bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new member of the genus Sinonatrix (Serpentes: Colubridae) from western China
Authors: GUO PENG , ZHU FEI , LIU QIN
Published: June 2019

A new member of the natricine snake genus Sinonatrix Rossman & Eberle, 1977 is described from Yunnan Province, southwestern China, based on a single female specimen. The new species, Sinonatrix yapingi sp. nov., is distinguished from its congeners and related species by the following combination of characters: 1) large body size (maximum total length more than 795 mm); 2) dorsal scales in 19-19-17 rows, moderately keeled except outer four; 3) prefrontal single; 4) ventral scales 149, subcaudals 55, paired; 5) cloaca divided; 6) body bands 30; 7) belly milk-white, without speckles or bands; 8) reduction of dorsal scale rows from 19 to 17 anterior to 90th ventral scale; 9) reduction of caudodorsal scale rows from 8 to 6 anterior to 12th subcaudal and from 6 to 4 anterior to 38th subcaudal; 10) postorbital bones not in contact with frontals, with weak parietal ridge; end of supratemporal bones extending beyond braincase; maxillary teeth 25, last two not enlarged; and, dentary teeth 26. In addition, the genetic distances between the new species and other representatives of Sinonatrix ranged from 14.6% to 15.0%.
The Need for ‘Nudges’ by the Supreme Court of India: The Case of the Appointment and Removal of the Governors in India
Authors: de Souza Siddharth Peter , Agarwala Aayush
Published: June 2019

Recent instances of improper exercise of discretion by governors of Indian states have once again underscored the need for a critical appraisal of the manner in which such governors are appointed and removed under the Indian Constitution. The gulf between what the role of a governor was envisaged to be by the Constituent Assembly and what has actually played out in reality is a matter of grave concern. It would not be wise for us to expect the legislature to provide any solution to this problem, since the prevailing scenario plays to the advantage of whichever party holds the reins at the Centre. The judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the B. P. Singhal case made some important interventions as far as this vexed issue is concerned. However, the much-needed panacea to the ills of the process of appointment and removal of governors is still eagerly awaited. In this article, we recommend that the Supreme Court of India adopts a more contextualised approach to solving this intractable problem and considers adopting the ‘nudge theory’ to provide a framework to encourage important actors in this context to take more responsible and fair decisions in order to protect and preserve the democratic structures.
Effect of secondary bending and bolt load on damage and strength of composite single-lap interference-fit bolted structures
Authors: Zhang Kaifu , Hu Junshan , Zou Peng , Cheng Yi , Luo Bing , Cheng Hui
Published: June 2019

The single-lap interference-fit bolted joint is widely used in composite structures. In order to get an accurate prediction of bearing strength, secondary bending and bolt load effects are studied in the present research via combination of experimental and numerical methods. The joint specimens with four levels of interference-fit size ( I) and bolt torque ( T) were tested according to ASTM standard D5961 to evaluate the bearing behavior and joint stiffness. Meanwhile, a finite element model considering the shear nonlinearity is built to simulate the bearing strength and evolution of intralaminar damage and delamination. Results show that the bearing behavior of composite joints is more sensitive to bolt load than interference-fit size, and the optimal pattern is I = 0.4% and T = 8 N-m, which can effectively improve bearing performance and alleviate secondary bending effect. Matrix failure and fiber–matrix shear-out failure accompanied with delamination are commonly observed and localized on the bearing side of joint-holes, indicating the desired non-catastrophic failure modes.
Increase in morbidity and mortality in a shipment of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Eichner Michael , Garcia Kelly
Published: June 2019

A cohort of captive-bred red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta, was received from a commercial vendor. Shortly after arrival, several turtles presented as lethargic with subjectively pale skin and multifocal areas of cotton-like tufts in the mouth area and distal extremities. The water was treated with a commercial anti-fungal and anti-bacterial preparation of Victoria Green B and acriflavine. Despite treatment, 10 turtles were euthanized and others demonstrated persistent clinical signs. A live turtle was submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory for microbiologic and histologic evaluation. Seven cultures were obtained from this turtle and numerous organisms grew from each culture, including Flavobacterium sp. Blood film analysis demonstrated intracytoplasmic gamonts of Haemogregarina sp. within erythrocytes. On necropsy, internal organs appeared to be slightly more adhered within the coelomic cavity than normal. The urinary bladder was markedly distended with turbid, dark yellow urine. Microscopic evaluation of the tissues revealed significant parasitism with Myxidium sp., Spirorchis sp. and Neopolystoma orbiculare. No fungal organisms were identified on histology or grown in culture. While there are scattered reports of these pathogens in freshwater turtles, none of the cases reported describe such extensive co-infections. It is likely that complicated infection and shipping stress exacerbated clinical signs typically seen with these organisms. Efforts to minimize stress and administration of prophylactic antiparasitic agents during the acclimation period may aid in reducing the consequences of internal parasitism in aquatic turtles.
End-of-Life Activities Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Miho , Takahashi Masami , Kawashima Daisuke
Published: June 2019

