bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three new species of the Eriopisa group (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eriopisidae) from Japan, with the description of a new genus
Authors: ARIYAMA HIROYUKI
Published: April 2015

Three new species of the Eriopisa group (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eriopisidae) are described from coastal areas in Japan. Paraflagitopisa gen. nov. is established with P. excavata sp. nov. as its type species. This new genus is characterized by (1) entire lateral cephalic lobe, (2) unfused flagellum of antenna 2, (3) 3-articulated mandibular palp, (4) carpus of gnathopod 1 longer than propodus, (5) transverse palm of gnathopod 1, and (6) slender outer ramus of uropod 3 with long second article, and can be distinguished from the closely related genus, Flagitopisa, by the article 2 of mandibular palp longer than article 3, the undilated bases of pereopods 3–4, and the slender inner ramus of uropod 3. Psammogammarus lobatus sp. nov. is characterized by (1) male gnathopod 2 with excavated palm, (2) posterodistally projected bases of pereopods 5–7, (3) quadrate posteroventral corner of pleonal epimeron 3, (4) short inner ramus of uropod 3, and (5) article 2 of uropod 3 outer ramus longer than article 1. Victoriopisa wadai sp. nov. has the following characters: (1) eyes absent, (2) peduncle of antenna 1 not heavily setose, (3) accessory flagellum with 1–2 articles, (4) flagellum of antenna 2 composed of 2 long and 3 short articles, (5) gnathopod 2 in both sexes with excavated palm, (6) merus of pereopod 7 moderately expanded, and (7) ventral margin of pleonite 2 slightly setose. Key to species of the Eriopisa group in Japan is provided.
Two new species of the genus Sorolopha Lower (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from northern Thailand
Authors: PATIBHAKYOTHIN NATHAPHAN , PINKAEW NANTASAK , SUKPRAKOB NUTCHAYA
Published: April 2015

Two new species of Sorolopha Lower (i.e., S. suthepensis, n. sp., and S. undula, n. sp.) are described and illustrated from male specimens collected in agricultural areas and natural forest in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
First report of Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) in Europe (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: GARONNA ANTONIO P. , SCARPATO SALVATORE , VICINANZA FRANCESCO , ESPINOSA BRUNO
Published: April 2015

Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell), the Pine tortoise scale, is reported for the first time from Europe. Pre-imaginal instars and adults were observed starting from the fall of 2014 in several municipalities of Campania (Italy). Since the species is recorded as a harmful pest of several pine species in North America and the Caribbean, the presence of this alien insect in Europe is alarming and represents a possible major threat for native pine species and related economic activities.
An Interpretation of Cloud Overlap Statistics
Authors: Tompkins Adrian M. , Di Giuseppe Francesca
Published: April 2015

Observational studies have shown that the vertical overlap of cloudy layers separated by clear sky can exceed that of the random overlap assumption, suggesting a tendency toward minimum overlap. In addition, the rate of decorrelation of vertically continuous clouds with increasing layer separation is sensitive to the horizontal scale of the cloud scenes used. The authors give a heuristic argument that these phenomena result from data truncation, where overcast or single cloud layers are removed from the analysis. This occurs more frequently as the cloud sampling scale falls progressively below the typical cloud system scale. The postulate is supported by sampling artificial cyclic and subsequently more realistic fractal cloud scenes at various length scales. The fractal clouds indicate that the degree of minimal overlap diagnosed in previous studies for discontinuous clouds could result from sampling randomly overlapped clouds at spatial scales that are 30%–80% of the cloud system scale. Removing scenes with cloud cover exceeding 50% from the analysis reduces the impact of data truncation, with discontinuous clouds not minimally overlapped and the decorrelation of continuous clouds less sensitive to the sampling scale. Using CloudSat–CALIPSO data, a decorrelation length scale of approximately 4.0 km is found. In light of these results, the previously documented dependence of overlap decorrelation length scale on latitude is not entirely a physical phenomenon but can be reinterpreted as resulting from sampling cloud systems that increase significantly in size from the tropics to midlatitudes using a fixed sampling scale.
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis for the Asian Summer Monsoon Precipitation Simulation in the Beijing Climate Center AGCM, Version 2.1
Authors: Yang Ben , Zhang Yaocun , Qian Yun , Wu Tongwen , Huang Anning , Fang Yongjie
Published: April 2015

