bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crown-interlocked lanthanide diphthalocyaninates with switchable panchromatic absorption
Authors: Birin Kirill P. , Poddubnaya Anna I. , Isanbaeva Elena V. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu.
Published: June 2017

New class of clamshell-type lanthanide (Ce(IV), La(III) and Eu(III)) diphthalocyaninates bearing 24-crown-8 linking fragment are synthesized and characterized by means of NMR, UV-vis spectroscopies and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A strong solvatochromism of the complexes, allowing switching the wide-range panchromatic absorption in polar solvents, is demonstrated by means of UV-vis and NMR spectroscopies and attributed to solvent-induced changing of sandwich conformations. The photodegradation of the obtained complexes was also investigated.
Stochastic Fracture Response and Crack Growth Analysis of Laminated Composite Edge Crack Beams Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Lal Achchhe , Mulani Sameer B. , Kapania Rakesh K.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a stochastic fracture response and crack growth analysis of mixed-mode stress intensity factors (MSIFs) for edge cracked laminated composite beams subjected to uniaxial, uniform tensile, shear and combined stresses with random system properties. The randomness in material properties of the composite material, lamination angle, laminate thickness, the crack length and the crack angle are modeled as both input uncorrelated and correlated random variables. An extended finite element method (XFEM) through the so-called M-interaction approach combined with the second-order perturbation technique (SOPT) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is used to obtain the statistics in terms of the mean and coefficient of variation (COV) of MSIFs for edge cracked laminated composite beams. The effect of crack propagation on the MSIFs in the presence of tensile, shear and combined stresses using a global tracking algorithm is also investigated. The results using the present approach are compared with the available published results. A good agreement is seen whenever alternative results are available.
Infinite families of congruences for k-regular overpartitions
Authors: Ray Chiranjit , Barman Rupam
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the number of overpartitions of [Formula: see text] into parts not divisible by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we find infinite families of congruences modulo 4, 8 and 16 for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. Along the way, we obtain several Ramanujan type congruences for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also find infinite families of congruences modulo [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Distinguishing eigenforms of level one
Authors: Vilardi Trevor , Xue Hui
Published: June 2017

Assuming the irreducibility of characteristic polynomials of Hecke operators [Formula: see text], we show that two normalized Hecke eigenforms of level one are distinguished by their second Fourier coefficients.
Congruences for sums involving Franel numbers
Authors: Sun Zhi-Hong
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the Franel numbers given by [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be a prime. In this paper, we mainly determine [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
On zero-sum subsequences of prescribed length
Authors: Han Dongchun , Zhang Hanbin
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an additive finite abelian group with exponent [Formula: see text]. For any positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the smallest positive integer [Formula: see text] such that every sequence [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] of length at least [Formula: see text] has a zero-sum subsequence of length [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the Davenport constant of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a finite abelian [Formula: see text]-group with [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text], which confirms a conjecture by Gao et al. recently, where [Formula: see text] is a prime.
The Korselt set of a power of a prime
Authors: Wang Liyuan
Published: June 2017

A Carmichael number is a composite number [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] for all integers [Formula: see text] coprime to [Formula: see text]. Korselt discovered that [Formula: see text] is a Carmichael number if and only if [Formula: see text] is square-free and [Formula: see text] for each prime divisor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text], a [Formula: see text]-number is defined to be a composite number [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for each prime [Formula: see text]. The set of all [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-number is called the Korselt set of [Formula: see text] and we denote this set by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we investigate some properties of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is a power of a prime.
On (ρ,q)-Euler numbers and polynomials associated with (ρ,q)-Volkenborn integrals
Authors: Duran Ugur , Acikgoz Mehmet
Published: June 2017

