bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizen Relationship Management System Users’ Contact Channel Choices: Digital Approach or Call Approach?
Authors: Wu Wei-Ning
Published: January 2017

Many municipal governments adopted 311 decades ago and have advocated access equality in citizens’ use of 311. However, the role of citizens in the development and usage of 311 remains limited. Channel choices have been discussed in various types of governmental information and communication technologies (ICTs), especially when the innovative technology has just been adopted. Much has supported the idea that 311 is viewed as a method of digital civic engagement that many municipal governments adopt to maintain citizen relationship management and the capacity for government service delivery. However, we are still unclear about how citizens use it. This study applies the theory of channel expansion to examine how San Francisco residents use the 311 system, and how citizens’ technology experiences impact their 311 digital contact channel choices rather than the 311 hotline contact channel choice. In addition, we discuss major issues in citizens’ 311 contact choices, so that 311 municipal governments may draw lessons from the San Francisco experience.
Preferences of Informal Carers on Technology Packages to Support Meal Production by People Living with Dementia, Elicited from Personalised AT and ICT Product Brochures
Authors: De Filippis Maria , Craven Michael , Dening Tom
Published: January 2017

Assistive technology (AT) can help support the continued independence of people living with dementia, supported by informal carers. Opinions and preferences of informal carers towards a range of assistive and digital information and communication technologies (ICT) to support food purchase and menu selection, including navigation and online shopping, and safe meal-making by individuals living with dementia were investigated. General attitudes and experiences with assistive technologies were first probed by means of a focus group with carers (n = 6), organised through the Alzheimer’s Society in Nottingham, England. A series of AT/ICT product brochures were then produced, describing packages of technologies to enable meal production. Task-specific questions were asked of carers (n = 10) at local Memory Cafés as to the perceived capabilities of each individual for shopping and meal-making. Carers were asked to make pair-wise choices in order to select a personalised brochure and to complete a questionnaire to elicit the practicality, desirability and affordability of specific products and to probe for preferences amongst key features. Opinions on ease-of-use, aesthetics, expected safety-in-use, independence of use and stigma related to the technology packages were also collected. Results showed that carers are able to make detailed choices and express preferences about assistive and digital technologies for the individuals in their care, and customise their enabler package. Most believed that having an enabler package would improve safety. Greater exposure of carers to newer digital products would be beneficial. The brochure method could be employed on consumer websites and by AT assessors.
Sometimes Less Is Not Enough: A Commentary on Greiff et al. (2015)
Authors: Kretzschmar André
Published: January 2017

In this commentary, I discuss some critical issues in the study by Greiff, S.; Stadler, M.; Sonnleitner, P.; Wolff, C.; Martin, R., “Sometimes less is more: Comparing the validity of complex problem solving measures”, Intelligence 2015, 50, 100–113. I conclude that—counter to the claims made in the original study—the specific study design was not suitable for deriving conclusions about the validity of different complex problem-solving (CPS) measurement approaches. Furthermore, a more elaborate consideration of previous CPS research was found to challenge Greiff et al.’s conclusions even further. Therefore, I argue that researchers should be aware of the differences between several kinds of CPS assessment tools and conceptualizations when the validity of CPS assessment tools is examined in future research.
Role of Beach Morphology in Wave Overtopping Hazard Assessment
Authors: Phillips Benjamin , Brown Jennifer , Bidlot Jean-Raymond , Plater Andrew
Published: January 2017

Understanding the role of beach morphology in controlling wave overtopping volume will further minimise uncertainties in flood risk assessments at coastal locations defended by engineered structures worldwide. XBeach is used to model wave overtopping volume for a 1:200 year joint probability distribution of waves and water levels with measured, pre- and post-storm beach profiles. The simulation with measured bathymetry is repeated with and without morphological evolution enabled during the modelled storm event. This research assesses the role of morphology in controlling wave overtopping volumes for hazardous events that meet the typical design level of coastal defence structures. Results show that disabling storm-driven morphology under-represents modelled wave overtopping volumes by up to 39% under high H s conditions and has a greater impact on the wave overtopping rate than the variability applied within the boundary conditions due to the range of wave-water level combinations that meet the 1:200 year joint probability criterion. Accounting for morphology in flood modelling is therefore critical for accurately predicting wave overtopping volumes and the resulting flood hazard and to assess economic losses.
Thermal Properties of the Mixed n-Octadecane/Cu Nanoparticle Nanofluids during Phase Transition: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Li Qibin , Yu Yinsheng , Liu Yilun , Liu Chao , Lin Liyang
Published: January 2017

