bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing the Privilege and Power of Employee Engagement
Authors: Shuck Brad , Collins Joshua C. , Rocco Tonette S. , Diaz Raquel
Published: May 2016

The purpose of our work was to explore the job demands–resources model of engagement through the critical lens(es) of privilege and power. This deconstruction of the privilege and power of employee engagement was focused toward exploring four principal questions: Who (a) controls the context of work? (b) determines the experience of engagement? (c) defines the value of engagement? and (d) benefits from high levels of engagement? We conclude that organizations and employees both benefit from the outcomes associated with the heightened experience of employee engagement. We maintain, however, that the organization is uniquely positioned to influence systems of power and privilege that ultimately enable the conditions for engagement to flourish. Organizations desiring high levels of engagement have an obligation to confront manifestations of privilege such as unequal states of power, access, status, credibility, and normality.
Evaluation of Antiangiogenic Efficacy of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC on Tumor-Specific Neovessel Formation by Regulating MMPs, VEGF, and Proinflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Gilcy George K , Kuttan Girija
Published: May 2016

Formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature is an indispensable process in tumor initiation, invasion, and metastasis. Novel therapeutic approaches target endothelial cells involved in the process of angiogenesis, due to their genetic stability relative to the rapidly mutating drug-resistant cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of an active fraction from Emilia sonchifolia, belonging to the family Asteraceae, a plant well known for its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, on the inhibition of tumor-specific angiogenesis. Administration of the active fraction from E sonchifolia (AFES; 5 mg/kg, body weight, intraperitoneally) containing the major compound γ-humulene significantly inhibited B16F10 melanoma-induced capillary formation in C57BL/6 mice. The level of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and serum proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were also reduced significantly. At the same time, administration of AFES significantly enhanced the production of antiangiogenic factors such as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. Dose-dependent reduction can be seen in the budding and expansion of microvessels from rat thoracic aorta by AFES treatment. Inhibition of the activation of proenzyme to active enzyme of matrix metalloproteinase along with a successful reduction of proliferation, invasion, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells demonstrated the antiangiogenic effect of AFES in vitro. To date, no study has examined the antiangiogenic activity of this plant with already well-known anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. Results obtained in the present study by using both in vivo and in vitro angiogenic models altogether proved the inhibitory effect of AFES on tumor-specific neovessel formation.
Creating biomaterials with spatially organized functionality
Authors: Chow Lesley W , Fischer Jacob F
Published: May 2016

Biomaterials for tissue engineering provide scaffolds to support cells and guide tissue regeneration. Despite significant advances in biomaterials design and fabrication techniques, engineered tissue constructs remain functionally inferior to native tissues. This is largely due to the inability to recreate the complex and dynamic hierarchical organization of the extracellular matrix components, which is intimately linked to a tissue’s biological function. This review discusses current state-of-the-art strategies to control the spatial presentation of physical and biochemical cues within a biomaterial to recapitulate native tissue organization and function.
Surgical Vision
Authors: Chang Johnny Yau Cheung , Tsui Lok Yee , Yeung Keith Siu Kay , Yip Stefanie Wai Ying , Leung Gilberto Ka Kit
Published: May 2016

Google Glass is, in essence, a smartphone in the form of a pair of spectacles. It has a display system, a bone conduction “speaker,” video camera, and connectivity via WiFi or Bluetooth technologies. It can also be controlled by voice command. Seizing Google Glass’ capabilities as windows of opportunity, surgeons have been the first group of doctors trying to incorporate the technology into their daily practices. Experiences from different groups have demonstrated Google Glass’ potential in improving perioperative care, intraoperative communication and documentation, surgical outcome as well as surgical training. On the other hand, the device has technical limitations, notably suboptimal image qualities and a short battery life. Its operational functions also bring forth concerns on the protection of patient privacy. Nonetheless, the technological advances that this device embodies hold promises in surgical innovations. Further studies are required, and surgeons should explore, investigate, and embrace similar technologies with keen and informed anticipation.
Saliendo Adelante
Authors: Gilbert Paul A. , Barrington Clare , Rhodes Scott D. , Eng Eugenia
Published: May 2016

Immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are marginalized along multiple dimensions (e.g., ethnicity, sexual orientation, language use), which can negatively affect their health and well-being. As little is known about how this subgroup experiences the stress of marginalization and how, in turn, they cope with such stress, this study investigated stressors and coping strategies to better understand the factors shaping Latino MSM health. Assisted by a community advisory committee, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 foreign-born Latino MSM in a nontraditional settlement state. Drawing on grounded theory methods, we analyzed transcripts iteratively to identify processes and characterize themes. Results were confirmed in member check interviews ( n = 4) and findings were further contextualized through key informant interviews ( n = 3). Participants reported ubiquitous, concurrent stressors due to being an immigrant, being a sexual minority, and being working poor. In particular, homophobia within families and local Latino communities was seen as pervasive. Some participants faced additional stressors due to being undocumented and not being Mexican. Participants drew on four types of coping strategies, with no dominant coping response: passive coping (i.e., not reacting to stressors); attempting to change stressors; seeking social support; and seeking distractions. Family ties, especially with mothers, provided key emotional support but could also generate stress related to participants’ sexuality. This study lays a foundation for future work and is particularly relevant for Latino MSM in nontraditional settlement states. Findings may inform future interventions to reduce stressors and increase resiliency, which can positively affect multiple health outcomes.
A novel decoupled parallel mechanism with two translational and one rotational degree of freedom and its performance indices analysis
Authors: Zeng Daxing , Jing Guoning , Su Yonglin , Wang Yi , Hou Yulei
Published: May 2016

Less degrees of freedom parallel mechanism is widely used in many fields with its unique advantages. A decoupled parallel mechanism with 2 degree-of-freedom translation and 1 degree-of-freedom rotation is presented, and its performance evaluation indices analysis is performed. By the constraint screw method, the motion feature of the mechanism and its number of degree of freedom are analyzed. The constrained equations of the mechanism are established according to the constrained conditions of the pole length. The analytical expression of the forward and inverse position for the mechanism is deduced, and the expression of the Jacobian matrix is derived, which validated the decoupling feature of the mechanism. The singularity of the mechanism is also carried out. The performance evaluation indices for the decoupled parallel mechanism are discussed and the corresponding performance indices analysis of the proposed decoupled parallel mechanism is executed. The novel decoupled parallel mechanism presented herein enriches the parallel mechanism structure, and the definition and analysis of the performance evaluation indices should be meaningful for the further design and optimization of the decoupled parallel mechanism.
Failure by deformation in the lateral contact between sinusoidal asperities
Authors: Rojas Garnica Juan Carlos , Bedolla Hernández Jorge , Szwedowicz Wasik Dariusz
Published: May 2016

This article presents a study about the lateral force which produces the failure by deformation between asperities with the sine profile. This study begins with obtaining this force with experimental tests and numerical simulations by the finite element method, which shows good correspondence. The formulation of an analytical procedure to calculate the lateral force is also presented. This formulation is based on the theory of Hertz, which considers lateral contact between asperities, which causes deformation and eventually the failure. The results obtained by this method are compared to the results from tests and simulations using materials with different values of elasto-plasticity. The analysis of results shows the differences between analytical formulation and experimental data, according to which an empirical equation is formulated, whose results improve the approximation to the experimental data. The simplicity of the empirical equation formulated and adequate representation by the results of this, in tests and simulations, make it a numerical model useful for studies of surface wear.
Diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in neonatal sepsis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Liyun , Li Qiubo , Mo Zongju , You Pengfei
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of patients with neonatal sepsis by a meta-analysis. Potential relevant studies were searched through the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases before February 2016. We combined estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CRP for neonatal sepsis diagnosis. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of CRP. The meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed when heterogeneity was significant. In total, 31 studies were included in our meta-analysis with 5698 participants. The overall estimates for CRP in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were: sensitivity 0.69 (95% CI, 0.66–0.71), specificity 0.77 (95% CI, 0.76–0.78), PLR 3.83 (95% CI, 3.03–4.84), NLR 0.38 (95% CI, 0.31–0.45), and DOR 12.65 (95% CI, 8.91–17.94). The area under the curve (AUC) and Q* index were 0.8458 and 0.7773. Meta-regression analysis showed that heterogeneity was irrelevant to test time, cutoff value, assay method of CRP, neonates, and sepsis type. Heterogeneity still existed but decreased after subgroup analysis. CRP might be a valuable approach for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Comprehensive and differential long-term characterization of the alpha-galactosidase A deficient mouse model of Fabry disease focusing on the sensory system and pain development
Authors: Üçeyler Nurcan , Biko Lydia , Hose Dorothea , Hofmann Lukas , Sommer Claudia
Published: May 2016

Background

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to impaired activity of alpha-galactosidase A with intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Associated small fiber pathology leads to characteristic pain in Fabry disease. We systematically assessed sensory system, physical activity, metabolic parameters, and morphology of male and female mice with alpha-galactosidase A deficiency (Fabry ko) from 2 to 27 months of age and compared results with those of age- and gender-matched wild-type littermates of C57Bl/6J background.

Results

From the age of two months, male and female Fabry mice showed mechanical hypersensitivity ( p < 0.001 each) compared to wild-type littermates. Young Fabry ko mice of both genders were hypersensitive to heat stimulation ( p < 0.01) and developed heat hyposensitivity with aging ( p < 0.05), while cold hyposensitivity was present constantly in young ( p < 0.01) and old ( p < 0.05) Fabry ko mice compared to wild-type littermates. Stride angle increased only in male Fabry ko mice with aging ( p < 0.01) in comparison to wild-type littermates. Except for young female mice, male ( p < 0.05) and female ( p < 0.01) Fabry ko mice had a higher body weight than wild-type littermates. Old male Fabry ko mice were physically less active than their wild-type littermates ( p < 0.05), had lower chow intake ( p < 0.001), and lost more weight ( p < 0.001) in a one-week treadmill experiment than wild-type littermates. Also, Fabry ko mice showed spontaneous pain protective behavior and developed orofacial dysmorphism resembling patients with Fabry disease.

