bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative methods III
Authors: Dowling Robyn , Lloyd Kate , Suchet-Pearson Sandie
Published: September 2017

In this, our third and final snapshot of contemporary qualitative research methods, we pick up on the proliferation of non-representational theory across human geography and focus on research methods concerned with practices that exceed (more than) representation or are non-representational. We chart work that pays attention to the non-visible, the non-verbal and the non-obvious, as well as methods and methodologies that enable researchers to grasp and grapple with assemblages, relationalities, and life as it unfolds. We characterize these ‘more-than representational’ methodologies as: experimenting with approaches to research, using picturing as an embedded research methodology, and highlighting research as sensing. We conclude that these have opened new forms of knowledge, including into subdisciplines like health geography. Nonetheless, a privileging of written and visual modes of thinking and representing remain, and the discipline must be vigilant to nurture and value the emerging work on neural diversity and non-Western modes of thinking.
Photo-cross-linked biodegradable hydrogels based on n-arm-poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ε-caprolactone) and/or methacrylic acid for controlled drug release
Authors: Hou Ping , Zhang Na , Wu Ruxia , Xu Weiwei , Hou Zhaosheng
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a novel kind of photo-cross-linked biodegradable hydrogels based on n-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) ( n = 2, 3, and 4) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) was prepared by ultraviolet-initiated free radical polymerization. The resulting n-arm-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) and n-arm-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) acrylate (n-arm-PEG-PCL-AC, macromer) were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and fourier transform infrared spectra. The influences of arm numbers and concentration of macromer on the properties of hydrogel were researched systematically, and the results showed that the gelation time, equilibrium swelling ratio, in vitro degradation, and drug release rate decreased with the increase of arm numbers and concentration of macromer. The degradation and drug release rate could be controlled by varying the cross-linking density of hydrogel, indicating a potential application as controlled drug delivery system. Cytotoxicity test of hydrogel extracts was conducted using L929 mouse fibroblasts, and the relative growth rate exceeded 75% (cytotoxicity type: class 1) after incubation for 24 h, showing excellent cytocompatibility. In addition, the paper presented a pH-sensitive hydrogel (G4pH) based on 4-arm-PEG-PCL-AC and acrylic acid, and the influences of pH value on swelling behaviors and in vitro drug release of the pH-sensitive hydrogel were examined. The hydrogels shrank under acidic condition and would swell in neutral or basic medium. The pH-dependent drug release behaviors indicated a promising application of the materials as oral drug delivery vehicles.
Childhood Trauma, Gender Inequitable Attitudes, Alcohol Use and Multiple Sexual Partners: Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Messersmith Lisa J. , Halim Nafisa , Steven Mzilangwe Ester , Reich Naomi , Badi Lilian , Holmes Nelson Bingham , Servidone Maria , Simmons Elizabeth , Kawemama Philbert
Published: September 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence, has profound immediate and long-term effects on individuals and communities worldwide. To date, few studies have focused on couples’ reporting of IPV. The aim of this article is to present the results of a survey of couples’ reporting of IPV and the individual, interpersonal, and social correlates of IPV in northern Tanzania. Four hundred fifty couples from Karatu District, Tanzania, completed a questionnaire measuring attitudes on gender norms and relations, men’s experience of childhood trauma, and men’s perpetration and women’s experience of IPV. We found high levels of acceptance and experience of IPV: 72% of men justified a husband’s perpetration of IPV, and 54% of men and 76% of women said that a woman should tolerate violence to keep her family together. The majority of women had ever experienced IPV (77.8%), and 73.6% and 69% had experienced IPV in the past 12 and 3 months, respectively. Men were significantly less likely to report that they had committed IPV: 63.6% ever, 48.9% in the past 12 months, and 46.2% in the past 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression found that younger men, men who reported gender inequitable attitudes, childhood trauma, multiple sexual partners, and alcohol use were significantly more likely to report IPV perpetration in the past 3 months. Younger women, and women with low levels of education and reported food shortages were significantly more likely to report IPV in the past 3 months. These results indicate that social and individual acceptance and justification of IPV are common. Experience of violence persists over time in many relationships. This study demonstrates the need for interventions that address individual-, interpersonal-, and community-level determinants of IPV, including attitudes regarding gender equity, exposure to violence as children and intergenerational violence, lack of education, and poverty.
Lattice Boltzmann modeling for the coalescence between a free droplet in gases and a sessile droplet on wettable substrate with contact angle hysteresis
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Jianglong
Published: September 2017

