bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Challenge of Tomorrow's Markets
Authors: Hauser Philip M. 
Published: December 2018

Here is a look into the future that no marketing man can neglect. The author, one of the foremost population experts of the world, presents the trends in national population … households … income … metropolitan population … metropolitan structure … birth rates and death rates … labor force … and ethnic composition. The information given is essential in the planning of any major marketing program. And the implications for the businessman are clearly pointed out.
How to Win or Lose Sales at the Point of Purchase
Authors: McMurry Robert N. 
Published: December 2018

A noted marketing consultant spots some serious flaws in the selling of “big-ticket” items. Using an actual case history, he shows why better research into point-of-purchase influences is needed. Special techniques uncover the real reasons why, once they are in the dealer's place of business, many people do not buy. Understanding buyers’ motives, doubts, fears, and anxieties helps the manufacturer to assure a better buying climate at the point of purchase and to increase sales.
Employer Knowledge of and Attitudes toward Employees who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Authors: McDonnall Michele Capella , O'Mally Jamie , Crudden Adele 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The study presented here investigated employers’ knowledge about how persons who are blind or visually impaired perform typical job tasks (that is, use accommodations), how this knowledge relates to employers’ attitudes about these individuals as employees, and where employers seek help with job accommodations. Methods Businesses from four states were contacted by telephone to request participation; surveys were completed by 160 randomly selected businesses and 37 businesses referred by vocational rehabilitation agencies, yielding a total sample of 197. A 5-item instrument measured employers’ knowledge about how blind or visually impaired persons complete typical job tasks, and an 11-item instrument measured employers’ attitudes toward blind or visually impaired persons as employees. Results A majority of employers (67%) could not identify how blind or visually impaired persons perform any of the typical job tasks. Employers referred by vocational rehabilitation agencies were more likely to identify correct strategies than employers in the randomly identified sample. Knowledge levels were associated with attitudes toward blind or visually impaired persons as employees. Only 8.8% of the randomly identified sample cited an appropriate source of information about accommodations; 49.7% cited a secondary source and 41.5% were not able to identify an appropriate source. Discussion Most employers have limited or no knowledge about how blind or visually impaired persons perform routine job tasks. Those employers with greater levels of knowledge also had more positive attitudes toward blind or visually impaired persons as employees. It is encouraging that many employers were aware of an appropriate or secondary source of information about accommodations, and would therefore be likely to find such information if needed. Implications for practitioners Providing education to employers and human resources professionals about job accommodations, including where to find additional information, is necessary and would be an appropriate strategy to use when interacting with employers.
Humane Education for Students with Visual Impairments: Learning about Working Dogs
Authors: Bruce Susan M. , Feinstein Jennie Dapice , Kennedy Meghan C. , Liu Ming 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study examined the effect of an animal-assisted humane education course on the knowledge of students about caring for dogs physically and psychologically and making informed decisions about dog ownership, including working dogs. Method This collaborative action-research study employed case study design to examine the effect of an eight-week animal-assisted humane education course on the knowledge and skills of four secondary students with visual impairments. Two independent raters applied constant comparative analysis for all of the following data sources: pre- and postintervention interviews, pre- and postintervention tests, videotaped observations, and field notes. Findings were determined for individual students and the class as a whole. Results The greatest gains made by students included learning how to greet, feed, play with, obtain, and pay for dogs; they also learned about appropriate equipment and the roles of working dogs. Effective instructional strategies included assessing prior knowledge and experience with dogs, practicing skills, using tactile techniques, using routines and repetition, and correcting misconceptions. Discussion Findings indicate that although students did not master all of the knowledge and skills taught in the course, they became more knowledgeable about care and ownership of dogs. Limitations of this study are the small sample size and short intervention time. Future research may feature longer intervention periods and make connections between humane education, orientation and mobility, and the core content areas of science and mathematics. Implications for practitioners Students with visual impairments must be provided with experiences with different types of working dogs. Ample time should be given to explore equipment and to practice skills that are essential to responsible care and ownership of dogs.
