bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaching Educational Empowerment: Guidelines from a Collaborative Study with the Innu of Labrador
Authors: Philpott David , Nesbit W. C.
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses the journey toward self-managed education for the Innu people of coastal Labrador who, after an arduous struggle, have finally attained autonomy from the Canadian government. While the paper briefly explores the broader context within which Innu education has evolved, particular attention will be given to the role served by a recent research project in both documenting the specific educational needs of the people and presenting a process to guide change. What emerged from that study was a wealth of data including community attitudes to education, as well as indicators of attendance, ability and achievement of the entire population of school-aged children. The study documented significant learning needs among the school-aged population despite average cognitive ability and a desire to achieve well in school. A plethora of policy recommendations was presented to guide the creation of Innu-managed education as well as to establish a template for the creation of a bicultural model of education, one in which traditional culture and native language were prioritized. This paper explores the five-year impact of that study on both policy and practice for Aboriginal education in coastal Labrador. As such, it informs the establishment of policy and pedagogical approaches for educators attempting to balance contemporary educational opportunity with retention of core cultural values.
Mutual Incomprehension: The Cross Cultural Domain of Work in a Remote Australian Aboriginal Community
Authors: McRae-Williams Eva , Gerritsen Rolf
Published: August 2015

This article is set within the context of concerns about Indigenous workforce participation disadvantage. It discusses conflicting life-worlds relating to work of both Aboriginal and non- Indigenous residents in Ngukurr, a remote community in South East Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory. It contrasts an Indigenous social culture of kinship and relatedness to a Western one where employment is central to identity and its formal rules shape behaviour. We investigate how these different social ideologies affect cross-cultural relationships and shape the formal employment domain in Ngukurr. Given that governments have moved to more assimilationist policies in recent years, there are important policy implications following from this mutual cultural incomprehension.
Addressing the persistence of Tuberculosis Among the Canadian Inuit Population: The need for a social determinants of health framework
Authors: Kulmann Kassandra C , Richmond Chantelle AM
Published: August 2015

Canadian Aboriginal people have poorer levels of health than the general population. A serious issue is the high rate of tuberculosis (TB) among the Inuit population; rates are much higher than those of the general Canadian population. Several social determinants of health (SDOH), including household crowding and poverty, are strongly correlated with TB prevalence. In this paper, we describe the medical and social determinants of TB, and critically examine the TB literature specific to the Inuit population. The majority of studies recommend biomedical interventions for the treatment of TB. Few researchers have employed the social determinants of health theory to steer their research, and even fewer researchers suggest improving living and social conditions in Inuit communities as a way of eradicating TB. We conclude with research and policy recommendations.
First Nations Women in Northern Ontario: Health, Social, and Community Priorities
Authors: Maranzan K. Amanda , Sabourin Alice , Simard Christine
Published: August 2015

This article reports on data from women dwelling in First Nations communities regarding (1) baseline statistics about women’s circumstances, needs, interests, and opportunities for community engagement, and (2) information about women’s present status, experience, interest, and other questions of social, economic, and health status. Two hundred twenty-six women from 35 First Nations communities completed the survey. This paper focuses on the main findings from the survey, which fall into 4 thematic areas. Theme 1 consists of demographic information as provided by participants. Theme 2 consists of social information such as housing and education. Theme 3 includes information about participants’ top community health concerns. Theme 4 examines participants’ community involvement. Use of the survey in directing women's social policy is discussed.
Preparación de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos para hacer frente a los desastres naturales: encuesta a escala nacional
Authors: Al-rousan Tala M. , Rubenstein Linda M. , Wallace Robert B.
Published: August 2015

Objetivos. Nos propusimos determinar el grado de preparación frente a los desastres naturales de los adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos y evaluar los factores que pueden afectar negativamente la salud y la seguridad durante este tipo de incidentes.

Métodos. Obtuvimos una muestra de adultos de 50 años en adelante (n = 1 304) de la encuesta del 2010 del Estudio de la Salud y la Jubilación (HRS por su sigla en inglés). La encuesta recogió datos sobre las características demográficas generales, el estado de discapacidad o las limitaciones funcionales, y también sobre factores y comportamientos relacionados con la preparación frente a los desastres. Calculamos una puntuación global de preparación mediante indicadores individuales a fin de evaluar el grado de preparación general.

Resultados. La media de la edad de los participantes (n = 1 304) fue de 70 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 9,3). Solo 34,3% informaron que habían participado en un programa formativo o que habían leído materiales sobre la preparación para los desastres. Casi 15% indicaron que usaban dispositivos médicos eléctricos que podían correr riesgo de no funcionar si se interrumpiera el suministro eléctrico. La puntuación de preparación indicó que la edad más avanzada, la discapacidad física y el menor nivel de escolaridad y de ingresos se asociaban independiente y significativamente a un grado de preparación general inferior.

