bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrap automotive electronics: A mini-review of current management practices
Authors: Cucchiella Federica , D’Adamo Idiano , Rosa Paolo , Terzi Sergio
Published: October 2015

End-of-life vehicles, together with waste from electric and electronic equipment, are known as an important source of secondary raw materials. For many years, their recovery has allowed the restoring of great amounts of metals for new cars production. This article provides a comprehensive mini-review on the end-of-life vehicles recycling topic between 2000 and 2014, with a particular focus on automotive electronics recycling. In fact, in the last years, experts focused their attention on a better exploitation of automotive shredder residue fraction, but not sufficiently on eventual electronic scraps embedded in it. Hence, studies assessing the value embedded in these scraps are rarely available in literature, causing an important gap in both recycling policies and research. The fact that, at present, the management of electronic control units (the most valuable component among automotive electronic equipment) is, as yet, off the radar in both end-of-life vehicles and waste from electric and electronic equipment Directives demonstrates the theory. Of course, their recycling would not contribute in a relevant way to reach the weighted-based recycling and recovery targets characterising current regulations, but would be very important under a critical raw materials recovery view. Results coming from the literature analysis confirm these assumptions.
Capability revisited: Ally’s capability and dispute initiation
Authors: Kang Choong-Nam
Published: October 2015

The main questions explored here are whether alliances lead to conflict between member states and non-member states and whether the capability of allies is a source of this effect. Building on the opportunity framework, this study argues that, with more confidence in military success due to support from allies, challenger states are more likely to be emboldened and to initiate disputes. The empirical analyses show that the capability of allies has an increasing effect on dispute initiation of member states against non-member states. This increasing effect becomes stronger as the level of common interests between the allies increases. The test results consistently suggest that alliances embolden member states to initiate disputes against non-member states, and also that alliances are more likely to aggravate, but not mute, dispute initiation against member states.
How Children Understand Civic Actions
Authors: Metzger Aaron , Syvertsen Amy K. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Babskie Elizabeth , Wray-Lake Laura
Published: October 2015

The development of civically engaged citizens is vital for democratic societies. Although several studies have explored children and adolescents’ conceptualizations of civic engagement, less is known about youths’ understanding of the individual skills and attributes best suited for civic action. The current study utilized a Q-sort methodology to explore the types of character strengths children and adolescents ( n = 87; Mage = 13, 9-19, 52% female) assigned to people who engage in different types of civic activities. Participants sorted 12 character strengths (amazed, creative, forgiving, future-minded, generous, grateful, humble, joyful, leader, purposeful, responsible, and thrifty) into five categories ranging from “most like” to “least like” based on their perceptions of individuals engaged in four distinct civic activities: volunteering, voting, protesting, and engaging in environmental or conservation behaviors. Youth not only differentially applied certain character strengths to individuals engaged in distinct civic activities but also identified a set of character strengths (future-minded, leader, purposeful, and responsible) as core to multiple forms of civic engagement. Results provide new insights into youths’ budding conceptualization of the individual characteristics, attributes, and motivations, which undergird different forms of civic action. Qualitative analysis of youths’ justifications for their rankings provided additional nuance into their developing understanding of civic actions.
Do School Resource Officers Really Refer Juveniles to the Juvenile Justice System for Less Serious Offenses?
Authors: May David C. , Barranco Raymond , Stokes Ethan , Robertson Angela A. , Haynes Stacy H.
Published: October 2015

In this article, we use 3 years of youth court data from a southeastern state to examine whether referrals that originated from school resource officers (SROs) involve greater proportions of less serious offenses than referrals from other sources. Referrals from SROs during the 3-year period were similar to referrals by law enforcement outside of school for status and serious offenses. SROs were less likely than law enforcement officers outside of school to refer juveniles for minor offenses during the 3-year period. Our findings suggest that schools, not solely police in schools, make a large contribution to the number of juveniles referred to the juvenile justice system for less serious offenses. Implications for policy and future research are also discussed.
The Process and Partnerships Behind Insight Policing
Authors: Price Megan Clare
Published: October 2015

Between 2012 and 2014, civilian conflict analysis and resolution researchers partnered with two American police departments to develop and pilot Insight Policing, a community-based, problem-solving policing strategy that integrates Insight conflict resolution skills with policing skills to help reduce retaliatory violence and enhance police legitimacy in the moment of enforcement. Although responding to conflict is familiar to police officers, Insight Policing offers a new orientation to do so. Its development was possible because the researchers were invited to collaborate, responded to the needs of the departments, and delivered their training in a way that was compatible with existing policing norms and practice. This article explores how the partnerships developed and the way that Insight conflict resolution principles guided their success.
Vulnerability and Economic Re-orientation
Authors: Jacoby Wade , Korkut Umut
Published: October 2015

To what extent do Euroskeptic parties in Eastern and Central Europe have viable alternatives to the European Union and the broad basket of liberal policies promoted by the EU? In recent years, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has used his overwhelming parliamentary majorities to chart a partially new course, and this article inventories one aspect of this new course. The article asks whether Hungary can gain any potential benefits from closer links to China as a partial replacement for resources that might not be available (or that might be lost) from its more conventional European partners to the west. Orbán has often justified both radical constitutional change and economic nationalism as powerful medicines to push back against Hungary’s vulnerability at the hands of its foreign and domestic enemies. In this context, China emerged as both a potential source of new revenue and rhetorical trope that seemed to fit in a broader Fidesz discourse of an “Eastern opening.” This article makes a first attempt to separate rhetoric and reality. It first explores how the ongoing consolidation of illiberalism in Hungary has now also sparked a geopolitical repositioning through the “Eastern opening” during Fidesz’s second term.

