bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Forum, the System, and the Polity: Three Varieties of Democratic Theory
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: July 2016

The theory of deliberative democracy is here furthered in terms of three images that locate its essence in respectively a single forum, a deliberative system, and an encompassing polity featuring particular integrative norms. The first two are ubiquitous, though contested, the third is stated here. Deliberative theorists need to contemplate how practices that make sense in each image connect to the other two. Forums only make sense when linked in a system that can synthesize very different deliberative virtues (notably, justification, reflection, and inclusion). Any system’s democratic qualities can only be evaluated in terms of the polity. While judgment in terms of the conditions of normative integration in the polity is therefore primary, particular forums can promote deliberative authenticity in a system, and systems enable inclusive application of deliberative ideals. Deployed in this way, the three images help solve internal disputes and respond to critics.
Toward the Smarter Use of Smart Drugs
Authors: Hupli Aleksi , Didžiokaitė Gabija , Ydema Marte
Published: July 2016

The use of cognitive enhancement drugs (CEDs) among university students has raised widespread concerns about non-medical prescription drug use, safety, exam cheating, and study-related stress. While much of the empirical research to date has been conducted in the United States and Australia, this article examines perceptions and experiences of CED use among university students in the Netherlands and Lithuania. Our data come from two qualitative studies and one mixed-methods study and comprise 35 semi-structured interviews (20 in the Netherlands and 15 in Lithuania) and open-ended online survey responses from a convenience sample of 113 students in the Netherlands. Employing a crowded theory approach to interpret our qualitative data, we found most of our informants turned to CEDs to enhance their studying through better concentration and time management. Students used a broad range of pharmaceuticals (with and without a physician’s prescription), recreational drugs, and nutritional supplements as cognitive enhancers, were generally well informed about the safety and efficacy of the substances they used, experienced both beneficial and adverse effects, and self-regulated their CED use to balance these effects, ensuring that their use remained moderate and thoughtful.
An empirical model for the urban heat island intensity for a site in Manchester
Authors: Levermore Geoffrey J , Parkinson John B
Published: July 2016

The urban heat island intensity is the difference in temperature between a site close to the centre of a city and a site close to but outside the city (the rural site). The urban heat island intensity varies continuously throughout the day and is strongly dependent on the weather conditions at the time. The most important weather parameters are the wind speed, the cloud cover and the solar radiation. We have developed an empirical model for the urban heat island intensity and applied it to a site near the centre of Manchester and a rural site at Rostherne, approximately 17 km away. Weather data from the Met Office station at Rostherne are available from the British Atmospheric Data Centre. Our model uses the measured wind speed, the measured cloud cover and the measured solar radiation from Rostherne. The parameters of the model are adjusted to give a best fit to the measured urban heat island intensity for the year 2014. The model is then used to predict the hourly urban heat island intensity for the first six months of 2015, obtaining good results especially as the values of the parameters are not changed throughout the year and the model does not make use of the temperatures at either site. The accuracy of the model is such that if used for a basic heating and cooling load calculations the accuracy of the annual demand is high.

Practical applications: Many buildings that building services engineers and other building designers design are in urban or city centres. However, the weather data for their designs are based on near-rural weather data which do not include the urban heat island effect. This paper describes a method to ascertain the urban heat island effect in the centre of Manchester. A designer could apply this for Manchester and as an initial indication to other similar urban areas. This will allow the rural weather data to be adjusted on an hourly basis for the urban heat island effect throughout the year.
Exhaust ventilation performance in residential washrooms for bioaerosol particle removal after water closet flushing
Authors: Mui KW , Wong LT , Yu HC , Cheung CT , Li N
Published: July 2016

Potential bioaerosol infection risk associated with toilet flushing has not been sufficiently addressed in the design of residential washroom exhaust system. This study evaluates the performance of exhaust ventilation for residential washrooms in terms of air change rate, washroom size, washroom geometry, and locations of door louver, exhaust and water closet. Three bioaerosol species namely Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Serratia marcescens (ATCC 6911), and Cladosporium cladosporioides (ATCC 16022) are included in the simulations. By shortening the distance between the locations of exhaust and emission source (i.e. water closet), the fractional counts of bioaerosol particles exhausted can be increased. An increased air change rate and a louvered door can also improve the exhaust ventilation performance, yet with a longer time to steady state. This study should provide a useful source of reference for washroom exhaust designers to minimize bioaerosol infection risk.

