bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid mathematical model for urban land-use planning in association with environmental–ecological consideration under uncertainty
Authors: Tan Shukui , Zhang Lu , Zhou Min , Li Yanan , Wang Siliang , Kuang Bing , Luo Xiang
Published: October 2015

Various uncertainties exist in most urban land-use allocation systems; however, they have not been considered in most traditional urban land-use allocation methods. In this study, an interval-probabilistic urban land-use allocation model is developed based on a hybrid interval-probabilistic programming method. The developed interval-probabilistic urban land-use allocation model can deal with uncertainties expressed as intervals and probability distributions; moreover, it can also help examine the reliability of satisfying (or risk of violating) system constraints under uncertainty; the interval-probabilistic urban land-use allocation model not only considers economic factors, but also involves environmental and ecological constraints, which can effectively reflect various interrelations among different aspects in the urban land-use system. The developed model is applied to a case of long-term land-use allocation planning in the city of Wuhan, China. Interval solutions associated with different risk levels of constraint violation are obtained. The desired system benefit from the land-use system will be between $ [1781.921, 2290.970] × 109 under the minimum violating probabilities, and in this condition, the optimized areas of industrial land, commercial land and landfill will be [35,739, 42,402] ha, [58,572, 62,450] ha, and [903, 1087] ha. Results provide the decision makers of Wuhan with desired land-use allocation patterns and environmental policies, which are related to a variety of trade-offs between system benefit and constraint-violation risk. Willingness to accept low benefit from land-use system will guarantee meeting the environmental protection objective. A strong desire to acquire high system benefit will run into the risk of violating environmental constraint.
Latin American science is meant to be open access
Authors: Babini Dominique , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D
Published: October 2015

Latin American open access (OA) initiatives were built upon the foundations laid by the regional cooperative information networks, databases and indexes that started to be developed from the 1970s. OA had an early start in the region in the 1990s, because it preceded the first worldwide OA declaration. This article summarizes the reasons behind the emergence of OA in the region, offers details and data about the most relevant initiatives and discusses some of the current challenges to keep advancing in this arena.
Predatory journals and the breakdown of research cultures
Authors: Beall Jeffrey
Published: October 2015

Like human cultures, research cultures are passed down from one generation of scholars to the next. The advent of predatory journals and conferences is damaging existing research cultures. Predatory publishers and conferences carry out a fake or incomplete peer review that allows low-quality, un-vetted research to become a part of the scholarly record. This article examines predatory publishers and conferences within the framework of the five functions of scholarly communication. Academic institutions need to revise their evaluation policies based on the new realities predatory journals and conferences have created.
Short-term and longer-term survival after veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an adult patient population: does older age matter?
Authors: Narotsky David L , Mosca Matthew S , Mochari-Greenberger Heidi , Beck James , Liao Ming , Mongero Linda , Bacchetta Matthew
Published: October 2015

Background:

Veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being used for patients with refractory cardiopulmonary failure. This study evaluates the short-term (to discharge) and longer-term (1 year) survival among older (⩾65 years) versus younger (<65 years) adults, adjusted for comorbidities, in a diverse cohort of V-A ECMO patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 131 adult patients (28% ⩾65 years old) who received V-A ECMO at an academic medical center from 2004-2013. Demographics, comorbidities and surgical characteristics were abstracted from the medical records and verified. Mortality status at discharge and at one year post-ECMO were determined by the hospital clinical information system, updated monthly with Social Security Death Index data. Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between age strata and mortality at discharge and at one year post ECMO initiation, adjusted for covariates.

Results:

The survival rate following V-A ECMO was 48% (n=68/131) to discharge and 44% (n=58/131) to one year. Age ⩾65 versus <65 was significantly associated with increased mortality during hospitalization (HR:2.03; 95%CI=1.23-3.33) and at one year (HR:1.81; 95% CI=1.12-2.93); these associations were attenuated and did not retain statistical significance after adjustment for comorbidities (HR:1.61; 95%CI=0.90-2.88 and HR:1.42; 95% CI=0.81-2.50, respectively). Statistically significant predictors of mortality at discharge and one year included history of coronary artery bypass graft, peripheral vascular disease and renal failure/dialysis (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Older age was not independently associated with short-term or longer-term survival among V-A ECMO patients, but may reflect greater comorbidity, suggesting that age alone may not disqualify patients from V-A ECMO therapy.
The turn of the south? Social and economic impacts of mega-events in India, Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Maharaj Brij
Published: October 2015

