bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business as Usual in Financial Markets? The creation of incommensurables as institutional maintenance work
Authors: Rainelli Weiss Hélène , Huault Isabelle
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on ‘institutional maintenance work’. Focusing on the institutional disruption resulting from a regulatory project of market rationalization, it enriches the description and analysis of the specific institutional maintenance work performed by powerful actors who engage in resistance against what they perceive as a threat to their discretion. Built on an in-depth qualitative study, our case concerns an attempt to change the form of over-the-counter markets as part of a recent financial reform. The paper contributes to the expanding literature on the maintenance of institutions by suggesting, in particular, that the creation of incommensurables should be added to the list of strategies available to powerful incumbents seeking to resist institutional change. Bridging the gap between the literatures on institutional maintenance and commensuration, it also demonstrates that specific institutional changes can usefully be understood as changes in commensuration systems. This innovatively suggests the existence of degrees of commensuration and calls for a finer-grained understanding of the institutional work required to maintain institutions in a context where the degree of commensuration experienced by a field or a market threatens to increase under coercive pressure.
The Choices and Constraints of Secondary Singles: Willingness to Stepparent Among Divorced Online Daters Across Europe
Authors: Potarca Gina , Mills Melinda , van Duijn Marijtje
Published: February 2016

Using a large-scale sample of online daters in eight European countries ( N = 196,777), we examine willingness to stepparent among divorcees in relation to both gender and number of children, as well as a set of contextual determinants. We find evidence that having one’s own resident children increases the readiness to partner someone with children. Contrary to previous findings, women are generally less willing to stepparent than men, but when resident children are present, gender dissimilarities fade. Notable national differences are also found. Divorced mothers living in Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, or France are more open to having a partner with children, whereas Polish and Spanish divorced mothers would be less willing to stepparent. These results are interpreted in light of each country’s institutional background.
First Among Equals: Christian Theology and Modern Philosophy
Authors: Woods Paul
Published: February 2016

Christian theology can and should interact with modern philosophical trends and ideas to remain relevant to contemporary society. The roots of critical engagement between theology and philosophy are ancient, going back to the nature of the Triune God and the Bible itself and his broad kingdom redemptive commission to the Church. Scripture is finite, anchored in space and time, but the truths within it can generate responses to new situations. Theology sits alongside other disciplines in a relationship of ‘first among equals’, benefitting from and critiquing human thought.
Major remodeling of brain microvessels during neonatal period in the mouse: A proteomic and transcriptomic study
Authors: Porte Baptiste , Hardouin Julie , Zerdoumi Yasmine , Derambure Céline , Hauchecorne Michèle , Dupre Nicolas , Obry Antoine , Lequerre Thierry , Bekri Soumeya , Gonzalez Bruno , Flaman Jean M , Marret Stéphane , Cosette Pascal , Leroux Philippe
Published: February 2016

Preterm infants born before 29 gestation weeks incur major risk of subependymal/intracerebral/intraventricular hemorrhage. In mice, neonate brain endothelial cells are more prone than adult cells to secrete proteases under glutamate challenge, and invalidation of the Serpine 1 gene is accompanied by high brain hemorrhage risk up to five days after birth. We hypothesized that the structural and functional states of microvessels might account for age-dependent vulnerability in mice up to five days after birth and might represent a pertinent paradigm to approach the hemorrhage risk window observed in extreme preterms. Mass spectrometry proteome analyses of forebrain microvessels at days 5, 10 and in adult mice revealed 899 proteins and 36 enriched pathways. Microarray transcriptomic study identified 5873 genes undergoing at least two-fold change between ages and 93 enriched pathways. Both approaches pointed towards extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and junction pathways, indicating delayed microvascular strengthening after P5. Furthermore, glutamate receptors, proteases and their inhibitors exhibited convergent evolutions towards excitatory aminoacid sensitivity and low proteolytic control likely accounting for vascular vulnerability in P5 mice. Thus, age vascular specificities must be considered in future therapeutic interventions in preterms. Data are available on ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD001718) and NCBI Gene-Expression-Omnibus repository (identification GSE67870).
Measurement of cerebral blood flow using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and duplex ultrasonography
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ayaz , Liu Jie , Tarumi Takashi , Lawley Justin Stevan , Liu Peiying , Zhu David C , Lu Hanzhang , Zhang Rong
Published: February 2016

Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) and color-coded duplex ultrasonography (CDUS) are commonly used for measuring cerebral blood flow in the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral arteries. However, agreement between the two methods has been controversial. Recent development of high spatial and temporal resolution blood vessel wall edge-detection and wall-tracking methods with CDUS increased the accuracy and reliability of blood vessel diameter, hence cerebral blood flow measurement. The aim of this study was to compare the improved CDUS method with 3 T PC-MRI for cerebral blood flow measurements. We found that cerebral blood flow velocity measured in the ICA was lower using PC-MRI than CDUS (left ICA: PC-MRI, 18.0 ± 4.2 vs. CDUS, 25.6 ± 8.6 cm/s; right ICA: PC-MRI, 18.5 ± 4.8 vs. CDUS, 26.6 ± 6.7 cm/s, both p < 0.01). However, ICA diameters measured using PC-MRI were larger (left ICA: PC-MRI, 4.7 ± 0.50 vs. CDUS, 4.1 ± 0.46 mm; right ICA: PC-MRI, 4.5 ± 0.49 vs. CDUS, 4.0 ± 0.45 mm, both p < 0.01). Cerebral blood flow velocity measured in the left vertebral artery with PC-MRI was also lower than CDUS, but no differences in vertebral artery diameter were observed between the methods. Dynamic changes and/or intrinsic physiological fluctuations may have caused these differences in vessel diameter and velocity measurements between the methods. However, estimation of volumetric cerebral blood flow was similar and correlated between the methods despite the presence of large individual differences. These findings support the use of CDUS for cerebral blood flow measurements in the ICA and vertebral artery.
Perfusion information extracted from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tong Yunjie , Lindsey Kimberly P , Hocke Lia M , Vitaliano Gordana , Mintzopoulos Dionyssios , Frederick Blaise deB
Published: February 2016

It is widely known that blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an indirect measure for neuronal activations through neurovascular coupling. The BOLD signal is also influenced by many non-neuronal physiological fluctuations. In previous resting state (RS) fMRI studies, we have identified a moving systemic low frequency oscillation (sLFO) in BOLD signal and were able to track its passage through the brain. We hypothesized that this seemingly intrinsic signal moves with the blood, and therefore, its dynamic patterns represent cerebral blood flow. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by performing Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) MRI scans (i.e. bolus tracking) following the RS scans on eight healthy subjects. The dynamic patterns of sLFO derived from RS data were compared with the bolus flow visually and quantitatively. We found that the flow of sLFO derived from RS fMRI does to a large extent represent the blood flow measured with DSC. The small differences, we hypothesize, are largely due to the difference between the methods in their sensitivity to different vessel types. We conclude that the flow of sLFO in RS visualized by our time delay method represents the blood flow in the capillaries and veins in the brain.
A Dynamic Risk Factors–Based Typology of Sexual Offenders
Authors: Martínez-Catena Ana , Redondo Santiago , Frerich Nina , Beech Anthony R.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this article was to develop an Spanish psychometric typology of sexual offenders taking into account dynamic risk factors. The sample comprised 94 sex offenders imprisoned in Spain (52 rapists and 42 child molesters). The analysis yielded two different offender categories based on the subjects’ criminogenic needs level (high and low). The results also showed that social desirability has a strong influence on the developed typologies, whereas the offence type, sociodemographic characteristics, and criminal history do not. A dynamic risk factors typology, such as the one proposed here, could help criminal and correctional facilities to fulfill their remit. It could also be useful for linking treatment intensity to offenders’ criminogenic needs, as well as providing a platform for recidivism risk assessments.
The Relation Between Living Group Climate, Aggression, and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Delinquent Boys in Detention
Authors: Heynen Evelyn , van der Helm Peer , Cima Maaike , Stams Geert-Jan , Korebrits Andries
Published: February 2016

Aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits are common problems in incarcerated delinquent youth. The present study was conducted to examine whether living group climate was associated with aggression and CU traits in late adolescent male offenders ( N = 156) in a German youth prison. A structural equation model was fitted to the data and showed associations between repression and reactive aggression and CU traits, but no associations between an open and supportive living group climate and aggression and CU traits. Previous research in Dutch youth prisons did not find a relation between repression and aggression, buta relation between a positive living group climate and less aggression. These different findings may reflect differences in the German and Dutch prison system. Implications for practice are discussed.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome after bilateral carotid paraganglioma resection: A case report
Authors: Mathis Stéphane , Palazzo Paola , Lamy Matthias , Ragot Stéphanie , Lapeyrie Soline , Ricco Jean-Baptiste , Neau Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2016

Background

Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumour arising anywhere along the paravertebral sympathetic and parasympathetic chains. In the neck, paraganglioma may affect the carotid body (carotid body tumour).

Case report

We describe a 43-year-old woman who presented with a reversible vasoconstriction syndrome associated with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following a surgery for a left carotid paraganglioma (with a past medical history of surgery for a right carotid paraganglioma a few months before).

