bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of Nigella sativa oil against reproductive toxicity, hormonal alterations, and oxidative damage induced by chlorpyrifos in male rats
Authors: Mosbah Rachid , Yousef Mokhtar Ibrahim , Maranghi Francesca , Mantovani Alberto
Published: November 2014

This study is aimed at elucidating the possible protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in alleviating the toxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on reproductive performance in male rats. Animals were orally administered with NSO (1 ml/kg/day), CPF (20 mg/kg/day), and NSO + CPF every day for 4 weeks. Results showed that CPF decreased spermatid number, sperm count, daily sperm production, and sperm motility while increased dead sperm and abnormal sperm compared with the control. Also the levels of testosterone, thyroxine levels, steroidogenic enzyme 17-ketosteroid reductase, body weight, food intake, and relative weight of reproductive organs were decreased. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased, while glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes were decreased in plasma and testes of rats treated with CPF. Histopathological examination of testes showed a decrease in the number of seminiferous tubules, form shrinkage, enlargement of the connective tissue and gametogenic changes in germ cells of rats treated with CPF. NSO alone increased testosterone, semen characteristics, GSH, and antioxidant enzymes and decreased the levels of free radicals. Furthermore, the presence of NSO with CPF alleviates its toxic effects. Our results indicated that NSO can improve semen picture and moderate CPF-induced reproductive toxicity.
Wound healing potential of scaffolds prepared from porcine jejunum and urinary bladder by a non-detergent/enzymatic method
Authors: Revi Deepa , Vineetha Vadavanath P , Muhamed Jaseer , Surendran Geetha C , Rajan Akhila , Kumary TV , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V
Published: November 2014

Scaffolds prepared using extracellular matrices of mammalian organs/tissues, when used as grafts, have wound healing potential. This paper evaluated the physical properties and in vivo wound healing potential of jejunum-derived scaffold (JDS) and urinary bladder-derived scaffold (UDS) of porcine origin prepared by a non-detergent/enzymatic method. The former had higher flexural rigidity and suture retention strength compared to the latter, but both of them had the essential flexural rigidity and suture retention strength required for skin grafts. Full thickness skin-wounds on rabbit dorsum were treated with these scaffolds and the wound healing ability was compared by studying histomorphology parameters such as re-epithelialisation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, proliferation of cells, mesenchymal cell infiltration and myofibroblast response. The extent of these reactions was assessed using histomorphometry. The results indicated that both grafts initiated healing faster than those wounds without any graft, as evidenced by the extent of cell proliferation and mesenchymal cell infiltration. The myofibroblast response persisted longer in the non-graft assisted wound healing reaction compared to the healing in the graft assisted wounds. Moreover, the JDS induced higher cell proliferation and greater angiogenesis than UDS probably indicating better healing by the former. The results suggested that JDS and UDS prepared by non-detergent/enzymatic method have potential clinical applications.
Paternal Antisocial Behavior and Sons’ Cognitive Ability
Authors: Latvala Antti , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Långström Niklas , Lichtenstein Paul
Published: November 2014

Parents’ antisocial behavior is associated with developmental risks for their offspring, but its effects on their children’s cognitive ability are unknown. We used linked Swedish register data for a large sample of adolescent men ( N = 1,177,173) and their parents to estimate associations between fathers’ criminal-conviction status and sons’ cognitive ability assessed at compulsory military conscription. Mechanisms behind the association were tested in children-of-siblings models across three types of sibling fathers with increasing genetic relatedness (half-siblings, full siblings, and monozygotic twins) and in quantitative genetic models. Sons whose fathers had a criminal conviction had lower cognitive ability than sons whose fathers had no conviction (any crime: Cohen’s d = −0.28; violent crime: Cohen’s d = −0.49). As models adjusted for more genetic factors, the association was gradually reduced and eventually eliminated. Nuclear-family environmental factors did not contribute to the association. Our results suggest that the association between men’s antisocial behavior and their children’s cognitive ability is not causal but is due mostly to underlying genetic factors.
Adaptive pseudo-derivative feedback with a feed-forward gain controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system based on integrated iterative learning control
Authors: Zheng Shiqi , Tang Xiaoqi , Song Bao
Published: November 2014

