bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Validation of the Growth and Empowerment Measure (GEM) Applied with Indigenous Australians
Authors: Haswell Melissa R. , Kavanagh David , Tsey Komla , Reilly Lyndon , Cadet-James Yvonne , Laliberte Arlene , Wilson Andrew , Doran Chris
Published: November 2015

Objective: Empowerment is a complex process of psychological, social, organizational and structural change. It allows individuals and groups to achieve positive growth and effectively address the social and psychological impacts of historical oppression, marginalization and disadvantage. The Growth and Empowerment Measure (GEM) was developed to measure change in dimensions of empowerment as defined and described by Aboriginal Australians who participated in the Family Well Being programme.

Method: The GEM has two components: a 14-item Emotional Empowerment Scale (EES14) and 12 Scenarios (12S). It is accompanied by the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale (K6), supplemented by two questions assessing frequency of happy and angry feelings. For validation, the measure was applied with 184 Indigenous Australian participants involved in personal and/or organizational social health activities.

Results: Psychometric analyses of the new instruments support their validity and reliability and indicate two-component structures for both the EES (Self-capacity; Inner peace) and the 12S (Healing and enabling growth, Connection and purpose). Strong correlations were observed across the scales and subscales. Participants who scored higher on the newly developed scales showed lower distress on the K6, particularly when the two additional questions were included. However, exploratory factor analyses demonstrated that GEM subscales are separable from the Kessler distress measure.

Conclusion: The GEM shows promise in enabling measurement and enhancing understanding of both process and outcome of psychological and social empowerment within an Australian Indigenous context.
Neurological Soft Signs in Individuals with Schizotypal Personality Features
Authors: Chan Raymond C. K. , Wang Ya , Zhao Qing , Yan Chao , Xu Ting , Gong Qi-yong , Manschreck Theo C.
Published: November 2015

Objective: The current study attempted to examine the prevalence of neurological soft signs and their relationships with schizotypal traits in individuals with psychometrically defined schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) features.

Method: Sixty-four individuals with SPD-proneness and 51 without SPD-proneness were recruited for the present study. The soft signs subscales of the Cambridge Neurological Inventory were administered to all participants; the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) was administered to SPD-proneness and non-SPD-proneness participants.

Results: The SPD-proneness participants demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of soft signs than those without SPD-proneness. SPQ subscales were significantly associated with ratings of motor coordination, sensory integration and total soft signs.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that neurological soft signs are trait markers of schizophrenia.
Prevalence of Self-Management Versus Formal Service Use for Common Mental Disorders in Australia: Findings from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Olesen Sarah C. , Butterworth Peter , Leach Liana
Published: November 2015

Objective: To determine the proportion of Australian adults who use non-practitioner led support services and self-management strategies for common mental disorders.

Method: Data were drawn from the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, a representative survey of 8841 Australian adults aged 16 to 85 years. This survey included the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument to obtain diagnosis of International Classification of Diseases (Version 10; ICD-10) mental disorders. Information about consultations with health professionals for mental health problems and the use of support services and self-management strategies was also collected.

Results: Half of all adults who met the criteria for an affective or anxiety disorder in the last 12 months reported using non-practitioner led support services and/or self-management strategies for their mental health problems. Six per cent used support services, including Internet and non-online support groups and telephone counselling, and 51.9% used self-management strategies such as doing ‘more of the things you enjoy’ to ‘help deal with’ their mental health problems. Of people with a 12-month common mental disorder, 24% used support services and/or self-management strategies without additional formal services; 29.3% used both. Of adults with a 12-month affective or anxiety disorder, 37% used neither formal services nor self-management strategies. A substantial proportion of people who reported using self-management strategies for their mental health did not have a diagnosable affective or anxiety disorder.

Conclusions: The use of non-practitioner led support services and self-management strategies for mental health problems, with and without adjunct use of formal health services, is widespread in Australia. Future research is needed to investigate why people may select these strategies over formal services, or whether self-management reflects the presence of barriers to use of formal services.
Do Dispositional Rumination and/or Mindfulness Moderate the Relationship Between Life Hassles and Psychological Dysfunction in Adolescents?
Authors: Marks Anthony D.G. , Sobanski Donna J. , Hine Donald W.
Published: November 2015

Objective: This study examined the moderating effects of dispositional rumination and mindfulness on the relationship between recent life hassles and adolescent mental health (operationalized as symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress).