Second, it seeks to understand the theoretical proposition that new sources of external funding—including FDI and government bond purchases—can help enable a state to execute such a broad geopolitical shift. To do so, it develops empirical material from the fascinating Hungarian efforts to position themselves as a major beneficiary of Chinese engagement with Europe. The article concludes that Orbán’s policies have indeed been broadly consistent with his party’s new rhetoric, but it also concludes that the amount of Chinese investment is, in aggregate, still modest to date.
Maternal and Infant Secretory Immunoglobulin A across the Peripartum Period
Authors: Hibel Leah C. , Schiltz Hillary
Published: October 2015

Background:

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations change over early infancy. The primary immunoglobulin in breast milk is sIgA, however, no study has examined the role of maternal sIgA in relation to infant salivary sIgA.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine within-source associations and mean level changes of maternal and infant sIgA across the first 6 months of life, to examine the interrelations between maternal and infant sIgA across the first 6 months of life, and to determine the association between breastfeeding and infant sIgA.

Methods:

Participants were a convenience sample of 51 mother–infant dyads. Salivary sIgA was collected from the mother in the third trimester. Infant and maternal salivary and maternal breast milk sIgA was collected at approximately 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum.

Results:

Maternal salivary sIgA showed no mean level change across the visits, and levels were moderately associated over time. Breast milk sIgA was moderately associated over time; infant salivary sIgA was weakly associated over time. Both breast milk and infant sIgA levels decreased from 1 to 3 months postpartum. Maternal salivary sIgA was not related to infant or breast milk sIgA. Breastfed infants had lower levels of salivary sIgA. Likewise, higher concentrations of breast milk sIgA were related to lower concentrations of infant sIgA.

Conclusion:

Maternal salivary sIgA is highly stable over the peripartum period, whereas breast milk and infant salivary sIgA was variable. Infant secretory IgA development does not depend positively on maternal salivary or breast milk sIgA.
Property Tax Limitation and Racial Inequality in Effective Tax Rates
Authors: Martin Isaac William , Beck Kevin
Published: October 2015

In the late 20th century, two thirds of American states enacted policies to limit the growth of local property tax revenues. We examine the effects of property tax limitations on the effective property tax rates reported by homeowners of different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. We find that property tax limitations reduce the effective property tax rates of homeowners regardless of their race and ethnicity, but that most forms of property tax limitation exacerbate racial inequality, providing the greatest reduction in effective tax rates to white homeowners. In the aggregate, these inequalities result in substantially unequal tax savings that might not survive democratic scrutiny if they were distributed as direct subsidies. This inequality may be especially problematic insofar as tax privileges for property owners effectively disguise a public benefit as a private property right.
Power evaluation of asymptotic tests for comparing two binomial proportions to detect direct and indirect association in large-scale studies
Authors: Emily Mathieu , Friguet Chloé
Published: October 2015

Asymptotic tests are commonly used for comparing two binomial proportions when the sample size is sufficiently large. However, there is no consensus on the most powerful test. In this paper, we clarify this issue by comparing the power functions of three popular asymptotic tests: the Pearson’s χ2 test, the likelihood-ratio test and the odds-ratio based test. Considering Taylor decompositions under local alternatives, the comparisons lead to recommendations on which test to use in view of both the experimental design and the nature of the investigated signal. We show that when the design is balanced between the two binomials, the three tests are equivalent in terms of power. However, when the design is unbalanced, differences in power can be substantial and the choice of the most powerful test also depends on the value of the parameters of the two compared binomials. We further investigated situations where the two binomials are not compared directly but through tag binomials. In these cases of indirect association, we show that the differences in power between the three tests are enhanced with decreasing values of the parameters of the tag binomials. Our results are illustrated in the context of genetic epidemiology where the analysis of genome-wide association studies provides insights regarding the low power for detecting rare variants.
Type-2 fuzzy logic controller for position control of shape memory alloy wire actuator
Authors: Dominik Ireneusz
Published: October 2015

The main aim of this article is to present the usage of type-2 fuzzy logic controller to control a shape memory actuator. One of the main advantages of the fuzzy systems is that they do not require creating any mathematical model of the controlled plant which simplifies the control task. However, a dynamic system model was created to adjust the proportional–integral–derivative controller parameters. Different types of controllers were tested experimentally by controlling the position of the commercially available shape memory alloy actuator NM70 made by Miga Motor company. Despite its small size, it distinguishes itself by its strength. To enhance real-time performance, simplified interval fuzzy sets were used. The algorithm was implemented in the ATmega32 microcontroller. The dedicated PC application was also built. The obtained results confirmed that type-2 fuzzy controller performed efficiently with a nonlinear plant which is difficult to control. The research also proved that interval type-2 controllers, which are a simplified version of the general type-2 controllers, are very efficient. They can handle uncertainties without increasing drastically the computational complexity. Experimental data comparison of the proportional–integral–derivative reference with the fuzzy logic controller type-2 and type-1 clearly indicates the superiority of the former, especially in reducing overshooting.
A Short Boredom Proneness Scale
Authors: Struk Andriy A. , Carriere Jonathan S. A. , Cheyne J. Allan , Danckert James
Published: October 2015

