bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Two Basic Principles Clash: About the Validity of Written Chat Language as a Research Tool for Spoken Language Variation. Flemish Chatspeak as a Test Case
Authors: De Decker Benny , Vandekerckhove Reinhild , Sandra Dominiek
Published: December 2015

Written chatspeak is said to be marked by two basic principles: (1) write like you speak and (2) write as fast as possible. As for Flemish chat language, the first principle seems to result in a multilayered mixed code, in which dialectical, substandard Flemish and standard Dutch features interact in an eclectic way. In addition, most of the chatters insert English words in their chat discourse as well. This intensive code mixing is assumed to be – at least to a considerable extent – a reflection of the daily speech of these Flemish chatters. But what about the validity of this assumption? Can chatspeak function as an alternative dataset for the study of (spoken) language variation and change and thus as a research tool for e.g. the study of Flemish teenage talk and the representation of non-standard speech in spoken interaction? The dependent variables for the present test case are two substandard Flemish (or ‘tussentaal’) features that urge the chatters to violate the second principle, since their use implies an extension of the utterance. The central question is whether the second principle prevents the use of these substandard forms in Flemish chatspeak. In other words, do the analyses undermine the validity of using written chat corpora as a graduator for speech variation? We finish with a small excursion on the use of English by the Flemish chatters: can we separate English insertions that are triggered by the chat medium from English insertions that are not?
Can Internet Data Help to Uncover Developing Preferred Multilingual Usage Patterns? An Exploration of Data from Turkish-Dutch Bilingual Internet Fora
Authors: Dorleijn Margreet
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses the extent to which two characteristics of digital data make such data suitable for detecting preference patterns in code switching: an absence of paralinguistic disambiguation- cues and its extra-linguistic ‘context-freeness’. This paper reports on the exploration of a 219,536 word Dutch-Turkish digital data corpus compiled from bilingual internet fora. It describes both macro-sociolinguistic patterns of language choice as well as micro-linguistic contact features in bilingual data, comparing both macro and micro results with what is known from the sociolinguistic literature in general, and Turkish-Dutch code switching and contact linguistic literature in particular. The data are analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Focus is on the analysis of densely bilingual data of the type that has been called in the literature ‘mixed language’ (Auer, 1999), ‘intimate switching’ (Poplack, 1980), or ‘unmarked switching’ (Myers-Scotton, 1983; 1993b). It is argued that data of this type of intensive language mixing should display a certain degree of predictability since it is generally perceived of as the most effortless way of speaking by its users. It is demonstrated that recurring patterns can be found in the data, both on the macro-level of language choice and the micro-level of lexical choice, as well as in code switching patterns, and lexico-semantic choices, and it is argued that in these patterns principles of transparency and frequency of exposure may be an explanatory factor.
Internal Wars, Taxation, and State Building
Authors: Rodríguez-Franco Diana
Published: December 2015

This article addresses the question of whether and how internal wars can lead to state building. I offer a new conceptual framework for understanding the varied effects of internal conflict on state capacity, as measured through taxation. Contrary to the general scholarly consensus that internal wars make states fail, I hypothesize that like external wars, internal wars can lead to increased taxation when they enhance solidarity toward the state among the elite and motivate the state to strengthen and territorially expand the tax administration. Elite solidarity, in turn, depends on the degree to which elites perceive the risks of war as real, decide to protect their interests with the help of the state, and feel a sense of patriotism. However, due to the existence of insurgent actors with taxing capacity, the positive effect of internal wars on state building may be hampered. I use this framework to make sense of the cases of Colombia, Malaysia, and Singapore, where internal wars, despite their otherwise destructive effects, resulted in state building instead of state failure.
Childhood Disadvantage and Health Problems in Middle and Later Life
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F. , Schafer Markus H. , Wilkinson Lindsay R.
Published: December 2015

Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we examine the relationship between childhood disadvantage and health problems in adulthood. Using two waves of data from Midlife Development in the United States, we investigate whether childhood disadvantage is associated with adult disadvantage, including fewer social resources, and the effect of lifelong disadvantage on health problems measured at the baseline survey and a 10-year follow-up. Findings reveal that childhood socioeconomic disadvantage and frequent abuse by parents are generally associated with fewer adult social resources and more lifestyle risks. Health problems, in turn, are affected by childhood disadvantage and by lifestyle risks, especially smoking and obesity. Not only was early disadvantage related to health problems at the baseline survey, but childhood socioeconomic disadvantage and frequent abuse also were related to the development of new health problems at the follow-up survey. These findings reveal the imprint of early disadvantage on health decades later and suggest greater attention to resources, even during midlife, can interrupt the chain of risks.
CHA2DS2-VASc Score is a Predictor of No-Reflow in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Ipek Gokturk , Onuk Tolga , Karatas Mehmet B. , Gungor Baris , Osken Altug , Keskin Muhammed , Oz Ahmet , Tanik Ozan , Hayiroglu Mert Ilker , Yaka Hale Yilmaz , Ozturk Recep , Bolca Osman
Published: December 2015

