bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life evaluation, sleep and Burnout Syndrome the residentes of the multidisciplinary residency program in health
Authors: Moreira Ana Paula F , Patrizzi Lislei J , Accioly Marilita F , Shimano Suraya G N , Walsh Isabel A P
Published: January 2017

Model Study: Cross-sectional study, exploratory, descriptive and quantitative character. Objective: To evaluate quality of life (QL), Quality of sleep and Burnout Syndrome (SB) in multi professional residents along the residence. Methodology: 60 multi professional residents were analyzed, of which 24 were freshmen residents, attending the first week of the program (RIN), 18 at the end of the first year (R1) and 18 at the end of the second year (R2). The application of the WHOQOL-BREF was performed Sleep Quality Index of Pittsburgh and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: Quality of sleep decreased over the residence and was identified less involvement in all areas of QL for RIn. As for the isolated dimensions of MBI, R1 showed a higher number of residents with emotional exhaustion (EE) high and professional fulfillment (RP) low and R2 depersonalization (DE) high. Two individuals of R2 showed the SB; R2 also excelled in completing a criterion. R1 had a higher percentage of subjects at risk. Most RIn there has been no classification in any of the dimensions. The average of the results of EE was high for R2, R1 and borderline low for RIn. Conclusions: Considering 1ue the physical and emotional exhaustion can be understood as a gradual process that can lead to illness, QL impairment and services, points to an increasing need to propose solutions to better planning and organization of work, for improvements in the general conditions, contributing to better health of residents
Low medication adherence in patients with Short Bowel Syndrome dependent on parenteral nutrition
Authors: Ferreira Iahel M. L. , Braga Camila B. M. , Dewulf Nathalie L. S. , Marchini Julio S. , Cunha Selma F. C.
Published: January 2017

Study design: Cross-sectional. Aim: We aimed to investigate adherence to oral medications in patients with severe Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). Casuistic and Methods: Ten patients with severe intestinal failure attending a specialized unit in a university hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients received intermittent parenteral nutrition for at least 4 months. The participants (six men and four women) had 56 ± 13 years and body mass index of 18 ± 3 kg/m2. Information related to the use of medications at home was recorded, and adherence behavior was assessed by using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: Four patients (40%) had high medication adherence. Among patients with low medication adherence, unintentional behavior was observed in two patients, intentional behavior was observed in one patient, and an association of unintentional with intentional behavior was identified in three patients. Conclusion: Outside the hospital setting, most patients with SBS have low adherence to oral medications. These results suggest the development and implementation of targeted strategies aimed to promote awareness and adherence to medication treatment
‘Learning (Not) To’ and Practical Knowledge
Authors: Douskos Christos
Published: January 2017

The author raises objections to the intellectualist analysis of knowing-how on the basis of certain features of ‘learning to’ ascriptions. He starts by observing that ‘learning to’ ascriptions can only have a first-personal reading. Since embedded questions make the generic reading available, this suggests that ‘learning to’ ascriptions are not embedded question configurations. Then the author locates an ambiguity in ‘learning to’ ascriptions. They can be used to ascribe either the acquisition of practical knowledge, or the acquisition of a behavioural disposition—a habit—of some value. Once this ambiguity is taken into account, it can be shown that the embedded infinitival in practical learning ascriptions cannot be negated, by contrast to embedded question configurations. This suggests that the semantic value of the infinitival is not propositional. Hence the intellectualist analysis fails to extend to learning ascriptions, and cannot accommodate the systematic relationships between knowledge and learning. The two points above regarding ‘learning to’ ascriptions extend to ascriptions of practical knowledge in certain languages.
Contact-Induced Change in an Oceanic Language: The Paluai – Tok Pisin Case
Authors: Schokkin Dineke
Published: January 2017

Many studies have focused on substrate influence on the creole languages of Melanesia – Tok Pisin, Solomons Pijin and Bislama. The same cannot be said with regard to influence in the opposite direction: contact-induced change occurring in local vernaculars due to pressure from the creole. This paper presents a case study of several instances of structural borrowing and semantic category change in Paluai, an Oceanic language spoken in Papua New Guinea. It is shown that a number of functional elements originating from Tok Pisin are now firmly embedded in Paluai grammar: two verbs, gat and inap, and a conjunction, taim. Moreover, semantic categories are undergoing change and possibly attrition due to many-to-one correspondences. This suggests that it is important to view language contact situations as dynamic and involving two-way processes of change.
À propos de Maarten Kossmann : The Arabic Influence on Northern Berber. Compte rendu d’un travail de synthèse
Authors: Lentin Jérôme , Taine-Cheikh Catherine
Published: January 2017

