bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloud Trails Past the Lesser Antilles
Authors: Kirshbaum Daniel J. , Fairman Jonathan G.
Published: December 2014

Observations and cloud-resolving simulations of elongated cloud plumes (or “cloud trails”) past the Lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean Sea are presented. Analysis of one year of visible satellite images reveals that each island forms cloud trails on 30%–40% of days, typically in the afternoon in response to diurnal island heating. On around 10% of days the cloud bands are very well organized, with lengths of and durations of min. Radiosonde analysis suggests that the well-organized events are favored by moderate-to-strong trade winds (6–10 m s−1) and stronger trade inversions. The simulated cloud trails, which are consistent with observations in their morphology and diurnal cycle, are organized by quasi-linear bands of thermally forced convergence within the heated island wake. They are sensitive to overland surface fluxes, inversion strength and height, terrain height, and trade-wind speed. While surface fluxes control the strength of the wake thermal circulations, the inversion controls precipitation and the disruption of cloud trails by subcloud cold pools. The impacts of terrain height and wind speed are multifaceted, including control over (i) the mechanical flow regime, (ii) the intensity of wake turbulence, (iii) the cloud-trail length, (iv) the wake thermal anomaly, and (v) elevated-heating effects (which strengthen the thermal convergence). Dimensional analysis is used to develop empirical scalings for the wake thermal circulation, which describe the suite of numerical sensitivity tests reasonably well.
Cultural orientation and social capital as predictors of condom use among internal migrants in China
Authors: Du Hongfei , Li Xiaoming , Lin Danhua , Tam Cheuk Chi
Published: December 2014

Background:

The global literature has revealed that cultural orientation, adaptation and social capital may influence HIV-related sexual behaviours among migrants. However, whether cultural orientations influence adaptation and social capital and thereby affect sexual behaviour is not well understood.

Method:

This study examined whether individualistic and collectivistic orientations, adaptation and social capital have direct and indirect effects on condom use among rural-to-urban migrants in China. We collected data from 641 migrants aged 17 to 30 years, in Beijing, China. Participants completed scales on individualistic orientation, collectivistic orientation, adaptation, social capital and condom use. Structural equation modelling was used for model testing.

Results:

Condom use was positively associated with an individualistic orientation and social capital. An individualistic orientation had an indirect effect on condom use via social capital. Women reported higher levels of condom use than men.

Conclusion:

Future sexual risk prevention and intervention programmes to improve sexual health should pay more attention to building social capital and engaging with relevant cultural factors.
Individual Differences in the Calibration of Trust in Automation
Authors: Pop Vlad L. , Shrewsbury Alex , Durso Francis T.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The objective was to determine whether operators with an expectancy that automation is trustworthy are better at calibrating their trust to changes in the capabilities of automation, and if so, why.

Background:

Studies suggest that individual differences in automation expectancy may be able to account for why changes in the capabilities of automation lead to a substantial change in trust for some, yet only a small change for others.

Method:

In a baggage screening task, 225 participants searched for weapons in 200 X-ray images of luggage. Participants were assisted by an automated decision aid exhibiting different levels of reliability. Measures of expectancy that automation is trustworthy were used in conjunction with subjective measures of trust and perceived reliability to identify individual differences in trust calibration.

Results:

Operators with high expectancy that automation is trustworthy were more sensitive to changes (both increases and decreases) in automation reliability. This difference was eliminated by manipulating the causal attribution of automation errors.

Conclusion:

Attributing the cause of automation errors to factors external to the automation fosters an understanding of tasks and situations in which automation differs in reliability and may lead to more appropriate trust.

Application:

The development of interventions can lead to calibrated trust in automation.
Reducing the Disruptive Effects of Interruptions With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
Authors: Blumberg Eric J. , Foroughi Cyrus K. , Scheldrup Melissa R. , Peterson Matthew S. , Boehm-Davis Debbie A. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The authors determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce resumption time when an ongoing task is interrupted.

Background:

Interruptions are common and disruptive. Working memory capacity has been shown to predict resumption lag (i.e., time to successfully resume a task after interruption). Given that tDCS applied to brain areas associated with working memory can enhance performance, tDCS has the potential to improve resumption lag when a task is interrupted.

Method:

Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups that received anodal (active) stimulation of 2 mA tDCS to one of two target brain regions, left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), or to one of two control areas, active stimulation of the left primary motor cortex or sham stimulation of the right DLPFC, while completing a financial management task that was intermittently interrupted with math problem solving.

Results:

Anodal stimulation to the right and left DLPFC significantly reduced resumption lags compared to the control conditions (sham and left motor cortex stimulation). Additionally, there was no speed-accuracy tradeoff (i.e., the improvement in resumption time was not accompanied by an increased error rate).

