bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Switch from Transfemoral to Transradial Vascular Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention was Associated with a Reduction in Bleeding Events: A Singlecenter Experience of >10,000 Consecutive Cases
Authors: RAJANI NIKIL K. , BROWN ADAM J. , MCCORMICK LIAM M. , PARWAIZ HAMMAD , KAUSHAL ANMOL , HOOLE STEPHEN P. , WEST NICK E. J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Transradial (TR) access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces bleeding compared with transfemoral (TF) access, and may reduce mortality in specific patient subsets. However, switching from TF to TR access is associated with a learning curve and it is unclear whether benefits observed in randomized trials translate into practice. We sought to characterize the trends in bleeding and mortality rates at our institution, as we changed from being a TF to predominantly TR center over a 5‐year period.

Methods and Results

10,213 consecutive patients presenting for PCI were included (mean age 65.0 ± 11.6 years, 76.1% male, 48.0% PCI for acute coronary syndrome) over 5 years at a single center with PCI volume >2,000 cases per annum. Patients were stratified by initial arterial access site (TR or TF) and outcome measures included temporal trends in TR procedural failure, 30‐day bleeding complications and all‐cause 1‐year mortality. TR procedural failure fell to a consistently low rate within 1 year (11.8% in 2008 to 2.9% in 2009, P < 0.001). As TR volume increased, the annual 30‐day bleeding rate fell (1.64% in 2008 to 0.68% in 2012, P = 0.006). TR access predicted reduced 30‐day bleeding (OR 0.17 [95%CI 0.07–0.38], P < 0.001), but was not a predictor of 1‐year survival (HR 0.78 [95%CI 0.58–1.05], P = 0.10).

Conclusion

Successful transition from TF to TR PCI at our institution was rapid and associated with a reduction in 30‐day bleeding. These data should encourage other centers considering the adoption of TR access. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:296–304)
Dinosaur climate probed
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: June 2015

Ancient lake sediments in China record epic temperature swings, biotic turnover before the mass extinction.
The scientist behind the ‘personhood’ chimps
Authors: Grimm David
Published: June 2015

Susan Larson defends her work with two research chimpanzees at the heart of a legal battle.
Give us your best pitch
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: June 2015

Two venture capitalists explain the investor's mindset.
Bartonella quintana Aortitis in a Man with AIDS, Diagnosed by Needle Biopsy and 16S rRNA Gene Amplification
Authors: Lee Sulggi A. , Plett Sara K. , Luetkemeyer Anne F. , Borgo Gina M. , Ohliger Michael A. , Conrad Miles B. , Cookson Brad T. , Sengupta Dhruba J. , Koehler Jane E.
Published: June 2015

A man with newly diagnosed AIDS presented with months of back pain and fever. Computed tomography (CT) results demonstrated aortitis with periaortic tissue thickening. DNA amplification of biopsy tissue revealed
Bartonella quintana
, and
Bartonella
serologies were subsequently noted to be positive. The patient improved with prolonged doxycycline and rifabutin treatment. This case illustrates how molecular techniques are increasingly important in diagnosing
Bartonella
infections.
Effects of number and gender of offspring on quality of life among older adults: evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, 2006–2012
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Lee Sang Gyu , Shin Jaeyong , Cho Kyung-Hee , Choi Jae-Woo , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: June 2015

Objectives

We examined correlations between number and gender of offspring and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and quality of life (QoL) in older adults.

Setting

We used data from the 2006–2012 data sets of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Participants

There were 10 242, 8680, 7907 and 7480 participants in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012, respectively.

Interventions

Number and gender of offspring.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We measured participants’ QoL and HRQoL using a visual analogue scale developed by the Korea Labour Institute and which is similar to the EQ-VAS, a European measure.

Results

We estimated the HRQoL and QoL of individuals with offspring. Estimates for the HRQoL and QoL of parents with no offspring were −7.762 and −9.384, respectively (both p<0.0001) versus parents with two offspring. For parents with five or more offspring, the estimates for the HRQoL and QoL were −1.529 and 0.885, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.017, respectively) compared with parents with two offspring. For fathers with no offspring compared with fathers with two offspring, the estimates for the HRQoL and QoL were −6.143 and −7.492, respectively (both p<0.0001).

