bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Devolution of Health Reform? A Comparative Analysis of State Innovation Waiver Activity
Authors: Wright Brad , Porter Anna , Singer Phillip M. , Jones David K.
Published: December 2018

Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) establishes state innovation waivers, which if approved allow states to waive certain ACA requirements, provided that insurance coverage remains comparable to the ACA with respect to affordability, benefit design, and enrollment, without increasing the federal deficit. The Trump administration has encouraged states to pursue these waivers, but the administration's haphazard approval process raises numerous questions about the malevolence and/or incompetence behind the administration's inconsistent behavior. The authors analyzed the thirteen 1332 waiver applications that states have submitted since January 2017, and they discuss the progress of states that are pursuing but have not submitted a 1332 waiver application and report on conversations with four states in the early stages of considering a 1332 waiver application. They found that most states are using or considering 1332 waivers to implement reinsurance programs rather than pursuing more sweeping reforms. Given evidence that such reinsurance programs both are more likely to gain federal approval and appear effective at stabilizing Health Insurance Marketplace premiums, they expect this trend to continue.
Advances in acoustic monitoring and control of focused ultrasound-mediated increases in blood-brain barrier permeability
Authors: Jones Ryan M , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: December 2018

Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with intravenously circulating microbubbles can transiently and selectively increase blood–brain barrier permeability to enable targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system, and is a technique that has the potential to revolutionize the way neurological diseases are managed in medical practice. Clinical testing of this approach is currently underway in patients with brain tumors, early Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A major challenge that needs to be addressed in order for widespread clinical adoption of FUS-mediated blood–brain barrier permeabilization to occur is the development of systems and methods for real-time treatment monitoring and control, to ensure that safe and effective acoustic exposure levels are maintained throughout the procedures. This review gives a basic overview of the oscillation dynamics, acoustic emissions, and biological effects associated with ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles in vivo, and provides a summary of recent advances in acoustic-based strategies for detecting, controlling, and mapping microbubble activity in the brain. Further development of next-generation clinical FUS brain devices tailored towards microbubble-mediated applications is warranted and required for translation of this potentially disruptive technology into routine clinical practice.
Prevalence of chloroquine and antifolate drug resistance alleles in Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates from three areas in Ghana
Authors: Abugri James , Ansah Felix , Asante Kwaku P. , Opoku Comfort N. , Amenga-Etego Lucas A. , Awandare Gordon A.
Published: December 2018

Background: The emergence and spread of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine (CQ) necessitated the change from CQ to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as first-line drug for the management of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana in 2005. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) which was the second line antimalarial drug in Ghana, was now adopted for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp).

Methods: To examine the prevalence of molecular markers associated with CQ and antifolate drug resistance in Ghana, we employed restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction to genotype and compare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter ( pfcrt, PF3D7_0709000), multidrug resistance ( pfmdr1, PF3D7_0523000), bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase ( pfdhfr, PF3D7_0417200) and dihydropteroate synthase ( pfdhps, PF3D7_0810800) genes. Parasites were collected from children with malaria reporting to hospitals in three different epidemiological areas of Ghana (Accra, Kintampo and Navrongo) in 2012-2013 and 2016-2017.

Results: The overall prevalence of the CQ resistance-associated pfcrt 76T allele was 8%, whereas pfmdr1 86Y and 184F alleles were present in 10.2% and 65.1% of infections, respectively. The majority of the isolates harboured the antifolate resistance-associated pfdhfr alleles 51I (83.4%), 59R (85.9 %) and 108N (90.5%). Pfdhps 437G and 540E were detected in 90.6% and 0.7% of infections, respectively. We observed no significant difference across the three study sites for all the polymorphisms except for pfdhps 437G, which was more common in Accra compared to Kintampo for the 2016-2017 isolates. Across both pfdhfr and pfdhps genes, a large proportion (61%) of the isolates harboured the quadruple mutant combination (I 51 R 59 N 108/ G 437).

CQ resistance alleles decreased during the 12 years after CQ withdrawal, but an mediate SP resistance alleles increased.

Conclusion: Surveillance of the prevalence of resistance alleles is necessary in monitoring the efficacy of antimalarial drugs.
The many roads to psychosis: recent advances in understanding risk and mechanisms
Authors: Bearden Carrie E. , Forsyth Jennifer K.
Published: December 2018

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness which frequently leads to substantial lifelong disability. The past five years have seen major progress in our understanding of the complex genetic architecture of this disorder. Two major barriers to understanding the core biological processes that underlie schizophrenia and developing better interventions are (1) the absence of etiologically defined biomarkers and (2) the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder. Here, we review recent advances that have led to changes in our understanding of risk factors and mechanisms involved in the development of schizophrenia. In particular, mechanistic and clinically oriented approaches have now converged on a focus on disruptions in early neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity as being critical for both understanding trajectories and intervening to change them. Translating these new findings into treatments that substantively change the lives of patients is the next major challenge for the field.
Mothers explanatory models of infant stress & adversity in rural Haryana, India: qualitative findings from the Early Life Stress sub-study of the SPRING cluster-randomised controlled trial (SPRING-ELS)
Authors: Bhopal Sunil , Verma Deepali , Roy Reetabrata , Divan Gauri , Hill Zelee , Kirkwood Betty R.
Published: December 2018

