bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of different doses of caffeine on cardiovascular variables and shooting performance
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohsen , Pordanjani Abbas Foroughi , Ahmadabadi Fereshte
Published: April 2015

Study aim: the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 3 mg and 5 mg per kg of body weight of caffeine on heart rate, blood pressure and shooting performance among elite shooters.

Material and methods: sStudy participants comprised 8 male shooters among athletes at the national level with at least 2 years of experience, with the mean age (26.50±13.08 years), weight (73.02 ± 12.2 kg), height (174.62 ± 8.97 cm) and BMI (23.93 ± 2.88 kg/m2). The blood pressure and heart rate of all participants were measured at rest. Participants then randomly took caffeine (3 mg and 5 mg per kg of body weight) or placebo for 3 different days, 2 days apart. One hour after ingestion, they shot with rifle and air pistol. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA with repeated measures and the Bonferroni test.

Results: the results of the survey showed that taking 5 mg/kg of caffeine caused a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) and also caused a significant increase in heart rate (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in shooting performance (p < 0.05). Moreover, taking 3 mg/kg of caffeine caused a significant increase in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). But this amount of caffeine had no significant effect on the heart rate, diastolic blood pressure or shooting performance (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: the results of this study suggest that taking 5 mg/kg of caffeine can increase the blood pressure and heart rate of the shooters that leads to a decrease in shooting performance.
Differences in wood properties of Picea abies L. Karst. in relation to site of provenance and population genetics
Authors: Sandak Jakub , Sandak Anna , Cantini Claudio , Autino Antonella
Published: April 2015

Chemical and physical characteristics of wood from six European populations of Picea abies were investigated taking into consideration their genetic differentiation determined by four microsatellites markers. The growth conditions of investigated spruce trees differed significantly. As a consequence, several adaptations were observed in samples from varying environments. The adaptation mechanisms include a variation to the annual rings morphology as well as the physical properties of the wood. It was proved that some properties, such as wood density or latewood ratio, are strictly correlated to the environmental variables. Results show that trees from geographically distinct populations present some diversity in the genotypes. It was also noticed that some trees did not share their genetic profile with other plants from the same location due to high intrapopulation variability. Samples from Finland possessed the lowest level of internal differentiation, while samples from northern Poland presented the lowest allele richness and were most divergent from the others. It was not possible to correlate any wood properties (chemical or physical) to genetic features of the population due to high intrapopulation diversity.
Threshold for ion movements in wood cell walls below fiber saturation observed by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM)
Authors: Zelinka Samuel L. , Gleber Sophie-Charlotte , Vogt Stefan , Rodríguez López Gabriela M. , Jakes Joseph E.
Published: April 2015

Diffusion of chemicals and ions through the wood cell wall plays an important role in wood damage mechanisms. In the present work, free diffusion of ions through wood secondary walls and middle lamellae has been investigated as a function of moisture content (MC) and anatomical direction. Various ions (K, Cl, Zn, Cu) were injected into selected regions of 2 μm thick wood sections with a microinjector and then the ion distribution was mapped by means of X-ray fluorescence microscopy with submicron spatial resolution. The MC of the wood was controlled in situ by means of climatic chamber with controlled relative humidity (RH). For all ions investigated, there was a threshold RH below which the concentration profiles did not change. The threshold RH depended upon ionic species, cell wall layer, and wood anatomical orientation. Above the threshold RH, differences in mobility among ions were observed and the mobility depended upon anatomical direction and cell wall layer. These observations support a recently proposed percolation model of electrical conduction in wood. The results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of fungal decay and fastener corrosion that occur below the fiber saturation point.
Air Oxidation Behavior of Two Ti-Base Alloys Synthesized by HIP
Authors: Liu S. , Guo Q. Q. , Liu L. L. , Xu L. , Liu Y. Y.
Published: April 2015

The oxidation behavior of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn and Ti-6Al-4V produced by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) has been studied at 650–850°C in air for 24 h. The oxidation kinetics of both alloys followed the parabolic law with good approximation, except for Ti-5Al-2.5Sn oxidized at 850°C. Multi-layered scales formed on both alloys at 750°C and 850°C. Ternary additions of Sn and V accounted for the different morphology of the scales formed on these two alloys. In addition, the oxidation behavior of HIP alloys is compared with that of the corresponding cast alloys and the scaling mechanism is discussed.
The Venture of Marshall Hodgson: Visionary Historian of Islam and the World
Authors: Tamari Steve
Published: April 2015

