bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open‐access communism
Authors: Kaulingfreks Femke , Kaulingfreks Ruud
Published: October 2015

As the West loses its political credibility, the search has opened for alternatives to neo‐liberal parliamentary democracies, failing on their own scale of good governance. Several contemporary critical thinkers, such as Alain Badiou, turn towards a communist horizon. In this paper, we want to explore the idea of commons in contemporary Internet‐based groups, as a quest for contemporary appearances of communism in the Badiouian sense. From wiki formats to the hacktivism of Anonymous, there are various Internet‐based initiatives that are built on a philosophy of open access to all, regardless of their identity, and a horizontal, rhizomatic organisation. We think that the organisational features of these initiatives make them suitable to carry out a struggle for new, more democratic political alternatives.
An Approximate Marginal Logistic Distribution for the Analysis of Longitudinal Ordinal Data
Authors: Nooraee Nazanin , Abegaz Fentaw , Ormel Johan , Wit Ernst , van den Heuvel Edwin R
Published: October 2015

Subject-specific and marginal models have been developed for the analysis of longitudinal ordinal data. Subject-specific models often lack a population-average interpretation of the model parameters due to the conditional formulation of random intercepts and slopes. Marginal models frequently lack an underlying distribution for ordinal data, in particular when generalized estimating equations are applied. To overcome these issues, latent variable models underneath the ordinal outcomes with a multivariate logistic distribution can be applied. In this article, we extend the work of O'Brien and Dunson (2004), who studied the multivariate t-distribution with marginal logistic distributions. We use maximum likelihood, instead of a Bayesian approach, and incorporated covariates in the correlation structure, in addition to the mean model. We compared our method with GEE and demonstrated that it performs better than GEE with respect to the fixed effect parameter estimation when the latent variables have an approximately elliptical distribution, and at least as good as GEE for other types of latent variable distributions.
Physician‐Led, Hospital‐Linked, Birth Care Centers can Decrease Cesarean Section Rates Without Increasing Rates of Adverse Events
Authors: O'Hara Margaret H. , Frazier Linda M. , Stembridge Travis W. , McKay Robert S. , Mohr Sandra N. , Shalat Stuart L.
Published: October 2015

Background

This study compares outcomes at a hospital‐linked, physician‐led, birthing center to a traditional hospital labor and delivery service.

Methods

Using de‐identified electronic medical records, a retrospective cohort design was employed to evaluate 32,174 singleton births during 1998–2005.

Results

Compared with hospital service, birth care center delivery was associated with a lower rate of cesarean sections (adjusted Relative Risk = 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.59–0.91; p < 0.001) without an increased rate of operative vaginal delivery (adjusted Relative Risk = 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.13; p = 0.25) and a higher initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted Relative Risk = 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.25–1.30; p ≤ 0.001). A maternal length of stay greater than 72 hours occurred less frequently in the birth care center (adjusted Relative Risk = 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.66; p < 0.001). Comparing only women without major obstetrical risk factors, the differences in outcomes were reduced but not eliminated. Adverse maternal and infant outcomes were not increased at the birth care center.

Conclusion

A hospital‐linked, physician‐led, birth care center has the potential to lower rates of cesarean sections without increasing rates of operative vaginal delivery or other adverse maternal and infant outcomes.
Use of Maternal Health Services by Remote Dwelling Aboriginal Women in Northern Australia and Their Disease Burden
Authors: Bar‐Zeev Sarah , Barclay Lesley , Kruske Sue , Bar‐Zeev Naor , Gao Yu , Kildea Sue
Published: October 2015

Background

Disparities exist in pregnancy and birth outcomes between Australian Aboriginal women and their non‐Aboriginal counterparts. Understanding patterns of health service use by Aboriginal women is critical. This study describes the use of maternal health services by remote dwelling Aboriginal women in northern Australia during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period and their burden of disease.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of maternity care for all 412 maternity cases from two remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2004–2006. Primary endpoints were the number and type of maternal health‐related complications and service episodes at the health centers and regional hospital during pregnancy, birth, and the first 6 months postpartum.

Results

Ninety‐three percent of women attended antenatal care. This often commenced late in pregnancy. High levels of complications were identified and 23 percent of all women required antenatal hospitalization. Birth occurred within the regional hospital for 90 percent of women. By 6 months postpartum, 45 percent of women had documented postnatal morbidities and 8 percent required hospital admission. The majority of women accessed remote health services at least once; however, only one third had a record of a postnatal care within 2 months of giving birth.