Background   Exposure to a range of biological and psychosocial adversities in early childhood is of negative consequence through the lifecourse. This is particularly important for children in low- and middle-income countries where at least 250 million children are at high-risk of not meeting their developmental potential. Minimal evidence describes mothers’ views of this. We therefore elicited an explanatory model exploring mothers’ perceptions of infant stress and adversity in rural Haryana, India.

Methods We did eight focus-group discussions to explore the perspectives of mothers in the general population of this rural area of India using a discussion guide based on Kleinman’s explanatory model. Data were coded by two analysts and arranged in themes for presentation. Illustrative quotations were used for presentation of findings.

Results All mothers identified several causes of adversity and stress for children, including poverty, neglect and violence. They described the consequences of this for emotions, behaviour and school readiness of children, and that some of the consequences were reversible with appropriate management. Mothers described younger children as being unable to be affected by adversity, because they were “too young to understand”.

Conclusions Mothers agreed with much of the current biomedical model for early childhood development, however the predominant view was that young infants were “too young to understand” is an important deviation. These findings are of importance in designing behaviour change strategies for this crucial period of early childhood which is rising up the global policy agenda with the aim of giving every child the opportunity to thrive.
New thoughts about obesity
Authors: Chandler Marge
Published: December 2018

Management of obesity requires restriction of calories and/or an increase in energy expenditure. Treatment involves modifying feeding practices, increasing exercise, and decreasing caloric intake. However, while avoiding over-eating without increased activity can result in weight gain, this is an over-simplification of the cause of obesity, and fat and thin pets may exist in the same household under the same management. While obesity does occur when energy intake exceeds output, this is affected by genetic, epigenetic and gut microbiome factors as well as the presence of an obesogenic environment. An understanding of the hormones controlling appetite and the genetic influence on these hormones aids in dealing with obese pets. Exercise helps maintain a good body condition, but usually will not treat obesity without concurrent dietary restriction. All of these factors should be considered when discussing treatment with owners, and future treatments may target epigenetic and microbiota effects. Prevention is extremely important; veterinary surgeons must address this early in the pet's life. A discussion of appropriate diet and amount of exercise, as well as demonstrating body condition scoring, may help owners to understand the importance of fitness and weight management in their pet. Genetic testing and risk assessment questionnaires may help target pets at the highest risks. Our increasing knowledge about these other factors may provide additional tools for preventing and treating obesity.
Low‐Income Texas Women's Experiences Accessing Their Desired Contraceptive Method at the First Postpartum Visit
Authors: Coleman‐Minahan Kate , Dillaway Chloe H. , Canfield Caitlin , Kuhn Daniela M. , Strandberg Katherine S. , Potter Joseph E.
Published: December 2018

CONTEXT

Early access to contraception may increase postpartum contraceptive use. However, little is known about women's experiences receiving their desired method at the first postpartum visit or how access is associated with use.

METHODS

In a 2014–2016 prospective cohort study of low‐income Texas women, data were collected from 685 individuals who desired a reversible contraceptive and discussed contraception with a provider at their first postpartum visit, usually within six weeks of birth. Women's experiences were captured using open‐ and closed‐ended survey questions. Thematic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine contraceptive access and barriers, and method use at three months postpartum.

RESULTS

Twenty‐three percent of women received their desired method at the first postpartum visit; 11% a prescription for their desired pill, patch or ring; 8% a method (or prescription) other than that desired; and 58% no method. Among women who did not receive their desired method, 44% reported clinic‐level barriers (e.g., method unavailability or no same‐day provision), 26% provider‐level barriers (e.g., inaccurate contraceptive counseling) and 23% cost barriers. Women who used private practices were more likely than those who used public clinics to report availability and cost barriers (odds ratios, 6.4 and 2.7, respectively). Forty‐one percent of women who did not receive their desired method, compared with 86% of those who did, were using that method at three months postpartum.

