bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-based bereavement services following the death of a child: A mixed study review
Authors: Donovan Leigh A , Wakefield Claire E , Russell Vera , Cohn Richard J
Published: November 2014

Background:

There has been a breadth of research on the grief experience of parents following the death of a child. However, the role and impact of hospital-based bereaved services remain unclear.

Aim:

To identify services offered to bereaved families in perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric hospital settings and summarize the psychosocial impact of these services and published recommendations for best practice hospital-based bereavement care.

Design:

Systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and methodological quality appraised in accordance with the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and PsychINFO were searched to find studies describing hospital-based bereavement services/interventions for parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Results:

In all, 14 qualitative, 6 quantitative, and 10 mixed method studies were identified. Nine descriptive articles were also included. Qualitatively, family members described feeling cared for and supported by staff, a reduction in sense of isolation, and improved coping and personal growth. Quantitatively, bereavement services have most effect for parents experiencing more complex mourning. It is recommended that bereavement services be theoretically driven and evidence based, offer continuity of care prior to and following the death of a child, and provide a range of interventions for the “whole family” and flexibility in service delivery.

Conclusions:

There is a role for transitional hospital-based services/interventions for families in the lead up to and following the death of a child. Further mixed method research is required to inform best practice bereavement care guidelines in the perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric hospital settings.
Exploring the Response Shift Effect on the Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Boucekine Mohamed , Boyer Laurent , Baumstarck Karine , Millier Aurelie , Ghattas Badih , Auquier Pascal , Toumi Mondher
Published: November 2014

Background. Interpretation of quality of life (QoL) scores over time can be difficult because of possible changes in internal standards, values, and conceptualization of QoL by individuals. This effect is called a response shift (RS). The purpose of this study was to examine whether an RS effect occurred over a 24-mo period in patients who were suffering from schizophrenia. Methods. The random forest method was applied to detect any RS reprioritization in a multicenter cohort study. QoL was recorded using a generic questionnaire (SF36) at baseline (T0), 12 mo (T12), and 24 mo (T24). Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on psychotic symptoms and relapse (stable, improved, and worsened groups) from their clinical profiles. The random forest method was performed to predict the General Health score of the SF36 from the other QoL domain scores of the SF36. We estimated the average variable importance of the QoL domain for each of the 3 groups. Results. A total of 124 (53.2%) patients were defined as stable, 59 (25.3%) as improved, and 50 (21.5%) as worsened. Among the stable group, the Social Functioning domain became more important over time. Of those classified as improved, the Mental Health domain became more important over time, while the Vitality domain became less important. Among those in the group who worsened, the Mental Health domain became less important while the Vitality and Bodily Pain domains became more important. Conclusions. Our study identified differential RS reprioritization among patients with different clinical profiles. Further work is needed to determine whether RS should be interpreted as a measurement bias or as an effect integrated in a true change.
A Comparison of Methods for Converting DCE Values onto the Full Health-Dead QALY Scale
Authors: Rowen Donna , Brazier John , Van Hout Ben
Published: November 2014

Background. Preference elicitation techniques such as time trade-off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) receive criticism for their complexity and difficulties of use. Ordinal techniques such as discrete choice experiment (DCE) are arguably easier to understand but generate values that are not anchored onto the full health-dead 1-0 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) scale required for use in economic evaluation. Methods. This article compares existing methods for converting modeled DCE latent values onto the full health-dead QALY scale: 1) anchoring DCE values using dead as valued in the DCE and 2) anchoring DCE values using TTO value for worst state to 2 new methods: 3) mapping DCE values onto TTO and 4) combining DCE and TTO data in a hybrid model. Models are compared using their ability to predict mean TTO health state values. Data. We use postal DCE data ( n = 263) and TTO data ( n = 307) collected by interview in a general population valuation study of an asthma condition-specific measure (AQL-5D). Results. New methods 3 and 4 using mapping and hybrid models are better able to predict mean TTO health state values (mean absolute difference [MAD], 0.052–0.084) than the anchor-based methods (MAD, 0.075–0.093) and were better able to predict mean TTO health state values even when using in their estimation a subsample of the available TTO data. Conclusions. These new mapping and hybrid methods have a potentially useful role for producing values on the QALY scale from data elicited using ordinal techniques such as DCE for use in economic evaluation that makes best use of the desirable properties of each elicitation technique and elicited data. Further research is encouraged.
Throwaway History
Authors: Heller Michael , Kelly Aidan
Published: November 2014