In the neoliberal era, competing to host global sporting events has become a prominent urban promotion strategy, and with a few exceptions, the scholarly focus has been on the western experience. In contrast, this paper focuses on the south experience with specific reference to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. A common argument is that such sporting events provide global marketing opportunities that can attract foreign investment, which may serve as catalysts for development. A key goal is to promote the status and power of the post-colonial nation-state (although ironically ceding sovereignty to entities like FIFA for the duration of events). While there are some benefits, especially in terms of infrastructure development, the Indian, Brazilian and South African experience suggests that the privileged tend to benefit at the expense of the poor, and socio-economic inequalities were exacerbated. These points are illustrated in this paper with reference to evictions, loss of livelihoods and violations of human rights. Disturbingly, the cost of constructing new sports’ facilities and associated infrastructure escalated phenomenally from the original bid-document estimates, without any public oversight, and some are destined to be white elephants. The mega-events were largely organised and funded by the governments in consultation with the private sector, with little or no accountability to citizens, although such decisions had major implications in terms of the diversion of public spending priorities from more urgent social needs such as housing, healthcare and education.
The triple helix in action in the fitness sector: A case study of Chi & Co
Authors: Thomson Julie C , Kilgore Lon , Ni Lionnàin Thea
Published: October 2015

Glasgow, like many cosmopolitan cities, is in search of new ways to promote economic activity. Today’s local government schemes are expected to fulfill an entrepreneurial role in the economic development of our cities and towns. However, to succeed in such an endeavor requires a formula that marshals collaborative effort into goal achievement. An example of such a multidisciplinary project can be found in the case of Chi & Co, a Glasgow-based yoga studio and instructor school and which is presented in this paper. The source and nature of enterprise supporting initiatives vary in intent, requirement, resources available and are often transient in availability. These limitations require that there be a strategic fit between the company need, academic expertise and drive as well as an enterprise agent, what we have labelled a formula for success. Meanwhile, success in commercialising fitness-related activities is the primary focus here, towards the goal of continued regeneration with an underlying socioeconomic agenda. Government support initiatives vary considerably, with the Princess Scottish Youth Business Trust awarding its innovation award in 2010 to a new start-up company selling golf experiences in Scotland, heralding the start of a focus on supporting innovations in sport and exercise as a commercial product. In addition, over the last three years, The Sporting Chance Initiative has helped more than 500 small businesses and innovators in Scotland to develop new products and services for sports markets, which include growth areas in fitness, leisure, adventure tourism and health/wellness by leveraging the expertise in our Higher Education Institutes, but this has not been easy. Meanwhile, Scottish Enterprise has started initiatives to promote innovations in mountain biking, leading to a more recent rapid rise in incremental innovations in the cycling market. Empirical consideration of fitness-related products developed through public–private body partnerships in a so-called triple helix partnership, is lacking. This paper discusses mechanisms of Open Innovation, which appear valuable in the context of the fitness industry and are illustrated within the Chi & Co. case study, as we develop a three-step framework as a formula for success.
Pathways for Disordered Eating Behaviors in Minority Girls
Authors: Olvera Norma , McCarley Kendall , Matthews-Ewald Molly R. , Fisher Felicia , Jones Martinque , Flynn Erika G.
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the direct and indirect effects of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in predicting disordered eating behaviors in girls with overweight/obesity. A total of 135 Hispanic and African American girls ([Formula: see text] = 11.13 ± 1.54 years) completed surveys assessing the desire to be thinner, peer weight-related teasing, disordered eating behaviors, and demographic characteristics. Percent body fat was assessed. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the influence of the desire to be thinner and peer weight-related teasing on percent body fat and disordered eating behaviors. Results indicated that percent body fat was directly related to the desire to be thinner ( p < .01) and peer weight-related teasing ( p < .01), and was indirectly related to disordered eating through its relationship with peer teasing ( p < .05). These findings may be useful in guiding the design of interventions preventing the development of disordered eating behaviors in minority girls.
Meta-analysis comparing doublet and single cytotoxic agent therapy as first-line treatment in elderly patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang ShengFei , Wang Qin , Tian Jianhui , Zhou Zhiyi , Jiao Lijing , Fu Yanli , Chen Sufeng , Zhang Jie , Xu Ling
Published: October 2015

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing doublet versus single agent therapy in elderly patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

PubMed® and Cochrane databases, and American Society of Clinical Oncology, World Congress of Lung Cancer, and European Society of Medical Oncology abstracts were searched. Endpoints were overall survival (OS), 1-year survival rate (1-year SR), overall response rate (ORR), and grade 3/4 adverse events. Subgroup analyses were based on chemotherapy regimens and race.

Results

Out of 11 studies (13 randomized trials; n = 2782), doublet therapy was associated with significantly increased OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83, 0.95), 1-year SR (risk ratio [RR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.04, 1.28), and ORR (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.39, 1.86) versus single-agents. Chemotherapy regimen-based subgroup analyses favoured platinum-based doublet therapy for OS (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60, 0.84), 1-year SR (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11, 1.47), and ORR (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.49, 2.38). Race-based subgroup analyses revealed increased benefit from doublet therapy in Asian populations for ORR (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.29, 2.23) but not increased survival benefit. Higher incidences of grade 3/4 anaemia (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.61, 3.09), thrombocytopenia (RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.17, 5.20), and fatigue (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06, 1.74) were observed with doublet versus single-agent therapy.

