bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China and Cuba
Authors: Xianglin Mao , Hearn Adrian H. , Weiguang Liu
Published: July 2015

Sino-Cuban relations have deepened rapidly since the beginning of the twenty-first century, propelled by both political ideology and economic interests. A shared commitment to socialism with “local characteristics” has enabled the pursuit of an unusually broad range of cooperative initiatives. These include Chinese investment in the Cuban nickel and oil sectors, educational and medical exchange programs, the development of tourism, and engagement with the Chinese diaspora on the island. Data from Chinese sources on these spheres of engagement reflect an attempt to address contemporary needs with a blend of state and market forces. The intensification of Sino-Cuban relations over the past decade poses no challenge to the United States; on the contrary, it opens new opportunities for trilateral cooperation.

Las relaciones sino-cubanos se han profundizado rápidamente desde comienzos del siglo XXI, impulsadas tanto por ideología política como por intereses económicos. Un compromiso compartido al socialismo con “características locales” ha permitido la consecución de una gama inusualmente amplia de iniciativas cooperativas. Éstas incluyen la inversión china en sectores cubanos de níquel y petróleo, programas de intercambio educacionales y médicos, el fomento de turismo, y la interacción con la diáspora china en la isla. Datos de fuentes chinas sobre estos ámbitos de interacción reflejan un intento de abordar necesidades contemporáneas con una mezcla de fuerzas estatales y del mercado. La profundización de relaciones sino-cubanas en recientes décadas no presenta ningún desafío a los Estados Unidos; al contrario, abre nuevas oportunidades de cooperación trilateral.
Mexico, China, and the Politics of Trust
Authors: Hearn Adrian H.
Published: July 2015

Described by political scientists as a necessary condition for efficiency, productivity, and prosperity, trust has become a precept of good governance with global reach. The concept is often marshaled to support a conservative political agenda of state retrenchment and market deregulation. Proponents of this agenda argue that the natural inclination of private actors to trust and cooperate with each other is undermined by government monitoring and compliance regulations. The evidence from Mexico points to an alternative conclusion: when carefully targeted, state support to private actors has strengthened rather than impeded trusting relationships between suppliers, customers, and investors. Commercial competition with China raises an urgent challenge for Mexico’s government: to broaden the scope of its assistance beyond a narrow set of elite firms to small and medium-sized enterprises, including those of the resident Chinese community.

Considerado por politólogos como condición necesaria para la eficiencia, productividad y prosperidad, la confianza ha llegado a ser un precepto de buena gobernanza con alcance global. Se utiliza el concepto a menudo para respaldar una agenda política conservadora de recortes del estado y desregulación del mercado. Los defensores de tal agenda sostienen que la inclinación natural de actores privados de confiar y cooperar entre sí es socavada por la fiscalización gubernamental y las regulaciones de cumplimiento. La evidencia desde México apunta a una conclusión alternativa: seleccionado cuidadosamente, el apoyo estatal a actores privados ha fortalecido en vez de impedir las relaciones de confianza entre proveedores, clientes, e inversores. La competencia comercial con la China presenta un desafío urgente para el gobierno de México: de ampliar el alcance de su ayuda más allá de un conjunto reducido de compañías élites hacia pequeñas y medianas empresas, inclu-yendo las de la comunidad residente china.
Tourism and Political Choices of Indigenous Populations in Yucatán
Authors: Hawn Heather , Tison Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Anthropologists and other social scientists have traditionally decried the effects of tourism on exotic cultures, but contemporary research reveals that this growing resource is being utilized by rational actors to achieve political and social gains. Study of the effects of tourism on the political choices of Maya in Yucatán suggests that tourism helps indigenous actors negotiate favorable terms with state and private actors. Further, the presence of tourists reorganizes the costs and benefits of behaviors such as protests or land invasions. Thus this extrainstitutional behavior is more prevalent in the largest tourist areas (Cancún, Mérida, and Chichén Itzá) and covert behaviors such as pilfering and sick-outs in nontourist areas.

Tradicionalmente, los antropólogos y científicos sociales han condenado los efectos del turismo sobre culturas exóticas, pero la investigación contemporánea pone de manifiesto que este recurso creciente está siendo utilizado por actores racionales para lograr beneficios políticos y sociales. El estudio de los efectos del turismo sobre las preferencias políticas de los maya en Yucatán sugiere que el turismo ayuda a los actores indígenas a negociar términos favorables con actores estatales y privados. Además, la presencia de turistas reorganiza los costos y beneficios de conductas como protestas o invasiones de tierras. Entonces, esta conducta extra-institucional es más prevalente en las zonas turísticas más grandes (Cancún, Mérida y Chichén Itzá) y las conductas encubiertas como el rateo y las ausencias colectivas por enfermedad prevalecen en zonas no-turísticas.
Hormonal contraceptives and asthma in women of reproductive age: analysis of data from serial national Scottish Health Surveys
Authors: Nwaru Bright I , Sheikh Aziz
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Sex steroid hormones may explain known gender-related variations in asthma prevalence and clinical manifestation. We investigated the relationship between use of hormonal contraceptives and asthma in women, and assessed evidence of biological interaction between use of hormonal contraceptives and body mass index in this relationship.

