bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAID
Authors: Bhadury Joyendu , Troy Samuel P.
Published: September 2014

There has been increasing recognition of the role played by higher education institutions (HEIs) in fostering regional economic development. Concurrently, regional economic development strategies have emphasized targeting economic clusters. This underscores the need for a structured operational framework to guide the efforts of a HEI that wishes to engage with a focused economic cluster in its service region with the intention of fostering regional economic growth. We introduce such a framework in this article that is referred to by its acronym STAID (Select, Tailor, Ascertain, Implement, and Disseminate). The exposition of STAID is annotated and illustrated with examples from two community-engaged projects at a public research university in North Carolina that were undertaken with two different regional economic clusters.
Preparation of zinc and calcium hydroxide-modified fly ash and its utilization as filler in nylon 6
Authors: Wasekar Parag A , Kadam Pravin G , Mhaske Shashank T
Published: September 2014

In this article, an attempt is made to improve the filler-loading capacity of fly ash (FA) by its surface modification with zinc hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. In the modification reaction, FA to calcium hydroxide weight ratio was maintained constant at 5:1, while that of FA to zinc hydroxide was varied as 5:0.4, 5:0.6, and 5:0.8 and the optimized composition was utilized as filler in nylon 6. Modified FA was found to have formed hemimorphite on to its surface, giving rise to spine-structured surface morphology. FA surface modified with 5:0.6 weight ratio of FA to zinc hydroxide (FaZn6Ca) provided FA with the highest level of spine-structured surface morphology and thus was determined to the optimized composition to be utilized as filler in nylon 6. Concentration of FaZn6Ca was varied up to 40 phr in nylon 6. Prepared composites were characterized for mechanical, thermal, rheological, crystallinity, and morphological properties. Melting and crystallization temperatures remained approximately constant; tensile strength, flexural strength, crystallinity, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, enthalpy of melting ( Hm), and enthalpy of crystallization increased, whereas elongation at break and impact strength decreased with increase in FaZn6Ca concentration in nylon 6. Spine-structured surface morphology formed on the surface of FA increased the filler-loading capacity of FaZn6Ca in nylon 6; while the improvement in the properties were caused due to better interactions happening between nylon 6 and FaZn6Ca due to the hydrophilic nature of both the materials. Since FA is obtained as waste from thermal power plant, the use of this material as a filler in nylon 6 would help ease the solid waste disposal problem which will benefit the environment.
Polymer nanocomposites part 2
Authors: Abou-Kandil Ahmed I , Awad A , Mwafy E
Published: September 2014

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a very important compound used in several industries. We synthesized ZnO with different particle sizes and it was incorporated in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized using thermal, physical, and morphological techniques. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were also assessed. The nanocomposites were studied for their ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties and were shown to have very good spectral as well as mechanical properties which make them a perfect candidate for applications where UV absorption is essential for example food packing, UV shields, and many other applications.
Effect of cold oxygen plasma treatment on mechanical properties of phenylenebenzobisoxazole fiber-filled cross-linked polyethylene composites
Authors: Tang G , Hu X , Li XL , Shao Ch. zh. , Tang TH
Published: September 2014

Mechanical strength of phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fibers and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) matrix composites were studied with particular interest on the effects of oxygen cold plasma-treated fibers. PBO fibers were treated in a radio frequency plasma reactor using oxygen for different treatment times to increase the interface adhesion. Tensile tests on PBO fibers showed that plasma treatment caused an increase in average tensile strength compared with untreated fibers. Fracture analysis confirmed the increase in interfacial adhesion due to oxygen plasma treatment.
A method to achieve uniform clamp force in a bolted rotor with curvic couplings
Authors: Yuan Shuxia , Zhang Youyun , Fan Yuguang , Zhang Yingchun
Published: September 2014

The preloading process is essential for circumferential bolted rotors with curvic couplings and preloading effects determining the rotor performance. A nonuniform clamp load of each bolt will destroy the periodicity of the rotor and affect its strength, stiffness, and stability. In this paper, the finite element method was adopted, the influence of elastic interaction on two types of preload methods (one by one and group) was investigated and the mechanism about elastic interaction was analyzed, and a method to achieve a uniform clamp force of spindle bolts was proposed. This method is based on displacement, and by ensuring equal relative displacements of each bolt and nut during the preloading process, the uniform clamp force can be obtained. The validity of the proposed method is experimentally verified.
Energy saving in sliding vane rotary compressors using pressure swirl oil atomizers
Authors: Cipollone Roberto , Valenti Gianluca , Bianchi Giuseppe , Murgia Stefano , Contaldi Giulio , Calvi Tommaso
Published: September 2014