Conclusions

Doublet therapy was associated with significantly increased OS, 1-year SR and ORR compared with single agent therapy. Race may be considered when choosing doublet versus single-agent therapy as first-line treatment of NSCLC in elderly patients.
Identifying Desistance Pathways in a Higher Education Program for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Authors: Runell Lindsey Livingston
Published: October 2015

The link between education and crime is a topic that requires special attention with respect to the converging influence of individual, social, and environmental factors. This article will investigate the educational pathways followed by students in a higher education program for formerly incarcerated individuals at a large state university in the northeastern United States. Specifically, it will explore the extent to which their postincarceration educational experiences served as a “hook for change” and also related impediments tied to street influences, financial constraints, stigma, academic and social development. Data were collected from a sample of 34 current and former students in the program, each of whom participated in a face-to-face interview. The higher education program played a key role in propelling the desistance process for research participants. This article will discuss how personal agency can be sustained through participation in higher education post release and the implications for future research on crime avoidance.
Geographical indications and upgrading of small-scale producers in global agro-food chains: A case study of the Makó Onion Protected Designation of Origin
Authors: Tregear Angela , Török Áron , Gorton Matthew
Published: October 2015

In the context of the marginalising effects of agro-food chain dynamics on upstream suppliers, this paper examines the extent to which geographical indications may improve the positioning of small-scale producers. Making an original distinction between established and nascent geographical indication systems, the paper undertakes a case study of the latter type (the Makó Onion Protected Designation of Origin, Hungary), hitherto overlooked in the literature. The study adopts a global value chain perspective to analyse three means by which geographical indications may facilitate upgrading (capturing higher margins, stimulating collective action and enabling diversification), finding that none have been delivered via the Makó Onion Protected Designation of Origin. The paper examines the reasons for this, identifying the role played by the political and institutional context. Recommendations are made for improving the upgrading potential of geographical indications when applied to nascent systems.
Drawing lines in the sky: The emotional labours of airspace production
Authors: Lin Weiqiang
Published: October 2015

This paper takes as its starting point the idea that airspace is not a singular, finished interface for aeromobile activities to take place in. Striated by lines that connect some points rather than others, it is a contested network of vectors that sometimes require additional human inputs for traffic to flow in desired ways. Assuming the view of a globalising city-state in Asia, this paper refers to two sets of empirical evidence to build its case: first, over 100 airline newsletters on the ‘Singapore Girl’ published between 1982 and 2000, and, second, fifteen sets of interviews with air hub development officers working for Singapore. Particular attention is paid to the emotional labours that have been invested by these aviation workers to induce particular, favourable business environments for air traffic to grow in the city-state. In so doing, this paper emphasises the uneven way aerial vectors are distributed across the globe, and highlights how these air-lines have a tendency to bypass (small) states not at the forefront of global aviation. Even for a successful overcomer like Singapore, the reordering of airspace does not come with the latitude of manufacturing a brand new air-scape, but involves the development of innovative counter regimes, people-performed technologies, and tactical solutions in an unequal air world.
Correlation of deglutition in subacute ischemic stroke patients with peripheral blood adaptive immunity: Essential amino acid improvement
Authors: Aquilani Roberto , Emilio Benevolo , Dossena Maurizia , Baiardi Paola , Testa Amidio , Boschi Federica , Viglio Simona , Iadarola Paolo , Pasini Evasio , Verri Manuela
Published: October 2015

We aimed to document in stroke patients peripheral blood immune cell profiles, their relations with neuro-functional tests, and any possible influence of supplemented essential amino acids (EAAs) may have on both the immune system and the relationship of the latter with neuro-function.

Forty-two dysphagic stroke patients (27 men; 71±9 years) underwent bio-humoral measurements, neuro-functional tests, including Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS), and were randomized to receive EAAs 8 g/d (EAA group) or isocaloric maltodextrin (placebo group).

At discharge all measurements were repeated 38±1 days after randomization.

At admission, total white cell (TWC), neutrophil (N), and lymphocyte (Lymph) counts were normal and the N/Lymph ratio was higher than normal values (<3.0). At discharge, both TWC and N decreased while Lymph increased significantly. As a result, the N/Lymph ratio significantly decreased ( P <0.001) returning to normal levels. Absolute Lymph counts and Lymph % TWC correlated positively with DOSS (r = +0.235, P = 0.04 and r = +0.224, P = 0.05, respectively), negatively with C-reactive protein natural logarithm (ln CRP) ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.0001, respectively), which is an inflammation marker. N correlated positively with ln CRP ( P = 0.001) and had a slight negative association with FIM ( P = 0.07). The N/Lymph ratio was inversely related to FIM (r = −0.262, P = 0.02) and DOSS (r = −0.279, P = 0.01). Finally, FIM correlated with DOSS (r = +0.35, P = 0.05).

