bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Discrete Service Process Optimization
Authors: Wang Jing , Luo Chengcheng
Published: October 2013

The discrete service process is a new concept that contains a series of related events in chronological order. During the service process, customers experience a series of service encounters and each event may contribute to the overall evaluation of the service. In this chapter, firstly, a new definition of discrete service process is described and the Sequential Incident Technique (SIT) is applied to analyze the discrete service process of a famous Chinese restaurant – Hai Di Lao Hot Pot. Then, two methods are used to optimize the discrete service process. One is the Revised Kano model, which combines attribute-based methods with incident-based methods; the other is eye-tracking experiments based on customer-experienced utility. Finally, improvements are suggested based on the research conclusion.
Knowledge Transfer in Product-Based Service Design
Authors: Uchihira Naoshi
Published: October 2013

Recently, manufacturing companies have been moving into product-based service businesses in addition to providing the products themselves. It is not easy for engineers in manufacturing companies to create new service businesses. In order to design product-based services more effectively and efficiently, systematic design methods suitable for the service businesses have been proposed, which provide design processes, checklists, and patterns. However, inexperienced designers still feel difficulties because they cannot understand the meaning of the checklists and patterns. In this chapter, the authors propose knowledge transfer in product-based service design, in which structured design cases are used to understand and utilize the checklists and patterns in the service design method called DFACE-SI.
A Self-Management Service Framework to Support Chronic Disease Patients' Self-Management
Authors: Supnithi Thepchai , Buranarach Marut , Thatphithakkul Nattanun , Junsirimongkol Boonek , Wongrochananan Suwaree , Kulnawan Nittayawan , Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj
Published: October 2013

Chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc., are major public health problems worldwide. Self-management is an essential process for improving care of patients with chronic diseases. This chapter illustrates the generation of a conceptual model through a research survey on a self-management system of chronic diseases and classification of the functions in each system. Then, the chapter discusses knowledge and system components in the prospects of services realized by case study of self-management support systems for type-2 diabetic patients. The related design issues and the service components of the support systems illustrate practical examples of the application of service science in the medical field.
Inputs from the New Economics of Migration of Medical Doctors in Eastern and Central Europe
Authors: Boboc Cristina , Titan Emilia
Published: October 2013

This is a contribution to the new economics of skilled labor emigration that focuses on the mobility of physicians inside European Union from ECE countries. Economic models under risk neutrality and aversion are used. The findings show that the education could change significantly the results on the emigration benefices. Comparisons of theoretical and observed relative human capital per country averages are conducted and ensured the statistical validity of the model used. The empirical results based on the available data on emigration by Docquier and Marfouk (2008) but also by Bhargava, Docquier, and Moullan (2010) allowed further use of the model to understand the current trends in the emigration of physicians and the border between brain gain and brain drain. The countries included in the study all exhibited brain gain between 1991-2004. Each country is encouraged to anticipate the likely effects of this emigration on the economy with the increase of health demand, the domestic wages, and the increase in education capacity for medical doctors.
Trends and Prospects of the Moroccan Health System
Authors: Zouag Nada , Driouchi Ahmed
Published: October 2013

This chapter looks at the current situation of health deficits and shortages in Morocco with a focus on the role of medical education. The trends and prospects in health care, medical staffing, and medical education are analyzed. The attained results from both trend description and simulations of patterns show major shortages relative to the needs. The existence of these trends appeals for further cooperation in the areas of health care through emphasis on medical education and research. These outcomes appear to be promising for the pursuit of satisfying the needs of a growing population and demand for healthcare. Further cooperation can lead to the acceleration of a mutual win-win collaborative process between Northern and Southern economies with no room for brain drain in the case of medical doctors. This chapter introduces the health system of Morocco to the reader and helps in better perceiving the survey conducted with medical doctors in Morocco and that is analyzed in the following chapter.
Main Components of Cloud Computing
Authors: Shen Yushi , Li Yale , Wu Ling , Liu Shaofeng , Wen Qian
Published: October 2013

Cloud-era Information Technology (IT) contains three main themes: The information hub (cloud), network communications (pipes), and intelligent terminals. In this chapter, the developmental stages of these three main components of cloud computing are discussed, with emphasis on future development. The Internet of things is also examined, which is expected to thrive as a direct result of the development of cloud computing.
From Door to Recovery: A Collaborative Approach to the Development of a Post–Cardiac Arrest Center
Authors: Williams Donna , Calder Shelley , Cocchi Michael N. , Donnino Michael W.
Published: October 2013

