bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the central effects of (±)-ketamine and traxoprodil using pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging in awake rats
Authors: Tang Haiying , Kukral Daniel , Li Yu-Wen , Fronheiser Matthew , Malone Harold , Pena Adrienne , Pieschl Rick , Sidik Kurex , Tobon Gabriel , Chow Patrick L , Bristow Linda J , Hayes Wendy , Luo Feng
Published: January 2018

Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability globally. Improvements in the efficacy of antidepressant therapy are needed as a high proportion (>40%) of individuals with major depressive disorder fail to respond adequately to current treatments. The non-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channel blocker, (±)-ketamine, has been reported to produce a rapid and long-lasting antidepressant response in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients, which provides a unique opportunity for investigation of mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effect. Efforts have also focused on the development of selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B antagonists which may retain antidepressant activity but have lower potential for dissociative/psychotomimetic effects. In the present study, we examined the central nervous system effects of acute, intravenous administration of (±)-ketamine or the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B antagonist, traxoprodil, in awake rats using pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging. The study contained five treatment groups: vehicle, 3 mg/kg (±)-ketamine, and three doses of traxoprodil (0.3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 15 mg/kg). Non-linear model fitting was performed on the temporal hemodynamic pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging data to generate brain activation maps as well as regional responses based on blood oxygen level dependent signal changes for group analysis. Traxoprodil at 5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging signal in rat forebrain regions with both doses achieving >80% N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B occupancy determined by ex vivo [3H]Ro 25-6981 binding. The middle dose of traxoprodil (5 mg/kg) generated region-specific activations in medial prefrontal cortex, ventral orbital cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex whereas the high dose (15 mg/kg) produced a widespread pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging response in both cortical and subcortical brain regions which was similar to that produced by (±)-ketamine (3 mg/kg, intravenous).
A Systems Approach to Managing Organizational Integrity Risks: Lessons From the 2014 Veterans Affairs Waitlist Scandal
Authors: Molina Anthony D.
Published: January 2018

An organizational integrity system consists of the range of institutions, policies, actors, and practices that are meant to promote the integrity of an organization. These include compliance-based mechanisms, values-based mechanisms, and the informal day-to-day practices that contribute to its ethical climate. Crucially, the way in which these various elements of the system interact can have the effect of either mitigating or exacerbating an organization’s vulnerability to integrity violations. This research draws on insights from the field of behavioral ethics to highlight the manner in which a systems approach can aid in assessing and managing the factors that contribute to organizational integrity risks. Along these lines, the integrity system of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is analyzed, with particular emphasis on a case study of the events surrounding the so-called 2014 waitlist scandal. On one hand, the VA has an elaborate integrity system consisting of conceptually well-designed compliance and values-based mechanisms, especially with respect to its award-winning IntegratedEthics program. On the other hand, certain policies and practices within the VA, as well as a number of external pressures outside its control, had the effect of undermining these formal elements of the system. Consequently, the case of the 2014 VA waitlist scandal appears to have been a perfect storm of integrity risk factors that illustrates the importance of taking a systems approach to managing organizational integrity risks.
The Visual–Inertial Canoe Dataset
Authors: Miller Martin , Chung Soon-Jo , Hutchinson Seth
Published: January 2018

We present a dataset collected from a canoe along the Sangamon River in Illinois. The canoe was equipped with a stereo camera, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a global positioning system (GPS) device, which provide visual data suitable for stereo or monocular applications, inertial measurements, and position data for ground truth. We recorded a canoe trip up and down the river for 44 minutes covering a 2.7 km round trip. The dataset adds to those previously recorded in unstructured environments and is unique in that it is recorded on a river, which provides its own set of challenges and constraints that are described in this paper. The dataset is stored on the Illinois Data Bank and can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.13012/B2IDB-9342111_V1 .
A reflective case review: Relearning handwriting after a traumatic brain injury
Authors: Titchener Alison , Dunford Carolyn , Wales Lorna
Published: January 2018

Statement of context

A retrospective single case study reflecting on a child relearning handwriting following a traumatic brain injury as part of an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation programme. Applying evidence-based handwriting guidelines and comparisons with community experiences are explored.

Critical reflection on practice

Relearning to write following a traumatic brain injury showed dramatic improvements in 36 sessions over 12 weeks, supporting the evidence. Progress in this timeframe contrasts with clinical experiences of working with children’s community services.

