bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victims of Violence: The Forced Sterilisation of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Australia
Authors: Elliott Laura
Published: July 2017

This paper considers the issue of forced sterilisation of women and girls with disabilities in the Australian context. It examines the history and ideological underpinning of this practice, the current Australian regime and the present rationales for court or tribunal authorisation of a sterilising procedure. It is by no means an exhaustive coverage, but aims to critically analyse the current system and make recommendations for reform of Australian law and policy. This paper ultimately concludes that the practice of forced sterilisation in Australia should be criminalised, save for exceptional circumstances.
Effect of Molten Pool Size on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Wu Qianru , Lu Jiping , Liu Changmeng , Fan Hongli , Shi Xuezhi , Fu Jie , Ma Shuyuan
Published: July 2017

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technique is a cost-competitive and efficient technology to produce large structure components in industry domains. Mechanical properties are mainly dominated by the microstructure of the components, which is deeply affected by the molten pool size. In this work, to investigate the effect of the molten pool size on microstructure and mechanical properties of the components, a series of Ti-6Al-4V alloy blocks with different width of molten pool (WMP) ranging from 7 mm to 22 mm were deposited by adjusting the wire feed speed (WFS) from 100 cm/min to 500 cm/min. It is interesting to find that the macrostructure changes from columnar grains to equiaxial grains, and then returns to large columnar grains with the increase of WMP, which is mainly caused by the different cooling rates and thermal gradients. Nonetheless, the tensile properties of the components have a tendency to decline with the increase of WMP.
Synthesis and Modification of Clinoptilolite
Authors: Ambrozova Pavlina , Kynicky Jindrich , Urubek Tomas , Nguyen Vinh
Published: July 2017

Clinoptilolite is a natural mineral with exceptional physical characteristics resulting from its special crystal structure, mainstreamed into a large zeolite group called heulandites. An overall view of the research related to the synthesis, modification and application of synthetic clinoptilolite is presented. A single phase of clinoptilolite can be hydrothermally synthesized for 1–10 days in an autoclave from various silica, alumina, and alkali sources with initial Si/Al ratio from 3.0 to 5.0 at a temperature range from 120 to 195 °C. Crystallization rate and crystallinity of clinoptilolite can be improved by seeding. The modification of clinoptilolite has received noticeable attention from the research community, since modified forms have specific properties and therefore their area of application has been broadening. This paper provides a review of the use of organic compounds such as quarter alkyl ammonium, polymer, amine and inorganic species used in the modification process, discusses the processes and mechanisms of clinoptilolite modification, and identifies research gaps and new perspectives.
Relationship between Handgrip Strength and Muscle Mass in Female Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Benavides-Rodríguez Lorena , García-Hermoso Antonio , Rodrigues-Bezerra Diogo , Izquierdo Mikel , Correa-Bautista Jorge , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: July 2017

This study explored the mediating factors of sarcopenia in a group of women survivors of breast cancer in Bogotá, Colombia. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with 98 women survivors of breast cancer, who were registered with the SIMMON (Integrated Synergies to Improve Oncological Management in Colombia) Foundation. Body weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body composition (percentage of fat and muscle mass) was evaluated via four-pole bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass plus low grip strength or low gait speed (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria). A “causal” mediation analysis with the Baron & Kenny procedure (PROCESS® macro, Columbus, OH, USA) was used to explore variables related to sarcopenia. Analyses were performed with the IBM SPSS 21 statistical package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The significance level of the results obtained in the hypothesis contrast was p < 0.05. The mean age of the sample was 65.5 ± 5.9 years, with a BMI of 27.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.4%. Linear regression models suggest a partial mediation of anthropometric parameters (body mass, body mass index and waist circumference) in the association between handgrip strength and muscle mass. In conclusion, one in every five women survivors of breast cancer had sarcopenia. The findings seem to emphasize the importance of obesity prevention in women survivors of breast cancer, suggesting that high handgrip strength may not relate closely to greater muscle mass and therefore would not exclude the risk of sarcopenia.
Acute Consumption of Resistant Starch Reduces Food Intake but Has No Effect on Appetite Ratings in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ble-Castillo Jorge , Juárez-Rojop Isela , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos , García-Vázquez Carlos , Servin-Cruz Magda , Rodríguez-Hernández Arturo , Araiza-Saldaña Claudia , Nolasco-Coleman Ana , Díaz-Zagoya Juan
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have shown the benefits of native banana starch (NBS) supplementation in improving glucose metabolism and reducing body weight (BW) in humans. However, the effect of this starch on appetite regulation is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of NBS rich resistant starch on subjective measurements of appetite, energy intake, and appetite hormones in healthy subjects. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were also assessed. In a randomized, single-blind, crossover study, 28 healthy young subjects consumed a beverage containing either 40 g of NBS or 40 g of digestible corn starch (DCS) on two separate occasions. Effects on appetite were estimated using visual analogue scales (VAS) and satiety hormone responses. At the end of the intervention, participants were provided with a pre-weighed ad libitum homogeneous test meal. After a washout period of 1 week, subjects received the alternative treatment. NBS supplementation induced a reduction in food intake, glucose area under the curve (AUC)-180 min, and insulin AUC-180 min. However, there was no associated effect on the subjective appetite ratings or gut hormones. NBS supplementation may help to reduce meal size and control BW.
Assessment of Drug Information Service in Public and Private Sector Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamri Sawsan , Ali Al Jaizani Raniah , Naqvi Atta , Ghamdi Mastour
Published: July 2017