Conclusiones. A pesar de la mayor vulnerabilidad ante los desastres y del número cada vez mayor de adultos mayores en los Estados Unidos, muchos de los problemas sustanciales que encontramos son remediables y requieren atención en los sectores de la sociedad dedicados a la atención clínica, a la salud pública y al manejo de situaciones de emergencia.
Extrusion of the Hamate
Authors: Plucknette Benjamin F. , Doan Joshua D. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: August 2015

Case:

A thirteen-year-old right-hand-dominant girl sustained a right hamate fracture-extrusion with associated pisiform dislocation and volar degloving injury with open fractures of the scaphoid, capitate, lunate, and trapezoid following an all-terrain-vehicle rollover. She was noted to have paresthesias in the median nerve distribution. Treatment involved irrigation and debridement of the right wrist and internal fixation of the hamate, capitate, and scaphoid. At fifteen months of follow-up, she had returned to competitive softball as a pitcher. Radiographs demonstrated fully healed fractures.

Conclusion:

Complete extrusion of the hamate through an open wound can be treated with good functional outcomes.
Effects of Peer Consumption on Hedonic Purchase Decisions
Authors: Baek Eunsoo , Choo Ho Jung
Published: August 2015

We investigated how peer consumption of goods influences consumers' decision making. Focusing on hedonic products with emotional, experiential, but functional benefits, we conducted an empirical study with 200 Korean women aged in their 20s. Utilizing self-construal as the moderator,
results indicated that when participants viewed their peers' consumption, interdependent people displayed greater purchase intention, whereas independent people exhibited nonsignificant changes in purchasing behavior. Avoidance of similarity tendency further explained why peer consumption
enhanced the purchase intention of interdependents who placed a low value on avoidance of similarity, whereas the absence of peer consumption enhanced the purchase intention of independents who placed a high value on avoiding similarity. The results supported our hypothesis that, in a hedonic
consumption situation, the presence of peer consumption influences consumers' purchase decisions.
Mechanisms Underlying Creative Performance: Employee Perceptions of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards for Creativity
Authors: Yoon Hye Jung , Sung Sun Young , Choi Jin Nam
Published: August 2015

In this study, we clarified some of the ambiguities in the rewards–creativity relationship by focusing on creative performance in organizations that is contingent on intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Participants were 241 employee–peer pairs working in various industries.
The results indicated that, regardless of the degree of importance of the reward as perceived by the employee, intrinsic rewards exerted a significant direct positive effect on creativity. In contrast, extrinsic rewards exerted only a significant indirect effect on employee creativity via
commitment to creativity. Moreover, the effect of extrinsic rewards on creative performance was moderated by the degree of importance of that reward as perceived by the employee. The reward promoted creativity only when the employee regarded that reward as important. Our findings demonstrate
distinct underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards in shaping individual employee creativity.
Effects of a Ubiquitous Mentoring Program on Self-Esteem, School Adaptation, and Perceived Parental Attitude
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Kim Mi Jung , Park Tae Hee , Alcazar-Bejerano Ivy Lynne
Published: August 2015

We examined the impact of a ubiquitous mentoring program on self-esteem, school adaptation flexibility, and perception of parental attitude toward child rearing of elementary students from low socioeconomic status families. We selected 23 elementary-school students whom we had identified
as high-risk and each student was paired with a trained mentor for 20 sessions of a mentoring program. Ubiquitous mentoring significantly changed the students' perception of parental attitudes about child rearing and their perception of parents using democratic and authoritative styles of
parenting had increased after 20 weeks of mentoring. Social self-esteem rapidly declined from baseline to the 20th week and an increase in family self-esteem was noted on the 20th week of the program. A rapid decline in school adaptation flexibility was noted from baseline to the end of the
mentoring program. The data indicate that a ubiquitous mentoring program can serve as a support system for vulnerable children. We found that outcomes were greatly influenced by the length and quality of the mentoring and these factors should be considered as topics for future study.
Spin state relaxation of iron complexes: The case for OPBE and S12g
Authors: Gruden Maja , Stepanovic Stepan , Swart Marcel
Published: August 2015

The structures of nine iron complexes that show a diversity of experimentally
observed spin ground states are optimized and analyzed with Density
Functional Theory (DFT). An extensive validation study of the new S12g
functional is performed, with the discussion concerning the influence of the
environment, geometry and its overall performance based on the comparison
with the well proven OPBE functional. The OPBE and S12g functionals give the
correct spin ground state for all investigated iron complexes. Since S12g
performs remarkably well it can be considered a reliable tool for studying
spin state energetics in complicated transition metal systems.
General Counsel Prominence and Corporate Tax Policy
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Kubick Thomas R. , Masli Adi
Published: August 2015

Prior research provides evidence that individual executives have a significant effect on firm-level tax policy. Further research has shown that having a corporate general counsel (GC) in a firm's top management team (top five highest-paid executives) significantly affects a firm's accounting and disclosure practices. In this paper, we examine the role of the GC in corporate tax policy. Specifically, we use the ascension of the corporate GC to top management as the identifying event in which the role and influence of the corporate GC becomes more salient. We find strong evidence that GC ascension to top management is associated with an increase in tax aggressiveness, as evidenced by greater book-tax differences and a higher likelihood of engaging in tax shelter activities.

