bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On our Knees
Authors: Johnson Sarah Kathleen
Published: December 2017

Christian ritual dominated the lives of Indigenous children sent to Canadian residential schools for the purpose of cultural assimilation. Drawing on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report (2015), I describe the complex, ambiguous, and often harmful role of Christian liturgical practices in residential schools. I provide a theoretical frame built on the work of Foucault, Asad, and Belcher to explore Christian rituals in residential schools as formative, embodied disciplines that functioned as technologies of power, self, and community. This theoretical frame exposes how religious rituals may unwittingly victimize participants, how the same ritual can be experienced as a harmful imposition by one participant and a source of personal fulfillment by another, and how ritual could be part of an ongoing process of truth-telling and reconciliation.
Knowledge as Explanandum: Disentangling Lay and Professional Perspectives on Science and Religion
Authors: Kaden Tom , Jones Stephen , Catto Rebecca , Elsdon-Baker Fern
Published: December 2017

Issues pertaining to the relationship between science and religion, like creationism, Intelligent Design, and New Atheism, are increasingly the focus of social scientific research. This research often does not differentiate clearly between different kinds of social actors. At the most basic level, professional developers and distributors of systems of thought that deal with the relationship between science and religion, and laypeople who take up this knowledge, or parts of it, must be distinguished. Based upon interview material from the large, multinational study Science and Religion: Exploring the Spectrum, we identify five typical dimensions of lay knowledge vis-à-vis professional knowledge: reinterpretation of professional labels; neglect of important parts of knowledge systems; addition of knowledge; lower ascription of relevance; and an individual ethical framing.
Can’t Hurt, Might Help: Examining the Spillover Effects From Purposefully Adopting a New Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Lacasse Katherine
Published: December 2017

This field experiment investigated whether purposefully adopting a new pro-environmental behavior (e.g., unplugging appliances, reusing shopping bags) led to positive spillover by altering people’s subsequent pro-environmental behaviors and political attitudes. Participants ( N = 125) recruited through community organizations were randomly assigned to either adopt a new pro-environmental behavior of their choice for three weeks, or were not invited to do so. Behavior adoption increased participants’ likelihood of contacting their senator about climate change, but had little direct spillover effect on other individual pro-environmental behaviors, their likelihood of making household-wide changes, the political importance they placed on climate-related issues, or their support for emissions-reducing policies. Behavior adoption increased sense of environmental responsibility among some participants, leading to indirect positive effects on purchasing organic/local produce and policy support. Overall, observed positive spillover effects were limited and relatively small. There was little indication that behavior adoption led to any meaningful negative spillover effects.
Priest, Shaman, or Witch Doctor?
Authors: Nixon David , Lowe Tess
Published: December 2017

This article juxtaposes the ministerial experiences of two individuals via short autobiographies around the theme of priesthood today. The authors examine contemporary cultural tropes from a theological and sociological perspective, concluding that there are learning possibilities in the role of shaman, and, very cautiously, in that of witch doctor.
Impact of Demographic Dividend on Economic Growth
Authors: Misra Roli
Published: December 2017

As the countries pass through the different stages of demographic transition in their process of development, a window of a demographic opportunity opens in the phase of rapidly declining infant mortality. The result is an increase in the share of young adults in the population leading to a ‘youth bulge’. This bulge is indicative of a large share of the working ages in the population which yield a demographic dividend and a low dependency ratio. The dividend, however, is transient. The lower fertility will eventually reduce the growth rate of this potential labour force along with mortality speeding the growth of elderly population. Thus, countries need to ensure timely implementation of effective policies to realize the dividend. In this background, this article attempts to study how economic growth of any country gets influenced by its demographic dividend. In this study, we have selected Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and the European Union to see this relationship between two variables economic growth and demographic dividend using fixed effect model covering a period of 1990–2015. The results from regression equation exhibit that relationship between GDP growth rate and demographic dividend is positive thus, validating our hypothesis that demographic dividend has a positive impact on economic growth.
Canada’s Growing Interest in the Far Away West Asia
Authors: Mondal Kamaran M. K.
Published: December 2017

West Asian region is known for the presence of the Arab oil-rich countries. In the post-Second World War, Arab–Israeli conflict was one of the major international issues of the world. This Arab–Israel region of the West Asia was under the British control. Britain failed to handle the conflict and handed it over to the newly formed United Nations (UN) and through the UN mediation, the state of Israel was created in 1948. All the major powers of the world got involved in one way or other in the process of creation of the state of Israel in the midst of the Arab countries. Canada as a member of the UN Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) became involved in the West Asian region.