CONCLUSION

Eliminating the various barriers that postpartum women face may improve their access to contraceptives. Further research is needed to improve the understanding of clinic‐ and provider‐level barriers.
Defining Changes in the Spatial Distribution and Composition of Brain Lipids in the Shiverer and Cuprizone Mouse Models of Myelin Disease
Authors: Maganti Rajanikanth J. , Hronowski Xiaoping L. , Dunstan Robert W. , Wipke Brian T. , Zhang Xueli , Jandreski Luke , Hamann Stefan , Juhasz Peter
Published: December 2018

Myelin is composed primarily of lipids and diseases affecting myelin are associated with alterations in its lipid composition. However, correlation of the spatial (in situ) distribution of lipids with the disease-associated compositional and morphological changes is not well defined. Herein we applied high resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) to evaluate brain lipid alterations in the dysmyelinating shiverer (Shi) mouse and cuprizone (Cz) mouse model of reversible demyelination. MALDI-IMS revealed a decrease in the spatial distribution of sulfatide (SHexCer) species, SHexCer (d42:2), and a phosphatidylcholine (PC) species, PC (36:1), in white matter regions like corpus callosum (CC) both in the Shi mouse and Cz mouse model. Changes in these lipid species were restored albeit not entirely upon spontaneous remyelination after demyelination in the Cz mouse model. Lipid distribution changes correlated with the local morphological changes as confirmed by IHC. LC-ESI-MS analyses of CC extracts confirmed the MALDI-IMS derived reductions in SHexCer and PC species. These findings highlight the role of SHexCer and PC in preserving the normal myelin architecture and our experimental approaches provide a morphological basis to define lipid abnormalities relevant to myelin diseases.
Metagenomics to Assist in the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Greninger Alexander L , Naccache Samia N
Published: December 2018

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has emerged as a promising technology that enables pan-pathogen detection from any source. However, clinical utility and practical integration into the clinical microbiology work flow and a bloodstream infection detection algorithm are currently uncharted. In the context of bloodstream infections, the challenges associated with blood culture, including sensitivity, postantibiotic treatment, attaining sufficient volumes sufficient volumes, and turnaround time, are well-known. Molecular assays have helped expedite turnaround time, especially when performed directly from positive culture media bottles. mNGS offers an unbiased but more complex version of molecular testing directly from sample, but it is unclear how and if it should be implemented in the clinical microbiology laboratory today.

Content

Here we map out the potential utility and application of mNGS tests to infectious disease diagnostics from blood sources, including intrinsic limitations of the methodology in diagnosing bloodstream infections and sepsis vs DNAemia, current barriers to integration into routine workup, and milestones that may need to be met before implementation.

Polymerases and pores move faster than bugs divide, so the thermodynamics of mNGS adoption for bloodstream infection is favorable. Nonetheless, considerable activation barriers exist that will slow this likely diagnostic transition. We eagerly await the manufacturer who designs an integrated sample-to-answer box to do for mNGS what has been done for other aspects of molecular detection.
Novel Methods for the Quantification of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3) Concentration and Activity in Human Blood Samples
Authors: Rehfeld Linda , Funk Eugenia , Jha Shalinee , Macheroux Peter , Melander Olle , Bergmann Andreas
Published: December 2018

Background

The ubiquitously expressed dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is involved in protein metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and pain modulation. These diverse functions of DPP3 are attributed to the degradation of bioactive peptides like angiotensin II. However, because of limitations in currently available assays for determination of active DPP3 in plasma, the exact physiological function of DPP3 and its role in the catabolism of bioactive peptides is understudied. Here, we developed 2 assays to specifically detect and quantify DPP3 protein and activity in plasma and validated DPP3 quantification in samples from critically ill patients.

Methods

Assay performance was evaluated in a sandwich-type luminometric immunoassay (LIA) and an enzyme capture activity assay (ECA). DPP3 plasma concentrations and activities were detected in a healthy, population-based cohort and in critically ill patients suffering from severe sepsis and septic shock.

Results

The DPP3-LIA and DPP3-ECA show an almost ideal correlation and very similar and robust performance characteristics. DPP3 activity is detectable in plasma of predominantly healthy subjects with a mean (±SD) of 58.6 (±20.5) U/L. Septic patients show significantly increased DPP3 plasma activity at hospital admission. DPP3 activities further increase in patients with more severe conditions and high mortality risk.

Conclusion

We developed 2 highly specific assays for the detection of DPP3 in plasma. These assays allow the use of DPP3 as a biomarker for the severity of acute clinical conditions and will be of great value for future investigations of DPP3's role in bioactive peptide degradation in general and the angiotensin II pathway in specific.
Direct Detection of Pathogens in Bloodstream During Sepsis: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Samuel Linoj
Published: December 2018

Background

Advances in medicine have improved our understanding of sepsis, but it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The detection of pathogens that cause sepsis remains a challenge for clinical microbiology laboratories.

Content

Routine blood cultures are time-consuming and are negative in a large proportion of cases, leading to excessive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Molecular testing direct from patient blood without the need for incubation has the potential to fill the gaps in our diagnostic armament and complement blood cultures to provide results in a timely manner. Currently available platforms show promise but have yet to definitively address gaps in sensitivity and specificity.

