bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Frequency Variations of Earth Rotation Parameters from GPS and GLONASS Observations
Authors: Wei Erhu , Jin Shuanggen , Wan Lihua , Liu Wenjie , Yang Yali , Hu Zhenghong
Published: January 2015

The Earth’s rotation undergoes changes with the influence of geophysical factors, such as Earth’s surface fluid mass redistribution of the atmosphere, ocean and hydrology. However, variations of Earth Rotation Parameters (ERP) are still not well understood, particularly the short-period variations (e.g., diurnal and semi-diurnal variations) and their causes. In this paper, the hourly time series of Earth Rotation Parameters are estimated using Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and combining GPS and GLONASS data collected from nearly 80 sites from 1 November 2012 to 10 April 2014. These new observations with combining different satellite systems can help to decorrelate orbit biases and ERP, which improve estimation of ERP. The high frequency variations of ERP are analyzed using a de-trending method. The maximum of total diurnal and semidiurnal variations are within one milli-arcseconds (mas) in Polar Motion (PM) and 0.5 milli-seconds (ms) in UT1-UTC. The semidiurnal and diurnal variations are mainly related to the ocean tides. Furthermore, the impacts of satellite orbit and time interval used to determinate ERP on the amplitudes of tidal terms are analyzed. We obtain some small terms that are not described in the ocean tide model of the IERS Conventions 2010, which may be caused by the strategies and models we used or the signal noises as well as artifacts. In addition, there are also small differences on the amplitudes between our results and IERS convention. This might be a result of other geophysical excitations, such as the high-frequency variations in atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) and hydrological angular momentum (HAM), which needs more detailed analysis with more geophysical data in the future.
A Data Fusion Method in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Izadi Davood , Abawajy Jemal , Ghanavati Sara , Herawan Tutut
Published: January 2015

The success of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) deployment strongly depends on the quality of service (QoS) it provides regarding issues such as data accuracy, data aggregation delays and network lifetime maximisation. This is especially challenging in data fusion mechanisms, where a small fraction of low quality data in the fusion input may negatively impact the overall fusion result. In this paper, we present a fuzzy-based data fusion approach for WSN with the aim of increasing the QoS whilst reducing the energy consumption of the sensor network. The proposed approach is able to distinguish and aggregate only true values of the collected data as such, thus reducing the burden of processing the entire data at the base station (BS). It is also able to eliminate redundant data and consequently reduce energy consumption thus increasing the network lifetime. We studied the effectiveness of the proposed data fusion approach experimentally and compared it with two baseline approaches in terms of data collection, number of transferred data packets and energy consumption. The results of the experiments show that the proposed approach achieves better results than the baseline approaches.
Cutting Food Waste through Cooperation along the Food Supply Chain
Authors: Göbel Christine , Langen Nina , Blumenthal Antonia , Teitscheid Petra , Ritter Guido
Published: January 2015

Food produced but not used for human consumption is a waste of natural resources. In order to prevent and reduce food waste, the main causes have to be identified systematically along the food supply chain (FSC). The aim of this study is (1) to shed light on the causes and effects of food waste through the analysis of 44 qualitative expert interviews examining the processes and intermediaries along the German food chain and (2) to find methods to reduce it. Results indicate that food waste occurs at all stages in the food chain. Thus, there is no single culprit to be blamed. Besides, the identified reasons for food waste differ between product groups; not a single solution can cause notable change. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that the causes and effects of food waste are to be found at different stages of the value chain. Hence, it is of high importance to improve communication and to raise a new appreciation for food among all stakeholders of the food supply chain in order to develop a more sustainable food system. Information on the topic of food waste needs to be shared among all actors of the supply chain. They need to share responsibility and work together to reduce food waste.
Electrochemical selenium- and iodonium-initiated cyclisation of hydroxy-functionalised 1,4-dienes
Authors: Röse Philipp , Emge Steffen , Yoshida Jun-ichi , Hilt Gerhard
Published: January 2015

The cobalt(I)-catalysed 1,4-hydrovinylation reaction of allyloxytrimethylsilane and allyl alcohol with substituted 1,3-dienes leads to hydroxy-functionalised 1,4-dienes in excellent regio- and diastereoselective fashion. Those 1,4-dienols can be converted into tetrahydrofuran and pyran derivatives under indirect electrochemical conditions generating selenium or iodonium cations. The reactions proceed in good yields and regioselectivities for the formation of single diastereomers.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUAL IMPAIRED PERSONS IN THE TRAFFIC NETWORK
Authors: Periša Marko , Peraković Dragan , Vaculík Juraj
Published: January 2015

