bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomy of 'Euconnus complex'. Part V. Review of type species of Euconnus subgenera Tetramelus, Paratetramelus and Heteroconnus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: November 2015

Morphological structures of the type species of Tetramelus, Paratetramelus and Heteroconnus, subgenera of Euconnus, are described and illustrated in detail. These three taxa, showing many similarities, are retained as separate subgenera within Euconnus. They probably form a natural group characterized by gradually thickened antennae, head and pronotum with thick bristles, pronotum bell-shaped, broadest in anterior half, and prosternum about as long as half length of prothorax. Tetramelus shows adaptations to edaphic life, such as lack of wings and associated structures, reduced eyes and often lightly pigmented body; these are also possible pre-adaptations that have enabled several highly specialized species to inhabit caves. Paratetramelus differs from Tetramelus primarily in the 'anthiciform' head with large eyes, and developed hind wings; Heteroconnus is unique in narrowly separated metacoxae and modified pronotum in males, bearing presumably glandular structures. These three subgenera show a broad distribution (Tetramelus worldwide; Paratetramelus in Africa, Madagascar and Nepal; Heteroconnus in Africa and New Caledonia) and therefore further study is required to verify the placement of species inhabiting locations remote from those where the type species of each subgenus occur.
Corporate Social Performance, Firm Size, and Organizational Visibility: Distinct and Joint Effects on Voluntary Sustainability Reporting
Authors: Schreck Philipp , Raithel Sascha
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the distinct and joint effects of corporate social performance (CSP), firm size, and visibility on a company’s decision to disclose sustainability-related information through sustainability reports. It seeks to provide more nuanced explanations for why certain companies tend to extensively report on their sustainability performance. First, while prior studies have predominantly focused on environmental reporting, the current analysis considers comprehensive sustainability reports that include both environmental and social issues. Second, the article argues that the effects of two important antecedents of legitimacy pressure—firm size and organizational visibility—should be analyzed separately rather than restricting the analysis on the effects of legitimacy pressure per se. Third, it argues that the hypothesized effects are nonlinear because the marginal costs and benefits of sustainability reporting vary with a company’s CSP level, its size, and its visibility in the public. Finally, although there is a strong link between CSP and sustainability reporting, the strength of this link depends on its size and visibility. The study of 280 companies in environmentally and socially sensitive industries provides considerable support for these hypotheses, including evidence that size and visibility independently affect sustainability reporting and that the shape of the CSP/sustainability reporting link is contingent upon firm size and visibility.
Flax and its thermoplastic biocomposites
Authors: Ngo T-D , Nofar M , Ton-That M-T , Hu W
Published: November 2015

The potential of flax fabric in the production of ‘green’ composites based on polypropylene (PP) was evaluated. The laminate composites were prepared by compression molding of flax fabric (with and without treatment) and PP films (using different formulations of PP). The morphology and crystallization of the PP/flax composites were characterized using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical performance of the composites was also evaluated. The results demonstrate that fiber treatment and PP formulation play important roles on the performance of composites. This study proved that the addition of the coupling agent maleic anhydride grafted PP to the composites improves the interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic flax fibers and the hydrophobic PP matrix and thus the mechanical properties. The combination of the coupling agent and reactive additive provides superior strength, modulus and brings further fire resistance to the PP/flax composites.
Delamination characterization in composite laminates using acoustic emission features, micro visualization and finite element modeling
Authors: Yousefi Jalal , Mohamadi Reza , Saeedifar Milad , Ahmadi Mehdi , Hosseini-Toudeshky H
Published: November 2015

Acoustic Emission (AE) is a capable approach to characterize delamination initiation and propagation in laminated composite materials. One of the major issues of applying this methodology is to establish a reasonable correlation between delamination initiation and propagation and resultant AE features. To this aim, initiation and propagation of mode I delamination is investigated in glass/epoxy composite materials. Micro and macro observation and acoustical energy were used to develop novel AE-based approaches for investigation of delamination damage. The privilege of these novel approaches is to detect the exact time of initiation of delamination in different laminates which was the lack of previous literature. The Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) was used to simulate the delamination growth. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images were also used to investigate damage mechanisms at the interface of crack growth. The results show that AE and CZM approaches present decent capability to characterize delamination. The output of this study could lead to enhancing automatic techniques for structural health monitoring of composite materials.
The Shape of the Dose-Response Relationship between Sugars and Caries in Adults
Authors: Bernabé E. , Vehkalahti M.M. , Sheiham A. , Lundqvist A. , Suominen A.L.
Published: November 2015