This study explored end-of-life (EOL) activities among community-dwelling Japanese older adults and the relationships between EOL activities and related variables. One hundred twenty-three older adults (38 men, 87 women; mean age = 72.54 years) who attended EOL seminars were surveyed regarding EOL activities, attitudes toward death, and mental health status. Cluster analysis of EOL activities revealed three clusters: Planning (e.g., had planned own funeral arrangements), Preference (e.g., had talked about EOL care with their family), and Preparation (e.g., already written their will). The number of EOL-related events attended was positively correlated with Preparation, while fear of death was negatively associated with Preference. Older adults with bereavement experience had higher Planning and Preparation scores than those without such experience.
Why Is It Just So Hard? Making Sense of End-of-Life Communication Between Adult Children and Their Terminally Ill Parental Figures
Authors: Scheinfeld Emily , Lake Pamela K.
Published: June 2019

The aging population in the United States is predicted to become one fifth of the population by 2050. With that increase, more individuals in the country will be experiencing chronic health conditions and the need for care, with end of life (EoL) becoming more of a topic that needs to be discussed. This study aims to explore the ways adult children talk to their parents about EoL, death, and dying. We discovered six themes: protection, meeting needs, guilt and regret, control, family dynamics, and communication type. Each of these was prevalent in responses to how adult children cope, how they cared for their parent, and how hope played into the interactions. We believe these themes will be helpful in developing a quantitative scale to study EoL further and be practical in helping adult children cope following death of their parent.
Inertia-free nonlinear attitude tracking with disturbance compensation using adaptive-sliding control based on quaternion algebra
Authors: Alipour Mohammadreza , Fani Saberi Farhad , Kabganian Mansour
Published: June 2019

The main objective of this paper is to develop and simulate a nonlinear attitude tracking control algorithm. In this research, the designed controller is supposed to track the desired time varying attitude of a satellite in the presence of inertia uncertainties and external disturbances. Another restriction for this novel controller is that it should be implementable and more applicable for implementation in a real-time situation. In order to have an accurate and thorough model, the actuators are reaction wheels and the actuator dynamics are modeled in addition to spacecraft dynamics. By modeling actuator dynamics, the control signal is direct current motor voltage, which is the most fundamental control variable, and can be generated easily by a motor driver in practical cases. To achieve a robust tracking of the desired time varying attitude, a sliding mode controller is designed and adaptive techniques are developed based on sliding mode control to overcome the inertia uncertainties and to estimate and compensate for external disturbances. Since the quaternion illustration of equations makes it more straightforward to deal with the mathematical operation in three dimensions, and there are advantages such as singularity rejection, the kinematic equations of the satellite are parameterized using quaternion parameters and a novel control law will be derived by using a new facilitating approach to controller design, which is based on quaternion algebra. Using this approach, it will be easier to deal with tedious mathematical operations and, in contrast with most of the previous studies, the terms corresponding to derivatives of the desired attitude are not neglected and the tracking capability is retained. The global stability of both methods is investigated and proved using the Lyapunov stability theorem.
Flatness-based control scheme for hardware-in-the-loop simulations of omnidirectional mobile robot
Authors: Sahoo Saumya R , Chiddarwar Shital S
Published: June 2019

Omnidirectional robots offer better maneuverability and a greater degree of freedom over conventional wheel mobile robots. However, the design of their control system remains a challenge. In this study, a real-time simulation system is used to design and develop a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform for an omnidirectional mobile robot using bond graphs and a flatness-based controller. The control input from the simulation model is transferred to the robot hardware through an Arduino microcontroller input board. For feedback to the simulation model, a Kinect-based vision system is used. The developed controller, the Kinect-based vision system, and the HIL configuration are validated in the HIL simulation-based environment. The results confirm that the proposed HIL system can be an efficient tool for verifying the performance of the hardware and simulation designs of flatness-based control systems for omnidirectional mobile robots.
On contested water governance and the making of urban financialisation: Exploring the case of metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Klink Jeroen , Empinotti Vanessa Lucena , Aversa Marcelo
Published: June 2019