Conclusions

Mice with alpha-galactosidase A deficiency show age-dependent and distinct deficits of the sensory system. alpha-galactosidase A-deficient mice seem to model human Fabry disease and may be helpful when studying the pathophysiology of Fabry-associated pain.
Peripheral nerve injury induces loss of nociceptive neuron-specific Gαi-interacting protein in neuropathic pain rat
Authors: Liu Zhen , Wang Fei , Fischer Gregory , Hogan Quinn H. , Yu Hongwei
Published: May 2016

Background

Gαi-interacting protein (GINIP) is expressed specifically in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and functions in modulation of peripheral gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GBR). Genetic deletion of GINIP leads to impaired responsiveness to GBR agonist-mediated analgesia in rodent. It is, however, not defined whether nerve injury changes GINIP expression.

Results

Immunolabeling with validated antibody revealed GINIP expression in ∼40% of total lumbar DRG neurons in normal adult rats. GINIP immunoreactivity was detected in ∼80% of IB4-positive (nonpeptidergic) and ∼30% of CGRP-positive (peptidergic) neurons. GINIP immunoreactivity in the spinal cord dorsal horn was colabeled with IB4 and partially with CGRP. In addition, GINIP was expressed in DRG neurons immunopositive for GBR1, GBR2, Gαi(s), and Gαo and was also extensively colabeled with multiple nociceptive neuronal markers, including Trpv1, NaV1.7, CaV2.2α1b, CaV3.2α1b, TrkA, and Trek2. Peripheral nerve injury by L5 spinal nerve ligation significantly decreased the proportion of GINIP immunoreactivity-positive neurons from 40 ± 8.4% to 0.8 ± 0.1% ( p < 0.01, mean ± SD, four weeks after spinal nerve ligation) and the total GINIP protein to 1.3% ± 0.04% of its basal level ( p < 0.01, n = 6 animals in each group, two weeks after spinal nerve ligation) in the ipsilateral L5 DRGs.

Conclusion

Our results show that GINIP is predominantly expressed by small nonpeptidergic nociceptive neurons and that nerve injury triggers loss of GINIP expression. Signal transduction roles of GINIP may be diverse as it colabeled with various subgroups of nociceptive neurons. Future studies may investigate details of the signaling mechanism engaged by GINIP, as well as the pathophysiological significance of lost expression of GINIP in neuropathic pain.
Alprostadil cream in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: clinical evidence and experience
Authors: Cuzin Béatrice
Published: May 2016

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common disorder with a deep impact on quality of life on both patients and partners. Several options are available for treating ED: oral pharmacotherapy with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors currently represents the first-line option for many patients with ED. Alprostadil, a prostaglandin, has been marketed for many years as a urethral stick and an intracavernous injection for the treatment of ED. It is now available in the form of a cream (Vitaros/Virirec), a noninvasive treatment which combines an active drug (alprostadil, a synthetic prostaglandin E1) with a skin enhancer improving its local absorption directly at the site of action. Alprostadil has a favourable pharmacodynamic profile and is poorly absorbed in systemic circulation, which makes it suitable in a lot of circumstances and results in a reduced risk of adverse effects (AEs). Systemic AEs are reported in only 3% of the treated population. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in both phase II and III trials, showing a global efficacy up to 83% with the 300 μg dose in patients with severe ED, significantly better than placebo. Its fast onset of action and lack of interactions with other drugs makes alprostadil cream a possible first-line therapeutic option for some patients with ED: individuals who are reluctant to take systemic treatments or have AEs, patients who do not respond, cannot tolerate, or do not accept PDE5 inhibitor therapy, and patients treated with nitrates. Therefore, this new treatment for ED can be offered to patients and could help address the needs unmet by other treatments.
Aggressive solitary intracranial metastatic malignant melanoma from a primary mediastinal tumour
Authors: Sivaraju Laxminadh , Aryan Saritha , Hegde Vinay S , Ghosal Nandita , Hegde Alangar S
Published: May 2016

Malignant melanoma is the third most common tumour to cause cerebral metastases, following breast and lung cancer. Central nervous system metastases occur in 10–40% of patients with melanoma. Intracranial metastasis from a primary malignant melanoma of the anterior mediastinum is uncommon. We report a case of solitary intracranial metastatic melanoma arising from a primary mediastinal tumour. We then discuss the clinico-radiological features and treatment options.
How should we do the history of Big Data?
Authors: Beer David
Published: May 2016