Paraffin based nanofluids are widely used as thermal energy storage materials and hold many applications in the energy industry. In this work, equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are employed to study the thermal properties of the mixed nanofluids of n-octadecane and Cu nanoparticles during phase transition. Four different nanofluids systems with different mass ratios between the n-octadecane and Cu nanoparticles have been studied and the results show that Cu nanoparticles can improve the thermal properties of n-octadecane. The melting point, heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the mixed systems are decreased with the increasing of the mass ratio of n-octadecane.
A Comparative Evaluation of Gait between Children with Autism and Typically Developing Matched Controls
Authors: Dufek Janet , Eggleston Jeffrey , Harry John , Hickman Robbin
Published: January 2017

Anecdotal reports suggest children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ambulate differently than peers with typical development (TD). Little empirical evidence supports these reports. Children with ASD exhibit delayed motor skills, and it is important to determine whether or not motor movement deficits exist during walking. The purpose of the study was to perform a comprehensive lower-extremity gait analysis between children (aged 5–12 years) with ASD and age- and gender-matched-samples with TD. Gait parameters were normalized to 101 data points and the gait cycle was divided into seven sub-phases. The Model Statistic procedure was used to test for statistical significance between matched-pairs throughout the entire gait cycle for each parameter. When collapsed across all participants, children with ASD exhibited large numbers of significant differences (p < 0.05) throughout the gait cycle in hip, knee, and ankle joint positions as well as vertical and anterior/posterior ground reaction forces. Children with ASD exhibited unique differences throughout the gait cycle, which supports current literature on the heterogeneity of the disorder. The present work supports recent findings that motor movement differences may be a core symptom of ASD. Thus, individuals may benefit from therapeutic movement interventions that follow precision medicine guidelines by accounting for individual characteristics, given the unique movement differences observed.
Evolution of Fungal U3 snoRNAs: Structural Variation and Introns
Authors: Canzler Sebastian , Stadler Peter , Hertel Jana
Published: January 2017

The U3 small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) is an essential player in the initial steps of ribosomal RNA biogenesis which is ubiquitously present in Eukarya. It is exceptional among the small nucleolar RNAs in its size, the presence of multiple conserved sequence boxes, a highly conserved secondary structure core, its biogenesis as an independent gene transcribed by polymerase III, and its involvement in pre-rRNA cleavage rather than chemical modification. Fungal U3 snoRNAs share many features with their sisters from other eukaryotic kingdoms but differ from them in particular in their 5’ regions, which in fungi has a distinctive consensus structure and often harbours introns. Here we report on a comprehensive homology search and detailed analysis of the evolution of sequence and secondary structure features covering the entire kingdom Fungi.
An Online Survey on Consumer Knowledge and Understanding of Added Sugars
Authors: Tierney Mary , Gallagher Alison , Giotis Efstathios , Pentieva Kristina
Published: January 2017

Evidence of an association between added sugars (AS) and the risk of obesity has triggered public health bodies to develop strategies enabling consumers to manage their AS intake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has strongly recommended a reduction of free sugars to 10% of total dietary energy (TE) and conditionally recommended a reduction to 5% TE to achieve health benefits. Despite food labelling being a policy tool of choice in many countries, there is no consensus on the mandatory addition of AS to the nutrition panel of food labels. An online survey was conducted to explore consumer ability to identify AS on food labels and to investigate consumer awareness of the WHO guidelines in relation to sugar intakes. The questionnaire was tested for participant comprehension using face-to-face interviews prior to conducting the online study. The online survey was conducted in Northern Ireland during May 2015 and was completed by a convenient sample of 445 subjects. Results showed that just 4% of respondents correctly classified 10 or more ingredients from a presented list of 13 items, while 65% of participants were unaware of the WHO guidelines for sugar intake. It may be timely to reopen dialogue on inclusion of AS on food product nutrition panels.
Ecologically Valid Carbohydrate Intake during Soccer-Specific Exercise Does Not Affect Running Performance in a Fed State
Authors: Funnell Mark , Dykes Nick , Owen Elliot , Mears Stephen , Rollo Ian , James Lewis
Published: January 2017

This study assessed the effect of carbohydrate intake on self-selected soccer-specific running performance. Sixteen male soccer players (age 23 ± 4 years; body mass 76.9 ± 7.2 kg; predicted VO2max = 54.2 ± 2.9 mL∙kg−1∙min−1; soccer experience 13 ± 4 years) completed a progressive multistage fitness test, familiarisation trial and two experimental trials, involving a modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) to simulate a soccer match in a fed state. Subjects completed six 15 min blocks (two halves of 45 min) of intermittent shuttle running, with a 15-min half-time. Blocks 3 and 6, allowed self-selection of running speeds and sprint times, were assessed throughout. Subjects consumed 250 mL of either a 12% carbohydrate solution (CHO) or a non-caloric taste matched placebo (PLA) before and at half-time of the LIST. Sprint times were not different between trials (CHO 2.71 ± 0.15 s, PLA 2.70 ± 0.14 s; p = 0.202). Total distance covered in self-selected blocks (block 3: CHO 2.07 ± 0.06 km; PLA 2.09 ± 0.08 km; block 6: CHO 2.04 ± 0.09 km; PLA 2.06 ± 0.08 km; p = 0.122) was not different between trials. There was no difference between trials for distance covered (p ≥ 0.297) or mean speed (p ≥ 0.172) for jogging or cruising. Blood glucose concentration was greater (p < 0.001) at the end of half-time during the CHO trial. In conclusion, consumption of 250 mL of 12% CHO solution before and at half-time of a simulated soccer match does not affect self-selected running or sprint performance in a fed state.
Improving Land Surface Temperature Retrievals over Mountainous Regions
Authors: Bento Virgílio , DaCamara Carlos , Trigo Isabel , Martins João , Duguay-Tetzlaff Anke
Published: January 2017