Conclusion

A consequence of a baroreflex modification is discussed in order to explain the rare occurrence of such symptoms.
Change in Posterior Tibial Slope After Open-Wedge and Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Nha Kyung-Wook , Kim Hyun-Jung , Ahn Hyeong-Sik , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: February 2016

Background:

It is unclear whether open- or closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) results in significant changes in posterior tibial slope, with no consensus on the magnitude of such changes. Furthermore, methods of measuring posterior tibial slope differ among studies. This meta-analysis was therefore designed to evaluate whether posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge HTO and decreases after closed-wedge HTO and to quantify the magnitudes of the slope changes after open- and closed-wedge HTO using various methods of measuring posterior tibial slope.

Hypothesis:

Posterior tibial slope increases after open-wedge and decreases after closed-wedge HTO. The magnitude of change is similar for the 2 methods, and the value obtained for posterior tibial slope change is affected by the method of measurement.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Multiple comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed, were searched for studies that evaluated the posterior slope of the proximal tibia in patients who had undergone open- and/or closed-wedge HTO. Studies were included that compared pre- and postoperative posterior tibial slopes, regardless of measurement method, including anterior and posterior tibial cortex or tibial shaft axis as a reference line, in patients who underwent open- or closed-wedge HTO. The quality of each included study was appraised with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results:

Twenty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data, which included subgroups of 3 methods, showed that posterior tibial slope increased 2.02° (95% CI, 2.66° to 1.38°; P = .005) after open-wedge HTO and decreased 2.35° (95% CI, 1.38° to 3.32°; P < .001) after closed-wedge HTO.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis confirmed that posterior tibial slope increased after open-wedge HTO and decreased after closed-wedge HTO when the results of a variety of measurement methods were pooled. The magnitude of change after open- and closed-wedge HTO was similar and small (approximately 2°), suggesting that both osteotomy techniques may have little effect on the biomechanics of the cruciate ligaments.
Faith, Family, Filiality, and Fate
Authors: Boucher Nathan A.
Published: February 2016

Objective: What is the characterization of family involvement in health decisions, filial piety, religiosity/spirituality, and fatalism as they relate to attitudes/intentions toward end-of-life (EOL) planning/decision making among elderly Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in East Harlem, New York City? Method: An exploratory study using grounded theory and domain analysis was conducted with 51 elderly Dominicans and Puerto Ricans. Purposive and emerging themes were identified by three coders. Results: Purposive themes were family involvement in health decisions/filial piety and religiosity/spirituality/fatalism and for clinical EOL-related terms; emerging themes were accessing/using EOL care, autonomy, influence of death/dying on own future care decisions, and death/dying is a private matter. Implications: The recommendations for community members are to empower awareness of EOL issues, engage providers regarding cultural needs, and clarification of advance care planning (ACP) function; the recommendations for providers are to engage patients to enhance culturally responsive care, clarify ACP function, and ask patients about preference for roles of family and God in decisions; the recommendations for policy makers are to enhance palliative education/access and immigration status research protections.
Impact of Driving Cessation on Trajectories of Life-Space Scores Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Huisingh Carrie , Levitan Emily B. , Sawyer Patricia , Kennedy Richard , Brown Cynthia J. , McGwin Gerald
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the trajectories of life-space before and after the transition to driving cessation among a diverse sample of community-dwelling older adults. Life-space scores and self-reported driving cessation were assessed at annual visits from baseline through Year 6 among participants in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. Approximately 58% of older adults reported having stopped driving during the 6 years of follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, results from a random intercept model indicate that mean life-space scores decreased about 1 to 2 points every year ( p = .0011) and approximately 28 points at the time of driving cessation ( p < .0001). The rate of life-space decline post driving cessation was not significantly different from the rate of decline prior to driving cessation. Driving cessation was associated with a precipitous decline in life-space score; however, the driving cessation event did not accelerate the rate of life-space decline.
Determination of the knowledge of e-waste disposal impacts on the environment among different gender and age groups in China, Laos, and Thailand
Authors: Liang Li , Sharp Alice
Published: February 2016

E-waste is the fastest growing waste in the solid waste stream in the urban environment. It has become a widely recognised social and environmental problem; therefore, proper management is vital to protecting the fragile environment from its improper disposal. Questionnaire surveys were conducted to determine the knowledge of environmental impacts of e-waste disposal as it relates to mobile phones among different gender and age groups in China, Laos, and Thailand. The results revealed that gender was positively correlated with their knowledge of the status of environmental conditions (P104) ( r = 0.077, n = 1994, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with their knowledge of how to improve environmental conditions (P105) ( r = –0.067, n = 2037, p < 0.01). In addition, an increase in age was positively correlated with respondents’ concern over the environmental conditions (P103) ( r = 0.052, n = 2077, p < 0.05) and P105 ( r = 0.061, n = 2061, p < 0.01) mentioned above. The results indicated that female respondents were less knowledgeable about how to improve environmental conditions than male respondents in the three countries. Knowledge gaps were detected in the respondents, at age ⩽17, in the three countries, and from age 18–22 to 36–45 or older from Thailand and China, on their knowledge of the existing e-waste-related laws. Thus, an effort to bridge the gaps through initiating proper educational programmes in these two countries is necessary.
Greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste in Beijing: The rising trend and the mitigation effects by management improvements
Authors: Yu Yongqiang , Zhang Wen
Published: February 2016

