bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood Transfusions: An Analysis of the Legal Protections Afforded to Adults and Children in European/English Human Rights Contexts
Authors: Ó Néill Clayton
Published: July 2016

This article considers the degree to which the religious beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses are given consideration in European and English courts. Adults’ refusal of blood transfusions is examined within the context of European human rights jurisprudence. A focus is also placed on the position of Jehovah’s Witness children who refuse blood transfusions in the specific context of English medical law due to the prevalence of related case law in this jurisdiction. It is argued that the European Court of Human Rights has given appropriate protection to the will-rights of competent adult Jehovah’s Witnesses who refuse blood transfusions. The position of children is somewhat different, and it is suggested that the courts should give greater consideration to the rights of competent children to manifest their religious beliefs.
Description of four new South American species of Desmiphorini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: BEZARK LARRY G. , GALILEO MARIA HELENA M. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: July 2016

Four new Desmiphorini are described: Inermestoloides ecuadorensis from Ecuador; I. birai and I. drumonti from Brazil (Amazonas); and Estola orellana from Ecuador. Estola orellana sp. nov. is included in a previous key. A key to species of Inermestoloides Breuning, 1966 is provided.
Lysmata leptodactylus, a new species of lysmatid shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from China
Authors: GAN ZHIBIN , LI XINZHENG
Published: July 2016

A new species of lysmatid shrimp, Lysmata leptodactylus n. sp., is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from the subtidal zone in Guangdong province, South China Sea. The new species bears distinctly unequal second pereiopods and uniquely elongated gracile dactyli of the ambulatory pereiopods. These characters, combined with the rostral formula, and stylocerite proportion, immediately distinguish Lysmata leptodactylus n. sp. from all known species of lysmatid shrimp.
Referral for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis by Pediatric Primary Care Providers
Authors: Johnson Joey P. , Daniels Alan H. , Grabel Zach J. , Miller Samuel M. , Eberson Craig P.
Published: July 2016

This study sought to examine primary care physician opinions regarding referral practices for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine if curve severity at the time of referral is correlated with insurance status. A survey was distributed to pediatric primary care providers to determine referral practices. A chart review of patients referred to a pediatric spine specialist for AIS was performed. A total of 59.3% of respondents stated their referral threshold for AIS patients was <20°. The mean curve size in privately insured patients was 27° (range 6°-68°), whereas the mean curve size in the publicly insured group was 27.6° (range = 6°-58°; P = .9). Large disparities among referral practices exist among pediatric primary care providers, although insurance status did not seem to affect curve size at the time of referral. Encouraging education initiatives for pediatric primary care providers may encourage appropriate referral for AIS.
Social Networks and Parent Motivational Beliefs
Authors: Curry Katherine A. , Jean-Marie Gaëtane , Adams Curt M.
Published: July 2016

Background: Despite devotion of substantial resources and effort to increase parent/school partnerships, gaps remain between policy rhetoric and practice, especially in high-poverty communities. Current research focuses on parent involvement or effects of parent motivational beliefs on parent choice for behavior; however, it does not address the formation of beliefs or social factors that influence parent motivation to become involved. To gain a better understanding of factors that influence parent motivational beliefs, we examined the effects of parent social network, school outreach, and neighborhood health on parent role construction and parent efficacy in an urban school district. Method/Analysis: Survey data were collected from a random sample of 30 fifth-grade parents from 56 elementary schools in a large urban district in the Midwest. Using a partially latent structural regression model, we tested the relationships between school outreach, neighborhood health, parent social network, and parent motivational beliefs. Findings: The theoretical specification of the hypothesized model was observed in the pattern of the relationships among school outreach, neighborhood health, parent network, and parent motivational beliefs. Results: The results of the structural model confirm the association between parent social network and parent motivational beliefs. Combined parent social network and school outreach accounted for 10% of the variance in parent motivational beliefs. Implications for Research and Practice: Results from this study provide a different lens through which to view parent–school partnerships. Understanding parents as social actors whose perceptions are influenced through connections with other parents can help schools facilitate motivational beliefs that lead to effective partnerships.
Combined Mode Crack Extension in Adhesive Joints
Authors: Trantina G. G.
Published: July 2016

This study investigates crack extension in the adhesive system under combined mode loading. A finite element analysis for a slant edge-cracked plate furnishes the opening and shear mode stress intensity factors, KI and KII, over a wide range of slant angles and crack lengths. By varying the angle between the adhesive layer and the load line in a SEN specimen, combined mode crack extension is observed and the combined mode fracture toughness values are then determined. The effect of the location of the crack tip (center of bond or interface) is also discussed.
Compensating for Climate Change Loss and Damage
Authors: Page Edward A , Heyward Clare
Published: July 2016