Marshall Hodgson’s scholarship, notably his contribution of the “Islamicate” to the study of Islamic civilization, parallels the work of other legendary world historians, notably Arnold Toynbee, Fernand Braudel and William McNeill. Hodgson’s work is unique in distinguishing the religious – that is, Islamic – aspects of history from the non-Muslim cultural and scientific aspects of this history as well as the roles played by non-Muslims who happened to be ruled by Muslims. Hodgson also emphasized continuities between Islamicate civilization and the wider world. In so doing, Hodgson was a precursor of much of today’s global history, from his criticism of Eurocentrism to his extensive study of cultural and historical interconnections and interdependencies. This essay reintroduces a few of Hodgson’s contributions and makes the case for greater scholarly attention to his work.
Autonomes Fahren auf der historischen Bertha-Benz-Route
Authors: Dang Thao , Lauer Martin , Bender Philipp , Schreiber Markus , Ziegler Julius , Franke Uwe , Fritz Hans , Strauß Tobias , Lategahn Henning , Keller Christoph G. , Kaus Eberhard , Rabe Clemens , Appenrodt Nils , Pfeiffer David , Lindner Frank , Stein Fridtjof , Erbs Friedrich , Enzweiler Markus , Knöppel Carsten , Hipp Jochen , Haueis Martin , Trepte Maximilian , Brenk Carsten , Tamke Andreas , Ghanaat Mohammad , Braun Markus , Joos Armin , Mock Horst , Hein Martin , Petrich Dominik , Schneider Nicolai , Kronjäger Winfried , Zeeb Eberhard , Stiller Christoph , Herrtwich Ralf G.
Published: April 2015

Im Jahre 1888 trat Bertha Benz die erste Überlandfahrt in der
Geschichte des Automobils an. 125 Jahre später wiederholte die
Mercedes Benz S-Klasse S 500 Intelligent Drive diese
historische Fahrt von Mannheim nach Pforzheim – selbständig, ohne
Fahrereingriff und im realen Verkehr. Die Bertha-Benz-Route ist
103 km lang und zeichnet sich durch eine breite Vielfalt von zu
bewältigenden Fahrsituationen aus, die repräsentativ für den heutigen
Alltagsverkehr sind. Die Strecke beinhaltet die Innenstädte von
Mannheim und Heidelberg sowie die Durchfahrung von 23 Ortschaften und
kleineren Städten. Zu den Situationen, die ein autonomes Fahrzeug auf
der Bertha-Benz-Route beherrschen muss, gehören z. B. Kreisverkehre,
Kreuzungen mit und ohne Ampelanlagen, Zebrastreifen, Überholen von
Radfahrern oder enge Ortsdurchfahrten mit entgegenkommendem
Verkehr. Eine Besonderheit des vorgestellten Projektes war die
ausschließliche Verwendung seriennaher Sensorik. Kameras und
Radarsensoren in Verbindung mit einer präzisen digitalen Karte
ermöglichten die Erfassung des Fahrzeugumfelds auch in komplexen
Situationen. Dieser Artikel liefert eine Systemübersicht des
Fahrzeugs. Er beschreibt die kamerabasierte Umgebungswahrnehmung, die
verwendeten digitalen Karten und die kartenrelative
Selbstlokalisierung sowie die Manöverplanung in komplexen
Verkehrsszenarien.
Holografische Mehrpunktgenerierung zur Positionsanalyse
Authors: Haist Tobias , Gronle Marc , Bui Duc Anh , Osten Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

Mittels einer einfachen Modifikation des optischen Abbildungssystems
werden statistische Fehler sowie Diskretisierungsfehler bei der bildbasierten
Positionsbestimmung deutlich verringert. Hierzu wird vor dem abbildenden
Objektiv ein Hologramm als Vervielfältigungselement eingesetzt. Ein einzelner
heller Objektpunkt wird so in der Ebene des Bildsensors in N Punkte
aufgespalten. Statistische Messunsicherheiten deutlich unterhalb 1/100 Pixel
lassen sich auf diese Weise mit preisgünstigen Standardsensoren
erzielen. Vorgestellt werden Messergebnisse für LED-basierte Beleuchtung im
Vergleich zu interferometrischen Kontrollmessungen. Eine Detailanalyse zeigt,
dass die verbleibenden Restfehler vor allem von punktabhängigen
Diskretisierungsfehlern dominiert werden.
Synthesizing images using parameterized models for automated optical inspection (AOI)
Authors: Retzlaff Max-Gerd , Stabenow Josua , Beyerer Jürgen , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: April 2015

When designing or improving systems for automated optical inspection (AOI),
systematic evaluation is an important but costly necessity to achieve and ensure high quality.
Computer graphics methods can be used to quickly create large virtual sets of
samples of test objects and to simulate image acquisition setups.
We use procedural modeling techniques to generate virtual
objects with varying appearance and properties, mimicking real objects and
sample sets.
Physical simulation of rigid bodies is deployed to simulate the placement of virtual objects, and
using physically-based rendering techniques we create synthetic images.
These are used as input to an AOI system instead of physically acquired images.
This enables the development, optimization, and evaluation of the image
processing and classification steps of an AOI system independently of
a physical realization.
We demonstrate this approach for shards of glass, as sorting glass is one challenging
practical application for AOI.
Streifenprojektionsgenauigkeit mit hoher Messrate – 3D-Sensorik für die schnelle, dichte und genaue Formvermessung
Authors: Schaffer Martin , Große Marcus
Published: April 2015

