bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern Completion in Symmetric Threshold-Linear Networks
Authors: Curto Carina , Morrison Katherine
Published: July 2016

Threshold-linear networks are a common class of firing rate models that describe recurrent interactions among neurons. Unlike their linear counterparts, these networks generically possess multiple stable fixed points (steady states), making them viable candidates for memory encoding and retrieval. In this work, we characterize stable fixed points of general threshold-linear networks with constant external drive and discover constraints on the coexistence of fixed points involving different subsets of active neurons. In the case of symmetric networks, we prove the following antichain property: if a set of neurons [Formula: see text] is the support of a stable fixed point, then no proper subset or superset of [Formula: see text] can support a stable fixed point. Symmetric threshold-linear networks thus appear to be well suited for pattern completion, since the dynamics are guaranteed not to get stuck in a subset or superset of a stored pattern. We also show that for any graph G, we can construct a network whose stable fixed points correspond precisely to the maximal cliques of G. As an application, we design network decoders for place field codes and demonstrate their efficacy for error correction and pattern completion. The proofs of our main results build on the theory of permitted sets in threshold-linear networks, including recently developed connections to classical distance geometry.
Nesting ecology of the American crocodile in La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: González-Desales Giovany A. , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio , Zarco-González Martha M. , Charruau Pierre
Published: July 2016

Nesting of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is affected by natural and anthropogenic processes. In Mexico, few studies exist on reproductive traits of wild populations. We assessed the key reproductive characteristics ofC. acutusin the La Encrucijada biosphere reserve and the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence them. From February to June 2014, we searched for nests in the reserve. Clutch incubation temperature was recorded by data loggers and climatic variables were obtained from La Encrucijada meteorological station. Additionally, outside the study area, net primary productivity was obtained for different sites in Mexico to relate it to clutch characteristics. We found 34 nests in nine nesting areas. Egg laying occurred in March, and hatching took place from mid-May to early June. Mean clutch and eggs characteristics are among the higher reported forC. acutus. Some egg attributes had a relationship with the net primary productivity. There was no relation between hatching success and external and internal characteristics of the nest. A high percentage of nests was poached (50%) mainly for egg consumption and fear of crocodiles, and the nests closer to the river, trees or human settlements are more likely to be poached.
Taxonomic study of the genus Promalactis Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Oecophoridae) from Hainan Island, China (II)
Authors: HU SHA , WANG SHUXIA
Published: July 2016

Ten species of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 are treated from Hainan Island, China. Eight species are described as new: P. falciprocessa sp. nov.; P. bilobulata sp. nov.; P. longivalvaris sp. nov.; P. pugnivalvata sp. nov.; P. termelliptica sp. nov.; P. gladiata sp. nov.; P. lucida sp. nov. and P. latitaeniata sp. nov.; the male of P. caperatiella Kim et Park, 2014 and the female of P. clavata Du, Li et Wang, 2011 are reported for the first time in science; and P. caperatiella Kim et Park, 2014 is newly recorded in China. Images of adults and genitalia are provided.
A new species of Metapelopia Silva, Oliveira & Trivinho-Strixino (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Peru
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P. S. , HAMADA NEUSA , ARAUJO ANA A. HUAMANTINCO
Published: July 2016

A new species of the monotypic genus Metapelopia is described and illustrated based on all life stages. Adults of the Metapelopia peruensis sp. n. can be easily distinguished from those of M. corbii by the color pattern of the legs and abdomen. Larvae and pupae were collected associated with algae accumulated on rocks.
All stages of the Palaearctic predaceous midge Palpomyia schmidti Goetghebuer, 1934 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: SZADZIEWSKI RYSZARD , GOLOVATYUK LARISA V. , SONTAG ELŻBIETA , URBANEK ALEKSANDRA , ZINCHENKO TATIANA D.
Published: July 2016

All stages and the ecology of the Southern Palaearctic Palpomyia schmidti collected from the vicinity of the saline Lake Elton in Russia are described and illustrated. The morphology of larvae and pupae as well as the detailed ecology of the larvae are described for the first time. P. schmidti is a halobiontic biting midge, widely distributed in the steppes and deserts of the Palaearctic region. It is proposed that the Palpomyia schmidti group should include five Holarctic species. P. downesi Grogan & Wirth, 1979 from north-western North America is recognized as a new junior synonym of the Eastern Palaearctic P. tuvae Remm, 1972. New synonymy.
Communicating to Influence Perceptions of Social Stigma
Authors: Boster Franklin J. , Liu Rain Wuyu , Poorisat Thanomwong , Cheng Ying , Kim Wonkyung , Salmon-Seidmann Nicholas D. , Salmon Charles T.
Published: July 2016