With the adoption of the Warsaw International Mechanism in 2013, the international community recognised that anthropogenic climate change will result in a range of adverse effects despite policies of mitigation and adaptation. Addressing these climatic ‘losses and damages’ is now a key dimension of international climate change negotiations. This article presents a normative framework for thinking about loss and damage designed to inform, and give meaning to, these negotiations. It argues that policies addressing loss and damage, particularly those targeting developing countries, should respect norms of compensatory justice which aim to make victims of unwarranted climatic disruptions ‘whole again’. The article develops a typology of different kinds of climate change disruption and uses it to (1) explain the differences between ‘losses’ and ‘damages’, (2) assign priorities among compensatory measures seeking to address loss and damage and (3) explore a range of equitable responses to loss and damage.
Fundamental research on spiking, recovery and understanding seed coat nep counts in AFIS analysis of pre-opened cotton
Authors: Von Hoven Terri , Montalvo Joseph , Santiago Michael Cintrón , Dowd Michael , Armijo Carlos B , Byler Richard K
Published: July 2016

Understanding seed coat fragment (SCF) spiking results in advanced fiber information systems (AFIS) analysis of seed coat neps (SCN) in ginned cottons is confounded by the opening of entangled fibers in the instrument’s fiber individualizer. This may influence seed coat tissue fragmentation and recovery since a high degree of machine-fiber interaction is required to individualize entities for sensing. In this paper, slivers were pre-opened in the AFIS followed by manual cleaning, spiking, and AFIS analysis. A protocol was developed to spike the pre-opened slivers. The percent recovery of the spiked entity was dependent on the species and cultivar of the cotton used to prepare the slivers. The lowest recovery was with Pima fibers. Also, the recovery improved with the increase in length of the fibers biologically attached to the SCF surface. Delinted seed coat fragments produced the lowest recovery. Seed coat fragments carefully removed from ginned lint and added to the processed slivers gave the highest recovery. Averaged SCN recoveries from two AFIS units ranged from 26 to 100% (theoretical). These results helped to explain why the AFIS analysis of SCN counts in processed cotton is lower than by the microscopic analysis.
Multiple eschars in scrub typhus: a case report
Authors: Koraluru Munegowda , Nandigam Manideep , Bairy Indira , Vidyasagar Sudha , Varma Muralidhar
Published: July 2016

Eschar in scrub typhus aids in early diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy; however, the eschar positivity rates vary greatly in endemic regions. Multiple eschars in scrub typhus are a rare presentation. Our patient presented with fever and multiple eschars and was empirically started on doxycycline. Nested polymerase chain reaction from all the four eschars and from EDTA blood were positive for 56-kDa type-specific antigen which is specific for Orientia tsutsugamushi. The patient recovered completely after 7 days of antibiotic treatment. He was from an area where scrub typhus was not observed previously. An eschar in an acute febrile patient from the “tsutsugamushi triangle” is a valuable sign in scrub typhus diagnosis. A search for multiple eschars in scrub typhus must be made by clinicians.
Dementia Caregiver Grief and Bereavement: An Integrative Review
Authors: Arruda Elizabeth H. , Paun Olimpia
Published: July 2016

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias make up the fifth leading cause of death for individuals of 65 years of age and older in the United States. Seventy percent of these individuals will die in long-term care settings. The aim of this integrative review was to examine and synthesize the evidence on grief and bereavement in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias caregivers. This review identified five critical gaps in the existing evidence: (a) a lack of ethnic and gender diversity among caregivers studied, (b) limited use of valid instruments to study dementia caregiver grief and bereavement, (c) no substantive research examining dementia caregiver grief and bereavement for caregivers whose family members die in long-term care, (d) a lack of evidence examining the effect of hospice services on dementia caregiver grief and bereavement, and (e) a lack of grief and bereavement interventions for dementia caregivers whose family members die in long-term care.
Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Hammash Muna H. , Lennie Terry A. , Crawford Timothy , Heo Seongkum , Chung Misook L. , Biddle Martha J. , Dekker Rebecca , Wu Jia-Rong , Rayens Mary Kay , Moser Debra K.
Published: July 2016

Depressive symptoms and poor health perceptions are predictors of higher hospitalization and mortality rates (heart failure [HF]). However, the association between depressive symptoms and health perceptions as they affect event-free survival outcomes in patients with HF has not been studied. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between health perceptions and event-free survival in patients with HF. A total of 458 HF patients (61.6 ± 12 years, 55% New York Heart Association Class III/IV) responded to one-item health perception question and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire–9. Event-free survival data were collected for up to 4 years. Multiple regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between health perceptions and event-free survival. Decreasing depressive symptoms is essential to improve event-free survival in patients with HF.
In search of visualization challenges: The development and implementation of visualization tools for supporting dialogue in urban planning processes
Authors: Billger Monica , Thuvander Liane , Wästberg Beata Stahre
Published: July 2016

