bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current debates in urban theory: A critical assessment
Authors: Storper Michael , Scott Allen J
Published: March 2016

Urban studies today is marked by many active debates. In an earlier paper, we addressed some of these debates by proposing a foundational concept of urbanisation and urban form as a way of identifying a common language for urban research. In the present paper we provide a brief recapitulation of that framework. We then use this preliminary material as background to a critique of three currently influential versions of urban analysis, namely, postcolonial urban theory, assemblage theoretic approaches and planetary urbanism. We evaluate each of these versions in turn and find them seriously wanting as statements about urban realities. We criticise (a) postcolonial urban theory for its particularism and its insistence on the provincialisation of knowledge, (b) assemblage theoretic approaches for their indeterminacy and eclecticism and (c) planetary urbanism for its radical devaluation of the forces of agglomeration and nodality in urban-economic geography.
Turn! Turn! Turn!
Authors: Knassmüller Monika
Published: March 2016

As the integration of academic teaching and research with communities of practice is considered a major concern of public administration since its founding as a field, professional programmes were established on the premise that there is a positive relationship between practice and scholarship. However, the balance between them is considered delicate as they differ in the context, processes and purposes of their practices. The respective members not only use different vocabularies but base their professional action and reasoning on different logics. This paper develops the idea that part-time professional programmes might be conceptualized as a separate (temporary) system with a distinct frame of reference and language that is governed by its own logic but linked to the two other systems of scholarship and practice. The practical consequences of this approach are explored with regard to the role and objectives of research in professional programmes and the difficulties to achieve them.
“We’re Going to Make Lemonade Out of Lemons”
Authors: Wieczorek Douglas , Theoharis George
Published: March 2016

This study reports on four urban middle- and high school principals’ emotionally shaped sense making of Race to the Top policies and their ability to balance the competing demands of teachers’ emotional needs with the charge to implement mandated, accountability-driven, instructional, and evaluation changes in their schools. Despite the pressure and apprehension about Race to the Top, they expressed optimism and worked to align their schools to the established policy frameworks while honoring teachers’ feelings and supporting their needs at the same time. This study provides implications for research, practice, and leadership development regarding how social, cognitive, and emotional factors affect principals’ instructional leadership, particularly how they navigate changes and increasing, multilevel, policy-driven educational pressures.
The perils of dating your boss
Authors: Chan-Serafin Suzanne , Teo Lydia , Minbashian Amirali , Cheng David , Wang Lu
Published: March 2016

Engaging in romantic relationships at work, especially with one’s superiors (i.e., hierarchical workplace romance; [HWR]), has generally been shown to negatively impact the participants involved. However, less attention has focused on its impact on the career advancement of lower status romance participants and when such an impact is exacerbated. Two experiments show that third-party evaluators were less likely to promote (Study 1) and select lower status HWR participants for training opportunities (Study 2) than their counterparts not in an HWR. Moreover, the negative career ramification of an HWR was stronger for men romantically involved with their female superiors than women with their male superiors (Study 2). This research highlights the need for organizational members to be aware of biases associated with HWR and gender role–based status expectations because past achievements may be discounted for lower status HWR participants, especially men.
Population Aging in Serbia
Authors: Radivojević Aleksandar , Pavlović Mila , Milovanović Milan , Stričević Ljiljana , Dimić Marija
Published: March 2016

This article focuses on the problem of population aging in the municipality of Bela Palanka typical for the most prominent demographic problems in the territory of the Republic of Serbia and characteristically marked by an unfavorable age structure. The authors tried to determine both spatial and temporal dimensions of the population aging process of the aforementioned municipality.
Sex Differences in the Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament, and Meniscal Injuries in Collegiate and High School Sports
Authors: Stanley Laura E. , Kerr Zachary Y. , Dompier Thomas P. , Padua Darin A.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Previous research has noted sex-based differences in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates in young athletes, while little is known about medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscal injury rates in this population. The objective of this study was to compare injury rates for traumatic knee injuries (ie, ACL, MCL, and meniscal injuries) in collegiate and high school (HS) varsity student-athletes across multiple sports.

Hypothesis:

Knee injury rates vary by sex and across different sports and levels of competition.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Injury and athlete-exposure data were utilized from the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network (NATION) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) during the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 academic years. Analyses focused on ACL, MCL, and meniscal injuries. Injury rates and injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs were calculated for basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball/softball.

Results:

The ACL injury rate was higher for female than male athletes at the collegiate (IRR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.81-3.41) and HS (IRR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.67-3.18) levels. At the collegiate level, the highest ACL IRR comparing female to male athletes was reported in softball/baseball (IRR, 6.61; 95% CI, 1.48-29.55). At the HS level, the highest ACL IRR was reported in basketball (IRR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.91-7.10). The MCL injury rate was higher for female than male athletes at the HS level (IRR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.25-3.56) but lower for female than male athletes at the collegiate level (IRR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.92). The meniscal injury rate was lower for female than male athletes at the HS level (IRR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.71), while no differences by sex were seen at the collegiate level (IRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.90-2.02).