Practical application: This paper shows for residential washroom with an exhaust fan installed, the ventilation performance can be improved by an increased air change rate, and by shortening the distance between the locations of exhaust and emission source.
When Perspective Taking Creates a Motivational Threat
Authors: Mooijman Marlon , Stern Chadly
Published: July 2016

Taking another person’s perspective has generally been found to foster positive attitudes. We propose that perspective taking can lead to more negative attitudes when people imagine an experience that threatens their current motivations and goals. We test this idea by examining how taking the perspective of a male same-sex couple influences political conservatives’ attitudes. Across four studies, we demonstrate that (a) the extent to which conservatives (but not liberals) imagine same-sex sexual behavior predicts more anti-gay attitudes, (b) this effect is in part attributable to conservatives experiencing greater disgust, and (c) having conservatives reappraise disgust as not necessarily signaling the threat of disease eliminates this effect. These findings indicate that perspective taking can foster negative attitudes when the content of perspective taking threatens current motivations. The proposed ideas provide unique insights toward developing a more comprehensive framework of how perspective taking shapes attitudes.
Cultural Differences in Values as Self-Guides
Authors: Cheung Wing-Yee , Maio Gregory R. , Rees Kerry J. , Kamble Shanmukh , Mane Sangeetha
Published: July 2016

Three studies tested whether individualism–collectivism moderates the extent to which values are endorsed as ideal self-guides and ought self-guides, and the consequences for regulatory focus and emotion. Across Studies 1 and 2, individualists endorsed values that are relatively central to the self as stronger ideals than oughts, whereas collectivists endorsed them as ideals and oughts to a similar degree. Study 2 found that individualists justified central values using reasons that were more promotion focused than prevention focused, whereas collectivists used similar amount of prevention-focused and promotion-focused reasons. In Study 3, individualists felt more dejected after violating a central (vs. peripheral) value and more agitated after violating a peripheral (vs. central) value. Collectivists felt a similar amount of dejection regardless of values centrality and more agitation after violating central (vs. peripheral) values. Overall, culture has important implications for how we regulate values that are central or peripheral to our self-concept.
Newcomers to Social Categories
Authors: van Veelen Ruth , Eisenbeiss Kerstin Karen , Otten Sabine
Published: July 2016

In the present article, we propose a dynamic model of the longitudinal predictors and consequences of ingroup identification among newcomers to a social category. We hypothesize a shift in the relative importance of intragroup affiliation as compared with intergroup differentiation for ingroup identification. Two longitudinal studies confirm the theoretical model assessing cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between ingroup identification and interpersonal attraction, self-prototypicality, and ingroup favoritism at three measurement points during the first 4 months of group membership in two different social categories. Results demonstrate that in the initial phases of group membership, ingroup identification is mainly determined by intragroup affiliation (interpersonal attraction) and that ingroup favoritism starts playing a relevant role later on, when category membership has been established.
In and Between Societies: Reconnecting Comparative Institutionalism and Organization Theory
Authors: Hotho Jasper , Saka-Helmhout Ayse
Published: July 2016

Recently, the state and future of organization theory have been widely debated. In this Perspectives issue, we aim to contribute to these debates by suggesting that organizational scholarship may benefit from greater understanding and consideration of societal institutions and their effects on the collective organizing of work. We also illustrate that the literature on comparative institutionalism, a strand of institutional thought with a rich tradition within Organization Studies, provides useful insights into these relations. We highlight several of these insights and briefly introduce the articles collected in the associated Perspectives issue of Organization Studies on comparative institutionalism1. We end with a call for greater cross-fertilization between comparative institutionalism and organization theory at large.
Examining Perceptions and Attitudes
Authors: Ho Grace W. K.
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this article is to compare and discuss the use of Likert-type scales and Q-methodology to examine perceptions and attitudes in nursing research. This article provides a brief review of each approach, and how they have been used to advance our knowledge in health-related perceptions and attitudes. Although Likert-type scales are economical, efficient, and easy to analyze, the results can be difficult to interpret or translate into meaningful practice. In contrast, Q-methodology yields holistic and in-depth information on what the prevailing perceptions and attitudes are, but its conduct is logistically challenging and the results’ generalizability can be limited. The appropriate uses of either or both approaches to answer different research questions will be discussed. Nurse scientists are called upon to continue our exploration, utilization, and expansion of unique methodologies that directly speak to a meaningful examination of these important constructs in nursing research.
Self-Efficacy and Blood Pressure Self-Care Behaviors in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Kauric-Klein Zorica , Peters Rosalind M. , Yarandi Hossein N.
Published: July 2016

This study examined the effects of an educative, self-regulation intervention on blood pressure self-efficacy, self-care outcomes, and blood pressure control in adults receiving hemodialysis. Simple randomization was done at the hemodialysis unit level. One hundred eighteen participants were randomized to usual care ( n = 59) or intervention group ( n = 59). The intervention group received blood pressure education sessions and 12 weeks of individual counseling on self-regulation of blood pressure, fluid, and salt intake. There was no significant increase in self-efficacy scores within ( F = .55, p = .46) or between groups at 12 weeks ( F = 2.76, p = .10). Although the intervention was not successful, results from the total sample ( N = 118) revealed that self-efficacy was significantly related to a number of self-care outcomes including decreased salt intake, lower interdialytic weight gain, increased adherence to blood pressure medications, and fewer missed hemodialysis appointments. Increased blood pressure self-efficacy was also associated with lower diastolic blood pressure.
Mitral valve repair using a semirigid ring: patient selection and early outcomes
Authors: Wan Song , Lee Alex PW , Attaran Saina , Yu Peter SY , Au Sylvia SW , Kwok Micky WT , Lau Rainbow WH , Wong Randolph HL , Wan Innes YP , Ng Siu-Keung , Underwood Malcolm J
Published: July 2016