For the regression analysis, the overtime changes of Lymph % TWC correlated significantly with DOSS ( P = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between Lymph % TWC and DOSS for the entire stroke population ( P = 0.015). While this correlation was not important for the placebo group ( P = 0.27), it was significant in the EAA subgroup ( P = 0.018).

In the sub-acute stroke stage, there may be slight alterations of peripheral blood immune cells. Lymph cells are associated with improved neuro-function tests with evidence that this association is enhanced by supplementing EAAs.
Career and/or Motherhood? Gender and the LDS Church
Authors: Leamaster Reid J. , Subramaniam Mangala
Published: October 2015

This article examines the ways in which the gendered religious schemas pertaining to career and motherhood are set up and reinforced by the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Church and how these schemas affect the everyday lives of Mormons. We show how gender, class, and region intersect and impact how religious individuals interpret gendered religious schemas. Analysis of qualitative interview data shows that for very religious men and women, the gendered cultural schemas of work and motherhood are distinct and tend to constrain women. Considering the intersections of class with gender, the analysis shows that some middle-class Mormons reject oppositional cultural schemas and value work and career for women. Further, we find that Mormons outside of the cultural stronghold of Utah are more likely to reject Mormon religious schemas that pit career and motherhood as competing ideologies. In fact, some women participants describe being enabled in their careers by Mormon religious schemas.
Developing models for the prediction of hospital healthcare waste generation rate
Authors: Tesfahun Esubalew , Kumie Abera , Beyene Abebe
Published: October 2015

An increase in the number of health institutions, along with frequent use of disposable medical products, has contributed to the increase of healthcare waste generation rate. For proper handling of healthcare waste, it is crucial to predict the amount of waste generation beforehand. Predictive models can help to optimise healthcare waste management systems, set guidelines and evaluate the prevailing strategies for healthcare waste handling and disposal. However, there is no mathematical model developed for Ethiopian hospitals to predict healthcare waste generation rate. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop models for the prediction of a healthcare waste generation rate. A longitudinal study design was used to generate long-term data on solid healthcare waste composition, generation rate and develop predictive models. The results revealed that the healthcare waste generation rate has a strong linear correlation with the number of inpatients (R2 = 0.965), and a weak one with the number of outpatients (R2 = 0.424). Statistical analysis was carried out to develop models for the prediction of the quantity of waste generated at each hospital (public, teaching and private). In these models, the number of inpatients and outpatients were revealed to be significant factors on the quantity of waste generated. The influence of the number of inpatients and outpatients treated varies at different hospitals. Therefore, different models were developed based on the types of hospitals.
Determination of the potential gold electrowinning from an ammoniacal thiosulphate solution applied to recycling of printed circuit board scraps
Authors: Kasper Angela C , Carrillo Abad Jordi , García Gabaldón Montserrat , Veit Hugo M , Pérez Herranz Valentín
Published: October 2015

The use of electrochemical techniques in the selective recovery of gold from a solution containing thiosulphate, ammonia, and copper, obtained from the leaching of printed circuit boards from mobile phones using ammoniacal thiosulphate, are shown in this work. First, cyclic voltammetry tests were performed to determine the potential of electrodeposition of gold and copper, and then, electrowinning tests at different potentials for checking the rates of recovery of these metals were performed. The results of the cyclic voltammetry show that copper deposition occurs at potentials more negative than −600 mV (Ag/AgCl), whereas the gold deposition can be performed at potentials more positives than −600 mV (Ag/AgCl). The results of electrowinning show that 99% of the gold present in solutions containing thiosulphate and copper can be selectively recovered in a potential range between −400 mV (vs Ag/AgCl) and −500 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). Furthermore, 99% of copper can be recovered in potentials more negative than −700 mV (vs Ag/AgCl).
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Mortality in a Single Center According to Different Definitions
Authors: Santa Cruz Roberto , Alvarez Lic. Veronica , Heredia Roberto , Villarejo Fernando
Published: October 2015

Background:

Mortality in acute lung injury (ALI) remains high, with outcome data arising mostly from multicenter studies. We undertook this investigation to determine hospital mortality in patients with ALI in a single center.