Implications for practice

Whilst the literature on handwriting interventions does not include children with traumatic brain injury, following the recommendations was an effective intervention for this individual.
“I Have to Write a Statement of Moral Conviction. Can Anyone Help?”: Parents’ Strategies for Managing Compulsory Vaccination Laws
Authors: Reich Jennifer A.
Published: January 2018

Laws requiring evidence of vaccination before children can enter schools or child care have been key to public health. However, as parents increasingly reject vaccines for their children, they rely on legal exemptions that allow children to access these settings without vaccination. Using qualitative data from interviews, ethnographic observations, and analyses of online forums, this article traces parents’ understandings of legal regulation and their strategies for navigating vaccine laws. Specifically, it shows how parents resent the lack of information about vaccine exemptions available, how they laboriously manage information about their children’s care to protect access to exemptions, and how they strategize how to use exemptions in ways they see as in their children’s best interests, but not necessarily as the laws were intended. It then shows how these efforts represent a way to challenge state power, which parents see as limiting individual freedoms. It concludes by considering the meanings for communities.
Numerical simulation of single-lap adhesive joint of composite laminates
Authors: Taotao Zhang , Wenbo Luo , Wei Xiao , Ying Yan
Published: January 2018

A universal method is established to research the various possible damage modes of adhesive bond of laminated composites with or without z-pin reinforcements under tensile loads through numerical simulation. A Continuum Damage Mechanic model based on Hashin damage criterion as a user-defined subroutine is developed to simulate the damage of laminates and Z-pins. The Cohesive Zone Model is used to simulate the damage of adhesive damage, interlayer delamination, and Z-pin slipping-out phenomenon. The numerical simulation method is validated for simulating the various damage modes of the usual composite joints through comparing the simulated results and experiments. The research shows that different ply sequences induce different damage modes and ultimate failure loads of composite joints. The ultimate failure load of joint under tension is not affected obviously whether the joints are reinforced with or without z-pins. The reason is that the damage initiation usually locates at the two sides of adhesive zone and z-pins do not react on the reinforcement under tensile load of joint.
Evaluating oil palm fresh fruit bunch processing in Nigeria
Authors: Anyaoha Kelechi E , Sakrabani Ruben , Patchigolla Kumar , Mouazen Abdul M
Published: January 2018

Three routes of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) processing in Nigeria namely, industrial, small-scale and traditional were compared by means of determining fruit losses associated with each route. The fruits that are not recovered after each process were hand-picked and quantified in terms of crude palm oil (CPO), palm kernel (PK), mesocarp fibre (MF) and palm kernel shell (PKS). The energy value of empty fruit bunch (EFB), MF and PKS were used to determine the value of energy lost for each route. Additionally, the environmental implications of disposal of EFB were estimated, and socio-economics of the industrial and small-scale routes were related. The analysis showed that 29, 18, 75 and 27 kg of CPO, PK, MF and PKS were lost for every 1000 kg of FFB processed with the industrial route, whereas 5.6, 3.2, 1.4 and 5.1 g were lost with the small-scale route, respectively. Approximately 89 kWh and 31 kWh more energy were lost from MF and PKS with the industrial route than the other two routes, respectively. An equivalent of 6670 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent of methane and nitrogen oxide was released due to the disposal of 29,000 tonnes of EFB from one palm oil mill. The monetary value of lost CPO per 1000 kg of FFB processed in the industrial route is more than the labour cost of processing 1000 kg of FFB in the small-scale route. The advantages of the industrial route are high throughput in terms of FFB processed per hour and high quality of CPO; however, high fruit loss is associated with it and therefore, the poorly threshed EFB is recommended to be fed into the small-scale route.
Solid-phase partitioning of mercury in artisanal gold mine tailings from selected key areas in Mindanao, Philippines, and its implications for mercury detoxification
Authors: Opiso Einstine M , Aseneiro John Paul J , Banda Marybeth Hope T , Tabelin Carlito B
Published: January 2018

The solid-phase partitioning of mercury could provide necessary data in the identification of remediation techniques in contaminated artisanal gold mine tailings. This study was conducted to determine the total mercury content of mine wastes and identify its solid-phase partitioning through selective sequential extraction coupled with cold vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy. Samples from mine tailings and the carbon-in-pulp (CIP) process were obtained from selected key areas in Mindanao, Philippines. The results showed that mercury use is still prevalent among small-scale gold miners in the Philippines. Tailings after ball mill-gravity concentration (W-BM and Li-BM samples) from Mt Diwata and Libona contained high levels of mercury amounting to 25.024 and 6.5 mg kg-1, respectively. The most prevalent form of mercury in the mine tailings was elemental/amalgamated mercury, followed by water soluble, exchangeable, organic and strongly bound phases, respectively. In contrast, mercury content of carbon-in-pulp residues were significantly lower at only 0.3 and 0.06 mg kg-1 for P-CIP (Del Pilar) and W-CIP (Mt Diwata), respectively. The bulk of mercury in P-CIP samples was partitioned in residual fraction while in W-CIP samples, water soluble mercury predominated. Overall, this study has several important implications with regards to mercury detoxification of contaminated mine tailings from Mindanao, Philippines.
Vancomycin–impregnated electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane for the treatment of infected bone defects: An animal study
Authors: Wei Shijun , Jian Chao , Xu Feng , Bao Tongzhu , Lan Shenghui , Wu Gang , Qi BaiWen , Bai Zikui , Yu Aixi
Published: January 2018