Today, urban planning processes involve many stakeholders and efficient dialogue tools are needed to support communication in transdisciplinary environments. The aim of our study is to identify visualization challenges in urban planning. Based on a state of the art study and a thematic analysis of 114 articles, published in 2004–2014 and found through snowball sampling, the development and implementation of digital visualization tools for dialogue are discussed. A wide range of examples of visualization tools for dialogue has been found; either based on 2D maps, 3D environments or gaming. The initiators of the development originate from different disciplines, such as geographic information (GI) science, computer graphics, 3D modelling, Virtual Reality, interaction design and urban planning. There has been an increasing amount of usability studies during recent years. There is a tendency for the usability studies to have gone from experimental and prototype studies to more and more concern real planning processes and implementation. Studies of implemented tools in real planning processes are, however, still rare. Gaming appears more and more frequently. Challenges are related to integration of qualitative and quantitative data, representation of data as regard appropriate levels of realism and detailing, as well as the user’s experience and the appearance of the digital models. There is a need to consider how we can achieve the full potential of visualization tools, including optimal effectiveness of visualization tools and processes for dialogue as well as how they can be implemented. Organizational preparedness is necessary, including clear ownership, allocation of resources for maintenance, competence and access to tools and technology.
Adding items that assess changes in activities of daily living does not improve the predictive accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index
Authors: Hamano Jun , Tokuda Yasuharu , Kawagoe Shohei , Shinjo Takuya , Shirayama Hiroto , Ozawa Taketoshi , Shishido Hideki , Otomo Sen , Nagayama Jun , Baba Mika , Tei Yo , Hiramoto Shuji , Suga Akihiko , Hisanaga Takayuki , Ishihara Tatsuhiko , Iwashita Tomoyuki , Kaneishi Keisuke , Kuriyama Toshiyuki , Maeda Takashi , Morita Tatsuya
Published: July 2016

Background:

Changes in activities of daily living in cancer patients may predict their survival. The Palliative Prognostic Index is a useful tool to evaluate cancer patients, and adding an item about activities of daily living changes might improve its predictive value.

Aim:

To clarify whether adding an item about activities of daily living changes improves the accuracy of Palliative Prognostic Index.

Design:

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

Setting:

A total of 58 palliative care services in Japan.

Participants:

Patients aged >20 years diagnosed with locally extensive or metastatic cancer (including hematological neoplasms) who had been admitted to palliative care units, were receiving care by hospital-based palliative care teams, or were receiving home-based palliative care. Palliative care physicians recorded clinical variables at the first assessment and followed up patients 6 months later.

Results:

A total of 2425 subjects were recruited and 2343 of these had analyzable data. The C-statistic of the original Palliative Prognostic Index was 0.801, and those of modified Palliative Prognostic Indices ranged from 0.793 to 0.805 at 3 weeks. For 6-week survival predictions, the C-statistic of the original Palliative Prognostic Index was 0.802, and those of modified Palliative Prognostic Indices ranged from 0.791 to 0.799. The weighted kappa of the original Palliative Prognostic Index was 0.510, and those of modified Palliative Prognostic Indices ranged from 0.484 to 0.508.

Conclusion:

Adding items about activities of daily living changes to the Palliative Prognostic Index did not improve prognostic value in advanced cancer patients.
Nanotechnology is like … The rhetorical roles of analogies in public engagement
Authors: Schwarz-Plaschg Claudia
Published: July 2016

Lay people are increasingly invited to deliberate on emerging technologies in public engagement settings. Analogies appear frequently in these contexts and are commonly understood as means of making sense of and forming an opinion on emerging technologies. This article provides an alternative perspective, which conceptualizes analogies as rhetorical devices employed to achieve specific functions. A repertoire of rhetorical roles is traced in four public engagement settings on nanotechnology: (1) analogies suggesting acceptance/rejection of specific nano-applications, (2) anticipatory and alerting analogies constructed to plausibilize and prevent futures, (3) killer analogies closing debate and arguments, and (4) “nano is not like nano” moves that distinguish between application domains. Each role points to specific dimensions and tensions of public engagement processes. Overall, the findings reveal that lay people use analogies to make arguments and enforce framings rather than to just make sense of nanotechnology, which refutes the assumption of a public opinion deficit.
Holistic Human Resource Development: Balancing the Equation through the Inclusion of Spiritual Quotient
Authors: Ahmed Adeel , Arshad Mohd Anuar , Mahmood Arshad , Akhtar Sohail
Published: July 2016