In this article, we consider how brand artifacts and ephemera can be used to understand social and cultural history. We present an analysis of the Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising in London and examine the collection of exhibits. Our analysis reveals that the museum is predominantly a collection of low involvement brands that reflect important developments in British society and culture over the past 150 years. We begin with a historiography of brands in Britain from 1800 – 1980 drawn primarily from the field of business history. We then analyze the exhibits of the museum and its collections, considering the predominance of low involvement brands in the collection and the relationship between the museum and its corporate sponsors. Finally, we evaluate brands as sociocultural phenomena and explore what the exhibits at the museum imply for contemporary brand management theory. We conclude that low involvement brands have been neglected within brand management research and that our collective throwaway history of brands and packaging are rich sources for understanding society and culture.
Sparsification of motion-planning roadmaps by edge contraction
Authors: Salzman Oren , Shaharabani Doron , Agarwal Pankaj K. , Halperin Dan
Published: November 2014

Roadmaps constructed by the recently introduced PRM* algorithm for asymptotically-optimal motion planning encode high-quality paths yet can be extremely dense. We consider the problem of [Formula: see text] the roadmap, i.e. reducing its size, while minimizing the degradation of the quality of paths that can be extracted from the resulting roadmap. We present a simple, effective sparsifying algorithm, called [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] (RSEC). The primitive operation used by RSEC is [Formula: see text]—the contraction of a roadmap edge ( v′, v″) to a new vertex [Formula: see text] and the connection of the new vertex [Formula: see text] to the neighboring vertices of the contracted edge’s vertices (i.e. to all neighbors of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). For certain scenarios, we compress more than 97% of the edges and vertices of a given roadmap at the cost of degradation of average shortest path length by at most 4%.
Medical Reasons Behind Player Departures From Male and Female Professional Tennis Competitions
Authors: Okholm Kryger Katrine , Dor Frédéric , Guillaume Marion , Haida Amal , Noirez Philippe , Montalvan Bernard , Toussaint Jean-François
Published: November 2014

Background:

The number of retirements, withdrawals, and “lucky losers” (the replacement of a player who withdraws before the start of the tournament by a losing player from the qualifying round) from professional tennis tournaments has increased, but the reasons behind such departures have not yet been analyzed. An official consensus statement has been conducted to allow a general categorization of injuries in tennis.

Purpose:

To determine the reasons for departure and injury rates in professional tennis.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

All reasons for departures were collected from official Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) web pages. All tournaments apart from the 4 major competitions (the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open) were included for the period 2001-2012 for men and women. Personal data, tournament information, surface, match setting, date, and reason were obtained for each departure scenario.

Results:

Variations in departure and injury rates were seen throughout the season. Women left and were injured significantly more than men. Women mainly left because of thigh injuries, whereas men left mainly because of back injuries. Playing surface only had an influence on the risk of lower back injuries. Only women’s departures were affected by the tournament round.

Conclusion:

A high number of departures from tournaments have occurred during the past 10 years on the ATP and WTA circuits. Injuries were the main reasons of these departures, regardless of the type of departure and player sex. The back and thigh were the main locations of injuries for men and women, respectively.
Antimicrobial regenerated cellulose/nano-silver fiber without leaching
Authors: Chen Jonathan Y , Sun Liangfeng , Jiang Wei , Lynch Vincent M
Published: November 2014

The formation of antimicrobial regenerated cellulose fibers using an ionic liquid solvent, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and silver nanoparticles was studied. The cellulose preparation and dispersion efficiency of the silver nanoparticles in the solvent were evaluated via scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy in terms of different processing conditions. The influence of silver nanoparticles on regenerated cellulose fiber crystallization and strength was examined using a wide angle X-ray diffractometry and tensiometry, respectively. The bioactive efficacy of the cellulose/nano-silver fiber was tested in accordance with the standard method of ASTM E 2149-10. The cellulose/nano-silver fibers were bioactive and killed Escherichia coli almost completely without any leaching problems. The addition of nano-silver significantly increased the cellulose fiber tensile strength and modulus with an insignificant reduction in fiber elongation, and a slower thermal decomposition rate, evidenced by increased fiber crystallinity. Higher processing temperatures improved the nano-silver dispersion efficiency. The final nano-silver suspension in the regenerated cellulose matrix was composed of scattered clusters with an average size of 700 nm and a distribution density of 14,098 mm−2.
Feasibility of an HIV/STI Risk-Reduction Program for Incarcerated Women Who Have Experienced Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Johnson Jennifer E. , Peabody Marlanea E. , Wechsberg Wendee M. , Rosen Rochelle K. , Fernandes Karen , Zlotnick Caron
Published: November 2014

HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and interpersonal violence (IV; e.g., childhood abuse, partner violence, and rape) victimization are significant and interconnected public health problems facing incarcerated women. We adapted a best-evidence HIV-prevention intervention for women (the Women’s CoOp) to address sexual safety among incarcerated women with histories of interpersonal violence victimization. The standard Women’s CoOp teaches safe sex, substance use harm reduction, and violence prevention information and skills needed to empower women to make more intentional decisions about their safety. We also incorporated strategies to increase affect management, social support, and access to community resources. This resulted in the first trauma-focused HIV-prevention intervention for women that directly addresses the sequelae of IV (such as affect dysregulation in sexual situations) within the context of HIV harm reduction. This manuscript describes the rationale, feasibility, acceptability, and pre–post outcomes of this intervention among 14 women nearing release from prison in two state prison systems. Assessments took place at baseline, prior to release, and at 2-, 5-, and 8 months after release. The intervention overall and each of its components were feasible and acceptable. Participants’ number of unprotected sexual occasions, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and depressive symptoms decreased significantly from baseline to post-release. Effectiveness in obtaining resources increased significantly from baseline to post-release. Because pre–post measurements of outcomes are confounded with incarceration and subsequent release in this preliminary study, a randomized controlled trial is needed to establish the efficacy of this tailored intervention.
Adult Sexual Experiences as a Mediator Between Child Abuse and Current Secretory Immunoglobulin A Levels
Authors: Waldron Jonathan C. , Scarpa Angela , Kim-Spoon Jungmeen , Coe Christopher L.
Published: November 2014

The current study investigated whether a history of child abuse is a predictor of adult immune status, with unwanted adult sexual experiences as a proximal mediator. Participants included 89 young adult women ( Mage = 19.24) who were classified as having experienced no child abuse, child physical abuse, or child sexual abuse, based upon self-reported victimization history before 14 years of age. Participants also reported on unwanted sexual experiences in young adulthood and provided four saliva samples, which were collected over two consecutive days to determine secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Age and negative life events were considered as covariates. The results indicated that adult sexual victimization partially mediated the relationship between child abuse (physical and sexual) and sIgA. Specifically, child abuse experiences predicted more adult sexual victimization experiences, which in turn predicted lower sIgA levels. These findings support long-term health effects of victimization, and suggest that the influence of child abuse on sIgA may be perpetuated through adult victimization. Prevention efforts should aim to empower child maltreatment survivors with skills to prevent adult re-victimization. By thwarting future unwanted sexual experiences in adulthood, individuals will be better protected from the health impairments associated with early abuse experiences.
Neighborhood Associations and Their Strategic Actions to Enhance Residents’ Neighborhood Satisfaction
Authors: Hur Misun , Bollinger Ashley G.
Published: November 2014

A neighborhood-representing community association (or neighborhood association [NA]) can offer community-based solutions to address problems and needs within a neighborhood. From this study, we expected to see the potential benefits that such an association could contribute to a neighborhood and its residents. A questionnaire survey was conducted in five neighborhoods in Greenville, North Carolina, in summer 2011. The study had two main research questions: “Do the NA’s tasks have an impact on resident’s overall neighborhood satisfaction?” Next, we asked, “Are there specific features that make a NA serve residents effectively and thus make people satisfied with their association?” We found significant contributions by NAs in communication and community activities that affected residents’ overall neighborhood satisfaction. We also found that an association’s contributions in maintaining active communications with residents were the most significant feature that residents appreciated.
Curing behaviour and thermal properties of epoxy resin cured by aromatic diamine with carborane
Authors: Men Xiuting , Cheng Yan , Chen Gong , Bao Jianwen , Yang Jiping
Published: November 2014

A new kind of carborane-containing aromatic diamine, 1,2-bis (4-aminophenyl)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (HPPA), as a curing agent for epoxy resins was synthesized and confirmed by proton, carbon and boron nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compatibility, thermal curing behaviour and thermal properties of HPPA/epoxy resin E51 system were investigated. HPPA exhibited good compatibility with E51. Compared with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS)/E51, HPPA/E51 system had higher reaction activity and lower curing temperature. When the ratio of amine protons versus epoxy groups was 1:1 in resin systems, the epoxy resin cured by HPPA exhibited the highest glass transition temperature of 207°C. The residual weight ratios of cured HPPA/E51 at 800°C under argon and in air atmospheres were 43.7% and 50.5%, respectively, which were 28.6% and 47.2% higher than that of DDS/E51, respectively, indicating that the HPPA/E51 system had good heat resistance.
Modal frequencies of fiber-reinforced polymer pipes with wall-thinning using a wavelet-based finite element model
Authors: Khulief Yehia A , El-Gebeily Mohamed A , Oke Wasiu A , Ahmed Wael H
Published: November 2014

