bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of urban greenways on the geography of office sectors and employment density in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Jang Myungjun , Kang Chang-Deok
Published: February 2015

The replacement of freeways with urban greenways is a major urban physical renovation that makes cities greener and more liveable. This study examines the effects of the urban greenway in Seoul on the choice of office locations and on the variation in employment density. Our multilevel models confirm that Seoul’s urban greenway tends to attract and retain firms in office sectors within a kilometre, while the freeway provides a favourable infrastructure for the geography of service industries. In addition, employment density increased within a 1.2km zone surrounding the urban greenway, in contrast to the freeway, which only had a similar effect within a 600m zone. These key findings suggest that amenity-oriented public investment is a highly effective strategy to render urban settings appealing to office sectors and to improve employment density.
Environmental discourses in China’s urban planning system: A scaled discourse-analytical perspective
Authors: Xu Jiang
Published: February 2015

The past two decades have witnessed a growing body of research that draws on post-structuralist theory to interrogate environmental discourses in planning. Grounded in the interpretative tradition, this approach rejects essentialist ontology to assume environmental discourses being socially constructed and linked to different policy arenas at multiple geographical scales. Widely applied in the environmental politics and planning studies in advanced capitalism, the scaled discourse analysis has not yet been deployed in China’s context. This paper will use this approach to interpret the political and scalar construction of the environmental discourses in China’s urban planning system. It has developed two primary arguments. First, there exist multiple narratives of ‘environment’ instead of a single narrative. The environmental discourses in planning depend on how the political regime makes sense of environmental phenomenon rather than simply the urgency of that phenomenon. The second argument builds upon the first one to contend that the formation and legitimisation of environmental discourses in planning is a power-laden process through which multiple narratives are contested at interlocking scales. These arguments are elaborated upon through a discussion of the changing environmental discourses in four post-1978 master plans of Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province in South China.
Live publishing: the onstage redeployment of journalistic authority
Authors: Larson Christine
Published: February 2015

In the past 5 years, live, in-person events have become significant revenue sources for industries ranging from high-tech to music. This article explores the rise of live events within one such industry – journalism – linking the rise of ‘live publishing’ to post-industrial career norms and digital economy business models. Drawing on interviews with 10 media companies and participant observation at two conferences produced by The Wall Street Journal, this article shows how media companies position themselves as the legitimate conveners of conferences and forums by redeploying traditional discourses of cultural authority; this enables them to bring together their existing networks of sources, audience members, and sponsors. By convening these groups in a physical space, live publishing takes isolated nodes within media organizations’ networks and renders them visible and accessible to each other, allowing media firms to extract value from these previously immaterial relationships. More broadly, live publishing demonstrates how the interaction of virtual and physical networks allows organizations to transform and redeploy cultural authority into new systems of networked power.
R. S. Sigafoos’s 1961 and 1964 papers on botanical evidence of paleofloods
Authors: Ballesteros-Cánovas Juan Antonio , Butler David R. , Stoffel Markus
Published: February 2015

The interaction between vegetation and fluvial processes leaves many possibilities for research. Since the publication in the early 1960s of the US Geological Survey Professional Papers by R.S. Sigafoos, numerous contributions in paleohydrology and riparian ecology have deepened the interaction between vegetation and fluvial geomorphology. In this article, we briefly review the impact of Sigafoos’ research in past and current scientific developments. We highlight the importance of the botanical evidence described by Sigafoos and the need for further work in this research line.
A review of accounting research in the Asia Pacific region
Authors: Benson Karen , Clarkson Peter M , Smith Tom , Tutticci Irene
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we review scholarly accounting research published within the Asia Pacific Region by analysing nine of the main accounting journals within the region along five dimensions. The nine journals we focus on are: Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal; Australian Accounting Review; Abacus; Accounting and Finance; Australian Journal of Management; Accounting Research Journal; Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics; Managerial Auditing Journal; and Pacific Accounting Review. The five dimensions we consider are: the most frequently cited papers; topical coverage; impact on practice; research method; and noted authors. Our review leads us to conclude that the accounting journals published within the Asia Pacific region make a significant contribution to research and practice both within the region and internationally.
Fluoroscopic Determination of the Tibial Insertion of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament in the Sagittal Plane
Authors: Salim Rodrigo , Salzler Matthew J. , Bergin Mark A. , Zheng Liying , Carey Robert E. , Kfuri Mauricio , Zhang Xudong , Harner Christopher D.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Currently, placement of the tibial tunnel for arthroscopic transtibial posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction relies on a limited arthroscopic view of the native insertion or the use of intraoperative imaging. No widely accepted method exists for intraoperative determination of PCL tibial tunnel placement, and current descriptions are cumbersome.

