bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Variable Weight Privacy-Preserving Algorithm for the Mobile Crowd Sensing Network
Authors: Zhong Jiezhuo , Wu Wei , Cao Chunjie , Feng Wenlong
Published: June 2017

Mobile crowd sensing (MCS) network collects scenario, environmental, and individual data within a specific range via the intelligent sensing equipment carried by the mobile users, thus providing social decision-making services. MCS is emerging as a most important sensing paradigm. However, the person-centered sensing itself carries the risk of divulging users’ privacy. To address this problem, we proposed a variable weight privacy-preserving algorithm of secure multiparty computation. This algorithm is based on privacy-preserving utility and its effectiveness and feasibility are demonstrated through experiment.
Incidence and Predictors of Pregnancy among Women on ART in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Five-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Meseret Maru , Shimeka Alemayehu , Bekele Alemayehu
Published: June 2017

Globally, death of women due to HIV/AIDS related causes during pregnancy or within 42 days after pregnancy was estimated to be 37,000. In Ethiopia, 42,900 pregnant women living with HIV gave birth in the year 2011. This study was aimed to assess incidence and predictors of pregnancy among women on ART in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data recorded from September 2011 to August 2015. Data was extracted from February to March, 2016, from 1,239 records and analyzed using SPSS version 16. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the probabilities of being pregnant. The Cox proportional hazards model was done and results were expressed using hazard ratios with 95% CI. A total of 1,239 women on ART were included in the study. The incidence of pregnancy was 49.2 per 1,000 person-years. Living in rural, being married, being widowed, being unemployed, and having <2 children at enrollment were found to be positively associated with being pregnant. The incidence of pregnancy among women on ART was found to be considerable. Provision of family planning and other reproductive health interventions have to be coupled with the ART service to address the problem.
Micromechanics of Cracked Laminates under Uniaxial Load: A Comparison between Approaches
Authors: Rivera-Santana J. A. , Guevara-Morales A. , Figueroa-López U.
Published: June 2017

This paper compares stiffness degradation models of cross-ply glass fiber/epoxy laminates based on four of the most commonly used approaches to micromechanical modelling: shear-lag, variational, McCartney, and synergistic damage mechanics (SDM). All of these include the process of defining 0/90s laminate unit cell, from which governing differential equations and corresponding boundary conditions are stated. Afterwards, these boundary value problems (BVP) are solved in order to obtain a stress function which couples the initial and perturbation stresses, the latter being in function of crack density, thus related to material stiffness reduction. When compared against experimental results, shear-lag model presented accurate results however, additional differentiation and integration steps were required in order to obtain the final stress field. Hashin’s variational method predicts correctly the boundary conditions at crack surfaces and gives out the complete stress field. McCartney’s approach shows further improvement over the previous two models, taking into account thermal strains and stresses. Finally, SDM, which is designed for numerical experimentation, implying a more economical alternative in comparison to traditional physical experimentation, also presented very good agreement with experimental results and can be extended to arbitrary laminate stackings, going beyond the classical cross-ply.
A Brief View of the Surface Membrane Proteins fromTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Pech-Canul Ángel de la Cruz , Monteón Victor , Solís-Oviedo Rosa-Lidia
Published: June 2017

Trypanosoma cruziis the causal agent of Chagas’ disease which affects millions of people around the world mostly in Central and South America.T. cruziexpresses a wide variety of proteins on its surface membrane which has an important role in the biology of these parasites. Surface molecules of the parasites are the result of the environment to which the parasites are exposed during their life cycle. Hence,T. cruzidisplays several modifications when they move from one host to another. Due to the complexity of this parasite’s cell surface, this review presents some membrane proteins organized as large families, as they are the most abundant and/or relevant throughout theT. cruzimembrane.
Efficacy and Safety of Cerebrolysin for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Danfeng , Dong Yan , Li Ya , Chen Jigang , Wang Junyu , Hou Lijun
Published: June 2017

Cerebrolysin was reported to be effective in the neurological improvement of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in experimental models, while data from clinical trials were inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of cerebrolysin for AIS. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials, which intervened within 72 hours after the stroke onset. We investigated the efficacy and safety outcomes, respectively. Risk ratios and mean differences were pooled with fixed-effects model or random-effects model. Seven studies were identified, involving 1779 patients with AIS. The summary results failed to demonstrate significant superiority of cerebrolysin in the assessment of efficacy outcomes of mRS and BI. Similarly, administration of cerebrolysin had neutral effects on safety outcomes compared with placebo, including mortality and SAE. However, the number of included studies was small, especially in the analysis of efficacy outcomes, which might cause publication bias and inaccurate between-studies variance in the meta-analysis. Conclusively, although it seemed to be safe, routine use of cerebrolysin to improve the long-term rehabilitation after stroke could not be supported by available evidence.
Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Nanostructured Carbon Black: A Review
Authors: Silva Tiago Almeida , Moraes Fernando Cruz , Janegitz Bruno Campos , Fatibello-Filho Orlando
Published: June 2017