Methods:

We studied patients admitted between 2005 and 2012 with ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the American European Consensus Conference (AECC) criteria and recorded clinical variables. Thereafter, patients were classified as subgroups according to the AECC and Berlin definition in order to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Results:

In the 93 patients comprising the study, hospital mortality was 38%. Mortality at 28 days was 36%. Multivariate analysis associated hospital mortality with age and Pao2/Fio2 on day 1 ( P < .001). Differences resulted between the subgroups of AECC (ALI vs ARDS) and Berlin (mild vs moderate vs severe ARDS) in the lung injury score, Pao2/Fio2, Pao2/PAo2, PaCo2 on day 1, and hospital mortality.

Conclusion:

The overall hospital mortality (38%) was similar to that of other studies and according to the presence of ARDS (Pao2/Fio2 ≤ 200), we found significant differences between ALI and ARDS (AECC) and between mild and moderate or severe ARDS (Berlin) in baseline respiratory variables and mortality.
Culture Doesn’t Matter? The Impact of Apparel Companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility Practices on Brand Equity
Authors: Woo Hongjoo , Jin Byoungho
Published: October 2015

Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a crucial issue for the apparel industry, it was limitedly investigated whether consumers' perceptions of CSR affect apparel companies’ brand equity in previous research. The purpose of this study was (a) to examine the impact of apparel companies’ CSR on brand equity compared to the impact of apparel product attributes; (b) to compare the relative impact of different CSR activities (i.e., human rights, labor, social, environmental, product responsibility, and economic) in enhancing brand equity; and (c) to discover the moderating effect of culture on the influence of CSR on apparel brands’ equity. In testing the cultural moderating effect, the authors selected the United States and South Korea as countries representing opposite sides of Hofstede’s cultural values. The results of analyzing 447 survey data revealed that both intrinsic and extrinsic apparel product attributes significantly enhance brand equity. Among the six types of CSR activities, only the CSR practices for product responsibility, economic, and environmental issues were found to enhance brand equity. There was no moderating effect of culture. However, additional analyses revealed that the U.S. consumers evaluated the apparel brands’ CSR practices higher than do the Korean consumers. Findings of this study suggest implications for apparel companies, such as the relative importance of the specific CSR dimensions and apparel product attributes on brand equity, and if such relative importance of CSR dimensions varies across cultures.
Dynamics of Trusting in Translation Project Management: Leaps of Faith and Balancing Acts
Authors: Olohan Maeve , Davitti Elena
Published: October 2015

This paper examines the work of project managers in two UK-based translation companies. Drawing on participant observation, interviews, and artifacts from field sites, our analysis focuses on the ways in which trust is developed and maintained in the relationships that project managers build, on the one hand, with the clients who commission them to undertake translation projects, and, on the other, with freelance translators who perform the translation work. The project manager’s ability both to confer and to instill trust is highlighted as key to the successful operation of the company. Conceptualizing trust as a dynamic process, we consider what this process of trusting entails in this context: positive expectations vis-à-vis the other parties; willingness to expose oneself to vulnerabilities; construction of bases for suspending doubts and uncertainties (leaps of faith). We observe the important role of communication and discursive strategies in building and maintaining trust and draw conclusions for translator education.
Association of Hearing Impairment With Incident Frailty and Falls in Older Adults
Authors: Kamil Rebecca J. , Betz Joshua , Powers Becky Brott , Pratt Sheila , Kritchevsky Stephen , Ayonayon Hilsa N. , Harris Tammy B. , Helzner Elizabeth , Deal Jennifer A. , Martin Kathryn , Peterson Matthew , Satterfield Suzanne , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Lin Frank R. ,   for the Health ABC study
Published: October 2015

Objective: We aimed to determine whether hearing impairment (HI) in older adults is associated with the development of frailty and falls. Method: Longitudinal analysis of observational data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition study of 2,000 participants aged 70 to 79 was conducted. Hearing was defined by the pure-tone-average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the better hearing ear. Frailty was defined as a gait speed of <0.60 m/s and/or inability to rise from a chair without using arms. Falls were assessed annually by self-report. Results: Older adults with moderate-or-greater HI had a 63% increased risk of developing frailty (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.26, 2.12]) compared with normal-hearing individuals. Moderate-or-greater HI was significantly associated with a greater annual percent increase in odds of falling over time (9.7%, 95% CI = [7.0, 12.4] compared with normal hearing, 4.4%, 95% CI = [2.6, 6.2]). Discussion: HI is independently associated with the risk of frailty in older adults and with greater odds of falling over time.
Clinical leadership through commissioning: Does it work in practice?
Authors: Storey John , Holti Richard , Hartley Jean , Marshall Martin , Matharu Tatum
Published: October 2015

In tune with much international practice, the English National Health Service has been striving to transform health care provision to make it more affordable in the face of rising demand. At the heart of a set of recent radical reforms has been the launch of ‘clinical commissioning’ using the vehicle of local groups of General Practitioners (GPs). This devolves a large portion of the total healthcare budget to these groups. National government policy statements make clear that the expectation is that the groups will ‘transform’ the organisation and provision of health services. In this article, we draw upon interviews, observations and analysis of internal documents to make an assessment of the extent to which clinical leaders have seized the opportunity presented by the creation of these groups to attempt transformative service redesign.
CF-Kriging surrogate model based on the combination forecasting method
Authors: Zeng Wei , Yang Yue , Xie Huan , Tong Lin-jun
Published: October 2015

