bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling global models for hydrology and nutrient loading to simulate nitrogen and phosphorus retention in surface water – description of IMAGE–GNM and analysis of performance
Authors: Beusen A. H. W. , Van Beek L. P. H. , Bouwman A. F. , Mogollón J. M. , Middelburg J. J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment–Global Nutrient Model (IMAGE–GNM) is a global distributed, spatially explicit model using hydrology as the basis for describing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) delivery to surface water, transport and in-stream retention in rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs. It is part of the integrated assessment model IMAGE, which studies the interaction between society and the environment over prolonged time periods. In the IMAGE–GNM model, grid cells receive water with dissolved and suspended N and P from upstream grid cells; inside grid cells, N and P are delivered to water bodies via diffuse sources (surface runoff, shallow and deep groundwater, riparian zones; litterfall in floodplains; atmospheric deposition) and point sources (wastewater); N and P retention in a water body is calculated on the basis of the residence time of the water and nutrient uptake velocity; subsequently, water and nutrients are transported to downstream grid cells. Differences between model results and observed concentrations for a range of global rivers are acceptable given the global scale of the uncalibrated model. Sensitivity analysis with data for the year 2000 showed that runoff is a major factor for N and P delivery, retention and river export. For both N and P, uptake velocity and all factors used to compute the subgrid in-stream retention are important for total in-stream retention and river export. Soil N budgets, wastewater and all factors determining litterfall in floodplains are important for N delivery to surface water. For P the factors that determine the P content of the soil (soil P content and bulk density) are important factors for delivery and river export.
The importance of topography controlled sub-grid process heterogeneity in distributed hydrological models
Authors: Nijzink R. C. , Samaniego L. , Mai J. , Kumar R. , Thober S. , Zink M. , Schäfer D. , Savenije H. H. G. , Hrachowitz M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Heterogeneity of landscape features like terrain, soil, and vegetation properties affect the partitioning of water and energy. However, it remains unclear to which extent an explicit representation of this heterogeneity at the sub-grid scale of distributed hydrological models can improve the hydrological consistency and the robustness of such models. In this study, hydrological process complexity arising from sub-grid topography heterogeneity was incorporated in the distributed mesoscale Hydrologic Model (mHM). Seven study catchments across Europe were used to test whether (1) the incorporation of additional sub-grid variability on the basis of landscape-derived response units improves model internal dynamics, (2) the application of semi-quantitative, expert-knowledge based model constraints reduces model uncertainty; and (3) the combined use of sub-grid response units and model constraints improves the spatial transferability of the model. Unconstrained and constrained versions of both, the original mHM and mHMtopo, which allows for topography-based sub-grid heterogeneity, were calibrated for each catchment individually following a multi-objective calibration strategy. In addition, four of the study catchments were simultaneously calibrated and their feasible parameter sets were transferred to the remaining three receiver catchments. In a post-calibration evaluation procedure the probabilities of model and transferability improvement, when accounting for sub-grid variability and/or applying expert-knowledge based model constraints, were assessed on the basis of a set of hydrological signatures. In terms of the Euclidian distance to the optimal model, used as overall measure for model performance with respect to the individual signatures, the model improvement achieved by introducing sub-grid heterogeneity to mHM in mHMtopo was on average 13 %. The addition of semi-quantitative constraints to mHM and mHMtopo resulted in improvements of 13 and 19 % respectively, compared to the base case of the unconstrained mHM. Most significant improvements in signature representations were, in particular, achieved for low flow statistics. The application of prior semi-quantitative constraints further improved the partitioning between runoff and evaporative fluxes. Besides, it was shown that suitable semi-quantitative prior constraints in combination with the transfer function based regularization approach of mHM, can be beneficial for spatial model transferability as the Euclidian distances for the signatures improved on average by 2 %. The effect of semi-quantitative prior constraints combined with topography-guided sub-grid heterogeneity on transferability showed a more variable picture of improvements and deteriorations, but most improvements were observed for low flow statistics.
Training laboratory primates – benefits and techniques
Authors: Westlund K.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This review discusses the benefits of training in the effective management of laboratory-housed nonhuman primates, including improved welfare, facilitated husbandry, improved quality of data, and human–animal relationships. Training implies that the animals cooperate in aspects of their own care and is a type of enrichment. Some refined ways of using negative reinforcement are discussed, as well as management perspectives on laboratory primate training. Several approaches to dealing with fear are described: systematic desensitization/counterconditioning (SD/CC) versus combined reinforcement training (NPRT). In addition, a detailed shaping plan covering target training, useful when e.g. moving, weighing, or stationing animals, is presented.
Committed retreat of Smith, Pope, and Kohler Glaciers over the next 30 years inferred by transient model calibration
Authors: Goldberg D. N. , Heimbach P. , Joughin I. , Smith B.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. A glacial flow model of Smith, Pope and Kohler Glaciers is calibrated by means of control methods against time varying, annually resolved observations of ice height and velocities, covering the period 2002 to 2011. The inversion – termed "transient calibration" – produces an optimal set of time-mean, spatially varying parameters together with a time-evolving state that accounts for the transient nature of observations and the model dynamics. Serving as an optimal initial condition, the estimated state for 2011 is used, with no additional forcing, for predicting grounded ice volume loss and grounding line retreat over the ensuing 30 years. The transiently calibrated model predicts a near-steady loss of grounded ice volume of approximately 21 km3 a−1 over this period, as well as loss of 33 km2 a−1 grounded area. We contrast this prediction with one obtained following a commonly used "snapshot" or steady-state inversion, which does not consider time dependence and assumes all observations to be contemporaneous. Transient calibration is shown to achieve a better fit with observations of thinning and grounding line retreat histories, and yields a quantitatively different projection with respect to ice volume loss and ungrounding. Sensitivity studies suggest large near-future levels of unforced, i.e., committed sea level contribution from these ice streams under reasonable assumptions regarding uncertainties of the unknown parameters.
Sediment and carbon accumulation rates off the southern coast of Finland
Authors: Vallius Henry
Published: December 2015