Conclusion

Maternal health outcomes were poor despite frequent service use throughout pregnancy, birth, and the first 6 months postpartum suggesting quality of care rather than access issues. These findings reflect outcomes that are more aligned with the developing rather than developed world and have significant implications for future planning of maternity services that must be urgently addressed.
Improved outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma with a new fotemustine‐based high‐dose chemotherapy regimen
Authors: Musso Maurizio , Messina Giuseppe , Di Renzo Nicola , Di Carlo Paolo , Vitolo Umberto , Scalone Renato , Marcacci Gianpaolo , Scalzulli Potito R. , Moscato Tiziana , Matera Rossella , Crescimanno Alessandra , Santarone Stella , Orciuolo Enrico , Merenda Anxur , Pavone Vincenzo , Pastore Domenico , Donnarumma Daniela , Carella Angelo M. , Ciochetto Chiara , Cascavilla Nicola , Mele Anna , Lanza Francesco , Di Nicola Massimo , Bonizzoni Erminio , Pinto Antonello
Published: October 2015

High‐dose chemotherapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard of care for relapsed/refractory (RR) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Given that HDT may cure a sizeable proportion of patients refractory to first salvage, development of newer conditioning regimens remains a priority. We present the results of a novel HDT regimen in which carmustine was substituted by a third‐generation chloroethylnitrosourea, fotemustine, with improved pharmacokinetics and safety (FEAM; fotemustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) in 122 patients with RR‐HL accrued into a prospective registry‐based study. Application of FEAM resulted in a 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) of 73·8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0·64–0·81] with median PFS, overall survival and time to progression yet to be reached. The 2‐year risk of progression adjusted for the competitive risk of death was 19·4% (95% CI, 0·12–0·27) for the entire patient population. Most previously established independent risk factors, except for fluorodeoxyglucose (18FFDG)‐uptake, were unable to predict for disease progression and survival after FEAM. Although 32% of patients had 18FFDG‐positrin emission tomography‐positive lesions before HDT, the 2‐year risk of progression adjusted for competitive risk of death was 19·4% (95% CI; 0·12–0·27). No unusual acute toxicities or early/late pulmonary adverse events were registered. FEAM emerges as an ideal HDT regimen for RR‐HL patients typically pre‐exposed to lung‐damaging treatments.
On applying cognitive psychology
Authors: Baddeley Alan
Published: October 2015

Recent attempts to assess the practical impact of scientific research prompted my own reflections on over 40 years worth of combining basic and applied cognitive psychology. Examples are drawn principally from the study of memory disorders, but also include applications to the assessment of attention, reading, and intelligence. The most striking conclusion concerns the many years it typically takes to go from an initial study, to the final practical outcome. Although the complexity and sheer timescale involved make external evaluation problematic, the combination of practical satisfaction and theoretical stimulation make the attempt to combine basic and applied research very rewarding.
‘When I Can Come on Time I'll be Ready to Finish’: Meanings of Lateness in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Kegerreis Sue
Published: October 2015

This paper considers some aspects of the meaning of chronic lateness in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The central role of time in psychoanalytic work and the significance of enactments around the analytic frame are considered. Using clinical material the writer explores how lateness can be understood as an expression of global difficulties in accepting and adapting to the demands of reality as well as a wide range of complex object‐relationship difficulties. Some of the technical and countertransference complexities of dealing with lateness are discussed. Lateness is seen to project intolerable experiences into the therapist, to demonstrate the patient's intense difficulties in imagining and tolerating a productive couple, to re‐enact a sadomasochistic dynamic from the patient's past and to re‐encounter/re‐address the patient's early experiences of rejection and oedipal rivalries. The eventual synchronization of therapist and patient's times is explored as a major achievement in the patient's increasing capacity for relating.
The permanence of temporary services: The reliance ofCanadian federal departments on policy and management consultants
Authors: Howlett Michael , Migone Andrea
Published: October 2015

The use of external consultants in government management and policy realms has drawn increasing attention in many countries includingCanada. Studies were undertaken internationally in the 1990s and 2000s as legislatures and their accounting arms became concerned with the hidden costs of “corporatization” of the public service and tried to expand benchmarking measures for government efficiency to include external consultants. Accounting for these increases in expenditures on consultancy, however, remains a challenge given the state of governmental financial and personnel reporting. The data on which existing reports have been drawn are very weak. This article examines results using a new dataset compiled from Proactive Disclosure reports in order to help clarify the situation of policy and management consulting inCanada at the departmental level.
La nouvelle gouvernance des langues officielles au Canada : entre exigences et circonstances
Authors: Léger Rémi
Published: October 2015

Sommaire

Cet article propose un examen exhaustif des rapports complexes entre la Loi sur les langues officielles et ce qu'il convient de nommer la nouvelle gouvernance des langues officielles au Canada. Il montre que la gouvernance qui s'est développée n'est pas issue de la Loi mais d'un concours de circonstances et de choix politiques. Approfondir cette distinction entre la Loi et la gouvernance linguistique permet de voir qu'il y a place à l'innovation politique et administrative dans le dossier des langues officielles au Canada.
Building policy capacity at the Ukrainian centre: The policy units project
Authors: Brown M. Paul , Bezo Larissa , Nanivska Vira
Published: October 2015