Algorithms for Land Surface Temperature (LST) retrieval from infrared measurements are usually sensitive to the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere. The Satellite Application Facilities on Climate Monitoring and Land Surface Analysis (CM SAF and LSA SAF) are currently compiling a 25 year LST Climate data record (CDR), which uses water vapor information from ERA-Int reanalysis. However, its relatively coarse spatial resolution may lead to systematic errors in the humidity profiles with implications in LST, particularly over mountainous areas. The present study compares LST estimated with three different retrieval algorithms: a radiative transfer-based physical mono-window (PMW), a statistical mono-window (SMW), and a generalized split-windows (GSW). The algorithms were tested over the Alpine region using ERA-Int reanalysis data and relied on the finer spatial scale Consortium for Small-Scale Modelling (COSMO) model data as a reference. Two methods were developed to correct ERA-Int water vapor misestimation: (1) an exponential parametrization of total precipitable water (TPW) appropriate for SMW/GSW; and (2) a level reduction method to be used in PMW. When ERA-Int TPW was used, the algorithm missed the right TPW class in 87% of the cases. When the exponential parametrization was used, the missing class rate decreased to 9%, and when the level reduction method was applied, the LST corrections went up to 1.7 K over the study region. Overall, the correction for pixel orography in TPW leads to corrections in LST estimations, which are relevant to ensure that long-term LST records meet climate requirements, particularly over mountainous regions.
High Resolution Temperature Measurement of Liquid Stainless Steel Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Devesse Wim , De Baere Dieter , Guillaume Patrick
Published: January 2017

A contactless temperature measurement system is presented based on a hyperspectral line camera that captures the spectra in the visible and near infrared (VNIR) region of a large set of closely spaced points. The measured spectra are used in a nonlinear least squares optimization routine to calculate a one-dimensional temperature profile with high spatial resolution. Measurements of a liquid melt pool of AISI 316L stainless steel show that the system is able to determine the absolute temperatures with an accuracy of 10%. The measurements are made with a spatial resolution of 12 µm/pixel, justifying its use in applications where high temperature measurements with high spatial detail are desired, such as in the laser material processing and additive manufacturing fields.
A Fuzzy-Based Approach for Sensing, Coding and Transmission Configuration of Visual Sensors in Smart City Applications
Authors: Costa Daniel , Collotta Mario , Pau Giovanni , Duran-Faundez Cristian
Published: January 2017

The advance of technologies in several areas has allowed the development of smart city applications, which can improve the way of life in modern cities. When employing visual sensors in that scenario, still images and video streams may be retrieved from monitored areas, potentially providing valuable data for many applications. Actually, visual sensor networks may need to be highly dynamic, reflecting the changing of parameters in smart cities. In this context, characteristics of visual sensors and conditions of the monitored environment, as well as the status of other concurrent monitoring systems, may affect how visual sensors collect, encode and transmit information. This paper proposes a fuzzy-based approach to dynamically configure the way visual sensors will operate concerning sensing, coding and transmission patterns, exploiting different types of reference parameters. This innovative approach can be considered as the basis for multi-systems smart city applications based on visual monitoring, potentially bringing significant results for this research field.
Multiple Drosophila Tracking System with Heading Direction
Authors: Sirigrivatanawong Pudith , Arai Shogo , Thoma Vladimiros , Hashimoto Koichi
Published: January 2017

Machine vision systems have been widely used for image analysis, especially that which is beyond human ability. In biology, studies of behavior help scientists to understand the relationship between sensory stimuli and animal responses. This typically requires the analysis and quantification of animal locomotion. In our work, we focus on the analysis of the locomotion of the fruit fly D r o s o p h i l a m e l a n o g a s t e r , a widely used model organism in biological research. Our system consists of two components: fly detection and tracking. Our system provides the ability to extract a group of flies as the objects of concern and furthermore determines the heading direction of each fly. As each fly moves, the system states are refined with a Kalman filter to obtain the optimal estimation. For the tracking step, combining information such as position and heading direction with assignment algorithms gives a successful tracking result. The use of heading direction increases the system efficiency when dealing with identity loss and flies swapping situations. The system can also operate with a variety of videos with different light intensities.
Community Gardens as Health Promoters: Effects on Mental and Physical Stress Levels in Adults with and without Mental Disabilities
Authors: Dewi Nugrahaning , Komatsuzaki Masakazu , Yamakawa Yuriko , Takahashi Hiromi , Shibanuma Saori , Yasue Takeshi , Okayama Tsuyoshi , Toyoda Atsushi , Shimonishi Hikari , Sasaki Seiichi
Published: January 2017