Taking its lead from Ian Hacking’s article ‘How should we do the history of statistics?’, this article reflects on how we might develop a sociologically informed history of Big Data. It argues that within the history of social statistics we have a relatively well developed history of the material phenomenon of Big Data. Yet this article argues that we now need to take the concept of ‘Big Data’ seriously, there is a pressing need to explore the type of work that is being done by that concept. The article suggests a programme for work that explores the emergence of the concept of Big Data so as to track the institutional, organisational, political and everyday adoption of this term. It argues that the term Big Data has the effect of making-up data and, as such, is powerful in framing our understanding of those data and the possibilities that they afford.
Accidental alfaxalone overdose in a mature cat undergoing anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bayldon Wendy , Carter Jennifer E , Beths Thierry , Warne Leon N , Whittem Ted , Martinez Lorena , Bauquier Sébastien H
Published: May 2016

Case summary This case report describes the clinical signs and treatment of an alfaxalone 10 times overdose in a 12-year-old cat undergoing anaesthesia for MRI. The cat was discharged from hospital following a prolonged recovery including obtunded mentation and cardiorespiratory depression for several hours following cessation of anaesthesia. The cat received supportive therapy that included supplemental oxygen via a face mask, intravenous crystalloid fluids and active rewarming. The benefits of using alfaxalone for maintenance of anaesthesia, its pharmacokinetics and previously reported lethal doses are discussed. Strategies for reducing the incidence of medication errors are presented.

Relevance and novel information An unintentional overdose of alfaxalone by continuous rate infusion has not been reported previously in a cat. Treatment is supportive and directed towards maintenance of the cardiorespiratory systems. Whenever possible, smart pumps that have been designed to reduce human error should be used to help prevent medication errors associated with continuous rate infusions.
Operation for infected thrombus in the false lumen after ascending aortic repair for acute aortic dissection
Authors: Ohki Shin-ichi , Aoyama Yutaka , Takazawa Ippei , Sato Hirotaka , Sakano Yasuhito , Misawa Yoshio
Published: May 2016

Background:

Aortic dissection requires operation for some reasons.

Methods:

We experienced a case for infected thrombus caused by Escherichia coli in the false lumen of the descending aorta 3 years after ascending aortic replacement for acute aortic dissection.

Results:

A deep sternal wound infection caused by Staphylococcus species after the initial surgery had been successfully treated with both administration of antibiotics for 8 weeks and omental transfer. Replacement of the descending aorta resulted in successful outcomes.

Conclusion:

A thrombosed false lumen with a low blood flow may be vulnerable to bacteremia.
Anti-rape media campaigns: A transnational perspective
Authors: Khorana Sukhmani
Published: May 2016

This essay examines two cases of anti-rape media campaigns that originated in particular cultural contexts, but went viral online. The first of these is #ThisDoesntMeanYes campaign that began when four English women teamed up with renowned photographer Perou and hit the streets of London and snapped 200 women in their own clothing. The second is the It’s Your Fault video in which a group of Indian female comedians lampoon controversial comments by public figures after the gang rape of a student in New Delhi in 2012. Given the specificity of the socio-cultural contexts, as well as the impact of transnational new media tools, the above campaigns can be read as largely transgressive in the modes employed to critique rape culture and intersectional in their emphasis on diversity and solidarity.
Using Social Media to Support Trade Shows: Developing the Capabilities
Authors: Lapoule Paul , Rowell James
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this case study is to identify the conditions for a company developing a B2B trade show’s communication to move into an efficient Omni-channel communication approach. The case study method is used to describe the issues facing Plastic Omnium Environnement Company in deploying an Omni-channel communication approach. This company provides services to local authorities and private sector companies to dispose of their waste. Its Director of communication, Pierre Mereau, is faced with the fact that 160 French communes changed hands from one political party to another in the last local elections. This led to stagnation in terms of turnover—the time required for decision-makers to once again invest in waste management. At the same time, his General Directorate is asking him to make cuts and savings. Pierre Mereau evaluates its performance in the two last most important trade shows and set his mind to develop an Omni-channel communication approach. This case study provides an insight in an organization that is optimizing its communication strategy in a specific market. It should help companies to develop synergies between the trade show and social media.
Book Review: Jyotirmaya Tripathy and Sudarsan Padmanabhan (eds), The Democratic Predicament: Cultural Diversity in Europe and India
Authors: Jha Mithilesh Kumar
Published: May 2016

Jyotirmaya Tripathy and Sudarsan Padmanabhan (eds), The Democratic Predicament: Cultural Diversity in Europe and India. New Delhi: Routledge. 2013. 346 pages. ₹895.
Book Review: Sharachchandra Lele and Ajit Menon (eds), Democratizing Forest Governance in India
Authors: Choubey Kamal Nayan
Published: May 2016