The information about the environment and the precise guidance of visually impaired people is the basis for their safe movement of the traffic network. Therefore, the information and communication services should be adapted to this group of users. The services based on the advanced information and communication technologies provide the visually impaired persons with information about the environment while moving along the traffic network. This paper analyses the currently available information systems of users when moving traffic network, and the currently most services based on new ICT (Information and Communications Technology). The analysis was carried on a representative sample of the City of Zagreb (Croatia) in involving all interest groups of visually impaired people. Based on defined user requirements is proposed a new services based on NFC (Near Field Communication) and RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems). Testing and analysing the efficiency of single information and communication technologies have been performed on the actual traffic network system of the City of Zagreb. The users of the Croatian Society for Promotion and Development of Tiphlotechnology (Hrvatska Udruga za Promicanje i Razvoj Tiflotehnike – HUPRT, http://www.huprt.hr) participated in checking the efficiency of single technologies and services.
A DRIVERLESS VEHICLE DEMONSTRATION ON MOTORWAYS AND IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Godoy Jorge , Pérez Joshué , Onieva Enrique , Villagrá Jorge , Milanés Vicente , Haber Rodolfo
Published: January 2015

The constant growth of the number of vehicles in today’s world demands improvements in the safety and efficiency of roads and road use. This can be in part satisfied by the implementation of autonomous driving systems because of their greater precision than human drivers in controlling a vehicle. As result, the capacity of the roads would be increased by reducing the spacing between vehicles. Moreover, greener driving modes could be applied so that the fuel consumption, and therefore carbon emissions, would be reduced. This paper presents the results obtained by the AUTOPIA program during a public demonstration performed in June 2012. This driverless experiment consisted of a 100-kilometre route around Madrid (Spain), including both urban and motorway environments. A first vehicle – acting as leader and manually driven – transmitted its relevant information – i.e., position and speed – through an 802.11p communication link to a second vehicle, which tracked the leader’s trajectory and speed while maintaining a safe distance. The results were encouraging, and showed the viability of the AUTOPIA approach.
Evaluation of the pre-detective signal priority for bus rapid transit: coordinating the primary and secondary intersections
Authors: Yang Min , Sun Gang , Wang Wei , Sun Xin , Ding Jian , Han Jing
Published: January 2015

Since the traditional transit priority strategy can only adjust signal timing in a limited range and is not suitable for all kinds of signal timing designs, it cannot provide enough priority for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). In addition, traditional transit priority strategy has caused serious interferences with other traffic. This study proposes a pre-detective signal priority strategy for BRT with coordination between primary and secondary intersections. By pre-detecting, the time buses arrive at the primary intersection, the signal timing of both the primary and secondary intersections, along with the offsets, are adjusted simultaneously, based on the common length and the green ratio of each phase. In this method, the signal cycle constraints are clarified, and the bus control coordination between intersections has been taken into consideration. In this paper, one direction traffic is taken as a study example to testify the effectiveness of this method. The study uses the data collected from Changzhou, China, and a microscopic traffic simulation software PTV VISSIM with four simulation scenarios defined: no signal priority, traditional signal priority, pre-detective signal priority and pre-detective signal priority with coordination. This paper selects a set of indicators to evaluate the traffic operation for both public transit and private traffic. Results show that pre-detective signal priority with coordination is the most effective, with the total bus intersection delay decreases by 67.4% and the bus headway adherence declines by approximately 40% at all the primary and secondary stations of BRT line 1. Moreover, the negative effects that could happen with providing signal priority for BRT, such as increasing the delay and length of queue of private traffic at the intersections, are significantly reduced.
Justices en mutation au Burundi
Authors: Matignon Émilie
Published: January 2015

Loin de se cantonner à une dimension purement institutionnelle ou au seul processus de justice transitionnelle, la justice burundaise conjugue temps et modalités distincts, attestant ainsi de sa nature profondément hétéroclite et globale. Son exercice, son appropriation et sa légitimation par les acteurs qui l’élaborent et ceux pour qui elle est appliquée sont empreints d’hybridation et de rationalités concurrentes. Le pluralisme à la fois juridique et judiciaire de la transition offre ainsi un espace de réflexions et de pratiques variées autour de la justice, tel un « laboratoire » foisonnant, il enseigne sur ce qu’est la justice, ou du moins sur ses mutations en cours, mais également sur ce qu’elle pourrait être.
Aligning Care Initiatives to Reduce Medication Adverse Effects in Nursing Homes
Authors: Brandt Nicole J. , Zarowitz Barbara J.
Published: January 2015

Medication adverse effects in nursing homes continue to be an ongoing issue in long-term care, resulting in adverse events and temporary harm that lead to increased hospitalizations. In 2014, the Office of the Inspector General report noted that among Medicare beneficiaries in Part A stays less than 35 days, 22% experienced an adverse event and 11% experienced temporary harm. Ongoing initiatives and clinical services that can be aligned to address medication adverse events are discussed within the current article. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(1), 8–13.]
Recruitment of juvenile fishes into a small temperate choked lagoon (Argentina) and the influence of environmental factors during the process
Authors: Bruno Daniel O. , Cousseau María B. , Díaz de Astarloa Juan M. , Acha Eduardo M.
Published: January 2015