With this detailed and comprehensive survey, Maarten Kossmann provides not only Berberists and Arabists, but also all linguists interested in language contact and related issues, with an impressive amount of data and with food for thought. Based on considerable documentation, his work offers a synthesis that had never been attempted before of most of the elements in the Maghrebian Berber languages that could be considered to be borrowings from Arabic, with a careful evaluation, in each case, of the validity of such an attribution. For this purpose, the author gives a summary of the relevant Arabic facts, followed by a detailed account of the Berber ones, which often leads him to real small monographic treatments of problems. From this point of view, his work can be considered, at least regarding the many issues studied, a historical and comparative grammar of ‘Northern Berber’. Therefore it seemed to us that this significant work deserved far more than a short notice, and we decided to review it in detail.
The Public-Private Distinction in Global Governance: How Relevant is it in the Case of Voluntary Sustainability Standards?
Authors: Marx Axel
Published: January 2017

Whether global rules and standards originate from a public intergovernmental body or from a private organization has significant implications for the applicability of international law such as wto law. However, how sensible is this distinction between public and private? This paper argues that the distinction between public and private standards only makes sense if one looks at the legal status of specific standard-setting organisations. However, the distinction between public and private begins to blur and fade if one switches the unit of analysis. First, the paper shows that private standards are often based on internationally agreed (public) rules and norms. Second, the paper argues that governments on purpose or in the design of their policies take these private initiatives on board. Hence, they become an integral part of ‘public’ governance. These arguments are developed on the basis of an analysis of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (vss).
Emerging Rules in International Investment Instruments and China’s Reform of State-owned Enterprises
Authors: Kong Qingjiang
Published: January 2017

The recent years witnessed the emergence of international investment agreements (iias), such as the u.s. model bit in 2012, and more prominently, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (tpp) in 2015, which often embody provisions for state-owned enterprises (soes). The soe rules, as well as their predecessor, the oecd Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises, aim to impose strict regulations on the soes and to exert great influence on the state-led economies. China has been seen in constant reform of its soes, and is now in the midst of negotiating a bit with, and the u.s., and a bit with the European Union. Against this backdrop, China’s soe reform will be relevant to the emerging investment rules governing soes.
Is the species diversity in the lyophylloid genera Calocybella and Gerhardtia (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) underestimated? Two new species from the Dominican Republic
Authors: VIZZINI ALFREDO , ANGELINI CLAUDIO , ERCOLE ENRICO
Published: January 2017

Two new species, Calocybella dominicana and Gerhardtia citrinolobata are described in the Lyophyllaceae from the Dominican Republic based on morphological and molecular data. The generic delimitation of the genera Calocybella and Gerhardtia is also discussed. The discovery of these new species extends the geographical distribution of these genera indicating that their species diversity is still far from being fully understood.
Sipunculans of the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Curaçao
Authors: DEAN HARLAN K. , HERNÁNDEZ-ÁVILA IVÁN , CUTLER EDWARD B.
Published: January 2017

All sipunculan species currently known to occur on the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Curaçao are reviewed. Included are species previously reported in the primary literature and those collected by Cutler (EBC) in 1987/1988 and Hernández-Ávila (IHA) in 2003/2004. Nineteen species of sipunculans belonging to eleven genera are known from this region. Most specious is the genus Aspidosiphon with seven species and the genus Phascolosoma with three species.
Notes on some Western Palaearctic Xantholinini (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae). 181° contribution to the knowledge of the Staphylinidae
Authors: BORDONI ARNALDO
Published: January 2017

Milichilinus Reitter, 1908, described as a subgenus of Xantholinus Dejean, 1821, is elevated to the status of genus on the basis of some external characters and an aedeagus with large parameres. The genus currently includes Milichilinus decorus (Erichson, 1839), comb. nov., and Milichilinus meybohmi (Assing, 2006), comb. nov. Lepidophallus denticulatus Bordoni, 2004 is recorded as new from Bulgaria. The following replacement names are proposed: Echdysia, nom. nov., Edulia, nom. nov., Emathidis, nom. nov. for the preoccupied Elgonia Bordoni, 2001, Lepta Bordoni, 2002 and Cibyra Bordoni, 2002, respectively. The holotype of Lepidophallus bicatellatus Bordoni, 2005 is preserved in Schülke collection in Berlin.
A basal phylogenetic placement for the salticid spider Eupoa, with descriptions of two new species (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: MADDISON WAYNE P. , ZHANG J. X. , BODNER MELISSA R.
Published: January 2017

The southeast Asian genus Eupoa includes small salticid spiders with unusual palpi. Two new species of the genus are described. Two morphological characters (presence of a median apophysis in the male palp and of a tarsal claw in the female palp) suggest it is excluded from the main clade of salticids (the Salticoida). Sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial gene regions (28S, 18S, 16S–ND1, CO1), analyzed by parsimony and Bayesian methods, agree that Eupoa is a basal (non-salticoid) salticid, but fail to find a clear placement. Eupoa may represent a deep-branching lineage long separate from the lyssomanines, spartaeines, and other basal groups.
Land flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae) of São Tomé: a first account on their diversity, with the description of five new species
Authors: SLUYS RONALD , NEUMANN MATTHIAS , LIMA RICARDO F. DE , DREWES ROBERT C.
Published: January 2017