Data Availability: Data are obtained from public sources identified in the paper.
Radix Entomolaris in Mandibular First Molar: An Endodontic Challenge
Authors: Goyal Roma , Singh Jastinder , Mahajan Pardeep , Monga Prashant , Thaman Deepa
Published: August 2015

Success of endodontic therapy depends on the proper identification of all the canals, thorough chemo-mechanical preparation followed by three dimensional obturation with fluid tight seal. Failure of any of these steps may occur due to unusual tooth morphology. Proper knowledge of root canal anatomy is a basic prerequisite for the endodontic treatment successful. Mandibular molars may have an additional root located lingually (radix entomolaris) or buccally (radix paramolaris). Awareness and understanding of the presence of unusual external and internal root canal morphology contributes to the successful outcome of the root canal treatment.Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(2) 2015: 66-69
Alteration of Liver Function in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Authors: Bhowmik Dilip Kumar , Akhtari Rafia , Kumar Sadhu Uttam , Saha Madhusudan , Adhikary Dipal Krishna
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Abnormal liver function in patients with PET and eclampsia affect both maternal and fetal outcome negatively. This study was done to see change of liver function in comparison to normal pregnancy and normal reference value. Methods: Consecutive 47 patients of PET and eclampsia were taken as cases and 35 normal expectant mother were enrolled as controls. ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine and urine for albumin of patients andnormal pregnant women were tested and compared. Results: ALT, AST, S. Bilirubin, Alkaline phoshatase levels were elevated with more proteinuria among patients with PET and eclampsia, but ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels and level of proteinuria were significantly higher. Conclusions: Liver function impairment is very common in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 9-10
Septic Abortion and Associated Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Malik Adiba , Nessa Kamrun , Begum Rokeya
Published: August 2015

Background: In Bangladesh a large number of women attending the major urban hospitals with the complications directly due to abortion like, hemorrhage, fever, peritonitis, visceral injuries. Among all types of abortion, septic abortion is a significant health problem with short and long term complications that affect the quality of life of those fortunate enough to avoid mortality. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the septic abortion related morbidity and mortality in a tertiary level hospital in one year. Methods: This study was a cross sectional observational study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chittagong Medical college hospital form October 2008 to September 2009, where 60 patients of septic abortions in above period were collected by history examination, management, complications and associated morbidity and mortality. Results : 58.3% of septic abortion patients came from lower class, 70% of them were residing in urban slum area, 96.7% were married 44% of them were illiterate, 85% of them did not use any contraceptive methods although they didn't want to increase their family. 78.3% needed surgical treatment, 23.7% needed major surgery like laparotomy, average duration of hospital stay was 12.08 days and 8.33% patients came with septicemic shock and died. Conclusion: Septic abortion is an important contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, increasing the burden not only the patients but health workers and their resources. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 20-22
The Relationship between Risk Factors and Microalbumiuria for Ischaemic Stroke : A Case Control Study
Authors: Wadud Md Shaheen , Rahman Aminur , Shahi Mohammad Selim , Saha Uttam Kumar , Ahmed AK Takib Uddin , Ali Zahed , Kundu Narayan Chandra , Quraishi Firoz Amed , Hossain Sakhawat
Published: August 2015

Background: Epidemiologic studies have reported that microalbuminuria is a risk factor for stroke in men and a limited case control study found that the highest quintile of microalbuminuria values was associated with 13 fold increased risk for stroke. The goal of this study is designed to determine its relationship to risk factors for ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Neurology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fifty consecutive patients with ischemic stroke with at least two risk factors who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of case were confirmed by CT or MRI. Equal number of controls same ages without stroke who had at least two risk factors were compared with the case group. The patients were assessed clinically with structured questionnaire including blood pressure, height and weight, and monitoring blood glucose and microalbuminuria. Results: Microalbuminuria was found 58.0% in patients with ischemic stroke. Patients who had diabetes mellitus will have 13.86 times the risk for developing microalbuminuria (p<0.05). Patients who had HTN will have 4.19 times the risk for developing microalbuminuria (p<0.05) and BMI (?23 kg/m2) will have 4.24 times the risk for developing microalbuminuria with (p<0.05). Whereas TIA, IHD, dyslipidemia, smoking and positive family history were not significantly (P>0.05) associated with microalbuminuria in patients with ischemic stroke. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that diabetes is the factor most closely associated with microalbuminuria followed by HTN and BMI?23 kg/m2 with statistically significance in patients with ischemic stroke. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 37-43
Maternal iodine status reflects the iodine status of their breast-fed infants
Authors: Molla GM , Mollah FH , Milky MT , Sunyal DK , Arslan MI
Published: August 2015