In the post-Second World War period, Canada had virtually no commercial or strategic interests in any countries of the region. Now Canada works closely with its network of diplomatic missions across the region to promote and defend Canadian values and interests and strengthen development and trade cooperation with a range of government, private sector and civil society partners, as well as regional organizations. The West Asian region—the Arab countries and Israel—is one of the areas where merchandise trade as well as arms trade is a significant area of interest of Canada.

This article discusses Canada’s involvement in West Asia since the creation of the state of Israel. Canada supported Israel and their relations are multifaceted and have been enhanced in recent years through increased cooperation in several areas, including arms trade, investment and innovation. Canada has also many trade agreements including the arms trade to West Asian Arab countries. This article shows various issues of Canada and West Asia trade relations, particularly arms trade with Israel and other West Asia Arab countries, which has more of a political orientation rather than an economic one.
A Crusade Gone Wrong
Authors: Ray Saumyajit
Published: December 2017

President George W. Bush regarded the war on terror he unleashed in Afghanistan and Iraq as a war of ideas just as it was a war of arms. With evangelical zeal and through his policy of regime change, he wanted to introduce Western-type liberal democracy in both countries but failed in the attempt. Though “democratically”-elected governments took office in Kabul and Baghdad, the American occupation was strongly resisted in both places, leading to the emergence of new insurgencies (Iraq) and the gradual regrouping of militants dislodged from power (Afghanistan). Not only did the United States under Bush fail to prevent Pakistan from aiding Afghan militants, it helped Shi’ite Iran in gaining an unprecedented foothold in the affairs of the new Shia-led dispensation in Iraq. George W. Bush’s surge for democracy through military intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted in a new wave of anti-Americanism in those regions and provided a fresh lease of life to Islamic fundamentalism. His crusade had indeed gone wrong.
Smart Girls, Black Girls, Mean Girls, and Bullies: At the Intersection of Identities and the Mediating Role of Young Girls' Social Network in Mathematical Communities of Practice
Authors: Gholson Maisie , Martin Danny B.
Published: December 2017

By taking an intersectional and emic view to studying a group of African American girls in a third-grade class, we attempt to capture the complexity of mathematics learning for these girls. Traditionally, children's social networks in school are framed as external to students' mathematics content learning. Our preliminary analyses of student interviews and classroom interactions reveal that social networks are instrumental in shaping learning opportunities and the development of academic, mathematical, and racial identities of girls in this third-grade class. To conclude, we use this study to discuss our view of researching African American girls in learning contexts.
Orienting African American Male Adolescents toward Meaningful Literacy Exchanges with Texts
Authors: Tatum Alfred W.
Published: December 2017

Drawing from a sociohistorical understanding of the roles of texts for African American males and data from a recent survey of teens' meaningful experiences with texts, the author provides a general understanding of the roles of texts among African American males and African American male adolescents' meaningful relationships with texts. These understandings are necessary for re-orienting these young males toward meaningful literacy exchanges with fiction and nonfiction texts with socioemotional and cognitive orientations. Implications for shaping more responsive textual pathways for struggling and non-struggling readers are offered.
The Stuff of Stereotypes: Toward Unpacking Identity Threats amid African American Students' Learning Experiences
Authors: Larnell Gregory V. , Boston Denise , Bragelman John
Published: December 2017

In this article, the authors explore the influence of stereotypes and stereotype threats on African American learners' experiences in situ, using mathematics-learning contexts as a specific setting. Although there has been growing attentiveness to the social contexts of students' math-learning experiences, the influence of stereotypes on learning—beyond testing situations—has been largely unexplored, with only a few notable exceptions. The purpose of this article is to shed light on scenarios in which threatening stereotypes unfold, specifically in an institutional context in which African Americans are overrepresented. Drawing on data and findings from a recent study examining mathematics learning and identity in non-credit-bearing remedial math courses, the article centers on three vignettes that highlight features of identity threat in situ: a) identity contingency detection, b) threat susceptibility, c) stereotype cues (e.g., critical mass), d) transmission of stereotypes, and e) pedagogical implications of identity threats. The article concludes with implications for studying the intersection of stereotypes and learning experiences.
Collaborative Translations: Designing Bilingual Instructional Tools
Authors: Keyes Christopher S. , Puzio Kelly , Jiménez Robert T.
Published: December 2017

Recognizing the role of collaboration and multilingual literacy as 21st-century skills, the authors used design research methods to present, analyze, and refine a strategic reading approach for bilingual students. The collaborative translation strategy involves students reading an academic text, translating key passages, and evaluating these translations. Student discussions that ensued provided a rich context to support a thoughtful connection to textual concepts. The authors also discuss the development and refinement of domain-specific instructional theory that informs collaborative translation. Findings suggest the strategy holds promise for increasing student engagement and providing a central instructional role for heritage languages.
Preservice Secondary Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy in Teaching Character Education
Authors: Waters Stewart , Russell William B.
Published: December 2017