This article chronicles a CIDA technical assistance project to build central policy capacity in the Government of Ukraine in 2000–01. Over ten months, 48 senior officials received intensive policy training and worked in policy units on priority issues. Evidence suggests that the project was effective at the individual and institutional levels: participants expressed high satisfaction with their learning; some outputs were immediately adopted by the government; and during 2005–11, without further Canadian support, the government used the project template to develop more policy analysis units. This success stands in contrast to recent accounts of failed technical assistance programs in eastern Europe. Critical success factors were shared vision, Ukrainian ownership and direction, and professionalism. The authors call for rigorous evaluation of human resource development, and identify topics for further research.
Barriers to third‐party advertising in Canadian elections
Authors: Pross A. Paul
Published: October 2015

A survey of public interest group leaders suggests some reasons why few third parties have chosen to advertise in recent elections. It indicates that public interest groups abstain from election advertising not because of the strictures of the Canada Elections Act but for other reasons, notably cost and fear of losing charitable status or of jeopardizing their access to and influence with officials. While the significance of these findings is limited by the scale of the survey, the results do raise tantalizing questions that warrant further research.
Prognosis after recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver transplantation: predictors for successful treatment and survival
Authors: Nagai Shunji , Mangus Richard S. , Kubal Chandrashekhar A. , Ekser Burcin , Fridell Jonathan A. , Klingler Kendell R. , Maluccio Mary A. , Tector A. Joseph
Published: October 2015

There are no established prognostic factors or standardized therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to investigate impact of underlying patient condition on treatment and outcomes of recurrence of HCC after LT. The medical records of 268 LT patients with HCC were evaluated. Potential prognostic factors for survival after recurrence were evaluated, including recurrent tumor characteristics, medical/radiological/surgical therapies for recurrence, and an inflammatory marker (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio). Laboratory tests at recurrence, including albumin, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), prognostic nutritional index (PNI: ALC(/μL) × 0.005 + Albumin(g/dL) × 10), were evaluated as surrogate markers for underlying patient conditions. A total of 51 (19%) patients developed HCC recurrence. The use of sirolimus and sorafenib significantly improved outcome (p = 0.007 and 0.04), and better nutritional status (PNI ≥ 40) enhanced their efficacy. On multivariate analysis, low ALC (<500/μL) and albumin (<2.8 g/L) remained independent prognostic factors (p = 0.03 and 0.02; hazard ratio = 3.61 [Ref. >1000/μL] and 4.97 [Ref. >3.5 g/dL], respectively). Low PNI (<40) showed significantly lower survival rate after adjusting the risk (p = 0.006, hazard ratio = 3.29). Underlying patient conditions and nutritional status, represented by ALC and albumin, are important to successful cancer treatment and strong prognostic markers for survival after HCC recurrence.
GORD symptoms in lung transplantation: how efficient is the reflux symptom index questionnaire compared to the esophageal impedance test?
Authors: Soresi Simona , Zeriouh Mohamed , Sabashnikov Anton , Mc Dermott Grainne , Weymann Alexander , Wippermann Jens , Wahlers Thorsten , Reed Anna , Carby Martin , Simon Andre R. , Popov Aron‐Frederik
Published: October 2015

Objective

As Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) affects long‐term survival in lung transplant recipients, the aim of this observational prospective study was to analyze the efficacy of The Reflux Symptom Index Questionnaire (RSI) compared to the esophageal impedance test.

Methods

Both esophageal impedance studies and RSI questionnaire were routinely performed in all patients who had completed rehabilitation following lung transplantation from June 2013 till March 2014. RSI generates a score of between zero and forty‐five, taking into account any symptoms within four wk of the questionnaire. Our analysis considered RSI score cut‐offs of 10 and 13 indicating significance of reflux.

Results

Out of 84 patients, 50 (59.5%) had evidence of GORD detected by impedance studies, whereas only 33 (39.2%) and 22 (26.2%) had RSI >10 and 13, respectively. An elevated RSI was not found to be associated with positive impedance studies using a score of either 10 or 13 (p = 0.127 and p = 0.142, respectively); 32.1% (n = 27) and 40.5% (n = 34) were found to have negative RSI and positive impedance test using 10 or 13 as cut‐off, respectively.