Homelessness is an important social problem in many countries, including the United States. The plight of the homeless is compounded by a high level of stigma associated with the homeless. This study examines the effects of humorous and nonhumorous signs used by the homeless to attract donations. Study 1 shows that nonhumorous signs attracted 10 times as much money as humorous signs. Study 2 shows that subjects felt more comfortable in the presence of homeless not holding a sign and perceived them more positively compared with homeless holding a humorous sign. Positive perceptions of them led to more comfort, which led to more donations. Study 3 shows that subjects perceived homeless not holding a sign more positively compared with homeless holding a nonhumorous sign. These findings suggest that signs make potential donors feel uncomfortable, potentially resulting in diminished donations.
Three-Dimensional Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate Fabricated Using Chemical Decoration of Silver Nanoparticles on Electrospun Polycarbonate Nanofibers
Authors: Balamurugan Murugesan , Yang Jyisy
Published: July 2016

In this work, a simple method via decoration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on electrospun polycarbonate nanofibers (PCNFs) was proposed to prepare highly sensitive three-dimensional (3D) substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. The method proposed in this work gave a high sensitive Ag@PCNFs substrate, which resulted from a successful production of high surface area of PCNFs with a high efficiency in the decoration of AgNPs. To produce PCNFs suitable for SERS application, parameters in fabrication of PCNFs were systematically examined and correlated with their corresponding scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Examined parameters included the concentration of PC solution, the solvent to form PC solution, the applied voltage, and the rotating speed of a drum collector. Using the optimized condition, the bead-free PCNFs with a diameter in the range of 200–400 nm were successfully produced. To increase the efficiency in decoration of AgNPs, the surface properties of PNCFs were altered with an organic solvent, which was selected experimentally with guidance of Hildebrand solubility parameter. Results indicated that methanol was the most suitable solvent to effectively decorate AgNPs on PCNFs. By probing with para-hydroxythiophenol (pHTP), prepared SERS substrates of Ag@PCNFs provided an enhancement factor to the order of 7, which is at least an order of magnitude larger than the reported values in the literature for SERS substrates prepared with the electrospinning technique.
The Role of Cultural Discontinuity in the Academic Outcomes of Latina/o High School Students
Authors: Taggart Amanda
Published: July 2016

This study examined the impact of cultural discontinuity on the academic outcomes of Latina/o high school students. Hierarchical multiple regression was utilized to (a) investigate the significant differences between the characteristics and academic outcomes of high school students who do and do not experience cultural discontinuity between their home- and school-based learning and social experiences based on Eurocentric cultural values, and (b) examine the contribution of demographic variables, socio-cultural variables, academic experiences, and cultural discontinuity to students’ cumulative grade point average (GPA) and standardized test scores. Data were collected from two high schools in South Central Texas. Findings revealed that cultural discontinuity had an inverse relationship with GPA; therefore, the more cultural discontinuity based on Eurocentric cultural values that a student experienced, the lower was the student’s GPA.
Scotellaro tra i Nobel: La fortuna precoce delle traduzioni americane
Authors: Guida Patrizia
Published: July 2016

Le prime traduzioni americane delle poesie di Rocco Scotellaro risalgono al 1953, quando il poeta era pressocché sconosciuto in Italia in quanto gran parte dei suoi scritti fu pubblicata postuma grazie all’interessamento di Carlo Levi e Rossi Doria. Nonostante i premi e i riconoscimenti l’opera di Scotellaro, ed in partricolare la sua poesia, è rimasta confinata in quella sorta di periferia culturale ben separata dal novero di autori “degni” di essere inseriti nelle antologie nazionali. Non così nel sistema culturale anglo-americano. Scotellaro fu infatti uno dei primi poeti italiani ad essere tradotto e presentato al pubblico americano e le sue poesie furono inserite in antologie e riviste accanto a quelle di Ungaretti, Montale, Saba e Quasimodo, solo per citare i più famosi a livello internazionale. Il presente saggio ricostruisce la presenza di Scotellaro negli USA e propone un’analisi delle traduzioni dei diversi traduttori che nel corso di mezzo secolo si sono cimentati con i versi del poeta lucano, evidenziandone l’approccio traduttivo e le strategie editoriali.
Jean-Luc Marion and the Theological ‘School’ of Montmartre
Authors: Lemna Keith
Published: July 2016

This article explores the intellectual relationship of Jean-Luc Marion to some of his theological and spiritual mentors in Montmartre during his student years in Paris. It looks at evidence of their influence in the development of certain themes in his later philosophy and theology, particularly the importance of the thematic of charity and of the need for openness to the event. It highlights the implicit Pneumatological dimension in his work.
Historical Context of Agricultural Commercialisation in Ghana: Changes in Land and Labour Relations
Authors: Yaro Joseph Awetori , Teye Joseph Kofi , Torvikey Gertrude Dzifa
Published: July 2016