Wall-thinning due to chemical reactions, heat, erosion, or a combination of such influences is the most dominant type of internal surface damage in piping systems. In order to examine the effect of wall-thinning on the natural frequencies, the elastodynamic model of the fiber-reinforced polymer pipe is formulated using a wavelet-based finite element method. In this context, a new set of Hermite shape functions is developed. The generalized eigen value problem is solved and the natural frequencies are obtained for an fiber-reinforced polymer pipe with different depths and locations of the wall-thinning. Moreover, the effect of wall-thinning on the modal frequencies of the pipe was verified experimentally. Both the analytical and experimental results demonstrate the potential of using vibration signature to detect internal surface damage in fiber-reinforced polymer pipes.
ECU-oriented models for NOx prediction. Part 1: a mean value engine model for NOx prediction
Authors: Guardiola Carlos , Pla Benjamin , Blanco-Rodriguez David , Calendini Pierre Olivier
Published: November 2014

The implantation of nitrogen oxide sensors in diesel engines was proposed in order to track the emissions at the engine exhaust, with applications to the control and diagnosis of the after-treatment devices. However, the use of models is still necessary since the output from these sensors is delayed and filtered. The present paper deals with the problem of nitrogen oxide estimation in turbocharged diesel engines combining the information provided by both models and sensors. In Part 1 of this paper, a control-oriented nitrogen oxide model is designed. The model is based on the mapping of the nitrogen oxide output and a set of corrections which account for the variations in the intake and ambient conditions, and it is designed for implementation in commercial electronic control units. The model is sensitive to variations in the engine’s air path, which is solved through the engine volumetric efficiency and the first-principle equations but disregards the effect of variation in the injection settings. In order to consider the effect of the thermal transients on the in-cylinder temperature, the model introduces a dynamic factor. The model behaves well in both steady-state operation and transient operation, achieving a mean average error of 7% in the steady state and lower than 10% in an exigent sportive driving mountain profile cycle. The relatively low calibration effort and the model accuracy show the feasibility of the model for exhaust gas recirculation control as well as onboard diagnosis of the nitrogen oxide emissions.
A safe stable directional vehicular platoon
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Rouhi Saeed
Published: November 2014

This paper addresses the problem of platoon control. The stability and the string stability of a platoon of vehicles in the simultaneous presence of the time delay and the lag are investigated. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, the paradigm of the cluster treatment of characteristic roots is utilized in order to reveal the stabilizing parametric regions in the domain of the delays to render the stability of a closed-loop system. Second, the restrictions which need to be imposed on the control parameters are considered in order to make the vehicle behave monotonically in the forward direction without collision as well as the requirement for the string stability. Finally, an example of multiple-vehicle platoon control is presented, which demonstrates the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed method.
A study on the thrust vector control using a bypass flow passage
Authors: Deng R , Kim HD
Published: November 2014

Bypass actuators are both indispensable and critical components for thrust vector control of supersonic vehicles. Detailed flow features concerned with bypass flow play a key role in thrust vectoring systems. An analytical model was created in supersonic nozzle with bypass flow passage. Meanwhile, a computational fluid dynamics-based study was conducted for studying this phenomenon. To validate the analytical and numerical models, comparisons with experimental result were performed. Good agreement was observed in overall region. Analytical and numerical pressure distributions under different injection positions were compared. The distance between separation point and injection position becomes smaller as the secondary injection position moves upstream. This is because of the reducing of bypass flow rate. The effects of expanded ratio and mass flow rate were adequately researched and tested. Significant variation of system thrust ratio and specific impulse takes place in the over-expanded conditions. It is indicated that the secondary flow produces great effects for over-expanded conditions. The separation point of boundary layer moves upstream as bypass flow rate increases. System thrust ratio and specific impulse will reduce if bypass flow rate increases.
Prevalence and Description of Palliative Care in US Nursing Homes
Authors: Lester Paula E. , Stefanacci Richard G. , Feuerman Martin
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To describe rates and policies in U.S. Nursing Homes (NH) related to palliative care, comfort care, and hospice care based on a nationwide survey of directors of nursing.

Measurements:

A national survey was distributed online and was completed by 316 directors of nursing of NHs (11% response rate). The directors of nursing were asked about availability and policies in their facilities. Specifically, questions were related to policies, referral patterns, discussion about such care, and types of medical conditions qualifying for such services.

Results:

Hospice is significantly more available than palliative or comfort care programs; also, for-profit facilities, compared to non-profits, are significantly more likely to have palliative care programs and medical directors for palliative care. Social workers and nurses were most likely to suggest palliative type programs. Only 42% of facilities with palliative program provide consultation by a palliative certified physician. Residents with non-healing pressure ulcers, frequent hospitalizations, or severe/uncontrolled pain or non-pain symptoms were less likely to be referred.