The southern coast of Finland encompasses about one third of the coasts of the Gulf of Finland. It is a mosaic of hundreds if not thousands of islands, peninsulas and bays, which also are reflected in the seabed of the coast. The sea floor is composed of a patchy and fragmented mosaic of mainly quite small basins separated from each other by thresholds of islands, peninsulas or submarine ridges. This affects transport and near bottom currents such that deposition of suspended particles is restricted to certain areas only. Linear sediment accumulation rates along the southern coast of Finland were studied from 28 cores of a sampling campaign in 2000 – 2004 through gamma spectrometry of 137Cs. Sediment accumulation in this environment with such diverse character was found very patchy and net sedimentation rates varying from less than 0.5 cm/a to values of nearly 3 cm/a as well as mass accumulation rates from 0.5 kg/m2/a to 8.8 kg/m2/a were found. The sediment accumulation rates were observed to be higher in shallower water in coastal sheltered or semi-sheltered bays. Total carbon concentrations varied from 1.3 % to 12.6 % and carbon accumulation rates from 20 g/m2/a to 355 g/m2/a such that the highest carbon concentrations were usually found in deeper water with some distance from the coast, while the highest carbon accumulation rates were found in the coastal shallow basins where sediment accumulation was found strongest.
Inferences from geochemical characteristics of the upper part of the Middle Pleistocene interglacial deposits in Lithuania
Authors: Baltrūnas Valentinas , Karmaza Bronislavas , Zinkutė Rimantė , Katinas Valentas , Paškauskas Stasys , Pukelytė Violeta
Published: December 2015

The study presents geochemical characteristics of deposits from the reference sections of the Middle Pleistocene interglacials: 2 from the Butėnai Interglacial and 2 from the problematic Snaigupėlė Interglacial. Geochemical data (the contents of 29 chemical elements, percentages of sediment components) are related to magnetic susceptibility (MS), bedding, lithology and previous palaeobotanical results. Higher content of carbonates and clay in sections of the Snaigupėlė Interglacial can be explained by warmer climate and calmer depositional environment, though the influence of chemical composition of the provenance and underlying tills is also obvious. The influence of oxic-anoxic sedimentary environment fluctuations on MS and on the separation between P-Fe and S-Mn is demonstrated. Many geochemical differences between deposits from the intervals of the Snaigupėlė-705 borehole and the Snaigupėlė outcrop sections which presumably include pollen zone S6 Carpinus-Quercus enable to speculate that these deposits were formed during different interglacials.
Biogenic components and trace elements in the sediments of river mouths and accumulation areas of the Curonian Lagoon (south-eastern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Emelyanov Emelyan M. , Gulbinskas Saulius , Suzdalev Sergej
Published: December 2015

The main suppliers of sedimentary matter into the large coastal freshwater lagoon of the southeastern Baltic (Curonian Lagoon) are the Neman River including the sleeves Atmata, Skirvytė and Razliv, as well as Matrosovka and Deima rivers. Large catchment area of the rivers densely populated and characterized by intensive industrial and agricultural activities, which are regarded as potential suppliers of biogenic and chemical elements. Elevated amounts of biogenic components (nitrogen and phosphorus) as well as arsenic recorded in sediments from the river mouth areas suggest serious contribution of anthropogenic activities (use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural activities) on the general sediment quality in the investigated area. Newly obtained data clarify the patterns of biogenic and trace element distribution in sediments located in close vicinity of potential pollution sources.
The Pecking Order Theory: Evidence from Listed Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Dada Felix Babatunde , Ukaegbu Ben
Published: December 2015