In this study, the authors apply an efficient sampling approach and conduct a large number of simulations to explore the sensitivity of the simulated Asian summer monsoon (ASM) precipitation, including the climatological state and interannual variability, to eight parameters related to the cloud and precipitation processes in the Beijing Climate Center AGCM, version 2.1 (BCC_AGCM2.1). The results herein show that BCC_AGCM2.1 has large biases in simulating the ASM precipitation. The precipitation efficiency and evaporation coefficient for deep convection are the most sensitive parameters in simulating the ASM precipitation. With optimal parameter values, the simulated precipitation climatology could be remarkably improved, including increased precipitation over the equatorial Indian Ocean, suppressed precipitation over the Philippine Sea, and more realistic mei-yu distribution over eastern China. The ASM precipitation interannual variability is further analyzed, with a focus on the ENSO impacts. It is shown that simulations with better ASM precipitation climatology can also produce more realistic precipitation anomalies during El Niño–decaying summer. In the low-skill experiments for precipitation climatology, the ENSO-induced precipitation anomalies are most significant over continents (vs over ocean in observations) in the South Asian monsoon region. More realistic results are derived from the higher-skill experiments with stronger anomalies over the Indian Ocean and weaker anomalies over India and the western Pacific Ocean, favoring more evident easterly anomalies forced by the tropical Indian Ocean warming and stronger Indian Ocean–western Pacific teleconnection as observed. The model results reveal a strong connection between the simulated ASM precipitation climatological state and interannual variability in BCC_AGCM2.1 when key parameters are perturbed.
Global Maps of Streamflow Characteristics Based on Observations from Several Thousand Catchments*
Authors: Beck Hylke E. , de Roo Ad , van Dijk Albert I. J. M.
Published: April 2015

Streamflow Q estimation in ungauged catchments is one of the greatest challenges facing hydrologists. Observed Q from 3000 to 4000 small-to-medium-sized catchments (10–10 000 km2) around the globe were used to train neural network ensembles to estimate Q characteristics based on climate and physiographic characteristics of the catchments. In total, 17 Q characteristics were selected, including mean annual Q, baseflow index, and a number of flow percentiles. Testing coefficients of determination for the estimation of the Q characteristics ranged from 0.55 for the baseflow recession constant to 0.93 for the Q timing. Overall, climate indices dominated among the predictors. Predictors related to soils and geology were relatively unimportant, perhaps because of their data quality. The trained neural network ensembles were subsequently applied spatially over the entire ice-free land surface, resulting in global maps of the Q characteristics (at 0.125° resolution). These maps possess several unique features: they represent observation-driven estimates, they are based on an unprecedentedly large set of catchments, and they have associated uncertainty estimates. The maps can be used for various hydrological applications, including the diagnosis of macroscale hydrological models. To demonstrate this, the produced maps were compared to equivalent maps derived from the simulated daily Q of four macroscale hydrological models, highlighting various opportunities for improvement in model Q behavior. The produced dataset is available online (http://water.jrc.ec.europa.eu/GSCD).
Successful Treatment of Macroglossia Due to Lymphatic Malformation With Sirolimus
Authors: Yesil Sule , Bozkurt Ceyhun , Tanyildiz Hikmet Gülsah , Tekgunduz Sibel Akpinar , Candir Mehmet Onur , Toprak Sule , Sahin Gurses
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sirolimus therapy in a child with macroglossia due to lymphatic malformation.

Methods:

Sirolimus treatment was applied to the patient with an initial dosing of 0.8 mg/m2 per dose, administered orally, twice daily at approximately 12-hour intervals.

Results:

After 9 months of sirolimus therapy, there was a nearly complete resolution of lymphatic malformation. The last evaluation was performed 6 months after withdrawal of treatment, and the lesion had almost completely resolved.

Conclusion:

This article presents a novel approach to the treatment of lymphatic malformation of the tongue using sirolimus, which appears to be safe and effective for the management of complex cases.
Outcomes of an Alternating Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Regimen for Pain Relief After Tonsillectomy in Children
Authors: Liu Christopher , Ulualp Seckin O.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

To determine the outcomes of alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in the treatment of post-tonsillectomy pain in children and to identify characteristics of children who had inadequate pain control.

Methods:

The medical records of children who received alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for post-tonsillectomy pain between August 2012 and November 2013 at a tertiary care children’s hospital were reviewed. Incidences of postoperative bleeding and unresolved pain were determined.

Results:

A total of 583 patients (304 males, 279 females, age range =1-18 years) had received alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Of the 583 patients, 56 (9.6%) reported inadequate pain control. Age, sex, obesity, presence of comorbid conditions, indications for surgery, and concurrent surgical procedures were not different between children who had adequate analgesia and children who had unresolved pain. Twenty-four patients (4.1%) had postoperative bleeding. Nine patients (1.5%) required surgical intervention for bleeding.