The objective of the observational analytical study was to assess the iodine status of lactating  mothers and their breast-fed infants and to evaluate whether maternal iodine status reflects the  iodine  status  of  their  breast-fed  infants.  The  study  was  carried  out  in  the  department  of  Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka with active cooperation of  Kumudini Womens Medical College Hospital, Mirzapur, Tangail involving fifty lactating mothers  and  their  exclusively  breast-fed  infants.  Early  morning  urine  and  breast  milk  samples  were  collected in dry and clean plastic container free from any chemical contamination. Urinary iodine  excretion (UIE) was used as indicator for assessing iodine status. The median (range) urinary  iodine  concentration  of  lactating  mothers  and  their  breast-fed  infants  were  225.3  ?g/L  (61.5-530.0)  and  225.8?g/L  (100.5-526.0),  respectively.  Of  the  mothers,  96%  (48)  had  no  biochemical  iodine  deficiency  (UIE  ?100?g/L),  only  4%  (2)  had  mild  biochemical  iodine  deficiency  (UIE, 50-99?g/L). There was no biochemical iodine  deficiency  of breast-fed infants.  The median breast-milk iodine concentration was 157?g/L which was more than three times of  recommended minimum concentration (50?g/L). Iodine in breast milk of lactating mothers was  positively  correlated  with  their  UIE  (p  <  0.01).  Infants  urinary  iodine was positively  correlated  with  iodine  concentration  in  breast  milk  (p  <  0.01)  and  also  positively  correlated  with  urinary  iodine of lactating mothers (p < 0.01). Lactating mothers and their breast-fed infants in this study  were iodine sufficient. Iodine status of exclusively breast-fed infants can be determined by the  iodine status of their mothers.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 1: 2015, Pages 13-17
Cholelithiasis in children: experience from Bangladesh
Authors: Gazi MR
Published: August 2015