This conceptual article aims to shed light on the significance of human spiritual dimension in the process of human resource development (HRD). It suggests spiritual intelligence as the missing link in the process of human development that should be identified and considered as an important factor for developed and morally qualified human resources. Moreover, this article also uncovered the growing interest of spiritual intelligence and its implications for HRD. The interest in spiritual intelligence in the body of knowledge has been established in depth which assures that SI embedded in the fabric of the fields of organizational behaviour and psychology. The article emphasizes the vital influence of SI on bottom line of the organization, whereby, human resources can meaningfully contribute towards organization with improved performance. The conventional strategy of organizations in flourishing their employees is more on enhancement of individual’s knowledge, skills, abilities (Intelligence Quotient) and emotions control (Emotional Quotient). However, despite this immense interest in human capital, organizations tend to fail to have holistic approach of human resource development which eventually affects their performance. Further, the article indicates that without considering spiritual development of employees, the logic (IQ) and emotions (EQ) could not be the only ample source for human beings to perform utmost standard performances. Therefore, based on this, we conclude that the emerging notion of human spiritual quotient and its multi-dimensions must be included in HRD initiatives in order to have holistic mechanism.
Psychometric Properties of the HEXACO-100
Authors: Lee Kibeom , Ashton Michael C.
Published: July 2016

Psychometric properties of the 100-item English-language HEXACO Personality Inventory–Revised (HEXACO-PI-R) were examined using samples of online respondents ( N = 100,318 self-reports) and of undergraduate students ( N = 2,868 self- and observer reports). The results were as follows: First, the hierarchical structure of the HEXACO-100 was clearly supported in two principal components analyses: each of the six factors was defined by its constituent facets and each of the 25 facets was defined by its constituent items. Second, the HEXACO-100 factor scales showed fairly low intercorrelations, with only one pair of scales (Honesty–Humility and Agreeableness) having an absolute correlation above .20 in self-report data. Third, the factor and facet scales showed strong self/observer convergent correlations, which far exceeded the self/observer discriminant correlations.
Pathways to Early Cancer Detection in the Multiethnic Population of the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Hiatt Robert A. , Pasick Rena J. , PÉRez-Stable Eliseo J. , Mcphee Stephen J. , Engelstad Linda , Lee Marion , Sabogal Fabio , D'onofrio Carol N. , Stewart Susan
Published: July 2016

The Pathways project studied the relationship of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and culture to breast and cervical cancer screening. A multidisciplinary, multicultural team of investigators assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women from five race/ethnic groups (N = 4,228) and their barriers to screening utilization. A planning framework guided the development of interventions and analyses of the similarities and differences in screening behaviors across race/ethnic groups. Baseline data for women ages 18 to 74 years showed that levels of screening were higher than national averages for Latina, white, and black women but lower for Chinese and Vietnamese women. Analyses revealed the importance of education and insurance in obtaining recommended screening regardless of race/ethnicity. However, race, ethnicity, and culture are important to the tailoring of effective interventions.
Problems and Progress in Translation of Health Survey Questions: The Pathways Experience
Authors: Pasick Rena J. , Sabogal Fabio , Bird Joyce Adair , D'onofrio Carol N. , Jenkins Christopher N. H. , Lee Marion , Engelstad Linda , Hiatt Robert A.
Published: July 2016

Pathways to Early Cancer Detection in Four Ethnic Groups is a program project funded by the National Cancer Institute aimed at increasing the use of breast and cervical cancer screening among underserved African American, Chinese, Hispanic, and Vietnamese women. The program project core is dedicated to cross-cultural studies including development of survey questions that are comparable in four languages. This article describes the Pathways surveys, summarizes the challenges encountered in question translation, and presents an adapted approach to translation. Concurrent, multilingual, decentered translation was the process through which an English version of each question was selected only when it could be directly and meaningfully translated into Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Examples of challenges and how these were addressed in the Pathways surveys are presented, along with lessons learned throughout this process.
Pathways to Early Cancer Detection for Vietnamese Women: Suc Khoe La Vang! (Health is Gold!)
Authors: Mcphee Stephen J. , Bird Joyce Adair , Ha Ngoc-The , Jenkins Christopher N. H. , Fordham Don , Le Bich
Published: July 2016

To promote breast and cervical screening among Vietnamese women, a neighborhood-based intervention was developed that included small-group education, distribution of Vietnamese-language educational materials, and health fairs. The rationale for these modes of intervention is described. A pretest/posttest controlled trial is used to evaluate the intervention. San Francisco, California, is the experimental community; Sacramento, California, is the comparison community. The study hypothesizes that postintervention measurements of screening rates will reflect significantly greater increases among women in the experimental community than in the comparison community. This article reports results from the 1992 baseline household survey of 306 Vietnamese women in San Francisco and of 339 Vietnamese women in Sacramento. There were no significant differences in screening rates between the two communities. Only 50-54% of women had received routine checkups; 44-55%, mammograms; 40-45%, clinical breast examinations; 40-46%, Pap smear tests; and 58-65%, pelvic examinations.
Tailoring Lay Health Worker Interventions for Diverse Cultures: Lessons Learned from Vietnamese and Latina Communities
Authors: Bird Joyce Adair , Otero-Sabogal Regina , Ha Ngoc-The , Mcphee Stephen J.
Published: July 2016

