bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antithrombotic therapy in peripheral artery disease
Authors: Foley T Raymond , Waldo Stephen W , Armstrong Ehrin J
Published: January 2016

Antiplatelet agents are recommended for the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events among all patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. However, the optimal antiplatelet regimen and duration of therapy in peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains unclear, largely due to limited and conflicting data in this patient population. This article reviews current data on antithrombotic therapy in PAD and discusses the implications of this data for current practice and future research.
Weight-based bullying and compromised peer relationships in young adult bariatric patients
Authors: Yufe Shira J , Taube-Schiff Marlene , Fergus Karen D , Sockalingam Sanjeev
Published: January 2016

The experience of weight-based bullying in young adult bariatric patients has not yet been examined. Thirteen young adults (age, 18–24) that were seeking or had undergone bariatric surgery participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis informed by grounded theory principles was conducted. Analysis revealed the following three major themes: (1) being the biggest kid, (2) coping through avoidance, and (3) compromised peer and intimate relationships. Victims of weight-based bullying often avoid and withdraw socially in response to persistent verbal abuse. The decision to pursue bariatric surgery at a relatively young age adds another dimension of difficulty when navigating peer relationships.
A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bremer Emily , Crozier Michael , Lloyd Meghann
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this review was to systematically search and critically analyse the literature pertaining to behavioural outcomes of exercise interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder aged ⩽16 years. This systematic review employed a comprehensive peer-reviewed search strategy, two-stage screening process and rigorous critical appraisal, which resulted in the inclusion of 13 studies. Results demonstrated that exercise interventions consisting individually of jogging, horseback riding, martial arts, swimming or yoga/dance can result in improvements to numerous behavioural outcomes including stereotypic behaviours, social-emotional functioning, cognition and attention. Horseback riding and martial arts interventions may produce the greatest results with moderate to large effect sizes, respectively. Future research with well-controlled designs, standardized assessments, larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-ups is necessary, in addition to a greater focus on early childhood (aged 0–5 years) and adolescence (aged 12–16 years), to better understand the extent of the behavioural benefits that exercise may provide these populations.
Estimating the background ventilation rates in new-build UK dwellings – Is n50/20 appropriate?
Authors: Johnston David , Stafford Anne
Published: January 2016

In the UK, a rule of thumb applied to air permeability is commonly employed when estimating background ventilation rates from pressurisation test data. However, this may lead to significant errors in estimating the infiltration rates in UK new-build dwellings, resulting in poor estimation of the dwellings in-use energy and CO2 emissions, and the adoption of ventilation strategies leading to either unacceptable indoor air quality or unnecessary energy consumption. In this paper, a preliminary investigation into the applicability of the rule of thumb is undertaken. Background ventilation rates in four new-build dwellings in the UK are determined using the tracer gas decay method and also the pressurisation (blower door) method coupled with both the conventional n50/20 and (in the UK) q50/20 rule of thumb, and Sherman’s modified rule of thumb, which takes into account other building-related factors. The conventional method overestimated the air-change rate in two of the dwellings and underestimated it in the other two dwellings. The modified rule of thumb produced comparable results for two of the dwellings, but significantly underestimated the air-change rate in the other two dwellings. These results suggest that more work needs to be done to devise appropriate climate and building-related correction factors for the UK.
Ozone deposition velocities on cotton clothing surface determined by the field and laboratory emission cell
Authors: Di Yiwen , Mo Jinhan , Zhang Yinping , Deng Jiewen
Published: January 2016

Interfacial ozone-initiated chemistry can greatly influence human exposure to reactants and products in the indoor environment. As the nearest reaction interface to human body, clothing assumes an important role in the generation of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds when reacting with indoor ozone. However, little is known about the kinetics of ozone-clothing reactions. This investigation developed a convenient method to examine the reaction kinetic parameters of ozone-clothing reactions by using a field and laboratory emission cell. Deposition velocity can be determined in a short period by this method. The study found that the deposition velocity and reaction rate constant for ozone-cotton vest reactions were not significantly affected by the ozone concentration, air flow velocity and long soiling duration (>6 h) of the vest. However, whether or not the vest had been soiled with skin oil is key to the magnitude of the deposition velocity and reaction rate constant. The ozone deposition velocities on soiled cotton vest surface are approximately constant under typical indoor conditions. The deposition velocity and reaction rate constant of ozone-initiated reactions with soiled cotton vest are 0.79 ± 0.17 and 2.43 ± 0.71 cm/s, respectively, at room temperature.
Revisiting household energy rebound: Perspectives from a multidisciplinary study
Authors: Halvorsen Bente , Larsen Bodil M. , Wilhite Harold , Winther Tanja
Published: January 2016