In industrial contexts, electrical energy for compressed air represents an important share of the global electricity consumption: this figure accounts for 4–5% of the total. Among the existing compressor technologies, rotary volumetric machines proved to be more suitable than other types (dynamic, reciprocating, etc.) in terms of pressure and flow rate delivered. Even though not as widespread as screw machines, but thanks to the technological improvements made in the last two decades, sliding vane rotary compressors are characterized by premium specific energy consumptions and demonstrate an unforeseen potential in terms of energy saving due to some intrinsic features specifically related to these machines. The current research focuses on an innovative oil injection technology that is not only able to fulfill the sealing and lubrication requirements but also to cool the air during the compression phase. A comparison between the mathematical model of the new oil injection technology and the experimental p-V diagrams measured through a set of piezoelectric transducers is shown. The compression work reduction, predicted in the model and further measured at the shaft and observed in the indicator diagrams, gives a strong consistency to the injection technology.
Attitude dynamics and thrust control for short tethered sub-satellite in deployment
Authors: Liu Yingying , Zhou Jun
Published: September 2014

Dynamic characters and control strategy for short tethered satellite system in deployment are studied in this paper. Tether elastic oscillation and sub-satellite attitude motion are considered in the dynamic model. Sub-satellite releasing method with an initial velocity and a negative acceleration is proposed for fast deployment. It is indicated that the short dimension and fast deployment make dynamic characteristics of both the tether and the sub-satellite different from those of the long-tether systems. Control strategy is designed based on these dynamic characters. Thrusters are considered to provide active control for the tether and the attitude of the sub-satellite. Variable structure control is adopted, taking into account the nonlinear dynamics of the system and the on–off output of the thrusters. Numerical simulation shows that the tethered sub-satellite can be deployed to designed direction in or out of the orbit plane with thrust control. The tension of the tether is positive during deployment. The in-plane angle of the tether is controlled within 0.1°. The out-of-plane angle passively keeps near its initial releasing value. In addition, the attitude angles of the sub-satellite are controlled or passively remain within 0.5°. This fast deployment provides flexibility for tether assisted space operations.
Informal caregiving and well-being in Europe: What can ease the negative consequences for caregivers?
Authors: Verbakel Ellen
Published: September 2014

Against the background of an ageing society with an increasing demand for informal caregivers, this study examines (1) to what extent informal caregiving is negatively related to well-being, (2) to what extent the relationship between informal caregiving and well-being varies over countries and (3) to what extent national policies and countries’ normative climates reduce the well-being gap between caregivers and non-caregivers. Analyses on the European Quality of Life Survey 2007 ( N = 20,396 in 18 countries), applying multilevel regression techniques, confirmed previous findings that caregivers have lower levels of well-being than non-caregivers. This relationship varied between countries. Generous availability of formal long-term resources reduces the well-being gap between caregivers and non-caregivers. Surprisingly, services that are designed to support informal caregivers do not alleviate the negative well-being consequences. A strong country-level family norm does not affect the well-being gap between caregivers and non-caregivers, but reduces the negative well-being consequences of intensive caregiving.
The Great Recession and the changing distribution of economic vulnerability by social class: The Irish case
Authors: Whelan Christopher T , Maître Bertrand
Published: September 2014

Ireland represents a particularly interesting case study of the distributional impact of pronounced macroeconomic fluctuations. In this article, we use the Irish case to show that in contrast to periods of relative equilibrium, an understanding of the distributional consequences of economic turbulence requires going beyond conventional measures of income poverty or inequality. Here, we focus on a conception of ‘economic vulnerability’ that identifies a sub-set of the population as characterized by a distinctive multi-dimensional risk profile in relation to income poverty, material deprivation and economic stress. Our analysis reveals a doubling of levels of economic vulnerability in the post-recession period. However, the degree of polarization between vulnerable and non-vulnerable classes was significantly reduced. Economic vulnerability is highly stratified by social class for both periods. Over time, the higher salariat, the non-agricultural self-employed, the semi-unskilled manual and those who never worked gained relative to the remaining classes. This provides support for the notion of ‘middle-class squeeze’. This was also true in relation to household work intensity. The impact of the latter on economic vulnerability declined sharply, while it came to play an increasing role in mediating the consequences of membership of the non-agricultural middle classes. Responding to the political pressures likely to be associated with ‘middle-class squeeze’ while sustaining the social welfare arrangements that have traditionally protected the economically vulnerable presents formidable challenges in terms of maintaining social cohesion and political legitimacy.
Association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in nondiabetic women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sabio J M , Vargas-Hitos J A , Martinez-Bordonado J , Navarrete-Navarrete N , Díaz-Chamorro A , Olvera-Porcel C , Zamora M , Jiménez-Alonso J
Published: September 2014

Objective

The objective of this paper is to examine if there is an association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and insulin resistance (IR) in nondiabetic women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness.