Indigenous lay health workers are presumed to be effective communicators in their communities due to their cultural competence. Lay health worker programs in Vietnamese and Latino communities show the influence of each community's culture and structure on the intervention designs and recruitment and training of lay health workers. To promote cancer screening. Vietnamese lay health workers conducted educational sessions in neighborhoods, while Latina lay health workers served as networkers and media role models. The studies demonstrated ways to build upon cultural strengths of the community and to tailor interventions to meet community expectations and needs. The authors conclude that ongoing responsiveness to both cultural norms and structural conditions in the community is the sine qua non of successful community programs.
The European Union as a demoicracy: Really a third way?
Authors: Ronzoni Miriam
Published: July 2016

Should the EU be a federal union or an intergovernmental forum? Recently, demoicrats have been arguing that there exists a third alternative. The EU should be conceived as a demoicracy, namely a ‘Union of peoples who govern together, but not as one’ (Nicolaïdis). The demoi of Europe recognise that they affect one another’s democratic health, and hence establish a union to guarantee their freedom qua demoi – which most demoicrats cash out as non-domination. This is more than intergovernmentalism, because the demoi govern together on these matters. However, if the union aims at protecting the freedom of the different European demoi, it cannot do so by replacing them with a ‘superdemos’, as federalists want. This paper argues that demoicracy does possess distinctive normative features; it claims, however, that an institutional choice between intergovernmentalism and federalism is necessary. Depending on how we interpret what the non-domination of demoi requires, demoicracy will either ground a specific way of practicing intergovernmentalism or a specific form of federalism. It cannot, however, ground an institutional model which is genuinely alternative to both.
Compact collimators designed with point approximation for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Luo T , Wang G
Published: July 2016

We present a novel freeform lens design method for application to light-emitting diode collimating illumination. The lens is designed with a point-source assumption to form compact collimators. The method is derived from a basic geometric-optics analysis and the associated construction approach. By using this method, a compact collimating lenses with an aspect ratio = 0.181 is developed. With optimization of initial parameters, a highly collimating lens for a Cree XP-E LED (chip size: 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm) with an optical efficiency of 88.5% under a beam angle of ± 1.9° is constructed by simulation. To verify the practical performance of the lens, a prototype of the collimator lens is also made. This has light distribution compatible with the simulation results.
Prognostic significance of ankle brachial pressure index: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Hajibandeh Shahin , Shah Sohan , Child Emma , Antoniou George A , Torella Francesco
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To synthesize and quantify the excess risk of morbidity and mortality in individuals with low ankle-brachial pressure index.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify studies investigating morbidity and mortality outcomes in individuals undergoing ankle-brachial pressure index measurement. Meta-analysis of the outcomes was performed using fixed- or random-effects models. Uncertainties related to varying follow-up periods among the studies were resolved by meta-analysis of time-to-event outcomes.

Results

Forty-three observational cohort studies, enrolling 94,254 participants, were selected. A low ankle-brachial pressure index (<0.9) was associated with a significant risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio: 2.52, 95% CI 2.26–2.82, P < 0.00001); cardiovascular mortality (risk ratio: 2.94, 95% CI 2.72–3.18, P < 0.00001); cerebrovascular event (risk ratio: 2.17, 95% CI 1.90–2.47, P < 0.00001); myocardial infarction (risk ratio: 2.28, 95% CI 2.07–2.51, P < 0.00001); fatal myocardial infarction (risk ratio: 2.81, 95% CI 2.33–3.40, P < 0.00001); fatal stroke (risk ratio: 2.28, 95% CI 1.80–2.89, P < 0.00001); and the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death (risk ratio: 2.29, 95% CI 1.87–2.81, P < 0.00001). Similar findings resulted from analyses of individuals with asymptomatic PAD, individuals with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular co-morbidity, and patients with diabetes.

Conclusions

A low ankle-brachial pressure index is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Randomised controlled trials are required to investigate the effectiveness of screening for PAD in asymptomatic and undiagnosed individuals and to evaluate benefits of early treatment of screen-detected PAD.
Fever in the returned traveller
Authors: Ross Sophie
Published: July 2016

The amount of foreign travel undertaken by UK residents is increasing, and with it comes the risk of imported infections, some of which can be life-threatening. Fever is a common presenting complaint in the returned traveller; it may be an indication of a serious illness, however, more benign illnesses that are unrelated to travel often present with similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to take a systematic approach to a fever occurring after international travel, in order to identify patients with potentially serious infections, whether imported or endemic, and to recognise those who may have an infection with ramifications for public health.
Implied Volatility Transmissions Between Thai and Selected Advanced Stock Markets
Authors: Thakolsri Supachok , Sethapramote Yuthana , Jiranyakul Komain
Published: July 2016