The literature on urban financialisation has prioritised the analysis of what finance does in the context of industrialised countries. This paper contributes to an understanding of what it is, and specifically how it emerges from the entanglements between the accumulation of intergovernmental debt, pricing and valuation practices – involving state and municipal utilities, regulatory agencies and consultancies – in the gradual transformation of shared into shareholder water governance in Brazilian metropolitan areas. Moreover, we provide a first illustration of how a more articulate approach between political economics and social studies of finance might contribute to an understanding of the making of urban financialisation, with a particular relevance for a context of less developed capital markets.
The Factorial Survey: The Impact of the Presentation Format of Vignettes on Answer Behavior and Processing Time
Authors: Shamon Hawal , Dülmer Hermann , Giza Adam
Published: June 2019

The factorial survey is an experimental design in which the researcher constructs varying descriptions of situations or individual persons (vignettes), which will be judged by respondents with regard to a particular aspect. Some researchers present vignettes in text format as short stories, others present the central information of vignettes in a tabular format. To date, only a few sentences have been published, by Auspurg and Hinz, on the impact of the presentation format (text vs. table) on the answer behavior of students. Empirically, no differences were found between either format. Based on an Internet experiment conducted with a quota sample, we find evidence that ordinary tabular formats outperform text vignettes in terms of total vignette nonresponse but not when it comes to processing time. The former result especially applies in the case of less well-educated people. We further find that tabular format does not perform worse than text format regarding response inconsistency.
‘Rise, Kill, and Eat’: Animals as Nations in Early Jewish Visionary Literature and Acts 10
Authors: Staples Jason A.
Published: June 2019

Peter’s vision in Acts 10 ostensibly concerns dietary laws but is interpreted within the narrative as a revelation of God’s mercy towards the Gentiles, culminating in the baptism of Cornelius’ household. How this vision pertains to the immediately following events has remained a problem in scholarship on Acts. This article argues that the vision depends on earlier apocalyptic Jewish depictions of various nations as animals (and empires as hybrid beasts) and allegorical explanations of the food laws familiar in the Second Temple period in which the forbidden animals are understood as representing those peoples with whom Israel must not mix. What seems on the surface to refer to food is therefore naturally understood within this genre as a reference to nations and peoples. Acts 10 thus makes use of standard Jewish apocalyptic tropes familiar to its audience but less familiar to modern readers.
Orientation and Mobility Career, College, and Community Readiness Standards: A Delphi Study
Authors: Tellefson Mary J. , Koehler William S. , Botsford Kathryn D. , Cook Leanne
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Performance standards drive current instructional practice. Disability-specific curricula is a critical component in preparing children for postsecondary transition. Currently, no standards govern instruction in orientation and mobility (O&M) skills for children with visual impairments. Standards for O&M would provide structure for educational equity in assuring that students with visual impairments receive a free and appropriate education.

Method:

This study used Delphi survey methods to determine consensus on the validity of the Orientation and Mobility Career, College, and Community Readiness Standards (O&M CCCRS). Consensus was measured as 80% or better agreement. Three survey rounds were initiated and two were completed by a purposive sample of certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) from two participant groups: Seven COMS from primary and secondary school–based settings and three from personnel preparation.

Results:

This Delphi study achieved consensus on the O&M CCCRS five student-performance standards (end of Grade 12 or age 21 years) as well as the corresponding age- and grade–level performance indicators at ages 24 months, 4 years, end of Grade 3, end of Grade 7, and end of Grade 12. Consensus was reached on all but two performance indicators (83 of the 85).

Discussion:

The Round 1 survey established validity of five O&M Domains: (1) Concept Development, (2) Sensory Development, (3) Orientation and Mapping, (4) Travel Techniques, and (5) Communication, Personal Safety, and Advocacy. Subsequent survey rounds found that 80% of participants agreed on the inclusion of 83 of the 85 performance indicators corresponding to those domains.

Implications for practitioners:

Alignment of O&M standards to Common Core Standards empowers teams to justify the instructional time, to document skill acquisition relative to the benchmarks of general-education peers, and to show where O&M skills support progress in common core and state learning standards.
Accommodation Needs for Teachers Who are Blind and Teach Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Okungu Phoebe A. , Griffin-Shirley Nora , Pogrund Rona L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

This study was intended to explore and identify the experiences and perceptions of teachers of students with visual impairments who are blind concerning their accommodation needs and to establish their opinions on what improvements can be made.

Method:

A qualitative case study design was used and was collected through interviews, observations, and documents. Participants were four teachers who are blind who taught students with visual impairments in mainstream public and specialized residential schools in the United States. Within-case and cross-case levels of data analysis were used to generate and compare the themes that emerged.

Results:

The results illuminated accommodation issues for the teachers in the areas of family support, strategies the teachers use, challenges in their workplaces, and suggestions regarding possible improvements.