A Comparative Study on the Attitudes and uses of Music by Adults with Visual Impairments and those who are Sighted
Authors: Park Hye Young , Chong Hyun Ju , Kim Soo Ji 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study investigated attitudes (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and communal) toward, and uses of, music among people with visual impairments compared with those who are sighted to investigate the potential of music as a means of communication and social expression. Method A total of 137 participants (63 visually impaired, 74 sighted) were recruited from six cities in South Korea. Participants, aged 20 to 39 years, were asked to complete a 30-question survey on music attitudes and use, which was distributed (electronically, by post, by telephone, and in person) between June 2013 and February 2014. Results The response rate was 87%. Attitudes toward music showed that visually impaired participants demonstrated significantly higher (more positive) values than sighted participants on interpersonal and communal survey dimensions ( p < .05). The groups demonstrated similar results regarding intrapersonal attitudes, which received the highest scores of all three categories. Visually impaired participants mainly accessed music from home via portable devices or computers, whereas sighted participants used music most frequently at their homes or in cars. The most significant difference between groups was that music was involved in the majority of leisure time for visually impaired participants, but not for sighted participants. Discussion Higher attitude scores in the intrapersonal category from both groups imply an important role of music, with its emotional and affective aspects, in self-expression. Findings indicated that visually impaired participants utilized music mainly for self-amusement despite perceiving it as an interpersonal and communal tool, most likely due to social restrictions. Implications for practitioners The role of music in the lives of visually impaired individuals could be expanded to provide more group opportunities, hands-on experiences, enjoyable outdoor activities, and psychosocial coping strategies. Group music programs should be considered in order to expand interpersonal and communal experiences for both visually impaired and sighted individuals.
Transportation: An Electronic Survey of Persons who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Authors: Crudden Adele , McDonnall Michele Capella , Hierholzer Anne 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Individuals who are blind or have low vision (hereafter, visually impaired) encounter transportation barriers that impede their full participation in life activities, including transportation. This survey is the first national survey to focus specifically on the transportation issues of persons with visual disabilities. Methods A transportation survey was developed and disseminated electronically to people who are visually impaired. The first administration, in the fall and winter of 2013, went to persons in a volunteer registry. For the second administration, in early 2014, participants were recruited through electronic postings and e-mails with assistance from consumer groups and professional organizations. The combined useable sample of 492 included individuals with legal blindness ( n = 265), total blindness ( n = 188), and low vision ( n = 39). Results Participants were likely to have received orientation and mobility (O&M) training, and were confident in their O&M skills. They were also likely to have access to public transportation, to use public transportation to get to work, and to be generally satisfied with how they got to work. Transportation issues were less likely to impact participation in employment than several other life activities. Although most participants had received services from vocational rehabilitation agencies, few said those agencies assisted them in finding transportation to work. Discussion Although transportation issues affect the lives of persons with visual disabilities, the extent of their impact on employment remains unclear. Survey respondents appear to be using their O&M skills, to be fairly comfortable traveling, and to be generally satisfied with how they travel to work, thus confirming the importance of receiving quality O&M instruction. Implications for practitioners Service providers should consider evaluating the effect that transportation issues are having on the lifestyles of consumers. Individuals with visual impairments should be encouraged to take advantage of quality O&M instruction so that they can confidently access public transportation systems. More active rehabilitation practitioner participation in assisting consumers locate employment-related transportation is suggested, and evaluating the effect of that assistance would prove helpful.