There is no consensus for the management of critical infected bone defects. The purpose of this study was to produce a vancomycin–impregnated electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane for the treatment of infected critical bone defects, and test it in a rabbit model. Electrospinning produced a resorbable PCL fiber membrane containing vancomycin approximately 1 mm in thickness, with a pore diameter of <10 μm. Femur defects were made in the limbs of 18 rabbits and infected with Staphylococcus aureus. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to treatment: (1) Experimental group: rabbit freeze-dried allogeneic bone graft and the vancomycin–PCL membrane. (2) Control group 1: bone graft. (3) Control group 2: vancomycin–PCL membrane only. Culture showed no difference in osteoclast activity between the three groups. Transwell testing showed that almost no fibroblasts passed through the membrane during the first 24 h, but some fibroblasts were able to pass it after 72 h. At 12 weeks after surgery, there was significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration in the experimental compared to the control groups. New bone formation and fracture bone callus were greater in the experimental group than control groups. We thus conclude the resorbable electrospun vancomycin–impregnated PCL membrane was effective at controlling bone infection, and in the regeneration of bone in a critical bone defect animal model.
Shifting Perceptions of Consequences of IPV Among Beneficiaries of Indashyikirwa: An IPV Prevention Program in Rwanda
Authors: Stern Erin , Niyibizi Lea Liliane
Published: January 2018

Indashyikirwa is a Rwandan program that seeks to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and support healthy, equitable relationships. A fundamental program aspect is a 5-month curriculum among heterosexual couples designed to identify the causes and consequences of economic, emotional, physical, and sexual IPV, and build skills to manage triggers of IPV. The program also trained opinion leaders to more effectively prevent and respond to IPV, and established women’s safe spaces to educate women about their rights, refer or accompany women who wish to report abuse or seek services. Drawing on 30 interviews with couples and 9 interviews with opinion leaders before and after completing the Indashyikirwa trainings, this article highlights beneficiaries’ perceived consequences of IPV, and how such perceptions were influenced through the Indashyikirwa program. Interviews were conducted in Kinyarwanda, recorded, translated, and transcribed into English and analyzed thematically. The data reveal a depth of understanding of consequences of various forms of IPV. Although several participants justified more minor forms of men’s physical IPV, such as slapping, severe consequences of physical IPV were most readily identified and sanctioned. Various harms of emotional and economic IPV were reported, yet these forms of IPV were typically less socially sanctioned or identified as IPV. Conceptions of sexual IPV were influenced by inequitable gender norms, and not typically recognized as a violation under the law. Although the data do not yet demonstrate the long-term impact, collectively identifying the overlapping consequences and underlying power inequalities for all forms of IPV, the legal rights protecting against various forms of IPV, and the benefits of nonviolent, equitable relationships, appeared to be helpful to shift perceptions of consequences of IPV. Implications of the findings for the program and broader IPV prevention are identified.
Delegation in EU merger control: The determinants of referrals to national competition authorities (2004–2012)
Authors: Mainenti Marco
Published: January 2018

The present analysis investigates the rationale for delegation to domestic institutions in the EU. This issue is prominent in merger control, where the Commission can refer the assessment of concentrations between undertakings to national competition authorities. We argue that the purpose of referrals is to reduce the decision-making costs. Employing data from 2004 to 2012, we show that the recourse to national authorities is associated with taking advantage of agency expertise and shifting the blame for policy failures. Conversely, referrals are not grounded on the need to reduce the number of pending cases. These results hold when controlling for confounding factors such as the involvement of non-EU countries, the different commissioners for competition, and sensitive economic sectors.
The effects of composite laminate stiffness and loading on stress resultant concentration factor around a hole
Authors: Damghani M , Harrison C , Kennedy D
Published: January 2018