Dieser Beitrag stellt ein Verfahren zur optischen 3D‐Vermessung von
Oberflächenformen auf Basis der Stereophotogrammetrie und Projektion
statistischer Muster vor. Ein Vorteil im Vergleich zu üblichen
Streifenprojektionssystemen besteht in der hohen Rate, bei welcher
Muster auf das Messobjekt projiziert werden können. Dadurch kann, wie
gezeigt wird, eine sehr kurze Messzeit realisiert werden. Des Weiteren
wird die algorithmische Auswertung der Messdaten vorgestellt, die
neben der kurzen Messzeit auch eine kurze Rekonstruktionszeit
ermöglicht. Experimentelle Vergleichsdaten mit einem etablierten
Streifenlichtsensor sowie Anwendungsbeispiele belegen, dass die hohe
Aufnahmegeschwindigkeit nicht zulasten der Messpräzision geht und eine
äquivalente Messpräzision wie unter Verwendung der phasenschiebenden
Streifenprojektion erreicht werden kann.
Li Ion Dynamics in Nanocrystalline and Structurally Disordered Li2TiO3
Authors: Brandstätter Harald , Wohlmuth Dominik , Bottke Patrick , Pregartner Veronika , Wilkening Martin
Published: April 2015

The monoclinic polymorph of Li2TiO3 (β-form) is known
to be a relatively poor Li ion conductor. Up to now, no
information is available on how the ion transport properties change
when going from well-ordered crystalline Li2TiO3 to
a structurally disordered form with the same chemical
composition. Here, we used high-energy ball milling to prepare
nanocrystalline, defect-rich Li2TiO3; ion dynamics have been
studied via impedance spectroscopy. It turned out that ball
milling offers the possibility to enhance long-range ion transport in
the oxide by approximately 3 orders of magnitude. Its effect on the
oxide ceramic is two-fold: besides the introduction of a large number
of defects, the originally μm-sized crystallites are
decreased to crystallites with a mean diameter of less than
50 nm. This process is accompanied by a mechanically
induced phase transformation towards the α-form of
Li2TiO3; besides that, a significant amount of amorphous
materials is produced during milling. Structural disorder in
nanocrystalline as well as amorphous Li2TiO3 is anticipated
to play the capital role in governing Li ion dynamics of the
sample finally obtained.
Assessment of Rheology Variations of Cement Pastes Containing Clinker Grinding Aids Compliant With ASTM C465
Authors: Assaad Joseph J.
Published: April 2015

ASTM C465 (Standard Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2010,www.astm.org) is widely used in the cement industry to evaluate variability of cement properties as a result of the addition of grinding aids (GAs). The standard specifies a series of physical and chemical tests to determine whether such additions detrimentally affect cement properties; however, it refrains from considering their effects on rheological properties. This paper seeks to assess the variations in yield stress (τ0) and viscosity (η) of cement pastes containing GAs compliant with ASTM C465. Three series of cement mixtures were ground for different Blaine fineness of 2880, 3460, and 4420 ± 100 cm2/g using various concentrations and types of GAs. Regardless of Blaine and GA type, the addition of increased GA concentrations leads to improved flowability together with reduced τ0 and η responses. For dosage rates satisfactory fulfilling ASTM C465, the variations of such responses with respect to control values obtained using cement ground without GA were found to reach −25 %, −30 %, and −40 % when clinker is ground with amine-, glycol-, and phenol-based GAs, respectively. The variations in τ0 and η are independent of the water-to-cement ratio, but tend to increase for higher GA concentration and increased cement fineness. Four threshold regions corresponding to −10 %, −20 %, −30 %, and −40 % were suggested to evaluate adaptability of ASTM C465 to reflect changes in rheological properties.
Modulus Estimation of Surrounding Soils of Underground Structures in Service
Authors: Llanca-Vargas Daniel , Breul Pierre , Bacconnet Claude
Published: April 2015

Most underground structures in urban areas were built several decades ago and require diagnosis and maintenance to ensure their longevity. To ensure that diagnosis is as complete as possible, it is necessary to evaluate their state on three levels: structure lining, contact interface (soil/structure), and surrounding soil. However, at present, there is no fully appropriate technique for characterizing the parameters of surrounding soils and their variability in situ. This paper deals with a less invasive methodology used to obtain an estimation of the elasticity modulus of the surrounding soil of underground structures in service. The combined use of a dynamic lightweight penetrometric test (PANDA) and geoendoscopic tests permits estimating the deformation modulus of soils from the tip resistance (qd) for a given material and from relations established for different soil models. The paper first presents the complete methodology proposed for in situ soil characterization, then the experimental work carried out in the laboratory for obtaining the relations linking the penetration tip resistance to the elastic modulus for four soil models and for different density and moisture conditions. Finally, the performance and adaptability of the methodology for estimating soil-deformation modulus and its variability is demonstrated by in situ testing campaigns in the Paris subway network.
Numerical Investigation of Thermal Radiation Effects on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi M. Y.
Published: April 2015