Conclusions:

Alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen provided an effective treatment for post-tonsillectomy pain in the majority of children and did not increase rate of bleeding. Means of improving response rate to alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen merit further investigation.
Posttraumatic Coping and Distress
Authors: Zheng Ping , Gray Matt J.
Published: April 2015

The current body of knowledge related to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily based on research conducted in Western nations. Thus, Western clinicians and researchers may know little about whether people from non-Western societies have similar reactions or symptom manifestations to specific traumatic events. Traditional Chinese health beliefs with their roots in Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism influence illness perception and affect coping behaviors of Chinese exposed to traumatic events. This article discusses compatible and incompatible aspects of the traditional Chinese health beliefs with Western beliefs about PTSD and examines how culture-based motivations may possibly impact emotional responses to traumatic events between American and Chinese cultures. This article also reviews the literature on the prevalence and applications of Western diagnostic criteria and measures of PTSD in contemporary Chinese populations and proposes suggestions for developing a culturally sensitive framework for clinical management of Chinese trauma survivors.
A Mediation Model of Air Travelers’ Voluntary Climate Action
Authors: Choi Andy S. , Ritchie Brent W. , Fielding Kelly S.
Published: April 2015

This study developed a behavioral model of intentions to purchase aviation carbon offsets, and tested the model through structural equation models. The model draws on the established hierarchical models of human behavior to hypothesize relationships between general and specific attitudes as predictors of offsetting intentions. The New Ecological Paradigm scale, the theory of planned behavior and variables from past literature were employed to measure general environmental attitudes, intermediate beliefs, and behavior-specific attitudes and norms. The current research represents a first attempt to build a theoretical model that helps to understand the relationships between factors that determine whether people will purchase aviation carbon offsets. The results show that a more positive orientation toward the environment could be an important predictor of environmental intentions operating both directly on intentions as well as guiding beliefs that relate to intentions. Policy implications of the findings are discussed, encouraging greater voluntary climate action.
The Moderating Role of Coping Strategies in Understanding the Effects of Intragroup Race-Related Stressors on Academic Performance and Overall Levels of Perceived Stress for African American Students
Authors: Greer Tawanda M. , Ricks Johnnetta , Baylor Aza A.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the current study was to test coping strategies as moderators of the effects of intragroup race-related stressors on academic performance and overall perceived stress for 201 African American students at a predominantly White college institution. Few investigations have documented effects of intragroup race-related difficulties for African American college students. Even fewer investigations have pinpointed types of coping efforts that are used to address intragroup race-related difficulty. It was hypothesized that coping strategies would moderate the effects of intragroup race-related stressors on academic performance and perceived stress, such that adaptive strategies would be associated with low levels of perceived stress and positive academic performance, whereas maladaptive strategies were expected to be associated with high levels of perceived stress and poor academic performance in relation to exposure to intragroup race-related stressors. Moderated regression analyses revealed no significant interactions in predicting academic performance. Results further revealed that greater use of disengagement strategies were associated with increased levels of perceived stress in relation to increased exposure to intragroup race-related stressors. Implications of the findings are discussed.
An Evaluation of Parent-Produced Video Self-Modeling to Improve Independence in an Adolescent With Intellectual Developmental Disorder and an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Allen Keith D. , Vatland Christopher , Bowen Scott L. , Burke Raymond V.
Published: April 2015

We evaluated a parent-created video self-modeling (VSM) intervention to improve independence in an adolescent diagnosed with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In a multiple baseline design across routines, a parent and her 17-year-old daughter created self-modeling videos of three targeted routines needed for independence in the community. The parent used a tablet device with a mobile app called “VideoTote” to produce videos of the daughter performing the targeted routines. The mobile app includes a 30-s tutorial about making modeling videos. The parent and daughter produced and watched a VSM scene prior to performing each of the three routines in an analogue community setting. The adolescent showed marked, immediate, and sustained improvements in performing each routine following the production and implementation of the VSM. Performance was found to generalize to the natural community setting. Results suggest that parents can use available technology to promote community independence for transition age individuals.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee (SRPC) Review*
Authors: Wood Charles E. , Hukkanen Renee R. , Sura Radhakrishna , Jacobson-Kram David , Nolte Thomas , Odin Marielle , Cohen Samuel M.
Published: April 2015

Increased cell proliferation is a central key event in the mode of action for many non-genotoxic carcinogens, and quantitative cell proliferation data play an important role in the cancer risk assessment of many pharmaceutical and environmental compounds. Currently, there is limited unified information on assay standards, reference values, targeted applications, study design issues, and quality control considerations for proliferation data. Here, we review issues in measuring cell proliferation indices, considerations for targeted studies, and applications within current risk assessment frameworks. As the regulatory environment moves toward more prospective evaluations based on quantitative pathway-based models, standardization of proliferation assays will become an increasingly important part of cancer risk assessment. To help address this development, we also discuss the potential role for proliferation data as a component of alternative carcinogenicity testing models. This information should improve consistency of cell proliferation methods and increase efficiency of targeted testing strategies.
Hepatic Lesions Caused by Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia in Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Shiga Atsushi , Narama Isao
Published: April 2015