This article proposes an adaptive pseudo-derivative feedback with a feed-forward gain controller based on the integrated iterative learning control for the permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system. At first, the improved just-in-time online model identification method is adopted to identify and linearize the nonlinear servo system to obtain the model information for the control strategy. Second, a model-based iterative learning control strategy is presented for the tracking control of permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system. Meanwhile, to guarantee the robust convergence of the iterative learning control system, a new tuning methodology considering the model uncertainties is proposed to select the weighting matrices of the iterative learning control. Third, to further improve control performance, an online generalized predictive control is integrated in the iterative learning control framework, referred to as integrated iterative learning control. By combining generalized predictive control and iterative learning control, the integrated iterative learning control can complement both control methods to obtain good performance, because online generalized predictive control can respond to disturbances immediately and iterative learning control can correct bias left uncorrected by the online controller. Finally, an adaptive pseudo-derivative feedback with a feed-forward gain controller is designed based on the integrated iterative learning control. Since the integrated iterative learning control can be expressed by the pseudo-derivative feedback with a feed-forward gain parameter, the design can achieve both performance improvement and simple controller structure. Experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive pseudo-derivative feedback with a feed-forward gain controller.
Metals and female reproductive toxicity
Authors: Sengupta P , Banerjee R , Nath S , Das S , Banerjee S
Published: November 2014

Research into occupational exposure of metals and consequences of reproductive systems has made imperative scientific offerings in the preceding few decades. Early research works focused on possible effects on the reproductive functions rather than the complete reproductive health of the woman. Later, it was realized that metals, as reproductive toxins, may also induce hormonal changes affecting other facets of reproductive health such as the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. Concern is now shifting from considerations for the pregnant woman to the entire spectrum of occupational health threats and thus reproductive health among women.
Connections between research and practice in the information literacy narrative: A mapping of the literature and some propositions
Authors: Pilerot Ola
Published: November 2014

The relationship between research and professional practice, often described in terms of a ‘gap’, is a topical issue involving stakeholders such as researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. Within the area of information literacy it is increasingly emphasized that practitioners make use of research and that research is conducted on problems relevant to practice. From a wide perspective, this paper discusses and identifies in the information literacy literature three different strands relating to research, practice and policy-making for information literacy. On the basis of a small-scale bibliometric investigation of samples of literature representing the identified strands, it is concluded that interconnections between the strands are weak. The results of the bibliometric study are discussed in the light of previous research on the relationship between research and practice. It is proposed that the research-based discussion on research and practice would benefit from a more nuanced terminology and by abandoning the prevailing gap-metaphor.
Analysis of Cost Reduction Techniques Adopted in Hospitals in and Around Pune
Authors: Kulkarni Meenal , Pandit Anil
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the various techniques implemented with respect to cost reduction in privately owned hospitals in and around Pune.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

A total of 30 privately owned hospitals were randomly selected for the purpose of the study. The methodology comprised administering the questionnaire along with a personal interview with the administrative/finance officer. The hospitals included for the study were selected based on the following characteristics: Hospitals with capacity of 50–100 beds were termed as small hospitals and hospitals with more than 100 beds were termed as large hospitals. Further they were segregated as general hospitals (<100 beds) and speciality and super speciality hospital in multiple urban locations. These organizations were for-profit hospitals.

Findings:

The results predominantly highlight the key techniques required to be used by most of the hospitals as the cost reduction method, and also the various aspects on which improvement and further development is required to keep on providing better health care service delivery with effective cost containment in the city of Pune.
Applying Economic Model ‘Efficiency Wage’ Concept for Pharmacists
Authors: Hodgin Robert , Chandra Ashish
Published: November 2014

Professional articles regarding managerial means to address pharmacist turnover generally focus on policy and psychological dimensions in lieu of relative cost analysis. We present a cost–benefit argument, based on ‘efficiency wage theory’ from the economics literature to reduce the rate of pharmacist turnover in retail establishments and hospitals. Drawing from national pharmacist data, we discuss the rationale for how much management could enhance pharmacist salaries in an organization to cost effectively reduce the turnover rate. We suggest using the approach as an adjunct to existing managerial policies aimed at reducing pharmacist turnover.
Applying Narrative and Quantitative Models for Understanding the Sanitation Arena of Selected Gram Panchayats in a Post-TSC Era from Kerala
Authors: Chathukulam Jos , Devavrathan S.
Published: November 2014

The Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), a ‘flagship’ programme of the Government of India, has completed a decade of implementation. The TSC over the period has been able to improve human health and sanitation coverage in the country. The initial success could be attributed to ‘Nirmal Gram Puraskar’. The total sanitation campaign has effectively made use of the village social structures in Kerala to solve the first generation sanitation issues. Disparities could also be seen. As the TSC is on the verge of a positive transformation to a new and broader perspective, and as the state look forward for a new dimension in sanitation concepts over the next five-year plan, it asks for a review on the coverage patterns. This would support the policy-makers to invest in edifying ideals as the nation progress from the TSC to ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan’. The broad objective of the study thus is to assess the impact of sanitation and hygiene coverage in the state. For measuring the outcomes and relative performance in terms of total sanitation provision, seven selected Gram Panchayats of Kozhikode district are considered. To arrive at a robust scenario, a synthesis of a narrative and statistical model was used. An innovative measurement framework known as ‘Total Sanitation Index’ was developed. The index was formulated for comprehending the relative positions of each Panchayat in terms of total sanitation and the results were presented.
Interstate Level Comparison of People’s Health Status and the State of Public Health Care Services in India
Authors: Meher Rajkishor , Patro Rajendra Prasad
Published: November 2014