Conclusions

These results suggest that number of offspring is associated with both HRQoL and QoL. Those with no offspring showed the lowest HRQoL and QoL. Although having five or more children had positive associations with QoL, it had negative associations with HRQoL. Public health services for those with poor quality of life should provide effective support programmes and services based on these findings.
Convergence of One-Leg Hybrid Methods for Implicit Mixed Differential Algebraic Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Iman H. , Yousry Fatma M.
Published: June 2015

This paper focuses on a hybrid multistep and its twin one-leg methods and implementing them on implicit mixed differential algebraic equations. The orders of convergence for the above methods are discussed and numerical tests are solved.
Massive Gastric Hemorrhage due to Dieulafoy’s Lesion in a Preterm Neonate: A Case Report and Literature Review of the Lesion in Neonates
Authors: Salakos Christos , Kafritsa Panayiota , de Verney Yvelise , Sageorgi Ariadni , Zavras Nick
Published: June 2015

Dieulafoy’s lesion is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the neonatal age group. Till now, only 6 cases of Dieulafoy’s lesion in neonatal period have been reported in the international literature. Herein, we report an extremely rare case of Dieulafoy’s lesion in a preterm neonate.
ВИБІР МЕТОДИКИ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ РІВНЯ ТА ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЙНО-ВІДНОВЛЮВАЛЬНОГО ПРОЦЕСУ
Authors: Азархов О. Ю.
Published: June 2015

The article considers numerical method of physiological systems state estimating as one way of treatment and rehabilitation procedures evaluating. An algorithm for estimating the effectiveness of rehabilitation and restoration process is given, high usefulness and efficiency of the proposed method is proved.
Profane Theology
Authors: Kavka Martin
Published: June 2015

This response to William Arnal and Russell McCutcheon’sThe Sacred Is The Profaneargues that scholars of religious studies can self-identify as theologians (if they so choose), if “theology” is taken not as a discourse that reports on God’s nature or action or will, but as a discourse that determines what beliefs and actions might be justifiably inferred from a community’s authoritative texts and exemplars. Doing theology as a field of inference—as a series of if-then statements—is something that scholars can do regardless of religious confession (or lack thereof).
Comparative Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Composition and PTFE Prostheses in Plastic Hiatal Hernia
Authors: Пряхин  , Pryakhin A. , Калинина  , Kalinina E. , Кулаев  , Kulaev I.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal synthetic material for prosthetic hiatal hernia.

Materials and methods. Experimental study was carried out in 24 adult rabbits of different sexes. In the ex-periment prosthetic hernioplasty hiatal hernia was simulated. The animals were divided into two groups: 12 hernioplasty with implantation of a monofilament macroporous lightweight composite prosthesis (50% polypropylene, 50% monocryl) and 12 hernioplasty with implantation of a microporous prosthesis from polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE. Comparative analysis of reparative processes in the implantation of endoprosthesis was carried out in the 7th, 30th, 90th and 180th postoperative day.

Results. Intra-operative complications in the groups didn’t registered. In the postoperative period after implanta-tion of the composite prosthesis in all periods, the complication wasn’t identified. There are the complications in 3 cases (25%) of the use of PTFE prosthesis in the late postoperative. One patient was found to displacement of the implant on 90th day of the experiment, and 2 observations - cigar-shaped deformation of the prosthesis on the 90th and 180th days of the postoperative period. Feature of the morphological picture in the implantation of the prosthesis PTFE was a large amount of thick convoluted collagen fibers, not germinating implant. The implant is made of composite material, was surrounded by a thin, soft fiber, uniform layer of mature connective tissue with an orderly arrangement of collagen fibers sprouting prosthesis.

Conclusion. It was established that the most suitable implant for plastic hiatal hernia is a composite prosthesis as firmly fixed to the diaphragm germinating its connective tissue and has no tendency to shift. The implantation of PTFE prosthesis has a more favorable course of the wound process, however, the implant doesn´t invade connective tissue and is encapsulated with the formation of rough scar.
Deskilling and degradation of labour in contemporary capitalism: the continuing relevance of Braverman
Authors: Fabiane Santana Previtali  , Cílson César Fagiani
Published: June 2015

This article examines the continuing relevance of Harry Braverman's thesis on the degradation of work to the new circumstances of the twenty-first century. It argues that, despite claims that the standardisation and deskilling of work that characterised the Taylorist/Fordist period have given way to new forms of knowledge-based production and an integration of mental and manual labour, the concept of degradation is still relevant. New conditions of production demand a new and more versatile kind of worker who is able to meet the requirements of production processes that require intensive use of information technologies, are globally dispersed and related to the consumption of products with a high technological density. Nevertheless, the new conditions of capital accumulation are still based on the same laws of value and require intensive control and surveillance of the worker. This control, however, takes new forms under regimes of flexible accumulation, and is founded in managerial strategies built on workers' involvement and participation. Ensuring workers' compliance with such strategies requires the creation of the new kinds of subjectivity. The article goes on to discuss the education reforms required to produce such subjectivities, and the transformation of pedagogical processes and teaching labour that are necessary to achieve these reforms. It concludes by reflecting on the implications of the resulting individualisation of workers' subjectivities for class solidarity.
Evolución reciente y tendencias de las estructuras agrarias en el Medio Vinalopó: el mercado de la tierra en el municipio de Monforte del Cid (1980-1991)
Authors: Rico Amorós Antonio Manuel , Sellés Pérez J.J.
Published: June 2015