To characterize the hepatic lesions in Fischer 344 (F344) rats afflicted with large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, the livers of rats with LGL leukemia at various stages were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. The morphologic features in the livers of rats afflicted with LGL leukemia were diffuse, uniform-sized, granular, or micronodular lesions consisting of hepatocytes showing centrilobular atrophy and perilobular hypertrophy (CAPH) without fibrosis. With progression in the stage of the LGL leukemia, the severity of the CAPH of hepatocytes increased resulting in fatty change and/or single-cell necrosis, along with compensatory hyperplasia of the hepatocytes, finally resulting in lesions similar to those seen in nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in the human liver. The CAPH of hepatocytes was a nonspecific tissue adaptation against ischemia or hypoxemia and/or imbalance in blood supply due to disturbance in the portal circulation and hemolytic anemia induced by the leukemia cells. In addition, direct and/or indirect hepatocellular injuries by leukemia cells were considered to be necessary for the formation of human NRH-like lesions. Morphogenetic investigation of the livers of rats afflicted with LGL leukemia may be helpful to clarify the pathogenesis of NRH in the human liver.
A gated community as a ‘soft’ and gendered total institution
Authors: Odrowaz-Coates Anna
Published: April 2015

The case study presented in this article is based on ethnographic materials collated during a two-year field research inside a Western, gated, militarized and isolated compound, situated outside Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The article explores not only the implications of Goffman’s total institution (TI) model in this new setting, but it also discovers a new dimension of gender–power relations in the context of a specific gated community. It focuses on the symbolic exchanges in and outside the walls, with a specific focus on gender agenda. It advances the TI concept towards a ‘softer’ and yet still ‘total’ type of institution, where the gender polarity in and outside the compound sets a unique organizational structure. The idea of ‘gender adjustment’ and the soft model of total institution (where soft indicates the ambiguity of the gate and its symbolic dimension) are the main theoretical contributions.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Metropolitan Economic Performance
Authors: Tsvetkova Alexandra
Published: April 2015

The literature suggests that technological advance is the major driver of economic growth, yet how new knowledge translates into superior economic performance is not described by the growth theories. Two recently proposed frameworks, the missing link hypothesis and the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship, describe a mechanism of the relationship between knowledge creation and regional economic performance through entrepreneurs. This study empirically tests these frameworks using the data on professional, scientific, and technical services in U.S. metropolitan areas from 2001 to 2005. The results indicate an intervening role of entrepreneurs in the relationship between patenting activity and job-creating behavior of incumbent companies, thus lending partial support to the missing link hypothesis. The knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship is not supported, as greater local knowledge generation does not translate into increased firm formation.
Mentoring in Academe
Authors: Buzzanell Patrice M. , Long Ziyu , Anderson Lindsey B. , Kokini Klod , Batra Jennifer C.
Published: April 2015

We analyzed the mentoring narratives of women of color in faculty in engineering using feminist poststructural narratological lenses. We found that university mentoring systems were designed to align with master narratives of mentoring but did not coincide with women faculty’s own mentoring stories. Specifically, women engineers regarded their mentee experiences and cultures of mentoring with varying levels of suspicion, ambiguity, vulnerability, and dis/enchantment that became embodied in alternative subject positions, emplotments, and agency. We contribute to greater understandings of mentoring processes as well as difference and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) academic workplaces.
Poorer Financial and Health Literacy Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Han S. Duke , Boyle Patricia A. , James Bryan D. , Yu Lei , Bennett David A.
Published: April 2015

Objective: Literacy is an important determinant of financial and health outcomes in old age, and cognitive decline has been linked with lower literacy. We tested the hypothesis that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with poorer financial and health literacy. Method: Participants ( n = 730) from the Rush Memory and Aging Project were given a clinical evaluation and an assessment of total, financial, and health literacy. Regression was used to examine whether MCI was associated with lower literacy. In secondary analyses, we investigated the association of particular cognitive systems with literacy. Results: MCI was associated with lower total, financial, and health literacy. An interaction was observed such that higher education reduced the effect of MCI on total and financial literacy. Multiple cognitive systems were associated with literacy in participants with MCI, and semantic memory accounted for the most variance. Discussion: Persons with MCI exhibit poorer financial and health literacy, and education mitigates this effect.
Acculturation, Gender, and Active Life Expectancy in the Mexican-Origin Population
Authors: Garcia Marc A. , Angel Jacqueline L. , Angel Ronald J. , Chiu Chi-Tsun , Melvin Jennifer
Published: April 2015