Health is an essential component of economic development and there is a strong correlation between health of human population and societal well-being. We cannot just think of the development of the human capital without the development of health and education of the people. However, it is found that although India has made large gains on the health front of its population, there exist wide variations between and within states. While states such as Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have a very developed health sector and the health indicators of these states are comparable to those of developed middle-income countries, states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, etc., are almost at the level of Sub-Saharan Africa. By using a few of the key health indicators the present article makes a critical analysis of the health status of people in the 17 major states of India, the ongoing health development programmes and the present state of public health care services in different parts of the country. The article further delves into an arena of specific policy intervention measures that are required to be undertaken in order to increase the health status of people.
Financial Risks From Ill Health in Myanmar
Authors: Htet Soe , Fan Victoria , Alam Khurshid , Mahal Ajay
Published: November 2014

The government of Myanmar, with support from international donors, plans to address household financial risks from ill health and expand coverage. But evidence to design policy is limited. WHS (World Health Survey) data for 6045 households were used to investigate the association of out-of-pocket (OOP) health spending, catastrophic expenditures, and household borrowing and asset sales associated with illness with key socioeconomic and demographic correlates in Myanmar. Households with elderly and young children and chronically ill individuals, poor households, and ethnic minorities face higher financial stress from illness. Rural households use less care, suggesting their lower OOP health spending may be at the cost of health. Poorer groups rely more on public sector health services than richer groups. Better targeting, increased budgetary allocations, and more effective use of resources via designing cost-effective benefits packages appear key to sustainably addressing financial risks from ill health in Myanmar.
Intravenous Fentanyl for Dyspnea at the End of Life
Authors: Pang G. S. , Qu L. M. , Tan Y. Y. , Yee A. C. P.
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

To determine the efficacy of intravenous (IV) Fentanyl in dyspnoeic patients with advanced cancer.

Methods:

Dyspnoeic patients with advanced cancer satisfying the selection criteria received (IV) Fentanyl and were evaluated for response 24 hours post-administration in a prospective observational study.

Results:

Altogether 36 patients were enrolled into the study. However, data from only 16 patients could be analysed as 20 patients had died or were too sick to self-report scores. Seven out of 16 patients responded to IV Fentanyl although the result was not statistically significant (non-responders versus responders: 56.3% vs 43.8%, p = 0.33). The strongest correlations for variables predictive of responder status were the absence of anxiety and lung metastases.

Conclusions:

This exploratory study shows that IV Fentanyl can alleviate dyspnea in some patients but is an example of the difficulties conducting dyspnea research. Future studies would benefit from novel developments in the areas of measuring dyspnea in dying patients and statistical analysis of small sample sizes.
Multiaxial fatigue analysis of stranded-wire helical springs
Authors: Darban Hossein , Nosrati Mostafa , Djavanroodi Faramarz
Published: November 2014

In this paper, finite element method is implemented to model stranded-wire helical springs under different loading conditions. Finite element results are coupled with multiaxial fatigue criteria such as Fatemi–Socie and Kandil–Brown–Miller together with a uniaxial fatigue criterion, Coffin–Manson, to predict fatigue life of the stranded-wire helical springs. It is shown that due to damping effects between wires, stranded-wire helical springs have longer fatigue life compared to their equivalent single-wire helical springs at a similar condition. It is also demonstrated that fatigue life is longer for loadings with higher initial displacement of spring head. As practical examples, fatigue life of stranded-wire helical springs with 9 and 15 wires are estimated and compared. It is shown that the spring with 15 wires gives longer fatigue life. It is also observed that Kandil–Brown–Miller and Fatemi–Socie criteria give the least and the highest fatigue life prediction, respectively.
Bring the Subjective Back In
Authors: Choi Susanne Yuk-Ping , Cheung Adam Ka-Lok , Cheung Yuet-Wah , David Roman
Published: November 2014

Resource theory constitutes important explanations of spousal violence in culturally diverse societies. This article extends the theory by adding several subjective indicators: husband’s financial strain and the couple’s appraisal of each other’s financial and nonfinancial contributions to family. We examined the role of these subjective dimensions of resource in spousal violence against the backdrop of other predictors, including the husband’s absolute socioeconomic resources, the wife’s economic dependence, and relative resource differences between the husband and wife. The findings not only partly support absolute and relative resource theories but also suggest the salient role of subjective indicators of resources on husband-to-wife physical assault.
Parental Awareness of Empirically Established Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Deyro Marie C. , Simon Elliott W. , Guay Julie
Published: November 2014