Este artículo pretende analizar el mercado de la tierra en el Medio Vinalopó (Alicante), su dinamismo, los agentes que lo han protagonizado, y sus consecuencias sobre la evolución reciente de las estructuras agrarias. Para ello, se ha elegido el municipio de Monforte del Cid durante el período 1980-1991. Los siniestros meteorológicos, la carencia de agua para riego, los problemas de comercialización y la falta de rentabilidad económica de las explotaciones agrarias han provocado un destacado descenso de las transmisiones de tierra, mantenidas en gran medida por inversiones destinadas a usos no agrarios.
Abwesenheit
Authors: Siegmund Gerald
Published: June 2015

Seit der klassischen Moderne gilt das Flüchtige als Merkmal des Tanzes. Damit verbunden ist die Frage nach der Präsenz des Tanzes als einer Kunstform, die an die leibhafte Gegenwart von Körpern auf der Bühne gebunden ist. In diesem Spannungsfeld begreift die Studie Abwesenheit als jene Kategorie, die das kritische und selbstreflexive Potential des Tanzes als Kunst- und Bühnenform ausmacht. Das Buch gibt der Tanzwissenschaft in Deutschland entscheidende Impulse und leistet darüber hinaus einen wesentlichen Beitrag zu einer ästhetischen Theorie von Performance und Theater. Die vier großen Kapitel zu den wichtigen zeitgenössischen Choreographen William Forsythe, Jérôme Bel, Xavier Le Roy und Meg Stuart bieten subtile Interpretationen zahlreicher Produktionen, die in dieser Form bisher noch nicht vorliegen. Zwischen Stückbetrachtung und philosophischer Reflexion oszillierend, entsteht ein komplexes Bild davon, was es heißt, auf der Bühne vor Publikum zu tanzen und diesem Tanz vom Parkett aus zuzusehen.
Problems and Solutions by Using the Integrated Domain Modeling Toolset
Authors: Céspedes Kelly Verónica Fernández
Published: June 2015

To contribute to the analysis of tools that attempt to acquire a Computation Independent Model (CIM) from the domain system, the author explores the Integrated Domain Modeling toolset and explains how it automatically acquires a formal CIM from description of a business system in the form of textual business use cases. This paper recognizes the computation independent nature of a Topological Functioning Model and suggests it to be used as a CIM within a Model Driven Architecture. The author of this paper shares her experience of using the toolset and mentions several lessons learned during the usage process as well as her suggestions for improvements.
The Model Transformation for Getting a UML Class Diagram from a Topological Functioning Model
Authors: Solomencevs Arturs
Published: June 2015

The approach called Topological Functioning Modeling for Model Driven Architecture (TFM4MDA) uses a Topological Functioning Model (TFM) as a formal Computation Independent Model (CIM) within the Model Driven Architecture (MDA). The object of this research is the construction of a UML class diagram on the Platform Independent Model (PIM) level in conformity with the TFM. Nowadays this transformation is executed manually. Manual creation of models is time-consuming and there is a risk of making mistakes. These drawbacks increase expenses and reduce efficiency of TFM4MDA approach. That is why automation of transformation is useful. The paper presents an algorithm for the transformation which is written in a pseudocode and can be implemented as a tool.
„Usability first“: Das „Refresh-Projekt“ zur Überarbeitung des Wissensportals in der ETH-Bibliothek
Authors: Padovan Gabriella
Published: June 2015

Im Frühjahr 2013 erteilte die Leitung der ETH-Bibliothek den Auftrag, das Wissensportal zu überarbeiten. Der Auftrag erschien verlockend, versprach die Arbeit doch ein unmittelbar sichtbares Resultat zu erzielen, denn die Überarbeitung sollte ausdrücklich möglichst rasch vonstattengehen. Umfragen und die tägliche Arbeit mit den Kundinnen und Kunden hatten gezeigt, dass Verbesserungen notwendig waren und dass Anpassungen an neue Trends der Nutzung nachvollzogen werden mussten. Im folgenden Bericht werden die Überlegungen sowie das Vorgehen zur Neugestaltung beschrieben.
Modelling Of The Relation Between Sustainable Development And Time Allocation In BSR Countries
Authors: Hozer-Koćmiel Marta
Published: June 2015

The aim of the article is to propose a simple Taxonomic Measure of Sustainable Development and to measure its relation with the time allocation. The research follows the scheme: i) the construction of the TMSD; ii) the regression analysis of the TMSD and time allocation variables; iii) the comparative analysis of the TMSD in 2004 and 2012 followed by the interpretation of the results.

The authors formulated the thesis about the relation between the level of sustainable development and the time allocation. The research shows that the more equal time allocation between men and women, the more sustainably developed the economy. This is probably because women live in a more sustainable way than men1.