Recently, Araci et al. introduced [Formula: see text]-analogue of the Haar distribution and by means of the distribution, they constructed [Formula: see text]-Volkenborn integral yielding to Carlitz-type [Formula: see text]-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials. The aim of the present paper is to introduce a generalization of the fermionic [Formula: see text]-adic measure based on [Formula: see text]-integers and set the corresponding integral to this measure. Consequently, Carlitz-type [Formula: see text]-Euler polynomials and numbers are defined in terms of the above mentioned integral. Moreover, some of their identities and properties are established.
On pointwise inner derivations of Lie algebras
Authors: Amiri Azita , Saeedi Farshid
Published: June 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a Lie algebra and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the set of all derivations and inner derivations of [Formula: see text], respectively. A derivation [Formula: see text] of a Lie algebra [Formula: see text] is pointwise inner if [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. The set of all pointwise inner derivations of Lie algebra [Formula: see text] denoted by [Formula: see text] form a subalgebra of [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that, if [Formula: see text] is nilpotent of class [Formula: see text] (solvable of length [Formula: see text]), then [Formula: see text] is nilpotent of class [Formula: see text] (solvable of length [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]). We also prove that if [Formula: see text] is nilpotent of class [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is nilpotent of class at most [Formula: see text], in which [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th term in the upper central series of [Formula: see text].
Enhanced radiation characteristics for antipodal Vivaldi antenna using high permittivity dielectric director
Authors: Herzi Rabiaa , Bouslama Moufida , Gharsallah Ali
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we investigate the influence of higher permittivity dielectric director on the radiation performances of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna. An elliptical dielectric director with high permittivity is inserted in an antipodal Vivaldi antenna aperture in order to ameliorate the radiation characteristics of the antenna. Due to the capacity of elevated permittivity dielectric to confine and guide energy in the desired direction, an increment of 4[Formula: see text]dB in the gain of the antenna is obtained. This antenna, which covers an ultra-wide frequency band of 146.8% from 2.3[Formula: see text]GHz to 15[Formula: see text]GHz, has approximately regular radiation patterns with reduced side lobe level and narrower beamwidth. In the interest to achieve radar application necessities, the proposed antenna is exploited to develop an antenna array which consists of four connected elements. Adding dielectric directors can significantly enhance the radiations characteristics of the antenna and reduce the mutual coupling inter-elements. So using four elements with dielectric director in the antenna array can achieve the same results obtained with eight elements without directors. This can decrease the used number of elements that form the antenna array.
A Review of Pulmonary Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes in the Context of Smoking: A Focus on Inflammation
Authors: Shields Peter G. , Berman Micah , Brasky Theodore M. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Mathe Ewy , McElroy Joseph P. , Song Min-Ae , Wewers Mark D.
Published: June 2017

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is increasing rapidly, but their effects on lung toxicity are largely unknown. Smoking is a well-established cause of lung cancer and respiratory disease, in part through inflammation. It is plausible that e-cig use might affect similar inflammatory pathways. E-cigs are used by some smokers as an aid for quitting or smoking reduction, and by never smokers (e.g., adolescents and young adults). The relative effects for impacting disease risk may differ for these groups. Cell culture and experimental animal data indicate that e-cigs have the potential for inducing inflammation, albeit much less than smoking. Human studies show that e-cig use in smokers is associated with substantial reductions in blood or urinary biomarkers of tobacco toxicants when completely switching and somewhat for dual use. However, the extent to which these biomarkers are surrogates for potential lung toxicity remains unclear. The FDA now has regulatory authority over e-cigs and can regulate product and e-liquid design features, such as nicotine content and delivery, voltage, e-liquid formulations, and flavors. All of these factors may impact pulmonary toxicity. This review summarizes current data on pulmonary inflammation related to both smoking and e-cig use, with a focus on human lung biomarkers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1175–91. ©2017 AACR.
Comparing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Sleep Psycho-Education with Exercise on Chronic Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Samuel Yeung-shan , Zhang De-xing , Li Carole Chi-kwan , Yip Benjamin Hon-kei , Chan Dicken Cheong-chun , Ling Yuet-man , Lo Cola Siu-lin , Woo Doris Mei-sum , Sun Yu-ying , Ma Helen , Mak Winnie Wing-sze , Gao Ting , Lee Tatia Mei-chun , Wing Yun-kwok
Published: June 2017

Background: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a potential treatment for chronic insomnia. We evaluated the efficacy of MBCT for insomnia (MBCT-I) by comparing it with a sleep psycho-education with exercise control (PEEC) group. Methods: Adults with chronic primary insomnia (n = 216) were randomly allocated to the MBCT-I or PEEC group. The MBCT-I included mindfulness and psycho-education with cognitive and behavioural components under cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. PEEC included psycho-education of sleep hygiene and stimulus control, and exercises. Any change in insomnia severity was measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Secondary outcomes included sleep parameters measured by a sleep diary, health service utilisation, absence from work and mindfulness measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Results: The ISI score significantly decreased in the MBCT-I group compared with the PEEC group at 2 months (i.e., post-intervention) (p = 0.023, effect size [95% CI] -0.360 [-0.675, -0.046]) but not at 5 or 8 months. Treatment response rates and remission rates based on the ISI cut-off scores were not significantly different between groups. Wake time after sleep onset (WASO) was less in the MBCT-I group at 2 and 5 months. At 8 months, both groups showed a reduced ISI score, sleep onset latency and WASO, and increased sleep efficiency and total sleep time; however, no group differences were seen. Other outcome measures did not significantly improve in either group. Conclusions: Long-term benefits were not seen in MBCT-I when compared with PEEC, although short-term benefits were seen.
Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis in a Single-Center Quality Register Cohort of 5,614 Patients
Authors: Dahlberg Martin J.A. , Pieniowski Emil H.A. , Boström Lennart Å.S.
Published: June 2017