Conclusion:

Noninvasive brain stimulation can significantly decrease resumption lag (improve performance) after a task is interrupted.

Application:

Noninvasive brain stimulation offers an easy-to-apply tool that can significantly improve interrupted task performance.
Teaching Algebra to Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Watt Sarah J. , Watkins Jessie R. , Abbitt Jason
Published: December 2014

This review investigates effective interventions for teaching algebra to students with learning disabilities and evaluates the complexity and alignment of skills with the Common Core State Standards in math. The review includes the results of 10 experimental and 5 single-subject designs ( N = 15) producing a moderate overall effect size ( g = 0.48). A total of five interventions were identified and analyzed across the studies using effect size data.
All quiet on the Kemalist front?
Authors: Borovalı Murat , Boyraz Cemil
Published: December 2014

As a result of its failure to embrace the increasingly visible social and political diversity in the country, Kemalism, the founding ideology of modern Turkey, is currently facing its severest legitimacy crisis. Through interviews with representatives of leading voluntary Kemalist associations, this article inquires whether there are attempts to reinterpret the doctrine in order to offer an alternative, credible vision in harmony with the existing social, political and economic realities of Turkey.
The populist threat to pluralism
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: December 2014

Although political pluralism can have an ethical justification, it does not need one. Political pluralism can be justified on the basis of an epistemological argument about what we can claim to know, one which has a normative conclusion about how strongly we ought to believe. This is important because for pluralism to command wide assent, it needs something other than an ethical justification, since many simply will not accept that justification. Thus understood, we can see that current threats to pluralism come not just from authoritarian movements but from populism, which has already infected mainstream politics.
Resources and shortcomings of pluralism in today’s Turkey
Authors: Aktar Cengiz
Published: December 2014

The article examines the resources and the shortcomings of pluralism in today’s Turkey in light of the spring 2013 Gezi protests in İstanbul’s Taksim district. The protests have had ecological and civic as well as political implications and were a turning point in the country’s political life.
The Impact of Mothers’ Relationship Quality and Parenting on Children’s Peer Relationships
Authors: Gallagher Erin , Huth-Bocks Alissa , Schmitt Tom
Published: December 2014

This study examined the longitudinal effects of mothers’ partner relationship quality on parenting behaviors and school-age children’s peer relationships. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development archival data were used to examine parenting behaviors as a mediator between partner relationship quality and child peer outcomes using structural equation modeling. Maternal report was used to assess partner quality; a parent–child interaction task was used to measure parenting behaviors; teacher and child report were used to assess children’s peer relationships. Maternal parenting behaviors partially mediated the association between partner quality and children’s teacher-reported social–emotional outcomes with peers. Results are discussed in terms of the spillover hypothesis and implications for clinical interventions are discussed.
Effectiveness of a training package for implementing a community-based occupational therapy program in dementia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Döpp Carola ME , Graff Maud JL , Teerenstra Steven , Olde Rikkert Marcel GM , Nijhuis–van der Sanden Maria WG , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra JFJ
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Evaluate the effectiveness of a training package to implement a community occupational therapy program for people with dementia and their caregiver (COTiD).

Design:

Cluster randomized controlled trial.

Subjects:

A total of 45 service units including 94 occupational therapists, 48 managers, 80 physicians, treating 71 client-caregiver couples.

Interventions:

Control intervention: A postgraduate course for occupational therapists only. Experimental intervention: A training package including the usual postgraduate course, additional training days, outreach visits, regional meetings, and access to a reporting system for occupational therapists. Physicians and managers received newsletters, had access to a website, and were approached by telephone.

Main measures:

Primary outcome: The intended adherence of therapists to the COTiD program. This was assessed using vignettes. Secondary outcomes: clients’ daily functioning, caregivers’ sense of competence, quality of life, and self-perceived performance of daily activities of both clients and caregivers. Between-group differences were assessed using multilevel analyses with therapist and intervention factors as covariates.

Results:

No significant between-group differences between baseline and 12 months were found for adherence (1.58, 95% CI −0.10 to 3.25), nor for any client or caregiver outcome. A higher number of coaching sessions and higher self-perceived knowledge of dementia at baseline positively correlated with adherence scores. In contrast, experiencing more support from occupational therapy colleagues or having conducted more COTiD treatments at baseline negatively affected adherence scores.

Conclusion:

The training package was not effective in increasing therapist adherence and client–caregiver outcomes. This study suggests that coaching sessions and increasing therapist knowledge on dementia positively affect adherence.