Most  of  the  time  clinicians  overlook  the  diagnosis  of  cholelthiasis  in  children  because  of  its  atypical presentation. The present study reports paediatric cases of cholelithiasis treated in Gazi  Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh during the period from 2002 to 2013. In order to  assess  the  frequency  of  paediatric  cholelithiasis  cases  and  treatment  outcome,  the  author  reviewed  the  patient  records.  The  retrospective  analysis  found  9  paediatric  cases  who  underwent  a  laparoscopic  cholecystectomy  performed  from  2002  to  2013  at  Gazi  Medical  College Hospital by a single Consultant Surgeon (the author). The cases were 7 females and 2  males. The average age was 8 years. The reports and full case history notes were checked and  data  were  extracted  accordingly.  Correspondence  was  done  to  confirm  the  outcome  of  any  subsequent follow up. It was found that clinically no one was obese but nutritional deficiency was  obvious  because  all  the  patients  were  from  poor  family.  Final  diagnosis  was  made  by  ultrasonography. All of them recovered uneventfully after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 1: 2015, Pages 32-35
Factors Associated with Delayed Ejection in Mishaps Between 1993 and 2013
Authors: Miles John E.
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this investigation was to identify factors associated with Air Force aviators delaying ejection during in-flight emergencies.METHODS: The investigator reviewed all reports within the Air Force Safety Automated System describing mishaps
that resulted in the destruction of Air Force ejection-seat equipped aircraft between 1993 and 2013. Crewmembers were classified as either timely or delayed ejectors based on altitude at onset of emergency, altitude at ejection, and a determination regarding whether or not the aircraft was
controlled during the mishap sequence. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the association between delayed ejection and multiple potential risk factors.RESULTS: In total, 366 crewmembers were involved in in-flight emergencies in ejection-seat-equipped
aircraft that resulted in the loss of the aircraft; 201 (54.9%) of these crewmembers delayed ejection until their aircraft had descended below recommended minimum ejection altitudes. Multivariate analysis indicated that independent risk factors for delayed ejection included increased crewmember
flight hours and a mechanical or human-factors related cause of the emergency versus bird strike or midair collision.DISCUSSION: This investigation provided quantitative assessments of factors associated with aviators delaying ejection during in-flight emergencies. Increased odds
of delay among crewmembers with greater than 1500 total flight hours suggests that complacency and overconfidence may adversely influence the ejection decision to at least as great a degree as inexperience. Increased odds of delay during mechanical and human factors mishaps confirms previously
reported hypotheses and reaffirms the importance of targeting these areas to reduce aviator injuries and fatalities.Miles JE. Factors associated with delayed ejection in mishaps between 1993 and 2013. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):774–781.
Roles of Size, Position, and Speed of Stimulus in Vection with Stimuli Projected on a Ground Surface
Authors: Tamada Yasuaki , Seno Takeharu
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION: Although the induction of vection (perception of illusory self-motion) has been studied for some decades, the effect of ground surface properties on vection remains to be assessed quantitatively. This study will be helpful for designing helicopter or airplane flight
simulation, because pilots often perceive optic flow on the ground surface and perceive self-motion from such flows.METHOD: Vection stimuli of variable position, size, and optic flow speed were presented in a trapezoidal area on a ground surface. Body sway was also measured.RESULTS:
Substantial vection was induced by stimuli on a ground surface. Increases in stimulus speed and size were each associated with stronger vection (e.g., the subjective strength increased by 50% as the speed increased from 0.375 m · s−1 to 1.5 m · s−1).
When the stimulus occupied a more distant section of the visual field, vection was more efficiently induced than when the nearer section was occupied (e.g., the subjective strength decreased by 50% when the nearer half section of optical flow was removed). These properties of vection were
similar to vection induced by upright vertical stimuli. Speed, size, and position of vection stimuli modified both length and direction of body sway significantly. Vection and body sway showed some correlations (e.g., r = 0.55).CONCLUSION: Stimuli on ground surfaces can induce substantial
vection and vection strength can be modified by the stimulus properties of the ground surfaces.Tamada Y, Seno T. Roles of size, position, and speed of stimulus in vection with stimuli projected on a ground surface. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):794–802.
Sex Differences in the Incidence of Motion Sickness Induced by Linear Visual Oscillation
Authors: Koslucher Frank , Haaland Eric , Malsch Amy , Webeler Jennifer , Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: In field studies, motion sickness is more common among women than among men. In laboratory research sex differences have been smaller, or absent. However, laboratory research on sex differences in motion sickness has employed exclusively rotational motion stimuli.
We evaluated sex differences when motion sickness was induced using linear visual oscillation.METHOD: Standing subjects were exposed to linear visual oscillation along the line of sight. We separately assessed the incidence of motion sickness and the severity of symptoms that are
associated with motion sickness.RESULTS: The incidence of motion sickness was 38% among women, but only 9% among men. Among subjects who stated that they were motion sick, the severity of symptoms did not differ between women and men.CONCLUSIONS: Motion sickness induced
using linear visual oscillatory stimuli exhibited sex differences greater than those that have been reported in field studies. Sex differences in motion sickness may vary as a function of the type of motion stimulation (linear versus angular).Koslucher F, Haaland E, Malsch A, Webeler J,
Stoffregen TA. Sex differences in the incidence of motion sickness induced by linear visual oscillation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):787–793.
Aeromedical Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals Using Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Prudhomme Michael B. , Ropp Lincoln G. , Sauer Samual W. , LaVan Joseph T.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: Using concepts from evidence-based medicine, systems theory, and risk assessment, a standardized model was developed to accept or reject medications for use in flight. The model calculates the risk scores of medications, which can then be compared to an organization’s
acceptable risk tolerance.METHODS: Risk scores for each medication were established by summing the products of incidence rates and severity scores for all published side effects. The incidence of each side effect was obtained in an evidence-based manner and each assigned a severity
multiplier. Using statistical analysis of the calculated risk scores of approved medications, an acceptance control chart was generated.RESULTS: Range of calculated risk scores of historically approved medications was 10–9140. Six Sigma Acceptance Control Line was calculated
at 1.5 SDs above the mean and was 9822. Risk score range of medications generally felt unsafe was 27,010–41,294. Risk score range of medications under consideration for approval was 986–6863.DISCUSSION: This novel approach to medication approval is the first in aerospace
medicine to attempt to combine evidence-based medicine, risk analysis, and control charts to standardize and streamline the medication approval process within an organization. The model was validated by testing against medications generally accepted to be unsafe for use in flight. These medications
fell several deviations above the control line. Other medications not yet authorized fall well below the acceptance line and could be considered for approval.Prudhomme MB, Ropp LG, Sauer SW, LaVan JT. Aeromedical risk assessment of pharmaceuticals using evidence-based medicine.
Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):824–829.
Summer Thermal Comfort and Self-Shading Geometries in Passivhaus Dwellings: A Pilot Study Using Future UK Climates
Authors: Lavafpour Yahya , Sharples Steve
Published: August 2015

