bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a Learning Analytic System for Assessing Immersive Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Russell Donna , Wallis Steven E.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to develop a template for the evaluation of learning in an educational game. In this case, gaming is referred to as 3D immersive virtual learning environments. Problem-based learning is the design template for the IVLE as it engages learners in defined learning behaviors that have been shown to encourage advanced problem-based learning. As a result of this holistic design procedure the learning analytic system proposed in this chapter is an integrated system that can be linked to P-12 educational programs augmenting their traditional programs and providing alternative instructional procedures, alternative learning processes for students and a standards-based but a more individualistic and thus viable assessment of learning to replace an outdated learning assessment model.
Navigating Through Virtual Worlds
Authors: Jaklin Norman , Geraerts Roland
Published: October 2015

With the rise and success of digital games over the past few decades, path planning algorithms have become an important aspect in modern game development for all types of genres. Indirectly-controlled playable characters as well as non-player characters have to find their way through the game's environment to reach their goal destinations. Modern gaming hardware and new algorithms enable the simulation of large crowds with thousands of individual characters. Still, the task of generating feasible and believable paths in a time- and storage-efficient way is a big challenge in this emerging and exciting research field. In this chapter, the authors describe classical algorithms and data structures, as well as recent approaches that enable the simulation of new and immersive features related to path planning and crowd simulation in modern games. The authors discuss the pros and cons of such algorithms, give an overview of current research questions and show why graph-based methods will soon be replaced by novel approaches that work on a surface-based representation of the environment.
Influence of Social Networks in the Decision to Vote
Authors: Ibáñez Daniel Barredo , Calderón Carlos Arcila , Arroyave Jesús , Silva Roxana
Published: October 2015

The popularization of the Internet and the adoption of social media have brought major changes in the way of doing politics and managing the public arena. There is extensive scientific literature confirming the relationship between the use of new media and electoral political participation (Willnat et al, 2013; Lee and Shin, 2014; Ceron et al, 2014.). The aim of this study is to determine the mechanism by which using social networks influences the decision to vote. Ecuadorian citizens (n= 3,535) took part in an exploratory survey during the first half of 2013. The authors tested the measures and scales included in the questionnaire for validity and reliability; and they used a moderated mediation model (Hayes, 2013) based on regression. Results show that positive influence of using social networks on the decision to vote is not given directly, but rather through the search for information and need for political deliberation. In this mediation process, the indirect effect is in turn negatively moderated by age (the effect is stronger in young people). It is argued that despite the influence that networks may have on the behavior of voters, traditional factors related to the search for political information in more conventional means (e.g. radio or TV) seem to have a more significant effect. The authors explain both theoretical and practical implications. Finally, they address the study's limitations regarding the representativeness of the sample and suggest testing the model in other political and cultural contexts.
Fault Ride-Through Analysis and Protection of a 2-MW DFIG Tidal Current Turbine
Authors: Zhang Dahai , Chen Ying , Yang Jing , Tan Ming , Ma Xiandong , Li Wei
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe purposes of this article are to report on a study of fault ride-through (FRT) capability improvements of a tidal current turbine with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and to investigate protection schemes for power electronic converters without disconnection
during grid faults. A dynamic model of a DFIG tidal current turbine is described in the article, taking into account the effect of crowbar protection on the system when subjected to disturbances, such as short circuit faults. Investigations into the dynamic behavior of tidal current turbines
are made through extensive simulations via PSCAD/EMTDC software. The research demonstrates that both the timing of crowbar removal and the value of crowbar resistance have a significant impact on the system voltage recovery following grid faults. The article also demonstrates that the selection
of an appropriate crowbar resistor value is critical in order to ensure that the DFIG returns to normal operation with active and reactive power control as quickly as possible.
Electronic Nose and AUV: A Novel Perspective in Marine Pollution Monitoring
Authors: Tonacci Alessandro , Lacava Giovanni , Lippa Marco Andrea , Lupi Lisa , Cocco Michele , Domenici Claudio
Published: October 2015

AbstractHydrocarbon pollution represents one of the most serious issues for the health of the extremely fragile marine ecosystem, and strategies for its monitoring have been growing in number and complexity in the last decades. Therefore, the realization of systems able to
detect the presence of pollutants in the marine environment has become extremely complex, involving different figures and integrated technologies. This paper presents an innovative model for the real-time assessment of pollutants on the sea surface based on a network of autonomous underwater
vehicles (AUVs), which are able to sail the sea surface, equipped with sensors capable of detecting volatile organic compounds produced by hydrocarbons. In particular, within this context, an AUV equipped with an electronic nose-like system is proposed, with the sensors employed that were
characterized both on the laboratory bench and at sea. The results obtained confirmed the feasibility of the approach proposed as well as good reliability of the data acquired, confirming the likely employment of this system within an integrated marine monitoring tool.
Experimental and Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation Study of the Precise Measurement of the Gonad of a Small Fish Using a 25-MHz Acoustic Focus Probe
Authors: Nagaso Masaru , Mizuno Katsunori , Asada Akira , Kobayashi Kazuto , Matsukawa Mami
Published: October 2015