Clinical trial number:

NCT01117285
Elasto-plastic finite element analysis of titanium metal matrix composite shafts under torsional loading
Authors: Hyde Thomas H , Punyong Kraisorn , Becker Adib A
Published: December 2014

Elasto-plastic finite element analyses of titanium metal matrix composite shafts subjected to torsional loading are presented based on a unit cell approach. The analyses cover different volume fractions and different values of the coefficient of friction for two fibre orientations, +45° and ±45°. Investigations of the interface contact pressure, debonding and plastic strains show that under torsional loading, the ±45° fibre direction is more suitable than the +45° fibre orientation for high-load applications.
Exploring Discrimination and Mental Health Disparities Faced By Black Sexual Minority Women Using a Minority Stress Framework
Authors: Calabrese Sarah K. , Meyer Ilan H. , Overstreet Nicole M. , Haile Rahwa , Hansen Nathan B.
Published: December 2014

Black sexual minority women are triply marginalized due to their race, gender, and sexual orientation. We compared three dimensions of discrimination—frequency (regularity of occurrences), scope (number of types of discriminatory acts experienced), and number of bases (number of social statuses to which discrimination was attributed)—and self-reported mental health (depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, and social well-being) between 64 Black sexual minority women and each of two groups sharing two of three marginalized statuses: (a) 67 White sexual minority women and (b) 67 Black sexual minority men. Black sexual minority women reported greater discrimination frequency, scope, and number of bases and poorer psychological and social well-being than White sexual minority women and more discrimination bases, a higher level of depressive symptoms, and poorer social well-being than Black sexual minority men. We then tested and contrasted dimensions of discrimination as mediators between social status (race or gender) and mental health outcomes. Discrimination frequency and scope mediated the association between race and mental health, with a stronger effect via frequency among sexual minority women. Number of discrimination bases mediated the association between gender and mental health among Black sexual minorities. Future research and clinical practice would benefit from considering Black sexual minority women’s mental health in a multidimensional minority stress context.
Naming Practices in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-century Brazil
Authors: Libby Douglas C. , Frank Zephyr
Published: December 2014

This article explores the onomastic universe of the parish of São José del Rei, Minas Gerais, during the period 1751–1890. The analysis draws upon a nearly complete set of parish registers of births, augmented by extensive marriage, death, and supplemental census records. The results of the research provide new information regarding patterns of naming at both the aggregate level of social groups and at the intergenerational level made accessible to study through family reconstruction. Slave, freed, and free children bore significantly different names. Family ties reached across generations through naming practices, revealing a more stable and enduring social structure.
The Effect of Migration on the Mean Age of Population
Authors: Chen Ching-Yi
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to calculate population-aging rate among cities and counties, and the contribution of migration on the changing rate of a population’s mean age in Taiwan. The methodology employed Preston’s aging rate to analyze the demographic structure. Notable findings including (1) low birthrate contributes to population aging and (2) migration contributes to decline mean age in some cities. The final section of the article discusses how socioeconomic factors impacts migration patterns and ultimately affects population aging or rejuvenation. This article found that the higher social increase rate, the higher percentage of employment in the services industry, and the larger average living area per person depressed mean age of population. This indicates that socioeconomic development, such as creating more employment opportunities or improving living quality in cities, will attract younger demographics and shift the populations mean age. Based on such findings, it is the conclusions of this study that the government should promote childbirth and foster local socioeconomic development to attract migration, even international emigration.
“before midnight she had miscarried”
Authors: Evans Jennifer , Read Sara
Published: December 2014

Reproduction and childbirth in the early modern era have sometimes been represented as a uniquely feminine experience. Similarly, studies of domestic medicine have in the past overlooked the role that men played in domestic health care practices. This article builds on recent work that resituates men within both of these discourses by considering the ways in which men understood, discussed, and responded to the threat and occurrence of miscarriage in the women they knew. It considers a range of medical literature, spiritual diaries, and letters to illustrate that men were a central feature of many women’s experiences of miscarriage.
Risk Factors Associated With Revision and Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions in the Kaiser Permanente ACLR Registry
Authors: Maletis Gregory B. , Inacio Maria C.S. , Funahashi Tadashi T.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Patients generally choose to undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to return to their active lifestyles. However, returning to their previous activity level may result in a retear of their reconstructed knee or an injury to their contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (CACL).

Purpose:

To determine the risk factors associated with revision ACLR and contralateral ACLR (CACLR), compare the survival of the reconstructed ACL with the CACL, and determine how the risk factors associated with revision ACLR compare with those for CACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data from the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry between February 1, 2005, and September 30, 2012, was conducted. Primary ACLR cases without history of contralateral knee ACL injury were included. The study endpoints included revision ACLR and CACLR. Graft type (bone–patellar tendon–bone [BPTB] autograft, hamstring autograft, and allograft) was the main exposure of interest, and patient characteristics were evaluated as risk factors for revision ACLR and CACLR. Survival analyses were conducted.