Thrombosis and distal embolization play crucial role in the etiology of no-reflow. CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. We tested the hypothesis that CHA2DS2-VASc can predict no-reflow among patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total number of 2375 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were assessed for the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups as no-reflow (n = 111) and control (n = 1670) groups according to post-PCI no-reflow status. CHA2DS2-VASc scores were calculated for all patients. CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly higher in the no-reflow group compared to the control group. After a multivariate regression analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score remained as an independent predictor (odds ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-1,88, P < .001) of no-reflow. Receiver–operating characteristics analysis revealed the cutoff value of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 as a predictor of no-reflow with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 59%. Moreover, in-hospital mortality was also associated with significantly higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores. In conclusion, CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with higher risk of no-reflow and in-hospital mortality rates in patients who underwent primary PCI.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D C3-epimer is universally present in neonatal Western Australian samples but is unlikely to contribute to diagnostic misclassification
Authors: Cooke David J , Cooke Brian R , Bell Damon A , Vasikaran Samuel D , Glendenning Paul
Published: December 2015

Background

The presence of C3-epimer (C-3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D) in infant serum may complicate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurement when using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assays that do not separately measure the epimer. We measured the concentration of C3-epi-25(OH)D in neonatal samples in Western Australian using umbilical cord blood samples and a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay that separately quantifies 25(OH)D and C3-epi-25(OH)D.

Methods

A total of 120 anonymized cord blood samples were analysed using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay that utilizes two CSH fluoro-phenyl columns in series. Chromatography was performed on a Waters Acquity Ultra Performance Liquid system, and quantification was using a Waters Quattro Premier XE mass spectrometer.

Results

C3-epi-25(OH)D3 was detected in all umbilical cord blood samples (median 5.2 nmol/L, IQR 3.7–6.6 nmol/L) and contributed 6.6% (SD 2.6, 95% CI [6.1, 7.1]) of the total 25(OH)D concentration. Mean 25(OH)D3 measured in cord blood was 79.1 nmol/L (SD 22.7 nmol/L). A positive relationship (R2 = 0.35, P < 0.0005) between 25(OH)D3 levels and C3-epi-25(OH)D3 was noted in this cohort. No samples contained 25(OH)D2 or C3-epi-25(OH)D2.

Conclusion

C3-epi-25(OH)D3 is present in all neonatal samples but contributes <10% of the total 25(OH)D concentration which is unlikely to be clinically significant. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assays that do not separately quantify C3-epi-25(OH)D3 from other vitamin D metabolites may potentially overestimate neonatal 25(OH)D levels, but diagnostic misclassification in neonates is unlikely.
Counseling Attitudes and Stigma Among Polynesian Americans
Authors: Allen G. E. Kawika , Kim Bryan S. K. , Smith Timothy B. , Hafoka Ofa
Published: December 2015

There is a paucity of research on the mental health of Pacific Islanders living in the United States, including those of Polynesian descent. This study examined coping strategies, attitudes toward seeking mental health counseling, public and self-stigma toward seeking mental health services, and psychological adjustment among 638 Polynesian Americans. On average, participants held neither favorable nor unfavorable attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, but men endorsed moderate self-stigma about mental illness and women endorsed high levels of public stigma about mental illness. Women showed relatively more favorable attitudes than men about seeking help from professional mental health providers. Participants reported benefitting more from culturally congruent practices for coping with distress (accepting, reframing, striving, family support, and religiosity/spirituality) than from seeking assistance from private emotional outlets (e.g., therapy) or avoidance and detachment. Mental health professionals need to build cross-cultural bridges and culturally adapt services to address concerns among Polynesian Americans.
Does the Nature of the Victimization–Offending Association Fluctuate Over the Life Course? An Examination of Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Schreck Christopher J. , Berg Mark T. , Ousey Graham C. , Stewart Eric A. , Miller J. Mitchell
Published: December 2015

Decades of criminological research has established that victimization is strongly connected with offending—this pattern is among the most durable in the criminological literature. However, there are plausible reasons to believe that under some theoretically defined conditions, the association can vary across the life course. Using 10 waves from the Pathways to Desistance data, which follow more than 1,300 youth from early adolescence into adulthood, we model within-individual change in the victimization–offending association as well as evaluate possible theoretical reasons for this change. Our results show that the influence of victimization on offending weakens as people age, although the association remains positive across the life course. The core substantive predictors, however, could not account for this temporal weakening of the association. We discuss the implications of these results for further theoretical development on offending.
Victim Reporting Behaviors Following Identity Theft Victimization: Results From the National Crime Victimization Survey
Authors: Reyns Bradford W. , Randa Ryan
Published: December 2015