Through an online survey, 83 parents of individuals aged 21 and below diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rated available ASD treatments for perceived effectiveness and scientific validity. Parental awareness of evidence-based treatments was assessed and compared with the National Standards Report (NSR). Parents were also asked to identify information sources used when selecting treatments and to rate the efficacy of treatments utilized for their children. Results showed that parents identified “professional advice” as the most influential source in helping decide which ASD treatments to utilize with their child(ren). A majority of parents agreed with the NSR for only 9 out of 26 identified treatments. There was no strong agreement among the parents with regard to their independent ratings of intervention efficacy and scientific validity. More than 35% of the parents listed interventions that were not part of the NSR consensus.
Using Photographs of Contrasting Contextual Complexity to Support Classroom Transitions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Siegel Ellin B. , Lien Susan E.
Published: November 2014

A single-subject, alternating treatment study compared the impact of two types of photograph displays of contrasting contextual complexity. The study examined the impact of high-context and no-context photographs, displayed on an iPad, on the ability of three preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to transition to play activities. The influence of the two photograph types on the children’s duration of transition time, number of prompts required, and type of prompts were measured. Results indicated that both photograph types provided helpful support for the children’s transition time to play activities. Results for duration of transition time and number of prompts required during transitions suggest that the participant with more challenging needs performed more quickly and independently using high-context photographs. Results suggest the photographs that have contextual information matched to a child’s needs can provide salient information and support their transition to activities in familiar settings.
Effect of national recommendation on sweet selling as an intervention for a healthier school environment
Authors: Anttila Jaakko , Rytkönen Tatu , Kankaanpää Rami , Tolvanen Mimmi , Lahti Satu
Published: November 2014

Aims: In 2007, the Finnish National Board of Education (FNBE) and the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) gave a national recommendation that Finnish upper comprehensive schools should not sell sweet products. The aim was to find out how the national recommendation changed the schools’ selling of sweet products. Methods: This longitudinal survey was conducted in Finnish upper comprehensive school classes 7–9 (13–15-year-old pupils) in 2007 and 2010. All the schools ( N=970) were invited to answer the questionnaire and 237 schools answered in both years (response rate 24%). The questionnaires contained questions concerning the selling of sweet and healthy products and school policy on sweet selling guidelines. Of the nine items in the questionnaire, three weighted sum scores were formed for oral health promotion: Exposure, enabling and policy (higher score indicating better actions). These sum scores were also trichotomized. Statistical significances of the changes were analyzed using nonparametric Wilcoxon’s test, McNemar’s test, and McNemar-Bowker’s test. Results: Schools had decreased exposure of pupils to sweet products ( p<0.001), more often provided oral health protecting items ( p=0.047) and had improved their oral health-promoting policy ( p<0.001). The selling of some sweet products, candies and soft drinks had decreased ( p<0.001) whereas the selling of other sweet products had not changed ( p=0.665). Schools tended to improve their exposure and policy status ( p<0.001). Conclusion: It is possible to improve school environments by means of a national recommendation. Other actions are needed both inside and outside schools in order to decrease the total consumption of sweet products among adolescents.
The Impact of Living Arrangements on Dementia Caregiver’s Sleep Quality
Authors: Simpson Cherie , Carter Patricia
Published: November 2014

In the United States half of the 15 million informal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (PWDs) do not live with the PWD. This paper compares the sleep quality and health of 59 community-dwelling caregivers living with the PWD and 21 living apart from the PWD. Variables of interest were caregiving experience (hours caregiving, problematic behaviors of the PWD, caregivers' perception of dementia severity), sleep quality, and health (perceived health, stress, and depressive symptoms). Parametric unpaired t tests were used to calculate the differences between key variables. Multiple regression models were constructed, controlling for age, gender, behavior index, and dementia severity to examine the variance explained by living arrangements on sleep quality and health. Caregivers living apart from the PWD experienced the same level of poor sleep quality as did caregivers living with the PWD. The living arrangements of the caregiver did not make a unique contribution to sleep quality or health variables except for reports of unhealthy days. Given the importance of good quality sleep for health, the findings highlight the importance of evaluating caregivers living apart from the PWD for sleep problems with the same level of concern as one would have for those living with the PWD.
Caregiving for a Loved One With Dementia at the End of Life
Authors: Lewis Laura Foran
Published: November 2014

Millions face the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. A classic Glaserian grounded theory methodology was used to discover the problem that caregivers of individuals with dementia face at the end of life and how they attempt to resolve that problem. Data were collected from a theoretical sample of 101 participants through in-person interviews, online interviews, book and blog memoirs of caregivers, and participant observation. Constant comparative method revealed a basic social psychological problem of role entrapment. Caregivers attempt to resolve this problem through a 5-stage basic social psychological process of rediscovering including missing the past, sacrificing self, yearning for escape, reclaiming identity, and finding joy. Health care professionals can support caregivers through this journey by validating, preparing caregivers for future stages, and encouraging natural coping strategies identified in this process. This study provides a substantive theory that may serve as a framework for future studies.
Imagine there are no leaders: Reframing leadership as collaborative agency
Authors: Raelin Joseph A
Published: November 2014