Discussion:

This study generated answers to the pertinent research questions. The study has revealed that the participants use different types and forms of accommodations to accomplish tasks. Some accommodations used include computer technology, assistive devices, and sighted assistants. However, the participants expressed that access to these accommodations are not consistent for all individuals who are blind. The participants also identified the accommodation challenges that are related to their blindness and provided suggestions for possible improvements.

Implications for practitioners:

Teachers of students with visual impairments who are blind need to be self-advocates in their personnel preparation programs and in their workplaces concerning the accommodations they need to accomplish job tasks.
Doubt and the Algorithm: On the Partial Accounts of Machine Learning
Authors: Amoore Louise
Published: June 2019

In a 1955 lecture the physicist Richard Feynman reflected on the place of doubt within scientific practice. ‘Permit us to question, to doubt, to not be sure’, proposed Feynman, ‘it is possible to live and not to know’. In our contemporary world, the science of machine learning algorithms appears to transform the relations between science, knowledge and doubt, to make even the most doubtful event amenable to action. What might it mean to ‘leave room for doubt’ or ‘to live and not to know’ in our contemporary culture, where the algorithm plays a major role in the calculability of doubts? I propose a posthuman mode of doubt that decentres the liberal humanist subject. In the science of machine learning algorithms the doubts of human and technological beings nonetheless dwell together, opening onto a future that is never fully reduced to the single output signal, to the optimised target.
Procedural training for the management of superficial venous insufficiency: A survey of Rouleaux Club members
Authors: Meecham Lewis , Nandhra Sandip ,   on behalf of the Rouleaux Club, Nyamekye Isaac K
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In 2012, the Rouleaux Club published their survey claiming large deficits in venous training. Since then vascular surgery has become its own specialty with a dedicated section of the curriculum for superficial venous intervention. The aim of this study was to assess whether the introduction of the new curriculum has improved current Rouleaux Club members training in superficial venous intervention.

Method

A trainee designed survey was developed and distributed to UK vascular surgery trainees in summer 2017.

Results

We received 55 (41.0%) responses. Training in endovenous procedures was available to 100% of trainees, and open surgery was only available to 43.2% of trainees; 86.5% of centres used endovenous procedures as the default intervention Only 75.7% of respondents were timetabled for dedicated superficial venous intervention lists; 72.7% have not received any formal training in duplex ultrasonography. Higher self-reported procedural competence was associated with greater numbers of procedures rather than training grade seniority.

Conclusion

It seems that despite a separate curriculum there are still self-reported trainee deficits in competence and skills. Low respondent levels (41%) should be considered but there is a potential problem for future venous practice.
Effects of commonly prescribed drugs on cognition and mild cognitive impairment in healthy elderly people
Authors: del Ser Teodoro , Zea María-Ascensión , Valentí Meritxell , Olazarán Javier , López-Álvarez Jorge , Rebollo-Vázquez Ana , Ávila-Villanueva Marina , Frades Belén , Medina Miguel , Fernández-Blázquez Miguel A
Published: June 2019

Background:

Chronic drug intake has been associated with negative and positive cognitive effects in elderly people, although subjacent conditions may be confounding factors.

Aim:

To study the effects on cognitive performance of commonly prescribed medications in a cohort of cognitively normal older adults.

Methods:

Medication intake was recorded during two years in 1087 individuals 70–85 years old, without neurological or psychiatric conditions. The influence of every drug, drug family and therapeutic group on six cognitive scores and on the conversion to mild cognitive impairment over two years was ascertained by cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

Results:

Small effects of several drugs on information processing were found in cross-sectional analyses but only confirmed for a positive effect of vitamin D in case–control analyses. Longitudinal analyses showed no drug effects on the cognitive slopes. Several hypotensive drugs reduced, whereas bromazepam and glucose lowering drugs increased, the conversion rate to mild cognitive impairment with very small effects ( R2=0.3–1%).

Conclusions:

Cognitively healthy elderly individuals show minimal negative effects on information processing associated with chronic intake of some drugs probably related to the subjacent condition. Some drugs slightly affect the rate of conversion to mild cognitive impairment. Positive effects of vitamin D, chondroitin, atorvastatin and antihypertensive drugs, and negative effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, should be further explored in studies with longer follow-up.
Assessment of simplified methods for quantification of [18F]-DPA-714 using 3D whole-brain TSPO immunohistochemistry in a non-human primate
Authors: Van Camp Nadja , Balbastre Yaël , Herard Anne-Sophie , Lavisse Sonia , Tauber Clovis , Wimberley Catriona , Guillermier Martine , Berniard Aurélie , Gipchtein Pauline , Jan Caroline , Badin Romina Aron , Delzescaux Thierry , Hantraye Philippe , Bonvento Gilles
Published: June 2019