It has been evident for some time that the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS), a commonly used measure of trait boredom, does not constitute a single scale. Factor analytic studies have identified anything from two to seven factors, prompting Vodanovich and colleagues to propose an alternative two factor, short form version Boredom Proneness Scale–Short Form (BPS-SR). The present study further investigates the factor structure and validity of both the BPS and the BPS-SR. The two-factor solution obtained for the BPS-SR appears to be an artifact of item wording of reverse-scored items. These same items may also have contributed to the earlier complexity and inconsistency of results for the full BPS. An eight-item scale of only consistently worded items (i.e., those not requiring reverse scoring) was developed. This new scale demonstrated unidimensionality and the scale score had good internal consistency and construct validity comparable to the original BPS score.
Patterns and Predictors of Use of Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Following Approval of Rivaroxaban
Authors: Dault Roxanne , Vanasse Alain , Blais Lucie , Perreault Sylvie , Farand Paul , Le Templier Geneviève , Beauchesne Marie-France
Published: October 2015

Background:

Few studies have identified patterns and predictors of use of direct oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Objective:

To describe the use of anticoagulants and assess predictors associated with the prescription of rivaroxaban over vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for the subsequent treatment of VTE.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was built with all consecutive patients newly diagnosed with acute VTE admitted between February 18, 2013, and September 18, 2013, in an academic tertiary care center in Quebec, Canada. Patient characteristics and VTE treatments were described. Univariate analyses and a multiple forward stepwise logistic regression were performed to assess predictors of rivaroxaban use over VKA for the subsequent treatment of VTE.

Results:

The study included 256 patients, 36.7% with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 63.3% with pulmonary embolism (PE). Mean age was 63.1 years, and 28.1% of patients had cancer-associated VTE. Overall, rivaroxaban was prescribed in 1.6% of patients for the initial treatment and in nearly 20% of patients for the subsequent treatment of VTE. Low-molecular-weight heparin and VKA were mostly prescribed. Independent predictors associated with the prescription of rivaroxaban over VKA were as follows: age < 65 years (OR: 2.86, 95% CI 1.29-6.37), a diagnosis of DVT versus PE (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.20-5.40), and an emergency department visit rather than a hospitalization (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.06-4.71).

Conclusion:

Several months following its availability, rivaroxaban was rarely prescribed for acute VTE disease. It also appears to be prescribed in different patient populations than VKA.
Renal Dysfunction, CHADS2 Score, and Adherence to the Anticoagulant Treatment in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sun Yihong , Wang Yitong , Jiang Juan , Wang Lina , Hu Dayi
Published: October 2015

We investigated the risk of stroke associated with renal dysfunction and the impact of warfarin therapies in Chinese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Information was collected on age, sex, height, weight, type of atrial fibrillation, and serum creatinine within the previous 6 months, together with the variables needed to calculate the CHADS2 score. For patients not taking warfarin, reasons why not were recorded. Three thousand seventeen eligible patients with NVAF, mean (1 standard deviation [SD]) age of 67.7 (13.0) years, from 50 Chinese hospitals were included from May 2012 to October 2012, with a mean (1SD) CHADS2 score of 2.0 (1.5). Of these, 58.3% were male and 86.2% were at high risk of stroke with a CHADS2 score ≥1. Only 42.6% were on warfarin, and 22.5% of the patients had moderate or severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). After adjustment for the CHADS2 score, renal dysfunction remained moderately but significantly associated with the risk of stroke/TIA (odds ratio = 1.005, 95% confidence interval: 1.002-1.009, P = .002). There was, however, no significant difference in anticoagulant usage between patients with or without impaired renal dysfunction. The most common anticoagulant concerns were the low proportion of patients with regular international normalized ratio monitoring (43.0%) and the risk of bleeding (33.3%). Renal impairment was common and independently associated with the risk of cerebrovascular embolism in Chinese patients with NVAF but not independently related to underuse of anticoagulant treatment.
Exploring the Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Addressing Adolescent Relationship Abuse
Authors: Li Erica , Freedman Lori R. , Fernandez y Garcia Erik , Miller Elizabeth
Published: October 2015

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) is prevalent with significant health and social consequences. Faith-based organizations could play an important role in ARA prevention and intervention. Studies on the role of faith-based organizations in interpersonal violence have focused on adult survivor perspectives rather than adolescents. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with faith-based organization leaders, parents, and youth. Findings highlight that church leaders, parents, and youth all expect that faith-based organizations can play a role in educating teens about healthy relationships. Divergent perspectives about how faith-based organizations should address adolescent sexuality and privacy need to be addressed.
Institutional- and Individual-Level Influences on Service Representation and Casework in Canadian Cities
Authors: Koop Royce
Published: October 2015