Method: Data collected from a sample of 317 Australian high school students comprised an inventory of recent life hassles, measures of dispositional rumination and dispositional mindfulness and an assessment of current symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

Results: An increased incidence of recent life hassles was reliably associated with increased depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress. However, moderation analyses revealed that dispositional rumination exacerbated the relationship between life hassles and symptoms of depression and anxiety, whereas dispositional mindfulness attenuated the relationship between life hassles and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

Conclusions: Interventions to increase dispositional mindfulness in childhood are proposed as a method of protecting the psychological well-being of adolescents confronted by inevitable everyday life stress.
Association Between Abnormal Psychosocial Situations in Childhood, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Nordahl Hans M. , Wells Adrian , Olsson Craig A. , Bjerkeset Ottar
Published: November 2015

Objective: Psychosocial stressors are important in the pathogenesis of most mental disorders. However, little is known about the way psychosocial stressors uniquely combine to create risk for different expressions of child and adolescent psychopathology. The purpose of this study was to determine whether core dimensions of stressful psychosocial situations are differentially associated with childhood generalized anxiety disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

Method: A case-control design conducted in Trondheim (Norway) from 2002 to 2004 comparing exposure to ICD-10-defined abnormal psychosocial situations (Z-codes) among 21 children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and 22 children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) recruited from a university outpatient clinic with 42 non-patient school controls.

Results: Multigroup discriminant analysis extracted two significant dimensions within the psychosocial variables assessed. Function 1 was characterized by overprotection, parental pressures and acute life events and was associated with GAD. Function 2 was characterized by parental abuse/hostility and interpersonal stress and was associated with ODD. Both dimensions were able to correctly classify 89.7% of the cases, compared to 35.9% by chance.

Conclusions: The results indicate that specific psychosocial dimensions are differentially related to childhood GAD and ODD. This may be useful in targeting at-risk populations for preventive intervention as well as informing more accurate alignment of psychosocial resources for treatment.
Association between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Nepalese Adult Population. A Single Centered Hospital Based Study
Authors: Kasyap Akhilesh Kumar , Sah Shiv Kumar , Chaudhary Sitaram , Shrestha Ramila , Shrestha Dinesh
Published: November 2015

Background & Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and studies have reported inconsistent association between high BMI and its elevated risk of GERD symptoms. The aim of the present study was to estimate the strength of the association between body mass index and reflux symptoms in Nepalese adults.Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at National Academy of Medical Science, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. All patients of age 18 years or above who underwent endoscopy and diagnosed to have esophagitis were recruited for the analysis. Symptoms were identified by using a self-administered validated questionnaire regarding GERD that identify the onset for GERD symptoms and grade the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced over a period of one year. BMI data, the cut off points were based on the WHO classification of overweight and obesity. A BMI value ?25–30 represents overweight and BMI >30 indicates obesity. A BMI value <25 is considered as normal. Severity of erosive esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification.Results: The Among 127 enrolled esophagitis subjects, about 43% were under 20 BMI, 43% overweight and about 24% were obese. Obesity measured by BMI revealed no significant association among age, sex, smoker, alcoholics, hernia and severity grade of esophagitis (p>0.05). Ages with various categories (18-40, >40-60,>60) were significantly associated with the GERD symptoms (P=0.021). We categorize BMI in three categories. A BMI value < 25 (normal), ?25–30 (overweight), and BMI >30 (obesity). Categorical analysis of BMI with GERD symptoms confirmed the absence of any tendency towards an association (p>0.05).Conclusion: The tendency of reflux symptoms towards BMI is null, and weight reduction may not be the adequate justifiable for the symptoms therapy.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):23-26
Cardiac Myxoma- Surgical treatment and outcome
Authors: Reddy D Jaypal , Sah Bijay
Published: November 2015

Background & Objectives: Cardiac Myxomas include benign and malignant neoplasms, arising within the cardiac chambers or in the myocardium. Because, it is a rare tumor of the heart, there seems a lack of adequate data and its recent optimal treatment for both benign and malignant tumors is limited.Materials & Methods: Literature was searched for review and prospective study of cardiac myxoma surgery done between August 1990 and February 1996 was presented. A total of six patients underwent surgery for cardiac myxoma. All patients (five female; one male) underwent complete excision of the tumor and none of them showed features of remission after six month follow-up.Results: Cardiac Myxoma is a rare disease and it most commonly occurs in the fourth decade of life. Out of six patients operated, five were female and one was male and the age of the patients was between 22 and 50 years (mean age 31). The location of tumors was: LA myxoma in five cases, RA myxoma in one case. Preoperative symptoms were dyspnea (NYHA class III) in four cases, orthopnea in two cases, postural giddiness or syncope in three cases, palpitation in two cases and chest pain in two cases. The mean duration of onset of symptoms to diagnosis was eight months. Echocardiography showed abnormalities in all six cases including mitral stenosis in five cases, and tricuspid stenosis in one case. No recurrence was noted after six months of follow-up after the surgery.Conclusion: Cardiac myxoma is considered an emergency condition which needs urgent procedure, particularly if the patient has a history of embolism or syncope. Atrial Myxoma tends to have more secondary scenarios by embolization.JCMS Nepal. 2015; 11(2):27-30
Design Criteria for Minimum Passing Zone Lengths
Authors: Moreno Ana Tsui , Llorca Carlos , Lenorzer Annique , Casas Jordi , García Alfredo
Published: November 2015