Character education is one of the most controversial domains of academic instruction in the United States. At the present time, many states and individual schools are considering the question of their responsibility for educating students about democratic principles and moral values as a vital part of a teacher's role. This study investigated the personal teaching efficacy and general teaching efficacy beliefs of 130 preservice secondary teachers at a large university in Florida. The subjects were in one teacher education program preparing to teach language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics. The teacher education program had no formal courses dedicated to character education, but the topic was included in some of the content coursework. The study utilized the Character Education Efficacy Belief Instrument (CEEBI), which was developed and validated by Milson and Mehlig (2002). The results of this survey add to the literature on character education and teacher education by taking a closer look at the specific beliefs of secondary preservice teachers regarding their Personal Teaching Efficacy (PTE) and General Teaching Efficacy (GTE) for character education. This study provides insight into the efficacy beliefs of secondary preservice teachers in a teacher preparation program in a state that mandates character education.
What Mathematics Education Can Learn from Art: The Assumptions, Values, and Vision of Mathematics Education
Authors: Dietiker Leslie
Published: December 2017

Eisner (2002) proposes that educational challenges can be met by applying an artful lens. In this article, I draw from Eisner's proposal to consider the assumptions, values, and vision of mathematics education by theorizing mathematics curriculum as an art form specifically, I argue that by conceptualizing mathematics curriculum (both in written and enacted forms) as stories, the mathematical lessons experienced by students can be artfully crafted to inspire wonder or grab attention through surprise. An example of a mathematical story from a Grade 7 mathematics textbook is presented and discussed. By framing mathematical content in narrative terms, I seek to enable a rewriting of mathematical expeneces for learners.
The Design and Use of Educative Curricular Supports for Text-Based Discussions in Science
Authors: Arias Anna Maria , Palincsar Annemarie S. , Davis Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2017

There are a number of challenges associated with using text in science to promote general literacy skills and advance conceptual understanding. This article identifies the principles that informed the design of educative curriculum supports for teaching such texts and reports how elementary teachers chose to use the supports, which included identified learning goals, discussion moves to support sensemaking with the text, and narratives of teachers’ uses of text in science teaching. The within- and across-teacher variations are discussed in terms of their implications for student learning opportunities and the future design of educative supports for text-based discussions.
The Flying Man: The Power of Visual Media in Social Education
Authors: Pearcy Mark
Published: December 2017

The visual arts and media historically employed by teachers as a corollary to “traditional” social education can play a more vital role in promoting critical inquiry among students. The use of short films like The Flying Man (2013), a 2013 motion picture which depicts an almost mythic vigilante in a realistic world, can help educators highlight relevant contemporary issues and support an active, constructivist role for student critique. This article describes the role of visual media, the applications of visual art pedagogy, and the potential of works like The Flying Man to foster critical inquiry in a nontraditional manner.
“I've Known Rivers”: A Reflection on the Synergy of Multigenre, Multimodal Texts
Authors: Richter Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

In this article an elementary literacy specialist reflects on the use of multigenre, multimodal texts to support the teaching of poetry. Over time her efforts to enrich students’ and teachers’ experience with poetry led her to explore the synergy between poetry and related informational, visual, and auditory texts in order to afford deeper insights into the poem and the poet. She recounts the implementation of a plan for studying Langston Hughes’ poetry, in particular, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” that made use of such texts. The work was guided by two questions: How does learning about the poet enhance our understanding of a poem? How does understanding the poem help us understand the poet? Given the outcome of this work, a second phase is planned, joining the study of two artists of the Harlem Renaissance, the poet Langston Hughes and the visual artist Romare Bearden, supported by multigenre, multimodal texts.
Trends in Special Education Eligibility Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2002-2010
Authors: Rubenstein Eric , Daniels Julie , Schieve Laura A. , Christensen Deborah L. , Van Naarden Braun Kim , Rice Catherine E. , Bakian Amanda V. , Durkin Maureen S. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Kirby Russell S. , Lee Li-Ching
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Although data on publicly available special education are informative and offer a glimpse of trends in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and use of educational services, using these data for population-based public health monitoring has drawbacks. Our objective was to evaluate trends in special education eligibility among 8-year-old children with ASD identified in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

Methods:

We used data from 5 Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network sites (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina) during 4 surveillance years (2002, 2006, 2008, and 2010) and compared trends in 12 categories of special education eligibility by sex and race/ethnicity. We used multivariable linear risk regressions to evaluate how the proportion of children with a given eligibility changed over time.