The Functional Performance of the BrainPort V100 Device in Persons who Are Profoundly Blind
Authors: Grant Patricia , Spencer Lindsey , Arnoldussen Aimee , Hogle Rich , Nau Amy , Szlyk Janet , Nussdorf Jonathan , Fletcher Donald C. , Gordon Keith , Seiple William 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study was conducted to evaluate the functional performance of the BrainPort V100 device, an FDA-cleared sensory-substitution system, in persons who are profoundly blind (that is, have some or no light perception). Methods This was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter clinical investigation. Participants received 10 hours of device training and were required to use the device in their everyday environments for 1 year. Functional performance measures of object identification, orientation and mobility (O&M), and word identification were assessed at baseline, in post-device training, and at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month time points. Results Fifty-seven participants completed the study and used the device for 1 year. No device-related serious adverse events were reported, demonstrating that the risks associated with the BrainPort are minimal. Participants performed object recognition (91.2% success rate) and O&M (57.9% success rate) tasks beyond chance level. Discussion This study demonstrates that the BrainPort can be used safely and independently by persons who are blind. Participants with profound blindness can accomplish a set of tasks more successfully by using the BrainPort than without the device. Following initial training, performance on these tasks was maintained or improved over the course of 1 year. Implications for practitioners The BrainPort is a noninvasive and nonsurgical device that heightens functional independence for persons who are blind. The device presents users with more information about their environment than conventional assistive devices, and can enhance independence in performing activities of daily living.
Health Outcomes Associated with Self-Reported Vision Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Steinman Bernard A. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction To compare the health status of older adults with and without vision impairment, this study employed a disability framework consisting of four stages, progressing from risk factors; through pathology and impairments that result in declining functioning; and eventually to disability. Methods Data from five rounds (1999 to 2008) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study were analyzed. Binary and multinomial logistic regression were used to estimate odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals reflecting the likelihood of negative health outcomes among persons with self-reported fair and poor vision relative to persons with good vision. Results Fair and poor vision status were associated with negative health outcomes across the four health dimensions. Discussion Disparities in health among vision status groups may originate as a result of limitations in daily activities that could lead to changes in diet, health maintenance, and activity levels. Alternatively, disparities may reflect primary pathologies and conditions that are secondarily related to poor vision status. Longitudinal research is suggested in order to assess the order of key events, and to make a more powerful assertion of causality. Implications for practitioners Comparisons of health outcomes by vision status are important because of the potential to identify points in the disability framework where effective interventions could prevent progression to later stages in the disability process.
The Mediator Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Academic Stress and Depressive Symptoms among E-learning Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lee Soon Min , Oh Yunjin 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study examined a mediator role of perceived stress on the prediction of the effects of academic stress on depressive symptoms among e-learning students with visual impairments. Methods A convenience sample for this study was collected for three weeks from November to December in 2012 among students with visual impairments attending a Korean cyberuniversity in Seoul. A total of 103 students with visual impairments completed the survey via e-mail or telephone, with an overall response rate of 72.54%. Results The present study demonstrated that perceived stress fully mediated the effect of academic stress on depressive symptoms. Academic stress was significantly associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and perceived stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. However, the association between academic stress and depressive symptoms was no longer significant when perceived stress was included as a mediator. Discussion This finding supports the full mediation model by demonstrating that academic stress indirectly influences depressive symptoms through perceived stress, and by highlighting the important contribution of perceptions of stressors. Implications for practitioners Cyberuniversities, professors, and disability services offices need to identify and assess what academic resources are available. To improve the accessibility of e-learning materials and settings, reasonable accommodations in e-learning settings and special online assistance services should be provided. A precollege orientation program and a training program for better adaptation and usage of the e-learning materials and technologies are needed. Senior students’ successful experiences and know-how should be shared among students with visual impairments. Psychological counseling services for students who have a high level of depressive symptoms should be provided.
Improving the Audio Game–Playing Performances of People with Visual Impairments through Multimodal Training
Authors: Bălan Oana , Moldoveanu Alin , Moldoveanu Florica , Nagy Hunor , Wersényi György , Unnórsson Rúnar 
Published: December 2018

Introduction As the number of people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) is continuously increasing, rehabilitation and engineering researchers have identified the need to design sensory-substitution devices that would offer assistance and guidance to these people for performing navigational tasks. Auditory and haptic cues have been shown to be an effective approach towards creating a rich spatial representation of the environment, so they are considered for inclusion in the development of assistive tools that would enable people with visual impairments to acquire knowledge of the surrounding space in a way close to the visually based perception of sighted individuals. However, achieving efficiency through a sensory substitution device requires extensive training for visually impaired users to learn how to process the artificial auditory cues and convert them into spatial information. Methods Considering all the potential advantages game-based learning can provide, we propose a new method for training sound localization and virtual navigational skills of visually impaired people in a 3D audio game with hierarchical levels of difficulty. The training procedure is focused on a multimodal (auditory and haptic) learning approach in which the subjects have been asked to listen to 3D sounds while simultaneously perceiving a series of vibrations on a haptic headband that corresponds to the direction of the sound source in space. Results The results we obtained in a sound-localization experiment with 10 visually impaired people showed that the proposed training strategy resulted in significant improvements in auditory performance and navigation skills of the subjects, thus ensuring behavioral gains in the spatial perception of the environment.