Also, the measure illustrates well how strongly differentiated the BSR countries are in terms of sustainable development. The most favourable situation was observed in Scandinavian countries and Norway. In most of the countries the level of sustainable development rose over the time of observation.
Who Owns the Land? Litigants, Justices, Colonos, and Titleholders’ Struggle to Define the Origins of Private Property in Colombia
Authors: Céspedes-Báez Lina M. , del Pilar Peña-Huertas Rocío , Santiago Cabana González Daniel , Zuleta-Ríos Santiago
Published: June 2015

This article explores the origin of private property in the Colombian legal system. The authors use Supreme Court case law from the twentieth century to analyze in-depth how wastelands (
Failure and failure mechanisms of wood during longitudinal compression monitored by synchrotron micro-computed tomography
Authors: Zauner Michaela , Stampanoni Marco , Niemz Peter
Published: June 2015

The lasting plastic deformation of the cellular elements of beech, fir, and spruce wood under uniaxial compression has been investigated by the combination of in situ loading and synchrotron micro-computed tomography. The deformation of singular elements embedded in the tissue and their influence on the deformation lines and surrounding tissue was examined by tomographic reconstructions. An automatic observation of the failure area was applied in the case of the softwoods, which permitted the determination of the densification degree. The development of failure lines differed from the expected pattern by often showing branching. However, the 3D observations confirmed the effects known from 2D examinations in many cases.
The mobile revolution – Machine intelligence for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Enzweiler Markus
Published: June 2015

What started as a distant vision just a few decades ago is quickly
becoming reality. Autonomous vehicles are about to be deployed on
a large scale and will fundamentally change our transportation
behavior. In this particular application, extreme demands on
reliability and quality give rise to numerous problems and open issues
that need to be jointly identified and addressed by both academia and
industry. In this article, we present an overview of the current
state-of-the-art in the field of intelligent autonomous vehicles. We
further discuss open problems and current research directions.
A Concept of in-Process Measurement System for Spline Forming
Authors: Wieczorowski Michal , Eichner Tim , Lindner Ingo , Pereira Alejandro
Published: June 2015

In the paper a possibility of in-process inspection of gear and spline shafts during forming was discussed. Different methods of forming toothed elements were discussed as well as the other technologies were mentioned. Coordinate measurement technique as a way of post process inspection was presented. However, it is not possible to use it for checking features during forming process. To do it different sensors were used and their combinations were described.
Macroeconomic Determinants of the Non-performing Placements and Off-balance Sheet Liabilities of Croatian Banks
Authors: Benazić Manuel , Radin Dajana
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose: The non-performing placements and off-balance sheet liabilities are often considered key factors that lead to banking crises. Economic and financial crises increase the level of the non-performing placements and off-balance sheet liabilities which can cause significant losses for banks. Effective management and regulatory/ supervisory institutions such central banks should be able to recognize and quantify these effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically determine the existence and the quantitative impact of main Croatian macroeconomic variables on the non-performing placements and off-balance sheet liabilities of Croatian banks in the long and short-run.

Methodology: For this purpose the bounds testing (ARDL) approach for cointegration is applied. The ARDL model is performed in two steps. The first step starts with conducting the bounds test for cointegration. In the second step, when cointegration is found, the long-run relationship and the associated error correction model are estimated.

Results: The results indicate the existence of stable cointegration relationship between the variables i.e. in the longrun, an increase in real GDP reduces the level of the non-performing placements and off-balance sheet liabilities of Croatian banks wherein an increase in prices, unemployment, interest rate and the depreciation of the Croatian kuna exchange rate increases their level. On the other hand, in the short-run the results are rather mixed.

Conclusion: To avoid crises, effective bank management and regulatory/supervisory institutions should be able to recognize and quantify these effects. This is a necessary precondition for implementation of an adequate prudential and monetary policy measures for reducing the level of the non-performing placements and off-balance sheet liabilities.
Mechanical properties evaluation and ultrasound diagnosis of unsaturated polyester-glass pipes
Authors: Wróbel Gabriel , Rojek Maciej , Szymiczek Małgorzata
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the present work was the elaboration of research methodology of the exhaustion degree of performance properties of pipes based on unsaturated polyester and glass fibers, which were manufactured by the cross winding method on a poly(vinyl chloride) core. Within the frame of the work we conducted fatigue-ageing tests being the simulation tool of the degradation process of polyester-glass pipes. Diagnosis of the composite material condition was conducted with the use of nondestructive ultrasonic testing with the application of the echo method, in which the transition time of ultrasonic wave was determined as the identifying parameter. The registered transition time of ultrasonic wave allowed the identification of the material condition during the course of pipes exploitation.
Aktivierungsanalytische Bestimmung von Lithium mit Hilfe der Reaktionskette 6Li(n, α)3H und 16O(t, n)18F
Authors: Aumann D. C. , Born H. J.
Published: June 2015