Passing zones are provided to improve operational efficiency of two-lane highways. Minimum passing zone lengths of 120 m were established by FHWA and AASHTO. Some studies indicate that lengths may need to be increased, but no changes have been recommended, pending further research. The objective of this study was to develop design and marking criteria for minimum passing zone lengths, with traffic operational efficiency and safety taken into consideration. First, a traffic microsimulation was conducted with AIMSUN software. The calibration and validation included the observation of 1,750 passing maneuvers in Spain. Results indicated that passing zones shorter than 250 m added little to operational efficiency. Second, a reliability analysis was applied. The analysis quantified the probability that a passing maneuver was completed beyond the end of the passing zone (noncompliant passing maneuver). Then the number of noncompliant passing maneuvers was calculated. Traffic flow and passing zone length were contributing factors. Findings from the analysis indicated that the minimum passing zone length should be increased to a minimum of 275 m for high traffic volumes, 300 m for medium traffic volumes, and 350 m for low traffic volumes. With these lengths, noncompliant passing maneuvers decrease. The marginal increase in the minimum length of passing zones can potentially improve safety without significantly reducing operational efficiency. The results can be used by practitioners to establish minimum passing zone length on the basis of hourly volumes and level of risk.
Economic Assessment of Access Management Projects in the Houston, Texas, Region
Authors: Benz Robert J. , Norboge Nick , Voigt Anthony , Gage Stephan
Published: November 2015

The goal of the access management study of the Houston–Galveston Area Council in Texas, was to examine the effects of recommended improvements before, during, and after project implementation in three areas: operations (traffic flow, intersection delay, and corridor delay), safety (crash frequency, crash rates, and comparisons with state averages), and economic (comparison of taxable sales receipts and control for other economic factors occurring during those times). This paper focuses on an economic assessment that was not addressed by previous studies and on local concerns about the economic impacts of access management. This economic evaluation methodology focused on collection and analysis of taxable sales data to examine possible changes in business activity before, during, and after any implemented access management improvements for various classes of businesses in the corridor study areas. Three corridors, consisting of principal arterials in a large urban area with retail and residential development, were studied. The trends from the three corridors studied suggested that business sales increased at a greater rate along these corridors than in the adjacent control zip code analysis zone. The data showed that overall economic activity in the three corridors was not negatively affected by the implementation of access management. Although confounding factors (Hurricanes Rita and Ike and the economic recession of 2007 to 2009) were in play in an examination of economic impacts during these types of projects, the results of this evaluation indicated that corridor economic activity typically remained steady, and in many cases, increased after access management projects were implemented.
Registration of ‘Tift 10’, ‘Tift 11’, and ‘Tift 40’ Trispecific Ornamental Pennisetum
Authors: Hanna W. W. , Braman S. K. , Schwartz B. M.
Published: November 2015

‘Tift 10’ (Reg. No. CV‐277, PI 674816; PP25,515), ‘Tift 11’ (Reg. No. CV‐278, PI 674817; PP25,514), and ‘Tift 40’ (Reg. No. CV‐279, PI 674820; PP25,518) are trispecific ornamental Pennisetum hybrids approved for release by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 2012. They were selected from crosses between P. purpureum Schumach, P. squamulatum Fresen. and P. glaucum (L.) R. Br. These trispecific hybrids are both pollen and seed sterile. Tift 10, Tift 11, and Tift 40 are vegetatively propagated cultivars that are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 10. However, they can be grown as vigorous annuals in more northern zones. Tift 10 is morphologically similar in canopy diameter, culm‐leaf angle, and leaf length but tends to be taller, have wider leaves, and have better color compared with ‘Princess Caroline’. Tift 11 is morphologically similar in canopy diameter and color but tends to be taller, have a wider canopy diameter, have narrower and shorter leaves, and have a smaller culm‐leaf angle compared with Princess Caroline. Tift 40 is taller, has better color, and has a larger culm‐leaf angle, as well as longer and wider leaves, compared with Princess Caroline. Tift 10, Tift 11, and Tift 40 are significantly more resistant to Helminthosporium leaf spot than ‘Princess’. These cultivars flower under short days and therefore will not produce inflorescences where winter temperatures reach freezing (0°C) or below before the daylength is 10.5 h.
Evaluation of Adherence of Drug Promotional Literatures (DPLs) to World Health Organization Guidelines
Authors: Sultana Anwara , Sorcar Chandona , Karmaker Mallika
Published: November 2015