Purpose:

To identify the center of the PCL’s anatomic tibial insertion site as a percentage of the PCL facet length on a lateral radiograph of the knee so that it may be reliably located in the sagittal plane during surgical reconstruction.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were dissected and the tibial insertions of the PCL were digitized with an optical tracing system. The digitized PCL footprints were mapped onto 3-dimensional computed tomography–acquired tibial models, and their center points were determined. A K-wire was then inserted into the center of the PCL’s tibial insertion under direct visualization, a direct lateral radiograph was obtained, and the center point was measured. The center locations for both methods were defined as a percentage of PCL facet length from anterior and proximal to posterior and distal, and intraobserver and interobserver reliability was tested with 4 different observers.

Results:

The average location of the PCL center on the 3-dimensional bone model method was 71.7% ± 5.6% along the PCL facet from anterior/proximal to posterior/distal. In the lateral radiographic method, the center of the PCL was at an average of 69.7% ± 4.9% of the facet length. There was no significant difference between the percentage measurements of the 2 methods ( P = .13). Interobserver reliability (κ = 0.57) and intraobserver reliability (κ = 0.71) were moderate to strong.

Conclusion:

Locating the center of the tibial PCL insertion with fluoroscopy at a point that is 70% of the PCL tibial facet length on a true lateral radiograph is a reliable method for locating the PCL tibial insertion.

Clinical Relevance:

The method described in this study enables clinicians to identify the tibial location of the PCL insertion, which must be accurately determined during PCL reconstruction.
Measuring Filial Piety in the 21st Century
Authors: Lum Terry Y. S. , Yan Elsie C. W. , Ho Andy H. Y. , Shum Michelle H. Y. , Wong Gloria H. Y. , Lau Mandy M. Y. , Wang Junfang
Published: February 2015

The experience and practice of filial piety have evolved in modern Chinese societies, and existing measures fail to capture these important changes. Based on a conceptual analysis on current literature, 42 items were initially compiled to form a Contemporary Filial Piety Scale (CFPS), and 1,080 individuals from a representative sample in Hong Kong were surveyed. Principal component analysis generated a 16-item three-factor model: Pragmatic Obligations (Factor 1; 10 items), Compassionate Reverence (Factor 2; 4 items), and Family Continuity (Factor 3; 2 items). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed strong factor loadings for Factors 1 and 2, while removing Factor 3 and conceptually duplicated items increased total variance explained from 58.02% to 60.09% and internal consistency from .84 to .88. A final 10-item two-factor structure model was adopted with a goodness of fit of 0.95. The CFPS-10 is a data-driven, simple, and efficient instrument with strong psychometric properties for assessing contemporary filial piety.
Pediatric Posttraumatic Headache
Authors: Choe Meeryo C. , Blume Heidi K.
Published: February 2015

Head injuries are common in pediatrics, and headaches are the most common complaint following mild head trauma. Although moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries occur less frequently, headaches can complicate recovery. There is currently an intense spotlight on concussion and there has been a corresponding increase in the number of children seeking care for headache after mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Understanding the natural history of, and recognition of factors that are associated with posttraumatic headache will help providers and families to limit disability and may prompt earlier intervention to address disabling headaches. While there are few studies on the treatment of posttraumatic headache, proper evaluation and management of posttraumatic headaches is essential to prevent further injury and to promote recovery. In this article, we will review the current definitions and epidemiology of pediatric posttraumatic headache and discuss current recommendations for the evaluation and management of this syndrome in children and adolescents.
Electroencephalographic Findings in Posthypoxic Myoclonus
Authors: van Zijl J. C. , Beudel M. , vd Hoeven H. J. , Lange F. , Tijssen M. A. J. , Elting J. W. J.
Published: February 2015

The physical examination findings of early posthypoxic myoclonus (PHM) are associated with poor prognosis. Recent findings indicate that patients with multifocal PHM, assumed to have a cortical origin, have a comparable outcome to resuscitated patients without PHM. Generalized PHM, assumed to have a subcortical myoclonus origin, is still associated with a bad clinical outcome. It is not known whether the electroencephalographic (EEG) findings differ between the multifocal and generalized myoclonus groups nor is the clinical significance clearly defined. Forty-three patients with PHM were retrospectively derived from an EEG database. Patients were categorized as having multifocal (i), generalized (ii), or undetermined (iii) PHM. Outcome was expressed in cerebral performance category scores. The EEG background was categorized into isoelectric (I), low voltage (II), burst suppression (III), status epilepticus (SE; IV), diffuse slowing (V), and mild encephalopathic or normal (VI). 17 patients had generalized PHM and 23 had multifocal PHM (3 undetermined). The EEG showed more SE in generalized compared to multifocal PHM (64% vs 13%, P < .001). Diffuse slowing was more often present in multifocal PHM (52% vs 17%, P < .05). Early-onset myoclonus occurred significantly more often in generalized PHM, and early generalized PHM was invariantly associated with poor outcome. In conclusion, patients with generalized PHM showed more SE. These EEG findings might be either subcortical corollaries or primarily cortical phenomena. Our retrospective results conflict with currently used clinical criteria for myoclonus classification, and we suggest that more refined difference may be needed for accurate assessment of PHM. To better understand PHM, prospective research with standardized clinical assessment and quantitative EEG analysis is needed.
Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Life Support: Variability in Prevention Practices
Authors: Glater-Welt Lily B. , Schneider James B. , Zinger Marcia M. , Rosen Lisa , Sweberg Todd M.
Published: February 2015