Fearing that our overreliance on an individual, heroic model of leadership will only continue to dampen the energy and creativity of people in our organizations and communities, this essay proposes a practice perspective of leadership based on a collaborative agency mobilized through engaged social interaction. After briefly reviewing the emerging practice tradition in leadership studies, the article turns to the inseparable connection between leadership and agency and discusses how structure may pacify but, under dialogic conditions, release agency. Acknowledging the cultural constraints against collaborative agency, the account affirms its potential realization through interpersonal interaction and sociality. Specific leadership activities associated with collaborative agency and their conditions are illustrated. The paper concludes by showing how the collaborative agentic model might produce a more sustainable future for our world while suggesting avenues for future research of a collective rather than a personal approach to leadership.
Controlled drugs: Regulations and prescribing
Authors: McCann Benedict
Published: November 2014

The total number of controlled drug (CD) items prescribed in NHS primary care in 2013 was 47 044 814. As GPs we have a duty to keep up-to-date on all aspects of CD management, including safe storage, record keeping, supply, administration and disposal. As a result of Harold Shipman’s actions, a GP and serial killer who used CDs to kill his patients, governance arrangements for the use and management of CDs have been strengthened. Making errors in this area affects patient safety and could even lead to criminal proceedings for the individual involved. This article aims to outline a safe approach to situations where CDs affect clinical practice.
Smoking uptake among Saudi adolescents: tobacco epidemic indicators and preventive actions needed
Authors: Mohammed Mutaz , Eggers Sander Matthijs , Alotaiby Fahad Falah , de Vries Nanne , de Vries Hein
Published: November 2014

The aim of this cross-sectional school-based study was to assess smoking prevalence, indicators for the smoking epidemic and determinants of smoking among Saudi adolescents.

The study included 695 male adolescents from 11 to 16 years of age who filled out self-report questionnaires based on the European Smoking Framework Approach questionnaire, which uses the I-Change model to assess attitude, social influence and the self-efficacy of the participants. Smokers were 275 (39.6%) adolescents. Smokers tended to receive more daily pocket money, live in more affluent families and show lower academic performance. Non-smokers were inclined to believe that smoking may help people to feel relaxed and confident, encountered less social influences to smoke than smokers, but reported low self-efficacy not to smoke when with smoker friends and when offered a cigarette. Smokers reported the lowest self-efficacy not to smoke in all situations assessed.

The results suggest the smoking epidemic among male Saudi adolescents may still be in the early stages, providing ample opportunity for preventive actions aimed at halting the further progress of this epidemic. Secondly, smoking prevention programs in Saudi Arabia need to reinforce non-smoking attitudes, address how to resist pressure to smoke, and how to develop high self-efficacy towards non-smoking in various situations.
Psychological distress in out-patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy for the investigation of bladder cancer
Authors: Ellis G , Pridgeon S , Lamb BW , Awsare NS , Osaghae S , Smith SG , McNicholas TA , Green JSA
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

Flexible cystoscopy can cause patients significant psychological distress, especially when utilised in the diagnostic pathway for suspected bladder cancer. We aimed to assess the prevalence of general anxiety and depression, as well as procedure-related worry and pain in patients undergoing local anaesthetic flexible cystoscopy and to determine whether these conditions occur more frequently in subsets of the population.

Patients and methods:

Patients referred for flexible cystoscopy were invited to participate. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire containing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a worry score and a question regarding the most stressful event in the diagnostic pathway. Following the procedure patients were also asked to complete a pain score.

Results:

A total of 175 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of significant anxiety was 15% and depression 3.5%. This was higher in younger, female and unmarried patients. Procedure-related worry and pain were generally low.

Conclusions:

We found the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy to be raised compared to a similar cohort of patients undergoing TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. We have identified subgroups more likely to experience these symptoms and have also identified the sections of the diagnostic pathway that are most likely to cause anxiety and depression. By doing this we can target those patients who are more likely to suffer during the diagnostic process and aim to improve their experience. We can also implement targeted changes to the pathway to reduce the impact it may have on patients’ mental health.
Civil war and the severity of militarized interstate disputes
Authors: Reeder Bryce W
Published: November 2014

Previous work has suggested that civil wars can increase the risk of militarized interstate conflict. This research note examines the severity of different suggested linkages between civil war and international conflict using data from 1946 to 2001. The results show that instances of direct intervention and interstate coercion are associated with more severe interstate disputes, comparable in magnitude to the severity of territorial disputes. By contrast, disputes that entail pursuit of rebels across international borders, efforts to deter externalization and spillover events tend to have lower severity. The results underscore the important potential role of internal war for interstate conflicts as well as what types of conflict linkages seem to go together with more severe disputes.
Big Data solutions on a small scale: Evaluating accessible high-performance computing for social research
Authors: Murthy Dhiraj , Bowman Sawyer A
Published: November 2014