This paper provides a broad review of agrarian change in Ghana by highlighting the major developments in the agrarian political economy and their implications for agricultural commercialisation and its modifying influence on land tenure systems, livelihoods, production systems, social relations, and labour relations. While current land tenure arrangements and labour relations in Africa are often explained in terms of globalisation, we argue that the historical context of agricultural commercialisation in Ghana shows continuities and discontinuities in agrarian relations from the colonial period to the present. We also argue that changes over the years have blended with globalisation to produce the distinct forms of labour relations that we see today. The commercialisation of agriculture in Ghana has evolved progressively from the colonial era aided by policies of coercion, persuasion and incentives to its current globalised form. The expansion in the range of commodities over time necessarily increased the demand for more land and labour. The article contributes to the literature by providing great insights into changes in land and labour relations due to increasing commercialisation, and how these enhanced wealth accumulation for the richer segments of society and global capital to the detriment of the poor throughout Ghana’s agrarian history.
Perceived Preparedness to Implement Evidence-Based Practice by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Sandra , Leahy Michael J. , Kang Hyun-Ju , Chan Fong , Bezyak Jill
Published: July 2016

The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in rehabilitation counseling has the potential to improve the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and employment outcomes of people with disabilities. The purpose of this content analysis was to explore certified rehabilitation counselors’ (CRCs) perceptions of the effectiveness of EBP and their preparedness to implement EBP in a variety of rehabilitation counseling settings. Three hundred fourteen CRCs responded to two open-ended questions related to their perceived effectiveness and preparedness to use EBP in VR service delivery practices. Results of this content analysis indicate that CRCs generally recognize the value of EBP and support its use in rehabilitation counseling. However, they identified major individual-level and organizational-level barriers that could hinder the implementation of EBP in the professional practice of rehabilitation counseling. Strong administrative support, adequate funding, time, and continuous training to update skills will be needed to fully implement EBP in rehabilitation counseling.
Model-based testing methodology using system entity structures for MATLAB/Simulink models
Authors: Schmidt Artur , Durak Umut , Pawletta Thorsten
Published: July 2016

The increasing complexity of systems entails an increasing complexity of simulation models. Likewise, heterogeneity in system components corresponds to heterogeneous simulation models. Cyber physical systems (CPS) represent an emerging class of technical systems characterized by their complexity and heterogeneity. Developing simulation models for CPS brings various challenges, one of which is determining the simulation fidelity. Fidelity evaluation can be introduced as the degree to which a simulation model matches the characteristics of the system it represents. Due to the growth of system complexity in CPS, the number of test cases required to reach admissible coverage to assure adequate simulation fidelity is very high. Along with that, heterogeneity in system components comes on top as another challenge. Therefore, adaptability, flexibility and automation can be identified as the key characteristics of a fidelity evaluation approach that determines its success. Model-based testing (MBT) advocates the use of models for the specification of test cases and proposes workflows for automatic test case generation. This paper presents an MBT approach for objective fidelity evaluation of complex, modular simulation models. The methodology implies that appropriate data for fidelity evaluation are available. Each test model is represented according to the formal structure of experimental frame (EF). For generating an executable EF for a model under test (MUT), configurable basic models are provided by a model base (MB). In the same manner, configurable basic models for composing various MUTs are stored in the MB. The system entity structure (SES) ontology is used for the specification of a family of MUT and test model designs on an abstract level. This means that the SES describes a set of various MUT and test model structures and parameter settings. Using the SES and MB, a specific executable model consisting of an MUT and a test model can be generated. Based on these ideas an infrastructure implementation for automated fidelity evaluation of complex, modular simulation models within MATLAB/Simulink is proposed in this paper.
A Comparative Study on Retirement Process in Korea, Germany, and the United States
Authors: Cho Joonmo , Lee Ayoung , Woo Kwangho
Published: July 2016

This study classifies the retirement process and empirically identifies the individual and institutional characteristics determining the retirement process of the aged in South Korea, Germany, and the United States. Using data from the Cross-National Equivalent File, we use a multinomial logistic regression with individual factors, public pension, and an interaction term between an occupation and an education level. We found that in Germany, the elderly with a higher education level were more likely to continue work after retirement with a relatively well-developed social support system, while in Korea, the elderly, with a lower education level in almost all occupation sectors, tended to work off and on after retirement. In the United States, the public pension and the interaction terms have no statistically significant impact on work after retirement. In both Germany and Korea, receiving a higher pension decreased the probability of working after retirement, but the influence of a pension in Korea was much greater than that of Germany. In South Korea, the elderly workers, with lower education levels, tended to work off and on repeatedly because there is no proper security in both the labor market and pension system.
Relationship Between the Remaining Years of Healthy Life Expectancy in Older Age and National Income Level, Educational Attainment, and Improved Water Quality
Authors: Kim Jong In , Kim Gukbin
Published: July 2016