Objective: This study examines the potential effects of nativity and acculturation on active life expectancy (ALE) among Mexican-origin elders. Method: We employ 17 years of data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly to calculate ALE at age 65 with and without disabilities. Results: Native-born males and foreign-born females spend a larger fraction of their elderly years with activities of daily living (ADL) disability. Conversely, both foreign-born males and females spend a larger fraction of their remaining years with instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) disability than the native-born. In descriptive analysis, women with low acculturation report higher ADL and IADL disability. Men manifest similar patterns for IADLs. Discussion: Although foreign-born elders live slightly longer lives, they do so with more years spent in a disabled state. Given the rapid aging of the Mexican-origin population, the prevention and treatment of disabilities, particularly among the foreign born, should be a major public health priority.
Are Occupational Complexity and Socioeconomic Position Related to Psychological Distress 20 Years Later?
Authors: Darin-Mattsson Alexander , Andel Ross , Fors Stefan , Kåreholt Ingemar
Published: April 2015

Objective: To assess occupational complexity in midlife in relation to psychological distress in older adulthood (69+ years) and explore the role of socioeconomic position. Method: Baseline data from the Swedish Level of Living Survey and follow-up data from the Swedish Longitudinal Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old were combined, resulting in 20+ years of follow-up. Data were analyzed using ordered logistic regressions. Results: Higher occupational complexity was associated with less psychological distress 20 years later adjusted for age, sex, follow-up year, hours worked the year before baseline, and psychological distress at baseline. Higher socioeconomic position yielded the same pattern of results. Socioeconomic position partially accounted for the association between occupational complexity and psychological distress. Discussion: With social gradient not easily amenable to modification, efforts to increase engagement at work may offer a viable option to attenuate the influence of work environment on psychological distress later in life.
Childhood Adversities and Adult Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Friedman Esther M. , Montez Jennifer Karas , Sheehan Connor McDevitt , Guenewald Tara L. , Seeman Teresa E.
Published: April 2015

Objective: Adverse events in childhood can indelibly influence adult health. While evidence for this association has mounted, a fundamental set of questions about how to operationalize adverse events has been understudied. Method: We used data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States to examine how quantity, timing, and types of adverse events in childhood are associated with adult cardiometabolic health. Results: The best-fitting specification of quantity of events was a linear measure reflecting a dose–response relationship. Timing of event mattered less than repeated exposure to events. Regarding the type of event, academic interruptions and sexual/physical abuse were most important. Adverse childhood events elevated the risk of diabetes and obesity similarly for men and women but had a greater impact on women’s risk of heart disease. Discussion: Findings demonstrate the insights that can be gleaned about the early-life origins of adult health by examining operationalization of childhood exposures.
Poorer Quality Outcomes of Medicare-Certified Home Health Care in Areas With High Levels of Native American/Alaska Native Residents
Authors: Towne Samuel D. , Probst Janice C. , Mitchell Jordan , Chen Zhimin
Published: April 2015

Objective: Compared with most other groups, many Native Americans or Alaska Natives (NA/AN) individuals are concentrated in rural areas, which typically have lower health service availability. We examined whether quality indicators reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by Medicare-certified home health care agencies are equal in areas with high NA/AN concentration. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis. The unit of analysis was the ZIP Code Tabulation Area ( N = 32,239). The independent variable was NA/AN concentration at/above 4.2% (95th percentile). Dependent variables included risk-adjusted patient self-care quality measures. Results: Areas with high levels of NA/AN residents had poorer quality outcomes across both utilization (e.g., hospital admission) and improvement measures (e.g., walking, bathing), for 9 of 12 risk-adjusted patient self-care quality measures. Discussion: Identifying gaps in quality among multiple measures of home health care for high-risk areas allows practitioners and home health care service providers to target quality improvement interventions.
Acquiring New Donors
Authors: Helms-McCarty Sara E. , Diette Timothy M. , Holloway Betsy Bugg
Published: April 2015

There is a rich literature on charitable giving which considers incentives applied to existing and potential donors. We contribute to current field experiment research in two important ways. First, we establish results for the impact of incentives on acquisition of new donors for organizations that do not have clearly partisan appeal, unlike much of the existing work. Second, we consider the influence of incentive gifts, which we term bonus trigger gifts. We find that promising that a bonus gift of $10 will be added to each donation significantly influences the acquisition and behavior of new donors. Although the $1 and $5 incentive conditions do not affect the response of potential donors, the promise of the $10 bonus increased the likelihood of acquiring a new donor and likely changed the distribution of the new donors’ gifts.
The composite hierarchical control of multi-link multi-DOF space manipulator based on UDE and improved sliding mode control
Authors: Chu ZhongYi , Li JianChao , Lu Shan
Published: April 2015

