welcomed by Australian business, industry groups, and stakeholders because of its potential to deliver lasting relationships and practical economic benefits. Coordinated by the foreign affairs portfolio, the NCP represents a significant and distinct component of Australia’s public diplomacy, firmly aligned to advance the state’s economic diplomacy agenda. This paper explores the evolution of the NCP. It draws on stakeholder impressions from the program launch and pilot to explore early limitations and deeper soft power challenges. Findings suggest that the NCP is robust, yet key issues of strategic coherence, partnership, and evaluation require further attention if it is to deliver on its soft power promise.
What Does Self-rated Health Mean? Changes and Variations in the Association of Obesity with Objective and Subjective Components Of Self-rated Health
Authors: Altman Claire E. , Van Hook Jennifer , Hillemeier Marianne
Published: January 2016

There are concerns about the meaning of self-rated health (SRH) and the factors individuals consider. To illustrate how SRH is contextualized, we examine how the obesity–SRH association varies across age, periods, and cohorts. We decompose SRH into subjective and objective components and use a mechanism-based age–period–cohort model approach with four decades (1970s to 2000s) and five birth cohorts of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data ( N = 26,184). Obese adults rate their health more negatively than non-obese when using overall SRH with little variation by age, period, or cohort. However, when we decomposed SRH into objective and subjective components, the obesity gap widened with increasing age in objective SRH but narrowed in subjective SRH. Additionally, the gap narrowed for more recently born cohorts for objective SRH but widened for subjective SRH. The results provide indirect evidence that the relationship between obesity and SRH is socially patterned according to exposure to information about obesity and the availability of resources to manage it.
Role of intestinal dysfunction in the nutritional compromise seen in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults in rural India
Authors: Isaac Rita , Paul Biswajit , Geethanajali FS , Kang Gagandeep , Wanke Christine
Published: January 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression is often marked by significant weight loss with or without chronic diarrhoea. We studied the extent of intestinal dysfunction using a D-xylose absorption test and association with nutritional compromise as measured by body mass index (BMI) and serum antioxidants levels in HIV-infected individuals through a cross-sectional survey of 45 ART naïve, HIV-positive and 45, age–socioeconomic status matched negative controls in a rural population in India. More than 40% of HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants had intestinal dysfunction (42.2% vs. 44.4%). However an increasing gradient of low D-xylose absorption was noted with decreasing CD4 counts (32%, 50% and 58.3% among those with >350, 200–350 and <200 cells/mm3, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between intestinal dysfunction and low BMI ( P = 0.03) independent of HIV infection and calorie intake per day ( P = 0.02). Weight loss in HIV-infected individuals should be investigated for intestinal dysfunction especially in low resource settings.
Numerical simulation of an oil–gas fire: A case study of a technological accident at Tengiz oilfield, Kazakhstan (June 1985–July 1986)
Authors: Kokh Svetlana , Dekterev Artem , Sokol Ella , Potapov Sergey
Published: January 2016

A gusher from accident well 37 at the Tengiz oilfield (Kazakhstan) led to a catastrophic fire and produced melt combustion metamorphic rocks in its thermal halo (aureole). According to the obtained data on the mineralogy and petrology of the combustion metamorphic rocks and inferred thermal conditions of metamorphism, the protolith sand and clay can become fully molten at a temperature no lower than 1200℃. Four models have been tested for the thermal effect of the Tengiz fire on the country rocks: (a) a single straight-flow vertical gas flare, (b) a single vertical gas flare with oil droplets, (c) a single oil–gas flare with lateral wind load, and (d) a composite oil–gas flare consisting of one vertical and two horizontal spouts. Modeling with SigmaFlow software takes into account the spatial turbulent airflow mechanics of the flare, convective, and radiative heat transfer, burning of gas and oil droplets, as well as conductive heat flux in soil. Model 4 simulates the best the Tengiz fire in the period from 26 June 1985 to 05 September 1986. As the model predicts, a flare with the parameters as in the Tengiz case can cause partial melting of sedimentary material (1100℃) in a local zone but cannot maintain its bulk melting which requires higher temperatures (1200–1400℃). Additional heat may have come from ignition of oil spilled over the surface. The heat from a single oil–gas flare from a wellhead with a 0.5-m stickup turns out to be insufficient for combustion metamorphism ( T = 1000–1400℃).
A comparison of the roles of privately and state-owned oil companies in developing the Arctic shelf
Authors: Kaznacheev Peter , Bazaleva Regina
Published: January 2016