Nosocomial blood stream infections (BSIs) increase both the morbidity and the mortality of patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The aim of this study was to identify common practices for blood stream infection prevention among national Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) programs. An electronic survey that comprised of a 16-item questionnaire was sent out to all ECMO program directors and coordinators within the United States that are part of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. A total of 152 institutions in 40 states were surveyed, with 85 (55%) responses. One-quarter of the institutions responded that an ECMO infection-prevention bundle or checklist was used during the cannulation. Less than half responded that an ECMO infection-prevention bundle or checklist was used for cannula maintenance, although a majority (82.9%) of institutions responded that a “standard approach to cannula dressings” was used. Half of the respondents reported antimicrobial prophylaxis was routinely prescribed for patients on ECMO, although specific regimens varied widely. Of the institutions, 34.2% reported sending daily blood cultures as part of routine surveillance. Smaller programs were more likely to send daily surveillance blood cultures (58.8%, P < .01). We found no clear consensus on practices used to prevent BSI in patients receiving ECMO.
Identifying High-Risk Children in the Emergency Department
Authors: Nielsen Katie R. , Migita Russ , Batra Maneesh , Gennaro Jane L. Di , Roberts Joan S. , Weiss Noel S.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

Early warning scores (EWS) identify high-risk hospitalized patients prior to clinical deterioration; however, their ability to identify high-risk pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED) has not been adequately evaluated. We sought to determine the association between modified pediatric EWS (MPEWS) in the ED and inpatient ward-to-pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfer within 24 hours of admission.

Methods:

This is a case–control study of 597 pediatric ED patients admitted to the inpatient ward at Seattle Children’s Hospital between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. Cases were children subsequently transferred to the PICU within 24 hours, whereas controls remained hospitalized on the inpatient ward. The association between MPEWS in the ED and ward-to-PICU transfer was determined by chi-square analysis.

Results:

Fifty children experienced ward-to-PICU transfer within 24 hours of admission. The area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve was 0.691. Children with MPEWS > 7 in the ED were more likely to experience ward-to-PICU transfer (odds ratio 8.36, 95% confidence interval 2.98-22.08); however, the sensitivity was only 18.0% with a specificity of 97.4%. Using MPEWS >7 for direct PICU admission would have led to 167 unnecessary PICU admissions and identified only 9 of 50 patients who required PICU care.

Conclusions:

Elevated MPEWS in the ED is associated with increased risk of ward-to-PICU transfer within 24 hours of admission; however, an MPEWS threshold of 7 is not sufficient to identify more than a small proportion of ward-admitted children with subsequent clinical deterioration.
A new electronic gearbox for gear hobbing machines
Authors: Tian Xiao-Qing , Han Jiang , Xia Lian
Published: February 2015

This article presents a new kind of software-defined electronic gearbox for gear hobbing based on a theoretical model of the hobbing process. The electronic gearbox implementation and structure are studied in an embedded numerical control system (numerical control/computer numerical control). Data flow among the electronic gearbox modules is also analyzed in the numerical control system. Special G-codes with parameters are designed, and the electronic gearbox control implemented through numerical control programming is realized in a custom gear hobbing numerical control system. In addition, two different hobbing methods (axial and diagonal) are tested on the computer numerical control platform. Results show that the hobbing computer numerical control with the proposed electronic gearbox functions accurately, and error is measured using tracking errors in different axes and gear pitch error of the machined gear. As will be shown, the gear pitch error was found to be 0.0147 mm for axial hobbing and 0.0176 mm for diagonal hobbing.
The adverse effects of long-term l-carnitine supplementation on liver and kidney function in rats
Authors: Liu L , Zhang D-M , Wang M-X , Fan C-Y , Zhou F , Wang S-J , Kong L-D
Published: February 2015