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains common and, despite advances in resuscitation practices, continues to carry a high mortality that may be influenced by several factors, including where a patient is cared for after the cardiac arrest. Implementing a post–cardiac arrest care guideline for survivors of out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest involves a multidisciplinary approach with short-term and long-term strategies. Physician and nursing leaders must work in synergy to guide the implementation of an evidence-based plan of care. A collaborative approach was used at a hospital to develop processes, build consensus for protocols, and provide support to staff and teams. A joint approach has allowed the hospital to move from traditional silos of individual departmental care to a continuum of patient-focused management after cardiac arrest. This care coordination is initiated in the emergency department and follows the patient through to discharge.
The Transcription Factor T-bet Regulates Parasitemia and Promotes Pathogenesis duringPlasmodium bergheiANKA Murine Malaria
Authors: Oakley Miranda S. , Sahu Bikash R. , Lotspeich-Cole Leda , Solanki Nehal R. , Majam Victoria , Pham Phuong Thao , Banerjee Rajdeep , Kozakai Yukiko , Derrick Steven C. , Kumar Sanjai , Morris Sheldon L.
Published: September 2013

The pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) is an immunologic process, mediated in part by Th1 CD4+ T cells. However, the role of the Th1 CD4+ T cell differentiation program on the ability to control parasitemia and susceptibility to ECM disease during blood stage malaria has never been assessed directly. Using the Plasmodium berghei ANKA murine model of ECM and mice deficient for the transcription factor T-bet (the master regulator of Th1 cells) on the susceptible C57BL/6 background, we demonstrate that although T-bet plays a role in the regulation of parasite burden, it also promotes the pathogenesis of ECM. T-bet−deficient (Tbx21−/−) mice had higher parasitemia than wild type controls did during the ECM phase of disease (17.7 ± 3.1% versus 10.9 ± 1.5%). In addition, although 100% (10/10) of wild type mice developed ECM by day 9 after infection, only 30% (3/10) of Tbx21−/− mice succumbed to disease during the cerebral phase of infection. Resistance to ECM in Tbx21−/− mice was associated with diminished numbers of IFN-γ–producing CD4+ T cells in the spleen and a lower accumulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the brain. An augmented Th2 immune response characterized by enhanced production of activated GATA-3+ CD4+ T cells and elevated levels of the eotaxin, MCP-1, and G-CSF cytokines was observed in the absence of T-bet. Our results suggest that in virulent malarias, immune modulation or therapy resulting in an early shift toward a Th2 response may help to ameliorate the most severe consequences of malaria immunopathogenesis and the prospect of host survival.
Increased Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 Signaling Promotes Age-Related Decline in CD4 T Cell Signaling and Function
Authors: Perkey Eric , Fingar Diane , Miller Richard A. , Garcia Gonzalo G.
Published: September 2013

CD4 T cell function declines significantly during aging. Although the mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR) has been implicated in aging, the roles of the TOR complexes (TORC1, TORC2) in the functional declines of CD4 T cells remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that aging increases TORC2 signaling in murine CD4 T cells, a change blocked by long-term exposure to rapamycin, suggesting that functional defects may be the result of enhanced TORC2 function. Using overexpression of Rheb to activate TORC1 and Rictor plus Sin1 to augment TORC2 in naive CD4 T cells from young mice, we demonstrated that increased TORC2, but not TORC1, signaling results in aging-associated biochemical changes. Furthermore, elevated TORC2 signaling in naive CD4 T cells from young mice leads to in vivo functional declines. The data presented in this article suggest a novel model in which aging increases TORC2 signaling and leads to CD4 T cell defects in old mice.
Syndecan-1, a Cell Surface Proteoglycan, Negatively Regulates Initial Leukocyte Recruitment to the Brain across the Choroid Plexus in Murine Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Wu Chuan , Song Jian , Götte Martin , Sorokin Lydia
Published: September 2013

The cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan, syndecan-1, has been reported to be a negative regulator of various inflammatory processes, but its precise mode of action is poorly defined. In this study, we use the murine model of the 35–55 peptide of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a T lymphocyte–mediated inflammation where the steps in disease development and recovery are well characterized, to decipher how syndecan-1 impacts on the inflammatory reaction. Syndecan-1 knockout (Sdc-1−/−) mice show enhanced disease severity and impaired recovery. The use of bone marrow chimeric mice reveals that both an immune cell and a CNS-resident source of syndecan-1 contribute to this phenotype. Epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, where initial CCL20-induced leukocyte recruitment to the brain occurs, are identified as the predominant site of syndecan-1 expression. Syndecan-1 is lost from this site during the course of EAE by shedding into the cerebrospinal fluid, which correlates with loss of epithelial cell surface–bound CCL20 and is associated with the upregulation of IL-6 expression. In Sdc-1−/− mice, early leukocyte recruitment via the choroid plexus is enhanced, and IL-6 is elevated, which collectively results in higher numbers of the disease inducing Th17 cells in the CNS, thereby contributing to enhanced disease severity. Furthermore, Sdc-1−/− mice have intrinsically elevated plasma cell numbers and higher myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–specific Ab levels during EAE, which we propose contributes to impaired recovery. Our data identify the choroid plexus epithelium as a novel source of IL-6 in EAE and demonstrate that its expression negatively correlates with syndecan-1 expression at this site.
Performance of LS97-1610×‘Spencer’ soybean recombinant inbred line population segregating for resistance toFusarium virguliforme
Authors: Clark W. D. , Reyes-Valdes M. H. , Bond J. , Kantartzi S. K.
Published: October 2013