Conclusion:

Knee injury rates varied by sex across 5 different sports in the HS and collegiate settings. Female athletes sustained ACL injuries at a higher rate than male athletes at both the HS and collegiate levels in these 5 sports; however, there was not a distinct sex disparity in MCL and meniscal injuries. Future studies should examine the rates of concomitant and recurrent injuries to inform injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Municipal solid waste incineration in China and the issue of acidification: A review
Authors: Ji Longjie , Lu Shengyong , Yang Jie , Du Cuicui , Chen Zhiliang , Buekens Alfons , Yan Jianhua
Published: March 2016

In China, incineration is essential for reducing the volume of municipal solid waste arising in its numerous megacities. The evolution of incinerator capacity has been huge, yet it creates strong opposition from a small, but vocal part of the population. The characteristics of Chinese municipal solid waste are analysed and data presented on its calorific value and composition. These are not so favourable for incineration, since the sustained use of auxiliary fuel is necessary for ensuring adequate combustion temperatures. Also, the emission standard for acid gases is more lenient in China than in the European Union, so special attention should be paid to the issue of acidification arising from flue gas. Next, the techniques used in flue gas cleaning in China are reviewed and the acidification potential by cleaned flue gas is estimated. Still, acidification induced by municipal solid waste incinerators remains marginal compared with the effects of coal-fired power plants.
Assessing the Quality of Rural Hazard Mitigation Plans in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Horney Jennifer , Nguyen Mai , Salvesen David , Dwyer Caroline , Cooper John , Berke Philip
Published: March 2016

High-quality hazard mitigation plans may improve postdisaster outcomes in many ways, including establishing a community fact base and providing rationales for protective policies and actions. Hazard mitigation plans in eighty-four rural counties in the Southeastern United States were scored using an established protocol. To supplement quantitative data, twenty-one key informant interviews were conducted in a subsample of seven counties. While overall plan quality was poor, informants identified areas for improvement. Understanding potential shortcomings of rural hazard mitigation plans can help communities identify areas to direct limited resources to improve plans, particularly in communities that self-identify as highly vulnerable to disasters.
Racial Differences and the Role of Marital Status in the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Masho Saba W. , Rozario Sylvia , Walker D’Won , Cha Susan
Published: March 2016

More than half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended which may lead to poor health outcomes. Racial and ethnic differences underlying the association between IPV and unintended pregnancy are inconsistent. This study examines the association between IPV and unintended pregnancy across racial/ethnic and marital strata among U.S. women. Data from the national 2009/11 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System consisting of women who recently delivered a live birth baby were analyzed (n=108,220). A dichotomous variable was created to indicate whether women experienced IPV in the 12 months leading to their most recent pregnancy (yes; no). The outcome, pregnancy intention, was dichotomized as intended or unintended. Subpopulation analysis was conducted stratified by race/ethnicity and marital status. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using multiple logistic regression models. The odds of unintended pregnancy were increased for married non-Hispanic White women who reported IPV compared to their non-abused counterparts even after controlling for sociodemographic factors, health care access, and reproductive history. Among unmarried non-Hispanic other women, abused women were significantly less likely to report unintended pregnancy than the non-abused. No significant differences were observed for Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black women. There are significant racial and ethnic differences in the association between IPV and unintended pregnancy. Additionally, the association differed by marital status. Public health professionals and health care providers should be aware of these differences.
Beyond the Situational Model: Bystander Action Consequences to Intervening in Situations Involving Sexual Violence
Authors: Moschella Elizabeth A. , Bennett Sidney , Banyard Victoria L.
Published: March 2016

Sexual violence is a widely reported problem in college communities. To date, research has largely focused on bystander intervention as one way to help prevent this problem. Although perceived consequences of bystander intervention, such as the weighting of costs and benefits, have been examined, little research has explored what happens after a bystander intervenes. The current study investigated what bystanders report as perceived outcomes and actual consequences of their bystander actions in response to risk for sexual assault. Of the 545 surveyed, 150 reported having taking bystander action in the past month and qualitatively described their bystander behavior and the responses of those parties involved. A range of behavioral responses and intervention methods were identified. The most frequent responses reported by participants were victims conveying positive and perpetrators conveying negative responses. Different types of helping were associated with bystanders reporting different types of responses to their actions. Future research should incorporate additional measures of consequences of bystander intervention. Implications for policy and bystander intervention programs are discussed, stressing the need for bystander intervention programs to address a range of bystander behaviors and explain the potential consequences and risks of intervening.
An Investigation of Service Quality—Willingness to Recommend Relationship across Patient and Hospital Characteristics
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Babakus Emin , Westbrook Kevin W. , Grant Cori Cohen , Deitz George D. , Rafalski Ed
Published: March 2016