Levo-Carnitine (l-carnitine) is widely used in health and food. This study was to focus on the adverse effects of 8-week oral supplementation of l-carnitine (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) in female and male Sprague Dawley rats. l-carnitine reduced body and fat weights, as well as serum, liver, and kidney lipid levels in rats. Simultaneously, hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation and lipid synthesis were disturbed in l-carnitine-fed rats. Moreover, l-carnitine accelerated reactive oxygen species production in serum and liver, thereby triggering hepatic NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation to elevate serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels in rats. Alteration of serum alkaline phosphatase levels further confirmed liver dysfunction in l-carnitine-fed rats. Additionally, l-carnitine may potentially disturb kidney function by altering renal protein levels of rat organic ion transporters. These observations may provide the caution information for the safety of long-term l-carnitine supplementation.
Spot urine protein/creatinine ratio is unreliable estimate of 24 h proteinuria in lupus nephritis when the histological scores of activity index are higher
Authors: Zhang Q , Sun L , Jin L
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation and agreement of spot urine protein/creatinine (P/C) ratio with 24 h proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) under different scores of activity index (AI).

Methods

In total, 90 pairs of 24 h urine and spot urine samples from 90 patients with biopsy-proven LN were analyzed. The correlation and agreement between the two sample types were assessed by Pearson correlation and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) using mixed model for repeated measurements, respectively.

Results and conclusions

Overall, 24 h proteinuria correlated strongly with the spot urine P/C ratio ( r = 0.671, p < 0.001) with a good agreement (ICC = 0.656, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–0.76). Subgroup analyses revealed that the correlation remained high in all groups ( r = 0.825, p < 0.001; r = 0.567, p = 0.001; r = 0.686, p = 0.020), the agreement in group A (low AI) was good (ICC = 0.824, 95% CI: 0.70–0.89), but in group B (middle AI) and group C (high AI), the agreements were weak (ICC = 0.503, 95% CI: 0.19–0.72; ICC = 0.532, 95% CI: 0.06–0.84). Our work suggests that over the range of a higher AI, however, correlation was present but agreement was poor.
Ethical competence
Authors: Kulju Kati , Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: February 2015

Background:

Exploring the concept of ethical competence in the context of healthcare is essential as it pertains to better quality of care. The concept still lacks a comprehensive definition covering the aspects of ethical expertise, ethical knowledge and action of a health professional.

Objective:

This article aims to report an analysis of the concept of ethical competence.

Method:

A modified strategy suggested by Walker and Avant was used to analyse the concept.

Results:

As a result, the concept of ethical competence can be defined in terms of character strength, ethical awareness, moral judgement skills and willingness to do good. Virtuous professional, experience of a professional, human communication, ethical knowledge and supporting surroundings in the organisation can be seen as prerequisites for ethical competence. Ethical competence results in the best possible solutions for the patient, reduced moral distress at work and development and democratisation of society.

Conclusion:

The results of the analysis establish a basis for an instrument to evaluate health professionals’ ethical competence. It will guide educators, as well as managers in healthcare, to support the development of ethical conduct in healthcare.
Reproduction of the female image and nationalism in Taiwanese sport documentaries
Authors: Tseng Yu-Hsien
Published: February 2015

In Taiwan, female athletes receive little media attention or are objectified when they win international competitions. However, this objectification does not merely demonstrate sexism toward female athletes, but it also indicates current social views toward national identity and nationalism in Taiwan. This study examined the representation of female athletes from the perspectives of historical background, the narrative structure of documentaries, gendered discourse and gendered nationalism. A textual analysis approach was adopted and documentary theory was employed as a theoretical framework. Four sports documentaries regarding female athletes produced from 2002 to 2009 were analysed. The results showed that in addition to the female athletes telling their stories, the voices of male others were also included to portray the female athletes’ experiences. Moreover, the female athletes were depicted as physically masculine but emotionally feminine, and represented as sports heroines and daughters of Taiwan. As presented by the narration strategy, the female body embodies the gendered nationalism and gendered discourse pervading Taiwanese sports culture.
Subjective Experience and Resources for Coping With Stigma in People With a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
Authors: Mora-Rios Jazmín , Ortega-Ortega Miriam , Natera Guillermina
Published: February 2015