An analytical tool is developed using conformal mapping and the complex variable method for determining the stress resultant concentration factor in an infinite plate with a circular or elliptical hole. This tool is validated against finite element analysis. A population space of 305 laminates is generated by stacking unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer material at various orientations covering a wide spectrum of homogenised stiffness values. The analytical approach is then used to study the effect(s) of loading conditions, stacking sequences and laminate homogenised stiffness values on the stress resultant concentration factor at the edge of a circular hole.
Gain-scheduling robust control for a tire-blow-out road vehicle
Authors: Jing Houhua , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a robust control approach to keeping directional and driving stability for a road vehicle after a tire blow-out. Considering the time-varying vehicle velocity as well as the uncertain tire characteristics, a linear parameter varying vehicle model is built. With front wheel steering angle and yaw control moment as control inputs, a gain-scheduling H∞ controller is developed to attenuate the effects of a flat tire. An optimal control allocation law is presented to perform the yaw control moment by differential braking on the other three tires. Finally, a hardware-in-the-loop testing system, composed of the veDYNA high-fidelity software program and an actual automotive hydraulic braking system, is utilized for controller validation. The results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed coordinated controller in improving vehicle directional stability and robustness against the disturbances caused by a tire blow-out.
Numerical study of the effect of thermal boundary conditions and porous medium properties on the combustion in a combined porous-free flame burner
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Abdolmehdi , Nikfar Majid , Ghorashi Seyed Amin
Published: January 2018

The effect of wall thermal conditions, pre-heating of the inlet air–fuel mixture ( Tin), and pore density of the porous medium (λ) on the stability limit and NO emission in a porous-free flame burner is numerically investigated. A reduced chemical mechanism and realizable k-ɛ turbulence model are used for the simulation. The numerical simulation is validated with the experimental data. The results show that the flame stability limit is extended with increasing the pore density while the maximum and minimum NO emissions are produced in pore densities of 8 ppc and 16 ppc, respectively. It is observed that the use of insulated wall condition causes the flame blow-off to occur at higher inlet velocities compared to that of the constant wall temperature condition. On the other hand, the use of constant wall temperature condition (cooled wall), causes flashback to occur in lower inlet velocities compared to that of the insulated wall. Constant wall temperature condition decreases NO emission in comparison with the insulated wall condition approximately by 18%. The flame stabilizes at higher inlet velocities and so stability limit is extended when inlet mixture temperature increases. This also causes NO emission to increase.
Sensorless force control for dielectric elastomer transducers
Authors: Hoffstadt Thorben , Maas Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Multilayer stack-transducers made of dielectric elastomers generate considerable tensile forces and deformations when they are electrically stimulated. Thus, due to their capacitive behavior, they are for example energy efficient substitutes for conventional electromagnetic drives and enable various further completely new applications. Within this contribution, we present a sensorless force control for dielectric elastomer stack-transducers driven by a bidirectional flyback-converter. This force control for example can be used as interface for superimposed application-oriented controls. First of all, the properties of dielectric elastomer stack-transducers and the flyback-converter as well as its control structure are summarized. Due to the characteristic behavior of the power converter, the design of a sliding mode force controller is carried out based on an analytical model of the coupled electromechanical system containing the transducer and driving electronics. Using this model, the transducer force can be determined with the measured driving voltage and deformation so that an explicit force measurement is not required. In a first step, a two-point controller is developed for the variable structure control that is afterward extended in order to improve the control quality, for example, by adapting the inner power converter control. Finally, the experimental validations with a prototype stack-transducer and bidirectional flyback-converter demonstrate the feasibility as well as the precision and dynamics of the developed force control.
Receipt of Vasopressors Is Positively Associated With the Length of the Actively Dying Process in Hospitalization
Authors: Chou Hsiao-Chen , Huang Hsien-Liang , Chen Chiang-Yi , Wang Chuan-Lan , Shu Chin-Chung , Hsu Nin-Chieh , Lin Yu-Feng , Chen Jin-Shing , Sheng Wang-Huei
Published: January 2018

Background:

End-of-life care is important in general hospitalization care. However, the clinical impact of using vasopressors on the length of the actively dying process is still controversial.

Methods:

We reviewed patients who were hospitalized in general wards and died before discharge. We classified the patients into 2 groups: those who received vasopressors (RVs) and those who did not receive vasopressors (NRV). We analyzed the factors associated with the length of hospital stay (LOS) and the length of the actively dying process.

Results:

In all, 745 participants, 10.01% of all admitted patients, were analyzed. Of them, 225 patients were RV group, and the remaining 520 were NRV group. Age and gender were comparable in the 2 groups. The use of vasopressors was associated with an admission diagnosis of sepsis and absence of Do-Not-Resuscitate consent and parenteral use of morphine. In multivariable analysis, a high Barthel index score, the absence of cancer and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and no receipt of vasopressors were independent factors for LOS. For the length of the actively dying process, a longer duration of inotropic agent, the receipt of vasopressors, and the absence of CPR were independent factors.