Dental caries is considered a diet-mediated disease, as sugars are essential in the caries process. However, some gaps in knowledge about the sugars-caries relationship still need addressing. This longitudinal study aimed to explore 1) the shape of the dose-response association between sugars intake and caries in adults, 2) the relative contribution of frequency and amount of sugars intake to caries levels, and 3) whether the association between sugars intake and caries varies by exposure to fluoride toothpaste. We used data from 1,702 dentate adults who participated in at least 2 of 3 surveys in Finland (Health 2000, 2004/05 Follow-up Study of Adults’ Oral Health, and Health 2011). Frequency and amount of sugars intake were measured with a validated food frequency questionnaire. The DMFT index was the repeated outcome measure. Data were analyzed with fractional polynomials and linear mixed effects models. None of the 43 fractional polynomials tested provided a better fit to the data than the simpler linear model. In a mutually adjusted linear mixed effects model, the amount of, but not the frequency of, sugars intake was significantly associated with DMFT throughout the follow-up period. Furthermore, the longitudinal association between amount of sugars intake and DMFT was weaker in adults who used fluoride toothpaste daily than in those using it less often than daily. The findings of this longitudinal study among Finnish adults suggest a linear dose-response relationship between sugars and caries, with amount of intake being more important than frequency of ingestion. Also, daily use of fluoride toothpaste reduced but did not eliminate the association between amount of sugars intake and dental caries.
Joint Actions, Stories and Symbolic Structures: A Contribution to Herbert Blumer’s Conceptual Framework
Authors: Azarian Reza
Published: November 2015

Despite its centrality in Blumer’s conceptual framework, the notion of joint action remains theoretically underdeveloped and empirically underutilised. To fill this void, the present article focuses on the dynamics inherent to the formation of joint action, and highlights actors’ deployment of available symbolic rules and resources for constructing the legitimising accounts that normally accompany their lines of action. The construction of such accounts, or stories, is viewed here as the prime means of reducing the intrinsic contingency of joint action and determining its content and terms as well as its direction and prospects. The article concludes by underscoring the importance of the suggested theoretical input for tapping some of the potential of Blumer’s approach, especially the one regarding its capacity to address subtle forms of power.
Black Fifth Graders Make Dioramas of Traditional African Cultures to Explore Racial Identity, Cultural Universals, and Spatial Thinking
Authors: Gray Phyllis , Rule Audrey C. , Gordon Mindy
Published: November 2015

This rich, arts- and spatial-thinking-integrated project examined the effects of making three-dimensional dioramas of traditional African cultures on Black fifth graders at an urban school on students’ racial identities, knowledge of cultural universals, and spatial thinking skills. Pretest and posttest attitudes measured with the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity–Teen evidenced an increase in sense of belonging to other Black people. Students learned social studies content and recognized many cultural universals, allowing them to feel connected to the African groups. Student essays showed admiration for African cultures, connections through similar foods, and links through appreciation of animals.
Standing in the Gap: Theory and Practice Impacting Educational Opportunity and Achievement Gaps
Authors: Beard Karen Stansberry
Published: November 2015

This case study is the first known employing flow in educational administration in the United States. Using Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory and Dantley’s purpose-driven leadership, an administrator’s practices were examined with respect to two guiding questions: (a) is purposefulness integral to closing extant gaps in achievement, and (b) are the elements of flow found in successful educational administration? The recorded interview was subjected to template analysis developed from tenets of both theories. The results are that all nine elements of flow were found, as were the tenets of purpose-driven leadership in the work experience of an administrator’s success in closing the district’s achievement gap.
Until death do us part: Matrimony, Casti Connubii, and the Catholic Church in Federico García Lorca's Yerma
Authors: Badenes José I.
Published: November 2015

Yerma, one of Spaniard Federico García Lorca's (1898–1936) best-known plays, is about a married woman referred to as Yerma who, because of her inability to conceive a child, becomes obsessed with having one and in the end kills her husband Juan out of frustration. On December 31, 1930, around the time before Lorca would set out to pen what would become Yerma, Pope Pius XI promulgated the encyclical Casti Connubii, which stressed the sanctity of marriage by reaffirming that “ … the conjugal act is destined primarily by nature for the begetting of children”. The coincidence of the appearance and promulgation of the encyclical points to what the play is about, namely understanding whether sexuality should be a means or an end. It is Lorca's subversive response to the message of the encyclical; his take on what the sacrament of matrimony—and all relationships for that matter– is really all about. This article explores Lorca's ironic and subversive use of Catholic religious imagery in Yerma within the context of the papal encyclical's message vis a vis the author’s liberating view of sexual desire.
A comparative discourse study of simulated clinical roleplays in two assessment contexts: Validating a specific-purpose language test
Authors: Woodward-Kron Robyn , Elder Catherine
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to investigate from a discourse analytic perspective task authenticity in the speaking component of the Occupational English Test (OET), an English language screening test for clinicians designed to reflect the language demands of health professional–patient communication. The study compares the OET speaking sub-test roleplay performances of 12 doctors who were successful OET candidates with practice Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) roleplay performances of 12 international medical graduates (IMGs) preparing for the Australian Medical Council clinical examination. The premise for the comparison is that the OSCE roleplays can represent communication practices that are valued within the medical profession; therefore a finding of similarity in the discourse structure across the OET and the OSCE roleplays could be taken as supporting the validity of the OET as a tool for eliciting relevant communication skills in the medical profession.

