bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People’s attitudes toward Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Hyaenidae) conservation in lowland Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Shivish , Chalise Mukesh Kumar
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to explore people’s attitudes toward Striped Hyaena conservation in lowland Nepal.  Structured questionnaire sheets were used to collect information on major threats, human casualties, and people’s perception towards Hyaenas and other carnivores.  People’s perceptions toward Hyaenas and conservation were overall positive.  During the study, 400 people were interviewed and questionnaire sheets were filled.  It was discovered that 63% had a positive attitude toward the Hyaenas.  On the other hand, 37% of the people had a negative attitude regarding the species’ conservation.  It was found that local people had understood various aspects of Hyaena ecology.  Sixty-five percent of the people responded that the Hyaena entered human populated areas due to an absence of food in the natural forests and habitat degradation.  A total of 19% of the respondents reported killing carnivores including the Hyaena due to human-carnivore conflicts.
New records of polypores (Basidiomycota: Aphyllophorales) from the southern Western Ghats with an identification key for polypores in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India
Authors: Iqbal A. Muhammed , Vidyasagaran Kattany , Ganesh P. Narayan
Published: August 2016

The present study reports new distribution records of two species of polypores; Pycnoporus cinnabarinus (Jacq.) P. Karst. and Datronia mollis (Sommerf.) Donk under family polyporaceae from the moist deciduous forests of southern Western Ghats, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.  This paper also provides detailed macro-morphology and micro-morphology of newly recorded fungi and key for identification of polypores reported from the study area.  An opportunistic sampling was carried out along with the plot based sampling in order to maximize the documentation of polypore distribution.  A total of 36 polypore species in 21 genera belonging to six families were recorded throughout the entire study period of 2012–2014.  Out of these, 26 species were annuals and 10 species perennials. Thirty-four polypores were identified as white rotting and two species were brown rotting.
On the status of the Long-tailed Marmot Marmota caudata (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Kargil, Ladakh (Indian Trans-Himalaya)
Authors: Ahmed Tanveer , Shoeb Mohammad , Chandan Pankaj , Khan Afifullah
Published: August 2016

Two species of marmots occur in India, the Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana and the Long-tailed Marmot or Golden Marmot Marmota caudata.  Marmots constitute part of the diet of some globally endangered carnivores in the Trans-Himalaya, yet studies on marmots in India are scanty.  Besides, the status of the Long-tailed Marmot is still unknown in India.  Considering this, a survey was carried out in Rangdum Valley, Kargil between May and July 2011 to collect baseline information on the Long-tailed Marmot.  Trails and roads were explored through walk and slow moving vehicle, respectively.  The Long-tailed Marmot was found to have a density of 14.31±2.10 per sq.km. and an encounter rate of 2.86±0.42 per km.  Most of the observations of Long-tailed Marmot were in hilly areas (77.7%), lower slope (48.8%) and herbaceous meadow (38.0%).  The current information is expected to bring concern towards this lesser known species in India.
Delta-Like Ligand 4-Notch Signaling in Macrophage Activation
Authors: Nakano Toshiaki , Fukuda Daiju , Koga Jun-ichiro , Aikawa Masanori
Published: August 2016

The Notch signaling pathway regulates the development of various cell types and organs, and also contributes to disease mechanisms in adults. Accumulating evidence suggests its role in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Notch signaling components also control the phenotype of immune cells. Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) of the Notch pathway promotes proinflammatory activation of macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Dll4 blockade attenuates chronic atherosclerosis, vein graft disease, vascular calcification, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice. The Dll4–Notch axis may, thus, participate in the shared mechanisms for cardiometabolic disorders, serving as a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating these global health problems.
GLP-1–Based Therapies Have No Microvascular Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Smits Mark M. , Tonneijck Lennart , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , Hoekstra Trynke , Kramer Mark H.H. , Diamant Michaela , Serné Erik H. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: August 2016

Objective—

To assess the effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1–based therapies (ie, GLP-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Approach and Results—

We studied 57 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean±SD age: 62.8±6.9 years; body mass index: 31.8±4.1 kg/m
2
; HbA
1c
[glycated hemoglobin] 7.3±0.6%) in an acute and 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted at the Diabetes Center of the VU University Medical Center. In the acute study, the GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide (therapeutic concentrations) or placebo (saline 0.9%) was administered intravenously. During the 12-week study, patients received the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide (1.8 mg daily), the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (100 mg daily), or matching placebos. Capillary perfusion was assessed by nailfold skin capillary videomicroscopy and vasomotion by laser Doppler fluxmetry, in the fasting state and after a high-fat mixed meal. In neither study, treatment affected fasting or postprandial capillary perfusion compared with placebo (
P
>0.05). In the fasting state, acute exenatide infusion increased neurogenic vasomotion domain power, while reducing myogenic domain power (both
P
<0.05). After the meal, exenatide increased endothelial domain power (
P
<0.05). In the 12-week study, no effects on vasomotion were observed.