In this study, we investigate the subjective experience of a group of individuals, diagnosed with schizophrenia, undergoing outpatient treatment in four psychiatric clinics in Mexico City. Our objective is to use the paradigm of intersectionality to explore the most common forms of stigma and discrimination faced by people with this illness, as well as the coping resources they employ. The major contribution of this study is its use of in-depth interviews and thematic analysis of the information obtained to identify the importance of sociocultural aspects of participants’ experience of their illness. Schizophrenia, for them, was a problem of “nerves,” whose origins were linked to magical or religious elements they attributed to their illness and which influenced their response to it. This resignification was useful to participants as a coping resource; it helped them find meaning and significance in their experience of the illness.
The Unknown/The Unanticipated
Authors: Vella Michele M.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the pre- and postsurgical journey to correct severe abdominal lipodystrophy of a woman living as AIDS defined for over 23 years. It utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and a single-case-study approach to capture the subjective understanding and sense-making of this surgical process. Verbatim transcripts of seven semi-structured interviews, three participant-created word boards of words or phrases clipped from magazines, field notes, and a reflexive journal were collected as data. Analysis revealed two superordinate themes: the unknown and the unanticipated. These themes simultaneously manifest with shared and nuanced meanings, including the unknown and unanticipated of surviving AIDS and discovering lipodystrophy, the unknown and the unanticipated of the surgical intervention itself, and finally the unknown and the unanticipated of postsurgical complications and experiences within outpatient and inpatient medical settings.
Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs)
Authors: Moylan Carrie A. , Lindhorst Taryn , Tajima Emiko A.
Published: February 2015

Multidisciplinary coordinated Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) are a growing model of providing health, legal, and emotional support services to victims of sexual assault. This article conceptualizes SARTs from an organizational perspective and explores three approaches to researching SARTs that have the potential of increasing our understanding of the benefits and challenges of multidisciplinary service delivery. These approaches attend to several levels of organizational behavior, including the organizational response to external legitimacy pressures, the inter-organizational networks of victim services, and the negotiation of power and disciplinary boundaries. Possible applications to organizational research on SARTs are explored.
Itraconazole therapy in a pancreatic adenocarcinoma patient: A case report
Authors: Lockhart Nicholas R , Waddell James Aubrey , Schrock Nathan Eric
Published: February 2015

Objective

To report the case of a patient receiving itraconazole for the treatment of histoplasmosis and his subsequent reduction in pancreatic tumor size.

Case summary

A 64-year-old male was diagnosed with Stage III locally advanced unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The patient was administered radiation plus chemotherapy, which included cisplatin and capecitabine. Upon restaging, the patient’s tumor was again determined to be unresectable; therefore, palliative chemotherapy treatments were initiated, which included gemcitabine and erlotinib. After two gemcitabine cycles, he was admitted to the hospital because of loss of motor function due to spinal cord hemisection. After the surgery, the patient became neutropenic because of previous chemotherapy cycle and developed disseminated histoplasmosis. After he received his nine-month course of itraconazole, the pancreatic cancer was readdressed and he was then deemed to be resectable and had a Whipple procedure. Over the next several years, he showed no evidence of pancreatic metastases or relapse.

Discussion

Itraconazole has been shown to have many mechanisms by which it could potentially suppress tumor cell growth, which includes inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and P-glycoprotein efflux pump. This azole antifungal has been studied in small patient populations with various types of cancers. Studies of basal cell carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma have shown favorable results suggesting that more study of itraconazole is warranted to decide its clinical utility.

Conclusion

There would need to be much more research performed to determine if this agent had a role as a chemotherapy agent; however, health care professionals should be aware of itraconazole’s potential antineoplastic mechanisms.
Exploring integral controllers in actively-lubricated tilting-pad journal bearings
Authors: Salazar Jorge G , Santos Ilmar F
Published: February 2015

Active tilting-pad journal bearings with radial oil injection combine good stability properties of conventional tilting-pad journal bearings with the capability of improving their dynamic properties even more by control techniques. The main contribution of this work is the experimental investigation of integral controllers for feedback-controlled lubrication with the aim of: a) presetting the static journal center and consequently exploring the changes of bearing dynamic properties; b) obtaining an integral controller capable of re-positioning the static journal eccentricity for matching equilibria under conventional hydrodynamic and feedback-controlled lubrication regimes. A novel application is proposed, that tries to build “non-invasive perturbation forces” and uses the active fluid film forces of the bearing as a “calibrated shaker”.
Efficacy of telemedicine for thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhai Yun-kai , Zhu Wei-jun , Hou Hong-li , Sun Dong-xu , Zhao Jie
Published: February 2015

Summary

The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of telemedicine in the delivery of thrombolytic therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke. We performed a meta-analysis using combinations of the following terms: telestroke, telemedicine, tissue plasminogen activator/t-PA, and acute ischemic stroke. The primary outcome was favorable outcome based on the modified Rankin score. Secondary outcomes were incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and overall mortality. We found no significant difference in favorable outcome between the telemedicine and control groups, and no significant difference was found between these groups in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or overall mortality. Patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis had similar outcomes regardless of whether telemedicine was used or they were treated in-person at a medical facility. Telemedicine can be used to support hospitals with limited experience in administering thrombolytic therapy for stroke.
Local content production and the political economy of the mobile app industries in Argentina and Bolivia
Authors: Wagner Sarah , Fernández-Ardèvol Mireia
Published: February 2015