The study draws on genre theory as developed in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in order to compare the roleplay discourse structure and the linguistic realizations of the two tasks. In particular, it examines the role relationships of the participants (i.e. the tenor of the discourse), and the ways in which content is represented (i.e. the field of the discourse) by roleplay participants. The findings reveal some key similarities but also important differences. Although both tests inevitably fall short in terms of authentic representation of real world interactions, the findings suggest that the OET task, for a range of reasons including time allowances, training of test interlocutors, and the limits of contextual information provided to candidates, constrains candidate topic exploration and treatment negotiation, compared to the OSCE format. The paper concludes with proposals for mitigating these limitations in the interests of enhancing the OET’s capacity to elicit more professionally relevant language and communication skills.
Varicose veins—Who should be referred?
Authors: Onida Sarah , Davies Alun H , Franklin Ian
Published: November 2015

Varicose veins are a common, progressive condition in the UK, with significant negative effects on patients’ quality of life. Despite their prevalence, access to secondary care for the assessment and treatment of varicose veins can be variable throughout the country.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines developed in 2013 provide evidence-based guidance on the referral, assessment, and management of the patient with venous disease.

In this article, we review the development of the guidelines for the management of varicose veins over the last 15 years, highlighting the latest changes in referral criteria.
CHIVA, ASVAL and related techniques – Concepts and evidence
Authors: Onida Sarah , Davies Alun H
Published: November 2015

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a highly prevalent condition with significant effects on patients’ quality of life. Despite this, the underlying pathophysiology of venous disease still remains unclear. Two schools of thought exist, explaining the development and propagation of venous disease as an “ascending” and “descending” process, respectively. The descending theory, stating that CVD is secondary to proximal disease (e.g. saphenofemoral/saphenous incompetence), is the most widely accepted when planning treatment aiming to remove or destroy the junction or truncal veins. The ascending theory, describing the disease process as developing in the lower most part of the leg and propagating cranially, aims to re-route the venous circulation via minimally invasive interventions. Classically, superficial venous insufficiency has been treated with the removal of the incompetent trunk, via open surgery or, increasingly, with endovenous interventions. Minimally invasive treatment modalities aiming to preserve the saphenous trunk, such as CHIVA and ASVAL, may also play an important role in the treatment of the patient with varicose veins.
Management of reticular veins and telangiectases
Authors: Smith Philip Coleridge
Published: November 2015

Aim

To review the literature related to the management of reticular varices and telangiectases of the lower limbs to provide guidance on the treatment of these veins.

Findings

Very few randomised clinical trials are available in this field. A European Guideline has been published on the treatment of reticular varices and telangiectases, which is largely based on the opinion of experts. Older accounts written by individual phlebologists contain extensive advice from their own practice, which is valuable in identifying effective methods of sclerotherapy. All accounts indicate that a history should be taken combined with a clinical and ultrasound examination to establish the full extent of the venous disease. Sclerotherapy is commenced by injecting the larger veins first of all, usually the reticular varices. Later in the same session or in subsequent sessions, telangiectases can be treated by direct injection. Following treatment, the application of class 2 compression stockings for a period of up to three weeks is beneficial but not used universally by all phlebologists. Further sessions can follow at intervals of 2–8 weeks in which small residual veins are treated. Resistant veins can be managed by ultrasound-guided injection of underlying perforating veins and varices. Other treatments including RF diathermy and laser ablation of telangiectases have very limited efficacy in this condition.