Conclusions—

Despite modest changes in vasomotion, suggestive of sympathetic nervous system activation and improved endothelial function, acute exenatide infusion does not affect skin capillary perfusion in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twelve-week treatment with liraglutide or sitagliptin has no effect on capillary perfusion or vasomotion in these patients. Our data suggest that the effects of GLP-1–based therapies on glucose are not mediated through microvascular responses.
Autotaxin–Lysophosphatidic Acid Axis Acts Downstream of Apoprotein B Lipoproteins in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Gibbs-Bar Liron , Tempelhof Hanoch , Ben-Hamo Rotem , Ely Yona , Brandis Alexander , Hofi Roy , Almog Gabriella , Braun Tslil , Feldmesser Ester , Efroni Sol , Yaniv Karina
Published: August 2016

Objective—

As they travel through the blood stream, plasma lipoproteins interact continuously with endothelial cells (ECs). Although the focus of research has mostly been guided by the importance of lipoproteins as risk factors for atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular diseases, little is known about the mechanisms linking lipoproteins and angiogenesis under physiological conditions, and particularly, during embryonic development. In this work, we performed global mRNA expression profiling of endothelial cells from hypo-, and hyperlipidemic zebrafish embryos with the goal of uncovering novel mediators of lipoprotein signaling in the endothelium.

Approach and Results—

Microarray analysis was conducted on fluorescence-activated cell sorting–isolated
fli1:EGFP
+
ECs from normal, hypo-, and hyperlipidemic zebrafish embryos. We found that opposed levels of apoprotein B lipoproteins result in differential expression of the secreted enzyme autotaxin in ECs, which in turn affects EC sprouting and angiogenesis. We further demonstrate that the effects of autotaxin in vivo are mediated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)—a well-known autotaxin activity product—and that LPA and LPA receptors participate as well in the response of ECs to lipoprotein levels.

Conclusions—

Our findings provide the first in vivo gene expression profiling of ECs facing different levels of plasma apoprotein B lipoproteins and uncover a novel lipoprotein–autotaxin–LPA axis as regulator of EC behavior. These results highlight new roles for lipoproteins as signaling molecules, which are independent of their canonical function as cholesterol transporters.
Induction of Therapeutic Hypothermia During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Using a Rapid Infusion of Cold Saline
Authors: Bernard Stephen A. , Smith Karen , Finn Judith , Hein Cindy , Grantham Hugh , Bray Janet E. , Deasy Conor , Stephenson Michael , Williams Teresa A. , Straney Lahn D. , Brink Deon , Larsen Richard , Cotton Chris , Cameron Peter
Published: August 2016

Background:

Patients successfully resuscitated by paramedics from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest often have severe neurologic injury. Laboratory and observational clinical reports have suggested that induction of therapeutic hypothermia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may improve neurologic outcomes. One technique for induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia during CPR is a rapid infusion of large-volume cold crystalloid fluid.

Methods:

In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial we assigned adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest undergoing CPR to either a rapid intravenous infusion of up to 2 L of cold saline or standard care. The primary outcome measure was survival at hospital discharge; secondary end points included return of a spontaneous circulation. The trial was closed early (at 48% recruitment target) due to changes in temperature management at major receiving hospitals.

Results:

A total of 1198 patients were assigned to either therapeutic hypothermia during CPR (618 patients) or standard prehospital care (580 patients). Patients allocated to therapeutic hypothermia received a mean (SD) of 1193 (647) mL cold saline. For patients with an initial shockable cardiac rhythm, there was a decrease in the rate of return of a spontaneous circulation in patients who received cold saline compared with standard care (41.2% compared with 50.6%,
P
=0.03). Overall 10.2% of patients allocated to therapeutic hypothermia during CPR were alive at hospital discharge compared with 11.4% who received standard care (
P
=0.71).

Conclusions:

In adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia using a rapid infusion of large-volume, intravenous cold saline during CPR may decrease the rate of return of a spontaneous circulation in patients with an initial shockable rhythm and produced no trend toward improved outcomes at hospital discharge.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01173393.
Discovery and Clinical Evaluation of MK‐8150, A Novel Nitric Oxide Donor With a Unique Mechanism of Nitric Oxide Release
Authors: Knox Clayton D. , de Kam Pieter‐Jan , Azer Karim , Wong Peggy , Ederveen Antwan G. , Shevell Diane , Morabito Christopher , Meehan Alan G. , Liu Wen , Reynders Tom , Denef Jean Francois , Mitselos Anna , Jonathan Daniel , Gutstein David E. , Mitra Kaushik , Sun Shu Yu , Lo Michael Man‐Chu , Cully Doris , Ali Amjad
Published: August 2016

Background

Nitric oxide donors are widely used to treat cardiovascular disease, but their major limitation is the development of tolerance, a multifactorial process to which the in vivo release of nitric oxide is thought to contribute. Here we describe the preclinical and clinical results of a translational drug development effort to create a next‐generation nitric oxide donor with improved pharmacokinetic properties and a unique mechanism of nitric oxide release through
CYP
3A4 metabolism that was designed to circumvent the development of tolerance.