Background

Commonly used complete mitral annuloplastic rings include saddle-shaped and semirigid rings, with no clear indication for either type. A semirigid ring may be preferred in patients whose native mitral saddle shape is well maintained. We present our experience of using semirigid rings for mitral valve repair.

Methods

We routinely measured the annular height-to-commissural width ratio by 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography prior to mitral repair. We generally chose a semirigid (Memo 3D) ring in patients whose annular height-to-commissural width ratio was normal (≥ 15%). The same semirigid ring with an additional chordal guiding system (Memo 3D ReChord) was selected for patients with anterior leaflet or bileaflet pathology. Over an 18-month period, 66 patients with severe degenerative ( n = 60) or functional ( n = 6) mitral regurgitation had Memo 3D ( n = 32) or Memo 3D ReChord ( n = 34) rings implanted.

Results

Postoperative 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was completed in all patients (mean follow-up 7 ± 5 months). The majority of patients had no or mild residual mitral regurgitation; only two had moderate (2+) mitral regurgitation. There was no mortality at 30-days or on midterm follow-up.

Conclusions

Our series represents the first Asian clinical experience using the Memo 3D ReChord ring. Although the long-term durability of mitral repair with this type of semirigid annuloplastic ring warrants further validation, our current clinical data are encouraging.
Marking the passage of time (2003–2013): Reflections on ISME at its 60th anniversary
Authors: McCarthy Marie
Published: July 2016

The International Society for Music Education (ISME) celebrated its 60th anniversary on July 7, 2013. This article documents a history of the Society in its sixth decade (2003–2013). Two interrelated perspectives, consolidation and expansion, are used to synthesize patterns of development. Various partnerships created and sustained by ISME enabled and facilitated the internal work of structural consolidation and the external work of global expansion. These patterns of development are set in the context of three themes used in an earlier history of ISME – democracy, diversity, and dialogue – to lend continuity to the ongoing documentation of the Society’s history.
Noise pollution in old and new urban fabric with focus on traffic flow
Authors: Monazzam Mohammad R , Abolhasannejad Vahideh , Moasheri Bibi Narjes , Abolhasannejad Vahid , Kardanmoghaddam Hamid
Published: July 2016

Noise pollution is considered as one of the effective factors affecting people’s quality of life in urban areas throughout the world. Traffic is a major source of noise in urban areas with wide ranging effects on human. The present study aims to determine the mean of noise levels in old and new urban fabric and their relationship with the traffic flow. Acoustic survey was performed during one week in each month of the summer in assigned stations. In this investigation, using a sound level meter and BS 7445-1-2003, BS 7445-3-1991, Leq10 min was measured and the percentage of highly annoyed people was estimated. The data were analyzed by using statistical tests and SPSS software. The results show that the mean of noise levels measured in all stations during the three months of the summer was higher than the standard limit. The relationship between the mean of noise level and the traffic flow in areas in new fabric was significant but not in those in old fabric. Higher rates of noise pollution in old fabrics and lack of significant relationship with the traffic flow in those points show that noise pollution can be reduced in the city to a great extent by considering effective traffic rules, widening crowded streets, and improving those conditions that govern urbanization. Of course, the amount of the porosity of asphalt, bumpy streets, and even technical defect of motor vehicles should not be ignored.
Thinking permeable matter through feminist geophilosophy: Environmental knowledge controversy and the materiality of hydrogeologic processes
Authors: Bosworth Kai
Published: July 2016

In this paper, I argue that encounters with hydrogeologic processes encourage feminists to rethink the permeable surfaces between human bodies, ecological systems, and political events. Contemporary geographical accounts of environmental knowledge controversies are insufficiently attentive to how geologic processes exceed and undermine instrumental deliberative political solutions to environmental problems. Through a mobilization of feminist geophilosophy, I argue instead that the limits of instrumental knowledge are not merely produced by uncertainty or lack of evidence, but by the inhuman forces that condition feminist thinking itself. An investigation of a controversy surrounding the permeability of underground materials near a proposed in situ recovery uranium mine in South Dakota demonstrates that subterranean spaces have the ability to heighten a sense of the openness of our bodies to geological forces. Public and expert testimony of the hydrogeology of the region creatively extended scientific accounts to draw conclusions about the meaning and force of geology for the politics of uranium extraction. This essay contributes a unique account of environmental controversies in which materiality does not become instrumental or experiential knowledge but instead produces a creative understanding of permeable geologic materials which provokes feminist thought.
Adaptive planning: Generating conditions for urban adaptability. Lessons from Dutch organic development strategies
Authors: Rauws Ward , De Roo Gert
Published: July 2016