Conclusions

Sclerotherapy, when used with the correct technique, is the most effective method for the management of reticular varices and telangiectases.
Using the Medical Group as a Research Facilitating Tool in an Economics College
Authors: Pontes José Pedro
Published: November 2015

The learning group in regional economics works in a similar way to the Balint medical group. During a session, a ‘problem’ is presented by a group member, in the context of a rotation or ‘turn taking’. The other members do not try to ‘solve the problem’ by adding technical information or giving ‘advice’ to the presenter. Instead, they explore its meaning by treating the issue as if it were their own problem, revealing in a loud voice their free associations with the topic initially presented. This kind of reflection helps the presenter because it forces him or her to ‘think further’ about the issue, overriding the trend to solve the problem in an automatic, pseudo-intuitive way.
A Framework for Translating an Evidence-Based Intervention from English to Spanish
Authors: Maríñez-Lora Ané M. , Boustani Maya , del Busto Cristina T. , Leone Christine
Published: November 2015

This article describes the development of a framework for the Spanish language adaptation of an evidence-based intervention. A systematic literature search of language adaptation of interventions highlighted most published research focuses on the translation of assessment tools rather than interventions. In response, we developed the Participatory and Iterative Process Framework for Language Adaptation (PIPFLA), a descriptive step-by-step example of how to conduct the language adaptation of an intervention that is grounded in principles of good practice and facilitates transparency of the process. A bilingual team composed of project staff, translators, and two small panels of local community experts—composed of Latino community-based clinicians and Latino immigrant parents—participated in the language adaptation of the intervention. The panels reviewed the translated materials and offered their independent emic perspectives; the intervention represented the etic perspective. Both perspectives informed and were integrated into the 11-step iterative process that comprises the PIPFLA framework.
Impact of Fashion Orientation on Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Consumer Behavior
Authors: Shephard Arlesa J. , Pookulangara Sanjukta A. , Kinley Tammy R. , Josiam Bharath M.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of fashion involvement, fashion consciousness, and shopping enjoyment on non-Hispanic White and Hispanic consumers’ selection of shopping channel. The U.S. Hispanic consumer base is rapidly growing, which makes them an important group to study and understand. Surveys were analyzed from 451 students at a Southwestern university in a region where more than half of the population self-identify as Hispanic. The data were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL, and the hypotheses were tested using a structural equation model. The results of this study indicate differences in shopping behavior between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White consumers with fashion consciousness exhibiting a greater influence on enjoyment for Hispanics than non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, non-Hispanic Whites preferred Fashion Discounter Patronage, whereas Hispanics preferred Department Store Patronage above other shopping channels.
The Editorial Meeting at a Little Magazine: An Ethnography of Group Judgment
Authors: Merriman Ben
Published: November 2015

Judgment and distinction have been topics of persistent interest for cultural sociologists. Recent theory has particularly emphasized social interaction and cognition as key sites for understanding judgment, and a number of studies examine gatekeeping practices as a means of understanding the interactive and perceptual determinants of judgment. This article builds upon previous work by presenting the results of an eighteen-month ethnography at a long-running little magazine based in a large American city. In addition to providing an empirical description of an important but understudied domain of cultural production, this article has two findings of theoretical interest. First, without strong external constraints on processes of group evaluation, editors’ judgments became markedly negative, and their deliberations were often inconclusive. Second, negative and positive evaluations were not symmetric, but were produced by two differing sets of evaluative practices. These findings are broadly consistent with developing field theoretic descriptions of social life, but also raise many empirical and theoretical questions.
Growing Old Behind Bars
Authors: Nowotny Kathryn M. , Cepeda Alice , James-Hawkins Laurie , Boardman Jason D.
Published: November 2015

Objective: This study examines patterns of multimorbidity among elderly male inmates across four domains of health (chronic medical conditions, drug- and alcohol-related diseases, impairments, and mental and behavioral health) to understand the complex health care needs of this growing population. Method: We use the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and Latent Class Regression Analysis to examine 22 health problems among 1,026 men aged 50 and older. Results: There are four groups of elderly male inmates: (a) relatively healthy (45.1%), (b) substance users with behavioral health issues (23.4%), (c) chronic unhealthy with impairments and violence/injury (23.6%), and (d) very unhealthy across all domains (7.9%). These groups have unique sociodemographic background and incarceration history characteristics. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the complexity of health for elderly inmates. Prison health should continue to be monitored to aid correctional and community health programs in understanding clinical risks, exposures, and health care needs for this population.
Statistical energy analysis parameter estimation for different structural junctions of rectangular plates
Authors: Mandale Maruti B , Bangaru Babu P , Sawant SM
Published: November 2015

In industries, the use of appropriate junctions between components is of paramount interest. Coupling loss factor is one of the important parameters in statistical energy analysis for vibroacoustic analysis of complicated structures in drawing board stage. The values of coupling loss factor were calculated and compared for different junctions. The screwed and bolted junctions were examined for thin rectangular plates of same size. The energy level difference method was used to find coupling loss factors because of its simplicity. These experimentally found coupling loss factors were later compared with analytical solutions. It is noticed that the analytical results are in good agreement with experimental results. It is also observed that coupling loss factor for bolted junction are relatively high than that for screwed junction.
Research on assembly tolerance allocation and quality control based on fuzzy reliability
Authors: Wang Min-Long , Liu Xin-Tian , Wang Yan-Song , Wang Xiao-Lan , Guo Hui , Xing Yan-Feng
Published: November 2015