Mobile broadband is playing an increasingly important role in the developing world. However, mobile platform providers and app publishers are dominated by multinational companies headquartered in the West. Where international agendas commit to promote local content production and a culturally diverse information society, there is minimal research on the orientation of commercial app production in developing regions. This article examines the targets and activities of mobile app developers in two Latin American economies – Argentina and Bolivia – analysing the political, social and economic conditions that connect or disconnect app developers and the interests of local users. Findings suggest that app distribution platforms do not favour local markets and that app developers largely focus on custom-design projects for commercial firms.
Low-velocity impact response of composite sandwich panels
Authors: Zhu Shengqing , Chai Gin Boay
Published: February 2015

In the present work, a detailed and rigorous theoretical approach was developed to investigate the impact response of composite sandwich panel subjected to low-velocity impact. The effect of the size of the impactor is included in the mathematical model. The theoretical approach uses the principle of minimum total potential energy to relate the deflection to the impact load. The internal energy comprising contact, bending and membrane energy together with the potential energy of the external work done were accounted for in the derivation of the load–displacement relationship of impactor with the composite sandwich panel. No perforation was accounted for in the present approach. Extensive impact tests were conducted and presented in some details. The comparison of the current approach with the experimental results showed that the trends of the impact response were predicted with some degree of confidence.
Conducting community-engaged qualitative research in South Africa: memoirs of intersectional identities abroad
Authors: Maxwell Morgan L , Abrams Jasmine , Zungu Thula , Mosavel Maghboeba
Published: February 2015

The influence of intersectional identities on social experiences is most often explored within research on minority populations (e.g. LGBT, African American women, etc.). However few, if any, studies have extended the subject of intersectionality to address the intersectional identities of researchers or their influence on the conduct of qualitative research in international settings. Through reflexive memoirs offered from student researchers that engaged in an international collaborative research project, this article highlights the challenges intersectional identities posed while conducting community-engaged qualitative research in Durban, South Africa. Within each memoir, particular attention is paid to (a) how the intersection of the student researchers’ perceived and actual racial, gendered, class, and national identities determined or obfuscated their statuses as ‘outsiders’ or ‘insiders’, (b) the influential nature of these mutually constitutive identities on the interview process, and (c) how the student researchers successfully or unsuccessfully negotiated the collective impact of their intersecting positions and identities in the field. By critically examining the complex and interdependent influence of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, and class on researchers’ collection and interpretation of qualitative data, this article extends the application and relevance of the intersectionality framework to an international context and to the experiences of the interviewer/researcher.
Sex difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular-related risk factors in urban adults from 33 communities of China: The CHPSNE study
Authors: Song Qing-Bin , Zhao Yang , Liu Yu-Qin , Zhang Jian , Xin Shi-Jie , Dong Guang-Hui
Published: February 2015

Little is known about the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome in urban areas of China. To estimate the prevalence of MetS and identify its cardiovascular-related factors in men and women, a representative sample of 15,477 urban adults aged 18–74 years in Northeast China was selected from 2009 to 2010. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on criteria set by the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 27.4% (men 27.9% and women 26.8%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher education level and a higher family income were associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men, but associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome among women. Higher physical activity was associated with a decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men (adjusted odds ratios (aORs) = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–0.99), but associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00–1.29). Compared with rice as the major staple food, cooked wheaten foods were associated with lower adjusted odds for metabolic syndrome both in men (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.90) and in women (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–0.92). In conclusion, metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in urban areas of China, and there is heterogeneity by sex in the relationships between risk factors and metabolic syndrome prevalence.
Impact of diabetes and diastolic dysfunction on exercise capacity in normotensive patients without coronary artery disease
Authors: Gürdal Ahmet , Kasikcioglu Erdem , Yakal Sertac , Bugra Zehra
Published: February 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of diabetes and diastolic dysfunction on exercise capacity in asymptomatic, normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes without coronary artery disease.