AbstractA high-resolution imaging method using a 25-MHz ultrasonic acoustic profile measurement was introduced, and the inner structures of small fish were examined without body contact. Two types of fish were selected as experimental targets and measured using a focused
probe. 3-D acoustic imaging of the inner and external structure of the fish body was then performed, and the results demonstrated that the visualization of main organs (e.g., stomach, intestine, airbladder, and spine) was possible and a small gonad could be detected. In addition to these experiments,
finite-difference time-domain simulation was introduced for complex wave propagation phenomena in the fish body, providing a clear understanding of the experimental data.
Characterization of Lamprey IL-17 Family Members and Their Receptors
Authors: Han Qifeng , Das Sabyasachi , Hirano Masayuki , Holland Stephen J. , McCurley Nathanael , Guo Peng , Rosenberg Charles S. , Boehm Thomas , Cooper Max D.
Published: October 2015

IL-17 is an ancient cytokine implicated in a variety of immune defense reactions. We identified five members of the sea lamprey IL-17 family (IL-17D.1, IL-17D.2, IL-17E, IL-17B, and IL-17C) and six IL-17R genes (IL-17RA.1, IL-17RA.2, IL-17RA.3, IL-17RF, IL-17RE/RC, and IL-17RD), determined their relationship with mammalian orthologs, and examined their expression patterns and potential interactions to explore their roles in innate and adaptive immunity. The most highly expressed IL-17 family member is IL-17D.1 (mammalian IL-17D like), which was found to be preferentially expressed by epithelial cells of skin, intestine, and gills and by the two types of lamprey T-like cells. IL-17D.1 binding to rIL-17RA.1 and to the surface of IL-17RA.1–expressing B-like cells and monocytes of lamprey larvae was demonstrated, and treatment of lamprey blood cells with rIL-17D.1 protein enhanced transcription of genes expressed by the B-like cells. These findings suggest a potential role for IL-17 in coordinating the interactions between T-like cells and other cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems in jawless vertebrates.
Expression of Cationic Amino Acid Transporter 2 Is Required for Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell–Mediated Control of T Cell Immunity
Authors: Cimen Bozkus Cansu , Elzey Bennett D. , Crist Scott A. , Ellies Lesley G. , Ratliff Timothy L.
Published: October 2015

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature cells that expand during benign and cancer-associated inflammation and are characterized by their ability to inhibit T cell immunity. Increased metabolism of l-Arginine (l-Arg), through the enzymes arginase 1 and NO synthase 2 (NOS2), is well documented as a major MDSC suppressive mechanism. Therefore, we hypothesized that restricting MDSC uptake of l-Arg is a critical control point to modulate their suppressor activity. Using murine models of prostate-specific inflammation and cancer, we have identified the mechanisms by which extracellular l-Arg is transported into MDSCs. We have shown that MDSCs recruited to localized inflammation and tumor sites upregulate cationic amino acid transporter 2 (Cat2), coordinately with Arg1 and Nos2. Cat2 expression is not induced in MDSCs in peripheral organs. CAT2 contributes to the transport of l-Arg in MDSCs and is an important regulator of MDSC suppressive function. MDSCs that lack CAT2 have significantly reduced suppressive ability ex vivo and display impaired capacity for regulating T cell responses in vivo as evidenced by increased T cell expansion and decreased tumor growth in Cat2−/− mice. The abrogation of suppressive function is due to low intracellular l-Arg levels, which leads to the impaired ability of NOS2 to catalyze l-Arg–dependent metabolic processes. Together, these findings demonstrate that CAT2 modulates MDSC function. In the absence of CAT2, MDSCs display diminished capacity for controlling T cell immunity in prostate inflammation and cancer models, where the loss of CAT2 results in enhanced antitumor activity.
Subversion of MAPK signaling by pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Gur-Arie Lihi , Rosenshine Ilan
Published: October 2015

Bacterial components are recognized by host pattern recognition receptors that trigger signaling cascades, leading to inflammation and eradication of the bacteria. The main proinflammatory signaling pathway is the MAP kinase (MAPK)/NF-κB interwoven cascades, which result in transcription of pro-inflammatory genes. Many bacteria have evolved to interfere with the immune response through a mechanism that involves delivery of virulent proteins to the host cells. These proteins posttranslationally modify key components in the host signaling cascades. This review will describe bacterial strategies to directly manipulate host MAPK signaling, summarizing recent discoveries in the field.
Knowledge and perceptions of risk for cardiovascular disease: Findings of a qualitative investigation from a low-income peri-urban community in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Surka Sam , Steyn Krisela , Everett-Murphy Katherine , Gaziano Thomas A. , Levitt Naomi
Published: October 2015