Patients and methods

In this cross-sectional study 25(OH)D, insulin, insulin resistance measured by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), homocysteine, fibrinogen, characteristics of SLE, medications and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) were measured in 106 nondiabetic women with SLE and 101 matched controls.

Results

Women with SLE tended to have lower 25(OH)D levels ( p = 0.078) and a higher frequency of 25(OH)D deficiency (defined as <10 ng/ml) than controls ( p = 0.058). Patients from the lowest quartile of the 25(OH)D range had higher PWV ( p = 0.043), fasting glucose ( p = 0.035), insulinemia ( p ≤ 0.001), HOMA-IR ( p = 0.006), C4 ( p = 0.012), as well as more frequent IR ( p = 0.002) and metabolic syndrome ( p = 0.052) than those in the upper quartile, and no differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid levels and renal function. In women with SLE, 25(OH)D inversely correlated with insulin ( p = 0.006), HOMA-IR ( p = 0.008) and C4 ( p = 0.048) and tended to correlate with fibrinogen ( p = 0.060) after adjustment for BMI, age, SLEDAI, prednisone dose, renal function, inflammation markers and seasonal variation, but not with PWV. In controls, 25(OH)D correlated only with homocysteine after the same adjustment, and the correlation with PWV tended to be significant after adjustment for BMI and age ( r = −0.190, p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Low 25(OH)D levels were found to be associated with increased IR in nondiabetic women with SLE independently of BMI. Low 25(OH)D levels, but not IR, could be associated with increased arterial stiffness in these patients.
Misclassification of outcome in case–control studies: Methods for sensitivity analysis
Authors: Gilbert Rebecca , Martin Richard M , Donovan Jenny , Lane J Athene , Hamdy Freddie , Neal David E , Metcalfe Chris
Published: September 2014

Case–control studies are potentially open to misclassification of disease outcome which may be unrelated to risk factor exposure (non-differential), thus underestimating associations, or related to risk factor exposure (differential), thus causing more serious bias.

We conducted a systematic literature review for methods of adjusting for outcome misclassification in case–control studies. We also applied methods to simulated data with known outcome misclassification to assess performance of these methods. Finally, real data from the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) randomised controlled trial gauged the usefulness of these methods.

Adjustment methods range from recalculating cell frequencies to probabilistic sensitivity modelling and Bayesian models, which incorporate uncertainty in sensitivity and specificity estimates. Simulated data indicated that substantial bias in either direction resulted from differential misclassification. More sophisticated methods, incorporating uncertainty into estimates of misclassification, provided appropriately wide confidence intervals for corrected estimates of risk factor–disease association.

Method choice depends on whether the objective is to assess if an observed association can be explained by bias, or to provide a ‘corrected’ estimate for the primary analysis. Accurate estimation of the degree of misclassification is important for the latter; otherwise further bias may be introduced.
Brands, cities and (post-)politics: A comparative analysis of urban strategies for the Universiade 2013 and the World Football Cup 2018 in Russia
Authors: Makarychev Andrey , Yatsyk Alexandra
Published: September 2014

This article analyses how two large-scale sports events in Russia shape regional identities and brands, and prompt different social and administrative effects in urban milieus. These two mega-events are the Universiade in Kazan’ in 2013 and the Football World Cup to take place in 11 Russian cities, among which we focus more specifically on Nizhny Novgorod. We argue that the logic of municipal and regional authorities is largely based on post-political thinking, with such main priorities as building consensus, securing public order, stimulating consumption, developing investment opportunities, renovating urban areas, and branding and globally promoting regions’ competitive advantages. This logic, however, is often contested by groups concerned about financial transparency and accountability, managerial efficiency, environmental protection, preservation of historical areas and other public issues.
Giving Voice to Service Providers Who Work With Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Authors: Barrington Allysa J. , Shakespeare-Finch Jane
Published: September 2014

Clinicians who support people from refugee- and asylum-seeking backgrounds are routinely exposed to stories of trauma as part of their work. Hearing these stories can be highly distressing for clinicians but simultaneously provide opportunities for positive personal growth. Adopting a longitudinal qualitative design, we interviewed 12 service providers at two time points a year apart. We used a semistructured interview protocol and analyzed the data according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five superordinate and nineteen constituent themes emerged from the analysis at Time 1 and Time 2. We found that participants were both positively and negatively affected by their work, and their experiences remained relatively stable across time. The participants highlighted the use of organizational and personal coping strategies to help minimize distress and maximize well-being. Adopting a broad repertoire of such strategies is not only advantageous for the service providers but ultimately for those people they seek to assist.
Hospice and Family Involvement With End-of-Life Care
Authors: Seaman Jennifer B. , Bear Todd M. , Documet Patricia I. , Sereika Susan M. , Albert Steven M.
Published: September 2014