There is limited mechanism to monitor the drug promotional campaign by pharmaceutical industries despite the fact that there is enough evidence of irrational pharmacotherapy increasingly encountered even in the developed countries. Unethical pharmaceutical promotional practice is a common cause of irrational pharmacotherapy which is a most common problem worldwide. Main objective of this study was to evaluate the medicinal promotional literatures provided by the pharmaceutical companies for accuracy, consistency and validity of the information presented in it, using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for ethical medicinal drug promotion. Two hundred & fifty (n=250) literatures were collected randomly from selected doctors chambers in Barisal, Bangladesh. One hundred & thirty (130) of those literatures were excluded for being either duplicates, reminder literatures, promoting medical devices or cosmetics. The remaining (120) literatures were then screened to match their macro-informational contents against same advised in world health organization ethical criteria for medicinal drug promotion. The name of active constituent(s), content of active ingredient(s) per dosage form & brand name, were mentioned in 100% (n = 120) of promotional literatures, whereas dosage form were mentioned in 91.66% (n = 110), therapeutic indications were mentioned in 99.1% (n = 119) of literatures but informations on side effects mentioned in only 55.33% (n = 70), contraindications in 63.33 % (n = 76), precautions in 51.67% (n = 62) & references in 70 % (n = 84) of drug promotional literatures (DPLs). None of them mention anything about adjuvant. None of the promotional literatures fulfilled all the WHO criteria. Screened literatures were found to display poorly reliable and unbalanced medication information. Healthcare providers shall, accordingly, seek independent medicinal information sources, and not solely depend on commercial sources of medicinal information. Official regulators shall strictly define and mandate medication information contents in printed pharmaceutical promotional materials. Healthcare providers should, also, master the skills of appraising such promotional printed materials if rational medication use is to be achieved. Pharmaceutical industries did not follow the WHO guidelines while promoting their products, thus aiming to satisfying their commercial motive rather than fulfilling the educational aspect of promotion.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 88-91
An Integer Linear Programming Formulation for the Minimum Cardinality Segmentation Problem
Authors: Catanzaro Daniele , Engelbeen Céline
Published: November 2015

In this article, we investigate the Minimum Cardinality Segmentation Problem (MCSP), an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem arising in intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The problem consists in decomposing a given nonnegative integer matrix into a nonnegative integer linear combination of a minimum cardinality set of binary matrices satisfying the consecutive ones property. We show how to transform the MCSP into a combinatorial optimization problem on a weighted directed network and we exploit this result to develop an integer linear programming formulation to exactly solve it. Computational experiments show that the lower bounds obtained by the linear relaxation of the considered formulation improve upon those currently described in the literature and suggest, at the same time, new directions for the development of future exact solution approaches to the problem.
Overview of Glutamatergic Dysregulation in Central Pathologies
Authors: Miladinovic Tanya , Nashed Mina , Singh Gurmit
Published: November 2015

As the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, glutamate plays a key role in many central pathologies, including gliomas, psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Post-mortem and serological studies have implicated glutamatergic dysregulation in these pathologies, and pharmacological modulation of glutamate receptors and transporters has provided further validation for the involvement of glutamate. Furthermore, efforts from genetic, in vitro, and animal studies are actively elucidating the specific glutamatergic mechanisms that contribute to the aetiology of central pathologies. However, details regarding specific mechanisms remain sparse and progress in effectively modulating glutamate to alleviate symptoms or inhibit disease states has been relatively slow. In this report, we review what is currently known about glutamate signalling in central pathologies. We also discuss glutamate’s mediating role in comorbidities, specifically cancer-induced bone pain and depression.
A Comparative Density Functional Theory and Density Functional Tight Binding Study of Phases of Nitrogen Including a High Energy Density Material N8
Authors: Capel Nicholas , Bharania Devang , Manzhos Sergei
Published: November 2015