Carbon black (CB) is a nanostructured material widely used in several industrial processes. This nanomaterial features a set of remarkable properties including high surface area, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and very low cost. Several studies have explored the applicability of CB in electrochemical fields. Recent data showed that modified electrodes based on CB present fast charge transfer and high electroactive surface area, comparable to carbon nanotubes and graphene. These characteristics make CB a promising candidate for the design of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the use of CB as a template for biosensing. As will be seen, we discuss the main biosensing strategies adopted for enzymatic catalysis for several target analytes, such as glucose, hydrogen peroxide, and environmental contaminants. Recent applications of CB on DNA-based biosensors are also described. Finally, future challenges and trends of CB use in bioanalytical chemistry are discussed.
Autaptic Modulation of Electrical Activity in a Network of Neuron-Coupled Astrocyte
Authors: Guo Shengli , Tang Jun , Ma Jun , Wang Chunni
Published: June 2017

Autapse connection is considered on a biological neuron coupled by astrocyte, and the effect of autapse driving-induced response in electrical activities is investigated. In this paper, a simple network is developed on the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron coupled by astrocyte and the autapse effect is also considered. The modulation of autapse connected to HH neuron can change the membrane potential by applying time-delayed feedback along a close loop. It is found that the self-adaption of autapse driving can make the network of neuron-astrocyte generate different modes of electrical activities, and oscillating behavior of Ca2+and IP3setting is controlled. This new network model can give potential understanding about self-adaption of neuron to external forcing when the coupling of astrocyte and autapse is considered.
The Strip-Ground Rectangular Patch Antenna
Authors: Wang Yiying , Lu Yinghua
Published: June 2017

To imitate the broken situation of the conductive threads of the wearable antenna, a strip-ground design of rectangular patch antenna with the conventional substrate is presented to investigate the change of the antenna performance, where the ground is sliced along its E-plane. The strips are symmetrical along the center line of the width of the patch, and the gap ratio of the gap to the solid ground varies with the change of gaps. The conventional patch antenna is used as a reference for comparison with the stripe-ground antennas. And the effect of the coaxial cable, the changes of the impedance, and the cross-polarization of the antenna are investigated. Several antenna prototypes are fabricated and their measured results are in good agreement with the simulations. These results show that the gaps change the performance of the strip-ground antennas, but they can work well if the gap ratio is less than 1 : 4.
A Review of Injectable and Implantable Biomaterials for Treatment and Repair of Soft Tissues in Wound Healing
Authors: Chou Shih-Feng , Gunaseelan Simi , Kiellani Mhd Hussam Hijazi , Thottempudi Venkata Vamsi Krishna , Neuenschwander Pierre , Nie Huarong
Published: June 2017

The two major topics concerning the development of nanomedicine are drug delivery and tissue engineering. With the advance in nanotechnology, scientists and engineers now have the ability to fabricate functional drug carriers and/or biomaterials that deliver and release drugs locally as well as promote tissue regeneration. In this short review, we address the use of nanotechnology in the fabrication of biomaterials (i.e., nanoparticles and nanofibers) and their therapeutic function in wound healing as dressing materials. Furthermore, we discuss the use of surface nanofeatures to regulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, which is a crucial step in wound healing associated with tissue regeneration. Given that nanotechnology-based biomaterials exhibit superior pharmaceutical performance as compared to the traditional medicine, this short review provides current status and future directions of how nanotechnology is and will be used in biomedical field, especially in wound healing.
Robust Adaptive Fuzzy Output Tracking Control for a Class of Twin‐Roll Strip Casting Systems
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jun , Wu Li-Bing , Zhao Hong-Yang , Hu Xiao-Dong , Zhang Wen-Yu , Ju Dong-Ying
Published: June 2017

This paper is concerned with the adaptive fuzzy control problem for a class of twin‐roll strip casting systems. By using fuzzy logic systems (FLSs) to approximate the compounded nonlinear functions, a novel robust output tracking controller with adaptation laws is designed based on the high gain observer. First, the nonlinear dynamic equations for the roll gap and the molten steel level are constructed, respectively. Then, the mean value theorem is employed to transform the nonaffine nonlinear systems to the corresponding affine nonlinear systems. Moreover, it is also proved that all the closed‐loop signals are bounded and the systems output tracking errors can converge to the desired neighborhoods of the origin via the Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, simulation results, based on semiexperimental system dynamic model and parameters, are worked out to show the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive fuzzy design method.
Predicting Harmonic Distortion of Multiple Converters in a Power System
Authors: Ivry P. M. , Oke O. A. , Thomas D. W. P. , Sumner M.
Published: June 2017