Significant strides have been made in the detection of pathogens directly from blood. A number of hurdles, however, remain before this technology can be adapted for routine use.
Associations of polymorphisms in the gene promoters of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases with bone mineral density in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women
Authors: Fazullina Olga N. , Klimontov Vadim V. , Konenkov Vladimir I. , Shevchenko Alla V. , Prokoviev Viktor F. , Tsepilov Yakov A.
Published: December 2018

Background. Osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes are common comorbidities in postmenopausal women. An important role in the bone remodeling over the menopausal transition can be played by cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It was shown that allelic variants in polymorphic positions of the genes of cytokines and MMPs affect the expression of these molecules under normal and pathological conditions.
Aims. To examine associations between polymorphisms in the gene promoters of cytokines (TNFA, IL1B, IL4, IL6, IL10, VEGFA) and MMPs (MMP2, MMP3, MMP9) with bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods. We studied 197 Caucasian diabetic women, from 50 to70 years of age. An examination of BMD in the spine, proximal femur and forearm was performed by DEXA. Thirteen polymorphisms in the promoters of TNFA: -238 A/G (rs361525), -308 A/G(rs1800629) and -863 C/A (rs1800630), IL1B: -31 C/T (rs1143627), IL4: -590 C/T (rs2243250), IL6: -174 C/G (rs1800795), IL10: -592 C/A (rs1800872) and -1082 A/G (rs1800896), VEGFA: -2578 C/A (rs699947) and +936 C/T (rs3025039), MMP2: -1306 C/T (rs243865), MMP3: -1171 5A/6A (rs3025058) and MMP9: -1562 C/T (rs3918242), were investigated.
Results. Seventy-three women had normal BMD, in 90 ones we revealed osteopenia, and 34 women had osteoporosis. Age, BMI and smoking were strongest predictors of BMD in multivariate regression analysis (p0.0001, p=0.003 and p=0.01, respectively). In the additive model, C allele and CC genotype in MMP9 -1562 position were associated with low BMD (OR 2.16, p=0.0007 and OR 2.02, p=0.0008, respectively). Association of the polymorphism with BMD remained significant after adjustment for clinical risk factors (p0.001). Twelve combinations of genotypes, associated positively with low BMD, were revealed by bioinformatic analysis (all p0.005). The СС genotype in position -1562 of MMP9, CC genotype in position -863 of TNFA, GG genotype in position -308 of TNFA, and AA genotype in position -1082 of IL10 were the most prevalent variants in these combinations.
Conclusions. Variability in the gene promoters of cytokines and MMPs may confer individual susceptibility to osteoporosis in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic women.
Medios, representación y audiovisuales: Documental e imagen digital.
Authors: Puerto Vallejo Carlos Andrés
Published: December 2018

Se podría afirmar que en los últimos años ha surgido una cierta tendencia por parte de algunos teóricos de los medios, y especialmente del cine, consistente en marcar una fuerte ruptura entre la imagen capturada digitalmente y la imagen analógica, esencialmente en su aspecto indicial, aquel que en la semiótica peirciana se atribuye a los signos que mantienen una relación existencial con su objeto, una huella de su presencia en un tiempo y lugar. Para algunos pensadores contemporáneos, como el filósofo de la técnica Bernard Stiegler, quien se alinea en una tradición teórica sobre el realismo fotográfico encabezada por figuras como Roland Barthes y Andre Bazin, la imagen digital se somete a un proceso de discretización en el que se pierde la garantía de la existencia de lo retratado, frente a la fotografía analógica, caracterizada por la continuidad, y que muestra una contigüidad absoluta con su referente. Otros, como Tom Gunning o Arlindo Machado, consideran que esta postura mistifica a la fotografía analógica y oblitera la complejidad de sus procesos y su trayectoria histórica. El documental contemporáneo estaría condicionado en gran medida por el surgimiento de nuevas tecnologías de registro, edición y exhibición en sustrato digital, y se manifestaría como una paradoja que acerca un campo de producción, tradicionalmente basado en una fuerte conexión indicial con sus objetos representados, a la problemática del fenómeno de lo digital que instaura una crisis de la creencia basada en una ruptura con los referentes. Analizaremos este fenómeno considerando dos producciones: Recollection (Kamal Aljafari, 2015), un filme posibilitado por las herramientas de alteración digital, y Life in a Day (Kevin McDonald, 2011), que muestra la importancia de la cultura digital para la realización de un documental colectivo de grandes proporciones.
Marx and Alienated Speciesism
Authors: Foster John Bellamy , Clark Brett
Published: December 2018