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency surgery. At Stockholm South General Hospital, information on all patients - 15 years or older - undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis is included in a quality register. Data on surgical method, preoperative imaging, hospital stay, intraoperative findings, and 30-day complications were recorded for each patient. From January 2004 to December 2014, 5,614 consecutive patients were registered. The percentage of patients examined with preoperative imaging increased from 30% in 2004 to 93% in 2014. The use of laparoscopic appendectomy increased from 6 to 79%. Negative appendectomies decreased from 7.5-10 to 1.7%. The mean perforation rate was 28.6%. Some form of postoperative complication occurred in 6.6% of those on whom laparoscopy was performed and 10.5% of those who underwent an open surgery, with a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the rate of surgical site infections (surgical site infections, higher in open cases) but with no difference in the number of deep postoperative abscesses. The overall hospital stay decreased from 2004 to 2014 for perforated and non-perforated appendicitis. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0.12%. Changes in preoperative imaging and treatment strategy for appendicitis during this period resulted in a lower rate of negative appendectomies with acceptable complication rates and shortened hospital stay.
No Severe Hypercalcemia with Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation of up to 30 µg during the First Year of Life
Authors: Valkama Saara , Holmlund-Suila Elisa , Enlund-Cerullo Maria , Rosendahl Jenni , Hauta-alus Helena , Helve Otto , Hytinantti Timo , Viljakainen Heli , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi
Published: June 2017

Background: Vitamin D supplementation is widely recommended for infants, but the optimal dose remains unclear. High intake may result in hypercalcemia. Methods: We evaluated the incidence of hypercalcemia during the first year of life in a cohort of 987 healthy children who received 10 or 30 μg of vitamin D3 supplementation daily. Ionized calcium (Ca-ion) was analyzed at 6 and 12 months, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration at 12 months. Severe hypercalcemia was defined as Ca-ion exceeding the reference limit (1.16–1.39 mmol/L) by 10%. Results: No severe hypercalcemia occurred. Mild hypercalcemia (1.40–1.52 mmol/L) was present at 6 months in 28% and at 12 months in 2% of infants. At 12 months, 25-OHD ranged between 23 and 241 nmol/L (median 97), and PTH was between undetectable and 104 pg/mL (median 24) and was below the reference range (11.5–78.4 pg/mL) in 11%. 25-OHD and Ca-ion correlated positively (r = 0.149), and 25-OHD was slightly higher in the 12 infants with mild hypercalcemia (median 97 vs. 110 nmol/L, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation of 10 or 30 µg did not cause severe hypercalcemia. Mild hypercalcemia was more prevalent at 6 months than at 12 months, and was associated weakly with 25-OHD at 12 months.
Diagnostic Approach to Microdeletion Syndromes Based on 22q11.2 Investigation: Challenges in Four Cases
Authors: Sgardioli Ilária C. , de Mello Copelli Matheus , Monteiro Fabíola P. , dos Santos Ana P. , Lustosa Mendes Elaine , Paiva Vieira Társis , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera L.
Published: June 2017

In the last few decades, different methods for the detection of genomic imbalances, such as the microdeletion syndromes, were developed. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome and presents wide clinical heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to describe 4 unusual cases of genomic imbalances found in individuals with suspected microdeletion syndromes. Different methods were necessary to complete the diagnosis and to obtain information for genetic counseling. The study was retrospective and descriptive. From August 2014 to December 2015, 39 individuals were assessed using FISH and/or MLPA; in 15 cases, chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis was carried out. Of 39 registered individuals, we found deletions in the 22q11.2 region in 10 individuals (8 individuals with 22q11.2DS and 2 individuals presenting with atypical deletions in the 22q11.2 region: 1 distal deletion and 1 central deletion). In one case with a typical 22q11.2 deletion, a familial balanced translocation was detected. In another case without a 22q11.2 deletion, a 6p duplication concomitant with a 9p deletion was detected by CMA. Clinical data are reported and diagnostic investigations are discussed. Essential aspects for the understanding of different diagnostic techniques of genomic imbalances are considered, and the 4 cases described underline the complexity and the difficulties involved in the diagnostic process. The approach is informative for clinical practice and may be applied in other contexts of genomic imbalance investigation in microdeletion syndromes.
Solomon and Mythic Kingship in the Arab-Islamic Tradition: Qaṣīdah, Qurʾān and Qiṣaṣ al-anbiyāʾ
Authors: Stetkevych Suzanne Pinckney
Published: June 2017