Methods and Results

Single‐ and multiple‐dose studies in telemetered dogs showed that
MK
‐8150 induced robust blood‐pressure lowering that was sustained over 14 days. The molecule was safe and well tolerated in humans, and single doses reduced systolic blood pressure by 5 to 20 mm Hg in hypertensive patients. Multiple‐dose studies in hypertensive patients showed that the blood‐pressure–lowering effect diminished after 10 days, and 28‐day studies showed that the hemodynamic effects were completely lost by day 28, even when the dose of
MK
‐8150 was increased during the dosing period.

Conclusions

The novel nitric oxide donor
MK
‐8150 induced significant blood‐pressure lowering in dogs and humans for up to 14 days. However, despite a unique mechanism of nitric oxide release mediated by
CYP
3A4 metabolism, tolerance developed over 28 days, suggesting that tolerance to nitric oxide donors is multifactorial and cannot be overcome solely through altered in vivo release of nitric oxide.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers:
NCT
01590810 and
NCT
01656408.
Ten new Bacillariophyta species from James Ross Island and the South Shetland Islands (Maritime Antarctic Region)
Authors: ZIDAROVA RALITSA , KOPALOVÁ KATEŘINA , VAN DE VIJVER BART
Published: August 2016

The present paper describes 10 new diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from the Maritime Antarctic Region. Five of the newly described taxa: Caloneis australis sp. nov., Mayamaea sweetloveana sp. nov., Navicula romanedwardii sp. nov., Sellaphora antarctica sp. nov. and Sellaphora gracillima sp. nov. have been previously reported from the Antarctic Region but were force-fitted into incorrect names. Five other taxa: Chamaepinnularia elliptica sp. nov., Cosmioneis regigeorgiensis sp. nov., Mayamaea tytgatiana sp. nov., Muelleria pimpireviana sp. nov. and Pinnularia pinseeliana sp. nov. are newly discovered taxa. The morphology of all new species is studied using both light and scanning electon microscope observations and compared with similar species from the Antarctic Region and worldwide. Data about the ecology and confirmed Antarctic distribution of the new species are added.
Description of Tradescantia schwirkowskiana (Commelinaceae), a narrow endemic new species from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and typification of T. crassula
Authors: FUNEZ LUÍS ADRIANO , HASSEMER GUSTAVO , FERREIRA JOÃO PAULO RAMOS
Published: August 2016

This contribution presents and describes Tradescantia schwirkowskiana, a narrow endemic new species from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. We assess here the conservation status of this new species as critically endangered, according to the IUCN criteria. We present here a complete description, illustrations and comments on the new species, along with an identification key to the species of Tradescantia that occur in Santa Catarina. Furthermore, we designate here a lectotype and an epitype for T. crassula, the morphologically-closest species to T. schwirkowskiana.
Eunotia rudis sp. nov., a new diatom (Bacillariophyta) from the Man and Biosphere Reserve at Yangambi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: COCQUYT CHRISTINE , HAAN MYRIAM DE , NDJOMBO EDIT LOKELE
Published: August 2016

Eunotia rudis sp. nov. is described from material collected in acid rivers in an almost pristine tropical rain forest in the Congo Basin in Central Africa. The benthic diatom community was dominated by other Eunotia spp. and small naviculoid taxa. The morphological features of the new species are described and documented based on light and scanning electron microscopy investigations. Eunotia rudis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other taxa within the genus Eunotia by its typical slightly asymmetric valve shape with four dorsal undulations and the rough surface of the thick silica wall. In contrast to other Eunotia species, the number of dorsal undulations was constant in all observed populations. Differences between the new species and the related Eunotia garucisa and E. garucisa var. polydentula are discussed.
Revision of the Rhinophoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae) of Japan
Authors: KATO DAICHI , TACHI TAKUJI
Published: August 2016

The Japanese species of the family Rhinophoridae are revised. Melanophora roralis (Linnaeus) is newly recorded from Japan and is hypothesized as having been introduced to the country; one species, Acompomintho itoshimensis sp. nov., is described as new. Images of the habitus, wing and male terminalia are provided for all four Japanese species, together with an identification key and a map showing their distribution.
Cerapanorpa, a new genus of Panorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) with descriptions of three new species
Authors: GAO CHAO , HUA BAO-ZHEN
Published: August 2016