This study uses numerical thermal simulation to investigate the potential use of building geometry to eliminate or reduce current and future thermal discomfort overheating risk in UK Passivhaus dwellings. The study focused on the optimum inclination of a south façade to make use of the building shape to self-protect itself. Dynamic simulation modelling software was used to test a range of different inclined façades with regards to their effectiveness in reducing overheating risk. The research found that implementing a tilted façade could completely eliminate the risk of overheating for current UK climates, but with some consequences for natural ventilation and daylighting. Future overheating was significantly reduced by the tilted façade. However, geometric considerations could not eradicate completely the risk of thermal discomfort overheating, particularly by the 2080s.
Planning for a Low Carbon Future? Comparing Heat Pumps and Cogeneration as the Energy System Options for a New Residential Area
Authors: Heinonen Jukka , Laine Jani , Pluuman Karoliina , Säynäjoki Eeva-Sofia , Soukka Risto , Junnila Seppo
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this paper is to compare, from an urban planning perspective, the choice between combined heat and power (CHP) and a ground-source heat pump (HP) as the energy systems of a new residential area in the light of the uncertainty related to the assessments. There has been a strong push globally for CHP due to its climate mitigation potential compared to separate production, and consequently it is often prioritized in planning without questioning. However, the uncertainties in assessing the emissions from CHP and alternative options in a certain planning situation make it very difficult to give robust decision guidelines. In addition, even the order of magnitude of the climate impact of a certain plan is actually difficult to assess robustly. With a case study of the new residential development of Härmälänranta in Tampere, Finland, we show how strongly the uncertainties related to (1) utilizing average or marginal electricity as the reference; (2) assigning emissions intensities for the production; and (3) allocating the emissions from CHP to heat and electricity affect the results and lead to varying decision guidelines. We also depict how a rather rarely utilized method in assigning the emissions from CHP is the most robust for planning support.
Changes in Sunlight and Outdoor Thermal Environment Conditions Based on the Layout Plan of Flat Type Apartment Houses
Authors: Jung Sukjin , Yoon Seonghwan
Published: August 2015

Economic growths lead to population increases in large cities. This has brought about the growing necessity for apartment housing which has resulted in higher density populations living in high-rise apartment complexes. Therefore, the urban microclimate is aggravated due to the increasing ratio of artificial coverage and substandard daylight availability. To achieve a comfortable living environment and improve urban microclimates, a process considering the daylight availability and the outdoor thermal environment is required when designing apartment housing complexes. This study selected a total of 27 valid cases using an orthogonal array, L27(313) design of experiments (DOE). As a result of significance probability obtained in DOE analysis, the design factors that have an effect on the outdoor thermal environment and daylight availability were found to be building coverage ratio, distance between buildings, and azimuth. The rankings of the effect of design factors were shown to be in the order of azimuth > building coverage ratio > distance between buildings > floor area ratio > width/depth ratio. The surface temperature of the whole building decreased by 0.3 °C and Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) decreased by 1.1 °C as a result of applying the greenery coverage ratio to apartment complexes. Heat Island Potential (HIP) also showed a decrease of 5.4 °C (at noon).
Fiscal Deficits and Stock Prices in India: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Giri Arun
Published: August 2015

The study aims at examining how fiscal deficits affect the performance of the stock market in India by using annual data from 1988–2012. The study makes use of Ng-Perron unit root tests to check the non-stationarity property of the series; the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test and a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) for testing both short and long run dynamic relationships. The variance decomposition (VDC) is used to predict the exogenous shocks of the variables. The findings of the bounds test reveal that the estimated equation and the series are co-integrated. The ARDL results suggest a long run negative relationship exists between budget deficit and stock prices and do not show any significant relationship in the short run. The VECM result shows that fiscal deficits influence the stock price only in the short run. The results of the Variance Decomposition show that stock price movement in the long run is mostly explained by shocks of fiscal deficits. The study implies that the government must adopt appropriate macroeconomic policies to reduce budget deficit, which will result in stock market growth and in turn will lead to the financial development of the country.
Classification of Magnetic Nanoparticle Systems—Synthesis, Standardization and Analysis Methods in the NanoMag Project
Authors: Bogren Sara , Fornara Andrea , Ludwig Frank , Del Puerto Morales Maria , Steinhoff Uwe , Hansen Mikkel , Kazakova Olga , Johansson Christer
Published: August 2015

This study presents classification of different magnetic single- and multi-core particle systems using their measured dynamic magnetic properties together with their nanocrystal and particle sizes. The dynamic magnetic properties are measured with AC (dynamical) susceptometry and magnetorelaxometry and the size parameters are determined from electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Using these methods, we also show that the nanocrystal size and particle morphology determines the dynamic magnetic properties for both single- and multi-core particles. The presented results are obtained from the four year EU NMP FP7 project, NanoMag, which is focused on standardization of analysis methods for magnetic nanoparticles.
BMP3 Alone and Together with TGF-β Promote the Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into a Nucleus Pulposus-Like Phenotype
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Tao Yiqing , Liang Chengzhen , Zhang Yujie , Li Hao , Chen Qixin
Published: August 2015