Design

Population-based analysis using data from serial (i.e. 2003, 2008 and 2010) Scottish Health Surveys.

Setting

Random samples of the Scottish general population.

Participants

A total of 3257 non-pregnant, 16–45-year-old women.

Exposure

Current use of hormonal contraceptives.

Main outcome measures

Self-reported current physician-diagnosed asthma, current wheezing symptoms, wheezing attacks and treatment for asthma or wheeze.

Results

Women comprising 30.9% (95% confidence interval 29.3–32.5) were currently using any hormonal contraceptive and current physician-diagnosed asthma was present in 6.5% (95% confidence interval 5.7–7.4). Use of any hormonal contraceptive was associated with reduced risk of current physician-diagnosed asthma (odds ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.98) and receiving ≥3 asthma care episodes (odds ratio 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.25–0.82), but the evidence was equivocal for wheezing attacks. Use of hormonal contraceptives among overweight or obese women was non-statistically significantly associated with asthma, but there was 42–135% increased risk in overweight and obese non-contraceptive using women.

Conclusions

Use of hormonal contraceptives may reduce asthma exacerbations and number of care episodes. Overweight and obese non-contraceptive-using women may be at increased risk of asthma. Prospective studies are now needed to confirm these findings. Both oestrogen and progesterone may stimulate smooth airway muscle function and inhibit the activities of TH2 responses. Future studies should investigate these underlying mechanisms.
Ethnic variations in morbidity and mortality from lower respiratory tract infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Simpson Colin R , Steiner Markus FC , Cezard Genevieve , Bansal Narinder , Fischbacher Colin , Douglas Anne , Bhopal Raj , Sheikh Aziz
Published: July 2015

Objective

There is evidence of substantial ethnic variations in asthma morbidity and the risk of hospitalisation, but the picture in relation to lower respiratory tract infections is unclear. We carried out an observational study to identify ethnic group differences for lower respiratory tract infections.

Design

A retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Scotland.

Participants

4.65 million people on whom information was available from the 2001 census, followed from May 2001 to April 2010.

Main outcome measures

Hospitalisations and deaths (any time following first hospitalisation) from lower respiratory tract infections, adjusted risk ratios and hazard ratios by ethnicity and sex were calculated. We multiplied ratios and confidence intervals by 100, so the reference Scottish White population’s risk ratio and hazard ratio was 100.

Results

Among men, adjusted risk ratios for lower respiratory tract infection hospitalisation were lower in Other White British (80, 95% confidence interval 73–86) and Chinese (69, 95% confidence interval 56–84) populations and higher in Pakistani groups (152, 95% confidence interval 136–169). In women, results were mostly similar to those in men (e.g. Chinese 68, 95% confidence interval 56–82), although higher adjusted risk ratios were found among women of the Other South Asians group (145, 95% confidence interval 120–175). Survival (adjusted hazard ratio) following lower respiratory tract infection for Pakistani men (54, 95% confidence interval 39–74) and women (31, 95% confidence interval 18–53) was better than the reference population.

Conclusions

Substantial differences in the rates of lower respiratory tract infections amongst different ethnic groups in Scotland were found. Pakistani men and women had particularly high rates of lower respiratory tract infection hospitalisation. The reasons behind the high rates of lower respiratory tract infection in the Pakistani community are now required.
Revisiting an ancient treatment for transphincteric fistula-in-ano ‘There is nothing new under the sun’ Ecclesiastes 1v9
Authors: Soliman F , Sturgeon G , Hargest R
Published: July 2015

Objective

The history of treatments for fistula-in-ano can be traced back to ancient times. Current treatment of transphincteric fistulae is controversial, with many options available. We reviewed the history of treatment using cutting setons and present our series of transphincteric fistulae in the light of the series in the literature.

Design

Literature review and case series.

Setting

Hospital based coloproctology service

Participants

140 consecutive patients presenting with fistula-in-ano were included.

Main Outcome Measures

The literature pertaining to treatment of transphincteric fistula was reviewed, along with the outcome of various treatment methods for this condition. Data were collected for 140 consecutive patients presenting with fistula- in-ano were assessed for fistula healing, recurrence and complications.