Results:

Of 6010 children with ASD, more than 36% did not receive an autism eligibility in special education in each surveillance year. From surveillance year 2002 to surveillance year 2010, autism eligibility increased by 3.6 percentage points ( P = .09), and intellectual disability eligibility decreased by 4.6 percentage points ( P < .001). A greater proportion of boys than girls had an autism eligibility in 2002 (56.3% vs 48.8%). Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanic children had the largest increase in proportion with autism eligibility from 2002 to 2010 (15.4%, P = .005) and the largest decrease in proportion with intellectual disability (–14.3%, P = .004).

Conclusion:

Although most children with ASD had autism eligibility, many received special education services under other categories, and racial/ethnic disparities persisted. To monitor trends in ASD prevalence, public health officials need access to comprehensive data collected systematically, not just special education eligibility.
The Use of a Shared Services Model for Mycobacteriology Testing: Lessons Learned
Authors: Stafford Cortney , Atkinson-Dunn Robyn , Buss Sarah N. , Dalton Tracy , Gibson Debbie , Johnston Stephanie , King Ewa , Grace Lin Shou-Yean , Mitchell Kara K. , Murtaugh William A. , Sease Heather , Southern Timothy R. , Tans-Kersten Julie L. , Travanty Emily A. , Triplett Laura R. , Wroblewski Kelly , Starks Angela M.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

Public health laboratories (PHLs) provide essential services in the diagnosis and surveillance of diseases of public health concern, such as tuberculosis. Maintaining access to high-quality laboratory testing is critical to continued disease detection and decline of tuberculosis cases in the United States. We investigated the practical experience of sharing tuberculosis testing services between PHLs through the Shared Services Project.

Methods:

The Shared Services Project was a 9-month-long project funded through the Association of Public Health Laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 2012-2013 as a one-time funding opportunity to consortiums of PHLs that proposed collaborative approaches to sharing tuberculosis laboratory services. Submitting PHLs maintained testing while simultaneously sending specimens to reference laboratories to compare turnaround times.

Results:

During the 9-month project period, 107 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex submissions for growth-based drug susceptibility testing and molecular detection of drug resistance testing occurred among the 3 consortiums. The median transit time for all submissions was 1.0 day. Overall, median drug susceptibility testing turnaround time (date of receipt in submitting laboratory to result) for parallel testing performed in house by submitting laboratories was 31.0 days; it was 43.0 days for reference laboratories. The median turnaround time for molecular detection of drug resistance results was 1.0 day (mean = 2.8; range, 0-14) from specimen receipt at the reference laboratories.

Conclusions:

The shared services model holds promise for specialized tuberculosis testing. Sharing of services requires a balance among quality, timeliness, efficiency, communication, and fiscal costs.
Collection of Data on Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Nativity by US Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring Systems: Gaps and Opportunities
Authors: Rodriguez-Lainz Alfonso , McDonald Mariana , Fonseca-Ford Maureen , Penman-Aguilar Ana , Waterman Stephen H. , Truman Benedict I. , Cetron Martin S. , Richards Chesley L.
Published: December 2017

Objective:

Despite increasing diversity in the US population, substantial gaps in collecting data on race, ethnicity, primary language, and nativity indicators persist in public health surveillance and monitoring systems. In addition, few systems provide questionnaires in foreign languages for inclusion of non-English speakers. We assessed (1) the extent of data collected on race, ethnicity, primary language, and nativity indicators (ie, place of birth, immigration status, and years in the United States) and (2) the use of data-collection instruments in non-English languages among Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–supported public health surveillance and monitoring systems in the United States.

Methods:

We identified CDC-supported surveillance and health monitoring systems in place from 2010 through 2013 by searching CDC websites and other federal websites. For each system, we assessed its website, documentation, and publications for evidence of the variables of interest and use of data-collection instruments in non-English languages. We requested missing information from CDC program officials, as needed.

Results:

Of 125 data systems, 100 (80%) collected data on race and ethnicity, 2 more collected data on ethnicity but not race, 26 (21%) collected data on racial/ethnic subcategories, 40 (32%) collected data on place of birth, 21 (17%) collected data on years in the United States, 14 (11%) collected data on immigration status, 13 (10%) collected data on primary language, and 29 (23%) used non-English data-collection instruments. Population-based surveys and disease registries more often collected data on detailed variables than did case-based, administrative, and multiple-source systems.

