bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Density-Dependent Height Repression within Jack Pine and Black Spruce Populations
Authors: Newton Peter
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of density-dependent height relationships in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) populations. After assessing and ruling out the presence of consequential spatial correlation effects, the analysis consisted of analyzing the relationship between mean dominant height and initial planting density within 28 Nelder plots located in the central portion of the Canadian Boreal Forest Region. Employing remeasurement data obtained at periodic intervals (16, 20 and 40–41 years post-establishment) across a stand density gradient ranging from a minimum of 1425 stems/ha to a maximum of 28,621 stems/ha, graphical and simple linear regression analyses were used to quantify the stand height–density relationship by species, plot and measurement year. The results indicated the presence of density-dependent effects on height development for both species: 65% of the 83 jack pine relationships and 89% of the 27 black spruce relationships had significant (p ≤ 0.05) and negative slope values. In regards to jack pine for which the data permitted, the occurrence and magnitude of the observed height repression effect increased over time. The asymptotic height repression effect for jack pine was 24% greater than that for black spruce. The results are discussed within the context of the applicability of the density-independent height growth assumption and potential implications for site quality estimation and thinning response modeling.
Analysis of Cell Wall-Related Genes in Organs of Medicago sativa L. under Different Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Behr Marc , Legay Sylvain , Hausman Jean-Francois , Guerriero Gea
Published: July 2015

Abiotic constraints are a source of concern in agriculture, because they can have a strong impact on plant growth and development, thereby affecting crop yield. The response of plants to abiotic constraints varies depending on the type of stress, on the species and on the organs. Although many studies have addressed different aspects of the plant response to abiotic stresses, only a handful has focused on the role of the cell wall. A targeted approach has been used here to study the expression of cell wall-related genes in different organs of alfalfa plants subjected for four days to three different abiotic stress treatments, namely salt, cold and heat stress. Genes involved in different steps of cell wall formation (cellulose biosynthesis, monolignol biosynthesis and polymerization) have been analyzed in different organs of Medicago sativa L. Prior to this analysis, an in silico classification of dirigent/dirigent-like proteins and class III peroxidases has been performed in Medicago truncatula and M. sativa. The final goal of this study is to infer and compare the expression patterns of cell wall-related genes in response to different abiotic stressors in the organs of an important legume crop.
MaPSeq, A Service-Oriented Architecture for Genomics Research within an Academic Biomedical Research Institution
Authors: Reilly Jason , Ahalt Stanley , McGee John , Owen Phillips , Schmitt Charles , Wilhelmsen Kirk
Published: July 2015

Genomics research presents technical, computational, and analytical challenges that are well recognized. Less recognized are the complex sociological, psychological, cultural, and political challenges that arise when genomics research takes place within a large, decentralized academic institution. In this paper, we describe a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)—MaPSeq—that was conceptualized and designed to meet the diverse and evolving computational workflow needs of genomics researchers at our large, hospital-affiliated, academic research institution. We present the institutional challenges that motivated the design of MaPSeq before describing the architecture and functionality of MaPSeq. We then discuss SOA solutions and conclude that approaches such as MaPSeq enable efficient and effective computational workflow execution for genomics research and for any type of academic biomedical research that requires complex, computationally-intense workflows.
Kaolinite Nanocomposite Platelets Synthesized by Intercalation and Imidization of Poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)
Authors: Samyn Pieter , Schoukens Gustaaf , Stanssens Dirk
Published: July 2015

A synthesis route is presented for the subsequent intercalation, exfoliation and surface modification of kaolinite (Kln) by an imidization reaction of high-molecular weight poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) or SMA in the presence of ammonium hydroxide. In a first step, the intercalation of ammonolyzed SMA by guest displacement of intercalated dimethylsulfoxide has been proven. In a second step, the imidization of ammonolyzed SMA at 160 °C results in exfoliation of the kaolinite layers and deposition of poly(styrene-co-maleimide) or SMI nanoparticles onto the kaolinite surfaces. Compared with a physical mixture of Kln/SMI, the chemically reacted Kln/SMI provides more efficient exfoliation and hydrogen bonding between the nanoparticles and the kaolinite. The kaolinite nanocomposite particles are synthesized in aqueous dispersion with solid content of 65 wt %. The intercalation and exfoliation are optimized for a concentration ratio of Kln/SMI = 70:30, resulting in maximum intercalation and interlayer distance in combination with highest imide content. After thermal curing at 135 °C, the imidization proceeds towards a maximum conversion of the intermediate amic acid moieties. The changes in O–H stretching and kaolinite lattice vibrations have been illustrated by infrared and FT-Raman spectroscopy, which allow for a good quantification of concentration and imidization effects.
A Phospholipid-Protein Complex from Krill with Antioxidative and Immunomodulating Properties Reduced Plasma Triacylglycerol and Hepatic Lipogenesis in Rats
Authors: Ramsvik Marie , Bjørndal Bodil , Bruheim Inge , Bohov Pavol , Berge Rolf
Published: July 2015