Pecking order theory of capital structure demonstrates how managers could reduce inefficiency in the presence of information asymmetry in the source of finance. This study aims at a critical evaluation of the relevance of pecking order theory to firms, using the panel data of the listed firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The study adopt the fixed effect model for the determination of the target capital structure and the decision is based on the result of the Hausman test. The study applies the Vector error correction model to establish causality between the variables. The outcome indicates that the capital structure of Nigerian firms is positively related to asset structure while it is negatively related to profitability and liquidity. The study also shows that there is a causal relationship ranging from profitability and liquidity to the capital structure.
An Empirical Analysis of Stochastic Implications of Stock Price Movements in the Nigerian Capital Market
Authors: Whisky Ayakeme E
Published: December 2015

The study provides further empirical insight to the behavior of stocks in four selected sectors of the Nigerian economy using the Runs and GARCH techniques to analyze monthly stock data for the period January 2006 to December, 2011. The results of the Runs Test do not support random movements of stocks in all the sectors, indicating homoscedasticity. The GARCH estimated model also shows volatility clustering in all the sectors except the Agricultural sector, which implies weak form inefficiency of the Nigerian capital market.
Exploration on Teaching Methods for Applied Optics Course of Printing Specialty
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wan Xiaoxia , Yang Xiaoli , Yanfen Zhang Yanfen
Published: December 2015

Printing engineering is an interdisciplinary specialty which involves a lot of intercross subjects such as optical engineering, information engineering, material science and engineering, mechanical engineering, control science and engineering, computer engineering, software engineering and so on. Nowadays, as those subjects progress, the content of printing engineering specialty is increasingly expanded, which places additional difficulty to the printing engineering education. The applied optics course of printing specialty aims at explaining the fundamental principles of optics which involve in printing-related domain. Therefore, it is of great significance for students to understand the basic imaging rules of the related equipments and thus further understand the whole subject. This study describes our teaching experience for applied optics course in school of printing and packaging, Wuhan University in China. The current teaching problems of the printing specialty as a whole were firstly collected by interview and questionnaire method. Afterwards, basing on the analysis of the problems, the specific teaching methods were proposed. The results showed that the teaching objectives were almost achieved and the vast majority of students were glad to accept such teaching methods.
Selection, assessment of virulence to Alphitobius diaperinus, and Pr1 enzyme production of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. isolates cultured at stress temperatures
Authors: Constanski Kelly Christiane , Zorzetti Janaina , Neves Pedro Manuel Oliveira Janeiro
Published: December 2015

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising agent for use in insect control. Its pathogenic activity, as well as other factors such as temperature that can interfere with its development, should be assessed, thus, establishing the foundations for B. bassiana use in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to select and induce tolerance of B. bassiana isolates to high and low temperatures and to assess their virulence before and after exposure to those temperatures. A pre-selection test was performed, in which the tolerance of isolates to stress temperatures was tested and compared to the ideal growth temperature of 25 °C for this organism. For the isolates/temperature combinations resulting in growth, conidia germination and colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed. The isolates Unioeste 4 and Unioeste 40 exhibited >95% germinated conidia at 16 and 31 °C. Thereafter, they underwent four consecutive passages at maximum and minimum tolerated temperatures (10 and 37 °C). A significant difference in germination was observed between the two isolates at all temperatures tested. More CFUs were observed for Unioeste 4 compared to Unioeste 40 at all temperatures, and in the case of the latter, there was no difference in CFU formation at 10 and 25 °C. For both isolates, decreased vegetative growth was observed at 37 °C. Recovery of virulence was observed in both isolates, as determined by insect mortality. No relationship was observed between production of the enzyme Pr1 and the virulence of the isolates.
Sources and application methods of boron in Eucalyptus crop
Authors: Celestrino Thiago De Souza , Buzetti Salatiér , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Gazola Rodolfo De Niro , Dinalli Raíssa Pereira , Silva Paulo Henrique Müller da , Carvalho Ariádne Carla de , Sarto Guilherme Defavari
Published: December 2015

