bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast prediction of web user browsing behaviours using most interesting patterns
Authors: Sisodia Dilip Singh , Khandal Vijay , Singhal Riya
Published: November 2016

The prediction of users’ browsing behaviours is essential for putting appropriate information on the web. The browsing behaviours are stored as navigational patterns in web server logs. These weblogs are used to predict the frequently accessed patterns of web users, which can be used to predict user behaviour and to collect business intelligence. However, owing to the exponentially increasing weblog size, existing implementations of frequent-pattern-mining algorithms often take too much time and generate too many redundant patterns. This article introduces the most interesting pattern-based parallel FP-growth (MIP-PFP) algorithm. MIP-PFP is an improved implementation of the parallel FP-growth algorithm and implemented on the Apache Spark platform for extracting frequent patterns from huge weblogs. Experiments were performed on openly available National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) weblog data to test the effectiveness of the MIP-PFP algorithm. The results were compared with existing implementation of PFP algorithms. The results suggest that the MIP-PFP algorithm running on Apache Spark reduced the execution time by a factor of more than 10 times. The effect of sequence length that has been used as input to the MIP-PFP algorithm was also evaluated with different interestingness parameters including support, confidence, lift, leverage, cosine, and conviction. It is observed from experimental results that only sequences of length greater than three produced a very low value of support for these interestingness measures.
Review: Wendy Brown, Undoing the Demos: Neoliberalism’s Stealth Revolution
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: November 2016

This review of Wendy Brown’s Undoing the Demos considers the claim that contemporary processes of neoliberalism are damaging the core principles of democracy. It is argued that Brown is right to follow Foucault in defining neoliberalism as a form of political rationality, but that core arguments of the book could be developed further through attention to the following points: (1) the operation of neoliberal politics and practices outside of the US context; (2) the position of Austrian thought within the history of neoliberal reason; (3) the problematic status of homo economicus within neoliberal thought; (4) why the ‘soft power’ of neoliberalism has proved so effective; and (5) how a Marxist theory of capital might be developed alongside Foucauldian critique of neoliberalism.
Review: Peter Sloterdijk, Der Ästhetische Imperativ – Schriften zur Kunst
Authors: Rashof Sascha
Published: November 2016

Peter Sloterdijk’s Der Ästhetische Imperativ – Schriften zur Kunst is a collection of essays addressing a range of topics in the aesthetic realm, including sound, light, product design, cities and architecture, the human (artificial) condition, museums, action cinema and the art system. Via a ‘media’-anthropological, historico-philosophical approach, he critiques the ‘aesthetic imperative’ of (post-)modern design civilizations by re-evaluating the analogy between universal ethics and aesthetics after Kant. In this way, Sloterdijk argues for a more singular, intensive, socially and environmentally responsible aesthetic experience.
Voter turnout decline and stratification: Quasi-experimental and comparative evidence of a growing educational gap
Authors: Dassonneville Ruth , Hooghe Marc
Published: November 2016

Turnout rates are in decline in advanced democracies, but the consequences of this trend for inequalities in participation have not yet been investigated in a large, comparative study. In this article, we investigate educational inequalities in six countries. First, we examine whether Tingsten’s law of dispersion holds and whether decreasing turnout rates imply more unequal participation. Subsequently, we examine whether the more gradual over-time process of declining turnout rates leads to biased participation. We show that the participation gap between low- and high-educated citizens is growing. This pattern is strongest in countries where turnout rates have decreased most.
Hemodynamic changes in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) demonstrated by contrast-enhanced CT examinations - implications for image acquisition technique
Authors: Lambert Lukas , Grus Tomas , Balik Martin , Fichtl Jaromir , Kavan Jan , Belohlavek Jan
Published: November 2016

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established tool for respiratory and circulatory support. In computed tomography, altered hemodynamics in ECMO patients requires special considerations and handling in contrast injection and its timing. In this article, we demonstrate changes in hemodynamics in ECMO patients captured on contrast-enhanced CT examinations and pitfalls in strategies for contrast injection in relation to the ECMO flow, cardiac function and the placement of ECMO cannulas. Contrast-enhanced CT of patients with ECMO requires prior knowledge of the ECMO cannulas, central venous lines, changes of hemodynamics induced by low cardiac output and the influence of adjustment of ECMO on blood flow in order to optimize injection of the contrast material and timing of the scan. Special considerations include temporary reduction of the ECMO flow, selection of the injection site and increasing volume or flow rate of the contrast material.
Susceptibility-diffusion mismatch in middle cerebral artery territory acute ischemic stroke: clinical and imaging implications
Authors: Payabvash Seyedmehid , Taleb Shayandokht , Benson John C , Hoffman Benjamin , Oswood Mark C , McKinney Alexander M , Rykken Jeffrey B
Published: November 2016

Background

Recent studies have suggested a correlation between susceptibility–diffusion mismatch and perfusion–diffusion mismatch in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Purpose

To determine the clinical and imaging associations of susceptibility-diffusion mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory.