Conclusions:

More complete and accurate data on race, ethnicity, primary language, and nativity can improve the quality, representativeness, and usefulness of public health surveillance and monitoring systems to plan and evaluate targeted public health interventions to eliminate health disparities.
A Limited Epidemiological Study of Seropositive Myasthenia Gravis in Tayside
Authors: Farrugia M. E.
Published: December 2017

Myasthenia gravis is an acquired disorder of the neuromuscular junction characterised by fatiguable weakness of the limbs, bulbar and facial muscles and may be complicated by respiratory muscle weakness and failure. One often confirms the diagnosis by a simple serological test looking for the presence of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody. However, seronegative myasthenia constitutes about 20% of cases and in the case of ocular myasthenia, only 50% will have the antibody. Therefore, the diagnosis can be less than straightforward especially if the patient presents with vague symptoms such as fatigue or presents to specialities other than neurology or ophthalmology. The fact that the diagnosis may prove to be challenging, compounded by the fact that the condition is relatively rare and that the antibody to the acetylcholine receptor is not always present, epidemiological data is often less than precise and indeed difficult to acquire. We felt it was necessary to try to establish the epidemiological data on seropositive myasthenia gravis in Tayside, (this has never been carried out) bearing in mind the above pitfalls, and see how the incidence compares with similar and previous studies.
Structural evolution and predictive modeling for nonlinear tensile behavior of tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarn during stretch
Authors: Wang Yong , Yu Weidong , Wang Fumei
Published: December 2017

In our previous research, a tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarn (t-ECCY) with sophisticated structure was fabricated in one twisting process on a modified ring spinning frame, which employed the elastane filament as a core and the stainless steel filament combined with rayon fibers as a helical winding around the extensible core. Herein, structural assessment in initial and straighten states, a predictive model for the tensile behavior of t-ECCY during stretch, and the micro-morphologies of fractured yarn surfaces under varying strain rates were investigated. The deformation mechanism of coils in t-ECCY is the initial separation of adjacent coil surfaces and gradual unwinding until it is free of coils. The straight-limit level of t-ECCY is mainly dependent upon the geometric disposition of its constituents inside and the elastane draft ratio. No obvious changes were found under cyclic stretch, indicating its compact structure and super elasticity. The essentially nonlinear tensile behavior of t-ECCY was emphasized based on the typical characteristic S-curve and cord method. A modified Vangheluwe–Hook tensile constitutive model by introducing an exponent to the exponential function was proposed to fit experimental curves under varying strain rates, and the ideal analytical equations were obtained by using the genetic algorithm with 1stOpt simulation software for the nonlinear regression with iteration procedures. It was demonstrated that the proposed analytical model can fairly well replicate the stress characteristics of yarn under different strain rates qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, a sharp break dominates at lower strain rates, whereas a local pull-out break is found at higher strain rates.
Hydrocarbon source rock evaluation of the Lower Cretaceous system in the Baibei Depression, Erlian Basin
Authors: Liu Hua , Ren Jinglun , Lyu Jianfei , Lyu Xueying , Feng Yuelin
Published: December 2017

The K1s, K1d, K1t, and K1a Formations are potential source rock intervals for hydrocarbon formation, all of which are part of the Lower Cretaceous system in the Baibei Depression in the Erlian Basin in China. However, no well has found oil flow because the hydrocarbon-generating potential of the source rocks has not been comprehensively evaluated. Based on organic geochemical and petrological analyses, all the source rocks possess highly variable total organic carbon and S1 + S2 contents. Total organic carbon and S1 + S2 contents indicate that the K1a2 Formation through the K1d1 Formation are source rocks that have fair to good generative potential and the K1d2 Formation through the K1s Formation are source rocks that have good to very good generative potential. The organic matter in the K1a2 Formation is dominated by Type I and II kerogen; thus, it is considered to be oil prone based on H/C versus O/C plots. Most of the analyzed samples were deposited in reducing environments and sourced from marine algae; thus, they are oil prone. However, only two source rock intervals were thermally mature with vitrinite reflectance values in the required range. Hydrocarbon-generating histories show that the K1t and K1a2 intervals began to generate hydrocarbons during the depositional period of the K1d2 and K1d3 Formations, respectively, and stopped generating hydrocarbons at the end of the depositional period of the late Cretaceous. Therefore, the main stage of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation was between the depositional period of the K1d2 and K1s Formations, and the critical moment was the depositional period of the late K1s Formation. The generation conversion efficiency reached approximately 55% in the K1a2 Formation and 18% in the K1t Formation at the end of the Cretaceous sedimentary stage. In general, the effective oil traps are those reservoirs that are near the active source rock in the generating sags in the Baibei Depression.
Development of an eHealth Program for Parents of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Whittemore Robin , Zincavage Rebekah M. , Jaser Sarah S. , Grey Margaret , Coleman Julia L. , Collett David , Delvy Roberta , Basile Ibrahim Bridget , Marceau Lisa D.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of parenting an adolescent with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), to develop a prototype of an eHealth program for parents of adolescents with T1DM, and to evaluate the prototype content and acceptability from the perspective of parents and health care providers.