In this paper, an interdisciplinary team of economists and anthropologists study the perplexing case of Norwegian households’ heat pump ownership. The heat pump is a technology that has the potential to reduce electricity consumption by up to 25% compared to conventional electric heating, but, as we demonstrate in this study, when taken into use it results in little or no change in electricity consumption. To explain this large rebound effect, we use a quantitative economic analysis combined with qualitative interviews attuned towards examining the effect of heat pumps on people’s everyday practices. We find that, on average, households with and without a heat pump use approximately the same amount of electricity. The main sources of rebound identified was higher indoor temperature and heated living space, less firewood and fuel oil use and less use of night-set-backs or reduced temperature while away from the home.
The digital hood: Social media use among youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Authors: Stevens Robin , Gilliard-Matthews Stacia , Dunaev Jamie , Woods Marcus K , Brawner Bridgette M
Published: January 2016

This study examines the role of social media in the lives of youth living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Feminist Standpoint Theory, which privileges the voices of marginalized communities in understanding social phenomena, suggests that youth at the margins have specific knowledge that helps us understand social media more broadly. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 females and 30 males aged 13–24 years about their social worlds and neighborhoods, both online and offline. The findings reveal a dynamic and somewhat concerning interplay between the geographic neighborhood and the digital neighborhood, whereby negative social interactions in the geographic neighborhood are reproduced and amplified on social media.
How does “talking about the Internet with others” affect teenagers’ experience of online risks? The role of active mediation by parents, peers, and school teachers
Authors: Shin Wonsun , Lwin May O
Published: January 2016

This study investigated how active mediation employed by three key socialization agents—parents, peers, and school teachers—is associated with teenagers’ engagement in online risks. A survey with 746 students aged 12–18 years found that different socialization agents focus on different aspects of the Internet when they engage in active mediation. Parents and teachers focus more on making instructive remarks whereas peers are more likely to engage in neutral facets of active mediation (e.g. helping or recommending). However, parental mediation tends to diminish whereas peer mediation tends to escalate with age among teens. The findings also suggest that school teachers’ Internet-related discussions can reduce teens’ potential exposure to online risks while peer interactions may increase teens’ vulnerability to online risks.
Beyond ethnographic scriptocentrism: Modelling multi-scalar processes, networks, and relationships
Authors: Mueller Alain
Published: January 2016

This article presents an approach to pictorial-diagrammatic modelling that was developed and used in ethnographic research on a quasi-global, networked cultural arrangement – specifically, hardcore punk. By facilitating visual mapping, thinking, and conceptualizing, this approach constitutes a methodological apparatus – or ‘experimental system’ – that helps to bridge the gap between collections of particular, situated ethnographic accounts and the development of a broader analysis of multi-scalar networks of relationships. A specific feature of this apparatus is its heuristic function, whereby research questions and approaches, on the one hand, and development and use of the model, on the other, recursively and mutually inform each other. The article advocates for a more formalized and systematic use of such tools in ethnographic research, and suggests new ways to move beyond ethnography’s predominantly verbal and scriptocentric tradition. On a broader level, this retrospective analysis provides an example of the usually opaque, and rarely discussed, process of crafting ethnographic ideas, concepts, and approaches.
Informal versus precarious work in Colombia: Concept and operationalization
Authors: Ferreira Maria
Published: January 2016

This article critically analyzes the conceptual and operational relationship between informality and quality of employment in light of the problems of job security in Colombia. It demonstrates that the notion of informality is inadequate to define and inform policy making and addresses the main challenges that workers face in terms of work-related insecurities. As a response, a multidimensional definition and operationalization of precarious work is proposed. The results suggest that precariousness is a central notion to explore objective degrees of the quality of work that cut across formal/informal boundaries.
Increased plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activities are associated with high prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Tianpeng , Liu Yihong , Qin Shenghua , Liu Hongbo , Zhang Xiaoxi , Zhao Hailu
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To investigate the association between plasma Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) activities and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods:

A total of 1193 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects were studied. Plasma DPP4 activity, mannose 6-phosphate receptor, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters were measured in all participants. Diabetic nephropathy was defined as the presence of albuminuria or an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results:

Participants in the highest quartile of DPP4 activity had higher HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, nitrotyrosine, 8-iso-PGF2a, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, mannose 6-phosphate receptor, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate compared with participants in the lowest quartile (all p < 0.001). DPP4 activities were associated positively with HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, nitrotyrosine, 8-iso-PGF2a, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, mannose 6-phosphate receptor, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (all p < 0.001). In the highest DPP4 quartile, diabetic nephropathy risk was significantly higher (odds ratio: 3.77; 95% confidence interval: 2.34–6.07) than in the lowest quartile after adjustment for potential confounders. This association remained strong (2.85; 1.74–4.68) after further controlling for HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, nitrotyrosine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Conclusion:

This study shows that increased DPP4 activities are strongly and independently associated with diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. The associations between DPP4 and diabetic nephropathy, although strong, do not imply causality. There are however plausible mechanisms which could explain such a link.
Promoter polymorphism at the tumour necrosis factor/lymphotoxin-alpha locus is associated with type of diabetes but not with susceptibility to sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kaidonis Georgia , Craig Jamie E , Gillies Mark C , Abhary Sotoodeh , Essex Rohan W , Chang John H , Pal Bishwanath , Pefkianaki Maria , Daniell Mark , Lake Stewart , Petrovsky Nikolai , Burdon Kathryn P
Published: January 2016

Aim:

To investigate, in a large cohort of 2494 individuals with diabetes mellitus, whether functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of tumour necrosis factor ( TNF) and lymphotoxin-alpha ( LTA) genes are associated with type of diabetes or presence of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:

A total of 334 type 1 diabetes and 999 type 2 diabetes participants with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and 260 type 1 diabetes and 901 type 2 diabetes participants with no diabetic retinopathy or minimal non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, were genotyped for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1800629 and rs361525).

Results:

The A allele of rs1800629 was associated with type 1 diabetes ( p < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.62). After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, HbA1c, hypertension and nephropathy, no significant association was found between rs1800629 or rs361525 and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion:

An association between the A allele of rs1800629 and type of diabetes was found. No association was found between two promoter variants of TNF and LTA, and diabetic retinopathy in a large cohort of Caucasian patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The Drug Excipient Cyclodextrin Interacts With d-Luciferin and Interferes With Bioluminescence Imaging
Authors: Kumar Jeyan S. , Miller Jenkins Lisa M. , Gottesman Michael M. , Hall Matthew D.
Published: January 2016

Cyclodextrins are well-characterized, barrel-shaped molecules that can solubilize organic small molecules in aqueous solution via host–guest interactions. As such, cyclodextrins are used as excipients for experimental therapeutics in vivo. We observed unanticipated modifications to bioluminescence imaging (BLI) signal intensity when 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) was coinjected as an excipient. We hypothesized that HPCD binds d-luciferin and interferes with the BLI signal. Using luciferase-expressing cell lines, we showed that HPCD lowers the BLI signal in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed that HPCD resulted in reduced cellular accumulation of d-luciferin, and mass spectrometry revealed d-luciferin HPCD species, confirming a direct interaction. In vivo imaging using a luciferase mouse model demonstrated that HPCD reduced luciferin-mediated BLI compared to luciferin alone. The implications of using HPCD as an excipient in BLI studies are discussed.
A Novel Successive Suturing Device for Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Cho Chang Nho , Cho Sung Ho , Cho Seong Yeon , Kim Kwang Gi , Park Sang Jae
Published: January 2016

Suturing is one of the more tiresome and difficult tasks during laparoscopic surgeries. To cope with this problem, we aimed to develop a novel successive suturing device. A novel needle holding and locking mechanism is proposed to transfer the needle between the upper and bottom jaws. The device is straightforward to use with intuitive 2-trigger control, and it can perform successive suturing without the need of reload between stiches. Also, it is compact enough to be inserted through a 12-mm trocar. The feasibility of the device is verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments. It was found that the developed device was able to successfully close the wounds without any leakage. The developed successive suturing device offers an easy way of performing suture, and it will greatly help surgeons during laparoscopic surgeries.
Spinal arteriovenous fistulae in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Nasr Deena M , Cloft Harry J , Iyer Vivek N , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

Background

Although rare, spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are thought to be more prevalent in the hereditary Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) population.

Methods

We report a case of a spinal AVM in a 37-year-old female with HHT treated with endovascular embolization. In addition, we report findings from a systematic review of the literature on the clinical characteristics, angioarchitecture, and clinical outcomes of HHT patients with spinal AVMs.