This article investigates the impacts of changes in the U.S.-implied volatility on the changes in implied volatilities of the Euro and Thai stock markets. For that purpose, volatilities implicit in stock index option prices from the United States, Euro, and Thai stock markets are analyzed using the Standard Granger Causality Test, impulse response analysis, and variance decompositions. The results found in this study suggest that the U.S. stock market is the leading source of volatility transmissions since the changes in implied volatility in the U.S. stock market are transmitted to the Euro and Thai stock markets. Implied volatility indexes are used because they contain information about future realized volatility beyond that contained past volatility. Therefore, implied volatility indexes can be used as an underlying asset in a derivative market. The risk factors that can gauge the expectations of institutional investors are important to the key players in international stock markets. Given the dominance of institutional traders in the international derivative markets, the implied volatilities should reflect international traders’ sentiment. The findings in the present article give recent knowledge for portfolio managers because they need to know the degree of dependency across stock markets so that they can diversify more efficiently.
A source-synchronous filter for uncorrelated receiver traces from a swept-frequency seismic source
Authors: Lord Neal , Wang Herbert , Fratta Dante
Published: July 2016

We have developed a novel algorithm to reduce noise in signals obtained from swept-frequency sources by removing out-of-band external noise sources and distortion caused from unwanted harmonics. The algorithm is designed to condition nonstationary signals for which traditional frequency-domain methods for removing noise have been less effective. The source synchronous filter (SSF) is a time-varying narrow band filter, which is synchronized with the frequency of the source signal at all times. Because the bandwidth of the filter needs to account for the source-to-receiver propagation delay and the sweep rate, SSF works best with slow sweep rates and moveout-adjusted waveforms to compensate for source-receiver delays. The SSF algorithm was applied to data collected during a field test at the University of California Santa Barbara’s Garner Valley downhole array site in Southern California. At the site, a 45 kN shaker was mounted on top of a one-story structure and swept from 0 to 10 Hz and back over 60 s (producing useful seismic waves greater than 1.6 Hz). The seismic data were captured with small accelerometer and geophone arrays and with a distributed acoustic sensing array, which is a fiber-optic-based technique for the monitoring of elastic waves. The result of the application of SSF on the field data is a set of undistorted and uncorrelated traces that can be used in different applications, such as measuring phase velocities of surface waves or applying convolution operations with the encoder source function to obtain traveltimes. The results from the SSF were used with a visual phase alignment tool to facilitate developing dispersion curves and as a prefilter to improve the interpretation of the data.
Quasi-steady state aerodynamics of the cheetah tail
Authors: Patel Amir , Boje Edward , Fisher Callen , Louis Leeann , Lane Emily
Published: July 2016

During high-speed pursuit of prey, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has been observed to swing its tail while manoeuvring (e.g. turning or braking) but the effect of these complex motions is not well understood. This study demonstrates the potential of the cheetah's long, furry tail to impart torques and forces on the body as a result of aerodynamic effects, in addition to the well-known inertial effects. The first-order aerodynamic forces on the tail are quantified through wind tunnel testing and it is observed that the fur nearly doubles the effective frontal area of the tail without much mass penalty. Simple dynamic models provide insight into manoeuvrability via simulation of pitch, roll and yaw tail motion primitives. The inertial and quasi-steady state aerodynamic effects of tail actuation are quantified and compared by calculating the angular impulse imparted onto the cheetah's body and its shown aerodynamic effects contribute to the tail's angular impulse, especially at the highest forward velocities.
Antimicrobial activity of a bioelectric dressing using an in vitro wound pathogen colony drip-flow reactor biofilm model
Authors: Kim H. , Izadjoo M.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

We performed in vitro antibiofilm testing of a silver and zinc containing microcurrent generating bioelectric dressing (BED) against clinical wound pathogens to determine its efficacy in preventing biofilm formation under low shear and continuous flow conditions, simulating wound infection environments.

Method:

We customised an in vitro colony drip-flow reactor (DFR) biofilm model for efficacy evaluation of BED. Each bacterial pathogen was diluted to 104CFU/ml and inoculated on the polycarbonate filter membrane as an abiotic support. BED and controls (no treatment, gauze, and blank polyester with no silver and zinc) were applied directly on the membranes where bacterial cultures were inoculated. Biofilms were continuously developed onto the membranes for 72 hours at room temperature. Biofilm formation was confirmed by crystal violet staining and microscopic observation. Through vigorous shaking and sonication, the released bacteria were serially diluted, plated, and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C to determine the numbers of surviving bacteria.

Results:

Biofilms were well developed onto blank polyesters, but not the BED after 72 hours incubation. Crystal violet staining from the blank polyesters showed large and fully grown biofilms. We observed an inhibition in bacterial growth on BED treatment. The antibiofilm activity of the BED against each of eight monospecies biofilms showed a 1- or 2 log10 (or 10- or 100-fold) reduction in bacterial numbers compared with those of controls.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that colony DFR biofilm model was an appropriate for testing the antibiofilm efficacy of BED under low shear and continuous flow conditions for simulating clinical wound environments. The bioelectric currents generated from the silver and zinc active ingredients in the dressing resulted in antibiofilm activity of this wound care device.