Methods

A multiphase method was used generating both qualitative and quantitative data at multiple time points. There were 27 parents of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with T1DM and 16 health care providers who participated in semistructured interviews to identify parental challenges; 53 parents and 27 providers evaluated the prototype. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey data.

Results

Challenges experienced by parents of adolescents with T1DM included understanding the developmental and hormonal changes of adolescence that affect diabetes care, feeling tension between adolescent independence and parent control, communicating without nagging or conflict, transferring diabetes care responsibility safely, dealing with feelings of stress and distress, and perceiving a lack of resources for T1DM care and insufficient personal time for self-care. In the prototype evaluation, both parents and providers found content to be relevant and provided feedback to guide the development of the full program.

Conclusions

Parents of adolescents with T1DM and providers expressed a need for parents to have more support in transitioning diabetes care from parent to adolescent. eHealth programs offer an ideal way to address these needs and ultimately can be linked to electronic medical records improving quality and efficiency of health care in this population.
Unveiling the Microfoundations of Absorptive Capacity: A Study of Coleman’s Bathtub Model
Authors: Distel Andreas P.
Published: December 2017

Although the concept of absorptive capacity has gained wide acceptance in the literature, our understanding of the origins of a firm’s ability to absorb and leverage new knowledge is limited. Drawing on Coleman’s (1990) bathtub framework for macro-micro-macro-relations in social science, this study explores the multilevel antecedents of absorptive capacity using survey data gathered from 342 informants at different levels of analysis in 106 medical technology firms. Multilevel structural equation modeling analyses indicate that formal and informal integration mechanisms are positively related to absorptive capacity at the organizational level and that this relationship is mediated through a microlevel process. The findings reveal that knowledge workers’ cognitive process of perspective taking and their creative behavior are important microfoundations of absorptive capacity. Moreover, the results emphasize the critical role of key employees in explaining firm-level heterogeneity in building organizational capabilities.
The U.S. Supreme Court and Federalism in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Dinan John
Published: December 2017

This article analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court’s record in twenty-first-century federalism cases and compares these rulings with rulings issued in the late twentieth century, a time when the Court was aggressive in invalidating federal acts on federalism grounds and reluctant to limit state authority when reviewing state acts. The twenty-first-century Court has displayed a continued willingness to enforce limits on federal power when reviewing federal statutes but has been less willing than in recent years to sustain state laws with an eye to preserving state autonomy.
Introduction
Authors: Kincaid John
Published: December 2017

American federalism is a highly institutionalized compound of dual, cooperative, and coercive federalism that are coexisting states as well as historical phases. Contemporary coercive federalism has several systemic consequences including a shift in federal policy-making from places to persons, long-term fiscal stress, deceased intergovernmental institutions, rising polarization, a relegitimizing of states’ rights, and a paradoxical decline of public trust in the federal government coupled with public dedication to federal policy-making. Trump’s presidency, therefore, will likely be more of an interlude than a transformative moment in American federalism. Long-term trends highlighted in this issue will likely outlast Trump, although the trends point toward more centralization and polarization even while states and localities remain independently innovative on many fronts.
Power struggles
Authors: Lane Sean P. , Hennes Erin P.
Published: December 2017

Conducting research on human relationships entails special challenges of design and analysis. Many important questions benefit from the study of dyads and families, and studies of relationships in natural settings often involve longitudinal and/or clustered designs. In turn, power analyses for such studies require additional considerations, because multilevel statistical models (or structural equation modeling equivalents) are often used to analyze relationships data. Power calculations in multilevel models involve the difficult task of specifying hypothesized values for a large number of parameters. Planning studies can also involve power trade-offs, including whether to prioritize the number of dyads sampled or the number of repeated measurements per dyad. Unfortunately, the relationships literature provides limited guidance on how to deal with these issues. In this article, we present a data simulation method for estimating power for commonly used relationships research designs. We also illustrate the method using two worked examples from relationships research.
Models of interdependent individuals versus dyadic processes in relationship research
Authors: Iida Masumi , Seidman Gwendolyn , Shrout Patrick E.
Published: December 2017

In this article, we consider the statistical models that are appropriate to understand relationship processes between two people who are in a committed relationship. Some of these processes capture inherently individual processes where individuals happen to be interrelated and others capture inherently dyadic processes. We compare several different statistical approaches to model these phenomena, including the actor–partner interdependence model, common fate model, and a dyadic score model. We compare and contrast these models using a data set on closeness and time spent together from 201 couples where one partner is distinguished by stress associated with an upcoming professional exam. The models yield results that appear to give different interpretations of the data. We discuss situations in which each model may be preferred and invite relationship researchers to model relationship data using the statistical model that matches their conceptual framework, rather than using a rigid statistical methodology.
The ability of clinical balance measures to identify falls risk in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Quinn Gillian , Comber Laura , Galvin Rose , Coote Susan
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To determine the ability of clinical measures of balance to distinguish fallers from non-fallers and to determine their predictive validity in identifying those at risk of falls.