Cerrado soils have low boron (B) content, making supplementation of this element through fertilization via soil and/or leaf is a common practice. It is therefore important to establish the best mode of application and source of B for the proper development of eucalyptus. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of B sources with high and low solubility on eucalyptus cultivation and to examine the effect of foliar application of the micronutrient. The experiment was conducted in an area located at 20o 34’ S latitude and 51o 50’ W longitude with an altitude of 305 m during the period from January 2012 to February 2014. The experiment was set up using a randomised complete block design with six treatments and five replications, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, consisting of 0 kg ha-1 of B, 1 kg ha-1 of B using boric acid as a source (high solubility, 17% B) or 1 kg ha-1 of B using borogran as a source (low solubility, 10% B), applied to the planting furrow, with or without foliar application of 0.5% boric acid in a solution with a volume of 250 L ha-1. Except for the case of foliar B application, there was an increase in plant height in treatments that received the micronutrient at planting, which differed significantly from the control. However, both sources, independent of solubility, exhibited similar results. The two foliar B applications were sufficient to cause an increase in plant height when compared to treatments without B application at planting, at 21 months. At 24 months after planting, an increase in leaf B was observed in treatments with foliar application. However, this did not improve growth, diameter at breast height (DBH) or timber volume of the eucalyptus clone. Both the application of B at planting (independent of the source used) and the foliar application of the element were sufficient to reduce the symptoms of B deficiency. With respect to the sources used at planting, at a dose of 1 kg ha-1 of B, both sources produced similar results for plant height, DBH and timber volume.
Food additives reduce lactic acid bacterial growth in culture medium and in meat products, increasing product shelf life
Authors: Sarmento Cleonice Mendes Pereira , Colla Eliane , Canan Cristiane , Dalcanton Francieli , Aragão Gláucia Maria Falcão de
Published: December 2015