Conclusions:

There is limited availability of palliative type programs in NH facilities and underutilization in those NH with programs.
The Yolk Sac Tumor
Authors: Young Robert H.
Published: November 2014

One of the most remarkable of human neoplasms, the yolk sac tumor, is reviewed, emphasizing its histologic diversity and differential diagnosis, occurrence at many sites, and the shared passion for this unique neoplasm of Dr Gunnar Teilum (who deserves almost all credit for delineation of the nature of the tumor and its features) and Dr Aleksander Talerman (who made his own contribution to our knowledge of it) and the friendship it helped forge between these 2 distinguished pathologists. In a unique series of articles, beginning in the early 1940s, Teilum delineated the distinctive features of the neoplasm and recognized that it was 1 of 2 initially included as “mesonephroma ovarii” by Dr Walter Schiller in 1939 (the second we now know as clear cell carcinoma). Teilum named the tumor “endodermal sinus tumor” because it came to his attention that papillary formations common in the yolk sac tumor resembled the endodermal sinuses of the rat placenta. He focused on the histogenesis of the tumor and its morphologic features culminating in a classic paper in Cancer in 1959. Although Teilum and others recognized that yolk sac tumor could be a component of mixed germ cell tumors, Talerman was one of the first to emphasize that, particularly in the testis, it was common to see yolk sac tumor as a component of a mixed germ cell tumor. Teilum, working in Copenhagen, and Talerman, when the former was alive, working in Rotterdam, developed a warm friendship in part due to their great interest in the yolk sac tumor, although it also extended to other areas of gonadal neoplasia and indeed beyond the boundaries of medicine when they shared time together. The typical histologic features of the yolk sac tumor are the reticular-microcystic patterns Teilum described, but various other patterns, including solid and even rarer ones such as glandular and hepatoid, are now well known. There are some interesting variations in the age distribution of this tumor at various sites: for example, vaginal examples are almost restricted to children under 2 years of age; those of the testis that are pure also occur mostly in young boys (average age about 20 months) but are occasionally seen in later years; ovarian examples peak at about 19 years of age; mediastinal forms are mostly restricted to young adult males. Brief consideration is also given to the occurrence of this tumor at well-known extragonadal sites such as retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and pineal as well as more exotic locations. Note is made of the recently emphasized occurrence of the yolk sac tumor on the background of a somatic neoplasm, most often endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary. Given the wide ranging and fascinating clinical and pathologic aspects of the neoplasm, it is no surprise that it continues to be a source of great interest to any pathologist who sees one or more examples, and we are indebted to Dr Teilum for his monumental studies and to Dr Talerman for his own contributions.
Development and Validation of the Temperament and Affectivity Inventory (TAI)
Authors: Watson David , Stasik Sara M. , Chmielewski Michael , Naragon-Gainey Kristin
Published: November 2014

Trait affect scales have been a mainstay of the assessment literature for more than 50 years. These scales have demonstrated impressive construct validity, including substantial relations with personality, satisfaction, and psychopathology. However, the accumulating evidence has exposed several limitations, including (a) problems associated with retrospective biases, (b) lower temporal stability because of enhanced susceptibility to transient error, and (c) reduced self–other agreement. These limitations motivated the creation of the Temperament and Affectivity Inventory (TAI), which uses a traditional personality format (i.e., full sentences rather than single words or short phrases). The 12 TAI scales were created based on factor analyses in two samples and validated in four additional samples. The scales are internally consistent, highly stable over time, and show strong convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity in relation to self-report and interview-based measures of personality and psychopathology. Thus, the TAI provides a promising new approach to assessing trait affectivity.
Calcium Channel Blockers and Hypertension
Authors: Tocci Giuliano , Battistoni Allegra , Passerini Jasmine , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , Francia Pietro , Ferrucci Andrea , Volpe Massimo
Published: November 2014