The Arctic shelf is the richest region of the world by overall volumes of oil and gas resources. However, countries of the Arctic basin have progressed unequally in developing them. In this article, the authors suggest that the diverging result of these countries in many ways depends on the structure of their oil and gas sectors. This article provides a comparative analysis of privately and state-owned companies’ participation in Arctic projects for those countries that are at the stage of commercial production on the Arctic shelf, namely the US, Norway and Russia. An analysis of oil companies’ performance indicators allows us to conclude that private companies are more efficient at developing the region than state-owned ones.
The EuRoC micro aerial vehicle datasets
Authors: Burri Michael , Nikolic Janosch , Gohl Pascal , Schneider Thomas , Rehder Joern , Omari Sammy , Achtelik Markus W , Siegwart Roland
Published: January 2016

This paper presents visual-inertial datasets collected on-board a micro aerial vehicle. The datasets contain synchronized stereo images, IMU measurements and accurate ground truth. The first batch of datasets facilitates the design and evaluation of visual-inertial localization algorithms on real flight data. It was collected in an industrial environment and contains millimeter accurate position ground truth from a laser tracking system. The second batch of datasets is aimed at precise 3D environment reconstruction and was recorded in a room equipped with a motion capture system. The datasets contain 6D pose ground truth and a detailed 3D scan of the environment. Eleven datasets are provided in total, ranging from slow flights under good visual conditions to dynamic flights with motion blur and poor illumination, enabling researchers to thoroughly test and evaluate their algorithms. All datasets contain raw sensor measurements, spatio-temporally aligned sensor data and ground truth, extrinsic and intrinsic calibrations and datasets for custom calibrations.
Distribution of Force in the Medial Collateral Ligament Complex During Simulated Clinical Tests of Knee Stability
Authors: Schafer Kevin A. , Tucker Scott , Griffith Timothy , Sheikh Saad , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Nawabi Danyal H. , Imhauser Carl W. , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Pivot-shift injury commonly results in combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)/medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, yet the contribution of the components of the MCL complex to restraining multiplanar rotatory loads forming critical subcomponents of the pivot shift is not well understood.

Purpose:

To quantify the role of the MCL complex in restraining multiplanar rotatory loads.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A robotic manipulator was used to apply combined valgus and internal rotation torques in a simplified model of the pivot-shift examination in 12 cadaveric knees (49 ± 11 years). Tibiofemoral kinematics were recorded with the ACL intact. Loads borne by the superficial MCL (sMCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL), deep MCL (dMCL), and ACL were determined via the principle of superposition.

Results:

The POL bore about 50% of the load carried by the ACL in response to the combined torques at 5° and 15° of flexion. The POL bore load during the internal rotation component of the combined torques, while the sMCL carried load during the valgus and internal rotation phases of the simulated pivot. Load in the dMCL was always <10% of the ACL in response to combined valgus and internal rotation torques.

Conclusion:

The POL provides complementary load bearing to the ACL near extension in response to combined torques, which capture key components of the pivot-shift examination. The sMCL resists the valgus component of the maneuver alone, a loading pattern unique from those of the POL and ACL. The dMCL is not loaded during clinical tests of rotational knee stability in the ACL-competent knee.

Clinical Relevance:

Both the sMCL and POL work together with the ACL to resist combined moments, which form key components of the pivot-shift examination.
Hybrid bonded-fastened joints and their application in composite structures: A general review
Authors: Bodjona Kobyé , Lessard Larry
Published: January 2016

Hybrid bonding-fastening is an alternative joining technique that consists of simultaneous adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening of the adherends. In this paper, pertinent scientific publications are selected and reviewed in an attempt to synthesize the current knowledge on various aspects of this technique. A particular focus is maintained on its application in composite structures. Two major bonding-fastening methods, namely bonding-bolting and bonding-pinning, are identified and contrasted, and the characteristics of each are discussed. Existing gaps in the literature are identified. Finally, perspectives for future research are assessed.
Synergistic Benefit of Statin and Metformin in Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Authors: Nimako George K. , Wintrob Zachary A. P. , Sulik Dmitriy A. , Donato Jennifer L. , Ceacareanu Alice C.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

To evaluate whether statin use influences gastrointestinal cancer prognosis in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:

We reviewed all DM patients diagnosed at Roswell Park Cancer Institute with emergent gastrointestinal malignancy (January 2003 to December 2010) (N = 222). Baseline demographic, clinical history, and cancer outcomes were documented. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) comparisons across various treatment groups were assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards.