The current study investigates the decision by victims to report the crime to the police following identity theft victimization. Potential influences on the reporting decision are framed around two criminal justice theories—focal concerns theory and Gottfredson and Gottfredson’s theory of criminal justice decision making. The data used to examine this decision were collected from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults as a supplement to the 2012 National Crime Victimization Survey. Results suggest that the decision to contact law enforcement is based on the seriousness of the offense, the victim’s knowledge of who committed the crime and how it was perpetrated, as well as practical considerations. These findings parallel other research into victim decision making generally, while also highlighting factors that may be unique to identity theft, notably the effects of income. The results also support the use of criminal justice theory to study and understand victim decision making.
The effects of detrimental drinking patterns and drug use on female homicide victimization rates across Europe
Authors: Stamatel Janet P
Published: December 2015

This study examines the extent to which drinking patterns and drug use can explain cross-national variations in female homicide victimization across Europe. Given the limitations in measuring femicide consistently across a large number of countries, this study uses mortality data on recorded female deaths as a proxy to explain differences in levels of this kind of violence against women across Europe. In particular, it focuses on national-level patterns of alcohol and drug use as predictors, controlling for other known structural correlates. Contrary to findings of previous studies, cultural drinking patterns were not significantly related to female homicide victimization in this sample of countries, but detrimental drug use was.
The Unexpected Universe: Emergence, Convergence, and the “Overview Effect”
Authors: Brown William P.
Published: December 2015

Employed hermeneutically, science helps to highlight the interrelations between the first creation account in Genesis and the new creation account in Revelation, the “bookends” of the Bible. Both have to do, for example, with processes of emergence and convergence. Moreover, an overview of creation and new creation reveals an ancient pattern that has important implications for ecological practice today.
The End? Christian Eschatology and the End of the World
Authors: Case-Winters Anna
Published: December 2015

Scientific pictures of the world’s future portray a definite endpoint to life as we know it. How do we think about this reality theologically in relation to Christian hope? What do these visions of “the end” mean in relation to our understanding of divine purposes (ends)? A robust Christian eschatology includes honest grappling with these difficult questions.
Eschatology and the Technologies of Human Enhancement
Authors: Cole-Turner Ronald
Published: December 2015

Technology today offers to modify human beings in order to enhance intelligence or extend lifespans, perhaps even to create a new human species. How are we to think eschatologically about the short-term future that technology is fashioning? Christian eschatology must start to take human transformation via technology into account when it speaks of the last things and of the promise of God to unite all things in Christ.
George Clement Bond on Inequality
Authors: Johnson Walton R
Published: December 2015

Using ethnography from a 1995 ‘race’ crisis at Rutgers University, I show the applicability of George Bond’s writings on inequality. Bond’s ideas about social constructions of the past, organic ideologies, and people’s acceptance of structures that subjugate them, are discussed to demonstrate the use of ‘hoaxes’ and clientage in the Rutgers episode. The discussion occurs in the broader context of theory about social inequality and social dominance.
Church and State in Cameroon: The Political Theology of Christian Cardinal Tumi
Authors: Bongmba Elias Kifon
Published: December 2015

In this essay, I discuss church state relations in Cameroon through a hermeneutics of the political theology of Christian Cardinal Tumi. I begin with a brief introduction to set the scene and follow it with a discussion of two major works by Cardinal Tumi. In the first book Tumi provides a detailed analysis of his relationship with the political leaders of Cameroon, and in the second book, he articulates his political theology. I conclude by arguing that one way forward for a political theology in Cameroon is to embrace a broad perspective that is not restricted to one’s personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Boko Haram: Religious Radicalism and Insurrection in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Hansen William
Published: December 2015

This article is interested in shedding light on why a phenomenon such as Boko Haram came into existence and why it poses a threat to the very existence of the Nigerian state. The Boko Haram phenomenon, I argue, can only be understood as a reaction to more than a half century of corruption, venality, poverty, and abuse by the state predator class. My argument is that Boko Haram is the entirely logical consequence of more than five decades of the post-colonial Nigerian state ruled by a parasitic predator class that is itself a by-product of the colonial state.
Solid particle erosion of composite materials: A critical review
Authors: Miyazaki N
Published: December 2015