The remaining years of healthy life expectancy (RYH) at age 65 years can be calculated as RYH (65) = healthy life expectancy–aged 65 years. This study confirms the associations between socioeconomic indicators and the RYH (65) in 148 countries. The RYH data were obtained from the World Health Organization. Significant positive correlations between RYH (65) in men and women and the socioeconomic indicators national income, education level, and improved drinking water were found. Finally, the predictors of RYH (65) in men and women were used to build a model of the RYH using higher socioeconomic indicators ( R2 = 0.744, p < .001). Overall country-level educational attainment, national income level, and improved water quality influenced the RYH at 65 years. Therefore, policymaking to improve these country-level socioeconomic factors is expected to have latent effects on RYH in older age.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Mediating Role of Family Support and Parental Advice Quality on the Relationship Between Family Communication Patterns and First-Year College Student Adjustment in the United States and Belgium
Authors: Dorrance Hall Elizabeth , McNallie Jenna , Custers Kathleen , Timmermans Elisabeth , Wilson Steven R. , Van den Bulck Jan
Published: July 2016

This study examines how college students’ family communication environments influence their adjustment during the first year of college in two distinct cultures: Belgium ( n = 513) and the United States ( n = 431). Three structural equation models were tested to determine the mediating effects of (a) perceived family support, (b) quality of academic advice from parents, and (c) quality of social advice from parents on associations between family communication patterns (FCPs) and student adjustment. Although most relationships are more complicated than predicted based on FCP theory and research, several patterns occur across models and populations. Conversation orientation tends to foster positive adjustment for both cultures while conformity orientation promotes negative adjustment for Belgian students. In addition, perceived family support and advice quality mediate several relationships between FCP and academic self-efficacy, college stress, and loneliness. Differences between the two cultures, theoretical implications for FCP, and practical implications for academic counselors are discussed along with avenues for future research.
Videoconferencing and higher education teaching in Politics and International Relations classrooms
Authors: Aslam Wali
Published: July 2016

Although generally considered beneficial, little is known about how videoconferencing can enhance the quality of Politics and International Relations teaching in traditional classrooms. Studying the author’s own practice, this article examines data gathered from a variety of sources including survey questionnaires, Twitter feeds, and online course evaluations to highlight the usefulness of this technology for higher order learning. By integrating videoconferencing technologies into learning designs, lecturers can utilise them to assist students with formulating questions geared towards higher order learning, provide varied learning opportunities to fit their students’ disparate needs, enhance class interactivity, and increase students’ intercultural learning by exposing them to non-Western viewpoints.
Tactical urbanism: Towards an evolutionary cities’ approach?
Authors: Silva Paulo
Published: July 2016

Tactical urbanism initiatives have been interpreted as an alternative and a challenge to formal spatial planning tools to the need for a more responsive planning system. Short-term implementation, scarce resources and citizens’ involvement are said to be the key characteristics of this emerging movement in urbanism. In tactical urbanism, everything seems focussed on one thing: action. This paper analyses tactical urbanism initiatives in the United States considering three main aspects: the process, its interaction with planning institutions and the respective urban design outcomes. For this, the relation between tactical urbanism and complexity theory (in which self-organisation and evolution play an important role) is addressed. Findings suggest some contributions that tactical urbanism can make to urban design and spatial planning, in evolutionary terms and possible role for tactical urbanism in alternative to traditional division between plan making and plan implementation.
Early or delayed provision of an ankle-foot orthosis in patients with acute and subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nikamp Corien DM , Buurke Jaap H , van der Palen Job , Hermens Hermie J , Rietman Johan S
Published: July 2016

Objective:

(1) To study the effects of providing ankle-foot orthoses in subjects with (sub)acute stroke; and (2) to study whether the point in time at which an ankle-foot orthosis is provided post-stroke (early or delayed) influences these effects.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Rehabilitation centre.

Subjects:

Unilateral hemiparetic stroke subjects with indication for use of an ankle-foot orthosis and maximal six weeks post-stroke.

Interventions:

Subjects were randomly assigned to: early provision (at inclusion; Week 1) or delayed provision (eight weeks later; Week 9).

Outcome measures:

10-metre walk test, 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go Test, stairs test, Functional Ambulation Categories, Berg Balance Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index and Barthel Index; assessed in Weeks 1, 3, 9 and 11.