Data sources:

AMED, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, PubMed Central and Google Scholar. First search: July 2015. Final search: October 2017.

Review methods:

Inclusion criteria were studies of adults with a definite multiple sclerosis diagnosis, a clinical balance assessment and method of falls recording. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 scale and the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted for the cross-sectional studies using Review Manager 5. The mean difference with 95% confidence interval in balance outcomes between fallers and non-fallers was used as the mode of analysis.

Results:

We included 33 studies (19 cross-sectional, 5 randomised controlled trials, 9 prospective) with a total of 3901 participants, of which 1917 (49%) were classified as fallers. The balance measures most commonly reported were the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go and Falls Efficacy Scale International. Meta-analysis demonstrated fallers perform significantly worse than non-fallers on all measures analysed except the Timed Up and Go Cognitive ( p < 0.05), but discriminative ability of the measures is commonly not reported. Of those reported, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value (0.92), but without reporting corresponding measures of clinical utility.

Conclusion:

Clinical measures of balance differ significantly between fallers and non-fallers but have poor predictive ability for falls risk in people with multiple sclerosis.
Repeated social defeat induces transient glial activation and brain hypometabolism: A positron emission tomography imaging study
Authors: Kopschina Feltes Paula , de Vries Erik FJ , Juarez-Orozco Luis E , Kurtys Ewelina , Dierckx Rudi AJO , Moriguchi-Jeckel Cristina M , Doorduin Janine
Published: December 2017

Psychosocial stress is a risk factor for the development of depression. Recent evidence suggests that glial activation could contribute to the development of depressive-like behaviour. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo whether repeated social defeat (RSD) induces short- and long-term inflammatory and metabolic alterations in the brain through positron emission tomography (PET). Male Wistar rats ( n = 40) were exposed to RSD by dominant Long-Evans rats on five consecutive days. Behavioural and biochemical alterations were assessed at baseline, day 5/6 and day 24/25 after the RSD protocol. Glial activation (11C-PK11195 PET) and changes in brain metabolism (18F-FDG PET) were evaluated on day 6, 11 and 25 (short-term), and at 3 and 6 months (long-term). Defeated rats showed transient depressive- and anxiety-like behaviour, increased corticosterone and brain IL-1β levels, as well as glial activation and brain hypometabolism in the first month after RSD. During the third- and six-month follow-up, no between-group differences in any investigated parameter were found. Therefore, non-invasive PET imaging demonstrated that RSD induces transient glial activation and reduces brain glucose metabolism in rats. These imaging findings were associated with stress-induced behavioural changes and support the hypothesis that neuroinflammation could be a contributing factor in the development of depression.
Interprofessional Rivalry in Nigeria’s Health Sector: A Comparison of Doctors and Other Health Workers’ Views at a Secondary Care Center
Authors: Omisore Akinlolu G. , Adesoji Richard O. , Abioye-Kuteyi Emmanuel A.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

To examine interprofessional rivalry (IPR) between doctors and other health workers and their understanding of its effects.

Introduction:

IPR in Nigeria’s health system is a burgeoning issue with apparent adverse effects. The most profound rivalry appears to be between doctors and other health workers.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 120 health workers (24 doctors and 96 other health workers) at the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. Pertinent data were collected via semistructured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version17.0.

Discussion:

IPR is perceived to be the leading cause of conflicts among health workers by 70% of respondents. Doctors and other workers had significantly divergent opinions on the leadership of the health team, patient management, establishment positions, and monetary issues as well as on the effects of IPR with more doctors recognizing its hazards. Nearly half of the respondents believe that strikes are justifiable and the most recommended antidote is for the government to attempt to meet group needs.