Results:

A total of 17,436 ACLRs were evaluated. The median age was 27.2 years (interquartile range, 18.7-37.7 years), and 64% were males. The 5-year survival for index ACLR was 95.1% (95% CI, 94.5%-95.6%), and for CACL it was 95.8% (95% CI, 95.2%-96.3%). Overall, the cohort had a mean of 2.4 ± 1.7 years of follow-up; 18.2% were lost to follow-up. There were fewer CACLRs per 100 years of observation (0.83) than there were revision ACLRs (1.05) during the study period ( P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference in the density of revision ACLR and CACL in BPTB autografts (0.74 vs 1.06, respectively; P = .010), hamstring autografts (1.07 vs 0.81; P = .042), and allografts (1.26 vs 0.67; P < .001). The risk factors for revision ACLR and contralateral surgery were different ( P < .05). After adjusting for covariates, factors associated with higher risk of revision ACLR were as follows: allografts, hamstring autografts, male sex, younger age, lower body mass index (BMI), and being white as opposed to black. Factors associated with higher risk of CACLR were as follows: younger age, female sex, and lower BMI.

Conclusion:

The 5-year revision-free and CACLR-free survival rate in this study was 95.1% and 95.8%, respectively. Allografts and hamstring autografts had a higher risk of revision ACLR surgery, and BPTB autografts had a higher risk of CACLR. Males were found to have a higher risk of revision ACLR, and females had a higher risk of CACLR. Increasing age and increasing BMI decreased the risk of both revision and CACLR.
Hamstring Tendon Regeneration After Harvesting
Authors: Suijkerbuijk Mathijs A.M. , Reijman Max , Lodewijks Susanne J.M. , Punt Jorien , Meuffels Duncan E.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Hamstring tendons are often used as autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, no systematic review has been performed describing consequences such as hamstring tendon regeneration rate and determinants of hamstring tendon regeneration.

Purpose:

To summarize the current literature regarding hamstring tendon rate regeneration, the time course of regeneration, and determinants of hamstring regeneration.

Study design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A search was performed in the Embase, Medline (OvidSP), Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases up to June 2014 to identify relevant articles. A study was eligible if it met the following inclusion criteria: tendons were harvested, regeneration at harvest site was assessed, population size was at least 10 human subjects, full-text article was available, and the study design was either a randomized controlled trial, prospective cohort study, retrospective cohort study, or case control study. A risk of bias assessment of the eligible articles was determined. Data describing hamstring tendon regeneration rates were pooled per time period.

Results:

A total of 18 publications met the inclusion criteria. The mean regeneration rate for the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons was, in all cases, 70% or higher. More than 1 year after harvesting, 79% (median [IQR], 80 [75.5-90]) of the semitendinosus tendons and 72% (median [IQR], 80 [61-88.5]) of the gracilis tendons were regenerated. No significant differences in regeneration rate could be found considering patient sex, age, height, weight, or duration of immobilization. Results did not clearly show whether absence of regeneration disadvantages the subsequent hamstring function. Five studies measured the regeneration rate at different moments in time.

Conclusion:

Hamstring tendons regenerated in the majority of patients after ACL reconstruction. The majority of the hamstring tendon regeneration was found to occur between 1 month and 1 year after harvest. No significant determinants for hamstring tendon regeneration could be identified because of a lack of research. The function and strength of the regenerated hamstring remained unclear.
Enduring Illusions
Authors: Gibson David R.
Published: December 2014

Sociologists theorize that people comply with the dictates of states and other organizations out of self-interest or because of the perceived legitimacy of those in authority. Some organizations, however, are based on lies, or secrets, and it would seem that these should be very short-lived, given how easy it is for the truth to escape. This article lays the foundations of a sociology of deception, focusing on lies and secrets successfully maintained for years or even decades. The ideas of Goffman and Simmel provide a theoretical starting point. Then Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme is considered as a case study. Drawing on that and other examples, the article culminates in a theory that distinguishes between barriers to knowing, barriers to asking, barriers to telling, barriers to perceiving, barriers to believing, and barriers to acting. Together, these may counter the natural entropic tendency for information to leak and diffuse, in part because the effectiveness of one sort of barrier may offset imperfections in others.
Ameliorative effect of Allolobophora caliginosa extract on hepatotoxicity induced by silicon dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sadek Shimaa A , Soliman Amel M , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: December 2014