Various uncertainties arise in the operation and management of power systems containing Renewable Energy Sources (RES) that affect the systems power quality. These uncertainties may arise due to system parameter changes or design parameter choice. In this work, the impact of uncertainties on the prediction of harmonics in a power system containing multiple Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) is investigated. The study focuses on the prediction of harmonic distortion level in multiple VSCs when some system or design parameters are only known within certain constraints. The Univariate Dimension Reduction (UDR) method was utilized in this study as an efficient predictive tool for the level of harmonic distortion of the VSCs measured at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) to the grid. Two case studies were considered and the UDR technique was also experimentally validated. The obtained results were compared with that of the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) results.
Association between the TACC3 rs798766 Polymorphism and Risk of Urinary Bladder Cancer: A Synthesis Based on Current Evidence
Authors: Meng Xiang-Yu , Shi Ming-Jun , Chen Jia-Feng , Liao Yi , Hu Bang-Wang , Hireche Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Background. A possible association between the TACC3 rs798766 polymorphism and urinary bladder cancer risk has been indicated in published literature. We performed this meta-analysis as a synthesis of all relevant data to summarize currently available evidence and to provide estimation with increased precision. Methods. EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Wanfang Data were searched. “rs798766” and “urinary bladder cancer” were used as the search terms. A total of 6 eligible studies were identified, in which 8194 cases and 50,165 controls were investigated. Meta-analysis was performed using extracted data. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity was also performed. Population attributable risk (PAR) was calculated. Results. We found a significant association between rs798766[T] and increased risk of bladder cancer, allelic[T] OR=1.27, 95%CI=1.20–1.33. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed similar results, allelic[T] OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.17–1.32 in Caucasian subjects and allelic[T] OR=1.33, 95%CI=1.21–1.46 in Asian subjects. PAR based on pooled allelic ORs and the frequency of the risk allele in control subjects was 4.63% in the overall population and 3.92% in Asians and 4.36% in Caucasians. Conclusion. rs798766 is associated with increased risk of bladder cancer, and no ethnic difference was found.
Primary Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Successfully Managed with Radical Cystectomy in a Young Patient
Authors: Allameh Farzad , Fallah Karkan Morteza , Nilipour Yalda , Rakhshan Azadeh
Published: June 2017

Primary signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma of bladder is a rare neoplasm, usually seen in middle age adults. We report the case of an 18-year-old man who presented with intermittent gross hematuria. Computed tomography imaging showed multifilling defects in the bladder. The patient underwent a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. Histological findings were consistent with poorly differentiated mixed mucinous and signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma. We ruled out other possible origins of tumor by gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy. The patient was treated with radical cystectomy with prostate and seminal vesicle sparing technique and orthotopic diversion using “W” ileum pouch with pelvic lymphadenectomy to the bifurcation of the aorta was done. Six-month follow-up of patient showed normal conditions without metastatic spread or any recurrence.
DWT versus WP Based Optical Color Image Encryption Robust to Composite Attacks
Authors: Mohamed M. A. , Samrah Ahmed Shaaban , Fath Allah Mohamed Ismail
Published: June 2017

Intensive studies have been done to get robust encryption algorithms. Due to the importance of image information, optical encryption has played a vital role in information security. Many optical encryption schemes have been proposed but most of them suffer from poor robustness. In this paper six proposed algorithms will be presented for optical encryption to be robust to severe attacks: composite attack. Three of these approaches are based on one level Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and the others are based on Wavelet Packet (WP). Not only will new techniques be presented but also a new proposed chaotic map has been developed as random keys for all algorithms. After extensive comparative study with some traditional techniques, it has been found that the novel algorithms have achieved better performance versus conventional ones. Also it has been found that WP based algorithms have achieved better performance than DWT based ones against severe composite attacks.
The Warp and Weft of Information Literacy:
Authors: Fister Barbara
Published: June 2017

In this personal exploration of information literacy instruction at one institution, I look back at three decades of my involvement with pedagogy and how our local practices have reflected national conversations about the field. Anxiety about the identity and purpose of academic libraries in higher education has shaped the ways we have conceptualized and argued for the value of IL, yet in spite of spirited efforts to reformulate our purpose, many of the challenges we face have consistently resisted solutions.
Information literacy and literacies of information:
Authors: Lloyd Annemaree
Published: June 2017