Clark, W. D., Reyes-Valdes, M. H., Bond, J. and Kantartzi, S. K. 2013. Performance of LS97-1610×‘Spencer’ soybean recombinant inbred line population segregating for resistance to Fusarium virguliforme . Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1179–1185. Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a devastating disease in soybean which is caused by Fusarium virguliforme. Sudden death syndrome resistance is a quantitative trait; therefore, development of resistant varieties requires understanding of complex genetics and environmental effect. In this study, we aimed to characterize 94 F5:8recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from a cross between a resistant line for SDS, LS97-1610 and a susceptible cultivar, ‘Spencer’ and to identify sources of resistance. The RI lines were evaluated for their relative resistance (RR) to SDS along with the parents in four different environments; two years (2009 and 2010) and two locations (Carbondale and Valmeyer, IL). Analysis of variance revealed significant interactions between genotype and environment in each year of experimentation and in 2-yr combined data. Broad-sense heritability was estimated by ANOVA results, and it was moderate (61%). These results indicate that SDS resistance is partially unpredictable due to environmental influence. Ten RI were identified to have a RR with no significant differences from LS97-1610 and two of them had a RR lower than resistant parent. These stable RI across environments were used for further evaluation in breeding programs. Additionally, data obtained from field evaluation can be used in combination with molecular data to study the effect of quantitative trait loci (QTL) with the environment. The identification of common QTL across environments with consistent expression is the ultimate goal of every marker-assisted selection program.
Validation of ELISA for Quantitation of Artemisinin-Based Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Wang Min , Cui Yongliang , Zhou Guofa , Yan Guiyun , Cui Liwang , Wang Baomin
Published: October 2013

The circulation of counterfeit or substandard artemisinins (ARTs) in malaria-endemic areas poses a serious threat to the long-term use of these drugs. Here, we validated an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for quantification of ARTs and found that 50% of inhibitory concentrations of dihydroartemisinin, artemether, and artesunate were 8.1, 207.0, and 4.7 ng/mL, respectively. We compared the icELISA with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying ART and its derivatives in 22 convenience samples of commercial antimalarial drugs. Paired t tests showed a borderline significant difference between the two methods (mean = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–0.07, P = 0.074) and the icELISA results were more variable than those of the HPLC analysis (P < 0.001), suggesting that further improvement is needed to enhance the performance of the icELISA. Our results showed that the icELISA has the potential to be improved for quality assurance of ARTs at the point of care in endemic settings.
Development of Liquid-Air-Interface Corrosion of Steel in Nitrate Solutions
Authors: Li Xiaoji , Cong Hongbo , Gui F. , Brossia C.S. , Frankel G.S.
Published: October 2013

Liquid-air interface (LAI) corrosion is an increasing concern in the assessment of the deterioration of the integrity of underground steel storage tanks used for high-level liquid radioactive wastes. This work is aimed at expanding the current knowledge of this form of corrosion by probing its nature to provide insights for further mechanistic studies. LAI corrosion initiated in the form of random pits at the very top of the LAI meniscus under potentiostatic polarization, which is not where attack occurs as the result of the classical oxygen concentration cell mechanism. LAI corrosion pits grew upward to form hemispherical solution drops above the meniscus and gas bubbles collected on corrosion products in the meniscus. The effects of deaeration, the presence of a crevice former, and pre-passivation of the steel on LAI corrosion were also studied. LAI corrosion occurred in nitrite solutions containing sulfate or chloride instead of nitrate. No correlation in the passive current density or pitting potential with LAI corrosion susceptibility was found in solutions with varying nitrate and nitrite concentrations. Electrochemical measurements with a carbon steel microelectrode did not indicate that an aggressive meniscus solution develops to initiate LAI corrosion.
The Effects of a Time Management Professional Development Seminar on Stress and Job Satisfaction of Beginning Agriscience Teachers in West Texas
Authors: Ritz Rudy , Burris Scott , Brashears Todd , Fraze Steve
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a time management seminar on stress and job
satisfaction of beginning agriscience teachers. The target population for this study consisted of
agriscience teachers in the first or second year of tenure. All twenty-three (N = 23) beginning teachers
from a selected region of the state participated in the study. There was a 100% response. Eleven
participated in the time management seminar (n = 11) and 12 participated in the control group (n = 12).
The study employed a quasi-experimental, static-group comparison design. The treatment, a
comprehensive time management seminar, included: planning and scheduling, goal setting, and work and
family balance. A post-test, including instrumentation for stress and job satisfaction, was administered to
both groups. Independent samples t-tests revealed there were not any statistically significant differences
between groups on stress levels or job satisfaction levels. However, sub-scale constructs from each
instrument resulted in medium to large effect sizes in several sub-scale factors. Stress differences
included work-related stress, time management, and professional investment. Job satisfaction
differences included pay, recognition and advancement. Overall, the beginning teachers had slight to
moderate stress. Additionally, the teachers had slightly above neutral levels of job satisfaction.
How Six Women Deans of Agriculture Have Attained Their Leadership Role: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kleihauer Sarah , Stephens Carrie A. , Hart William E. , Stripling Christopher T.
Published: October 2013