Declaration of interest:

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors, based on scientific investigation, and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of Defense, the United States Government or any of the authors' employers. Dr. Mina Izadjoo has served as a consultant to Vomaris Innovations Inc.
Strangulated lumber hernias in adults: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ka I , Gueye ML , Thiam O , Akpo LG , Toure AO
Published: July 2016

Strangulated lumbar hernia is a very rare condition, with no more than 30 cases reported in the literature so far. Therefore, there is no specific management guideline and the diagnosis remains difficult. By reporting the case of a Senegalese male patient who had a preoperative diagnosis of strangulated lumbar hernia, we aim to discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic modalities of this rare entity, which is often misdiagnosed.
A study on the research trends of multicultural art education using the text mining technique
Authors: Kim Sunah , Park Jinhee , Lee Hyeonjeong , Chung Yujin
Published: July 2016

Recently, there has been an increasing need for the discourse of multiculturalism to reflect on the Korean situation of multicultural education without the notion of assimilating specific minority groups. In this respect, this research attempts to analyze the research trends of multicultural art education for the purpose of providing an overview on how the discourse of multicultural art education has evolved and drawn on the implications for future research. In order to take on a more objective and statistical approach to the meta analysis of literature, this study uses the text mining technique, one of the big data analysis techniques which provides a framework for understanding and visualizing research trends based on the social network analysis of keywords appeared in research articles over time. The total number of 80 articles and doctoral dissertations published throughout 2000～2015 were collected and analyzed. The result can be summarized in two aspects. First, the keywords with high correlations show that there is a lack of research that investigates the underlying circumstances regarding Korean multicultural situations. Second, it is time to re-conceptualize multicultural art education based on the fundamental issues confronting Korean society. Future research should be geared more towards the inquiry of the primary concepts and values of art in multicultural education. This study will broaden our understanding of the research trends of multicultural art education and establish the ground on which future research agendas can be developed.
Teachers’ perception and dilemmas about global citizenship education
Authors: Lee Sunghoe
Published: July 2016

Recently, global citizenship education (hereafter, GCED) becomes a burgeoning issue in the ideational and political discourses in South Korean education. Unfortunately, however, there are few empirical studies on GCED in school education. Accordingly, based on a case study approach, this study explored 34 primary and secondary teachers’ perceptions and dilemmas about GCED in their daily school lives. It was found that the teachers understood GCED as an alternative educational paradigm against the traditional one, which is based on the logic of competitiveness geared toward entering university. However, they still view the concept ambiguously. The teachers also confronted three practical dilemmas: the dilemma of finding times, the one between their unconventional educational attempt and the rigid teachers’ culture, and the one of evaluation. These dilemmas were inevitable because those teachers practice GCED, namely, an alternative educational paradigm, within the school education system in which the traditional educational paradigm is still prevalent. Based on the analysis, this study proposed the policy suggestions and the desirable direction of GCED in Korean school education.
Multicultural identity development of foreign college students from international marriage families
Authors: Nam Bu-hyun , Kim Min-ji
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to discover and understand how foreign college students who come from international marriage families develop their multicultural identities. By using the qualitative research methodology, six foreign college students were interviewed. The major findings from their stories were organized into ten main themes under three categories including given-, chosen-, and globalmulticultural identities. Their multicultural identities were formed and strongly influenced by their parents and church during childhood. They strengthened their multicultural identity by overcoming the challenges or discrimination they faced at school and the greater society. They finally developed global mindsets and perspectives over their chosen multicultural identity. They planned their future careers and personal goals, which are to work for humankind and world peace as global citizens matched with the characteristics of the sixth stage of cultural identity development suggested by Banks(2006). Based on these findings, their multicultural identity given from their family and church became a foundation helping them to chose and achieve their global multicultural identity. It is ‘becoming’ rather than ‘being’. Thus, this study brings some suggestions related to multicultural families and children, and roles of multicultural education in Korea.
The study of clinical bioequivalence drug Nativa (generic desmopressin acetate tablets) in patients with central diabetes insipidus
Authors: Pigarova Ekaterina A. , Dzeranova Larisa K.
Published: July 2016

Materials and methods. The study included 15 patients (9 women and 6 men) with central diabetes insipidus (CDI), compensated by therapy with a tablet formulation Minirin (diuresis up to 3000 ml). The average age of the patients was 44 ± 8 years. For 3 days during treatment Minirin we evaluated the clinical manifestations of the CDI. On the fourth day, Minirin was replaced by Nativa in the equivalent dose, with further correction whennecessary. From the 4th to the 6th day of treatment with Nativawe assessed the same parameters as on the initial therapy.Results. The vast majority of patients did not require dose adjustment and, if necessary, dose adjustment was small and accounted for about 20% of the original dose. Average dose did not differ in patients receiving Minirin or Nativa, 0.43 ± 0.26 vs. 0.45 ± 0.32 (p 0.05).Conclusions. Nativa is characterized by therapeutic equivalence to Minirin in patients with a central form of diabetes insipidus.
Conformal Ricci solitons and related integrability conditions
Authors: Catino Giovanni , Mastrolia Paolo , Monticelli Dario D. , Rigoli Marco
Published: July 2016