The uncontrolled growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in meat and meat products leads to product spoilage, and thus shortens product shelf life. Although food additives are known to decrease LAB growth, this effect has not been analyzed in detail. Here, a detailed analysis was performed of the effects of sodium chloride, sodium polyphosphate, sodium lactate, sodium nitrite/nitrate, and garlic on the growth of the Lactobacillus plantarum in culture medium. The results were used to design and test experimental formulations of meat products. Initially, the effect of food additives on L. plantarum was evaluated using a Fractional Factorial Design (FFD), followed by a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The Modified Gompertz Model was adjusted to the growth curves to determine the Kinetic parameters of bacterial growth (logarithmic increase in the population, specific growth rate, and lag phase extension). Higher sodium lactate and sodium chloride levels had a negative impact on L. plantarum growth parameters (p?0.05). Therefore, we designed experimental formulations of mortadella and smoked pork sausages containing 4% sodium lactate (w w-1) and 2.4-3.5% sodium chloride (w w-1), and determined LAB growth from samples of stored products produced according to these formulations, in order to determine product shelf life. There was an increased lag phase of LAB growth for most experimental formulations. Also, the experimental smoked pork sausages had a longer shelf life, which was increased by at least 22 days, suggesting that the proposed formulation, with higher than standard lactate concentration, increased the product’s shelf life.
Clinical evaluation of unadapted sheep submited to sudden intake of melon with high levels of sugar
Authors: Oliveira Francisco Leonardo Costa , Barrêto Júnior Raimundo Alves , Minervino Antonio Humberto Hamad , Reis Leonardo Frasson , Tavares Marcondes Dias , Vale Rodolfo Gurgel , Gameleira Jucélio Silva , Souza Francisco Jocelho Alexandre , Mori Clara Satsuki , Ortolani Enrico Lippi
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the clinical effects of two different amounts of melon, with a high sugar content, suddenly offered to unadapted sheep. Twelve rumem cannulated crossbred 8-months-old sheep , weighing 25 kg each, were used. These sheep had never been fed with food concentrated with sugar or fruits. The animals were kept in collective pens with a basal diet of roughage and then randomly divided into two equal groups. The sheep in the two groups received 25% and 75% of dry matter (DM) of the diet the crushed melon, administered by the rumen cannula. Physical examination and measurement of rumen fluid pH was performed at the following times: 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. The animals of G25% did not present clinical signs despite subacute acidosis expected after administration of the melon. However, in the G75%, sheep developed clinical manifestation indicative of lactic acidosis with rumen fluid pH lower than 5.0 from T6h, but did not present with dehydration. In sheep from G75 %, tachycardia was observed at 3 h and continued until the end of the study; tachypnea was also observed at 3 h, which was caused by increased abdominal circumference. Based on the results obtained, the supplementation of high amounts of melon (75% DM) in the diet is not recommended for sheep, although the use of 25% DM is safe. However, greater amounts of this fruit could be used in the diet of sheep with gradual adaptation to the substrate.
Efficacy of pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin for the treatment of canine nematodes
Authors: Jesus Ana Paula , Holsback Luciane , Selingardi Maísa Santiago , Cardoso Mauro José Lahm , Cabral Luciana Doria Ribeiro , Santos Tainá Rodrigues
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the efficacy of pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin on gastrointestinal nematodes in dogs. Fecal egg counts per gram (EPG) were measured by the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in order to evaluate the anthelmintic efficiency and fecal float exams were also performed to assess the concordance between coproparasitological techniques. A total of 45 naturally infected dogs in the city of Bandeirantes, Paraná State, were selected and divided into three groups: Group 1, 15 animals that received pyrantel pamoate (145 mg) in a single dose; Group 2, 15 animals that received ivermectin (3 mg); and Group 3, 15 animals that comprised an untreated control group. Fecal testing was performed two and 10 days after treatment. Toxocara was the most prevalent genus, followed by Ancylostoma and Trichuris. Ancylostoma had low resistance to ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate treatment, while Toxocara were resistant to both treatments. Statistical correlation testing to compare coproparasitogical techniques revealed moderate concordance, substantial and almost perfect concordance for detection of Ancylostoma, Trichuris, and Toxocara, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the gender Ancylostoma had low resistance and Toxocara is resistant to both drugs and because of their high prevalence in young animals means that others anthelmintic drugs may be recommended to combat infections. Additionally, the Gordon and Whitlock modified and Willis-Mollay techniques are effective for detection particularly of Toxocara in dogs.
Antral follicles population in heifers and cows of Nelore and Girolando breeds
Authors: Oliveira Junior Jair Sábio de , Cardoso Christopher Junior Tavares , Silva Wilian Aparecido Leite da , Kischel Henrique , Souza Mirela Brochado , Andrade Evelyn Rabelo , Nogueira Eriklis , Silva-Santos Katia Cristina , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes , Melo-Sterza Fabiana De Andrade
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian antral follicle populations (OAFP) of Nelore and Girolando breed heifers (12–18 months old) and cows (24–60 months old). Animals were assigned to four groups: (1) Nelore cows (n = 18), (2) Girolando cows (n = 20), (3) Nelore heifers (n = 7), and (4) Girolando heifers (n = 7). Cows were treated to synchronize follicular wave emergence by implantation of an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone, as well as intramuscular administration of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and 25 mg of dinoprost. This synchronization treatment was administered at a random day of the estrous cycle of each cow, designated D0. Intravaginal devices were removed on D7, and on D11, OAFP counts were performed by transvaginal ovarian ultrasound. For each cow, all follicles ?3 mm in diameter were counted in both ovaries and counts were performed three times at 35-day intervals. Counts were also obtained from heifers, but these animals were not treated for synchronization of follicular wave emergence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s test and Pearson’s correlation test were used to compare mean OAFPs between counts as well as mean OAFPs between breed and age groups. No differences were observed in mean OAFPs between Nelore and Girolando cows (30.9 vs. 26.7, respectively; P > 0.05) or heifers (16.2 vs. 18.1, respectively; P > 0.05). However, within each breed, there were differences in mean OAFPs between heifers and cows (for Nelore cattle: 16.2 and 30.9, respectively; for Girolando cattle: 18.1 and 26.7, respectively; both P < 0.05). In conclusion, OAFPs were similar between Nelore and Girolando breeds and were influenced by age. Furthermore, we observed a high correlation for individual animals between the mean numbers of follicles counted in both ovaries and total number of follicles counted in either the right or left ovary, indicating that the evaluation of a single ovary is sufficient to estimate the OAFP of an individual.
Tolerance of piava juveniles to different ammonia concentrations
Authors: Copatti Carlos Eduardo , Bolner Keide Carolina dos Santos , Rosso Felipe Link de , Loro Vania Lucia , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of piavas (Leporinus obtusidens) to ammonia (NH3) by measuring its effects on plasma ion levels and tissue metabolic parameters. Piava juveniles (25-30 g) were exposed to five concentrations of NH3 (mg L-1): 0.003 (control), 0.1, 0.4, 0.7, and 1.4; after 96 hours, plasma levels of Na+, K+, Cl- and NH4+ ions and metabolic and enzyme activity in tissues (liver, kidneys, gills and muscle) were measured. The lethal concentration (LC50; 96h) of NH3 was 0.27 mg L-1. As NH3 increased, Na+ and NH4+ in the plasma increased and K+ decreased. In addition, Na+/K+- ATPase activity concomitantly increased in the gills and decreased in the kidneys. Glucose, glycogen, and protein levels decreased, while lactate and ammonia increased in the tissues of piava juveniles that were treated with higher concentrations of ammonia. The observed lethal toxicity could be due to a gradual depletion of plasma ion levels and a reduction of metabolic and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in tissues. Both can lead to dysfunction in ionoregulatory and physiological systems. This finding has implications for the management of fish culture of piavas.
Evaluation of Patient Safety Indicators in Semnan City Hospitals by Using the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative (PSFHI)
Authors: Babamohamadi Hassan , Nemati Roghayeh Khabiri , Nobahar Monir , Keighobady Seifullah , Ghazavi Soheila , Izadi-Sabet Farideh , Najafpour Zhila
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, patient safety issue is among one of the main concerns of the hospital policy worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the patient safety status in hospitals affiliated to Semnan city, using the WHO model for Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiatives (PSFHI) in summer 2014.

METHODS: That was a cross sectional descriptive study that addressed patient safety , which explained the current status of safety in the Semnan hospitals using by instrument of Patient safety friendly initiative standards (PSFHI). Data was collected from 5 hospitals in Semnan city during four weeks in May 2014.