The study focuses on psychological and physical effects of stress while performing community garden activities of various intensity levels. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological and physical effects in adults with (case group) and without (control group) mental disabilities. Salivary α-amylase (sAA) levels and the stress response scale (SRS-18) were used for the psychological analysis (n = 42). For physical assessment (n = 13), electrocardiogram (ECG), surface electromyogram (sEMG), and respiration rate were continuously measured while performing the activities using a multichannel telemetry system. The results showed that following the activities, the case group exhibited decreasing sAA levels while control group exhibited increasing sAA levels. However, both groups exhibited lower SRS-18 results following the activities. Compared with the control group, the case group had a significantly lower increase in the ratio of the heart rate (IRHR) (5.5%) during low-intensity work (filling pots with soil), but a significantly higher IRHR (16.7%) during high-intensity work (turning over soil). The case group experienced significantly higher levels of fatigue during high-intensity work (digging) than during the rest condition. These findings indicate that appropriate workload allocation, according to health, is necessary in the community garden setting because reducing the intensity of work assignments for people with mental disabilities will reduce their physical stress.
A Participatory Approach to Minimizing Food Waste in the Food Industry—A Manual for Managers
Authors: Strotmann Christina , Göbel Christine , Friedrich Silke , Kreyenschmidt Judith , Ritter Guido , Teitscheid Petra
Published: January 2017

Based on their experiences gained in 15 companies in the catering sector and the bakery industry, the authors present a participatory concept to reduce food waste in the food industry. This five-phase concept, adapted to the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle applied in the Total Quality Management, involves a participatory approach where employees are integrated into the process of developing and implementing measures to counteract food waste. The authors describe how the participatory approach can be used to raise awareness of the topic of food waste to improve employee commitment and responsibility. As a result, the authors further offer a Manual for Managers wishing to reduce food waste in their respective organizations. This manual includes information on the methodologies applied in each step of the improvement cycle. It also describes why the steps are necessary, and how results can be documented. The participatory concept and the Manual for Managers contribute to reducing food waste and to enhancing resource efficiency in the food industry.
Leaf‐disc grafting for the transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in citrus (Citrus sinensis; Rutaceae) seedlings
Authors: Tabay Zambon Flavia , Plant Karen , Etxeberria Ed
Published: January 2017

Premise of the study:

The search for resistance/tolerance to the devastating citrus huanglongbing disease (syn. HLB or citrus greening) is generating an increasing number of new plants of diverse genetic makeup. As the increasing number of new plants require more space, resources, and time, the need for faster and more efficient HLB screening tests becomes crucial.

Methods and Results:

The leaf‐disc grafting system described here consists in replacing a disc of leaf tissue with a similar disc from an infected plant. This can be performed in young seedlings not yet big enough to endure other types of grafting. Graft success and infection rates average approximately 80%.

Conclusions:

We describe the successful adaptation of leaf‐disc grafting as a powerful screening tool for HLB. The system requires minimal plant material and can be performed in seedlings at a very young age with increased efficiency in terms of time, space, and resources.
Development and characterization of 23 microsatellite loci for Rhododendron ovatum (Ericaceae)
Authors: Liu De‐Chen , Zhang Yang , Wang Si‐Si , Liao Meng‐Yu , Fan Xin‐Yu , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Rong
Published: January 2017

Premise of the study:

To estimate the genetic variation of Rhododendron ovatum (Ericaceae), a monoecious evergreen shrub, 23 microsatellite markers were identified from its nuclear genome.

Methods and Results:

We developed 16 polymorphic and seven monomorphic microsatellite primers using the biotin‐streptavidin capture method. The 16 polymorphic loci were investigated further using 89 individuals sampled from three populations in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 30, indicating a high level of polymorphism. The observed heterozygosity varied from 0.1034 to 0.9333, while the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.1016 to 0.9542. Of these polymorphic primers, 12 were found to be functional in R. simsii, a congeneric species of R. ovatum.