The enhancement between cost and reliability is the developmental direction of modern manufacturing enterprises. On the basis of fuzzy theory, the relationship among the cost of product quality loss, the reliability of the assembly dimension chain and assembly tolerance is studied together in this article. Processing cost can be considerably reduced and the target of quality engineering is realized by optimization design. As an example, a tolerance design model is determined for gear and shaft assembly. Moreover, the mathematical model of the relationship between the cost of fuzzy quality loss and the fuzzy reliability of the assembly dimension chain is determined in combination with a processing cost function. The optimistic results of key dimensions of gear and shaft assembly are identified through through orthogonal experiments. This method can facilitate product quality control by enterprises and the realization of economic targets. The study findings can also serve as references for other similar studies.
The influence of snow on the tread braking performance of a train: A pin-on-disc simulation performed in a climate chamber
Authors: Olofsson Ulf , Sundh Jon , Bik Ulf , Nilsson Ricard
Published: November 2015

In trains with tread brakes, the coefficient of friction between the brake block and the railway wheel determines the stopping distance. The blocks have traditionally been manufactured from cast iron. Although these blocks have good braking capacity, their use is often restricted due to the squealing noise they emit. Tests of alternative composite block materials have been successful under summer conditions; however, in regions with snowy winters the use of such materials has been limited due to problems with braking capacity under snowy conditions. This research aims to develop a laboratory-scale test methodology for evaluating the braking capacity of tread brake materials under winter and snowy conditions. A pin-on-disc machine placed in a climate chamber was used for testing, and a block of standard cast iron was compared with blocks of standard composite materials. The results indicated that the blocks of standard composite materials generate a much smoother surface on the counter wheel and a significantly lower friction coefficient under snowy conditions. A second test series evaluated blocks of alternative composite materials, and a candidate material with low noise and a sufficiently high sliding friction coefficient was selected for further study. A third test series examining geometrical changes in the contact surface in terms of milled parallel tracks was performed; it revealed that the braking capacity under winter conditions can be increased by milling actions if the parallel tracks are properly oriented – in this case, at an angle of 45° to the sliding direction.
Human and experimental toxicology of orellanine
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Soares Mariana , Rocha-Pereira Carolina , Carvalho Félix
Published: November 2015

Orellanine is a nephrotoxic toxin produced by some mushroom species of the Cortinarius genus, typically found in Europe and North America. The nephrotoxicity of Cortinarius orellanus is well known and was first recognized in the 1950s when this mushroom was identified as the cause of a mass poisoning in Poland. Typically, onset of symptoms is delayed for 1–2 weeks after ingestion. Some patients suffer mild gastrointestinal discomfort in the latency period before developing signs of renal impairment due to severe interstitial nephritis, acute focal tubular damage, and interstitial fibrosis. There is no specific antidote to orellanine poisoning. The mainstay of treatment is the prevention of secondary complications of kidney failure, adequate dialysis and, in the case of incomplete recovery, management of chronic renal insufficiency.

In this work, we aim to review about Cortinarius species, including epidemiological studies, chemical structure, toxicokinetics, toxic doses, mechanisms of toxicity, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
Impact of nicotine on the interplay between human periodontal ligament cells and CD4+ T cells
Authors: Ge Xin , Liu Ying-Feng , Wong Yong , Wu Li-Zheng , Tan Ling , Liu Fen , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: November 2015

Periodontitis is a common infectious disease associated with destruction of periodontal ligaments and alveolar bones. CD4+ T cell-mediated immune response is involved in the progression of periodontitis. Tobacco consumption increases the risk of periodontal disease. However, the impact of nicotine on the interaction between human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and CD4+ T cells remains unrevealed. Our study aims to investigate the effect of nicotine on PDL cells and the cocultured CD4+ T cells. The PDL cell cultures were established by explants from healthy individuals, exposed to nicotine or α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), and incubated solely or in combination with CD4+ T cells. Afterwards, cell viability, secreted cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated. In monoculture of PDL cells, nicotine dramatically repressed cell viability and increased apoptosis. Meanwhile, α-BTX largely reversed the nicotine-induced apoptosis and increased viability of PDL cells. Compared with the monoculture, MMP-1, MMP-3, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-21 in supernatant of cocultures were markedly elevated after treatment with nicotine. Moreover, α-BTX significantly attenuated nicotine-triggered production of these components either in mono- or co-cultures. In addition, PDL cell-derived CXCL12 following nicotine treatment recruited CD4+ T cells. Above all, nicotine deteriorated periodontitis partially by promoting PDL cell–CD4+ T cell-mediated inflammatory response and matrix degradation.
Travel as a Transformational Spiritual Event
Authors: Prater Lyn S. , Riley Cheryl , Garner Shelby L. , Spies Lori A.
Published: November 2015