Background: South Africa currently faces an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease. Although referred to clinics after community screening initiatives, few individuals who are identified to be at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease attend. Low health literacy and risk perception have been identified as possible causes. We investigated the knowledge and perceptions about risk for cardiovascular disease in a community.Method: We conducted a series of focus group discussions with individuals from a low incomeperi-urban community in the Western Cape, South Africa. Different methods of presenting risk were explored. The data were organised into themes and analysed to find associations between themes to provide explanations for our findings.Results: Respondents’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors varied, but most were familiar with the terms used to describe cardiovascular disease. In contrast, understanding of the concept of risk was poor. Risk was perceived as a binary concept and evaluation of different narrative and visual methods of presenting risk was not possible.Conclusion: Understanding cardiovascular disease and its risk factors requires a different set of skills from that needed to understand uncertainty and risk. The former requires knowledge of facts, whereas understanding of risk requires numerical and computational skills. Without a better understanding of risk, risk assessments for cardiovascular disease may fail in this community.
Factors Influencing Short-term Synaptic Plasticity in the Avian Cochlear Nucleus Magnocellularis
Authors: Quinones Jason Tait Sanchez , Karla Quinones , Sebastian Otto-Meyer
Published: October 2015

Defined as reduced neural responses during high rates of activity, synaptic depression is a form of short-term plasticity important for the temporal filtering of sound. In the avian cochlear nucleus magnocellularis (NM), an auditory brainstem structure, mechanisms regulating short-term synaptic depression include pre-, post-, and extrasynaptic factors. Using varied paired-pulse stimulus intervals, we found that the time course of synaptic depression lasts up to four seconds at late-developing NM synapses. Synaptic depression was largely reliant on exogenous Ca2+-dependent probability of presynaptic neurotransmitter release, and to a lesser extent, on the desensitization of postsynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type glutamate receptor (AMPA-R). Interestingly, although extrasynaptic glutamate clearance did not play a significant role in regulating synaptic depression, blocking glutamate clearance at early-developing synapses altered synaptic dynamics, changing responses from depression to facilitation. These results suggest a developmental shift in the relative reliance on pre-, post-, and extrasynaptic factors in regulating short-term synaptic plasticity in NM.
Editorial. The prescription opioid abuse epidemic in rural America: A look at how it begins
Authors: Sigmon, PhD Stacey C. , Kennedy, PharmD Amanda G.
Published: October 2015