The development of cities includes a wide variety of uncertainties which challenge spatial planners and decision makers. In response, planning approaches which move away from the ambition to achieve predefined outcomes are being explored in the literature. One of them is an adaptive approach to planning. In this paper, we argue that adaptive planning comes with a shift in focus. Instead of content and process, it is first of all about creating conditions for development which support a city’s capacity to respond to changing circumstances. We explore what these conditions may comprise and how they can be related to planning. First theoretically, by portraying cities as complex adaptive systems. Then empirically, through an evaluation of the practice of organic development strategies in which development trajectories are only minimally structured. Based on a review of 12 Dutch urban development projects, two of which are analysed in detail in this paper, we identify a series of conditions on spatio-functional configurations and the capacity building of local actors which enhance urban adaptability.
Information literacy of women on family planning in rural communities of Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Adekannbi Janet O. , Adeniran Olumide Morakinyo
Published: July 2016

This study explored the information literacy of women on family planning in rural communities of Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling was adopted. Akinyele local government was divided into 12 wards and from these, six rural communities were purposively selected. Convenience sampling was used to select respondents, who were women within the reproductive age of 18–49 years. Focus group discussion was used to collect data from 78 respondents and interview from five key informants. The data collected in the Yoruba language were transcribed verbatim and translated to English. The collected data were analysed thematically. Findings showed some basic level of knowledge about family planning among the women, although the majority were yet to adopt family planning. Acquisition of family planning information was mainly through the radio and health centres, where available. Reasons for non-adoption included husbands’ disapproval and unavailability of health facilities as well as reported complications arising from use. There were no reported cases of enlightenment programmes by the government except in one of the communities, where such programmes were introduced but stopped. Provision of fully equipped and functioning health centres with well-trained health professionals is recommended to improve information literacy on family planning.
The impact of a focused vascular lower limb arterial duplex (F-VLAD) scan in management decisions for acute limb ischaemia
Authors: Normahani Pasha , Aslam Mohammed , Standfield Nigel J , Jaffer Usman
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To establish the diagnostic accuracy of a ‘focused vascular lower limb arterial duplex scan (F-VLAD)’ developed to facilitate rapid decision-making for acute limb ischaemia (ALI).

Methods:

Ten cases of ALI were identified from our patient database; clinical details, history and examination findings were extracted from the clinical notes. Original ‘full’ duplex ultrasound (DUS) pictorial reports were ‘re-formatted’ to include only anatomical segments included in the ‘F-VLAD’ scan. The series of 10 reports were emailed to 1741 vascular surgeons. Each recipient received a random mixture of full and F-VLAD scans. Participants were asked regarding next step in management and confidence in decision-making (Likert scale; 1 strongly disagree, 5 strongly agree). The cases were again sent out to the same database and respondents were asked as to the cause of ischaemia (embolic or thrombosis).

Results:

Eighty-one participants responded to the first survey and 43 participants to the second survey. Participants felt more confident making decisions regarding management using the full duplex report compared to the F-VLAD report (4 (3-4) vs 3 (2-4), median (IQR); p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy (differentiating embolus from thrombosis) when comparing the F-VLAD and full DUS reports (85.4% vs 88.3%; p=0.461). F-VLAD and ‘full’ DUS reports had comparable sensitivity (85.1% vs 86.8%), specificity (85.6% vs 89.2%),positive predictive value (PPV) (80.4% vs 81.9%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (89.2% vs 92.2%), respectively.

Conclusion:

The F-VLAD scan has comparable accuracy to a traditional full DUS in diagnosing the underlying aetiology of ALI. This may facilitate surgeon-performed point-of-care DUS.
Del Nido cardioplegia in low risk adults undergoing first time coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Guajardo Salinas Gustavo E. , Nutt Roger , Rodriguez-Araujo Gerardo
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Single-dose del Nido cardioplegia has been used in the pediatric population for many years. Only a small amount of data exists about its use in adult cardiac surgery. We sought to compare the outcomes of all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass, using our 4:1 blood cardioplegia versus single-dose 1:4 del Nido cardioplegia, at our institution.

Methods:

Data were retrospectively reviewed from all patients during 2 consecutive years (2013-2014). We switched our cardioplegia protocol from 4:1 blood cardioplegia to exclusively 1:4 single-dose del Nido cardioplegia in early 2014. A total of 408 patients were evaluated. Two hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients underwent coronary artery bypass using blood cardioplegia and 159 using del Nido Cardioplegia.