Information literacy (IL) research tends to fall into one of two spaces. In the conceptual space the research concern rests with understanding the experience and core elements of the practice and how it emerges. In the practical space the execution and outcome of the practice as markers of successful teaching and learning are the focus. The division between these spaces and the lack of researcher/practitioner convergence create a conundrum that limits our ability to theorise IL, to adequately situate IL in library and information science research, to champion its benefits outside the library and information science field, or to promote to funding bodies the impact of IL. To address this conundrum a theory and foundational model of IL is described which attempts to reconstruct the IL space and its enactments without privileging research or practice.
Lessons from Forty Years as a Literacy Educator:
Authors: Elmborg James
Published: June 2017

This article summarises the author’s evolution as a writing instructor toward a career as a librarian teaching information literacy and finally as a scholar and researcher studying information literacy as an academic subject. Changes in writing pedagogy are explored as they relate to changes in the author’s instructional practices and how they underlie an understanding of information literacy as a form of literacy practice closely related to writing. Questions about the future of information literacy under current management philosophy are presented
How can you tell if it’s working? Recent developments in impact evaluation and their implications for information literacy practice
Authors: Markless Sharon , Streatfield David
Published: June 2017

This paper surveys the (patchy and uneven) advances in LIS impact evaluation over the past ten years and notes the surge forward in public library impact evaluation, before looking more broadly at international and educational impact evaluation scene and noting the advance of programme-theory driven approaches. The authors then identify various trends drawn from the wider evaluation discourse that they think are likely to be relevant to information literacy (IL) practitioners, academic staff, employers and others who are concerned with impact evaluation of IL work. The trends identified are: 1) growing clarity about the levels of evaluation expertise needed to deliver information literacy support from the perspectives of leaders of LIS education programmes, staff of academic institutions, library leaders and managers and IL practitioners; 2) growing interest in more inclusive or democratic approaches to impact evaluation; 3) the limitations of the simple logic model of evaluation; 4) re-purposing of existing data to meet new evaluation needs collecting and presenting stories of change as impact evaluation evidence. Implications for IL practitioners are offered in relation to each of these trends. The authors then predict that over the next ten years there will be a strong focus on whether IL interventions are having an impact in combating misinformation and disinformation; more systematic and sustained approaches to IL impact evaluation in the health and higher education sectors but less so in some school libraries and other settings. They think that the more proactive public libraries will adopt IL evaluation approaches, that workplace IL will continue to depend upon the organisational culture, and that research on information seeking in context will shed light on evaluation priorities. Finally, they hope that future IL work will be underpinned by programme theory-based evaluation.
Crossing the threshold:
Authors: Corrall Sheila
Published: June 2017

Do we think enough about what we are doing as information literacy practitioners? The relationship between reflection and information literacy development is well documented in academic and professional literature, particularly in the context of teaching librarians using reflective activities to enable learners to think critically about their information literacy abilities. Parallel literature from education and other fields has promoted the concept of the reflective or thinking practitioner. Drawing on literature and theory from various domains, we review the concepts of reflection and reflective practice, and discuss their application and take-up in library and information work, with particular reference to the teaching role of librarians in the context of developments in critical information literacy. Our review suggests that reflective practice is generally recognised as an important dimension of library and information work, but is currently underdeveloped in comparsion with other professions. Using terminology and theory from the pedagogical arena, we contend that critical reflection needs to be elevated to the special status of a threshold competence for library and information professionals generally and for information literacy practitioners in particular. We also argue that our profession needs purpose-designed domain-specific advice and guidance on reflective practice, to support initial and continuing education of library and information workers, and we conclude by identifying areas where further research is required to clarify the role of reflection in library and information research and evaluation, to explore existing approaches to reflection in professional education programs, and test the transferability of reflective methods used in other professional domains
Toehold Acquisitions as Behavioral Real Options
Authors: Smit Han T. J. , Kil Joris C. M.
Published: June 2017

Dealmakers tend to neglect uncertainty when making acquisition decisions, rushing into deals that eventually fail to deliver the anticipated synergies. Cause for this uncertainty neglect can be found in behavioral biases that cloud executive decision making. Acquirers should more often use minority stakes as a toehold to test full acquisitions and to guard themselves against the negative effects of uncertainty. An extended valuation toolkit that requires more managerial attention to uncertainty and behavioral pitfalls can help executives to better identify and value the benefits of minority stake strategies as an alternative to controlling acquisitions in uncertain situations.
“Which Gadda should I buy?” Taking stock of Gadda’s editions
Authors: Trebaiocchi Chiara
Published: June 2017

This article 1 provides an account of the editorial and philological history of Carlo Emilio Gadda’s works. In particular, this paper seeks to offer useful guidelines to the reader who wants to approach the fascinating theme of Gaddian philology with a clear overview of the internal and external problems related to Gadda’s writings, focusing on Dante Isella’s philological approach and editorial achievements, and also on the criticism it has received. After considering the discovery of new material in the Liberati Archives, the last part of the essay analyzes the Gaddian volumes recently published by Adelphi, and compares them with the Garzanti editions, so to get closer to the history of Gadda’s works, with a shift from the microcosm of varianti (variants), postille (annotations) and apparati (apparati) to the macrocosm of publishing choices around his texts.