We introduce, in the Riemannian setting, the notion of conformal Ricci soliton, which includes as particular cases Einstein manifolds, conformal Einstein manifolds and (generic and gradient) Ricci solitons. We provide necessary integrability conditions for the existence of these structures that also recover, in the corresponding contexts, those already known in the literature for conformally Einstein manifolds and for gradient Ricci solitons. A crucial tool in our analysis is the construction of (0, 3)-tensors related to the geometric structures, that in the special case of gradient Ricci solitons become the celebrated tensor D recently introduced by Cao and Chen. We derive commutation rules for covariant derivatives (of functions and tensors) and of transformation laws of some geometric objects under a conformal change of the underlying metric.
Discussion on Uses of the Specification for Gasoline (ASTM D4814)
Authors: Simnick James J.
Published: July 2016

This chapter on the importance of specifications explains how gasoline and gasoline-ethanol blend specifications affect the operation of modern engines. The chapter relates why we have various levels of gasoline properties listed as specifications and how these properties and their limits affect engine performance.
Discussion on Uses of the Specification for Fuel Ethanol for Blending (ASTM D4806)
Authors: Moore Kristin A.
Published: July 2016

Ethanol’s use as a motor fuel has expanded greatly since the first publication of an ASTM ethanol specification in 1984. The first gallons of ethanol used as a motor fuel were procured by a world famous automotive engineer, Henry Ford, back in 1908. In the United States, the years of prohibition virtually eliminated all ethanol production for beverage and automotive use. But due to significant air quality and energy security concerns, the U.S. government now has required the use of gasoline oxygenates and renewable energy motor fuel components such as ethanol. Fast forward to today—nearly all unleaded gasoline in the United States is blended with ethanol at some level, and this trend is expected to grow over the next decades.
Discussion on Uses of the Specifications for Aviation Turbine Fuels (ASTM D1655) and Aviation Gasoline (ASTM D910)
Authors: Organ Roger J.
Published: July 2016

Aviation fuels, aviation turbine fuels, and aviation gasoline are important fuels in terms of worldwide commerce, and ASTM International is the preeminent standards-writing body issuing specifications for these fuels. Chapter 8 of ASTM Manual 69 describes in detail the specifications ASTM D1655 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel and ASTM D910 Standard Specification for Aviation Gasoline. Explanations are given on the meaning and intention of the paragraphs within these two specifications along with a detailed account of the rationale and purpose of the specification property limits and the limits in the specifications being set to ensure the product is marketable and will perform satisfactorily as intended and over the wide range of temperatures and pressure variations encountered with aircraft altitude changes. The limits on the properties must take into account both modern and older aircraft and the derivation and history behind the limits is also discussed. There is also an explanation of the operation of an aviation turbine engine and the accompanying fuel supply system.

Somewhere in the world an aircraft is refueled every second with an acceptable fuel that must meet exacting standards. Two such standards are ASTM D1655, Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel, and ASTM D910, Standard Specification for Aviation Gasolines. In many parts of the world, if an aviation fuel does not meet these ASTM specifications it is not acceptable.
Universal Method for Applying the Mean-Stress Effect Correction in Stochastic Fatigue-Damage Accumulation
Authors: Niesłony A. , Böhm M.
Published: July 2016

Most of the models used for taking into account the influence of mean stress on fatigue life work on the basis of the correction of stress amplitudes of particular loading cycles. This can be done directly on the amplitudes or through the modification of the reference S–N curve. The mentioned procedure is also applicable for variable amplitude loading where, after rainflow cycle counting, all loading cycles described by amplitude and mean-stress value are designated. Mean-stress correction can be difficult to apply in stochastic fatigue-damage accumulation, also called the spectral method, where the load and the stress level is defined in the frequency domain using the appropriate power spectral density (PSD) function. The PSD function by itself does not give information to the user about the level of mean stress and only provides us with some statistical information of the fluctuating part of the random loading processes. The aim of the paper is to present how we can perform the mean-stress effect correction directly on a PSD function of stress using well-known models, such as proposed by Gerber, Goodman, Soderberg, or Morrow. The correction can be performed depending on the frequency component, which is a significant advantage of the presented method. The theoretical elaborations were used to develop a computer simulation used to compare the frequency-domain with the time-domain computation path. To show the effectiveness of the presented method, fatigue life has been estimated and compared with experimental fatigue test results for S355JR steel.