Results

A total of 140 consecutive patients with fistula-in-ano were identified, of which 111 were cryptoglandular (79.3%). Eighty-one of these 111 were transphincteric (73.0%). At a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 2–83 months), 70 transphincteric fistulae had healed (86.4%), 10 were still undergoing treatment (12.3%) and one patient was lost to follow-up prior to treatment (1.2%). Two patients in this group required a stoma (2.5%), six patients developed recurrence (7.4%); three ‘true’ recurrences (3.7%). One (1.2%) developed a chronic fissure. There were no reported cases of incontinence.

Conclusions

The management of transphincteric fistula-in-ano is complex and controversial, for which no clear surgical procedure has gained acceptance as the gold standard. This study demonstrates that transphincteric fistulae can be successfully treated using cutting setons. A high healing rate (86.4%), low recurrence rate (7.4%) and a low complication rate (3.7%) are shown, which compares favourably with published rates over a long follow-up.
Statistical analyses in Swedish randomised trials on mammography screening and in other randomised trials on cancer screening: a systematic review
Authors: Autier Philippe , Boniol Mathieu , Smans Michel , Sullivan Richard , Boyle Peter
Published: July 2015

Objectives

We compared calculations of relative risks of cancer death in Swedish mammography trials and in other cancer screening trials.

Participants

Men and women from 30 to 74 years of age.

Setting

Randomised trials on cancer screening.

Design

For each trial, we identified the intervention period, when screening was offered to screening groups and not to control groups, and the post-intervention period, when screening (or absence of screening) was the same in screening and control groups. We then examined which cancer deaths had been used for the computation of relative risk of cancer death.

Main outcome measures

Relative risk of cancer death.

Results

In 17 non-breast screening trials, deaths due to cancers diagnosed during the intervention and post-intervention periods were used for relative risk calculations. In the five Swedish trials, relative risk calculations used deaths due to breast cancers found during intervention periods, but deaths due to breast cancer found at first screening of control groups were added to these groups. After reallocation of the added breast cancer deaths to post-intervention periods of control groups, relative risks of 0.86 (0.76; 0.97) were obtained for cancers found during intervention periods and 0.83 (0.71; 0.97) for cancers found during post-intervention periods, indicating constant reduction in the risk of breast cancer death during follow-up, irrespective of screening.

Conclusions

The use of unconventional statistical methods in Swedish trials has led to overestimation of risk reduction in breast cancer death attributable to mammography screening. The constant risk reduction observed in screening groups was probably due to the trial design that optimised awareness and medical management of women allocated to screening groups.
Finite-time consensus control of second-order nonlinear systems with input saturation
Authors: Gao Tingting , Huang Jiangshuai , Zhou Yong , Wang Qing-Guo
Published: July 2015

In this paper we consider finite-time consensus control for a group of second-order systems, including double-integrator systems and nonlinear mechanical systems. Distributed controllers are designed such that a consensus is reached while all the agents in the multi-agent system suffer from input saturation. Firstly, we propose distributed controllers for multiple double-integrator systems under the leader–follower scenario while only part of the agents have access to the leader. We also assume that the velocities of the agents are not measurable, thus an observer is designed for each of the agents. Secondly, the methodology is extended to the leader–follower consensus control for a group of nonlinear mechanical systems. It is shown that the states of the mechanical systems can reach a consensus within finite time under input saturation. Finally, simulation results illustrate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Operator-based experimental studies on nonlinear vibration control for an aircraft vertical tail with considering low-order modes
Authors: Katsurayama Yuta , Deng Mingcong , Jiang Changan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a robust nonlinear control design using an operator-based robust right coprime factorization approach is considered for vibration control on an aircraft vertical tail with piezoelectric elements. First, a model of the aircraft vertical tail is derived to describe vibration response using the operator-based approach, where, to stabilize vibration of the tail, piezoelectric elements are used as actuators and a hysteresis nonlinear property of piezoelectric actuators is considered. Simultaneously, positions of the piezoelectric actuators that are stuck on the plate are arranged by using a finite element method. Then based on the obtained operator-based model, a robust nonlinear feedback control design is given by using robust right coprime factorization for the aircraft vertical tail with considering the effect of hysteresis nonlinearity from piezoelectric actuators. In particular, low-order modes are employed to design the control scheme even though vibration is configured by high-order modes. In other words, robustness is considered, and the desired performance of tracking is discussed. Finally, both simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Question-Based Dialogue on Media Representations of Social Problems
Authors: Friesem Elizaveta
Published: July 2015

Media coverage helps people to be informed about many important social phenomena. However, there is no evidence that audiences know what to do with what they have learned from the media. The current study examines whether we can use implicit knowledge that people accumulate from the media about sensitive social problems to help them understand these issues, and reflect on their social responsibility. I applied principles of media literacy education and educational dialogue to conduct 16 focus groups on media representations of child sexual abuse with 93 college students. This study suggests that a question-based dialogue where the facilitator uses participants’ natural curiosity to help them construct meanings out of implicit knowledge they possess has an important potential to encourage civic engagement.
Differential cardiovascular and hypothalamic pituitary response to amphetamine in male pathological gamblers versus healthy controls
Authors: Zack Martin , Boileau Isabelle , Payer Doris , Chugani Bindiya , Lobo Daniela S , Houle Sylvain , Wilson Alan A , Warsh Jerry J , Kish Stephen J
Published: July 2015