Effective treatment of high blood pressure (BP) represents a key strategy for reducing the burden of hypertension-related cardiovascular and renal diseases. In spite of these well-established concepts, hypertension remains poorly controlled worldwide. In order to improve BP control in patients with hypertension, several interventions have been proposed, among which (1) preferred use of more effective, sustained, and well-tolerated antihypertensive drug aimed to ensure adherence to prescribed medications and (2) extensive use of rational, integrated, and synergistic combination therapies, even as first-line strategy, aimed to achieve the recommended BP targets. Within the possible antihypertensive drug classes currently available for the clinical management of hypertension, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy, drugs inhibiting the renin–angiotensin system and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have demonstrated to be effective and safe in lowering BP levels and achieving the recommended BP targets with a good tolerability profile. In particular, CCBs have been one of the most widely used classes of antihypertensive agents in the last 20 years, based on their effectiveness in reducing BP levels, good tolerability, and abundant evidence on reducing cardiovascular and renal consequences of hypertension. This article provides an updated overview of the evidence supporting the use of CCBs-based antihypertensive regimen, both in monotherapy and in combination therapies with different classes of antihypertensive drugs.
The Association of Social Support and Education With Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Documet Patricia , Bear Todd M. , Flatt Jason D. , Macia Laura , Trauth Jeanette , Ricci Edmund M.
Published: November 2014

Background. Disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening by socioeconomic status persist in the United States. It has been suggested that social support may facilitate screening, especially among women of low socioeconomic status. However, at present, it is unclear whether social support enables mammogram and Pap test compliance. Purpose. This study examines the association between social support and compliance with mammogram and Pap test screening guidelines, and whether social support provides added value for women of low education. Method. Data were from a countywide 2009-2010 population-based survey, which included records of 2,588 women 40 years and older (mammogram) and 2,123 women 21 to 65 years old (Pap test). Compliance was determined using the guidelines in effect at the time of data collection. Results. Social support was significantly related to mammogram (adjusted odds ratio = 1.43; 95% confidence interval [1.16, 1.77]) and Pap test (adjusted odds ratio = 1.71; 95% confidence interval [1.27, 2.29]) compliance after controlling for age, race, having a regular health care provider, and insurance status. The interaction between social support and education had a significant effect on Pap test compliance only among women younger than 40; the effect was not significant for mammogram compliance. Conclusion. Social support is associated with breast and cervical cancer screening compliance. The association between education and cancer screening behavior may be moderated by social support; however, results hold only for Pap tests among younger women. Practitioners and researchers should focus on interventions that activate social support networks as they may help increase both breast and cervical cancer screening compliance among women with low educational attainment.
More Than the Beatles
Authors: Morris Michael
Published: November 2014

This essay explores the implications of the zeitgeist that emerged in the United States during the 1960s for the conceptualization of ethical issues in evaluation and community psychology, and how perspectives from the latter field might enhance ethical practice in the former. Special attention is paid to articulations of social justice, professional standards, and cultural competence, and how general exhortations for ethical, just behavior in evaluation can be translated into more specific, actionable analyses through the application of frameworks such as Prilleltensky’s “wellness as fairness” orientation and Kelly’s ecological model.
A failed Roma revolution: Conflict, fragmentation and status quo maintenance in Rome
Authors: Marinaro Isabella Clough , Daniele Ulderico
Published: November 2014

This article examines novel spaces for Roma political participation that opened up under a right-wing municipal government in Rome between 2008 and 2013. Three channels were created through which Roma could engage with policy-makers and, in theory, make their voices heard: a ‘Mayor’s Delegate for Roma Issues’; a forum for debate among Roma groups and elected representatives in two official camps. Based on in-depth interviews with protagonists of this key period of mobilisation, we evaluate the successes achieved and obstacles faced. In particular, we highlight the differentiations which emerged among Roma actors, concluding that, following an initial period of enthusiasm and cohesion, most participants withdrew, achieving few of their initial goals. While the analysis demonstrates the heterogeneity of Roma groups and interests in this process, it also underlines the constraints created by the external political opportunity structure which ultimately worked to co-opt activists in order to maintain the status quo.
Travelling without moving? Limits of European Governance for Romani inclusion
Authors: Agarin Timofey
Published: November 2014

The European Union's commitment to citizen participation in policymaking and implementation reflects a wider concern for securing Europe's ‘unity in diversity’. However, across its member-states, individuals belonging to the diverse linguistic, ethnic and social groups often referred to as ‘Roma’ find themselves excluded from political, social and economic participation in countries where they live. The past decade saw the appearance of a more concerted approach to improve the participation of individuals belonging to these groups in social and economic processes. This article examines what it refers to as the European Governance for Romani inclusion (EGRI), assessing policy steps undertaken at the European institutional level towards Romani inclusion and the tools for policy implementation. The paper concludes that the EGRI has offered only limited opportunities for the marginalised Roma to redress their exclusion.
Crack detection technique for operating wind turbine blades using Vibro-Acoustic Modulation
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Adams Douglas E , Sohn Hoon , Rodriguez-Rivera Gustavo , Myrent Noah , Bond Ray , Vitek Jan , Carr Scott , Grama Ananth , Meyer Janette Jaques
Published: November 2014