Material and Methods

Consecutive patients with MCA territory acute ischemic stroke, who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) within 24 h of symptom onset or time last-seen-well, were included. Two neuroradiologists reviewed SWI scans for SWI–DWI mismatch defined by regionally increased vessel number or diameter on SWI extending beyond the DWI hyperintensity territory in the affected hemisphere. The stroke severity at admission was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Poor clinical outcome was defined by a 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score >2.

Results

The SWI–DWI mismatch was identified in 44 (29.3%) of 150 patients included in this study. Patients with SWI–DWI mismatch had smaller admission infarct volumes (31.2 ± 44.7 versus 55.9 ± 117.7 mL, P = 0.045) and were younger (60.4 ± 18.9 versus 67.1 ± 15.5, P = 0.026). After correction for age, admission NIHSS score, and infarct volume, the SWI–DWI mismatch was associated with a 22.6% lower rate of poor clinical outcome using propensity score matching ( P = 0.032). In our cohort, thrombolytic therapy showed no significant effect on outcome.

Conclusion

The presence of SWI–DWI mismatch in acute MCA territory ischemic infarct is associated with smaller infarct volume. Moreover, SWI–DWI mismatch was associated with better outcome after correction for infarct size, severity of admission symptoms, and age.
Neuroprotective efficacy of hesperetin against cadmium induced oxidative stress in the brain of rats
Authors: Shagirtha Kalist , Bashir Nazima , MiltonPrabu Selvaraj
Published: November 2016

The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hesperetin (Hp) against cadmium (Cd)-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Cadmium (3 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), subcutaneous) administration for 3 weeks demonstrated neurotoxicity in rats by the decreased activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. The oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls) were significantly increased with decreased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, total sulphydryl groups and vitamin C). The proteolytic and membrane-bound enzymes (Na+ K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase) were also decreased with increased apoptotic markers (Bcl2 Associated X Protein (Bax), cytochrome C, caspase 3 and 9) and decreased anti-apoptotic marker (B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)) in the brain of Cd-treated rats. Moreover, Cd administration significantly decreased the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (I, II, III and IV) in the brain of rats. Preadministration of Hp (40 mg/kg b.w., oral) significantly attenuated the Cd-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, restored the antioxidant and membrane-bound enzyme activities and decreased apoptosis in the brain of rats.
Role of health insurance in enabling universal health coverage in India: A critical review
Authors: Thomas Thomas K
Published: November 2016

India has set itself a long-term goal of providing universal health coverage for all its citizens and over the past few decades, significant progress has been achieved by the government, towards meeting this goal. But, due to funding inadequacy, public health infrastructure continues to suffer from perennial shortages, impacting the rural and indigent population segments the most. As a consequence of these shortages, nearly 70% of health spending is borne by households, out-of-pocket sources, and delivered by private health care facilities. This scenario usually leaves the families impoverished and in debt, as private sector medical costs are mostly unaffordable. Universal health coverage in India is, hence, severely constrained by resource shortages and affordability. Health insurance, which has made a presence in India over the past decade, can deliver a solution to the above challenges. While, government health insurance schemes have demonstrated varying degrees of success, funding shortfalls have constrained their expansion plans. Private health insurance, on the other hand, can recalibrate their approach and play a significant role in spreading universal health coverage. By developing a strategy of addressing primary care needs and intelligently coexisting with public health insurance, private health insurance can provide an immense boost to universal coverage, by providing affordable health care access for all Indian citizens.
Metabolic and Functional Profile of Premenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome After Training With Elastics as Compared to Free Weights
Authors: Flandez Jorge , Belando Noelia , Gargallo Pedro , Fernández-Garrido Julio , Vargas-Foitzick Ronald A. , Devis-Devis Jose , Colado Juan C.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a strength training program (STP) using free weights (FW) versus elastic tubing (ET) in 62 premenopausal, sedentary women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MS). Participants were randomly assigned to the FW or ET experimental group (EG) or a control group whose members remained sedentary. Members of each EG followed their assigned STP for 12 weeks, and biomarkers (BMs) related to MS and motor function (MF) parameters were evaluated. Both EGs showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein level and a positive trend in the other BMs. Almost all MF parameters increased significantly in both EGs. No positive changes were found in the CG. These results indicate that the implementation of an STP, with either FW or ET, improves both metabolic health and MF and should be considered part of the basic approach to health care in women.
IRMA study: Prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction in ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Weisenburger-Lile David , Lopez Delphine , Russel Stephanie , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Veiga Hellmann Ana , Scherrer Antoine , Ramdane Nassima , Wang Adrien , Evrard Serge , Decroix Jean-Pierre , Mellot Francois , Bourdain Frederic , Lapergue Bertrand
Published: November 2016

Background

Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) may, in part, explain cryptogenic stroke. A 22% prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction (SDVI) among patients with ischemic stroke (IS) due to AF has been reported, using abdominal MRI. We sought to assess the reproducibility of this method and to confirm that SDVI is more prevalent in cases of AF-caused IS than in IS of other etiologies.

Methods

In consecutive patients admitted to our hospital, we compared SDVI prevalence in three groups: patients with IS due to AF (IS+/AF+ group), patients with stroke of another determined cause (IS+/AF− group) and patients with AF without stroke (IS−/AF+ group).