Service representation—the extent to which elected officials act as ombudsmen and engage in casework to assist their constituents with problems—is a crucial aspect of contemporary democratic representation. The local level of government is a potentially fruitful location in which to explore the practice of service representation. Despite this, service representation in local governments is understudied. Using data from interviews with 52 sitting councillors and a survey of 589 sitting councillors in Canadian cities, this article explores both the commitment of councillors to service and influences on time committed to service. This research finds that service representation is an important but secondary role of Canadian councillors. Furthermore, councillors elected in wards commit more time to service than councillors elected at-large, and councillors with strong service role perceptions also commit more time to service.
Toward Identification of the Sexual Killer: A Comparison of Sexual Killers Engaging in Post-Mortem Sexual Interference and Non-Homicide Sexual Aggressors
Authors: Higgs Tamsin , Carter Adam J. , Stefanska Ewa B. , Glorney Emily
Published: October 2015

Establishing a model of sexual assault reflecting psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of perpetrators of sexual killing and rape is necessary for development in risk assessment and intervention. Methodological variations in defining sexual killing have amalgamated serial and non-serial offenders and perpetrators with direct and indirect associations between killing and sexual arousal. This study defined sexual killing specifying that killing should be directly linked to sexual arousal, and sampled 48 sexual killers, operationalized to include only those engaging in post-mortem sexual interference, with one or two known female victims (non-serial), from prison service national (England and Wales) databases. These sexual killers were compared with 48 non-homicide, life or indeterminately sentenced sexual aggressors on psychological and crime scene characteristics. Contrary to previous research, fatal outcomes were associated with neither stranger victims nor weapon presence; sexual killing was characterized by severity of violence less so than non-fatal assault. Sexual killers more often reported problems with emotional loneliness, empathic concern, and sexual entitlement than the sexual aggressors. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Dare to Ask Children As Relatives! A Qualitative Study About Female Teenagers’ Experiences of Losing a Parent to Cancer
Authors: Tillquist Maria , Bäckrud Frida , Rosengren Kristina
Published: October 2015

Nurses must pay attention to teenager altered lives when a parent receives treatment for cancer. The aim of this study was to describe female teenagers’ experiences of losing a parent to cancer. Blogs written by girls (13-19 years) were utilized and analyzed from a qualitative perspective. Four categories were highlighted from the analysis: sadness, fear, anger, and comfort. Blogs served as a tool for gathering strength for teenagers in their difficult circumstances. The results show that female teenagers need information and support through their parent’s end-of-life care to be able to move on after the traumatic experience. Support needs to be in line with the children’s individual needs.
Smartphone hearing screening in mHealth assisted community-based primary care
Authors: Yousuf Hussein Shouneez , Wet Swanepoel De , Biagio de Jager Leigh , Myburgh Hermanus C , Eikelboom Robert H , Hugo Jannie
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Access to ear and hearing health is a challenge in developing countries, where the burden of disabling hearing loss is greatest. This study investigated community-based identification of hearing loss using smartphone hearing screening (hearScreen™) operated by community health workers (CHWs) in terms of clinical efficacy and the reported experiences of CHWs.

Method

The study comprised two phases. During phase one, 24 CHWs performed community-based hearing screening as part of their regular home visits over 12 weeks in an underserved community, using automated test protocols employed by the hearScreen™ smartphone application, operating on low-cost smartphones with calibrated headphones. During phase two, CHWs completed a questionnaire regarding their perceptions and experiences of the community-based screening programme.

Results

Data analysis was conducted on the results of 108 children (2–15 years) and 598 adults (16–85 years). Referral rates for children and adults were 12% and 6.5% respectively. Noise exceeding permissible levels had a significant effect on screen results at 25 dB at 1 kHz ( p<0.05). Age significantly affected adult referral rates ( p < 0.05), demonstrating a lower rate (4.3%) in younger as opposed to older adults (13.2%). CHWs were positive regarding the hearScreen™ solution in terms of usability, need for services, value to community members and time efficiency.

Conclusion

Smartphone-based hearing screening allows CHWs to bring hearing health care to underserved communities at a primary care level. Active noise monitoring and data management features allow for quality control and remote monitoring for surveillance and follow-up.
Personal collections as material assemblages: A comparison of wardrobes and music collections
Authors: Woodward Sophie , Greasley Alinka
Published: October 2015

This article takes the case studies of music and clothing collections in the home to explore the possibilities for developing comparative research into everyday consumption by focusing upon personal collections. Drawing on two empirical research projects, it challenges dominant understandings of collections as ‘special’ or separated off from daily practices by considering music and clothing collections as the site for everyday consumption practices as well as the locus of memories. Collections are reframed as ‘assemblages’ to explore the diverse materialities and temporalities that constitute the collections. Agency is distributed through the assemblage which allows for a problematisation of notions of individual consumer choice as the article explores the logics of the collections themselves. Focusing upon ‘collections’ paves the way for comparative work on different genres of consumption and to explore the diverse materialities of things and their relationalities. It widens our understanding of consumption to incorporate the use of things both in the enactment of daily life and which are kept or stored.
The omnivore’s neighborhood? Online restaurant reviews, race, and gentrification
Authors: Zukin Sharon , Lindeman Scarlett , Hurson Laurie
Published: October 2015