The problem of manipulating objects cooperatively for multi-link multi-degree of freedom space manipulator is very challenging because of the multisource disturbances, including nonlinear coupling, model uncertainties, and external disturbances. To solve this issue, a composite hierarchical control strategy is proposed, which has two layers. In inner layer, uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) is employed to estimate the composite uncertainty that comprises the effect of multisource disturbances and compensate for it, producing the decoupled system. Furthermore, taking the error in UDE estimation into consideration, the chattering–eliminating sliding mode control is designed to suppress it in the outer layer. However, the obtained controller requires the measurement of joint velocities apart from joint positions. To address this issue, a robust velocity observer that employs the UDE-estimated uncertainty is proposed. The notable feature of the proposed design is that it requires neither accurate plant model nor any information about the uncertainty. Also, the design requires only joint position measurements for its implementation. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the composite hierarchical controller, the simulations of a planar dual-arm manipulator system and the comparisons of the proposed method with the other existing designs are presented.
A Dynamic DEA Model for Indian Life Insurance Companies
Authors: Sinha Ram Pratap
Published: April 2015

Efficiency studies relating to the Indian life insurance companies have so far used static one-period data envelopment analysis (DEA) models for the purpose of comparison of performance. A major weakness of the static framework is that the efficiency results are not inter-temporally comparable. In order to overcome this problem, the present study uses a dynamic slacks-based DEA model proposed by Tone and Tsutsui (2010) for performance evaluation of 15 in-sample life insurance companies for a seven-year period (2005–2006 to 2011–2012). The unique selling point (USP) of the present approach is that unlike the conventional static DEA models, the present framework, by using a link variable, connects the observed years and thereby creates a common benchmark. The results reveal significant fluctuations in mean technical efficiency over the period of observation.
Poverty, Educational Failure and the Child-Labour Trap: The Indian Experience
Authors: Sasmal Joydeb , Guillen Jorge
Published: April 2015

Poverty is considered to be the most important cause of child labour and it deprives children of schooling and acquiring human skill. The poor children grow as unskilled workers and earn low wages in adulthood. So, poverty persists and the parents are forced to send their children to work and a child-labour trap is formed. The econometric analysis using state level panel data in the Indian context demonstrates that poverty, illiteracy and child labour are significantly correlated. The results show that poverty adversely affects children’s schooling and education and results in persistence of poverty thereby creating a child-labour trap.
Identification of Stressors at Work: A Study of University Teachers in India
Authors: Kang Lakhwinder Singh , Sidhu Harpreet
Published: April 2015

A sample of 570 teachers working in four universities of Punjab (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Punjabi University, Patiala; Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana; and Punjab University, Chandigarh) were surveyed to assess the status of the health of university teachers and to identify factors causing stress among them. The results revealed that 14 per cent of the respondents were suffering from poor health. The factor analysis of 60 items covering various aspects of the job of a university teacher yielded 14 factors. The regression analysis revealed that ‘Inadequate Competence of Teachers’, ‘Formalities’, ‘Tough and Dull Job’, ‘Unpleasant Work Conditions and Lack of Resources’, ‘Poor Quality of Students’, ‘Lack of Control’ and ‘Demanding Job’ are significant stressors causing stress among the university teachers and affecting their health adversely. Whereas, ‘Work–Life Imbalance’, ‘Workplace Politics and No Freedom of Expression’, ‘Discriminatory Behaviour of Head of the Department’, ‘Slow and Limited Promotion and Inequitable Salary’, ‘Excessive Workload’, ‘Poor Interpersonal Relations’, and ‘Sexual Harassment’ have not been found to be significant job characteristics determining the health of the respondents.
Experiencing Flavourful Fun: Delighting Customers the RB Way
Authors: Tripathi Vibhuti , Tandon Anushree , Gupta Ashish
Published: April 2015

RB is a premium ice cream retailer which has become one of the world’s largest chains of ice cream specialty stores with more than 5,800 stores throughout the globe. The company set up its operations in India in 1993 with its own manufacturing plant near Pune; it operates through 100 per cent franchisee parlours and modern food retail channels such as hotels, malls and restaurants. However, despite a huge potential, the sector is fairly competitive and tough to crack, for majority of consumers are still unfamiliar with the concept of premium ice creams and purchase local brands from unorganized players. Even with the growth of parlours, majority of volume sales happen via impulse purchase and take-home products. Given the presence of a multitude of players in the Indian ice cream market, most of them through multi-brand outlets and vending carts, RB faces a tough situation due to its business model and franchisee operations. Also, RB needs a further boost to develop the brand to ensure strong association to an innovative ice cream store that would cater to the neighbourhood families in an environment of fun, personalization and frolic. Thus, there is a need for RB to strategize in order to engage consumers and maintain profitable operations in India.
Modelling Consumer Evaluation of Brand Extensions: Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Pandit Ajay
Published: April 2015