This article presents a critical review of papers dealing with solid particle erosion characteristics of polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. In addition, the solid particle erosion characteristics of coatings for composite materials are also reviewed. Attention was paid to type of a reinforcement material (fiber/filler), amount of fiber/filler, fiber orientation, and interfacial strength between fiber/filler and matrix, which affect the solid particle erosion in addition to the variables affecting the solid particle erosion of monolithic materials, that is, impact angle, particle velocity, temperature, particle flux, and erodent properties such as shape, size, hardness, and so on. General characteristics of solid particle erosion for composites are extracted from the review of the papers.
Material optimization of functionally graded heterogeneous cylinder for wave propagation
Authors: Asgari Masoud
Published: December 2015

In this paper, optimization of volume fraction distribution in a thick hollow heterogeneous cylinder subjected to impulsive internal pressure is considered. Dynamic behavior and wave propagation are considered in radial and axial directions. Volume fractions of constituent materials on a finite number of design points are taken as design variables and the volume fractions at any arbitrary point in the cylinder are obtained via cubic spline interpolation functions. The objectives are to minimize the amplitude of stress waves propagating through the structure during a specified time interval, while the total mass of the structure is also minimized. Minimizing the displacement amplitude of the outer surface of the cylinder will also be considered as another objective function. Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm jointed with interior penalty-function method for implementing constraints is effectively employed to find the global solution of the optimization problem. Obtained results indicates that by using the mentioned objective functions, considerably more efficient usage of materials can be achieved compared with the common power law volume fraction distribution. Based on our results, the proposed methodology provides a framework for designing functionally graded structures with optimum material tailoring.
Pull-out behavior of natural fiber from earth-based matrix
Authors: Mustapha Kabiru , Azeko Salifu T , Annan Ebenezer , Zebaze Kana Martiale G , Daniel Leo , Soboyejo Winston O
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and analytical study of the pull-out behavior of natural fiber (grass straw) from an earth-based matrix. A single fiber pull-out approach was used to measure interfacial properties that are significant to toughening brittle materials via fiber reinforcement. This was used to study the interfacial shear strengths of straw fiber-reinforced earth-based composites with a matrix that consists of 60 vol. % laterite, 20 vol. % clay and 20 vol. % cement. The composites that were used in the pull-out tests included composites reinforced with 0, 5, 10 and 20 vol. % of straw fibers. The toughening behavior of fiber-reinforced earth-based matrix was analyzed in terms of their interfacial shear strengths and bridging zones, immediately behind the crack tip. This approach is consistent with microscopic observations that reveal intact bridging fibers behind the crack tip, as a result of debonding of the fiber–matrix interface. Analytical models were used to study the debonding of fiber from the matrix materials, as well as the toughening due to crack-tip shielding via bridging. The results show that increasing the fiber embedment length and the fiber volume fraction (in the earth/cement matrix) increases the peak pull-out load. The debonding process was also found to be associated with a constant friction stress. The combined effects of multiple toughening mechanisms (debonding and crack bridging) are elucidated along with the implications of the results for the design of earth-based composites for potential applications in robust building materials for sustainable eco-friendly homes.
The Sociological Significance of Non-human Sleep
Authors: Hsu Eric L
Published: December 2015

Within the emerging sociology of sleep, researchers have, for strategic reasons, been mainly concerned with the sleep of human beings. But of what benefit is it to understand sleep as a trait of non-human entities? The aim of this article is to establish why it is worthwhile to expand how sleep is theoretically construed in sociological circles, so that sleep is more than just a property that human beings possess. In particular, I explore why it is fruitful to consider the sleep of non-human animals from a sociological perspective. I also examine the value of understanding sleep as a property ascribed to some technological devices. I then use the remaining part of this article to reflect on what it means to study sleep in these expanded ways. I relate non-human sleep to the emergence of the new materialism and explore how the concept opens up new areas for sociological inquiry.
“Deep Like the Sea and Strong Like the Earth”
Authors: Longmire-Avital Buffie , Reavis Brenda M.
Published: December 2015

Research indicates that 52% of Black American women will marry by age 30, compared with 81% of White American women. Black women prefer a partner of the same race and one who has the means to provide financial support. However, due to factors that disproportionately affect Black American men, such as incarceration, early death rates, unemployment rates, and lower educational attainment, finding an available Black male partner is challenging. Black women may have a smaller marriage market. To explore how this limited market may be influencing partner selections for Black women, the current study looked at which characteristics heterosexual Black American women seek in an ideal partner, as well as what traits are considered nonnegotiable. Qualitative responses gathered from 128 nonmarried Black American women (ages 18-29, M = 23) who completed an anonymous online survey were analyzed using content analysis. Overall findings indicated that compatibility was the most frequently listed characteristic, not race or financial status. This and other findings are discussed in regard to an expanding perception of heterosexual Black female partner selection habits.
Being Committed
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Hurt Tera R. , Futris Ted G. , Sheats Kameron F. , McElroy Stacey E. , Landor Antoinette M.
Published: December 2015