RESULTS: The finding of 5 areas examined showed that some components in critical standards had disadvantages. Critical standards of hospitals including areas of leadership and administration, patient and public involvement and safe evidence-based clinical practice, safe environment with and lifetime education in a safe and secure environment were analyzed. The domain of patient and public involvement obtained the lowest mean score and the domain of safe environment obtained the highest mean score in the surveyed hospitals.

CONCLUSION: All the surveyed hospitals had a poor condition regarding standards based on patient safety. Further, the identified weak points are almost the same in the hospitals. Therefore, In order to achieve a good level of all aspects of the protocol, the goals should be considered in the level of strategic planning at hospitals. An effective execution of patient safety creatively may depend on the legal infrastructure and enforcement of standards by hospital management, organizational liability to expectation of patients, safety culture in hospitals.
Sleep Hygiene Pattern and Behaviors and Related Factors among General Population in West Of Iran
Authors: Khazaie Habibolah , Chehri Azita , Sadeghi Kheirollah , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Soleimani Akram , Rezaei Zahra
Published: December 2015

INTRODUCTION: Sleep hygiene was found as an important predictor for sleep quality. People’s sleep hygiene can have a major role in their daily function. The purpose of the study was to determine sleep hygiene patterns and sleep hygiene behaviors and factors affecting them in the general population of Kermanshah, Iran.

MATERIAL & METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1829 men and 1262 women were selected randomly from 50 clusters of different parts of the city. The inclusion criteria were age between 12 and 65 years and living in Kermanshah. The exclusion criteria were psychiatric disorder and known general medical conditions that affecting sleep. The data collection instruments were demographic questionnaire and Sleep Hygiene Questionnaire, consisted of 13 items about biological rhythm and bed room environment and behaviors that affecting sleep. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16 software.

RESULTS: The highest percentage was obtained for irregular woke and went up from day to day or at weekend and holidays (74.8%). Only 213 (6.9%) participants were classified as having good sleep hygiene (score 12-14). The mean age of very poor, poor, moderate, and good sleepers was 34.8 ± 14.4, 33.7 ± 17.4, 36.5 ± 13.8, and 35 ± 13.7years, respectively. There were significant differences between the age of poor and moderate sleepers and also sleep hygiene patterns with respect to sex, education level and job.

CONCLUSION: Poor sleep hygiene were more frequent in Iranian peoples and the major problem in sleep hygiene in our study was inappropriate sleep schedule.
A Review of Marital Intimacy-Enhancing Interventions among Married Individuals
Authors: Kardan-Souraki Maryam , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Asadpour Ismail , Mohammadpour Reza Ali , Khani Soghra
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND: Lack of intimacy is currently the main concern rather than main concern of the experts in psychology and counseling. It is considered as one of the most important causes for divorce and as such to improve marital intimacy a great number of interventions have been proposed in the literature. Intimacy training and counseling make the couples take effective and successful steps to increase marital intimacy. No study has reviewed the interventions promoting marital intimacy after marriage. Thus, this review study aimed to classify the articles investigating the impact of interventional programs on marital intimacy after marriage.

SEARCH METHODS: In April 2015, we performed a general search in Google Scholar search engines, and then we did an advanced search the databases of Science Direct, ProQuest, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Psych info; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Also, lists of the references of the relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. Using Medical Subject Headings (MESH) keywords: Intervention (Clinical Trials, Non-Randomized Controlled Trials, Randomized Controlled Trials, Education), intimacy, marital (Marriage) and selected related articles to the study objective were from 1995 to April 2015. Clinical trials that evaluated one or more behavioral interventions to improve marital intimacy were reviewed in the study.

MAIN RESULTS: 39 trials met the inclusion criteria. Eleven interventions had follow-up, and 28 interventions lacked follow-up. The quality evidence for 22 interventions was low, for 15 interventions moderate, and for one intervention was considered high. Findings from studies were categorized in 11 categories as the intimacy promoting interventions in dimensions of emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, temporal, communicational, social and recreational, aesthetic, spiritual, intellectual intimacy, and total intimacy.

AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS: Improving and promoting communication, problem solving, self-disclosure and empathic response skills and sexual education and counseling in the form of cognitive-behavioral techniques and based on religious and cultural context of each society, an effective step can be taken to enhance marital intimacy and strengthen family bonds and stability. Health care providers should consider which interventions are appropriate to the couple characteristics and their relationships.
Trust as Governance Tool in Hybrid Organizations: A Case Study for the Dance Industry in the Netherlands
Authors: Den Butter Frank A. G. , Joustra Jelle V.
Published: December 2015

The organization of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events requires much flexibility, due to the need to be able to quickly respond to new market trends. It induces high specificity in organizing these events. Our case study for the Netherlands, which is the world’s market leader in hosting these events, shows that hybrid forms of cooperation between producers facilitate this flexibility and adaptability. From the perspective of transaction cost economics this article focuses on the role of trust as governance tool of hybrid organizations. Trust between the collaborating event agencies has a reciprocal effect on perception of risk, therefore decreasing the need for comprehensive contractual governance or hierarchical control. We show that different types of trust can be sufficient as governance mechanism. The EDM event industry is a community-like creative sector in which calculative drivers such as repeated interaction and the importance of behavioural reputation add to trustworthiness between partners. In addition, social drivers such as a shared artistic vision lead to incentives to behave according to ex ante agreements in the design and creation of new, ground-breaking music sensations. From that perspective, we identify the factors that enhance the development of trustworthiness between partners in a hybrid organization.
The Impact of Organizational Climate and Psychological Capital on Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Suifan Taghrid S.
Published: December 2015

The impact that organizational climate has on organizational citizenship behavior through psychological capital was examined in this study. The descriptive method was adopted with a questionnaire-based survey. The constructs of the study were measured by three scales adopted from previous works: the Organizational Climate Questionnaire developed by Koys and DeCotiis (1991), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire developed by Luthans et al. (2007), and the Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale developed by Lee and Allen (2002). A random sample of employees at Jordanian banks was selected, and 227 out of the 250 distributed questionnaires were found to be valid for analysis. All the hypotheses were accepted; that is, organizational climate has a statistically significant relationship with organizational citizenship behavior, and psychological capital mediates the relationship between organizational climate and organizational citizenship behavior. For organizations to improve organizational citizenship behavior, the psychological capital should be taken into account. 
Effective Factors of Diversified HR and Relationship Management: A Qualitative Case Study on TokyaTech, NY
Authors: Kolachi Nadir
Published: December 2015

This qualitative case study is specially drafted for the purpose of enhancing students’ exposure on diversified HR and relationship Management. Modern age is the age of Human Resources and Relationship Management in order to have a corporate success in today’s stiff competition. This case adopts an armchair case approach to discuss the required concept of HR & Management and apply on an imaginary company mentioned in this case. The proposed frameworks in this Case study are the primary sources of authors and properly aligned to apply on the company mentioned in this case. This case holds 100 percent primary source for the purpose of clarity on HR & Management diversity for Business graduates especially for HR & Management subjects. The practical implication of this approach is beneficial for Business students & Faculty to help students in understanding basic case approach and enhance the exposure to apply on any organization. This study covers the cultural and diversity issues around four sampled locations. The case proposes the solution with the help of descriptive models that are proposed to address the case situations in this paper.
A Better Understanding of Nonresidential Water Customers Through Analysis
Authors: Tiger Mary , Boyle Christine , Eskaf Shadi , Hughes Jeffrey , Jutras RenÉe
Published: December 2015

By analyzing and tracking water use among nonresidential customers, utilities can project fluctuations in use over time and improve pricing schemes and business practices.
Cardiac Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Exhibit High Differentiation Potential to Cardiovascular Cells in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Nagata Hiroki , Ii Masaaki , Kohbayashi Eiko , Hoshiga Masaaki , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Asahi Michio
Published: December 2015

Adipose-derived stem cells (AdSCs) have recently been shown to differentiate into cardiovascular lineage cells. However, little is known about the fat tissue origin-dependent differences in AdSC function and differentiation potential. AdSC-rich cells were isolated from subcutaneous, visceral, cardiac (CA), and subscapular adipose tissue from mice and their characteristics analyzed. After four different AdSC types were cultured with specific differentiation medium, immunocytochemical analysis was performed for the assessment of differentiation into cardiovascular cells. We then examined the in vitro differentiation capacity and therapeutic potential of AdSCs in ischemic myocardium using a mouse myocardial infarction model. The cell density and proliferation activity of CA-derived AdSCs were significantly increased compared with the other adipose tissue-derived AdSCs. Immunocytochemistry showed that CA-derived AdSCs had the highest appearance rates of markers for endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes among the AdSCs. Systemic transfusion of CA-derived AdSCs exhibited the highest cardiac functional recovery after myocardial infarction and the high frequency of the recruitment to ischemic myocardium. Moreover, long-term follow-up of the recruited CA-derived AdSCs frequently expressed cardiovascular cell markers compared with the other adipose tissue-derived AdSCs. Cardiac adipose tissue could be an ideal source for isolation of therapeutically effective AdSCs for cardiac regeneration in ischemic heart diseases.

