bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different Students: How Typical Schools Are Built to Fail and Need to Change: A Structural Analysis
Authors: Gaynor Alan Kibbe 
Published: December 2017

Computer simulation analysis was used to illustrate the thesis that the typical American public school is structured in a way that reinforces the entry characteristics of its students so that by the time they graduate—if they graduate—after twelve years, students who enter the school in kindergarten or first grade with high “readiness” perform academically better-than-average, while students who enter the school with low “readiness” perform worse than average, thus creating the well-known and widely discussed “achievement gap.” The conclusion of this argumentation is that this structure must be changed if school reform is to be effective, and that it is strong school leadership that, over time, builds teacher quality and community and parent interest in the school, and changes teacher expectations for all students, especially those who are initially and traditionally low-achieving. The position taken in the paper, and supported by the computer simulation modeling data, is that, in this way, strong school leadership enhances the quality and intensity of instruction, the closeness of student-teacher relationships, and the rigor of instructional content for all students, resulting in further advances in student motivation, work effort, and academic performance, and, finally, improving the attractiveness of the school for high-quality teachers and continuing the upward cycle.
Critical Pedagogy, Multiculturalism, and the Politics of Risk and Resistance: A Response to Kelly and Portelli
Authors: McLaren Peter 
Published: December 2017

As the history of Orientalist education demonstrates, a curriculum may incorporate the systems of learning of a subordinate population and still be an instrument of hegemonic activity…. Until curriculum is studied less as a receptacle of texts than as activity, that is to say, as a vehicle of acquiring and exercising power, descriptions of curricular content in terms of their expression of universal values on the one hand or pluralistic, secular identities on the other are insufficient signifiers of their historical realities. Gauri Viswanathan, Masks of Conquest, p. 167
Are Special Education Programs Unjust to Nondisabled Children?: Justice, Equality, and the Distribution of Education
Authors: Nathanson Stephen 
Published: December 2017

This article deals in depth with perhaps the most troubling education issue of the day—funding and proper distribution of educational resources. How is the money raised and how is its allocation decided? Can the ideals of both justice and equality be served? Is “extra” spending on behalf of children with special needs justified? Stephen Nathanson raises the central questions and, approaching them from a moral-philosophical standpoint, presents and evaluates the arguments of those who defend extra spending for children with disabilities and those who believe that “unequal” spending violates the principle of justice. Nathanson treats various theories of distributive justice—entitlement, utilitarianism, the “difference principle,” and the “decent level” idea. In focusing on the latter, he contends that social consensus developed around “decent level” may be the touchstone, more helpful than any rationale (or rhetoric) in satisfying the claims of justice and equality.
The Reform of the Brookline Public Schools Special Education Program: A Retrospective
Authors: Sperber Robert I. 
Published: December 2017

In the fall of 1964, Robert Sperber, the newly appointed superintendent of schools in Brookline, Massachusetts, surveyed the schools under his direction and found the “scope of services to children with special needs woefully inadequate.” He enlisted the help of specialists in the Department of Special Education, Boston University, asking them to investigate and develop recommendations leading to reform. This article is Professor Sperber's substantive account of the collaboration between a university and a public school system. The university team—Professors Burton Blatt, Frank Garfunkel, and Albert Murphy—studied all aspects of special needs education in Brookline and in 1965 presented a report calling for a new administrative structure, the appointment of a clinical coordinator, and major attention to the problems of differential diagnosis. Professor Sperber goes on to recount the implementation of these and many other recommendations and the further development of the Brookline program during his tenure (1964–1982). He concludes with comments on the current situation, locally and nationally, particularly the issue of division of resources and the cost of providing extraordinary services such as nurse-attendants for individuals.
What Real Education Requires1
Authors: Glenn Charles L. 
Published: December 2017

In the view of the author of this article, any discussion of the place of values—and value transmission—in the school must begin with a definition of “real” education. In its broadest sense, education is the shaping of the whole person. A system devoted solely to instruction that conveys information and develops skills cannot claim to have fulfilled its mission. Charles Glenn believes that a major obstacle to providing real education is the unwillingness of teachers to communicate their values and convictions to students. Their reluctance is understandable in view of the fact that schools are expected to plot a neutral course among the many conflicting views and beliefs of a democratic society. Parents distrust what they regard as intrusion in an area they consider to be their domain and resist what they construe as “government” interference. Professor Glenn proposes that a way to combat the values stand-off is to develop schools as distinctive, coherent communities, each based on a shared vision and shared goals. This is perhaps easier to accomplish in charter and magnet schools, and of course in independent schools, particularly those with an already established religious ethos.
Firm life cycle and advisory directors
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin , Hasan Mostafa Monzur 
Published: December 2017