This article contrasts techniques from non-narrative, poetic and Qurʾānic texts with the narratives of Qiṣaṣ al-anbiyāʾ (the Stories of the Prophets) in order to interpret passages on Sulaymān/Solomon in pre- and early Arabic-Islamic texts. Beginning with the renowned non-narrative Sulaymān passage in the pre-Islamic poet al-Nābighah al-Dhubyānī’s ode of apology to the Lakhmid king al-Nuʿmān ibn al-Mundhir and several Qurʾānic passages concerning Sulaymān, the article compares these to the eminently narrative prose renditions of Solomonic legend that appear in Qurʾānic commentary and the (related) popular Stories of the Prophets (Qiṣaṣ al-anbiyāʾ). I argue that verbal structures and rhetorical techniques characteristic of non-narrative forms such as poetry and the Qurʾān have the effect of preserving and stabilizing the essential panegyric (poetic) or salvific (Qurʾānic) message in a manner that the constantly mutating popular narrative forms neither strive for nor achieve.
Modern South Arabian ikōtəb is not necessarily iparras or yənaggər*
Authors: Lonnet Antoine
Published: June 2017

Modern South Arabian (MSA) imperfect ikōtəb is superficially analogous to Akkadian imperfect iparras and Ethiopic imperfect yənaggər, as opposed to all the other Semitic languages’ imperfects, where the first and second radical consonants are adjacent, e.g. Arabic yaqtulu. On the basis of this partial resemblance, a proto-Semitic imperfect *yaqattal was carelessly invented without seriously exploring other explanations. It flourished so well that scholars yielded to the temptation of seeing it in all the branches of Semitic. As far as MSA is concerned, David Cohen developed several times the hypothesis of a phonetic derivation (*yvktubu > ikōtəb), that also accounts for most of the other peculiarities of the MSA verb. The present paper, after presenting some aspects of this historical situation, aims at supporting Cohen’s hypothesis, at tackling Gideon Goldenberg’s objections to it, and at adding new arguments against an MSA *yaqattal.
MtDNA differentiation and taxonomy of Central Asian racerunners of Eremias multiocellata-E. przewalskii species complex (Squamata, Lacertidae)
Authors: ORLOVA VALENTINA F. , POYARKOV NIKOLAY A. JR. , CHIRIKOVA MARINA A. , NAZAROV ROMAN A. , MUNKHBAATAR MUNKHBAYAR , MUNKHBAYAR KHORLOOGHIYN , TERBISH KHAYANKHYARVAGIJN
Published: June 2017

We provide an integrative analysis of the diversity of the E. multiocellata—E. przewalskii species complex in Central and Middle Asia using morphological and molecular (COI DNA-barcoding) data. We report preliminary data on mtDNA variation within this group and clarify the taxonomic status and distribution of the members of the species complex. We also provide a description of a new Eremias species from Eastern Kazakhstan and western Mongolia, where it occurs in sympatry with E. multiocellata sensu stricto, from which it can be clearly differentiated using both morphological and molecular characters. The new species, described as Eremias dzungarica sp. nov., is assigned to the subgenus Pareremias on the basis of the following features: subocular not reaching mouth edge; one frontonasal; two supraoculars; the row of small granular scales between supraoculars and frontal with frontoparietals absent; distance between the femoral pore rows being wide; femoral pore rows not reaching knee-joint; coloration pattern with light colored ocelli with black edging. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners on the basis of the following morphological attributes: a medium-sized lacertid lizard, maximum snout-vent length (SVL) = 64.5 mm, tail being ca. 1.5 times longer than body length (SVL), hindlimbs relatively long (hindlimb length to SVL ratio 0.46); subocular scale not reaching mouth edge, in touch with 6–8 supralabials; males with bright coloration consisting of 2–3 dorsolateral rows of light-colored ocelli with thick black edging; the ventral row of ocelli in life is greenish to bluish; dorsal pattern consisting of black irregular blotches along the middorsal line. We also report on the high genetic and morphological diversity of E. multiocellata in Mongolia and China, synonymize E. m. bannikowi with the nominative form E. m. multiocellata, discuss variation within E. przewalskii, synonymize E. p. tuvensis with the nominative form E. przewalskii, provide new data on E. cf. reticulata and E. m. tsaganbogdensis, confirm validity and clarify distribution ranges of E. stummeri, E. szczerbaki and E. yarkandensis and discuss further progress on taxonomic studies of the E. multiocellata—E. przewalskii species complex.
Four new species and further contributions to the Leuctridae (Plecoptera) of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: MURÁNYI DÁVID , HWANG JEONG MI
Published: June 2017

Two new species of Korean needleflies, Perlomyia koreana sp. n. and P. lamellata sp. n. are described from North and South Korea. Additionally, two species, Paraleuctra paramalaisei sp. n. and Perlomyia baei sp. n. are described from South Korea. The previously unknown male of Perlomyia martynovi (Zhiltzova, 1975) is described from South Korean specimens associated with females. Leuctra fusca tergostyla Wu, 1973 comb. n. is proposed for the Far Eastern populations of the Eurosiberian L. fusca (Linnaeus, 1758). Three Leuctridae genera and species are reported from North Korea for the first time and three species are new country records for South Korea. The number of stonefly species known from the Korean Peninsula is increased to 82. A key is presented for the Leuctridae species known from Korean Peninsula including taxa that are expected to occur. Distributional maps are presented and additional notes on the habitats of Korean Leuctridae are given.
Three new species of Epigomphus (Odonata: Gomphidae) from Costa Rica
Authors: HABER WILLIAM A.
Published: June 2017