Methods:

A total of 43 type 2 diabetes patients (age: 50 ± 5 years) and 20 healthy controls (age: 48 ± 4 years) were enrolled. Diastolic function was investigated by conventional pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Exercise capacity was evaluated with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Results:

In patients with type 2 diabetes, increase in resting heart rate (HR-rest) ( p = 0.013), decrease in maximum heart rate during exercise (HR-max) ( p < 0.001) and exercise time ( p < 0.001) compared with controls were significant. Patients had significantly increased minute ventilation volume (VE)/maximum carbon dioxide discharge (VCO2) ratio ( p < 0.001), decreased maximum oxygen consumption (VO2-max) ( p < 0.001), oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (VO2-an) ( p < 0.001) and maximum carbon dioxide discharge (VCO2) ( p < 0.001) compared to controls indicating significantly reduced exercise capacity. HbA1c was inversely correlated with VO2-max ( r = −0.456, p < 0.01) independent of the absence or presence of mild diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Exercise capacity was found to be significantly decreased in normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes without coronary artery disease, and this decrease was independent of diastolic dysfunction.
Modulation of Perception or Emotion? A Scoping Review of Tinnitus Neuromodulation Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Shekhawat Giriraj Singh , Stinear Cathy M. , Searchfield Grant D.
Published: February 2015

Background. Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sound and can have negative effect on the quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, which can increase or decrease the cortical excitability in the brain region to which it is applied. tDCS has been used for tinnitus research since 2006. Objective. To investigate whether tDCS affects tinnitus perception, related emotion, or both, and the potential implications for tinnitus management. Methods. A scoping review was undertaken using the methods proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. After initial consideration of title relevance and reading abstracts, 15 studies were included in this review. The data from these studies were charted to investigate the impact of tDCS on tinnitus perception and emotions. Results. tDCS results in transient suppression of tinnitus loudness and annoyance; however, it does not lead to long-term impact on tinnitus related emotion. Local stimulation of different sites of stimulation (left temporoparietal area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and auditory cortex) might modulate tinnitus perception (loudness) and emotions differently; however, further research is needed to explore this hypothesis. This review has identified aspects of methodologies that require attention in upcoming tinnitus and tDCS trials to offer better insights. Conclusions. tDCS is an effective research tool for transient tinnitus neuromodulation. However, efforts should be invested in designing clinical trials using local and multiple sites of stimulation, optimized parameters, and objective outcome measures before it can be translated in to a clinical tool for tinnitus management.
Priming or Proteus Effect? Examining the Effects of Avatar Race on In-Game Behavior and Post-Play Aggressive Cognition and Affect in Video Games
Authors: Ash Erin
Published: February 2015

This research uses a 2 × 2 factorial experiment to further investigate the Proteus effect for avatar race observed in previous research by measuring in-game behavior, the use of stereotypes to describe the avatar, and perceived embodiment of the avatar. Participants played a boxing video game as White or Black avatar against a White or Black avatar. Results revealed no main effects for avatar race, but embodiment was found to moderate the relationship between avatar race and in-game behavior. Subsequent probing of this interaction revealed that the Proteus effect was demonstrated for those who experienced greater embodiment. Avatar race was unrelated to the use of stereotypes, but main effects for aggressive cognition and affect were found. Also, same-race conditions demonstrated increased aggressive behavior compared to opposite-race conditions. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Molecular Mario
Authors: Cremin Colin
Published: February 2015

Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s nonrepresentational philosophy can be deployed for thinking about video game aesthetics as forces that are composed to produce affects of varying intensities. Through the concept becoming-animal and associated concepts such as rhizome and machinic assemblages, the article describes the video game through the affective, nonrepresentational, compositions of players, characters, and diegetic objects of different kinds. Variations they explain emanate from a single plane of pure multiplicity, a plane of immanence, differing by their intensities and how those intensities are assembled and diagrammed. The article begins by asking questions specific to the video game plane from which concepts are invented, or here borrowed and adapted from Deleuze and Guattari, to analyze the form in an open-ended manner. By putting the theory in motion, the article demonstrates the value of a Deleuzian approach to the study of video games.
“I Want a Second Chance”
Authors: Dill LeConté J. , Mahaffey Carlos , Mosley Tracey , Treadwell Henrie , Barkwell Fabeain , Barnhill Sandra
Published: February 2015

With over 700,000 people on average released from prison each year to communities, greater attention is warranted on the experiences and needs of those who are parents and seeking to develop healthy relationships with their children and families. This study seeks to explore the experiences of African American fathers in reentry. Qualitative data from 16 African American men enrolled in a fellowship program for fathers were collected from a focus group and analyzed for common themes and using standpoint theory. Four themes emerged that focused on fathers’ commitment toward healthy and successful reintegration postincarceration: redemption, employment, health care, and social support. Focus group participants actively strive to develop and rebuild healthy relationships with their children through seeking gainful employment and through bonding with like-minded peers. Barriers in accessing health care are also discussed. Research findings may inform future programs and policies related to supporting fathers and their children in reentry.
Mindful Eating
Authors: Lofgren Ingrid Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