Cardiovascular and hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) disturbances have been observed in individuals who are pathological gamblers (PGs). These may partly derive from chronic exposure to gambling. Response to amphetamine (AMPH) may reveal such disturbances while controlling for differential conditioned responses to gambling in PGs vs healthy controls (HCs). This study assessed heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and plasma cortisol following oral AMPH (0.4 mg/kg) in male PGs ( n=12) and HCs (n=11) who underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The Stop Signal Task enabled assessment of the link between physiological and behavioral dysregulation. Trait moderating effects were explored. The responses of PGs to AMPH differed from those of HCs on every index. PGs displayed persistent elevation in DBP and concomitant reduction in HR (i.e. baroreflex) compared to HCs beyond 90 min post-dose. PGs displayed deficits in cortisol compared to HCs that were partially reversed by AMPH. Impairment on the Stop Signal Task correlated positively with HR in controls, but negatively with HR in PGs, suggesting that strong initial and compensatory cardiac responses to a stimulant may each predict disinhibition. Extraversion predicted greater disinhibition in PGs. Noradrenergic disturbances may contribute to sensitized responses to stimulant challenge and disinhibition in PGs.
No evidence for differential dose effects of hydrocortisone on intrusive memories in female patients with complex post-traumatic stress disorder – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
Authors: Ludäscher Petra , Schmahl Christian , Feldmann Robert E. , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Schneider Miriam , Bohus Martin
Published: July 2015

Background:

Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by intrusive traumatic memories. Presently, a controversial debate is ongoing regarding whether reduced cortisol secretion in post-traumatic stress disorder promotes an automatic retrieval of trauma-associated memories. Hence, a pharmacological elevation of cortisol was proposed to decrease post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, particularly intrusions. The present study investigated the impact of two different doses of hydrocortisone on automatic memory retrieval using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 inpatients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Methods:

All participants were female and received various psychotropic medications. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups within a crossover design: they received either 1 week placebo followed by 1 week hydrocortisone 10/d, followed by 1 week placebo, followed by hydrocortisone 30 mg/d (15 participants) or 1 week hydrocortisone 30 mg/d, followed by 1 week placebo, followed by 1 week hydrocortisone 10 mg/d, followed by 1 week placebo (15 participants). The outcome measures were the frequency and the intensity of intrusions, the overall symptomatology of post-traumatic stress disorder and the general psychopathology.

Results:

We did not find any differences in the frequency and the intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder-related intrusions between the 10 mg hydrocortisone, the 30 mg hydrocortisone and the placebo condition. All effect sizes for the hydrocortisone condition vs. placebo were very small. Additionally, the overall symptomatology of post-traumatic stress disorder and the general psychopathology did not differ between the hydrocortisone therapies and placebo.

Conclusions:

Our results do not show any effect of the hydrocortisone administration on intrusions in complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Engaging Students With Social Media
Authors: Bal Anjali S. , Grewal Dhruv , Mills Adam , Ottley Gary
Published: July 2015

The importance of social media for marketing professionals has grown immensely as consumers turn to it to connect with products, brands, and brand communities. Yet limited research investigates the uses of social media to teach core marketing concepts. This article analyzes coursework in foundational marketing classes, with a specific focus on the effectiveness of social media for teaching core marketing concepts. Through the use of multiple social media platforms, the courses sought to engage students in active learning and provide a medium for the students to apply marketing concepts and market real companies to a public audience. Survey data provide insights into the effectiveness of social media as a tool for teaching core course concepts.
Thermal contact of magneto-electro-elastic materials subjected to a conducting flat punch
Authors: Ma Ju , Ke Liao-Liang , Wang Yue-Sheng , Aizikovich Sergey M
Published: July 2015

This article is concerned with the thermal contact between a magneto-electro-elastic material half-plane and a rigid flat punch. The punch is assumed to be a perfect thermal insulator and electro-magnetic conductor. The sliding speed of the punch over the surface of the magneto-electro-elastic material half-plane is a small constant far slower than the shear wave speed of the magneto-electro-elastic material half-plane, which generates the heat flux with its value proportional to the contact pressure, friction coefficient and sliding speed. The contact problem is reduced to Cauchy-type singular integral equations of the first and the second kinds, which are then solved numerically to obtain the contact stress, electric displacement, magnetic induction and surface temperature. Numerical results show that the friction coefficient and sliding speed can affect the magnitude of the surface temperature and magneto-electro-elastic fields.
Navigating stormy waters in times of fiscal uncertainty
Authors: Mitton Craig , Smith Neale , Hall William , Donaldson Cam , Dionne Francois
Published: July 2015