Conclusion:

In-hospital mortality is not uncommon during hospitalization in a general ward. The length of the actively dying process is extended by the use of vasopressors. Further prospective study is required for cautious evaluation of the pros and cons of using vasopressors at the end of life during hospitalization.
Anticipating Needs at End of Life in Narratives Related by People Living With HIV/AIDS in Appalachia
Authors: Hall Joanne , Hutson Sadie P. , West Frankie
Published: January 2018

As part of a mixed methods study determining end-of-life and advanced care planning needs in southern Appalachia, a narrative analysis was done of stories told in interviews of 8 selected participants using transcript data. Narratives were fraught with contradiction and paradox. Tensions were evident about living in Appalachia, the Bible Belt, and an area wherein distances are long and community rejection can occur as news travels quickly. The primary finding was that stigma, from several sources, and shrinking circles of social support for people living with HIV/AIDS, all of whom were in treatment, combined to create a sense of solitariness. Narratives were fraught with tensions, contradictions, and paradoxes. Living in Appalachia, the Bible Belt, and an area wherein distances are long and community rejection can occur as news travels quickly. The rejection-based religiously based stigma was often predicated on stereotypes about sexual behavior and illicit drug use. Diagnosis was a key turning point after which many spiraled downward financially and socially. Implications for research and advanced care planning are included.
Positivity Ratio Links Self-control Skills to Physical Aggression and Happiness in Young Palestinians Living in Gaza
Authors: Rosenbaum Michael , Ronen Tammie , Abuelaish Izzeldin , Orkibi Hod , Hamama Liat
Published: January 2018

The study examined a potential underlying mechanism through which self-control skills (SCSs) may predict more happiness on the one hand and less hostility, anger and peer aggression on the other hand in an understudied sample of 744 Palestinian youngsters (Grades 8–12) from the Gaza Strip, a military conflict area. The hypothesized model was confirmed: self-reported SCS linked with happiness through positivity ratio as a mediator; SCS linked with physical aggression through the association of positivity ratio with hostility, and anger; and anger mediated the link between hostility and physical aggression. Additional analyses showed that girls scored higher than boys in SCS and boys scored higher than girls on positivity ratio, happiness, hostility, anger, and physical aggression. The study highlights the importance of imparting SCS to increase positivity ratio, so that, despite exposure to extreme adversity, youngsters in Gaza and elsewhere may experience not only less aggression but also more happiness.
Mental health and psychosocial characteristics of breast augmentation patients
Authors: von Soest Tilmann , Torgersen Leila , Kvalem Ingela Lundin
Published: January 2018

Cosmetic breast surgery experience and a wide range of mental health, psychosocial, and sociodemographic variables were assessed in the population-based Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study ( N = 78,252). Breast augmentation patients reported elevated mental health problems. Factors in the domains of physical appearance, drug use, relationships, and exposure to abuse were all related to breast augmentation. Adjusting for such factors reduced the relationships between breast augmentation surgery and all mental health problems to non-significance. Results indicate that the increased prevalence of mental health problems among breast augmentation patients has to be understood from multiple perspectives involving several psychosocial domains.
Genderqueer(ing): ‘On this side of the world against which it protests’
Authors: Davy Zowie
Published: January 2018

Deconstructionism as a method in transgender studies has been useful to collapse concepts and ideas about (trans) gender and sexuality. In spite of the usefulness of undoing the gender and sexuality canon, by way of concentrating on transgender practices, the resulting deconstructions often leave us with no place to go. This article develops an analysis of transsexual and genderqueer people’s bodily aesthetic assemblages, challenging theorizations that exclusively pit transsexual people as subjugated and genderqueer people as subversive. Drawing on interview data from 23 transsexual and genderqueer people, this article argues that transsexual and genderqueer people, regardless of their desire for particular bodily aesthetic interventions and gender recognition, productively flee, elude, flow, leak and disappear from categorizing legal statutes and healthcare protocols. The article concludes by arguing that deconstructive work becomes divisive and unproductive for theorizing and understanding the bodily aesthetics and diverse connectivities and affectivities of transsexual and genderqueer people, all of whom become territorialized, deterritorialized and reterritorialized through polyvocal bodily aesthetic assemblages.
Mak nyahs and the dismantling of dehumanisation: Framing empowerment strategies of Malaysian male-to-female transsexuals in the 2000s
Authors: Goh Joseph N , Kananatu Thaatchaayini
Published: January 2018