The present contribution provides the first faunistic and taxonomic account of six species of land flatworm from the island of São Tomé, including five new species of the genus Othelosoma Gray, 1869 and the introduced Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878. One of the new species represents the first African land flatworm that has specks on its dorsal body surface, instead of stripes or a more or less uniform colouration. At least two of the new species were observed to prey on snails. The study details the fourth record of a sclerotic spermatophore in a species of land flatworm, and discusses the definition and homology of double female genital canals in African and Indian species of the genus Othelosoma.
On the new monotypic wolf spider genus Ovia gen. nov. (Araneae: Lycosidae, Lycosinae)
Authors: SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , MALAMEL JOBI J. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: January 2017

A new monotypic wolf spider genus, Ovia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate a misplaced species: Pardosa procurva Yu & Song, 1988. Ovia procurva comb. nov. is redescribed, illustrated and designated as the type species for the genus. The subfamily placement of the new genus is discussed and it is considered as a member of Lycosinae Sundevall, 1833 and possibly closely related to Alopecosa Simon, 1885. The presence of an apical process (spur) on the median apophysis is proposed as the putative synapomorphy of Ovia gen. nov. The possible sister-taxon relationship of Ovia gen. nov. with Alopecosa is discussed and evidence on the occurrence of sexual dimorphism and mating plug within the genus are presented. Ovia gen. nov. is assumed to be of Holarctic origin, from which it has migrated to the Indomalayan region. Additionally, a current distribution map for the genus is provided.
Increased Quasi Stationarity and Persistence of Winter Ural Blocking and Eurasian Extreme Cold Events in Response to Arctic Warming. Part I: Insights from Observational Analyses
Authors: Yao Yao , Luo Dehai , Dai Aiguo , Simmonds Ian
Published: January 2017

Part I of this study examines the relationship among winter cold anomalies over Eurasia, Ural blocking (UB), and the background conditions associated with Arctic warming over the Barents and Kara Seas (BKS) using reanalysis data. It is found that the intensity, persistence, and occurrence region of UB-related Eurasian cold anomalies depend strongly on the strength and vertical shear (VS) of the mean westerly wind (MWW) over mid–high-latitude Eurasia related to BKS warming.

Observational analysis reveals that during 1951–2015 UB days are 64% (54%) more frequent during weak MWW (VS) winters, with 26.9 (28.4) days per winter, than during strong MWW (VS) winters. During weak MWW or VS winters, as frequently observed during 2000–15, persistent and large UB-related warming is seen over the BKS together with large and widespread midlatitude Eurasian cold anomalies resulting from increased quasi stationarity and persistence of the UB. By contrast, when the MWW or VS is strong as frequently observed during 1979–99, the cold anomaly is less intense and persistent and confined to a narrow region of Europe because of a rapid westward movement of the strong UB. For this case, the BKS warming is relatively weak and less persistent. The midlatitude cold anomalies are maintained primarily by reduced downward infrared radiation (IR), while the surface heat fluxes, IR, and advection all contribute to the BKS warming. Thus, the large BKS warming since 2000 weakens the meridional temperature gradient, MWW, and VS, which increases quasi stationarity and persistence of the UB (rather than its amplitude) and then leads to more widespread Eurasian cold events and further enhances the BKS warming.
Glottic Closing Force Versus Laryngeal Adductory Pressure in the Canine Larynx
Authors: Paniello Randal C. , Bhatt Neel K.
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

The strength of glottic closure with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation has been indirectly measured experimentally by determining the squeezing pressure on a balloon inserted between the vocal folds, termed laryngeal adductory pressure (LAP). In this study, we sought to measure glottic closing force (GCF) directly and compare these results to LAP measures obtained with identical stimulation parameters.

Methods:

In canines, a method for measuring GCF was developed in which a suture was looped through a lateral thyrotomy hole, around the vocal process and back, then attached to a force gauge. The RLN was maximally stimulated and GCF recorded. The LAP was then measured as previously described, using the same stimuli. This process was repeated at 9 stimulation frequencies in 10-Hz intervals from 20 to 100 Hz. The GCF and LAP were compared using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC).

Results:

Both sides were measured in 16 dogs, resulting in 32 data sets. The LAP measures were obtained at all frequencies, while GCF was obtained in 246 of 288 (85.4%) attempts. The maximum GCF for each dog typically occurred at 80 to 100 Hz and averaged 0.287 ± 0.106 newtons. Plotting GCF versus LAP for each hemilaryngeal preparation, the mean PCC was 0.932 ± .042 (range, 0.802-0.987). The mean PCC did not differ between control (n = 26) and postoperative (n = 6) hemilarynges.