Utilization and perceived benefits of hospice may vary across populations. In a population-based survey, we examined the prevalence of hospice utilization, caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, and quality and complexity of end-of-life (EOL) care, as reported by community caregivers to people who died in the prior year. The 2009 to 2010 Allegheny County, PA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Health Survey, a population-based telephone survey of 5442 adult residents, included an 8-item EOL caregiver module. Overall, 7.8% (95% confidence interval = 7.0-8.6) of respondents reported having arranged or provided care for a close friend/family member who died in the previous 12 months. Caregivers of decedents who utilized hospice reported positive quality outcomes and greater involvement in care. Utilization of hospice services was associated with beneficial outcomes at EOL, but with increased involvement of EOL caregivers.
Conceptualizing Child and Family Outcomes of Early Intervention Services for Children With ASD and Their Families
Authors: Noyes-Grosser Donna M. , Rosas Scott R. , Goldman Alyssa , Elbaum Batya , Romanczyk Ray , Callahan Emily H.
Published: September 2014

State early intervention programs (EIPs) have been encouraged to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes measurement systems. As the number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families receiving services in state EIPs increases, disability-specific outcomes data are needed to better understand issues of access, costs, and benefits. The New York State Early Intervention Program (NYSEIP) used concept mapping with parent and professional stakeholders to define child and family outcomes expected from early intervention services for children with ASD and their families. Stakeholders generated more than 700 statements (synthesized to 105), then individually sorted (17 parents, 39 professionals) these statements into categories. Stakeholders rated each outcome on importance (20 parents, 48 professionals) and likelihood (18 parents, 46 professionals) that EIP services will yield a positive impact. The aggregated sort data were subjected to two separate sets of multivariate statistical analyses, producing an 11-cluster map of professionals’ conceptualization and a 7-cluster map of parent/family members’ conceptualization of the outcomes. Possible explanations for the parent/professional differences are discussed. The results will be used as part of ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive evaluation system for state Part C EIPs that is grounded in stakeholders’ perspectives on expected outcomes for children and families.
Building a Scale of the Meanings of Transition From Higher Education to Work
Authors: Monteiro André M. , Santos Paulo Jorge , Gonçalves Carlos M.
Published: September 2014

Higher education institutions intend to provide young people with a range of capabilities and skills that will prepare them to face transition into the labor market. In modern societies, however, marked by structural unemployment, forms of temporary work prevail, offering increasingly unstable conditions, lower security, and fewer social rights. At this critical historical and social juncture, it becomes important for both the research and social agenda to understand the meanings Portuguese higher education students attribute their transition from education to work. In Study 1, based on a sample of 712 Portuguese higher education students, words associated with the transition from higher education to work were collected and they were grouped by their semantic proximity. These semantic groups served to build items for a first version of the Scale of the Meanings of Transition from Higher Education to Work (SMTHEW). Study 2 was developed based on this version, with a sample of 546 participants. An exploratory factor analysis yielded a version of the SMTHEW consisting of four subscales (Professional Achievement, Uncertainty, Unemployment, and Professional Responsibility) with psychometric qualities we considered appropriate. In Study 3, based on data from 505 participants, a confirmatory factor analysis of the SMTHEW was conducted, defining thus its final version, which revealed appropriate levels of adjustment to the proposed model.
Building Buzz
Authors: Liang Xuan , Su Leona Yi-Fan , Yeo Sara K. , Scheufele Dietram A. , Brossard Dominique , Xenos Michael , Nealey Paul , Corley Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2014

Public communication about science faces novel challenges, including the increasing complexity of research areas and the erosion of traditional journalistic infrastructures. Although scientists have traditionally been reluctant to engage in public communication at the expense of focusing on academic productivity, our survey of highly cited U.S. nano-scientists, paired with data on their social media use, shows that public communication, such as interactions with reporters and being mentioned on Twitter, can contribute to a scholar’s scientific impact. Most importantly, being mentioned on Twitter amplifies the effect of interactions with journalists and other non-scientists on the scholar’s scientific impact.
Cigarette Taxes and Cross-border Revenue Effects
Authors: Nicholson Andrew , Turner Tracy M. , Alvarado Eduardo
Published: September 2014

Episodes of large tax differentials between neighboring states create an incentive for cigarette tax avoidance by border crossing. We use unique quarterly panel data at the county level for the state of Kansas on cigarette retailers’ sales tax remittances by distance to a state border to gauge the extent of smuggling activity and revenue effects of increases in cigarette excise tax rates. For quantities sold near an urban, low-tax border, we find sizable effects of higher excise tax rates on sales and cigarette excise tax revenues. Implications for cross-border state revenue leakages are discussed.
Sedative, hematologic and hemostatic effects of dexmedetomidine–butorphanol alone or in combination with ketamine in cats
Authors: Volpato Julieta , Mattoso Cláudio Roberto Scabelo , Beier Suzane Lilian , Coelho Mirelly Medeiros , Tocheto Ronise , Kirsten Cristine Elizabeth , Yonezawa Letícia Andreza , Saito Mere Erika
Published: September 2014