There is a disproportionate ratio of men to women in leadership roles in higher education and agriculture. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lives of women deans in agriculture in an
attempt to conceptualize the leadership styles they have developed as a result of their positions as deans
in a predominantly male field. Six women deans of agriculture were interviewed and observed in an attempt to recognize the impact their personal journeys have had in developing their leadership styles and
attaining their leadership role. The overarching conclusions for the women in this study was that their
leadership role was not limited to their education and work experience, gender, peoples’ perceptions of
women, fairness, or power. In addition, each of the women deans in this study exhibited personality traits
such as surgency, conscientiousness, agreeableness, adjustment, and intellectance, which are traits considered relevant for leadership effectiveness.
Socioscientific Issues-based Instruction: An Investigation of Agriscience Students' Content Knowledge based on Student Variables
Authors: Shoulders Catherine W. , Myers Brian E.
Published: October 2013

Numerous researchers in science education have reported student improvement in areas of scientific lit- eracy resulting from socioscientific issues (SSI)-based instruction. The purpose of this study was to de- scribe student agriscience content knowledge following a six-week SSI-based instructional unit focusing on the introduction of cultured meat into the nation’s food supply, taking into account students’ grade level, socioeconomic status (SES), and experiences in agricultural education. Results indicated that stu- dents improved their content knowledge scores from pretest to posttest both proximally and distally; how- ever, the degree of improvement varied based on grade level, SES, number of completed agriculture clas- ses, and FFA involvement.
Intrapersonal Factors Affecting Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Stewart Jessica , Antonenko Pavlo D. , Robinson J. Shane , Mwavita Mwarumba
Published: October 2013

The focus of this exploratory study was to examine levels of technology integration, self-efficacy, and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) in preservice and inservice agricultural educa- tion teachers in Oklahoma. The findings of this study suggest that intrapersonal factors, such as self- efficacy, outcome expectations, and interest, interact with teacher motivation to integrate technology and influence their TPACK. Further, the results suggest that experienced inservice teachers view technology tools as a mechanism to engage students and achieve instructional gains, whereas novice and preservice teachers tend to perceive technology tools primarily as a mechanism for improving classroom manage- ment. Implications include continuing to support and enact a shift in preservice teacher education from direct lecture and modeling-based instruction to more hands-on, constructivist methods of teaching that incorporate a variety of mastery experiences.
Wind extraction potential from 4D-Var assimilation of O3, N2O, and H2O using a global shallow water model
Authors: Allen D. R. , Hoppel K. W. , Kuhl D. D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The wind extraction due to assimilation of trace gas (tracer) data is examined using a 4D-Var data assimilation system based on the shallow water equations coupled to the tracer continuity equation. The procedure is outlined as follows. First, a Nature Run is created, simulating middle stratospheric winter conditions. Second, ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O) (treated in this study as passive tracers) are initialized using Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) mixing ratios at 850 K potential temperature and advected by the Nature Run winds. Third, the initial dynamical conditions are perturbed by using a 6 h offset. Fourth, observations based on the simulated tracer data are then assimilated with a 4D-Var system in which the tracer and winds are coupled via the adjoint of the tracer continuity equation. Finally, the wind extraction potential (WEP) is calculated as the reduction of the Root Mean Square (RMS) vector wind error due to tracer assimilation relative to the total possible reduction from the initial perturbed conditions. For a single 6 h assimilation cycle of "perfect" tracer (unbiased and no imposed random errors), WEP values are 70% for O3, 49% for N2O and 16% for H2O. O3 and N2O provide more wind information than H2O due to stronger background gradients relative to the tracer precisions. 10 day multi-cycle simulations with "perfect" tracer result in WEP of 98% for O3, 97% for N2O, and 90% for H2O. There is therefore sufficient information in these fields to nearly completely specify the dynamics, even without assimilation of dynamical information. For assimilation of tracer observations with realistic random noise (based on MLS precision at 10 hPa), the WEP after 10 days decreases to 57% for O3, 42% for N2O, and 28% for H2O. The root-mean-square (RMS) wind errors level out at ~ 1–2 m s−1 for these runs, suggesting a limit to which realistic tracers could constrain the winds, given complete global coverage. With higher observation noise levels, the WEP values decrease further, with negative WEP occurring in cases of very large errors for H2O, indicating that assimilation of very noisy observations may worsen the wind fields.
Senstitivity of water balance components to environmental changes in a mountainous watershed: uncertainty assessment based on models comparison
Authors: Morán-Tejeda E. , Zabalza J. , Rahman K. , Gago-Silva A. , López-Moreno J. I. , Vicente-Serrano S. , Lehmann A. , Tague C. L. , Beniston M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper evaluates the response of stream flow and other components of the water balance to changes in climate and land-use in a Pyrenean watershed. It further provides a measure of uncertainty in water resources forecasts by comparing the performance of two hydrological models: Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Regional Hydro-Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys). Regional Climate Model outputs for the 2021–2050 time-frame, and hypothetical (but plausible) land-use scenarios considering re-vegetation and wildfire processes were used as inputs to the models. Results indicate an overall decrease in river flows when the scenarios are considered, except for the post-fire vegetation scenario, in which stream flows are simulated to increase. However the magnitude of these projections varies between the two models used, as SWAT tends to produce larger hydrological changes under climate change scenarios, and RHESSys shows more sensitivity to changes in land-cover. The final prediction will therefore depend largely on the combination of the land-use and climate scenarios, and on the model utilized.
An Integrated Theory of Thinking and Speaking that Draws on Vygotsky and Bakhtin/Vološinov
Authors: Roth Wolff-Michael
Published: October 2013