Conclusion:

This method for measuring GCF appears valid. The high Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicates strong covariance between GCF and LAP, demonstrating that they are both measures of the same physical property. The LAP is easier to perform and more consistently obtained.
Influence of External Subglottic Air Flow on Dysphagic Tracheotomized Patients With Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Kothari Mohit , Bjerrum Katje , Nielsen Lars Hedemann , Jensen Jim , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine if external subglottic air flow (ESAF) influences swallowing frequency in severely dysphagic tracheotomized patients with brain injury.

Methods:

Ten patients were recruited at the neurological intensive care unit. The ESAF intervention was provided through the standard cuffed suction aid tracheotomy tube, which primarily is used to suction residual secretion volume from the subglottic area. Sessions were 150 minutes, and ESAF was provided at 60-65, 90-95, and 120-125 minutes at 3 L/min. Outcome measures included swallowing frequency (swallows/5 min) at 0-5 minutes (pre-baseline), 25-30 and 55-60 minutes (baseline/control), and 85-90, 115-120, and 145-150 minutes (postintervention). The residual secretion volume (ml) from the subglottic area was collected using a syringe at 0 minutes (pre-baseline), 30 and 60 minutes (baseline/ control), and at 90, 120, and 150 minutes (postintervention).

Results:

The mean (±SEM) swallowing frequency (swallows/5 min) increased from 0.60 ± 0.30 to 2.10 ± 0.70 during the ESAF intervention ( P < .001). The mean (±SEM) residual secretion volume reduced from 3.10 ± 0.31 ml to 0.50 ± 0.30 ml after the ESAF intervention ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The increase in swallowing frequency and reduction in residual secretion volume may indicate that ESAF influences swallowing parameters in patients with tracheotomy tubes.
Revitalizing a Structural Antitrust Policy
Authors: Adams Walter , Brock James W.
Published: January 2017

The outstanding truths of life, the great and unquestioned phenomena of society, are not to be argued away as myths and vagaries when they do not fit within our little molds. If necessary, we must remake the molds. We must seek a conception of law which realism can accept as true.
Complete Convergences of Rowwise NA Sequences of Random Variables
Authors: Cal Guang‐Hui
Published: January 2017

Abstract:

In this paper, we study the complete convergences and strong law of large numbers of rowwise NA sequences of random variables. The results obtained not only generalize the results of Hu (1998, Statist. Probab. Lett. 38, 27 – 31) and Sung (2005. Stntist. Probab. Lett. 71, 303 – 311 ) to NA sequence, but also improve them.

AMS (2000) Subject Classification: 60F15.
Almost Sure Confidence Intervals and One‐Sided Estimation in Non‐Regular Cases with Applications
Authors: Dasgupta Ratan
Published: January 2017

Abstract:

An estimator T n of the unknown parameter θ ε R is said to converge to θ from above (below), if T n ≥ θ ( T n ≤ θ) for all sufficiently large sample size n and T n → θ a.s., as n → ∞. Estimation problems of this kind are considered when θ is a finite end point of the distribution function. Confidence interval for θ with highest coverage probability 1, for all sufficiently large n is obtained. Applications to real data sets including industrial data and sea tide data are made.

AMS (2000) Subject Classification: Primary 60F15, Secondary 62G32.
Statistical Speaker Identification Based on Spectrogram Imaging
Authors: Basak Gopal K. , Dutta Tridibesh
Published: January 2017

Abstract:

The paper addresses the problem of speaker identification based on spectrograms in the text dependent case. Using spectrogram segmentation, this paper, mainly, focusses on understanding the complex patterns in frequency and amplitude in an utterance of a given word by an individual. The features used for identifying a speaker based on an observed variable extracted from the spectrograms, rely on the distinct speaker effect, his/her interaction effect with the particular word and with the frequency bands of the spectrogram. Performance of this novel approach on spectrogram samples, collected from 40 speakers, show that this methodology can be effectively used to produce a very high success rate in a closed set of speakers for text-dependent speaker identification.

AMS (2000) Subject Classification: 62P99.
Three Novel Spectrin Variants in Jaundiced Neonates
Authors: Christensen Robert D. , Agarwal Archana M. , Yaish Hassan M. , Reading N. Scott , O’Brien Elizabeth A. , Prchal Josef T.
Published: January 2017

Various mutations in the genes encoding alpha spectrin (SPTA1) or beta spectrin (SPTB) are known to cause erythrocyte membrane disorders, sometimes associated with severe neonatal jaundice and anemia. We used a next-generation sequencing panel to evaluate 3 unrelated neonates who had puzzling cases of nonimmune hemolytic jaundice. In each case, we identified novel mutations in either SPTA1 or SPTB. Correlating erythrocyte morphology, clinical course, and computational analysis, we submit that each of the 3 variants is a probable pathogenic cause of the hereditary hemolytic conditions in these patients. We hope other pediatric practitioners caring for neonates with what appears to be idiopathic severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia will look for spectrin variants as a possible cause, because additional cases with these specific variants along with this clinical phenotype are needed to confirm our postulate that these 3 cases are indeed pathogenic mutations.
Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in Cystic Fibrosis; Interpretation of Elevated Values Based on Electrophoretic Isoenzyme Analyses
Authors: Boat Thomas F. , Doershukm Carl F. , Stern Robert C. , Matthews LeRoy W.
Published: January 2017