No abstract.
High ice water content at low radar reflectivity near deep convection – Part 1: Consistency of in situ and remote-sensing observations with stratiform rain column simulations
Authors: Fridlind A. M. , Ackerman A. S. , Grandin A. , Dezitter F. , Weber M. , Strapp J. W. , Korolev A. V. , Williams C. R.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Occurrences of jet engine power loss and damage have been associated with flight through fully glaciated deep convection at −10 to −50 °C. Power loss events commonly occur during flight through radar reflectivity (Ze) less than 20–30 dBZ and no more than moderate turbulence, often overlying moderate to heavy rain near the surface. During 2010–2012, Airbus carried out flight tests seeking to characterize the highest ice water content (IWC) in such low-Ze regions of large, cold-topped storm systems in the vicinity of Cayenne, Darwin, and Santiago. Within the highest IWC regions encountered, at typical sampling elevations (circa 11 km), the measured ice size distributions exhibit a notably narrow concentration of mass over area-equivalent diameters of 100–500 μm. Given substantial and poorly quantified measurement uncertainties, here we evaluate the consistency of the Airbus in situ measurements with ground-based profiling radar observations obtained under quasi-steady, heavy stratiform rain conditions in one of the Airbus-sampled locations. We find that profiler-observed radar reflectivities and mean Doppler velocities at Airbus sampling temperatures are generally consistent with those calculated from in situ size-distribution measurements. We also find that column simulations using the in situ size distributions as an upper boundary condition are generally consistent with observed profiles of Ze, mean Doppler velocity (MDV), and retrieved rain rate. The results of these consistency checks motivate an examination of the microphysical pathways that could be responsible for the observed size-distribution features in Ackerman et al. (2015).
Observation of viscosity transition in α-pinene secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Järvinen E. , Ignatius K. , Nichman L. , Kristensen T. B. , Fuchs C. , Höppel N. , Corbin J. C. , Craven J. , Duplissy J. , Ehrhart S. , El Haddad I. , Frege C. , Gates S. J. , Gordon H. , Hoyle C. R. , Jokinen T. , Kallinger P. , Kirkby J. , Kiselev A. , Naumann K.-H. , Petäjä T. , Pinterich T. , Prevot A. S. H. , Saathoff H. , Schiebel T. , Sengupta K. , Simon M. , Tröstl J. , Virtanen A. , Vochezer P. , Vogt S. , Wagner A. C. , Wagner R. , Williamson C. , Winkler P. M. , Yan C. , Baltensperger U. , Donahue N. M. , Flagan R. C. , Gallagher M. , Hansel A. , Kulmala M. , Stratmann F. , Worsnop D. R. , Möhler O. , Leisner T. , Schnaiter M.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Under certain conditions, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles can exist in the atmosphere in an amorphous solid or semi-solid state. To determine their relevance to processes such as ice nucleation or chemistry occurring within particles requires knowledge of the temperature and relative humidity (RH) range for SOA to exist in these states. In the CLOUD experiment at CERN, we deployed a new in-situ optical method to detect the viscosity of α-pinene SOA particles and measured their transition from the amorphous viscous to liquid state. The method is based on the depolarising properties of laboratory-produced non-spherical SOA particles and their transformation to non-depolarising spherical liquid particles during deliquescence. We found that particles formed and grown in the chamber developed an asymmetric shape through coagulation. A transition to spherical shape was observed as the RH was increased to between 35 % at −10 °C and 80 % at −38 °C, confirming previous calculations of the viscosity transition conditions. Consequently, α-pinene SOA particles exist in a viscous state over a wide range of ambient conditions, including the cirrus region of the free troposphere. This has implications for the physical, chemical and ice-nucleation properties of SOA and SOA-coated particles in the atmosphere.
Interdecadal changes in intensity of the oxygen minimum zone off Concepción, Chile (~ 36° S), over the last century
Authors: Srain B. , Pantoja S. , Sepúlveda J. , Lange C. B. , Muñoz P. , Summons R. E. , McKay J. , Salamanca M.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We reconstructed oxygenation changes in the upwelling ecosystem off Concepción (36° S), Chile, using inorganic and organic proxies in a sediment core covering the last ca. 110 years of sedimentation in this area. Authigenic enrichments of Mo, U and Cd were observed between ca. 1935 and 1971 CE, implying a prolonged period with predominantly more reduced conditions in bottom waters and surface sediments. Significant positive correlations between redox-sensitive metals, algal sterols, biomarkers of micro-aerophilic and anaerobic microorganisms, and archaeal glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers point to a tight coupling among bottom water O2 depletion and increased primary and export production. The time interval with low O2 of ca. 35 years seems to follow low-frequency interdecadal variation of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and it may have resulted in O2 depletion over the entire continental shelf off Concepción. Taking this together with the concurrent increase in sedimentary molecular indicators of micro-aerophilic and anaerobic microbes, we can suggest that changes in oxygenation of the water column are reflected by changes in microbial community. This study can inform our understanding of ecological consequences to projected trends in ocean deoxygenation.
Deforestation in Amazonia impacts riverine carbon dynamics
Authors: Langerwisch F. , Walz A. , Rammig A. , Tietjen B. , Thonicke K. , Cramer W.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Fluxes of organic and inorganic carbon within the Amazon basin are considerably controlled by annual flooding, which triggers the export of terrigenous organic material to the river and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean. The amount of carbon imported to the river and the further conversion, transport and export of it, depend on terrestrial productivity and discharge, as well as temperature and atmospheric CO2. Both terrestrial productivity and discharge are influenced by climate and land use change. To assess the impact of these changes on the riverine carbon dynamics, the coupled model system of LPJmL and RivCM (Langerwisch et al., 2015) has been used. Vegetation dynamics (in LPJmL) as well as export and conversion of terrigenous carbon to and within the river (RivCM) are included. The model system has been applied for the years 1901 to 2099 under two deforestation scenarios and with climate forcing of three SRES emission scenarios, each for five climate models. The results suggest that, following deforestation, riverine particulate and dissolved organic carbon will strongly decrease by up to 90 % until the end of the current century. In parallel, discharge increases, leading to roughly unchanged net carbon transport during the first decades of the century, as long as a sufficient area is still forested. During the following decades the amount of transported carbon will decrease drastically. In contrast to the riverine organic carbon, the amount of riverine inorganic carbon is only determined by climate change forcing, namely increased temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Mainly due to the higher atmospheric CO2 it leads to an increase in riverine inorganic carbon by up to 20 % (SRES A2). The changes in riverine carbon fluxes have direct effects on the export of carbon, either to the atmosphere via outgassing, or to the Atlantic Ocean via discharge. Basin-wide the outgassed carbon will increase slightly, but can be regionally reduced by up to 60 % due to deforestation. The discharge of organic carbon to the ocean will be reduced by about 40 % under the most severe deforestation and climate change scenario. The changes would have local and regional consequences on the carbon balance and habitat characteristics in the Amazon basin itself but also in the adjacent Atlantic Ocean.
Par@Graph – a parallel toolbox for the construction and analysis of large complex climate networks
Authors: Ihshaish H. , Tantet A. , Dijkzeul J. C. M. , Dijkstra H. A.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. In this paper, we present Par@Graph, a software toolbox to reconstruct and analyze complex climate networks having a large number of nodes (up to at least 106) and edges (up to at least 1012). The key innovation is an efficient set of parallel software tools designed to leverage the inherited hybrid parallelism in distributed-memory clusters of multi-core machines. The performance of the toolbox is illustrated through networks derived from sea surface height (SSH) data of a global high-resolution ocean model. Less than 8 min are needed on 90 Intel Xeon E5-4650 processors to reconstruct a climate network including the preprocessing and the correlation of 3 × 105 SSH time series, resulting in a weighted graph with the same number of vertices and about 3.2 × 108 edges. In less than 14 min on 30 processors, the resulted graph's degree centrality, strength, connected components, eigenvector centrality, entropy and clustering coefficient metrics were obtained. These results indicate that a complete cycle to construct and analyze a large-scale climate network is available under 22 min Par@Graph therefore facilitates the application of climate network analysis on high-resolution observations and model results, by enabling fast network reconstruct from the calculation of statistical similarities between climate time series. It also enables network analysis at unprecedented scales on a variety of different sizes of input data sets.
Reconstructing the natural hydrology of the San Francisco Bay–Delta watershed
Authors: Fox P. , Hutton P. H. , Howes D. J. , Draper A. J. , Sears L.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We evaluated the impact of landscape changes on the amount of delta outflow reaching San Francisco Bay. The natural landscape was reconstructed and water balances were used to estimate the long-term annual average delta outflow that would have occurred under natural landscape conditions if the climate from 1922 to 2009 were to repeat itself. These outflows are referred to as natural delta outflows and are the first published estimate of natural delta outflow. These natural delta outflows were then compared with current delta outflows for the same climate and existing landscape, including its re-engineered system of reservoirs, canals, aqueducts, and pumping plants. This analysis shows that the long-term, annual average delta outflow under current conditions is consistent with outflow under natural landscape conditions. The amount of water currently used by farms, cities, and others is about equal to the amount of water formerly used by native vegetation. Development of water resources in California's Central Valley transferred water formerly used by native vegetation to new beneficial uses without substantially reducing the long-term annual average supply to the San Francisco Bay–Delta estuary. Based on this finding, it is unlikely that observed declines in native freshwater aquatic species are the result of annual average delta outflow reductions.
Correction of real-time satellite precipitation with satellite soil moisture observations
Authors: Zhan W. , Pan M. , Wanders N. , Wood E. F.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Rainfall and soil moisture are two key elements in modeling the interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere. Accurate and high-resolution real-time precipitation is crucial for monitoring and predicting the onset of floods, and allows for alert and warning before the impact becomes a disaster. Assimilation of remote sensing data into a flood-forecasting model has the potential to improve monitoring accuracy. Space-borne microwave observations are especially interesting because of their sensitivity to surface soil moisture and its change. In this study, we assimilate satellite soil moisture retrievals using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model, and a dynamic assimilation technique, a particle filter, to adjust the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) real-time precipitation estimates. We compare updated precipitation with real-time precipitation before and after adjustment and with NLDAS gauge-radar observations. Results show that satellite soil moisture retrievals provide additional information by correcting errors in rainfall bias. The assimilation is most effective in the correction of medium rainfall under dry to normal surface conditions, while limited/negative improvement is seen over wet/saturated surfaces. On the other hand, high-frequency noises in satellite soil moisture impact the assimilation by increasing rainfall frequency. The noise causes larger uncertainty in the false-alarmed rainfall over wet regions. A threshold of 2 mm day−1 soil moisture change is identified and applied to the assimilation, which masked out most of the noise.
Intermittent particle dynamics in marine coastal waters
Authors: Renosh P. R. , Schmitt F. G. , Loisel H.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Marine coastal processes are highly variable over different space scales and timescales. In this paper we analyse the intermittency properties of particle size distribution (PSD) recorded every second using a LISST instrument (Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry). The particle concentrations have been recorded over 32 size classes from 2.5 to 500 μm, at 1 Hz resolution. Such information is used to estimate at each time step the hyperbolic slope of the particle size distribution, and to consider its dynamics. Shannon entropy, as an indicator of the randomness, is estimated at each time step and its dynamics is analysed. Furthermore, particles are separated into four classes according to their size, and the intermittent properties of these classes are considered. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is used, associated with arbitrary-order Hilbert spectral analysis (AHSA), in order to retrieve scaling multifractal moment functions, for scales from 10 s to 8 min. The intermittent properties of two other indicators of particle concentration are also considered in the same range of scales: the total volume concentration Cvol-total and the particulate beam attenuation coefficient cp(670). Both show quite similar intermittent dynamics and are characterised by the same exponents. Globally we find here negative Hurst exponents (meaning the small scales show larger fluctuation than large scales) for each time series considered, and nonlinear moment functions.
Refiguring the South Asian American Tradition Bearer: Performing the "Third Gender" in Yoni Ki Baat
Authors: Émon Ayeshah , Garlough Christine
Published: October 2015