Conclusion:

IPR has reached unprecedented levels in Nigeria. However, its adverse effects have not been duly recognized, especially by nondoctors. There is an urgent need for education of health workers on the deleterious effects of IPR.
A Social Identity Perspective on the Legalization of Marijuana in the United States
Authors: Geiger-Oneto Stephanie , Simkins Travis
Published: December 2017

Using Social Identity Theory, this article explores the process by which a stigmatized consumption practice, namely recreational and medical marijuana use, has been gaining regulatory and normative legitimacy. An online panel (N=432) was surveyed about motivations to support the transition of a market from illegal to legal status from people who do not intend to directly participate in it. Consistent with Social Identity Theory, results indicated that that: (1) marijuana users reported a higher level of support for the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana than non-users; (2) status insecurity enhanced the level of support for legalizing medical marijuana among in-group members and decreased the level of support for out-group members (those not identifying with marijuana users). In addition, results suggested that non-users may engage in legitimation practices to benefit their communities rather than promoting individual level benefits. Overall, the present research provides a link between the micro level motivational processes of group members to support/oppose the transition of an illegal market to one with regulatory legitimacy.
The Effect of Corticosteroid Injection Into Rotator Interval for Early Frozen Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Yaying , Liu Shaohua , Chen Shiyi , Chen Jiwu
Published: December 2017

Background:

Corticosteroid injection is a common treatment for frozen shoulder, but controversy still exists regarding the injection site with the best outcome.

Hypothesis:

To treat the frozen shoulder in the freezing stage with corticosteroid injection, a single injection into the rotator interval (RI) could yield better effects in terms of improvement in pain, passive range of motion (ROM), and function than would an injection into the intra-articular (IA) or subacromial (SA) space.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Patients with primary frozen shoulder in the freezing stage were randomized into 3 groups: RI injection, IA injection, or SA injection with corticosteroid. Clinical outcomes were documented at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention, including visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; passive ROM measurements, including external rotation, internal rotation, forward flexion, and abduction; and evaluation with the Disability of Arm, Hand, and Shoulder (DASH) score and Constant score.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the basic properties of the 3 groups (27 in RI group, 24 in IA group, and 26 in SA group) before injection. Improvements in pain VAS, passive ROM, Constant score, and DASH score were faster and significant in the RI group from 4 weeks after injection, followed by those in the IA group. Passive ROM decreased and DASH score did not change significantly in the SA group, although pain VAS and Constant score improved significantly.

Conclusion:

To treat frozen shoulder in the freezing stage with corticosteroid injection, a single injection into the RI yielded better effects in terms of improvement in pain, passive ROM, and function than did injections into the IA or SA space.
miR-199a-5p inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in hemangioma cells through targeting HIF1A
Authors: Wang Yang , Dai Yu-Xin , Wang Shu-Qing , Qiu Ming-Ke , Quan Zhi-Wei , Liu Ying-Bin , Ou Jing-Min
Published: December 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit a crucial role in the regulation of angiogenesis and tumor progression, of which miR-199a-5p (miR-199a) has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in multiple malignancies. However, the precise mechanisms underlying miR-199a in hemangiomas (HAs) remain elusive. In this study, we found that miR-199a had low expression level, while proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) had high expression level in proliferating-phase HAs compared with the involuting-phase HAs and normal tissues. Spearman correlation analysis revealed the negative correlation of miR-199a with PCNA expression in proliferating-phase HAs. In vitro experiments showed that restoration of miR-199a suppressed cell proliferation capability and induced cell apoptosis in HA-derived endothelial cells (HDEC) and CRL-2586 EOMA cells, followed with decreased PCNA expression and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, but miR-199a inhibitor reversed these effects. Furthermore, HIF1A was identified as a target of miR-199a and had negative correlation with miR-199a expression in proliferating-phase HAs. Overexpression of HIF1A attenuated the anti-proliferation effect of miR-199a mimic in HAs cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR-199a may inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in HAs cells via targeting HIF1A and provide a potential therapeutic target for HAs.
The Positive Effect of Intrinsic Feedback on Motivational Engagement and Self-Efficacy in Information Literacy
Authors: Lerdpornkulrat Thanita , Poondej Chanut , Koul Ravinder , Khiawrod Gedsaraporn , Prasertsirikul Pariyanuch
Published: December 2017

Formative assessment and feedback play important roles in empowering students as self-regulated learners in the higher education context. This study aimed to investigate the use of a rubric as a self-assessment tool which could generate intrinsic feedback to promote learning outcomes related to information literacy. We collected data from 584 Thai undergraduate students who enrolled in six sections of a general education course on information literacy skills. The researchers treated three sections as the control group and three sections as the experimental group. Only students in the experimental group took part in a formalized classroom activity based on using the course rubric as a tool for self-assessment. The results from the quasi-experimental study revealed that using a rubric as a self-assessment tool increased students’ self-efficacy in information literacy, which were measured in terms of “information search,” “information evaluation,” “information processing,” and “information communication and dissemination.” Our findings have important implications for the development of self-efficacy in information literacy.