We present a comparative dispersion-corrected Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB-D) study of several phases of nitrogen, including the well-known alpha, beta, and gamma phases as well as recently discovered highly energetic phases: covalently bound cubic gauche (cg) nitrogen and molecular (vdW-bound) N8 crystals. Among several tested parametrizations of N–N interactions for DFTB, we identify only one that is suitable for modeling of all these phases. This work therefore establishes the applicability of DFTB-D to studies of phases, including highly metastable phases, of nitrogen, which will be of great use for modelling of dynamics of reactions involving these phases, which may not be practical with DFT due to large required space and time scales. We also derive a dispersion-corrected DFT (DFT-D) setup (atom-centered basis parameters and Grimme dispersion parameters) tuned for accurate description simultaneously of several nitrogen allotropes including covalently and vdW-bound crystals and including high-energy phases.
Are Shocks to Wood Fuel Production Permanent? Evidence from the EU
Authors: Jaunky Vishal , Lundmark Robert
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates whether shocks (economic effects) to wood fuel production for 18 countries of the European Union (EU) over the period 1961–2012 are temporary or persistent. A variety of time-series and panel data unit root tests are employed. The presence of structural breaks is taken into account when performing those tests. Wood production in approximately 78% of the countries is found to follow a non-stationary process supported by the result that most of the panel unit root tests also point towards a non-stationary process. This indicates that the economic effect will tend to be persistent and suggests that policies affecting wood fuel production, implicitly or explicitly, will have enduring effects. For instance, forest conservation policies will persistently reduce the wood fuel production level.
Sanitation and Analysis of Operation Data in Energy Systems
Authors: Zucker Gerhard , Habib Usman , Blöchle Max , Judex Florian , Leber Thomas
Published: November 2015

We present a workflow for data sanitation and analysis of operation data with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and reliability in the operation of building-related energy systems. The workflow makes use of machine learning algorithms and innovative visualizations. The environment, in which monitoring data for energy systems are created, requires low configuration effort for data analysis. Therefore the focus lies on methods that operate automatically and require little or no configuration. As a result a generic workflow is created that is applicable to various energy-related time series data; it starts with data accessibility, followed by automated detection of duty cycles where applicable. The detection of outliers in the data and the sanitation of gaps ensure that the data quality is sufficient for an analysis by domain experts, in our case the analysis of system energy efficiency. To prove the feasibility of the approach, the sanitation and analysis workflow is implemented and applied to the recorded data of a solar driven adsorption chiller.
Sensory Profile and Consumers’ Liking of Functional Ovine Cheese
Authors: Santillo Antonella , Albenzio Marzia
Published: November 2015

The present research was undertaken to evaluate the sensory profile and consumers’ liking of functional ovine cheese containing probiotic cultures. Ovine cheese was made from ewe’s milk by animals reared in extensive conditions; cheesemaking trials were performed by using rennet paste containing probiotic cells. Experimental cheeses were denoted: cheese manufactured using lamb rennet paste without probiotic (C), cheese manufactured using lamb rennet paste containing a mix of Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum (BB), and cheese manufactured using lamb rennet paste containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA). Ovine cheese containing probiotic strains highlighted a more intense proteolysis and a greater level of short chain free fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid due to the metabolic activity of the adjunct microflora. The sensorial profile of ovine cheese showed lower humidity and gumminess in cheeses containing probiotics as a consequence of differences in the maturing process; furthermore, probiotic cheeses scored higher ratings for salty and pungent attributes. An interaction effect of probiotic, gender, and age of the consumers was detected in the perceived and the expected liking. The higher rate of expected liking in all experimental cheeses is attributed to the information given, regarding not only the presence of probiotic strains but also the farming conditions and cheesemaking technology.
Morphological Characters and Transcriptome Profiles Associated with Black Skin and Red Skin in Crimson Snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus)
Authors: Zhang Yan-Ping , Wang Zhong-Duo , Guo Yu-Song , Liu Li , Yu Juan , Zhang Shun , Liu Shao-Jun , Liu Chu-Wu
Published: November 2015

In this study, morphology observation and illumina sequencing were performed on two different coloration skins of crimson snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus), the black zone and the red zone. Three types of chromatophores, melanophores, iridophores and xanthophores, were organized in the skins. The main differences between the two colorations were in the amount and distribution of the three chromatophores. After comparing the two transcriptomes, 9200 unigenes with significantly different expressions (ratio change ≥ 2 and q-value ≤ 0.05) were found, of which 5972 were up-regulated in black skin and 3228 were up-regulated in red skin. Through the function annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the differentially transcribed genes, we excavated a number of uncharacterized candidate pigment genes as well as found the conserved genes affecting pigmentation in crimson snapper. The patterns of expression of 14 pigment genes were confirmed by the Quantitative real-time PCR analysis between the two color skins. Overall, this study shows a global survey of the morphological characters and transcriptome analysis of the different coloration skins in crimson snapper, and provides valuable cellular and genetic information to uncover the mechanism of the formation of pigment patterns in snappers.
Immunoregulatory Cell Depletion Improves the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy-Generated Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Korbelik Mladen , Banáth Judit , Saw Kyi
Published: November 2015