The female bears a pair of highly distinctive postocellar horns similar to those of three other species endemic to Costa Rica, E. corniculatus, E. echeverrii, and E. verticicornis. The males of two additional new species, E. morrisoni and E. wagneri, are described from premontane wet forest on the Pacific slope near Monteverde, resulting in a total of 13 species recorded from Costa Rica.
Cognitive-Humanistic Psychodynamics: Sidney Blatt’s Theoretical-Philosophical Legacy
Authors: Shahar Golan , Mayes Linda C.
Published: June 2017

A number of broad-based, theoretical-philosophical tenets are to be gleaned from Sidney Blatt’s voluminous, extensive, and unique scholarly work. Dominant themes in Blatt’s life and work include (1) his fascination with cognition, particularly mental maps, or representations, of reality; (2) the influence of humanistic values (e.g., agency, need for growth, gestalts, need for balance, and an optimistic focus on resilience); and (3) a steadfast adherence to Freud’s revolutionary discovery of the dynamic unconscious. Philosophically speaking, Blatt has left a unique, integrative, and vibrant legacy for the field, one that might be called cognitive-humanistic psychodynamics.
Mental Representation in The Thought of Sidney Blatt: Developmental Processes
Authors: Auerbach John S. , Diamond Diana
Published: June 2017

Mental representation was a central construct in Sidney Blatt’s contributions to psychology and psychoanalysis. This brief review demonstrates that Blatt’s understanding of representation was always informed by basic psychoanalytic concepts like the centrality of early caregiver-infant relationships and of unconscious mental processes. Although Blatt’s earlier writings were informed by psychoanalytic ego psychology and Piagetian cognitive developmental psychology, they focused nonetheless on how an individual uses bodily and relational experiences to construct an object world; they also consistently presented object representations as having significant unconscious dimensions. From the mid-1980s onward, Blatt’s contributions, in dialogue with his many students, moved in an even more experiential/relational direction and manifested the influence of attachment theory, parent-infant interaction research, and intersubjectivity theory. They also incorporated contemporary cognitive psychology, with its emphasis on implicit or procedural, rather than explicit, dimensions as a means of accounting for aspects of object representations that are not in conscious awareness. Throughout his career, however, Blatt regarded mental representation as the construct that mediates between the child’s earliest bodily and relational experiences and the mature adult’s symbolic, most emotionally profound capacities.
How to Design a Spectrometer
Authors: Scheeline Alexander
Published: June 2017

Designing a spectrometer requires knowledge of the problem to be solved, the molecules whose properties will contribute to a solution of that problem and skill in many subfields of science and engineering. A seemingly simple problem, design of an ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectrometer, is used to show the reasoning behind the trade-offs in instrument design. Rather than reporting a fully optimized instrument, the Yin and Yang of design choices, leading to decisions about financial cost, materials choice, resolution, throughput, aperture, and layout are described. To limit scope, aspects such as grating blaze, electronics design, and light sources are not presented. The review illustrates the mixture of mathematical rigor, rule of thumb, esthetics, and availability of components that contribute to the art of spectrometer design.
Improving Urban Infrastructure
Authors: Gauba Rajiv
Published: June 2017

The investment needs in basic infrastructure that determine the pace of development of cities are considerably higher than the quantum of flow of funds. The key indicators of the major urban services reveal that there is a failure to achieve even moderate success in service delivery. The components of the traditional approach to financing urban services have been grants and loans from government-owned financial institutions on basis of guarantees. The urban local bodies (ULBs) in India are weak in terms of capacity to raise both resources and financial autonomy. Given the major risks involved, private sector has also largely stayed away from urban infrastructure projects, until very recently. These have resulted in huge gap between the demand and supply of urban basic services. The present government has launched several Missions to promote urban development in the country through strict adherence to reforms to strengthen financial and governance capacities of ULBs and participating in competition at state and city levels to qualify for accessing resources apart from other grants-based missions. In this context, the article discusses the investment requirements, progress of programmatic interventions for urban development in India and their financing mechanism. The article focuses on recently completed Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the newly launched National Urban Mission programmes.
People’s Movement in Odisha: An Assessment
Authors: Raj Subhendu Ranjan
Published: June 2017