The unrelenting ill-treatment suffered by mak nyahs, or Malaysian pre-operative and post-operative male-to-female transsexuals, indicates a steady process of dehumanisation that besieges mak nyahs in contemporary Malaysia. Nevertheless, the 2000s have seen a groundswell of strategies by mak nyahs to dismantle forces that seek to dehumanise them, and thus to embrace self-empowerment. By analysing online media resources, information from communication networks and legal cases pertaining to mak nyahs, we aim to explain the ways in which the strategies of mak nyahs and their allies to dismantle dehumanisation and empower themselves are framed and mobilised in Malaysia in the 2000s. To this end, we draw on a two-fold analytical framework that comprises David A Snow’s and Robert D Benford’s notion of collective action frames, and Michael W McCann’s legal mobilisation theory, in order to interpret our analysis. We argue that although mak nyahs have encountered dehumanising forces such as violence, pathologisation and reparative therapy, religious denunciations and moral policing, they have responded with diverse empowerment strategies that include the telling of personal stories, increasing public visibility, eliciting international recognition and support, forming alliances and organising collective action and legal recourse.
Rethinking queer failure: Trans youth embodiments of distress
Authors: Roen Katrina
Published: January 2018

This article examines trans youth embodied distress in relation to the workings of normativity. I consider the normative cruelties that structure the embodied and gendered experiences of trans youth, and I locate trans youth embodied distress in relation to a notion of queer failure. Central to this analysis is the way emotion is implicated in normativity. I focus on the idea that happiness norms are implicated in keeping gendered subjects in line, and I consider the specific emotions that are bound up in queer failure and embodied distress, such as shame, hatred, and fear. Trans youth frequently respond to the challenges of embodied distress by embarking on a significant emotional, relational project that can involve reworking the relationship to the body and reworking the relationship to norms. In the context of this emotional, relational project, some trans youth self-harm and/or become suicidal. I work with empirical data from trans and gender questioning youth who write online about their self-harming and suicidal feelings, and I use this analysis to locate self-harm in relation to the ways in which some trans youth are crafting embodied and gendered ways of being that break with norms.
The relationship between ACE/AGT gene polymorphisms and the risk of diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Qiao Yong-chao , Wang Min , Pan Yan-hong , Zhang Xiao-xi , Tian Fang , Chen Yin-ling , Zhao Hai-lu
Published: January 2018

Aims:

This study aims to investigate the association between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphism and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

We consecutively included 1491 patients for the assessment of ACE I/D and AGT M/T gene polymorphisms in 345 DR cases and 1146 patients without retinopathy (DNR). Albuminuria was defined by urine albumin creatinine ratio and albumin excretion rate.

Results:

Compared with the NDR patients, the DR cases displayed a higher proportion of diabetic nephropathy (32.68% vs. 6.52%, χ2 = 150.713, p < 0.001). The DR cases and DNR individuals did not differ in the frequency of genotypes and alleles of ACE I/D and AGT M/T (all p > 0.05). Intriguingly, DR patients with obesity showed higher frequency of DD (χ2 = 4.181, p = 0.041), but no significant difference exists in the other stratified BMI and hypertension analyses (all p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression displays that the association of the ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms in DR patients is not significant after adjusting for confounding covariates in all the comparisons.

Conclusions:

The ACE and AGT gene polymorphisms are not associated with the progress of diabetes developing into retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. However, more investigations are needed to further prove the association.
Comparing Two Forms of an E-mail Survey: Embedded vs Attached
Authors: Dommeyer Curt J. , Moriarty Eleanor
Published: January 2018

After this paper reviews the literature on online surveys, it describes an experiment that compares an embedded e-mail survey with an attached e-mail survey. The embedded survey yielded a significantly higher response rate than the attached survey, but there were no differences between the two methods on response speed, number of item omissions, or response bias. Suggestions are offered to future researchers of online surveys.
Measuring Consumer Brand Confusion to Comply with Legal Guidelines
Authors: Kearny Ide , Mitchell Vincent-Wayne
Published: January 2018

In actions for trademark infringement and passing off, judges determine subjectively the existence, or likelihood, of marketplace ‘confusion’. In arriving at a ruling, a court may rely upon evidence from witnesses, secondary documents (e.g. letters of complaint) and market research, but this is not obligatory. The legal treatment of evidence is coloured by an awareness that many forensic criticisms can be made of the overall standard and effectiveness of structured questionnaire surveys. For example, surveys (1) are frequently badly worded, or poorly executed, (2) prove of no relevance to the action, or produce evidence that helps the other side, and (3) are expensive. The judiciary has expressed a preference for certain types of surveys and set out ‘good’ market research practice guidelines with which researchers must comply. Here, we examine the problems underlying these criticisms and discuss their market research implications.
A Life of Crime: The Hidden Truth about Criminal Activity
Authors: Lewis Darren , Mhlanga Bonny
Published: January 2018