Results

The patient is a 37 year-old female with definite HHT who presented with a one-year history of progressive gait difficulty. The spinal fistula was incidentally detected on chest computed tomography (CT). Spinal angiography demonstrated a large perimedullary arteriovenous fistula was supplied by a posterolateral spinal artery. The fistula was treated with detachable coils. The patient made a complete neurological recovery. Our systematic review yielded 25 additional cases of spinal AVMs in HHT patients. All fistulae were perimedullary (100.0%). Treatments were described in 24 of the 26 lesions. Endovascular-only treatment was performed in 16 cases (66.6%) and surgical-only treatment was performed in five cases (20.8%). Complete or near-complete occlusion rates were 86.7% (13/15) for endovascular treated cases, 100.0% (4/4) for surgery and 66.6% (2/3) for combined treatments. Overall, 80.0% of patients (16/20) reported improvement in function following treatment, 100.0% (5/5) in the surgery group and 84.6% (11/13) reported improvement in the endovascular group.

Conclusions

Spinal fistulae in HHT patients are usually type IV perimedullary fistulae. Both endovascular and surgical treatments appeared to be effective in treating these lesions. However, it is clear that endovascular therapy has become the preferred treatment modality.
Australian mental health nurses and transgender clients: Attitudes and knowledge
Authors: Riggs Damien W , Bartholomaeus Clare
Published: January 2016

As increasing numbers of transgender people access mental health services, so with this comes the requirement that mental health professionals are capable of providing inclusive and informed care. In Australia, mental health nurses play a key role in the mental health workforce, and are increasingly likely to engage with transgender people across a range of practice contexts. The research reported in this paper sought to explore the experience, knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Australian mental health nurses with regards to working with transgender people. A total of 96 mental health nurses completed a survey that included an attitudinal measure and a measure of clinical knowledge. Our findings indicated that a majority of the sample had worked with a transgender client before, but only a minority had undertaken training in working with transgender clients. Training was related to more positive attitudes; and both training and experience were related to greater clinical knowledge. Female and/or older participants had greater clinical knowledge, whilst more religious participants had less positive attitudes. The paper concludes by commenting on the dearth of competency and practice documents specific to mental health nurses working with transgender people, and it outlines the Australian standards that would mandate their development.
Consensus and contested citizenship education goals in Western Europe
Authors: Eidhof Bram BF , ten Dam Geert TM , Dijkstra Anne Bert , van de Werfhorst Herman G
Published: January 2016

As schools are increasingly expected to develop their students’ political and social engagement in order to promote good citizenship, they are struggling to define what good citizenship is. In this article, we put forward a way of formulating perspectives on citizenship that specifies the normative aspects of good citizenship in a systematic manner. In doing so, we distinguish between citizenship education goals which are generally shared and citizenship education goals that are often disputed. Subsequently, an exploratory data analysis is conducted to investigate to which degree educational level in current Western European educational systems is associated with outcomes regarding these consensus and contested citizenship education goals. The findings provide support for our hypothesis that educational level is predominantly associated with general democratic citizenship outcomes, rather than with outcomes that are emphasized by more specific, but contested citizenship perspectives.
Optimization of the biomechanical design of plate-loaded strength training machines: The free-weight lifting experience
Authors: Biscarini Andrea , Bonafoni Stefania
Published: January 2016

We established a set of analytical equations that constitute the biomechanical framework for the optimal design of plate-loaded strength training machines. Specifically, we assessed the effect on the exercise kinetics of a change in the distance dP between the site P of the resistance lever where the weight plates are loaded and the axis of rotation of the lever. To this end, the distance dP was increased, while keeping the value of the resistance torque τ R unchanged by a simultaneous decrease in the mass mP of plates loaded on the lever ( dPmP = const). A progressive increase in dP (under the condition dPmP = const) yielded a sharp decrease, followed by a steady increase, in the moment of inertia of the loaded resistance lever (relative to its axis of rotation). The impact of this change on the kinetic effects related to the inertia of the moving equipment masses (inertial effects) has been discussed for maximal and explosive exercises, and for sub-maximal exercises executed at controlled cadence. We also detected a specific value of dP for which the torque related to the inertial effects, expressed as a percentage of τ R, turns out to be independent of the selected level of external resistance. This condition precisely reflects the linear-dynamic condition that occurs when lifting free weights.
Injury Profile in Swedish Elite Floorball
Authors: Tranaeus Ulrika , Götesson Eva , Werner Suzanne
Published: January 2016

Background:

Floorball is an indoor team sport with growing popularity worldwide characterized by rapid accelerations, decelerations, and cutting and pivoting movements. While injuries are common, there are few high-quality epidemiological investigations of floorball injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of injuries in male and female elite-level floorball players in Sweden.