Conclusions:

Moderate to high levels of genetic variation were found in these microsatellite loci, indicating that they can be applied in future studies of Rhododendron genetic structure, contributing to forest management and conservation.
On the status of 'Maximize Presupposition'
Authors: Lauer Sven
Published: January 2017

Heim (1991) postulated the principle MAXIMIZE PRESUPPOSITION (MP), which has proven useful in the explanation of a range of phenomena But what kind of principle is MP? Is it a normative constraint on language use, akin to a rule in a game? Or is it similar to Grice's MAXIMS OF CONVERSATION, which capture defeasible tendencies in behavior motivated by general considerations about cooperative communication? I argue that either construal faces significant challenges, and provide an alternative conception of MP as a 'linguistic preference'—a (selfish) preference between linguistic forms that speakers happen to have. In this view, MP is neither a normative rule nor a Gricean maxim, but it functions like, and interacts with, such maxims in pragmatic reasoning.
Use of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values Results in Rapid Genetic Gains for Drought Tolerance in Maize
Authors: Vivek B.S. , Krishna Girish Kumar , Vengadessan V. , Babu R. , Zaidi P.H. , Kha Le Quy , Mandal S.S. , Grudloyma P. , Takalkar S. , Krothapalli K. , Singh I.S. , Ocampo Eureka Teresa M. , Xingming F. , Burgueño J. , Azrai M. , Singh R.P. , Crossa J.
Published: January 2017

More than 80% of the 19 million ha of maize (Zea mays L.) in tropical Asia is rainfed and prone to drought. The breeding methods for improving drought tolerance (DT), including genomic selection (GS), are geared to increase the frequency of favorable alleles. Two biparental populations (CIMMYT‐Asia Population 1 [CAP1] and CAP2) were generated by crossing elite Asian‐adapted yellow inbreds (CML470 and VL1012767) with an African white drought‐tolerant line, CML444. Marker effects of polymorphic single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined from testcross (TC) performance of F2:3 families under drought and optimal conditions. Cycle 1 (C1) was formed by recombining the top 10% of the F2:3 families based on TC data. Subsequently, (i) C2[PerSe_PS] was derived by recombining those C1 plants that exhibited superior per se phenotypes (phenotype‐only selection), and (ii) C2[TC‐GS] was derived by recombining a second set of C1 plants with high genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) derived from TC phenotypes of F2:3 families (marker‐only selection). All the generations and their top crosses to testers were evaluated under drought and optimal conditions. Per se grain yields (GYs) of C2[PerSe_PS] and that of C2[TC‐GS] were 23 to 39 and 31 to 53% better, respectively, than that of the corresponding F2 population. The C2[TC‐GS] populations showed superiority of 10 to 20% over C2[PerSe‐PS] of respective populations. Top crosses of C2[TC‐GS] showed 4 to 43% superiority of GY over that of C2[PerSe_PS] of respective populations. Thus, GEBV‐enabled selection of superior phenotypes (without the target stress) resulted in rapid genetic gains for DT.
HIV Infection Rather than Concurrent Opportunistic Infections drives Most Systemic Procoagulant, Vascular and Damage Responses – a Prospective Cohort Study in Central Africa
Authors: Janssen Saskia , Huson Michaela AM , Osbak Kara K , Rossatanga Elie-Gide , Alabi Abraham , Lutter René , Grobusch Martin P , van der Poll Tom
Published: January 2017

Background

HIV infection is accompanied by various systemic host responses, including activation of coagulation and the vascular endothelium. We sought to determine the impact of opportunistic coinfections in a central African setting.

Methods

This prospective study included 98 HIV-infected individuals in Gabon initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and followed them up for 6 months. Patients were stratified according to the presence of active tuberculosis (TB; n=19), mucocutaneous opportunistic infection ( n=9) or no opportunistic infection ( n=70). HIV-uninfected subjects were included as controls ( n=32). Plasma concentrations of 14 markers of coagulation, endothelial activation, extracellular matrix formation and tissue damage were measured with a multiplex assay at baseline and months 3 and 6 after cART initiation.

Results

HIV-infected patients showed elevated plasma levels of all biomarkers measured with exception of protein C, which was reduced. Concurrent TB was only associated with elevated concentrations of D-dimer, metal-lopeptidase inhibitor 1 and Tenascin-C. Mucocutaneous coinfection did not alter HIV-associated responses. Most markers measured declined but remained elevated despite response to cART.

Conclusions

HIV infection is associated with systemic pro-coagulant, vascular and damage responses. In an ambulatory setting, concurrent opportunistic infections have little if any influence on these responses and normalization is incomplete after response to cART. This suggests that these responses are mainly driven by HIV-associated immune activation and less so by opportunistic infections.
Association of HIV Infection with Biomarkers of Kidney Injury and Fibrosis in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study
Authors: Jotwani Vasantha , Scherzer Rebecca , Estrella Michelle M , Jacobson Lisa P , Witt Mallory D , Palella Frank , Ho Ken , Bennett Michael , Parikh Chirag R , Ix Joachim H , Shlipak Michael
Published: January 2017

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among HIV-infected individuals but serum creatinine is insensitive for detecting kidney damage at early stages. We hypothesized that HIV infection would be associated with elevations in subclinical markers of kidney injury and fibrosis in a contemporary cohort of men.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we measured urine levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), pro-collagen type III N-terminal pro-peptide (PIIINP) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in 813 HIV-infected and 331 uninfected men enrolled in the Multi-center AIDS Cohort Study.