Describes the methodology and main findings of a survey amongst prison inmates carried out by BMRB for the Home Office. A main objective was to estimate the proportion of all crimes that are committed by offenders who are given a custodial sentence: in addition, to examine the relationship between offending and social, economic and lifestyle factors, and whether there is an incapacitation effect of imprisonment. The problems of sampling and interviewing method faced by the researchers, and how they were dealt with, are discussed. A major part of the interview involved getting respondents to remember what they were doing at specific times (a ‘life events calendar’). Findings discussed include: education, offence history, alcohol and drugs misuse, sources and amounts of income (legal and illegal), pattrens of offending and repeat offending. The extent to which respondents gave honest and truthful answers is discussed: there appears to have been some overclaiming. There remains a problem reconciling the large number of crimes claimed with the statistics of the British Crime Survey and police records (both of which are known not to cover certain areas). Winner of the Best Newcomer Award, 2001.
Analysis on Trial
Authors: Dolan Angelina , Ayland Catherine
Published: January 2018

This paper describes work carried out in order to assess whether the approach taken to the analysis of qualitative data impacts upon the findings and their consequent interpretation. Three different approaches were used to analyse the same dataset - a Holistic and Interpretive approach, a Cut and Paste approach and Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). We discuss the differences between the approaches themselves, their output, the relative costs of adopting the three different approaches and the implications of the work.
Four Subtle Sins in Scale Development: Some Suggestions for Strengthening the Current Paradigm
Authors: Flynn Leisa Reinecke , Pearcy Dawn
Published: January 2018

Despite continuing advances in statistical methods, problems in scalar measures persist. This paper reports the findings on a review of marketing scale batteries developed since the publication of Churchill's (1979) paper outlining a method for reliable and valid scale development. The authors found four problem areas. These are discussed and solutions suggested.
Travel Broadens the Mind - The Case for International Research
Authors: Connell Stephen
Published: January 2018

International business-to-business (B2B) research is growing. Discusses: increasing opportunities for market research in international or global business, methods and implications, cultural and country differences, all with illustrations.
The Branch is Dead, Long Live the Internet!!
Authors: Hadden Rosemary , Whalley Ann
Published: January 2018

How research played a fundamental role in the development of Abbey National's Convenience Retailing strategy, including the inclusion of Costa coffee in its retail outlets.
Needs-Based Segmentation: Principles and Practice
Authors: Greengrove Kathryn
Published: January 2018

While the principles of needs or benefit-based market segmentation have been long established, its potential value as a route to a stronger market understanding and ultimately competitive advantage has been largely untapped in pharmaceutical marketing research, with internal process rather than market focus driving market understanding. Many of the tensions around the use of geodemographics for market segmentation in the consumer work are mirrored in the use of classification systems and diagnosis in the pharmaceutical environment. This paper presents the application of needs-based segmentation - market segmentation based on understanding how physicians use perceptions of patient needs to group patients and then use this understanding to make appropriate treatment decisions specific to each patient group. The need to include patient needs in market segmentation is taken into account by considering the consequences of not segmenting the market strategically. The approach is illustrated to show how valuable outputs are generated and how direction may be provided across the brand development process. The potential impact and application of this novel thinking within pharmaceutical companies is reviewed. This paper shows how a benefit-based or needs-based segmentation of the market provides a more potent view of the market, and argue that market segmentation should therefore be fashioned to reflect this.
The Relationship between Health Status Perceptions and Compliance with Chronic Drug Therapy - Market Research as a Pilot Study (and Beyond)
Authors: Stafford Juliene L.
Published: January 2018

This paper summarises the design, analysis and results of an international study to improve knowledge of the reasons for non-compliance with drug therapy for a largely asymptomatic chronic disease. Market research methods were chosen in order to assess the viability and value of investing in a more expensive and time-consuming definitive longitudinal clinical study. It also leads to important conclusions in its own right. After a programme of qualitative research (focus groups and individual depth interviews) followed by quantitative research we show results that could, in themselves, lead to action and demonstrate that investment in a longitudinal clinical investigation could lead to action with benefits for public health as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
A Comparison of Approaches to Importance-Performance Analysis
Authors: Bacon Donald R.
Published: January 2018

Several different approaches have been used to undertake Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA), aka quadrant analysis or gap analysis. This study compares methods across 15 datasets and finds that the traditional 2x2 grid approach can be misleading. Using indirect (e.g. multiple regression) methods for determining importances may also be misleading. The most valid method of performing IPA is identified, and a method for confirming its validity is provided.
Developments in Outputs from the 2001 Census
Authors: Leventhal Barry
Published: January 2018

The 2001 Census is starting to provide market researchers with updated information on the size and structure of the UK population. The objective of this paper is to identify the most important methodological changes and developments in the 2001 package that will be relevant when using results from this unique source. Section 2 of the paper gives an overview of the Census operation and goes on to discuss the top-line results and why they have led to revision of the mid-year estimates series from 1982 to 2000. Section 3 highlights a number of innovations in Census outputs and discusses their implications for users of the data.
Something Approaching Science?
Authors: Nairn Agnes , Bottomley Paul
Published: January 2018