New approaches to resource allocation are providing healthcare managers with ways to meet budget pressures while maximizing benefit to patients and populations. But putting these approaches in place often involves significant organizational change to which some degree of resistance must be expected. The authors have seen seven common objections raised time and again. Here, we offer our best advice on how healthcare leaders can anticipate and respond proactively to these challenges.
In-vitro degradation characteristics of poly(e-caprolactone)/poly(glycolic acid) scaffolds fabricated via solid-state cryomilling
Authors: Jonnalagadda John B , Rivero Iris V , Warzywoda Juliusz
Published: July 2015

Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) scaffolds were fabricated via solid-state cryomilling along with compression molding and porogen leaching techniques. Four types of scaffolds were produced using four distinct cryomilling times. These scaffolds were evaluated for their in-vitro degradation behavior hydrolytically in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The degradation profiles were investigated over a period of 60 days. The percentage of weight loss, percentage of water absorption, morphology, compressive, thermal, and material properties were studied as a function of degradation time. Weight loss and water absorption demonstrated a high correlation, which showed an increasing behavior with increase in cryomilling time and degradation time. Morphology of the scaffolds analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed micro-cracks on the surface of the cylindrical struts due to hydrolytic attack and dissolution of hydrophilic PGA. Changes in compressive modulus and crystallinity over the degradation period and material properties were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DSC and XRD results indicated that hydrolytic attack had taken place during degradation, resulting in moments of increased and decreased percent crystallinity. This study successfully brought forth the differences in resultant properties of the PCL/PGA scaffolds as a function of degradation time.
Breastfeeding-Friendly Erie County
Authors: Gregg Deborah J. , Prokorym Megan , Dennison Barbara A. , Waniewski Patricia
Published: July 2015

Background:

Primary care providers play an important role in encouraging and counseling pregnant and postpartum women to successfully breastfeed.

Objective:

One objective of this 1-year grant was to establish the Breastfeeding Friendly Practice Designation criteria and process to identify and designate at least 5 primary care practices as New York State Breastfeeding Friendly Practices in a high-need, racially/ethnically diverse, urban county in New York with very low prevalence of breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration.

Methods:

A partnership between the New York State Department of Health and the P2 Collaborative of Western New York and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Healthy Start Healthy Future for All Coalition facilitated the development of the New York State Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Practice, accompanying implementation guide, designation criteria, and model office policies. Practice staff and providers received on-site training and materials and participated in a virtual learning network to share their experiences, celebrate successes, and overcome challenges in implementing system changes. Practice staff completed a self-assessment survey at baseline and after implementation of the Ten Steps and submitted their written office breastfeeding policy for review.

Results:

Fourteen practices met the criteria for designation and were recognized by the New York State Health Commissioner.

Conclusion:

The number of practices designated as Breastfeeding Friendly far exceeded the grant objective. Future efforts are directed at expanding this initiative statewide and determining the impact of the designation on breastfeeding outcomes.
Agony over national–imperial identity: Interpreting the coloniality of the Chinese New Left
Authors: Iam-chong Ip
Published: July 2015

European thought, rather than an overarching ideology imposed on the colonized, offers a concatenation of keywords and narratives for people to imagine their national community, yet, sometimes serving as political prison for the others, especially those internal and neighboring ones. Henceforth, coloniality does not reside merely in European or US domination but also in multiple relationships and scalar dynamics of the non-European context. In this article, I analyze the discourse of the Chinese New Left, who repudiate the West and affirm a new Chinese sovereign power, thereby resonating with concerns and orientations originating in the new world situation that puts China back in the global power center. I argue that their discourse, despite its left-wing rhetoric, is an expression of agony over national–imperial identity rather than of the powerless. It has found favor among academic conservatives who render ancient Chinese imperial concepts into conceptual tools available for the state to consolidate its legitimacy and political order. A new Chinese sovereign power is discursively envisioned in the co-formations and interconnectivity of the imperial imaginaries of the short-lived German Empire, Pax Americana, and the legacy of Qing Empire.
Singapore, the state, and decolonial spatiality
Authors: Goh Daniel PS
Published: July 2015