There is a philosophical connection between elements of travel and elements of spirituality. Nurses can develop spiritual intelligence, hone transcultural skills, and develop cultural humility through travel. Concepts of spiritual intelligence are incorporated to distinguish spirituality from religion. This discussion is to describe the spiritual attributes of travel through exploration of unique cultural sameness and differences, stepping out of one’s routine, experiences of solitude, and the application to nursing. Venues such as study abroad, mission trips, cultural exchange opportunities, and service learning projects all can provide meaningful times of transformation, spiritual growth, learning new ways of doing things, and of being in the world. Nurses who integrate these practices into the care they provide daily will be enriched personally and rewarded with improved outcomes.
Multiple Roles for Nogo Receptor 1 in Visual System Plasticity
Authors: Stephany Céleste-Élise , Frantz Michael G. , McGee Aaron W.
Published: November 2015

During the developmental critical period for visual plasticity, discordant vision alters the responsiveness of neurons in visual cortex. The subsequent closure of the critical period not only consolidates neural function but also limits recovery of acuity from preceding abnormal visual experience. Despite species-specific differences in circuitry of the visual system, these characteristics are conserved. The nogo-66 receptor 1 ( ngr1) is one of only a small number of genes identified thus far that is essential to closing the critical period. Mice lacking a functional ngr1 gene retain developmental visual plasticity as adults and their visual acuity spontaneously improves after prolonged visual deprivation. Experiments employing conditional mouse genetics have revealed that ngr1 restricts plasticity within distinct circuits for ocular dominance and visual acuity. However, the mechanisms by which NgR1 limits plasticity have not been elucidated, in part because the subcellular localization and signal transduction of the protein are only partially understood. Here we explore potential mechanisms for NgR1 function in relation to manipulations that reactivate visual plasticity in adults and propose lines of investigation to address relevant gaps in knowledge.
Vibration analysis of an oscillator with non-smooth dry friction constraint
Authors: Ma Yali , Yu Shudong , Wang Delun
Published: November 2015

Global vibrational behaviour of a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) oscillator subjected to Coulomb type of dry frictional constraint and harmonic excitation is investigated in this paper. To obtain a numerical solution to the non-smooth dynamical problem, the equation of motion is discretized in the time domain by means of the implicit Bozzak-Newmark scheme. An algebraic equation governing the current state of the system is obtained in terms of its velocity. Utilizing the fact that the frictional constraint can be completely characterized by two scenarios - (i) forward sliding or stiction with a tendency to move forward, and (ii) backward sliding or stiction with a tendency to move backward, two coupled linear complementary equations are deduced. With the reduction of the non-smooth dynamical problem to a linear complementarity problem (LCP) in terms of supremum velocities and slack forces, the rapid and endless switches from sliding to stiction, and vice versa, in a vibration problem, are automatically detected and handled effectively. This is superior to the event-based methods and analytical methods available in the literature. Numerical results obtained using the proposed method are compared with the analytical solutions for harmonically excited dry-friction oscillator with ordinary behaviour; excellent agreement is observed. The proposed method is then employed for determining the global chaotic and deterministic behaviour of a harmonically excited dry-friction oscillator with system and excitation parameters varying in wide ranges.
Understanding the Context for Long-Term Care Planning
Authors: Broyles Ila H. , Sperber Nina R. , Voils Corrine I. , Konetzka R. Tamara , Coe Norma B. , Van Houtven Courtney Harold
Published: November 2015

Evolving family structure and economic conditions may affect individuals’ ability and willingness to plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs. We applied life course constructs to analyze focus group data from a study of family decision making about LTC insurance. Participants described how past exposure to caregiving motivated them to engage in LTC planning; in contrast, child rearing discouraged LTC planning. Perceived institutional and economic instability drove individuals to regard financial LTC planning as either a wise precaution or another risk. Perceived economic instability also shaped opinions that adult children are ill-equipped to support parents’ LTC. Despite concerns about viability of social insurance programs, some participants described strategies to maximize gains from them. Changing norms around aging and family roles also affected expectations of an active older age, innovative LTC options, and limitations to adult children’s involvement. Understanding life course context can inform policy efforts to encourage LTC planning.
Collective Biography of Female Anarchists Participating in the Free Women and Libertarian Movements
Authors: Duque Elena
Published: November 2015