Results

A total of 111 patients were included. The median time between inclusion and abdominal MRI was six days. SDVI was more frequent in the IS+/AF+ group ( n = 10; 21.3%), than in IS+/AF− ( n = 1; 3.3%) and IS−/AF+ ( n = 0) groups, p = 0.002. The most frequent localization was the kidney.

Conclusions

The prevalence of SDVI was higher among patients with AF-caused IS. In cases of cryptogenic stroke, a positive abdominal MRI may suggest occult AF as the cause and identify a high risk of AF in this subgroup of patients.
Nerve grafts bridging the thenar branch of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve to enhance nerve recovery: a report of three cases
Authors: Gesslbauer B. , Furtmüller G. J. , Schuhfried O. , Roche A. D. , Sporer M. , Aszmann O. C.
Published: November 2016

We report a nerve graft procedure bridging the thenar branch of the median nerve to the ulnar nerve in three patients with ulnar nerve transection and defect at the mid-forearm. Ulnar nerve function was evaluated with electroneurography and quantitative sensory-motor testing before and after surgery, and at a 6-year follow-up. After surgery all patients showed electroneurographic evidence of median nerve innervation of the intrinsic muscles normally innervated by the ulnar nerve. The average strength was Grade 4 in the intrinsic muscles originally supplied by the ulnar nerve at the final follow-up. Our results indicate that the thenar branch of the median nerve may support ulnar nerve regeneration and so help prevent intrinsic muscles from irreversible atrophy, but our report is preliminary. This procedure should be validated by future clinical data, especially those with complete ulnar nerve transection at or above the elbow.

Level of evidence: IV
Obstetric patients in intensive care unit: Perspective from a teaching hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Rahat , Irfan Ahmed Sheikh , Raza Amir , Khurshid Ayesha , Chishti Uzma
Published: November 2016

Objective

Review of obstetric cases admitted to the intensive care unit.

Design

Ten year retrospective review of individual patients' medical records.

Participants

Records of obstetric patients admitted from 2005–2014.

Setting

Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi

Main Outcome measures

Diagnosis at the time of admission, associated risk factors, and intervention required aspects of management and rate of mortality.

Findings

A total of 194 obstetric patients were admitted out of which 86.2% of patients had ventilator support. Mortality was not seen to be significantly associated with parity and antenatal/postnatal status. The median age of patients was 34 years, minimum length of stay was 24 hours and maximum stay was 53 days. Sixty one percent of patients were admitted to with organ system failure. The overall mortality rate was 21.64% (42/194). The mortality rate was five times more likely in patients who had gastro-intestinal complication {Odds Ratio=4.87; 95%CI: 1.65-14.36}. The largest group of patients {28.4%} presented with hematological diagnosis.

Conclusion

When the intensive care unit admission became essential, primary diagnosis included: postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis and infectious diseases. An increased vigilance of high-risk pregnant women and a stabilization of their condition before intervention is administered, improves the outcome of these women.
Binge Drinking and Depression
Authors: Holway Giuseppina Valle , Umberson Debra , Thomeer Mieke Beth
Published: November 2016

Although research shows that spouses influence each other’s health behaviors and psychological well-being, we know little about whether these patterns extend to young people in nonmarital as well as marital relationships. We use the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to consider how a romantic partner’s binge drinking and depression influence the respondent’s binge drinking and depression within 1,111 young adult couples and explore whether these processes are moderated by gender. We find that partners’ binge drinking is associated with increased odds of binge drinking for respondents and partners’ depression is associated with increased odds of depression for respondents. Further, depression among men is associated with reduced odds of binge drinking among their female partners. Findings suggest that processes of partner influence begin even in young adulthood with implications for cumulative effects on lifelong health behaviors and mental health.
Employee Exit, Voice, Loyalty, and Neglect in Response to Dissatisfying Organizational Situations: It Depends on Supervisory Relationship Quality
Authors: Lee Jaesub , Varon Amy L.
Published: November 2016

This study examined, via a field experiment, the extent to which the quality of leader-member exchange (LMX) and gender affect employees’ enactment of exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect (EVLN) strategies in response to the dissatisfying situation of injustice in the workplace. Findings showed that, when faced with a dissatisfying situation, employees in high-quality LMXs are less likely to engage in exit and neglect behaviors, but more likely to practice loyalty behaviors than their peers in low-quality LMXs. Voice behaviors, the most preferred response strategy, appear to have much more complex relationships with LMX quality than other strategic communication responses. No gender difference was detected. Furthermore, gender did not moderate the way that the quality of LMX influences the use of EVLN strategies.
Ibrutinib efficacy and tolerability in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia following allogeneic HCT
Authors: Ryan Christine E. , Sahaf Bita , Logan Aaron C. , O’Brien Susan , Byrd John C. , Hillmen Peter , Brown Jennifer R. , Dyer Martin J. S. , Mato Anthony R. , Keating Michael J. , Jaglowski Samantha , Clow Fong , Rezvani Andrew R. , Styles Lori , Coutre Steven E. , Miklos David B.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