Drug information service is a dedicated and specialized service provided by pharmacists to enhance knowledge of medicines use, promote rational prescribing among prescribers, and reduce medication errors. Saudi Arabia has a National Drug and Poison Information Center (NDPIC) responsible for answering drug queries. There is a lack of literature that reports the current scenario of drug information services in the country, especially the Eastern Province. This study reported the current status of drug information services being provided among tertiary care hospitals of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. All hospitals provided drug information services. The qualification of personnel was mostly bachelor’s level (46.2%) and without proper training (54.8%). The most common queries received in a day were related to drug alternatives, dosage, and administration, as well as the availability of drugs. Physicians were the main users of the service. The most common health resources employed for the service was Lexi-Comp (76.9%) and Micromedex (69.2%). The use of Saudi National Formulary was not reported by any hospital, which highlights a potential research gap to address i.e., to investigate the lack of use of SNF by practitioners.
Religion and Gender Ideologies among Working-Age U.S. Latinas/os
Authors: Ruiz Andrea , Bartkowski John , Ellison Christopher , Acevedo Gabriel , Xu Xiaohe
Published: July 2017

Numerous studies have documented religious variations in gender ideology in the United States. Despite growth, diversification, and religious ferment among Latinas/os, few have investigated this topic within the Latina/o population. Drawing on insights from gender theory and prior empirical research, we develop several hypotheses regarding the links between religious affiliation, belief, and practice and three distinct domains of traditionalist gender ideology (respective beliefs in female domesticity, gender essentialism, and patriarchy) among U.S. Latinas/os. These hypotheses are tested using data from the Hispanic oversample of the National Survey of Religion and Family Life (NSRFL), a nationwide probability sample of working-age adults (ages 18–59). The results underscore the complex associations between multiple dimensions of religious involvement and specific facets of gender ideology among Latinas/os. Several promising directions for future research on this understudied population are outlined, and study limitations are identified.
Assessment of Approximations in Aerosol Optical Properties and Vertical Distribution into FLEX Atmospherically-Corrected Surface Reflectance and Retrieved Sun-Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Vicent Jorge , Sabater Neus , Verrelst Jochem , Alonso Luis , Moreno Jose
Published: July 2017

Physically-based atmospheric correction of optical Earth Observation satellite data is used to accurately derive surface biogeophysical parameters free from the atmospheric influence. While water vapor or surface pressure can be univocally characterized, the compensation of aerosol radiometric effects relies on assumptions and parametric approximations of their properties. To determine the validity of these assumptions and approximations in the atmospheric correction of ESA’s FLEX/Sentinel-3 tandem mission, a systematic error analysis of simulated FLEX data within the O 2 absorption bands was conducted. This paper presents the impact of key aerosol parameters in atmospherically-corrected FLEX surface reflectance and the subsequent Sun-Induced Fluorescence retrieval (SIF). We observed that: (1) a parametric characterization of aerosol scattering effects increases the accuracy of the atmospheric correction with respect to the commonly implemented discretization of aerosol optical properties by aerosol types and (2) the Ångström exponent and the aerosol vertical distribution have a residual influence in the atmospherically-corrected surface reflectance. In conclusion, a multi-parametric aerosol characterization is sufficient for the atmospheric correction of FLEX data (and SIF retrieval) within the mission requirements in nearly 85% (70%) of the cases with average aerosol load conditions. The future development of the FLEX atmospheric correction algorithm would therefore gain from a multi-parametric aerosol characterization based on the synergy of FLEX and Sentinel-3 data.
Remote Sensing of Spatiotemporal Changes in Wetland Geomorphology Based on Type 2 Fuzzy Sets: A Case Study of Beidagang Wetland from 1975 to 2015
Authors: Huo Hongyuan , Guo Jifa , Li Zhao-Liang , Jiang Xiaoguang
Published: July 2017