A better understanding of these editorial shifts, new editions, high and low points in the production of Gadda’s texts will reveal the complexities of a process that has contributed significantly to the author’s critical reception and cultural status, finally providing new material for scholars’ insights.
Currency Manipulations and Bilateral Trade Between China and the USA
Authors: Moghaddam Masoud , Duan Jie
Published: June 2017

The US trade deficit with China has existed for a long time, and its dollar value has been on the rise recently. It is widely believed that the main culprit is the manipulated value of Renminbi relative to the US dollar. Towards that end, this article re-examines the spot exchange rate and bilateral trade nexus using the Fourier approximation and a variant of the well-known gravity model during the sample period 1993: q1–2014: q1. Although China’s exports to the US Granger cause the exchange rate in a co-integrated space, the findings of a vector error correction model indicate that there is not a strong relation between the two. Indeed, within the aforementioned sample, only 15.52 per cent of changes in China’s exports to the USA are attributable to changes in the spot exchange rate. This is noticeably much smaller than impacts of the other variables utilized in the estimated gravity model. As such, the palpable trade imbalance between the USA and China cannot be single-handedly blamed on the spot exchange rate manipulations.
The sound of silence: Measuring suffering at work
Authors: Allard-Poesi Florence , Hollet-Haudebert Sandrine
Published: June 2017

What realities do questionnaires and surveys, designed to measure stress and suffering at work, bring to light? What realities do they conceal? In this research, we consider self-assessment scales and questionnaires as techniques of visibility that contribute to the construction of knowledge on the ‘suffering subject’ at work. We conducted a qualitative analysis of the questionnaire and survey report conducted by the consulting firm Technologia for France Telecom Orange, after a spate of suicides in 2008–2009.

The results show that: (1) the questionnaire used to measure suffering at work views the subject as someone reflective yet rather passive, and their suffering as resulting from an unbalanced relationship with the work environment, (2) the report further restricts this understanding of suffering to the administrative position of the individual, (3) as a consequence, the political, strategic, ideological dimensions and the economic power struggles affecting work are silenced.

Relying on Foucault’s approach to knowledge ( savoir), we interpret this narrow concept of the subject and their surroundings as resulting from an assemblage between scientific discourses and visibility techniques; a compromise that conceals debates on the strategic orientation of the firm.
A new micromechanics approach for predicting the elastic response of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with randomly oriented and distributed wavy carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hassanzadeh-Aghdam MK , Ansari R , Darvizeh A
Published: June 2017

A comprehensive investigation is carried out into the elastic behavior of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer nanocomposites using two combined analytical micromechanical methods. A unit cell-based micromechanical method is developed to model the random distribution of carbon nanotubes within the polymer matrix. Also, the Eshelby method is used for modeling the random orientation state of carbon nanotubes within the matrix. Two fundamental aspects affecting the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposites, including the carbon nanotube waviness and the interphase formed due to the non-boned interaction between the carbon nanotube and the surrounding polymer, are considered in the unit cell method. Comparisons between the results of present method and experimental data reveal that for more realistic predictions, five important factors including, random orientation and random distribution of carbon nanotubes, interphase, waviness and transversely isotropic behavior of carbon nanotube should be considered in the modeling of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer nanocomposites. The effects of volume fraction, number of waves and waviness factor of carbon nanotube as well as the type of random distribution of CNTs within the matrix on the elastic modulus of the polymer nanocomposites are studied.
Test method development and determination of three-dimensional stiffness properties of polyvinyl chloride structural foams
Authors: Miyase Akira , Wang Su Su
Published: June 2017