Social media users who post restaurant reviews on the website Yelp.com act as both prosumers or produsers and “discursive investors” in gentrification. Their unpaid online reviews create cultural and financial value for individual restaurants and also construct a positive or negative image of their locations that may lead to economic investment. Moreover, Yelp reviewers show marked preferences in terms of race. Examining 7046 Yelp reviews of restaurants in a predominantly White-gentrifying and a predominantly Black-gentrifying neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, shows far more reviewers draw attention to the urban locale when the majority of residents are Black. A framing analysis of 1056 reviews that mention the neighborhood indicates that most Yelp reviewers feel positive about the White neighborhood, where they consider the traditional Polish restaurants “authentic” and “cozy,” while they feel negative about the Black neighborhood, which they criticize for a dearth of dining options and an atmosphere of dirt and danger. This language represents “discursive redlining” in the digital public realm, with Yelp reviewers contributing to taste-driven processes of gentrification and racial change.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation and geometric design of hydraulic turbine draft tube
Authors: Sosa JB , Urquiza G , García JC , Castro LL
Published: October 2015

Any hydraulic reaction turbine is installed with a draft tube that impacts widely the entire turbine performance, on which its functions are as follows: drive the flux in appropriate manner after it releases its energy to the runner; recover the suction head by a suction effect; and improve the dynamic energy in the runner outlet. All these functions are strongly linked to the geometric definition of the draft tube. This article proposes a geometric parametrization and analysis of a Francis turbine draft tube. Based on the parametric definition, geometric changes in the draft tube are proposed and the turbine performance is modeled by computational fluid dynamics; the boundary conditions are set by measurements performed in a hydroelectric power plant. This modeling allows us to see the influence of the draft tube shape on the entire turbine performance. The numerical analysis is based on the steady-state solution of the turbine component flows for different guide vanes opening and multiple modified draft tubes. The computational fluid dynamics predictions are validated using hydroelectric plant measurements. The prediction of the turbine performance is successful and it is linked to the draft tube geometric features; therefore, it is possible to obtain a draft tube parameter value that results in a desired turbine performance.
A new specular reflection optimization algorithm
Authors: Qi Qisong , Xu Gening , Fan Xiaoning , Wang Jun
Published: October 2015

With the development of optimization theory and the application of computer technology, some new intellective optimization algorithms are developed quickly and applied widely, which is becoming the most important method for optimization problems. In this article, a new intellective optimization algorithm—Specular Reflection Algorithm—is proposed by authors who are inspired by the physical function of mirror. The traditional mathematical theory is used to prove the global convergence of this new algorithm. In order to validate the performance of this algorithm, three classical testing functions are adopted; then the algorithm is used to solve discrete engineering optimization problems and the results indicate that the Specular Reflection Algorithm has higher computation efficiency and extensive prospect for engineering application.
Fully covered self-expandable metal stent in the treatment of postsurgical colorectal diseases: outcome in 29 patients
Authors: Cereatti Fabrizio , Fiocca Fausto , Dumont Jean-Loup , Ceci Vincenzo , Vergeau Bertrand-Marie , Tuszynski Thierry , Meduri Bruno , Donatelli Gianfranco
Published: October 2015

Background:

Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is a minimally invasive treatment for palliation of malignant colorectal strictures and as a bridge to surgery. However, the use of SEMS for benign colorectal diseases is controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) placement in postsurgical colorectal diseases.

Methods:

From 2008 to 2014, 29 patients with 32 FCSEMS deployment procedures were evaluated. The indications for stent placement were: 17 anastomotic strictures (3/17 presented complete closure of the anastomosis); four anastomotic leaks; seven strictures associated with anastomotic leak; and one rectum-vagina fistula.

Results:

Clinical success was achieved in 18 out of 29 patients (62.1%) being symptom-free at an average of 19 months. In the remaining 11 patients (37.9%), a different treatment was needed: four patients required multiple endoscopic dilations, 4 patients colostomy confection, one patient definitive ileostomy and three patients revisional surgery. The FCSEMS were kept in place for a mean period of 34 (range: 6–65) days. Major complications occurred in 12 out of 29 patients (41.4%) and consisted of stent migration. Minor complications included two cases of transient fever, eight cases of abdominal or rectal pain, and one case of tenesmus.