Few studies have considered the spatiotemporal changes in wetland land cover based on type 2 fuzzy sets using long-term series of remotely sensed data. This paper presents an improved interval type 2 fuzzy c-means (IT2FCM*) approach to analyse the spatial and temporal changes in the geomorphology of the Beidagang wetland in North China from 1975 to 2015 based on long-term Landsat data. Unlike traditional type 1 fuzzy c-means methods, the IT2FCM* algorithm based on interval type-2 fuzzy set has an ability to better handle the spectral uncertainty. Four indexes were adopted to validate the separability of classes with the IT2FCM* algorithm. These four validity indexes showed that IT2FCM* obtained better results than traditional methods. Additionally, the accuracy of the classification results was assessed based on the confusion matrix and kappa coefficient, which were high for the analysis of wetland landscape changes. Based on the analysis of separability of classes with the IT2FCM* algorithm using four validity indexes, the classification results, and the membership value images, the long-term series of satellite datasets were processed using the IT2FCM* method, and the study area was classified into six classes. Because water resources and vegetation are two key wetland components, the water resource dynamics and vegetation dynamics, based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), were analysed in detail according to the spatiotemporal classification results. The results show that the changes in vegetation types have historically been associated with water resource variations and that water resources play an important role in the evolution of vegetation types.
Design and Parametric Study of the Magnetic Sensor for Position Detection in Linear Motor Based on Nonlinear Parametric model order reduction
Authors: Paul Sarbajit , Chang Junghwan
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a design approach for a magnetic sensor module to detect mover position using the proper orthogonal decomposition-dynamic mode decomposition (POD-DMD)-based nonlinear parametric model order reduction (PMOR). The parameterization of the sensor module is achieved by using the multipolar moment matching method. Several geometric variables of the sensor module are considered while developing the parametric study. The operation of the sensor module is based on the principle of the airgap flux density distribution detection by the Hall Effect IC. Therefore, the design objective is to achieve a peak flux density (PFD) greater than 0.1 T and total harmonic distortion (THD) less than 3%. To fulfill the constraint conditions, the specifications for the sensor module is achieved by using POD-DMD based reduced model. The POD-DMD based reduced model provides a platform to analyze the high number of design models very fast, with less computational burden. Finally, with the final specifications, the experimental prototype is designed and tested. Two different modes, 90° and 120° modes respectively are used to obtain the position information of the linear motor mover. The position information thus obtained are compared with that of the linear scale data, used as a reference signal. The position information obtained using the 120° mode has a standard deviation of 0.10 mm from the reference linear scale signal, whereas the 90° mode position signal shows a deviation of 0.23 mm from the reference. The deviation in the output arises due to the mechanical tolerances introduced into the specification during the manufacturing process. This provides a scope for coupling the reliability based design optimization in the design process as a future extension.
A Study on Wireless Charging for Prolonging the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tu Weijian , Xu Xianghua , Ye Tingcong , Cheng Zongmao
Published: July 2017

Wireless charging is an important issue in wireless sensor networks, since it can provide an emerging and effective solution in the absence of other power supplies. The state-of-the-art methods employ a mobile car and a predefined moving path to charge the sensor nodes in the network. Previous studies only consider a factor of the network (i.e., residual energy of sensor node) as a constraint to design the wireless charging strategy. However, other factors, such as the travelled distance of the mobile car, can also affect the effectiveness of wireless charging strategy. In this work, we study wireless charging strategy based on the analysis of a combination of two factors, including the residual energy of sensor nodes and the travelled distance of the charging car. Firstly, we theoretically analyze the limited size of the sensor network to match the capability of a charging car. Then, the networked factors are selected as the weights of traveling salesman problem (TSP) to design the moving path of the charging car. Thirdly, the charging time of each sensor node is computed based on the linear programming problem for the charging car. Finally, a charging period for the network is studied. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can significantly maximize the lifetime of the wireless sensor network.
Experimental Characterization of Close-Emitter Interference in an Optical Camera Communication System
Authors: Chavez-Burbano Patricia , Guerra Victor , Rabadan Jose , Rodríguez-Esparragón Dionisio , Perez-Jimenez Rafael
Published: July 2017

Due to the massive insertion of embedded cameras in a wide variety of devices and the generalized use of LED lamps, Optical Camera Communication (OCC) has been proposed as a practical solution for future Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities applications. Influence of mobility, weather conditions, solar radiation interference, and external light sources over Visible Light Communication (VLC) schemes have been addressed in previous works. Some authors have studied the spatial intersymbol interference from close emitters within an OCC system; however, it has not been characterized or measured in function of the different transmitted wavelengths. In this work, this interference has been experimentally characterized and the Normalized Power Signal to Interference Ratio (NPSIR) for easily determining the interference in other implementations, independently of the selected system devices, has been also proposed. A set of experiments in a darkroom, working with RGB multi-LED transmitters and a general purpose camera, were performed in order to obtain the NPSIR values and to validate the deduced equations for 2D pixel representation of real distances. These parameters were used in the simulation of a wireless sensor network scenario in a small office, where the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the communication link was calculated. The experiments show that the interference of other close emitters in terms of the distance and the used wavelength can be easily determined with the NPSIR. Finally, the simulation validates the applicability of the deduced equations for scaling the initial results into real scenarios.
Infrapolitics of Defiance: Forms of Agency Exhibited by Homeless Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Stauffer Carolyn
Published: July 2017