Juvenile fishes were sampled every 15 days from September 2009 to April 2010 along the marine-estuarine gradient (surf zone, estuary and a freshwater stream) of the Mar Chiquita lagoon, Argentina. The temporal variations of juvenile assemblages in spring-summer and the environmental variables related to the spatial and temporal patterns were analysed. Four groups of sampling stations were defined, indicating differences in fish composition among zones during the spring–early summer period (Groups I to III), while the composition of juvenile fishes was homogeneous along the marine-estuarine gradient during the late summer–early autumn period (Group IV). Platanichthys platana and Ramnogaster arcuata (Group A) and Odontesthes argentinensis and Brevoortia aureaz (Group B) contributed most to the temporal differences observed. The three first species reached this estuarine system in spring, although with lower abundances than in early summer, while B. aurea was dominant in late summer–early autumn, showing different periods of recruitment of these species into the lagoon. After factoring out variation due to shared spatial-temporal-environmental factors (4.43%), canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that temporal factors had an almost five times greater contribution (15.15%) than spatial factors (2.85%) and almost twice as great as the pure environmental factors (8.11%) to explaining the variation in abundance of the juvenile fishes. From the significant environmental variables incorporated in the CCA, wind direction contributed more than water temperature, salinity or transparency in explaining data variability. Indeed, most species were related to “onshore winds” and therefore the importance of wind in the successful recruitment of juveniles into this shallow and micro-tidal estuary is discussed.
Leveraging Broadband for e-Government and Development in Africa
Authors: Aikins Stephen Kwamena
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the extent and benefits of Africa's broadband connectivity, its impact on e-government and economic growth, and the challenges and best practices for addressing them. Studies by the UN and ITU over the years have revealed Africa lags behind in the global broadband connectivity and e-government diffusion. The Connect Africa summit held in 2007 by the ITU and its partners came out with five specific goals to connect the continent and help improve its economy. This study reviewed the Connect Africa Outcomes Report, and analyzed the publications of three independent studies conducted by: a) the ITU, b) the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and c) Informa Telecoms and Media. The findings reveal that Africa has made substantial progress in international connectivity and mobile broadband penetration. Additionally, broadband connectivity has contributed toward some improvements in e-government initiatives and economic growth. The study concludes with recommendations to address the existing challenges to consolidate the gains made.
Engaging Citizens and Delivering Services
Authors: Roach Charlene M. L. , Beddeau Cristal
Published: January 2015

Globally, governments are attempting to transform their societies with the widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Public agencies consider ICTs as powerful tools to deliver services to citizens and encourage engagement. Debate surrounds issues of e-government and how it can be used to transform service delivery and engagement to citizens. For developing countries research indicates that most of these attempts can be explained as e-government versus e-governance. This article examines initiatives by the Housing Development Corporation in Trinidad and Tobago to provide service delivery to citizens and encourage their participation through electronic means. It also evaluates the effects of the agency's initiatives to citizens and its ability to interact with them. Using content analysis of the agency's website and survey interviews, the study examines four categories taken from two research questions and suggests the extent to which these efforts signal the development of e-government practices by this agency.
An Assessment of E-Government in a West African Country
Authors: Amagoh Francis
Published: January 2015

Governments around the world are using e-government to improve their modes of governance and the delivery of public services to citizens. Similarly, almost all countries are assessed and ranked by international organizations (such as the United Nations) on their level of e-government development. This paper examines Nigeria's e-government development rankings in light of the government's efforts to develop the country's infrastructure and human capital. While Nigeria is one of the richest country in Africa and has the one of the fastest growing ICT market in the continent, it is ranked low in Africa and globally in terms of e-government provision of public services to its citizens. The analysis suggests that more efforts should be made by the government to address the barriers to effective deployment of e-government initiatives in Nigeria.
Optimizing Power Electronic Circuit Design with Uniform Search Range
Authors: Lin Ying , Zhan Zhi-Hui , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2015

Power electronic circuit (PEC) design is a complicated optimization problem that calls for evolutionary computation (EC) algorithm. The existing EC algorithms for optimizing PEC have difficulty in practical applications because they demand users to carefully define very narrow search ranges for different circuit components. Aiming at this problem, this paper models PEC with uniform search range (USR), where the components' search ranges are set uniformly according to the commonly used ranges in industrial applications. In order to solve the complex PEC problem with USR, an efficient orthogonal learning particle swarm optimization with predictive solution (OLPSO/PS) is proposed. Firstly, OLPSO/PS uses an orthogonal learning strategy to construct a more promising and efficient exemplar to guide particles to fly towards better searching areas dynamically. Secondly OLPSO/PS utilizes the predictive solution (PS) strategy to help save computational burden. OLPSO/PS is compared not only with the well-studied genetic algorithm and PSO for optimizing PEC in the literature, but also with OLPSO without PS and some other well-performed EC algorithms. Results show that OLPSO/PS is more promising in the optimization of PEC with USR, outperforming other algorithms in terms of higher fitness quality, faster optimization speed, stronger reliability, and better simulation results on both voltage and current. Moreover, the effectiveness of OLPSO/PS is further validated on the experiments in a practical circuit.
Service Science in Higher Education
Authors: Chen Pi-Yun , Hsiao Ming-Hsiung
Published: January 2015