The coalescence between a free droplet and a sessile droplet on wettable substrate is numerically studied. The axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann method for two-phase flows is used in modeling. Here the contact angle hysteresis (prescribed by advancing angle [Formula: see text] and receding angle [Formula: see text]) is taken into account. The effects of Ohnesorge number ( Oh), contact angle and its hysteresis, and the radius of the free droplet on the coalescence dynamics are investigated in detail. The Oh numbers ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 here makes the radius of the liquid bridge r and the time t follow power law. Also, Oh has remarkable impact on the development of capillary wave and on the amount of kinetic energy released from coalescence. It is found that the curve of the wetting radius varying with time includes several plateau stages, which is a typical characteristic for the effect of contact angle hysteresis. The larger window of contact angle hysteresis would result in smaller steady wetting radius after coalescence. Compared with the existence of contact angle hysteresis, the absence of contact angle hysteresis makes the droplets system release more kinetic energy during the coalescence but the released kinetic energy decays more rapidly and soon reduces to zero. Oppositely, if the contact angle hysteresis exists, the released kinetic energy would oscillate for a period of time before approaching zero.
Lubrication adaptability to the variations of combustion modes by texturing cylinder liner in engines
Authors: Yin Bifeng , Xu Bo , Qian Yanqiang , Ji Jinghu , Fu Yonghong
Published: September 2017

The application of different combustion modes in engines has placed greater demands on the lubrication of cylinder liners and piston rings. In this study, a mixed lubrication model was built to investigate the tribological properties of a liner textured with micro-dimples. The simulation results indicate that surface texturing can improve the lubrication and friction properties of the ring/liner pair and adapt to different combustion modes in an engine. Due to the significant differences in external loads around top dead center of the compression stroke under pre-mixed charge combustion ignition, conventional combustion and retarded injection modes, when the liner remains untextured, the lubrication performance of the friction pair appears to be unstable in a mixed lubrication region. For the textured liner, micro-dimples enhance the hydrodynamic effects between the ring and liner, increasing the oil film thickness and its bearing capacity. As a result, the mixed lubrication interval shrinks and the micro asperity contact is reduced, thus improving the tribological properties of the friction pair. The numerical fluctuation ranges of parameters, the maximum asperity pressure, the average friction force and the frictional loss, are narrowed by 21.6%, 27.8% and 24.5%, respectively, under the three different combustion modes around top dead center of the compression stroke.
Trajectory tracking using robust gain-scheduling control with a new independent variable
Authors: Jiang Huan , Chen Shishi , Wang Fenggang , Xiong Fenfen
Published: September 2017

To reduce the expenditure, a low-performance guidance and control system is usually employed in the design of guided artillery rockets, which however will induce great difficulties in trajectory tracking because the rocket's parameters vary fast over a large operation range. The traditional time invariant control approaches for trajectory tracking cannot guarantee the adaptability of controller. On the other hand, since time is routinely considered as the independent variable, the dynamic error system varies sharply, resulting in a weak anti-jamming capability. To address these issues, a new trajectory tracking approach for guided rockets is developed by using the robust gain-scheduling control technique based on the linear parameter varying system, in conjunction with a new coordinate transformation that considers the arc length of reference trajectory as the independent variable. Through comparative studies, it is observed that the proposed method outperforms the existing ones in trajectory tracking during the whole flight trajectory, which demonstrates its effectiveness and advantages.
Renewable energy storage in geological formations
Authors: Crotogino Fritz , Schneider Gregor-Sönke , Evans David J
Published: September 2017

With the transition to renewable energies and, above all, strongly fluctuating electricity from wind and solar energy, there will be a need for energy storage in the future. For central grid-scale storages, underground geological storage, similar to those already used for fossil fuels, is in the first place under review. Compressed Air Energy Storages have already been successfully used to provide minutes to hours reserve. For storage capacities in the day to week range, storage is required on a chemical rather than a mechanical basis, through either the conversion of electricity into pure hydrogen (H2) or the generation of mixtures of natural gas and synthetic methane. The latter – the so-called power-to-gas option – allows the use of the existing gas infrastructure. A likely first choice for the storage of H2 or H2-SNG mixtures are man-made salt caverns. The suitability of porous rock storage (depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or water-bearing reservoirs – aquifers) is still under investigation. Interest in porous rock storage options arises, inter alia, from the fact that many regions of Europe lack suitable salt deposits. Favorable salt deposits exist in the UK, notably in the Cheshire Basin to the west and in eastern England, with six salt cavern-hosted facilities operated as natural gas storages. In any case, underground gas storages are characterized by high safety and low environmental impact.
Human-induced changes in fire regime and subsequent alteration of the sandstone landscape of Northern Bohemia (Czech Republic)
Authors: Bobek Přemysl , Svobodová Helena Svitavská , Werchan Barbora , Švarcová Markéta Gabriela , Kuneš Petr
Published: September 2017

