bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicators of Climate Change in Idaho: An Assessment Framework for Coupling Biophysical Change and Social Perceptiona
Authors: Klos P. Zion , Abatzoglou John T. , Bean Alycia , Blades Jarod , Clark Melissa A. , Dodd Megan , Hall Troy E. , Haruch Amanda , Higuera Philip E. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Jansen Vincent S. , Kemp Kerry , Lankford Amber , Link Timothy E. , Magney Troy , Meddens Arjan J. H. , Mitchell Liza , Moore Brandon , Morgan Penelope , Newingham Beth A. , Niemeyer Ryan J. , Soderquist Ben , Suazo Alexis A. , Vierling Kerri T. , Walden Von , Walsh Chelsea
Published: June 2015

Climate change is well documented at the global scale, but local and regional changes are not as well understood. Finer, local- to regional-scale information is needed for creating specific, place-based planning and adaption efforts. Here the development of an indicator-focused climate change assessment in Idaho is described. This interdisciplinary framework couples end users’ data needs with observed, biophysical changes at local to regional scales. An online statewide survey of natural resource professionals was conducted to assess the perceived impacts from climate change and determine the biophysical data needed to measure those impacts. Changes to water resources and wildfire risk were the highest areas of concern among resource professionals. Guided by the survey results, 15 biophysical indicator datasets were summarized that included direct climate metrics (e.g., air temperature) and indicators only partially influenced by climate (e.g., wildfire). Quantitative changes in indicators were determined using time series analysis from 1975 to 2010. Indicators displayed trends of varying likelihood over the analysis period, including increasing growing-season length, increasing annual temperature, increasing forest area burned, changing mountain bluebird and lilac phenology, increasing precipitation intensity, earlier center of timing of streamflow, and decreased 1 April snowpack; changes in volumetric streamflow, salmon migration dates, and stream temperature displayed the least likelihood. A final conceptual framework derived from the social and biophysical data provides an interdisciplinary case example useful for consideration by others when choosing indicators at local to regional scales for climate change assessments.
Leaving the World of Hate
Authors: Bubolz Bryan F. , Simi Pete
Published: June 2015

The topic of hate group membership and radicalization toward extremist ideologies has received substantial attention in recent years; however, relatively less is known about the process of disengagement and deradicalization. This is troubling because the number of hate groups in the United States has increased and some are known to engage in a variety of violent and criminal behavior. This exploratory study relies on life history interviews with 34 former white supremacists, one of the oldest types of hate groups in the United States, to examine the process of exit from these groups. Findings suggest that exiting is a multifaceted process with a variety of factors that influence a person’s decision to leave. The results also highlight a number of difficulties associated with exiting such as ongoing emotions of guilt, ideological relapse, and maintaining social ties with current members of the white supremacist movement.
Do Catholic and Independent schools “add-value” to students’ Tertiary Entrance Performance? Evidence from longitudinal population data
Authors: Marks Gary N
Published: June 2015

In this article, school sector differences in tertiary entrance performance were examined using longitudinal data from the state of Victoria in Australia for 2011. Analysis of students’ Tertiary Entrance Aggregate, from which the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank is derived, revealed non-trivial effect sizes of sector on performance. Results showed that students in Catholic and Independent schools performed at 0.24 and 0.38 standard deviations higher than their peers in the government sector once socioeconomic status, Year 9 performance in the National Assessments of Performance—Literacy and Numeracy, gender and language background had been controlled for. In other words, the results demonstrate “value-added effects” for the Catholic and Independent school sectors. Quantile regression showed that Independent-government school sector differences decline (moderately) with higher Tertiary Entrance Aggregate scores. For the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, Catholic and Independent school students averaged 6 and 8 ranks higher than government school students, respectively, net of the same set of predictors. First-differences and fixed-effects models—which control for all stable (including unobserved) differences between students—estimated increments of 4.5 and 6.0 Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks, for the Catholic and Independent school sectors compared with the government sector.
A novel operational amplifier-based square/triangular/sinusoidal oscillator
Authors: Abuelma'atti Muhammad Taher , Khalifa Zainulabideen Jamal
Published: June 2015

This paper shows that the classical square/triangular wave generator can also provide sinusoidal oscillations. Thus, a square/triangular/sinusoidal oscillator can be obtained from the same topology by changing a resistance. A new sinusoidal oscillator using two operational amplifiers, one resistor, and one capacitor is also shown. Experimental results that confirm the operation of the proposed circuits in different regimes are included.
Professional values and organizational change dynamics: the case of the reform of doctoral training in France
Authors: Dahan Aubépine
Published: June 2015

At a time when the reforms inspired by New Public Management are prompting a hybridization of values, there is growing reference to the notion of values in managerial discourses within public organizations. While some studies consider the statement of values as a direct lever of change, others show that they are more of an obstacle. The studies that make use of institutional logics or economies of worth suggest a dynamic of change involving values, without exploring it as such. Focusing on the context of public professional organizations, this article explores the link between values and change by focusing on the process of adoption of new practices in response to a reform. Our qualitative research among academics during the implementation of the reform of doctoral training in France confirms that professional autonomy is often against reform, but also reveals that ‘professional values’ do not form a coherent and fixed whole: they are plural and generate a series of tensions that are, in turn, reflected by practices. The reform has the effect of inflaming controversies, leading to a possible change brought about by the professionals themselves.