This study investigates onto which dimensions of service quality have more impact on patients’ overall quality perceptions of a hospital and seeks to determine the nature of relationship between service quality and patients’ willingness to recommend a hospital to their friends and family. The study also uncovers if the levels of service quality and recommendation behaviours and the relationship between service quality and recommendation behaviour exhibit similar patterns among male versus female, black versus white patients and small/medium versus large hospitals. Data gathered via mail questionnaires and phone interviews from a large sample of the patients of a hospital system in the Southern United States serve as the study setting. Results are presented and their implications are discussed. Avenues for future research are offered.
We Have to Be Willing to Say the World Has Changed and Now We Have to Figure Out How to Deal With That
Authors: Markkanen Pia , Slatin Craig
Published: March 2016

New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy has been published for 25 years. To acknowledge this milestone, Dr. Pia Markkanen interviewed Charles Levenstein, Editor Emeritus of the journal, in August 2015. The purpose of this interview was to review the journal’s history: from its earliest roots to the present. New Solutions began in 1990 as a project with the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union (OCAW). Dr. Charles Levenstein was the founding editor and Tony Mazzocchi was the original publisher. We’ve tapped Dr. Levenstein’s memory to learn the intent of starting the journal and how it developed. The interview presents some of the challenges of sustaining a movement journal with the mission of being a bridge between academics and researchers and workers, environmentalists, as well as advocates and activists.
On the full coupling of plastic anisotropy and anisotropic ductile damage under finite strains
Authors: Badreddine Houssem , Saanouni Khemais
Published: March 2016

In this work, thermodynamically consistent, non-associative and fully anisotropic elastoplastic constitutive equations strongly coupled with ductile anisotropic damage developed in previous work are used to study the responses of the proposed model under various simple and complex loading paths. First, the complete set of the fully coupled non-associative constitutive equations based on the rotated frame formulation (RFF) for finite strains is summarized and shortly discussed. Then, the effect of the rotating frame in the model response is analyzed on the light of typical loading paths. The influence of the induced plastic anisotropies on the evolution of the anisotropic ductile damage is investigated. Finally, the responses of the model for non-proportional loading paths are studied, compared and discussed with respect to the initial and induced anisotropies of the plastic flow and the ductile damage evolution as well as with respect to the rotating frame choice.
Dodging Self-Incriminations: An Examination of Feigned Miranda Abilities on the SAMA
Authors: Rogers Richard , Henry Sarah A. , Sharf Allyson J. , Robinson Emily V. , Williams Margot M.
Published: March 2016

Forensic assessments must always consider whether examinees are putting forth genuine effort or seeking to feign legally relevant incapacities. Miranda abilities are no exception when a putatively invalid Miranda waiver might result in the full suppression of an outright confession. Using a within-subjects simulation design, jail detainees were administered a representative Miranda warning and two Standardized Assessment of Miranda Abilities (SAMA) measures: Miranda Vocabulary Scale and Miranda Quiz. As expected, detainees have no difficulty in feigning severe deficits in their recall of the Miranda warning and portraying markedly impaired abilities on both SAMA measures. However, using floor-effect detection strategies, several feigning indicators proved effective at identifying likely feigned Miranda abilities. As an ancillary issue, the Inventory of Legal Knowledge was found to be very effective using both the traditional and revised scoring.
Community-Based Validation of the Social Phobia Screener (SOPHS)
Authors: Batterham Philip J. , Mackinnon Andrew J. , Christensen Helen
Published: March 2016