Hypothesis:

The incidence of injuries has not decreased; female players are more vulnerable to injury than male players.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Twelve floorball teams (6 male, 6 female) in the Swedish premiere leagues were followed for 1 year (preseason, game season, and the entire year). The team medical staff reported injury incidence, location, type (traumatic or overuse), and severity. Differences between male and female players were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

The injury incidence was greater in female players during preseason (22.9 vs 7.4, P = 0.01), game season (39.5 vs 28.3, P = 0.002), as well as the whole year combined (33.9 vs 20.8, P = 0.02). The thigh was the most common injury location in male players and the ankle in female players. Overuse injuries were more common among men and were primarily back problems. Traumatic injuries were more common in women—mainly knee and ankle injuries. Most injuries were of mild severity. A greater number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurred in women (n = 11) than in men (n = 2).

Conclusion:

The injury incidence was significantly greater in female floorball players throughout the entire floorball year. Male players sustained mostly overuse injuries while female players suffered traumatic injuries. The majority of injuries in floorball were mild, irrespective of player sex.

Clinical Relevance:

Knowledge of the incidence and severity of floorball injuries is an essential step in the sequence of injury prevention. Future research should focus on identifying injury mechanisms and risk factors for these injuries to develop injury prevention strategies.
Creating District Readiness for Implementing Evidence-Based School-Centered Asthma Programs
Authors: Cicutto Lisa , Shocks Donna , Gleason Melanie , Haas-Howard Christy , White Marty , Szefler Stanley J.
Published: January 2016

Asthma is a common chronic childhood disease that is associated with high rates of school absenteeism and educational disparities. Effective school-based programs exist that are able to reduce school absenteeism and the burden that asthma exacts on students. However, despite the availability of effective school-centered asthma programs conducted as research projects, many schools have struggled to implement the programs and experience their benefits. As the literature from the implementation sciences highlights, readiness of the school environment is crucial and central to success. This is an often overlooked and underacknowledged aspect to successful implementation. This article provides a case study of a large school district, highlighting its experience in preparing the district for broad-scale implementation of a school-centered asthma program.
Implementing 12345 Fit-Tastic
Authors: Wade Kerri , Summar Shelly , Dewit Emily
Published: January 2016

Childhood obesity is epidemic in the United States. School nurses are in a unique position to address weight with the students they serve. This article provides tools for school nurses to be able to conduct an obesity screening, demonstrate the basic skills of motivational interviewing in treatment of obesity in a school age child, and utilize the 12345 Fit-Tastic program in their practice. This article is the seventh and final article in a series on the topic of childhood obesity and the accompanying comorbidities.
Too Busy for TB
Authors: Galemore Cynthia A.
Published: January 2016

School nurses actively monitor the school population for signs of communicable disease on a daily basis. State regulations outline reportable diseases and provide guidance to control disease outbreak, including management of disease outbreak in the school setting. The purpose of this article is to review strategies recently used in managing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak at a large high school in Kansas. A timeline of events is presented along with a discussion of the differences between latent TB infection and TB disease. Partnering across agencies and departments enabled the timely testing of over 400 individuals and subsequent management of individuals testing positive for latent TB infection. Public information officers provided necessary guidance to communicate to audiences both internally and externally.
How Can People Be so Good at Intercepting Accelerating Objects if They Are so Poor at Visually Judging Acceleration?
Authors: Brenner Eli , Rodriguez Inés Abalo , Muñoz Victor Estal , Schootemeijer Sabine , Mahieu Yannick , Veerkamp Kirsten , Zandbergen Marit , van der Zee Tim , Smeets Jeroen BJ
Published: January 2016

People are known to be very poor at visually judging acceleration. Yet, they are extremely proficient at intercepting balls that fall under gravitational acceleration. How is this possible? We previously found that people make systematic errors when trying to tap on targets that move with different constant accelerations or decelerations on interleaved trials. Here, we show that providing contextual information that indicates how the target will decelerate on the next trial does not reduce such errors. Such errors do rapidly diminish if the same deceleration is present on successive trials. After observing several targets move with a particular acceleration or deceleration without attempting to tap on them, participants tapped as if they had never experienced the acceleration or deceleration. Thus, people presumably deal with acceleration when catching or hitting a ball by compensating for the errors that they made on preceding attempts.
Investigating what felt shapes look like
Authors: Clarke Sam
Published: January 2016