Though full of promise, Big Data research success is often contingent on access to the newest, most advanced, and often expensive hardware systems and the expertise needed to build and implement such systems. As a result, the accessibility of the growing number of Big Data-capable technology solutions has often been the preserve of business analytics. Pay as you store/process services like Amazon Web Services have opened up possibilities for smaller scale Big Data projects. There is high demand for this type of research in the digital humanities and digital sociology, for example. However, scholars are increasingly finding themselves at a disadvantage as available data sets of interest continue to grow in size and complexity. Without a large amount of funding or the ability to form interdisciplinary partnerships, only a select few find themselves in the position to successfully engage Big Data. This article identifies several notable and popular Big Data technologies typically implemented using large and extremely powerful cloud-based systems and investigates the feasibility and utility of development of Big Data analytics systems implemented using low-cost commodity hardware in basic and easily maintainable configurations for use within academic social research. Through our investigation and experimental case study (in the growing field of social Twitter analytics), we found that not only are solutions like Cloudera’s Hadoop feasible, but that they can also enable robust, deep, and fruitful research outcomes in a variety of use-case scenarios across the disciplines.
The Use of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Complex Antituberculous and Antiretroviral Drug Dosing in HIV/Tuberculosis-Coinfected Patients
Authors: Newman Michael , Foisy Michelle M. , Ahmed Rabia A.
Published: November 2014

We report 2 cases coinfected with HIV and tuberculosis (HIV/TB), requiring drug dose adjustments guided by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and/or serum drug concentrations.

Case 1:

Over the course of the 9-months of TB treatment, drugs that required increased doses due to low concentrations included efavirenz (800 mg), rifampin (900 mg), and isoniazid (450 mg). Higher drug doses were well tolerated until the end of treatment.

Case 2:

Over the 12-month course of TB therapy, drugs that required increased doses due to incomplete and/or delayed absorption were rifampin (1500 mg), moxifloxacin (800 mg), and ethambutol (1600 mg). Higher drug doses were well tolerated until the end of treatment. Due to delayed/incomplete drug absorption and weight gain during therapy, higher antituberculous doses may be required in patients coinfected with HIV/TB. A daily dose of efavirenz 800 mg was well tolerated in both patients (weight over 70 kg). Managing patients coinfected with HIV/TB is complex, and, therefore, TDM of drug concentrations can help guide clinical decision making.
Microstructure and fracture behaviour of flash butt welds between dissimilar steels
Authors: Nikulina A. A. , Bataev A. A. , Smirnov A. I. , Popelyukh A. I. , Burov V. G. , Veselov S. V.
Published: November 2014

Flash butt welds between high carbon steel and chrome–nickel steel were studied in this article. Light and electron microscopic studies have shown that the welded joints have a complex structure consisting of several phases. In addition to pearlite colonies, austenite microvolumes and regions of high strength martensite, the welds contain brittle inclusions of titanium sulphide and carbide particles. The mechanical behaviour of the welded joints is negatively influenced by the dramatic change in hardness in the weld zone. Fractographic analysis of dynamically fractured welds between carbon steel and stainless steels has shown that the fracture in the weld samples occurs in both steels. This behaviour of the material is caused by the non-uniform distribution of martensitic regions within the weld. The formation of martensitic regions in the structure of the material is a major cause of the reduction in the fatigue crack resistance of the welded joints.
Current opinion in medium manganese steel
Authors: Lee Y.-K. , Han J.
Published: November 2014

Medium Mn steels have been actively investigated due to their excellent balance between material cost and mechanical properties. The steels possess a single α′ martensite phase in hot and cold rolled states and multiphases after intercritical annealing. Many studies have focused on investigating the influences of chemical composition and annealing conditions on the microstructure, particularly the grain size and retained γ (γR), and on the tensile properties. The steels exhibit high strength and good ductility due to transformation induced plasticity occurring in γR, whose volume fraction is approximately 0·2–0·4. The present review summarises the important results of previous studies about the effects of both intercritical annealing conditions and alloying elements on the microstructure and tensile properties of medium Mn steels.
Tribological behaviour of borided H13 steel with different boriding agents
Authors: Krelling A. P. , Milan J. C. G. , da Costa C. E.
Published: November 2014