The spatial correlation function (SCF) is an important part of the Kriging surrogate model that describes the sample data structure, and the SCF affects the fitting accuracy of the Kriging surrogate model directly. In a Kriging surrogate model, a single SCF is typically selected to describe the sample data structure, which may cause sample information loss and fitting error. A new Kriging surrogate model for combination forecasting (CF-Kriging) was constructed by integrating of linear weighted approach based on the combination forecasting method, in which the differences in the sample information described by the diverse SCFs for the same sample data structure were considered. The integrity of the sample information of the CF-Kriging model was improved using single-SCF Kriging surrogate models as sub-models and considering the minimum mean absolute percentage error as the improved target for the fitting accuracy. The effectiveness of the CF-Kriging surrogate model was demonstrated using four test functions and two engineering problems, which indicated that the CF-Kriging surrogate model could effectively improve the fitting accuracy and the fitting stability of an ordinary Kriging surrogate model.
Robust adaptive fault tolerant control for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with actuator failure and disturbances
Authors: Azmi Hadi , Khosrowjerdi Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2015

This article presents novel robust adaptive fault tolerant control strategies for the class of nonlinear Lipschitz systems in the presence of bounded matched or unmatched disturbances and actuator faults (failure, loss of effectiveness, and stuck). Two constructive algorithms, based on linear matrix inequalities with creatively using Lyapunov stability theory, are developed for online tuning of adaptive and fixed state feedback gains to stabilize the closed-loop control system asymptotically, to compensate actuator faults, and to attenuate disturbance effects. The resultant control schemes have simpler and constructive structures as compared with most existing methods. The merits of the proposed schemes have been verified by the simulation on an unstable nonlinear process subjected to actuator faults.
Safety assessment of the Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588® probiotic strain including evaluation of antimicrobial sensitivity and presence of Clostridium toxin genes in vitro and teratogenicity in vivo
Authors: Isa K , Oka K , Beauchamp N , Sato M , Wada K , Ohtani K , Nakanishi S , McCartney E , Tanaka M , Shimizu T , Kamiya S , Kruger C , Takahashi M
Published: October 2015

Probiotics are live microorganisms ingested for the purpose of conferring a health benefit on the host. Development of new probiotics includes the need for safety evaluations that should consider factors such as pathogenicity, infectivity, virulence factors, toxicity, and metabolic activity. Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI 588® (CBM 588®), an anaerobic spore-forming bacterium, has been developed as a probiotic for use by humans and food animals. Safety studies of this probiotic strain have been conducted and include assessment of antimicrobial sensitivity, documentation of the lack of Clostridium toxin genes, and evaluation of CBM 588® on reproductive and developmental toxicity in a rodent model. With the exception of aminoglycosides, to which anaerobes are intrinsically resistant, CBM 588® showed sensitivity to all antibiotic classes important in human and animal therapeutics. In addition, analysis of the CBM 588® genome established the absence of genes for encoding for α, β, or ε toxins and botulin neurotoxins types A, B, E, or F. There were no deleterious reproductive and developmental effects observed in mice associated with the administration of CBM 588®. These data provide further support for the safety of CBM 588® for use as a probiotic in animals and humans.
An examination of supportive management practices promoting health workforce stability in remote northern Australia
Authors: Onnis Leigh-ann Lesley
Published: October 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study is to examine management practices that support the wellbeing of health professionals working in remote regions, which may improve workforce retention.

Method:

An online questionnaire was distributed to health professionals working in remote regions of the Kimberley and North Queensland. A response rate of 20% was achieved.

Results:

The findings suggest that, for health professionals working in remote regions of northern Australia, accessing adequate support is one of the most challenging aspects of working in remote regions. Hence, in remote regions where turnover is high, retention of competent health professionals may benefit from management practices that provide improved personal and professional support.