Ibrutinib provided effective salvage therapy in CLL relapse post–alloHCT, resulting in sustained MRD negativity without GVHD development. Ibrutinib selectively depleted pre–germinal B cells and Th2 helper cells and may enhance donor Th1 T-cell–mediated GVL effects.
Calreticulin exposure by malignant blasts correlates with robust anticancer immunity and improved clinical outcome in AML patients
Authors: Fucikova Jitka , Truxova Iva , Hensler Michal , Becht Etienne , Kasikova Lenka , Moserova Irena , Vosahlikova Sarka , Klouckova Jana , Church Sarah E. , Cremer Isabelle , Kepp Oliver , Kroemer Guido , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Salek Cyril , Spisek Radek
Published: November 2016

Key Points

Malignant cells from patients with AML expose danger signals on the plasma membrane regardless of chemotherapy. Such danger signals correlate with markers of a clinically relevant tumor-specific immune response and with improved disease outcome.
InDel marker detection by integration of multiple softwares using machine learning techniques
Authors: Yang Jianqiu , Shi Xinyi , Hu Lun , Luo Daipeng , Peng Jing , Xiong Shengwu , Kong Fanjing , Liu Baohui , Yuan Xiaohui
Published: November 2016

Background

In the biological experiments of soybean species, molecular markers are widely used to verify the soybean genome or construct its genetic map. Among a variety of molecular markers, insertions and deletions (InDels) are preferred with the advantages of wide distribution and high density at the whole-genome level. Hence, the problem of detecting InDels based on next-generation sequencing data is of great importance for the design of InDel markers. To tackle it, this paper integrated machine learning techniques with existing software and developed two algorithms for InDel detection, one is the best F-score method (BF-M) and the other is the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method (SVM-M), which is based on the classical SVM model.

Results

The experimental results show that the performance of BF-M was promising as indicated by the high precision and recall scores, whereas SVM-M yielded the best performance in terms of recall and F-score. Moreover, based on the InDel markers detected by SVM-M from soybeans that were collected from 56 different regions, highly polymorphic loci were selected to construct an InDel marker database for soybean.

Conclusions

Compared to existing software tools, the two algorithms proposed in this work produced substantially higher precision and recall scores, and remained stable in various types of genomic regions. Moreover, based on SVM-M, we have constructed a database for soybean InDel markers and published it for academic research.
Death by PowerPoint: alternatives for life
Authors: Duffy Richard M. , Henry Marian
Published: November 2016

The use of PowerPoint has become nearly ubiquitous in medical education and continuing professional development; however, many alternatives are emerging that can be used in its place. These may confer some advantages, but they also have potential drawbacks. It is helpful that educators are aware of these new presentation options and their pros and cons, including any financial implications and issues of data protection. This article considers the role of technology in teaching and learning, identifying underlying assumptions that are often made. It identifies and appraises technology that can be used with or instead of PowerPoint to best facilitate deep learning. The potential pedagogical benefits and practical limitations of these technologies are considered, and strategies are highlighted to maximise the impact of PowerPoint where it is the software of choice.
Assessing and managing hallucinations in children and adolescents
Authors: Dominguez Maria-De-Gracia , Garralda M. Elena
Published: November 2016

Hallucinations (erroneous percepts in the absence of identifiable stimuli) are a key feature of psychotic states, but they have long been known to present in children with non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. Recent epidemiological studies of child populations found surprisingly high rates (about 10%) of hallucinatory experiences. These hallucinatory phenomena are most likely to occur in the absence of psychiatric disorder and are usually simpler, less elaborate and less distressing than those observed in children with psychiatric disorders. This article details the clinical assessment of hallucinations in children and adolescents, taking into account developmental considerations and paediatric organic associations. It describes hallucinations in young people with psychoses (schizophrenia spectrum and mood disorders) and non-psychotic psychiatric disorders (emotional and behavioural disorders), and it addresses therapeutic aspects.
Alcohol policy and public health
Authors: Luty Jason
Published: November 2016

Alcohol is the most commonly used recreational drug in the world and the third leading cause of preventable death. Alcohol consumption and alcohol problems have increased steadily over the past six decades. Methods likely to reduce alcohol problems (e.g. minimum pricing, restricting licensing hours and increasing the availability of alcohol treatment) tend not to be supported by the drinks industry. Methods favoured by the industry (e.g. public education, industry self-regulation and product warning labelling) are less effective or do not work. The recent history of alcohol policy clearly demonstrates how the financial power of industry can influence governments and undermine effective public health measures, for instance by lobbying, political donations, confusion marketing and creating fnancial vested interests by grants from industry-sponsored 'social aspect organisations'.
ATR maintains chromosomal integrity during postnatal cerebellar neurogenesis and is required for medulloblastoma formation
Authors: Lang Patrick Y. , Nanjangud Gouri J. , Sokolsky-Papkov Marina , Shaw Christine , Hwang Duhyeong , Parker Joel S. , Kabanov Alexander V. , Gershon Timothy R.
Published: November 2016