Points for practitioners

This article challenges the view of professional values as a mechanical source of immobilization, and the interest of a purely discursive use of the values to support change. Professional values appear more as an endogenous source of change than as leverage available to management in times of a reform.
A framework supporting multi-compartment stochastic simulation and parameter optimisation for investigating biological system development
Authors: Montagna Sara , Viroli Mirko , Roli Andrea
Published: June 2015

In this paper we propose a simulation framework specifically suited for developmental biology studies. It is mainly composed of three parts. First, it is based on a multiscale computational model, and related logic-oriented specification language compiler, supporting large-scale networks of compartments and an enhanced model of chemical reactions addressing molecule transfer. Second, we rely on a simulation engine based on an optimised version of the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm, which is able to simulate fine events at intracellular and multicellular level. Third, a metaheuristic-based module for automatically calibrating model parameters (such as reaction rates) is exploited. As a case study we model the first stages of Drosophila melanogaster development, which generate the early spatial pattern of gap gene expression. Results show the formation of a precise spatial pattern which has been successfully compared with observations acquired from the real embryo gene expressions. In particular, adopting the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy for parameter estimation is crucial for the quality of the results achieved, reducing the error of a 60% from the initial formulation of parameters. The main contribution of this paper is the enhancement of a stochastic, multi-compartment simulator by means of a metaheuristic-based module for parameter estimation. This is the first such application available in literature, where the subject of parameter estimation is well-established only for deterministic single-compartment models. Moreover this is the first work demonstrating the ability of the Gillespie stochastic simulation algorithm, when properly equipped with additional parameter optimisation techniques, to model large-scale, complex biological systems.
How Inclusive Is Higher Education in India?
Authors: Tilak Jandhyala B.G.
Published: June 2015

In the broad context of inclusive growth policies in India, an examination of the growth and inequalities in the country’s higher education is attempted in this article with the help of rich data available from the National Sample Survey (NSS) in several rounds between 1983 and 2009–10. The article is primarily concerned with inequalities in higher education by gender, by social groups—caste and religion, by region—rural and urban and by economic groups of population classified by monthly per capita household expenditure. Considering two important indicators on higher education, namely, gross enrolment ratio and higher education attainment—percentage of adult population having completed higher education, the article examines whether inequalities in higher education have increased or declined overtime. It also throws light on the groups that have improved most over the years in their higher education status and on the decline or increase of inequalities between groups.
Book Review: Sukhpal Singh and Tarunvir Singh, Producer Companies in India: Organization and Performance
Authors: Mitra Susmita
Published: June 2015

Sukhpal Singh and Tarunvir Singh, Producer Companies in India: Organization and Performance, New Delhi, Allied Publishers, 2014, 152 pp., ₹550, ISBN 9788184249187.
Book Review: Meenakshi Thapan (ed.), Ethnographies of Schooling in Contemporary India
Authors: Poornima M.
Published: June 2015

Meenakshi Thapan (ed.), Ethnographies of Schooling in Contemporary India, New Delhi, SAGE, 2014, X + 368 pp., ₹895, ISBN 9788132113850.
Book Review: Shreerekha Subhramanium, Women Writing Violence: The Novel and Radical Feminist Imaginaries
Authors: Cherian Reena Merin
Published: June 2015

Shreerekha Subhramanium, Women Writing Violence: The Novel and Radical Feminist Imaginaries, New Delhi, SAGE Publications, 2013, 312 pp., ₹750, ISBN 978-8132109082.
Practice Arrangement and Medicare Physician Payment in Otolaryngology
Authors: Cracchiolo Jennifer , Ridge John A. , Egleston Brian , Lango Miriam
Published: June 2015

Objective

Medicare Part B physician payment indicates a cost to Medicare beneficiaries for a physician service and connotes physician clinical productivity. The objective of this study was to determine whether there was an association between practice arrangement and Medicare physician payment.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Medicare provider utilization and payment data.

Subjects and Methods

Otolaryngologists from 1 metropolitan area were included as part of a pilot study. A generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of practice‐specific variables including patient volumes on physician payment.