Results:

Use of statin, alone or in combination, was associated with improved OS and DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, P = .06; HR = 0.60, P < .02). We report similar OS and DFS advantage among users of mono- or combined metformin therapy (HR = 0.55, P < .01; HR = 0.63, P < .02). Concomitant use of metformin and statin provided a synergistic OS and DFS benefit (HR = 0.42, P < .01; HR = 0.44, P < .01). Despite significant tobacco and alcohol use history, patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers derived enhanced cancer outcomes from this combination (HR = 0.34, P < .01; HR = 0.43, P < .02), while receiving a statin without metformin or metformin without a statin did not provide significant cancer-related benefits.

Conclusion:

Use of statin and metformin provides a synergistic improvement in gastrointestinal malignancies outcomes.
Māwardī and Augustine on Governance: How to Restrain the Restrainer?
Authors: Heck Paul L.
Published: January 2016

According to the classical Muslim scholar Māwardī, rule is to bring about just order in society in accordance with God’s intentions. The state thus has a role in bringing about divine purposes, and yet Māwardī recognizes the flawed condition of humanity, the ruler included, making it vital that rule be based not solely on the divinely endowed agency of the ruler but more precisely on a set of rules meant to purge the soul of disordered inclinations. In that sense, there are grounds for drawing comparisons between Māwardī and Augustine.
Evaluating care from a care ethical perspective:: A pilot study
Authors: Kuis Esther E , Goossensen Anne
Published: January 2016

Background:

Care ethical theories provide an excellent opening for evaluation of healthcare practices since searching for (moments of) good care from a moral perspective is central to care ethics. However, a fruitful way to translate care ethical insights into measurable criteria and how to measure these criteria has as yet been unexplored: this study describes one of the first attempts.

Objective:

To investigate whether the emotional touchpoint method is suitable for evaluating care from a care ethical perspective.

Research design:

An adapted version of the emotional touchpoint interview method was used. Touchpoints represent the key moments to the experience of receiving care, where the patient recalls being touched emotionally or cognitively.

Participants and research context:

Interviews were conducted at three different care settings: a hospital, mental healthcare institution and care facility for older people. A total of 31 participants (29 patients and 2 relatives) took part in the study.

Ethical considerations:

The research was found not to be subject to the (Dutch) Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act.

Findings:

A three-step care ethical evaluation model was developed and described using two touchpoints as examples. A focus group meeting showed that the method was considered of great value for partaking institutions in comparison with existing methods.

Reflection and discussion:

Considering existing methods to evaluate quality of care, the touchpoint method belongs to the category of instruments which evaluate the patient experience. The touchpoint method distinguishes itself because no pre-defined categories are used but the values of patients are followed, which is an essential issue from a care ethical perspective. The method portrays the insider perspective of patients and thereby contributes to humanizing care.

Conclusion:

The touchpoint method is a valuable instrument for evaluating care; it generates evaluation data about the core care ethical principle of responsiveness.
Relationship-based nursing care and destructive demands
Authors: Kristoffersen Margareth , Friberg Febe
Published: January 2016

Background:

The relationship between the nurse and the patient is understood as fundamental in nursing care. However, numerous challenges can be related to the provision of relationship-based nursing care. Challenges exist when nurses do not respond adequately to the patient’s appeal for help. Moreover, challenges arising in the nurse–patient relationship can be understood as more destructive demands from the patient to the nurse, thus begging inquiry into such a relationship.

Research question:

The overall aim is to explore and argue the relevance of problematizing destructive demands evident within relationship-based nursing care.

Research design:

This theoretical article explores destructive demands based on the phenomenological philosophy of the Danish theologian and philosopher Knud E. Løgstrup and provides examples of nurses’ experiences in everyday nursing care. The examples are drawn from a Norwegian empirical study based on a hermeneutical research design.