A recent empirical study claims to show that the answer to Molyneux’s question is negative, but, as John Schwenkler points out, its findings are inconclusive: Subjects tested in this study probably lacked the visual acuity required for a fair assessment of the question. Schwenkler is undeterred. He argues that the study could be improved by lowering the visual demands placed on subjects, a suggestion later endorsed and developed by Kevin Connolly. I suggest that Connolly and Schwenkler both underestimate the difficulties involved in rectifying the study they seek to fix. The problem is that the experimental paradigm under consideration fails to account for the role that rational inference plays in newly sighted subjects’ ability or inability to recognize spatial properties across modalities. Since answering Molyneux’s question requires establishing whether spatial properties can be recognized, across modalities, by newly sighted subjects without recourse to rational inference, this is a problem. Indeed, it is a problem that may be worsened by Schwenkler and Connolly’s suggestions regarding the lowering of visual demands on subjects in cross-modal matching tasks.
Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Authors: Goswami Amlanjyoti
Published: January 2016

This article2 explores key issues in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act) read with recent changes proposed by the central government. The LARR Act has to be read in the context of political contestation and changing political winds, the spate of decisions by the Supreme Court in the run up to the enactment and the need for ‘balancing’ multiple viewpoints. In such context, the twin categories—federal and judicial—become prominent. The nature of the LARR Act’s response to both will determine its continued existence and significance. This article examines legal dimensions of issues such as ‘Eminent Domain’ and ‘public purpose’, R&R, compensation, safeguards for project-affected families and other relevant processes. The article asks larger legal and political questions regarding land acquisition within constitutional debates pertaining to the LARR Act’s implications for federalism and a detailed analysis of recent pronouncements of the Supreme Court. The article also looks at potential scenarios, and in particular, possible consequences of the enactment for future urbanisation patterns in India.
Whose Land Is It Anyway? Property, Law and Rights in the Land Acquisition Question in India
Authors: De Gitika
Published: January 2016

The question of land acquisition in India hinges on the nature of land as property, the nature of collective land rights, the nature of individual property rights on land and the nature of the state as expropriator for specific collectivities or benefactor for public good. Defining public use or common good has historically been one of the more protracted contestations between the state and individual/communal ownership of land. Rule-making for acquisition of land and appropriate compensation marks a second contestation, between ‘law’ and ‘justice’, as evidenced both in the colonial law of 1894, and subsequent amendments and legal enactments after independence.

Focusing on two of the most crucial aspects of land acquisition law—ownership and consent, and compensation against acquisition—this article explores how the idea of public good for common purpose has been historically constituted within legislative and juridical frameworks, and how the notion of compensation is closely connected to the contested definition of public good and the definition of ‘community rights’. In probing these issues, I seek to arrive at an understanding of the implications of reciprocal rights and obligations that mutually constitute society and state in India.
Tracing Journey of Legislative Processes for Land Acquisition and Resettlement in India from Right’s Perspective
Authors: Bhagat-Ganguly Varsha
Published: January 2016

The processes of land acquisition (LA) rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) in India has progressed to a very contentious extent, as conveyed by series of mass protests, non-cooperation of political parties, and impulsion expressed by the present government and corporates for acceptance of the LARR Ordinance, 2015. Any issue under contention is debated with argument, counter-argument, action and counter-actions. Such process evolves a language of rights—the rights demanded by the citizens, especially the project-affected population, different interest-holders and rights recognised by the state. The article maps out the journey of language of rights in the context of multi-faceted issues of LA, development-induced displacement and R&R (LADRR) over last three decades, that is, 1985 to the present. The right’s perspective focuses on three components—characteristics of rights, how rights are derived and role of state and its institutions in recognising and actualising rights. Based on this mapping, the article examines whether there exist some common grounds for actualisation of rights through existing legislative processes for LARR.
The Importance of Including ‘Formal’ Employment Generation in the Definition of ‘Public Purpose’ under the RFCTLARR 2013
Authors: Sinha Rita
Published: January 2016

Generation of employment is one of the most common justifications for land acquisition. As such, the ‘Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, 2013’ (RFCTLARR) does not include employment generation in its definition of ‘public purpose’. Section 2(b) (ii) to (vi) RFCTLARR, however, directly or indirectly infers employment generation per se. This article elaborates concerns and challenges regarding ‘formal’ employment generation through examination of employment generation in the various sectors, but notably in manufacturing and urbanisation, the proven messiahs of poverty removal through employment generation. It shows India’s historically skewed pattern of growth and internal contradictions regarding employment through various documents of Planning Commission, The World Bank and of other observers. What comes across clearly is that unless the manufacturing, urbanisation and land acquisition policies complement and support each other, generation of ‘formal’ employment will remain mere wishful thinking. With this approach the article argues that it is time to take ‘formal’ employment generation out of the boot of the land acquisition Special Purpose Vehicle and place it strategically behind the steering wheel.
Land Acquisition in India
Authors: Singh Sukhpal
Published: January 2016