Dietary intake of marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can change the plasma profile from atherogenic to cardioprotective. In addition, there is growing evidence that proteins of marine origin may have health benefits. We investigated a phospholipid-protein complex (PPC) from krill that is hypothesized to influence lipid metabolism, inflammation, and redox status. Male Wistar rats were fed a control diet (2% soy oil, 8% lard, 20% casein), or diets where corresponding amounts of casein and lard were replaced with PPC at 3%, 6%, or 11% (wt %), for four weeks. Dietary supplementation with PPC resulted in significantly lower levels of plasma triacylglycerols in the 11% PPC-fed group, probably due to reduced hepatic lipogenesis. Plasma cholesterol levels were also reduced at the highest dose of PPC. In addition, the plasma and liver content of n-3 PUFAs increased while n-6 PUFAs decreased. This was associated with increased total antioxidant capacity in plasma and increased liver gene expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2). Finally, a reduced plasma level of the inflammatory mediator interleukin-2 (IL-2) was detected in the PPC-fed animals. The present data show that PPC has lipid-lowering effects in rats, and may modulate risk factors related to cardiovascular disease progression.
Dual Radiolabeling as a Technique to Track Nanocarriers: The Case of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Rambanapasi Clinton , Barnard Nicola , Grobler Anne , Buntting Hylton , Sonopo Molahlehi , Jansen David , Jordaan Anine , Steyn Hendrik , Zeevaart Jan
Published: July 2015

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown great potential for use in nanomedicine and nanotechnologies due to their ease of synthesis and functionalization. However, their apparent biocompatibility and biodistribution is still a matter of intense debate due to the lack of clear safety data. To investigate the biodistribution of AuNPs, monodisperse 14-nm dual-radiolabeled [14C]citrate-coated [198Au]AuNPs were synthesized and their physico-chemical characteristics compared to those of non-radiolabeled AuNPs synthesized by the same method. The dual-radiolabeled AuNPs were administered to rats by oral or intravenous routes. After 24 h, the amounts of Au core and citrate surface coating were quantified using gamma spectroscopy for 198Au and liquid scintillation for the 14C. The Au core and citrate surface coating had different biodistribution profiles in the organs/tissues analyzed, and no oral absorption was observed. We conclude that the different components of the AuNPs system, in this case the Au core and citrate surface coating, did not remain intact, resulting in the different distribution profiles observed. A better understanding of the biodistribution profiles of other surface attachments or cargo of AuNPs in relation to the Au core is required to successfully use AuNPs as drug delivery vehicles.
Laboratory Determined Sugar Content and Composition of Commercial Infant Formulas, Baby Foods and Common Grocery Items Targeted to Children
Authors: Walker Ryan , Goran Michael
Published: July 2015

Excess added sugar consumption is tied to poor health outcomes in children. The sugar content of beverages and foods children are exposed to is mostly unknown, yet this information is imperative for understanding potential risks from overconsumption of sugars in early life. We determined actual sugar content by conducting a blinded laboratory analysis in infant formulas, breakfast cereals, packaged baked goods and yogurts. One hundred samples were sent to an independent laboratory for analysis via gas chromatography. Sugar content and composition was determined and total sugar was compared against nutrition labels. Of the 100 samples analyzed, 74% contained ≥20% of total calories per serving from added sugars. Nutrient label data underestimated or overestimated actual sugars and ~25% of all samples had actual total sugar values that were either <10% or >10% of labeled total sugar. Many products that are frequently marketed to and consumed by infants and young children contain sugars in amounts that differ from nutrition labels and often in excess of recommended daily levels. These findings provide further support for adding more comprehensive sugar labeling to food and beverage products, specifically those marketed to, or commonly consumed by, children.
Additional Indicators to Promote Social Sustainability within Government Programs: Equity and Efficiency
Authors: Tirado Adriana , Morales Mariana , Lobato-Calleros Odette
Published: July 2015