A study has been conducted to develop proper test methods and to utilize the tests to evaluate three-dimensional mechanical behavior of a polyvinyl chloride structural foam (Divinycell H80 with nominal density of 80 kg/m3). Transversely isotropic foam microstructure was examined and it revealed that the cell size aspect ratio in in-plane directions was near unity but greater than one in the out-of-plane (rise) direction. Foam stiffness properties, i.e. moduli and Poisson’s ratios, were obtained in different loading modes, along both in-plane and out-of-plane directions. The influence of test specimen geometry on compressive properties was studied. Foam specimens with both straight-side and reduced gage sections were designed, fabricated and tested. The effect of specimen gage-section aspect ratio was identified as a critical geometric parameter, affecting foam compressive properties. For foam tensile properties, specimens with different cross-sectional dimensions in the gage section were used. The results revealed transversely isotropic characteristics of the foam material. To evaluate foam shear properties a scaled shear test method was developed. The results indicated a significant difference in in-plane and out-of-plane foam shear stiffness properties.
Oral Conditions and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haag D.G. , Peres K.G. , Balasubramanian M. , Brennan D.S.
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to verify whether oral conditions (tooth loss, periodontal disease, dental caries) are negatively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults. A search was carried out on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, and LILACS databases until the end of July 2016 with no date restrictions. Quantitative observational studies written in English were included and data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. HRQoL was investigated as the outcome, and tooth loss, periodontal diseases, and dental caries were exposures. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used and the quality of the selected studies was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics assessment and review instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Twenty-one studies were included. The sample sizes ranged from 88 to 15,501 subjects; 20 studies were cross-sectional designs, while 1 was a case-control study. Case definitions of the exposures were different across the studies, mainly for tooth loss, which was defined according to 11 different criteria. Fifteen studies were of “high” and 6 of “medium” quality. Eight HRQoL instruments were identified, and the most frequent was the EuroQol ( n = 8). Ten of 16 studies reported a negative impact of tooth loss on HRQoL. Four of 7 studies reported that periodontal disease impairs HRQoL, and 1 study showed that periodontal disease is positively associated with HRQoL. All studies that assessed dental caries reported a negative association between this condition and HRQoL. Despite the different definitions and measures of tooth loss and dental caries, the majority of the available evidence reported a negative impact of these conditions on HRQoL. Mixed and inconclusive findings were observed for the association between periodontal disease and HRQoL. Longitudinal prospective studies are suggested to improve the strength of the findings.
Does counterterrorism militarize foreign aid? Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Heinrich Tobias , Machain Carla Martinez , Oestman Jared
Published: June 2017

This article studies whether the pursuit of counterterrorism militarizes foreign aid flows. It focuses on the case of US foreign aid to sub-Saharan African states, which recently have experienced an increase in the presence of al-Qaeda or its affiliate terrorist organizations. This article argues that as terrorist groups carry out attacks inside a state’s territory, aid towards that state will serve such counterterrorism goals. For one, the state’s executive branch will receive increased military aid to immediately fight al-Qaeda or affiliates. For the other, the United States also steps up aid for civil society and development, which could over time undermine al-Qaeda’s mobilization and recruitment efforts. In an empirical analysis that covers 46 African states from 1996 to 2011, our results largely corroborate the hypothesized patterns for attacks that occur on a country territory and in the neighborhood. We note, though, that the overall composition of aid shifts relative to the military when there are direct attacks, something that does not occur when attacks happen in the neighborhood only. Our article concludes that concerns about militarization of aid are warranted, but that actual manifestations are nuanced.
Exploring the Bilingual Phonological Space: Early Bilinguals’ Discrimination of Coronal Stop Contrasts
Authors: Melguy Yevgeniy Vasilyevich
Published: June 2017

It is well known that the way monolingual listeners discriminate speech sounds is strongly influenced by their native (L1) sound system. Moreover, such perceptual constraints are not limited to monolinguals: multiple studies have found evidence of language-specificity in bilingual speech perception. However, the question of whether bilinguals have simultaneous access to both of their phonologies during non-native contrast discrimination has not been systematically examined. Namely, very few studies of bilinguals have specifically examined cases where a non-native contrast pair straddles the boundary between two sound systems, with one sound corresponding to a sound in the L1, and the other to a sound in the second language (L2), but with neither the L1 nor the L2 containing both. The current study aimed to do so by comparing the ability of early bilinguals to discriminate non-native phonetic contrasts consisting of sounds that exist in either their L1 or L2, but not in both. A forced-choice perception task compared two listener groups—Spanish–English bilinguals and English monolinguals—on their perception of Nepali dental–alveolar stop contrasts. Results showed that despite displaying some sensitivity to phonetic differences within each contrast pair, the bilingual group was unable to discriminate such “cross-language contrasts” significantly better than the monolingual English control group.
Knowledge of Deaths in Hotel Rooms Diminishes Perceived Value and Elicits Guest Aversion
Authors: Bering Jesse M. , Curtin Emma R. , Jong Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Guest deaths are an inevitable aspect of the hospitality industry. In Study 1, participants read a vignette in which the previous guest died of natural causes, suicide, or homicide. Those who learned of a death (a) saw the room as less valuable, (b) opted to stay in a more basic room in which no death occurred, despite both rooms being offered for free, and (c) anticipated feeling uneasy when imagining an overnight stay. In Study 2, we investigated the persistence of this bias. Perceived room value and anticipatory well-being can be expected to return to baseline levels only many years after the death event. Similar to “stigmatized properties” in real estate, these data confirm an irrational and recalcitrant cognitive bias surrounding consumers’ views of death-affected hotel rooms.
Multiple Sclerosis: Associations Between Physical Disability and Depression Are Not Mediated by Self-Reported Physical Activity
Authors: Merkt Helene , Sadeghi Bahmani Dena , Calabrese Pasquale , Naegelin Yvonne , Gerber Markus , Pühse Uwe , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Brand Serge
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the interrelatedness of physical disability, physical activity, and depression among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We hypothesized that self-reported physical activity would mediate the effect of disability on depressive symptoms. Twenty-seven patients with MS (mean age: 49 years; 44.5% females) completed self-rating scales covering sociodemographic variables, intake of antidepressants, physical activity, and symptoms of depression; disability was measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. We found a higher level of disability to be significantly associated with more symptoms of depression. While higher reported physical activity was descriptively associated with lower depression scores and unrelated to Expanded Disability Status Scale, physical activity levels did not mediate the effect of disability on depressive symptoms.
Mortality Differences Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage: A Risk-Adjusted Assessment Using Claims Data
Authors: Beveridge Roy A. , Mendes Sean M. , Caplan Arial , Rogstad Teresa L. , Olson Vanessa , Williams Meredith C. , McRae Jacquelyn M. , Vargas Stefan
Published: June 2017