There is a need for brief, accurate screening scales for social anxiety disorder to enable better identification of the disorder in research and clinical settings. A five-item social anxiety screener, the Social Phobia Screener (SOPHS), was developed to address this need. The screener was validated in two samples: (a) 12,292 Australian young adults screened for a clinical trial, including 1,687 participants who completed a phone-based clinical interview and (b) 4,214 population-based Australian adults recruited online. The SOPHS (78% sensitivity, 72% specificity) was found to have comparable screening performance to the Social Phobia Inventory (77% sensitivity, 71% specificity) and Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (74% sensitivity, 73% specificity) relative to clinical criteria in the trial sample. In the population-based sample, the SOPHS was also accurate (95% sensitivity, 73% specificity) in identifying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth edition social anxiety disorder. The SOPHS is a valid and reliable screener for social anxiety that is freely available for use in research and clinical settings.
Worldviews, Issue Knowledge, and the Pollution of a Local Science Information Environment
Authors: Ahern Lee , Connolly-Ahern Colleen , Hoewe Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Research in motivated reasoning supports the notion that sociopolitical identity moderates the impact of knowledge on attitudes toward science issues. However, science knowledge and sociopolitical orientation have been measured in different ways, and the results have not been entirely consistent. In this study, 964 adults participated in an online survey-experiment examining their reactions to a message about local water quality. Results show that while issue-specific knowledge predicts increased environmental science public policy support, “polluting” the information environment with already politicized message frames activates sociopolitical orientation as a moderator and, among certain groups, reverses the direction of the relationship.
Clinical outcomes of remote asynchronous telerehabilitation are equivalent to traditional therapy following total knee arthroplasty: A randomized control study
Authors: Bini SA , Mahajan J
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Successful post-operative telerehabilitation following total knee replacement (TKR) has been documented using synchronous (real-time) video. Bandwidth and the need for expensive hardware are cited as barriers to implementation. Web-based asynchronous visual platforms promise to address these problems but have not been evaluated. We performed a randomized control study comparing an asynchronous video-based software platform to in-person outpatient physical therapy visits following TKR.

Materials and methods

Fifty-one patients were randomized to either the intervention group, using an asynchronous video application on a mobile device, or the traditional group undergoing outpatient physical therapy. Outcome data were collected using validated instruments prior to surgery and at a minimum three-month follow-up.

Results

Twenty-nine patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in any clinical outcome between groups. The satisfaction with care was equivalent between groups. Overall utilization of hospital-based resources was 60% less than for the traditional group.

Discussion

We report that clinical outcomes following asynchronous telerehabilitation administered over the web and through a hand-held device were not inferior to those achieved with traditional care. Outpatient resource utilization was lower. Patient satisfaction was high for both groups. The results suggest that asynchronous telerehabilitation may be a more practical alternative to real-time video visits and are clinically equivalent to the in-person care model.
The assessment of developmental trauma in children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Denton Ruth , Frogley Catherine , Jackson Sue , John Mary , Querstret Dawn
Published: March 2016

Background:

The assessment of children and young people with history of complex developmental trauma presents a significant challenge to services. Traditional diagnostic categories such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are argued to be of limited value, and while the proposed ‘Developmental Trauma Disorder’ definition attempts to address this debate, associated assessment tools have yet to be developed. This review builds on a previous review of assessment measures, undertaken in 2005.

Aim:

To identify trauma assessment tools developed or evaluated since 2004 and determine which are developmentally appropriate for children or adolescents with histories of complex trauma.

Method:

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted with explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

A total of 35 papers were identified evaluating 29 measures assessing general functioning and mental health ( N = 10), PTSD ( N = 7) and trauma symptomatology outside, or in addition to, PTSD ( N = 11). Studies were evaluated on sample quality, trauma/adversity type, as well as demographic and psychometric data. Distinction was made between measures validated for children (0–12 years) and adolescents (12–18 years).

Conclusion:

Few instruments could be recommended for immediate use as many required further validation. The Assessment Checklist questionnaires, designed with a developmental and attachment focus, were the most promising tools.
A preliminary study of an evaluation method for discomfort glare due to light trespass
Authors: Sim YJ , Kim IT , Choi AS , Sung MK
Published: March 2016

Light pollution is an environmental issue of rapidly increasing concern. Among the various types of light pollution, a major issue in residential areas is discomfort glare due to light trespass. Discomfort glare makes seeing and sleeping in a room difficult. Typical discomfort glare evaluation methods include the Daylight Glare Index and the Unified Glare Rating. However, no evaluation method exists for discomfort glare from artificial lighting entering through a window at night, i.e. light trespass. Therefore, this study investigated the existing methods for evaluating discomfort glare and subjective evaluation methods related to the characteristics of light trespass. We also examined the possible application of lighting simulation software programs for light trespass evaluation. We then performed a subjective evaluation of discomfort glare due to light trespass, compared the experimental values to our calculated values, and finally suggested a modified formula for evaluating light trespass.
A community survey on knowledge of the impact of environmental and epigenetic factors on health and disease
Authors: Miller Marian , Bailey Banita , Govindarajah Vinothini , Levin Linda , Metzger Traci , Pinney Susan M , Leung Yuet-Kin , Ho Shuk-Mei
Published: March 2016

Aim:

An outreach effort was designed to survey breast cancer survivors, supporters and their families and friends with respect to their interest in, and knowledge of, the potential impact of the environment and epigenetics on health.