A new genus of Panorpidae (Mecoptera), Cerapanorpa gen. nov., is erected with Panorpa obtusa Cheng, 1949 as its type species. The new genus can be readily recognized by having a single digitate anal horn on the posterior edge of tergum VI in males, and a broad main plate bearing two pairs of basal plates at the genital plate and a well-developed elongate axis in females. Nineteen described species are transferred from Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 to the new genus. In addition, three new species, Cerapanorpa liupanshana sp. nov., Cerapanorpa protrudens sp. nov. and Cerapanorpa sinuata sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Panorpa alticola Zhou, 2000 syn. nov. is regarded as a junior synonym of P. obtusa Cheng, 1949. A key to genera of Panorpidae is updated to include the new genus. A key to species of Cerapanorpa is also presented.
Two new species of Willowsia (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Guizhou Province, China
Authors: MA YITONG
Published: August 2016

The genus Willowsia Shoebotham, 1917 belongs to the family Entomobryidae. Within the family it is characterised by having 4-segmented antennae, 8+8 eyes, spines and scales absent from dens, claw with unpaired inner teeth, bidentate mucro and scales on body. Twenty-six species have been described in the genus worldwide including eight species from China. Two new species, Willowsia pseudoshi sp. nov. and W. variabilis sp. nov., from China are described here. The former species has pale yellow antennae except for distal part of Antenna IV which has some blue pigment and 4 macrochaetae are present on Abdomen I. The latter species has the whole antenna pigmented blue and 7−8 macrochaetae present on Abdomen I. A key to Chinese species of Willowsia is given.
Evaluation of Beamforming and Direction Finding for a Phased Array HF Ocean Current Radar
Authors: Wang Wei , Gill Eric W.
Published: August 2016

The errors in the current radial velocity measurements are examined using Bartlett beamforming and Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) direction-finding algorithms with a linear phased array antenna system. A variety of radar and environmental parameters are examined. Suggestions for the optimal choice of operating parameters are proposed. The MUSIC algorithm has shown promising performance in current measurement when beamforming is used to first establish the maximum current velocity. Comparisons of radar field data and current meter measurements show RMS radial velocity differences in magnitude of 7.44 and 6.64 cm s−1 for the Bartlett beamforming and MUSIC–Bartlett algorithms, respectively. The results indicate that there are advantages to using a MUSIC–Bartlett approach in operational applications.
Effects of Urban Vegetation on Mitigating Exposure of Vulnerable Populations to Excessive Heat in Cleveland, Ohio
Authors: Declet-Barreto Juan , Knowlton Kim , Jenerette G. Darrel , Buyantuev Alexander
Published: August 2016

Hot weather is a threat to human health, especially in cities, where urban heat islands (UHIs) are elevating temperatures already on the rise from global climate change. Increased vegetation can help reduce temperatures and exposure to heat hazards. Here, an ensemble of geographically weighted regressions (GWR) on land surface temperature (LST) is conducted for May–October to estimate potential LST reductions from increased vegetation and to assess the effect of temperature reductions among vulnerable populations in Cleveland, Ohio. Possible tree canopy increases are applied to the results, and it is found that LST reductions can range from 6.4° to 0.5°C for May–October and are strongest from May to July. Potential LST reductions vary spatially according to possible canopy increases and are highest in suburban fringe neighborhoods and lower in downtown areas. Among populations at high heat-related health risks, the percentage of the population 65 years of age or older in Cleveland is negatively associated with LST, while percentages of Hispanics and those with low educational achievement are most positively associated with higher LST. The areas that have a high percentage of Hispanic also have the lowest potential temperature reductions from increased vegetation. Neighborhoods with the highest potential temperature reductions had the highest percentages of whites. Three subpopulations associated with high heat health risks are negatively correlated (African Americans and the elderly) or not correlated (persons living in poverty) with LST, and the relationships to LST reduction potential for all three are not statistically significant. Estimates of the effect of vegetation increases on LST can be used to target specific neighborhoods for UHI mitigation under possible and achievable policy-prescribed tree canopy scenarios in Cleveland.
Quantifying Phishing Susceptibility for Detection and Behavior Decisions
Authors: Canfield Casey Inez , Fischhoff Baruch , Davis Alex
Published: August 2016

Objective:

We use signal detection theory to measure vulnerability to phishing attacks, including variation in performance across task conditions.

Background:

Phishing attacks are difficult to prevent with technology alone, as long as technology is operated by people. Those responsible for managing security risks must understand user decision making in order to create and evaluate potential solutions.

Method:

Using a scenario-based online task, we performed two experiments comparing performance on two tasks: detection, deciding whether an e-mail is phishing, and behavior, deciding what to do with an e-mail. In Experiment 1, we manipulated the order of the tasks and notification of the phishing base rate. In Experiment 2, we varied which task participants performed.

Results:

In both experiments, despite exhibiting cautious behavior, participants’ limited detection ability left them vulnerable to phishing attacks. Greater sensitivity was positively correlated with confidence. Greater willingness to treat e-mails as legitimate was negatively correlated with perceived consequences from their actions and positively correlated with confidence. These patterns were robust across experimental conditions.