Acute stress induced by physical restraint can interfere with the validity of laboratory findings. Sedation could minimize such stress. However, it is not known whether sedation can affect hematologic and hemostatic parameters in cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hematologic and hemostatic parameters in domestic cats subjected to physical restraint in addition to one of two sedation protocols. In total, 50 cats were subjected to physical restraint and were then randomly divided into two groups of 25 animals, receiving dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) and butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg; DB group) or dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg; DBK group). The cats were assessed for acute stress, sedation level, onset of sedation and duration of sedation. Blood samples were collected after handling and after sedation. The complete blood count (CBC), platelet count, buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), whole-blood clotting time, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were determined for each sample, before and after chemical restraint. No statistically significant differences were found in the hematologic parameters. Certain hemostatic parameters (PT, aPTT and TT) were higher in the DB group ( P <0.05). The onset of sedation was similar in the two groups, and the duration of sedation was longer in the DBK group. Both sedation protocols were effective for short-duration chemical restraint for blood collection from the studied cats, and no clinically relevant effects on hematologic or hemostatic parameters were detected.
Antimicrobial susceptibility in bacterial isolates from Norwegian cats with lower urinary tract disease
Authors: Lund Heidi Sjetne , Skogtun Gaute , Sørum Henning , Eggertsdóttir Anna Vigdís
Published: September 2014

Studies of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) among Norwegian cats have shown higher prevalences of bacterial cystitis than most previously published reports. The aims of the present study were to identify bacterial isolates obtained from the urine of Norwegian cats with FLUTD and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Eighty-two bacterial isolates from 72 urine cultures obtained from 71 different cats were included. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species and Streptococcus species were the most frequently detected. The percentages of isolates susceptible to the included antimicrobial agents were as follows: enrofloxacin – 92%; trimethoprim/sulfonamide – 91%; nitrofurantoin – 89%; tetracycline – 78%; ampicillin – 73%; amoxicillin/clavulanic acid – 72%; trimethoprim – 68%; amoxicillin – 58%; cephalexin – 51%; spiramycin – 39%; penicillin – 34%; fucidic acid – 34%; lincomycin – 27%. Although several tendencies towards increasing antimicrobial resistance were detected among the isolates included, the species of bacteria isolated and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance were, in general, in concurrence with the existing literature. Thus, the results do not fully explain the higher prevalence of bacterial cystitis found in Norwegian cats. Moreover, additional explanatory factors beside the inclusion of primary accession cases rather than referred cases were not found.
Performance comparison between textured, pocket, and tapered-land sector-pad thrust bearings using computational fluid dynamics thermohydrodynamic analysis
Authors: Fouflias Dimitrios G , Charitopoulos Anastassios G , Papadopoulos Christos I , Kaiktsis Lambros , Fillon Michel
Published: September 2014

Different geometry patterns of the surface of thrust bearings have been proven very beneficial in terms of bearing load-carrying capacity and friction coefficient. In this study, four different types of sector-pad thrust bearings have been cross-evaluated for operation under realistic operating conditions: (a) an open pocket bearing, (b) a closed pocket bearing, (c) a tapered-land bearing, and (d) a bearing partially textured with rectangular dimples. Bearing performance has been computed by means of computational fluid dynamics simulations based on the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes and energy equations for incompressible flow. Conjugate heat transfer at the bearing pad and rotor has been taken into account. Initially, for a reference design of each bearing, the effects of varying rotational speed and minimum film thickness have been investigated. Further, characterization of each bearing for a constant level of thrust load has been performed. Finally, the effects of varying the depth of each geometry pattern have been studied. The present results illustrate a superior performance of the open pocket bearing in comparison to the other bearing types.
On progressive identity and internal colonization: A case study from Russia
Authors: Baysha Olga
Published: September 2014

This article analyzes how the ‘progressive’ imagination of democratically minded intellectuals in Russia discursively produces the internal ‘other’ – Vladimir Putin’s supporters – as a singular monolithic subject whose ‘underdeveloped’ intellectual condition is judged against an imagined scale of human progression. Discussing the case study of a Russian independent radio station Echo of Moscow, the author argues that its democratizing anti-Putin discourse is organized along the lines of a mythological narrative well known since colonial times: struggle between ‘moderns’ identifying themselves with progress and ‘barbarians’ whose barbarian identity is ascribed to them by modernizers. Drawing on postcolonial and media studies, the author suggests that anti-democratic divisions into ‘civilized’ wedom and ‘underdeveloped’ theydom are unavoidable until we realize the full extent of the enslaving potential of the progressive narrative of the Enlightenment.
A mock-up study for validation of an improved control algorithm for automated roller shade
Authors: Jeong Keun-Young , Choi An-Seop , Sung Minki
Published: September 2014