Methods:

Two nearly identical questionnaires (one for adolescents and one for adults) were designed to gauge the perception of this community as to whether the environment impacts health and cancer risk through processes other than genetics. The questionnaires were filled out at casual social gatherings, fundraisers and wellness campaigns as well as in schools (730 participants). The differences among correct (scientific consensus) versus other responses (incorrect and not known) were evaluated. Each answer was first analysed individually and then grouped into one of three categories (diet, inheritance and environment) with age, race and gender. Differences for each response, question or group were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:

Respondents generally acknowledged that many factors could be associated with breast cancer although answers to key questions related to epigenetics based on diet, inheritance and environment were often incorrect or not known. The adult participants tended to answer more questions correctly than adolescents did. The majority of participants preferred the Internet as a major source for obtaining further information.

Conclusion:

The growing awareness and educational needs for adolescents may bring new paradigm-related environmental risk factors, which may minimise negative epigenetic outcome in subsequent generations. There is an educational opportunity, especially using electronic media, for public education concerning the impact of the environment on human health.
Reducing excess mortality due to chronic disease in people with severe mental illness: Meta-review of health interventions
Authors: Baxter Amanda J. , Harris Meredith G. , Khatib Yasmin , Brugha Traolach S. , Bien Heidrun , Bhui Kamaldeep
Published: March 2016

Background

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have high rates of chronic disease and premature death.

Aims

To explore the strength of evidence for interventions to reduce risk of mortality in people with SMI.

Method

In a meta-review of 16 systematic reviews of controlled studies, mortality was the primary outcome (8 reviews). Physiological health measures (body mass index, weight, glucose levels, lipid profiles and blood pressure) were secondary outcomes (14 reviews).

Results

Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications had some protective effect on mortality, subject to treatment adherence. Integrative community care programmes may reduce physical morbidity and excess deaths, but the effective ingredients are unknown. Interventions to improve unhealthy lifestyles and risky behaviours can improve risk factor profiles, but longer follow-up is needed. Preventive interventions and improved medical care for comorbid chronic disease may reduce excess mortality, but data are lacking.

Conclusions

Improved adherence to pharmacological and physical health management guidelines is indicated.
A novel high-content analysis tool reveals Rab8-driven cytoskeletal reorganization through Rho GTPases, calpain and MT1-MMP
Authors: Bravo-Cordero José J. , Cordani Marco , Soriano Silvia F. , Díez Begoña , Muñoz-Agudo Carmen , Casanova-Acebes María , Boullosa César , Guadamillas Marta C. , Ezkurdia Iakes , González-Pisano David , del Pozo Miguel A. , Montoya María C.
Published: March 2016

Rab8 is a small Ras-related GTPase that regulates polarized membrane transport to the plasma membrane. Here, we developed a high-content analysis (HCA) tool to dissect Rab8-mediated actin and focal adhesion reorganization that revealed that Rab8 activation significantly induced Rac1 and Tiam1 to mediate cortical actin polymerization and RhoA-dependent stress fibre disassembly. Rab8 activation increased Rac1 activity, whereas its depletion activated RhoA, which led to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Rab8 was also associated with focal adhesions, promoting their disassembly in a microtubule-dependent manner. This Rab8 effect involved calpain, MT1-MMP (also known as MMP14) and Rho GTPases. Moreover, we demonstrate the role of Rab8 in the cell migration process. Indeed, Rab8 is required for EGF-induced cell polarization and chemotaxis, as well as for the directional persistency of intrinsic cell motility. These data reveal that Rab8 drives cell motility by mechanisms both dependent and independent of Rho GTPases, thereby regulating the establishment of cell polarity, turnover of focal adhesions and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, thus determining the directionality of cell migration.
Community nursing quality indicators for end-of-life care in England: identification, preparation, and coordination
Authors: Cook Jane , Horrocks Susan
Published: March 2016

High-quality community nursing is essential to ensure that end-of-life care can be provided in community settings in line with patient preferences. This article examines the quality priorities commissioners sought to incentivise in end-of-life care, by reviewing a survey of Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) indicators for community nursing conducted in England in 2014–2015. Findings from the survey suggest that end-of-life care was not given a high priority with the CQUIN indicators for community nursing. Vigorous quality standards, including training and development, need to be in place to make sure that the potential of community nursing is being used to sensitively engage with people nearing the end of their lives and support them to plan their future care, if they so wish.
Nutritional advice for community patients: insights from a panel discussion
Authors: Thomas Linda V , Jenkins Gill , Belton Julie , Clements Suzie , Jacob Ciara , Johnson Naomi , Joy Deirdre , Low Jennifer , Munson Eileen , Sheppard Jessica
Published: March 2016