Results

Of 67 otolaryngologists included, 23 (34%) provided services through an independent practice, while others were employed by 1 of 3 local academic centers. Median payment was $58,895 per physician for the year, although some physicians received substantially higher payments. Reimbursements to faculty at 1 academic department were higher than to those at other institutions or to independent practitioners. After adjustments were made for patient volumes, physician subspecialty, and gender, payments to each faculty at Hospital C were 2 times higher than to those at Hospital A (relative ratio [RR] 2.03; 95% CI, 1.27‐3.27; P =. 003); 2 times higher than to faculty at Hospital B (RR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.4‐2.7; P =. 0001); and 1.6 times higher than to independent practitioners (RR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.04‐2.7; P =. 03). Payments to physicians in the other groups were not significantly different. Differences in reimbursement corresponded to an emphasis on procedures over office visits but not Medicare case mix adjustments for patient discharges from associated institutions.

Conclusions

Variation in the cost of academic otolaryngology care may be subject in part to institutional factors.
Disaster preparedness of libraries
Authors: Ayoung Azerikatoa D , Boatbil Christopher S , Baada Frederic N
Published: June 2015

The importance of disaster management plans for library staff rests on their effective and efficient utilization to confront library-related disasters. This study seeks to evaluate the preparedness of Ghanaian polytechnic libraries towards disasters, with respect to measures put in place. Based largely on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed five head librarians and 25 other staff members of selected polytechnics, who were chosen using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data was analysed using interpretative techniques. The results showed general absence of security policies and disaster plans. Polytechnic libraries were found to be ill-prepared with respect to disasters. Therefore, it is recommended that libraries develop policies for disaster management, organise training programs for staff in order to increase their awareness about disasters and be involved in cooperative networks.
Novel use of the AngioVac® system to remove thrombus during simultaneous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation life support
Authors: Griffith Kevin E , Jenkins Eric , Copenhaver William , Williams David M
Published: June 2015

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was introduced to clinical medicine over 40 years ago. While initially used as a treatment for acute respiratory failure in infants, the use of ECMO has grown to include respiratory and circulatory failure in both children and adults, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, trauma, malignancy, pulmonary hemorrhage and as a treatment for hypothermic drowning.1 Recent technological improvements in ECMO circuitry make it possible to minimize anticoagulation of the ECMO patient, decreasing the incidence of bleeding. Thrombus deposition within the ECMO circuit can be a life-threating complication. ECMO circuit thrombus can be contained in the circuit, adherent to cannula and deposited within the patient. The ability to remove thrombus while the patient remains on ECMO support could be a life-saving measure for some patients. The present case report outlines use of the AngioVac® thrombus removal system in concert with ECMO to remove a large thrombus adherent to an ECMO cannula.
The influence of age and gender on venous symptomatology. An epidemiological survey in Belgium and Luxembourg
Authors: Vuylsteke Marc E , Colman Roos , Thomis Sarah , Guillaume Geneviève , Degrande Evy , Staelens Ivan
Published: June 2015

Aim

The aim of this study is to measure the incidence of the symptoms in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) and to look for the influence of age on the severity of symptoms for both genders.

Materials and methods

A survey was carried out in Belgium and Luxembourg between May and September 2013. Patient recruitment was done by 406 general practitioners (GPs). Each GP screened 10–20 consecutive patients older than 18 years. Inquiries were made regarding the presence of symptoms and possible signs of CVD. Patients with diagnosed CVD filled out a questionnaire including a quality of life score (CIVIQ-14). These data were converted into a CIVIQ Global Index Score (GIS). Statistical analysis was performed in order to calculate the effect of age and gender on the number of symptoms and the estimated probabilities of having CVD.

Results

Totally 6009 patients were included in this survey. The mean age was 53.4 years. Of all, 61.3% of the patients have CVD (C1-C6). Of all, 64.7% of patients were symptomatic. Age and female gender were major risk factors for developing CVD. Most common symptoms were ‘heavy legs’ (70.4%), pain (54.0%), and sensation of swelling (52.7%). The number of symptoms increases with age ( p < 0.001). Female patients have significantly more symptoms in comparison with male patients in all age groups. In both females and males, age is negatively correlated with GIS score ( p < 0.001). The estimated probability of having CVD was significantly higher for woman compared to men and increases with age for both gender.