In recent years, a growing group of scholars has begun to draw upon queer theory as they research aspects of LGBTQ folk performances and texts from around the globe. In the process, folklore scholars have become increasingly intrigued by bodies that appear to transgress dimorphism, and complicate binary oppositions like male/female. Performances of gender identity and sexuality by hijras in South Asia have awakened audiences’ imaginings since the Kama Sutra period (Gupta 2005:180). In folktale, dance, song, religious epic, and popular culture, the figure of the hijra often evokes a liminal play of "otherness." Commonly known as the "third gender"--a conceptual space outside of typical Western constructs--hijra individuals engage with varied notions of transsexual, transgender, intersex, cross-dresser, eunuch, or sexual fluidity. This article focuses on a feminist appropriation of the hijra within Yoni Ki Baat, a South Asian American version of The Vagina Monologues. The authors explore how the figure of the hijra--drawn from South Asian folk narratives, religious discourse, and popular culture--might be used strategically by social activists in political performance narratives to (1) encourage a complicated sense of sexually ambiguous or queer practices and identities, and (2) acknowledge individuals facing social oppression due to their marginalized identities. As such, their approach conceptualizes performance as both a relational space and as a space in which to wonder about questions of relationality (Madison and Hamera 2006; Schechner 1990).
From Rebounds to Three-Pointers: Linsanity, Racial Insults, and Stereotypes in Flux
Authors: Magat Margaret
Published: October 2015

