bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembling Contexts
Authors: Ellis Joe
Published: April 2015

This paper attempts to rethink the relationship between the practice of shamanism and the political-economic ‘context’ it is held to emerge from in contemporary Mongolia. In the face of an extraordinary ‘revival’ in shamanism, anthropologists have sought explanations for the phenomenon that centre around a concern with how to locate it in relation to the social, economic and political structures alongside which it manifests. Authors tend to produce accounts that either reduce shamanism to an expression of more fundamental material realities, or explore the cosmo-ontological parameters of the practice itself, in turn masking its articulation with other processes in the social field. This point will be illustrated with reference to a novel ethnography of the making of the shamanic gown in Ulaanbaatar. Yet more than this, it will be suggested that a more sustained reflection upon the nature of the shamanic gown, and consideration of new information regarding the processes that contribute to its creation, might provide the means to theorise in a rather different fashion. The shamanic gown and the people and things mobilised in its emergence do not simply collect social and theoretical contexts, but rather flow outward. As such, while being both intimately reactiveandirreducible to the adjacent realities, Mongolian shamanism also engages in themakingof these very structures. Shamanism and the making of shamanic gowns do not simply emerge from, or deny, contexts; they assemble them.
Making Cashmere, Making Futures
Authors: Fox Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

This paper draws on fieldwork carried out in a cashmere factory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Beginning my analysis as the raw wool enters the factory, I explore the factory as site in which multiple dreams come to exist and act on one other, focusing on the divide between management visions of the factory of the future and workers’ engagements in secondary economies. I then follow how attention to the trajectories of cashmere and the dreams of the factory articulate with the contrasting hopes of young and old female factory employees as they find ways simultaneously to manufacture cashmere and nurture their own dreams of the future: projects that not only rely on the factory as a place that brings people together in dynamic and creative ways, but also work to deny the containment of its walls. By following the cashmere, I interweave analyses on a number of scales, rejecting the separation of the material into that of the micro or macro, and instead demonstrating how the making of cashmere is also a matter of making futures.
How to inventory tropical flies (Diptera)—One of the megadiverse orders of insects
Authors: BORKENT ART , BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: April 2015

A new approach to inventory Diptera species in tropical habitats is described. A 150 x 266 m patch of cloud forest at Zurquí de Moravia, Costa Rica (10.047N, 84.008W) at 1585 meters asl was sampled with two Malaise traps for slightly more than one year (Sept. 12, 2012–Oct. 18, 2013). Further concomitant sampling with a variety of trapping methods for three days every month and collecting during a one-week intensive "Diptera Blitz", with 19 collaborators collecting on-site, provided diverse additional samples used in the inventory. Two other Costa Rican sites at Tapantí National Park (9.720N, 83.774W, 1600 m) and Las Alturas (8.951N, 82.834W, 1540 m), 40 and 180 km southeast from Zurquí de Moravia, respectively, were each sampled with a single Malaise trap to allow for beta-diversity assessments. Tapantí National Park was sampled from Oct. 28, 2012–Oct. 13, 2013 and Las Alturas from Oct. 13, 2012–Oct. 13, 2013. A worldwide group of 54 expert systematists are identifying to species level all 72 dipteran families present in the trap samples. Five local technicians sampled and prepared material to the highest curatorial standards, ensuring that collaborator efforts were focused on species identification. This project, currently in its final, third year of operation (to end Sept. 1, 2015), has already recorded 2,348 species and with many more yet expected. Unlike previous All Taxon Biodiversity Inventories, this project has attainable goals and will provide the first complete estimate of species richness for one of the four megadiverse insect orders in a tropical region.        Considering that this is the first complete survey of one of the largest orders of insects within any tropical region of the planet, there is clearly great need for a consistent and feasible protocol for sampling the smaller but markedly more diverse smaller insects in such ecosystems. By weight of their species diversity and remarkable divergence of habit, the Diptera are an excellent model to gauge microhabitat diversity within such systems. Our model appears to be the first to provide a protocol that can realistically be expected to provide a portrayal of the true species diversity of a megadiverse order of insects in the tropics.
New bathyal Anachis (Neogastropoda: Buccinoidea: Columbellidae) from the Southwestern Atlantic, and the designation of a lectotype for A. stricta (Watson, 1882)
Authors: LIMA SILVIO FELIPE BARBOSA , GUIMARÃES CARMEN REGINA PARISOTTO
Published: April 2015