Conclusion:

Phishing-related decisions are sensitive to individuals’ detection ability, response bias, confidence, and perception of consequences. Performance differs when people evaluate messages or respond to them but not when their task varies in other ways.

Application:

Based on these results, potential interventions include providing users with feedback on their abilities and information about the consequences of phishing, perhaps targeting those with the worst performance. Signal detection methods offer system operators quantitative assessments of the impacts of interventions and their residual vulnerability.
Network characteristics: When an individual’s job crafting depends on the jobs of others
Authors: Bizzi Lorenzo
Published: August 2016

Because job crafting research proposes that individuals alter jobs on their own, there is an open debate on how others influence an individual’s job crafting. Whereas previous research has recognized that incumbents engage in job crafting depending on the characteristics of their own job, this study shows that job crafting depends on the job characteristics of the incumbents’ network contacts, meaning all employees in the organization with whom the incumbents frequently communicate about task-related issues. Applying role theory, the article theorizes that network contacts act as role senders who affect job crafting because they communicate role expectations that vary as a function of their own task activities. Key empirical findings show that contacts’ autonomy and contacts’ feedback from the job positively affect job crafting, whereas contacts’ task significance exercises a negative effect. The findings further show that the effect of job crafting on performance depends on the central position occupied by the incumbent in the network of relationships. When designing jobs, managers should therefore not only consider the tasks of each single incumbent but also the tasks of the people connected to him or her.
A history of vocational ethics and professional identity: How organization scholars navigate academic value spheres
Authors: Ekman Susanne
Published: August 2016

In recent years, Michael Burawoy has sparked a discussion about the role of social sciences in society. He calls for an increased interaction between different value spheres in social science, because ‘the flourishing of each depends on the flourishing of all.’ To ensure this interaction, he proposes that we pay better attention to the micro-politics of academic lives, not least their historical, geographical and biographical specificity. The current article contributes to this agenda, contextualized in the field of Organization Studies. It analyzes the vocational micro-politics of organization scholars, especially with a focus on historical and biographical specificity. Based on in-depth interviews with 15 senior scholars, many considered founding figures of Organization Studies, I analyze how they navigate value tensions in different historical periods. To understand historical differences, the article draws on a combination of Burawoy and Boltanski and Chiapello. To understand individual navigation of value spheres, I apply terms such as selective incorporation, decoupling, antagonism and double attribution. In the end, I discuss how some scholars navigate spheres to ensure mutual correction while others navigate them to enable opportunism. The latter is a tempting strategy for young scholars trying to survive extreme performance pressures today.
Thinking together: What makes Communities of Practice work?
Authors: Pyrko Igor , Dörfler Viktor , Eden Colin
Published: August 2016

In this article, we develop the founding elements of the concept of Communities of Practice by elaborating on the learning processes happening at the heart of such communities. In particular, we provide a consistent perspective on the notions of knowledge, knowing and knowledge sharing that is compatible with the essence of this concept – that learning entails an investment of identity and a social formation of a person. We do so by drawing richly from the work of Michael Polanyi and his conception of personal knowledge, and thereby we clarify the scope of Communities of Practice and offer a number of new insights into how to make such social structures perform well in professional settings. The conceptual discussion is substantiated by findings of a qualitative empirical study in the UK National Health Service. As a result, the process of ‘thinking together’ is conceptualized as a key part of meaningful Communities of Practice where people mutually guide each other through their understandings of the same problems in their area of mutual interest, and this way indirectly share tacit knowledge. The collaborative learning process of ‘thinking together’, we argue, is what essentially brings Communities of Practice to life and not the other way round.
Health Effects of Unemployment in Europe During the Great Recession
Authors: Tøge Anne G.
Published: August 2016