Disposal of solid waste poses great challenges to city managements. Changes in solid waste composition and disposal methods, along with urbanisation, can certainly affect greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste. In this study, we analysed the changes in the generation, composition and management of municipal solid waste in Beijing. The changes of greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste management were thereafter calculated. The impacts of municipal solid waste management improvements on greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation effects of treatment techniques of greenhouse gas were also analysed. Municipal solid waste generation in Beijing has increased, and food waste has constituted the most substantial component of municipal solid waste over the past decade. Since the first half of 1950s, greenhouse gas emission has increased from 6 CO2-eq Gg y−1 to approximately 200 CO2-eq Gg y−1 in the early 1990s and 2145 CO2-eq Gg y−1 in 2013. Landfill gas flaring, landfill gas utilisation and energy recovery in incineration are three techniques of the after-emission treatments in municipal solid waste management. The scenario analysis showed that three techniques might reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7%, 4.5% and 9.8%, respectively. In the future, if waste disposal can achieve a ratio of 4:3:3 by landfill, composting and incineration with the proposed after-emission treatments, as stipulated by the Beijing Municipal Waste Management Act, greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste will decrease by 41%.
Using LEADS to shift to high performance
Authors: Fenwick Shauna , Hagge Erna
Published: February 2016

Health systems across Canada are tasked to measure results of all their strategic initiatives. Included in most strategic plans is leadership development. How to measure leadership effectiveness in relation to organizational objectives is key in determining organizational effectiveness. The following findings offer considerations for a 21st-century approach to shifting to high-performance systems.
Gamification as a strategy to engage and motivate clinicians to improve care
Authors: McKeown Shari , Krause Christina , Shergill Meher , Siu Andrew , Sweet David
Published: February 2016

Approaching change through seeking commitment rather than requiring compliance is an effective way to promote desired behaviours in healthcare. Gamification was explored as a technique to engage clinicians in the adoption of sepsis identification and management tools. Positive extrinsic (eg, feedback and rewards) and intrinsic (eg, mastery, autonomy, relatedness, and purpose) motivators were integrated into a campaign to save lives, leading to a significant reduction in severe sepsis mortality and improvement in processes of care.
In vitro three-dimensional coculturing poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate with mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells for myocardial patch application
Authors: Shijun Xu , Junsheng Mu , Jianqun Zhang , Ping Bo
Published: February 2016

Identifying a suitable polymeric biomaterial for myocardial patch repair following myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and cartilage injury is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the novel polymer material, poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate, on the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were isolated, expanded, and cultured on either two-dimensional or three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films (membranes were perforated to imitate three-dimensional space). Following attachment onto the films, mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Cell vitality was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and cell proliferation was observed using fluorescent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells were induced into cardiomyocytes by differentiation medium containing vitamin C. A control group in the absence of an inducer was included. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell survival and differentiation were observed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, respectively. Mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells growth, proliferation, and differentiation were observed on both two-dimensional and three-dimensional poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Vitamin C markedly improved the efficiency of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes on poly3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate films. Three-dimensional culture was better at promoting mouse-induced pluripotent stem cell proliferation and differentiation compared with two-dimensional culture.
Prednisolone- and sirolimus-eluting stent: Anti-inflammatory approach for inhibiting in-stent restenosis
Authors: Lee So-Youn , Bae In-Ho , Sung Park Dae , Jang Eun-Jae , Shim Jae-Won , Lim Kyung-Seob , Park Jun-Kyu , Sim Doo Sun , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: February 2016

Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-proliferative agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a prednisolone- (PDScs) and sirolimus-coated stent (SRLcs) in preventing artery vessel neointimal hyperplasia and inflammatory reactions in vitro and in vivo. PDS, a synthetic glucocorticoid, is a derivative of cortisol, which is used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The stents were fabricated with PDS, SRL, or both agents using a layer-by-layer coating system (designated as PDScs, SRLcs, and PDSRLcs, respectively). The surface morphology of the PDScs showed an evenly dispersed and roughened shape, which was smoothened by the SRL coating. Half of the total drug amounts were released within seven days, followed by an additional release, which continued for up to 28 days. The proliferation of smooth muscle cells was inhibited in the SRLcs group (31.5 ± 4.08%), and this effect was enhanced by PDS addition (PDSRLcs, 46.8 ± 8.11%). Consistently, in the animal study, the restenosis rate was inhibited by the SRLcs and PDSRLcs (18.5 ± 6.23% and 14.5 ± 3.55%, respectively). Especially, fibrin expression and inflammation were suppressed in the PDS-containing group (PDScs, 0.6 ± 0.12 and 1.4 ± 0.33; PDSRLcs, 0.7 ± 0.48 and 1.7 ± 0.12, respectively) compared to PDS non-containing groups (BMS, 1.1 ± 0.12, and 1.8 ± 0.55; SRLcs, 1.6 ± 0.32 and 2.0 ± 0.62, respectively). Moreover, re-endothelialization was enhanced in the PDScs group as determined using immunohistochemistry with a cluster of differentiation (CD)-31 antibodies. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of SRLcs on anti-restenosis can be accelerated by additional coating with PDS, which has promising properties as a bioactive compound with useful anti-inflammatory effects.
Implementing Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents and Think Trauma for Traumatized Youth in Secure Juvenile Justice Settings
Authors: Olafson Erna , Boat Barbara W. , Putnam Karen T. , Thieken Lacey , Marrow Monique T. , Putnam Frank W.
Published: February 2016

We describe a multiyear pilot dissemination of a trauma-focused group treatment, Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents, coupled with a trauma-informed staff training, Think Trauma, to six residential juvenile justice (JJ) facilities. All staff members were trained in Think Trauma. Seventy-seven youth from four facilities completed the treatment groups and 69 completed all pre- and postgroup assessment measures. The aims of this study were to determine whether trauma-focused interventions (a) could be implemented in complex JJ systems, (b) would be associated with a decrease in posttraumatic symptoms and reactions in youth, and (c) might contribute to reduced Incident Reports in facilities. A related question was whether we would receive feedback that youth who participated in the trauma and/or grief narrative components of the intervention were adversely affected. Pre- and postgroup assessments indicated significant reductions in symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anger, but not in anxiety or sexual concerns. There were significantly greater reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among incarcerated youth who completed all modules of the group treatment intervention relative to incarcerated youth who received an abbreviated version. Two of the facilities tracked their Incident Reports and reported reductions. No Incident Reports or therapist feedback documented that the trauma/grief processing components of the intervention were destabilizing to the youth.
Parental and Peer Attachment Characteristics: Differentiating Between Youth Sexual and Non-Sexual Offenders and Associations With Sexual Offense Profiles
Authors: Yoder Jamie R. , Leibowitz George S. , Peterson Leanne
Published: February 2016

Attachment deficits have been suggested as an etiological explanation underlying the development of sexually abusive behaviors and general delinquency among youth. Yet, few researchers have explored the discriminating functions of attachment characteristics or investigated attachments as a stand-alone risk/protective factor explaining offending profiles among youth sexual offenders. This article explored the differences in characteristics of parental and peer attachments between youth sexual ( n = 355) and non-sexual offenders ( n = 150). Furthermore, associations between family and peer attachments and criminal profiles of sexual offenders were tested. The t-test results revealed that the groups of youth differed on various mother and father attachment characteristics, with youth sexual offenders exhibiting greater deficits. Regression models revealed lower levels of mother and peer trust and communication were associated with more severe sexual offenses; low levels of mother trust were associated with more victims; and low levels of mother trust and high father alienation were associated with more non-sexual criminality. Practice implications suggest the need to amalgamate families more consistently into treatment and addressing peer dynamics within groups and community contexts.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Physical and Sexual Violence Affecting Female Sex Workers in Swaziland
Authors: Berger Blair O. , Grosso Ashley , Adams Darrin , Ketende Sosthenes , Sithole Bhekie , Mabuza Xolile S. , Mavimbela Mpumelelo J. , Baral Stefan
Published: February 2016