Results:

A total of 33 subjects were randomized (16 early, 17 delayed). Positive effects of ankle-foot orthoses were found two weeks after provision, both when provided early (significant effects on all outcomes) or delayed (Berg Balance Scale p = 0.011, Functional Ambulation Categories p = 0.008, 6-minute walk test p = 0.005, Timed Up and Go Test p = 0.028). Comparing effects after early and delayed provision showed that early provision resulted in increased levels of improvement on Berg Balance Scale (+5.1 points, p = 0.002), Barthel Index (+1.9 points, p = 0.002) and non-significant improvements on 10-metre walk test (+0.14 m/s, p = 0.093) and Timed Up and Go Test (–5.4 seconds, p = 0.087), compared with delayed provision.

Conclusions:

We found positive effects of providing ankle-foot orthoses in (sub)acute stroke subjects that had not used these orthoses before.
Planning-free cerebral blood flow territory mapping in patients with intracranial arterial stenosis
Authors: Arteaga Daniel F , Strother Megan K , Davis L Taylor , Fusco Matthew R , Faraco Carlos C , Roach Brent A , Scott Allison O , Donahue Manus J
Published: July 2016

A noninvasive method for quantifying cerebral blood flow and simultaneously visualizing cerebral blood flow territories is vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling MRI. However, obstacles to acquiring such information include limited access to the methodology in clinical centers and limited work on how clinically acquired vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling data correlate with gold-standard methods. The purpose of this work is to develop and validate a semiautomated pipeline for the online quantification of cerebral blood flow maps and cerebral blood flow territories from planning-free vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling MRI with gold-standard digital subtraction angiography. Healthy controls (n = 10) and intracranial atherosclerotic disease patients (n = 34) underwent 3.0 T MRI imaging including vascular (MR angiography) and hemodynamic (cerebral blood flow-weighted arterial spin labeling) MRI. Patients additionally underwent catheter and/or CT angiography. Variations in cross-territorial filling were grouped according to diameters of circle of Willis vessels in controls. In patients, Cohen’s k-statistics were computed to quantify agreement in perfusion patterns between vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling and angiography. Cross-territorial filling patterns were consistent with circle of Willis anatomy. The intraobserver Cohen's k-statistics for cerebral blood flow territory and digital subtraction angiography perfusion agreement were 0.730 (95% CI = 0.593–0.867; reader one) and 0.708 (95% CI = 0.561–0.855; reader two). These results support the feasibility of a semiautomated pipeline for evaluating major neurovascular cerebral blood flow territories in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Losartan improves cerebrovascular function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease with combined overproduction of amyloid-β and transforming growth factor-β1
Authors: Papadopoulos Panayiota , Tong Xin-Kang , Imboden Hans , Hamel Edith
Published: July 2016

Alterations of the renin-angiotensin system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We tested the efficacy of losartan (10 mg/kg/day for three months), a selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, in alleviating cerebrovascular and cognitive deficits in double-transgenic mice (six months at endpoint) that overexpress a mutated form of the human amyloid precursor protein (APPSwe,Ind) and a constitutively active form of the transforming growth factor-β1, thereafter named A/T mice. Losartan rescued cerebrovascular reactivity, particularly the dilatory responses, but failed to attenuate astroglial activation and to normalize the neurovascular uncoupling response to sensory stimulation. The cognitive deficits of A/T mice were not restored by losartan nor were the increased brain levels of soluble and insoluble Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 peptides normalized. Our results are the first to demonstrate the capacity of losartan to improve cerebrovascular reactivity in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model of combined Aβ-induced vascular oxidative stress and transforming growth factor-β1-mediated vascular fibrosis. These data suggest that losartan may be promising for restoring cerebrovascular function in patients with vascular diseases at risk for vascular dementia or Alzheimer's disease. However, a combined therapy may be warranted for rescuing both vascular and cognitive deficits in a multifaceted pathology like Alzheimer's disease.
Reduced global brain metabolism but maintained vascular function in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Thomas Binu P , Sheng Min , Tseng Benjamin Y , Tarumi Takashi , Martin-Cook Kristen , Womack Kyle B , Cullum Munro C , Levine Benjamin D , Zhang Rong , Lu Hanzhang
Published: July 2016

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment represents an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, and characterization of physiological alterations in mild cognitive impairment is an important step toward accurate diagnosis and intervention of this condition. To investigate the extent of neurodegeneration in patients with mild cognitive impairment, whole-brain cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in absolute units of µmol O2/min/100 g was quantified in 44 amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 28 elderly controls using a novel, non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging method. We found a 12.9% reduction ( p = 0.004) in cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in mild cognitive impairment, which was primarily attributed to a reduction in the oxygen extraction fraction, by 10% ( p = 0.016). Global cerebral blood flow was not found to be different between groups. Another aspect of vascular function, cerebrovascular reactivity, was measured by CO2-inhalation magnetic resonance imaging and was found to be equivalent between groups. Therefore, there seems to be a global, diffuse diminishment in neural function in mild cognitive impairment, while their vascular function did not show a significant reduction.
Cerebral blood flow response to hypoglycemia is altered in patients with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia
Authors: Wiegers Evita C , Becker Kirsten M , Rooijackers Hanne M , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Federico C , Tack Cees J , Heerschap Arend , de Galan Bastiaan E , van der Graaf Marinette
Published: July 2016