One of the forms in service innovation for universities in Taiwan is to develop transnational education such as offshore programs where the existent programs were re-innovated by providing new service processes including improved delivery or distribution methods. This study examined how the universities adopted this form of innovation and examined how they productize their offshore programs, corresponding to the four productization practices: specifying, tangibilizing, systemizing and standardizing, in terms of program design, curriculum design, teaching and learning, assessment, and administration. By these productization practices, students and partner universities can have a clearer picture and better understanding of the programs, and the host universities can cut down the administration cost and achieve better efficiency and cost-benefit. This study can be seen as a pioneering study which applies the service science philosophy to redefine higher education and reformulate the process of the service innovation such as offshore program implementation by the productization practices.
Fuzzification of Euclidean Space Approach in Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Salama Mostafa A. , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: January 2015

Euclidian calculations represent a cornerstone in many machine learning techniques such as the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques. The FCM technique calculates the Euclidian distance between different data points, and the SVM technique calculates the dot product of two points in the Euclidian space. These calculations do not consider the degree of relevance of the selected features to the target class labels. This paper proposed a modification in the Euclidian space calculation for the FCM and SVM techniques based on the ranking of features extracted from evaluating the features. The authors consider the ranking as a membership value of this feature in Fuzzification of Euclidian calculations rather than using the crisp concept of feature selection, which selects some features and ignores others. Experimental results proved that applying the fuzzy value of memberships to Euclidian calculations in the FCM and SVM techniques has better accuracy than the ordinary calculating method and just ignoring the unselected features.
Rough Set Based Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Chowdhuri Swati , Roy Payel , Goswami Srijan , Azar Ahmad Taher , Dey Nilanjan
Published: January 2015

The ad hoc routing protocol's design has received a huge attention due to the unpredictable and rapid mobility of a node. It is created dynamically without any infrastructure. In ad hoc each node is responsible for routing the information between them. To improve the performance of unused information and to overcome the overhead in maintaining this information the protocols were designed. MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Network) is the collection of wireless mobile nodes which can dynamically form a network. By this definition we can conclude that there is no centralized administration, permanent topology and standard support services. Rough set theory is a computing technique to deal with uncertainty and vagueness. The notion of the thresholds and the temporal extensions to Rough Sets was applied in several protocols. The successful routing in MANETs using the Random Waypoint mobility model was based on various rough sets based protocol.
Dissecting intracranial aneurysm in pregnancy: A rare association
Authors: Mehrotra Manasi , Mehrotra Anant , Nair Anup , Srivastava Arun , Sahu Rabi , Pradhan Mandakini , Kumar Raj
Published: January 2015

We report a case of dissecting aneurysm of the right posterior cerebral artery presenting with sudden onset headache and altered behavior during labor. A 26-year-old P1001 with uncomplicated antenatal period, except history of headache off and on since 32 weeks of pregnancy, developed sudden onset headache and altered behavior during 3rd stage of labor. She had vaginal delivery and a live born male baby was delivered with good Apgar score. The CT was suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage and DSA was suggestive of dissecting aneurysm of the right P2 segment with hypoplasia of right P1 segment and A1 segment of posterior and anterior cerebral artery, respectively. The patient was managed conservatively. At 4-month follow-up, the patient was doing well. We discuss about the rare association of a dissecting aneurysm and pregnancy, especially dissection of the posterior cerebral artery.
Outcome following surgical resection of craniopharyngiomas: A case series
Authors: Bidur K , Prasad Devkota
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Debate continues as to the optimum treatment for craniopharyngioma; radical surgical resection or partial resection followed by radiotherapy. Radical surgical resection may be complicated by intraoperative injury to surrounding structures and stormy postoperative hormonal problem. This study aims to examine the result of safe maximal surgical resection. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of all histopathologically proven craniopharyngiomas who had undergone surgical resection over an almost 8 year period was included. Data were collected reviewing demography, clinical presentation, hormonal dysfunction, extent of resection and visual deterioration. Outcome was measured in terms of Glasgow outcome scale and recurrence. Results: Of 25 patients, 68% were male, and 32% were female. Age of patients ranged from 7 to 58 years with a mean of 30.12 ± 16.42 years. Patients presented with visual deterioration were 76% and with a headache were 68%. Mean duration of symptoms was 10.64 ± 14.28 months. Gross total resection was done in 21 (84%), while subtotal resection in 4 (16%) who also received subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy. During the postoperative period, diabetes insipidus developed in 84% patients, but none had it permanently. Favorable outcome was found in 88% patients. However, there were 4% operative mortality with overall mortality of 8% and tumor recurrence in 8% patients. Conclusion: Gross total excision if judiciously decided intraoperatively has a favorable outcome with acceptable morbidity.
Perchlorate Exposure is Associated with Oxidative Stress and Indicators of Serum Iron Homeostasis among NHANES 2005–2008 Subjects
Authors: Schreinemachers Dina M. , Ghio Andrew J. , Sobus Jon R. , Williams Marc A.
Published: January 2015