Few studies have examined adolescents’ understanding of romantic relationship commitment, particularly among African American youth. Using three waves of semistructured interviews, the present descriptive study addresses this topic by exploring the ways in which 20 African American adolescents (age range 13-19 years) from low-income backgrounds conceptualize and describe commitment in romantic relationships. Qualitative analyses revealed three main themes related to defining commitment, indicating that which commitment provides, and describing the nature of commitment in different relationship contexts. Findings inform psychological research and practice relating to commitment and romantic relationships among African American adolescents.
The role of emotion in patient safety: Are we brave enough to scratch beneath the surface?
Authors: Heyhoe Jane , Birks Yvonne , Harrison Reema , O’Hara Jane K , Cracknell Alison , Lawton Rebecca
Published: December 2015

Healthcare professionals work in emotionally charged settings; yet, little is known about the role of emotion in ensuring safe patient care. This article presents current knowledge in this field, drawing upon psychological approaches and evidence from clinical settings. We explore the emotions that health professionals experience in relation to making a medical error and describe the impact on healthcare professionals and on their professional and patient relationships. We also explore how positive and negative emotions can contribute to clinical decision making and affect responses to clinical situations. Evidence to date suggests that emotion plays an integral role in patient safety. Implications for training, practice and research are discussed in addition to strategies to facilitate health services to understand and respond to the influence of emotion in clinical practice.
Using Brief Cognitive Restructuring and Cognitive Defusion Techniques to Cope With Negative Thoughts
Authors: Larsson Andreas , Hooper Nic , Osborne Lisa A. , Bennett Paul , McHugh Louise
Published: December 2015

Negative thoughts, experienced by 80% to 99% of the non-clinical population, have been linked to the development of psychopathology. The current study aimed to compare a cognitive restructuring and cognitive defusion technique for coping with a personally relevant negative thought. Over a 5-day period, participants used either a restructuring, defusion, or control strategy to manage a negative thought. Pre- and post-intervention participants reported (a) believability of the thought, (b) discomfort associated with the thought, (c) negativity associated with the thought, and (d) willingness to experience the thought. Daily online questionnaires assessing the total frequency of negative thought intrusions and their level of willingness to experience the negative thought were also used. Also, 10 positive and negative self-statements were rated on the same scales, and self-report measures of mood and psychological flexibility were completed. Findings indicated that defusion lowered believability, increased comfort and willingness to have the target thought, and increased positive affect significantly more than the control and cognitive restructuring. Within groups, cognitive restructuring also made significant gains in target thought discomfort, negativity, and “willingness to have” in the same direction as defusion but the no-instruction control did not. Negative thought frequency was reduced in the defusion group, maintained in the restructuring group, and increased in the no-instruction control group. Similar trends emerged from the secondary outcome measures, that is, the effects of the strategies on the positive and negative self-statements. The current findings support the efficacy of using defusion as a strategy for managing negative thoughts.
Dudrick Research Symposium 2015—Lean Tissue and Protein in Health and Disease
Authors: Earthman Carrie P. , Wolfe Robert R. , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: December 2015

The 2015 Dudrick Research Symposium “Lean Tissue and Protein in Health and Disease: Key Targets and Assessment Strategies” was held on February 16, 2015, at Clinical Nutrition Week in Long Beach, California. The Dudrick Symposium honors the many pivotal and innovative contributions to the development and advancement of parenteral nutrition made by Dr Stanley J. Dudrick, physician scientist, academic leader, and a founding member of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. As the 2014 recipient of the Dudrick award, Dr Carrie Earthman chaired the symposium and was the first of 3 speakers, followed by Dr Robert Wolfe and Dr Steven Heymsfield. The symposium addressed the importance of lean tissue to health and response to disease and injury, as well as the many opportunities and challenges in its assessment at the bedside. Lean tissue assessment is beneficial to clinical care in chronic and acute care clinical settings, given the strong relationship between lean tissue and outcomes, including functional status. Currently available bioimpedance techniques, including the use of bioimpedance parameters, for lean tissue and nutrition status assessment were presented. The connection between protein requirements and lean tissue was discussed, highlighting the maintenance of lean tissue as one of the most important primary end points by which protein requirements can be estimated. The various tracer techniques to establish protein requirements were presented, emphasizing the importance of practical considerations in research protocols aimed to establish protein requirements. Ultrasound and other new and emerging technologies that may be used for lean tissue assessment were discussed, and areas for future research were highlighted.
Rebalance Without the Balance: A Research Note on the Availability of Community-Based Services in Areas Where Nursing Homes Have Closed
Authors: Tyler Denise A. , Fennell Mary L.
Published: December 2015