This article investigates whether the presence of advisory directors and monitoring directors varies across firm life cycle stages. We follow a parsimonious life cycle proxy based on the predicted behaviour of operating, investing and financing cash flows across the different life cycle stages that result from firm performance and the allocation of resources. Using an Australian sample, this study shows that compared to mature-stage firms, firms in the introduction, shake-out and decline stages have more advisory directors. With respect to the demand for monitoring directors, we find that compared to mature-stage firms, firms in the introduction, shake-out and decline stages have fewer monitoring directors on the board. We contribute to the literature on boards of directors by documenting that firms choose an optimal board structure based on their economic characteristics. JEL Classification: D22, G38, M14
Six-month clinical course and factors associated with non-improvement in migraine and non-migraine headaches
Authors: Aguila Maria-Eliza R , Rebbeck Trudy , Pope Alun , Ng Karl , Leaver Andrew M 
Published: December 2017

Background Evidence on the medium-term clinical course of recurrent headaches is scarce. This study explored the six-month course and factors associated with non-improvement in migraine compared with tension-type headache and cervicogenic headache. Methods In this longitudinal cohort study, the six-month course of headaches was prospectively examined in participants (n = 37 with migraine; n = 42 with tension-type or cervicogenic headache). Participants underwent physical examination for cervical musculoskeletal impairments at baseline. Participants also completed questionnaires on pain, disability and other self-report measures at baseline and follow-up, and kept an electronic diary for 6 months. Course of headaches was examined using mixed within-between analyses of variance and Markov chain modeling. Multiple factors were evaluated as possible factors associated with non-improvement using regression analysis. Results Headache frequency, intensity, and activity interference in migraine and non-migraine headaches were generally stable over 6 months but showed month-to-month variations. Day-to-day variations were more volatile in the migraine than the non-migraine group, with the highest probability of transitioning from any headache state to no headache (probability = 0.82–0.85). The odds of non-improvement in disability was nearly six times higher with cervical joint dysfunction (odds ratio [95% CI] = 5.58 [1.14–27.42]). Conclusions Headache frequency, intensity, and activity interference change over 6 months, with day-to-day variation being more volatile in migraine than non-migraine headaches. Cervical joint dysfunction appears to be associated with non-improvement for disability in 6 months. These results may contribute to strategies for educating patients to help align their expectations with the nature of their headaches.
Business Failures, Managerial Competence, and Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Dipietro William , Sawhney Bansi 
Published: December 2017

Identifying the causes of business failures is crucial for effective policy making, and is especially important for small businesses which account for the largest component of firm failures in the U.S. As an example, if we find that managerial skills are important in reducing firm failures, resources can be directed toward management training and education programs. Policies designed to reduce failures would not only reduce the hardships on the individuals affected directly by such failures but would also aid in the smooth functioning of the economy. There are two important factors which jointly determine the failure rate of businesses in the economy. The first is internal — the effectiveness of management, and the second is external — the general economic environment. Overall the purpose of this paper is to use the traditional economic model of the firm to discuss the importance of each of these factors in determining business failures and to use time-series data to assess the relative weight of each factor in determining failures over time. Specifically the objectives of this paper are: first, to economically define managerial competency; second, to test the hypothesis that managerial efficiency has increased over time; and third, to assess the effect of selected macroeconomic variables on firm failures.
Delegating for Small Business Success
Authors: Cuba Richard C. , Milbourn Gene 
Published: December 2017

This research examines specific management practices used by small business owners in five eastern cities. Data collected from 154 firms were analyzed to determine the extent to which business owners delegate certain tasks to other employees. The degree of delegation of administrative and technical tasks was determined to be a key factor affecting business survival and financial success. Specific recommendations are made to entrepreneurs and educators concerning the delegation skills needed to manage a small business.
Using Financial Structure Planning to Improve Small Business Performance
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Bhandari Shyam B. 
Published: December 2017