Conclusion

CVD is a very common progressive disease with age as a major risk factor. Increasing age results in a higher C-classification, more symptoms, and a lower GIS score (quality of life). Female gender interacts significantly with age and results in a more advanced stage of CVD.
Open access repositories in the Asia–Oceania region
Authors: Mamtora Jayshree , Yang Tina , Singh Diljit
Published: June 2015

In recent years open access models have transcended traditional modes of publishing, thus enabling freer access to research. This paper takes a trans-regional approach to open access publishing in the Asia and Oceania region focussing on individual institutions in three countries – Charles Darwin University (Australia), University of Hong Kong and the University of Malaya, reflecting on how each one is rising, in its own individual way, to meet the range of challenges that its research communities are facing. Specifically, it focuses on open access and institutional repository development, and traces their development at each of the aforementioned institutions. This paper is based on interviews conducted with staff involved with the development of the repository, and the open access collection in particular, at each of the three institutions. It synthesises open access developments and reviews the role the library has played in each institution in the development of open access across the academic and research community; and the success that has been achieved to date. It highlights any common factors between the approaches taken by each institution, as well as any significant differences of note. The findings reveal that each of the three institutions is at a different stage of development with the University of Hong Kong repository ranked at the top within Asia. Each has used a slightly different approach toward open access, and used different software to develop their repository. The authors have collated the overall experiences of each institution in open access publishing and repository development. They have highlighted the successes and failures that each has experienced and formulated a set of guidelines that may help those embarking on establishing an open access repository.
Limits to freedom of expression? The problem of blasphemy
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: June 2015

The idea that freedom of expression might have limits is examined in the context of the Charlie Hebdo murders. Authoritative statements including the universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19) are revisited and blasphemy laws, defamation of religion resolutions, hate speech laws and recent moves to end blasphemy laws are all discussed. The conclusion is that freedom of expression is too important to be limited because of the sensitivities of religious believers.
A longitudinal examination of rural status and suicide risk
Authors: Neufeld Eva , Hirdes John P. , Perlman Christopher M. , Rabinowitz Terry
Published: June 2015

There is limited research on suicide risk in Canadian home care. Older adults have the highest rates of death by suicide worldwide. This article examines characteristics of rural and urban home care recipients with a hospital or emergency department visit for suicide attempts in Ontario, Canada. Factors that increase or decrease risk for emergent care are identified. This research builds on a growing need for health leadership to ensure that home care providers have appropriate training and resources to assess and respond to potential risk of suicide among frail elders.
The Roles of Dominance, Jealousy, and Violent Socialization in Chinese Dating Abuse
Authors: Lasley Chandra Y. , Durtschi Jared
Published: June 2015

Attitude toward women and relationship violence in Chinese societies has been shaped by a history of Confucian patriarchy. Studies suggest that this patriarchal orientation continues to influence modern-day dating behaviors and rates of relationship violence. This study examined through the lens of the intergenerational transmission of violence theory the effects of dominance and jealousy on the likelihood of physical assault and how violent socialization moderates these effects. A maximum likelihood path analysis with robust standard errors was conducted for a total of 915 individuals from Beijing, Shanghai, and Taiwan who participated in the International Dating Violence Study from 2001 to 2006. Results revealed that dominance and violent socialization were significantly associated with assault victimization and perpetration. Violent socialization also significantly amplified the associations between dominance and both minor and severe assault victimization. Jealousy, however, was only associated with severe assault perpetration. Clinical implications and further research directions are discussed.
The Impact of Addressing Adherence in Pharmacist-Managed Pharmacotherapy Clinics
Authors: Sharaya Nora H. , Dorrell Megan F. , Sciacca Nick A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The primary objective of this study was to determine the change in the adherence questionnaire score from the initial pharmacist intervention to 60 to 90 days follow-up. The secondary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the type of pharmacist intervention on questionnaire scores.

Methods:

Administration of an adherence questionnaire to guide interventions has become the standard of care for patients during appointments with clinical pharmacy specialists at 3 primary care clinics. Subjects who received a questionnaire between November 4, 2013, and January 15, 2014, were included. These subjects received a second questionnaire 60 to 90 days after the first questionnaire to identify changes resulting from the pharmacist’s interventions. A scoring system was utilized to quantify patients’ responses to both the preintervention and postintervention questionnaires. The type of intervention completed was determined at each pharmacist’s clinical discretion.

Results:

Adherence scores increased significantly 60 to 90 days after administration of the questionnaire with a pharmacist’s intervention. Medication reminders, simplifying medication regimens, discount program referrals, disease-state information, medication information, and therapeutic interchanges, all increased adherence scores.

Conclusion:

A standardized tool to assess and address adherence was effectively utilized by 9 pharmacists at 3 clinics. The use of a standardized tool to guide adherence interventions is an effective way to increase adherence to medication therapy.
Physicians’ Preferences for Communication of Pharmacist-Provided Medication Therapy Management in Community Pharmacy
Authors: Guthrie Kendall D. , Stoner Steven C. , Hartwig D. Matthew , May Justin R. , Nicolaus Sara E. , Schramm Andrew M. , DiDonato Kristen L.
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

(1) To identify physicians’ preferences in regard to pharmacist-provided medication therapy management (MTM) communication in the community pharmacy setting; (2) to identify physicians’ perceived barriers to communicating with a pharmacist regarding MTM; and (3) to determine whether Missouri physicians feel MTM is beneficial for their patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional prospective survey study of 2021 family and general practice physicians registered with MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid program.