It is unclear whether cerebral blood flow responses to hypoglycemia are altered in people with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hypoglycemia on both global and regional cerebral blood flow in type 1 diabetes patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia, type 1 diabetes patients with normal awareness of hypoglycemia and healthy controls ( n = 7 per group). The subjects underwent a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic–hypoglycemic glucose clamp in a 3 T MR system. Global and regional changes in cerebral blood flow were determined by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging, at the end of both glycemic phases. Hypoglycemia generated typical symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes and normal awareness of hypoglycemia and healthy controls, but not in patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. Conversely, hypoglycemia increased global cerebral blood flow in patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia, which was not observed in the other two groups. Regionally, hypoglycemia caused a redistribution of cerebral blood flow towards the thalamus of both patients with normal awareness of hypoglycemia and healthy controls, consistent with activation of brain regions associated with the autonomic response to hypoglycemia. No such redistribution was found in the patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. An increase in global cerebral blood flow may enhance nutrient supply to the brain, hence suppressing symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia. Altogether these results suggest that changes in cerebral blood flow during hypoglycemia contribute to impaired awareness of hypoglycemia.
Providing Universal Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria
Authors: Okebukola Peter O. , Brieger William R.
Published: July 2016

Despite a stated goal of achieving universal coverage, the National Health Insurance Scheme of Nigeria had achieved only 4% coverage 12 years after it was launched. This study assessed the plans of the National Health Insurance Scheme to achieve universal health insurance coverage in Nigeria by 2015 and discusses the challenges facing the scheme in achieving insurance coverage. In-depth interviews from various levels of the health-care system in the country, including providers, were conducted. The results of the analysis suggest that challenges to extending coverage include the difficulty in convincing autonomous state governments to buy into the scheme and an inadequate health workforce that might not be able to meet increased demand. Recommendations for increasing the scheme’s coverage include increasing decentralization and strengthening human resources for health in the service delivery systems. Strong political will is needed as a catalyst to achieving these goals.
Adaptive human-inspired compliant contact primitives to perform surface–surface contact under uncertainty
Authors: Khansari Mohammad , Klingbeil Ellen , Khatib Oussama
Published: July 2016

This paper focuses on devising a control policy that is inspired by human strategy to enable robots to perform surface–surface contact between a hand-held object (e.g. a box) and the environment (e.g. table). We assume the object’s shape is partially known and consider uncertainties in both the environment and the object grasp. Our analysis on ten untrained subjects indicates that during this task: (1) the subjects start decreasing the angular velocity before the complete alignment (in contrast to existing approaches), and (2) they do not control the contact force to remain at a fixed value. Our study is also consistent with the hypothesis that the subjects determine an over-estimate of the relative angle between the object in hand and the environment. Based on these observations we propose a novel control policy, called Surface-Surface Contact Primitive (SSCP), which can perform the surface–surface alignment task with only partial information about the hand-held object and the environment. Furthermore, SSCP only requires a rough estimate of the surface normal vector and does not rely on either the estimation of contact type (i.e. point or edge contact) or locations of contact points. We evaluate the performance of the proposed controller on a set of robot experiments using two seven-degree-of-freedom robots, one for imposing uncertainty to the environment, and the other to perform the experiment. We show the applicability of the controller on four objects with different geometries, its generalization to four different surface materials, and its robustness to uncertainty in environment and grasp as well as external perturbations.
A Signal Detection Analysis of the Effects of Alcohol on Visual Contrast Sensitivity
Authors: Timney Brian , Ferreira Melissa , Matson Steven
Published: July 2016

Numerous studies have shown that acute ethanol consumption can reduce visual contrast sensitivity when measured using traditional psychophysical methods. However, no consideration has been given to whether nonsensory factors may also play a role. The present study used both traditional techniques and signal detection procedures to evaluate this possibility. In three within-subject experiments, 41 observers (19 Females and 22 Males) were presented with faint, contrast-modulated, visual patterns and asked to say if they had seen them. In Experiment 1, contrast thresholds were measured using a randomly interleaved staircase procedure, and the data confirmed an increase in threshold following alcohol. In Experiment 2, using similar stimuli, but applying a signal detection analysis, we found that sensitivity, as reflected in d’, did not change following alcohol. However, participants became more conservative in their response criterion. The third experiment was designed to allow thresholds to be measured directly with a conventional psychophysical procedure while permitting a signal detection analysis to be performed on the same data. The conventional psychophysical task showed an increase in contrast threshold, while the signal detection analysis showed no change in sensitivity, but a shift to a more conservative criterion. These data highlight the importance of taking into account alcohol’s effects on cognitive processes, even when assessing basic sensory function.
Cooperatives as Transitional Economics
Authors: Sharzer Greg
Published: July 2016