Participants and research context:

Data consisted of qualitative interviews and qualitative follow-up interviews with 13 nurses with varying work experience within the primary and secondary somatic and psychiatric health service, from inside as well as outside institutions.

Ethical consideration:

The original empirical study was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Information was given and consent was obtained from the participants.

Findings:

Two themes are described: strong impressions formed in meetings with patients and persistent concern over the burden of work and ability to endure.

Discussion:

Destructive demands related to relationship-based nursing care are discussed along two lines, first, by further elucidating nurses’ everyday experiences connected to destructive demands and, second, by highlighting the significance of including destructive demands within the relationship-based nursing care.

Conclusion:

Including destructive demands related to relationship-based nursing care is of particular significance in enabling the proposition that radical, one-sided demands are based on relationality, reciprocity and thereby expectations of life. In short, both the nurse and the patient are human beings in need of love and goodness.
Professional values, job satisfaction, career development, and intent to stay
Authors: Yarbrough Susan , Martin Pam , Alfred Danita , McNeill Charleen
Published: January 2016

Background:

Hospitals are experiencing an estimated 16.5% turnover rate of registered nurses costing from $44,380 - $63,400 per nurse—an estimated $4.21 to $6.02 million financial loss annually for hospitals in the United States of America. Attrition of all nurses is costly. Most past research has focused on the new graduate nurse with little focus on the mid-career nurse. Attrition of mid-career nurses is a loss for the profession now and into the future.

Research objective:

The purpose of the study was to explore relationships of professional values orientation, career development, job satisfaction, and intent to stay in recently hired mid-career and early-career nurses in a large hospital system.

Research design:

A descriptive correlational study of personal and professional factors on job satisfaction and retention was conducted.

Participants and research context:

A convenience sample of nurses from a mid-sized hospital in a metropolitan area in the Southwestern United States was recruited via in-house email. Sixty-seven nurses met the eligibility criteria and completed survey documents.

Ethical considerations:

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from both the university and hospital system.

Findings:

Findings indicated a strong correlation between professional values and career development and that both job satisfaction and career development correlated positively with retention.

Discussion:

Newly hired mid-career nurses scored higher on job satisfaction and planned to remain in their jobs. This is important because their expertise and leadership are necessary to sustain the profession into the future.

Conclusion:

Nurse managers should be aware that when nurses perceive value conflicts, retention might be adversely affected. The practice environment stimulates nurses to consider whether to remain on the job or look for other opportunities.
Against dichotomies
Authors: van Nistelrooij Inge , Leget Carlo
Published: January 2016

Introduction:

In previous issues of this journal, Carol Gilligan’s original concept of mature care has been conceptualized by several (especially Norwegian) contributors. This has resulted in a dichotomous view of self and other, and of self-care and altruism, in which any form of self-sacrifice is rejected. Although this interpretation of Gilligan seems to be quite persistent in care-ethical theory, it does not seem to do justice to either Gilligan’s original work or the tensions experienced in contemporary nursing practice.

Discussion:

A close reading of Gilligan’s concept of mature care leads to a view that differs radically from any dichotomy of self-care and altruism. Instead of a dichotomous view, a dialectical view on self and other is proposed that builds upon connectedness and might support a care-ethical view of nursing that is more consistent with Gilligan’s own critical insights such as relationality and a practice-based ethics. A concrete case taken from nursing practice shows the interconnectedness of professional and personal responsibility. This underpins a multilayered, complex view of self-realization that encompasses sacrifices as well.

Conclusion:

When mature care is characterized as a practice of a multilayered connectedness, caregivers can be acknowledged for their relational identity and nursing practices can be recognized as multilayered and interconnected. This view is better able to capture the tensions that are related to today’s nursing as a practice, which inevitably includes sacrifices of self. In conclusion, a further discussion on normative conceptualizations of care is proposed that starts with a non-normative scrutiny of caring practices.
Dignity in long-term care
Authors: Kane Jennifer , de Vries Kay
Published: January 2016

Background:

The concept of dignity is recognised as a fundamental right in many countries. It is embedded into law, human rights legislation and is often visible in organisations’ philosophy of care, particularly in aged care. Yet, many authors describe difficulties in defining dignity and how it can be preserved for people living in long term care.