This article presents a new technique for identifying cracks in wind turbine blades undergoing operational loads using the Vibro-Acoustic Modulation technique. Vibro-Acoustic Modulation utilizes a low-frequency pumping excitation signal in conjunction with a high-frequency probing excitation signal to create the modulation that is used to identify cracks. Wind turbines provide the ideal conditions in which Vibro-Acoustic Modulation can be utilized because wind turbines experience large low-frequency structural vibrations during operation which can serve as the low-frequency pumping excitation signal. In this article, the theory for the vibro-acoustic technique is described, and the proposed crack detection technique is demonstrated with Vibro-Acoustic Modulation experiments performed on a small Whisper 100 wind turbine in operation. The experimental results are also compared with two other conventional vibro-acoustic techniques in order to validate the new technique. Finally, a computational study is demonstrated for choosing a proper probing signal with a finite element model of the cracked blade to maximize the sensitivity of the technique for detecting cracks.
Structural health monitoring of offshore wind turbines using automated operational modal analysis
Authors: Devriendt Christof , Magalhães Filipe , Weijtjens Wout , De Sitter Gert , Cunha Álvaro , Guillaume Patrick
Published: November 2014

This article will present and discuss the approach and the first results of a long-term dynamic monitoring campaign on an offshore wind turbine in the Belgian North Sea. It focuses on the vibration levels and modal parameters of the fundamental modes of the support structure. These parameters are crucial to minimize the operation and maintenance costs and to extend the lifetime of offshore wind turbine structure and mechanical systems. In order to perform a proper continuous monitoring during operation, a fast and reliable solution, applicable on an industrial scale, has been developed. It will be shown that the use of appropriate vibration measurement equipment together with state-of-the art operational modal analysis techniques can provide accurate estimates of natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes of offshore wind turbines. The identification methods have been automated and their reliability has been improved, so that the system can track small changes in the dynamic behavior of offshore wind turbines. The advanced modal analysis tools used in this application include the poly-reference least squares complex frequency-domain estimator, commercially known as PolyMAX, and the covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification method. The implemented processing strategy will be demonstrated on data continuously collected during 2 weeks, while the wind turbine was idling or parked.
Evaluation of a Community–Academic Partnership
Authors: Corbin J. Hope , Fernandez Maria E. , Mullen Patricia D.
Published: November 2014

Established in 2002, Latinos in a Network for Cancer Control is a community–academic network supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute. The network includes >130 individuals from 65 community and academic organizations committed to reducing cancer-related health disparities. Using an empirically derived systems model—the Bergen Model of Collaborative Functioning—as the analytic frame, we interviewed 19 partners to identify challenges and successful processes. Findings indicated that sustained partner interaction created “meaningful relationships” that were routinely called on for collaboration. The leadership was regarded positively on vision, charisma, and capacity. Limitations included overreliance on a single leader. Suggestions supported more delegation of decision making, consistent communication, and more equitable resource distribution. The study highlighted new insights into dynamics of collaboration: Greater inclusiveness of inputs (partners, finances, mission) and loosely defined roles and structure produced strong connections but less network-wide productivity (output). Still, this profile enabled the creation of more tightly defined and highly productive subgroups, with clear goals and roles but less inclusive of inputs than the larger network. Important network outputs included practice-based research publications, cancer control intervention materials, and training to enhance the use of evidence-based interventions, as well as continued and diversified funding.
Prediction of acoustic performance of banana fiber-reinforced recycled paper pulp composites
Authors: Tholkappiyan E , Saravanan Dhandapani , Jagasthitha R , Angeswari T , Surya VT
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an investigation conducted on the development of banana fiber-reinforced paper pulp biocomposites. The investigations focus on parameters, such as ﬁber length, fiber volume fraction, and composite thickness, those affect the properties of the biocomposites. Regression models, using Box and Behnken experimental design, have been developed to predict acoustic performance of the biocomposite along with the analysis of these parameters. The correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values was found to be 0.95. The maximum Noise Reduction Coefficient is observed (through experimental) in the bulk density of 154 kg/m3 at frequency ranges between 250 Hz and 4000 Hz with the average value of 0.55.
Efficacy of the Dynamic Jaw Mode in Helical Tomotherapy With Static Ports for Breast Cancer
Authors: Sugie Chikao , Manabe Yoshihiko , Hayashi Akihiro , Murai Taro , Takaoka Taiki , Hattori Yukiko , Iwata Hiromitsu , Takenaka Ran , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: November 2014