This article offers a provocative look at practices of false compliance that homeless gender-based violence survivors employ to withstand the personal and structural violence they experience. The article explores how the three instrumentations of disorder, evasion, and subterfuge are used by survivors as forms of veiled resistance, as well as locations that exhibit their agency. Featuring stories from a series of in-depth interviews, the article uses critical theory to examine the specific mechanisms survivors’ use to defy violent power relations. The research employs a grounded theory methodology, using narrative analysis grids to code for dialogic and performative themes that consistently emerge in survivor narratives. Research findings suggest that survivors’ needs may be best met through innovative community-based programming that deinstitutionalizes entry and exit points into support systems. This decenters the role and function of the external professional helper by utilizing trained local community members as key partners in the disruption of violence cycles. This less traditional approach should be accompanied by housing reform policies that effect longer-term structural change by embedding shelter and safety needs in community networks. In the absence of such durable supports, survivors will continue to enact strategies of sabotage and logics of subversion until helping systems are transformed.
Development of a Digital-Based Instrument to Assess Perceived Motor Competence in Children: Face Validity, Test-Retest Reliability, and Internal Consistency
Authors: Robinson Leah , Palmer Kara
Published: July 2017

Assessing children’s perceptions of their movement abilities (i.e., perceived competence) is traditionally done using picture scales—Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Acceptance for Young Children or Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Pictures fail to capture the temporal components of movement. To address this limitation, we created a digital-based instrument to assess perceived motor competence: the Digital Scale of Perceived Motor Competence. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the Digital-based Scale of Perceived Motor Skill Competence. The Digital-based Scale of Perceived Motor Skill Competence is based on the twelve fundamental motor skills from the Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition with a similar layout and item structure as the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Face Validity of the instrument was examined in Phase I (n = 56; Mage = 8.6 ± 0.7 years, 26 girls). Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed in Phase II (n = 54, Mage = 8.7 years ± 0.5 years, 26 girls). Intra-class correlations (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha were conducted to determine test-retest reliability and internal consistency for all twelve skills along with locomotor and object control subscales. The Digital Scale of Perceived Motor Competence demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.83, total; ICC = 0.77, locomotor; ICC = 0.79, object control) and acceptable/good internal consistency (α = 0.62, total; α = 0.57, locomotor; α = 0.49, object control). Findings provide evidence of the reliability of the three level digital-based instrument of perceived motor competence for older children.
An Evolutionary Game Study of an Ecological Industry Chain Based on Multi-Agent Simulation: A Case Study of the Poyang Lake Eco-Economic Zone
Authors: Chen Si-hua
Published: July 2017

With rapid economic growth, the ecological environment is subject to a huge test. The environment has become a bottleneck restricting the further development of the economy. Built on waste recycling, ecological industry chain is an important way to realize the sustainable development of economy and society. This paper establishes a three stage evolutionary game model of ecological industry chain. By mathematically analyzing the equilibrium points of replicator dynamics equations, we get the evolutionary stable strategies. By studying the evolutionary rules and taking the bottom-up modeling method, this paper constructs a multi-agent computational experimental model to analyze the evolutionary paths and trend of each subject. Besides, the case of Poyang Lake ecological economic zone is applied to verify the evolutionary game model.
Toward a Theoretical Framework for Studying Climate Change Policies: Insights from the Case Study of Singapore
Authors: Ng Ai , Lwin May , Pang Augustine
Published: July 2017

The world decided in December 2015 to take actions to reduce global warming. To contribute toward this goal, this research examines possible policy levers for inclusion in the climate change ratification plan. A case study of the measures taken by the Republic of Singapore, a low-lying 719.2 km2 island without natural resources in Asia, is conducted. Being vulnerable to climate change impact and yet having to balance her people’s needs and economic progress with limited resources, the measures taken by this small country could offer policy insights for small states and states without access to alternative energy sources. This research analyzes the online policy documents posted by eleven organizations to answer the main research question of identifying policy levers as theoretical constructs to form a framework that can be used to study climate change policies. A qualitative data analysis software, QSR NVivo 10, is used to classify the proposed nodes developed by the researchers using a system perspective integrating the insights from the key international climate change frameworks with the theoretical concepts from the model of pro-environmental behavior. The findings can offer insights toward developing a new contextual influence framework, which can help strengthen policy development and outcome measurement.
Mechanisms for Differential Protein Production in Toxin–Antitoxin Systems
Authors: Deter Heather , Jensen Roderick , Mather William , Butzin Nicholas
Published: July 2017