Microcephaly and medulloblastoma may both result from mutations that compromise genomic stability. We report that ATR, which is mutated in the microcephalic disorder Seckel syndrome, sustains cerebellar growth by maintaining chromosomal integrity during postnatal neurogenesis. Atr deletion in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) induced proliferation-associated DNA damage, p53 activation, apoptosis and cerebellar hypoplasia in mice. Co-deletions of either p53 or Bax and Bak prevented apoptosis in Atr-deleted CGNPs, but failed to fully rescue cerebellar growth. ATR-deficient CGNPs had impaired cell cycle checkpoint function and continued to proliferate, accumulating chromosomal abnormalities. RNA-Seq demonstrated that the transcriptional response to ATR-deficient proliferation was highly p53 dependent and markedly attenuated by p53 co-deletion. Acute ATR inhibition in vivo by nanoparticle-formulated VE-822 reproduced the developmental disruptions seen with Atr deletion. Genetic deletion of Atr blocked tumorigenesis in medulloblastoma-prone SmoM2 mice. Our data show that p53-driven apoptosis and cell cycle arrest – and, in the absence of p53, non-apoptotic cell death – redundantly limit growth in ATR-deficient progenitors. These mechanisms may be exploited for treatment of CGNP-derived medulloblastoma using ATR inhibition.
Control of root cap maturation and cell detachment by BEARSKIN transcription factors in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kamiya Masako , Higashio Shin-Ya , Isomoto Atsushi , Kim Jong-Myong , Seki Motoaki , Miyashima Shunsuke , Nakajima Keiji
Published: November 2016

The root cap supports root growth by protecting the root meristem, sensing gravity and interacting with the rhizosphere through metabolite secretion and cell dispersal. Sustained root cap functions therefore rely on balanced proliferation of proximal stem cells and regulated detachment of distal mature cells. Although the gene regulatory network that governs stem cell activity in the root cap has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis, the mechanisms by which root cap cells mature and detach from the root tip are poorly understood. We performed a detailed expression analysis of three regulators of root cap differentiation, SOMBRERO, BEARSKIN1 and BEARSKIN2, and identified their downstream genes. Our results indicate that expression of BEARSKIN1 and BEARSKIN2 is associated with cell positioning on the root surface. We identified a glycosyl hydrolase 28 (GH28) family polygalacturonase (PG) gene as a direct target of BEARSKIN1. Overexpression and loss-of-function analyses demonstrated that the protein encoded by this PG gene facilitates cell detachment. We thus revealed a molecular link between the key regulators of root cap differentiation and the cellular events underlying root cap-specific functions.
Drug screening using model systems: some basics
Authors: Cagan Ross
Published: November 2016

An increasing number of laboratories that focus on model systems are considering drug screening. Executing a drug screen is complicated enough. But the path for moving initial hits towards the clinic requires a different knowledge base and even a different mindset. In this Editorial I discuss the importance of doing some homework before you start screening. 'Lead hits', 'patentable chemical space' and 'druggability' are all concepts worth exploring when deciding which screening path to take. I discuss some of the lessons I learned that may be useful as you navigate the screening matrix.
The Behavioralist Goes to School: Leveraging Behavioral Economics to Improve Educational Performance
Authors: Levitt Steven D. , List John A. , Neckermann Susanne , Sadoff Sally
Published: November 2016

We explore the power of behavioral economics to influence the level of effort exerted by students in a low stakes testing environment. We find a substantial impact on test scores from incentives when the rewards are delivered immediately. There is suggestive evidence that rewards framed as losses outperform those framed as gains. Nonfinancial incentives can be considerably more cost-effective than financial incentives for younger students, but are less effective with older students. All motivating power of incentives vanishes when rewards are handed out with a delay. Our results suggest that the current set of incentives may lead to underinvestment. (JEL D03, H75, I21, I28)
Trade Costs, CO2, and the Environment
Authors: Shapiro Joseph S.
Published: November 2016

This paper quantifies how international trade affects CO2 emissions and analyzes the welfare consequences of regulating the CO2 emissions from shipping. To this end, the paper describes a model of trade and the environment, compiles new data on the CO2 emissions from shipping, and estimates key parameters using panel data regressions. Results show that the benefits of international trade exceed trade's environmental costs due to CO2 emissions by two orders of magnitude. While proposed regional carbon taxes on the CO2 emissions from shipping would increase global welfare and increase the implementing region's GDP, they would also harm poor countries. (JEL F18, H23, H87, L92, Q54, Q56)
Technical Note—Path-Dependent and Randomized Strategies in Barberis’ Casino Gambling Model
Authors: He Xue Dong , Hu Sang , Obłój Jan , Zhou Xun Yu
Published: November 2016

We consider the dynamic casino gambling model initially proposed by Barberis (2012) and study the optimal stopping strategy of a precommitting gambler with cumulative prospect theory (CPT) preferences. We illustrate how the strategies computed in Barberis (2012) [Barberis N (2012) A model of casino gambling. Management Sci. 58(1): 35–51.] can be strictly improved by reviewing the betting history or by tossing an independent coin, and we explain that the improvement generated by using randomized strategies results from the lack of quasi-convexity of CPT preferences. Moreover, we show that any path-dependent strategy is equivalent to a randomization of path-independent strategies.
ESTIMATING THE HEDGE RATIOS
Authors: Bohdalová Mária , Greguš Michal
Published: November 2016