Conclusion

RSI Score is an unreliable predictor of GORD among lung transplant recipients. The authors therefore recommend the routine use of impedance testing in post‐transplant patients.
747. TROPAEOLUM SMITHII
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: October 2015

Tropaeolum smithii DC, a climber from the mountains of tropical South America from Venezuela to Peru is illustrated. Its history and variation are discussed. The two forms in cultivation are described.
748. TROPAEOLUM PEREGRINUM
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: October 2015

The well‐known and long‐cultivated canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum L. is illustrated. Its relationship with other species, history and cultivation are discussed.
TROPAEOLUM UMBELLATUM: IS IT EXTINCT IN THE WILD?
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: October 2015

The brief history of Tropaeolum umbellatum Hooker in cultivation is described, and the original illustration (Fig. 1) is republished. Only three collections of this very distinct species appear to have been made in the wild, all in Ecuador around 1846, and no further records are noted either in the literature, or on the internet.

Tropaeolum tuberosum. From a hand‐coloured lithograph by W. H. Fitch in Curtis's Botanical Magazine 74, t. 4337(1848).

image
751. ORCHIS MILITARIS
Authors: Fay Michael F.
Published: October 2015

Orchis militaris L., the military orchid, is described and illustrated. Details of its distribution, relationships, pollination, patterns of hybridization and the history of the English populations are given and suggestions for its cultivation are provided.
753. GILLIESIA MONTANA
Authors: Rix Martyn , Strange Kit , Rudall Paula J.
Published: October 2015

Gilliesia montana Poepp. & Endl., a bulbous plant from central Chile, is described and illustrated. Suggestions for its successful cultivation are provided.
Ramadan Blues: Debates in Popular Islam during Ramadan in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Tobin Sarah A.
Published: October 2015

Within the context of the contemporary Middle East and the post‐Islamic Resurgence, avoiding music has become associated with a rise in religiosity and normative Islam. As a result, residents of Amman, Jordan actively avoid consuming music during Ramadan. A large‐scale survey and ethnographic data, including participant observation with employees in an Islamic bank, confirm that avoiding music is a public ethic of Ramadan that is temporally specific and in wide use during the month. In this article, I argue that the tensions surrounding the debates of music's compatibility with normative Islam are enacted in terms of a conflict between cultural and Islamic authenticities. These tensions are resolved temporarily during Ramadan through altered consumption in which one ethical, “Islamic” framework that regards music as haram, or “forbidden,” eclipses another, more diverse “cultural” framework, and does so largely without inducing crisis or controversy. This is because the two realms are not articulating with each other; rather, claims of a normative Islamic authenticity overwhelm the possibilities for a more diverse cultural authenticity. Outside of Ramadan, however, these two competing authenticities often spark tensions and conflicts between family members, neighbors, and coworkers. This article concludes by exploring the implications of ordering morality for religious life in this assertive, even illiberal fashion for diversity in belief and practice.
Climate Change and Social Protection in Bangladesh: Are Existing Programmes Able to Address the Impacts of Climate Change?
Authors: Coirolo Cristina , Commins Stephen , Haque Iftekharul , Pierce Gregory
Published: October 2015

Bangladesh is generally considered to be one of the most disaster‐prone countries in the world, with flooding, droughts and cyclones being the most common annual disaster events. This article provides an overview of existing social‐protection programmes and government policies in the context of long‐term adaptation to climate change related to sudden onset disasters, and evaluates their effectiveness in addressing related vulnerabilities and promoting food security in climate‐vulnerable regions in the country.
Labour Contracting and Changing Employment Relationships in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jong‐Woon
Published: October 2015

Not only has there been a growth in the utilisation of non‐standard workers in South Korea in recent years, but a qualitative shift has also occurred in the nature of contracting practices. This article attempts to improve understanding of this trend by shedding light on the contradictory nature of the contracting system, while also addressing problems associated with the deployment of an external labour force with fewer employment entitlements on user‐firm sites, and the implications of these phenomena for employment practices and workers' rights.
Designing a Multi‐Channel Service Experience
Authors: Miettinen Satu , Kuure Essi
Published: October 2015

With interactive whiteboards, computers, projectors, speakers, spotlights, and physical and virtual props, the University of Lapland's SINCO lab is dedicated to service prototyping.

Prototyping isn't just for product design anymore; it works for services too.
The UK Design Council: Putting a Value on Design
Authors: McNabola Ailbhe
Published: October 2015

As the UK Design Council celebrates its seventieth anniversary in 2014, it has amassed a great deal of evidence pointing to a cost benefit in investing in design. Ailbhe McNabola, the Design Council's lead on research and evaluation, discusses how design metrics have changed with the times.