Sera from 31 of 146 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) contained levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) which were elevated by age-related criteria. Prominent liver isoenzyme bands were present after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of all 31 abnormal sera. Larger than normal amounts of bone and intestinal AP were not present in these sera. These findings indicate that liver abnormalities consistently are responsible for elevations of total AP in sera of patients with CF. Several causes of high liver AP levels in CF patients were identified: chronic hepatic congestion, drug hepatotoxicity, overt biliary cirrhosis, and most commonly subclinical focal biliary cirrhosis.
New Premature Weight Chart for Hospital Use
Authors: Jaworski Alexander A.
Published: January 2017

A new premature weight chart based on recent data is presented for hospital use. Today's premature infants lose less weight and gain substantially faster than prematures of 25 years ago.
Ecosystemic Multifunctionality of Developing Country Agriculture
Authors: Damodaran A.
Published: January 2017

In the wake of the failure of the Cancun Summit, the paper argues for a new approach to negotiations in the agricultural sector by developing countries. The paper emphasises that piecemeal efforts to address agricultural issues facing developing countries need to be given up in favour of concepts that are more structural and give a greater profile to the special and distinctive characteristic of the agrarian economies in the developing world. The paper advances the notion of ecosystemic multifunctionality to argue for special and differential position for the agriculture sector in developing countries like India. It is argued that this concept would be beneficial to developing countries in their quest for world agricultural markets that are sensitive to livelihood and food security issues. The post-Cancun phase of negotiations could go a long way, in case a negotiation stance based on the concept of ecosystemic multifunctionality takes root.
India's Trade Openness
Authors: Habib S.M. Ahsan , Shah Pinki
Published: January 2017

The dramatic trade policy shifts of early 1990s have brought in considerable changes in India's foreign trade scenario. The paper is an attempt to analyse India's policy shifts and to examine changes in trade performances following the major reforms in 1991. It tries to have a picture of India's trade status and trade growth in 1990s as compared to the pre-openness period, and also relative to some selected developing economies. The analyses revealed that India became more open in 1990s, and its volume off oreign trade registered considerable growth in the post-openness period. However, India has been maintaining higher trade barriers compared to almost all economies of the comparison group, and its share in the global trade remained negligible. The empirical analyses also show that there has been positive and strong association between India's foreign trade and economic growth over the period under study, however, there is no indication that openness has been contributing in improving the productivity of domestic capital in India.
Impact of Free Trade on South Asia with Ref ere nee to India
Authors: Sarkar Amal
Published: January 2017

The world has witnessed formation of several regional economic cooperation in different parts of the world after the World War II The significant success in regional economic cooperation in different parts of the world has been reflected in formation of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985 among seven countries of South Asia, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In any regional economic cooperation, trade is a key component SAARC is not exception to this. In 1995, they have established South Asian Preferential Trade Area (SAPTA). The idea of economic interdependence within the South Asian region had gained importance after formation of SAPTA, in particular.

In the 8th SAARC Summit in 1995, the member countries have decided to form South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) by the year 2005. Therefore, a quantitative economic analysis of any national economy within SAARC should allow its trade relation with member countries. In the present paper, we study the quantitative impact of duty free access to India s market for imports on SAARC countries.
Impact of Economic Reforms on External Sector
Authors: Kaundal R.K.
Published: January 2017

The impact of economic reforms on the external sector during the post reform period was extremely successful in meeting the balance of payments crisis of 1990s. These reforms improved the openness of the Indian economy vis-a-vis other emerging economies. Indian economy is more deeply integrated with the world economy today than it was in 1991 as a result of high growth rate of both exports and imports. Much, however, remains to be done. Indian economy is still relatively closed compared to its “peer competitors”. Further reduction to tariff protection and liberalisation of capital flows will enhance the efficiency of the economy and along with reforms of domestic policies will stimulate investment and growth.
The Impact of ASEAN+3 Trade Agreements on the South Asian Economy
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Kakali , J. Thomassin Paul , Chakraborty Debesh
Published: January 2017

Regional economic integration has been adopted as a strategy for development in different regions of the world in the 1980s following the formation of single market by the European Union and NAFTA by the North American countries. Though Asian countries have been slow to respond to the global trend of regionalism, however, over the past few years these countries have also recognized the potential of regional economic integration and have started taking steps to benefit from it. Several initiatives of broader economic integration are in progress to push the agenda of regional economic integration. Besides deepening the sub regional cooperation between its 10 member states, ASEAN is also negotiating with major East Asian countries, Japan, China and Korea to formulate a regional trade agreement. This would likely to have an impact on the other economies of the world. However, the impact of regional trade agreement is an empirical question. Thus the paper estimates the economic impacts of proposed ASEAN+3 trade agreements on the South Asian economy using Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) framework. The findings reveal that South Asia will be affected adversely in terms of GDP growth, export and also welfare-wise.
South Korea's FTA Strategy
Authors: Liou To-hai
Published: January 2017