Solid boriding thermochemical treatment was carried out on AISI H13 steel. Two boriding agents were used: Ekabor 1-V2 commercial powder and a mixture of 73·26 wt-% borax, 24·06 wt-%SiC, 1·22 wt-%NH4Cl and 1·46 wt-%NaCl. Pin on disc wear tests were carried out to investigate tribological behaviour. After the wear tests, samples were cut in cross-section to evaluate the thickness and morphology of the boride layer by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Vickers microhardness. Wear mechanisms were evaluated by SEM. A large improvement in wear resistance was observed for borided samples compared with samples that had been quenched and tempered. The thickness of the borided layer was higher for samples borided with Ekabor powder than those borided with the mixture. In comparison with quenched and tempered samples, borided samples had a higher incidence of cracks, which favours spalling and reduction of grooves formed by abrasive wear.
Common fixed point results under a new contractive condition without using continuity
Authors: Gu Feng , Shen Yunjuan , Wang Lin
Published: November 2014

In this paper, using the concept of the common

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property, we prove a common fixed point theorem for a class of twice power type weakly compatible mappings in generalized metric space. Our results do not rely on any commuting or continuity condition of the mappings. We also state some examples to illustrate our new results in symmetric and nonsymmetric generalized metric spaces. It should be pointed out that this is the first time to use common

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properties to discuss common fixed point problems of contractive mappings for twice power type in generalized metric spaces.
Modification of crystal anisotropy and enhancement of magnetic moment of Co-doped SnO2 thin films annealed under magnetic field
Authors: Loya-Mancilla Sagrario M , Poddar Pankaj , Das Raja , Ponce Hilda E Esparza , Templeton-Olivares Ivan L , Solis-Canto Oscar O , Ornelas-Gutierrez Carlos E , Espinosa-Magaña Francisco , Olive-Méndez Sion F
Published: November 2014

Co-doped SnO2 thin films were grown by sputtering technique on SiO2/Si(001) substrates at room temperature, and then, thermal treatments with and without an applied magnetic field (HTT) were performed in vacuum at 600°C for 20 min. HTT was applied parallel and perpendicular to the substrate surface. Magnetic M(H) measurements reveal the coexistence of a strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) signal and a ferromagnetic (FM) component. The AFM component has a Néel temperature higher than room temperature, the spin axis lies parallel to the substrate surface, and the highest magnetic moment m =7 μB/Co at. is obtained when HTT is applied parallel to the substrate surface. Our results show an enhancement of FM moment per Co+2 from 0.06 to 0.42 μB/Co at. for the sample on which HTT was applied perpendicular to the surface. The FM order is attributed to the coupling of Co+2 ions through electrons trapped at the site of oxygen vacancies, as described by the bound magnetic polaron model. Our results suggest that FM order is aligned along [101] direction of Co-doped SnO2 nanocrystals, which is proposed to be the easy magnetization axis.
Bipotent mammary stem cells: now in amazing 3D
Authors: van Amerongen Renée
Published: November 2014

For many decades, developmental biologists and cancer researchers alike have been trying to understand the relationship between the basal and luminal cell compartments in the mouse mammary epithelium. Delineating the mammary stem and progenitor cell hierarchy will provide fundamental knowledge of how cell proliferation and differentiation are orchestrated to build, maintain and regenerate a complex mammalian tissue. Moreover, it is expected to offer insight into the cells of origin for human breast cancer. A new lineage-tracing study has fuelled the discussion as to the existence of bipotent stem cells in the basal layer of the mouse mammary epithelium.
Disheartened consumers: impact of malevolent apparel business practices on consumer’s heart rates, perceived trust, and purchase intention
Authors: Ha-Brookshire Jung , Bhaduri Gargi
Published: December 2014

In response to consumers’ increasing desires to know about apparel businesses’ ethical/responsible practices and the importance of trust between a firm and its consumers in today’s marketplace, this study investigated how distrustful messages, specifically malevolent messages, affect consumers’ perceived trust and purchase intention. The results of 67 participants’ heart rate deceleration patterns and psychometric responses from a randomized experimental design showed that participants experienced greater heart rate deceleration during exposure to messages about a firm’s malevolent business practices, than during messages about benevolence. Indeed, consumers seemed to get more disheartened when they were exposed to messages about malevolent business activities, and these messages seemed to affect consumers’ perceived trust and purchase intention. The study concludes with important business implications for building and strengthening trust, or reducing and eliminating distrust, with consumers.
Functional Role of Serotonin in Insulin Secretion in a Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant State
Authors: Kim Kyuho , Oh Chang-Myung , Ohara-Imaizumi Mica , Park Sangkyu , Namkung Jun , Yadav Vijay K. , Tamarina Natalia A. , Roe Michael W. , Philipson Louis H. , Karsenty Gerard , Nagamatsu Shinya , German Michael S. , Kim Hail
Published: November 2014