Perchlorate (ClO4–), an oxidizing agent, is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Several studies have investigated its thyroid hormone disrupting properties. Its associations with other biological measures are largely unknown. This study, combining 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, investigated associations between urinary perchlorate and biomarkers of iron homeostasis, lipids, blood cell counts, and glucose metabolism. Healthy males (n = 3705), non-pregnant females (n = 2967), and pregnant females (n = 356), aged 12–59 years, were included in the linear regression models, which showed significant positive (+) and negative (−) associations for both males and non-pregnant females with serum uric acid (−), serum iron (−), RBC count (−), blood urea nitrogen (+), and lymphocyte count (+). Other significant associations were observed for either males or non-pregnant females. Among pregnant females, perchlorate was significantly associated with blood urea nitrogen (+) and serum iron (−). These associations may be indicators of perchlorate's potential effect on several biological systems, which when considered in total, may implicate perturbation of iron homeostasis.
Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Cirrhosis-Associated Cardiomyopathy in Liver Transplant Candidates: Advanced Echo Imaging, Cardiac Biomarkers, and Advanced Heart Failure Therapies
Authors: Farr Maryjane , Schulze Paul Christian
Published: January 2015

Patients with end-stage liver disease in need of liver transplantation increasingly are older with a greater burden of cardiac disease and other co-morbidities, which may increase perioperative risk and adversely affect long-term prognosis. Cirrhosis of any etiology manifests hemodynamically as a state of low systemic vascular resistance, with high peripheral, but low central blood volume, leading to a state of neurohormonal activation and high cardiac output, which may adversely affect cardiac reserve under extreme perioperative stress, aptly termed cirrhosis-associated or cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Evidence of asymptomatic cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may be found in subtle electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes, but may progress to severe heart failure under the demands of bleeding and transfusions, vasopressors, rebounding peripheral vascular resistance, withdrawal of cardioprotective beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid antagonists, exacerbated by sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This review will add to the current body of literature on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy by focusing on the role of advanced echocardiographic imaging techniques, cardiac biomarkers, and advanced heart failure therapies available to manage patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy while waiting for liver transplant and during the perioperative period.
Foundation and Management of the Joseon Dynasty: Revisiting Jeong, Do-jeon’s Political Philosophy Based on the Royal Record of Joseon Dynasty
Authors: YOO Kwon Jong
Published: January 2015

요약문정도전은조선왕조창업의실질적공헌자로평가된다. 그러나그의공은단지개국한것에만머물지않고나아가조선왕조가이후 500년간지속될수있는터전을제공한데에있다고보는것이이글의논점이다. 기존의한국역사학계의평가는그를왕조의설계자로간주하면서, 주로경제, 정치, 법제도의제공에한정된내용을논의하였다. 그러나이에동의한다고하더라도그의실질적공헌은유교국가로서조선왕조가자신의사회를지속해서성공적으로재생산할수있는기반을제공한데에있다고보고그증거로볼수있는내용, 즉수도공간과건축의유교적배치와명명, 불교적의례르폐지하고유교적의례를대체한사실, 불교이념의배제와유교이념의시행등의의미를논한것이이글의핵심이다. 핵심어: 정도전, 조선왕조창업, 유교적기반, 사회의재생산, 도시공간의유교적배치와명명, 유교의례, 유교이념AbstractJeong Do-jeon is the most substantial contributor to the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty. Most present Korean historians commonly regard him as Designer of the Dynasty and have discussed his contribution to establish the system of law, economy, and politics. However, his contribution is not limited in the establishment. This paper discusses his substantial contribution in supplying the basis of Confucian civilization for the Dynasty’s duration for 500 years, abolishing Buddhist rituals and providing Confucian ones, organizing the capital city and naming buildings and districts of the city according to Confucian humanities, excluding Buddhism from people’s routine lives as well as official or royal ceremonies, etc.Keywords: Jeong Do-jeon, Joseon Dynasty, Confucianism, reproduction of Confucian society, rituals, capital city
The Teaching and Study of Islam in Western Universities
Authors: KATHERAN Nevad
Published: January 2015