Results

Median eGFR was 95 ml/min/1.73 m2 among African-Americans ( n=376) and 87 ml/min/1.73 m2 among Caucasians ( n=768). Among HIV-infected men, the median CD4 lymphocyte count was 572 cells/mm3 and 76% of men had undetectable HIV RNA levels. After multivariable adjustment for traditional CKD risk factors including eGFR, HIV infection was associated with 52% higher urine IL-18 (95% CI, 33%, 73%), 44% higher KIM-1 (27%, 64%), 30% higher PIIINP (15%, 47%) and 84% higher ACR (54%, 120%), with similar effect sizes among African-Americans and Caucasians ( P>0.2 for tests of interaction by race). These associations remained statistically significant in analyses that excluded persons with detectable HIV RNA levels and in models that adjusted for cumulative exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Conclusions

Compared with uninfected men, HIV-infected men had more extensive glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage, as assessed by urine biomarkers. Future studies should evaluate whether combinations of biomarkers can be used to monitor stages of kidney injury and to predict CKD risk in HIV-infected individuals.
La mobilité internationale : une qualité des carrières et des marchés académiques en Europe ?
Authors: Goastellec Gaële
Published: January 2017

Si la mobilité internationale est désormais largement présentée comme une qualité des carrières et des marchés académiques dans les discours des gouvernants et acteurs des enseignements supérieurs, peu de recherches documentent les effets de cette mobilité sur les individus et les organisations universitaires. Pourtant, dans un nombre croissant de pays, des instruments sont développés qui visent à augmenter les mobilités des académiques. À partir d’une recherche collective européenne (EuroAC, la profession académique en Europe), quantitative et qualitative, cet article interroge les mobilités internationales prenant place aux étapes formelles de la carrière (diplômes, post-doctorat, recrutements), leurs temporalités et leurs territoires, leurs effets sur les organisations universitaires, les pratiques et les parcours professionnels des individus. Il montre comment l’   économie de la qualité à l’entrée de la profession, percutée par l’introduction de la mobilité comme critère de qualité, entre en tension avec l’inscription relationnelle du jugement scientifique dans les recrutements, et, partant, augmente la part d’incertitude pesant sur les candidats à l’entrée de la profession.
Flipping the Constitutional Law Classroom
Authors: Ernst Julia L.
Published: January 2017

This chapter explores the initial methods used in developing a flipped classroom model for a first-year Constitutional Law course in a law school setting. It explores this topic from a very preliminary perspective, revealing the thought process and creation of the newly revamped class at the beginning stages, before the model has been implemented in the classroom. This work arises out of a successful proposal that the author submitted to the University of North Dakota's Office of Instructional Development seeking a Summer Instructional Development Project (SIDP) grant. The SIDP award has enabled the author to begin the endeavor of flipping the classroom in Constitutional Law, which will be implemented when the course is offered in the spring semester of 2014.
Benchmarking of Advanced Manufacturing Machines Based on Fuzzy-TOPSIS Method
Authors: Sahu Anoop Kumar , Sahu Atul Kumar , Sahu Nitin Kumar
Published: January 2017

The evaluation of the most appropriate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool is found foremost issue for sustaining the advanced manufacturing production units at competitive global market place. In last years, many evaluation parameter/ criteria/ issues (i.e. Cost [C], Tool Length [TL], Tool Diameter [TD], Metal Removal Rate [MRR], X-Y-Z-Axis Movement of Tool [AMT], etc.) carried out into account besides productivity, precision, accuracy, reliability etc prior to purchasing/electing CNC machine tools amongst preferred alternatives. This chapter exhibited a hypothetical case research pertaining to election of CNC machine tool under the qualitative parameter/criteria/issues excluding quantitative, where, subjective (qualitative) criteria are considered beside objective (quantitative) criteria and complexity to elect the best CNC machine tool is solved via subjective assessments of expert's panel also called the group decision making. In present research, TOPSIS algorithmic technique conjunction with Trapezoidal Fuzzy Number set (TFNs) is explored for appraising and benchmarking the preferable CNC machine tool options/ alternatives. Finally, a hypothetical case research is carried out to check the validity of proposed algorithmic technique for proposed module and exhibit the path for benchmarking alternative machine tools. The preferences orders are carried out in accordance with descending value of the ‘collective index'. Higher value of ‘collective index' reflects higher degree of performance.
Organizational Climate as a Predictor to Employees' Behavior
Authors: Singh Shashi
Published: January 2017