Development process in Odisha (before 2011 Orissa) may have led to progress but has also resulted in large-scale dispossession of land, homesteads, forests and also denial of livelihood and human rights. In Odisha as the requirements of development increase, the arena of contestation between the state/corporate entities and the people has correspondingly multiplied because the paradigm of contemporary model of growth is not sustainable and leads to irreparable ecological/environmental costs. It has engendered many people’s movements. Struggles in rural Odisha have increasingly focused on proactively stopping of projects, mining, forcible land, forest and water acquisition fallouts from government/corporate sector. Contemporaneously, such people’s movements are happening in Kashipur, Kalinga Nagar, Jagatsinghpur, Lanjigarh, etc. They have not gained much success in achieving their objectives. However, the people’s movement of Baliapal in Odisha is acknowledged as a success. It stopped the central and state governments from bulldozing resistance to set up a National Missile Testing Range in an agriculturally rich area in the mid-1980s by displacing some lakhs of people of their land, homesteads, agricultural production, forests and entitlements. A sustained struggle for 12 years against the state by using Gandhian methods of peaceful civil disobedience movement ultimately won and the government was forced to abandon its project. As uneven growth strategies sharpen, the threats to people’s human rights, natural resources, ecology and subsistence are deepening. Peaceful and non-violent protest movements like Baliapal may be emulated in the years ahead.
Book Review: Kamal Nayan Kabra and Vrajaindra Upadhyay, Plutocracy, Cronyism & Populism
Authors: Mathur B. P.
Published: June 2017

Kamal Nayan Kabra and Vrajaindra Upadhyay, Plutocracy, Cronyism & Populism. New Delhi: Vitasta, 2017, 414 pp., ₹695.
Institutionalizing Inequality: Calculative Practices and Regimes of Inequality in International Development
Authors: Hayes Niall , Introna Lucas D. , Kelly Paul
Published: June 2017

This paper focuses on the institutionalization of inequality in relations between donors and NGOs in the international development sector. We argue that these relations operate within a neoliberal and competitive marketplace, which are necessarily unequal. Specifically, we focus on the apparently mundane practice of impact assessment, and consider how this is fundamental to understanding the performative enactment of institutional inequality. For our analysis we draw upon Miller and Rose’s work on governmentality and calculative practices. We develop our argument with reference to a case study of a donor driven impact assessment initiative being conducted in India. Specifically, we consider an impact assessment initiative that the donor has piloted with one of the NGOs they fund that seeks to improve the livelihoods of Indian farmers. We will argue that institutional inequality can be understood in the way the market as a social institution becomes enacted into mundane calculative practices. Calculative practices produce different kinds of knowledge and in so doing becomes a way in which subjects position themselves, or become positioned, as unequal.
Ignorance and Organization Studies
Authors: Bakken Tore , Wiik Eric Lawrence
Published: June 2017

The article discusses ignorance and organization studies, both as a topic of study and a basic problem of organization theory understood as design theory. How should we regard knowledge not yet known? Is the development of knowledge a straightforward illumination of a defined box, or does knowledge also have a dark side, growing even faster than the illuminated side? In this article, we propose that more extended research into ignorance in organization studies is needed. And since ignorance is a product of inattention, we draw on Herbert Simon’s investigation into the science of the artificial. Among the topics we explore are unpredictable environments, the interface between inner and outer environments, vagueness and unspecified ignorance.
Care and not wealth is a predictor of wasting and stunting of ‘The Coffee Kids’ of Jimma Zone, southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Kalkidan Hassen , Belachew Tefera
Published: June 2017

Background:

The generation of cash from agricultural products is the mainstay of the livelihood of many households in developing countries. However, critics of cash cropping have highlighted its influence on dietary diversity and availability of food at the household level, eroding the potential for optimal child caring practices.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in three randomly selected coffee-producing districts of Jimma Zone in southwest Ethiopia. The underlying causes of malnutrition, food access, hygiene and care were assessed using the household food insecurity access scale, morbidity reports and infant and young child feeding practice core indicators of the World Health Organization. Anthropometric data were converted into weight for age, height for age, body mass index for age and weight for height Z-scores to determine child nutritional outcomes.

Results:

Prevalence of underweight, wasting, stunting and thinness were 14.2%, 9.1%, 24.1% and 9.9%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that children with suboptimal meal frequency were more than three times more likely to develop wasting (AOR = 3.3, p < 0.0001). Female children were twice as likely to develop wasting compared with males (AOR = 2.00, 4.1, p = 0.05). Children with suboptimal dietary diversity were almost four times as likely to develop stunting (AOR = 3.95, p < 0.0001). Those who were not exclusively breastfed during their first 6 months were almost five times as likely to develop stunting (AOR = 4.66, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The findings imply that in coffee-producing areas, child caring practices are stronger independent predictors of nutritional status than wealth or economic indicators alone.
A spatial correlation model for the horizontal non-isotropic ocean ambient noise vector field
Authors: Zhou Jianbo , Piao Shengchun , Huang Yiwang , Zhang Shizhao , Qu Ke
Published: June 2017