In many animal-rights circles, Karl Marx and a long tradition of Marxian theorists are to be faulted for their speciesist treatment of nonhuman animals and the human-nonhuman animal relationship. These criticisms typically neglect the larger historical conditions, intellectual influences, and debates out of which Marx's treatment of the human-animal dialectic arose—even though this is crucial to any meaningful understanding of his thought in this area. In response, this article assesses the historical-intellectual background behind Marx's arguments on humans and animals, placing it in the context of the influence exercised on his thought by Epicurus, Hermann Samuel Reimarus, Ludwig Feuerbach, Charles Darwin, and others. In the process, they explain how Marx's view of animals in the world came to be integrated with his theory of metabolic rift and his critique of capitalism.
ERP Implementation Project in a brewing manufacturer: the quality attribute as a performance differential
Authors: Nicoletti Junior Alaercio , Martens Mauro Luiz , Oliveira Maria Célia de
Published: December 2018

This article aims to discuss the importance of the focus on quality attributes in an ERP system implementation project in a Brazilian brewing industry. The quality, as part of the "iron triangle" for conducting projects, can be monitored and associated with the project performance from the indicators associated to the quality attributes. The case study covered an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system implementation on 6 business units of a brewing manufacturer distributed in different regions of Brazil, followed for eighteen months and it involved interviews with stakeholders, analysis of routines and documents, and people observation. The success of the project could be attributed to the performance indicators by meeting the design assumptions and the perception of the teams and project managers.
Incorporating managed preferences in the evaluation of public organizations efficiency: a DEA approach
Authors: Gontijo Tiago Silveira , De Muylder Cristiana Fernandes , Rodrigues Alexandre de Cássio
Published: December 2018

Classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models have often been used to evaluate the public organizations effectiveness. However, such models, by ignoring the managers preferences, can classify as efficient organizations that, in fact, are not. Based on this motivation, the objective of this paper was to evaluate, through a DEA model that incorporates managerial preferences, the efficiency of the 25 superintendencies of the National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM), an autarchy linked to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. For this purpose, the number of servers in the middle and end areas and, as outputs, the number of mining titles granted in 2016 was considered as input. Manager preferences regarding outputs were incorporated into classical DEA models using the assurance region method. The results showed that when management preferences were incorporated into classic DEA models, the DNPM superintendencies number that showed maximum operational efficiency was reduced from eight to five. For superintendencies classified as inefficient, the benchmarks and performance targets were identified, which is useful, since they can support the action planning aimed at reducing the high liabilities pending processes for analysis by the municipality. This would reduce DNPM's slowness in granting mining bonds, which would stimulate investments in the mineral sector, which is of paramount importance to the Brazilian economy. It should be emphasized that the methods used in this research can be applied in the evaluation of the organizations efficiency whose managers have different preferences on inputs and outputs.
Entrepreneurial intention of production engineering students in Amazonas/Brazil
Authors: Araújo Júnior Garcia , Coelho Moises Andrade
Published: December 2018

This work aims to investigate an entrepreneurial intention of production engineering students in Hard Sciences and Technology Institute (ICET) linked to Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM). Regarding the methodology, this research is quantitative, regarding the approach of the problem, exploratory, regarding the objectives of the research, and a case study with regard to the technical procedure adopted. The research sample was formed by courses of production engineering course and contains a participation of 100 students. The research techniques used were: indirect documentation and extensive direct observation through the application of the forms of entrepreneurial intention with the students. In terms of results, the following stand out more than half of the students are not entrepreneurial products; however, almost all of their users are in a position to become entrepreneurs; strong indication for self-employment; search for an innovative idea as the main barrier to entrepreneurship. The study points to a proactive stance with regard to entrepreneurship even considering that as areas of engineering, they concentrate a large part of their professionals as employees in public or private companies. The relevance of the research lies in evidencing the growth of entrepreneurship among the discourses of production engineering so that the university contributes to the formation of professionals who create projects with high added value, promoting technological development and innovation and impacting local development.
Indicators of energy access in rural areas of Tanzania: an application of confirmatory factor analysis approach
Authors: Mangula Michael Shadrack , Kuzilwa Joseph A. , Msanjila Simon S. , Legonda Isack A.
Published: December 2018

Energy access plays a crucial role in enhancing the social-economic development among the household members in any nation. Notwithstanding the role of energy access in improving the livelihood of people, the problem of energy access has revealed to be more serious in rural areas of Tanzania. The increased in problem of energy access in rural areas of the developing countries is due to the absence of a unified set of indicators for measuring the energy access to rural households from developing countries including Tanzania. This study therefore, aimed at determining the indicators of energy access in rural areas of Tanzania.The study employed Cross- sectional type of the research design to collect data from 384 heads of household from the rural areas of Njombe and Iringa regions in Tanzania. Moreover, the Quantitative Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Component analysis and varimax method was employed to determine the indicators of energy access. The identified indicators using exploratory Factor Analysis was further confirmed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The study findings revealed that, the indicators for measuring the provision of energy access to rural households in developing countries including Tanzania ranked based on its importance are: availability, affordability, durability, efficient, no production of smokes, easy to use and ability to keep cooking facilities clean.Based on these findings, the study concludes that, indicators of energy access are important in enhancing the social economic development and improvement of the livelihood of people in rural areas. In the light of this conclusion the study recommends to government energy experts and other practitioners of to use the identified indictors when measuring energy access to rural households in Tanzania in order to improve the livelihood and their standard of living.
Tool and work piece vibrations measurement - a review
Authors: Murthy Perunalla PBGSN , Rao Ch Srinivasa , Rao K Venkata
Published: December 2018