Increasing costs involved in building new brands motivate marketers to adopt an alternate route for new product introductions in the form of brand extensions. While extensive research exists for understanding the intricacies of brand extensions in the Western context, there is limited understanding about its utility in the context of developing countries such as India. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the success of brand extension of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) in India. Primary data collection was performed with 837 participants constituting management students of a renowned university in India. Hierarchical regression is applied to model the variables considered as major determinants for brand extension evaluation. This study is first of its kind in India explaining the inter-relationships among these variables with the help of residual centring technique for creating interaction terms leading to a better understanding of consumers’ evaluation of brand extensions. Interesting results emerging from the study, having managerial implications, are discussed in detail. Attitude towards brand extension advertisement is found to be the most significant variable affecting consumers’ attitude towards brand extension. While a majority of the prior studies has overstated the impact of perceptual fit, it only emerged as a significant variable along with brand trust and perceived quality. Negative interaction effect of perceived fit and trust is observed, implying that only strongly trusted brands may extend into low fitting product categories and vice versa, that is, lowly trusted brands should only extend into high fitting extensions. We believe that these implications will be useful for many of the multinational companies entering Indian markets while leveraging their equity by introducing extensions that are suited for the Indian consumers.
Book Review: Leading from the Top: Directors Who Make the Difference
Authors: Poomath Jaidev
Published: April 2015

N. Balasubramanian, Leading from the Top: Directors Who Make the Difference. IIM Ahmedabad Book Series/Random House India. 2013, 304 pp., ₹ 299. ISBN 978-8-184-00316-1
Book Review: Young Leaders-Success Code: The Inspiring Stories of Young Achievers
Authors: Madan Anishya O.
Published: April 2015

Mamta Mohapatra and Narendra Nath Akhouri, Young Leaders-Success Code: The Inspiring Stories of Young Achievers. New Delhi: Excel Books, 2011, 255 pp., ₹ 295 (paperback). ISBN: 978-81-7446-986-1
Book Review: The Namo Story: A Political Life
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: April 2015

Kingshuk Nag, The Namo Story: A Political Life. New Delhi: The Lotus Collection—An imprint of Roli Books Pvt. Ltd. 2013, xii + 188 pp., ₹ 295. ISBN: 9788174369383.
Book Review: Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence
Authors: Biswas Supriya
Published: April 2015

Daniel Goleman, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence. New Delhi: Bloomsbury Publishing India. 2014, 311 pp., ₹ 499. ISBN: 978 93 82951 79 7; 10987654321
Kurdola: Product Portfolio Decision
Authors: Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: April 2015

MOMCO was a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded edible oils in India. In its product portfolio, Kurdola was PUFA (poly unsaturated fatty acid) based premium edible oil. It was established in the market as the best product for keeping the heart healthy, based on the findings of medical research. MOMCO’s had in its product portfolio “Healthy tasty blend”, a balanced blend of PUFA and MUFA (mono unsaturated fatty acid), which was positioned as economical product with considerably lower margins for MOMCO.

New medical research now established that a blend of PUFA and MUFA was better for heart than a pure PUFA product. Thus “Healthy tasty blend” was better than Kurdola for heart. This completely turned the core value proposition of Kurdola and its extensions. This could lead to serious brand dissonance for the loyal consumer base of Kurdola. The management had to take immediate action in the market as the current positioning and margin structures could lead to serious damage to the brand, cannibalization by low margin products which could drastically reduce the profitability of the company and jeopardize all other businesses.
Conducting psychotherapy with an interpreter
Authors: Kuay Justin , Chopra Prem , Kaplan Ida , Szwarc Josef
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

This qualitative study assessed how clinicians prepared and used interpreters during psychotherapeutic sessions and investigated the strategies they used to manage the dynamics of this process.

Methods:

Ten therapists were interviewed at the Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture (VFST). A semi-structured interview format was used. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcripts of recorded interviews to identify key themes.

Results:

Factors affecting the provision of psychotherapy with interpreters agreed with general guidelines for working with interpreters but there were exceptions. The possible roles of the interpreter as a cultural consultant, community advocate and co-therapist were explored. Specific troubleshooting strategies were identified for improving empathy, redefining roles, and adjusting interactions with interpreters.