This study aims to find an algorithm for precise control of the height of the automated roller shade that prevents the incoming direct sunlight from exceeding the preset control depth depending on the time and sky conditions but independent of the occupant’s operation. The shade height can be automatically controlled using a profile angle for clear and partly cloudy skies and having the shade fully rolled up for overcast skies. After performing a field test using a half-scale testbed, an analysis was made to estimate the direct sunlight control depth. The estimates showed an average relative error of 19.6% and the maximum error of 60% (0.27 m). To minimize this error, new profile angle was calculated using the measured control depth for direct sunlight and the height of the roller shade during the field test. As a result, a calibration equation was obtained. After applying the equation to the algorithm, a second test was performed to analyse the control depth for direct sunlight. The error was reduced to within 20% (0.09 m).
The problematic relationship of communicative planning theory and the Finnish legal culture
Authors: Hytönen Jonne
Published: September 2014

Among theorists, there are rather strong differences in opinion whether communicative planning theory helps to fight or advances neo-liberalism. This article takes some distance to the debate concerning the role of communication in planning and analyses it from the point of view of different legal cultures in different European countries. It is argued in the article that the sources of legitimacy of public planning might be fundamentally different outside the Anglo-American context, in which communicative planning theory has largely been developed. Planning works in different ways in different national contexts; this is why it is not obvious that communicative planning theory would help to fight neo-liberalism in planning. The article explores the topic from the Finnish perspective, and draws on writings about legal mentality and comparative law.
The role of lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in vascular pathology
Authors: Shaw Daniel James , Seese Rachel , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan , Ajjan Ramzi
Published: September 2014

The lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a vascular scavenger receptor that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic disease, which remains the main cause of mortality in the Western population. Recent evidence indicates that targeting LOX-1 represents a credible strategy for the management vascular disease and the current review explores the role of this molecule in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. LOX-1-mediated pro-atherogenic effects can be inhibited by anti-LOX-1 monoclonal antibodies and procyanidins, whereas downregulation of LOX-1 expression has been achieved by antisense oligonucleotides and a specific pyrrole–imidazole polyamide. Furthermore, LOX-1 can be utilised for plaque imaging using monoclonal antibodies and even the selective delivery of anti-atherosclerotic agents employing immunoliposome techniques. Also, plasma levels of the circulating soluble form of LOX-1 levels are elevated in atherosclerosis and therefore may constitute an additional diagnostic biomarker of vascular pathology.
The Role of Rationality in Transformative Education
Authors: Arends Jessica
Published: September 2014

As scholars, we are responsible for examining the academic and pedagogical traditions from which our current approaches have developed. This includes the historical establishment of and reliance upon rationality which postmodernist scholarship argues unconsciously guides our educational motives and processes. Rationality is especially relevant to transformative education, as it constitutes the theoretical basis of reflection, the very bedrock of transformational learning. However, postmodernist scholarship criticizes rationality, as it falsely assumes the existence of universal truths; reflection may in fact undermine the very purpose of transformative learning reinforcing dominant paradigms and ways of thinking. This article sets forth the limitations seen as inherent in reflective practices within transformative education and offers alternative conceptualizations of rationality to provide possible directions forward. This is specifically relevant to the subfield of transformational service learning, an increasingly popular pedagogy in higher education today.
The Promise of Hope
Authors: Pitts Jamilla , Sanders-Funnye Sharon , Lukenchuk Antonina
Published: September 2014

This study examines innovative practices that have been implemented in a summer session for an elementary school district in the Chicago area, and how program practices of a community college program work to provide academic support for first-generation, college-bound students from low-income households to encourage postsecondary educational attainment. Underlying these practices are empowering messages conveyed to the students, showing them ways to transform their academic and social lifeworlds. The messages intended for reading audiences are to advocate for and demonstrate praxis as the highest form of human activity having the power to affect change and ensure social justice as the condition of plurality. Significantly, we question “ready-made truths” through critical dialogue as a powerful force to explore the social, the political, and the personal.
Can Serious Games Contribute to Developing and Sustaining 21st Century Skills?
Authors: Romero Margarida , Usart Mireia , Ott Michela
Published: September 2014