In February 2012, a Taiwanese American point guard player for the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin, bounded into the imagination of the nation and was embraced by basketball fans who have long rooted for the underdog. His presence in the National Basketball Association has sparked an invaluable discussion involving insider/outsider folklore, cultural politics, and stereotypes. Using Lin’s "Linderella" story and accompanying deluge of Lin-generated folk speech and behavior, this paper investigates how "Linsanity" is a pivotal event from which one can examine the continuing prevalence of racist folklore about Asian Americans while exploring the cultural shifts that are occurring.
The Comparison of Chlorhexidine Solution and Swab With Toothbrush and Toothpaste Effect on Preventing Oral Lesions in Hospitalized Patients in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zahra Estaji , Mohammad Alinejad , Mohammad Hassan Rakhshani , Mojtaba Rad
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Maintaining of oral hygiene has been known as one of the basic tasks of nurses working at intensive care unit. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine solution with toothbrush in prevention of oral lesions or ulcers in the different parts of the mouth.

METHODS: In this clinical trial study, research Society included patients hospitalized with endotracheal tube since the arrival time in intensive care unit. In this study, 30 patients were selected with target-based approach and equally divided into two groups through the permutation blocking method for oral care toothbrush and toothpaste and using chlorhexidine and swab. The modified form of Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS) and MPS were used to obtain needed information. Data were analyzed by means of R software (version 3.0.2) and also multiple logistic regressions in the confidence level of 95%.

RESULTS: This study indicated an association between using toothbrush and the oral health level (OR: 1.52). In different parts of the mouth, there was no difference between two groups in prevention of lesions in gums, lips and tongue while, this was significant in relation to plaque, mucus and teeth with an odd ratio of 3.94 for teeth and 2.75 for mucus . In comparison, there was an association between implying chlorhexidine and saliva health level. (OR: 2.046).

CONCLUSION: This survey showed that using toothbrush has a noticeable impact on declining oral lesions in varied parts of the mouth.
Correlations Between Clinical Judgement and Learning Style Preferences of Nursing Students in the Simulation Room
Authors: Hallin Karin , Haggstrom Marie , Backstrom Britt , Kristiansen Lisbeth
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Health care educators account for variables affecting patient safety and are responsible for developing the highly complex process of education planning. Clinical judgement is a multidimensional process, which may be affected by learning styles. The aim was to explore three specific hypotheses to test correlations between nursing students’ team achievements in clinical judgement and emotional, sociological and physiological learning style preferences.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with Swedish university nursing students in 2012–2013. Convenience sampling was used with 60 teams with 173 nursing students in the final semester of a three-year Bachelor of Science in nursing programme. Data collection included questionnaires of personal characteristics, learning style preferences, determined by the Dunn and Dunn Productivity Environmental Preference Survey, and videotaped complex nursing simulation scenarios. Comparison with Lasater Clinical Judgement Rubric and Non-parametric analyses were performed.

RESULTS: Three significant correlations were found between the team achievements and the students’ learning style preferences: significant negative correlation with ‘Structure’ and ‘Kinesthetic’ at the individual level, and positive correlation with the ‘Tactile’ variable. No significant correlations with students’ ‘Motivation’, ‘Persistence’, ‘Wish to learn alone’ and ‘Wish for an authoritative person present’ were seen.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: There were multiple complex interactions between the tested learning style preferences and the team achievements of clinical judgement in the simulation room, which provides important information for the becoming nurses. Several factors may have influenced the results that should be acknowledged when designing further research. We suggest conducting mixed methods to determine further relationships between team achievements, learning style preferences, cognitive learning outcomes and group processes.
Needs of Hemodialysis Patients and Factors Affecting Them
Authors: Xhulia Dhima , Gerta Jaku , Dajana Zefaj , Koutelekos Ioannis , Vasilopoulou Chrysoula , Skopelitou Margitsa , Polikandrioti Maria
Published: October 2015

PURPOSE: Of this study was to explore the needs of hemodialysis patients and the factors that affect them.