Mit Hilfe der Reaktionskette 6Li (n, α) 3H und 16O(t, n)
18F wurde eine aktivierungsanalytische Bestimmung von Lithium ausgearbeitet, deren Erfassungsgrenze bei 0,01-0,02 ppm (1013
n/sec cm2) liegt. Es wird eine Übersicht über die bei Bestrahlung im Reaktor möglichen Störreaktionen gegeben. Das Verfahren erfordert die Anwesenheit von Sauerstoff. Es werden die Möglichkeiten für die Behandlung auch sauerstofffreier Substanzen mitgeteilt. Ferner wird gezeigt, daß der Matrixeffekt, der auf die verschiedene Reichweite der Tritonen in verschiedenen Proben und auf deren unterschiedliche Sauerstoffkonzentration zurückzuführen ist, und Standards von gleicher Zusammensetzung wie die Probe erfordern würde, rechnerisch ausgeglichen werden kann. Es werden Analysenvorschriften und die Ergebnisse zahlreicher Beleganalysen angegeben.
Study of the Plutonium (IV) - Arsenazo I Complex and its Applicability to the Analytical Chemistry of Plutonium Traces in Solution
Authors: Pérez-Bustamante J. A.
Published: June 2015

Aspectrophotometrical investigation of the tetravalent plutonium-arsenazo Icomplex was undertaken with the purpose of studying its analytical usefulness for the routine determination of trace amounts of plutonium in solution. The stock plutonium solution having systematically evidenciated the presence of great relative trivalent plutonium concentrations, some interesting conclusions could be drawn simultaneously for its corresponding complex by indirect means. A number of classical spectrophotometrical methods were used throughout this investigation with varying success due to the complexity of the system dealt with. In some particular instances full oxidation of the lower plutonium valence state towards the tetravalent state brought about by the arsenazo under certain acidity conditions and great excess of the reactive could be detected. Finally, a method for the routine determination of plutonium traces in solution is outlined, though its applicability to practical cases remains to be experimentally checked.
The Thermal Neutron Cross Section and the Resonance Integral of 184Os, 190Os, 192Os, 64Zn, 68Zn and 59Co
Authors: Kim J. I. , Adams F.
Published: June 2015

By neutron activation measurement with a cadmium filter, using gold as a standard monitor, the thermal neutron cross sections and the resonance integrals of 184Os, 190Os, 192Os, 64Zn and 59Co have been measured. A comparison technique was applied to measure, primarily, the effective cross sections. The thermal neutron cross sections and the resonance integrals were calculated from the knowledge of the cadmium ratio and the relative flux density of the epithermal neutrons at the irradiation site.
Chemically Robust Phthalocyanines: Photosensitizer and Electron Shuttle in Solid State Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Dwyer Patrick J. , Vander Valk Rory J. , Kelty Stephen P.
Published: June 2015

A completely solid state dye sensitized solar cell (DSSSC) is proposed in which chemically robust phthalocyanine (Pc) sensitizers, F16ZnPc and F40ZnPc, are sandwiched between n-TiO2 and p-NiO. While the energy conversion efficiencies of conventional Grätzel cells are continually increasing, the DSSSC design effectively solves the long term stability issues of the volatile liquid electrolyte. Through analysis of the electronic structure of the Pc|semiconductor systems, the free energy associated with hole injection into the valence band of NiO upon photoexcitation of the sensitizer and electron injection into the conduction band of TiO2 from the reduced form of the sensitizer as well as the competing charge recombination processes are calculated. Thermodynamically, the charge injection processes are found to be favored over the undesired charge recombination processes. These findings suggest promising energy conversion for the NiO|Pc|TiO2 DSSSC.
How the Morphology of Osteocytes Contributes to their Mechanotransduction near Microdamage
Authors: Budyn Elisa , Bensidhoum Morad , Tauc Patrick , Deprez Eric , Petite Herve
Published: June 2015

A dual experimental and numerical top-down approach is applied to investigate the link between osteocyte morphology and mechanical perception of their environment at the progenitor and mature stages. The numerical model is based on explicit tissue morphology discretization to identify bone diffuse damage at the cellular scale. The in vitro experimental model presents a live allograft bone system where a patient progenitor or mature osteocytes were reseeded in fresh human donor cortical bone tissues subjected to mechanical loading. The live systems behaved mechanically as fresh bone and the cells spatially reorganized in vitro as in vivo. The system under mechanical load also showed an adaptation of the calcium membrane transport rate to the expected in vivo mechanical load detected by bone cells at different stages of differentiation.
When the Chaplain is Ready the Teacher will Appear
Authors: Paterson Michael
Published: June 2015

This series of articles has explored the changing face of contemporary healthcare chaplaincy. In this final article, the author proposes a way through disorientation (article one) and imbalances of power (article two) to a future in which patients offer a leading role in shaping chaplains’ spirituality (ontology) and formation (epistemology).
Antonio Chas Aguión, Categorías poéticas minoritarias en el cancionero castellano del siglo XV
Authors: Mariño Arias Ana María
Published: June 2015

Antonio Chas Aguión, Categorías poéticas minoritarias en el cancionero castellano del siglo XV
HIV Treatment Scale-Up and HIV-Related Stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Longitudinal Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Chan Brian T. , Tsai Alexander C. , Siedner Mark J.
Published: June 2015

Objectives. We estimated the association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and HIV-related stigma at the population level in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods. We examined trends in HIV-related stigma and ART coverage in sub-Saharan Africa during 2003 to 2013 using longitudinal, population-based data on ART coverage from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and on HIV-related stigma from the Demographic and Health Surveys and AIDS Indicator Surveys. We fitted 2 linear regression models with country fixed effects, with the percentage of men or women reporting HIV-related stigma as the dependent variable and the percentage of people living with HIV on ART as the explanatory variable.