This paper examines the problem of hedging portfolio returns. Many practitioners and academicians endeavor to solve the problem of how to calculate the optimal hedge ratio accurately. In this paper we compare estimates of the hedge ratio from a classical approach of a linear quantile regression, based on selected quantiles as medians, with that of a non-linear quantile regression. To estimate the hedge ratios, we have used a calibrated Student t distribution for the marginal densities and a Student t copula of the portfolio returns using a maximum likelihood estimation. We created two portfolios of the assets, one for equal weight and another for optimal weight in respect of minimal risk. Our findings show that an assumption of Student t marginal leads to a better estimation of the hedge ratio.
A practice development initiative supporting care home staff deliver high quality end-of-life care
Authors: Hockley Jo , Kinley Julie
Published: November 2016

Background:

The global population is changing with an increasing percentage of the oldest old, many of whom in the UK are looked after in care homes. Care homes now provide care for a fifth of the UK population who die each year. However, most nursing care homes are privately owned and not part of the NHS, which exposes staff to a lack of skills/knowledge in relation to end-of-life care.

Methods:

To implement the Gold Standards Framework in Care Homes Programme and audit outcomes within nursing care homes across five Clinical Commissioning Groups over a 7–year period using a research-based model of facilitation.

Results:

The percentage of residents dying in nursing care homes increased from 57% to 79%, with improvement in other outcomes.

Conclusions:

A ‘high’ facilitation model, including a sustainability initiative and ongoing audit, contributed to significant improvements when implementing the Programme. Reciprocity and trustworthiness underpin the success of this initiative.
from Westminster
Authors: Leahy Patrick
Published: November 2016

Controlled crying: the new government’s approach to the NHS
Changes to carpal tunnel surgery management at our trust over 12 years
Authors: Patel N , Batten T , Birdsall P
Published: November 2016

Has the introduction of a nurse practitioner led to reduced training opportunities for junior surgeons?
From the thinktank
Authors: Pitruzzella Barbara
Published: November 2016

NHS planning guidance: back to system management?
MRCS in FY: Realistic or reckless?
Authors: McCluney S , Grant Y
Published: November 2016

Completing the MRCS as a Foundation Year doctor seems to be a logical next step. Is it achievable?
Food Insecurity Among Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the United States: Evidence From the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Brucker Debra L. , Nord Derek
Published: November 2016

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) face higher levels of poverty than others, which can lead to concerns regarding areas of well-being, such as food security. Young adults with IDD who are, in many cases, transitioning from the system of educational, health care, and income supports of their youth into the adult world may be particularly vulnerable. Using pooled data from the 2011–2014 National Health Interview Survey, we find that young adults with IDD have significantly higher levels of food insecurity than young adults without disabilities, even when controlling for poverty. Young adults with IDD who are living in low-income households are not significantly more likely to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) than young adults without disabilities who are also living in low-income households. Although our results suggest that SNAP is effectively reaching many young adults with IDD in need of nutrition assistance, further research is needed to determine the specific effects of food insecurity and SNAP participation on overall economic and health outcomes for this population.
Risk Factors for Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties in Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Walton Katherine M.
Published: November 2016

This study examined risk factors for behavioral and emotional problems in 1973 siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Results revealed six correlates of sibling internalizing and externalizing problems: male gender, smaller family size, older age of the child with ASD, lower family income, child with ASD behavior problems, and sibling Broader Autism Phenotype. Siblings with few risk factors were at low risk for behavioral and emotional problems. However, siblings with many risk factors were at increased risk for both internalizing and externalizing problems. These results highlight the need to assess risk for individual siblings to best identify a sub-population of siblings who may be in need of additional support.
Correlates of Young Men's Intention to Discuss Birth Control with Female Partners
Authors: Masters N. Tatiana , Morrison Diane M. , Querna Katherine , Casey Erin A. , Beadnell Blair
Published: November 2016

CONTEXT

Heterosexually active men who wish to prevent conception, but are not willing to use condoms consistently, need to discuss birth control with female partners. Improving the understanding of correlates of men's intention to have such discussions is one step toward supporting this health‐facilitating behavior.

METHODS

A sample of 372 heterosexually active men aged 18–25 were recruited and surveyed online between December 2010 and June 2011. Men answered questions on attitudes toward, norms regarding and self‐efficacy about discussing birth control, and about endorsement of two sexual scripts. Multiple regression analyses tested these measures’ associations with intention to discuss birth control, controlling for age and relationship status.

RESULTS

Attitudes, norms and self‐efficacy were each positively associated with men's intention to discuss birth control, accounting for 34% of variance. The more strongly men endorsed a traditional masculinity sexual script, the less likely they were to intend to discuss birth control (coefficient, –0.2). Endorsement of an alternative, gender‐equitable “sex‐positive woman” script, which emphasizes sexual pleasure and emotional connection as goals for both partners, had no association with intention.