Land continues to remain important for production and rural livelihoods in developing economies like India. But, globalisation and liberalisation in these economies has brought up land as an important policy issue as various stakeholders lay claims to it as never before. Although India is not a victim of land grab unlike many African and Asian countries, there has been a rush for acquiring and retaining land for various purposes which has led to local level conflicts. This article examines the question of acquisition of land in its scarcity context in India. It attempts to understand the process of land acquisition and the role of the state at various levels, as it is a state (provincial) subject in India. It examines various facets of land acquisition Act for their fairness and equity aspects including the proposed and now withdrawn amendments to it. The article proposes and examines alternative mechanisms and options to manage land resource in a sustainable way and yet avoid land-related conflicts.
Resettlement of Urban Poor in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Diwakar G. Dilip , Peter Vanessa
Published: January 2016

In Chennai alone, over 21,000 families have already been removed from their primary livelihood area and ghettoised in the peripheral areas of the city like Kannagi Nagar, Semmencherry and Perumbakkam, which are 25 to 30 kilometres from their original habitation. Another 31,912 families are in the process of being removed to these resettlement colonies. The R&R processes adopted by the government for the urban communities have unleashed gross human rights violations including right to adequate housing, food, water, education, health, work/livelihood and security of the person and home. There are no prescribed standards or policy in place for urban resettlement, yet government is constructing more houses in these sites. This article intends to document the human rights violation faced by the resettled communities in Kannagi Nagar, Chennai, and calls for an urgent attention to bring in necessary changes in the R&R policy for urban resettlement.
Land Acquisition and Compensation Policy for Development Activity
Authors: Dinda Soumyananda
Published: January 2016

Development policy focuses on creation of economic opportunities which increase the demand for transferring land from primary to secondary or tertiary activities. Market mechanism is sufficient argument of distributive justice for land acquisition for development activities, but it ignores income security. Landowners are heterogeneous in terms of knowledge, skills, risk preferences, attitudes and perception of future development benefits. The role of complementarities of land with farming skills are non-transferable that incorporate their concern for financial security and time preference. These concerns exhibited considerable diversity with corresponding preferences over alternative forms of non-cash compensation. Hence, alternative compensation packages ought to be offered to cater to this diversity.
Fecal Transplantation for Clostridium Difficile—“All Stool May Not Be Created Equal”
Authors: Gathe Joseph C. , Diejomaoh Efemena M. , Mayberry Carl C. , Clemmons John B.
Published: January 2016

Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive bacterium that is recognized as a causative organism of pseudomembranous enterocolitis. This infection has become a major public health challenge and is a source of considerable morbidity and mortality in those infected. We present a 62-year-old African American female with a long history of HIV infection, who presented with abdominal pain and continuous diarrhea due to pseudomembranous colitis. After failing multiple episodes of conventional therapy, it was decided to treat her with fecal microbiota transplantation. Fecal microbiota transplantation was given on 3 separate occasions from a biological-related donor without success. It was only after a fourth transplant was done with a nonrelated donor that the patient resolved her diarrhea within 48 hours. We suggest that fecal samples from different donors have different abilities to cure Clostridium difficile colitis in at least this immunosuppressed patient.
Cultural Dialectics in International Teamwork Dynamics
Authors: Levitt Steven R.
Published: January 2016

Some people see multinational collaboration as a problem, while others see it as an opportunity. Intercultural teamwork involves a dynamic push-pull tension between diversity and unity which places its study solidly within a dialectic perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 individuals who held management or supervisory positions, worked on multinational teams, and spent time working abroad. Their companies represent a broad range of industries and collectively these individuals worked on teams in several dozen countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The results revealed a variety of cultural paradoxes and dialectics, complexities, and differences which affect many aspects of collaborative work. The importance of cultural identity and relationship recur throughout participant narratives. Dialectics include self-other validation, autonomy-connection, national-organizational culture, work-life, ambiguity-certainty, efficiency-redundancy, and direct-indirect communication styles. Intersections among dialectics are also identified.
Marketing Black Babies versus Recruiting Black Families
Authors: Woodward Kerry
Published: January 2016