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)-generated cancer vaccine represents an attractive potential application of PDT, therapeutic modality destroying targeted lesions by localized photooxidative stress. Since immunoregulatory cell activity has become recognized as a major obstacle to effective cancer immunotherapy, the present study examined their participation in the therapeutic effect of PDT cancer vaccine. Following protocols from previous studies, mouse with squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII tumors were vaccinated by SCCVII cells treated by PDT and response monitored by tumor size measurement. The effects of low-dose cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the numbers of Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were determined by antibody staining followed by flow cytometry, while their impact on PDT vaccine therapy was evaluated by monitoring changes in tumor responses. Cyclophosphamide effectively reduced the numbers of Tregs, which became elevated following PDT vaccine treatment, and this resulted in an increase in the vaccine’s effectiveness. A similar benefit for the therapy outcome with PDT vaccine was attained by ATRA treatment. The activities of Tregs and MDSCs thus have a critical impact on therapy outcome with PDT vaccine and reducing their numbers substantially improves the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Antibacterial/Antiviral Property and Mechanism of Dual-Functional Quaternized Pyridinium-type Copolymer
Authors: Xue Yan , Xiao Huining
Published: November 2015

Due to the massive outbreaks of pathogen-caused diseases and the increase of drug-resistant pathogens, there is a particular interest in the development of novel disinfection agents with broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity. In the present study, water-soluble pyridinium-type polyvinylpyrrolidones with different counter anions were prepared. Structural characterization was conducted via 13C–1H heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy, static light scattering, UV spectrometry and apparent charge density. The influence of counter anion and polymer compositions on the antibacterial activity was studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied for tracking the morphological alterations in bacterial cells induced by prepared polycations. It was found that the exposure of bacteria to the polycations resulted in the destruction of cell membranes and the leakage of cytoplasm. The antiviral activity of pyridinium-type polycations against enveloped influenza virus was evaluated via a plaque assay. The action mode against enveloped virus was depicted to rationalize the antiviral mechanism.
Do Adolescents Prefer Electronic Books to Paper Books?
Authors: Merga Margaret
Published: November 2015

While electronic books offer a range of benefits and may be supposed to be more appealing to young people than paper books, this assumption is often treated as fact by educational researchers. Understanding adolescents’ true current preferences is essential, as incorrect assumptions can lead to decisions which restrict adolescent access to their preferred book mode. The belief that adolescents prefer electronic books to paper books has already led to some school libraries being expunged of paper books. As adolescents show a higher level of aliteracy than younger children, and regular reading offers a broad range of benefits for young people, it is imperative that school’s decisions around providing access to books are responsive to adolescent students’ genuine preferences. This paper analyses the current and relevant academic research around adolescent preferences for book modes, finding that, at present, the contention that adolescents prefer electronic books is not supported by the available research. In addition, there are a number of issues identified that make analyzing the findings in this area problematic. Future studies in this area are needed before an adolescent preference for electronic books can be unequivocally substantiated.
Estimation of CO2 Sequestration by the Forests in Japan by Discriminating Precise Tree Age Category using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Iizuka Kotaro , Tateishi Ryutaro
Published: November 2015

This study estimates CO2 sequestration by forests in Japan using Land Remote Sensing Satellite (Landsat) Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) remote sensing data for the in-depth retrieval of forest growth stages (tree age). Landsat imagery was used to develop a detailed forest cover map, while the PALSAR data were used to estimate the volume information. The volume was converted to tree age information for each of the three forest types in Japan. An estimation of CO2 sequestration values for each forest type and for each tree age from the forest inventory data was made. The forest cover map results in four classes, and the overall accuracy yields approximately 74%. For the volume estimation, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was computed with the ground reference information resulting in 105.58 m3/ha. The final result showed that total CO2 sequestration in Japan based on tree age forest subclasses yields 85.0 Mt∙CO2 (coniferous), 4.76 Mt∙CO2 (evergreen broadleaf) and 21.61 Mt∙CO2 (deciduous broadleaf), which in total is 111.27 Mt∙CO2. Using remote sensing techniques to quantitatively estimate CO2 sequestration in Japanese forests has been shown both to have advantages and to offer further possibilities.
Performance Analysis of the Ironless Inductive Position Sensor in the Large Hadron Collider Collimators Environment
Authors: Danisi Alessandro , Masi Alessandro , Losito Roberto
Published: November 2015

The Ironless Inductive Position Sensor (I2PS) has been introduced as a valid alternative to Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) when external magnetic fields are present. Potential applications of this linear position sensor can be found in critical systems such as nuclear plants, tokamaks, satellites and particle accelerators. This paper analyzes the performance of the I2PS in the harsh environment of the collimators of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where position uncertainties of less than 20 µm are demanded in the presence of nuclear radiation and external magnetic fields. The I2PS has been targeted for installation for LHC Run 2, in order to solve the magnetic interference problem which standard LVDTs are experiencing. The paper describes in detail the chain of systems which belong to the new I2PS measurement task, their impact on the sensor performance and their possible further optimization. The I2PS performance is analyzed evaluating the position uncertainty (on 30 s), the magnetic immunity and the long-term stability (on 7 days). These three indicators are assessed from data acquired during the LHC operation in 2015 and compared with those of LVDTs.
Advances in Remote Sensing of Flooding
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: November 2015