Since return on equity usually represents a primary source of income for the small business owner, achieving a satisfactory ROE should be a major goal for any small business. One way to improve ROE is through proper use of leverage and financial structure planning. The purpose of this paper is to provide the small business manager with a simple method for evaluating alternative capital structures to improve potential returns and analyze the comparative financial risks.
Perceived Causes of Small Business Failures: A Research Note
Authors: Peterson Robert A. , Kozmetsky George , Ridgway Nancy M. 
Published: December 2017

A nationwide survey of approximately 1,000 small business owners and managers was conducted to investigate the perceived causes of small business failure. In addition, survey participants were asked for suggestions for reducing the number of small business failures. The major cause of small business failures—according to the individuals surveyed—is a lack of management expertise. Consequently, the survey participants’ primary suggestion for decreasing small business failures was to improve management education. 1 1 This research was supported in part by a grant from Safeguard Business Systems, Inc.
Employment-At-Will: A Legal Area that Merits Attention for the Small Business Person
Authors: Holoviak Stephen J. , Weigle Jerry , Bright Thomas 
Published: December 2017

This article acquaints the small business owner/manager with an area showing signs of being an emerging issue in the 1980s. Traditional common law interpretation held that an employer has the right to discharge workers “at-will.” However, recent court decisions and legislation have begun to change this long-held right. The results of successful employee suits can mean large cash awards to a former discharged worker. This article discusses the topics of “just-cause” for discharge, selected court decisions in the area, and what small business persons can do to protect themselves.
Boards of Directors in Small Corporations: An Untapped Resource
Authors: Castaldi Richard , Wortman Max S. 
Published: December 2017

Small business corporations face many problems. Some are inherent because of their size alone while others are due to government regulations and practices. To cope successfully with such problems, it is imperative that small corporations attempt to maximize their available resources. The board of directors is a resource largely ignored as a positive input in managing small firms. This article proposes a departure from traditional use of boards and recommends one conceptual scheme. A typical board structure is presented with applications showing how it can alleviate many of the problems facing small corporations.
Small Business Social Responsibility: Some Perceptions and Insights
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Archer Richard W. 
Published: December 2017

The results of a survey conducted in the Atlanta and Athens, Georgia area suggest that small business managers and non-business individuals have similar perceptions of small business's social responsibility. Customer responsibilities are viewed as the chief concern of both groups. Low rankings given on the small firm's contribution to employment and innovation suggest a need for greater public awareness of the societal role of small business. 1 1 This research was partially funded by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. An earlier version of this manuscript was presented at the 29th World Conference of the International Council for Small Business, Chicago, IL, June 1984.
Association Between Plantar Fasciitis and Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness
Authors: Nakale Ngenomeulu T. , Strydom Andrew , Saragas Nick P. , Ferrao Paulo N. F. 
Published: December 2017