Female sex workers (FSW) have a heightened vulnerability to violence and negative sexual/reproductive health outcomes. Limited research has examined how experiencing physical and sexual violence (PSV) mediates risk for poor health outcomes among FSW in Swaziland. The present analyses aim to contribute to literature linking violence with poor health outcomes, high-risk behaviors, and reduced health service-seeking among FSW. Data were analyzed from a cross-sectional study conducted in Swaziland between July and September 2011 with 325 adult women who reported exchanging sex for money, goods, or favors in the last 12 months, recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between PSV and ancillary violence/abuse exposures, risk behaviors, and sexual/reproductive and mental health outcomes. PSV was conceptualized as either ever having been beaten up as a result of selling sex or ever being forced to have sex since the age of 18, or both. Prevalence of PSV in this sample was 59.0% in crude estimation, and 48.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]:[39.2,57.6]) with RDS weighting. Separate RDS-weighted estimates of being beaten up as a result of sex work and ever being forced to have sex were 32.4% (95%CI=[24.4,40.4]) and 33.1% (95%CI =[25.0,41.2%]), respectively. Experiencing PSV was associated with being blackmailed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.93, 95%CI= [1.07,3.52]), non-injection drug use in the last 12 months (aOR= 1.84, 95%CI= [1.02,3.33]), and feeling afraid to seek health services as a result of selling sex (aOR = 1.74, 95%CI= [1.01,2.99]). Given these findings, violence prevention strategies should be prioritized in programs that address Swazi FSW health, empowerment, and safety.
Corporate State Capture in Open Societies
Authors: Innes Abby
Published: February 2016

Investigations into Central Europe’s emerging party–state relationships—in contrast to those of the former Soviet Union—have focused less on the abuse of public office for private gain and more on patronage and clientelism as political resources. That debate in turn has been bounded by the conventional political science preoccupation with civil society, party, and state relations. This article contends that these conventions have tended to deflect our attention from the contemporary dynamics of political corruption in Central Europe, in which the commercial sector is a major player and the gains of political players primarily private. Building on the assumption that party systemic adaptations are contingent on changing power relations within the political economy, this article offers an ideal typical party model to characterise the behaviour of political parties that preside over the continuous marketization of the state. A “corporate brokerage party” directs its strategic focus to the private sector and acts primarily as a broker of the state’s power in the marketplace, whether expressed through privatisation, regulation, or public procurement. Using the Czech Republic as a critical case study for Central Europe, the evidence suggests that politicians able to direct allocation to the private sector with low regulatory constraints act less evidently as technocratic brokers of the public interest, partisan constituency, or organisation builders and more as private agents.
The Emergence and Evolution of Social Networking Sites as an Organizational Form
Authors: Weber Matthew S. , Fulk Janet , Monge Peter
Published: February 2016

A number of new organizational structures have emerged in recent years, including peer production networks, digitally organized social movements, and social networking sites (SNSs). Researchers have devoted considerable attention to these phenomena as groups and communities. This article takes a complementary approach by conceptualizing them as organizational forms, with focus on the emergence of SNSs as a distinct organizational form. Community ecology theory is implemented to explicate the emergence and subsequent legitimation of organizational forms, providing a foundation for understanding how new forms emerge through interaction with the surrounding environment. Industry data and historical records are utilized to illustrate the development of one specific form: online SNSs. This analysis demonstrates that legitimation is an ongoing process of replication of features, but legitimacy also occurs through recognition from adjacent populations. Findings illustrate the validity of alternative processes of form legitimacy.
The Importance of Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice
Authors: Veloza-Gómez Mónica , Muñoz de Rodríguez Lucy , Guevara-Armenta Claudia , Mesa-Rodríguez Sandra
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Explore what spiritual care means to nurses who work in emergency care units. Design and Method: Nine nursing professionals from an emergency care unit at a private health institution affiliated with the Universidad de La Sabana participated in this descriptive qualitative study. Nonparticipant observation, field notes, and in-depth interviews with a question guide were used to collect the data, which were analyzed by means of content analysis. Results: Three themes and their corresponding subthemes were identified with respect to the significance of spiritual care: (1) interpretation of spiritual care, (2) the patient and the family in spiritual care, and (3) the role of the nurse in spiritual care. Conclusions: These findings provide a deeper understanding of spiritual care in terms of its significance. They also acknowledge its importance to nursing practice in emergency care units. The significance of spiritual care is based on theoretical, scientific, and humanistic points of reference (the discipline of nursing) that strengthen the therapeutic relationship between the patient/family–nurse dyad. The study also offers evidence for holistic nursing practice that requires theoretical-academic, administrative, and assistance support.
‘I can’t forget’: Experiences of violence and disclosure in the childhoods of disabled women
Authors: Shah Sonali , Tsitsou Lito , Woodin Sarah
Published: February 2016

Violence against children is a human rights problem that cuts across gender, race, geographical, religious, socio-economic status and cultural boundaries. The risk of violence towards disabled children during their lifetime is three to four times greater than towards non-disabled children. It starts in early childhood, is more severe and linked to disablist structures in society. Violence is perpetrated by individuals and through institutional practices that are part of disabled children’s everyday life. Violence is often misdiagnosed as related to individual impairment, and not recognised by professionals or the victims themselves. Presenting disabled women’s reflections of childhood violence, help-seeking and responses to disclosure, this article seeks to raise an awareness of violence towards disabled girls and the need for these to be recognised as a serious child protection issue to be included in official definitions of child abuse.
Experiments on clearance identification in cantilever beams reduced from artillery mechanism
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Bing , Jin Wei , Han Luofeng , Quan Shuanglu
Published: February 2016