With the publication of eight original research articles, four types of advances in the remote sensing of floods are achieved. The uncertainty of modeled outputs using precipitation datasets derived from in situ observations and remote sensors is further understood. With the terrestrial laser scanner and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) coupled with high resolution optical and radar imagery, researchers improve accuracy levels in estimating the surface water height, extent, and flow of floods. The unmanned aircraft system (UAS) can be the game changer in the acquisition and application of remote sensing data. The UAS may fly everywhere and every time when a flood event occurs. With the development of urban structure maps, the flood risk and possible damage is well assessed. The flood mitigation plans and response activities become effective and efficient using geographic information system (GIS)-based urban flood vulnerability and risk maps.
Safety of Darunavir and Atazanavir in HIV-Infected Children in Europe and Thailand
Authors:   The European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPICC),   Study Group in EuroCoord, Bailey Heather , Collins Intira Jeannie , Childs Tristan , Tostevin Anna , Goetghebuer Tessa , Valerius Niels , Königs Christoph , Galli Luisa , Marczynska Magda , Marques Laura , Ene Luminita , Voronin Evgeny , Okhonskaia Liubov , Noguera-Julian Antoni , Rojo Pablo , Amador Jose Tomas Ramos , Naver Lars , Rudin Christoph , Jourdain Gonzague , Tookey Pat , Giaquinto Carlo , Judd Ali
Published: November 2015

Background

Surveillance for mid- and long-term anti-retroviral therapy (ART) toxicity in children is important for informing treatment guidelines. We assessed the safety of darunavir (DRV) and atazanavir (ATV), commonly used as second-line protease inhibitors following lopinavir/ritonavir, in Europe and Thailand.

Methods

Cohorts contributed individual patient data on adverse events (AE) in those aged <18 years taking DRV and ATV, respectively, to 02/2014. Rates of Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grade ≥3 laboratory AEs were calculated.

Results

Of 431 patients on DRV and 372 on ATV, 317 (74%) and 301 (81%), respectively, had weight and dose data available, of whom 56 (18%) and 33 (9%) took the drugs at a non-approved age or dose. Median age at DRV and ATV start was 14.8 years (IQR 12.8–16.1) and 13.5 years (11.4–15.2); 43% and 26% had received ≥8 ART drugs previously. Overall rates of grade ≥3 AEs for absolute neutrophils, total cholesterol, triglycerides, pancreatic amylase, lipase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were ≤3/100 person-years (PY) on approved doses of both drugs, but 66/100 PY (95% CI 52, 84) for bilirubin after <12 months on ATV declining to 32/100 PY (95% CI 23, 44) after >24 months. Five serious drug-related clinical AEs were reported in four patients on ATV (one discontinued) and three in three patients on DRV (all discontinued), and did not substantially differ in those on approved compared to non-approved doses. Proportions on the drugs at last follow-up were 89% (383/431) for DRV and 81% (301/372) for ATV (including 73/92 with grade ≥3 hyperbilirubinaemia).

Conclusions

AEs were few in number and comparable for the two drugs, with the exception of high rates of hyperbilirubinaemia for ATV; few patients discontinued due to toxicity.
Computer Programming in Elementary and Middle School
Authors: Harlow Danielle Boyd , Dwyer Hilary , Hansen Alexandria K. , Hill Charlotte , Iveland Ashley , Leak Anne E. , Franklin Diana M.
Published: November 2015

Computing has impacted almost all aspects of life, making it increasingly important for the next generation to understand how to develop and use software. Yet, a lack of research on how children learn computer science and an already impacted elementary school schedule has meant that very few children have the opportunity to learn computer science prior to high school. This chapter introduces literature on teaching computer programming to elementary and middle school, highlights three studies that span elementary and middle school, and discusses how programming can be integrated into other content areas and address national standards.
Technology's Role in Supporting Elementary Preservice Teachers as They Teach
Authors: Gatling Anne Pfitzner
Published: November 2015

This chapter describes a teacher preparation model incorporating a STEM focused, technology enhanced course and field experiences for preservice teachers. This field-based science method course supports and engages preservice teachers in creating and implementing lessons for early childhood and elementary students enrolled in an afterschool STEM Enrichment Program offered in a diverse urban elementary school. Technology is woven throughout the model, supporting preservice teachers as they build their content knowledge, and research effective practices to teach and assess their students. This model also helps to address the need to enhance STEM instruction in schools and inspire preservice teachers to engage their students in the STEM learning process. Findings from the model's implementation indicates a positive impact on the preservice teachers' understanding of science content and standards, on their pedagogical practices to design STEM lessons based on the revealed understandings of students' knowledge, and on the development of their professional identities.
High Level Inventory Network Modeling Approaches
Authors: Miller Tan , de Matta Renato , Xu Minghong
Published: November 2015