Social programs are crucial to reduce poverty and inequity in developing countries. The operation of social programs, however, cannot be improved with traditional engineering tools since these tools are designed to maximize profits: in social programs maximizing profits is not the objective, social sustainability is. Field research was conducted and it was found that the operation of social programs is considered more socially sustainable if it meets two criteria: Efficiency and Equity; in other words, if the program can help more people who need it the most. This paper proposes a methodology centered in the development of mathematical formulas for the concepts of Efficiency and Equity, so that, by being able to measure them, government programs operation can be enhanced with engineering tools. The methodology is illustrated with a case study, a subsidized milk distribution program in Mexico, called Liconsa. Once the formulas were developed and used in a simulation model for Liconsa, different policies were tested and their results regarding Efficiency and Equity were compared. Results showed the best policies for Liconsa are the balanced ones: where help is increased for beneficiaries, while cost reduction commitments are obtained. In the discussion it is argued how the developed Equity and Efficiency indicators help to understand the tradeoffs between the objectives in opposition: instead of analyzing dozens of indicators, some of them improving and others worsening, the two formulas allow to capture all effects into two objectives and evaluate decisions based on their integral impact. Conclusions show that the mathematical definition of Equity and Efficiency supports better and more informed decision making towards improving the social sustainability of the programs operation. The mathematical definition of Equity and Efficiency and its use in engineering models helps balance the opposing objectives of social programs operation and promotes better and faster changes towards more socially sustainable programs.
Development of Network Analysis and Visualization System for KEGG Pathways
Authors: Seo Dongmin , Lee Min-Ho , Yu Seok
Published: July 2015

Big data refers to informationalization technology for extracting valuable information through the use and analysis of large-scale data and, based on that data, deriving plans for response or predicting changes. With the development of software and devices for next generation sequencing, a vast amount of bioinformatics data has been generated recently. Also, bioinformatics data based big-data technology is rising rapidly as a core technology by the bioinformatician, biologist and big-data scientist. KEGG pathway is bioinformatics data for understanding high-level functions and utilities of the biological system. However, KEGG pathway analysis requires a lot of time and effort because KEGG pathways are high volume and very diverse. In this paper, we proposed a network analysis and visualization system that crawl user interest KEGG pathways, construct a pathway network based on a hierarchy structure of pathways and visualize relations and interactions of pathways by clustering and selecting core pathways from the network. Finally, we construct a pathway network collected by starting with an Alzheimer’s disease pathway and show the results on clustering and selecting core pathways from the pathway network.
La faille du Vuache (Jura méridional):un accident géologique pas si tranquille
Authors: Amato Edgardo
Published: July 2015

La faille du Vuache, probablement héritée du socle hercynien, affecte l'ensemble des terrains qu'elle traverse, jusqu'aux dépôts quaternaires. Une étude pour déterminer sa séismicité à l'époque historique a mis à jour plus de nonante macro-séismes, générés par son mouvement ou par celui de ses accidents annexes. Par la répartition spatiale des épicentres de ces tremblements de terre, on peut esquisser une carte structurale des accidents actifs de la partie occidentale du Bassin Genevois.
La fabrication du paysage dans la région des lacs du Sud des Alpes
Authors: Ferrata Claudio
Published: July 2015

Résumé : Après avoir considéré le modèle de la «Ville du sud destinée aux étrangers » ainsi que H. Hesse l'avait décrite, l'article analyse l'invention du paysage dans la région des lacs insubriens, et en particulier des lacs tessinois, considérant quatre aspects distincts : le jardin, le lac, le regard panoramique et les perceptions du climat.
Un musée dans le territoire : le Musée ethnographique de la Vallée de Muggio
Authors: Crivelli Ruggero
Published: July 2015

Abstract : The Ethnography Muséum ofthe Muggio Valley (MEVM) sets itself apart from the traditional notion of a museum as a building with displays and collections of ethnographie objects. In 1980, the organizers of the MEVM adopted the then innovative concept of an "ecomuseum ", a term that stems from ideas developed in France in the field of the cultural promotion of the local territory. The creation of a museum in its local territory lies at the basis of all the activities promoted by the MEVM. This cultural heritage characterizes the museum and its environmental, historical and ethnographie contents are the main strengths of the MEVM. Through inventories, publications, projects and involvement in restoration schemes and cultural activities, the MEVM is engagea in promoting the appreciation of the landscape as a resource and as a source of wellbeing.
Migrations internes et mobilité de travail au Tessin : dynamiques démographiques et territoriales 1860-1910
Authors: Lorenzetti Luigi
Published: July 2015

Abstract : The article analyzes the characteristics and the dynamics of internal migrations and work mobility in Ticino during the period of economic modernization in the second half of Nineteenth century. Statistical indicators, (especially because of the présence of inhabitants born outside their domicile's community) suggest that internai migrations of this period mitigated the process of demographic concentration in the canton. Moreover, the distance between rural communities and the urban centre of the canton has different effects on the work mobility of the beginning of the Twentieth century.
L'occident peut-il être exotique ? De la possibilité d'un exotisme inversé
Authors: Gauthier Lionel
Published: July 2015