Vygotsky’s social-psychological theory of human development and Bakhtin/Vološinov’s theory of language and the dialogical nature of thought have received increasing interest in the educational research literature but tend to remain unrelated even where co-citation occurs. In this article, I first present a model that integrates the fundamentally common features in the two approaches and present a table with the correspondences of the theoretical terms across four European languages; the model thereby integrates the psychological and sociological dimensions at the heart of the two approaches. I then articulate and elaborate on six main issues that are relevant to and have implications for research: (a) sensual life as integrative unit, (b) self-movement and development, (c) the nested relations between activity and living utterance, (d) signification, (e) vernacular as the origin and locus of development, and (f) unit analysis.
The Study Skills of First Year Education Students and Their Academic Performance
Authors: CADOSALES MARIA NANCY Q.
Published: September 2013

First year students take time to adjust to college life. A number of priorities are considered in order to survive in the tertiary level. One of which is complying with the academic requirements. The study described the study skills of the first year students in the College of Education, La Salle University, Ozamiz City, Philippines. The framework used in identifying the study skills of the first year students was adopted from Lucas and Corpuz (2007:4).These study skills were correlated to the students’ academic performance using Kendall’s Tau B, Chi-square, and Multiple Regression tests. There were 128 first year students who were taken as respondents of the study. The study reveals that the first year students have the skills in organizing and planning their work, preparing assignments or projects, and note-taking and reading. The students’ skills in organizing and planning one’s work; working with others and utilizing resources and feedback; note-taking and reading; and preparing an assignment/project correlate with their grades. The best predictor of students’ academic performance is note-taking and reading. First year college students need to develop the habit of studying their lessons, reading, and taking down notes to improve their academic performance.Keywords: Education, study skills, academic performance, descriptive design, Philippines
Morphometric analysis of caryopsis in some species of Eragrostis (Poaceae)
Authors: Gandhi Dhara , Albert Susy , Pandya Neeta
Published: October 2013

Seed exomorphic characters of nine different species of Eragrostis were investigated by Light and Scanning electron microscopy. In the present study the micro-morphological characteristics features of caryopses such as shape, dimension, colour, epidermal cell surface structure and features of anticlinal and periclinal walls have been carried out. Light microscopy revealed that most of the studied caryopses varied in shape from oblong to ovate/ ovoid. The caryopsis in most of the species of Eragrostis are sticky in nature due to the presence of surface slime cells, which makes them appear shiny and transparent. This morphological feature could only be observed under SEM. The nine different species could be differentiated on the basis of shape and position of the hilum and embryo.
Trace elements in bone of Zalophus californianus from the Gulf of California: A comparative assessment of potentially polluted areas
Authors: Szteren Diana , Aurioles-Gamboa David
Published: September 2013

As a top predator, California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) can be used as sentinels to record ecosystem conditions because of the trace metals that bioaccumulate in their tissues and are biomagnified in the trophic webs. The concentration of 11 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) was measured in California sea lion skulls from four regions of the Gulf of California (Mexico): Northern Gulf, Ángel de la Guarda, Central Gulf, and Southern Gulf. The aims of this study were (1) to determine and compare the mean concentration of trace elements among the four regions, and (2) to estimate the pollution situation of each region using the more toxic trace elements. The elements found in higher concentration in sea lion bone were Al (overall mean of 73.70 µg g–1) and Zn (60.78 µg g–1). Only the concentration of As and Hg showed significant differences among regions: As was higher in the Central Gulf than in Ángel de la Guarda and the Northern Gulf, while Hg was higher in the Northern Gulf and Ángel de la Guarda than in the Central and Southern Gulf. The comparative analysis of the pollution situation indicated that the Central Gulf was the most affected by As and Cd, and the Northern Gulf and Ángel de la Guarda by Hg. Regions with different trace element concentrations may reflect different feeding habits and oceanographic conditions, and are congruent with other regional patterns suggested for the Gulf of California.
Global burden of HIV/AIDS in 2004 resulting from alcohol attributable non-adherence to medication regimes
Authors: Shield Kevin David , Shuper Paul A , Gmel Gerrit , Rehm Jürgen
Published: October 2013