Over the last several decades, practitioners have used the Square Root of N (SQRTN) and the Portfolio Effect models to develop estimates of the change in finished goods inventory investment that will result from potential consolidations of existing supply chain networks. The relative simplicity of these two models has made them commonly used tools of consultants and practitioners. However, what is often overlooked or ignored in practice is that these models may or may not provide accurate projections, and that there are limitations to the range of problems which these models can address. In this paper, we evaluate the accuracy of projections made by the SQRTN and portfolio effect models under a variety of network conditions, and we provide guidance on when and how practitioners can both use and supplement these models. Our evaluations are based on the results of simulation studies which we conducted for this paper as well as many years of inventory management practice in private industry.
Partnerships in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Çotur Özlem Koçtaş , Öztürkoğlu Yücel
Published: November 2015

This chapter considers one of the most important collaborations, namely that of partnership. In recent year's sophisticated and demanding consumer lead severe global competition between companies. So many companies seek to coordinate cross-firm activities and work mutually over time to produce outstanding performance. The main objective of the companies is to reach higher performance than would be achieved by managing individually. For any supply chain in the competitive environment, widening the boundaries of the firm via partnership formation would be the remedy and partnership creates a synergistic business environment for both sides. The objective of the chapter is to present a comprehensive and integrated view of the literature on all aspects of partnership.
Green Supply Chain Initiatives
Authors: Ghosh Debabrata , Gouda Sirish , Shah Janat
Published: November 2015

Emergence of ‘sustainability' as the new paradigm of conducting business has led to increased focus on operations of firms in emerging economies such as India. With growing concerns on the environmental impact of products and processes of firms in emerging economies, it becomes imperative to understand the factors steering green initiatives in India. This chapter aims to answer the question regarding what drives firms in India towards greening? Through research and discussions with managers, we observe certain common underlying factors determining firms' greening initiatives. The chapter aims to outline these common factors and takes a look at various approaches of firms in India in line with those factors. The current work aims to provide a better understanding of environmental friendly practices in India to both practitioners and researchers alike and establishes a platform for green supply chain research.
Sustainability
Authors: Mukherjee Aroop , Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Vijayan Gowri , Vaiappuri Selvakkumar K. N.
Published: November 2015

Sustainability has become vital aspects for today's world and the future to come. Various definition of sustainability have added to the confusion with respect to sustainability in people's mind and in the organizations. A collection of different sustainability frameworks, indicators and tools have provided important insights about the outcomes of the sustainability process and in providing analytical and logical designs for sustainability. However, implementing sustainable practices has been overlooked by the majority of the organizations. Identifying the challenges and integrating with the tools in the form of indicators, assessment, and strategies will be a good start for an organization to be sustainable. The organizations that develop and implement sustainable practices are recognized as a success in sustainability. This chapter aims to provide an outline for sustainability with strategies, assessment, indicators, and application for better products and create and maintain business and customer value.
The History and Development of Purchasing Management and Its Theoretical Framework
Authors: Glavee-Geo Richard
Published: November 2015

Purchasing as a management or academic field of study has seen a rise in its awareness. The strategic role it assumes in most organizations and businesses is as a result of the need for firms to reduce cost and to counter increased competition. However, this recognition evolved from ‘‘humble'' beginnings up to the strategic importance it assumes today in some organizations and as a major field of study in the academia. The historical development of purchasing is worth studying so as to better understand and appreciate the important role it now assumes. Much literature and many theoretical frameworks have been developed to help explain various phenomena in the purchasing field. Transaction cost economics is one of such theories that have been applied. The contribution of transaction cost economics to the growth of knowledge in the purchasing and channel studies has been enormous.
Picking with Impact
Authors: Lederer Matthias , Niedermeier Ferdinand , Hoppe Jan
Published: November 2015

The picking process in warehouses is an important step in global supply chains because it causes significant costs and has a high impact on customer satisfaction. Especially manual systems may cause high costs and can generate many picking errors such as type and quantity failures. Using the example of consignment at an international manufacturer located in Switzerland, this contribution provides in-depth fundamentals on picking processes. The picking system, typical workflows of manual picking procedures and theoretical considerations of optimal picking quality are given. Using a quality cost as well as a process cost analysis and a cause and effect analysis, the picking process is investigated in this scenario. It turns out that the optimal picking quality is surpassed in the case, which requires a systematic process re-design in order to cut costs. Therefore exemplary technical, organizational and soft best practices are shortly presented. In the scenario a business and technical case of the introduction an innovative weighting system is described.