This study aims to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of earthworm ( Allolobophora caliginosa) extract (EE) against silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiNPs)-induced liver injury in male albino rats. The effectiveness of EE was compared with silymarin as a standard hepatoprotective drug. The present work demonstrates the antioxidant activity of EE by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Administration of SiNPs, for 15 consecutive days, caused changes in most of the biochemical parameters, namely, serum aminotransferase enzymes activities (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein, total and direct bilirubin level, malondialdehyde, glutathione reduced, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, administration of SiNPs induced changes in liver tissue architecture. Administration of EE, for subsequent 30 days, to SiNPs exposure demonstrated significant ameliorative effects on nearly all the studied parameters, and such effects were compatible with those of silymarin. In addition, the administration of EE repairs, to some extent, the abnormal architecture of the liver tissue induced by SiNPs.
Induction of hsp70, hsp90, and catalase activity in planarian Dugesia japonica exposed to cadmium
Authors: Zhang Xiufang , Mo Yehua , Zhou Luming , Wang Yinan , Wang Zhongchen , Zhao Bosheng
Published: December 2014

The hsp70 and hsp90 expression patterns and catalase (CAT) activity in the freshwater planaria Dugesia japonica exposed to cadmium (Cd) under laboratory conditions were investigated. Planaria were exposed to a range of Cd concentrations (0–150 μg Cd/L) for 24 h. The expression levels of hsp70 and hsp90 were determined by relative quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Within the overall dose range in the experiment, the expression level of hsp70 and the activity of CAT in D. japonica were altered significantly. Hsp70 was induced in D. japonica upon Cd exposure concentrations as low as 9.375 μg Cd/L. No significant effect on the expression level of hsp90 was observed. Our findings demonstrated that stress gene hsp70, but not hsp90, was responsive to Cd contamination in D. japonica. CAT activity was significantly induced at concentrations of 18.75, 37.5, and 75 μg Cd/L after 24-h exposure. We recommend that the use of hsp70 as a biomarker should be complemented by evidence of changes in other parameters, such as CAT activity, in D. japonica.
Influence of α-tocopherol and α-lipoic acid on bisphenol-A-induced oxidative damage in liver and ovarian tissue of rats
Authors: Avci Bahattin , Bahadir Aysegul , Tuncel Ozgur Korhan , Bilgici Birsen
Published: December 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used material in daily life, and it is argued to cause oxidative stress in liver and ovarian tissue. α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and α-tocopherol (ATF), two of the most effective antioxidants, may play a role in preventing the toxic effect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of ALA, ATF, and that of ALA + ATF combination on oxidative damage induced by BPA. Female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (control, BPA, BPA + ALA, BPA + ATF, and BPA + ALA + ATF). BPA (25 mg/kg/day), ALA (100 mg/kg/day), and ATF (20 mg/kg/day) were administered for 30 days.  The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver malondialdehyde (L-MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (L-GPx), and ovarian malondialdehyde (Ov-MDA) and nitric oxide (Ov-NO) were significantly higher in the BPA-treated groups compared with the control group. The levels of AST and ALT decreased in the BPA + ALA, BPA + ATF, and BPA + ALA + ATF groups compared with the BPA group. Similarly, BPA + ALA or BPA + ATF led to decreases in L-MDA and Ov-MDA levels compared with the BPA group. However, the BPA + ALA + ATF group showed a significant decrease in L-MDA levels compared with the BPA + ALA group and the BPA + ATF group. The levels of L-GPx decreased in the BPA + ATF and the BPA + ALA + ATF groups compared with the BPA group. The administration of ATF and ALA + ATF significantly decreased the Ov-NO levels.  This study demonstrates that BPA causes oxidative damage in liver and ovarian tissues. ALA, ATF, or their combination were found to be beneficial in preventing BPA-induced oxidative stress.
Nutrition Management of the Post–Bariatric Surgery Patient
Authors: Handzlik‐Orlik Gabriela , Holecki Michał , Orlik Bartłomiej , Wyleżoł Mariusz , Duława Jan
Published: December 2014

Bariatric surgery is considered one of the most effective methods of achieving long‐term weight loss when all other medical treatments have failed. The number of bariatric procedures increases each year. Nevertheless, bariatric procedures are associated with a number of complications that require careful multidisciplinary management. Nutrition supervision is of substantial value, as malnutrition, vitamin, and micro‐ and macronutrient deficiencies may lead to deleterious consequences. In this review, we provide essential information on nutrition management, both before and after bariatric surgical procedures.
A National Descriptive Portrait of Adolescent Relationship Abuse
Authors: Taylor Bruce G. , Mumford Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2014