The proposition that Singapore is a successful Asian model of urban culture and political economy is a discomforting one. I had thought this was a postcolonial problem of hybrid identity making and political practice. But in my attempts to study Singapore society, from street carnivals to popular religion, I have ended up facing the state’s knowing rationalizations in the discursive materials and material space itself. When I focus on the state and its archive, I end up looking at society and its culture transcribed, rationalized and spatialized. Our epistemic blind spot in Asian cultural studies is the coloniality of the state and its spatiality. Singapore is exceptional because the state took the urban logics of Asian developmentalism to its conclusion, flattening rich cultural lifeworlds to spaces of bare life so as to reconstruct society in the state’s own modern imaginary of the good life. The state continues to do this in spite of the deterritorialization of globalization. The Singapore model offers the promise of remaining colonial and territorializing. In response, we need new methods of decolonial spatiality involving the urban grassroots and the intellectual strike.
Between the Russian/Soviet dependencies, neoliberal delusions, dewesternizing options, and decolonial drives
Authors: Tlostanova Madina
Published: July 2015

Departing from the previous tripartite post-colonial/neocolonial geopolitical structure, contemporary world offers a different specter of possibilities and alliances which rearrange the former actors and their mutual relations and (in)dependencies in unexpected ways. The most striking of such shifts is the reemergence of Asia on a global scale within a dewesternizing model, which negotiates post-colonial and modernizing impulses at once. However, there are regions which have lost their ability (and right) to speak and think and were disqualified from the position of the honorary second world to that of the global South. Such are the Asian regions that used to be a colonial part of the Russian/Soviet empire. They went through a Soviet modernization which redoubled their colonial status due to a subalternized position of the Russian/Soviet empire itself, now going through its final demise. This article reflects on what options are left for the former Asian colonies of Russia/Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) which today are once again stereotyped through Orientalist or Progressivist lens, and left out by both rewesternizing and dewesternizing parties. A good option for them is a decolonial option grounded in restoring memories, local histories, and epistemologies in a complex and dynamic interplay with and a resistance to modernity. As a post-Soviet and decolonial Asian other, the author attempts a critical analysis of intersections between post-soviet and post-colonial dependencies and possible decolonizing projections that might help this other Asia eventually join the triumphant Asian century in the capacity of one of its rightful agents.
Experimental and simulation study on the vibration isolation and torsion elimination performances of interconnected air suspensions
Authors: Li Zhongxing , Ju Longyu , Jiang Hong , Xu Xing , Li Mei
Published: July 2015

This paper extends recent research on the dynamic performance of an interconnected air suspension. Although some aspects of the dynamic performance of such suspension systems have been studied, little attention has yet been paid to the torsion elimination performance or to the way in which the form of interconnection influences the interconnecting effectiveness. A model car test bench equipped with interconnected air spring suspensions is constructed and the vibration isolation performances of different interconnections are compared. The test results show that the r.m.s. acceleration value of the vehicle body is reduced by 1.2–6.1% using a lateral interconnection, while it is reduced by 0.1–3.3% using a longitudinal interconnection, because of the longer interconnecting pipes. Further research proves that laterally interconnected air suspensions can gain interconnecting effectiveness by using shorter and thinner interconnecting pipes, and this means that they are more suitable for small- and medium-sized vehicles. When the deformation of the vehicle body is considered, a new eight-degree-of-freedom mathematical model is designed and verified by test examination. This model is used to study the torsion elimination performance, the roll performance and the pitch performance of a laterally interconnected air suspension. It shows that the peak torsional load of the vehicle body under step examination is reduced by 6.68–17.65% on interconnection and, after entering the steady state, the torsional load is almost eliminated. The body roll angle which is caused by the road roughness is reduced by around 6%, while the pitch angle shows little change.
Global tests for novelty
Authors: Ahonen Ilmari , Larocque Denis , Nevalainen Jaakko
Published: July 2015

Outlier detection covers the wide range of methods aiming at identifying observations that are considered unusual. Novelty detection, on the other hand, seeks observations among newly generated test data that are exceptional compared with previously observed training data. In many applications, the general existence of novelty is of more interest than identifying the individual novel observations. For instance, in high-throughput cancer treatment screening experiments, it is meaningful to test whether any new treatment effects are seen compared with existing compounds. Here, we present hypothesis tests for such global level novelty. The problem is approached through a set of very general assumptions, making it innovative in relation to the current literature. We introduce test statistics capable of detecting novelty. They operate on local neighborhoods and their null distribution is obtained by the permutation principle. We show that they are valid and able to find different types of novelty, e.g. location and scale alternatives. The performance of the methods is assessed with simulations and with applications to real data sets.
Behavioral and Educational Interventions to Support Family Caregivers in End-of-Life Care
Authors: Chi Nai-Ching , Demiris George , Lewis Frances M. , Walker Amy J. , Langer Shelby L.
Published: July 2015