Policies to “rebalance” funding away from nursing homes and toward home and community-based services (HCBS) have encouraged national trends of nursing home closure and an expansion of the HCBS industry. These changes are unfolding without a clear understanding of what services are available at the local level. The purpose of this study was: (1) to describe the current distribution of community-based services (CBS) in areas where nursing homes have closed and (2) to examine differences in availability of CBS using local market and population characteristics as regressors in a multinomial logistic model. We collected data on and geocoded CBS facilities and then used ArcGIS to define a 5-mile radius around all nursing homes that closed between 2006 and 2010 and compared these local market areas. In rural areas, availability of CBS does not appear to compensate for nursing home closures. Policies encouraging HCBS may be outpacing availability of CBS, especially in rural areas.
Early family system types predict children’s emotional attention biases at school age
Authors: Lindblom Jallu , Peltola Mikko J , Vänskä Mervi , Hietanen Jari K , Laakso Anu , Tiitinen Aila , Tulppala Maija , Punamäki Raija-Leena
Published: December 2015

The family environment shapes children’s social information processing and emotion regulation. Yet, the long-term effects of early family systems have rarely been studied. This study investigated how family system types predict children’s attentional biases toward facial expressions at the age of 10 years. The participants were 79 children from Cohesive, Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Authoritarian family types based on marital and parental relationship trajectories from pregnancy to the age of 12 months. A dot-probe task was used to assess children’s emotional attention biases toward threatening (angry) and affiliative (happy) faces at the early (500 ms) and late (1250 ms) stages of processing. Situational priming was applied to activate children’s sense of danger or safety. Results showed that children from Cohesive families had an early-stage attentional bias toward threat, whereas children from Enmeshed families had a late-stage bias toward threat. Children from Disengaged families had an early-stage attentional bias toward threat, but showed in addition a late-stage bias away from emotional faces (i.e., both angry and happy). Children from Authoritarian families, in turn, showed a late-stage attentional bias toward emotional faces. Situational priming did not moderate the effects of family system types on children’s attentional biases. The findings confirm the influence of early family systems on the attentional biases, suggesting differences in the emotion regulation strategies children have developed to adapt to their family environments.
Idealism and the metaphysics of individuality
Authors: Giladi Paul
Published: December 2015

What is arguably the central criticism of Hegel’s philosophical system by the Continental tradition, a criticism which represents a unifying thread in the diverse work of Schelling, Feuerbach, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Adorno, is that Hegel fails to do justice to the notion of individuality. My aim in this article is to counter the claim that Hegel’s idea of the concrete universal fails to properly explain the real uniqueness of individuals. In what follows, I argue that while the Continental critique (as it is particularly expressed by Adorno) is prima facie attractive, it is ultimately misguided.This is because the critics of Hegel fail to correctly understand (1) his principal argument in ‘Sense-Certainty’; (2) crucial features of his logico-metaphysics; and (3) his notion of wholeness. I contend that carefully explicating these important parts of the Hegelian system not only shows that Hegel’s metaphysical commitments are not those that do not leave meaningful room for or make adequate sense of individuality, but that they also reveal a sophisticated treatment of the interdependency between the categories of individuality, particularity and universality in a way which conceives of individuality robustly.
Parental involvement and home environment in music: Current and former students from selected community music programs in Brazil and the United States
Authors: Barnes Gail V. , DeFreitas Aureo , Grego John
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine whether individuals’ perceptions of parental involvement and home environment in music vary with nationality (Brazil/United States) and time frame (past/current). Past and current students from selected community music programs in the United States and Brazil completed the PI-HEM (Parental Involvement and Home Environment in Music) survey. There were significant differences for both nationality and time frame. Post-hoc canonical correlations indicate the differences were mostly in “environment” and “participation”. Current students in the United States had the lowest normal percentiles of rank-based scores for those two subscales. Results may help teachers develop concrete strategies for parental involvement.
Attributional Theory in investigating public music performance in higher music education
Authors: Schneider Grings Ana Francisca , Hentschke Liane
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this research was to investigate the causes attributed by undergraduate music students to situations of failure and success in public music performance. Attributional Theory has been used in this research as the theoretical framework to understand how situations of success and failure are interpreted by the person of the activity. The analysis was conducted from an Intrapersonal perspective of motivation, i.e., how the attributions made by the students doing an undergraduate course in music revealed their notions and beliefs. The methodology used included a non-probabilistic survey and the data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire involving 130 undergraduate music students of southern Brazil. The results show that in situations considered to be successful, the most frequent attributed causes are effort (77.7%), persistence (65.4%), and interest in the performance (63.1%), whereas in situations considered to be failures the most important aspects are emotional (60.8%), difficulty of the task (36.2%), and lack of effort (30.8%). This research shows that students who have more musical experience regard their performances as good or excellent, whereas those that have little experience do not view themselves in this way. The data reveal that the greater the importance that is attached to an activity, the more time is spent on preparing for it; in the same way students tend to be more engaged with musical activities and devote more time to them when they are aware of their skills and value them. Music students feel responsible for their results, which shows that they are engaged in their learning and seek to satisfy an inner need to achieve success.
Experienced general music teachers’ instructional decision making
Authors: Johnson Daniel C. , Matthews Wendy K.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore experienced general music teachers’ decision-making processes. Participants included seven experienced, American general music teachers who contributed their views during two phases of data collection: (1) responses to three classroom scenarios; and (2) in-depth, semi-structured, follow-up interviews. Analysis using a constructivist approach revealed that participants reported making distinct decisions during the planning, instruction, and reflection stages of teaching. During planning, their focus was on developing clear goals and objectives, encouraging a life-long love of music, and fostering responsible citizenship. During instruction, they made decisions guided by specific formal and informal methodologies to build on previously taught concepts and to support classroom management. After instruction, participants’ responses highlighted the importance of being flexible, their own professional development, and student assessment. While other studies have examined general music teachers’ instructional processes in methodology-specific practices, this study offers insights from experienced general music teachers regarding their decision-making processes when responding to classroom scenarios. Implications for future research include improving in-service teachers’ self-awareness, advancing professional development for experienced teachers, and enhancing the effectiveness of music teacher education programs.
The policy–practice divide and SME-friendly public procurement
Authors: Flynn Anthony , Davis Paul
Published: December 2015