The ocean ambient noise is one of interference fields of underwater acoustic channel. The design and use of any sonar system are bound to be affected by ocean ambient noise, so to research the spatial correlation characteristics of noise field is of positive significance to improving the performance of sonar system. Only wind-generated noise is considered in most existing ambient noise models. In this case, the noise field is isotropic in horizontal direction. However, due to those influencing factors, like rainfall, ships and windstorm, etc. for a real ocean environment, noise field becomes anisotropic horizontally and the spatial structure of ambient field also changes correspondingly. This paper presents a spatial correlation of the acoustic vector field of anisotropic field by introducing Von Mises probability distribution to describe horizontal directivity. Closed-form expressions are derived which relate the cross-correlation among the sound pressure and three orthogonal components of vibration velocity, besides, the influence of the non-uniformity of noise field on the correlation characteristics of noise vector field was analysed. The model presented in this paper can provide theoretical guidance for the design and application of vector sensors array. Furthermore, the achievement could be applied to front extraction, Green’s function extraction, inversion for ocean bottom parameters, and so on.
Numerical investigation of the effects of unsupported railway sleepers on train-induced environmental vibrations
Authors: Mosayebi Seyed-Ali , Esmaeili Morteza , Zakeri Jabbar-Ali
Published: June 2017

Review of technical literature regarding to train-induced vibrations shows that the effects of unsupported railway sleepers on this issue have been less investigated. So, the present study was devoted to numerical investigations of the mentioned issue. In this regard, first the problem of longitudinal train–track dynamic interaction was simulated in two dimensions by using the finite element method and the developed model was validated through comparison of the results with those obtained by previous researchers. In the next stage, a series of sensitivity analyses were accomplished to account for the effects of value of gap beneath the unsupported sleeper(s) and the track support stiffness on increasing the sleeper displacement and track support force. Moreover, the raised sleeper support force was introduced as applied load to a two-dimensional plane strain finite element model of track in lateral section and consequently the train-induced vibrations were assessed. As a result, a series of regression equations were established between the peak particle velocity in the surrounding environment of railway track and the sleeper support stiffness for tracks without unsupported sleepers and with one and two unsupported sleepers.
Evaluation of variation in coagulation among children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a case–control study
Authors: Li Tianhua , Yu Haiying , Hou Weina , Li Zhiyong , Han Chunfang , Wang Lihong
Published: June 2017

Objective

Acute organ embolism in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) has been reported, but changes in coagulation are unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in coagulation in children with MPP.

Methods

A total of 185 children with MMP (cases) and 117 healthy children (controls) were recruited. We measured prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer levels.

Results

Plasma FIB (3.39 ± 0.96 g/L vs 2.93 ± 0.6 6g/L, t = 4.50) and D-dimer (326.45 ± 95.62mg/L vs 263.93 ± 103.32mg/L, t=5.36) in MPP children were higher than controls and PT (9.54 ± 4.97S vs 11.48 ± 5.96S, t=3.05) and APTT (31.41 ± 12.01S vs 38.38 ± 11.72S, t=4.95) were shorter than controls. FIB, D-dimer, PT, and APTT were not different between the high IgM-titre and low-titre groups. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves in cases and controls for plasma FIB and D-dimer levels were 0.654 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.593–0.716, P = 0.031) and 0.682 (95% CI, 0.619–0.744, P = 0.032), respectively.

Conclusions

Children with MPP have a higher risk of blood coagulation and thrombosis. Controlling these problems should be considered as soon as possible.
Ordering theories: Typologies and conceptual frameworks for sociotechnical change
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K , Hess David J
Published: June 2017

What theories or concepts are most useful at explaining socio technical change? How can – or cannot – these be integrated? To provide an answer, this study presents the results from 35 semi-structured research interviews with social science experts who also shared more than two hundred articles, reports and books on the topic of the acceptance, adoption, use, or diffusion of technology. This material led to the identification of 96 theories and conceptual approaches spanning 22 identified disciplines. The article begins by explaining its research terms and methods before honing in on a combination of fourteen theories deemed most relevant and useful by the material. These are: Sociotechnical Transitions, Social Practice Theory, Discourse Theory, Domestication Theory, Large Technical Systems, Social Construction of Technology, Sociotechnical Imaginaries, Actor-Network Theory, Social Justice Theory, Sociology of Expectations, Sustainable Development, Values Beliefs Norms Theory, Lifestyle Theory, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. It then positions these theories in terms of two distinct typologies. Theories can be placed into five general categories of being centered on agency, structure, meaning, relations or norms. They can also be classified based on their assumptions and goals rooted in functionalism, interpretivism, humanism or conflict. The article lays out tips for research methodology before concluding with insights about technology itself, analytical processes associated with technology, and the framing and communication of results. An interdisciplinary theoretical and conceptual inventory has much to offer students, analysts and scholars wanting to study technological change and society.
Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality among migraineurs: A population-based study
Authors: Song Tae-Jin , Yun Chang-Ho , Cho Soo-Jin , Kim Won-Joo , Yang Kwang Ik , Chu Min Kyung
Published: June 2017

Background

Sleep disturbances are closely related to migraine. Nevertheless, information regarding the impact of short sleep duration and poor sleep quality on the clinical presentation of migraine at population level is limited.