The demand for family caregivers steadily increases as the number of people receiving hospice and palliative care rises. Family caregivers play a significant role in supporting their loved ones in end-of-life care. However, there is limited evidence about the effectiveness of the interventions for supporting family caregivers. This article synthesizes behavioral and educational interventions that support family caregivers in end-of-life care. A systematic review was conducted and searched interventional studies published between 2004 and 2014 in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and The Cochrane Library electronic databases. Fourteen studies were identified and analyzed: 4 educational studies, 6 cognitive behavioral therapy studies, and 4 psychoeducational studies. All educational and behavioral interventions had developed structures and treatment manuals and improved family caregivers’ outcomes. The cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in more positive outcomes than the other 2 interventions. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate current effective interventions with larger and diverse sample. Future studies need to develop tools for assessing family caregivers’ needs, create consistent and specific tools to effectively measure family caregivers’ outcomes, incorporate a cost-effectiveness analysis, and find the most efficient intervention format and method.
Application of RBF neural network in prediction of particle damping parameters from experimental data
Authors: Veeramuthuvel P , Shankar K , Sairajan KK
Published: July 2015

Particle damping is one of the recent passive damping methods and its relevance in space structural applications is increasing. This paper presents the novel application of a radial basis function (RBF) neural network to accurately predict the modal damping ratio of a particle damping system using system input parameters such as particle size, particle density, packing ratio, and their effect at different modes of vibration. The prediction of particle damping using the RBF neural network is studied in comparison with the back propagation neural (BPN) network on an aluminum alloy beam structure with extensive experimental tests. The prediction accuracy of the RBF neural network is significant with 9.83% error compared to 12.22% obtained by the BPN network for a best case. Limited experiments were also carried out on a mild steel beam to study and compare the trends predicted in earlier studies. The relationships obtained by the proposed method readily provide useful guidelines in the design of particle dampers for space applications. The RBF neural network provides superior accuracy with reduced computational effort.
Exploration of Individual and Family Factors Related to Community Reintegration in Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Moriarty Helene , Winter Laraine , Robinson Keith , True Gala , Piersol Catherine , Vause-Earland Tracey , Iacovone Dolores Blazer , Holbert Laura , Newhart Brian , Fishman Deborah , Short Thomas H.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND: Community reintegration (CR) poses a major problem for military veterans who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Factors contributing to CR after TBI are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To address the gap in knowledge, an ecological framework was used to explore individual and family factors related to CR. DESIGN: Baseline data from an intervention study with 83 veterans with primarily mild to moderate TBI were analyzed. Instruments measured CR, depressive symptoms, physical health, quality of the relationship with the family member, and sociodemographics. Posttraumatic stress disorder and TBI characteristics were determined through record review. RESULTS: Five variables that exhibited significant bivariate relationships with CR (veteran rating of quality of relationship, physical functioning, bodily pain, posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis, and depressive symptoms) were entered into hierarchical regression analysis. In the final analysis, the five variables together accounted for 35% of the variance, but only depression was a significant predictor of CR, with more depressed veterans exhibiting lower CR. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to support CR of Veterans with TBI should carefully assess and target depression, a modifiable factor.
Experimental investigation of aluminum matrix functionally graded material: Microstructural and hardness analyses, fretting, fatigue, and mechanical properties
Authors: Ulukoy A , Topcu M , Tasgetiren S
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix functionally graded material (FGM) reinforced by integration of aluminum 2014 alloy (AlCu4SiMg) and 15 vol% SiC. The specimens were obtained by centrifugal casting technique, followed by aging treatment. The variations that occurred in microstructure, hardness, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, fatigue, and fretting fatigue behaviors were analyzed. In both cast and aged conditions, it was observed that hardness values and mechanical properties changed between SiC-rich and aluminum-rich regions. Fatigue and fretting fatigue data were similar. It was determined that greater wear was occurring on the pad surfaces compared to that occurring on the sample surfaces.
From mechanism to virtue: Evaluating Nudge theory
Authors: Kosters Mark , Van der Heijden Jeroen
Published: July 2015

Ever since Thaler and Sunstein published their influential book Nudge, the book and the theory it presents have received great praise and opposition. Nudge theory, and more particularly, nudging may be considered an additional strategy providing some novel instruments to the already rich governance toolbox. But what is its value? The current debates on Nudge theory are often highly normative or ideologically driven and pay limited attention to more practical aspects of the theory. Is nudging evaluable as a theory and a practice, and if so how? Is there solid evidence available of nudge success over other governance interventions? What is to be considered a nudge success? What data and evaluative techniques may assist in evaluating nudging beyond individual cases? The current article seeks to explore these questions.
A holistic, learning-centred approach to building evaluation capacity in development organizations
Authors: Lennie June , Tacchi Jo , Wilmore Michael , Koirala Bikash
Published: July 2015