Excess weight continues to exact high costs at the individual, national, and global levels. Traditional methods used to reduce excess weight and promote healthy weight regulation have not been overly successful. Therefore, rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is needed to assess emerging and alternative approaches to determine effective strategies to confront this public health challenge. One such approach is applying mindfulness, or a nonjudgmental acceptance of living in the moment, to eating. Mindful eating is a nonjudgmental acceptance of physical and emotional feelings while eating or in an eating environment. Mindful eating constructs include recognizing one’s own cues of physical hunger and satiety in order to make decisions about what food and how much to eat, choosing foods that are nutritious and pleasurable, not participating in other activities while eating, and knowing the consequences of unmindful eating. The nascent mindful eating literature shows success in increasing mindfulness and promising but less robust outcomes with anthropometric biomarkers of healthy weight regulation. Mindful eating is an emerging healthy weight regulation approach that has the potential to address the challenges clients and patients experience with healthy weight regulation, but additional research is needed to confirm which health outcomes will be consistently affected.
The leadership shadow: How to recognise and avoid derailment, hubris and overdrive
Authors: de Haan Erik
Published: February 2015

In his influential book Capital in the 21st Century Thomas Piketty (2014) shows that the present rate of return on capital being higher than economic growth is leading to increasing wealth and income inequality, which ultimately stifles our growth and prosperity. For some time I have noticed a similar pattern applying to top leadership in corporates, where current growth rates of managerial discretion and remuneration topple increases in leadership effectiveness, which is leading to organisational inequalities that are stifling our economy’s development, agility and growth.

In this article I look at the immense pressures on the function of leadership, on leaders and their followers, from an organisational, ontological and personal perspective. I try to demonstrate that there are three areas of conflict: the projections and expectations put upon leaders, the confusion of misleading definitions of leadership, and an internal conflict which always emerges when taking up a leadership role. I describe and explore the emergence of a splitting phenomenon called the leadership shadow which is a common consequence of these pressures, and suggest a few local solutions to this great societal leadership predicament.
When liberal peoples turn into outlaw states: John Rawls’ Law of Peoples and liberal nuclearism
Authors: Doyle Thomas E
Published: February 2015

John Rawls’ account in Law of Peoples of a realist utopia composed of a society of liberal and decent peoples is a stark contrast to his description of “outlaw states,” which seek to undermine the legal and moral frameworks that constitute a pacific global order. Rawls argues that outlaw states cannot conceive of political accommodation with their external enemies; instead, they opt for the rule of force, terror, and brutality. Rawls even urges that liberal peoples are justified in maintaining a nuclear deterrent to prevent outlaw states from obtaining and then using nuclear weapons on liberal societies if the opportunity arose. This article examines the paradoxical question of liberal societies that, in the name of opposing outlaw states, undertake security policies which correspond to “outlaw” statist behavior. It then explores the implications of liberal roguishness for the legitimacy of liberal international security arrangements, such as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Regime.
Novel Simple Insulin Delivery Device Reduces Barriers to Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Lilly Leslie C. , Mader Julia K. , Aberer Felix , Ribitsch Anja , Kojzar Harald , Warner Jay , Pieber Thomas R.
Published: February 2015

Background: The PaQ® insulin delivery system is a simple-to-use patch-on device that provides preset basal rates and bolus insulin on demand. In addition to feasibility of use, safety, and efficacy (reported elsewhere), this study analyzed the impact of PaQ on patient-reported outcomes, including barriers to insulin treatment, diabetes-related distress, and attitudes toward insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes on a stable multiple daily injection (MDI) regimen. Methods: This single-center, open-label, single-arm study comprised three 2-week periods: baseline (MDI), transition from MDI to PaQ, and PaQ treatment. Validated questionnaires were administered during the baseline and PaQ treatment periods: Barriers to Insulin Treatment questionnaire (BIT), Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS), and Problem Areas in Diabetes scale (PAID). Results: Eighteen patients (age 59 ± 5 years, diabetes duration 15 ± 7 years, 21% female, HbA1c 7.7 ± 0.7%) completed the questionnaires. There was a strong, significant effect of PaQ use in mean BIT total scores (difference [D] = −5.4 ± 0.7.7, P = .01, effect size [ d] = 0.70). Patients perceived less stigmatization by insulin injection (D = −2.2 ± 6.2, P = .18, d = 0.35), increased positive outcome (D = 1.9 ± 6.6, P = .17, d = 0.29), and less fear of injections (1.3 ± 4.8, P = .55, d = 0.28). Mean change in ITAS scores after PaQ device use showed a nonsignificant improvement of 1.71 ± 5.63 but moderate effect size ( d = 0.30, P = .14). No increase in PAID scores was seen. Conclusions: The results and moderate to large effects sizes suggest that PaQ device use has beneficial and clinically relevant effects to overcoming barriers to and negative appraisal of insulin treatment, without increasing other diabetes-related distress.