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells under specific stimulatory conditions. Thus far, the effects of bone morphogenetic protein 3 (BMP3) and the cocktail effects of BMP3 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on MSC proliferation and differentiation remain obscure. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify these unknowns. MSCs were cultured with various gradients of BMP3 and BMP3/TGF-β, and compared with cultures in basal and TGF-β media. Cell proliferation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, gene expression, and signaling proteins were measured to assess the effects of BMP3 and BMP3/TGF-β on MSCs. Cell number and GAG content increased upon the addition of BMP3 in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, and KRT19 increased following induction with BMP3 and TGF-β, in contrast to that of COL1A1, ALP, OPN, and COMP. Smad3 phosphorylation was upregulated by BMP3 and TGF-β, but BMP3 did not affect the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our results reveal that BMP3 enhances MSC proliferation and differentiation into NP-like cells, as indicated by increased cell numbers and specific gene expressions, and may also cooperate with TGF-β induced positive effects. These actions are likely related to the activation of TGF-β signaling pathway.
Tannins in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
Authors: Rutledge Jordan , Anderson  Corby
Published: August 2015

This study provides an up to date review of tannins, specifically quebracho, in mineral processing and metallurgical processes. Quebracho is a highly useful reagent in many flotation applications, acting as both a depressant and a dispersant. Three different types of quebracho are mentioned in this study; quebracho “S” or Tupasol ATO, quebracho “O” or Tupafin ATO, and quebracho “A” or Silvafloc. It should be noted that literature often refers simply to “quebracho” without distinguishing a specific type. Quebracho is most commonly used in industry as a method to separate fluorite from calcite, which is traditionally quite challenging as both minerals share a common ion—calcium. Other applications for quebracho in flotation with calcite minerals as the main gangue source include barite and scheelite. In sulfide systems, quebracho is a key reagent in differential flotation of copper, lead, zinc circuits. The use of quebracho in the precipitation of germanium from zinc ores and for the recovery of ultrafine gold is also detailed in this work. This analysis explores the wide range of uses and methodology of quebracho in the extractive metallurgy field and expands on previous research by Iskra and Kitchener at Imperial College entitled, “Quebracho in Mineral Processing”.
Associations between B Vitamins and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shen Liang
Published: August 2015

B vitamins may correlate with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through regulating homocysteine level. However, there is no comprehensive assessment on the associations between PD and B vitamins. The present study was designed to perform a meta-analytic assessment of the associations between folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 and PD, including the status of B vitamins in PD patients compared with controls, and associations of dietary intakes of B vitamins and risk of PD. A literature search using Medline database obtained 10 eligible studies included in the meta-analyses. Stata 12.0 statistical software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Pooled data revealed that there was no obvious difference in folate level between PD patients and healthy controls, and PD patients had lower level of vitamin B12 than controls. Available data suggested that higher dietary intake of vitamin B6 was associated with a decreased risk of PD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = (0.30, 1.01)), while no significant association was observed for dietary intake of folate and vitamin B12 and risk of PD. PD patients had lower level of vitamin B12 and similar level of folate compared with controls. Dietary intake of vitamin B6 exhibited preventive effect of developing PD based on the available data. As the number of included studies is limited, more studies are needed to confirm the findings and elucidate the underpinning underlying these associations.
Prospects for Anti-Biofilm Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Stewart Philip
Published: August 2015

This commentary highlights several avenues currently being pursued in research labs to the development of new anti-biofilm pharmaceuticals. There is a real need for alternative therapeutic modalities for treating the persistent infections that sometimes form on implanted medical devices or compromised niches within the body. Strategies being researched include discovering new antimicrobial agents that kill microorganisms in biofilms more effectively than do existing antibiotics, designing drugs that block microbial adhesion or interfere with intercellular communication, developing chemistries to disperse biofilms, and combining agents with different mechanisms of action. Though the need is great, the pathway to commercialization of new drugs is steep. One possible streamlined approach to navigating the regulatory approval process is to repurpose old drugs, a strategy that a few groups have shown can yield agents with anti-biofilm properties.
Representation and Interpretation as the Basis of Participation in the Trinity
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: August 2015

I suggest that God’s life is the Spirit’s eternal interpretation of the Word as the perfect sign (representation) of the Father. Creaturely interpretations imperfectly mirror the perfect coherence of being and representation that is God’s life. When we respond to the incarnate Word we are adopted into the place occupied by the Spirit within the Trinity. By responding to the Word with the fullness of our being we are incorporated into the divine dynamic of truthful representation and loving response. Ontologically, this approach invites a retrieval of the idea of “vestiges of the Trinity in creation”. Epistemologically, it affirms that the basis of God’s self-communication (revelation) is the coherence of Being and Representation within God’s-self. Ethically, it challenges us to respond to suffering and injustice as these are illuminated by the incarnate Word, and to act as mediators for the incorporation of the whole creation into God’s life. The sacrament of the Eucharist is a sign that actualizes what it signifies, where what it signifies is the gift of participation in the divine life.
The Implications of Fire Management in the Andean Paramo: A Preliminary Assessment Using Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: Borrelli Pasquale , Armenteras Dolors , Panagos Panos , Modugno Sirio , Schütt Brigitta
Published: August 2015