Medicare Advantage (MA) has grown rapidly since the Affordable Care Act; nearly one-third of Medicare beneficiaries now choose MA. An assessment of the comparative value of the 2 options is confounded by an apparent selection bias favoring MA, as reflected in mortality differences. Previous assessments have been hampered by lack of access to claims diagnosis data for the MA population. An indirect comparison of mortality as an outcome variable was conducted by modeling mortality on a traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare data set, applying the model to an MA data set, and then evaluating the ratio of actual-to-predicted mortality in the MA data set. The mortality model adjusted for clinical conditions and demographic factors. Model development considered the effect of potentially greater coding intensity in the MA population. Further analysis calculated ratios for subpopulations. Predicted, risk-adjusted mortality was lower in the MA population than in FFS Medicare. However, the ratio of actual-to-predicted mortality (0.80) suggested that the individuals in the MA data set were less likely to die than would be predicted had those individuals been enrolled in FFS Medicare. Differences between actual and predicted mortality were particularly pronounced in low income (dual eligibility), nonwhite race, high morbidity, and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) subgroups. After controlling for baseline clinical risk as represented by claims diagnosis data, mortality differences favoring MA over FFS Medicare persisted, particularly in vulnerable subgroups and HMO plans. These findings suggest that differences in morbidity do not fully explain differences in mortality between the 2 programs.
Do Gender-Predominant Primary Health Care Organizations Have an Impact on Patient Experience of Care, Use of Services, and Unmet Needs?
Authors: Pineault Raynald , Borgès Da Silva Roxane , Provost Sylvie , Fournier Michel , Prud’homme Alexandre , Levesque Jean-Frédéric
Published: June 2017

Physicians’ gender can have an impact on many aspects of patient experience of care. Organization processes through which the influence of gender is exerted have not been fully explored. The aim of this article is to compare primary health care (PHC) organizations in which female or male doctors are predominant regarding organization and patient characteristics, and to assess their influence on experience of care, preventive care delivery, use of services, and unmet needs. In 2010, we conducted surveys of a population stratified sample (N = 9180) and of all PHC organizations (N = 606) in 2 regions of the province of Québec, Canada. Patient and organization variables were entered sequentially into multilevel regression analyses to measure the impact of gender predominance. Female-predominant organizations had younger doctors and nurses with more expanded role; they collaborated more with other PHC practices, used more tools for prevention, and allotted more time to patient visits. However, doctors spent fewer hours a week at the practice in female-predominant organizations. Patients of these organizations reported lower accessibility. Conversely, they reported better comprehensiveness, responsiveness, counseling, and screening, but these effects were mainly attributable to doctors’ younger age. Their reporting unmet needs and emergency department attendance tended to decrease when controlling for patient and organization variables other than doctors’ age. Except for accessibility, female-predominant PHC organizations are comparable with their male counterparts. Mean age of doctors was an important confounding variable that mitigated differences, whereas other organization variables enhanced them. These findings deserve consideration to better understand and assess the impacts of the growing number of female-predominant PHC organizations on the health care system.
How the commitment to disclose in-use performance can transform energy outcomes for new buildings
Authors: Cohen Robert , Austin Barry , Bannister Paul , Bordass Bill , Bunn Roderic
Published: June 2017

The paper describes the transformation that has taken place over the last 15 years in the energy efficiency of new office buildings constructed in Australia and considers if and how the UK could follow suit. The success in Australia has been greatest for the ‘base building’: the energy performance of the HVAC services in tenanted spaces and of all end uses in the common parts. It embraces a ‘ design for performance’ culture, supported by the NABERS ‘Commitment Agreement’, where developers and their teams sign up to an in-use performance target. The process is underpinned by advanced simulation, strategic sub-metering and fine-tuning post occupation to help eliminate wasteful deviations. The paper considers the opportunity for the UK to introduce a Commitment Agreement process for new office buildings, integrated with the Soft Landings Framework.