Results:

Cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, in-hospital mortality and length of stay were similar (p>0.05): 63 ± 23 vs. 65 ± 21 min, 50 ± 20 vs. 52 ± 20 min, 0.8% vs. 0.6% and 6.4 ± 3 vs. 5.8 ± 3 days, respectively. For secondary outcomes: patients requiring defibrillation was 105/249 (42%) vs. 13/159 (8%) (p<0.0001), blood transfusion was required in 96/249 (38%) vs. 48/159 (30%) (p<0.085), total volume administered was 1139mL vs. 813 mL per case (p<0.0001), hematocrit change was 11.6% vs. 10.9% (p<0.04) and the mean cost per dose was $157.54 vs $5.74.

Conclusions:

Single-dose del Nido cardioplegia is an effective and economic cardioplegia and can be used with good outcomes in coronary surgery. Most patients have spontaneous return of sinus rhythm and there is a trend towards decreased transfusion rate.
Stability and Change of Outsider Behavior in School Bullying: The Role of Shame and Guilt in a Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Mazzone Angela , Camodeca Marina , Salmivalli Christina
Published: July 2016

We analyzed developmental changes in outsider behavior, testing whether the likelihood that it turns into bullying or defending over time depends on the individual proneness to feel shame or guilt. Participants were 155 preadolescents (72 boys and 83 girls; [Formula: see text]age at T1 = 10.74 years). Bullying, defending, and outsider behaviors were assessed twice by peer nominations. Shame- and guilt-proneness were assessed at T1 by a self-report questionnaire. All behaviors appeared quite stable; however, regression analyses revealed that shame and guilt were associated with outsider developmental pathway. In particular, students steadily presented outsider behavior after a 9-month period if they showed low guilt or high shame at T1. Results are discussed in terms of future directions for research and interventions.
Awareness and Perception of Strabismus Among the Youths And Women of Child-Bearing Age in a Local Government in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Bodunde Olubunmi , Runsewe-Abiodun Tamramat , Alabi Adekunle , Adetunji Janet , Olowonyo Michael , Adefuye Bolanle
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To determine the level of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of strabismus among youth and women of child-bearing age in southwestern Nigeria.

Methodology

Fifteen Focus Group Discussions were carried out in Ogun State Nigeria on awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of people toward strabismus. A thematic phenomenological approach was used for the analysis.

Results

A total of 139 people participated in the Focus Group Discussions, with a male:female ratio of 1:∼4. Although there was a fairly high level of awareness of strabismus in the populace, their attitudes and perceptions of the disease were poor, based on unfounded fears and misconceptions of the disease.

Conclusions

We conclude that the negative perception and acceptance of people with strabismus by the people in southwestern Nigeria is based on poor knowledge of the disease. As a result, the stigma attached to the condition appears to interfere with accessing health-care services for treatment.
Occupational therapists in community mental health teams for older people in England: Findings from a five-year research programme
Authors: Abendstern Michele , Tucker Sue , Wilberforce Mark , Jasper Rowan , Challis David
Published: July 2016

Introduction

This English study is the first to focus on the contribution of occupational therapists to the work of community mental health teams for older people.

Method

A mixed methods study comprising: a national survey of community mental health team managers; caseload audit; qualitative interviews; and a practitioner survey provided information on team membership and functions, user characteristics, accounts of occupational therapists’ roles and experiences, and work characteristics.

Findings

Occupational therapists worked mainly with people with dementia and were involved in both generic and specialist tasks, with the latter focusing largely on maintaining functionality. They had found ways to balance their roles for the benefit of the team without loss of professional identity. Some differences of opinion between clinical leads and occupational therapists were reported. Stress levels among occupational therapists were similar to those of professional colleagues.

Conclusion

Some findings contrast with earlier studies of community mental health teams for working-age adults, offering new insights into the nature of the occupational therapists’ experiences. To ensure that occupational therapists in these settings are able to contribute effectively, a shared understanding of their role is required between them and their clinical leads.
Ethnic diversity and business performance: Which firms? Which cities?
Authors: Nathan Max
Published: July 2016

A growing literature examines how ethnic diversity influences economic outcomes in cities and inside firms. However, firm–city interactions remain more or less unexplored. Ethnic diversity may help firm performance by introducing a wider range of ideas, improving scrutiny or improving international market access. Urban locations may amplify in-firm processes via agglomeration economies, externalities from urban demography or both. These firm–city effects may be more beneficial for knowledge-intensive firms, and for young firms with a greater dependence on their environment. However, firm–city interactions could be negative for cost and competition-sensitive younger firms, or for firms operating in poorer, segregated urban markets. I deploy English cross-sectional data to explore these issues within firms’ ‘top teams’, using latent class analysis to tackle firm-level heterogeneity. I find positive diversity–performance links for larger, knowledge-intensive firms, and positive firm–city interactions both for larger, knowledge-intensive firms in London and for younger, smaller firms in second-tier metros.
Uneven state formalization and periurban housing production in Hanoi and Mexico City: Comparative reflections from the global South
Authors: Boudreau Julie-Anne , Gilbert Liette , Labbé Danielle
Published: July 2016