Sharachchandra Lele and Ajit Menon (eds), Democratizing Forest Governance in India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. 2014. 432 pages. ₹495.
The Influence and Effectiveness of US-style and Japanese-style HR Practices on Indian Firms: A Conceptual Perspective
Authors: Maharjan Mohan Pyari , Sekiguchi Tomoki
Published: May 2016

This article offers a conceptual framework to analyze the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices of foreign firms on Indian local companies, along two dimensions: influence and effectiveness. By focusing on US- and Japanese-HR practices, we conceptualize the varying degrees of influence and effectiveness foreign practices potentially have in the Indian context. Drawing upon the literature from international HRM and cultural perspective, we suggest that Indian HRM will be more influenced by US-style HR practices whereas HRM effectiveness will be more related to Japanese-style HR practices. Theoretical and practical implications of the propositions and directions for future research are discussed.
Migration of the Oppressed and Adi Dravida Identity Construction Through Print
Authors: Balasubramaniam J.
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the construction of Adi-Dravida identity through print by the Indian migrant dalits in Colombo during the early twentieth century. The Adi-Dravidas started a monthly journal ‘Adi-Dravidan’ in 1919 to propagate the new identity of Adi-Dravida and consolidate the people for social emancipation. The article analyzes the politics of identity construction of the dalits through print media in the colonial period.
Yes! The Scheduled Castes Can Write: Reflections on the Creative and Assertive Writings of the Scheduled Castes of Colonial Bengal
Authors: Barman Rup Kumar
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on an unexplored domain of Dalit literature that was composed in colonial Bengal, both in the Bengali and English languages. After critically analyzing the contents and arguments of writings of the Scheduled Castes of Bengal, this article confirms that they (the Scheduled Castes) had raised their voice against social injustice and discrimination that they faced from the dominants/elites. The author has broadly classified their writings into three categories: (a) caste-oriented writings, (b) creative literary works and (c) autobiography (biography). The writings of first group had announced a ‘respectable identity’ of the Scheduled Castes by rejecting the traditional interpretations of origin and growth of caste. Creative writings have depicted the deplorable social condition of the Scheduled Castes and raised serious questions against injustice/discrimination and exploitation. Autobiographies on the other hand have recorded the experience of casteism of the Scheduled Castes as well as their struggle for survival. All these features of the article have established the hypothesis that the Scheduled Castes can read and write!
Women at the Bottom in India: Women Workers in the Informal Economy
Authors: Dubey Sheeva Yamunaprasad
Published: May 2016

The poor and marginalized women in India have not just experienced the inequalities of class and gender but also of caste and religion. Since most of them are employed informally, they are further exposed to job-related insecurities. The article intends to identify these women at the bottom of the Indian society and to understand their historical and current challenges. In the first section, it explores some major intersections of inequalities and disadvantages that these women face, attempting to understand their differences and commonalities. It is found that these women predominantly belong to dalit, tribal or Muslim communities. These women face unique struggles, owing to their different community identities. These challenges and their historical background are explored in the second section of the article. In addition, they face certain common challenges owing to their gender and the informal nature of their occupation, which is addressed in the third section. The article discusses their common and unique concerns through an exploration of various theoretical frameworks and gives a comprehensive overview of the subject. It underscores that the informal employment in India cannot be addressed without fully grasping the intertwined issues of caste, religion, community or gender.
Association Between Patient Knowledge of Anticoagulation, INR Control, and Warfarin-Related Adverse Events
Authors: Rahmani Poupak , Guzman Charlotte , Kezouh Abbas , Blostein Mark , Kahn Susan R.
Published: May 2016

Background: Whether the level of patient’s knowledge about warfarin plays any role in maintenance of therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) is controversial. Several studies have looked at patients’ warfarin knowledge and the level of patients’ anticoagulation control (AC). Most studies had small numbers and did not use validated questionnaires. Objectives: To use the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test to assess patients’ knowledge of AC and to examine associations between knowledge, INR, and adverse events. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients were asked to complete the OAK test. Data on clinical and demographic characteristics, INR values, and thrombosis or bleeding events during the preceding 1 year period were collected. Associations between OAK scores, patient characteristics, proportion of therapeutic INRs, and bleeding/thrombosis events were assessed. Results: A total of 225 patients completed the OAK test. Mean (SD) age was 70 (13.4) years, 53% were male, and 75% were on warfarin for >3 years. Over the preceding year, 57.3% of INRs were therapeutic, and there were 22 bleeding and 6 thrombotic events. The mean OAK score was 12/20 (passing score = 15/20); 64% of patients failed the OAK test. Predictors of passing the OAK test were younger age ( P = .01) and higher level of education ( P = .03). There was no association between OAK score and proportion of therapeutic INRs, or OAK score and bleeding or thrombosis events. Conclusion: We used the OAK test to assess patients’ AC knowledge. Results suggests that while younger and more educated patients were more likely to pass the OAK test, the OAK test results may not predict INR control or occurrence of bleeding or thrombotic events.
Style classification and visualization of art painting’s genre using self-organizing maps
Authors: Lee Sang-Geol , Cha Eui-Young
Published: May 2016