This article reports results from the National Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence (STRiV) for 12- to 18-year-old youth ( n = 1,804). STRiV provides the first nationally representative household survey focused on adolescent relationship abuse (ARA), covering perpetration and victimization. Among respondents (37%) reporting current- or past-year dating, 69% reported lifetime ARA victimization (63% lifetime ARA perpetration). Although psychological abuse was most common for these youth (more than 60%), the rates of sexual abuse (18%) and physical abuse victimization (18%), as well as 12% reporting perpetrating physical abuse and/or sexual abuse (12%) were substantial as well. Other than differences by age and gender, ARA rates were consistent by race/ethnicity, geographic region, urbanicity, and household characteristics, highlighting the importance of universal prevention programs. Compared with youth aged 15 to 18, those 12 to 14 years old reported lower rates of psychological and sexual ARA victimization. Similarly, we found lower ARA perpetration rates for those 12 to 14. We found no gender differences for ARA victimization but found that girls perpetrated more physical ARA than boys. Girls aged 15 to 18 reported perpetrating moderate threats/physical violence at more than twice the rate of younger girls and 3 times the rate compared with boys aged 15 to 18; girls aged 15 to 18 reported perpetrating more than 4 times the rate of serious psychological abuse than boys 15 to 18. Finally, these data document the significant positive correlation between ARA victimization and perpetration. Findings suggest that when working with youth in prevention services, interventions should not be designed for monolithic groups of “victims” or “perpetrators.”
Preparation of high-strength microporous phenolic open-cell foams with physical foaming method
Authors: Xu Qian , Gong Rui , Cui Meng-ya , Liu Chuan , Li Rui-hai
Published: December 2014

A series of high-strength and highly microporous phenolic open-cell foams modified by different epoxy resins were fabricated using physical foaming method. The new compound emulsifiers consisting of anionic and nonionic surfactants were physical blended at high speed with modified resols, foaming agent, and mixed acid curing agent. The modified synthesis of epoxy-modified phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin was conducted via the etherification mechanism. In order to verify the occurrence of etherification mechanism by co-reaction between resole methylol, hydroxyl group, and ring-opening epoxy group and to characterize the structure successfully, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, carbon-13 (13C) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) had been used to characterize the structure successfully. The phase of resols and curing behavior were characterized. Fabricated foams were characterized for cellular, water absorption, apparent density, and mechanical and thermal properties. The results show epoxy modified resol demonstrated single uniform phase. The open-cell micropore structure revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates that smaller and more homogeneous cells existed with increasing dosage of epoxy. When the content of epoxy increased from 0 wt% to 10 wt%, the thermal conductivity, water absorption, and porosity of PF gradually increased. The highest open-cell porosity reached up to 90.959%. The differential scanning calorimetry and gel time data demonstrated that modified resols exhibited less gel time and lower endothermic and curing exothermic heat. Anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, which was better compatible with resol, promoted the formation of open cells and produced good homogeneous and moderate micropores. In addition, the high-strength open-cell PF possessed excellent filterable and separation performance and absorbency. The porous micropore structure controlled by the content of epoxy resin and the ratio of sodium dodecyl sulfate /Tween80 greatly improved the mechanical strengths of PF.
Research on the optimal power management strategy for a hybrid electric bus
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Qing-nian , Zeng Xiao-hua , Wang Peng-yu
Published: December 2014

The power management strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle uses expert knowledge and experience to determine the control rules and thresholds, but it is difficult to obtain good performance. This paper presents a dynamic programming algorithm based on a powertrain system to find the optimal solution in the specific speed cycle, but this method cannot be applied to a real-time control system. Therefore, the optimal control rules and thresholds are extracted for the rule-based strategy; the simulation results show that the refined strategy can reduce the fuel consumption by about 14.41% compared with that obtained by the original logic rule control algorithm in the Chinese urban driving cycle. An online neural network energy controller based on the dynamic programming results is provided by choosing a reasonable network structure and control parameters to improve the control precision; the numerical simulation results show that the neural network controller improves the vehicle fuel economy by 15.05%, which is closer to the dynamic programming algorithm simulation result. This control algorithm not only can be used in real-time control and reduces the computational complexity but also allows new design ideas to be proposed for the control algorithm and the vehicle fuel consumption to be reduced.
An innovative approach to teaching bioethics in management of healthcare
Authors: Aleksandrova-Yankulovska Silviya
Published: December 2014

Background:

Bioethical courses were introduced in the curricula in medical universities in Bulgaria in 1990s. In the beginning, the courses were mainly theoretical, and systematic case analyses and discussions of movies were introduced later on. The benefits of using films to teach ethics have been previously analyzed in the literature; however, to our knowledge such studies in Bulgaria are yet lacking.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to survey the opinions of students and analyze the results from the application of movies in bioethics teaching in a medical university in the north of Bulgaria.

Methodology:

A survey was carried out among 92 students in the management of healthcare. Two movies were used, and separate protocols for film discussion were developed.

Ethical considerations:

The study was conducted anonymously and with students’ free informed consent.

Results and discussion:

The students distinguished in total 21 different dilemmas and concepts in the first movie. The ethical dilemmas were classified into five groups: general ethical issues, deontological issues, special ethical issues, principles of bioethics, and theories of ethics. The second movie focused students’ attention on the issues of death and dying. In total, 18 elements of palliative care were described by the students. The range of different categories was a positive indicator of an increased ethical sensitivity. The students evaluated the movies’ discussions as a generally positive educational approach. They perceived the experience as contributing to their better understanding of bioethical issues.