Serious games (SG) are innovative tools that are widely recognized as having considerable potential to foster and support active learning. This article addresses the question of whether and how SG can contribute to the development of the so-called “21st century skills” in education. This article starts by characterizing the current need for 21st century skills and the identification of these core skills. Thereafter, it reports on a literature review of studies analyzing SG impact on the development of one or more 21st century skills; and finally, it analyzes which, among the most relevant game characteristics, are those that could facilitate 21st century skills development. This study offers a multifold perspective on the use of SG to support 21st century skills development that may be helpful for both teachers and SG designers.
Effects of Differentiated Reading Instruction on Student Achievement in Middle School
Authors: Little Catherine A. , McCoach D. Betsy , Reis Sally M.
Published: September 2014

Reading instruction often does not focus on appealing to student interests, offering choice, or responding to the needs of advanced readers. In this experimental study, we examined the effects on achievement of an instructional approach involving choice, differentiated instruction, and extensive, supported, independent reading, with corresponding elimination of regular reading instruction. The study, which incorporated multi-site cluster-randomized design, was conducted in four middle schools with 2,150 students and 47 teachers. Pretest and posttest data were collected on reading fluency and comprehension, with Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) procedures used to investigate the effects of the intervention. Results indicated similar results overall for treatment and control group students, with treatment outperforming control on reading fluency at two of the schools. The findings demonstrate that the intervention resulted in similar or higher scores for fluency and similar scores for comprehension, despite the diminished whole-group and small-group instruction provided in the intervention as compared with regular reading classes.
Drivers of Sustainability Strategies in Spain’s Wine Tourism Industry
Authors: Gázquez-Abad Juan Carlos , Huertas-García Rubén , Vázquez-Gómez M. Dolores , Casas Romeo Agustí
Published: September 2014

Confusion about what constitutes sustainability and the lack of incentives are two major factors interfering with the expansion of sustainability efforts in Spain’s wine tourism industry, according to a survey of forty-nine wine practitioners at forty-six small- and medium-size Spanish wineries. The study identified the following four overall strategies: (1) reducing waste and toxicity, (2) highlighting sustainability in products and regulations, (3) sustainability in energy consumption, and (4) developing new sustainability-related business opportunities. The fact that these strategies are heavily weighted toward production may be a function of the nascent state of Spain’s wine tourism but also because the structured interviews were more heavily weighted toward production issues. On balance, the study indicates that more education about sustainability, both for producers and tourists, should be paired with economic incentives to encourage greater sustainability in Spain’s wine tourism industry.
Using the Health Belief Model to Develop Educational Strategies to Improve Pertussis Vaccination Rates Among Preschool Staff
Authors: Dardis Melissa R. , Koharchik Linda S. , Dukes Shari
Published: September 2014

The number of pertussis or “whooping cough” cases has steadily increased in the United States in the last 20 years. Many of the cases are adults who have not kept up with current vaccination recommendations. Adults are unknowingly exposing susceptible infants and unvaccinated children to this potentially deadly disease. Pertussis can spread rapidly, especially in household, daycare, and school settings. This pilot study examines how school nurses can be instrumental in improving staff immunization rates for pertussis by using the Health Belief Model as a framework for educational strategies.
Colonic motility in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Bassotti Gabrio , Antonelli Elisabetta , Villanacci Vincenzo , Baldoni Monia , Dore Maria Pina
Published: September 2014

Background

Inflammatory conditions affecting the gut may cause motility disturbances, and ulcerative colitis – one of the main disorders among the inflammatory bowel diseases – may display abnormal colonic motility.

Aim

To review the abnormalities of the large bowel in ulcerative colitis, by considering the motility, laboratory (in vitro) and pathological studies dealing with this topic.

Methods

A comprehensive online search of Medline and the Science Citation Index was carried out.

Results

Patients with ulcerative colitis frequently display colonic motor abnormalities, including lack of contractility, an increase of propulsive contractile waves, an excessive production of nitric oxide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide nerves, interleukin 1 beta, neurotensin, tachykinins levels and the weaker action of substance P, likely related to a neuromuscular dysfunction due to the inflammatory process.

Conclusions

A better understanding of the pathophysiological grounds of altered colonic motility in ulcerative colitis may lead to a more in‐depth knowledge of the accompanying symptoms and to better and more targeted therapeutic approaches.
Sexual activity does not predispose to reflux episodes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Bor Serhat , Valytova Elen , Yapali Suna , Yildirim Esra , Vardar Rukiye
Published: September 2014

Background

The role of sexual activity on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an under‐recognized concern of patients, and one rarely assessed by physicians.

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine the influence of sexual activity on the intraesophageal acid exposure and acid reflux events in GERD patients.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with the diagnosis of GERD were prospectively enrolled. Intraesophageal pH monitoring was recorded for 48 hours with a Bravo capsule. All patients were instructed to have sexual intercourse or abstain in a random order two hours after the same refluxogenic dinner within two consecutive nights. Patients were requested to have sex in the standard “missionary position” and women were warned to avoid abdominal compression. The patients completed a diary reporting the time of the sexual intercourse and GERD symptoms. The percentage of reflux time and acid reflux events were compared in two ways: within 30 and 60 minutes prior to and after sexual intercourse on the day of sexual intercourse and in the same time frame of the day without sexual intercourse.