Review by Nevad KahteranThe Teaching and Study of Islam in Western Universities as Routledge publication should be applauded in this cacophony in the post-9/11 world with the rise of interest in Islam and Islamic matters across the globe, necessitating an explanation of the authentic teaching of this religion anew in light of the challenges of the present-day situation not only in New Zealand, Australia and Pacific region, including the Canadian context there as well, but world-wide. Among many other efforts taken in the meantime, something similar was done in the European context as earlier Brill's edition of Muslims in the Enlarged Europe: Religion and Society, ed. By Brigitte Maréchal, Stefano Allievi, Felice Dassetto and Jørgen Nielsen (Brill, Leiden-Boston, 2003) with its speacial stress on After September 11: Islam in General and European Muslims. Also, we could add intersting report on Islam on Campus: teaching Islamic Studies at Higher Education Institutions in the UK (Report of a conference held at the University of Edinburgh, 4 December 2006 in: Journal of Beliefs & Values, Volume 28, Issue 3, 2007, pages 309-329), The Islam in the West Program (currently housed at the Prince Alwaleed Islamic Studies Program), among many other undertakings in this regard as good examples of similar efforts.
Examination of Disputes between the National Library of Korea and the National Assembly Library
Authors: RYU Hyeonsook
Published: January 2015

There exist two national libraries in Korea: the National Library of Korea (NLK) and the National Assembly Library (NAL). Given that both libraries perform the national library function, debates on their unification began in the 1950s and continued up until the mid-1970s. Even in the 21st century, disputes pertaining to the exclusive use of the title national representative library continue between the two libraries. This paper examines the disputes between the two national libraries of Korea from the beginning of the library legislation activities of the 1950s up to the present time.
Koreans in Japan: Processes of Community Building in Marginal Places in Kyoto
Authors: VISOČNIK Nataša
Published: January 2015

The article mostly deals with an area on the southeast of Kyoto, which is known to be settled also by the Korean minority. The research based on a few short fieldworks focuses on their struggle to gain access to the resources through the process of community building (machizukuri). The process of machizukuri began under the liberation movement of another marginalized group known as burakumin, who live in the neighbourhood area. The research also looks for the relationship between these two discriminated groups. This article thus challenges the idea that the involvement in the process of community building of one group serves as a know-how for other marginal communities for collaborations with cities and local self-governing establishments.
Association between Electronic Health Records and Health Care Utilization
Authors: Edwards A. , Kern L.M. , Kaushal R. ,   with the HITEC Investigators
Published: January 2015

Background: The federal government is investing approximately $20 billion in electronic health records (EHRs), in part to address escalating health care costs. However, empirical evidence that provider use of EHRs decreases health care costs is limited.

Objective: To determine any association between EHRs and health care utilization.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study (2008–2009) in the Hudson Valley, a multi-payer, multi-provider community in New York State. We included 328 primary care physicians in predominantly small practices (median practice size four primary care physicians), who were caring for 223,772 patients. Data from an independent practice association was used to determine adoption of EHRs. Claims data aggregated across five commercial health plans was used to characterize seven types of health care utilization: primary care visits, specialist visits, radiology tests, laboratory tests, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and readmissions. We used negative binomial regression to determine associations between EHR adoption and each utilization outcome, adjusting for ten physician characteristics.

Results: Approximately half (48%) of the physicians were using paper records and half (52%) were using EHRs. For every 100 patients seen by physicians using EHRs, there were 14 fewer specialist visits (adjusted p < 0.01) and 9 fewer radiology tests (adjusted p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in rates of primary care visits, laboratory tests, emergency department visits, hospitalizations or readmissions.

Conclusions: Patients of primary care providers who used EHRs were less likely to have specialist visits and radiology tests than patients of primary care providers who did not use EHRs.

Citation: Kaushal R, Edwards A, Kern LM, with the HITEC Investigators. Association between electronic health records and health care utilization. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 42–55

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-10-RA-0089
Reliability, factor structure, and construct validity of the Polish version of the sport imagery ability measure
Authors: Budnik-Przybylska Dagmara , Karasiewicz Karol , Morris Tony , Watt Anthony
Published: January 2015

Background

An important component of mental training in sport is the utilization of positive imagery. The “human brain cannot distinguish between an imagined experience and a real experience. The same areas of the brain light up in an imagined experience or imagined performance as in a real experience or performance. For that reason, positive performance imagery has enormous potential” (Orlick, 2008, p. 101). Imagery “has been described as a centre pillar of applied sport psychology” research (Morris, Spittle, & Perry, 2004, p. 344). The aim of the present study was to examine reliability and validity characteristics of the Polish language version of the Sport Imagery Ability Measure (SIAM).

Participants and procedure

Polish athletes (N = 316) from a range of sports and competitive levels completed the 48 item SIAM. The participants (163 male, 153 female) were aged between 12 and 57 years (M = 22.15, SD = 8.25).