By analyzing adoption websites, the author explores the racialized nature of the private adoption industry, beginning with a problem seemingly faced by many adoption professionals: finding homes for Black babies. By examining various approaches to this problem, the author identifies the racial projects engaged in by adoption professionals. Although most adoption websites reproduce racial hierarchies, websites that contest the racial system are also found.
Compensation and Production in Family Medicine by Practice Ownership
Authors: Essary Alison C. , Green Ellen P. , Gans David N.
Published: January 2016

The increasing focus on high performance, patient-centered, team-based care calls for a strategy to evaluate cost-effective primary care. The trend toward physician practice consolidation further challenges the primary care health care system. Productivity measures establish provider value and help inform decision making regarding resource allocation in this evolving health care system. In this national survey of family medicine practices, physician assistant (PA) productivity, as defined by mean annual patient encounters, exceeds that of both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians in physician-owned practices and of NPs in hospital or integrated delivery system-owned practices. Total compensation, defined as salary, bonus, incentives, and honoraria for physicians, is significantly more compared to both PAs and NPs, regardless of practice ownership or productivity. Physician assistants and NPs earn equivalent compensation, regardless of practice ownership or productivity. Not only do these data support the value and role of PAs and NPs on the primary care team but also highlight differences in patient encounters between practice settings. Rural and underserved community practices, where physician-owned practices persist, also merit further consideration. Further research is needed to inform both organizational and policy decisions for the provision of high-quality, cost-effective, and accessible primary health care.
Influence of Social and Health Indicators on Pain Interference With Everyday Activities Among Older Black and White Cancer Patients
Authors: Baker Tamara A. , O’Connor Melissa L. , Krok-Schoen Jessica L.
Published: January 2016

Objective: This prospective study aimed to determine the influence social and health factors have on pain interference with everyday activities among older patients receiving outpatient treatment services from a comprehensive cancer center. Method: Participants were surveyed on questions assessing pain interference, and social (communication), health (pain severity, comorbidities), behavioral (self-efficacy, affect), and demographic characteristics. Multivariate analyses were specified to examine determinants of pain interference, with items loading on separate cluster composites: physical interference and psychosocial interference. Results: Pain severity was a significant indicator for physical interference. Similarly, pain severity, education, self-efficacy, negative affect, and communication were predictors of psychosocial interference. Discussion: Factors defining the daily lived experiences of older adults are important in providing baseline information on functional status. This emphasizes the need to rigorously examine the association between pain, and clinical and psychosocial indicators, but more importantly indicators that contribute to the patient’s ability to perform normal everyday activities.
Analysis of SME Brazilian Exporters of Electro-electronics in the Context of International Entrepreneurship
Authors: Mury Luiz Gilberto Monclaro
Published: January 2016

The Brazilian electro-electronic industry comprises of approximately 4,000 companies. Together, these companies employ 174,000 people and have earned US$ 65 billion in sales in 2014. It is remarkable, however, to note the low representativeness of these companies in the international market. This results in a significant deficit in the trade balance of that productive sector. To investigate the causes of the low share of exports within the total sales of these companies, an exploratory research has been conducted with the main exporters of two regions in Brazil. Our research identifies the lack of international entrepreneurship among CEOs as one of the main causes for this occurrence.
An Integrated Design Management Concept: Creating Innovative Space for Emergent SMEs and Value for Knowledge Absorbers
Authors: Gerlitz Laima , Hack Achim , Prause Gunnar
Published: January 2016

This article endeavours to place the integrated and trans-disciplinary theme of design management in the research domains of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It contributes to our understanding of the value of the design-management-driven processes in SMEs, based on current cross-border practices observed across the emerging South Baltic Sea Region. Matching mature concepts of the research-based view of firms, innovation management and organisation culture with the emergent and increasingly advocated notions of knowledge, innovation and learning, absorptive capacity, competence-based view, strategic planning, entrepreneurial learning and training, this study covers various aspects of design management orientation in the domain of small business and enterprise development. The focus is on design management practices among small businesses and other design management absorbers and practitioners (students, graduates and start-ups) observed and investigated as part of the ‘Design EntrepreneurSHIP’ project carried out under the South Baltic Programme 2007–2013. This article validates an effective application of the conceptual approach to the design management conceptual approach to SMEs business practices and proposes deployment of this trans-disciplinary approach for individual and organisational learning and training as well as for organisational strategy development and operational decision making. This research article is of interest to various stakeholders interested in design management—students, academics, trainers and coaches and SMEs. The revised conceptual design management integration roadmap is likely to facilitate and streamline understanding construct of design management and its increasing recognition for business performance and strategy.