The recently developed dynamic jaw technology of tomotherapy can reduce craniocaudal dose spread without much prolonging the treatment time. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the dynamic jaw mode for tomotherapy of breast cancer. Static tomotherapy plans of the whole breast and supraclavicular regional lymph nodes, and plans for the whole breast only were generated in 25 patients with left-sided breast cancer. Plans with a field width of 2.5 or 5 cm with the dynamic or fixed jaw modes were made for each patient. The prescribed dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. In whole breast and supraclavicular nodal radiotherapy, dose distributions and homogeneity of the planning target volume (PTV) with the dynamic jaw mode were slightly inferior to those with the fixed jaw mode with a 5-cm field width ( P < .05). However, lung low-dose volumes and mean doses of the larynx, thyroid, skin, and all the healthy tissues combined were smaller with the dynamic jaw mode than with the fixed jaw mode with a 5-cm field width ( P < .001). In whole breast radiotherapy, mean doses of the skin and healthy tissues were lower with the dynamic jaw mode than with the fixed jaw mode with a 5-cm field width ( P < .001) without significant differences in PTV dose distributions, homogeneity, and conformity. The dynamic jaw mode provided better sparing of organs at risks with minimal disturbance of dose–volume indices of PTV. Considering the treatment time, the 5-cm-field dynamic jaw mode is more efficient than the 2.5-cm fixed jaw mode.
Play and Productivity
Authors: Iversen Sara Mosberg
Published: November 2014

Digital games are increasingly an integral part of daily life for people of all ages and genders. Based on a Foucauldian notion of power and discourse, the central question discussed here is how people above the age of 60 and their engagement with digital games are constituted within existing research. The available literature can be separated into two distinct themes focusing on shaping and maintaining the player and the player’s relation to games. A highly functionalistic approach to the use of digital games runs through much of the research due to its preoccupation with social, mental, and bodily health or with the needs of the game industry. This tendency is linked to notions of economical productivity, a theme that is analyzed on the basis of theory formations from cultural gerontology as well as in relation to power and discipline.
An Iterative, Multidisciplinary Approach to Studying Digital Play Motivation
Authors: Herodotou Christothea , Winters Niall , Kambouri Maria
Published: November 2014

The aim of this article is to present the methodological approach adopted for the development and iteration of the Model of Game Motivation (MGM), a conceptual model explaining digital play motivation. A multidisciplinary, mixed-methods research design was deployed for the empirical iteration of the model. This choice was reinforced by the critical review of related literature, which revealed that a combination of evidence from multiple disciplines (psychology, sociology, and technology) could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of play motivation. An iterative, hypothesis-testing research design was the strategy used to conduct multidisciplinary, mixed-methods research. The initial, theoretical version of the MGM was iterated twice, resulting in a thoroughly developed, empirically grounded version that requires future validation. The value of this approach lies in the fact that it provides to game design stakeholders a methodological tool for understanding play motivation as a multifaceted activity, which could inform their practices.
Jock Young and the Criminological Imagination as a Life Force
Authors: Brotherton David C.
Published: November 2014

The work of the incomparable Jock Young has had an enormous impact on the development of critical criminology and of criminology more generally. In this important volume I discuss the impact of his latter works (principally his trilogy) on the development of my own research in subfields that have become virtual industries in the global praxes of contemporary criminal (in)justice: gangs and deportation. I draw on my extensive experience with ethnographic fieldwork and the resulting analyses to show how major themes in Young’s work have been used to illuminate complex social processes and provide much-needed alternative theoretical frameworks with which to disentangle our data. I conclude that his radical oeuvre as well as his example of the socially engaged social scientist offer us a way out of the impasse we now face.
Covering Muslim women: Semantic macrostructures in BBC News
Authors: Al-Hejin Bandar
Published: November 2014

Despite a proliferation of research on Islam and Muslims in the media, very little work has focused on Muslim women, a much-debated social group that merits special consideration. This article aims to investigate how Muslim women are represented in BBC News website texts using a purpose-built corpus (1.9 million words in 3269 articles). The research employs analytical tools from the discourse-historical, socio-cognitive, and sociosemantic approaches to critical discourse studies. These are combined with corpus-based methodologies to investigate the semantic macrostructures that tend to be associated with Muslim women and the discursive strategies employed in the representation of the hijab. The study is novel in its exhaustive approach to identifying salient and underreported issues related to Muslim women in news discourse. It also introduces a more integrated analysis that combines manual and automated techniques and tackles the quantification of qualitative results where possible. Findings suggest that Muslim women’s representations are largely restricted in terms of regional coverage. Semantic macrostructures related to conflict and crime are prevalent. The hijab remains a nodal discourse surrounding Muslim women whose function as a descriptive feature is often unclear, raising serious questions about its relevance. A number of recommendations are made for journalists to become cognizant of their own context models when reporting on Muslim women.