Using strategic design and investing in design pays off. The British Design Council is proving it.
Valuing the art of Industrial Design: A Profile of the Sector and its Importance to Manufacturing, Technology, and Innovation
Authors: Nichols Bonnie
Published: October 2015

Here's a snapshot of the business of industrial design as it is practiced today—courtesy of the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Valuing the Art of Design”: An excerpt from the new NEA report.
(Im)Proving It: Designing a Measurement System that Nourishes Innovation
Authors: Jenkins Julian , Golsby‐Smith Tony
Published: October 2015

Use of the business‐case method to assess the viability of a new business model or an untried product category emphasizes avoiding financial risks—but forgets to consider the risk of not innovating. These authors offer instead some key principles and a methodology for measuring the performance of an innovative project.

The business‐case method of proving the efficacy of design thinking is a losing proposition.
The Business of Social Design: Rethinking Model and Method
Authors: Powell Doug
Published: October 2015

Effecting design‐driven social change tends to require changes to the traditional consultancy business model. Funding, clients, and complexity may be significantly different, and the emergence of human‐centered design puts the designer earlier in the process. Integrating social design so that it contributes to bottom‐line success, rather than jeopardizing it, is the key to success.

Designers and consultancies who want to practice social design often find that it requires significant changes to their business model. Here are some ideas.
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Icelandic and Irish Policy Responses to the Banking Crisis
Authors: Howden David
Published: October 2015

When the stories of the Icelandic and Irish crises are told, they are framed as if one country did everything right to exit recession and the other country everything wrong. This article assesses their recovery policies and finds that the truth lies somewhere in between. By allowing its banking system to suffer substantial losses, Iceland shielded its citizens from the costly debt overhang apparent in Ireland. Ireland's commitment to open capital markets and price deflation has allowed trade flows to remain robust, and relative prices to realign to signal sustainable production plans to entrepreneurs. These responses provide a roadmap for other small open economies with large financial sectors entering similar crises in the future.
Educational performance gaps in Eastern Europe
Authors: Botezat Alina , Seiberlich Ruben R.
Published: October 2015

To assess the educational performance gaps in Eastern Europe, this article takes a look at the differences in PISA test scores between Finland and seven Eastern European countries, as well as between Eastern European countries. The methodology applied is a semiparametric version of the threefold Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition. We find that main part of the average test score gap cannot be explained by the individual characteristics. Furthermore, our analysis at different quantiles provides evidence that the average test score gaps are due to the fact that poorly performing students in Finland score much higher than poorly performing students in Eastern Europe.
Testing the plant stress hypothesis: stressed plants offer better food to an insect herbivore
Authors: Bauerfeind Stephanie S. , Fischer Klaus
Published: October 2015

Temperature and nutrition are among the most important environmental factors affecting ectotherm growth. As temperature and host‐plant quality often co‐vary in nature, the interaction between the two is of potentially high ecological importance for herbivorous insects. We here use the temperate‐zone butterfly Pieris napi L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) to investigate interactive effects of larval rearing temperature and host‐plant quality (by manipulating water availability) on larval growth. As growth rates have been hypothesized to govern stress tolerance, we additionally assessed adult starvation resistance. Butterflies followed the ‘temperature‐size rule’, which states that body size increases at lower developmental temperatures, proximately caused by differences in growth increment, which resulted from increased consumption at the lower temperature. Larvae benefitted from feeding on stressed plants from the low‐water regime by having higher body mass, growth rate, and food conversion efficiency, thus supporting the plant stress hypothesis, which predicts that plant quality for herbivores should increase if stress is imposed on plants. Some effects of host‐plant quality on larval growth parameters were as strong as or even stronger than effects of temperature, whereas interactive effects between temperature and food quality were scarce. At the low temperature, adult starvation resistance was higher than at the higher temperature and females were more resistant than males, whereas plant water regime had no clear impact. No evidence was found for a trade‐off between growth rate and starvation resistance. This study illustrates the importance of considering effects of host‐plant quality along with variation in other environmental factors for estimating the impact of environmental changes on herbivorous species.
Duplication without constraints: Álvarez‐Nogal and Chamley's analysis of debt policy under Philip II
Authors: Drelichman Mauricio , Voth Hans‐Joachim
Published: October 2015

Carlos Álvarez‐Nogal and Christophe Chamley recently published an article in the Economic History Review on ‘Debt policy under constraints: Philip II, the Cortes, and Genoese bankers’. In this note, we show that several claims in their article are very similar to earlier research results, published or circulated long before Álvarez‐Nogal and Chamley's original submission, by ourselves and other scholars (section I). These results are repeated without attribution or even mention of the earlier work. In addition, we show that what Álvarez‐Nogal and Chamley present as new quantitative insights are actually replications of earlier results of ours (section II). Finally, Álvarez‐Nogal and Chamley misrepresent our contributions, as well as those of several other scholars (section III).
Monitoring Epacris muelleri on unreachable cliffs in the Western Blue Mountains, Australia
Authors: Blick Raymond A. J. , Fletcher Andrew , Erskine Peter D. , McCaffrey Nic B. , Glenn Vanessa
Published: October 2015