Mollusks are the marine invertebrates with the greatest diversity (Bouchet et al. 2002), and account for one of the highest number of descriptions of new species (Bouchet 1997, 2006). A total of 1776 species of marine mollusks have been cataloged for Brazil (Rios 2009). Knowledge of species richness in the country has increased mainly due to the discovery of new deep sea mollusks (see Lima & Christoffersen 2013, 2014; Lima et al. 2013, 2014; Corrêa et al. 2014; Lima 2014; Simone & Cunha 2012, 2014).
Additional records of the genus Colletes Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apoidea:
Colletidae) from Siberia, with a checklist of Russian species
Authors: PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. , KUHLMANN MICHAEL
Published: April 2015

In addition to a previously published study about Siberian Colletes species, we here further report on poorly known species. Twenty six species are currently known from Siberia with C. cinerascens Morawitz 1893, C. kaszabi Kuhlmann 2002, and C. ebmeri Kuhlmann 2002 found in Russia for the first time and C. wacki Kuhlmann 2002 is newly recorded from the Asian part of Russia. The male of C. wacki is here described for the first time and a lectotype designated for the closely related C. conradti Noskiewicz 1936 to clarify the taxonomy of this group. Colletes uralensis Noskiewicz 1936 was erroneously recorded from Russia and is removed from the list of Russian species. Images and updated distribution maps are provided for the closely related C. kaszabi and C. uralensis as well as for C. conradti and C. wacki to facilitate their identification. An updated checklist of the 42 species of Colletes so far known from Russia is provided.
The lacteus-, laspeyresiella- and mycetophilus-groups of Apanteles Foerster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) in China, with descriptions of eight new species
Authors: LIU ZHEN , HE JUN-HUA , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: April 2015

The lacteus-, mycetophilus- and laspeyresiella-groups of the genus Apanteles Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) are newly recorded from China with eight new species being described, namely A. basicavus Liu & Chen, sp. n. of the lacteus-group; A. brevivena Liu & Chen, sp. n. and A. parapholetesor Liu & Chen, sp. n. of the mycetophilus-group; A. artustigma Liu & Chen, sp. n., A. hainanensis Liu & Chen, sp. n., A. magnioculus Liu & Chen, sp. n, A. sparsus Liu & Chen, sp. n. and A. thoracartus Liu & Chen, sp. n. of mycetophilus-group. Two newly recorded species of the mycetophilus-group are described and illustrated. Keys to the Chinese species of those groups are provided.
New records of Amblyomma goeldii (Acari: Ixodidae) and description of the nymphal stage
Authors: MARTINS THIAGO F. , GIANIZELLA SÉRGIO L. , NUNES PABLO H. , FARIA DIOGO C. L. O. , NASCIMENTO CARLOS A. R. DO , ABRAHÃO CARLOS R. , MIRANDA FLÁVIA R. , TEIXEIRA RODRIGO H. F. , RAMIREZ DIEGO G. , BARROS-BATTESTI DARCI M. , LABRUNA MARCELO B.
Published: April 2015

Since its original description from the Amazonian region, the tick species Amblyomma goeldii Neumann, 1899 has been misidentified with Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 in different countries of the Neotropical region. Because of this, some authors have considered that the only confirmed records of A. goeldii were from French Guyana. Herein, we reviewed all specimens of A. goeldii that have been deposited at two tick collections in Brazil. In addition, we describe the nymphal stage of A. goeldii for the first time. A total of 10 unpublished records of the adult stage of A. goeldii are recorded from the Amazonian region of Brazil, confirming the occurrence of A. goeldii in this country. Except for one record on the snake Boa constrictor Linnaeus, all records of A. goeldii reported in the present study were from anteaters (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae). Our results, in conjunction with previous literature records, indicate that anteaters and large snakes are important hosts for the adult stage of A. goeldii. The nymph of A. goeldii is morphologically similar to the nymphs of Amblyomma romitii Tonelli-Rondelli, 1939, Amblyomma dissimile Koch, 1844, and A. rotundatum. We present a modification of a previously published taxonomic key of Amblyomma nymphs from Brazil, in order to perform taxonomic identification of the nymph of A. goeldii based on external morphology. The geographical distribution of A. goeldii appears to be restricted to the Amazonian region. There were no previous host records for the immature stages of A. goeldii, thus it is expected that the present nymphal description will facilitate further works on the ecology of this poorly studied tick species.
Molecular phylogeny of Metanoeina net-winged beetles identifies Ochinoeus, a new genus from China and Laos (Coleoptera: Lycidae)
Authors: KUBECEK VACLAV , BRAY TIMOTHY C. , BOCAK LADISLAV
Published: May 2015