There are many behavioral challenges lying in the front of employees, management and their organization due to globalization. The present investigation attempts to identify few of them like organizational role stress, job satisfaction and organizational climate. The study is also determining the effect of organizational climate on role stress and job satisfaction. The Stress has always been a part of human existence. Organizational climate is an individual's perception about the environment of the organization one is working with. Job satisfaction is the result of the individual perception of what is expected and what is receive from different facts of the work situation. Primary data is collected through standard psychometric devices. Prevailed climatic conditions are very important in the determination of stress levels and its consequences in an individual. The link between role stress and employees job satisfaction are of great relevance to organizational health. It will be useful for organizations in utilizing its human capital in a better and effective manner.
Managing Organized Crime
Authors: Musotto Roberto , Di Fatta Davide , Vesperi Walter , Morabito Giacomo , D'Aleo Vittorio , Lo Bue Salvatore
Published: January 2017

This chapter describes the way in which organised crime networks are structured and operate. Every general manager, no matter which kind of business he/she deals with, has to transform the daily chaos of events and decisions into an orderly way of sizing up the firm's position in its environment. At first, this chapter focuses on organised crime networks: how they are shaped and how they differ from others business. Secondly, how such a structure protects itself from exterior threats and how it moves and operates in a market among other legal and illegal firms and networks.
A Descriptive Study About Burnout Syndrome and Obesity in Senior and Middle Managers
Authors: Maldonado-Macías Aide Aracely , Camacho-Alamilla María del Rocío , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Hernández-Arellano Juan Luis
Published: January 2017

Burnout syndrome (BS) and obesity have a high economic impact on different fields. This chapter presents a descriptive study of both conditions among middle and senior managers in the maquiladora industry of Ciudad Juarez. The Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey- was administered to six companies. A sample of 361 participants informed their weight and height. Five levels of Burnout were obtained. Obesity was studied according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results found that 29.8% is exempt from BS, 10.5% has low level, 12.9% has a middle level, 28.2% a fairly level and 18.5% an extreme level of BS. In addition, 34% of the sample suffers from some degree of obesity. Work psychosocial aspects and their effects on human capital development in the industrial sector are not sufficiently studied in developing countries so that to develop strategies for the prevention and effective handling of both BS and obesity.
A User-Centered Log-Based Information Retrieval System Using Web Log Mining
Authors: V Sathiyamoorthi
Published: January 2017

It is generally observed throughout the world that in the last two decades, while the average speed of computers has almost doubled in a span of around eighteen months, the average speed of the network has doubled merely in a span of just eight months! In order to improve the performance, more and more researchers are focusing their research in the field of computers and its related technologies. Data Mining is also known as knowledge discovery in database (KDD) is one such research area. The discovered knowledge can be applied in various application areas such as marketing, fraud detection, customer retention and production control and marketing to improve their business. It discovers implicit, previously unknown and potentially useful information out of datasets. Recent trends in data mining include web mining where it discovers knowledge from web based information to improve the page layout, structure and its content thereby it reduces the user latency in accessing the web page and website performance.
Socrative
Authors: Vasconcelos Sandra Vieira , Balula Ana
Published: January 2017

Focusing on the use mobile devices to promote language learning, this chapter documents the use of the student response system Socrative in two German courses taking place at two different Portuguese higher education institutions. It is divided into three different sections. After establishing the project's theoretical framework, the authors analyse its implementation and present findings, based on users' perceptions and test results. Aiming at understanding the role mobile devices can play in promoting students' long-term content retention, this research achieved promising results, not only by confirming students' expectations towards mlearning, but also by suggesting that mobile initiatives can have a positive effect in motivating students and promoting engagement, change and innovation. Overall, students achieved positive results, with data providing educators with indicators and insights on learner's learning strategies and progress.
Transformation of Self and Society with Virtual Learning
Authors: Stricker Andrew Gerald
Published: January 2017

The transformation of human experiences with virtual learning enables unprecedented forms of communication, connection, interaction, and mobility supporting news forms of selfhood and society. The ways people perceive, think and interact across virtual and physical spaces are fundamentally changing the mind, identity, social interactions, intellectual boundaries, and ways of knowing and learning in society. This chapter introduces and explores philosophical claims for helping to interpret and shape the transformation of self and society with virtual learning.
A Methodological Framework for Investigating Social Participation in Mobile Social Media Learning
Authors: Kok Ayse
Published: January 2017