Methods

This study was a nationwide population-based survey on adults aged 19–69 years. Headache frequency (attacks/month) and intensity (visual analogue scale, 0–10) were documented. Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality were defined as average sleep duration <6 h/day and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5, respectively. The association of sleep parameters with headache frequency and intensity was analysed among migraineurs.

Results

Of 2695 participants, 143 (5.3%) had migraine. Headache frequency was significantly higher among migraineurs with short sleep duration (2.0 [1.0–12.0] vs. 1.0 [0.3–4.0], p = 0.048) and poor sleep quality (2.0 [0.6–4.7] vs. 1.0 [0.2–3.0], p = 0.009) than among those without. However, headache intensity was similar between migraineurs with short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that short sleep duration was a significant contributing factor for headache frequency (β = 0.210, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Self-reported short sleep duration (<6 h per day) is associated with an increased headache frequency among migraineurs in a population-based setting.
Preparation and properties of poly(ε-caprolactone)/bioactive glass nanofibre membranes for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Lin Zefeng , Gao Wendong , Ma Limin , Xia Hong , Xie Weihan , Zhang Yu , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: June 2017

Poly(ε-caprolactone) composite nanofibres for skin tissue engineering and regeneration applications were prepared via electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibres with bioactive glass nanoparticles at bioactive glass contents of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt%. The surface properties, water absorptivities, porosities, mechanical properties and biocompatibilities of the composite electrospun nanofibres were characterised in detail. Addition of bioactive glass improved the hydrophilicity and elastic modulus of membranes. The fibre diameter of the neat poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibres was only 700 nm, but reinforcement with 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% bioactive glass nanofibres increased the diameter to 1000, 1100, 900 and 800 nm, respectively. The minimum elongation at break of the bioactive glass–reinforced poly(ε-caprolactone) exceeded 100%, which indicated that the composite nanofibres had good mechanical properties. The porosities of the various nanofibres containing different mass loadings of bioactive glass all exceeded 90%. The best performance in terms of cell proliferation and adhesion was found when the bioactive glass mass percent reached 6 wt%. However, higher loadings were unfavourable for cell growth. These preliminary results indicate that poly(ε-caprolactone)/bioactive glass composite nanofibres have promise for skin tissue engineering applications.
Interventions to Improve Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Resultant Breastfeeding Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brockway Meredith , Benzies Karen , Hayden K. Alix
Published: June 2017

Background:

Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) is reflective of a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and is a modifiable factor that may improve breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding self-efficacy theory purports that women with higher BSE will have better breastfeeding outcomes.

Research aim:

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the theoretical link between BSE and breastfeeding outcomes by investigating (a) if interventions to improve BSE were successful and (b) if improvements in BSE resulted in improved breastfeeding rates.

Methods:

The authors performed a systematic search of 10 databases for studies that investigated the effect of interventions for mothers of full-term infants on BSE and breastfeeding rates. They used an inverse-variance, random-effects meta-analysis.

Results:

Of 1,366 titles and abstracts identified, 58 full-text articles were screened and 11 met the study criteria. Compared with mothers in control groups, mothers in intervention groups had significantly higher BSE, scoring 4.86 points higher, 95% confidence interval [3.11, 6.61], at 2 months postpartum. Mothers in the intervention groups were 1.56 and 1.66 times more likely to be breastfeeding at 1 month and 2 months postpartum, respectively. Interventions that were implemented in the postpartum period, used combined delivery settings, or were informed by BSE theory had the greatest influence on breastfeeding outcomes. Meta-regression indicated that for each 1-point increase in the mean BSE score between the intervention and control groups, the odds of exclusive breastfeeding increased by 10% in the intervention group.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a modifiable factor that practitioners can target to improve breastfeeding rates in mothers of full-term infants.
Federalism, policy change, and social security in Belgium: Explaining the decentralization of family allowances in the Sixth State Reform
Authors: Béland Daniel , Lecours André
Published: June 2017

The debate on social policy change is not only about the evolving nature of social benefits but also about change in their territorial organization. This territorial issue is central in Belgium. In 2011, the Sixth State Reform featured the decentralization of family allowances, a component of social security. This article explains why such decentralization occurred in Belgium despite the fact that Francophone parties, which effectively have veto power over constitutional reform, had long insisted that no portion of social security would ever be transferred to the constituent units. We argue that increasing political pressure generated by the surge of the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) in the context of the government formation crises altered how Francophone parties assessed both the national unity situation and their own political interests. The article also discusses the policy and political implications of the decentralization of family allowances in Belgium.