This article describes the conclusions of an expert panel that discussed four case studies; these were examples of patients typically encountered by nurses working in the community. The panel considered the nutritional and lifestyle advice that could be given by nurses relating to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, vulnerability to common infections, elderly care, recurrent urinary tract infection, antibiotic use, and risk of type 2 diabetes. A general conclusion was the importance of motivational interviewing techniques in achieving full understanding of patients’ concerns and to determine the best health strategy. As well as specific guidance appropriate for each disorder, a range of information sources for both health professionals and patients are listed in the paper. The panel noted that, although general nutritional advice can be given by nurses working at GP surgeries and in the community, patients should always be referred to registered dietitians or nutritionists if significant dietary changes are considered.
The Measurement of Motivation with Science Student
Authors: Mubeen Sarwat , Reid Norman
Published: March 2016

Motivation is an inner force that activates and provides direction to our thought, feelings and actions. Two main characteristics of motivation are goal directed behavior and persistence. Motivated people persistently work for the goal until it is achieved. This paper explores the nature of motivation in the context of learning and seeks to relate it to self-efficacy, self- concept, confidence and self-esteem. Motivation is presented as a ‘second order’ variable be- ing very much dependent on attitudes as well as perceived goals, needs and value. Ways of assessing motivation are considered and the typical use of questionnaire approaches is criticized heavily. These can measure what a person perceives but the perceptions may or may not correspond to reality. Indeed, the entire mathematical basis of data handling with questionnaires is questioned. A typical questionnaire is then used with a large sample of 600 1st and 2nd year science intermediate students, drawn from the province of the Punjab in Pakistan and the data obtained examined statistically. Correlations between the responses patterns in all 30 Likert-type questions were examined using Kendall’s tau-b while Principal Components Analysis, using varimax rotation, looked at the questionnaire overall as well as sub-groups of questions. Correlation values were found to be very low, suggesting no factor structure and, indeed, the factor analysis showed that there is no factor structure with the questionnaire used with this large population. Chi-Square, as a ‘contingency test’, was applied to compare the distributions of responses, gender separated. Gender differences were found only in a minority of questions. It is argued that motivation is highly multi-variate and that no simple factor structure is to be expected. It is also argued that, with ordinal data, following no prescribed pattern of distribution, only non-parametric statistics are appropriate. The traditional approaches are statistically incorrect and, as a result, will often miss key insights.
The Effect of Project Based Learning on the Statistical Literacy Levels of Student 8th Grade
Authors: Koparan Timur , Güven Bülent
Published: March 2016

This study examines the effect of project based learning on 8th grade students’ statistical literacy levels. A performance test was developed for this aim. Quasi-experimental research model was used in this article. In this context, the statistics were taught with traditional method in the control group and it was taught using project based learning in the intervention group. Statistics was given for four weeks according to pro ject based learning at intervention group. The performance test was applied to total 70 students as pre and post-test. Participants are from two different classes of a middle school in Trabzon. The data were analysed using Rasch measurement techniques. This measurement allowed both students’ performance and item difficulties to be measured using the same metric and placed on the same scale. All raw scores converted linear score in order to obtain equal interval scale. Acquired linear scores were compared. In the analysis of gained datum covariance analysis are used. According to gained results in pre-processing application there isn’t substantial difference between the achievements of intervention group and control group; but after processing between the achievements of intervention group and control group there is a substantial difference statistically in favor of intervention group. The results of the study revealed that the project based learning increased students’ statistical literacy levels in the intervention group.
Socio-cultural Factors in Second Language Learning: A Case Study of Adventurous Adult Language Learners
Authors: Ozfidan Burhan , Machtmes Krisanna L. , Demir Husamettin
Published: March 2016

Sociocultural theories consider language learning as a social practice examines students as active participants in the construction of learning processes. This study investigates sociocultural theories’ central concepts, which includes peer interaction and feed back, private speech, and self-efficacy. The present study is a case study of twenty participants. The participants for this case study were from different nationalities that demonstrated a unique ability to learn languages long after the critical period. Data was collected through interviews and observations. The participant mentioned about the process and the challenges/opportunities he experienced regarding second language learning. By analyzing the learning practices of other successful adult language l earners, recurring patterns revealed similarities, which were then emphasized and elaborated in second language pedagogy.
Cultura WEB 2.0 aplicada en el sector hotelero de Sevilla para hoteles independientes
Authors: Camacho Javier
Published: March 2016

Internet y las nuevas tecnologías 2.0 están cambiando la forma en la que los consumidores se acercan al sector servicios, y además facilita a los establecimientos hoteleros contactar más fácilmente con sus clientes. Este trabajo de fin de Máster se ha centrado en los hoteles independientes, y como éstos afrontan este nuevo reto. El punto de partida de la investigación ha tratado de averiguar, a través de una prueba piloto, que se está haciendo en la actualidad en estos hoteles. Para finalizar, se propone una aproximación al modelo adecuado para que los hoteles independientes saquen el mayor provecho a la Web 2.0, y maximizar estas nuevas herramientas para poder alcanzar mejor sus objetivos de comunicación promoción, comercialización y venta de productos y servicios hoteleros.
The structure of umkomasiacean fructifications from the Triassic of Queensland
Authors: Pattemore Gary A.
Published: March 2016