It is argued that from a technical perspective base building energy performance in new UK offices could be as good as it is in Australia. However, there are non-technical drivers missing in the UK. To compete with their Australian peers, the UK property and construction industries need a base building energy measurement and rating system, creating the ability to set a performance target and disclose the outcome.

Practical application: Design for performance uses a much more realistic building simulation model at the design stage. Although this requires a lot more inputs (details of the building’s proposed chillers, AHUs, ducts and valves, etc. and their controls), it enables the designers to capitalise from computer-aided-design to improve energy efficiency. This process deploys the technology improvement template by which much of the modern world has progressed so fast, and enables innovation to flourish. The more advanced HVAC model can predict target energy budgets for each sub-system (boilers, chillers, fans, pumps, etc.) against which the actual energy used, as measured with sub-meters, can be compared to inform fine tuning during early operation. Although a model’s predictions can be considered the ideal energy performance of the as-built system, there’s an expectation that the base building’s real performance should turn out to be within around 10% of that anticipated from the modelling.
Normal Developmental and Estrous Cycle–dependent Histological Features of the Female Reproductive Organs in Microminipigs
Authors: Kangawa Akihisa , Otake Masayoshi , Enya Satoko , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibata Masatoshi
Published: June 2017

The microminipig has become an increasingly attractive animal model for various experimental practices because of its manageable size; however, studies of the histological features of the female reproductive organs in microminipigs are limited. The present study investigates the sexual development of the reproductive organs and the cyclical changes during the estrous cycle in female microminipigs. The ovaries, oviducts, uteri, and vaginal tissues from 33 animals aged 0 to 26 months were utilized in this study. By evaluating the large tertiary follicles, corpora lutea, and the regressing corpora lutea, we estimated that female microminipigs reached puberty at approximately 5 months of age and sexual maturity at 8 months of age. The appearance of the follicles and corpora lutea in the ovaries, as well as the epithelium in other reproductive organs, was synchronized with each phase of the estrous cycle and was identical to that in common domestic pigs. In addition, several spontaneous findings were observed, including mesonephric duct remnants adjacent to oviducts and mineralization in ovaries. Understanding the normal histology of the reproductive organs in microminipigs is crucial for advancing pathological evaluations for future toxicological studies.
Titanium Nanoparticle Size Influences Trace Concentration Levels in Skin Appendages
Authors: Tasat Deborah R. , Domingo Mariela G. , Bruno Marcos E. , Guglielmotti María B. , Olmedo Daniel G.
Published: June 2017

As a result of biotribocorrosion, the surface of a titanium (Ti) biomedical device can be a potential source of systemic contamination with Ti nanoparticles (NPs). Although NPs can be chemically similar, differences in particle size may lead to different biological responses. The aim of this experimental study was to determine Ti trace levels in skin appendages and plasma and explore the influence of NP size on trace levels using a murine model. Results showed the presence of Ti traces in the nails, hair, and plasma. The concentration of the smallest NPs (5 Nm) was higher than that of 10 Nm NPs in all the studied samples. Irrespective of NP size, Ti levels were always lower in plasma than in skin appendages. Ti levels were higher in nails than in hair. Ti NPs size influenced trace concentration levels in hair/nails, suggesting that 5 Nm Ti particles are more easily eliminated through these skin appendages. Given that the nails showed the highest levels of Ti, and that these skin appendages are not exposed to agents that can leach out Ti, as occurs with hair, we propose the nails as the most suitable and reliable bioindicator for monitoring systemic contamination with Ti.
Factors Influencing Patient-Perceived Satisfaction With Community-Based Case Management Services
Authors: Park Claire Su-Yeon , Park Eunok
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to identify factors that significantly affect patient-perceived satisfaction with community-based case management services and provide practical strategies for improving patient-perceived quality of care. Secondary data analyses were performed in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2016, which included Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and stepwise multiple regression. The response variable was measured by the Korean Patient-Perceived Satisfaction Scale of Community-Based Case Management Services (Korean-PSCCM; a 10-level Likert-type scale), whereas explanatory variables were derived from prior studies. Significant predictors of patient-perceived satisfaction with community-based case management services included “capacity to change,” “patient-perceived time spent with a case manager,” “support/advocacy,” “working period,” and “emotional connectedness.”