In the early 2000s, Vietnam and Mexico turned to the private sector to respond to increasing housing demand and tame the growth of uncontrolled periurban settlements. Around Hanoi, such arrangements fostered the construction of vertical developments while large subdivisions of single-family houses spread over former lakebeds in the peripheries of Mexico City. A stronger role of the private sector in the planning and provision of housing is often seen as an outcome of crisis-driven and crisis-inducing neoliberal reforms. However, the cases of Vietnam and Mexico suggest that a fuller understanding of housing production strategies currently favoured by each state needs to account for important elements of continuity in social, political, and economic practices. This continuity is demonstrated through the comparative analysis of three aspects of the restructuring of housing production in Mexico City’s and Hanoi’s periurban areas: (i) the discourses of ‘order’ used to legitimate heightened private sector involvement, (ii) legislative reforms facilitating periurban land appropriation for redevelopment, and (iii) the socio-spatial outcomes of these recent changes in terms of housing affordability, liveability, and quality. We conclude that both city-regions, despite important differences in their institutional and economic systems display enduring state/market/civil society relations associated with processes of ‘uneven state formalization’. This continuity and unevenness, we argue, better explains recent transformations of periurban housing production than an emphasis on the ruptures resulting from neoliberal reforms.
A wind resource assessment at Aħrax Point: A node for central Mediterranean offshore wind resource evaluation
Authors: Farrugia Robert N , Sant Tonio
Published: July 2016

This article presents salient results from wind measurements conducted by the Malta Resources Authority at Aħrax Point on the Mediterranean island of Malta. The measurement exercise had the primary aim of enabling a better assessment of wind conditions in the near shore offshore environment, more specifically on an offshore reef known as Is-Sikka l-Bajda. The 80 metre wind monitoring mast installed at Aħrax Point generated data from various sensors at multiple monitoring levels and the analysis presented here divulges key parameters derived from this scientific study. The region lacks measured offshore wind data and the islands’ position in the central Mediterranean makes such a data bank useful for offshore wind resource assessments, as well as for comparison with results generated by mesoscale meteorological models. This study investigates wind behaviour at Aħrax Point as a multi-level measurement node and the results are also compared to a re-analysis dataset in order to establish similarities or deviations of specific wind parameters.
The role of methysergide in migraine and cluster headache treatment worldwide – A survey in members of the International Headache Society
Authors: MacGregor E Anne , Evers Stefan ,   on behalf of the International Headache Society
Published: July 2016

Background

Methysergide has been as an effective treatment for migraine and cluster headache for over 50 years but has recently been investigated by the European Medicines Agency due to safety concerns.

Methods

To assess the need for continuing availability of methysergide, the International Headache Society performed an electronic survey among their members.

Results

The survey revealed that 71.3% of all respondents had ever prescribed methysergide and 79.8% would prescribe it if it were to become available. Respondents used it more in cluster headache than migraine, and reserved it for use in refractory patients.

Conclusion

The vast majority of headache experts in this survey regarded methysergide a unique treatment option for specific populations for which there are no alternatives, with an urgent need to continue its availability. This position was supported by the International Headache Society.
In situ pultrusion of vinyl ester/nano-mica matrix composites: Process feasibility and process parameters
Authors: Chiang Chin-Lung , Chen Chin-Hsing
Published: July 2016

We conducted a feasibility study on the pultrusion of glass fiber-reinforced vinyl ester/nano-mica matrix composites through a proprietary in situ method. The matrix prepolymer for pultrusion is to be prepared by blends of vinyl ester, initiator (t-butyl perbenzoate), and nano-mica. It is desired to investigate the process feasibility and parameters of the unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced vinyl ester/nano-mica matrix composites through in situ pultrusion. The characteristics of long pot life, high reactivity, and excellent glass fiber wet out of the vinyl ester/nano-mica matrix confirmed its excellent process feasibility for in situ pultrusion. The effects of the optimal process parameters, including die temperature, pulling rate, postcure temperature and time, filler (nano-mica) content, and glass fiber content, were investigated. The optimal die temperature was determined on the basis of a differential scanning calorimetry diagram and conversion of the vinyl ester/nano-mica matrix. The mechanical properties of pultruded composites decreased with increasing pulling rate and increased at a suitable postcure temperature and time. Furthermore, the properties decreased because of the degradation of pultruded composites for a long postcure time. The mechanical properties of pultruded composites achieved maximum values at 2 phr and 75.6 vol% corresponding to nano-mica and glass fiber content and then decreased.
An Intelligent Tutor-Assisted Mathematics Intervention Program for Students With Learning Difficulties
Authors: Xin Yan Ping , Tzur Ron , Hord Casey , Liu Jia , Park Joo Young , Si Luo
Published: July 2016