Objectives:

In this article, Nordenfelt’s ‘four notions of dignity’ are considered, drawing on research literature addressing the different perspectives of those who receive, observe or deliver care in the context of the long-term care environment.

Methods:

A review of the literature was undertaken using the terms ‘nursing homes’, ‘residential care’ or ‘long-term care’. The terms were combined and the term ‘human dignity’ was added. A total of 29 articles met the inclusion criteria from the United Kingdom (14), United States (2), Australia (1), Sweden (3), Hong Kong (2), Norway (3), Nordic (1), Taiwan (1), Netherlands (1).

Ethical Considerations:

Every effort has been made to ensure an unbiased search of the literature with the intention of an accurate interpretation of findings.

Discussion:

The four notions of dignity outlined by Nordenfelt provide a comprehensive description of the concept of dignity which can be linked to the experiences of people living in long-term care today and provide a useful means of contextualising the experiences of older people, their families and significant others and also of staff in long-term care facilities. Of particular interest are the similarities of perspectives of dignity between these groups. The preservation of dignity implies that dignity is a quality inherent in us all. This links directly to the exploration and conclusions drawn from the literature review. Conversely, promoting dignity implies that dignity is something that can be influenced by others and external factors. Hence, there are a number of implications for practice.

Conclusion:

We suggest that two of Nordenfelt’s notions, ‘dignity of identity’ and ‘dignity of Menschenwüde’, are a common thread for residents, family members and staff when conceptualising dignity within long-term care environments.
Ethical and cultural striving
Authors: Egede-Nissen Veslemøy , Sellevold Gerd Sylvi , Jakobsen Rita , Sørlie Venke
Published: January 2016

Background:

Nursing workforce in Western European health institutions has become more diverse because of immigration and recruitment from Asian, African, and East-European countries. Minority healthcare providers may experience communication problems in interaction with patients and coworkers, and they are likely to experience conflict or uncertainty when confronted with different cultural traditions and values. Persons with dementia are a vulnerable group, and the consequences of their illness challenge the ability to understand and express oneself verbally. The large number of minority healthcare providers in nursing homes underlines the importance to obtain better knowledge about this group’s experiences with the care challenges in dementia care units.

Research question:

Can you tell about any challenges in the experiences in the encounter with persons suffering from dementia?

Participants and research context:

Five minority healthcare providers in a nursing home, in a dementia unit. All guidelines for research ethic were followed.

Ethical consideration:

The participants were informed that participation was voluntary, and they were guarantied anonymity.

Method:

We used a qualitative method, conducting individual interviews, using a narrative approach. In the analysis, we applied a phenomenological–hermeneutical method, developed for researching life experiences.

Findings:

One theme and four subthemes: striving to understand the quality of care for persons with dementia. The subthemes: sensitivity to understand the patients’ verbal and nonverbal expressions. To understand gratefulness, understand the patient as an adult and autonomous person, and understand the patient as a patient in a nursing home. Challenges comprise both ethical and cultural striving to understand persons with dementia.

Conclusion:

To care for persons with dementia in an unfamiliar context may be understood as a striving for acting ethically, when at the same time striving to adapt and acculturate to new cultural norms, in order to practice good dementia care.
The Current Status of Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Thway Khin , Ng Wen , Noujaim Jonathan , Jones Robin L , Fisher Cyril
Published: January 2016

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a fibroblastic mesenchymal tumor originally described in the pleura but now shown at almost every anatomic site. Histopathologically, SFT is characteristically a circumscribed neoplasm composed of variably cellular and patternless distributions of bland spindle and ovoid cells within prominent collagenous stroma and shows diffuse expression of CD34, but it has a broad spectrum of both morphology and of biologic behavior. Many different names (particularly hemangiopericytoma) were previously used in the course of our understanding of this neoplasm but are now subsumed under the term “SFT,” and the putative cell of origin was debated. However, it is now recognized that SFT is a translocation-associated neoplasm, consistently associated with NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions arising from recurrent intrachromosomal rearrangements on chromosome 12q, and this translocation is a likely major contributor to its pathogenesis. While most SFT with classical morphologic features behave in an indolent manner and those with overtly malignant histologic features tend to be aggressive neoplasms that behave as high-grade sarcomas, the behavior of SFT is unpredictable, and it is important to be aware of the propensity for aggressive behavior in a minority of histologically classical SFT and to ensure adequate clinical follow-up. Surgical excision remains the treatment gold standard; while radiotherapy and conventional chemotherapeutic agents have only shown limited efficacy, further understanding of the molecular events underlying tumorigenesis may allow the development of novel targeted treatments. We review SFT, discussing the morphologic spectrum and variants, including malignant and dedifferentiated subtypes, clinicopathological aspects, recent molecular genetic findings, and the differential diagnosis.
Numerical simulation and experimental researches on the vibration–acoustic coupled property of an aircraft model under strong reverberation noise
Authors: Li Pengbo , Yan Yunju , Lin Huagang
Published: January 2016