Multiproxy palaeoecological evidence from a sandstone region in northern Czech Republic was collected to explore the impact of fire disturbances on the decline of the broadleaved forests during the Late Bronze Age (3250–3050 cal. BP). It has been hypothesized that human-accelerated soil leaching affected the nutrient availability in the sandstone area, thus promoting the expansion of oligotrophic-adapted plant communities in the late-Holocene. Little is known about the mechanisms which induced such large-scale vegetation transformation. We sought to determine which driving forces were involved using independent proxy records – soil and sedimentary charcoal, pollen and fungal spores. Local fire history was derived from the variation in charcoal accumulation rates (CHAR) preserved in Eustach peatbog. The fire frequency (FF) estimation over the past ~7500 years revealed distinct phases of increased burning between 3100 and 2120 cal. BP (3.0 fires 1000 yr−1) and 1400–600 cal. BP (4.3 fires 1000 yr−1). Rapid compositional changes in the pollen assemblage were documented during the Late Bronze Age period, suggesting vegetation responded to increased fire disturbances. The human influence on the fire regime is implied by the short-term increase in cereal pollen concurrent with a major fire event, indicating possible use of slash-and-burn cultivation by Late Bronze societies. This type of human subsistence strategy practised in the sandstone landscape further evolved to pastoralism as suggested by continuous presence of coprophilous fungi Sporormiella and Sordaria, which occurred since the Hallstatt/La Tène period (2750–1950 cal. BP). Our study documents, for the first time, the intentional, human-caused biomass burning from densely forested areas of Northern Bohemian sandstone region. Our results imply that increased rate of fire disturbances contributed to the Late Bronze Age transformation of broadleaved forests to oligotrophic forest communities of late-Holocene.
PPAR-δ Agonist With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Type II Collagen-Producing Chondrocytes in Human Arthritic Synovial Fluid
Authors: Heck Bruce E. , Park Joshua J. , Makani Vishruti , Kim Eun-Cheol , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: September 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage within synovial joints. An estimated 27 million Americans suffer from OA, and the population is expected to reach 67 million in the United States by 2030. Thus, it is urgent to find an effective treatment for OA. Traditional OA treatments have no disease-modifying effect, while regenerative OA therapies such as autologous chondrocyte implantation show some promise. Nonetheless, current regenerative therapies do not overcome synovial inflammation that suppresses the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to chondrocytes and the expression of type II collagen, the major constituent of functional cartilage. We discovered a synergistic combination that overcame synovial inflammation to form type II collagen-producing chondrocytes. The combination consists of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) δ agonist, human bone marrow (hBM)-derived MSCs, and hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. Interestingly, those individual components showed their own strong enhancing effects on chondrogenesis. GW0742, a PPAR-δ agonist, greatly enhanced MSC chondrogenesis and the expression of type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in hBM-MSC-derived chondrocytes. GW0742 also increased the expression of transforming growth factor β that enhances chondrogenesis and suppresses cartilage fibrillation, ossification, and inflammation. HA gel also increased MSC chondrogenesis and GAG production. However, neither GW0742 nor HA gel could enhance the formation of type II collagen-producing chondrocytes from hBM-MSCs within human OA synovial fluid. Our data demonstrated that the combination of hBM-MSCs, PPAR-δ agonist, and HA gel significantly enhanced the formation of type II collagen-producing chondrocytes within OA synovial fluid from 3 different donors. In other words, the novel combination of PPAR-δ agonist, hBM-MSCs, and HA gel can overcome synovial inflammation to form type II collagen cartilage within human OA synovial fluid. This novel articularly injectable formula could improve OA treatment in the future clinical application.
Effects of Bone-Marrow–Derived MSC Transplantation on Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Matyas Jessica J. , Stewart Andrew N. , Goldsmith Alison , Nan Zhenhong , Skeel Reid L. , Rossignol Julien , Dunbar Gary L.
Published: September 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a widely disabling condition, constraining those affected by it to wheelchairs and requiring intense daily care and assistance. Cell replacement therapies, targeting regeneration of cells in the injured cord, are currently gaining momentum in the field of SCI research. Previous studies indicate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can reduce functional deficits through immunomodulation and production of trophic factors in a variety of neurological disorders. The present study assessed the efficacy of transplanted bone marrow–derived MSCs at different concentrations and locations for promoting functional recovery following SCI. Although effects were modest, MSCs facilitated an increase in the base of support, as measured by increased distance between the plantar surface of the hind paws, following incomplete contusive SCI, and reduced the density of astroglial scarring. Varying the concentrations or locations of transplanted cells did not provide additional benefits on these measures. These findings indicate that MSC transplants are safe at relatively high concentrations and confer therapeutic benefits that, when used as an adjunctive treatment, could significantly enhance functional recovery following SCI.
Peptide-Modified Chitosan Hydrogels Accelerate Skin Wound Healing by Promoting Fibroblast Proliferation, Migration, and Secretion
Authors: Chen Xionglin , Zhang Min , Chen Shixuan , Wang Xueer , Tian Zhihui , Chen Yinghua , Xu Pengcheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lu , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2017