Results. Eighteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa were included in our analysis. For each 1% increase in ART coverage, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of women (b = −0.226; P = .007; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.383, −0.070) and men (b = −0.281; P = .009; 95% CI = −0.480, −0.082) in the general population reporting HIV-related stigma.

Conclusions. An important benefit of ART scale-up may be the diminution of HIV-related stigma in the general population.
Implications of Georgia’s 20-Week Abortion Ban
Authors: Roberts Sarah C. M. , Gould Heather , Upadhyay Ushma D.
Published: June 2015

Objectives. We sought to understand more about women affected by a law enacted in January 2013 that led Georgia providers to stop providing abortion services at 24 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP), and who would be affected if Georgia enforces the law banning abortions at 22 weeks from LMP.

Methods. We obtained data on women obtaining abortions at or after 20 weeks from LMP in 2012 and 2013 from 4 Georgia facilities providing later abortion care. We analyzed data descriptively and with the χ 2 test.

Results. More than half of the women were Black; one fourth were White. Close to half of the women had education beyond high school and a similar proportion had a previous live birth. Eighty-three percent of women at or after 24 weeks came from the South, 4% from the Northeast, and 13% from the Midwest; 99% of those at 20 to 24 weeks were from the South. One third of women at or after 24 weeks and half at 20 to 24 weeks were Georgia residents.

Conclusions. These bans will likely affect women throughout the South, as well as the Midwest and Northeast.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Siegall Evan , Ratner Joshua
Published: June 2015

Case:

A fourteen-year old patient with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome presented with an eleven-year history of pain and subjective weakness in the median nerve distribution of the hand. Electromyography studies demonstrated chronic denervation, and magnetic resonance imaging ruled out vascular malformations as a cause of extrinsic compression. Despite the chronic compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and known complications associated with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome, a surgical release was performed.

Conclusion:

Postoperatively, the patient noted immediate pain relief. At the time of the three-year follow-up, the subjective strength and function of the hand were greatly improved compared with the preoperative status. Even with symptoms suggesting decade-long compression, carpal tunnel release can be a safe and beneficial treatment for patients with Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome.
Introduction: Studying Junctures of Motion and Emotion
Authors: Werner Ann
Published: June 2015

No abstract available.
Carbocations and the Complex Flavor and Bouquet of Wine: Mechanistic Aspects of Terpene Biosynthesis in Wine Grapes
Authors: Wedler Henry , Pemberton Ryan , Tantillo Dean
Published: June 2015

Computational chemistry approaches for studying the formation of terpenes/terpenoids in wines are presented, using five particular terpenes/terpenoids (1,8-cineole, α-ylangene, botrydial, rotundone, and the wine lactone), volatile compounds (or their precursors) found in wine and/or wine grapes, as representative examples. Through these examples, we show how modern computational quantum chemistry can be employed as an effective tool for assessing the validity of proposed mechanisms for terpene/terpenoid formation.
Environmental and Social Sustainability of the Proximity Waste Collection System: A Case-Study Evaluation at an Italian Local Scale
Authors: Carchesio Manuela , Tatàno Fabio , Goffi Margherita , Radi Michele
Published: June 2015

In an urban or suburban area, the sustainability of a waste management process is expected to be closely related to the territorial context and the local citizens’ behaviour. From this perspective, the implementation of the peculiar proximity waste collection system in a small town in Central Italy (San Costanzo) was considered. As compared to the previous road collection system in the same municipality, its environmental performance in terms of Source Separation Level (SSL), Waste Generation or Collection Rate (WGR or WCR) and Interception Rate (IR) was evaluated. An original analysis of the citizens’ monthly frequency and of their participation rate both in relation to the setting out of the Unsorted Residual Waste (URW) was also carried out. Following the full implementation of the new waste collection scheme, the SSL achieved almost 79%, the WCR of the URW decreased by about 82% and the most IR values resulted above 83%. From a social point of view, the study further highlighted that, with the new waste collection scheme active, more than 50% of users were accustomed to set out the URW at most 5 times per month and the corresponding participation rate to set out the URW was around 62%.
Épigraphie antique et démographique : problèmes de méthode
Authors: Boyaval B.
Published: June 2015

B. Boyaval, Ancient epigraphy and demography : problems of method.

This article tries to make out the methodological problems with which we are faced when using the demographical data provided by the ancient funerary epigraphy. The author chose, in order to throw some light on this matter, the example of Greco-Roman Egypt because the sites of this region, if analysed one by one and not generally, show in a remarkably clear manner the inextricable contradictions in which figures lead us. Thus it looks as though we had been wrong in studying the gravestones from the demographical point of view. It is at the level of the history of mentalities that they could provide us with some information.
Use of a Latent Topic Model for Characteristic Extraction from Health Checkup Questionnaire Data
Authors: Miyano I. , Kataoka H. , Nakajima N. , Watabe T. , Yasuda N. , Okuhara Y. , Hatakeyama Y.
Published: June 2015

Objectives: When patients complete questionnaires during health checkups, many of their responses are subjective, making topic extraction difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a model capable of extracting appropriate topics from subjective data in questionnaires conducted during health checkups.