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are key regulators of bacterial persistence, a multidrug-tolerant state found in bacterial species that is a major contributing factor to the growing human health crisis of antibiotic resistance. Type II TA systems consist of two proteins, a toxin and an antitoxin; the toxin is neutralized when they form a complex. The ratio of antitoxin to toxin is significantly greater than 1.0 in the susceptible population (non-persister state), but this ratio is expected to become smaller during persistence. Analysis of multiple datasets (RNA-seq, ribosome profiling) and results from translation initiation rate calculators reveal multiple mechanisms that ensure a high antitoxin-to-toxin ratio in the non-persister state. The regulation mechanisms include both translational and transcriptional regulation. We classified E. coli type II TA systems into four distinct classes based on the mechanism of differential protein production between toxin and antitoxin. We find that the most common regulation mechanism is translational regulation. This classification scheme further refines our understanding of one of the fundamental mechanisms underlying bacterial persistence, especially regarding maintenance of the antitoxin-to-toxin ratio.
Identifying primary care quality indicators for people with serious mental illness: a systematic review
Authors: Kronenberg Christoph , Doran Tim , Goddard Maria , Kendrick Tony , Gilbody Simon , Dare Ceri R , Aylott Lauren , Jacobs Rowena
Published: July 2017

Background

Serious mental illness (SMI) — which comprises long-term conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychoses — has enormous costs for patients and society. In many countries, people with SMI are treated solely in primary care, and have particular needs for physical care.

Aim

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to create a list of quality indicators relevant to patients with SMI that could be captured using routine data, and which could be used to monitor or incentivise better-quality primary care.

Design and setting

A systematic literature review, combined with a search of quality indicator databases and guidelines.

Method

The authors assessed whether indicators could be measured from routine data and the quality of the evidence.

Results

Out of 1847 papers and quality indicator databases identified, 27 were included, from which 59 quality indicators were identified, covering six domains. Of the 59 indicators, 52 could be assessed using routine data. The evidence base underpinning these indicators was relatively weak, and was primarily based on expert opinion rather than trial evidence.

Conclusion

With appropriate adaptation for different contexts, and in line with the relative responsibilities of primary and secondary care, use of the quality indicators has the potential to improve care and to improve the physical and mental health of people with SMI. However, before the indicators can be used to monitor or incentivise primary care quality, more robust links need to be established, with improved patient outcomes.
A Comparison of Discovered Regularities in Blood Glucose Readings across Two Data Collection Approaches Used with a Type 1 Diabetic Youth
Authors: Lee Victor , Thurston Travis , Thurston Chris
Published: July 2017

Background: Type 1 diabetes requires frequent testing and monitoring of blood glucose levels in order to determine appropriate type and dosage of insulin administration. This can lead to thousands of individual measurements over the course of a lifetime of a single individual, of which very few are retained as part of a permanent record. The third author, aged 9, and his family have maintained several years of written records since his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 20 months, and have also recently begun to obtain automated records from a continuous glucose monitor.

Objectives: This paper compares regularities identified within aggregated manually-collected and automatically-collected blood glucose data visualizations by the family involved in monitoring the third author’s diabetes.

Methods: 7,437 handwritten entries of the third author’s blood sugar readings were obtained from a personal archive, digitized, and visualized in Tableau data visualization software. 6,420 automatically collected entries from a Dexcom G4 Platinum continuous glucose monitor were obtained and visualized in Dexcom’s Clarity data visualization report tool. The family was interviewed three times about diabetes data management and their impressions of data as presented in data visualizations. Interviews were audiorecorded or recorded with handwritten notes.

Results: The aggregated visualization of manually-collected data revealed consistent habitual times of day when blood sugar measurements were obtained. The family was not fully aware that their existing life routines and the third author’s entry into formal schooling had created critical blind spots in their data that were often unmeasured. This was realized upon aggregate visualization of CGM data, but the discovery and use of these visualizations were not realized until a new healthcare provider required the family to find and use them. The lack of use of CGM aggregate visualization was reportedly because the default data displays seemed to provide already abundant information for in-the-moment decision making for diabetes management.