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method is an authoritative, prompt, and precise non-destructive practice. EIS is often used to understand the interfacial manners in electrochemical systems and for performance optimization, failure mode diagnosis, revealing dynamic properties, and for obtaining information on individual losses in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with measuring the current response of a fuel cell to a small sinusoidal perturbation in voltage. The difference in frequency response makes it possible to distinguish procedures and mechanisms in the electrochemical phenomenon that are happening at electrode shells. The purpose of the current study was to present modeling and simulation of the transient impedance of SOFC anodes caused by gas-phase transport processes with thermal radiation effects when a periodic variation of over potential is imposed. This model fully coupled electrochemical kinetics with gas phase diffusion. The electrochemistry at the anode was modeled using the Butler–Volmer equation, and the gas diffusion model was based on the species equations of Maxwell–Stefan. SOFCs are energy conversion devices that produce electricity and heat directly from fuel by electrochemical reaction. For evaluating the performance of SOFCs, efforts were devoted to developing numerical analysis tools capable of investigating the transport and electrochemical phenomena within the passageways of fuel cells. A simulation study was also carried out by changing parameters, such as temperature and the cell dimensions, and the results were discussed. The diameter of the impedance semicircle in Nyquist plot changes with flow field properties; hence the gas phase transport curb acting as a significant character in SOFC performance. This impedance feature is related to concentration polarization. The results were in qualitatively good agreement with experimental data. Finally, results showed that the considered thermal radiation effects increase the gas diffusion capacitance and decrease the pressure, density, H2 concentrations, and cell current.
Measuring Food Intake and Nutrient Absorption in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Gomez-Amaro Rafael L , Valentine Elizabeth R , Carretero Maria , LeBoeuf Sarah E , Rangaraju Sunitha , Broaddus Caroline D , Solis Gregory M , Williamson James R , Petrascheck Michael
Published: April 2015

Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful model to study the genetics of feeding, food-related behaviors, and metabolism. Despite the many advantages of C. elegans as a model organism, direct measurement of its bacterial food intake remains challenging. Here, we describe two complementary methods that measure the food intake of C. elegans. The first method is a microtiter plate-based bacterial clearing assay that measures food intake by quantifying the change in the optical density of bacteria over time. The second method, termed pulse feeding, measures the absorption of food by tracking de novo protein synthesis using a novel metabolic pulse-labeling strategy. Using the bacterial clearance assay, we compare the bacterial food intake of various C. elegans strains and show that long-lived eat mutants eat substantially more than previous estimates. To demonstrate the applicability of the pulse-feeding assay, we compare the assimilation of food for two C. elegans strains in response to serotonin. We show that serotonin-increased feeding leads to increased protein synthesis in a SER-7-dependent manner, including proteins known to promote aging. Protein content in the food has recently emerged as critical factor in determining how food composition affects aging and health. The pulse-feeding assay, by measuring de novo protein synthesis, represents an ideal method to unequivocally establish how the composition of food dictates protein synthesis. In combination, these two assays provide new and powerful tools for C. elegans research to investigate feeding and how food intake affects the proteome and thus the physiology and health of an organism.
Birds of the Reserva Biológica do Mato Grande and surroundings, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Vizentin-Bugoni Jeferson , Jacobs Fernando Pereira , Coimbra Marco Antônio Afonso , Dias Rafael Antunes
Published: April 2015

The Reserva Biológica do Mato Grande encompasses 5,161 hectares of wetlands, restinga forests and grasslands in southern Brazil. Aiming to assemble a list of bird species occurring in the reserve, we carried out 21 monthly expeditions from July 2007 to March 2009 and an additional visit on October 2014, totaling 341 hours of sampling. We additionally searched for records in online databases and museums. In total, 211 species of birds were found, compared to 223.83 (SD = 3.88) and 214.68 (SD = 4.71) species respectively predicted through Jackknife 2 and Chao 2 estimations. Plegadis chihi was the most abundant bird roosting in the reserve. The area is important for the conservation of Circus cinereus, Spartonoica maluroides, Limnoctites rectirostris and Sporophila palustris, which are considered threatened or near-threatened in state, national and/or global levels. We emphasize the urgent need of implementing the Reserva Biológica do Mato Grande in order to conserve the regional avifauna.
Avaliações de Programas Públicos Realizadas pelo TCU na Área de Saúde
Authors: Barros Célio da Costa , Barros Filipe Machado da Costa , Batista Edimilson Monteiro , Souza Fabia Jaiany Viana de , Melo Olga Aguiar de
Published: April 2015