The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is the main molecular target to image neuroinflammation by positron emission tomography (PET). However, TSPO-PET quantification is complex and none of the kinetic modelling approaches has been validated using a voxel-by-voxel comparison of TSPO-PET data with the actual TSPO levels of expression. Here, we present a single case study of binary classification of in vivo PET data to evaluate the statistical performance of different TSPO-PET quantification methods. To that end, we induced a localized and adjustable increase of TSPO levels in a non-human primate brain through a viral-vector strategy. We then performed a voxel-wise comparison of the different TSPO-PET quantification approaches providing parametric [18F]-DPA-714 PET images, with co-registered in vitro three-dimensional TSPO immunohistochemistry (3D-IHC) data. A data matrix was extracted from each brain hemisphere, containing the TSPO-IHC and TSPO-PET data for each voxel position. Each voxel was then classified as false or true, positive or negative after comparison of the TSPO-PET measure to the reference 3D-IHC method. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were calculated for each TSPO-PET quantification method. Our results show that standard uptake value ratios using cerebellum as a reference region (SUVCBL) has the most optimal ROC score amongst all non-invasive approaches.
Controversial roles for dexamethasone in glioblastoma – Opportunities for novel vascular targeting therapies
Authors: Dubinski Daniel , Hattingen Elke , Senft Christian , Seifert Volker , Peters Kevin G , Reiss Yvonne , Devraj Kavi , Plate Karl H
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and treatment resistant primary brain tumor. Features of glioblastoma include peritumoral cerebral edema, the major contributor to neurological impairment. Although the current clinical approach to edema management is administration of the synthetic corticoid dexamethasone, increasing evidence indicates numerous adverse effects of dexamethasone on glioblastoma burden at the molecular, cellular and clinical level. The contradictions of dexamethasone for glioblastoma and brain metastasis therapy are discussed in this article. Finally, alternative strategies for cerebrovascular edema therapy with vascular stabilizing, anti-permeability agents that are either approved or in clinical trials for diabetic retinopathy and macula edema, are addressed.
Exploring the Concept of Food Insecurity and Family Hunger in Senegal, West Africa
Authors: Walker Renee E. , NDao Fatou , BeLue Rhonda
Published: June 2019

Using a previously validated instrument, surveys were conducted by researchers in a Senegalese village to elicit data on childhood food insecurity and health outcomes. Fifty-four participants were interviewed and completed the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project (CCHIP) survey. More than half of the adults experienced hypertension or diabetes and also reported childhood food insecurity. The role of food coping strategies and social support were identified as factors that minimized the burden of food insecurity. Further testing with instruments that include analysis of cyclic food access patterns is warranted to best determine how to combat both food insecurity and noncommunicable chronic disease incidence in Senegalese families.
Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the BASNEF Model on Promoting Physical Activity Among Postpartum Women
Authors: Bashirian Saeed , Ouji Zohreh , Afshari Maryam , Barati Majid , Heydarimoghadam Rashid , Soltanian Alireza
Published: June 2019

Background

Due to the prevalence of low physical activity (PA) among women, especially during the postpartum period, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of an educational program based on BASNEF (beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors) model in promoting the postpartum PA among mothers.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 68 women of Kermanshah City in Western Iran during 2015 who were recruited through cluster random sampling method. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: intervention ( n = 33) and control ( n = 35). The subjects in the intervention group received the five educational sessions. The assessment of the participants was performed before and 6 weeks after the intervention. The researcher-made questionnaire based on the structures of the BASNEF model and the standard PA questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software.

Results

After educational intervention, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, enabling factors, number of steps, and the intensity of PA ( p < .001). In addition, there was no significant difference between groups toward the PA intensity before the intervention ( p = .590), but this relationship was significant after the intervention ( p = .001).

Conclusion

Based on the results, training the PA based on the BASNEF model can be effective in promoting the PA in the postpartum period; therefore, it is recommended that the educational programs be applied for all these mothers in postpartum period. In addition, if the theories and behavior change models be correctly applied in educational programs, the useful results will be obtained.
Correlation between APACHE III score and sleep quality in ICU patients
Authors: Wang Chang-yong , Shang Min , Feng Li-zhi , Zhou Chen-liang , Zhou Qing-shan , Hu Ke
Published: June 2019

Objective

To reveal the correlation between APACHE III score and sleep quality in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This prospective, observational study included patients aged ≥18 years, who had been admitted to an integrated ICU for ≥48 h. Age, sex, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) prior to ICU, Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), noise, illumination, number of nursing interventions, Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), and APACHE III score during sleep were evaluated.

Results

A total of 124 ICU patients were included, all with APACHE III scores < 60. APACHE III scores were not significantly associated with RCSQ scores. There were significant inverse associations between sleep quality in the ICU and PSQI score prior to ICU (odds ratio [OR] 0.587, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.365, 0.945) and noise (OR 0.628, 95% CI 0.522, 0.756).