Methods: We employed a latent topic model to group the lifestyle habits of the study participants and represented their responses to items on health checkup questionnaires as a probability model. For the probability model, we used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract 30 topics from the questionnaires. According to the model parameters, a total of 4381 study participants were then divided into groups based on these topics. Results from laboratory tests, including blood glucose level, triglycerides, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, were compared between each group, and these results were then compared with those obtained by hierarchical clustering.

Results: If a significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in any of the laboratory measurements between groups, it was considered to indicate a questionnaire response pattern corresponding to the value of the test result. A comparison between the latent topic model and hierarchical clustering grouping revealed that, in the latent topic model method, a small group of participants who reported having subjective signs of uri-nary disorder were allocated to a single group.

Conclusions: The latent topic model is useful for extracting characteristics from a small number of groups from questionnaires with a large number of items. These results show that, in addition to chief complaints and history of past illness, questionnaire data obtained during medical checkups can serve as useful judgment criteria for assessing the conditions of patients.
La gestion des âges au travail. Le cas d’Energetix
Authors: Blancher Jean-Clément
Published: June 2015

L’article aborde le cas de l’entreprise Energetix qui- comme une grande majorité des autres groupes du CAC 40- se voit désormais confrontée à une remise en perspective de son modèle de GRH à l’aune des changements de paradigmes qu’étaient censés engendrer la réforme des retraites de 2010 et son corollaire d’allongement de la durée de vie au travail. A l’origine de notre questionnement était la pertinence d’un modèle RH segmenté/ calibré par l’âge ainsi que la conception des transformations qu’impliquent sa mise en effectivité. En cela, le cas que nous présentons- résultant d’une étude qualitative longitudinale par entretiens semi directifs/ observation participante dans les unités opérationnelles et au sein de la Direction Générale de l’entreprise- met en relief ce qui fait réellement problème(s) organisationnel(s) en termes de « gestion des âges » d’une part et les pistes d’action qui conviennent au(x) changement(s) dans une perspective équitable et durable d’autre part.
Insights into Social Media and Online Digital Music
Authors: Tu Yanbin , Zhao Miao , Jones Cathleen
Published: June 2015

This chapter investigates social media along with traditional assessment channels and their roles in music evaluation. For the current popular social media (such as Facebook and Twitter), marketing applications in the music industry are found to be limited. For certain specialized social media (social media sites specifically dedicated to music and audio sharing and product reviews and opinions), they are neither well known nor commonly used. More efforts to promote these social media are required to increase consumer awareness. This chapter also includes findings which describe consumers' different attitudes about social media related to new artists and established ones. The use of traditional music evaluation channels and the use of social media are positively correlated. At present, social media do not significantly impact consumers' music evaluations, but they do impact how much consumers are willing to pay for music products. Analysis of respondents' statements about social media demonstrate that social media marketing applications potentially can have a great impact on digital music product evaluations and willingness to pay. Overall, findings indicate that the music industry should take better advantage of social media to influence consumers' music evaluations and willingness to pay. Traditional channels and social media are correlated, indicating that the music industry should not neglect traditional channels while expanding the use of social media.
Methods for Assessing 3D Virtual Worlds in Design Education
Authors: Gül Leman Figen , Gu Ning , Kim Mi Jeong , Wang Xiangyu
Published: June 2015

With the advancement and increasing adoption of information and communication technologies, 3D virtual worlds, being a part of these revolutionary forces, have the potential to make a major contribution to design education as a new teaching and learning environment. Considering this changing trend, we have been employing 3D virtual worlds in the design curriculum over the past decade. To critically understand the impact of the technologies on design education, this chapter explores and demonstrates three different assessment methods of 3D virtual worlds in design education, through three case studies. The chapter also concludes with insights into the applications of virtual environments in collaborative design teaching.
Reconciling Social Media with Luxury Fashion Brands
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Tan Kerri
Published: June 2015

Modern developments in communication media are creating new networks of information diffusion which are profoundly altering the way in which people can construct shared ‘realities'. Internet along with its prototypical subsets, notably social media, is enabling the emergence of new mechanism of human association which are shaped by – yet also shape – the development of this new medium of communication. This chapter integrates social media theory and luxury fashion brand theory arguments to examine the knowledge benefits that this cultural transformation provides to the development of a marketing communications programme. The authors argue that the key to providing an effective marketing communication programme is understanding and responding to customer expectations through the integration of social media platforms and traditional marketing communications media.
The Role of Social Networking in Global Business Environments
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: June 2015