Despite the creation of WTO in 1995, forming FTAs has become an emerging trend of worldwide trade since the late 1990s. South Korea was quite early to pursue FTAs, however, it fell behind its Asian neighbours as its FTA negotiations with Chile dragged on for years. The situation was further worsened by a rising China and accelerating economic integration in the East Asian region. Roh Moo Hyun government thus decided to take a bold initiative to sign FTA with US. In this paper, the author intends to first explain why FTA is more popular than WTO since the late 1990s, then analyze South Korea's FTA strategy as a case study by first examining the evolution of its FTA policy, then exploring motivations behind Seoul's decision for initiating the FTA negotiations with the US, assessing the results of their FTA negotiations versus South Korean motivations, and finally the implications of the deal on South Korea and Northeast Asia.
Determinants of Exports of Textile Firms in Amritsar and Ludhiana in Wake of Phase-Out of ATC
Authors: Mehra Anjana , Kaur Gian
Published: January 2017

This paper analyzes the determinants of exports of textiles of Amritsar and Ludhiana in wake of phase-out of ATC. Panel Regression models using log linear form have been estimated. Effect of phasing-out of ATC or end of quota restrictions has been analyzed on sample firms of both Amritsar and Ludhiana. It is found that abolition of quota did not have significant impact on exports of textiles in Amritsar and Ludhiana. However, when the data were analyzed, the removal of quotas had significant impact on the textile exports of both Amritsar and Ludhiana. Also, the coefficient of location showed that firms located in Amritsar were significantly different from Ludhiana.

JEL Classifiaction: C51, C22, L67
Overall Preference of Running Shoes Can Be Predicted by Suitable Perception Factors Using a Multiple Regression Model
Authors: Tay Cheryl Sihui , Sterzing Thorsten , Lim Chen Yen , Ding Rui , Kong Pui Wah
Published: January 2017

Objective:

This study examined (a) the strength of four individual footwear perception factors to influence the overall preference of running shoes and (b) whether these perception factors satisfied the nonmulticollinear assumption in a regression model.

Background:

Running footwear must fulfill multiple functional criteria to satisfy its potential users. Footwear perception factors, such as fit and cushioning, are commonly used to guide shoe design and development, but it is unclear whether running-footwear users are able to differentiate one factor from another.

Methods:

One hundred casual runners assessed four running shoes on a 15-cm visual analogue scale for four footwear perception factors (fit, cushioning, arch support, and stability) as well as for overall preference during a treadmill running protocol.

Results:

Diagnostic tests showed an absence of multicollinearity between factors, where values for tolerance ranged from .36 to .72, corresponding to variance inflation factors of 2.8 to 1.4. The multiple regression model of these four footwear perception variables accounted for 77.7% to 81.6% of variance in overall preference, with each factor explaining a unique part of the total variance.

Conclusion:

Casual runners were able to rate each footwear perception factor separately, thus assigning each factor a true potential to improve overall preference for the users. The results also support the use of a multiple regression model of footwear perception factors to predict overall running shoe preference.

Application:

Regression modeling is a useful tool for running-shoe manufacturers to more precisely evaluate how individual factors contribute to the subjective assessment of running footwear.
The Effect of the Precision of Informational Feedback on Human Tracking Performance
Authors: Hunt Darwin P.
Published: January 2017