Skin wound healing is a complicated process that involves a variety of cells and cytokines. Fibroblasts play an important role in this process and participate in transformation into myofibroblasts, the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibers, and the secretion of a variety of growth factors. This study assessed the effects of peptide Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val (SIKVAV)--modified chitosan hydrogels on skin wound healing. We investigated the capability of peptide SIKVAV to promote cell proliferation and migration, the synthesis of collagen, and the secretion of a variety of growth factors using fibroblasts in vitro. We also treated skin wounds established in mice using peptide SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels enhanced the reepithelialization of wounds compared with negative and positive controls. Masson’s trichrome staining demonstrated that more collagen fibers were deposited in the wounds treated with peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels compared with the negative and positive controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels promoted angiogenesis in the skin wound. Taken together, these results suggest that peptide SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels may be useful in wound dressing and the treatment of skin wounds.
Experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of registered nurses regarding research ethics and misconduct
Authors: Asman Oren , Melnikov Semyon , Barnoy Sivia , Tabak Nili
Published: September 2017

Background:

Nurses engaging in research are held to research ethics standards.

Research aim:

Examine experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of nurses in Israel regarding research ethics and explore possible related factors.

Research design:

An original investigator-designed self-administered questionnaire measured five variables: (a) ethics in research, (b) encountered research misconduct during the course of one’s studies, (c) the inclination to fabricate data, (d) the inclination to select or omit data, and (e) knowledge of research misconduct in the workplace. Additionally, demographic data were collected.

Participants and research context:

The questionnaire was completed by 151 Israeli registered nurses. 10.2% hold a PhD, 34 % hold an MA, 42.2% hold a BA, and 13.6% with no academic degree.

Ethical considerations:

The study was approved by the University’s ethics committee; anonymity and consent of the respondents were respected.

Findings:

Registered nurses’ level of studies achieved was significantly associated with a lower inclination to fabricate data, with one exception—PhD nurses were more inclined to fabricate data than nurses with a Master’s degree. A trend was found in which a higher level of studies is associated with higher knowledge of research misconduct in the workplace.

Discussion:

Results indicate that nurses’ perceptions of research ethics change throughout their academic studies, indicating a positive influence of level of studies, research experience, and work experience on ethics perceptions. Nevertheless, PhD nurses showed a greater inclination to actually select, omit, or even fabricate data than MA nurses. This may be related to pressure to publish.

Conclusion:

PhD nursing programs should include ethics training. Academic faculty members should serve as role models regarding research integrity. Research ethics deserves further emphasis on all levels of nurse education in Israel, as well as in the nurses’ code of ethics and related documents. This may positively impact ethical research practices.
The dynamic behavior of pneumatic vibration isolators
Authors: Pintado P. , Ramiro C. , Morales A.L. , Nieto A.J. , Chicharro J.M.
Published: September 2017

The ubiquity of pneumatic vibration isolators, especially in heavy road vehicle suspensions and in passenger rail vehicle secondary suspensions, has boosted research interest in these systems. Thermodynamic models have been used in order to inform and support engineering design decisions. Most models assume that the air inside the system undergoes a polytropic transformation during the compression/expansion cycle, but the necessary polytropic index value is often guessed at and seldom measured. This paper presents measured polytropic indexes that contradict the traditional assumptions with respect to its value. On a different note, the work presented in this paper also investigates the air flow through the restrictor (a component that is often used in suspension applications to introduce damping and adapt the frequency response function). The results show that this flow can be analyzed with utterly simple models.
An advanced vehicle–slab track interaction model considering rail random irregularities
Authors: Xu Lei , Chen Zhaowei , Zhai Wanming
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates a more advanced vertical vehicle–slab track interaction model (VTIM) by considering the discontinuity of track slabs, besides, it can be degenerated to the traditional two-dimensional model conveniently. Moreover, a cyclic calculation method (CCM) is further developed to solve infinite length calculations. On this basis, the proposed dynamic model and CCM are validated by comparing with the more comprehensive three-dimensional train–track model and fixed-point excitation method. Then, from aspects of probability statistics and frequency analysis, an illustrative example is particularly conducted to comprehensively characterize the dynamic responses of vehicle–slab track systems, in which the representative and realistic rail irregularity sets simulated by the track irregularity probabilistic model are used as the loading inputs. Results show that, with a low consumption of computational time and computer memory, the dynamic results derived from VTIM and CCM have a high accuracy, which indicates that the proposed dynamic model and calculation method can be efficiently and accurately used to analyze train–slab track interactions.
Physical and functional properties of spray-dried powders from blackcurrant juice and extracts obtained from the waste of juice processing
Authors: Archaina Diego , Leiva Graciela , Salvatori Daniela , Schebor Carolina
Published: September 2017