This chapter introduces the role of social networking in global business environments, thus explaining the overview of social networking, the significance of social networking, the challenges of social networking in global business environments, the interaction on Social Networking Sites (SNSs), and leadership impacts arising from social networking. Social networking technology can facilitate the improved organizational productivity by enhancing the communication and collaboration of employees, which aids knowledge transfer and consequently makes organizations more effective. Leaders of global businesses should provide training through general education courses and lifelong learning and provide the necessary Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for all employees to enhance their knowledge to deal with these new technologies in the social media age. Understanding the role of social networking will significantly enhance the organizational performance and achieve business goals in global business environments.
Corruption in the Public Eye
Authors: Katzarova Elitza
Published: June 2015

What role is there for publicity in the global anti-corruption debate? This chapter introduces the concepts of “transparency” and “publicity” as analytical tools that account for differentiated channels through which the availability of information can induce social change. Two case studies provide insights into the role of traditional media in comparison to new social media. The first case analyzes the role of Western news coverage during the negotiations of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention in the mid-1990s and the threat of publicity as a negotiation strategy. The second case investigates the role of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube in the success of the anti-corruption strike carried out by Indian social activist Anna Hazare in 2011. By introducing and further applying the conceptual toolkit of “transparency” and “publicity” to both cases, this chapter argues that transparency requires publicity or in the case of the OECD negotiations—the threat of publicity—in order for the anti-corruption campaign to be successful. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the ramifications for transparency and publicity as tools for social change.
Informatics solutions for bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory services in a low-resource setting
Authors: Driessen Julia , Limula Henry , Gadabu Oliver J. , Gamadzi Gervase , Chitandale Edwin , Ben-Smith Anne , Alide Noor , Douglas Gerald P.
Published: June 2015

Background: There has been little formal analysis of laboratory systems in resource-limited settings, despite widespread consensus around the importance of a strong laboratory infrastructure.Objectives: This study details the informational challenges faced by the laboratory at Kamuzu Central Hospital, a tertiary health facility in Malawi; and proposes ways in which informatics can bolster the efficiency and role of low-resource laboratory systems.Methods: We evaluated previously-collected data on three different aspects of laboratory use. A four-week quality audit of laboratory test orders quantified challenges associated with collecting viable specimens for testing. Data on tests run by the laboratory over a one yearperiod described the magnitude of the demand for laboratory services. Descriptive information about the laboratory workflow identified informational process breakdowns in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases and was paired with a 24-hour sample of laboratory data on results reporting.Results: The laboratory conducted 242 242 tests over a 12-month period. The four-week quality audit identified 54% of samples as untestable. Prohibitive paperwork errors were identified in 16% of samples. Laboratory service workflows indicated a potential process breakdown in sample transport and results reporting resulting from the lack of assignment of these tasks to any specific employee cadre. The study of result reporting time showed a mean of almost six hours, with significant variation.Conclusions: This analysis identified challenges in each phase of laboratory testing. Informatics could improve the management of this information by streamlining test ordering and the communication of test orders to the laboratory and results back to the ordering physician.
Transit times from rainfall to baseflow in headwater catchments estimated using tritium: the Ovens River, Australia
Authors: Cartwright I. , Morgenstern U.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Headwater streams contribute a significant proportion of the total flow to many river systems, especially during summer low-flow periods. However, despite their importance, the time taken for water to travel through headwater catchments and into the streams (the transit time) is poorly constrained. Here, 3H activities of stream water are used to define transit times of water contributing to streams from the upper reaches of the Ovens River in southeast Australia at varying flow conditions. 3H activities of the stream water varied from 1.63 to 2.45 TU, which are below the average 3H activity of modern local rainfall (~3 TU). The highest 3H activities were recorded following higher winter flows and the lowest 3H activities were recorded at summer low-flow conditions. Variations of major ion concentrations and 3H activities with streamflow imply that different stores of water from within the catchment (e.g. from the soil or regolith) are mobilised during rainfall events rather than there being simple dilution of an older groundwater component by event water. Mean transit times calculated using an exponential-piston flow model range between 5 and 31 years and are higher at summer low-flow conditions. Mean transit times calculated using other flow models (e.g. exponential flow or dispersion) are similar. There are broad correlations between 3H activities and the percentage of rainfall exported from each catchment and between 3H activities and Na and Cl concentrations that allow first-order estimates of mean transit times in adjacent catchments or at different times in these catchments to be made. Water from the upper Ovens River has similar mean transit times to the headwater streams implying there is no significant input of old water from the alluvial gravels. The observation that the water contributing to the headwater streams in the Ovens catchment has a mean transit time of years to decades implies that these streams are buffered against rainfall variations on timescales of a few years. However, impacts of any changes to landuse in these catchments may take years to decades to manifest itself in changes to streamflow or water quality.