Research was conducted to determine human operator abilities in a compensatory tracking task as a function of the precision of the displayed error information for various levels of task difficulty and practice. The controller dynamics were not varied and were such that displacements of the control were integrated twice before affecting the tracking error. Tracking error and the extent of control motion were the criterion measures. The results suggest that (a) increases in the precision of displayed error information result in a negatively accelerated reduction in the tracking error; (b) as the operator becomes more proficient, the relative superiority of an increased precision of displayed error is reduced; (c) the effects of the precision of information on control motion depends upon the difficulty of the task; and (d) the amount of control motion generally decreases as the operator becomes more proficient and the magnitude of this decrease is greater for an “easy” task than for a “difficult” task.
A Comparison of Vertical and Horizontal Arrangements of Alpha-Numeric Material—Experiment I
Authors: Coffey John L
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of visual displays containing alpha-numeric material displayed in vertical and horizontal arrangements. Variables included in the experimental design were: types of arrangement of display material, density of material, composition of material, and operator tasks. The major finding in the study was the non-significance of the arrangement variable. It was found that, for all practical purposes, the differential effects of vertical and horizontal arrangement of alpha-numeric materials on operator performance are negligible.
An Evaluation of Five Different Abstract Coding Methods—Experiment IV
Authors: Hitt William D.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the relative effectiveness of selected abstract coding methods, based upon their effects on various operator tasks. Five different coding methods mere selected: numeral, letter, geometric shape, color, and configuration. Secondary variables included in the study were target density, number of code levels, and operator tasks. It was found that numeral coding and color coding are the two superior coding methods. If greater emphasis is to be placed on identifying symbols, numeral coding is superior to color coding. No significant differences were found, however, between numeral coding and color coding for the remaining operator tasks: locating, counting, comparing, and verifying.
An Evaluation of the Effect of Selected Combinations of Target and Background Coding on Map-Reading Performance—Experiment V
Authors: Christner Charlotte A. , Ray Horace W.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of selected target-background coding combinations. Three target codes were: color, number, and enclosed shape. Five types of background were: all white, solid gray, five shades of gray, five pastel hues, and five different patterns. These target-background coding combinations were evaluated under eight different complexity conditions and for five different operator tasks. The major findings in this study were: (1) no significant differences were found in background coding, (2) numeral coding is superior for the “identifying” task, and (3) color coding is superior for the “locating” and “counting” tasks.
Dynamic Decision Theory and Probabilistic Information Processings
Authors: Edwards Ward
Published: January 2017

The development of a dynamic decision theory will be central to the impending rapid expansion of research on human decision processes. Of a taxonomy of six decision problems, five require a dynamic theory in which the decision maker is assumed to make a sequence of decisions, basing decision n + 1 on what he learned from decision n and its consequences. Kesearch in progress on information seeking, intuitive statistics, sequential prediction, and Bayesian information processing is reviewed to illustrate the kind of work needed. The relevance of mathematical developments in dynamic programming and Bayesian statistics to dynamic decision theory is examined. A man-computer system for probabilistic processing of fallible military information is discussed in some detail as an application of these ideas and as a setting and motivator for future research on human information processing and decision making.
The Effects of Amount of Information Provided and Feedback of Results on Decision Making Efficiency
Authors: Hammer Charles H. , Ringel Seymour
Published: January 2017

Sixty subjects worked a series of sequential decision making tasks in which the amount of information provided and feedback of results were the independent variables. Data were collected on decision accuracy, confidence in decision accuracy, and judged sufficiency of the information provided. Accuracy, confidence in accuracy, and ratings of sufficiency increased as amount of information provided was increased. Feedback produced increases in decision accuracy only. For forty percent of all correct responses, subjects judged the information provided to be insufficient as a basis for taking action. These data strongly suggest that lack of confidence in their ability to make accurate decisions may cause some decision makers to delay taking action even when they are able to make an accurate decision on the basis of the information available.
Operational Concept Analysis and Sources of Field Data
Authors: Kurke Martin I.
Published: January 2017

Human factors scientists often work closely with operations analysts in the investigation of social, business and man-machine systems within viable operational organizations. The human factors approach to such operational concept studies should be commensurate with that of the operations research worker. One approach to such methodology is described in this paper as is a description of field data sources available to the Army.
Legibility Study of Selected Scale Characteristics for Moving-Tape Instruments
Authors: Kelso Barbara J.
Published: January 2017

A legibility study was performed to investigate the effects of scale factors, graduation marks, orientation of scales, and reading conditions on the speed and accuracy of reading moving-tape instruments. Each of 150 Air Force Officers made 150 self-paced readings from slides of hand drawn tape instruments. Error was expressed as the magnitude of deviation of a subjects' verbal response from the set scale value. An analysis of variance was performed on the mean error scores, standard deviations of error, mean reaction times, and standard deviations of reaction times. The results clearly favored the 1 7/8 inch scale factor over the 1 3/8 inch and the 2 3/8 scale factor. The use of 9 graduation marks was superior to either 0, 1, 3, or 4 graduation marks. Reading conditions had little effect on performance. Horizontal scales were read more rapidly but no more accurately than vertical scales.
Thrust Forces in Underwater Swimming
Authors: Christianson Raymond A. , Weltman Gershon , Egstrom Glen H.
Published: January 2017

Instantaneous and mean static thrust levels were measured for eight underwater swimmers restrained in a submerged force platform. Swimming was examined barefoot and with two types of fins. The main beneficial effect of the fins was to eliminate the substantial negative thrust component associated with barefoot swimming. Higher maximal thrust outputs were achieved with curved fins than with straight-bladed ones. There were also significant differences between barefoot and finned swimming in the relationship of instantaneous thrust to leg position during the kick cycle. Kick rate and foot acceleration were both proportional to thrust output, but the relationship depended on diver size and experience.
Effects of Magnification and Observation Time on Target Identification in Simulated Orbital Reconnaissance
Authors: Simon Charles W. , Craig David W.
Published: January 2017