Social and economic security could be particularly important for health among the unemployed. Nevertheless, knowledge is still lacking as to whether and how different policy contexts affect health when people move into unemployment. This article investigates whether and to what degree the unemployment generosity explains why individual health effects of unemployment vary across Europe. The 2008–2011 longitudinal panel of the European Union statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) and fixed-effects models are used to estimate the individual effects of unemployment on self-rated health (SRH). Social spending on unemployment is used as a proxy for unemployment generosity. The results show that unemployment generosity is associated with reduced negative effects of unemployment on SRH. For every increase in adjusted purchasing power standard spending, the negative effect of unemployment on SRH is reduced by 0.003 (SE = 0.001) and the change in SRH is improved by 0.002 (SE = 0.001) for each year following the transition, after controlling for time-variant confounders at the individual level and unemployment rate at the macro level. The association between spending on unemployment and cross-national differences in individual health changes that occur as people enter unemployment provides a robust indication of the mitigating health effects of unemployment generosity.
Numerical simulating the flexural properties of 3D weft-knitted spacer fabric reinforced composites
Authors: Hamedi Saba , Hasani Hossein , Dibajian Sayed Houssain
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional spacer fabrics due to their specific structural features have achieved significant importance to be used as highly effective technical textiles especially in composite manufacturing. Increasing applications of three-dimensional fabrics in technical fields as well as the high ability of knitting process in production of highly structured-knitted preforms made the researchers to be focused on finding novel structures with high potential application as the composite reinforcements in order to achieve some desired properties. Along with others researches, in this paper an especially structured three-dimensional spacer weft-knitted fabrics was produced on an electronic flat knitting machine, using 1680 denier high-tenacity polyester yarn. The fabrics samples were employed in thermoset composite manufacturing process using the epoxy resin. In order to investigate the mechanical behavior of the composite samples in term of their flexural performance, a three-point bending test was performed. For precise investigation, numerical simulation based on finite element method was also applied. Good correlation between the experimental and theoretical results showed such reasonable validity of the proposed model for simulating the mechanical behavior of the spacer-knitted reinforced composite under external bending loads.
Accounting for variation in perception of police
Authors: Afon Abel O , Badiora Adewumi I
Published: August 2016

Drawing on data collected from a survey of 334 randomly selected residents in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, this paper explores the perception and factors that contributed to residents’ opinion of the police. The overall result revealed that residents had low satisfaction with the police. It was deducible that satisfaction with the police increases with an increase in residents’ level of education, income status and age. Furthermore, maximum satisfaction was held about the police by residents who felt very much safe in the study area. It was further revealed that satisfaction with the police increases as place of residence changes from a high- to a low-density neighbourhood. The result of multiple ordinary least-squares regression analysis further revealed gender, experience of crime and contact with the police as significant factors in residents’ perception of the police. The study therefore concluded that perception of the police varies between socioeconomic groups and is also influenced by many other contextual factors.
Educational Resilience and Academic Achievement of Immigrant Students From Ghana in an Urban School Environment
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex
Published: August 2016

Educational resilience is often linked to educational success of various immigrant youth including Black immigrants despite the challenges they face. However, few studies have explored the factors that promote and/or constrain educational resilience and academic achievement of Black immigrants. To address this gap, the current article focuses on the educational resilience and academic achievement of Ghanaian-born immigrants ( N = 60) attending urban high schools in the United States. Results indicate that self-regulation, technology, religious faith, past experiences, parental support, resources, and safety issues played an important role. Implications and recommendations for educators and policymakers are discussed.
Communal and Individual Learning Contexts as They Relate to Mathematics Achievement Under Simulated Classroom Conditions
Authors: Coleman Sean T. , Bruce Adrian Wayne , White Lamar Jamison , Boykin A. Wade , Tyler Kenneth
Published: August 2016

The current study builds on previous communalism research by exploring the enduring facilitative effects of communal learning contexts on academic achievement for African American children over extended time and while calling on critical thinking skills. In addition, this study sought to explore the communalism construct in a more applied academic environment that approximated real classroom conditions. This study examined performance differences in fraction problem solving among 96 low-income African American students in Grades 3 to 6 participating in either a communal or individual learning context. Pretest to posttest gains showed that students randomly selected for the communal learning context significantly outperformed students who learned in the individualistic context. Additionally, communal learning students outperformed their individual counterparts during each weekly domain assessments. Several promising results obtained draws the communalism construct to a more applied culturally relevant pedagogical tool.
Backstepping and sliding modes for observer design of distributed parameter system
Authors: Abdelhedi Abdessamad , Saadi Wided , Boutat Driss , Sbita Lasaad
Published: August 2016

The observer design for partial differential equations has so far been an open problem. In this paper, an observer design for systems with distributed parameters using sliding modes theory and backstepping-like procedure in order to achieve exponential convergence is presented. Such an observer is built using the knowledge available within and throughout an integral transformation of Volterra with the output injection functions. The gains of the observer, which are attained by solving a partial differential equations system with output injection, will guarantee the exponential convergence of the observer. The design method is applied to an epidemic system to consider the sensitive population S.
On a novel equivalent control-based adaptive sliding mode approach for autopilot design of BTT missiles
Authors: Guo Zongyi
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a novel equivalent control-based adaptive sliding mode control (EASMC) approach for designing the autopilot of a bank-to-turn (BTT) missile under model uncertainties and external disturbances. The sliding surface is constructed with a tracking error between the real attitude angle and the reference command. The equivalent control technique works as a mechanism for the gains over-bounded by uncertainties and this information is implemented in the adaption progress. The method guarantees that the sliding surface reaches zero in finite time and the error tracks the command value asymptotically. The advantage of this method is that the gains will be adapted to counteract uncertainties and enable the control deflection magnitude to be reduced to the minimum value, keeping the property of a finite-time convergence. The skill in choosing the gains is also given in this paper. Simulation results demonstrate that the approach proposed is able to improve the dynamic performance and robustness of a BTT missile system.
Three-axis attitude stabilization of a flexible satellite using non-linear PD controller
Authors: Baghi Babak , Kabganian Mansour , Nadafi Reza , Arabi Ehsan
Published: August 2016