The Free Women movement was a women’s organization that actively participated in the Spanish Social Revolution (1936-1939). It was the first organization of working women created to fight for their rights independent of any political party or trade union and was established by young women participating in the libertarian movement. These women and other members of the National Workers Confederation and the Libertarian Youth promoted cultural training for the working class. They organized spaces for workers to meet, read, and discuss relevant books together. Through the biographical method, with a communicative approach, the authors collected the life narratives of some women who participated in this movement. Using women’s stories and the existing historical documents, the authors created a collective biography focusing on those spaces in which libertarian women discussed book readings. Such spaces are closely related to the current practice of dialogic gatherings and were a key element in improving education.
Clara, From the Ghetto to the European Parliament
Authors: Elboj Carmen
Published: November 2015

Through the biographical reconstruction of Clara’s story, the authors analyze how her participation in dialogic literary gatherings (DLGs) enhanced her personal transformation. Clara received her primary education in a school located in a suburban neighborhood with a low socioeconomic level and great cultural diversity. However, despite difficulties, this is a school with enormous expectations of its students, in which successful educational actions such as DLGs are implemented. Memory, identity, sociability, and interactions combine in Clara’s story. She explains how she participated as a speaker in the Final Conference of the FP6 Project INCLUD-ED (December, 2011) at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels in front of more than 300 people when she was only 10 years old. Clara tells the story of how this was possible due to sharing words with her schoolmates about classic world literature, including The Odyssey and Don Quixote, in the DLGs, spaces that gave her self-confidence and precious knowledge to now motivate and help other students succeed in their own educational trajectories.
Barriers to Environmental Technology Adoption in Hotels
Authors: Chan Eric S. W. , Okumus Fevzi , Chan Wilco
Published: November 2015

This study investigates potential barriers to the adoption of environmental technologies used in Hong Kong hotels. Data were collected via in-depth semistructured interviews with senior hotel professionals including general managers, financial controllers, directors of engineering department, and environmental management system managers. The research findings illustrate several specific barriers to adoption of environmental technologies which are grouped under three categories: (1) product-related barriers, (2) external barriers, and (3) internal barriers. The study findings are discussed and specific recommendations for overcoming these barriers are put forward. Conclusions and suggestions for future research are also provided.
A telegeriatric service in a small rural hospital: A case study and cost analysis
Authors: Versleijen Marloes , Martin-Khan Melinda G , Whitty Jennifer A , Smith Anthony C , Gray Leonard C
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Small hospitals in rural areas usually have an insufficient caseload of frail old people to justify the regular presence of a geriatrician. This study examined the costs of providing a telegeriatric service by videoconference in a rural hospital, compared to the costs of a visiting geriatrician that travels to undertake in-person consultations.

Methods

A cost analysis was undertaken to compare the costs of the telegeriatric service model with the costs of a visiting geriatrician service model. A recently established telegeriatric service at Warwick Hospital was used as a case study.

Results

In the base case model (assuming four patients per round and a round-trip travel distance of 312 kilometres), an estimated AUD$131 per patient consultation can be saved in favour of the telegeriatric service model. Key drivers of costs are the number of patients per round and the travel distance and time in the visiting geriatrician model. At a workload of four patients per round, it is less expensive to conduct a telegeriatric service than a visiting geriatrician service when the round-trip travel time exceeds 76 minutes.

Discussion

Even under quite conservative assumptions, a telegeriatric service offers an economically feasible approach to the delivery of specialist geriatric assessment in rural and remote settings.
Patient Compliance in Home-Based Self-Care Telehealth Projects
Authors: Maeder Anthony , Poultney Nathan , Morgan Gary , Lippiatt Robert
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the findings of a literature review on patient compliance in home-based self-care telehealth monitoring situations, intended to establish a knowledge base for this aspect which is often neglected alongside more conventional clinical, economic and service evaluations. A systematic search strategy led to 72 peer-reviewed published scientific papers being selected as most relevant to the topic, 58 of which appeared in the last 10 years. Patient conditions in which most evidence for compliance was found were blood pressure, heart failure and stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory diseases. In general, good compliance at the start of a study was found to drop off over time, most rapidly in the period immediately after the start. Success factors identified in the study included the extent of patient health education, telehealth system implementation style, user training and competence in system usage, active human support from the healthcare provider and maintaining strong participant motivation.
Psychological complaints among children in joint physical custody and other family types: Considering parental factors
Authors: Fransson Emma , Turunen Jani , Hjern Anders , Östberg Viveca , Bergström Malin
Published: November 2015