When deciding what telescopic power is required to find objects of interest on the ground while flying over the earth at relatively high speeds, the positive value of an increased magnification must be balanced against the negative effects of a decreased observation time and an increased movement rate. The relative trade-off between these two factors—magnification and time—was compared in a series of three studies in which photographic imagery was used to simulate a telescopic view of the earth from a spacecraft orbiting at 175 nautical miles. Target acquisition decreased as image scale factor decreased and as image movement rate increased. When a change in scale factor was inversely proportional to a change in observation time, the positive effects of an increased image scale factor tended to exceed the negative effects of a decreased observation time and increased image movement rate within the limits of this study. The theoretical and practical implications of these and other results are discussed.
User Input Mode and Computer-Aided Instruction
Authors: Morrill Charles S. , Goodwin Nancy C. , Smith Sidney L.
Published: January 2017

An evaluation of on-line computer-aided instruction within a management information system compared typewriter and lightpen input modes as students learned to use the system. The following conclusions were supported: 1. Computer-aided instruction is feasible in a general-purpose management information system; 2. It is also feasible to demonstrate retention of learned material through computer-administered tests; 3. Professional typing skills are not necessary to use the typewriter input mode effectively, provided that the inputs required are short and direct; 4. In this particular setting there seemed to be evidence that the typewriter was a more effective input device than the lightpen during the instructional sequence, but this evidence is questionable in view of considerable individual differences among the students; 5. Regardless of performance, students responded favorably to their experience with computer-aided instruction.
The Effect of Background Music on the Control Activity of an Automobile Driver
Authors: Konz Stephan , Mcdougal David
Published: January 2017

The effect of silence, slow music, and Tijuana Brass music on the control activity of twenty four automotive drivers was recorded on a Greensfield's Driveometer. Control activity was affected by the music but the effects of slow and Tijuana Brass music were not the same; speed was faster during music and weaving was less.
Specification of Road Traffic Signal Light Intensity
Authors: Cole Barry L. , Brown Brian
Published: January 2017

In a previous communication we reported data supporting the recommendation that a red road traffic signal should have an intensity of 200 cd for optimum recognition from 100 m when the signal is seen against a very bright sky (104cd/m2). This confirmed the earlier result of Boisson and Pagès. The present paper extends the data to include (a) the effect of signal size on optimum signal intensity for a practical range of angular diameters (4.1 to 16.5 min of arc), and (b) the effect of background luminance for a range of luminances of 1.5 ft-L to 2250 ft-L. The results show that optimum signal intensity is independent of signal size and that spatial summation by the visual system is complete. However the same data demonstrate a failure of spatial summation when a conventional threshold criterion (probability of seeing the signal 0.5) is used. It is shown that smaller signals will be more effective than larger ones of the same intensity if their intensity is less than optimum. Optimum signal intensity is shown to be a linear function of background luminances greater than 10 ft-L. A graph relating optimum signal intensity to signalling range for various background luminances summarises the experimental data.
Science, Technology and Political Development
Authors: Von Lazar Arpad , Mikesell Phillip D.
Published: January 2017

Modernization has a special appeal for youth in its projection of rapid socio-economic changes and the image of a modern societal structure as an obtainable goal. Education is identified as an intrinsic part of the modernization process, through which social mobility and the achievement of political power are envisaged. The young educated elites of the developing countries are generally characterized by a growing sense of “performance-orientation” and an increasing degree of involvement in politics. Preoccupation with ideological concerns is still common among university students. Young people educated in technological fields tend to be more task oriented but often insecure due to the lack of clearly defined social status. General attitudinal patterns suggest a preoccupation with authority and its role in development, a general lack of patience for political mediation, and the subordination of political means to economic goals.
Aspects of the Eyeblink during Simulated Driving as a Function of Alcohol
Authors: Beideman Larry R. , Stern John A.
Published: January 2017

Eyeblink frequency and closure durations were recorded while subjects operated a driver simulator. Two films were viewed wider both sober and intoxicated conditions. Results demonstrate that a significant increase in the incidence of long-duration blink closures occurred while subjects were intoxicated. There was also a significant increase in the frequency of blinks and long-duration closures as a function of time-on-task.
A Regression Approach to Generate Aircraft Predictor Information
Authors: Gallaher Paul D. , Hunt Roger A. , Williges Robert C.
Published: January 2017

A contact analog aircraft display is described in which an airplane-like predictor symbol depicts future airplane position and orientation. The standard method for obtaining the predictor information is to use a complete, fast-time model of the controlled vehicle. An alternative approach is presented in this paper in which least-squares regression approximations for each of the six degrees of freedom of aircraft motion were calculated. Thirteen predictor variables representing changes in positions and rates of change of positions were selected as parameters for these prediction equations. The accuracy of the regression approach is evaluated both at various prediction times and at various control input durations. The advantages and disadvantages of such a regression procedure for generating predictor symbols are discussed.