Blackcurrants contain high levels of polyphenolics, particularly flavonols and anthocyanins, which contribute to their high antioxidant activity. The aims of this work were the recovery of bioactive compounds from the remaining solid (waste) after processing blackcurrant juice and to obtain spray-dried powders from the blackcurrant juice and extracts. The extraction of bioactive compounds from the fruit pulp was performed by ultrasound-assisted extraction. Experiments were conducted to select the more suitable solvent, and citric acid was chosen. Then, to optimize the extraction conditions (time, solvent concentration, and amplitude) an experimental design using a Box–Behnken Design was done. Comparing the optimized extract with the fruit, 31% total monomeric anthocyanins, 19% total phenolic compounds, and 10% antioxidant capacity were obtained. The optimized extract and the juice were mixed and spray dried, using maltodextrin as carrier matrix. A blackcurrant powder with low hygroscopicity 14.46 ± 0.13 (g a.w./100 g d.m) and high solubility 94.25 ± 4% was obtained. High concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity was recorded: Total monomeric anthocyanins 63.01 ± 1 (mg cyn-3-glu/100 g.d.m), total phenolic content 116.87 ± 5 (mg gallic acid/100 g d.m.), and antioxidant capacity 144.40 ± 0.11 (mg eq Trolox/100 g.d.m.).
Consumer Neuroscience: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Karmarkar Uma R. , Plassmann Hilke
Published: September 2017

In this article, we give an overview of the growing field of consumer neuroscience and discuss when and how it is useful to integrate neurophysiological data into research conducted in business fields. We first discuss the foundational elements of consumer neuroscience and showcase a range of studies that highlight the ways that neuroscientific research and theory can add to existing lines of research in marketing. Next, we discuss the new domains and questions that brain data allow us to address, such as an emerging ability to predict market-level behavior in a range of decision types. We conclude by providing insights about the emerging frontiers in the field that we think will have an important impact on our understanding of marketing behavior, as well as organizational behavior.
The DNR Order: What Does it Mean?
Authors: Md John Y.C. Tsang
Published: September 2017

As medical science continues to advance, patients nowadays with progressive cardiopulmonary diseases live to older ages. However, they too will eventually reach their unsustainable physiological limit and many die in poor health and discomfort prior to their demise. Regrettably many physicians have not kept pace in dealing with the inevitable end-of- life issues, along with modern technological developments. Without proper guidance, ill-informed patients often face unnecessary anxiety, receive futile resuscitation at the expense of their dignity and public cost which has and will become increasingly overwhelming according to our current demographic trends. In any health care reform, experts often suggest that difficult questions will have to be asked but the solutions are at least partly in the logistical details. From time to time, we see an isolated “Do Not Resuscitate” or DNR order in the chart, which is not always followed by thoughtful discussion on the boundary of care, either simultaneously or known to be followed up soon. This paper attempts to begin asking some of these difficult questions, point out the fallacies of this order and expose the weaknesses in the present state of entitlement by public demand if physicians retreats more from the discussion. The solution does not lie in asking the questions but in changing the practice pattern in real life on a continuous basis, hopefully to be eventually accepted by most, if not all.
Imagining Autism: Feasibility of a drama-based intervention on the social, communicative and imaginative behaviour of children with autism
Authors: Beadle-Brown Julie , Wilkinson David , Richardson Lisa , Shaughnessy Nicola , Trimingham Melissa , Leigh Jennifer , Whelton Beckie , Himmerich Julian
Published: September 2017

We report the feasibility of a novel, school-based intervention, coined ‘Imagining Autism’, in which children with autism engage with drama practitioners though participatory play and improvisation in a themed multi-sensory ‘pod’ resembling a portable, tent-like structure. A total of 22 children, aged 7–12 years, from three UK schools engaged in the 10-week programme. Measures of social interaction, communication and emotion recognition, along with parent and teacher ratings, were collected before and up to 12 months after the intervention. Feasibility was evaluated through four domains: (1) process (recruitment, retention, blinding, inter-rater reliability, willingness of children to engage), (2) resources (space, logistics), (3) management (dealing with unexpected changes, ease of assessment) and (4) scientific (data outcomes, statistical analyses). Overall, the children, parents and teachers showed high satisfaction with the intervention, the amount of missing data was relatively low, key assessments were implemented as planned and evidence of potential effect was demonstrated on several key outcome measures. Some difficulties were encountered with recruitment, test administration, parental response and the logistics of setting up the pod. Following several protocol revisions and the inclusion of a control group, future investigation would be justified to more thoroughly examine treatment effects.
Putting lives in danger? Tinker, tailor, journalist, spy: the use of journalistic cover
Authors: Lashmar Paul
Published: September 2017