Results:

The majority (52.8%) of physicians preferred MTM data to be communicated via fax. Most physicians who provided care to patients in long-term care (LTC) facilities (81.0%) preferred to be contacted at their practice location as opposed to the LTC facility. The greatest barriers to communication were lack of time and inefficient communication practices. Improved/enhanced communication was the most common suggestion for improvement in the MTM process. Approximately 67% of respondents reported MTM as beneficial or somewhat beneficial for their patients.

Conclusions:

Survey respondents saw value in the MTM services offered by pharmacists. However, pharmacists should use the identified preferences and barriers to improve their currently utilized communication practices in hopes of increasing acceptance of recommendations. Ultimately, this may assist MTM providers in working collaboratively with patients’ physicians.
Development of the Energy-smart Production Management system (e-ProMan): A Big Data driven approach, analysis and optimisation
Authors: Katchasuwanmanee Kanet , Bateman Richard , Cheng Kai
Published: June 2015

Given the challenges in increasing energy prices and environmental issues, energy efficiency is becoming a major concern in manufacturing industries. To reduce energy consumption, manufacturing operations need to develop energy efficient techniques. This development will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and production costs. The aim of this research is to create a simulation methodology and to investigate the modelling of thermal and energy management (called e-ProMan) across manufacturing site. Using simulation, the ‘e-ProMan’ system generates a real-time, virtual and user-friendly factory model. A ‘Big Data’ approach is taken in which a large set of data are acquired from both inside and outside the factory in order to analyse the correlation between work flow, data flow and energy flow to provide real-time decision making. In particular, four data sources are gathered including weather forecast, temperature and humidity sensors, machine energy consumption and production process and scheduling. The ‘e-ProMan’ system is specifically designed to suit manufacturing operations of small and medium sizes to complement limited budget and lower resources especially in data gathering infrastructures.
A review of statistical designs for improving the efficiency of phase II studies in oncology
Authors: Wason James MS , Jaki Thomas
Published: June 2015

Phase II oncology trials are carried out to assess whether an experimental anti-cancer treatment shows sufficient signs of effectiveness to justify being tested in a phase III trial. Traditionally such trials are conducted as single-arm studies using a binary response rate as the primary endpoint. In this article, we review and contrast alternative approaches for such studies. Each approach uses only data that are necessary for the traditional analysis. We consider two broad classes of methods: ones that aim to improve the efficiency using novel design ideas, such as multi-stage and multi-arm multi-stage designs; and ones that aim to improve the analysis, by making better use of the richness of the data that is ignored in the traditional analysis. The former class of methods provides considerable gains in efficiency but also increases the administrative and logistical issues in running the trial. The second class consists of viable alternatives to the standard analysis that come with little additional requirements and provide considerable gains in efficiency.
Data Collection in Organizational Research
Authors: Sarma Sushanta Kumar
Published: June 2015