Résumé : Plusieurs auteurs ont proposé des alternatives à l'exotisme unidirectionnel (de l'Occident vers le reste du globe). On parle ainsi d'exotisme de renvoi, d'exotisme à l'envers, de contre-exotisme et d'exotisme souverain. Ces différentes propositions permettent de s'interroger sur l'exotisme, les rapports entre l'Occident et le reste de l'humanité, et le devenir de ces rapports à l'heure où de nouvelles puissances émergent.
Le papier peint panoramique français, ou l'exotisme à domicile
Authors: Claval Paul
Published: July 2015

Abstract : The production of wallpaper developed mainly in France from 1750-1760. Between 1790 and 1865, landscapes - people spoke at the time of "panoramic" wallpapers - formed a significant share of the market. They were a French specialty. The production of these panoramas was made possible thanks to a few technical innovations. The taste for "philosophie" travels and the romantic curiosity for nature explained the success of these very big pictures : it was a way to practice exoticism at home. Later, other tastes and the competition coming from photography explained the decline of these productions.
Le redéploiement touristique d'Evian les Bains : vers un tourisme métropolitain
Authors: Fererol Marie-Eve
Published: July 2015

Abstract : Evian found itself confronted at the beginning of the 90's with a dual dilemma : how to benefit from the vibrancy of the Lake Geneva area without losing its independence from Geneva and Lausanne ? How to put an end to the slump that has characterised its economy since the 70's and 80's ? The strategic choice of the town has been to promote business tourism. Tactical choices involving major public works and an almost excessive communications policy have produced the desired results. Evian is now a fledgling "metropolitan resort".
Des pierres et des dieux. L'art rupestre de la Valteline et du Valcamonica
Authors: Casini Stefania , De Marinis Raffaele C.
Published: July 2015

Résumé : Plusieurs centaines de dessins de figures anthropomorphes et zoomorphes, d'armes, de parures ainsi que de soleils et de symboles plus ou moins abstraits ont été gravés sur la roche et des centaines de statues-stèles ont été érigées au cours du IIIe millénaire av. J.-C. en Valteline et en Valcamonica (Lombardie, Italie). L'analyse de l'iconographie et la comparaison d'armes et de parures représentées avec des poignards, des hallebardes, des haches ou des pendentifs trouvés lors des fouilles archéologiques montrent les changements opérés dans l'idéologie des sociétés de l'âge du Cuivre. L 'importance croissante de personnages hégémoniques — peut-être descendants d'une divinité — profondément imbibés d'une image masculine reconnaissable à travers son armement et son habillement, expriment une société en forte mutation sous le signe de la hiérarchisation et du pouvoir.
Les premiers pasteurs du Valais
Authors: Curdy Philippe , Chaix Louis
Published: July 2015

Summary : The archaeological excavations carried out in the upper Rhone valley and the palaeo-environmental approaches have led to a better understanding of the transition from predation to production economy. In Wallis, a gap of a millennium separates the last huniers from the first agro-pastoral communities, probably arrived from southern France or northern Italy. Their economy is mainly based on stock-breeding of caprines (sheep and goat) and cattle. Hunting is marginally developed. Some data reflect seasonal movements and travel in altitude. However, it is not yet possible to understand the procedures. These practices, initiated during the Early Neolithic, will continue until the historical periods.
Topographies littéraires de la modernité. Copenhague, Oslo (Kristiania) et Stockholm lus par August Strindberg, Herman Bang et Knut Hamsun
Authors: Briens Sylvain
Published: July 2015

A travers l’étude de trois romans scandinaves de la fin du XIXe siècle (Röda rummet d’August Strindberg, Stuk de Herman Bang et Sult de Knut Hamsun), cet article analyse comment le discours sur la ville (Stockholm dans Röda rummet, Copenhague dans Stuk et Kristiania dans Sult) exprime une nouvelle manière de penser, une nouvelle représentation de l’environnement et une nouvelle esthétique. Un questionnement relevant de la géographie littéraire permet de dégager les modalités de création d’une nouvelle narration mettant au centre de son esthétique une ville tour à tour spectacle, texte et paysage.
Les ontologies urbaines de la littérature : l’exemple de la flânerie parisienne avant Baudelaire
Authors: David Jérôme
Published: July 2015

Une histoire littéraire fine de la première moitié du XIXe siècle repère des variations significatives parmi l’ensemble des textes qui relatent une expérience de flânerie parisienne. Elle met au jour une pluralité d’ontologies urbaines instituées par la littérature : aux écrivains qui pensent la ville comme une mosaïque de quartiers répondent ainsi ceux qui, pour des raisons à la fois politiques et esthétiques, l’envisagent comme un tout organique et homogène.
Lisbonne entre lieu et fiction, une lecture géographique de la Ville blanche d'Alain Tanner
Authors: Hochkofler Gianni , Scariati Renato
Published: July 2015