Clearances existing in artillery mechanism cause the muzzle disturbance and reduce the artillery firing accuracy. If the parameters of the clearance nonlinearity can be identified by taking advantage of the dynamic information, the quantitative relation between the clearance and muzzle disturbance can be established, and then the clearances of such nonlinear system can be controlled in a reasonable range to improve the artillery firing accuracy. This paper proposed a nonlinear identification method for the cantilever beam with clearances reduced from barrel-cradle structure. A modified restoring force surface method is proposed to identify the clearance value of the cantilever beam in time domain, and then a modified nonlinear identification through feedback of outputs method, i.e., reduced-order nonlinear identification through feedback of the output method, is proposed to recognize the related contact stiffness in frequency domain. The feasibility of the combined identification process is verified by a cantilever beam with two clearances in simulation, and a test-bed with adjusted clearance and contact stiffness which is regardless of other nonlinear factors by adjusting the position of the clearance and excitation method was designed to verify the effectiveness of this method. In the end, some influence factors of this identification process are discussed in detail. The results show that the proposed methods can identify clearance-nonlinearity parameters with high precision.
Design of the filling-rate controller for water medium retarders on the basis of coolant circulation
Authors: Zheng Hongpeng , Lei Yulong , Song Pengxiang
Published: February 2016

Water medium retarders are auxiliary braking devices which can reduce the vehicle speed by converting the mechanical energy of a driving vehicle to the total energy of the working fluid. These retarders can replace service brakes in non-emergency braking conditions. This study analysed the dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of water medium retarders. An observer was designed to identify the optimal braking power of the water medium retarder under different braking conditions. The braking process involving the retarder can be divided into three stages. The controller was designed separately at each stage to control the braking torque of the water medium retarder according to braking requirements. A combined dynamic and thermodynamic vehicle model was also constructed with MATLAB/Simulink. The effects of the controller on the vehicle feedback control system were analysed. The results show that the controller equipped with the observer can effectively control the water medium retarder to satisfy the braking requirements of vehicles on the assumption that the coolant circulation is sufficiently radiated. Finally, an experiment was conducted to determine the performance of the controller and to validate the simulation results.
Investigation of the tyre characteristics under non-steady-state conditions on the basis of road tests
Authors: Sar Hubert , Reński Andrzej , Pokorski Janusz
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a method of identifying the dynamic characteristics of tyres for non-steady-state conditions on the basis of road measurements on a vehicle. The side force acting on the tyre is presented as a function of not only the slip angle but also the slip angle derivative (i.e. the velocity of the change in the slip angle). Hence, the influence of the manoeuvre dynamics on the tyre characteristics and the difference between the characteristics obtained for steady-state conditions and the characteristics for non-steady-state conditions are shown. Also the results of computer simulations prepared for different types of tyre characteristics are presented in this paper. It is evident from the presented graphs that applying dynamic non-linear tyre characteristics for computer simulations instead of steady-state characteristics enables us to describe the real motion of a vehicle better.
Dynamics design for multiple launch rocket system using transfer matrix method for multibody system
Authors: Tang Wenbing , Rui Xiaoting , Wang Guoping , Rui Xue , Song Zhendong , Gu Lilin
Published: February 2016

Dynamics design for complex mechanical systems has become an important research field and development direction at present, capturing attentions of an increasing number of engineers and scientists worldwide. Based on many advantages of the transfer matrix method for multibody system in studying multibody system dynamics, a design problem of a multiple launch rocket system is solved in this paper. Particular attention is addressed to model actions of the exhaust flow on the multiple rocket launcher, which are associated with firing order and firing intervals of rockets. Combined with a genetic algorithm, firing order and firing intervals are optimized to achieve optimum impact point dispersion reduction. The results of numerical simulation and verification tests show good agreement, while the dispersion characteristics of rockets have been improved in a low-cost way.
Real-time relative orbit estimation of noncooperative space target based on nonlinear filtering
Authors: Zhu Zhenglong , Yan Ye
Published: February 2016