The customer relationship management (CRM) industry is set to be worth $76.3 billion by 2005 but over 50% of projects will fail to meet benefit objectives. While CRM nirvana is the attainment of profitable one-to-one relationships, current activity is concentrated on segmentation. As technology has moved segmentation from simple classification towards more complex predictive modelling, the use of CRM analytic suites comprising statistical techniques such as decision trees, neural networks and cluster analysis is increasing. It is suggested that the subjective nature of cluster analysis may be overlooked when the technique is integrated with other ‘tools’ into a data-mining package and, consequently, that inadequately tested cluster analysis solutions may be contributing to CRM dissatisfaction. This paper reports the findings of a study which subjected a data set designed for segmentation purposes to a series of rigorous validity and reliability tests and went as far as to randomise the data to ascertain whether current methods could detect ‘false’ data. The study shows, alarmingly, that under certain conditions random data can ‘pass’ standard tests and highlights just how meticulously and thoroughly cluster analysis solutions must be tested before they can be safely used in formulating marketing strategy. Practical, theoretical and technical advice is offered for managers working with CRM analytics suites and avenues suggested for future research into improved CRM performance through effective management of the IT/marketing interface.
Advertising to the Herd
Authors: Earls Mark
Published: January 2018

‘This paper is born out of a feeling that something is not right with the way the word ‘consumer’ is used nowadays. This word must surely be one of the most frequently used in the lexicon of advertising, marketing and research language. Yet it has not been subject to the huge attention or to the rigour of analysis as has the word ‘brand’ This paper is charged with the same sense of dissatisfaction. A feeling that there is more to be said about the subject. A frustration with the current models (including that proposed by Valentine and Gordon's insightful paper) for missing some big and important truths about how human beings are. And the belief that these ‘missing truths’ might contribute to a significantly more insightful and effective approach to marketing and market research. In particular, it is suggested that the most important characteristic of mankind is that of a herd-animal, not a lone individual. This point of view is supported by learnings from a range of fields. The evidence for the herd perspective (and against the individualist one) is necessarily woven together like a patchwork that encompasses all of the key issues. It is able to shed new light on many phenomena which researchers and planners repeatedly encounter and debate (like rapidly changing and stable markets, the value and mechanics of mass advertising and the debate about relationships between behaviour and attitudes. The paper concludes with an examination of the challenges this perspective offers to all researchers.
Oh No, the Consultants are Coming
Authors: Simmons Sid , Lovejoy Angela
Published: January 2018

Management consultants are perceived by some to be increasingly keen to conduct market research on behalf of their clients. As a result, many people suspect that consultants are deliberately trying to steal business from the research community. This paper argues the contrary case. It describes how and why clients use consultants to conduct research and also describes why consultants do not see research as an important revenue stream. The approach described provides a new template for the research industry that will enable good researchers to provide significantly more value to clients and so fill the current gap that exists between researchers and management consultants.
The Marketer Researcher's Manifesto
Authors: Baker Susan , Mouncey Peter
Published: January 2018

This paper advances the debate concerning the future of market research by presenting nine new rules to guide thought and action in a period of transition. These become the market researcher's manifesto for change. First, they describe the new marketplace emerging as we shift from a production-driven to a consumption-led economy. In response, marketers have shifted their focus of activity from completing transactions to building relationships. This context then provides the background for discussion about the role of the market researcher.
Single source - a new analysis
Authors: Broadbent Simon
Published: January 2018

More information is available from single source panels than is often realised. This includes descriptions of the category, of the brand, the associations between brand share and price, demographics, weight of viewing and recent viewing. Data can be aggregated into weeks and normal time series modelling compared with the disaggregate findings; the latter seem to be the more sensitive. Reasons for the brand choice at each purchase occasion can be studied by multivariate regression. These include the shopper's loyalty to the brand, its relative price, a trend term and recent advertising for the brand and for its competitors measured by adstock. Short-term advertising effects have been seen at two to 28 days half life for various brands; no effects have been found for some others. Competitors' adverse effects may be larger or smaller than ours. Diminishing returns to higher current advertising pressure can also be measured and are usually slight. A minority of occasions are under high pressure and most of these are for heavy viewers who are also affected by competitors' activities and often have untypical brand shares. Any bivariate relation between recent advertising exposure and brand choice is potentially affected by purchase/viewing bias which often occurs and by other confounding factors such as price. Such relationships can give misleading indications of advertising effects.
Integration of Consumer and Management in NPD
Authors: Patterson Simon , Burton Andrew
Published: January 2018

This paper argues for closer integration of qualitative consumer understanding into the management applications and philosophy of NPD with the aim of improving throughput and quality. It identifies five innovation sources and suggests systematic and creative methods for both generating and applying consumer understanding of them.