Results

Fifteen of 21 GERD patients were analyzed. The percentage of reflux time and number of acid reflux events did not show a significant difference within the 30‐ and 60‐minute periods prior to and after sexual intercourse on the day of sexual intercourse and on the day without sexual intercourse, as well.

Conclusion

Sexual activity does not predispose to increased intraesophageal acid exposure and acid reflux events. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings in patients who define reflux symptoms during sexual intercourse.
Reinvigorating Health Systems and Community-Based Services to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes
Authors: Findley Sally E. , Doctor Henry V. , Ashir Garba M. , Kana Musa A. , Mani Abu S. , Green Cathy , Afenyadu Godwin Y.
Published: September 2014

Background: Maternal health outcomes in Nigeria, the most populous African nation, are among the worst in the world, and urgent efforts to improve the situation are critical as the deadline (2015) for achieving the Millennium Development Goals draws near. Objective: To evaluate the results of an integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) program to improve maternal health outcomes in Northern Nigeria. Design: The intervention model integrated critical health system and community-based improvements aimed at encouraging sustainable MNCH behavior change. Control Local Government Areas received less intense statewide policy changes. Methods: We assessed the impact of the intervention on maternal health outcomes in 3 northern Nigerian states by comparing data from 2360 women in 2009 and 4628 women in 2013 who had a birth or pregnancy in the 5 years prior to the survey. Results: From 2009 to 2013, women with standing permission from their husband to go to the health center doubled (from 40.2% to 82.7%), and health care utilization increased. The proportions of women who delivered with a skilled birth attendant increased from 11.2% to 23.9%, and the proportion of women having at least 1 antenatal care (ANC) visit doubled from 24.9% to 48.8%. ANC was increasingly provided by trained community health extension workers at the primary health center, who provided ANC to 34% of all women with recent pregnancies in 2013. In 2013, 22% of women knew at least 4 maternal danger signs compared with 10% in 2009. Improvements were significantly greater in the intervention communities that received the additional demand-side interventions. Conclusions: The improvements between 2009 and 2013 demonstrate the measurable impact on maternal health outcomes of the program through local communities and primary health care services. The significant improvements in communities with the complete intervention show the importance of an integrated approach blending supply- and demand-side interventions.
Growth and Diversification of Horticulture Crops in Karnataka
Authors: Singha Komol , Choudhary Rohi , Vishnu Kedar
Published: September 2014

With the growth of technology, modernization, and changes in food habits, agricultural cropping pattern of the country has undergone a major shift in the recent past, moving away from the cereal to non-cereal crops cultivation, especially toward the horticulture crops. Horticulture has been one of the fastest growing sectors within the larger agriculture activities in India, and the State of Karnataka is at the forefront in this context. With the help of secondary data and by employing Simpson’s Diversification Index, crop diversification toward horticulture across the districts of Karnataka was explored. Using regression growth trends, the districts have been categorized as high, medium, low, and negative growth trend of horticulture crop area, and the districts have been further regrouped according to their agro-climatic zones. The study found that the districts of Gulbarga, Raichur, Bijapur, Bidar, Koppal, Bagalkot, and Bellary showed a complete diversification toward horticulture crops, whereas the districts of Kolar, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada were found to be diversified the least. The study also explored that the districts having complete diversification toward horticulture sector were found to have devoted a lesser share of their cultivable area under horticulture crops. Also, most of the highly diversified districts have come under the dry agro-climatic zones and experienced a high growth rate of horticulture crops cultivation from triennium ending (TE) 2002-2003 to TE 2009-2010. However, the lesser diversified districts have got lesser growth rate of area under the horticulture crops, but devoted relatively a higher share of area under the crops.
Enhancing Engineering Students’ Reading Comprehension of English for Science and Technology With the Support of an Online Cumulative Sentence Analysis System
Authors: Tsai Yea-Ru , Chang Yukon
Published: September 2014

For engineering students, reading in English is the core competence to absorb professional knowledge in academic settings and their future career, because many authentic textbooks and information about advanced technology have been published in English. The present study sets out to improve English reading comprehension among tertiary-level engineering students. An online reading strategy instruction based on cumulative sentence analysis (CSA) was constructed to enhance the students’ reading comprehension of English technology texts. The comparison between the pre-test and post-test showed that the participants achieved a higher level of reading comprehension performance following the instruction. The findings clearly demonstrated that online CSA strategy instruction is an efficient and feasible approach to helping engineering students cope with their problems of reading English texts. Pedagogical implications are briefly discussed based on the findings of this study.