Tool condition monitoring is one of the important aspects in machining process to improve tool life. It comprises three important steps namely machining data acquisition, data analysis and decision making. Vibration in metal cutting has direct impact on the tool life as well as surface roughness. The present study focused on measurement of vibration during the machining process. Data acquisition is made by using various types of sensors. A wide variety of technologies like contact and non contact sensors have been used for real time data acquisition of tool or work piece vibrations. Research works carried out by many authors is highlighted in measurement of cutting tool and machine tool vibrations using different sensors. Influence of various input parameters like tool geometry, feed, speed and depth of cut on the magnitude of vibrations is discussed. Influence of vibration on surface roughness, tool life and power consumption is reviewed. Three dimensional vibration measurement with single Laser Doppler Vibrometer is also covered for precise analysis of vibration.
Financing rural industrialization and employment creation:The case of Ethiopia
Authors: Durie Aschalew Degoma
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study was to examine financing rural industrialization and employment creation practices and possibilities in Ethiopia. In this context, rural industrialization refers to encouraging small to large industries to be established in rural areas. As rural industrialization is a new concept at a policy level let alone to the practice on the ground in Ethiopia, a full-fledged data regarding the rural industrialization and the rural financing practice is inadequate. However, attempts were made to see at least the trends in agricultural commercialization, off farm practices, the government’s policy, the financial institutions practices, and above all how other countries approached rural industrialization and financing such industries. Hence, relevant data were collected from CSA, NBE, DHS, World Bank, and Ethiopian Investment Commission and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The major finding of the study indicates rural industrialization process is at conception stage and financing the rural strategy is still poorly developed despite the immense economic and social implications. Hence, a combination of centralized financing rural industrialization through commercial banks and a decentralized financing rural industrialization through microfinance institutions is recommended for the country to get better depth and breadth of rural industrialization.
Factors Affecting Consumer Acceptance of Digital Financial Inclusion; An Anecdotal Evidence from Bogor City
Authors: Wibella Nevvi , Fahmi Idqan , Saptono Imam Teguh
Published: December 2018

Various surveys have been conducted over the past few years indicating financial access in Indonesia is still not good. Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) which is a digital access to use of formal financial services by underserved populations to solve those problems. The success of the DFI services were not only determined by the service provider, but also by the acceptance of the users. The TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) model offers a powerful and simple explanation of the factors that affect user acceptance of a technology. The main purpose of this study was to understanding consumer acceptance of  using DFI which was investigated and measured by several factors through the TAM model ie; perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived credibility, intention to use, and actual use. The population of this research was conducted in Bogor City because the level of financial inclusion in Bogor City was low but the digital development was quite good. And total sample was 134 respondent.The PLS SEM analysis showed that perceived usefulness has no significant effect (p> 0.05) to intention to use DFI services but perceived ease of use and credibility has significant (p <0.05) and positive effect to consumer interest in using DFI services. Perceived credibility is the most influencing consumer interest in using DFI service because it has the highest coefficient value. The results of this study were expected to improve the development and acceptance of DFI services.
A Case Study: How 5S Implementation Improves Productivity of Heavy Equipment in Mining Industry
Authors: Prawira Atma Yudha , Rahayu Yuwarni , Hamsal Mohammad , Purba Humiras Hardi
Published: December 2018

This research aims to identify and present key concepts of 5S perspective. These findings link 5S to productivity improvement, which are aligned to an integrated maintenance system rather than maintenance system before. Data were collected from one of mining company in Indonesia. The data is concern in downtime unit, availability and productivity from one of heavy equipment, which is huge dumb truck. Then applying 5S method to decrease downtime unit, increase availability and at the end productivity of heavy equipment is increasing. The result will be compared between before and after 5S implementation. These findings demonstrate the importance of both the technical (visible) and philosophical (invisible) approaches required for each of the 5S components and are discussed in a team rather than cultural framework. The results indicate that 5S implementation may be a source of competitive advantage which can increase heavy equipment performance. The originality and value of the paper is come from the general understanding of the application of 5S and its use as an improvement tool at the system or process level. 5S within the context identified is the strategic platform for the managerial decisions required for the development of an integrated maintenance system.
Postheroisches Management in Bibliotheken
Authors: Baecker Dirk
Published: December 2018

Der Beitrag stellt die Idee des postheroischen Managements im Kontext der Entwicklung organischer anstelle mechanischer Managementsysteme sowie der digitalen Transformation der modernen Buchdruckgesellschaft in eine „nächste“ Computergesellschaft vor und skizziert die Idee einer agilen Produktentwicklung in heterarchischen Netzwerkstrukturen organisationalen Handelns.1
Bibliotheken im Wandel müssen als lernende Organisationen agieren
Authors: Düren Petra
Published: December 2018

Um den stetigen Wandel, dem sich öffentliche und wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken ausgesetzt sehen, bewältigen zu können, müssen sich Bibliotheken zu lernenden Organisationen entwickeln, d. h., nicht nur auf neue Anforderungen von außen reagieren, sondern aktiv und kreativ die eigene Zukunft gestalten, indem sie ihre Fähigkeiten kontinuierlich erweitern.