MATERIAL & METHODS: The sample of the study included 141 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Data collection was performed by the method of interview using a specially designed questionnaire which served the purposes of the study. The needs were grouped into six categories. Patients were asked to answer how important was for them each of the statements in the questionnaire. Furthermore, there were collected socio-demographic characteristics, information on health status and relations with the physicians and nurses, as well as data on the incidence of the disease in their social life.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed that patients evaluated as fairly important all six categories of their needs, with similar results in both sexes. Age was found to be statistically significantly associated with 'the need for support and guidance', 'the need to be informed' and 'the need to meet the emotional and physical needs', (p=0.023, p=0.012, p=0.028 respectively). Education level was found to be statistically significantly associated with all patients’ needs with the exception of 'the need to trust the medical and nursing staff', (p=<0.05). Place of residence was statistically significantly associated with 'the need for support and guidance', (p=0.029). Furthermore, difficulties in relations with family members was found to be statistically significantly associated with 'the need for support, the need for communication and individualization of care', (p=0.014, p=0.040, p=0.041). After multivariate analysis, however, it was shown that the only independent factor affecting 'the need for support and guidance', 'the need for individualized care' and 'the need to meet the emotional and physical needs', was if the patients reported themselves as anxious or not (p=0,024, p=0,012 and p=0,004, respectively). In particular, patients who considered themselves anxious had 1.38, 1.5 and 1.6 points respectively higher score in the evaluation of the importance of needs compared to patients who did not consider themselves anxious.

CONCLUSIONS: Factors affecting needs of hemodialysis patients are age, education level, place of residence difficulties in relations with family members as well as anxious personality as reported by the patients.
Lack of Association Between rs17568 Polymorphism in OX40 Gene and Myocardial Infarction, Southern of Iran
Authors: Maalhagh Mehrnoosh , Shojaei Mohammad , Erfanian Saeideh , Sotoodeh Jahromi Abdolreza , Sanie Mohammad Sadegh , Yusefi Alireza , Zabetian Hassan , Hakimelahi Hossein , Madani Abdolhossien , Hojjat-Farsangi Mohammad
Published: October 2015

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is one of the inflammatory cytokines which has an important role in inflammation and migration of other inflammatory cells to the atherosclerotic plaques. OX40 is a member of the TNF super family receptor protein. OX40 and OX40 ligand are co-stimulators for T-cells and can increase inflammatory response in atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was to determine the association of rs17568 polymorphism in OX40 gene with premature myocardial infarction. This case control study was done on 100 patients with premature acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and a similar number of sex, age and some other cardiovascular risk factor matched healthy people. The OX40 rs17568 polymorphism was genotyped, using PCR-RFLP method. A-allele frequency of rs17568 SNP was lower non-significantly in Premature AMI, compared to healthy subjects (49% vs. 51%). The analysis of rs17568 (A/G) polymorphism showed an odds ratio of 1.127 (95% CI: 0.635-1.999; P= 0.686) for the GG genotype and 5.761 (95% CI: 1.200-27.655; P= 0.029) for the AG genotype, compared to the AA genotype. The results of this study indicate that the rs17568 ​​SNP of OX40 gene is not associated with premature AMI in the evaluated population.
Communication Barriers Perceived by Nurses and Patients
Authors: Norouzinia Roohangiz , Aghabarari Maryam , Shiri Maryam , Karimi Mehrdad , Samami Elham
Published: October 2015

Communication, as a key element in providing high-quality health care services, leads to patient satisfaction and health. The present Cross sectional, descriptive analytic study was conducted on 70 nurses and 50 patients in two hospitals affiliated to Alborz University of Medical Sciences, in 2012. Two separate questionnaires were used for nurses and patients, and the reliability and validity of the questionnaires were assessed. In both groups of nurses and patients, nurse-related factors (mean scores of 2.45 and 2.15, respectively) and common factors between nurses and patients (mean scores of 1.85 and 1.96, respectively) were considered the most and least significant factors, respectively. Also, a significant difference was observed between the mean scores of nurses and patients regarding patient-related (p=0.001), nurse-related (p=0.012), and environmental factors (p=0.019). Despite the attention of nurses and patients to communication, there are some barriers, which can be removed through raising the awareness of nurses and patients along with creating a desirable environment. We recommend that nurses be effectively trained in communication skills and be encouraged by constant monitoring of the obtained skills.
Optimizing Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Malaysia: The Current Global Initiatives, Gaps and Suggested Solutions
Authors: Jarrar Mu'taman , Abdul Rahman Hamzah , Sobri Don Mohammad
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Demand for health care service has significantly increased, while the quality of healthcare has become both a national and an international priority. This paper aims to identify the gaps and the current initiatives for optimizing the quality of care and patient safety in Malaysia.

DESIGN: A narrative review of the literature. Highly cited articles were used as the basis to retrieve and review the current initiatives for optimizing the quality of care and patient safety. The country health plan of Ministry of Health (MOH) and the MOH Annual Reports in Malaysia were reviewed.

RESULTS: The MOH has set four strategies for optimizing quality and sustaining quality of life. The 10th Malaysia Health Plan promotes the theme “1 Care for 1 Malaysia” in order to sustain the quality of care. Despite of these efforts, the total number of complaints received by the medico-legal section of the MOH is increasing. The current global initiatives indicted that quality performance generally belong to three main categories: patient; staffing; and working environment related factors.