In contemporary discourse, cooperatives are often considered as vehicles for post-capitalist social transformation. However, theorists affiliated with the first, second, and third Internationals groupings of socialist parties suggested that cooperative potential was circumscribed by market coercion, leaving co-ops with limited pedagogical value and subordinating them to political movements. Their experience suggests it is important to avoid conflating cooperatives’ demonstration of post-capitalist labor norms with the strategic problems of creating a post-capitalist society.

JEL classification: B14, J54
Opportunity, Resources, and Threat: Explaining Local Nativist Organizing in the United States
Authors: Ward Matthew
Published: July 2016

I examine variation in nativist organizing through an analysis of the number of nativist organizations in U.S. counties. I make two primary contributions to literatures on anti-immigrant phenomena and right-wing mobilization. First, I investigate the extent to which theories of threat, in addition to resource mobilization and political opportunity theories, further our understandings of nativist mobilization. Pro-immigrant oppositional activism and racist hate resource and organizational bases facilitate this mobilization, whereas a weak economic base, growing working-class base, and increasing Latino political representation constrain it. In addition, the association between nativist mobilization and Latino population change, as well as conservative voting, is curvilinear (inverted U). Nativist mobilization thrives in the presence of low-to-moderate levels of demographic threat, as well as in contexts in which political conservatism is present but weak enough to make the conservative, nativist identity nonnormative. Second, few studies examine nonattitudinal or noninstitutionalized anti-immigrant phenomena. There is little understanding of whether or not social structures facilitating anti-immigrant attitudes and institutionalized anti-immigrant activity similarly influence the presence of anti-immigrant mobilization. Although results suggest that political and cultural threats shape diverse anti-immigrant phenomena, I also point to a unique set of structural conditions beyond threat to explain nativist mobilization in particular.
Influence of a Metacognitive Scaffolding for Information Search in B-learning Courses on Learning Achievement and Its Relationship With Cognitive and Learning Style
Authors: Huertas Adriana , López Omar , Sanabria Luis
Published: July 2016

The research’s objective is to evaluate the differential effect that a metacognitive scaffolding for information web searches has on learning achievement of high school students with different cognitive style in the field dependence and independence dimension and on learning style in the dimension proposed by Honey and Alonso known as CHAEA. One hundred and four students from a school in the city of Bogotá, Colombia participated in the study. The research was quasi-experimental and was conducted with three 10th-grade groups, which worked with three scaffolding versions: fixed, optional, and without scaffolding. A multivariate analysis of covariance established that the fixed scaffolding favored learning achievement. Regarding cognitive style in the field dependence and independence dimension, the findings allow to conclude that the field independent students exhibited better academic performances in the presence of a fixed scaffolding when compared with the field dependent students. In addition, a positive interaction was identified between cognitive style and the scaffolding that drives learning achievement. However, learning style did not have any effect on academic achievement.
Psychological Engagement of Students in Distance and Online Learning
Authors: Vayre Emilie , Vonthron Anne-Marie
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to test a model of online learners' engagement, which integrates social support (from teachers, peers, and family members) and sense of community as direct and indirect factors, with academic self-efficacy playing a mediating role. Survey results based on a questionnaire administered to 255 students enrolled in an online university course confirm, but only partially, our hypothesized model. Path analysis revealed that social support provided by teachers was the only interindividual factor that influenced students' engagement. Moreover, the sense of community was also a significant direct predictor of online learners' engagement. Finally, self-efficacy functioned as a mediator only between the sense of community and engagement.
The Great Recession and the changing intergenerational distribution of economic stress across income classes in Ireland: A comparative perspective
Authors: Whelan Christopher T , Nolan Brian , Maître Bertrand
Published: July 2016