Background: An association between plantar fasciitis and isolated gastrocnemius tightness (IGT) has been postulated in the literature; however, there have been few studies to prove this relationship. This prospective cross-sectional cohort study was aimed at determining the association between plantar fasciitis and IGT. Methods: Three groups comprising 45 patients with plantar fasciitis (group 1), 117 patients with foot and ankle pathology other than plantar fasciitis (group 2), and 61 patients without foot and ankle pathology (group 3) were examined for the presence of IGT using the Silfverskiöld test. Statistical tests included chi-square test, Student t test, and analysis of variance. Results: Of the patients, 101 (45.3%) had IGT: 36 (80%) in group 1, 53 (45.3%) in group 2, and 12 (19.7%) in group 3. The difference in IGT prevalence between the groups was statistically significant at P < .001. The prevalence of IGT was similar between acute and chronic plantar fasciitis at 78.9% and 80.6%, respectively. Conclusion: There was a very strong association between plantar fasciitis and IGT using group 3 as a reference. This study suggests that IGT should be actively sought out and managed in patients with plantar fasciitis. Level of Evidence: Level II, cross-sectional cohort prospective study.
The efficacy of a telemedicine-based weight loss program with video conference health coaching support
Authors: Alencar Michelle K , Johnson Kelly , Mullur Rashmi , Gray Virginia , Gutierrez Elizabeth , Korosteleva Olga 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Clinically significant weight loss is defined as a ≥5% of initial body weight loss within a 6-month period. The purpose of this study was to assess body weight change from a 12-week telehealth-based weight loss program that integrated health coaching via video conferencing. Methods A total of 25 obese participants (12 males, 13 females) were recruited for this fully online 12-week weight loss program. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group ( n = 13 intervention, body mass index (BMI) = 34.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2; n = 12 control, BMI = 34.4 ± 4.43 kg/m2). All participants were given access to a secure platform for data tracking and video conferencing with the research team. The intervention group met with the medical doctor once per month and with a registered dietitian, weekly. Control participants met with the research team at baseline and at 12 weeks. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-square tests were used via SPSS version 24 with significance set to p < 0.05. Results There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups for body weight loss (7.3 ± 5.2 versus 1.2 ± 3.9 kg, respectively, p < 0.05) as well as for percent body weight loss (7.16 ± 4.4 versus 1.5 ± 4.1%, respectively, p < 0.05). Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in 9 out of 13 (69.2%) in the intervention group versus 1 out of 12 (8%) in the control group. Discussion Mobile phone-based health coaching may promote weight loss. Weekly video conferencing with education may be an applicable tool for inducing significant body weight loss in obese individuals.
The effects of FK506 combined with natamycin in the treatment of experimental fungal keratitis by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Liang Li , Shi Wei-Yun 
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of combination treatment with FK506 and natamycin on alleviating damage of the cornea in mouse model of fungal keratitis. In this study, the mouse model of fungal keratitis was created by intrastromal injection with Fusarium solani or Aspergillus flavus. The mice received 5% natamycin eye drops 6–8 times a day, or the mice received 0.05% FK506 eye drops 2 times per day for 21 consecutive days. Corneal damage was evaluated by H&E staining. The protein expression levels of NLRP3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the markers of inflammasome activation including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were detected by western blot. Histopathological results showed increased corneal thickening, dense inflammatory cell infiltration, and loss of epithelial continuity in the corneas after fungal infection. In addition, NLRP3 positive signals were observed to be obviously increased in the corneas after A. flavus or F. solani infection compared to the control group. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome is induced by fungal infection, as evidenced by increased protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and downstream cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. However, the corneal damage was alleviated and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly inhibited by drug treatment. Besides, the treatment outcomes were better in combined treatment group than that in single-agent treatment group. In conclusion, FK506 combined with natamycin alleviate fungi-induced corneal damage by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Sample size adjustment designs with time-to-event outcomes: A caution
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Korn Edward L 
Published: December 2017

Background: Sample size adjustment designs, which allow increasing the study sample size based on interim analysis of outcome data from a randomized clinical trial, have been increasingly promoted in the biostatistical literature. Although it is recognized that group sequential designs can be at least as efficient as sample size adjustment designs, many authors argue that a key advantage of these designs is their flexibility; interim sample size adjustment decisions can incorporate information and business interests external to the trial. Recently, Chen et al. (Clinical Trials 2015) considered sample size adjustment applications in the time-to-event setting using a design (CDL) that limits adjustments to situations where the interim results are promising. The authors demonstrated that while CDL provides little gain in unconditional power (versus fixed-sample-size designs), there is a considerable increase in conditional power for trials in which the sample size is adjusted. Methods: In time-to-event settings, sample size adjustment allows an increase in the number of events required for the final analysis. This can be achieved by either (a) following the original study population until the additional events are observed thus focusing on the tail of the survival curves or (b) enrolling a potentially large number of additional patients thus focusing on the early differences in survival curves. We use the CDL approach to investigate performance of sample size adjustment designs in time-to-event trials. Results: Through simulations, we demonstrate that when the magnitude of the true treatment effect changes over time, interim information on the shape of the survival curves can be used to enrich the final analysis with events from the time period with the strongest treatment effect. In particular, interested parties have the ability to make the end-of-trial treatment effect larger (on average) based on decisions using interim outcome data. Furthermore, in “clinical null” cases where there is no benefit due to crossing survival curves, the sample size adjustment design is shown to increase the probability of recommending an ineffective therapy. Conclusion: Access to interim information on the shape of the survival curves may jeopardize the perceived integrity of trials using sample size adjustment designs. Therefore, given the lack of efficiency advantage over group sequential designs, sample size adjustment designs in time-to-event settings remain unjustified.