Significance

The present study found that cardiac adipose-derived stem cells have a high potential to differentiate into cardiovascular lineage cells (i.e., cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells) compared with stem cells derived from other adipose tissue such as subcutaneous, visceral, and subscapular adipose tissue. Notably, only a small number of supracardiac adipose-derived stem cells that were systemically transplanted sufficiently improved cardiac functional recovery after myocardial infarction, differentiating into cardiovascular cells in the ischemic myocardium. These findings suggest a new autologous stem cell therapy for patients with myocardial ischemia, especially those with secondary myocardial ischemia after cardiovascular open chest surgery.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Progenitor Cells in Phenotypic Screening: A Transforming Growth Factor-β Type 1 Receptor Kinase Inhibitor Induces Efficient Cardiac Differentiation
Authors: Drowley Lauren , Koonce Chad , Peel Samantha , Jonebring Anna , Plowright Alleyn T. , Kattman Steven J. , Andersson Henrik , Anson Blake , Swanson Bradley J. , Wang Qing-Dong , Brolen Gabriella
Published: December 2015

Several progenitor cell populations have been reported to exist in hearts that play a role in cardiac turnover and/or repair. Despite the presence of cardiac stem and progenitor cells within the myocardium, functional repair of the heart after injury is inadequate. Identification of the signaling pathways involved in the expansion and differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) will broaden insight into the fundamental mechanisms playing a role in cardiac homeostasis and disease and might provide strategies for in vivo regenerative therapies. To understand and exploit cardiac ontogeny for drug discovery efforts, we developed an in vitro human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CPC model system using a highly enriched population of KDRpos/CKITneg/NKX2.5pos CPCs. Using this model system, these CPCs were capable of generating highly enriched cultures of cardiomyocytes under directed differentiation conditions. In order to facilitate the identification of pathways and targets involved in proliferation and differentiation of resident CPCs, we developed phenotypic screening assays. Screening paradigms for therapeutic applications require a robust, scalable, and consistent methodology. In the present study, we have demonstrated the suitability of these cells for medium to high-throughput screens to assess both proliferation and multilineage differentiation. Using this CPC model system and a small directed compound set, we identified activin-like kinase 5 (transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor kinase) inhibitors as novel and potent inducers of human CPC differentiation to cardiomyocytes.

Significance

Cardiac disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with no treatment available that can result in functional repair. This study demonstrates how differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to identify and isolate cell populations of interest that can translate to the adult human heart. Two separate examples of phenotypic screens are discussed, demonstrating the value of this biologically relevant and reproducible technology. In addition, this assay system was able to identify novel and potent inducers of differentiation and proliferation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac progenitor cells.
Concise Review: Patient-Specific Stem Cells to Interrogate Inherited Eye Disease
Authors: Giacalone Joseph C. , Wiley Luke A. , Burnight Erin R. , Songstad Allison E. , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A.
Published: December 2015

Whether we are driving to work or spending time with loved ones, we depend on our sense of vision to interact with the world around us. Therefore, it is understandable why blindness for many is feared above death itself. Heritable diseases of the retina, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa, are major causes of blindness worldwide. The recent success of gene augmentation trials for the treatment of RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis has underscored the need for model systems that accurately recapitulate disease. With the advent of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), researchers are now able to obtain disease-specific cell types that would otherwise be unavailable for molecular analysis. In the present review, we discuss how the iPSC technology is being used to confirm the pathogenesis of novel genetic variants, interrogate the pathophysiology of disease, and accelerate the development of patient-centered treatments.

Significance

Stem cell technology has created the opportunity to advance treatments for multiple forms of blindness. Researchers are now able to use a person's cells to generate tissues found in the eye. This technology can be used to elucidate the genetic causes of disease and develop treatment strategies. In the present review, how stem cell technology is being used to interrogate the pathophysiology of eye disease and accelerate the development of patient-centered treatments is discussed.
Resume of interview with Ron Nicol, Boston Consulting Group
Authors: Joseph John
Published: December 2015

In this interview, Ron Nicol, Senior Partner and Managing Director at BCG and John Joseph, Assistant Professor of Strategy at the University of California-Irvine, discuss BCG’s approach to organizational design known as “delayering.” Delayering is the process by which the layers and levels in the organization are reduced and aligned so as to provide better decision making and reduce costs. As Nicol discusses, delayering is a multi-step process based on two key concepts: the geometric nature of organizational structure and LeChatelier’s Principle. Key success factors include CEO involvement, participation at multiple levels of the organization, and adherence to a carefully crafted set of design principles. Nicol also discusses the optimal structure for Fortune 500 companies and their international equivalents.
Multimarket Competition
Authors: Sengul Metin , Dimitriadis Stefan
Published: December 2015

This article provides an introduction to multimarket competition and the research stream that examines it. Multimarket competition occurs when firms meet their competitors in multiple markets and compete with them by coordinating their strategies across those markets. In this article, we present a concise exposition of the theoretical foundations of the literature on multimarket competition and illustrate how empirical research projects are typically designed in this literature. We also provide some directions for future work in this area and discuss implications for research in organization design.