Data collection in organizational research involves many unanticipated challenges. This article narrates the experiences of the author while collecting data from two microfinance organizations operating in India. It gives a reflective account of hurdles faced during the fieldwork and how the author had negotiated with these hurdles. Most of the challenges faced by author are structural in nature and are related to elicitation of respondent’s perspective. Author’s first-hand experiences of data collection are reported and discussed with an intention of informing the research practice in qualitative fieldwork. The experiences reported in this note may have interesting implications for any early career researchers planning to carry fieldwork in organizations.
Vibration mitigation of a rotating beam under external periodic force using a nonlinear energy sink (NES)
Authors: Bab S , Khadem SE , Mahdiabadi MK , Shahgholi M
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the performance of a smooth nonlinear energy sink (NES) to mitigate vibration of a rotating beam under an external force is investigated. The rotating beam is modeled using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, and the centrifugal stiffening effect is considered. It is assumed that the nonlinear energy sink has a linear damping and an essentially nonlinear (nonlinearizable or cubic) stiffness. Required conditions for occurring Hopf bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation and strongly modulated responses (SMR) in the system are investigated. The most important parameter to study NES performance is SMR occurrence range in the detuning parameter span. Effects of position and damping of the NES and magnitude of the external force on the vibration mitigation of the rotating beam are studied. The Complexification-Averaging and the Runge Kutta methods are employed for analytical and numerical investigations, respectively. Finally, the efficiency of an optimal linear absorber and an optimal NES in the vibration mitigation of the rotating beam are compared. It is shown that the best range for the parameters of the NES is the one in which SMR and weak modulated response occur simultaneously. Furthermore, the best position for connecting the NES to a rotating beam is at the beam tip.
The relationship between waiting times and ‘adherence’ to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guideline in autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services in Scotland
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Forsyth Kirsty , O’Hare Anne , McClure Iain , Rutherford Marion , Murray Aja , Irvine Linda
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guidelines on the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were adhered to in child autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services in Scotland and whether there was a significant relationship between routine practice which more closely reflected these recommendations (increased adherence) and increased waiting times. Retrospective, cross-sectional case note analysis was applied to data from 80 case notes. Adherence ranged from a possible 0 (no adherence) to 19 (full adherence). Overall, 17/22 of the recommendations were adhered to in over 50 of the 80 cases and in 70 or more cases for 11/22 of the recommendations, with a mean adherence score of 16 (standard deviation = 1.9). No significant correlation was found between adherence and total wait time for untransformed ( r = 0.15, p = 0.32) or transformed data ( r = 0.12, p = 0.20). The results indicated that the assessment and diagnostic practices were consistent with the relevant Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guideline recommendations. Increased adherence to the 19 included recommendations was not significantly related to increased total waiting times, indicating that the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 recommendations have generally been integrated into practice, without a resultant increase in patient waits.
Luminous environment in healthcare buildings for user satisfaction and comfort: an objective and subjective field study
Authors: Lo Verso Valerio R.M. , Caffaro Federica , Aghemo Chiara
Published: June 2015

Lighting is a very important factor in healthcare, with positive effects both on patients' mood and recovery time and on the nursing staff's job satisfaction and reduced stress. Nevertheless, few studies focused specifically on lighting in healthcare buildings. This study investigated the luminous environmental quality through an objective and a subjective approach, reporting results from field activities in four hospitals in Turin and Asti (region of Piedmont, Italy), aimed both at detecting critical conditions of non-compliance with reference to standards and at evaluating visual comfort of patients, visitors and of the nursing staff. From objective measurements, much non-compliance was found. In spite of this, subjective analyses showed that the group of patients and visitors was satisfied with the quality and quantity of lighting within their rooms, while the nursing staff were generally less satisfied. Based on these findings, first considerations for the design of user-centred healthcare buildings are discussed.
Transnational activism, new and old media: The case of Israeli adoptees from Brazil
Authors: Ribke Nahuel , Bourdon Jerome
Published: June 2015

This is a case study of transnational activism across media genres and platforms, focusing on young Israeli adoptees from Brazil, struggling to trace their biological origins, recover (to some extent) their culture of birth and make their plight known. Theoretically speaking, this study is based on the notion of hybridity, understood as a strategy used by individuals to elaborate new social identities (Israeli adoptees organized as online support group, moving to activism, recovering their culture of origin through media and travelling), by media producers to elaborate texts relevant to complex audiences (dramatized documentary, transnational ‘docu-telenovela’, Brazilian prime-time entertainment programme used to expose social problems), and more generally, as a characteristic of the media system that constantly (re)combines technologies, genres and actors. Hybridity, however, should not be confused with equality. Relations between system components are mostly asymmetrical, but are constantly evolving, often unpredictably, offering some manoeuvrability even for weaker actors.
Evaluating the effects of size and chirality on the mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes through equivalent-continuum modelling
Authors: Zuberi M Jibran S , Esat Volkan
Published: June 2015

Due to numerous difficulties associated with the experimental investigation of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), computational modelling is considered to be a powerful alternative in order to determine their mechanical properties. In this study, a novel three-dimensional finite element model incorporating a beam element with circular cross section is developed based on equivalent-continuum mechanics approach. The beam elements are used as the replacement of C–C chemical bonds in modelling SWNTs. Finite element models are generated for a range of SWNTs and employed for the evaluation of effects of diameter and chirality on the mechanical properties including Young’s modulus, shear modulus, shear strain and Poisson’s ratio of SWNTs. The results of this study are in good agreement with those reported in literature.
Polish ‘Pawns’ between nationalism and neoliberalism in British newspaper coverage of post-European Union enlargement polish immigration
Authors: Hoops Joshua F , Thomas Ryan J , Drzewiecka Jolanta A
Published: June 2015

The United Kingdom was one of four countries to open its labor market to Polish workers post-European Union enlargement in 2004. In this study, we analyze the articulation of discourses of neoliberalism and nationalism through examination of mediated representations of Polish immigrants in four British newspapers. We argue that within the coverage analyzed, across format and political orientation, neoliberal values were promoted and the seeming tension between the two ideologies was articulated in ways that could be discursively mobilized to further particular political, economic, and media objectives. Polish immigrants were constituted as discursive pawns employed by various political and media entities toward these contrasting agendas.
Noise, voice and silencing during immigrant court-case performances in Swedish district courts
Authors: Elsrud Torun , Lalander Philip , Staaf Annika
Published: June 2015