The plant fossil genera Umkomasia Thomas 1933 and Pteruchus Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962 are known chiefly from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Gondwana. The structure of these fructifications has been conjectural, some being identified as pinnate, others as helically arranged. Specimens from the Ladinian-lower Norian of Queensland (northeastern Australia) show that the female and male fructifications - U. geminata (Shirley 1898) Rigby in Playford et al. 1982 emend. nov. and P. dubius Thomas 1933 emend. Townrow 1962, respectively - have a bipinnate structure. Those fructifications and the bipinnate leaf, Dicroidium feistmantelii (Johnston 1894) Gothan 1912, probably all belonged to the same parent plant. It was first suggested by John Townrow in 1962 that the sporangial heads of P. dubius have a pinnate structure; this character is confirmed herein. Pteruchus is recorded for the first time from the Carnian Tarong Basin, Queensland.

The holotype of Stachyopitys simmondsii Shirley 1898 is shown to be ovuliferous. The species is recombined as Umkomasia simmondsii (Shirley 1898) comb. et emend. nov. Genuine male fructifications, previously identified as S. simmondsii, and later as Pteruchus simmondsii (Shirley 1898) Jones and de Jersey 1947, are assigned to P. minor Thomas 1933. That species comprises the smallest fructifications of the genus. Townrovia polaris Bomfleur et al. 2011 and Stachyopitys lacrisporangia Anderson & Anderson 2003 are identified as junior synonyms to P. minor. The diagnosis of Townrovia Retallack 1981 is inaccurate and the genus is insufficiently distinguished from Pteruchus.
Distribution and sources of n-alkanes in surface sediments of Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Yu Yunlong , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Zhigang , Zou Hua
Published: March 2016

The last study on n-alkanes in surface sediments of Taihu Lake was in 2000, only 13 surface sediment samples were analysed, in order to have a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of n-alkanes in the surface sediments of Taihu Lake, 41 surface sediment samples were analyzed by GC-MS. C10 to C37 were detected, the total concentrations of n-alkanes ranged from 2109 ng g−1 to 9096 ng g−1 (dry weight). There was strong odd carbon predominance in long chain n-alkanes and even carbon predominance in short chain n-alkanes. When this finding was combined with the analysis results of wax n-alkanes (WaxCn), carbon preference index (CPI), unresolved complex mixture (UCM), hopanes and steranes, it was considered that the long chain n-alkanes were mainly from terrigenous higher plants, and that the short chain n-alkanes mainly originated from bacteria and algae in the lake, compared with previous studies, there were no obvious anthropogenic petrogenic inputs. Terrestrial and aquatic hydrocarbons ratio (TAR) and C21−/C25+ indicated that terrigenous input was higher than aquatic sources and the nearshore n-alkanes were mainly from land-derived sources. Moreover, the distribution of short chain n-alkanes presented a relatively uniform pattern, while the long chain n-alkanes presented a trend that concentrations dropped from nearshore places to the middle of lake.
Standing Waves in a Rectangular Resonator Containing Acoustically Active Gases
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: March 2016

The distribution of perturbations of pressure and velocity in a rectangular resonator is considered. A resonator contains a gas where thermodynamic processes take place, such as exothermic chemical reaction or excitation of vibrational degrees of a molecule’s freedom. These processes make the gas acoustically active under some conditions. We conclude that the incident and reflected compounds of a sound beam do not interact in the leading order in the case of the periodic sound with zero mean pressure including waveforms with discontinuities. The acoustic field before and after forming of discontinuities is described. The acoustic heating or cooling in a resonator is discussed.
Effect of Urethane Foam Cushioning on Structure-Borne Sound Transfer by a Slab with Panel Flooring
Authors: Mu RuiLin , Toyoda Masahiro , Takahashi Daiji
Published: March 2016

Urethane foam mattresses are commonly used as cushioning when placing panel flooring on the floor slab of a building. Urethane foam consists of elastic fibres with pores. Both elements can affect the performance of the insulation against impact sounds. However, these effects have not yet been detailed, and they may change if the material properties or constitution of the fibres and pores in the cushioning change. In this paper, we propose an analytical model for use in evaluating the performance of insulation against floor impact sound. This model was used to examine the contribution of the pores versus the elastic fibres to wave transmissions from the flooring surface to the slab. The results reveal that the constitution of the foam (either open or closed cells of pores) and the thickness and hardness of the cushion layer strongly affect the sound insulation performance of the floor.
Analysis of compound action potentials elicited with specific current stimulating pulses in an isolated rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Žužek Monika C. , Rozman Janez , Pečlin Polona , Vrecl Milka , Frangež Robert
Published: March 2016