In this paper, after complete modelling of a flexible satellite equipped with a control moment gyroscope (CMG) actuator, it is shown that a PD-like controller can globally asymptotically stabilize this satellite by using Lyapunov’s direct method. Despite the simplicity, simulations show that the controller can stabilize the flexible satellite in a three-axis manoeuvre even in the presence of external disturbances. Then, using a non-linear variable gains PD controller, which only uses angular velocity of the rigid body and the attitude parameters as the inputs, the performance of the control system is improved in some important aspects such as reducing maximum control torque, reducing maximum peak of deflection of the appendages and increasing robustness of the controller against the orbital disturbances. In addition, locally asymptotically stability of the non-linear variable gain PD controller is guaranteed using a novel Lyapunov candidate function. Considering the difficulty in measuring the appendages’ deflection and the primarily existence of parameter uncertainties, and as this controller is independent of changes in these parameters, such a control system is very useful and applicable. In order to validate the system’s mathematical model and the control system performance, an exact model of the satellite is constructed in the ADAMS/View software that is linked to the MATLAB software. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated by several numerical examples.
Identification of a linear parameter varying system based on Meixner-like model
Authors: Maraoui Safa , Bouzrara Kais , Ragot José
Published: August 2016

In this article, the Meixner-like model is used to represent the linear discrete-time system in comparison with the Laguerre model. Furthermore, we propose from input/output measurements a new recursive representation of the Meixner-like model. However, a significant approximation of this model is subject to an optimal choice of Meixner-like parameters: pole, order of generalization and Fourier coefficients. The present research yields a series of computational experiments, through a simulation example of a linear parameter varying (LPV) system. This study tests this approach, verifies the theoretical results and points out the positive outcomes of using the Meixner-like model in comparison with the Laguerre model.
Organic geochemistry of the Late Permian coals from the Huoshaopu and Jinjia Mines, Liupanshui Coalfield, China
Authors: Qin Shenjun , Gao Kang , Wang Jinxi , Li Yanheng , Lu Qingfeng
Published: August 2016

Four coal samples from the Huoshaopu Mine and six coal samples from the Jinjia Mine, Liupanshui Coalfield, China were collected and analyzed, focusing on their petrological and organic geochemical features. The microscopic results show that the vitrinite random reflectance ( Ro) of all samples is 0.97%, which is classified as high-volatile A bituminous coal. The maceral groups are dominated by vitrinite followed by inertinite. The low ratios (0.07–0.42) of saturated to aromatic hydrocarbons indicate a terrestrial plant input for the coals. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were employed to analyze the composition of organic matter in the samples. The gas chromatography chromatograms of saturates display a monomodal outline of n-alkanes with a predominance of short chains. The odd-even preference values around 1 reflect the thermal maturity of the coals. Based on the different pristine/phytane ratios and dibenzofuran contents, we infer a relatively weak oxic coal-forming environment for Huoshaopu coals and a relatively anoxic environment for Jinjia coals. Among the aromatics, thermodynamically stable compounds, including 2-methylnaphthalene, 2,6 + 2,7-dimethylnaphthalenes, 3 and 4-methylbiphenyls, 4,4′-dimethylbiphenyl, methylphenanthrene, 2 and 3-methyldibenzofurans, were the dominant isomers in the respective homologs. The occurrence of dibenzothiophenes and benzonaphthothiophenes may confirm the paralic depositional environment of Late Permian coals from the Huoshaopu and Jinjia mines.
Psychological Distance Moderates the Amplification of Shared Experience
Authors: Boothby Erica J. , Smith Leigh K. , Clark Margaret S. , Bargh John A.
Published: August 2016

Sharing an experience with another person can amplify that experience. Here, we propose for the first time that amplification is moderated by the psychological distance between co-experiencers. We predicted that experiences would be amplified for co-experiencers who are psychologically proximate but not for co-experiencers who are psychologically distant. In two studies we manipulated both (a) whether or not a pleasant experience was shared and (b) the psychological distance between co-experiencers, via social distance (Study 1) and spatial distance (Study 2). In Study 1, co-experiencers either were unacquainted (i.e., strangers, socially distant) or became acquainted in the laboratory (i.e., socially proximate). In Study 2, co-experiencers were either in different rooms (i.e., spatially distant) or in the same room (i.e., spatially proximate). In both studies, the pleasant experience was amplified when shared compared with when not shared, but only when co-experiencers were psychologically proximate (vs. distant) to one another.
Comparison of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory in Individual Change Assessment
Authors: Jabrayilov Ruslan , Emons Wilco H. M. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: August 2016