The physiological role of serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), in pancreatic β-cell function was previously elucidated using a pregnant mouse model. During pregnancy, 5-HT increases β-cell proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) through the Gαq-coupled 5-HT2b receptor (Htr2b) and the 5-HT3 receptor (Htr3), a ligand-gated cation channel, respectively. However, the role of 5-HT in β-cell function in an insulin-resistant state has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterized the metabolic phenotypes of β-cell-specific Htr2b−/− (Htr2b βKO), Htr3a−/− (Htr3a knock-out [KO]), and β-cell-specific tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1)−/− (Tph1 βKO) mice on a high-fat diet (HFD). Htr2b βKO, Htr3a KO, and Tph1 βKO mice exhibited normal glucose tolerance on a standard chow diet. After 6 weeks on an HFD, beginning at 4 weeks of age, both Htr3a KO and Tph1 βKO mice developed glucose intolerance, but Htr2b βKO mice remained normoglycemic. Pancreas perfusion assays revealed defective first-phase insulin secretion in Htr3a KO mice. GSIS was impaired in islets isolated from HFD-fed Htr3a KO and Tph1 βKO mice, and 5-HT treatment improved insulin secretion from Tph1 βKO islets but not from Htr3a KO islets. Tph1 and Htr3a gene expression in pancreatic islets was not affected by an HFD, and immunostaining could not detect 5-HT in pancreatic islets from mice fed an HFD. Taken together, these results demonstrate that basal 5-HT levels in β-cells play a role in GSIS through Htr3, which becomes more evident in a diet-induced insulin-resistant state.
Using double gloves in surgical procedures: a literature review
Authors: Al Maqbali Mohammed Abdullah
Published: November 2014

This article will present a critical review of the literature relating to the use of double gloves during surgery in order to identify best practice by using available resources and to improve health care. During surgery there is an increased risk of exposure to blood and, as a result, pathogens can be transferred through contact between the patient and surgical team. Health professionals working in the operating room are prone to frequent exposure to patients’ blood and body fluids ( Davanzo et al, 2008 ; Au et al, 2008 ; Myers et al, 2008 ). Several researchers have also demonstrated that the highest incidence of blood and body fluid exposure is in the operating room during surgical procedures ( Ganczak et al, 2006 ; Myers et al, 2008 ; Naghavi and Sanati, 2009 ).
Subcutaneous infusion in palliative care: a focus on the neria soft 90 infusion set
Authors: Gabriel Janice
Published: November 2014

Subcutaneous administration of medications and/or fluids can play a crucial part in supporting patients at home and thereby avoiding the need for hospitalisation. It is an area of patient care that has received little attention compared with other types of parenteral therapies. However, it is an effective and safe route for continuous administration for individuals requiring palliative care. Technological advancements have led to improved subcutaneous infusion devices, such as fine-gauge cannulae with integral sharps protection, as well as integral hypoallergenic dressings. These design features not only help to increase patient comfort but also minimise the potential for needlestick injuries, as well as providing the health professional with one sterile package containing all of the components needed to establish subcutaneous infusion. However, technological developments alone are insufficient to improve patient outcomes. Knowledge of the individual patient, together with their diagnosis and intended treatment, will influence the choice of subcutaneous infusion device, with the overall aim of minimising the potential for complications and improving comfort. This paper provides an overview of subcutaneous infusion, including the importance of patient assessment and the education and training needs of health professionals, and then focuses on one specific subcutaneous infusion device: the neria soft 90 infusion set.
Tackling non-adherence in dialysis patients with hyperphosphataemia
Authors: Rakov Viatcheslav , Chong Edward , Parker Jennifer
Published: November 2014

Many patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease require oral phosphate binders to control serum phosphorus levels. However, non-adherence to phosphate binders remains a major challenge and is affected by a number of factors. Nurses have a pivotal role in the day-to-day management of dialysis patients and are well placed to potentially provide education and information about the importance of treatment adherence. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is a novel iron-based phosphate binder that has been investigated in clinical studies for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia in dialysis patients, where it has demonstrated similar efficacy to sevelamer carbonate, in terms of reducing serum phosphorus levels, but with a significantly lower pill burden and better treatment adherence. This article reviews key Phase 3 clinical data for sucroferric oxyhydroxide and discusses how the attributes of this new phosphate binder may help to address the challenge of patient adherence to phosphate binders in clinical practice.

A lot of patients with end-stage renal disease are prescribed phosphate binders to control serum phosphorus levels and treat hyperphosphataemia. However, many studies have demonstrated that adherence to these drugs is low. Viatcheslav Rakov, Edward Chong and Jennifer Parker present a summary of recent research carried out on a new phosphate binder and challenges to adherence.
The importance of exercise for patients with kidney disease
Authors: Lumsdon Angela
Published: November 2014

Exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, and its importance is even greater for people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this article, Angela Lumsdon introduces the UK Kidney Research Consortium's clinical study group on exercise and highlights some of the essential research projects which are already being carried out in this area.