Conclusions: Existing family routines and school schedules can shape if and when blood glucose data are obtained for T1D youth. These routines may inadvertently introduce blind spots in data, even when it is collected and recorded systematically. Although CGM data may be superior in its overall density of data collection, families do not necessarily discover nor use the full range of useful data visualization features. To support greater awareness of youth blood sugar levels, families that manually obtain youth glucose data should be advised to avoid inadvertently creating data blind spots due to existing schedules and routines. For families using CGM technology, designers and healthcare providers should consider implementing better cues and prompts that will encourage families to discover and utilize aggregate data visualization capabilities.
Rapid Change in Residual Renal Function Decline is Associated with Lower Survival and Worse Residual Renal Function Preservation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Hu Susie L. , Joshi Priyanka , Kaplan Mark , Lefkovitz Judy , Poenariu Andreea , Dworkin Lance D. , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: July 2017

The survival advantage observed among peritoneal dialysis patients early on after dialysis initiation has been largely attributed to residual renal function (RRF) preservation due to higher baseline residual function and fewer comorbidities. We hypothesize that a rapid decline in RRF is associated with higher risk of anuria and mortality. In a retrospective cohort study of 581 subjects on peritoneal dialysis with longitudinal prevalent data, we assessed whether RRF change over time, in addition to baseline RRF, increased risk of mortality and anuria using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis to control for known risk factors. Rapid RRF decline (≥ 0.09 decline) over a 12-month period was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66 – 4.07, compared with < 0.09 decline) and a 2-fold increase in anuria (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.24 – 3.42). Each quartile of increasing severity of RRF decline over a 12-month period increased risk incrementally for death (2nd quartile: HR 3.04, CI 1.26 – 7.34; 3rd quartile: HR 4.01, CI 1.71 – 9.83; 4th quartile HR 5.78, CI 2.10 – 15.9) and generally for anuria (quartiles with HR 5.72 – 7.21). The escalating risk of mortality and anuria was greater for those with diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, rapid decline in RRF over a 12-month period increased the risk of mortality and likewise anuria, beyond previously established risk factors for mortality and anuria. The impact on mortality and RRF preservation was particularly severe for those with diabetes mellitus.
Antibiotic Lock in Tenckhoff Catheter for Biofilm-Associated Peritonitis
Authors: Wong Steve Siu-Man , Lau Wai-Yan , Chan Ping-Kwan , Wan Ching-Kit , Cheng Yuk-Lun
Published: July 2017

Biofilm bacteria in the Tenckhoff catheter are notoriously difficult to eradicate. They are the potential sources of relapsing or repeat peritonitis among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Inadequate penetration into biofilms by standard intraperitoneal antibiotics, as well as a lack of effective adjunctive treatment, leads to a high rate of Tenckhoff catheter loss as a result of biofilm bacteria. In hemodialysis, on the other hand, catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by biofilm bacteria does not necessarily lead to a loss of catheter. Here, the use of antibiotic lock in conjunction with systemic antibiotics has been shown to be an effective treatment. In this case report, we present 2 cases of biofilm-associated PD peritonitis. The success in salvaging the Tenckhoff catheters by antibiotic lock suggested a potentially similar efficacy in PD patients using this adjunctive treatment, which has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. Relevant clinical trials are necessary to evaluate whether antibiotic lock is also effective in eradicating biofilm bacteria in the Tenckhoff catheter.
Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss in Children
Authors: Penn Terrey Oliver , Grantham D. Wesley , Gravel Judith S.
Published: July 2017

Otitis media with effusion (OME) often results in hearing loss for children with the condition. In order to provide appropriate and effective audiologic management, it is important to understand the impact of OME on speech recognition ability when hearing loss is present. This study
examined the speech recognition abilities of normal-hearing six- and seven-year-old children (n = 12) and adults (n = 12) using monosyllabic words and nonsense syllables presented at two levels of simulated conductive hearing loss characteristic of OME. Average speech recognition scores decreased
as the degree of simulated conductive hearing loss increased. Both age groups scored significantly poorer for nonsense syllables than for monosyllabic words. In general, the children performed more poorly than the adults with the exception of the easiest listening condition for word stimuli.
Furthermore, children appeared less able than adults to use their knowledge of familiar words to improve performance. These findings suggest that rehabilitative strategies may best be focused on combining familiarization techniques and amplification options. La otitis media con efusión
(OME) produce a menudo una pérdida auditiva en los niños que la padecen. Para poder aportar un manejo audiológico apropiado y efectivo, es importante entender el impacto de la OME en la capacidad de reconocimiento del habla cuando está presenta una hipoacusia. Este
estudio examinó la capacidad de reconocimiento del habla de niños normo-oyentes de seis y siete años de edad (n = 12) y de adultos (n = 12), utilizando sílabas sin sentido y palabras monosilábicas, presentadas a dos niveles de hipoacusia conductiva simulada,
característicos de la OME. Los puntajes promedio del reconocimiento del habla disminuyeron conforme el grado de hipoacusia conductiva simulada se incrementó. Ambos grupos de edad rindieron significativamente peor con las sílabas sin sentido que con los monosilábicos.
En general los niños rindieron peor que los adultos con la excepción de las condiciones de escucha más fáciles con palabras. Más aún, los niños lucieron menos aptos que los adultos para utilizar su conocimiento de palabras familiares en el mejoramiento
de su rendimiento. Estos hallazgos sugieren que las estrategias rehabilitativas deben enfocarse en la combinación de técnicas de familiarización y opciones de amplificación.
Analysis of the results of acoustic emission diagnostics of a structure during helicopter fatigue tests
Authors: URBAHS Aleksandrs , CARJOVA Kristine , FESCUKS Jurijs
Published: July 2017