Aims: Increasing proportions of Scandinavian children and children in other Western countries live in joint physical custody, moving between parents’ homes when parents live apart. Children and parents in non-intact families are at risk of worse mental health. The potential influence of parental ill-health on child well-being in the context of differing living arrangements has not been studied thoroughly. This study investigates the psychological complaints of children in joint physical custody in comparison to children in sole parental care and nuclear families, while controlling for socioeconomic differences and parental ill-health. Methods: Data were obtained from Statistics Sweden’s yearly Survey of Living Conditions 2007–2011 and child supplements with children 10–18 years, living in households of adult participants. Children in joint physical custody ( n=391) were compared with children in sole parental care ( n=654) and children in nuclear families ( n=3,639), using a scale of psychological complaints as the outcome measure. Results: Multiple regression modelling showed that children in joint physical custody did not report higher levels of psychological complaints than those in nuclear families, while children in sole parental care reported elevated levels of complaints compared with those in joint physical custody. Adding socioeconomic variables and parental ill-health only marginally attenuated the coefficients for the living arrangement groups. Low parental education and parental worry/anxiety were however associated with higher levels of psychological complaints. Conclusions: Psychological complaints were lower among adolescents in joint physical custody than in adolescents in sole parental care. The difference was not explained by parental ill-health or socioeconomic variables.
Dementia case management through the eyes of informal carers: A national evaluation study
Authors: Francke Anneke L , Verkaik Renate , Peeters José M , Spreeuwenberg Peter , de Lange Jacomine , Pot Anne Margriet
Published: November 2015

This paper focuses on the evaluation of dementia case management in the Netherlands, as well as factors associated with positive evaluations of informal caregivers. A survey was completed by 554 informal carers. The majority of the informal carers were older (69% was 55+), and female (73%), and often concerned the partner or adult children of the person with dementia. Eighty percent indicated that the contact with the case manager facilitated their role as informal carer, while 95% or more stated that the case manager showed sufficient understanding, allowed enough space to decide together on how to approach problems in the care, took time to listen to their story, gave sufficient attention to and showed interest in their relative, took their schedule into account and/or kept appointments. Contrary to the expectations, multilevel analyses did not show association between informal caregivers’ care burden and the evaluation of case management. Neither were the period living with dementia and the number of personal contacts with the case manager associated with the evaluations of informal caregivers. However, being the partner of the patient was significantly related ( p < 0.05) to a positive overall evaluation by informal carers. These results suggest that sufficient case management resources should be offered and targeted especially towards partners of people with dementia.
Locke, toleration and natural law: A reassessment
Authors: William Tate John
Published: November 2015

There is an increasingly prevalent view among some contemporary Locke scholars that Locke's political philosophy is thoroughly subordinate to theological imperatives, centered on natural law. This article challenges this point of view by critically evaluating this interpretation of Locke as advanced by some of its leading proponents. This interpretation perceives natural law as the governing principle of Locke's political philosophy, and the primary source of transition and reconciliation within it. This article advances a very different reading of Locke's political philosophy, perceiving within it competing imperatives that cannot be subsumed by natural law, and are, in some respects, at odds with it. In this way, the article shows how the “theological” interpretation of Locke's political philosophy, centred on natural law, fails to account for some of that philosophy's fundamental features, and is unable to explain some of its key outcomes, with the result that this interpretation falls short of its critical ambitions.
Gender and Diversity in India
Authors: Ghosh Rajashi
Published: November 2015

The Problem

Diversity and gender are contested topics in India. Although diversity means many things to many people, the meanings associated with diversity and the approaches to diversity management in India influence and are influenced by power structures and sociocultural values. Similarly, the intersection of gender with other diversity factors, such as caste, religion, or age, makes gender inequality a complex challenge in India. In the wake of globalization and changing nature of work, human resource development (HRD) professionals are faced with an ambitious task of unraveling these complexities and identifying effective ways to manage diversity and promote gender equality in organizations and in the Indian society at large.

The Solution

This issue is a significant step forward toward advancing gender and diversity theories and conceptual models and frameworks within the underlying sociocultural assumptions and beliefs in India. In doing so, the articles in this issue guide HRD professionals to undertake a multipronged (i.e., organizational, societal, national) and a critical inquiry into the challenges posed by gender and diversity in India.

The Stakeholders

HRD scholars and practitioners interested in research on global or international HRD would benefit from the theoretical and empirical work presented in this issue. Particularly, those who are interested in understanding the complex challenges posed by gender and diversity in India would learn how HRD models and theories apply to the unique sociocultural context of India. Also, the scholars from other social science disciplines who work on topics of diversity and gender would get a glimpse of how these topics manifest in an emerging economy like India.