The Anglo-American intelligence agencies’ use of journalists as spies or propagandists and the practice of providing intelligence agents in the field with journalistic cover have been a source of controversy for many decades. This article examines the extent to which these covert practices have taken place and whether they have put journalists’ lives in danger. This article, drawing on various methodologies, examines a number of cases where the arrest, murder or kidnap of journalists was justified on the grounds that the journalist was a ‘spy’. This has been followed through with research, using a range of sources, that shows there have been many occasions when the distinction between spies and journalists has been opaque. The article concludes that widespread use of journalistic cover by spies has put lives in danger, but that the extent is unquantifiable.
News, entertainment, or both? Exploring audience perceptions of media genre in a hybrid media environment
Authors: Edgerly Stephanie , Vraga Emily K
Published: September 2017

This study uses two experimental designs to examine how audiences make genre assessments when encountering media content that blends elements of news and entertainment. Study 1 explores how audiences characterize three different versions of a fictitious political talk show program. Study 2 considers whether audience perceptions of ‘news-ness’ are influenced by shifts in headline angle and source attribution. The implications of audience definitions of news and its social function are discussed.
Comparison of high-technology active learning and low-technology active learning classrooms
Authors: Nicol Adelheid AM , Owens Soo M , Le Coze Stéphanie SCL , MacIntyre Allister , Eastwood Christina
Published: September 2017

Many academic institutions are investing thousands of dollars in technology-based classrooms to market themselves as modern and adapt to the new generation of students for whom technology forms part of their everyday lives. This technology is also believed to provide the added benefit of better knowledge acquisition, improved critical thinking and greater engagement with the material. However, not many studies have examined their effectiveness in comparison with active learning classes that do not employ a lot of technology. An evaluation of a high-technology-based active learning classroom environment and a low-technology-based active learning classroom for the same organizational behaviour and leadership course is presented in this article. Results revealed no significant differences for grades between the two. However, several problems emerged with the high-technology active learning classroom. Examination of the instructors’ experiences suggests that a variety of obstacles need to be dealt with if this type of classroom is to be adequately utilized and assessed.
An exploratory study of students’ weekly stress levels and sources of stress during the semester
Authors: Pitt Adele , Oprescu Florin , Tapia Geraldine , Gray Marion
Published: September 2017

Studying at university can be a very stressful experience. Although the literature provides some information regarding different sources of stress among students, studies have not addressed the issue of changes over the course progression. This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of the sources of stress for first-year students and whether these stressors are more prevalent at different times during the semester. A mixed-method approach was used. Content analysis was undertaken on longitudinal electronic message data, and thematic analysis was used for focus group data. Results indicated an increasing trend of stress over the semester. The major stressors identified were academic, financial/work, personal, family-related, interpersonal, social support, university/life balance and starting university. A number of stressors were found to be more prevalent at different times during the semester, including some academic-related stressors plus starting university, family-related and financial/work-related stressors. This is one of the few studies to examine the influence of timing of the levels of stress. Importantly, this study suggests that the start and end of the first semester constitute the riskiest periods for negative stress-related consequences. These results could be used to assist universities in developing student support programmes.
A Youth-Leader Program in Baltimore City Recreation Centers: Lessons Learned and Applications
Authors: Trude Angela C. B. , Anderson Steeves Elizabeth , Shipley Cara , Surkan Pamela J. , Sato Priscila de Morais , Estep Tracey , Clanton Stella , Lachenmayr Lisa , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: September 2017

Peer-led interventions may be an effective means of addressing the childhood obesity epidemic; however, few studies have looked at the long-term sustainability of such programs. As part of a multilevel obesity prevention intervention, B’More Healthy Communities for Kids, 16 Baltimore college students were trained as youth-leaders (YLs) to deliver a skill-based nutrition curriculum to low-income African American children (10-14 years old). In April 2015, formative research was used to inform sustainability of the YL program in recreation centers. In-depth interviews were conducted with recreation center directors ( n = 4) and the YLs ( n = 16). Two focus groups were conducted with YLs ( n = 7) and community youth-advocates ( n = 10). Barriers to this program included difficulties with transportation, time constraints, and recruiting youth. Lessons learned indicated that improving trainings and incentives to youth were identified as essential strategies to foster continuity of the youth-led program and capacity building. High school students living close to the centers were identified as potential candidates to lead the program. Based on our findings, the initial intervention will be expanded into a sustainable model for implementation, using a train-the-trainer approach to empower community youth to be change agents of the food environment and role models.
Intraoperative venoplasty to facilitate placement of tunneled catheters for hemodialysis
Authors: Aurshina Afsha , Hingorani Anil , Marks Natalie , Ascher Enrico
Published: September 2017

Objective

With the implementation of the K-DOQI guidelines, more patients are in need of long-term dialysis catheters until maturation of the arteriovenous fistula. However, on occasion, when placing a tunneled cuffed catheter for hemodialysis, we have encountered difficulty with passing the guidewire in spite of demonstration of a patent cervical portion of the internal jugular vein on duplex. Herein, we review our experience with intraoperative venoplasty for placement of Tesio™ catheters (Medcomp Harleysville, PA).