The upper ranges of the northern Andes are characterized by unique Neotropical, high altitude ecosystems known as paramos. These tundra-like grasslands are widely recognized by the scientific community for their biodiversity and their important ecosystem services for the local human population. Despite their remoteness, limited accessibility for humans and waterlogged soils, paramos are highly flammable ecosystems. They are constantly under the influence of seasonal biomass burning mostly caused by humans. Nevertheless, little is known about the spatial extent of these fires, their regime and the resulting ecological impacts. This paper presents a thorough mapping and analysis of the fires in one of the world’s largest paramo, namely the “Complejo de Páramos” of Cruz Verde-Sumapaz in the Eastern mountain range of the Andes (Colombia). Landsat TM/ETM+ and MODIS imagery from 2001 to 2013 was used to map and analyze the spatial distribution of fires and their intra- and inter-annual variability. Moreover, a logistic regression model analysis was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the dynamics of the paramo fires can be related to human pressures. The resulting map shows that the burned paramo areas account for 57,179.8 hectares, of which 50% (28,604.3 hectares) are located within the Sumapaz National Park. The findings show that the fire season mainly occurs from January to March. The accuracy assessment carried out using a confusion matrix based on 20 reference burned areas shows values of 90.1% (producer accuracy) for the mapped burned areas with a Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) of 0.746. The results of the logistic regression model suggest a significant predictive relevance of the variables road distance (0.55 ROC (receiver operating characteristic)) and slope gradient (0.53 ROC), indicating that the higher the probability of fire occurrence, the smaller the distance to the road and the higher the probability of more gentle slopes. The paper sheds light on fires in the Colombian paramos and provides a solid basis for further investigation of the impacts on the natural ecosystem functions and biodiversity.
Online Doppler Effect Elimination Based on Unequal Time Interval Sampling for Wayside Acoustic Bearing Fault Detecting System
Authors: Ouyang Kesai , Lu Siliang , Zhang Shangbin , Zhang Haibin , He Qingbo , Kong Fanrang
Published: August 2015

The railway occupies a fairly important position in transportation due to its high speed and strong transportation capability. As a consequence, it is a key issue to guarantee continuous running and transportation safety of trains. Meanwhile, time consumption of the diagnosis procedure is of extreme importance for the detecting system. However, most of the current adopted techniques in the wayside acoustic defective bearing detector system (ADBD) are offline strategies, which means that the signal is analyzed after the sampling process. This would result in unavoidable time latency. Besides, the acquired acoustic signal would be corrupted by the Doppler effect because of high relative speed between the train and the data acquisition system (DAS). Thus, it is difficult to effectively diagnose the bearing defects immediately. In this paper, a new strategy called online Doppler effect elimination (ODEE) is proposed to remove the Doppler distortion online by the introduced unequal interval sampling scheme. The steps of proposed strategy are as follows: The essential parameters are acquired in advance. Then, the introduced unequal time interval sampling strategy is used to restore the Doppler distortion signal, and the amplitude of the signal is demodulated as well. Thus, the restored Doppler-free signal is obtained online. The proposed ODEE method has been employed in simulation analysis. Ultimately, the ODEE method is implemented in the embedded system for fault diagnosis of the train bearing. The results are in good accordance with the bearing defects, which verifies the good performance of the proposed strategy.
Embedded Vision Sensor Network for Planogram Maintenance in Retail Environments
Authors: Frontoni Emanuele , Mancini Adriano , Zingaretti Primo
Published: August 2015

A planogram is a detailed visual map that establishes the position of the products in a retail store. It is designed to supply the best location of a product for suppliers to support an innovative merchandising approach, to increase sales and profits and to better manage the shelves. Deviating from the planogram defeats the purpose of any of these goals, and maintaining the integrity of the planogram becomes a fundamental aspect in retail operations. We propose an embedded system, mainly based on a smart camera, able to detect and to investigate the most important parameters in a retail store by identifying the differences with respect to an “approved” planogram. We propose a new solution that allows concentrating all the surveys and the useful measures on a limited number of devices in communication among them. These devices are simple, low cost and ready for immediate installation, providing an affordable and scalable solution to the problem of planogram maintenance. Moreover, over an Internet of Things (IoT) cloud-based architecture, the system supplies many additional data that are not concerning the planogram, e.g., out-of-shelf events, promptly notified through SMS and/or mail. The application of this project allows the realization of highly integrated systems, which are economical, complete and easy to use for a large number of users. Experimental results have proven that the system can efficiently calculate the deviation from a normal situation by comparing the base planogram image with the images grabbed.