Conclusions:

Working with interpreters in psychotherapy is a complex process. These findings may benefit clinicians providing psychotherapy to patients using interpreters.
Nursing Roles and Strategies in End-of-Life Decision Making Concerning Elderly Immigrants Admitted to Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Johnstone Megan-Jane , Hutchinson Alison M. , Redley Bernice , Rawson Helen
Published: April 2015

Purpose: There is a lack of clarity regarding nursing roles and strategies in providing culturally meaningful end-of-life care to elderly immigrants admitted to Australian hospitals. This article redresses this ambiguity. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used. Data were obtained by conducting in-depth interviews with a purposeful sample of 22 registered nurses, recruited from four health services. Interview transcripts were analyzed using content and thematic analysis strategies. Results: Despite feeling underprepared for their role, participants fostered culturally meaningful care by “doing the ground work,” “facilitating families,” “fostering trust,” and “allaying fear.” Discussion and Conclusion: The Australian nursing profession has a significant role to play in leading policy, education, practice, and consumer engagement initiatives aimed at ensuring a culturally responsive approach to end-of-life care for Australia’s aging immigrant population. Implications for Practice: Enabling elderly immigrants to experience a “good death” at the end of their lives requires highly nuanced and culturally informed nursing care.
Matrix dependence of the linear viscoelastic region in magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Agirre-Olabide Iker , Elejabarrieta Maria Jesus , Bou-Ali M Mounir
Published: April 2015

The aim of this work is to study the linear viscoelastic region limit of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers at different compositions and working conditions. Regarding the synthesis process, the matrix and the particle content are analysed. The analysed matrixes are a natural rubber, a silicone rubber and ELASTOSIL® silicone, and three particle contents are synthesised. The influence of the characterisation variables on the linear viscoelastic limit, that is, frequency, external magnetic field and temperature, is also analysed. Strain sweep tests are used to determine the dynamic complex modulus. The loss factor and the storage modulus are analysed to define the linear viscoelastic limit of each isotropic magnetorheological elastomer sample in all the working conditions. The results show that the linear viscoelastic region of the magnetorheological elastomers is defined by the loss factor. Moreover, the volumetric particle content reduces and frequency increases the linear viscoelastic region of all the matrixes, whereas the external magnetic field and the temperature influences are matrix dependent.
Using Randomized Controlled Trials to Evaluate Interventions for Releasing Prisoners
Authors: Pettus-Davis Carrie , Howard Matthew Owen , Dunnigan Allison , Scheyett Anna M. , Roberts-Lewis Amelia
Published: April 2015

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are rarely used to evaluate social and behavioral interventions designed for releasing prisoners.

Objective:

We use a pilot RCT of a social support intervention (Support Matters) as a case example to discuss obstacles and strategies for conducting RCT intervention evaluations that span prison and community contexts.

Method:

First, we summarize existing studies with current and former prisoner samples that highlight RCT methodological techniques. Then, we introduce the trial of Support Matters and discuss obstacles and efforts to overcome those obstacles.

Results and Conclusions:

We focus on factors related to sampling frame, participant eligibility, sample size, engagement, and attrition. We conclude with general recommendations related to project delays, compromised research sites, and retention. This article provides guidance based on lessons learned from an RCT of a social support intervention with releasing prisoners and their loved ones. Barriers discussed and recommendations presented here will help interventionists develop and implement RCTs in prison to community contexts.
Complying With the National Institutes of Health Public Access Policy to Facilitate Science Availability for All
Authors: Eack Shaun M.
Published: April 2015

Social work researchers are making significant advances in science funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve the health of underserved and marginalized populations throughout the world. Unfortunately, research results are often only available to other scientists at academic institutions, limiting their impact. To facilitate the dissemination of science to the public who paid for it, NIH has implemented a mandatory Public Access Policy that requires articles supported by NIH funds to be deposited in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central within 12 months of publication. Funding for investigators who do not adhere to this policy is being actively delayed and withheld until they are in compliance. This article describes how to comply with the new Public Access Policy for social work researchers funded by NIH, with an emphasis on articles accepted and published in Research on Social Work Practice.
Designing an Intervention to Promote Child Development Among Fathers With Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Charles Pajarita , Gorman-Smith Deborah , Jones Anne
Published: April 2015

Objective:

This article describes an intervention development focusing on the early design stages of a model to improve psychosocial and behavioral health outcomes among children of fathers with incarceration and antisocial behavioral histories.

Method:

We use a synthesis of the literature and qualitative interviews with key informants to inform a theoretical model and the next steps in building an intervention.

Results:

Findings suggest gaps in effective interventions that promote father involvement among men with histories of incarceration and antisocial behavior. Considerations for future interventions include addressing the complex needs of fathers’ post-incarceration, sequencing intervention components using flexible treatment approaches, and employing intentional recruitment and retention strategies.

Conclusion:

The negative relation between fathers’ imprisonment and antisocial behavior and children’s outcomes calls for interventions to promote positive father involvement. This article proposes a systematized approach to design such an intervention concluding with next steps in the planning for a future intervention study.