Hierzu ist Wissensmanagement notwendig. In Öffentlichen und Wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken gibt es bereits gute Beispiele von Bibliotheken, die sich hin zu einer lernenden Organisation entwickeln, von denen einige hier vorgestellt werden.
Die Burgenländische Landesbibliothek – ein offenes Fenster nach Osten
Authors: Perschy Jakob Michael
Published: December 2018

Das heutige Burgenland wurde nach dem I. Weltkrieg aufgrund des Vertrages von Trianon 1921 von Ungarn an Österreich abgetreten und bildet seit damals ein Bundesland der Republik Österreich. Die „Burgenländische Landesbibliothek“ konnte bei ihrer Gründung im Jahre 1922 gerade einmal auf einem Grundstock in Form einer Dublettenspende von knapp 3 000 Bänden der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek aufbauen. In ihren ersten Jahren hauptsächlich als eine Art Handbibliothek für Regierung und Verwaltung genützt, wandelte sie sich bald in eine landeskundliche Forschungsbibliothek mit starkem historischen Schwerpunkt. Dies brachte mit sich, dass eine große Zahl an Schriftgut aus dem vormaligen Königreich Ungarn in die Bestände einfloss; ein geschichts­bedingter Umstand, dem auch heute noch, bei einem Gesamtbestand von 140 000 Bänden, Rechnung getragen wird, was diese Bibliothek zu einem weit offenen Fenster nach Osten macht.
Die Universitäten digitalisieren sich
Authors: Neuhausen Hubertus
Published: December 2018

Der Prozess, in dem sich Hochschulen digitalisieren, bietet ein komplexes und widersprüchliches Bild. Im Folgenden wird zuerst versucht, einen Eindruck zu vermitteln, was Digitalisierung von Hochschulen bedeutet und wie weit dieser Prozess vorangeschritten ist. Angestrebt wird eine Darstellung des Prozesses im Überblick: Es sollen vornehmlich die Dynamiken und die Potentiale dieser Entwicklungen aufgezeigt werden. In einem zweiten Schritt richtet sich der Blick darauf, welchen Platz Universitätsbibliotheken in den sich digitalisierenden und digitalisierten Hochschulen einnehmen und welche Veränderungen infolge dessen notwendig sind.
Are Academic Libraries Changing Fast Enough?
Authors: Horstmann Wolfram
Published: December 2018

Academic libraries are under a severe pressure of transforming towards a novel form of information organization. Book circulation, learning space and licensing digital content continue to be core services. But the sciences and the humanities are increasingly requesting support for their novel publishing activities. Open Access in science or digital editions in the humanities, and data-intensive operations in research, e.g. data management plans, research software support or data curation and preservation services become mission critical. Thus, in order to stay the central partner for academic information within the institution, libraries need to change. But how fast could libraries possibly change, if the existing services were also to be continued, particularly considering that budget increases are rare? Experiences at the State and University Library Göttingen (SUB) shall elucidate opportunities and challenges.
National Library of the Netherlands on Transformation
Authors: van den Berg Marc
Published: December 2018

After a short introduction to the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB), the article deals with the question, why The National Library of The Netherlands (KB) needed to transform. Major challenges are discussed: e.g. new roles for KB in the public library domain and the more general transformation towards a digital business. Next, the article describes strategy: how to transform, following both internal and external drivers? At the end a short overview of current status and results are given.
Being Evidence Based Makes Sense!
Authors: Hallam Gillian
Published: December 2018

This article presents a brief introduction to EBLIP, from its initial foundations in the health sciences to its application in contemporary libraries. The key elements of the EBLIP model are explained and its application in professional practice is illustrated through brief case studies drawn from academic, public and special libraries. The ultimate goals of EBLIP are to improve the quality of the decisions we make, to demonstrate the value of the services and programs we provide and to secure the long-term support of our funding bodies.
Personal Data and Contract Law: Challenges and Concerns about the Economic Exploitation of the Right to Data Protection
Authors: Versaci Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