Shield, K. D., Shuper, P. A., Gmel, G. & Rehm, J. (2013). Global burden of HIV/AIDS in 2004 resulting from non-adherence to medication regimes and alcohol-attributable non-adherence to medication regimes. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(1), 19-44.    doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.52 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.52)Aims: Using novel methodology, this article aims to quantify the number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths and the potential years of life lost (PYLL) in 2004 resulting from non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and non-adherence to ART due to alcohol consumption.Design: HIV/AIDS-related deaths and PYLL attributable to non-adherence to ART and attributable specifically to non-adherence due to alcohol consumption were calculated using attributable fractions.  These fractions were based on new risk modeling methodology, which combines estimates of the mortality of those people currently adhering to ART, the mortality attributable to non-adherence to ART, and the proportion of those people not adhering to ART because of alcohol consumption.Measurements: Data on alcohol indicators were obtained from the Comparative Risk Assessment study, data on deaths and PYLL were obtained from the World Health Organization, and ART indicators were obtained from UNAIDS.Findings: In 2004, for people 15 years of age and older, 67,000 (95% CI: 62,000–72,000) deaths and 1,608,000 (95% CI: 1,491,000–1,725,000) PYLL were caused by non-adherence to ART, of which 8,000 (95% CI: 3,000–13,000) HIV/AIDS-related deaths and 187,000 (95% CI: 70,000–304,000) HIV/AIDS-related PYLL were attributable to alcohol consumption.Conclusions: As the burden of disease for HIV/AIDS-related deaths attributable to non-adherence to ART and attributable to alcohol consumption is non-trivial, additional research is required to examine the effectiveness of different interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption among people with HIV/AIDS and at increasing adherence to ART among both drinkers and non- drinkers.
How bartenders relate to intoxicated customers
Authors: Buvik Kristin
Published: October 2013

Buvik, K. (2013). How bartenders relate to intoxicated customers. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(2), 1-6. doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.120 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.120)Aims: In many studies, the extent of over-serving has been registered, but few attempts have been made to understand what happens in these situations when alcohol is ordered. The present study was designed to address two questions: How can we understand and explain why bartenders over-serve customers who are clearly intoxicated? What influences the interactions between bartenders and customers in situations in which alcohol is served?Design: Observation of 32 purchase attempts with pseudo-patrons, and in-depth interviews with seven bartenders. The bartenders interviewed were not those who were involved in the test purchasing.Findings: In the majority of cases, the pseudo-patrons were served without the bartender showing any sign of evaluating the customer’s level of intoxication. Three factors affect the bartenders’ interactions with intoxicated customers: a working situation not adapted for responsible serving; a drinking culture with a collective acceptance of intoxication; and opposition to the Alcohol Act, which is seen as too strict and ineptly enforced. Bartenders blamed their serving of intoxicated patrons on hectic working conditions as well as on wanting to maintain a good atmosphere in the bar and avoid conflicts. Observation at the premises showed a liberal drinking culture that legitimizes a high level of intoxication.Conclusions: As long as the customer appears pleasant and not confrontational, they can have another beer. Serving is the rule, and denial of service is the exception.
Alcohol dependence treatment in the EU: A literature search and expert consultation about the availability and use of guidelines in all EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Rehm Maximilien , Alho Hannu , Allamani Allaman , Aubin Henri-Jean , Bühringer Gerhard , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Frick Ulrich , Gual Antoni , Heather Nick
Published: October 2013

Rehm, J., Rehm, M. X., Alho, H., Allamani, A., Aubin, H., Bühringerm G,m Daeppen, J., Frick, U., Gual, A., & Heather, N. (2013). Alcohol dependence treatment in the EU: A literature search and expert consultation about the availability and use of guidelines in all EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(2), 53-67. doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.89 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.89)Aim: To describe guidelines and common practices for alcohol dependence treatment in Europe.Design: Systematic and qualitative review; for each country, guidelines were identified via systematic literature research, followed by interviews with treatment experts.Setting: European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.Participants: Experts in alcohol dependence treatments and treatment systems.Measure: Semi-structured questionnaire for interviews.Findings: While fewer than half of EU countries have formal national guidelines for alcohol dependence treatment, a majority of these countries have guidelines by professional organizations such as psychiatric or neuropsychopharmacologic societies, and several are currently developing such guidelines. Abstinence is the usual treatment goal, but the majority of countries accept reduction of drinking as an intermediate or secondary goal, in practice even more than in the guidelines. Psychotherapy, mainly cognitive-behavioral approaches, motivational interviewing, and family therapy, is the most common treatment for relapse prevention, in part accompanied by pharmacotherapy (disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone being used most often).Conclusions: There are differences in treatment for alcohol dependence in Europe. The introduction of reduction of drinking as one treatment goal may attract more patients.
Leveraging Habits to Improve Adherence to Gout Medications: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Crum Katherine L. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Fontanet Constance , Sears Ellen S. , Hanken Kaitlin , Lauffenburger Julie C. , Mastrorilli Julianna , Oduol Theresa , Vine Seanna , Bhatkhande Gauri , Oran Rebecca , Robertson Ted , Wood Wendy , Feldman Candace H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study investigates patients’ medication‐taking routines and the feasibility of harnessing habit formation through context cues and rewards to improve medication adherence.