A l''heure où une Lisbonne low-cost et mondialisée attire toujours davantage de touristes, l''article suggère quelques pistes de réflexion sur les modes de la géographie humaniste et culturelle, à partir de l''oeuvre d''Alain Tanner : Dans la Ville blanche (1982). Notre interprétation personnelle du film met en exergue les qualités existentielles de cette ville-lieu encore bien prégnantes dans les années 1980, lorsque des auteurs tels que Anne Cauquelin ou Armand Frémont annoncent déjà l''émergence de la ville-planétaire et de la ville-abstraite.
Expérience urbaine à l'Estadio da Luz
Authors: Bing Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2015

" Total social fact", a football match can serve as urbanity concentrate. The report of Benfica-Chelsea (27.03.2012, quarter-final of the Champions League) will thus explore various facets of the urban experience of discovering Lisbon during a study trip : link between a club and its city, power relations around today’s professional football, development of a topophilia.
Characterizing Quotation
Authors: Shan Chung-chieh
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
Continuation-based semantics for Conventional Implicatures: The case of Japanese benefactives
Authors: Kubota Yusuke , Uegaki Wataru
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
Nothing else for 'something else': A variable-free account
Authors: Kubota Yusuke , Uegaki Wataru
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
Relevance of Polarity for the Online Interpretation of Scalar Terms
Authors: Panizza Daniele , Huang Yi Ting , Chierchia Gennaro , Snedeker Jesse
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
14-3-3η Autoantibodies: Diagnostic Use in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Boire Gilles , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Wichuk Stephanie , Turk Samina , Boers Maarten , Siminovitch Katherine A. , Bykerk Vivian , Keystone Ed , Tak Paul Peter , van Kuijk Arno W. , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Desiree , Murphy Mairead , Marotta Anthony
Published: July 2015

Objective.

To describe the expression and diagnostic use of 14-3-3η autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

14-3-3η autoantibody levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescent multiplexed assay in 500 subjects (114 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naive patients with early RA, 135 with established RA, 55 healthy, 70 autoimmune, and 126 other non-RA arthropathy controls). 14-3-3η protein levels were determined in an earlier analysis. Two-tailed Student t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests compared differences among groups. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and diagnostic performance was estimated by area under the curve (AUC), as well as specificity, sensitivity, and likelihood ratios (LR) for optimal cutoffs.

Results.

Median serum 14-3-3η autoantibody concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in patients with early RA (525 U/ml) when compared with healthy controls (235 U/ml), disease controls (274 U/ml), autoimmune disease controls (274 U/ml), patients with osteoarthritis (259 U/ml), and all controls (265 U/ml). ROC curve analysis comparing early RA with healthy controls demonstrated a significant (p < 0.0001) AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.85–0.95). At an optimal cutoff of ≥ 380 U/ml, the ROC curve yielded a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 91%, and a positive LR of 8.0. Adding 14-3-3η autoantibodies to 14-3-3η protein positivity enhanced the identification of patients with early RA from 59% to 90%; addition of 14-3-3η autoantibodies to anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) increased identification from 72% to 92%. Seventy-two percent of RF- and ACPA-seronegative patients were positive for 14-3-3η autoantibodies.

Conclusion.

14-3-3η autoantibodies, alone and in combination with the 14-3-3η protein, RF, and/or ACPA identified most patients with early RA.
Barriers to Medication Decision Making in Women with Lupus Nephritis: A Formative Study using Nominal Group Technique
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Qu Haiyan , Yazdany Jinoos , Chatham Winn , Dall’era Maria , Shewchuk Richard M.
Published: July 2015

Objective.

To assess the perspectives of women with lupus nephritis on barriers to medication decision making.

Methods.

We used the nominal group technique (NGT), a structured process to elicit ideas from participants, for a formative assessment. Eight NGT meetings were conducted in English and moderated by an expert NGT researcher at 2 medical centers. Participants responded to the question: “What sorts of things make it hard for people to decide to take the medicines that doctors prescribe for treating their lupus kidney disease?” Patients nominated, discussed, and prioritized barriers to decisional processes involving medications for treating lupus nephritis.

Results.

Fifty-one women with lupus nephritis with a mean age of 40.6 ± 13.3 years and disease duration of 11.8 ± 8.3 years participated in 8 NGT meetings: 26 African Americans (4 panels), 13 Hispanics (2 panels), and 12 whites (2 panels). Of the participants, 36.5% had obtained at least a college degree and 55.8% needed some help in reading health materials. Of the 248 responses generated (range 19–37 responses/panel), 100 responses (40%) were perceived by patients as having relatively greater importance than other barriers in their own decision-making processes. The most salient perceived barriers, as indicated by percent-weighted votes assigned, were known/anticipated side effects (15.6%), medication expense/ability to afford medications (8.2%), and the fear that the medication could cause other diseases (7.8%).

Conclusion.