Methods

Of the 1147 Tesio™ catheters placed since 1997 by our service, 35 venograms were performed due to difficulty encountered with placement of the guidewire. Patent veins were all crossed with the use of angle-guiding catheters, angled glidewires, and a torque vise. If chronically occluded intrathoracic veins were identified, an alternate site was selected for the placement of the Tesio™ catheter.

Results

Of the 35 cases with difficulty in catheter placement, venogram demonstrated a patent but tortuous vein in 9, chronically occluded intrathoracic veins in 6, and severe stenosis of the intrathoracic veins in 20. In 19 cases with severe stenosis of the intrathoracic veins, balloon angioplasty with an 8-mm balloon was successfully performed, which allowed successful placement of a functional Tesio™ catheter. In the additional one case, the catheter was not able to be placed despite angioplasty. Seven lesions that underwent balloon angioplasty were in the innominate vein, 11 were in the proximal internal jugular vein, and two were in the superior vena cava.

Conclusion

Venous balloon angioplasty can be used to maintain options for the site of access for tunneled cuffed catheters and may be necessary to assist with placement of long term cuffed dialysis catheters.
A derivative-free algorithm for nonlinear equations and its applications in multibody dynamics
Authors: Tang Di , Bao Shiyi , Lv Binbin , Guo Hongtao , Luo Lijia , Mao Jianfeng
Published: September 2017

Local floating coordinate system is used to represent the deployment motion of each rigid and flexible body of multibody system dynamics. Normal substructure modes are employed to describe the flexibility of a flexible body. Constraint equations establish the linkage between different bodies, part of them to specify positions and the others to specify orientations. System's governing equations are then derived using generalized coordinates by Lagrange methods. The resulting differential-algebraic equations are transformed to algebraic equations using backward differential formula corrector method, thus highly coupled nonlinear equations are obtained. However, Jacobian matrix of the nonlinear equations is hard to calculate, and then a quasi-Newton method based on Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno update approach for the solution of the nonlinear equations is proposed. And a suitable line search approach is combined with the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno method to improve its efficiency. Some numerical results are reported to show efficiency of the proposed method. Afterwards, the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno method is integrated into multibody dynamics method. A rigid multibody case and a rigid-flex multibody case are further studied to show the efficiency of the proposed multibody solver.
Coronary Revascularization in Children at a Mexican Cardiac Center: Thirteen-Year Outcomes
Authors: Ramírez-Marroquín Samuel E. , Iturriaga-Hernández Alejandra , Calderón-Colmenero Juan , Benita-Bordes Antonio , Cervantes-Salazar Jorge L.
Published: September 2017

Background:

The indications for pediatric coronary revascularization are diverse. There are a large proportion of patients with sequelae of severe inflammatory diseases such as Kawasaki disease, and other less common causes.

Methods:

Retrospective review of ten pediatric patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery from January 2004 to December 2016.

Results:

Ten children and adolescents ranging in age from 2 to 17 (median, 6) years at operation were followed up for as long as 13 years with a median follow-up of 2 years. The surgical indications include ischemia symptoms and/or coronary stenosis angiographically documented. Diagnoses include Kawasaki disease, anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, and iatrogenic lesion of the right coronary artery. All the surgical procedures were performed with cardiopulmonary bypass with crystalloid cardioplegic arrest. The number of distal anastomoses was 1.6 per patient, and the left internal thoracic artery was used in one patient, the right internal thoracic artery in four patients, bilateral internal thoracic artery in four patients, and bilateral internal thoracic artery plus left radial artery in one patient, most frequently for right coronary artery revascularization. The patients underwent noninvasive diagnostic study during follow-up to evaluate their coronary status. The ten patients had no symptoms, and there was no mortality.