Policies aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are now standard in public procurement. Interest in these policies has yet to be matched by evidence on their implementation. Using an institutional perspective, we examine public buyers compliance with SME-friendly policy recommendations. The results, which are based on the self-reported behaviours of 436 respondents, show that public buyers are complying with some but not all policy measures. Compliance is high on measures including open tendering, provision of feedback and self-declaring financial capacity, but low on measures that impose higher transaction costs, such as dividing contracts into lots and encouraging consortium bidding. Further analysis reveals that involvement in procurement, policy familiarity and perceived importance of SME access act as positive predictors of compliance; being part of a semi-state/utility company, local authority or education institution has the opposite effect. Possibilities to increase compliance and bring about a more SME-friendly tendering system are discussed.
The effect of perceived justice on LBS users’ privacy concern
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: December 2015

As a killer application of the mobile Internet, location-based services (LBS) have been popular among users. However, due to the collection and utilization of users’ location information, LBS have raised users’ privacy concern, which may negatively affect their usage. From the perspective of perceived justice, this research examined LBS users’ privacy concern and continuance usage. Perceived justice includes three dimensions: distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice. The results indicated that perceived justice has significant effects on privacy concern, satisfaction and flow. These three factors determine continuance usage. The results imply that service providers need to improve users’ perceived justice in order to mitigate their privacy concern and facilitate their continuance usage of LBS.
A decent work framework
Authors: Mehta Balwant Singh
Published: December 2015

It is argued that the ICT sector offers greater ease of access to employment for women than traditional sectors. This is reflected in the high representation of women employees in the ICT sector in India. Considering the importance of the ICT sector in India, policy makers and industry leaders are continuously debating on women’s work and working conditions in this sector. In this paper an attempt has been made to understand the critical issue by using a modified version of the decent work framework and discussing both favourable and unfavourable results of women’s employment in the Indian ICT sector.
Impact of carbon dioxide tension during cardiopulmonary bypass on tissue perfusion in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery using autologous umbilical cord blood
Authors: Chasovskyi Kyrylo , Yemets Illya
Published: December 2015

Objective:

Previously, we reported that the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted leftward in patients who receive autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) during neonatal open heart surgery. In this study, we assessed whether allowing the pCO2 to rise during hypothermic cardiopulmonary perfusion would shift the curve back to the right and improve tissue oxygenation.

Methods:

The study population included prenatally diagnosed patients with transposition of the great arteries. The study cohort was divided into two groups and consisted of early patients originally managed with lower pCO2 levels (Group I, n=42, 2009-12) and later patients subsequently managed with higher pCO2 levels (Group II, n=38, 2012-14).