Conclusion

In ICU patients with APACHE III scores below 60 points, APACHE III score was not associated with sleep quality. PSQI score prior to ICU and noise were significantly inversely associated with sleep quality in this ICU patient population.
The direct subordination of universities to the accumulation of capital
Authors: Rikap Cecilia , Harari-Kermadec Hugo
Published: June 2019

Universities have historically contributed to the reproduction of capitalism. However, they have been historically conceived as a separate sphere or institution detached from the Market, thus only indirect participants of capital’s accumulation processes. Our aim in this article is precisely to contribute to acknowledge this transformation by further developing a theoretical explanation integrated to a Marxist analysis of contemporary capitalism. In particular, following Levín, we distinguish that a portion of world’s social capital has monopolized the capacity to plan and profit from innovation. The wide gap in terms of innovation capacities between individual capitals leaves those non-innovative with no better option but to subordinate and let go part of their surplus. It is in this context that we will suggest that universities integrate direct capital’s accumulation structures. To do so, we will conceptually distinguish between two sides of universities’ transformation: (1) the adoption of capital enterprises’ characteristics resulting in exchanges of their products (teaching and research results), where we will identify different degrees of bargaining power to decide the conditions of those exchanges, and (2) the transformation of academic labor, adapting itself to capitalist production processes. Considering the former, we argue that universities’ adoption of individual capitals’ features can be better understood as a differentiated process. We suggest three types of differentiated market-university, according to the different enterprises in Levín’s typology. Our concluding remarks include further research questions and nuance the general transformation of the University as an economic actor offering some clues for developing countertendencies.
From Traditional to Automated Mobility on Demand: A Comprehensive Framework for Modeling On-Demand Services in SimMobility
Authors: Nahmias-Biran Bat-hen , Oke Jimi B. , Kumar Nishant , Basak Kakali , Araldo Andrea , Seshadri Ravi , Akkinepally Arun , Lima Azevedo Carlos , Ben-Akiva Moshe
Published: June 2019

Mobility on demand (MoD) systems have recently emerged as a promising paradigm for sustainable personal urban mobility in cities. In the context of multi-agent simulation technology, the state-of-the-art lacks a platform that captures the dynamics between decentralized driver decision-making and the centralized coordinated decision-making. This work aims to fill this gap by introducing a comprehensive framework that models various facets of MoD, namely heterogeneous MoD driver decision-making and coordinated fleet management within SimMobility, an agent- and activity-based demand model integrated with a dynamic multi-modal network assignment model. To facilitate such a study, we propose an event-based modeling framework. Behavioral models were estimated to characterize the decision-making of drivers using a GPS dataset from a major MoD fleet operator in Singapore. The proposed framework was designed to accommodate behaviors of multiple on-demand services such as traditional MoD, Lyft-like services, and automated MoD (AMoD) services which interact with traffic simulators and a multi-modal transportation network. We demonstrate the benefits of the proposed framework through a large-scale case study in Singapore comparing the fully decentralized traditional MoD with the future AMoD services in a realistic simulation setting. We found that AMoD results in a more efficient service even with increased demand. Parking strategies and fleet sizes will also have an effect on user satisfaction and network performance.
Changes in left and right ventricular two-dimensional echocardiographic speckle-tracking indices in pediatric LVAD population: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Iacobelli Roberta , Di Molfetta Arianna , Cobianchi Bellisari Flavia , Toscano Alessandra , Filippelli Sergio , Di Chiara Luca , Pasquini Luciano , Iorio Fiore Salvatore , Amodeo Antonio
Published: June 2019

Echocardiographic strain and strain-rate imaging is a promising tool for the evaluation of myocardial segmental function, for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction, and for the prediction of reverse remodeling. We aimed at studying the changes in left and right ventricular function in pulsatile left ventricular assist device pediatric patients by two-dimensional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Echocardiographic and clinical data of patients implanted with a pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist device from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed before and after implantation at 1, 3, and 6 months. A total of 18 patients were enrolled. Median age and weight at implantation were 9 months (5–23 months) and 5.85 kg (4.85–8.75 kg), respectively; median left ventricular assist device support was 181 (114.5–289.5) days. 13 patients (73%) were transplanted and 5 patients (27%) died. At follow-up: left ventricular ejection fraction increase at 1 month (p = 0.001) and 3 months (p = 0.01), left ventricular global longitudinal strain improvement at 1 month (p = 0.0008) and 3 months (p = 0.02), and right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain increase at 1 month (p = 0.01). At short term after left ventricular assist device implantation, both left ventricular and right ventricular mechanics improved. The temporary benefit seems to decrease over time. The worsening of left ventricular function has been followed by a worsening of right ventricular function probably due to the ventricular interdependence.
Targeting Women’s Employment: Do Employment Subsidies Work? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Dildar Yasemin
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the effect of the 2008 employment package on the gender employment gap in Turkey. The package introduced subsidies for the employment of women in all 81 provinces. However, positive discrimination was only effective in the provinces that did not benefit from social security contribution cuts under a previous subsidy scheme. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, I find that those provinces saw a 5.1 percent higher increase in the female share of employment in comparison with provinces where positive discrimination was not in force. Moreover, the effectiveness of the package is not lower in more conservative provinces, where conservatism is measured by the percentage of early marriages, gender inequality, and gender empowerment indices. The study concludes that the 2008 employment package was successful in closing the gender gap, even in more conservative provinces. By showing that a demand-side intervention can overcome the cultural constraints, it offers valuable insights to policy-makers interested in pursuing policies related to disadvantaged groups, particularly women.