Conclusion:

FCSEMS are considered a possible therapeutic option for treatment of postsurgical strictures and leaks. However, their efficacy in guaranteeing long-term anastomotic patency and leak closure is moderate. A major complication is migration. The use of FCSEMS for colonic postsurgical pathologies should be carefully evaluated for each patient.
Toward Big Data Analytics
Authors: Cichosz Simon Lebech , Johansen Mette Dencker , Hejlesen Ole
Published: October 2015

Diabetes is one of the top priorities in medical science and health care management, and an abundance of data and information is available on these patients. Whether data stem from statistical models or complex pattern recognition models, they may be fused into predictive models that combine patient information and prognostic outcome results. Such knowledge could be used in clinical decision support, disease surveillance, and public health management to improve patient care. Our aim was to review the literature and give an introduction to predictive models in screening for and the management of prevalent short- and long-term complications in diabetes. Predictive models have been developed for management of diabetes and its complications, and the number of publications on such models has been growing over the past decade. Often multiple logistic or a similar linear regression is used for prediction model development, possibly owing to its transparent functionality. Ultimately, for prediction models to prove useful, they must demonstrate impact, namely, their use must generate better patient outcomes. Although extensive effort has been put in to building these predictive models, there is a remarkable scarcity of impact studies.
Mass Incarceration Through a Different Lens
Authors: Irizarry Yasmiyn , May David C. , Davis Adrienne , Wood Peter B.
Published: October 2015

In spite of documented harmful effects of mass incarceration, evidence to date suggests that Blacks perceive the experience of prison as less punitive than Whites. While these findings are well documented, little is known about the role of sociodemographic or contextual factors in shaping this pattern. Utilizing a quantitative intersectional framework, we analyze data from over 1000 Kentucky prison inmates who were within 12 months of their parole hearing or release date to examine the differential effects of various sociodemographic and contextual factors on perceptions of the punitiveness of regular probation, community service, and electronic monitoring (as opposed to prison) for Blacks and Whites. Findings confirm the presence of a racial gap in perceptions of the punitiveness of various alternatives to incarceration; however, results from models disaggregated by race highlight important differences in the effects of gender, parenting, and childhood locale on these perceptions. These findings demonstrate the role of various factors in shaping Blacks’ and Whites’ differential perceptions and reveal the contexts where these differences are most likely to be found.
Division I Intercollegiate Athletics Success and the Financial Impact on Universities
Authors: Walker Adam G.
Published: October 2015

Private monetary contributions and the role of athletics are topics of discussion at nearly all institutions, and thus any relationship between the two has become increasingly valuable to determine donor motivations. This quantitative research study analyzed universities’ overall private contributions to determine whether there was a significant difference in the percentage of overall financial support to the institutions following a year of athletics success. For this study, athletics success included participation in either the Division I (DI) men’s basketball National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four or DI Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Bowl Game. The study focused on a period of 10 years (2002-2011) using a sample of 129 observations (Council for Aid to Education’s [CAE] Voluntary Support of Education [VSE] Survey)—satisfying the criteria above, then comparing them with the baseline (all institutions) during the same period of time to determine whether the change in the percentage of overall contribution was statistically significant over a 2-year period. The results show a significant statistical difference of more than double in the percent increase of overall private contributions for institutions with athletics success compared with all higher education institutions. Furthermore, a small statistical difference was found for the athletics success in private institutions compared with public institutions that experienced similar athletics success. No difference was found by region, for history of athletics success, or between basketball or football athletics success for those institutions experiencing athletics success. The study concluded that there are significant implications for overall private financial support for institutions that experience athletics success, especially those with a private affiliation.
Couples Living with HIV
Authors: Rodriguez Violeta J. , Spence Andrew , Monda Mallory , Potter JoNell , Jones Deborah
Published: October 2015

Background:

Desires to have children are not lessened by a woman’s HIV status. Couples may lack information to conceive safely, and men may be especially uninformed. This study examined reproductive intentions, practices, and attitudes among men in HIV-infected couples, including attitudes regarding the perceived risk of vertical and horizontal transmission, safer conception, and preconception planning.

Methods:

Men ( n = 12) in HIV-infected couples were interviewed regarding reproductive intentions, attitudes, and knowledge and qualitative assessments were coded for dominant themes.

Results:

Themes primarily addressed concerns about the health of the baby, men’s involvement in pregnancy, safer conception, concerns about HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy, and HIV infection. Men lacked information on safer conception and newer HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Discussion:

Gaps in knowledge regarding preconception practices among men in HIV-infected couples were identified. Results highlight men’s desire for involvement in preconception planning, and opportunities for providers to facilitate this practice and to increase patient education and the use of PrEP are discussed.
Protease inhibitors enhance extracellular collagen fibril deposition in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Han Sejin , Li Yuk Yin , Chan Barbara Pui
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Collagen is a widely used naturally occurring biomaterial for scaffolding, whereas mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising cell source in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is generally known that cells are able to remodel their environment by simultaneous degradation of the scaffolds and deposition of newly synthesized extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, the interactions between MSCs and collagen biomaterials are poorly known, and the strategies enhancing the extracellular matrix deposition are yet to be defined. In this study, we aim to investigate the fate of collagen when it is in contact with MSCs and hypothesize that protease inhibition will enhance their extracellular deposition of collagen fibrils.

Methods

Specifically, human MSCs (hMSCs) were exposed to fluorescence-labeled collagen with and without intracellular or extracellular protease inhibitors (or both) before tracing the collagen at both intracellular and extracellular spaces.