With the spread of digitalization of art paintings, research on diverse scientific approaches on painted images has become active. In this paper, the method of classifying painting styles by extracting various features from paintings is suggested. Global features are extracted using the color-based statistical computation and composition-based local features of paintings are extracted through the segmentation of objects within the paintings to classify the styles of the paintings. Based on the extracted features, paintings are categorized by style using SOM, which are then analyzed through visualization using the map. We have proved the feasibility of the proposed method of categorizing paintings by style, and the objective features of paintings can contribute to the research on art history and aesthetics.
Crime, the Criminal Justice System, and Socioeconomic Inequality
Authors: Lofstrom Magnus , Raphael Steven
Published: May 2016

Crime rates in the United States have declined to historical lows since the early 1990s. Prison and jail incarceration rates as well as community correctional populations have increased greatly since the mid-1970s. Both of these developments have disproportionately impacted poor and minority communities. In this paper, we document these trends. We then assess whether the crime declines can be attributed to the massive expansion of the US criminal justice system. We argue that the crime rate is certainly lower as a result of this expansion and in the early 1990s was likely a third lower than what it would have been absent changes in sentencing practices in the 1980s. However, there is little evidence that further stiffening of sentences during the 1990s—a period when prison and other correctional populations expanded rapidly—have had an impact. Hence, the growth in criminal justice populations since 1990s has exacerbated socioeconomic inequality in the United States without generating much benefit in terms of lower crime rates.
The Billion Prices Project: Using Online Prices for Measurement and Research
Authors: Cavallo Alberto , Rigobon Roberto
Published: May 2016

A large and growing share of retail prices all over the world are posted online on the websites of retailers. This is a massive and (until recently) untapped source of retail price information. Our objective with the Billion Prices Project, created at MIT in 2008, is to experiment with these new sources of information to improve the computation of traditional economic indicators, starting with the Consumer Price Index. We also seek to understand whether online prices have distinct dynamics, their advantages and disadvantages, and whether they can serve as reliable source of information for economic research. The word “billion” in Billion Prices Project was simply meant to express our desire to collect a massive amount of prices, though we in fact reached that number of observations in less than two years. By 2010, we were collecting 5 million prices every day from over 300 retailers in 50 countries. We describe the methodology used to compute online price indexes and show how they co-move with consumer price indexes in most countries. We also use our price data to study price stickiness, and to investigate the “law of one price” in international economics. Finally we describe how the Billion Prices Project data are publicly shared and discuss why data collection is an important endeavor that macro- and international economists should pursue more often.
Socio-cultural aspects of gender-based violence and its impacts on women’s health in South Asia
Authors: Bishwajit Ghose , Sarker Sajeeb , Yaya Sanni
Published: May 2016

This review attempts to shed light on the socio-cultural roots of gender-based violence (GBV) and its impact on women's health with a special reference to reproductive health in the context of South Asia. It also identifies the policy and capacity gaps that impede the implementation of gender-related development goals and makes recommendations in light of the ongoing situation.  

Led by the growing recognition of the pivotal importance of women’s and child’s health in national development processes, the issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) are being given increasing prominence in the global public health agenda. However, developing regions such as South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa are lagging far behind in this respect and failing to prioritize and implement gender-related development strategies. South Asian nations in their pursuance of gender-related goals are faced with host of infrastructure issues in financing, policy guidance, implementation and legislation terms. This study highlights the fact that GBV is essentially a socio-cultural issue which calls for developing gender-sensitive social policies and making strategic investment to promote social capital tailored especially to promote a more nuanced view of women’s health and human rights.

Method: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for original and review articles published between January of 2000 to July of 2015. Boolean search was performed to identify suitable articles relating to GBV conducted on South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) by using the following search terms:  South Asia, GBV, IPV (intimate partner violence), domestic violence, women’s health, reproductive health, risk factors, perpetrator, sexual abuse. Reference lists were searched manually for articles relevant to this study (snowballing). One volunteer from each country included in the study helped in reviewing renowned local media reports and constitutions to gather policy information germane to GBV issues.
THE DEVICES FOR THE TRANSPORT DIESEL ENGINES CONSTRUCTIVE ADAPTATION FOR THEIR OPERATION BY BIODIESEL FUEL
Authors: Хохлова  , Khokhlova Ekaterina , Уханов  , Ukhanov Denis , Уханов  , Ukhanov Aleksandr , Хохлов  , Khokhlov Anton
Published: May 2016