Accurate, repeatable estimates of population densities are often desired for vegetation monitoring. However, conventional transect and quadrat field sampling methods are not always applicable to plants such as the rare shrub Epacris muelleri Sond., growing on largely inaccessible cliffs and rock faces. E. muelleri is an ericaceous shrub restricted to the Blue Mountains region in New South Wales, which is to be monitored to detect potential effects of underground coal mining. In this manuscript, we evaluated observer error associated with density estimates to assess suitability of applying the timed‐meander method to this species. The results indicate that a visual search method using binoculars can generate repeatable results among observers with very different experience levels. However, there is a large margin of error in estimating density when there are many plants growing in close association or overlapping on a cliff. Nonetheless, with a strict set of protocols and further evaluation, this method shows promise as a rapid yet robust method for carrying out repeatable surveys for quantifying changes in the population.
Potential of ants and beetles as indicators of rainforest restoration: characterising pasture and rainforest remnants as reference habitats
Authors: Leach Elliot , Nakamura Akihiro , Turco Federica , Burwell Chris J. , Catterall Carla P. , Kitching Roger L.
Published: October 2015

Assessment of habitat restoration requires baseline information on the communities present in both converted and intact forms of the focal ecosystem to enable comparisons with restored sites. Ants and beetles are commonly used in ecological monitoring programmes, as they display assemblage‐level responses to habitat change and can be a more direct measure of the recommencement of some ecosystem functions than the presence of more obvious biota such as plants. However, as these taxa differ substantially in ecological traits, their response patterns and utility as potential bioindicators may vary. Using pitfall traps, we compared assemblages of ant and beetle species between two reference habitats, pasture and remnant rainforest in subtropical eastern Australia. The assemblage composition of both groups differed significantly between rainforest and pasture but only beetles showed accompanying differences in species richness and abundance, which were both significantly lower in pasture. We identified ant and beetle species characteristic of either pasture or rainforest remnants, which may be used as bioindicators in future monitoring programmes. These species, however, displayed patchy distributions, suggesting that the use of individual species as bioindicators is likely to be unreliable. These findings support the use of ‘composite habitat indices’, which combine information from sets of indicator species. Given that patterns of change in species composition were similar between ants and beetles, either is an appropriate focal taxon for future monitoring programmes. Beetles, however, displayed some limitations as no species were indicative of the disturbed pasture habitat. Ants and beetles are likely to respond in different ways to different aspects of habitat change; thus, using both together could strengthen assessments of rainforest degradation or recovery.
Civil Protection Cooperation in EU Law: Is There Room for Solidarity to Wriggle Past?
Authors: Konstadinides Theodore
Published: October 2015

This article provides insight into the under‐researched area of civil protection cooperation and disaster response capacity in EU law. It discusses how the mechanisms set up by the EU have assisted Member States in supporting one another when faced with natural or man‐made disasters, including those perpetrated by terrorists. In particular, the article provides a critique of the Article 222 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) clause, which has introduced the principle of solidarity within the EU's security strategy. The author explores the broadened notion of ‘threat’ in Europe and assesses the significance of the Solidarity Clause vis‐à‐vis the level of commitment required by Member States for its coherent implementation. The article then contrasts Article 222 TFEU with the mutual defence clause of Article 42 (7) Treaty on European Union (TEU), and finally points into certain ‘grey areas’ that may have a diminution effect upon the political message concerning the EU as a community based on solidarity.
The Impossibility of Philanthropic Funding Decisions: The Australian Non‐Government Funder Experience
Authors: Coyte Rodney , Rooney Jim , Phua Benjamin
Published: October 2015

Non‐government funders (NGFs) are major contributors to the third sector. Literature on this private philanthropic world is limited and access to stakeholders and practices within these institutions is a barrier to empirical research. With public oversight limited to nominal federal tax law disclosure, issues of accountability are under‐researched. We examine how NGFs ‘account’ for their grant making decisions in an Australian context. Focused on how NGFs assess likely success, it finds that assurance is constructed as part of the decision‐making process through a more socialising form of accountability, based on personal interaction, in contrast to a reliance on hierarchical accountability and transparency.
Three‐dimensional analyses of unified characterization parameter of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane creep constraint
Authors: Ma H. S. , Wang G. Z. , Liu S. , Tu S. T. , Xuan F. Z.
Published: October 2015