Conclusion:

The innovative approach was well accepted by the students. The introduction of movies in the courses of bioethics had the potential to provide vivid illustrations of bioethical issues and to contribute to the exploration of specific theses and arguments. The presentation and discussion should be preceded by accumulation of theoretical knowledge. The future of effective bioethics education lays in the interactive involvement of students.
Independent Labels? The Power behind Environmental Information about Products and Companies
Authors: Bullock Graham
Published: December 2014

Power is a ubiquitous term in political science, and yet the discipline lacks a metric of power that can be applied to both formal and informal political contexts. Building on past work on power and power resources, this paper develops a method to estimate the power of different actors over an organization. It uses this method to analyze the power of the public, private, and civil sectors within an original dataset of 245 cases of product and corporate environmental evaluations, such as ENERGY STAR, LEED Certification, and Newsweek’s Greenest Company Rankings. These initiatives have received limited attention from the political science literature, but they have become an increasingly prominent political phenomenon. The paper finds that the private and civil sectors likely have more power over these information-based governance initiatives than the public sector. It also reveals their lack of transparency and hybrid accountability relationships, which complicate their legitimacy and effectiveness.
The Effect Of Geographic Dispersion On The Initial And Long-Run IPO Performance
Authors: Ozdemir Ozgur
Published: December 2014

This study examines the effect of geographic dispersion on the short-run and long-run initial public offering (IPO) performance of restaurant firms. Sample of the study consists of 103 restaurant IPOs conducted between 1981 and 2011. The study finds that being geographically dispersed or concentrated in a small area does not lead to a significant difference in the initial returns of restaurant IPOs. Yet the analysis shows that restaurant firms with geographically dispersed operations have significantly higher long-run returns in the post-IPO period compared with their local counterparts. This is evidenced by the significantly larger cumulative abnormal returns for geographically dispersed restaurant firms in the post-IPO period.
A Study of Experiential Quality, Experiential Value, Experiential Satisfaction, Theme Park Image, and Revisit Intention
Authors: Wu Hung-Che , Li Meng-Yu , Li Tao
Published: December 2014

This study aims at identifying the dimensions of experiential quality and investigating the interrelationships among experiential quality, experiential value, experiential satisfaction, theme park image, and revisit intention perceived by theme park visitors. Analysis of data from 424 visitors in Janfusan Fancyworld of Taiwan indicates that the proposed model fits the data well. The results reveal that there are 4 primary dimensions and 11 subdimensions of experiential quality perceived by theme park visitors. In addition, the results indicate that physical environment quality is identified as the most primary dimension of experiential quality perceived by theme park visitors.
Collective–conflictual value co-creation
Authors: Laamanen Mikko , Skålén Per
Published: December 2014

Drawing on the theory of strategic action fields, this article explores a collective–conflictual perspective on value co-creation. Following recent developments and calls for research with a holistic outlook, we review streams of research that discuss both collective and discordant elements in social relations and subsequently relate this to value co-creation. We outline a conceptual framework for value co-creation, focusing on collective action that includes various actors, interactions, practices, and outcomes. This article pioneers the underdeveloped collective–conflictual perspective on value co-creation. Our framework enables empirical research in value co-creation that accounts for multiple actors nested in fields of collective action.
The positive aspects of caregiving in dementia: A critical review of the qualitative literature
Authors: Lloyd Joanna , Patterson Tom , Muers Jane
Published: December 2014

Positive aspects of caregiving in dementia have been identified as important in understanding the experiences of carers, yet the research base lacks clear definitions of key concepts. Qualitative research explores carers’ experiences of positive aspects of caregiving in rich detail which lends itself to supporting theory development. The aim of the present review was to critically evaluate the empirical findings of qualitative studies that have explored positive aspects of caregiving in dementia. A systematic search of the literature revealed 14 studies that met this aim. Carers described multiple positive dimensions of caregiving and identified several factors that were important in supporting their positive caregiving experience. The present review evidences a solid base of understanding of the positive aspects of caregiving in dementia from which concepts and theories can be further developed. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Using Text-to-speech (TTS) for Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI)
Authors: Couper Mick P. , Berglund Patricia , Kirgis Nicole , Buageila Sarrah
Published: December 2014

We evaluate the use of text-to-speech (TTS) technology for audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI). We use a quasi-experimental design, comparing the use of recorded human voice in the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth with the use of TTS in the first year of the 2011–2013 survey, where the essential survey conditions are largely unchanged. We examine substantive distributions of ACASI items, item missing data rates, interviewer observations, and time stamps. We find no negative effect of the transition to TTS. We discuss the advantages of using TTS for ACASI.
Playing With the Autoethnographical
Authors: Sturm Damion
Published: December 2014