CONCLUSION

Strategies that merit further exploration as potential supports for men's intention to discuss birth control include improving men's self‐efficacy and positive attitudes and norms pertaining to such discussions, and reducing belief in traditionally masculine sexual scripts or transforming them to include discussing birth control. Future research should work both experimentally and longitudinally to document each element of the process that ends with men's full participation in effective contraceptive use.
A inundação do dia 31 de janeiro de 2015 na bacia inferior do Rio Ceira: contributo para o conhecimento dos riscos e importância da informação para a gestão da emergência
Authors: Cruz Carlos , Lourenço Luciano
Published: November 2016

Na madrugada de 31 de janeiro de 2015, assistiu-se a um episódio de inundação na bacia inferior do Rio Ceira, junto a Coimbra, fenómeno que foi amplamente dissecado pelos media e vivido pelas populações que o associaram a uma rutura no transvase da barragem do Alto Ceira para a de Santa Luzia, em Pampilhosa da Serra, o que aconteceu sem que estivessem preparados e sem previamente terem sido avisados. Concluiu-se que o efeito da rutura não foi significativo para o nível de consequências verificadas e que a ação da resposta foi adequada face à informação disponível. Contudo urge adotar novas estratégias de mitigação do risco e da gestão da emergência.
A diabetes mellitus tipo 2 na área metropolitana do Porto: o risco de uma realidade amarga provocada também pelo (des)ordenamento território
Authors: Sousa Carlos , Monteiro Ana
Published: November 2016

A diabetes tipo 2 (DM) é uma doença metabólica com uma componente genética mas muito determinada pelo estilo de vida que já evidencia na Área Metropolitana do Porto custos individuais, sociais e económicos muito elevados e bastante graves. Todavia, para por cobro a este flagelo e medicar uma mudança de estilo de vida elaboramos em Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), um projeto que nos permitisse combinar as características das 266 freguesias e construir o Índice de Privação para o Risco de Aparecimento de DM, uma ferramenta essencial a considerar no ordenamento de territórios mais saudáveis.
Noviazgo y matrimonio en Aragón. Casarse en la Europa del Antiguo Régimen
Authors: Baldellou Monclús Daniel , Salas Auséns José Antonio
Published: November 2016

La formación de matrimonios en las sociedades europeas del Antiguo Régimen era un proceso complejo que debía combinar la atracción mutua con la necesidad de reproducir el modelo social y económico en el que vivían los interesados. Aun con peculiaridades regionales, las relaciones de pareja en la Europa cristiana seguían una pauta similar consistente en una relación iniciada por voluntad propia pero fuertemente condicionada y supervisada por las fuerzas sociales, entre las que destacaban las familias que financiaban el enlace y la comunidad en la que debían convivir. A lo largo de este artículo se reconstruye el proceso de noviazgo atendiendo a los pasos reglamentados por la costumbre. Este estudio se lleva a cabo mediante el análisis de capítulos matrimoniales y pleitos por esponsales centrados en los territorios de Aragón. La combinación de estos dos tipos de fuentes permite analizar tanto el camino hacia el consenso como el resultado final de las negociaciones.
Transmisión de bienes y estructura nuclear de los hogares. Las prácticas testamentarias en el sistema de herencia igualitario (Normandía, Siglos XVIII-XIX)
Authors: Boudjaaba Fabrice
Published: November 2016

Este artículo pretende comprender a través de las prácticas testamentarias la relación de los normandos con la propiedad y la transmisión hereditaria de los patrimonios en el contexto de la implantación del Código Civil (1804). El análisis de los testamentos y de las motivaciones de los testadores muestran que las familias tratan, más que eludir antiguas prácticas de discriminación contra las hijas (mediante el uso de la mejora en favor de los hijos, por ejemplo), conseguir sobre todo la preservación de las condiciones de vida del cónyuge superviviente y, en general, la independencia de las personas mayores. En estas circunstancias, las prácticas testamentarias, respetuosas del principio igualitario, obedecen, más que a un apego a un concepto de linaje del patrimonio recalcada por los historiadores del derecho, o a un apego campesino a la tierra familiar, a un modelo de existencia basado en la familia nuclear y en la no-cohabitación de padres e hijos casados en el mismo hogar.
La circulación de los oficios en Charleville. Familia y trabajo en los siglos XVIII y XIX
Authors: Alexandre Cécile , Ruggiu François-Joseph
Published: November 2016

El estudio de los censos de la población llevados a cabo en la localidad francesa de Charleville, cuya población es objeto en este momento de una gran investigación histórica, nos permite reabrir el asunto, actualmente un poco dejado de lado por la historiografía, de la transmisión intergeneracional de los oficios a finales del Antiguo Régimen y en el siglo XIX. Al examinar una muestra de hogares de 1859, que comprende todos aquellos en los que el cabeza de familia, o uno de sus miembros, lleva un apellido que empieza por B, hemos podido sacar a la luz una diferencia entre dos poblaciones: la primera se compone de cabezas de familia B que tenía como mínimo un hijo que, aquel año, vivía en su hogar y cuya profesión aparecía indicada; la segunda población estaba formada por el conjunto de cabezas de familia de la localidad cuyo apellido comienza por B. Se ha efectuado un análisis complementario para un conjunto de hogares B que han vivido en la localidad en el siglo XVIII. El artículo muestra que la reproducción profesional es más acentuada en el primer grupo, que comprende una proporción considerable de jóvenes de más de veinte años. Sobre todo, la tendencia a transmitir el oficio a los hijos que se quedan en el hogar afecta a una amplia gama de profesionales y no a un número limitado de oficios o a una rama específica de actividad. El artículo concluye con una reflexión, que cabe profundizar, sobre las lógicas que han podido conducir a esta original configuración social.
El ciclo vital de los esclavos en el Cádiz de la modernidad
Authors: Morgado García Arturo
Published: November 2016