Clinical psychologists are advised to assess clinical and statistical significance when assessing change in individual patients. Individual change assessment can be conducted using either the methodologies of classical test theory (CTT) or item response theory (IRT). Researchers have been optimistic about the possible advantages of using IRT rather than CTT in change assessment. However, little empirical evidence is available to support the alleged superiority of IRT in the context of individual change assessment. In this study, the authors compared the CTT and IRT methods with respect to their Type I error and detection rates. Preliminary results revealed that IRT is indeed superior to CTT in individual change detection, provided that the tests consist of at least 20 items. For shorter tests, however, CTT is generally better at correctly detecting change in individuals. The results and their implications are discussed.
Examination of the Correlation Between Internet Addiction and Social Phobia in Adolescents
Authors: Yayan Emriye Hilal , Arikan Duygu , Saban Fatma , Gürarslan Baş Nazan , Özel Özcan Özlem
Published: August 2016

This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with adolescents to examine the correlation between Internet addiction and social phobia. The population of the study consisted of 24,260 students aged between 11 and 15 years. Sampling method was used from population with known number, and 1,450 students were calculated as sample of the study. In this study, 13.7% of the adolescents had an Internet addiction, and 4.2% spent more than 5 hr on the computer every day. There was a positive correlation between Internet addiction and social phobia. The form of time spent on Internet was examined in terms of addiction and social phobia; although Internet addiction was related to games, dating sites, and web surfing, social phobia was related to homework, games, and web surfing. It was hypothesized that adolescents with social phobia were Internet addicts, and the participants used the Internet to spend time rather than socialize.
Three-dimensional graphic statics: Initial explorations with polyhedral form and force diagrams
Authors: Akbarzadeh Masoud , Van Mele Tom , Block Philippe
Published: August 2016

This article investigates how reciprocal form and force polyhedrons can be used to develop procedures for the design of three-dimensional trusses and funicular structures, analogous to the well-known techniques of graphic statics for two-dimensional structural systems. It demonstrates how global equilibrium of a system of forces can be established by constructing a closed force polyhedron, if the forces can be replaced by a resultant force alone, without a resultant couple. It also describes the three-dimensional equivalent of the “closing string,” which is the basis in graphic statics for the construction of funicular solutions for given loads and support locations. Furthermore, it provides a procedure for constructing a constrained funicular form for a simple, determinate boundary condition. Finally, it discusses some of the difficulties involved with similar constructions and procedures for non-concurrent forces and in particular with those systems of forces that can only be replaced by a resultant force and couple.
Are the unenhanced and excretory CT phases necessary for the evaluation of acute pyelonephritis?
Authors: Taniguchi Lincoln S , Torres Ulysses S , Souza Saulo M , Torres Lucas R , D’Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Background

The most widely accepted computed tomography (CT) protocol for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN) includes at least a pre- and post-contrast scan, which may expose patients to higher doses of ionizing radiation.

Purpose

To establish the accuracy, reproducibility, and degree of confidence in CT diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis (APN) and urolithiasis using only images obtained during the nephrographic phase.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of 100 consecutive patients (88 women; age range, 19–70 years) with clinical and laboratory suspicion of APN and who underwent triphasic abdominal CT scans (non-contrast, nephrographic, and excretory phases) was performed. Two readers first evaluated independently only the nephrographic phase of scans, and, in a second session, the entire study. The diagnostic reference standard was settled by a third experienced radiologist who reviewed all triphasic scans and clinical data.

Results

The accuracy of only nephrographic phase for diagnosis of APN and urolithiasis was in the range of 90.3–91.78% and 96.27–99.25%, respectively. There was no significant difference in comparison with the triphasic reading (z: −0.4 – 0.2; P = 0.34–0.83). The average degree of confidence for APN also showed no significant variation for both readers ( P = 0.4 and 0.08). Almost perfect inter-observer agreements for the diagnosis of APN (k = 0.86, P < 0.001) and for urolithiasis (k = 0.84, P < 0.001) were observed when considering only the nephrographic phase.

Conclusion

CT assessment of APN and urolithiasis can be accurately performed using only the late nephrographic phase, with consequent dose reduction.
Peer Influences on Adolescent Body Image: Friends or Foes?
Authors: Kenny Ursula , O’Malley-Keighran Mary-Pat , Molcho Michal , Kelly Colette
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate how peers influence adolescent body image, and whether this influence was positive and/or negative from young peoples’ perspectives. One hundred and eleven adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from the Republic of Ireland participated in this study, in 17 focus groups. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings demonstrated that peers have an overwhelming negative impact on adolescent body image, and consequently, health. Both boys and girls revealed that the peer environment is characterized by a significant pressure to conform to appearance expectations, and deviations from such expectations lead to negative peer experiences. Positive peer influences were also revealed but to a far lesser extent.