The study is devoted to a perspective diagnostic method, which makes it possible to deal with diagnostic tasks – the acoustic non-destructive inspection method based on acoustic emission (AE) signal parameter analysis. The practical use of this method is related to the interpretation of diagnostic measurement data. The parameters of acoustic emission (AE) signals were measured during bench tests of the tail boom structure and fin, as well as the joint areas of the fin, tail boom, and fuselage of the helicopter (joint area No.1 and No.19, frames of the tail boom and fuselage respectively).The analysis of fatigue damage kinetics was carried out in several stages for groups of bolts and for characteristic structure loading intervals. Bolt fracture was predicted at least 26 to 44 flight hours before the actual collapse. Using the AE parameters, the micro crack origin intervals identified when the bolt bearing capacity after the occurrence of the damage reached 96%.
Can the renewed interest in ultra-long-range passenger flights be satisfied by the current generation of civil aircraft?
Authors: BAXTER Glenn S. , BARDELL Nicholas S.
Published: July 2017

A number of full service network carriers have recently stated their ambition to develop certain ultra-long-range (ULR) routes, such as Doha to Auckland, Dubai to Auckland, Dubai to Panama City, Singapore to San Francisco, Singapore to New York, all of which require a great circle distance between 7,000–9,000 nautical miles (nm) with an estimated travel time between 15 and 20 hours. This paper examines the capability of the current generation of wide-bodied passenger aircraft to satisfy this evolving strategy, and the impact, if any, on the provision of air cargo transportation. An exploratory study is presented herein based on an assessment of each aircraft type’s payload-range envelope, taken from the appropriate Aircraft Airports Handling Characteristics Manual. The key findings reveal that airlines wishing to pursue this ultra-long-range strategy have a surprisingly limited choice of current-generation passenger aircraft which are capable of flying the desired mission profile without compromising significantly on passenger numbers and cargo payload.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft route optimization when performing oil pollution monitoring of the sea aquatorium
Authors: URBAHS Aleksandrs , ŽAVTKĒVIČS Vladislavs
Published: July 2017

The main problem of sea aquatorium monitoring is the surveillance of large areas of the sea surface and the presence of many moving ships with different parameters. A methodology for the optimization of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft’s (RPA) route is presented.
An Overwiew of Lexico-Semantic Noun Anglicisms in The Modern French and Lithuanian Languages: Linguists’ Approach
Authors: Banuševičienė Ksenija
Published: July 2017

The article examines noun anglicisms and their lexico-semantic integration in the French and Lithuanian languages. The notion of dynamics of the borrowing process and the concept of noun anglicisms are analyzed from the linguistic point of view. The article aims at describing different interpretations of anglicisms by French and Lithuanian linguists, problematics of lexico-semantic anglicisms, and the current approach to lexico-semantic anglicisms in the French and Lithuanian languages. It can be assumed that the intensive usage of anglicisms generates a new linguistic situation in which English terms are widely used in the French and Lithuanian languages. The use of new lexical elements in the French and Lithuanian languages improves text expressiveness and helps to move away from the formality of the text, thus creating a connection with the reader and realizing verbal expressiveness. To sum up, anglicisms in the modern French and Lithuanian languages appear to have a systematic character related to the diachronic and structural development of the language. Their relatively fast assimilation at phonological, morphological and semantic levels appears to be the key part of the borrowing process. A great number of anglicisms seem to be the result of the process of globalization. Anglicisms influence all languages of the world. Naturally, French and Lithuanian are not an exception.
Un amour non partagé
Authors: Kreimer Pablo
Published: July 2017

Les relations entre sciences sociales et études sociales des sciences et technologies (STS) sont fort complexes. Alors que, pour certains auteurs, l’inclusion des STS dans les sciences sociales est objet de disputes, d’autres ont tenté d’intéresser, séduire ou échanger avec les collègues des autres disciplines du champ pour établir des ponts entre les deux espaces disciplinaires. Cependant, aujourd’hui encore, la majorité des chercheurs en sciences sociales connaissent mal les développements des travaux en STS et parfois les questionnent, voire les attaquent directement. Dans cet article, je tente de faire un état de la question en me posant la question du pourquoi la sociologie prête aussi peu d’attention aux travaux de la sociologie des sciences. Je conclus par quelques hypothèses qui ne prétendent pas expliquer ces tensions de manière définitive mais veulent ouvrir des pistes pour leur compréhension.
Analyse rétrospective de la production de la Revue d’anthropologie des connaissances
Authors: rédaction Le Comité de
Published: July 2017