This article argues that court-ritual unawareness, linguistic shortcomings and stereotypical images about non-Swedish otherness impair the position and acting space for immigrants in a Swedish district court context. Drawing on two ethnographically informed research projects focused on courtroom interaction during more than 20 trials dealing with ‘domestic violence’ and ‘street-related crime’, we claim that immigrant voices are often silenced due to taken-for-granted practices in court. Through analyses of interviews, performances, interpreted hearings and references to a desirable Swedishness, it is argued that situations are created where immigrant participants may experience their possibility of being understood as limited and their voices as being unheard. Such conditions are emotionally draining and may result in participants choosing silence over stating their case. This is a problem, not only within the individual court case, but also for the overall legitimacy of the court system and for issues of institutional trust among citizens.
Presence of brain pathology in deceased subjects with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Cleutjens Fiona AHM , Spruit Martijn A , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Franssen Frits ME , Dijkstra Jeanette B , Ponds Rudolf WHM , Wouters Emiel FM , Janssen Daisy JA
Published: June 2015

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have extrapulmonary co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal wasting and neuropsychological conditions. To date, it remains unknown whether and to what extent COPD is associated with a higher prevalence of brain pathology. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to compare the prevalence of neuropathological brain changes between deceased donors with and without COPD. Brain autopsy reports of age-matched donors with ( n = 89) and without COPD ( n = 89) from the Netherlands Brain Bank were assessed for demographics, cause of death, co-morbidities and brain pathology. The prevalence of degenerative brain changes was comparable for donors with and without COPD (50.6% vs. 61.8%, p > 0.05). Neoplastic brain changes were reported in a minority of the donors (5.6% vs. 10.1%, p > 0.05). After correction for cerebrovascular accident or cardiac cause of death and Charlson co-morbidity index score, the prevalence of vascular brain changes was higher among control versus COPD donors (27.0% vs. 11.2%, adjusted p = 0.013, odds ratio = 2.98). Brain autopsy reports of donors with and without COPD did not reveal differences in the presence of degenerative or neoplastic brain changes. Vascular brain changes were described more often in controls. Prospective studies including spirometry and structural and functional brain imaging should corroborate our findings.
Marked cytoreduction of a lymphocyte-rich mediastinal thymoma with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a cat
Authors: Tong Linda J , Hosgood Giselle , Labruyère Julien , Bennett Susan L , FitzGerald Louise , Shiel Robert E
Published: June 2015

Case summary

A 15-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat presented with lethargy and acute-onset dyspnoea. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, cranial mediastinal mass with an estimated volume of 180.7 cm3. Chemotherapy consisting of dexamethasone followed by L-asparaginase, prednisolone, vincristine and doxorubicin was commenced owing to the severity of disease and initial possibility of lymphoma. A diagnosis of lymphocyte-rich thymoma was made based upon histological examination, positive pancytokeratin staining, variable lymphocyte CD3 expression and T cell receptor gamma polyclonality. Thoracic CT performed 35 days after the commencement of chemotherapy showed a marked reduction in the size of the mass, with an estimated volume of 9.4 cm3. A median sternotomy and thymectomy were performed. No clinical signs have recurred 34 months after surgery.

Conclusions and relevance

The response to chemotherapy in this case was unusual, and is likely associated with the high non-neoplastic lymphoid component of the mass. The case demonstrates that preoperative chemotherapy can be used to reduce thymoma volume prior to surgery, potentially decreasing anaesthetic risk.
Antileukemia activity of the novel peptidic CXCR4 antagonist LY2510924 as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy
Authors: Cho Byung-Sik , Zeng Zhihong , Mu Hong , Wang Zhiqiang , Konoplev Sergej , McQueen Teresa , Protopopova Marina , Cortes Jorge , Marszalek Joseph R. , Peng Sheng-Bin , Ma Wencai , Davis R. Eric , Thornton Donald E. , Andreeff Michael , Konopleva Marina
Published: June 2015

Key Points

In vitro, SDF-1α/CXCR4 inhibition by LY2510924 is potent and prolonged and inhibits proliferation and stromal chemoprotection of AML cells. In vivo, LY2510924 mobilizes AML cells, has striking antileukemia effects as monotherapy, and strongly synergizes with chemotherapy.
How did hydraulic-fracturing operations in the Horn River Basin change seismicity patterns in northeastern British Columbia, Canada?
Authors: Farahbod Amir Mansour , Kao Honn , Cassidy John F. , Walker Dan
Published: June 2015