A Saúde é um direito fundamental do ser humano, garantido constitucionalmente pelo Estado, mediante a implementação de políticas públicas para o setor, visando a promover o bem-estar físico, mental e social da coletividade. A pesquisa buscou analisar as avaliações de programas realizadas pelo Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU), única Entidade de Fiscalização Superior (EFS) no Brasil, no período de 2000-2012, revelando os critérios no manuseio dos dados, bem como os padrões utilizados pelo órgão de controle externo. A pesquisa é exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa-quantitativa e estudo de caso. Os resultados revelam a realização de dezessete avaliações que contaram com 121 auditores, 65,29% do gênero masculino, e o emprego de dezessete tipos de técnicas de diagnóstico, predominando a entrevista e a pesquisa postal/eletrônica. Conclui-se que as avaliações de programas realizadas pelo TCU converteram-se em subsídios para o aperfeiçoamento dos rumos da gestão pública na área da saúde, uma vez que delas resultaram 305 recomendações. O TCU demonstrou a capacidade de concretizar até quatro avaliações anuais nessa área, e os monitoramentos, realizados em número de dez, foram considerados tímidos e impontuais, cobrando da Administração Pública Federal Brasileira recomendações realizadas até 2007.
Análise de Desempenho das Ações das Empresas do Setor da Construção Civil na Bovespa em Relação à Rentabilidade, Estrutura de Capital e Conjuntura Setorial
Authors: Silva Roberto Carlos Evencio Oliveira da , Koyashiki Maria Lucia Matsunaga , Cruz June Alisson Westarb , Ahlfeldt Rony , Da Silva Wesley Vieira da , Del Corso Jansen Maia
Published: April 2015

O estudo da relação entre as informações contábeis e o mercado de ações tem se tornado relevante na avaliação de risco e retorno das empresas de capital aberto. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo tem como objetivo verificar se a rentabilidade e a estrutura de capital influenciam no preço das ações das construtoras listadas na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (BOVESPA). Além disso, foi verificada a influência dos principais indicadores econômicos do setor no preço das ações. A pesquisa tem caráter descritivo. Foi utilizada a análise multivariada de dados quantitativos com o emprego da técnica de regressão linear múltipla. O período analisado se estende do primeiro trimestre de 2008 ao primeiro trimestre de 2013. Os resultados demonstram que os preços das ações das empresas são influenciados pelas variáveis selecionadas, considerando que para algumas empresas as variáveis conjunturais têm maior peso do que as variáveis de rentabilidade e estrutura de capital.
The Influence of ENSO/IOD on SST Signal in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Waters: 27-year-records of Sr/Ca from Porites corals
Authors: Cahyarini Sri Yudawati , Suharsono Suharsono
Published: April 2015

DOI:10.17014/ijog.2.1.43-51Indonesia is an interesting and important location for a climate study, because it is located in the centre of a warm pool and adjacent to Pacific and Indian Oceans. Long records of climate data are required from this region to more understand the climate variability and the response of global warming. Geochemical proxies derived from Porites corals are believed to be an excellent climate recorder. Sr/Ca content in Porites corals from Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi shows that seasonal variability of SST is resolved by coral Sr/Ca from this region. The monsoon strongly influences reconstructed SST from coral Sr/Ca. Coral SST shows strong power spectrum at the 2.75 year period. Annual to interannual coral SST signal is stronger than the decadal to interdecadal signal. Both ENSO and IOD influence coral SST at two-month and three-month lags respectively.
Government Connections and Financial Constraints: Evidence from a Large Representative Sample of Chinese Firms
Authors: Cull Robert , Li Wei , Sun Bo , Xu Lixin Colin
Published: April 2015

We examine the role of firms’ government connections, defined by government intervention in CEO appointment and the status of state ownership, in determining the severity of financial constraints faced by Chinese firms. We demonstrate that government connections are associated with substantially less severe financial constraints (i.e., less reliance on internal cash flows to fund investment), and that the sensitivity of investment to internal cash flows is higher for firms that report greater obstacles to obtaining external funds. We also find that those large non-state firms with weak government connections, likely the engine for innovation in the coming years in China, are especially financially constrained, due perhaps to the formidable hold that their state rivals have on financial resources after the ‘grabbing-the-big-and-letting-go-the-small’ privatization program in China. Our empirical results suggest that government connections play an important role in explaining Chinese firms’ financing conditions, and provide further evidence on the nature of the misallocation of credit by China’s dominant state-owned banks.
Risk Choices and Compensation Design
Authors: Carey Mark , Sun Bo
Published: April 2015

We analyze the impact of bad-tail risks on managerial pay functions, especially the decision to pay managers in stock or in options. In contrast to conventional wisdom, we find that options are often a superior vehicle for limiting managerial incentives to take bad-tail risks while providing incentives to exert effort. Arrangements similar to collar options are able to incent the desired project choice in wider range of circumstances than call options or stock. However, information requirements appear high. We briefly explore alternatives with features similar to maluses and clawbacks, which are a bit like weakening the limited liability of managers.
Large Capital Inflows, Sectoral Allocation, and Economic Performance
Authors: Converse Nathan , Fornaro Luca
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the stylized facts characterizing periods of exceptionally large capital inflows in a sample of 70 middle- and high-income countries over the last 35 years. We identify 155 episodes of large capital inflows and find that these events are typically accompanied by an economic boom and followed by a slump. Moreover, during episodes of large capital inflows capital and labor shift out of the manufacturing sector, especially if the inflows begin during a period of low international interest rates. However, accumulating reserves during the period in which capital inflows are unusually large appears to limit the extent of labor reallocation. Larger credit booms and capital inflows during the episodes we identify increase the probability of a sudden stop occurring during or immediately after the episode. In addition, the severity of the post-inflows recession is significantly related to the extent of labor reallocation during the boom, with a stronger shift of labor out of manufacturing during the inflows episode associated with a sharper contraction in the aftermath of the episode.
Patterns of Misreporting: Partner Violence Using Matched Pairs
Authors: Wenger Marin R.
Published: April 2015