Conclusions:

Health professionals working in remote Australia face unique pressures due to their geographical and professional isolation. Therefore, providing support improves their professional competence and personal wellbeing, and promotes workforce stability, which benefits the remote community through better access to health services.
The use of digital social networks from an analytical sociology perspective: The case of Spain
Authors: Robles José Manuel , Torres-Albero Cristóbal , Antino Mirko , De Marco Stefano
Published: October 2015

Digital social networks have attracted the attention of a growing number of specialists. The use of digital tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to express socio-political demands or to perform protest actions has become a central issue for social science today. However, few studies analyse the factors behind this phenomenon using explanatory models based on analytical sociology and rational action. In this article, we take steps in this direction and study the socio-political use of social networks based on a methodological individualism model. Through an analysis of structural equations, we analyse how the individual and social factors involved in the use of the social networks to ‘do’ politics relate to one another. We conclude that attitudes towards the political possibilities of the Internet constitute an essential factor for this kind of political action.
Incorporating Quality of Life Concepts Into Educational Reform
Authors: Pazey Barbara L. , Schalock Robert L. , Schaller James , Burkett Jerry
Published: October 2015

This article discusses how education initiatives reflected in federal education reforms, statutes, and proposed agendas might be integrated and aligned using a quality of life (QOL) conceptual model. The article incorporates key aspects of the following into such an integrative framework: the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act; a framework for 21st-century learning; previous, current, and new reform agendas and policy initiatives; and the QOL construct. The authors discuss how education initiatives reflected in federal education reforms, statutes, and proposed agendas might be integrated and aligned using a QOL conceptual model.
Investigation of the squeeze strengthening effect in shear mode
Authors: Hegger Christian , Maas Jürgen
Published: October 2015

This article deals with the squeeze strengthening effect which causes an enhancement in the shear stress of magnetorheological fluids. To obtain a boost of the shear stress, the magnetorheological fluid has to be normally compressed while it is exposed to a magnetic field in order to create stronger particle structures. First, experimental investigations are presented using a magnetorheological fluid test-actuator with a conical shear gap to compress the magnetorheological fluid. A modeling approach is then proposed which combines the rheological behavior with tribological effects to describe the squeeze strengthening effect. Although an enhancement in shear stress of more than factor two is achieved, the applied compression can only be sustained during a certain range of shearing because the magnetorheological fluid is displaced which breaks the created stronger particle structures. As shown by an extended test setup a control of the compression force by adjusting the shear gap height is only possible within a small range of operation due to mechanical limitations. Thus, a self-induced continuous compression is indispensable to utilize the squeeze strengthening effect in rotating devices. A concept for a new magnetorheological fluid test-actuator enabling a self-induced squeeze strengthening effect through an eccentric shear gap design by two independent rotations is presented and theoretically investigated.
What Parents and Their Gay and Bisexual Sons Say About HIV Prevention
Authors: LaSala Michael C. , Fedor James P. , Revere Elyse J. , Carney Robert
Published: October 2015

Despite ongoing prevention efforts, young gay and bisexual men (YGBM) accounted for more than three fourths of all recent HIV infections. Furthermore, they continue to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors at alarming rates. Nowadays, families are beginning to emerge as important resources for these youth. However, the viewpoints of YGBM and their families are largely missing from HIV prevention research and intervention development. To address this gap, we solicited the opinions of YGBM and their parents as to why YGBM engage in unsafe sex and what might be done to help them avoid HIV. Participants discussed youth’s sense of invulnerability, sexual arousal, parental disapproval, and lack of societal acceptance as contributors to unsafe sex. Participants called for gay-sensitive sex education and community programming as well as increased societal acceptance. Overall, respondents recommended interpersonal and structural-level interventions that emphasized the importance of reducing stigma as a key component of HIV prevention.
Childbearing Experiences Following an HIV Diagnosis in Iringa, Tanzania
Authors: Saleem Haneefa T. , Surkan Pamela J. , Kerrigan Deanna , Kennedy Caitlin E.
Published: October 2015

People living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to have children after being diagnosed with HIV, yet little research attention has been paid to actual lived childbearing experiences of PLHIV post-HIV diagnosis. We interviewed 10 HIV-positive women and 11 HIV-positive men in Iringa, Tanzania, about their experiences of conceiving and having children after being diagnosed with HIV. We adopted an approach to data analysis based on grounded theory and phenomenology. Participants’ experiences were shaped by social and institutional factors. Some participants reported pressures to bear children by partners and relatives, whereas others reported negative reactions from others concerning their pregnancies. Most participants had not discussed having children with a provider before attempting to conceive. Some reported being reprimanded by health providers for getting pregnant without seeking their advice. Consideration of support systems and challenges surrounding the childbearing experiences of PLHIV can help inform reproductive health interventions for those who desire children.
Healthicization and Lay Knowledge About Eating Practices in Two African American Communities
Authors: Potter Deborah A. , Markowitz Lisa B. , Smith Siobhan E. , Rajack-Talley Theresa A. , D’Silva Margaret U. , Della Lindsay J. , Best Latrica E. , Carthan Quaniqua
Published: October 2015