Based on extensive three‐dimensional finite element analyses, the unified characterization parameter Ac of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane creep constraint based on crack‐tip equivalent creep strain for three specimen geometries (C(T), SEN(T) and M(T)) were quantified for 316H steel at 550 °C and steady‐state creep. The distributions of the parameter Ac along crack fronts (specimen thickness) were calculated, and its capability and applicability for characterizing a wide range of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane creep constraints in different specimen geometries have been comparatively analysed with the constraint parameters based on crack‐tip stress fields (namely R*, h and TZ). The results show that the parameter Ac in the centre region of all specimens appears uniform distribution and lower value (higher constraint), and in the region near free surface it shows protuberant distribution and higher value (lower constraint). The parameter Ac can simultaneously and effectively characterize a wide range of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane creep constraints, while the parameters R*, h and TZ based on crack‐tip stress fields cannot achieve this. The different capabilities of these parameters for characterizing in‐plane and out‐of‐plane creep constraints originate from their underlying theories. The parameter Ac may be useful for accurately characterizing the overall constraint level composed of in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints in actual high‐temperature components, and it may be used in creep life assessments for improving accuracy.
The Effects of a Virtual Exchange on Students' Interest in Learning About Culture
Authors: Schenker Theresa
Published: October 2015

A 12‐week electronic exchange was conducted between a third‐year German college class in the United States and an advanced English high school class in Germany. The exchange consisted of e‐mails between tandem partners, blogs, videoconferences between both classes, and class essays. The study examined the effects of participation in the semester‐long cross‐cultural, cross‐lingual exchange on students' interest in learning about the target culture. The results showed that students' interest in learning about culture was high before and after the exchange. Likewise, students believed that learning about culture is an important part of foreign language learning. The virtual exchange outlined here is an example of a standards‐based approach to integrating language and culture instruction.
Atmosphere and Ocean Impacts on Recent Western Arctic Summer Sea Ice Melt
Authors: Ballinger Thomas J. , Rogers Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2015

Summer sea ice in the western Arctic, specifically in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, has been rapidly declining during the last several decades. Annual minima in six recent Septembers (2007–2012) have witnessed the lowest western Arctic sea ice extents of the modern satellite era. The western Arctic summer sea ice has become less extensive amidst a fundamental transition from once widely prevalent and thick multi‐year ice to a thinner and readily melted first‐year ice cover. Questions remain for the Arctic climate research community involving the combination of factors that may be forcing these negative sea ice trends, particularly as current understanding of these complex ice–climate interactions evolves. Interannual variations of atmospheric pressure systems such as the Beaufort Sea High help determine the overlying wind direction and strength as well as the severity of summer ice cover. Atmospheric circulation teleconnections are important in sea ice variability but the role of some, such as the Arctic Oscillation, may in fact have changed as the western Arctic transitioned to a thinner ice cover. Reductions in summer sea ice extent became noticeable from 1998 onward and can be partly attributed to oceanic warming in the northern Pacific across the Bering Strait into the western Arctic. Warming of the northern Atlantic has had dramatic impacts in the Eurasian Arctic but a viable physical mechanism by which it can produce western Arctic ice melt is not yet established. Arctic warming induced by forcing from greenhouse gases is estimated to rival the impact of atmospheric teleconnections and helps produce the “Arctic amplification” of air temperatures that enhances summer sea ice melt. Late summer open water may in turn be altering the atmospheric circulation, weather and climate of subsequent autumn and winter seasons throughout the middle latitudes.
Construct validity of posture as a measure of physical function in elderly individuals: Use of a digitalized inclinometer to assess trunk inclination
Authors: Suzuki Yoshikazu , Kawai Hisashi , Kojima Motonaga , Shiba Yoshitaka , Yoshida Hideyo , Hirano Hirohiko , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ihara Kazushige , Obuchi Shuichi
Published: October 2015

Aim

The first aim of the present study was to determine the construct validity of evaluating posture as a measure of physical function in elderly individuals. The second aim was to determine reference values for sternum inclination in elderly individuals when measured using a digitalized inclinometer.

Methods

We included 834 community‐dwelling elderly individuals (350 men and 484 women) in this study. We used a digital inclinometer for measuring sternum inclination angle. We evaluated physical functions, including muscle strength, static balance, gait ability and the functional mobility of our study participants. To assess the construct validity of sternum inclination in elderly people, Pearson's correlation coefficient between sternum inclination and participant characteristics was calculated. To determine a reference value of sternum inclination by age, P for trend was calculated.

Results

In men, the sternum inclination angle and sternum inclination index were significantly associated with all anthropometric measures, except static balance. In women, the sternum inclination index was significantly associated with all measures, whereas the sternum inclination angle was associated with all measures except for balance and the Timed Up and Go test. Trend of sternum inclination index by age was significant.