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an issue of serious public concern. However, policy interventions and theoretical development have been complicated by mixed evidence about whether men or women experience higher levels of IPV. Some of this discrepancy arises from measurement and whether abuse and victimization are asked of one or both partners. This study uses matched partner data from 1,393 heterosexual couples collected in Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to examine partner IPV reporting discrepancies and develop hypotheses for why such discrepancies might exist. Consistent with expectations, the findings suggest that research on the prevalence of IPV should rely on reports from both partners, rather than just one, and that gendered patterns of social desirability create differences in men’s and women’s IPV reporting.
Violence Against Teachers in South Korea: Negative Consequences and Factors Leading to Emotional Distress
Authors: Moon Byongook , Morash Merry , Jang June Oh , Jeong SeokJin
Published: April 2015

Empirical studies indicate that violence against teachers is a globally prevalent phenomenon and has damaging negative effects on victimized teachers’ physical and emotional well-being and teaching effectiveness. Nevertheless, limited empirical research has been conducted to identify factors affecting emotional distress among victimized teachers. This research contributes to the literature by exploring negative consequence of victimization and factors associated with victimized teachers’ emotional distress in a South Korean context. The results indicate that students’ verbal and noncontact physical aggression are highly correlated with teachers’ emotional distress. Teachers’ gender, student-oriented approach, and several incident characteristics (number of offending students, direct settlement with offending students) are significant predictors of emotional distress caused by either students’ verbal threat or noncontact aggressive behaviors. Directions for future research and policy implications are discussed.
Increasing Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality From 1979 to 2010 for US Black Women Aged 20 to 49 Years
Authors: McCarthy Anne Marie , Yang Jianing , Armstrong Katrina
Published: April 2015

Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality persist, and young Black women have higher disease incidence compared with White women. We compared trends in breast cancer mortality for young Black and White women with mortality trends for other common diseases from 1979 to 2010. In contrast to other cancers, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, the breast cancer mortality disparity has widened over the past 30 years, suggesting that unique aspects of disease biology, prevention, and treatment may explain persistent racial differences for young women.
Drinking Patterns in US Counties From 2002 to 2012
Authors: Dwyer-Lindgren Laura , Flaxman Abraham D. , Ng Marie , Hansen Gillian M. , Murray Christopher J. L. , Mokdad Ali H.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We estimated the prevalence of any drinking and binge drinking from 2002 to 2012 and heavy drinking from 2005 to 2012 in every US county.

Methods. We applied small area models to Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. These models incorporated spatial and temporal smoothing and explicitly accounted for methodological changes to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System during this period.

Results. We found large differences between counties in all measures of alcohol use: in 2012, any drinking prevalence ranged from 11.0% to 78.7%, heavy drinking prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 22.4%, and binge drinking prevalence ranged from 5.9% to 36.0%. Moreover, there was wide variation in the proportion of all drinkers who engaged in heavy or binge drinking. Heavy and binge drinking prevalence increased in most counties between 2005 and 2012, but the magnitude of change varied considerably.

Conclusions. There are large differences within the United States in levels and recent trends in alcohol use. These estimates should be used as an aid in designing and implementing targeted interventions and to monitor progress toward reducing the burden of excessive alcohol use.
Oral Health Equity and Unmet Dental Care Needs in a Population-Based Sample: Findings From the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin
Authors: Malecki Kristen , Wisk Lauren E. , Walsh Matthew , McWilliams Christine , Eggers Shoshannah , Olson Melissa
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We used objective oral health screening and survey data to explore individual-, psychosocial-, and community-level predictors of oral health status in a statewide population of adults.

Methods. We examined oral health status in a sample of 1453 adult Wisconsin residents who participated in the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin Oral Health Screening project, conducted with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services during 2010.

Results. We found significant disparities in oral health status across all individual-, psychosocial-, and community-level predictors. More than 15% of participants had untreated cavities, and 20% did not receive needed oral health care. Individuals who self-reported unmet need for dental care were 4 times as likely to have untreated cavities as were those who did not report such a need, after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral factors.

Conclusions. Our results suggested that costs were a primary predictor of access to care and poor oral health status. The results underscored the role that primary care, in conjunction with dental health care providers, could play in promoting oral health care, particularly in reducing barriers (e.g., the costs associated with unmet dental care) and promoting preventive health behaviors (e.g., teeth brushing).
Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Endocrine Therapy Adherence in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roberts Megan C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Reeder-Hayes Katherine
Published: April 2015

We examined the current literature to understand factors that influence endocrine therapy (ET) adherence among racial/ethnic and socioeconomic subpopulations of breast cancer patients. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO databases for studies from January 1, 1978, to June 20, 2014, and January 1, 1991, to June 20, 2014, respectively, and hand-searched articles from relevant literature reviews. We abstracted and synthesized results within a social ecological framework.