There is growing pressure on development organizations to improve their evaluation systems and capacities. This presents considerable challenges for time- and resource-poor organizations in developing countries. Evaluation capacity development (ECD) approaches are needed that are appropriate and effective for such organizations. We argue that this requires a long-term, holistic, participatory, learning-centred approach that aims to develop learning organizations and build the capacity of whole organizations and their stakeholders. It also needs to incorporate local knowledge and ideas and ongoing meta-evaluation of ECD activities. We describe this approach and how it was applied in a four-year action research project with a non-governmental organization in Nepal. Drawing on findings from this project and various follow up activities, we suggest some principles and strategies for designing and implementing an effective and sustainable approach to ECD that can help to address the many challenges and issues we have identified.
Policy experiments: Investigating effectiveness or confirming direction?
Authors: Ettelt Stefanie , Mays Nicholas , Allen Pauline
Published: July 2015

In England, ‘policy experiments’ are largely synonymous with the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to test whether one policy ‘works’ better than another. While advocacy of the use of RCTs in public policy presents this as relatively straightforward, even common sense, the reality is different, as shown through analysis of three high profile policy pilots and their evaluations undertaken in health and social care in England in the mid/late 2000s. The RCTs were expected to confirm the direction of policy by resolving any remaining uncertainty about the effectiveness of the chosen path and their existence was used largely as instruments of persuasion. The findings from the analysis of the three pilots confirm the continuing relevance of Campbell’s 1969 insight that governments struggle to experiment in the scientific sense and explain the limited effect of these policy experiments on policy decisions.
Developing expertise in managing dialogue in the ‘third space’: Lessons from a responsive participatory evaluation
Authors: Foreman-Peck Lorraine , Travers Kate
Published: July 2015

Where two or more persons from different professions meet to discuss a shared project, a dialogic ‘third space’ is opened up. Such dialogues (or multilogues) can be problematic for reasons which are well attested to in the literature. Third spaces can be sites of hostility and defensiveness, or of creativity and learning. This article explores the nature and management of the third space, noting that existing advice and guidance for evaluators – while important – is of necessity abstract. Interaction, on the other hand, is always embedded, shaped by unique contextual contingencies. Operating successfully in the third space therefore requires expertise which is difficult to codify. However, the authors argue that some sorts of dialogue (the Socratic, and audit) are generally inappropriate to the establishment of good relationships, that expertise in paying attention to contextual aspects of a situation is of the essence, and that learning how to improvise in an appropriate manner has to be learnt in order to bring about productive and ethically sound dialogue. The first part of the article presents a theoretical discussion of these issues; the second part analyses two episodes where the interaction had become unproductive. These are drawn from a recent responsive evaluation project conducted by the authors.
Selfies, Image and the Re-making of the Body
Authors: Tiidenberg Katrin , Gómez Cruz Edgar
Published: July 2015

This article explores the relationality between women’s bodies and selfies on NSFW (Not Safe For Work) tumblr blogs. We consider the way selfie practices engage with normative, ageist and sexist assumptions of the wider culture in order to understand how specific ways of looking become possible. Women’s experiences of their bodies change through interactions, sense of community and taking and sharing selfies. This article provides an empirical elaboration on what sexy selfies are and do by analysing interviews, selfies and blog content of nine women in the NSFW self-shooters community on tumblr. For our participants, self-shooting is an engaged, self-affirmative and awareness raising pursuit, where their body, through critically self-aware self-care, emerges as agentic, sexual and distinctly female. Thus, this is a reading of selfies as a practice of freedom.
Situation Selection and Modification for Emotion Regulation in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Livingstone Kimberly M. , Isaacowitz Derek M.
Published: July 2015

This research investigated age differences in use and effectiveness of situation selection and situation modification for emotion regulation. Socioemotional selectivity theory suggests stronger emotional well-being goals in older age; emotion regulation may support this goal. Younger and older adults assigned to an emotion regulation or “just view” condition first freely chose to engage with negative, neutral, or positive material (situation selection), then chose to view or skip negative and positive material (situation modification), rating affect after each experience. In both tasks, older adults in both goal conditions demonstrated pro-hedonic emotion regulation, spending less time with negative material compared to younger adults. Younger adults in the regulate condition also engaged in pro-hedonic situation selection, but not modification. Although situation selection was related to affect, modification of negative material was not. This research supports more frequent pro-hedonic motivation in older age, as well as age differences in use of early stage emotion regulation.
An Introduction to MR Perfusion Imaging of the Liver
Authors: Thng Choon Hua , Hartono Septian , Koh Tong San , Koh Dow Mu
Published: July 2015

This article introduces the basic principles of magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging of liver and summarized the currently available literature. Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a functional imaging technique that quantifies the microcirculatory status of liver parenchyma and liver lesions such as flow, permeability, fractional intravascular volume and fractional interstitial volume. It potentially allows one to (i) detect liver metastases, (ii) assess effectiveness of anti-angiogenic therapy, (iii) assess viable tumour after therapy or ablation, and (iv) diagnose cirrhosis and assess its severity. Further work is required to establish and validate perfusion MRI as a clinical modality.