JEL Classification: C31, J08, J21, Z10
Profit as Social Rent: Embeddedness and Stratification in Markets
Authors: Muennich Sascha
Published: June 2019

This article shows how research on the social structure of markets may contribute to the analysis the growing income inequality in contemporary capitalist economies. The author proposes a theoretical link between embeddedness and social stratification by discussing the role of institutions and networks in markets for the distribution of economic profits between firms. The author claims that we must understand profit and free competition as opposites, as economic theory does. In the main part of the article the author illustrates six typical mechanisms of rent extraction from networks or formal and symbolic rules that embed markets. They emerge from material as well as symbolical access to and influence on the orientation of other market actors. Social structures in markets lead to unequal chances for rent extraction, even if actors produce them for coordination rather than for accumulation purposes. This is how market sociology and theory of capitalism can be linked more closely.
Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Steroids in the Sepsis Conquest: Replete to Defeat
Authors: Guirguis Erenie , Grace Yasmin , Maarsingh Harm , Tran Thi Ca , Tkachuk Elena
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

Sepsis and septic shock are significant health issues in the United States. Novel treatment options focusing on mitigating the dysregulated host response while reducing the need for vasopressor support are needed. This review discusses ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

The results of clinical studies using ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy or in combination are reviewed. High doses of IV ascorbic acid improved organ failure evidenced by changes in SOFA scores, declining CRP and PCT levels, and reduced vasopressor use. Thiamine initiation improved lactate levels in thiamine deficient patients in one study and demonstrated quicker lactate clearance and lower 28-day mortality in another study. Steroid studies demonstrated greatest benefit when initiating hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone early in septic shock. Combination therapy with ascorbic acid, thiamine and steroids reduced hospital mortality and vasopressor use in sepsis and septic shock in a small single-center study.

Conclusion:

Initial studies in patients with sepsis and septic shock demonstrated beneficial effects of ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy or in combination without safety concerns. However, the efficacy and safety of these therapies warrant further validation in larger clinical studies.
Iatrogenic Propylene Glycol Intoxication Due to High-Dose Pentobarbital for Refractory Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report
Authors: Smedley Lucas W. , Rios Denise , Barthol Colleen A. , Garvin Rachel E.
Published: June 2019

Propylene glycol is a rarely reported toxicity from high-dose administration of certain intravenous drugs, including lorazepam and pentobarbital. We present a case of iatrogenic propylene glycol toxicity secondary to a high-dose pentobarbital infusion for the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The patient developed metabolic acidosis and acute kidney failure secondary to propylene glycol toxicity. After initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy, the patient’s acute renal failure and lactic acidosis resolved. Using the Naranjo scale, this case received a score of 5, defining it as a “probable” adverse drug event. In patients who develop lactic acidosis and acute renal failure after initiation of high-dose pentobarbital, propylene glycol toxicity should be higher up in the differential diagnosis. Monitoring the serum osmolality while on pentobarbital could help provide valuable information to prevent iatrogenic propylene glycol toxicity.
Effectiveness of a Student Pharmacist–Led Telephone Follow-Up Intervention to Improve Hemoglobin A1C in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Peasah Samuel K. , Granitz Kathryn , Vu Michelle , Jacob Bobby
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a student pharmacist–led telephone follow-up intervention to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetic patients.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study to implement a telephone follow-up intervention for diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7%. Patients were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. All patients received standard of care. Patients in the intervention group additionally received weekly phone calls from a student pharmacist for 12 weeks to encourage medication adherence. HbA1c at baseline and end of study were measured and the data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model to assess the association between the end of study and baseline HbA1c while controlling for demographics.