The molecular hypothesis on relationships of Metanoeina lineages is presented and results are compared with morphology. A new genus Ochinoeus is proposed for four East Palearctic and Oriental species. Ochinoeus is recovered as a sister lineage to Matsudanoeus Sklenarova et al., 2014 and differs from related genera in morphology of genitalia and incomplete secondary elytral costae. We show, that the structure of elytral costae, although highly homoplastic across Metriorrhynchini, can be used for identification of Ochinoeus. The geographic distribution of Metanoeina is limited to the eastern parts of the Palaearctic and Oriental regions. The reconstruction of ancestral ranges identifies continental Eastern Asia as the centre of generic diversity of Metanoeina and suggests the dispersal from continental Asia to the southern part of the Oriental region, i.e. to the Sundaland and Philippines. Among Metanoeina lineages, only Metanoeus Waterhouse, 1878 contains higher number of species. The following four species are described: Ochinoeus huaphanensis sp. nov., O. hainanensis sp. nov., O. habashanensis sp. nov., and O. xunyanbaensis sp. nov..
Deriving Arctic Cloud Microphysics at Barrow, Alaska: Algorithms, Results, and Radiative Closure
Authors: Shupe Matthew D. , Turner David D. , Zwink Alexander , Thieman Mandana M. , Mlawer Eli J. , Shippert Timothy
Published: May 2015

Cloud phase and microphysical properties control the radiative effects of clouds in the climate system and are therefore crucial to characterize in a variety of conditions and locations. An Arctic-specific, ground-based, multisensor cloud retrieval system is described here and applied to 2 yr of observations from Barrow, Alaska. Over these 2 yr, clouds occurred 75% of the time, with cloud ice and liquid each occurring nearly 60% of the time. Liquid water occurred at least 25% of the time, even in winter, and existed up to heights of 8 km. The vertically integrated mass of liquid was typically larger than that of ice. While it is generally difficult to evaluate the overall uncertainty of a comprehensive cloud retrieval system of this type, radiative flux closure analyses were performed in which flux calculations using the derived microphysical properties were compared with measurements at the surface and the top of the atmosphere. Radiative closure biases were generally smaller for cloudy scenes relative to clear skies, while the variability of flux closure results was only moderately larger than under clear skies. The best closure at the surface was obtained for liquid-containing clouds. Radiative closure results were compared with those based on a similar, yet simpler, cloud retrieval system. These comparisons demonstrated the importance of accurate cloud-phase and cloud-type classification, and specifically the identification of liquid water, for determining radiative fluxes. Enhanced retrievals of liquid water path for thin clouds were also shown to improve radiative flux calculations.
Tropical Gravity Wave Momentum Fluxes and Latent Heating Distributions
Authors: Geller Marvin A. , Zhou Tiehan , Love Peter T.
Published: April 2015

Recent satellite determinations of global distributions of absolute gravity wave (GW) momentum fluxes in the lower stratosphere show maxima over the summer subtropical continents and little evidence of GW momentum fluxes associated with the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). This seems to be at odds with parameterizations for GW momentum fluxes, where the source is a function of latent heating rates, which are largest in the region of the ITCZ in terms of monthly averages. The authors have examined global distributions of atmospheric latent heating, cloud-top-pressure altitudes, and lower-stratosphere absolute GW momentum fluxes and have found that monthly averages of the lower-stratosphere GW momentum fluxes more closely resemble the monthly mean cloud-top altitudes rather than the monthly mean rates of latent heating. These regions of highest cloud-top altitudes occur when rates of latent heating are largest on the time scale of cloud growth. This, plus previously published studies, suggests that convective sources for stratospheric GW momentum fluxes, being a function of the rate of latent heating, will require either a climate model to correctly model this rate of latent heating or some ad hoc adjustments to account for shortcomings in a climate model’s land–sea differences in convective latent heating.
Esordi della riflessione discografica in Italia
Authors: Zucconi Benedetta
Published: May 2015

La registrazione sonora sembrò suscitare scarso interesse in Italia nel primo Novecento. Mentre in molti paesi europei e negli Stati Uniti si sviluppò presto un dibattito vivace, l’Italia considerò il disco un fenomeno essenzialmente commerciale, e ne ridusse l’utilità al solo ambito archivistico e documentario. Soltanto dagli anni Trenta (grazie anche alla diffusione della radio), si iniziò a parlare più approfonditamente di fonografia in riviste e congressi; fu in questo clima che nacque nel 1933 Il disco. Bollettino discografico mensile, rivista interamente dedicata alla musica riprodotta. Il periodico si proponeva di affrontare tale fenomeno attraverso riflessioni e cronache dedicate alla registrazione sonora e con numerose recensioni discografiche dei generi musicali più diversi, al fine di diffondere una maggiore consapevolezza riguardo alla musica registrata, al pari di altre nazioni. Le cinque annate della rivista permettono di tracciare un quadro pressoché esaustivo della realtà fonografica italiana dell’epoca, con interessanti excursus sulla contemporanea situazione europea. L’apertura verso i generi musicali più disparati, la profondità d’analisi, l’afflato internazionale e l’autonomia di pensiero (talvolta in aperto conflitto col regime fascista) furono i tratti distintivi de Il disco; essi contribuirono allo sviluppo della riflessione sulla fonografia, e costituiscono un modello di divulgazione musicale tutt’ora degno di considerazione.
Trading futures: Economism and gender in a changing climate
Authors: Fletcher Amber J
Published: May 2015