Results

Collagen were internalized by hMSCs and degraded intracellularly in lysosomes. In the presence of protease inhibitors, both intracellular collagen fibril growth and extracellular deposition of collagen fibrils were enhanced. Moreover, protease inhibitors work synergistically with ascorbic acid, a well-known matrix deposition-enhancing reagent, in further enhancing collagen fibril deposition at the extracellular space.

Conclusion

These findings provide a better understanding of the interactions between hMSCs and collagen biomaterials and suggest a method to manipulate matrix remodeling and deposition of hMSCs, contributing to better scaffolding for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Lack of the programmed death-1 receptor renders host susceptible to enteric microbial infection through impairing the production of the mucosal natural killer cell effector molecules
Authors: Solaymani-Mohammadi Shahram , Lakhdari Omar , Minev Ivelina , Shenouda Steve , Frey Blake F , Billeskov Rolf , Singer Steven M , Berzofsky Jay A , Eckmann Lars , Kagnoff Martin F
Published: October 2015

The programmed death-1 receptor is expressed on a wide range of immune effector cells, including T cells, natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. In malignancies and chronic viral infections, increased expression of programmed death-1 by T cells is generally associated with a poor prognosis. However, its role in early host microbial defense at the intestinal mucosa is not well understood. We report that programmed death-1 expression is increased on conventional natural killer cells but not on CD4+, CD8+ or natural killer T cells, or CD11b+ or CD11c+ macrophages or dendritic cells after infection with the mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. Mice genetically deficient in programmed death-1 or treated with anti–programmed death-1 antibody were more susceptible to acute enteric and systemic infection with Citrobacter rodentium. Wild-type but not programmed death-1–deficient mice infected with Citrobacter rodentium showed significantly increased expression of the conventional mucosal NK cell effector molecules granzyme B and perforin. In contrast, natural killer cells from programmed death-1–deficient mice had impaired expression of those mediators. Consistent with programmed death-1 being important for intracellular expression of natural killer cell effector molecules, mice depleted of natural killer cells and perforin-deficient mice manifested increased susceptibility to acute enteric infection with Citrobacter rodentium. Our findings suggest that increased programmed death-1 signaling pathway expression by conventional natural killer cells promotes host protection at the intestinal mucosa during acute infection with a bacterial gut pathogen by enhancing the expression and production of important effectors of natural killer cell function.
Fast Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Complex Mixtures of Organic Compounds Based on Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry with Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization
Authors: Revelsky I. A. , Tikhonova I. N. , Yashin Yu. S.
Published: October 2015

The research is devoted to the investigation of the selectivity detection of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electron ionization (EI) GC-MS with atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPhI) and GC-MS atmospheric pressure photochemical ionization (APPhCI) when vapors of different substances (benzene, toluene and naphthalene) were used as gas reagents. Capillary columns of different lengths were used for the separation of the components of the mixture of 44 semi-volatile organic compounds. It was shown that the most-selective detection of 16 PAHs in a 44-component mixture was possible when GC-MS APPhCI was used. Only 16 PAHs were registered on the respective mass chromatograms and a fast detection of them was possible. The respective APPhI and APPhCI mass spectra consisted of only peak of the respective molecular ion, M+• – the radical cation. Detection limits were 3 pg μL−1 to 15 pg μL.
Κιονοστήρικτοι νάρθηκες – λιτές στη μοναστηριακή αρχιτεκτονική
Authors: ΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΗΣ Σωτήρης
Published: October 2015

Ο κιονοστήρικτος ευρύς νάρθηκας, που ονομάσθηκε λιτή από την σχετική μοναστική λειτουργία που τελείται στον χώρο αυτό, αποτελεί ουσιαστικά μια προσθήκη στο σώμα του ναού, η οποία, όπου εφαρμόστηκε, προσέθεσε σημαντικούς χώρους στον κυρίως ναό. Το καθαρά μοναστηριακό στοιχείο αυτό εμφανίσθηκε κατά την μεσοβυζαντινή εποχή και είχε ευρεία διάδοση στις χώρες της βαλκανικής χερσονήσου μέχρι τον 19ο αιώνα. Στην έρευνα εντοπίστηκαν 52 παραδείγματα, τα οποία παρατίθενται σε κατάλογο στο τέλος του άρθρου. Στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις πρόκειται για μοναστηριακούς ναούς. Η χωρική κατανομή τους εκτείνεται στην Κεντρική και Βόρεια Ελλάδα με έμφαση στο Άγιον Όρος, όπου παρατηρήθηκαν 23 ναοί που συνοδεύονται από κιονοστήρικτες λιτές. Επίσης σημαντικοί ναοί με λιτές υπάρχουν στην περιοχή της πρώην Γιουγκοσλαβίας τον 13ο, 14ο και 16ο αιώνα, καθώς και στη Ρουμανία.
Ζητήματα ερμηνείας της ζωγραφικής στη Μεταμόρφωση στο Πυργί Αυλωναρίου. Όψεις της λατινοκρατούμενης Εύβοιας
Authors: ΤΡΙΑΝΤΑΦΥΛΛΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Δημήτριος Δ.
Published: October 2015