En s’appuyant sur le corpus des articles publiés au cours des dix années d’existence de la Revue d’anthropologie des connaissances, cet article propose une analyse rétrospective fouillée tant du statut des auteurs, des catégories d’œuvre et des contenus que des citations présentes dans les contributions. Cette analyse permet de comprendre ce que le projet éditorial a engendré durant les 10 années de publication de la revue au regard de son projet éditorial et de son souhait de nourrir une science ouverte. Cette analyse rétrospective débouche sur un bilan synthétique de la façon dont la Revue d’anthropologie des connaissances contribue aujourd’hui au paysage de l’édition scientifique.
Poverty and Income Inequality in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Salehi-Isfahani Djavad
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the record of the Islamic Republic of Iran in reducing poverty and income inequality, important populist promises of the 1979 Revolution. Using data from 32 years of income and expenditure surveys, I describe the trends in poverty and income inequality during the past three decades, and offer explanations of their major changes. These trends reveal two important facts about the post-Revolution record in improving poverty and income inequality. While there has been significant progress in reducing poverty, little progress is observed in improving income inequality. Poverty reduction has followed a substantial redirection of public investment toward poorer areas and cash assistance. The two periods of improvement in income inequality correspond to a decline in oil revenues and a loss of income at the top (the 1980s), and to a large cash assistance program starting in 2011.
A proposal for Measuring Value Creation by the intellectual capital in large Colombian companies
Authors: González González Patricia
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper was to evaluate 20 large Colombian companies in order to determine whether they were creating value from intellectual capital and, for this purpose, the Pulic Method was used to calculate the Value Added Intellectual Capital (VAIC).

The methodology consisted of taking information from the statements of income of the companies analyzed to calculate the state of Added Value and from this state, calculate the efficiency indicators related to Human Capital, Structural Capital and Employed Capital, which allow the calculation of VAIC. The indices obtained were evaluated from a table of evaluation proposed by Pulic. The grades determined whether the analyzed companies are creating value from intellectual capital.

The results show that the observed companies create value from intellectual capital. The level of association of the observed variables is high and the whole model can explain changes in the VAIC.

It is concluded that is necessary to complete the companies’ diagnosis with analyzes that do not strictly correspond to the traditional format of financial indicators, but instead to create variants based on such information, as is the case of the Value Added State whereby it can evaluate the company’s intangible asset performance.
Measurement of tangible and intangible indicators for the quality evaluation-management and socio-psychological variables in the hospital service
Authors: Hernández Junco Varna , Miranda Lorenzo Yadney , Junco Horta Juana Zoila , Saltos Giler Manuel
Published: July 2017

The objective in this scientific work is develop a balanced scorecard (BSC) which will contribute to the evaluation and management of the assistance service quality and psychological variables like motivation, labor satisfaction, managing process, organizational culture and labor completion with a better balance among efficiency, efficacy, results and process indicators in a Cuban hospital center. To develop this investigation, different methods are used, documental analysis, interviews, group dynamics, Delphi method. In the information processing the following indicators are used, the Kendall’s concordance coefficient, credibility and items-total correlation, measured through the SPSS program. The sample is made up of internal clients: executives, doctors, nurses and experts. Once the indicators system has been designed and implemented, the main difficulties are determined and strategies proposed which once implemented by the institution should contribute to a solution.
VIOLÊNCIA POLICIAL: SENTIDOS E SIGNIFICADOS ATRIBUÍDOS POR JOVENS DA CIDADE DE GOIÂNIA
Authors: Da Silva Rodrigues Divino De Jesus , Gomes Sousa Sônia Margarida
Published: July 2017

Este trabalho investigou os sentidos e significados atribuídos por jovens que foram vítimas da violência policial na cidade de Goiânia-Goiás, no período de 2011 a 2013. A pesquisa foi fundamentada nos pressupostos teóricos da Psicologia Sócio-Histórica de Vigotski e no método do materialismo histórico dialético. A coleta de informações se deu por meio da entrevista não estruturada, que foram sistematizadas e analisadas por meio dos núcleos de significação. A análise dos relatos sobre os sentidos e significados desta violência para os jovens constituiu-se em um campo fecundo de produção do conhecimento e possibilitou apreender os elementos constitutivos da violência policial na significação dos jovens que foram suas vítimas. Os resultados revelam que o uso arbitrário da força coercitiva da polícia militar tornaram os jovens inseguros, reféns do medo. Revelaram, também, que a violência policial é uma realidade na sociedade goiana e brasileira, que ocorre arbitrariamente sob a proteção e tutela do Estado.