My article plays with notions of performativity and representation to repudiate assumptions of one-dimensional fandom. In particular, due to its self-reflexive writing style, I argue that autoethnography can articulate and show the subject-fan voice through evocations of first-person, insider experiences. Therefore, staged vignettes are deployed to represent the fan as an assemblage of investments, intensities, and energies that anchor within but fluidly move through broader socio-cultural realities. Illuminating the materialization and salience of affect, these stagings intentionally convey varying levels of invigoration to refute common misperceptions of fandom as singular in its focus, experience, or intensity. Moreover, underpinning these renditions is a degree of playfulness, crafting autoethnography to explore both the subject and fandom as an enacted series of performances. Ultimately, as a performative writing and representational strategy, the vignettes aim to blend, blur, and elicit traces of a culturally bound and multifaceted first-person fandom.
Nouveau riche, old guard, established elite: Agency and the leadership of Vivendi Universal
Authors: Chabrak Nihel , Craig Russell , Daidj Nabyla
Published: December 2014

We respond to the call for a more balanced view of agency (Tourish, 2014: 88) by presenting an account of the forced resignation of Jean-Marie Messier as CEO of the major French company, Vivendi Universal, in 2002. Messier’s ousting arose from a struggle for board control involving an exercise of power that was influenced strongly by kinship relationships, interlocking directorships, and business alliances; and by the interplay between a nouveau riche (Messier), an influential old guard shareholder family (the Bronfmans), and an established elite (of prominent representatives of French business). Collusion between the French business establishment and the Bronfman family created a coalition of interest and a locus of control that managerial and agency theories explain inadequately. We highlight the potential for a reading of class relationships in terms of structuration to foster better understanding of the complexities involved when the board of a major corporation decides to support, or withdraw support for, their CEO. We highlight several context-specific structures and mechanisms that were influential in determining corporate control and CEO agency.
Indwelling pleural catheters for pleural effusions associated with end-stage renal disease: a case series
Authors: Potechin Rajini , Amjadi Kayvan , Srour Nadim
Published: December 2014

Background:

Pleural effusions are a common complication of end-stage renal disease. These effusions are occasionally refractory to medical management, but few options are then available. Indwelling pleural catheter insertion (IPC) has been well described for the management of malignant pleural effusions and, more recently, of nonmalignant effusions of other origin. We aimed to analyze our experience and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using IPCs for pleural effusion associated with end-stage renal disease.

Methods:

We constructed a cohort of patients who underwent IPC insertion for pleural effusions associated with end-stage renal disease. The IPCs were inserted as a palliative measure in patients who had thoracentesis twice within the preceding 2 weeks, no evidence of infection and either failure to respond, complications or intolerance to maximal medical therapy, or if IPC insertion would enable discharge when the patient was hospitalized mainly for dyspnea due to pleural effusion.

Results:

There were nine IPCs inserted in eight patients. Patients had significant dyspnea at baseline with a median baseline dyspnea index of 1.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 0–3]. Dyspnea improved significantly 2 weeks after catheter insertion with a median transitional dyspnea index of 6 (IQR 4.5–7.0). There was no occurrence of empyema or other major complications. Serum albumin did not decrease after catheter insertion. IPCs were removed in four patients (50%) and successful spontaneous pleurodesis occurred in three patients (37.5%) after a median of 77 days (IQR 9–208).

Conclusion:

IPC insertion for pleural effusions associated with end-stage renal disease appears safe and effective. Larger studies are needed, particularly regarding the impact of this intervention on quality of life.
Development of a Highly Stable, Nonaqueous Glucagon Formulation for Delivery via Infusion Pump Systems
Authors: Newswanger Brett , Ammons Steve , Phadnis Neelima , Ward W. Kenneth , Castle Jessica , Campbell Robert W. , Prestrelski Steven J.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Despite a vigorous research effort, to date, the development of systems that achieve glucagon stability in aqueous formulations (without reconstitution) has failed to produce any clinical candidates. We have developed a novel, nonaqueous glucagon formulation based on a biocompatible pharmaceutical solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, which demonstrates excellent physical and chemical stability at relatively high concentrations and at high temperatures.

Methods:

This article reports the development of a novel, biocompatible, nonaqueous native human glucagon formulation for potential use in subcutaneous infusion pump systems.

Results:

Data are presented that demonstrate physical and chemical stability under presumed storage conditions (>2 years at room temperature) as well as “in use” stability and compatibility in an Insulet’s OmniPod® infusion pump. Also presented are results of a skin irritation study in a rabbit model and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics data following pump administration of glucagon in a diabetic swine model.

Conclusions:

This nonaqueous glucagon formulation is suitable for further clinical development in pump systems.