Social media is increasingly becoming an essential platform for social connectivity in our daily lives. The availability of mobile technology has further fueled its importance – making it a ubiquitous tool for social interaction. However, limited studies have been conducted to investigate roles of social participation in this field. Thus, the study proposes a methodological framework to identify the roles of social participation in mobile social media learning using the “ladder of participation and mastering.” It suggests ways for data analysis using a social network analysis tool, such as NodeXL. The following framework of analysis for various roles of social participation in mobile social media is offered: (i) lurkers; (ii) gradually mastering members/passive members; (iii) recognized members; and (iv) coaches. This paper draws attention to the fact that learners can inter-change roles of social participation – becoming more central or less central in learning discussions.
It Takes a Guild- Social Metacognition and Collaborative Creation of a Learning Organization
Authors: Novak Kae
Published: January 2017

Educators need to understand how virtual learning has advanced outside of institutional learning management systems and how people think, interact and perceive themselves in virtual spaces that are not tied to traditional learning. This chapter is a case study of an educator's gaming guild that explored virtual learning when transitioning from a social guild, which participated in casual raiding to embarking on progressive raiding. Guild leaders and members approached this progressive raiding as an opportunity to use their knowledge of learning strategies to develop the group's social metacognition. If educators want to transcend the limitations of learning management systems in predominantly text based courses, they need to understand and appreciate the identity and roles taken on by learners in virtual environments and the networked presence that takes place in organizations such as guilds. Guilds function as a learning organization that fosters identity development among members especially as data analytics are reviewed during collective and individual debriefing after raids.
The Future of Assessment for Personalized Naturalistic Learning
Authors: Reinerman-Jones Lauren , Goodwin Martin S. , Goldberg Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Education in general has transcended boundaries of a physical classroom and given rise to the phenomenon of ubiquitous learning (u-learning) and the ability to access knowledge on-demand. To understand the effect of learning as it is evolving, the present chapter puts forth a framework of formal, non-formal, and informal virtual learning environments discussed on the basis of nine components. As the learning environment changes, the role of assessment within this new learning paradigm must be reconsidered. The chapter concludes with a discussion of integrating assessment into intelligent tutoring systems and the importance of designing such systems as open architecture for accommodation of a variety of domains.
Adopting the Concept of Business Models in Public Management
Authors: Kożuch Barbara , Jabłoński Adam
Published: January 2017

The aim of the chapter is to propose the principles of adopting the concept of business models in public management. The scope of the work includes the specific principles of business management and public management, examined in terms of integrating the attributes of public organizations that ensure they achieve appropriate functionality. The result of scientific reflections is an attempt to design the canvas of the public organization business model based on an analogy taken from business management for the conceptualization and operationalization of the specific key attributes of the public organization business model. The justifiability of adopting the concept of a business model in the theory and practice of public organization functioning will be illustrated by the solutions used in local units of public employment services in Poland.
Public Organizations and Business Model Innovation
Authors: Lewandowski Mateusz
Published: January 2017

Improvement of public services and raising the citizens' quality of life is one of the biggest concerns of public sector. Changing the way public organizations operate could support such an improvement. In this regard, business model framework is an emerging field of research that could shed some new light. Yet, in case of public organizations, business model innovation remains heavily underexplored. The purpose of this chapter is threefold, to indicate and discuss the opportunities of adapting the business model innovation theory to public organizations, to conceptualize its theoretical framework, and to explore the role of public service design in the process of innovating public sector business models.
Inactivation of Rab11a GTPase in Macrophages Facilitates Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Neutrophils
Authors: Jiang Chunling , Liu Zheng , Hu Rong , Bo Lulong , Minshall Richard D. , Malik Asrar B. , Hu Guochang
Published: January 2017

The timely and efficient clearance of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages (efferocytosis) is required for the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the small GTPase Ras-related protein in brain (Rab)11a in regulating efferocytosis, and on this basis the resolution of inflammatory lung injury. We observed that apoptotic neutrophil feeding induced a rapid loss of Rab11a activity in bone marrow–derived macrophages and found that depletion of Rab11a in macrophages by small interfering RNA dramatically increased the phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils compared with control cells. Additionally, overexpression of wild-type Rab11a inhibited macrophage efferocytosis, whereas overexpression of dominant-negative Rab11a (Rab11a S25N) increased the clearance of apoptotic neutrophils. Rab11a knockdown also increased the surface level of CD36 in macrophages, but it reduced cell surface expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17. Depletion of ADAM17 rescued the decreased surface CD36 expression found in macrophages overexpressing wild-type Rab11a. Also, blockade of CD36 abolished the augmented efferocytosis seen in Rab11a-depleted macrophages. In mice challenged with endotoxin, intratracheal instillation of Rab11a-depleted macrophages reduced neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increased the number of macrophages containing apoptotic neutrophils, and prevented inflammatory lung injury. Thus, Rab11a inactivation in macrophages as a result of apoptotic cell binding initiates phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils via the modulation of ADAM17-mediated CD36 cell surface expression. Our results raise the possibility that inhibition of Rab11a activity in macrophages is a promising strategy for activating the resolution of inflammatory lung injury.