Conclusions

Our results show that the sternum inclination as a measure of physical function in elderly men and women has construct validity. We determined reference values for sternum inclination of which trend by age was considered. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1068–1073.
Cardiac reoperations in octogenarians: Do they really benefit?
Authors: Deschka Heinz , Machner Matthias , Welp Henryk , Dell'Aquila Angelo Maria , Erler Stefan , Wimmer‐Greinecker Gerhard
Published: October 2015

Aim

According to the demographic development of our society, the numbers of octogenarians referred to cardiac surgery are continuously growing. Although the benefit of first‐time cardiac procedures for these patients is well documented, the fate of octogenarians after redo‐procedures, with special regard to long‐term survival, functional status and quality of life, is poorly investigated.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 84 consecutive patients aged ≥80 years, who underwent a cardiac reoperation at the department for Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Heart & Vessel Center Bad Bevensen between January 2007 and 2013. Demographic profiles as well as operative data were analyzed, and the patients were prospectively followed. Patient's functional status and quality of life were assessed with the Barthel Index, New York Heart Association class and the short form‐12 questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the study group (61 men, 23 women) was 81.9 ± 1.9 years. Most redo‐procedures were carried out after primary coronary artery bypass grafting (65%), primary aortic valve replacement (21%) and primary mitral valve replacement (6%). The most frequent actual surgical procedures were combined coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement (26%), isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (19%), and isolated aortic valve replacement (19%). The mean length of hospital stay was 17 ± 15 days. In‐hospital mortality counted for 32.1%. During follow up (29 ± 20 months) a further 19.0% of the patients died. The Barthel Index of the survivors was 89 ± 17 and their mean New York Heart Association class was 2 ± 1. A total of 93% of the patients were living at home. Summary scores of physical and mental health of the short form‐12 questionnaire equalled those of an age‐ and sex‐matched normative population.

Conclusions

Despite high perioperative mortality, results document a sustainable recovery of the survivors offering the prospect of a highly independent and satisfying life. Therefore, advanced age alone should not be a contraindication for redo cardiac interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1138–1144.
Oil exploration in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and the Chicxulub impact
Authors: Urrutia‐Fucugauchi Jaime , Pérez‐Cruz Ligia , Camargo‐Zanoguera Antonio
Published: October 2015

Discovery of the Chicxulub multi‐ring impact crater came as a result of oil exploration surveys in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Subsequent studies on the Chicxulub impact and the Cretaceous/Palaeogene (K/Pg) boundary have revealed links between the impact and hydrocarbons, with implications for the K/Pg global environmental and climatic effects, as well as for oil exploration in the Gulf.
Nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in meteorites—clues for solar system origin
Authors: Poole Graeme
Published: October 2015

The solar system was previously thought to have evolved from a hot and well‐mixed solar nebula, until the discovery of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in meteorites flew in the face of this popular model. These anomalies have been found to exist at the grain‐size level but not at the planetary‐scale, thus indicating the mixing and homogenization of presolar dust within the solar nebula over time as the planets formed. The use of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies as tracers of the manner, efficiency and timing of this mixing provides an invaluable tool for planetary science. Today the field is more exciting than ever and the discoveries continue to mount up. As such, models of solar system formation are being refined and improved.
Hydrogeologic Controls on Induced Seismicity in Crystalline Basement Rocks Due to Fluid Injection into Basal Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Person Mark , Rupp John , Ellett Kevin , Celia Michael A. , Gable Carl W. , Bowen Brenda , Evans James , Bandilla Karl , Mozley Peter , Dewers Thomas , Elliot Thomas
Published: October 2015

A series of Mb 3.8–5.5 induced seismic events in the midcontinent region, United States, resulted from injection of fluid either into a basal sedimentary reservoir with no underlying confining unit or directly into the underlying crystalline basement complex. The earthquakes probably occurred along faults that were likely critically stressed within the crystalline basement. These faults were located at a considerable distance (up to 10 km) from the injection wells and head increases at the hypocenters were likely relatively small (∼70–150 m). We present a suite of simulations that use a simple hydrogeologic‐geomechanical model to assess what hydrogeologic conditions promote or deter induced seismic events within the crystalline basement across the midcontinent. The presence of a confining unit beneath the injection reservoir horizon had the single largest effect in preventing induced seismicity within the underlying crystalline basement. For a crystalline basement having a permeability of 2 × 10−17 m2 and specific storage coefficient of 10−7/m, injection at a rate of 5455 m3/d into the basal aquifer with no underlying basal seal over 10 years resulted in probable brittle failure to depths of about 0.6 km below the injection reservoir. Including a permeable (kz = 10−13 m2) Precambrian normal fault, located 20 m from the injection well, increased the depth of the failure region below the reservoir to 3 km. For a large permeability contrast between a Precambrian thrust fault (10−12 m2) and the surrounding crystalline basement (10−18 m2), the failure region can extend laterally 10 km away from the injection well.