In order to predict the characteristics of the vibration–acoustic coupling of an aircraft model, the finite element method–boundary element method of dynamic model (FEM-BEM dynamic model) is established. The numerical calculations and experiments of the structural vibration acceleration responses and the sound pressure levels in the model cabin under the strong noise excitations are carried out in the low and middle frequency area. By comparing the results of experiments and simulations, it’s found that the structural vibration responses and the sound pressure responses mainly distribute in the range of low and medium frequency, in which the simulated and experimental results also match each other well. This indicates the established finite element/boundary element vibration–acoustic coupled dynamic model and the calculation method proposed in this study are feasible.
Memberless parties
Authors: Mazzoleni Oscar , Voerman Gerrit
Published: January 2016

It is widely assumed that political parties need to have members in order to fulfil their functions in a representative democracy (drawing up platforms, candidate nomination and electoral mobilization) and in terms of their legitimacy. However, the theoretical literature on party models – the evolution from the mass party to the catch-all party, the electoral-professional party and/or the cartel party – suggests an increasing marginalization of members within the party organization. In the business-firm party model, members no longer have any role whatsoever. The next phase in this development seems to be a party without members. This article analyses the contextual (societal, communicational and institutional) factors favouring the rise and endurance of the memberless party as well as the strategic conditions for doing without formal membership (such as maximizing the centralization of internal decision-making, promoting party unity and enhancing electoral effectiveness). The functioning of two no-member parties – the Freedom Party in the Netherlands and the Lega dei Ticinesi in Switzerland – will be discussed in the empirical part of this article.
Hybrid composites made of unidirectional T600S carbon and E-glass fabrics under quasi-static loading
Authors: Ikbal Md. Hasan , Ahmed Azzam , Qingtao Wang , Shuai Zeng , Wei Li
Published: January 2016

Finite element analysis and experimental studies are presented on in-plane tensile and compressive properties under quasi-static loading for two types of hybrid composites made by using unidirectional T620S carbon and E-glass fabrics in a common matrix, epoxy resin. Results are also generated for plain T620S carbon/epoxy and plain E-glass/epoxy composite laminates. Quantitative data for tensile and compressive properties are presented. It is observed that for hybrid composites, placing carbon and glass fiber parts alternately in every layer (intralayer configuration) gives higher tensile and compressive strengths. Tensile failure strain is higher for intralayer compared to interlayer hybrid configuration.
Annealing studies on a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester meltblown fabric
Authors: Kocer Hasan B , Cerkez Idris , Broughton Royall M
Published: January 2016

Meltblown fabrics composed of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester were subjected to heat conditioning at various temperatures. Physical effect of the treatment was investigated by tensile testing of the fabrics and the individual fibers. The fabrics exhibited increased tensile strength by more than 100% after the heat conditioning due to inter-fiber bonding in the fabric structure and morphological reorganization of the thermotropic polymer. The calorimetric behavior of the polymer was further investigated to obtain information about the internal structure. Structural change during the annealing was also visually observed under a polarized light microscope.
Associations Among Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Gestational Weight Gain, and Postpartum Weight Retention With Varying Estimates of Prepregnancy Weight
Authors: Schlaff Rebecca A. , Holzman Claudia , Maier Kimberly S. , Pfieffer Karin A. , Pivarnik James M.
Published: January 2016