CONCLUSION: There is no single intervention of optimizing quality of care to maintain patient safety. Multidimensional efforts and interventions are recommended in order to optimize the quality of care and patient safety in Malaysia.
Residential Construction Sustainability in the UK and Prospects of Knowledge Transfer to Kazakhstan
Authors: Tokbolat Serik , Kaur Calay Rajnish
Published: October 2015

This paper aimed to investigate the up-to-date levels of sustainability in the UK construction with special interest to sustainable housing. It also aims to examine the justification behind construction and housing sustainability, and to look at the practicality of transferring current expertise within the UK as well as to an emerging Central Asian country such as Kazakhstan. A synergy of case studies, survey and numerical simulation research methodologies were applied to undertake a wide-spectrum analysis of the topic. Regardless of difficulties related to applying sustainable practices the considered housing developments are found to be satisfactory in terms of environmental and socio-economic effects. Technical evaluation of the case studies compared to standard housing parameters has shown encouraging outcomes and confirmed the claimed energy and water efficiency. Findings of the survey indicated that construction companies of the UK and Kazakhstan are at different stages of application of sustainability measures. It was also established that companies and public are mainly optimistic about sustainability if suitable economical and legal conditions are ensured. Finally, numerical simulations have shown that selected sustainability measures made the studied housing projects competitive on the sustainability market. 
Mindfulness and Sustainability: Utilizing the Tourism Context
Authors: Lengyel Attila
Published: October 2015

After several decades of sustainability efforts humanity is still on track to worst-case climate scenario. Other planetary boundaries have also been transgressed. The symptoms point to a root cause termed by many as a crisis of perception and value system. Our consumption-oriented world view is unsustainable. What can catalyze a perceptual paradigm shift needed to avoid global socio-ecological collapse in the long-run? Besides its manifold beneficial effects tested clinically, mindfulness has been found to be positively correlated with sustainable behavior. The article gives a theoretical grounding of mindfulness highlighting some new aspects and argues that the tourism context serves as an exceptionally suitable medium for learning mindfulness techniques. Expanding on earlier openness to new experience and Google Trends research of the author it is demonstrated that tourists have a markedly raised level of openness to new experience and also that there is a strong demand side business case for developing more mindfulness-based tourism products both globally and specifically for Hungary. The study provides further evidence of the short fade-out period of positive vacation effects and shows what type of destinations and accommodations potential wellness and ecotourists consider best for learning mindfulness. 
Publicatie van de jaarrekening op grond van het effectenrecht: effectieve openbaarmaking of (slechts) verregaand transparant?
Authors: Hijink J.B.S.
Published: October 2015

Publicatie van de jaarrekening op grond van het effectenrecht: effectieve openbaarmaking of (slechts) verregaand transparant?

In deze bijdrage staat centraal het arrest van het Gerechtshof ’s-Hertogenbosch waarin is uitgemaakt dat met het voldoen aan effectenrechtelijke publicatieverplichtingen ook is voldaan aan de publicatieplicht op grond van Boek 2 BW. Tegen de achtergrond van de uiteenlopend vormgegeven publicatieverplichtingen in het vennootschapsrecht enerzijds en het effectenrecht anderzijds, plaatst de auteur daarbij enige kanttekeningen.
Aansprakelijkheid voor het boedeltekort en de publicatieplicht: wat is te laat deponeren?
Authors: van Hooff J.E.P.A.
Published: October 2015

Aansprakelijkheid voor het boedeltekort en de publicatieplicht: wat is te laat deponeren?

Voor jaarrekeningen die zien op boekjaren die starten op of na 1 januari 2016 gaat de maximale publicatietermijn van dertien naar twaalf maanden. Deze maximale termijn is de enige relevante termijn in het kader van artikel 2:248 BW. Ook bij vereenvoudigde vaststelling van de jaarrekening op grond van artikel 2:210 lid 5 BW.
Het informeren van crediteuren als verweer tegen Beklamel-aansprakelijkheid
Authors: Mussche M.
Published: October 2015

Het informeren van crediteuren als verweer tegen Beklamel-aansprakelijkheid

De crediteur die ten tijde van het aangaan van een verbintenis met een vennootschap de financiële situatie van zijn contractuele wederpartij kende, kan de bestuurder van de vennootschap later niet succesvol aansprakelijk stellen wegens schending van de Beklamel-norm.
Geen pauliana? Gelukkig hebben we de onrechtmatige daad nog …
Authors: Beckers J.H.L.
Published: October 2015

Geen pauliana? Gelukkig hebben we de onrechtmatige daad nog … Commentaar bij HR 10 oktober 2014, ECLI:NL:HR:2014:2930, JOR 2014/297 (Kameleon Beheer IV/Bisscheroux q.q.)

In een reeks vastgoedtransacties werden koopsommen betaald onder de feitelijke waarde. Het hof nam aansprakelijkheid van de betrokken BV en haar bestuurder aan wegens schuldeisersbenadeling; de pauliana-vordering werd afgewezen. De Hoge Raad onderschrijft dit. Met het stranden van een pauliana-vordering is dus niet meteen de kans op een succesvolle onrechtmatige-daadactie verkeken.