In this paper we seek to bridge the gap between recent analysis relating to the distributional consequences of the Great Recession across the income distribution and more specific concerns relating to inter-generational outcomes. In Ireland in 2008 there was a clear age gradient in relation to economic stress. Over time the gradient became sharper with the relative position of younger groups deteriorating. The increased salience of age group differentiation in Ireland involved two components. The first related to variability in increases in stress across the age spectrum that was common across income class categories. In that respect children and the older middle age group suffered most. The second involves changes in the additional effects of poverty. While the variable impact of poverty increased the differentials between the elderly and all other groups, it reduced the degree of differentiation between the non-elderly groups. It is not possible to understand the impact of the Great Recession in Ireland by focusing only on changing relativities in relation to social class, unless one allows for the fact that the changing impact of life course stage varied across income classes and the scale of absolute increases in economic stress levels for the non-elderly groups experienced across all income classes. That the Irish pattern of change was not an inevitable outcome of the economic crisis is illustrated by the fact that in Iceland a similar starting point produced a quite different set of changes. Greece, on the other hand, provides an example of the emergence of significant age related differentiation where the pre-recession period was characterised by their absence. Clearly policy choices not only affect life course differentiation but the extent to which operates in a uniform or variable fashion across income classes.
To Stay in or Leave an Abusive Relationship: Losses and Gains Experienced by Battered Filipino Women
Authors: Estrellado Alicia F. , Loh Jennifer (MI)
Published: July 2016

The present study aimed to describe and analyze the losses and gains experienced by battered Filipino women as a result of their decision to stay in or leave an abusive relationship. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 60 battered women, 30 of the women were still living with their abusive husbands/partners and 30 have left their abusive husbands/partners. Results from the phenomenological data analysis of the qualitative data revealed that the women who stayed in and left their abusive partners experienced both losses and gains. For the women who stayed in an abusive relationship, they lost a sense of self, the opportunity for a better life, peace of mind, psychological well-being, and love for their partners. However, these women had the benefits of having a complete family and a partner to help raise their children. In contrast, despite not having a complete family or a partner to help them raise their children, women who left an abusive relationship gained back their sense of self, peace of mind, freedom, inner strength, and hope. Implications for counseling practice were discussed.
Design-Based Economic Development
Authors: Kinahan Kelly L.
Published: July 2016

This research builds on previous work that developed the context for understanding art, design, and culture in local and regional economic development by investigating U.S. cultural institutions housing collections of industrial and product design and exploring their connections to economic development. The research question guiding this inquiry is, “How are collections of industrial and product design functioning as components of economic development strategies?” The analysis of 11 key-person interviews identified indirect connections to economic development among the case institutions, including events, programming, membership groups, and university partnerships. The study concludes by outlining a framework that builds from these existing connections and offers additional strategies for improving the integration of cultural institutions and design collections in design-based economic development approaches.
‘When the stomach is full we look for respect’: perceptions of ‘good work’ in the urban informal sectors of three developing countries
Authors: Monteith William , Giesbert Lena
Published: July 2016

There is growing interest in the ability of the informal sector to provide gainful work in much of the developing world. However, the literature on work in the informal sector remains dominated by resource- and rights-based approaches, which fail to consider the features of work valued by informal workers themselves. This article investigates perceptions of ‘good work’ based on focus group discussions with informal workers in the capitals of Uganda, Burkina Faso and Sri Lanka. Using the capability approach as a framework, it reveals that informal workers value a combination of instrumental features of work, such as income and working hours, and intrinsic aspects, such as relationships and recognition. The article’s findings contribute to debates on quality of work in formal and informal contexts by illustrating the role of social and environmental conversion factors, including gender and class relations, in mediating the relationship between work and well-being.
Gender, availability and dual emancipation in the Swedish ICT sector
Authors: Holth Line , Bergman Ann , MacKenzie Robert
Published: July 2016

Set in the context of the Swedish state’s agenda of dual emancipation for women and men, the article shows how a global ICT consultancy company’s formal gender equality goal is undermined by competing demands. Employing the concept of availability, in preference to work–life balance, the research found women opted out of roles requiring high degrees of spatial and temporal availability for work, in favour of roles more easily combined with family responsibilities. Such choices led to poor career development, plus the loss of technological expertise and confidence. These outcomes were at odds with the company’s gender equality aims, as well as government objectives to make it easier for women and men to combine work and family, and increase the number of women within ICT.
Sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) hybrid membrane for vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Liu Shibin , Meng Xiangcai , Wang Jing , Xu Jianwei
Published: July 2016

Sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (SPES/PVDF) blends are prepared and employed as the separator for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) to evaluate the vanadium ions permeability and cell performance. The SPES/PVDF membranes exhibit dramatically vanadium ions permeability and cell performance compared with pristine SPES and Nafion115 membrane. The vanadium ion permeability of SPES/PVDF membrane is 1 order of magnitude lower than that of Nafion115 membrane. The low-cost composite membrane exhibits a better performance than Nafion115 membrane at the same operating condition. VRB single cell with SPES/PVDF membrane shows significantly lower capacity loss, higher coulombic efficiency (>98%) and higher energy efficiency (>84%) than that with Nafion115 membrane. In the self-discharge test, S0.7P0.3 membrane shows twice longer duration in the open circuit decay than that with Nafion115 membrane. With all the good properties and low cost, the SPES/PVDF membrane is expected to have excellent commercial prospects as an ion exchange membrane for VRB systems.