The research is devoted to possibility of mineral diesel fuel with mixed biodiesel fuel partial replacement, which contains the vegetable oil as a biological component (such as: rapeseed, camelina, radish, mustard, colza, soybean, etc.). Constructive versions of bi-fuel supply system and mixers for diesel engines adaptation for their operation by biodiesel fuel are offered. The advantages of the developed bi-fuel systems and mixers are: universality in relation to different types of diesel engines; polyfuelness; availability of components; competitiveness; possibility of production in the plant conditions, no requirement of big capital investments, the small term of payback. The application of the offered system by the diesel-powered machinery provides the necessary percentage ratio of mixed fuel components depending on the load-speed mode without its essential constructive changes. The using of the mixed biodiesel fuel containing for example 50% of mineral fuel and 50% of camelina oil allows to save 50% of petroleum diesel fuel, to reduce smoke of the exaust gases by 17-20%, to reduce the content of carbon oxide by 35-40% in comparison with the work of the diesel engine on mineral diesel fuel, by insignificant decreasing of the effective power (no more than 6%) and by some increasing of specific fuel consumption of mixed fuel (to 14%).
On the Question of Construction Materials’ Environmental Safety
Authors: Дмитренко  , Dmitrenko V. , Булычев  , Bulychev Sergey , Мануйлова  , Manuylova Natalia , Горбачев  , Gorbachev Sergey
Published: May 2016

The questions related to construction materials’ environmental safety assessment taking into account products’ overall lifecycle stages have been considered. Assessment principles of materials impact on the environment have been described. It has been proposed to describe the material’s environmental safety degree using two criteria: material’s environmental safety index and material’s environmental efficiency criterion. The first one is the environmental characteristics of material, regardless of its use in a specific product, and excluding a treatment process. This criterion application allows compare the environmental properties both of kindred and dissimilar materials. The second one takes into account the material’s impact on the environment at all stages of the product lifecycle. This criterion application will clarify the final selection of the material taking into account its treatment process to the product, and production’s socio-economic factors.
Voltages Induced in Overhead Ground-Wire Cable as Risk Factor. Part 1
Authors: Токарский  , Tokarskiy A. , Рубцова  , Rubtsova Nina , Рябченко  , Ryabchenko V.
Published: May 2016

To ensure the staff safety under hot-line overhead transmission line (OTL) maintenance, as well as overhead ground-wire cable

(OGWC) insulation integrity maintaining, by the example of three-phase 750 kV OTL has been presented an algorithm for

calculation of voltages and electromotive forces (EMF) induced in this line’s OGWC by electric and magnetic fields (EF and MF)

generated by OTL phases’ voltages and currents. Algorithms for calculation of line-to-earth voltages distribution along grounded

at one end OGWC’ intervals have been given. It has been shown that the voltage induced at OGWC by EF of 750 kV OTL is much

less than the voltage induced by this OTL’s MF. For single-phase short circuits modes has been presented an algorithm for

selection of grounded at one end OGWC’ interval length by condition of respecting of voltage’s maximum permissible level on a

spark gap shunting OGWC’s insulator set.
Vortex Technology of Gases Stratification for Ecological Issues Solving in Oil, Gas and Chemical Industries (Review)
Authors: Жидков  , Zhidkov Dmitriy , Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: May 2016

One of the important tasks for the Russia’s economy and ecology is development and realization of energy and

resource saving technologies, allowing the most efficient use of both primary and secondary resources. In oil, gas and

chemical industries are widely used processes, in which the potential energy of hydrocarbon or waste gases pressure

is either loosing, either recycling with minimum efficiency. The loosing energy should be used for low-temperature

purification of waste and prepared gases, thus reducing environmental pollution. One way to solve this problem is

to use a vortex technology based on the Rank-Hilsch vortex effect. By efficiency this purification method exceeds

manifold standard throttling systems. In this review an analysis related to both theoretical and technological aspects

of vortex effect research has been presented. Vortex tubes’ different constructions have been considered along with

the incoming flow regulation as the one of the important conditions for these tubes’ operation and realization in

the industry. It has been shown that the realization of the regenerative scheme with vortex tubes will improve the

core technology’s ecological and economic indicators. A critical review of existing theories related to the Ranque-

Hilsch effect has been presented. The development prospects of vortex effect’s shock-wave mechanism allowing

explain the excessive cooling capacity of triple-flow vortex tubes used for associated petroleum gas preparation for

transportation have been considered.
WAYS OF ICREASING YIELD AND QUALITY OF SUDAN GRASS AND SUNFLOWER FOR SILAGE AND HAYLAGE USAGE
Authors: Киселева  , Kiseleva Lyudmila , Цыбульский  , Tsybulskiy Aleksandr
Published: May 2016