Women with lupus nephritis identified specific barriers to decisions related to medications. Information relevant to known/anticipated medication side effects and medication cost will form the basis of a patient guide for women with systemic lupus erythematosus, currently under development.
Medical Nomads
Authors: Noguchi Hitoshi
Published: July 2015

Medical tourism is currently a catch-all phrase to describe any form of travel across borders for the purpose of receiving medical treatment. Up to this point in time, there have basically been only two kinds; patients from developing countries seeking advanced medical care unavailable in their homeland and patients from developed countries seeking lower prices or faster attention for their medical care. Although these two groups have been growing exponentially in recent years and pose substantial challenges on their own, little attention has been paid to a third arm of the medical tourism industry which potentially may have greater ramifications for the future. There is an emerging class of on-line entrepreneurs who may take advantage of their choice of lifestyle to enhance the range of choices in their medical treatment, and this group should be recognized. This chapter discusses the demands and challenges this new arm of medical tourism may pose for public policy, medical financing and medical practice.
The Surrogacy Trail
Authors: Hieda M.
Published: July 2015

Surrogacy is the carrying of a child for its intended parents by another person where they cannot do this themselves. There are two main types; gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. The first relies on the transfer of an embryo created by in-vitro fertilization (IVF); the resulting child is not genetically related to the surrogate mother. In the traditional form, the surrogate mother is impregnated naturally or artificially, and the child is genetically related to the surrogate. In either case the intended parent(s) may seek such arrangements when pregnancy may be difficult, or because they are male. If the surrogate mother is paid (other than out-of-pocket expenses), the arrangement is commercial surrogacy; otherwise it is ‘altruistic' surrogacy. Legal situations and costs vary, and if possible at all, usually requires specific arrangements between countries. Problems, such those in the recent Australia-Thailand (Gammy) case, can arise even with agreements.
“Almost Invisible Scars”
Authors: Edmonds Alexander
Published: July 2015

Taking Brazil as a case study this chapter analyzes the broader inequities and ethical issues involved in cosmetic surgery tourism. Brazil is the world's second largest market for cosmetic surgery, behind the United States. In light of the international respect enjoyed by Brazilian plastic surgeons, and relatively low prices charged by some, it is not surprising that the country has also become a top destination for cosmetic surgery tourism. The growing demand for cosmetic surgery has often been heralded, in Brazil at least, as a national triumph. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Brazilian plastic surgery clinics, this chapter discusses the institutions, clinical practices, and medical construction of women's bodies underlying cosmetic surgery tourism. Cosmetic surgery tourism to Brazil illustrates that a developing country is effectively competing in a global market of private medical treatments, but does so by utilizing economic and “human” resources provided by a state-funded healthcare system.
An Early Pioneer of Medical Tourism's Use of the Internet and Social Media
Authors: Pardo Phillip D.
Published: July 2015

Medical tourism, as has been mentioned numerous times in other chapters in this book, is not a new concept, but what happened in the early 1990's with the advent of the Internet was truly novel. For most medical physicians the potential of this innovation was quite unexpected and at first difficult to accept. Some however embraced it… this is the story of one doctor practicing in Belgium who saw the potential of the web and instead of bowing to the perceived threat, embraced its full potential from day one. By looking at the effects of the internet on Medical Tourism using a SWOT analysis and following this pioneer from the mid 1990's (remember that 1993 marks the first real use of websites), this chapter tries to map the earliest evolution of the use of the web for the delivery of medicine and medical advice.
Tourism for Welfare, Transformation, and Spiritual Development
Authors: Nandedkar Sarang Shirish
Published: July 2015

Awareness practices like yoga-spirituality-meditation-wellness and alternative lifestyles have the power to influence the course of tourism in today's world. The Global Vipassana Pagoda (GVP) in Mumbai attracts health and wellness tourists. This chapter looks at the Pagoda's non-commercial spiritual orientation, and the fact that it could be the first consciousness based approach of tourism management in the World. The operations are worth studying in the context of medical tourism as they involves social welfare, travel, conservation, eco-friendliness, voluntourism, and living harmoniously within the laws of nature (dharma). GVP is a living example of how tourists on one hand “WOW” their senses, and on the other, learn life transforming meditation techniques that have potential not only to make them happier, but also to lead them on the path of greatest health and wellness realization, in conjunction with their medical treatment in adjacent hospitals.
The Americas
Authors: Pardo Phillip D.
Published: July 2015