Prospective studies examining postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in relation to the appropriateness of gestational weight gain (GWG) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy and postpartum are lacking. While utilizing varying estimates of prepregnancy weight, we sought to prospectively examine associations among the aforementioned variables. Our sample consisted of a subset of women from the Archive for Research on Child Health Study (n = 68). Prepregnancy weight was obtained via questionnaire and birth certificates. GWG (2 estimates) was calculated by subtracting prepregnancy weight estimates from weight at delivery and classified as “excess” or “not excess.” Pregnancy and postpartum LTPA were self-reported and dichotomized at recommended levels. Prepregnancy weight estimates were subtracted from self-reported postpartum weight to calculate 2 estimates of PPWR at 6 months. Linear regression was used to examine relationships among GWG and LTPA, and PPWR. Estimates of excess GWG were associated with increased PPWR (mean difference = 3.3-8.9 kg), even after adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding. Meeting pregnancy and postpartum LTPA recommendations did not significantly predict PPWR. Our findings highlight the importance of encouraging appropriate GWG and provide insight into the impact varying estimates of prepregnancy weight may have when exploring associations among these variables.
The genesis, structure and transformation of the contemporary Chinese cinematic field: Global linkages and national refractions
Authors: Nakajima Seio
Published: January 2016

By putting to work Pierre Bourdieu’s approach to the ‘field of cultural production’, I analyze interactions of politics and economy as they play out in what I call the ‘contemporary Chinese cinematic field’. How has the Chinese field of film production emerged, stabilized and changed in the era of Reform and Opening? Through archival data and in-depth interviews, I answer the question by discussing four sub-fields of film production, namely political ‘main melody film’, commercial film, ‘international Chinese film’ and independent film. How has globalization affected the transformation of the cinematic field? Contra Bourdieu’s emphasis on the weakening autonomy of various national social fields under globalization, I highlight the processes through which globalization is appropriated by social actors in the cinematic field to alter domestic power relations. This article moves towards a better understanding of the field of cultural production amidst global linkages and national refractions.
Do we have a right to education or a duty to educate ourselves? An enquiry based on Fichte’s views on education
Authors: Guilherme Alex
Published: January 2016

Abstr

The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ‘Everyone has the right to education’ and it ‘shall be compulsory’. I note that there is a tension between ‘right’ and ‘compulsory’ in the Declaration because, by definition, a right is an entitlement and not an obligation. The reasons why education is an exception to the rule have not been explored in detail, and efforts seem always to concentrate on the ‘compulsory’ side of the tension in trying to understand exactly what it would entail, and fail to direct attention to the ‘right’ element of the problem. In this article, I wish to turn the problem on its head and take issue with the idea that education should be understood as a right. The argument is, rather, that education should be conceived as a duty – an obligation that all human beings have towards themselves and their communities. In order to do this, the author refers to the works of Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762–1814), the German post-Kantian idealist, whose works in education have been long neglected and forgotten. Nevertheless, they are of great help in trying to make sense of education not as a right, but as a duty. I argue that such understanding dissolves the tension between ‘right’ and ‘compulsory’, and that a reframing of an understanding of ‘what education is’ needs to occur not just at the individual, but also at the societal level.
Do changes in hand grip strength correlate with shoulder rotator cuff function?
Authors: Horsley Ian , Herrington Lee , Hoyle Rebecca , Prescott Evie , Bellamy Nathan
Published: January 2016

Background

Shoulder pain as a result of rotator cuff pathology is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints presenting within primary care. Assessment of hand grip strength has been proposed as an indicator of rotator cuff function. This experimental study assessed the relationship between grip strength and shoulder lateral rotator muscle strength in a number of different shoulder positions, aiming to investigate whether such a relationship existed and whether grip strength could be used as a functional assessment tool for the posterior cuff.

Methods

Twenty-seven healthy, physically active, volunteers (19 males, eight females) with no history of shoulder, upper limb or neck injury comprised the study group. The mean (SD) age was 19.8 (5.7) years (range 18 years to 23 years). Grip strength (measured with hand grip dynamometer) and lateral rotator strength (measured with a hand held dynamometer) was measured at neutral, 90° abduction, and 90° abduction with 90° external rotation.

Results

The correlation between grip strength and shoulder lateral rotation strength ranged between r = 0.91 ( r2 = 0.84) and r = 0.72 ( r2 = 0.52) across all positions.

Conclusions

A strong correlation between grip strength and lateral rotator strength was shown at all positions for both left and right hands, suggesting that assessment of grip strength could be used as a rotator cuff monitor of recruitment function.