Fourteen articles met all inclusion criteria. The majority of included articles reported significant underuse of ET among minority and low-income women. Modifiable intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community-level factors are associated with ET use, and these factors vary across subgroups.

Both race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status are associated with ET use in most settings. Variation in factors associated with ET use across subgroups indicates the need for more nuanced research and targeted interventions among breast cancer patients.
Association of Depressive Symptoms and Substance Use With Risky Sexual Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among African American Female Adolescents Seeking Sexual Health Care
Authors: Jackson Jerrold M. , Seth Puja , DiClemente Ralph J. , Lin Anne
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We examined how depression and substance use interacted to predict risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among African American female adolescents.

Methods. We measured depressive symptoms, substance use, sexual behavior, and STIs in 701 African American female adolescents, aged 14 to 20 years, at baseline and at 6-month intervals for 36 months in Atlanta, Georgia (2005–2007). We used generalized estimating equation models to examine effects over the 36-month follow-up period.

Results. At baseline, more than 40% of adolescents reported significant depressive symptoms; 64% also reported substance use in the 90 days before assessment. Depression was associated with recently incarcerated partner involvement, sexual sensation seeking, unprotected sex, and prevalent STIs (all P < .001). In addition, adolescents with depressive symptoms who reported any substance use (i.e., marijuana, alcohol, Ecstasy) were more likely to report incarcerated partner involvement, sexual sensation seeking, unprotected sex, and have an incident STI over the 36-month follow-up (all P < .05).

Conclusions. African American female adolescents who reported depressive symptoms and substance use were more likely to engage in risky behavior and acquire incident STIs. This population might benefit from future prevention efforts targeting the intersection of depression and substance use.
Addressing Health Disparities in the Mental Health of Refugee Children and Adolescents Through Community-Based Participatory Research: A Study in 2 Communities
Authors: Betancourt Theresa S. , Frounfelker Rochelle , Mishra Tej , Hussein Aweis , Falzarano Rita
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We sought to understand the problems, strengths, and help-seeking behaviors of Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees and determine local expressions of mental health problems among youths in both communities.

Methods. We used qualitative research methods to develop community needs assessments and identify local terms for child mental health problems among Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees in Greater Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts, between 2011 and 2014. A total of 56 Somali Bantu and 93 Bhutanese refugees participated in free list and key informant interviews.

Results. Financial and language barriers impeded the abilities of families to assist youths who were struggling academically and socially. Participants identified resources both within and outside the refugee community to help with these problems. Both communities identified areas of distress corresponding to Western concepts of conduct disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Conclusions. There are numerous challenges faced by Somali Bantu and Bhutanese youths, as well as strengths and resources that promote resilience. Future steps include using culturally informed methods for identifying those in need of services and developing community-based prevention programs.
Disparity in Naloxone Administration by Emergency Medical Service Providers and the Burden of Drug Overdose in US Rural Communities
Authors: Faul Mark , Dailey Michael W. , Sugerman David E. , Sasser Scott M. , Levy Benjamin , Paulozzi Len J.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We determined the factors that affect naloxone (Narcan) administration in drug overdoses, including the certification level of emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Methods. In 2012, 42 states contributed all or a portion of their ambulatory data to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System. We used a logistic regression model to measure the association between naloxone administration and emergency medical services certification level, age, gender, geographic location, and patient primary symptom.

Results. The odds of naloxone administration were much higher among EMT-intermediates than among EMT-basics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5, 6.5). Naloxone use was higher in suburban areas than in urban areas (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.5), followed by rural areas (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.3). Although the odds of naloxone administration were 23% higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the opioid drug overdose rate is 45% higher in rural communities.

Conclusions. Naloxone is less often administered by EMT-basics, who are more common in rural areas. In most states, the scope-of-practice model prohibits naloxone administration by basic EMTs. Reducing this barrier could help prevent drug overdose death.
Health Care Spending and Utilization by Race/Ethnicity Under the Affordable Care Act’s Dependent Coverage Expansion
Authors: Chen Jie , Bustamante Arturo Vargas , Tom Sarah E.
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We estimated the effect of the ACA expansion of dependents’ coverage on health care expenditures and utilization for young adults by race/ethnicity.

Methods. We used difference-in-difference models to estimate the impact of the ACA expansion on health care expenditures, out-of-pocket payments (OOP) as a share of total health care expenditure, and utilization among young adults aged 19 to 26 years by race/ethnicity (White, African American, Latino, and other racial/ethnic groups), with adults aged 27 to 30 years as the control group.

Results. In 2011 and 2012, White and African American young adults aged 19 to 26 years had significantly lower total health care spending compared with the 27 to 30 years cohort. OOP, as a share of health care expenditure, remained the same after the ACA expansion for all race/ethnicity groups. Changes in utilization following the ACA expansion among all racial/ethnic groups for those aged 19 to 26 years were not significant.