This chapter outlines some of the practice and assesses the status of medical tourism in the Americas. A selection of countries as case studies is all that is possible in relation to this huge origin and destination market, but the chapter covers the main issues and trends. Perhaps the best place to begin is with the USA, given that it can be characterized as the country that, through its selective and highly expensive approach to medicine, and its relatively unhealthy though rich population, has probably contributed most in recent years to the rise of international travel for medical reasons. But first, some general observations and statistics relating to the region as a whole are discussed.
The Impact of CRM and Social Media Technologies on Customer-Orientation Process and Sales Performance
Authors: Sheykhlar Mahdi , Keshvari Rozita Shahbaz
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this chapter is studying that technology, such as customer relationship management systems and social media, improves the understanding of how to manage interactions with customers in today's digital era. Iran's auto industry has passed the first states of a new born auto industry (assembling the imported parts) and before the revolution, some of the car factories were upgraded to factories with the ability of design and production of spare parts. In order to examine the research model, data was gathered from survey of car representatives of IRAN. Participants included different levels in sales. Data was collected using an emailed link to an online survey supported by two reminder emails. 843 respondents completed the 130+ item. No significant difference between the data was evidenced. Results show that CRM and social media positively influence customer orientation activities, which in turn positively impact sales performance. Managerial implications are provided regarding the potential power CRM and social media has on sales performance.
Seeking Solutions to the Challenges in Health Services in Developing Nations
Authors: McCormack Jessica , Rawstorne Patrick , Sheikh Mohamud
Published: July 2015

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, 2010, confirmed that the world's population is living longer and we are now less likely than a decade earlier to die from an infectious disease but also more likely to live our twilight years with morbidity (Murray et al., 2012). We will also most likely die from a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes (Beaglehole, et al., 2008). However this brief glimpse at the trends in the health of the world's population obscures massive inequalities in the burden of disease as well as variations across the globe. In this piece, we will revisit primary health care, both at its dawn, its contribution to developing nations, and the ills it struggled through over the years. Cuba and Thailand are the key examples of developing nations that have experienced the contribution of primary health care more than most other countries.
Nomadic Clinics as Innovative Concept that Transforms Health Care Services in Mobile Population
Authors: Gure Siyat Moge
Published: July 2015

Nomads have the shared habit of migrating from one area to another. They contribute enormously to the economic development of the world. In Kenya's North Eastern counties, 60-70% of the population practices nomadic pastoralists. These counties has the poorest health indicator as a result of inadequate strategies in extending conventional health care to the nomadic population. In an effort to address this, a unique health delivery model dubbed ‘nomadic clinic'; was unveiled. An evaluation study was carried out to assess access, utilization, impact and cost- effectiveness of the clinic as well as to establish the community and staff perceptions on health service it provides. This was done in comparison to three static health facilities. Nearly all assessed indicators favoured the nomadic clinics. However, the mobile clinics faced myriad of challenges principally due to resource constraints. Fortunately, the new devolved system of governance provides unequivocal opportunities.
Improving the Effects of Global Health Initiatives through FOMENT
Authors: Haider Muhiuddin , Makrinos Theofani , Sarkar Madhurima
Published: July 2015

The incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases is rising globally in both developed and developing nations. New methodologies are required for reaching the general population and promoting preventative behavior. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the Focus, Organization, Management, Environment, Network, and Technology (FOMENT) process as a strategy and a tool to enhance the impact and efficiency of the diffusion process within public health systems and change agencies, especially in developing countries. FOMENT can be seen as an extension of Everett Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI) and can be used by organizations to maximize the diffusion rate of health initiatives into a community. The understanding of individual variables from DOI and organizational variables from FOMENT, as well as their corresponding indicators will support the convergence approach to enhance diffusion capacity building (DCB) needed for the adoption of innovations and related behavior change.
Water and Sanitation
Authors: Osman Abdi D. , Robinson Priscilla , Lin Vivian , Jackson Darryl , Mwanthi Mutuku
Published: July 2015

Globally, the provision of clean and safe drinking water to most populations has been an elusive development goal though some of us take the availability of this vital resource for granted. Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target 7.C is the target, which addresses sustainability and access to water, among other developmental goals. As the preceding targets appear elusive, Kenya is now refocussing on Vision 2030. It is important to identify reasons for this to avoid a repetition during the next fifteen years. In order to discover the factors hampering these achievements, all possible contributing factors need to be investigated and the focus of this chapter is the Kenya national legislation and policies. Based on the findings, we recommend a reassessment of policies on groundwater management, reconsideration of ideal universal goals and political commitment by state and organisational accountability to identify better strategies for achieving internationally identified standards and goals.
Community Development and Faith-Based Organizations
Authors: Wrightman Stephanie
Published: July 2015