Methods

Semistructured qualitative interviews with patients with gout from an urban health care system were conducted to explore typical medication‐taking behavior, experiences using electronic pill bottles, barriers to adherence, existing context cues, and potential cues and rewards for habit‐forming behavior. Medication‐taking patterns were recorded for six weeks using electronic pill bottles before interviews to inform discussion. Transcribed interviews were analyzed to generate themes using codes developed by the study team, with representative quotations selected as illustrations.

Results

We conducted interviews with 15 individuals (mean age 60.6 [SD 20.3] years, three women [20%], and nine White patients [60%]). Pill bottle–recorded adherence to urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) was high (mean 0.91 [SD 0.10]), and one patient was experiencing an active gout flare. Five key themes emerged: (1) reasons for nonadherence, (2) internal and external motivations for adherence, (3) structured routines around taking medications, (4) rewards for good medication adherence, and (5) the role of pill cap technology in medication‐taking.

Conclusion

The importance of a predictable, structured routine in which participants could incorporate their medication‐taking behavior emerged as a key factor that promoted consistent adherence. Further, identifying context cues and reminders seemed to promote incorporation of medication‐taking into routines. Therefore, habit‐based interventions that use context cues to establish routines around medication‐taking may be a feasible strategy to improve adherence in patients with chronic conditions such as gout.
Signal Regulatory Protein α Expression in Systemic Vasculitis
Authors: Banerjee Shubhasree , Rose Eileen , Panicker Sandip , Dugan John , Khalidi Nader , Koening Curry L. , Langford Carol A. , Monach Paul A. , Pagnoux Christian , McAlear Carol A. , Merkel Peter A. ,   for the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium
Published: July 2024

Objective

Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) is found primarily on myeloid cells, including macrophages and neutrophils; binds to CD47; and regulates phagocytosis, antigen presentation, cellular fusion, cell proliferation, and migration. Therefore, SIRPα may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including systemic vasculitis. This study aimed to assess SIRPα expression in tissue samples from patients with vasculitis.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for SIRPα was performed on temporal artery (TA), kidney, and lung biopsy samples from patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and patients without vasculitis. A score of SIRPα+ expression was calculated, derived from the percentages of monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and neutrophils with different staining intensities in affected tissues.

Results

A total of 46 samples from patients with different vasculitides (GCA, MPA, and GPA) were included in the study. Tissue samples included TA samples from 15 patients with GCA; kidney samples from 11 and 9 patients with GPA and MPA, respectively; and lung samples from 11 patients with GPA. Most tissue samples from patients with active vasculitis (15 of 15 TA samples, 17 of 20 kidney samples, and 9 of 11 lung samples) showed SIRPα staining. SIRPα staining intensity was less in kidney samples compared to TA and lung samples.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates high‐level expression of SIRPα in macrophages and monocytes in affected tissue in systemic vasculitis. These findings provide a foundation for further studies exploring the role of the SIRPα–CD47 pathway in the pathogenesis of systemic vasculitis and the potential for the blockade of SIRPα and/or the depletion of SIRPα+ cells as treatment of systemic vasculitis.
Composite‐observer‐based asynchronous control for hidden Markov nonlinear systems with disturbances
Authors: Cheng Weidi , He Shuping , Wang Hai , Sun Changyin
Published: July 2024

In this article, an asynchronous adaptive tracking control approach is presented for a type of hidden Markov jump nonlinear systems with external disturbances. In this joint jump process model, hidden Markov model signifies the dynamics of the actual system, whereas the signal emits from the detector symbolizes the transmitted information. This leads to the phenomenon of asynchronization between the modes of the system and that of the controller. Accordingly, an asynchronous observer is developed by using the mode information from the detector to develop an asynchronous control approach. The observer contains a disturbance estimation part, to compensate the unknown external inputs. Utilizing the backstepping scheme, a strict‐feedback asynchronous tracking controller is formulated, guaranteeing that all signals within the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in probability. Finally, the validity of the presented methodology is illustrated by means of a simulation example.
Shape Morphing of Re‐Entrant Honeycomb Metamaterials for Linear Auxetic Behaviors
Authors: Choi Hong‐Gap , Pyo Soonjae , Choi Jae‐Won , Park Keun
Published: July 2024