Results:

Seventy-eight patients participated and the average age was 62 (±11) years. Baseline HbA1c was 8.2% (±1.4%) in the intervention group and 7.9% (±1.3%) in the control group. HbA1c decreased by 0.35% in the intervention group ( P = .027) and increased by 0.338% in the control group ( P = .013). The end of study HbA1c were higher in the control group even after controlling for baseline HbA1cs (0.5547, P value .002) in the regression model.

Conclusion:

Incorporating student pharmacists in physician offices to provide clinical care services could lead to improved patient outcomes and students’ clinical and research skills.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists’ Perception of Prediabetes
Authors: Carris Nicholas W. , Cowart Kevin M. , Garcia Angela S.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Eighty-four million patients in the United States have prediabetes yet evidence-based interventions to prevent diabetes are infrequently used. The concept of prediabetes is contentious, although preventive interventions are guideline supported. Team-based care models incorporating pharmacists for prediabetes have been proposed; however, pharmacist perception regarding prediabetes has not been assessed. This study's objective was to assess ambulatory care pharmacists’ perception of recommendations for prediabetes.

Methods:

An anonymous survey was electronically distributed through the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network. The primary outcome was the proportion of respondents who reported supporting 3 main recommendations related to prediabetes (ie, screening, evidence-based lifestyle-intervention, metformin). The study was approved by the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board. Data collection and analysis occurred in 2017.

Results:

The survey was distributed to approximately 2209 potential participants. One hundred thirty-three surveys were completed. The American Diabetes Association guideline was the most common primarily supported guideline related to prediabetes (89%). Of the respondents, 87% supported all 3 main recommendations regarding prediabetes. Qualitative feedback demonstrated the full range of opinions; programs for prediabetes, limited intervention for prediabetes, and against prediabetes as a concept.

Conclusions:

The majority of ambulatory care pharmacists responding supported all main recommendations related to prediabetes and therefore may be practicable for disseminating diabetes prevention interventions. However, barriers to implementation should be expected.
Understanding Donor-Advised Funds: How Grants Flow During Recessions
Authors: Heist H. Daniel , Vance-McMullen Danielle
Published: June 2019

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. DAFs receive a growing share of all charitable donations and control a sizable proportion of grants made to other nonprofits. The growth of DAFs has generated controversy over their function as intermediary philanthropic vehicles. Using a panel data set of 996 DAF organizations from 2007 to 2016, this article provides an empirical analysis of DAF activity. We conduct longitudinal analyses of key DAF metrics, such as grants and payout rates. We find that a few large organizations heavily skew the aggregated data for a rather heterogeneous group of nonprofits. These panel data are then analyzed with macroeconomic indicators to analyze changes in DAF metrics during economic recessions. We find that, in general, DAF grantmaking is relatively resilient to recessions. We find payout rates increased during times of recession, as did a new variable we call the flow rate.
Arranging the Chairs in the Beloved Community: The Politics, Problems, and Prospects of Multi-Racial Congregations in 1 Corinthians and Today
Authors: Rhodes Michael J.
Published: June 2019

If racism is America’s original sin, it is also one of America’s most pressing contemporary problems. Indeed, Edwards’ recent research suggests that even intentionally multi-racial congregations often reproduce and reinforce white hegemony rather than undermine it. In this article, I first bring Edwards’ sociological research into dialogue with the theological critiques of racism within the ecclesia raised by Jennings and Sanders. I then offer a theological interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:17–12:26 from the social location of American multi-racial churches subject to and complicit with racism for the purpose of those churches’ missional embodiment of an alternative politics. I argue that Paul critiques the church for gathering in ways more Corinthian than Christian. The solution is for the church to rearrange its communal life together in line with the eschatological ‘logic of the cross’. Such a cruciform community affords greater honor within the ecclesia precisely to those who lack it in the broader culture. In the concluding section, I consider how contemporary multi-racial churches might live out this ‘militant, reconciling ecclesiology’ today.
The cycloidal gearbox efficiency for different types of bearings—Sleeves vs. needle bearings
Authors: Olejarczyk K , Wikło M , Kołodziejczyk K
Published: June 2019

A comparative study of a cycloidal gearbox working with a different kind of bearings is presented in the article. Two kinds of the bearings used in the cycloidal gearbox are taken into consideration: sleeves and needle bearings. The theoretical efficiency calculation for both types of the bearing was compared with experimental results. The experiment was performed on a one-stage cycloidal gearbox designed, calculated, and manufactured during the research. The test was made under different working conditions, input speeds, and the braking torques. The results show an increase in the efficiency for the needle bearings compared to sleeves. The value of the efficiency is strictly connected with the braking torque of the gearbox as well as with the velocity. The article shows a very good correlation between calculated efficiency and the efficiency determined during the tests.