This chapter is a reflection of analyses, experiences and research on the opportunities and challenges of working with faith-based organisations (FBO's) in the context of global health. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the important role that FBO's have with state and non-state actors in the development of communities in complex contexts. The role of FBO's in development are demonstrated in reference to the Author's work experience with FBO's, which form case studies in East Africa, and Timor Leste. Further analyses through literature build on these experiences to demonstrate the leading role FBO's can have with state and non-state actors, and the effects on public health. In the case study of Timor Leste, suggestions are proposed to overcome challenges and build on the opportunities of state and non-state actors incorporating the Catholic Church into health programs.
The Treatment of Cheese Whey Wastewater by Waste Activated Sludge and Optimization of Treatment Conditions with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Khayati Gholam , Barati Morteza
Published: July 2015

The biological treatments are convenient and economical methods for improving the efficiency of industrial waste water treatment. Activated sludge is the most important biological wastewater treatment processes. Batch cultures for the treatment of whey with activated sludge were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). A second-order central composite design was applied to evaluate the effects of three independent variables (aeration time, pH and percentage of sludge volume) on COD removal percent. Optimum conditions were estimated through RSM at 23.4 h aeration time, pH=6.8 and 5.6 (%v/v) sludge volume/ wastewater volume and to achieve 38.1% COD removal. 1 (g/L) addition of PAC reduction COD until 48.7%.
Text Mining Applied to Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Pereira Luís , Rijo Rui , Silva Catarina , Martinho Ricardo
Published: July 2015

The analysis of medical records is a major challenge, considering they are generally presented in plain text, have a very specific technical vocabulary and are nearly always unstructured. It is an interdisciplinary work that requires knowledge from several fields. The analysis may have several goals, such as assistance on clinical decision, classification of medical procedures, and to support hospital management decisions. This work presents the concepts involved, the relevant existent related work, and the main open issues for future research within the analysis of electronic medical records, using data and text mining techniques. It provides a comprehensive contextualization to all those who wish to perform an analytical work of medical records, enabling the identification of fruitful research fields. With the digitalization of medical records and the large amount of medical data available, this is an area of wide research potential.
The Right Kind Of Telling
Authors: Hatfield David
Published: July 2015

Epistemic network analysis provides a useful method for measuring the development of meaningful skills and ways of thinking for participants in epistemic games. This study compares the development of an epistemic frame in a journalism epistemic game, science.net, a role-playing game modeled on authentic journalism practice in which students take on the role of journalists and interact with fellow students and mentors, with a professional journalism practicum. Analyzing the discourse produced by both the game and the practicum through epistemic network analysis (ENA) shows how the virtual internship produced the same type of mentor feedback as the professional practicum on which it was modeled. Players also were able to learn different aspects of journalistic professional expertise as a result of playing the game, and these learning gains continued to be present months after the game was over. Participants in both the simulation and practicum demonstrated significant increases in journalism performance as measured through ENA. Epistemic games, like science.net, have the potential to reproduce key training practices of professional experiences and develop the components of epistemic frames of particular communities. ENA is a valuable tool for assessing the ability of epistemic games to produce these results.
Decision Making Approach to Fuzzy Linear Programming (FLP) Problems with Post Optimal Analysis
Authors: Pattnaik Monalisha
Published: July 2015

This paper finds solutions to the fuzzy linear program where some parameters are fuzzy numbers. In practice, there are many problems in which all decision parameters are fuzzy numbers, and such problems are usually solved by either probabilistic programming or multi objective programming methods. Unfortunately all these methods have shortcomings. In this paper, using the concept of comparison of fuzzy numbers, the author introduces a very effective method for solving these problems. This paper extends linear programming based problem in fuzzy environment. With the problem assumptions, the optimal solution can still be theoretically solved using the simplex based method. To handle the fuzzy decision variables can be initially generated and then solved and improved sequentially using the fuzzy decision approach by introducing robust ranking technique. The model is illustrated with an application and a post optimal analysis approach is obtained. The proposed procedure was programmed with MATLAB (R2009a) version software, the four dimensional slice diagram is represented to the application. Finally, numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results, and to gain additional managerial insights.
Motivational Influences on Project Risk Management and Team Performance
Authors: Akpan James Williams
Published: July 2015

This article was designed to evaluate motivational influences on project team performance. The specific objectives were to examine the various theories of motivation, motivation strategies and to establish the correlation between motivation and the project team performance measured by the extent to which a project is completed within the context of such project constraint factors such as cost, time, technology etc. The desk and descriptive research designs were used and data collected from existing documents and materials such as journals, periodicals, textbooks, magazine and internet. The data were analysed qualitatively and descriptively. It was discovered that the public sector projects including road project sampled for this work were doing well as a result of inadequate motivation of the project members aside from other factors, such as poor funding or delays in the release of funds. Consequent upon this, it was recommended that, a comprehensive motivation package should be worked out and set aside for project team members as well as evolution of well-defined structure of incentives based on the peculiar attributes of team members and the projects task or activities that must be accomplished, among other. It was therefore concluded that although motivation exerts significant influences on project team performance, it should always be blended with other management functions critical to enhanced project team performance.