A re‐entrant honeycomb structure stands out as one of the most prevalent auxetic metamaterials, characterized by its negative Poisson's ratio. While re‐entrant auxetic structures are capable of achieving tunable Poisson's ratios, they tend to vary with the magnitude of applied strain, thereby exhibiting nonlinear auxetic behaviors. This study proposes a novel re‐entrant structure aimed at achieving linear auxetic behavior by mathematically modifying the shape of a re‐entrant cell. To achieve this objective, a sigmoid‐based shape morphing function is introduced to modify the morphology of the hinge connections within the re‐entrant honeycomb cell. The deformation behavior of the shape‐morphed re‐entrant cell is investigated using finite element analysis (FEA), with variations in the morphing parameter. Two FEA models, namely the unconstrained and constrained models, are developed for fundamental analysis of cell deformation and experimental validation, respectively. Compared to the pure re‐entrant honeycomb structure, the proposed shape morphing reduces the relative variation of Poisson's ratio by 70%, while maintaining its magnitude higher than 1.0. This achievement of linear auxetics with a high Poisson's ratio has the potential to broaden the applications of the proposed auxetic structures to various functional components, including sensors with high linear sensitivity and soft actuators with tunable deformation characteristics.
Integrating the Stimuli‐Responsiveness of Microparticles via Matrix Embedding for Smart Soft Materials with Customized Switchable Properties
Authors: Liu Mingzhu , Jin Binjie , Liu Mingjie
Published: July 2024

Smart soft materials are the focus of extensive research efforts due to their potential applications in various fields. Inspired by nature, embedding smart micro‐inclusions in a soft substrate provides a feasible strategy to integrate the smartness of individual microparticles for creating smart materials at the macroscale, broadening the capabilities and applications of smart soft materials. This strategy decouples the design of intelligence and substrate materials, leading to a broader design space for both the smartness and the mechanical properties of the composites. In this Perspective, recent advances in creating smart soft materials using smart microparticles are summarized. The methods developed to construct composites of microparticles in a soft matrix are first introduced, followed by detailed discussions on the material compositions, stimuli and responsiveness, and properties of individual microparticles and the composite systems. Various applications based on advanced functionalities and capabilities that are enabled by those smart soft materials are highlighted. This study also points out research directions to further advance unconventional smart soft materials following this bioinspired approach.
12‐Ah‐Level Li‐Ion Pouch Cells Enabling Fast Charging at Temperatures between −20 and 50 °C
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Fu‐Da , Que Lan‐Fang , Zhang Xiang‐Gong , Xie Ke‐Yu
Published: July 2024

Achieving fast‐charging capabilities in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs)—charging 80% of the battery capacity within 15 minutes—while maintaining an acceptable cycle life remains challenging due to various polarizations occurring at elevated charge rates. Such a goal is more tough at subzero, as temperature reduction slows the kinetics process including electrolyte mass transport and electrode charge transfer, substantially increasing the risk of lithium plating. Herein, it is found that adding LiFSI to a LiPF6 carbonate‐based electrolyte alters the Li+ solvation structure, endowing the dual‐salt electrolyte with a higher Li+ diffusion coefficient and lower desolvation energy. Benefit from the smaller structural change and the formation of a robust, conductive solid electrolyte interphase, the 12Ah‐pouch cells based on LiNi0.52Co0.2Mn0.28O2 cathodes and graphite anodes demonstrate fast‐charging capabilities and stable cycling performance across a wide temperature range of −20 to 50 ℃: charging 89% and 93% of pouch cell capacity within 4 minutes at 25 and 50 ℃ and 82% within 15 minutes at −20 ℃, maintaining capacity retention of 94% after 2000 cycles at 8C at 0 ℃ and 89% after 350 cycles at −20 ℃ at 4C. This work might offer new insights into enhancing the fast‐charging capabilities of LIBs under extreme conditions.
Visible‐Light Responsive Ionic Columnar Self‐Assemblies Exhibiting Fast Photothermal Energy Conversion at Room‐Temperature
Authors: Gupta Monika , Krishna KM Abhinand , Sony Simran , Dhingra Shallu
Published: July 2024

A visible‐light responsive ionic liquid crystalline (LC) system based on gallic ester and tetra‐ortho‐substituted azobenzene is designed and synthesized. All the prepared derivatives exhibit columnar hexagonal mesophases at room temperature either in their pristine form or on cooling from isotropic states. The strategic design of these molecules allows for rapid photoisomerization, which is further aided by the dynamic LC phase. These systems attains photostationary states (PSSs) within 5 min of charging and discharging. The maximum Z conversion on charging in the solid‐state at room‐temperature is ≈80% with a highest temperature rise of 9.1 °C on discharging. This new molecular design enables the efficient working of solar thermal fuels (STFs) even in low sunlight intensity conditions, potentially promoting widespread adoption for mitigating global energy demands.