In this manuscript, we expand upon sociological research in lay knowledge about health and healthicization by examining socially mediated ways in which 40 African American adults in two communities acquired information about eating practices. Participants employed a variety of socially informed information-seeking strategies. Many, but not all, used socially prescribed sources exhorting them to maximize their own health and reported an amalgam of experiences concerning their interpretation of healthist messages. Participants variously accepted messages about healthy eating or engaged in strategies of micro-resistance that decentered and/or reinterpreted health promotion discourse. Furthermore, participants used emic community-based resources including those that prioritized familial engagement over individual responsibility in eating practices or that drew upon alternative health practices. We discuss the implications our work has for further research on healthicization and lay knowledge about eating practices, in which community members are actively engaged in meaning-making within local socio-structural contexts.
Analyzing Reflections in Service Learning to Promote Personal Growth and Community Self-Efficacy
Authors: Sanders Martha J. , Van Oss Tracy , McGeary Signian
Published: October 2015

The use of structured reflections for promoting personal understanding and community self-efficacy was examined in 65 occupational therapy college students in a service learning course. Students in the experimental group wrote structured reflections throughout the semester while students in the control groups used non-structured reflections. Outcome measures included quantitative tests of personal understanding and community self-efficacy (Personal Growth Initiative Scale, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Community Self-Efficacy Scale) and a qualitative narrative. Results indicated that students who wrote structured reflections significantly increased in personal growth and personal self-efficacy, whereas those using non-structured reflections showed no change. Both groups improved in community self-efficacy scores with no significant difference between groups.
A neural model of binocular saccade planning and vergence control
Authors: Muhammad Wasif , Spratling Michael W
Published: October 2015

The human visual system uses saccadic and vergence eye movements to foveate visual targets. To mimic this aspect of the biological visual system the PC/BC-DIM neural network is used as an omni-directional basis function network for learning and performing sensory-sensory and sensory-motor transformations without using any hard-coded geometric information. A hierarchical PC/BC-DIM network is used to learn a head-centred representation of visual targets by dividing the whole problem into independent subtasks. The learned head-centred representation is then used to generate saccade and vergence motor commands. The performance of the proposed system is tested using the iCub humanoid robot simulator.
Integrating learning by experience and demonstration in autonomous robots
Authors: Pagliuca Paolo , Nolfi Stefano
Published: October 2015

We propose an integrated learning by experience and demonstration algorithm that operates on the basis of both an objective scalar measure of performance and a demonstrated behaviour. The application of the method to two qualitatively different experimental scenarios involving simulated mobile robots demonstrates its efficacy. Indeed, the analysis of the obtained results shows that the robots trained through this integrated algorithm develop solutions that are functionally better than those obtained by using either a pure learning by demonstration, or a pure learning by experience algorithm. This is because the algorithm drives the learning process toward solutions that are qualitatively similar to the demonstration, but leaves the learning agent free to differentiate from the demonstration when this turns out to be necessary to maximize performance.
A Comparison of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Versus Inhaled Epoprostenol for Acute Pulmonary Hypertension Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: McGinn Kaitlin , Reichert Marc
Published: October 2015

Background: Direct comparisons of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) in patients with acute pulmonary hypertension (PHT) following cardiac surgery are lacking. Objective: To compare the relative efficacy, safety, and cost of iNO versus iEPO in patients with acute PHT following cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study comparing iNO to iEPO for acute postoperative PHT following cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was reduction of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) to < 30 mm Hg, 6 hours after ICU admission from the operating room. Secondary outcomes, included ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, bleeding complications, hypotension, in-hospital mortality, and cost. Results: A total of 98 patients met inclusion criteria (iNO, n = 49; iEPO, n = 49). There was no difference in the primary outcome of reduction of mPAP to < 30 mm Hg 6 hours after ICU admission (iNO, 33 [67%] vs iEPO, 35 [71%]; P = 0.83) or in the incidence of adverse events collected (iNO, 10 [20%] vs iEPO, 11 [22%]; P = 1.00). Based on cost estimates, the median cost of iEPO per patient was $363.53 ($226-$864.60) versus $2562.50 ($1875-$8625) for iNO ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: The relative efficacy of iEPO appeared to be similar to that of iNO in reducing mPAP following cardiac surgery, in this retrospective review. Significant cost savings were associated with the use of iEPO.
Reducing Stereotypes of Female Political Leaders in Mexico
Authors: Kerevel Yann P. , Atkeson Lonna Rae
Published: October 2015

Does electing female political leaders reduce gender stereotypes about leadership? Scholars know little about how the increasing presence of female executives alters gender stereotypes about political leadership. Some studies suggest gender stereotypes change slowly because they are embedded in cultural values and structural factors that reinforce traditional gender roles. Other research suggests stereotypes change more quickly with the increasing presence of female political leadership. We address this question by examining the effect of being governed by a female mayor in Mexico. We find that the presence of a current female mayor reduces gender stereotypes among males. However, past female mayors have little effect on current gender stereotypes about leadership. Our results suggest women must be present in executive offices more frequently to produce long-term change in gender stereotypes.