Durante los siglos XVII y XVIII Cádiz se convierte en uno de los principales núcleos esclavistas españoles, y estos esclavos tuvieron que empezar una nueva existencia totalmente diferente de la de sus lugares de origen. Este trabajo pretende acercarse a su ciclo vital, analizando sus comportamientos matrimoniales, la incidencia de la natalidad ilegítima, y su muerte.
Educação Ambiental e os Gêneros Textuais
Authors: Oliveira Maria do Carmo Leite de
Published: November 2016

Neste artigo será apresentado a articulação da disciplina  transversal, Meio Ambiente sob a ótica do estudo dos gêneros textuais nas aulas de Língua Portuguesa, a pesquisa em questão envolveu uma sala de aula de 7º ano, fundamental II , de uma escola pública municipal da cidade de Juazeiro do Norte Ceará. Esse estudo propôs um breve referencial teórico sobre a tipologia textual, gêneros textuais,  meio ambiente e a educação ambiental. Através dessa pesquisa percebeu-se que os temas transversais raramente é discutido e abordado no interior dos ambientes escolares, o que de certa forma, nota-se que a maioria dos docentes ainda se restringem apenas a área  específica na qual lecionam, não dando ênfase a integração entre as outras disciplinas, ou seja não articulam ou propõem a interdisciplinaridade entre as outras áreas do saber. Foi relevante também através desse trabalho que os discentes participaram com afinco, de maneira satisfatória, no decorrer de todo o estudo, o que se constatou que a interdisciplinaridade é um “pilar” a ser construído e ampliado nas salas de aula.
Intersectionality and Primary Accumulation: Caste and Gender in India under the Sign of Monopoly-Finance Capital
Authors: Whitehead Judith
Published: November 2016

The overarching goal of this article is to explain how the relations between capitalist imperialism, primary accumulation—often misleadingly called "primitive accumulation"—and intersectionality operate in contemporary global political economy. From many recent studies, it is clear that certain populations are more vulnerable to processes of primary accumulation than others, and that many people in the global South now experience the dispossession and displacement caused by primary accumulation without any subsequent incorporation into waged work. Understanding how ethnicity, gender, and class intersect within contemporary patterns of global accumulation is important in order to develop clear political strategies against ongoing dispossessions.… To do so, imperialism, primary accumulation, and intersectionality all need to be rethought, especially in relation to each other.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Задача о колебаниях упруго закрепленного нагруженного стержня
Authors: Бейлин Александр Борисович , Beylin Aleksandr Borisovich
Published: November 2016

Рассматриваются одномерные продольные колебания толстого короткого стержня, закреплeнного на концах при помощи сосредоточенных масс и пружин. В качестве математической модели используется начально-краевая задача с динамическими краевыми условиями для гиперболического уравнения четвeртого порядка. Выбор именно этой модели обусловлен необходимостью учитывать эффекты деформации стержня в поперечном направлении, пренебрежение которыми, как показано Рэлеем, приводит к ошибке, что подтверждено современной нелокальной концепцией изучения колебаний твeрдых тел. Доказано существование ортогональной с нагрузкой системы собственных функций исследуемой задачи и получено их представление. Установленные свойства собственных функций позволили применить метод разделения переменных и доказать существование единственного решения поставленной задачи.
Las inquisiciones de la literatura fantástica
Authors: Pujante David
Published: November 2016

El presente trabajo ofrece una reflexión acerca del maltrato secular que ha sufrido la literatura fantástica en la cultura occidental. Las inquisiciones a las que se ha visto sometida este tipo de literatura tienen su origen en dos hechos cuyas consecuencias perduran hasta hoy: por una parte, la interpretación sesgada que se ha hecho de la Poética aristotélica, principalmente de los conceptos de mímesis y verosimilitud, y, por otra, el prejuicio cristiano (y particularmente católico) contra la idea de imaginación creadora en el arte. Ambos elementos tuvieron una gran influencia en una literatura como la española, epítome del Realismo, y en la que, como veremos, sí hay una presencia de lo fantástico (incluso en el mismo Cervantes), pero tuvo que ser disimulada por temor a represalias o críticas.Serán los románticos los que acaben (brevemente) con las desdichas de la literatura fantástica y defiendan este tipo de literatura como vehículo de realidades tan propias del ser humano como las realistas. Siguiendo esta misma línea de pensamiento, hoy en día también existen diversas corrientes que reivindican la literatura fantástica como medio de acceso a una realidad simbólica que, aunque imaginada o creada, es realidad profunda del ser humano.