Losing Employment: At-Risk Employed Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants with Vision Loss
Authors: Crudden Adele , McDonnall Michele C. , Sui Zhen 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Recent U.S. legislation supports vocational rehabilitation efforts to maximize employment and community integration of persons with disabilities by providing job retention and career advancement services. The study presented here investigated employed persons with visual disabilities who applied for vocational rehabilitation services. Methods The sample included 4,499 competitively employed vocational rehabilitation applicants from the FY2015 RSA-911 report. Logistic regression was used to identify consumer characteristics and vocational rehabilitation services associated with losing competitive employment. Results Employed applicants tended to receive assessment, counseling and guidance, diagnosis and treatment, and rehabilitation technology. Characteristics that put employed applicants at increased risk of losing their jobs included being female, having a secondary disability, working fewer hours, having less education, or having a previous unsuccessful vocational rehabilitation employment outcome. There was a significant interaction between vocational rehabilitation case length and age: those served for longer periods were more likely to lose employment, particularly older consumers. Consumers who received short-term on-the-job support, diagnosis and treatment of impairments, or rehabilitation technology services were more likely to retain competitive employment. Discussion When developing rehabilitation plans for employed applicants, counselors may identify and attempt to provide services to address factors that put consumers at an increased risk of losing employment. Part-time employment at application is one risk factor that requires increased attention. Implications for practitioners Prompt service delivery is an important factor in facilitating job retention. Increased efforts to maintain consumer contact and motivation may influence the likelihood of job retention among employed applicants.
Optimized imaging of the lower abdomen and pelvic region in hepatocyte-specific MRI: evaluation of a whole-abdomen first-pass shuttle protocol in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Fehrenbach Uli , Kahn Johannes , Fahlenkamp Ute , Baur Alexander , Pavel Marianne , Geisel Dominik , Denecke Timm 
Published: December 2018

Background Gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB) has shown its advantages in hepatic tumor evaluation besides its disadvantages in extrahepatic staging due to its short hemodynamic interval. This results in the dilemma of which contrast agent to choose for whole abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose To evaluate the achievable contrast of a shuttle protocol for Gd-EOB MRI with accelerated 3D-T1-weighted sequences enabling complete dynamic liver imaging plus first-pass pelvic imaging. Material and Methods Seventy-four patients with abdominal neuroendocrine neoplasms were scanned with a protocol including a first-pass pelvic (pelvicFP) sequence in Gd-EOB MRI. Acquisition of this pelvicFP sequence was between portal venous and venous liver phase. Pelvic vessel and tissue enhancement was compared to a commonly acquired late/transitional phase sequence. In the same patients, liver enhancement was compared to a standard Gd-EOB protocol (n = 55) as well as to vessel contrast in previously acquired MRI with extracellular contrast medium (ECCM) (n = 14). Results Pelvic vessel and lymph node enhancement showed significantly higher signal intensities (SI) in pelvicFP than in late phase sequences with Gd-EOB ( P < 0.001). Liver enhancement showed no significant differences compared to the standard protocol. Vessel enhancement in Gd-EOB pelvicFP showed significantly higher SI than an equilibrium phase sequence with ECCM ( P = 0.003–0.04). Conclusion Including a pelvicFP sequence between portal venous and venous liver phases is technically feasible and achieves improved contrast in the pelvis in Gd-EOB MRI. There was no quality loss in liver enhancement compared to a regular Gd-EOB liver examination. Gd-EOB pelvicFP vessel enhancement was not inferior to an equilibrium phase with ECCM.