The Common Core Mathematics Standards have raised expectations for schools and students in the United States. These standards demand much deeper content knowledge from teachers of mathematics and their students. Given the increasingly diverse student population in today’s classrooms and shortage of qualified special education teachers, computer-assisted instruction may provide supplementary support, in conjunction with the core mathematics instruction, for meeting the needs of students with different learning profiles. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential effects of the Please Go Bring Me-Conceptual Model-Based Problem Solving (PGBM-COMPS) intelligent tutor program on enhancing the multiplicative problem-solving skills of students with learning disabilities or difficulties in mathematics.
Refugees and rivals: The international dynamics of refugee flows
Authors: Moorthy Shweta , Brathwaite Robert
Published: July 2016

Intra-state violence in Syria, Myanmar, Sudan and other locales has generated an unprecedented level of refugee movement. Although extant scholarship has examined the origins of refugee flows and their implications for political violence, our understanding of why countries receive refugees is less understood. Typically, most explanations focus on the host state’s ability to absorb the economic and security costs that refugees generate. We argue that transnational factors associated with rivalry and alliances, particularly characterizing the relationship between the refugee-producing country and the potential host, impact the type of refugee groups we observe in a destination state. We posit that interstate rivalry and alliance arrangements influence the domestic cost calculus of a host state about receiving refugee groups originating from certain countries. A large- n analysis of refugees for the years 1951–2008 shows strong support for our predictions that a country is likely to receive refugees fleeing its rivals and is reluctant to accept refugees originating from its contiguous allies.
Effects on Reading of an Early Intervention Program for Children at Risk of Learning Difficulties
Authors: González-Valenzuela María-José , Martín-Ruiz Isaías
Published: July 2016

The study aimed to analyze the effects on reading of an early oral and written language intervention program for Spanish children at risk of learning difficulties. The goal of this classroom-based program was to prioritize a systematic approach to reading and writing and to foster phonological knowledge and the development of oral language (phonology, semantics, morphology, and syntax) within the Spanish school curriculum. The sample comprised 56 students at risk of learning difficulties. The repeated-measures longitudinal design involved four assessment and three intervention points over a period of 3 years, considering two study groups (instruction vs. no instruction) and two variables (reading accuracy and reading comprehension). Children were assessed between the ages of 5 and 7 years. The instruction group scored higher on both reading accuracy and reading comprehension at all assessment points. Overall, the results demonstrate that this early intervention program for oral and written language is an effective way of improving the reading performance of children at risk of learning difficulties.
No effect of mercury exposure on kidney function during ongoing artisanal gold mining activities in Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Luz Helena Sánchez , Rodríguez-Villamizar Laura Andrea , Flórez-Vargas Oscar , Fiallo Yolanda Vargas , Ordoñez Álvaro , Gutiérrez Myriam del Carmen
Published: July 2016

This cross-sectional study examined whether people who are exposed to mercury (Hg) vapours in ongoing artisanal gold mining activities have alteration in kidney function monitoring parameters. The study enrolled 164 miners and 127 participant controls. The Hg concentrations for miners and control participants were measured in blood (B-Hg; median 7.0 vs. 2.5 µg/L), urine (U-Hg; median 3.9 vs. 1.5 µg/g creatinine) and hair (H-Hg; median 0.8 vs. 0.4 µg/g hair). The biomarkers of renal function were creatinine, albumin and excretion of β-2 microglobulin. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation. Significant statistical differences were found in Hg concentrations and eGFR levels between the two study groups ( p < 0.01) but not with the other biomarkers of renal function. A multiple regression model was applied to explore the relationship of eGFR levels and Hg concentrations. However, no association was found between the prevalence of reduced eGFR (<71.96 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the B-Hg or U-Hg levels after adjustment for covariates. Nevertheless, it was observed that having B-Hg levels above 10 µg Hg/L decreased the eGFR by 1.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (confidence interval 95% −5.1 to 1.7) compared to having levels below 2.0 µg Hg/L. Our results found no support for kidney damage associated with Hg vapour exposure in ongoing artisanal gold mining, whose population has a level of Hg exposure from low to moderate (B-Hg from 3.4 to 11.0 µg/L and U-Hg from 1.3 to 9.6 µg/g creatinine).
Investigation of the oxidative stress condition for occupational exposure to methyl methacrylate
Authors: Soykut Buğra , Erdem Onur , Akay Cemal , Pişkin Bülent
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of possible toxicological effects on dental personnel, who are exposed to the production materials of prostheses during their entire working life. In this study, the level of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in ambient air was measured as an indicator of external exposure on the personnel. In order to evaluate the possible toxic effects of oxidative stress, which is thought to play an important role in the formation process of many diseases such as cancer, blood samples of volunteers were examined via the ultraviolet-spectroscopic determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzyme activities, comparing occupationally MMA-exposed ( n = 69) and control ( n = 67) groups. In these groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione levels were also determined by the same method. The results showed that SOD activity and MDA and glutathione levels were significantly higher in the exposed group when compared with the control group ( p < 0.001). A significant decrease was determined in the glutathione peroxidase activities of the exposed group ( p < 0.05). No significant difference in CAT activities between the groups has been found. When the results obtained in the study are considered, it is suggested that an adaptive response might be developed by dental technicians against low-level MMA exposure.
Pineal Gland Volume Assessed by MRI and Its Correlation with 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin Levels among Older Men
Authors: Sigurdardottir Lara G. , Markt Sarah C. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Aspelund Thor , Fall Katja , Schernhammer Eva , Rider Jennifer R. , Launer Lenore , Harris Tamara , Stampfer Meir J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Czeisler Charles A. , Lockley Steven W. , Valdimarsdottir Unnur A. , Mucci Lorelei A.
Published: July 2016

The pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, and its volume may influence melatonin levels. We describe an innovative method for estimating pineal volume in humans and present the association of pineal parenchyma volume with levels of the primary melatonin metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. We selected a random sample of 122 older Icelandic men nested within the AGES-Reykjavik cohort and measured their total pineal volume, their parenchyma volume, and the extent of calcification and cysts. For volume estimations we used manual segmentation of magnetic resonance images in the axial plane with simultaneous side-by-side view of the sagittal and coronal plane. We used multivariable adjusted linear regression models to estimate the association of pineal parenchyma volume and baseline characteristics, including 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels. We used logistic regression to test for differences in first morning urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels among men with or without cystic or calcified glands. The pineal glands varied in volume, shape, and composition. Cysts were present in 59% of the glands and calcifications in 21%. The mean total pineal volume measured 207 mm3 (range 65-536 mm3) and parenchyma volume 178 mm3 (range 65-503 mm3). In multivariable-adjusted models, pineal parenchyma volume was positively correlated with 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels (β = 0.52, p < 0.001). Levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin did not differ significantly by presence of cysts or calcification. By using an innovative method for pineal assessment, we found pineal parenchyma volume to be positively correlated with 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels, in line with other recent studies.
Considering the Role of Social Capital for Economic Development Outcomes in U.S. Counties
Authors: Hoyman Michele , McCall Jamie , Paarlberg Laurie , Brennan John
Published: July 2016

The authors examine major aspects of the connection between social capital and economic development in U.S. counties. They test the conclusions of Putnam, who saw associations as a force for positive development, and Olson, who concluded the opposite. The authors find that Putnam organizations have a negative effect on income, while Olson organizations have a positive effect by decreasing levels of income inequality. Drawing on the literature distinguishing between bridging versus bonding, the authors show that bridging capital has a positive effect on development by increasing per capita income, while bonding capital has a neutral effect on both per capita income and income inequality. Finally, religious variables are tested for their relationship with economic development. Overall, congregation density has a negative influence by increasing per capita income and income inequality, controlling for geographic type. Congregations with bridging characteristics have a mixed effect on development by decreasing income and decreasing inequality.
Not All Created Equal
Authors: Schenkel Mark T. , Yoo Sean Sehyun , Kim Jaemin
Published: July 2016

This study extends the family firm performance literature by focusing on birth order differences among descendant CEOs. Data collected from a sample of Korean family firms yield three insights. First, descendant birth order is directly associated with differences in the distribution of control through ownership, leadership (i.e., CEO), and the incorporation of outside board participation and governance. Second, descendant birth order also moderates the relationship between outside block holdings and firm performance. Third, we find evidence suggesting that because of firm performance differences, first-son descendant CEOs may find themselves more often replaced over time.
Needle geometry effect on vibration tissue cutting
Authors: Barnett Andrew C , Lee Yuan-Shin , Moore Jason Z
Published: July 2016

Needle vibration tissue cutting is a method that has been shown to reduce tissue cutting force and thereby improve needle position accuracy inside the body. Needle accuracy is crucial for minimally invasive needle operations such as the radiation cancer treatment of brachytherapy. This article uniquely determines the importance of needle geometry in minimizing cutting force in needle vibration tissue cutting. This article also determines how vibration specifically affects cutting force. This new information was found by performing needle cutting experiments with five varying conical tipped needles being inserted into ex vivo bovine liver as well as a polyurethane sheet at varying vibratory amplitudes and frequencies. Results show that applying vibration to sharper needles greatly reduced the insertion force by up to 67%, where the blunter needles saw diminishing benefits. The tissue phantom experiments showed that vibration reduced the force needed to propagate the created crack but showed no improvement over the initial puncture force. This greater understanding of needle vibration tissue cutting can lead to improved needle geometry designs that work with vibration to reduce tissue cutting force.