The objective of the investigation is to improve yield and quality of feed production. The experiment held in 4 replications and one factor scheme. The influence of pulses components for the increasing yield and quality was studied during the experiment. Yield harvesting was done in two times. For the first, yield was collected for haylage. For the second harvest was studied for silage. Mix of sudan grass with sunflower and soya, as well as mix of sudan grass, sunflower and vetch, showed best results in haylage part. The total yield of this mixes was higher than the crop itself. Mix of sudan grass with sunflower and vetch gave 25.5 tons per hectare in average of 4 years of research. At the same period of time, mix of sudan grass with sunflower and soya gave 23.1 tons per hectare. Sudan grass itself showed 19.7 t/ga in average. Very interesting tendency was found during the 4 years of research. While the climatic data was analyzed, we made a conclusion that mix of sudan grass with soya and sunflower is better is dry conditions. It gave yield from 31 t/ga. Mix of sudan grass with sunflower and vetch, gave higher yield in years with favorable conditions. Average yield collected was 24.1 t/ga of haylage.
Understanding Consumers’ Inferences from Price and Nonprice Information in the Online Lodging Purchase Decision
Authors: Noone Breffni M. , Robson Stephani K. A.
Published: May 2016

The sustained success of variable pricing for revenue management (RM) is dependent on the creation of appropriate price points at which to sell a given product offering. To date, few studies have considered the impact of nonprice information on consumer reaction to price, and none have investigated the relative weights that consumers assign to price and the nonprice information available to them during different phases of the purchase choice process. This exploratory study uses a combination of eye tracking and retrospective think-aloud (RTA) interviews to examine how consumers consider the price and nonprice content generated by the firm and the nonprice information generated by other consumers during two distinct phases of the online choice process: browsing and deliberation. This study’s findings suggest that during browsing, firm-generated content appears to be very influential, particularly the image selected to represent the property in search results. Both firm-generated and user-generated content play a role in hotel choice during deliberation, with the interplay among several types of information being an important indication of value for consumers.
Stochastic Production Frontier Models to Explore Constraints on Household Travel Expenditures Considering Household Income Classes
Authors: Saleh Sofyan M. , Sugiarto Sugiarto
Published: May 2016

This paper explores the variation of household travel expenditure frontiers (HTEFs) prior to CC reform in Jakarta. This study incorporates the variation of household income classes into the modeling of HTEFs and investigates the degree to which various determinants influence levels of HTEF. The HTEF is defined as an unseen maximum (capacity) amount of money that a certain income class is willing to dedicate to their travel. A stochastic production frontier is applied to model and explore upper bound household travel expenditure (HTE). Using a comprehensive household travel survey (HTS) in Jakarta in 2004, the observed HTE spending in a month is treated as an exogenous variable. The estimation results obtained using three proposed models, for low, medium and high income classes, show that HTEFs are significantly associated with life stage structure attributes, socio-demographics and life environment factors such as professional activity engagements, which is disclosed to be varied across income classes. Finding further reveals that considerable differences in average of HTEFs across models. This finding calls for the formulation of policies that consider the needs to be addressed for low and medium income groups in order to promote more equity policy thereby leading to more acceptable CC reform.
Preliminary Study on Benzoic Acid Adsorption from Crude Active Coals and Bentonite
Authors: Boucheta Abbes , Kacimi Soufi , Bared Razika
Published: May 2016

We studied the adsorption of pollutant benzoic acid by the modified bentonite of Maghnia (west of Algeria), and coal (Coal from the mines, southwest of Algeria, Bechar area) under three forms, crude and activated. Kinetic data show that the balance of bentonite (as amended) adsorbs organic acids better than activated and raw coal. Indeed, the intercalation of bentonite with benzoic acid causes an improvement in the texture of porous material, which allows its use in the adsorption of organic compounds. The adsorption isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich) indicate that the adsorption of benzoic acid by the coal and bentonite yielded results favorably. The results obtained showed the practical value of using the activated coal and bentonite (as amended) in the field of remediation of water contaminated with organic pollutants
Exploration and prevalence of gastrointestinal worm in buffalo from West Java, Central Java, East Java and Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Karim Wahyudin Abd. , Farajallah Achmad , Suryobroto Bambang
Published: May 2016

The studies of parasites in buffaloes have not been widely explored. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infection in buffaloes. The fresh faecal samples were collected from 89 buffaloes and observed by a modified McMaster technique. The faecal of buffaloes were collected in Bogor, Demak, East Java, and Lombok. The results of identification on gastrointestinal parasites show that there were one cestode and eight nematode. The total prevalence and infestation of cestodes and nematodes was found highest in Bogor. The prevalence and infestation of differences in geographical conditions were found highest in Bogor. The prevalence of gastrointestinal worm in males were highest than female, whereas for larger was found in females. The prevalence of gastrointestinal worms was found at age 1 year, whereas a larger infestation was found at the age of 1-5 years. The calculation of FEC in Bogor was 840 EPG, in Demak 375 EPG, in East Java 570 EPG and in Lombok 13 EPG. This study informed that there were nine genera of gastrointestinal worm found in Java and five genera in Lombok. Types larvae were found six i.e Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum and free living larvae.