An increase in regional seismicity has been documented for the Horn River Basin (HRB) since the development of shale gas began in late 2006. Operational parameters of all hydraulic-fracturing (HF) treatments in the HRB between November 2006 and December 2011 were compiled from completion reports collected by the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (BCOGC). This database was compared with regional earthquake catalogs to delineate a quantitative relationship between the observed variation of regional seismicity and local HF operations. Taking the HRB as a whole, results suggest that the total injected volume from hydraulic fracturing is a more significant factor in affecting the pattern of local seismicity than injection pressure is. However, no clear change in background seismicity can be observed when the total monthly injected volume is less than ∼ 20,000 m3. The initial effect of increasing injected volume is an increase in earthquake frequency but not magnitude. Relatively large seismic- moment release (> 1014 N m) occurred only when the monthly injected volume exceeded ∼ 150,000 m3. Variable time lags, from days to four months, are observed between intense HF and the occurrence of a significant local earthquake. The hydrologic properties of the source formations and local geologic conditions (such as distribution, geometry, and dimension of preexisting faults) also might play important roles in induced seismogenesis, in addition to the total volume of injection.
A guideline for assessing seismic risk induced by gas extraction in the Netherlands
Authors: Muntendam-Bos A. G. , Roest J. P. A. , de Waal J. A.
Published: June 2015

In the Netherlands, seismicity is induced by the reactivation of faults because of the extraction of gas. The Dutch mining law requires a seismic-risk assessment as part of the license application process. For this purpose, a risk-assessment guideline has been developed over the past decade. The guideline contains three assessment levels. At the first level, a screening occurs to assess the potential of inducing seismicity. On the basis of three key parameters and an analysis of the maximum potential magnitude, each field can be classified for induced-seismicity risk prior to the onset of production. For fields with a low seismicity potential, the existing national monitoring network suffices. At the second level, for fields with medium and high seismicity potential, a qualitative assessment of hazard and risk is required based on a risk-matrix approach. The large Groningen gas field is considered a field with high seismic risk requiring a level 3 assessment. For such fields, a probabilistic seismic-risk assessment and risk-management plan are required. The risk assessment requires special attention because most of the seismic risk is associated with low-probability events that can induce large ground accelerations.
Risk and Cause of Death in Patients Diagnosed With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in Sweden Between 1973 and 2005: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hultcrantz Malin , Wilkes Sally R. , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Andersson Therese M.-L. , Derolf Åsa R. , Eloranta Sandra , Samuelsson Jan , Landgren Ola , Dickman Paul W. , Lambert Paul C. , Björkholm Magnus
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are associated with a shortened life expectancy. We assessed causes of death in patients with MPN and matched controls using both relative risks and absolute probabilities in the presence of competing risks.

Patients and Methods

From Swedish registries, we identified 9,285 patients with MPN and 35,769 matched controls. A flexible parametric model was used to estimate cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) of death and cumulative incidence functions, each with 95% CIs.

Results

In patients with MPN, the HRs of death from hematologic malignancies and infections were 92.8 (95% CI, 70.0 to 123.1) and 2.7 (95% CI, 2.4 to 3.1), respectively. In patients age 70 to 79 years at diagnosis (the largest patient group), the HRs of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were 1.5 (95% CI, 1.4 to 1.7) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3 to 1.8), respectively; all were statistically significantly elevated compared with those of controls. In the same age group, no difference was observed in the 10-year probability of death resulting from cardiovascular disease in patients with MPN versus controls (16.8% v 15.2%) or cerebrovascular disease (5.6% v 5.2%). In patients age 50 to 59 years at diagnosis, the 10-year probability of death resulting from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease was elevated, 4.2% versus 2.1% and 1.9% versus 0.4%, respectively. Survival in patients with MPN increased over time, mainly because of decreased probabilities of dying as a result of hematologic malignancies, infections, and, in young patients, cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Patients with MPN had an overall higher mortality rate than that of matched controls, primarily because of hematologic malignancy, infections, and vascular events in younger patients. Evidently, there is still a need for effective disease-modifying agents to improve patient outcomes.
Myths of Katrina
Authors: Nelson Stephen A.
Published: June 2015

Although it has been nearly ten years since the Hurricane Katrina disaster, many misconceptions (myths) still surround the events that took place. Among these myths are that levees failed the day after Katrina made landfall, that the failed levees were on the Mississippi River, that the “corrupt” Orleans Levee Board was responsible for the failed levees, that Katrina was such a large storm that it overwhelmed New Orleans, and that New Orleans is a city below sea level. These myths are thought to persist for reasons that include incomplete information, lack of knowledge, and political expediency.