The so-called ‘free’ digital business models – users are not requested to pay a price, but to disclose personal data – are a very common reality. To tackle this phenomenon, the European Commission’s proposal of Directive on contracts for the supply of digital content used the concept of personal data as counter-performance. This stance proved to be quite problematic. It has been opposed by the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) arguing that it should not be possible to subject the fundamental right to data protection to a commercial transaction. This article dwells upon the economic exploitability of the right to data protection, showing that Article 8 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights and the related case law of the CJEU do not justify the concerns raised by the EDPS. This seems to be confirmed by the fact that the legal traditions of the EU Member States recognize that personality rights can be the object of a contract, although they limit to a certain extent the private autonomy of the parties. Thus, the commodification of personal data – like the commodification of other incorporeal attributes of personality – is not banned. Rather, there is now a policy issue about how to handle the risk of personalized discrimination and the problem of inequality of bargaining power in digital business models based on personal data. In this respect, political decisions should not be too affected by conceptual barriers between data protection law and contract law. In line with this position, the author argues that the economic exploitation of the right to data protection should not be considered a waiver of the same right.
Wrapped and Stacked: ‘Smart Contracts’ and the Interaction of Natural and Formal Language
Authors: Allen J.G.
Published: December 2018

This article explores ‘smart contracts’ from first principles: What they are, whether they are properly called ‘contracts’, and what issues they raise for national contract law. A ‘smart’ contract purports to record contractual promises in language which is both intelligible to human beings and (ultimately) executable by machines. The formalisation of contracting language that this entails is, I argue, the most important aspect for lawyers—just as important as the automation of contractual performance. Rather than taking a doctrinal approach focused on the presence of traditional indicia of contract formation, I examine the nature of contracts as legal entities created by words and documents. In most cases, smart contracts will be ‘wrapped in paper’ and nested in a national legal system. Borrowing from the idiom of computer science, I introduce the term ‘contract stack’ to highlight the complex nature of contracts as legal entities incorporating different ‘layers’, including speech acts by the parties in both natural and formal languages as well as mandatory legal rules. It is the interactions within this contract stack that will be most important to the development of contract law doctrines appropriate to smart contracts. To illustrate my points, I explore a few issues that smart contracts might raise for English contract law. I touch on the questions of illegality, jurisdiction, and evidence, but my focus in this paper is on exploring issues in contract law proper. This contribution should be helpful not only to lawyers attempting to understand smart contracts, but to those involved in coding smart contracts—and writing the languages used to code them.
Emotive misunderstanding within an extended relevance theory
Authors: Zuo Baiyao
Published: December 2018

What is intended by the communicator and what is recovered by the addressee could be inconsistent, even if the informative intention is recognized. To account for misunderstandings in emotive communication, an extended relevance theory is proposed by including the analysis of “emotive effects” and “affective intention”. The extended relevance theory allows for analyzing the production of emotive misunderstandings. The influences of interlocutors’ egocentrism on the expression and recognition of affective intention are also presented.
The katochoi of Zeus at Baitokaike (Hoson Sulaiman, Syria)
Authors: Ahmad Tarek
Published: December 2018

While a well-known term from Greek literature, katochoi possessed a particular religious meaning within the Near East during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Since the first publication of documents relating to this term, it has been a topic of scholarly debate as to the nature of the katochoi themselves. This paper will elaborate upon the role of the katochoi at Baitokaike (modern Hoson Sulaiman in Syria) in order to define better their institution and analyze their involvement in the site’s long-term history within the economic, social, and religious context of the settlement and its sanctuary.
The Audience of Ammianus Marcellinus and the Circulation of Books in the Late Roman World
Authors: Sánchez Vendramini Darío N.
Published: December 2018

Since the late nineteenth century, studies of Ammianus’ audience have reached widely divergent conclusions. Research has focused on two opposed theses: while some scholars have seen the pagan senatorial aristocracy as the audience of the Res Gestae, others have assigned that role to the imperial bureaucracy. However, in thinking that a work could reach—or target—exclusively the members of a specific social group, the prevalent views on Ammianus’ audience contradict what we know about the circulation of books in the late Roman world. In contrast to previous research, this study proposes a new approach based on an analysis of the information available on book circulation in Ammianus’ time. This analysis shows that the audience of the Res Gestae was most likely socially diverse.
Changing spaces, changing behaviours: Achaemenid spatial features at the court of Alexander the Great
Authors: Harrison Stephen
Published: December 2018

Alexander’s conquest of Persia transformed the way he ruled, with aspects of Achaemenid monarchy becoming prominent. In general, historians have focused on instances of deliberate engagement with Achaemenid practices (e. g. dress, proskynesis, etc.), leading to the impression that this change resulted from conscious imitation. Here, I nuance this view, arguing that the gradual adoption of aspects of Achaemenid royal space played a pivotal role in transforming Alexander’s monarchy. This approach shifts our focus away from Alexander himself, placing his reign in a wider context, while also demonstrating how space can act as a conduit for cultural interchange.