The problem of real-time relative orbit estimation of long range and high speed between a noncooperative target and a chaser is addressed. A high precision relative orbit model, in which the Earth J2 perturbation has been taken into consideration, is established for state estimation. As the attitude of the chaser is required for relative orbit estimation, it has also been estimated. The range, elevation, and azimuth between the target and the chaser, which can be measured by a laser rangefinder and a CCD device, are chosen as measuring vector, while a rate gyroscope and one star sensor is installed on the chaser to measure its rate and attitude parameters. On the basis of nonlinear filtering technology, two kinds of filtering systems are designed, namely the separated filtering system and the united filtering system, and the relationship between the two filtering systems are analyzed. Simulation results indicate the united filtering system is more robust than the separated filtering system against realistic initial attitude errors and attitude measurement noises.
Predicting decline of kidney function in lupus nephritis using urine biomarkers
Authors: Abulaban K M , Song H , Zhang X , Kimmel P L , Kusek J W , Nelson R G , Feldman H I , Vasan R S , Ying J , Mauer M , Nelsestuen G L , Bennett M , Brunner H I , Rovin B H
Published: February 2016

Objective

To evaluate candidate biomarkers to predict future renal function decline (RFD) in children and adults with lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

At the time of enrollment into prospective observational LN cohort studies liver-type fatty acid binding protein (LFABP), albumin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), uromodulin, transferrin, and hepcidin were measured in urine samples of two cohorts of patients with LN, one followed at a pediatric (cohort-1; n = 28) and one at an adult institution (cohort-2; n = 69). The primary outcome was RFD, defined in cohort-1 as a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥20% and in cohort-2 as a sustained increase of ≥25% in serum creatinine concentration (SCr), both from baseline.

Results

All patients ( n = 97) had normal eGFR or SCr at the time of urine collection at baseline. RFD occurred in 29% (8/28) of patients in cohort-1 during a mean follow-up of 6.1 months, and in 30% (21/69) of those in cohort-2 during a mean follow-up of 60 months. Individually, in cohort-1, levels of MCP-1, transferrin, LFABP, and albumin were higher in the RFD group than those who maintained renal function, with statistical significance for LFABP and albumin. In cohort-2 the RFD group also had higher levels of urine MCP-1 and albumin than others. The combination of LFABP, MCP-1, albumin, and transferrin had good predictive accuracy for RFD in both cohorts (area under the ROC curve = 0.77–0.82).

Conclusion

The combinatorial urine biomarker LFABP, MCP-1, albumin, and transferrin shows promise as a predictor of renal functional decline in LN, and warrants further investigation.
The Cultural Competence of Graduating Nursing Students
Authors: Repo Hanna , Vahlberg Tero , Salminen Leena , Papadopoulos Irena , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Cultural competence is an essential component in nursing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of cultural competence of graduating nursing students, to identify associated background factors to cultural competence, and furthermore to establish whether teaching multicultural nursing was implemented in nursing education. Design: A structured Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was used in a correlational design with a sample of 295 nursing students in southern Finland. Findings and Conclusions: The level of cultural competence was moderate, and the majority of students had studied multicultural nursing. Minority background ( p = .001), frequency of interacting with different cultures ( p = .002), linguistic skills ( p = .002), and exchange studies ( p = .024) were positively associated to higher cultural competence. Implications for Practice: To improve cultural competence in students, nursing education should provide continuous opportunities for students to interact with different cultures, develop linguistic skills, and provide possibilities for internationalization both at home and abroad.
Measuring Relationship Quality in an International Study
Authors: Chonody Jill M. , Gabb Jacqui , Killian Mike , Dunk-West Priscilla
Published: February 2016

Objective:

This study reports on the operationalization and testing of the newly developed Relationship Quality (RQ) scale, designed to assess an individual’s perception of his or her RQ in their current partnership.

Methods:

Data were generated through extended sampling from an original U.K.-based research project, Enduring Love? Couple relationships in the 21st century. This mixed methods study was designed to investigate how couples experience, understand, and sustain their long-term relationships. This article utilizes the cross-sectional, community sample ( N = 8,132) from this combined data set, drawn primarily from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. A two-part approach to scale development was employed. An initial 15-item pool was subjected to exploratory factor analysis leading into confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling.

Results:

The final 9-item scale evidenced convergent construct validity and known-groups validity along with strong reliability.

Conclusion:

Implications for future research and professional practice are discussed.
Holistic Experiences and Strategies for Conducting Research With Couples
Authors: Braybrook Debbie E. , Mróz Lawrence W. , Robertson Steve , White Alan , Milnes Kate
Published: February 2016

In this article, we outline methodological considerations for conducting research interviews with couples. We draw from two qualitative men’s health studies, both developed to explore social interactions between men and their partners of either sex in relation to their health practices. We utilized a combination of separate interviews and joint couple interviews. From these studies, we offer insight into our experiences of using both types of interview styles, addressing four key areas which span elements across the research project journey: (a) choosing a mode of interview, (b) ethical concerns in couple research, (c) the interview as a platform for disclosure, and (d) analyzing data from couple research.