Results

Results indicated that the SIAM had sound internal consistency and maintained good stability over a 3-week period. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the a priori 3-factor structure of the SIAM resulted in a set of acceptable and poor fit indices (CFI = .91, NFI = .90, RMSEA = .12). Finally, differences in athletes’ imagery abilities were examined in relation to competitive level, gender, and age.

Conclusions

Overall, results generally supported the reliability and construct validity of the Polish version of the SIAM.
Exploring somatization types among patients in Indonesia: latent class analysis using the Adult Symptom Inventory
Authors: Widhiarso Wahyu , Hadjam M. Noor Rochman
Published: January 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to explore somatization types by reducing patient complaints to their most basic and parsimonious characteristics. We hypothesized that there were latent groups representing distinct types of somatization.

Participants and procedure

Data were collected from patients undergoing both inpatient and outpatient treatment at two hospitals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (N = 212).

Results

Results from latent class analysis revealed four classes of somatization: two classes (Classes 1 and 2) referring to levels of somatization and two classes (Classes 3 and 4) referring to unique types of somatization. The first two classes (Classes 1 and 2; low and high levels of somatization, respectively) corresponded to the number of different symptoms that patients reported out of the list of physical symptoms in the Adult Symptom Inventory. The second two classes (Classes 3 and 4; non-serious and critical complaints, respectively) corresponded to two different sets of symptoms. Patients in Class 3 tended to report temporary mild complaints that are common in daily life, such as dizziness, nausea, and stomach pain. Patients in Class 4 tended to report severe complaints and medical problems that require serious treatment or medication, such as deafness or blindness.

Conclusions

The present study do confirm somatization as a unidimensional experience reflecting a general tendency to report somatic symptoms, but rather support the understanding of somatization as a multidimensional construct.
The risk of muscle dysmorphia and the perception of change in retrospective, current and ideal self-image – preliminary study
Authors: Mącik Dorota , Kowalska-Dąbrowska Monika
Published: January 2015

Background

A specific type of causes of extended training and gym exercises is muscle dysmorphia. People with this disorder think that their current appearance is not satisfactory, and the focus on the perceived defect is great. The perceived defect usually is connected with body and muscle mass and body shape. According to the conceptual model of dysmorphia proposed by Grieve (2007), the aim of the study was to verify the thesis that the risk of muscle dysmorphia is associated with the negative self-image generalized based on physical appearance.

Participants and procedure

Twelve women and 18 men, fulfilling the criteria of exercise addiction according to Pope, filled out the ACL scale, answering the questions concerning what kind of person they were before training, who they are now and what kind of person they would like to be. Also, they answered freely the questions concerning their feelings about training.

Results

A significant difference between perceived retrospective and current self-image was observed. The people examined became, in their opinion, more self-confident, more dominating and independent, and they described themselves in more positive categories. However, there still is relatively a lot of aggression and anxiety. The analysis of the ideal self-image indicates that the presented image performs – at least partly – the defence mechanism role. This is also confirmed by the analysis of the statements of the subjects examined, especially the question about the benefits resulting from the training.

Conclusions

The results confirm the role of the negative self-image in the risk of muscle dysmorphia. The exercises change self-assessment, but they do not solve the problems that were the reason for it. The characteristics of these problems in further research will facilitate therapy planning.
Language abilities in preschool-aged siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders – preliminary report
Authors: Pisula Ewa , Ziegart-Sadowska Karolina , Kawa Magdalena
Published: January 2015

Background

The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) observed among relatives of people affected with autism are referred to as broader autism phenotype (BAP). Among the components of BAP are language and communication skills. Research to date on these skills amongst the relatives of individuals with ASD is inconclusive. Furthermore, limited data are available about preschool-aged siblings of children with ASD.

Participants and procedure

Eighty-six children aged 4 years and 6 months – 6 years and 11 months took part in the study (32 girls and 54 boys). They were divided into four groups: siblings of children with autism (S/ASD), high-functioning children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (HF/ASD), siblings of children with Down syndrome (S/DS) and siblings of typically developing children (Controls, C). Communication and language skills were tested using the Vocabulary Test for Children (TSD). It was used to assess two kinds of verbal skills: receptive language (passive) and expressive language (active).

Results

No differences were observed in expressive lanquage or receptive language between siblings of children with ASD and siblings of children with DS as well as typically developing children. In terms of receptive language and general communication skills, siblings of children with ASD scored higher than high functioning children with ASD. High functioning children with ASD displayed difficulties with receptive language, expressive language, general language and communication skills.