Results:

Patients received similar volumes of collected autologous UCB (Group I, 80 ml; Group II, 75ml, p=0.207) with a similar mean level of HbF during CPB (Group I, 90±8%; Group II, 87±9%, p=0.310). Higher levels of pCO2 during CPB (Group I, 31 mmHg; Group II, 37 mmHg, p=0.011) resulted in a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve (increased p50O2) (Group I, 19.5±3.4 mmHg; Group II, 22.5±2.2 mmHg, p=0.011). The use of a higher pCO2 strategy was associated with decreased serum lactate during CPB (Group I, 4.7±2 mmol/l; Group II, 2.8±1.4 mmol/l, p=0.001), decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (Group I, 46h; Group II, 22h, p<0.001) and decreased of length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (Group I, 7.6±2.6, Group II, 5.6±2.2, p=0.003)

Conclusions:

A higher pCO2 during CPB in neonates who underwent open heart surgery using UCB resulted in a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and was associated with improved serum lactate levels.
White matter changes after stroke in type 2 diabetic rats measured by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ding Guangliang , Chen Jieli , Chopp Michael , Li Lian , Yan Tao , Davoodi-Bojd Esmaeil , Li Qingjiang , Davarani Siamak PN , Jiang Quan
Published: December 2015

Diffusion-related magnetic resonance imaging parametric maps may be employed to characterize white matter of brain. We hypothesize that entropy of diffusion anisotropy may be most effective for detecting therapeutic effects of bone marrow stromal cell treatment of ischemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats. These rats were then subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion, and received bone marrow stromal cell (5 × 106, n = 8) or an equal volume of saline ( n = 8) via tail vein injection at three days after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on day one and then weekly for five weeks post middle cerebral artery occlusion. The diffusion metrics complementarily permitted characterization of axons and axonal myelination. All six magnetic resonance imaging diffusion metrics, confirmed by histological measures, demonstrated that bone marrow stromal cell treatment significantly ( p < 0.05) improved magnetic resonance imaging diffusion indices of white matter in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion compared with the saline-treated rats. Superior to the fractional anisotropy metric that provided measures related to organization of neuronal fiber bundles, the entropy metric can also identify microstructures and low-density axonal fibers of cerebral tissue after stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.
The chronopolitics of exile: Hope, heterotemporality and NGO economics along the Thai–Burma border
Authors: Norum Roger , Mostafanezhad Mary , Sebro Tani
Published: December 2015

In this article, we foreground chronopolitics – the politics of time – to examine the ways in which the heterotemporalities of Burmese exiles living in nine “temporary shelters” along the Thai–Burma (Myanmar) border mediate one of the most protracted displacement situations in the world. The imminent repatriation of these Burmese exiles, tens of thousands of whom have been waiting for decades to be resettled to an often elusive third country or to return to a peaceful Burma, has given way to a preeminent “crisis of hope.” The perception that the camps are “out of time” has diverted critical funding streams away from border-related issues and into Burma itself, which has led to a widespread shift in focus for thousands of NGOs in the region. It is within this temporal and spatial context that we argue that the political economy of hope is deeply entangled in the geoeconomics of Burma’s “opening up” to systems of global capital. The forestalled realizations of exiles’ hopes and potential futures are inextricably linked to not only geoeconomic change but also to the shifting foci of NGOs and stakeholders in the region towards liberalization policies and projects in Burma and away from Burma’s exile populations. In this way, along Thai–Burma border, the political economy of hope articulates with chronopolitics in ways that shed new light on the politics and temporalities of refugeedom.
The effects of acute and preventive migraine therapies in a mouse model of chronic migraine
Authors: Tipton Alycia F , Tarash Igal , McGuire Brenna , Charles Andrew , Pradhan Amynah A
Published: December 2015

Background

The development of novel migraine therapies has been slow, in part because of the small number of clinically relevant animal models. We have recently developed a new mouse model of chronic migraine using chronic intermittent nitroglycerin, a known human migraine trigger. The objective of this study was to validate this model by testing known and potential migraine-preventive treatments.

Methods

Migraine therapies were administered to male and female mice for 11 days. On day 3, mice were tested with nitroglycerin every second day for nine days. Basal and nitroglycerin-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity was evaluated using von Frey filaments.

Results

Chronic intermittent nitroglycerin produced acute hyperalgesia with each administration, and progressive and sustained basal hypersensitivity. The established preventive migraine therapy propranolol effectively blocked the development of acute and chronic nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, while valproate had no effect. Potential migraine-preventive therapies were also tested: Amiloride inhibited nitroglycerin-induced acute and chronic hyperalgesia; while memantine was ineffective. We also tested the acute migraine therapy sumatriptan, which did not alter nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, but instead resulted in acute and chronic hyperalgesia similar to that observed following nitroglycerin administration.

Conclusions

This study establishes the chronic nitroglycerin model as an additional screening tool to test novel migraine-preventive therapies.