Conclusions. Our study showed that the impact of the ACA expansion on health care expenditures differed by race/ethnicity.
Cultural Reflexivity in Health Research and Practice
Authors: Aronowitz Robert , Deener Andrew , Keene Danya , Schnittker Jason , Tach Laura
Published: April 2015

Recent public health movements have invoked cultural change to improve health and reduce health disparities. We argue that these cultural discourses have sometimes justified and maintained health inequalities when those with power and authority designated their own social practices as legitimate and healthy while labeling the practices of marginalized groups as illegitimate or unhealthy. This “misrecognition,” which creates seemingly objective knowledge without understanding historical and social conditions, sustains unequal power dynamics and obscures the fact that what is deemed legitimate and healthy can be temporally, geographically, and socially relative. We use examples from research across multiple disciplines to illustrate the potential consequences of cultural misrecognition, highlight instances in which culture was invoked in ways that overcame misrecognition, and discuss how cultural reflexivity can be used to improve health research and practice.
The Medicaid Expansion Gap and Racial and Ethnic Minorities With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Andrews Christina M. , Guerrero Erick G. , Wooten Nikki R. , Lengnick-Hall Rebecca
Published: April 2015

We compared the race and ethnicity of individuals residing in states that did and did not expand Medicaid in 2014. Findings indicated that African Americans and Native Americans with substance use disorders who met new federal eligibility criteria for Medicaid were less likely than those of other racial and ethnic groups to live in states that expanded Medicaid. These findings suggest that the uneven expansion of Medicaid may exacerbate racial and ethnic disparities in insurance coverage for substance use disorder treatment.
Moving the Dial to Advance Population Health Equity in New York City Asian American Populations
Authors: Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Kwon Simona C. , Park Rebecca , Nadkarni Smiti Kapadia , Islam Nadia S.
Published: April 2015

The shift toward a health equity framework for eliminating the health disparities burden of racial/ethnic minority populations has moved away from a disease-focused model to a social determinants framework that aims to achieve the highest attainment of health for all. The New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) has identified core themes and strategies for advancing population health equity for Asian American populations in New York City that are rooted in the following: social determinants of health; multisectoral, community-engaged approaches; leveraging community assets; improved disaggregated data collection and access to care; and building sustainability through community leadership and infrastructure-building activities. We describe the strategies CSAAH employed to move the dial on population health equity.
Using Evidence-Based Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategies to Increase Access to Healthy Food and Opportunities for Physical Activity Among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
Authors: Patel Shilpa , Kwon Simona , Arista Pedro , Tepporn Ed , Chung Marianne , Ko Chin Kathy , Rideout Catlin , Islam Nadia , Trinh-Shevrin Chau
Published: April 2015

Recent initiatives have focused on the dissemination of evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental (EBPSE) strategies to reduce health disparities. Targeted, community-level efforts are needed to supplement these approaches for comparable results among Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs).The STRIVE Project funded 15 Asian American and NHPI community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement culturally adapted strategies. Partners reached more than 1.4 million people at a cost of $2.04 per person. CBOs are well positioned to implement EBPSE strategies to reduce health disparities.
Secular Trends, Race, and Geographic Disparity of Early-Stage Breast Cancer Incidence: 25 Years of Surveillance in Connecticut
Authors: Crabbe J. Christopher F. , Gregorio David I. , Samociuk Holly , Swede Helen
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We considered changes in the geographic distribution of early stage breast cancer among White and non-White women while secular trends in lifestyle and health care were under way.

Methods. We aggregated tumor registry and census data by age, race, place of residence, and year of diagnosis to evaluate rate variation across Connecticut census tracts between 1985 and 2009. Global and local cluster detection tests were completed.

Results. Age-adjusted incidence rates increased by 2.71% and 0.44% per year for White and non-White women, respectively. Significant global clustering was identified during surveillance of these populations, but the elements of clustering differed between groups. Among White women, fewer local clusters were detected after 1985 to 1989, whereas clustering increased over time among non-White women.

Conclusions. Small-area variation of breast cancer incidence rates across time periods proved to be dynamic and race-specific. Incidence rates might have been affected by secular trends in lifestyle or health care. Single cross-sectional analyses might have confused our understanding of disease occurrence by not accounting for the social context in which patient preferences or provider capacity influence the numbers and locations of diagnosed cases. Serial analyses are recommended to identify “hot spots” where persistent geographic disparities in incidence occur.
Femoral Head-Trunnion Dissociation Secondary to Corrosion of a Modular Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Arvinte Dan , Kiran Manish , Sood Manoj
Published: April 2015

Case:

We report a rare case of modular femoral head-trunnion dissociation. The patient presented with a sudden onset of groin pain and an inability to bear weight. Intermittent clunking was reported to have started around five years after implantation of the hip replacement. The duration of symptoms, radiographic findings, and analysis of the retrieved components support the theory of chronic trunnion failure due to corrosion.

Conclusion:

This is, to our knowledge, the first case of dissociation of the femoral head from the trunnion in which substantial macroscopic wear of the trunnion was observed and likely contributed to the dissociation. A new onset of clicking or clunking should be investigated as it may be a harbinger of head-neck dissociation.