Conclusions

The results suggest that siblings of children with ASD do not display deficits in communication and language skills. It is however important to note that due to a small sample size this study should be considered as preliminary.
New directions in the treatment of degenerative disc disease
Authors: Gasik Robert
Published: January 2015

Zmiany zwyrodnieniowe krążków międzykręgowych to jedna z najczęstszych przyczyn zespołów bólowych kręgosłupa. Leczenie zachowawcze, farmakoterapia i rehabilitacja są ukierunkowane na zniesienie objawów bólowych, ale nie wpływają na ich przyczynę. Dotychczasowe techniki w leczeniu operacyjnym znosiły natomiast przyczynę bólu, nie wpływając jednak na hamowanie procesu degeneracyjnego krążków. Przyszłością w leczeniu zmian zwyrodnieniowo-degeneracyjnych krążka międzykręgowego są omówione w artykule metody oddziałujące na jego odżywienie, poprawę uwodnienia i regenerację.
Pain intensity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with respect to the level of their activity and disease acceptance
Authors: Cepuch Grażyna , Tomaszek Lucyna , Trybek-Bronowicz Małgorzata
Published: January 2015

Cel pracy: Rozpoznanie choroby przewlekłej, jaką jest młodzieńcze idiopatyczne zapalenie stawów (MIZS), wpływa negatywnie na aktywność młodego człowieka. Dodatkowo ból towarzyszący chorobie może też w znaczny sposób powodować trudności z jej zaakceptowaniem. Celem pracy była ocena stopnia natężenia bólu oraz stopnia aktywności i akceptacji choroby przez młodzież w wieku 14–18 lat z MIZS.

Materiał i metody: Grupę badawczą stanowiła młodzież obojga płci w wieku 14–18 lat z MIZS w okresie remisji. Badaniami objęto 50 osób. W badaniu zastosowano: skalę numeryczną (NRS 0–10), drabinę Cantila, skalę aktywności własnego autorstwa (pogrupowane pozycje kwestionariusza tworzą podskale: zmęczenia, aktywności fizycznej, aktywności społecznej, aktywności intelektualnej) oraz skalę akceptacji choroby (AIS). Analizę statystyczną przeprowadzono za pomocą testów: Manna-Whitneya, Wilcoxona, χ2, Fishera, korelacji rang Spearmana. Do obliczeń przyjęto istotność statystyczną p < 0,05.

Wyniki: Większość badanych osób nie odczuwa obecnie bólu lub odczuwa go w niewielkim stopniu. Młodzież wykazuje dużą aktywność w sferze fizycznej, psychicznej i społecznej. Przeważająca część pacjentów akceptuje swoją chorobę. Chorzy odczuwający ból określany w skali NRS na 4–7 pkt gorzej adaptują się do życia z chorobą w porównaniu z pacjentami bez dolegliwości bólowych albo odczuwających ból o słabym nasileniu. Stwierdzono wysoką korelację pomiędzy akceptacją choroby w chwili badania określoną za pomocą drabiny Cantrila i skali AIS.

Wnioski: 1. Ból odczuwany przez chorych na MIZS ma niewątpliwie negatywny wpływ na poziom ich aktywności oraz stopień akceptacji choroby. 2. Wydaje się kluczowe uznanie bólu jako znaczącego wykładnika akceptacji choroby.
Marfan syndrome – typical musculoskeletal abnormalities, rare occurrence in children
Authors: Żuber Zbigniew , Solakiewicz Anna , Turowska-Heydel Dorota , Sobczyk Małgorzata
Published: January 2015

Zespół Marfana (MFS) jest chorobą tkanki łącznej, genetycznie uwarunkowaną, dziedziczoną w sposób autosomalny dominujący. Przyczyną choroby jest mutacja w genie fibryliny 1 (FBN1) znajdującym się na chromosomie 15, w wyniku aktywowania transformującego czynnika wzrostu β. Ponieważ MFS dotyczy większości narządów i tkanek, pacjenci z tą chorobą stanowią niejednorodną grupę pod względem objawów klinicznych. W przebiegu MFS dochodzi do zmian i zaburzeń funkcji w obrębie układu mięśniowo-szkieletowego, narządu wzroku, serca i naczyń krwionośnych. Z uwagi na duże ryzyko wystąpienia powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych oraz ocznych, które są wynikiem stopniowego poszerzania aorty i ektopii soczewki, rokowanie w tej chorobie może być niepomyślne.

W artykule przedstawiono przypadek zespołu Marfana z typowymi zaburzeniami układu mięśniowo-szkieletowego.
Three-dimensional morphology of equatorial plasma bubbles deduced from measurements onboard CHAMP
Authors: Park J. , Lühr H. , Noja M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Total electron content (TEC) between Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites can be used to constrain the three-dimensional morphology of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). In this study we investigate TEC measured onboard the Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) from 2001 to 2005. We only use TEC data obtained when CHAMP passed through EPBs: that is, when in situ plasma density measurements at CHAMP altitude also show EPB signatures. The observed TEC gradient along the CHAMP track is strongest when the corresponding GNSS satellite is located equatorward and westward of CHAMP with elevation angles of about 40–60°. These elevation and azimuth angles are in agreement with the angles expected from the morphology of the plasma depletion shell proposed by Kil et al.(2009).