The ability to selectively stimulate Aα, Aβ-fibers and Aδ-fibers in an isolated rat sciatic nerve (SNR) was assessed. The stimulus used was a current, biphasic pulse with a quasitrapezoidal cathodic phase and rectangular anodic phase where parameters were systematically varied: intensity of the cathodic phase (i
The impact of renal function on the clinical performance of FLC measurement in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Milani Paolo , Foli Andrea , Basset Marco , Russo Francesca , Bosoni Tiziana , Pirolini Laura , Valentini Veronica , Ferraro Giovanni , Lavatelli Francesca , Barassi Alessandra , Albertini Riccardo , Merlini Giampaolo
Published: March 2016

The measurement of circulating free light chains (FLC) is of utmost importance in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, being a fundamental part of the diagnostic workup, prognostic stratification and assessment of response to therapy. Renal failure is a common feature of AL amyloidosis and can considerably affect the concentration of FLC.

We assessed the impact of renal failure on the clinical performance of the Freelite assay in 982 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with AL amyloidosis, 822 with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m

The diagnostic sensitivity of the κ/λ FLC ratio was lower for λ amyloidogenic FLC in patients with renal failure (81% vs. 60%, p<0.001) and the FLC concentration had no independent prognostic significance in patients with severe renal dysfunction. However, FLC response to chemotherapy could still discriminate patients with better outcome.

Renal failure is a relevant interference factor when using the Freelite assay for the identification of the amyloidogenic light chain and for prognostic assessment in patients with AL amyloidosis and renal failure.
Garlic capsule and selenium-vitamins ACE combination therapy modulate key antioxidant proteins and cellular adenosine triphosphate in lisinopril-induced lung damage in rats
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Bolarin Olakunle Enock , Akintunde Daniel G.
Published: March 2016

Background: Garlic capsule (GAR) and/or selenium- vitamin A, C, E (S-VACE) might be useful in the treatment of lung diseases. The present study evaluated the toxicity of lisinopril (LIS) in the lungs of male rats and the reversal effect of GAR and/or selenium-vitamins A, C, and E (S-VACE).

Methods: Group I served as the control, whereas animals in groups II, III, IV, and V received 28 mg of LIS/kg body weight by gavage. Group III was co-treated with GAR at a therapeutic dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight per day. Group IV was co-treated with S-VACE at dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight per day. Lastly, group V was co-treated with GAR and S-VACE at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 days (sub-acute exposure).

Results: Administration of therapeutic dose of LIS to male rats depleted enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and cellular adenosine triphosphate content with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation. Histopathology examination showed damage to the epithelial cells of the airways. These effects were prevented by both single and combination treatment of GAR and S-VACE in male rats with LIS-induced lung toxicity.

Conclusions: We therefore concluded that the combination of GAR and S-VACE can be a novel therapy for the management of lung diseases in humans.
Contribution to bionomy of Hylesinus fraxini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and its monogamy in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lukášová Karolina , Zimová Soňa
Published: March 2016

This study focused on bionomics of the ash bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini (Panzer 1779). The study area was at Jílové u Prahy in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. In February 2014, three common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees were felled and Hylesinus fraxini infestation was subsequently observed from March. Beetles were collected from 20 debarked logs and dissected under stereomicroscope, and their sex was determined. Five logs with bark beetles were placed into photoeclectors. Beetles that emerged were collected and put into the second photoeclector with fresh ash wood to determine whether they would establish the second generation. The analysis showed that each gallery system with a pair of bark beetles contained one male with only one female. If one adult of H. fraxini was found in the gallery system, it was usually female. Therefore, possible polygamy of Hylesinus fraxini was not confirmed in Central Bohemia. Maternal gallery length significantly correlated with the number of eggs laid per female. Offspring beetles did not establish the second generation, as only maturation feeding occurred in fresh wood.
Optimisation of timber harvesting work of Logset 5H medium power harvester
Authors: Nový Vladislav
Published: March 2016

This article analyses field measurements of harvestor operation activities with the aim to search for optimum production conditions of the machine from the point of fuel consumption and operation efficiency. All applied measurement and calculation approaches are based on the methodology for the evaluation of the natural principle of minimax. This principle is one of the most complex decision-making principles in deploying technologies in these activities with minimum energy costs for machine operation, and with regard to the economy of operating these techniques. The measured and calculated values revealed that considering the stated criteria the optimum conditions of the tested machine occurred when a harvested stem had a volume between 0.2 and 0.4 m3.