Conclusions:

Although survival was excellent after pediatric coronary bypass in our center, we need to continue the follow-up. Coronary revascularization by means of arterial grafting is a safe and reliable surgical modality for coronary disease in children.
A Quarter-Century After Primary Direct Arterial Switch Operation: Four-D-Flow MRI Video Imaging of Blood Flow Dynamics Outcomes
Authors: Sievers Hans-Hinrich , Gabbert Dominik , Rickers Carsten
Published: September 2017

Four-dimensional (4-D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was performed 25 years after a neonatal direct arterial switch operation for simple transposition of the great arteries. The 4-D flow MRI video shows physiological spiral anatomical configuration and laminar streamlines in the great arteries.
Decellularized Allografts for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction in Children
Authors: da Costa Francisco Diniz Affonso , Etnel Jonathan R. G. , Torres Renato , Balbi Filho Eduardo M. , Torres Rafael , Calixto Allyson , Mulinari Leonardo A.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Determine the midterm outcomes of decellularized allografts for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction in children less than 12 years of age.

Methods:

The study included all consecutive patients submitted to RVOT reconstruction with decellularized allografts between June 2006 and June 2016. Besides clinical and echocardiographic control, 20 patients with more than five years of follow-up were evaluated with computed tomography (CT) scans to determine allograft diameters and calcium scores. Structural valve deterioration was defined as any peak gradient above 40 mm Hg and/or insufficiency of moderate or severe degree. Conduit failure was defined as the need for allograft reintervention.

Results:

There were 59 patients with a median age of six years (range = 0.01-12 years). The most common operation was the Ross procedure (34%). Mean clinical follow-up was 5.4 (2.8) years and was 94% complete. At eight years, only two patients needed a reintervention, with a 90.9% freedom from this event. Structural valve deterioration occurred in 13 patients, 5 due to stenosis and 8 due to insufficiency, with a freedom from structural valve deterioration due to any cause of 64.9% at eight years. Late CT scans demonstrated the absence or minimal calcification of the conduits.

Conclusions:

Decellularized allografts for RVOT reconstruction in children were associated with a low incidence of structural valve deterioration and conduit failure. Although these results still need to be confirmed in larger series and with longer follow-up, our data suggest favorable outcomes, at least in the first decade after the operation.
Revisiting the Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, Compassion Satisfaction, and Resilience Connection Among CISM Responders
Authors: Burnett Harvey J.
Published: September 2017

Previous research by Burnett and Wahl found that resilience moderately mediated the association between compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout (BO) among trauma responders. No studies have attempted to replicate and verify the research results of Burnett and Wahl. This study examined whether similar patterns of resilience, CF, BO, and compassion satisfaction (CS) would be found among a convenience sample of disaster behavioral health (DBH) responders ( N = 70) attending an annual Critical Incident Stress Management training conference in Michigan. Measures included the 30-item Professional Quality of Life Scale, the 14-Item Resilience Scale, the Response to Stressful Events Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Similar to the Burnett and Wahl’s study, resilience was found to have a significant negative correlation between CF and BO. Mediation analysis similarly found that resilience moderately mediated the relationship between CF and BO among both resilience measures.
Delivery of HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Support Services by HIV Care Providers in the United States, 2013 to 2014
Authors: Weiser John , Beer Linda , Brooks John T. , Irwin Kathleen , West Brady T. , Duke Christopher C. , Gremel Garrett W. , Skarbinski Jacek
Published: September 2017

Background:

Little is known about clinicians’ adoption of recommendations of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care and others for supporting adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods:

We surveyed a probability sample of US HIV care providers to estimate the percentage offering 3 ART adherence support services to most or all patients and assessed the characteristics of providers offering all 3 services (comprehensive support) to most or all patients.

Results:

Almost all providers (95.5%) discussed ART adherence at every visit, 60.1% offered advice about tools to increase adherence, 53.5% referred nonadherent patients for supportive services, and 42.8% provided comprehensive support. Nurse practitioners were more likely to offer comprehensive support as were providers who practiced at Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded facilities, provided primary care, or started caring for HIV-infected patients within 10 years.

Conclusion:

Less than half of HIV care providers offered comprehensive ART adherence support. Certain subgroups may benefit from interventions to increase delivery of adherence support.
Informed Strangers: Witnessing and Responding to Unethical Care as Student Nurses
Authors: Engel Joyce , Salfi Jenn , Micsinszki Samantha , Bodnar Andrea
Published: September 2017

Nursing students occupy a unique perspective in clinical settings because they are informed, through education, about how patient care ought to happen. Given the brevity of placements and their “visiting status” in clinical sites, students are less invested in the ethos of specific sites. Subsequently, their perspectives of quality care are informed by what should happen, which might differ from that of nurses and patients. The purpose of this study was to identify predominant themes in patient care, as experienced by students, and the influence that these observations have on the development of their ethical reasoning. Using a qualitative descriptive approach in which 27 nursing student papers and three follow-up in-depth interviews were analyzed, three main themes emerged: Good employee, poor nurse; damaged care; and negotiating the gap. The analysis of the ethical situations in these papers suggests that students sometimes observe care that lacks concern for the dignity, autonomy, and safety of patients. For these student nurses, this tension led to uncertainty about patient care and their eventual profession.