Ἡ Εὔβοια κατὰ τὴ διάρκειας τῆς βενετικῆς κατοχῆς (1204-1470) παρήγαγε στὴ μνημειακὴ ζωγραφικὴ ἔργα, ποὺ εἰκονογραφικὰ παρέμειναν πιστὰ στὸ ὀρθόδοξο δόγμα, ὅπως στὸ προκείμενο μνημεῖο. Τὸ γεγονὸς συστοιχεῖ πρὸς ὅ,τι γνωρίζουμε καὶ ἀπὸ τὴν πολιτικὴ καὶ ἐκκλησιαστικὴ ἱστορία της, δηλαδὴ μία συνειδητή, ὑπόρρητη ἀντίσταση κατὰ τῶν ἑτερόδοξων κατακτητῶν της.
Συνεργεία μεταβυζαντινών ζωγράφων από το Νεοχώρι της Χίου: Η μαρτυρία των επιγραφών
Authors: ΒΑΣΣΗ Όλγα , ΒΑΛΑΚΟΥ Παρισιάνθη
Published: October 2015

́Εξι επιγραφές που έχουν εντοπιστεί σε διαφορετικά νησιά του Αιγαίου (στη Χίο, στη Λέσβο, στην Ικαρία και στη Ρόδο) κάνουν λόγο για ζωγράφους που προέρχονταν από το χωριό Νεοχώρι της Χίου και περιόδευαν στο Αρχιπέλαγος ζωγραφίζοντας εκκλησίες, από το δεύτερο ήμισυ του 17ου έως τα μέσα περίπου του 18ου αιώνα. Ο τόπος καταγωγής των ζωγράφων, το χωριό Νεοχώρι, φαίνεται πως ήταν και ο τόπος όπου μαθήτευσαν την τέχνη τους και πως εκεί λειτούργησε ένα καλλιτεχνικό εργαστήριο με εμβέλεια και στα γειτονικά νησιά.
Η Παναγία Γαλακτοτροφούσα η «Σπηλαιώτισσα» σε έργα Καπεσοβιτών ζωγράφων
Authors: ΝΑΝΟΥ Μαρία
Published: October 2015

Με αφετηρία δύο όμοιες εικόνες της Γαλακτοτροφούσας με την προσωνυμία «η Σπηλαιώτισσα» που συνδέονται με τον Ιωάννη του Αθανασίου από το Καπέσοβο και το γιο του Αναστάσιο Αναγνώστη, διερευνώνται: τα εικονογραφικά πρότυπα της συγκεκριμένης παραλλαγής, η πιθανή σχέση της με χαρακτικό της Μονής του Μεγάλου Σπηλαίου και η απήχηση που βρίσκει σε τοιχογραφίες, εικόνες και σχέδια του καπεσοβίτικου εργαστηρίου στο τελευταίο τέταρτο του 18ου αιώνα (1778-1793). Τα νέα δεδομένα οδηγούν στην ταύτιση του ζωγράφου Ιωάννη που υπογράφει εικόνα της Γαλακτοτροφούσας «της Σπηλαιώτισσας» στη Συλλογή Βελιμέζη με τον Καπεσοβίτη Ιωάννη του Αθανασίου και στην απόδοση δύο σχεδίων με το ίδιο θέμα (Μουσείο Μπενάκη, Συλλογή Γιαννούλη) στον ίδιο ζωγράφο ή στον κύκλο του εργαστηρίου του.
Ανθίβολο άγνωστου ιχνογράφου - εικόνα Καπεσοβίτη ζωγράφου
Authors: ΒΕΛΕΝΗΣ Γεώργιος
Published: October 2015

Η γνωστή εικόνα της Γαλακτοτροφούσας της Συλλογής Βελιμέζη, που σύμφωνα με την επιγραφή της κατασκευάστηκε το έτος 1778, αποδίδεται στον ζωγράφο Ιωάννη από το Καπέσοβο της Ηπείρου, τον γιο του Αναστασίου και μετέπειτα μοναχού Αθανασίου.
Ο ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς ως ζωγράφος της εικόνας της Παναγίας στην Ηπειρωτική Ελλάδα (16ος-18ος αιώνας)
Authors: ΧΑΤΖΗΔΑΚΗ Νανώ
Published: October 2015

Στo άρθρο εξετάζεται η ιδιαίτερη διάδοση του θέματος του ευαγγελιστή Λουκά, ως ζωγράφου της εικόνας της Παναγίας, στην ηπειρωτική Ελλάδα. Παρουσιάζονται και σχολιάζονται παραδείγματα του 16ου αιώνα, από το εργαστήριο των θηβαίων ζωγράφων Γεωργίου και Φράγκου Κονταρή και του Φράγκου Κατελάνου, καθώς και πολλά παραδείγματα, από τον 17ο και 18ο αιώνα, όπου το θέμα αναπτύσσεται με πρωτοτυπία και αποκτά μεγαλύτερη διάδοση, η οποία συνδέεται με την ανάπτυξη οργανωμένων τοπικών εργαστηρίων από την Ήπειρο, όπως των Λινοτοπιτών και των Καπεσοβιτών, και την συνακόλουθη αναβάθμιση του επαγγέλματος του ζωγράφου στις περιοχές αυτές.