International trade is often viewed as environmentally unproblematic, even beneficial. This article challenges this view, using new trade data from the Food and Agriculture Organization to document inefficiencies in global food trade and to question the prioritization of economics over environment. It can be difficult to identify the effects of macro-level phenomena, such as trade agreements and climate change, on people’s lives at the micro-level. This article uses qualitative research conducted with farm women in the Canadian prairies to illustrate the intersection of policy, climate change, and their gendered effects in everyday life.
Effective policy influencing and environmental advocacy: Health, climate change, and phasing out coal
Authors: Lysack Mishka
Published: May 2015

Coal is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. Alberta, a Canadian province, burns more coal for its electricity than the rest of Canada combined, emitting pollution impacting human and ecosystem health. This article profiles a policy-influencing alliance of health and environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and explores the role of social work in developing effective policy change for phasing out coal in Alberta. The development of this network, its strategies, challenges, and successes are highlighted with an analysis of the elements of effective policy advocacy as a key social work practice.
Aligning Individual and Organizational Performance
Authors: Ayers Rebecca S.
Published: May 2015

Performance appraisal programs are touted as a management control tool for implementing organizational goals and driving organizational performance but how these programs do that has not been evaluated. This research examines the extent to which goal alignment in federal agency performance appraisal programs enhances organizational performance. Two aspects of goal alignment are explored: actual embedding of organizational goals in performance plans (plan alignment) and employees’ knowledge of how their work relates to the agency’s goals and priorities (employee alignment). Results indicate employee alignment increases organizational performance whereas plan alignment does not. Strategic management proponents should take note of this outcome. Furthermore, the overall quality of a performance appraisal program moderates the alignment and organizational performance relationship. Under conditions of high- and low-performance appraisal program expectations, employee alignment can influence organizational performance, but not as expected.
Perception of social exclusion, neuropathy, and quality of life among Hansen’s disease patients
Authors: Borges-de-Oliveira Roberta , Rocha-Leite Clarissa I , Araujo-de-Freitas Lucas , Queiroz Dermival A , Machado Paulo RL , Quarantini Lucas C
Published: May 2015

Background

Leprosy subjects are strongly affected not only by physical issues such as peripheral neuropathy but also by massive social exclusion that may be related to quality of life (QoL) impairment. However, there are as yet no studies evaluating the impact of perceived stigma in conjunction with neuropathy on QoL and the respective role of each one on QoL.

Objective

The present study aims to investigate the variations in clinical and socio-demographic profile of Hansen’s disease patients with/without perception of social exclusion (PSE) and neuropathy as the impact of both conditions on their QoL.

Methods

A sample of 160 consecutive leprosy outpatients seeking treatment in two reference centers for leprosy in Brazil was recruited. Patients were assessed using a socio-demographic questionnaire, M.I.N.I. PLUS and SF-36. Data from medical records were also collected. Participants were divided into four groups: control group, perceived stigma, neuropathy, and stigma neuropathy.

Results

Of the 160 patients who consented to participate, 78.75% completed the survey. All four groups were similar in terms of demographic parameters, except for occupational status, which was compensated statistically. The group with neuropathy and PSE reported the worst QoL in half of the evaluated domains. The cross-sectional design does not allow cause and effect to be established between variables, and the relatively small sample size may limit the ability to demonstrate a relative decrease in QoL scores from the isolated variables analyzed.

Conclusions

The results of this survey show that the presence of both neuropathy and PSE significantly increases impairment in QoL, especially in some specific domains.
Vocal Fold Paralysis as a Delayed Consequence of Neck and Chest Radiotherapy
Authors: Crawley Brianna K. , Sulica Lucian
Published: May 2015

Objective

To describe a series of cases of vocal fold paralysis years after radiation therapy, including presentation, clinical course, and treatment.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

A review of 8 years of patient records yielded 10 patients (8 male and 2 female; average age 57 years [range, 29‐76 years]) with vocal fold paralysis and a history of radiation therapy to the head, neck, or mediastinum. These patients did not have other possible etiologies of vocal fold paralysis. Demographic, diagnostic, clinical course, and treatment data were collected.

Results

On average, 21 years (range, 1‐27 years) elapsed between completion of radiation and presentation with vocal fold paralysis. Original pathologies included Hodgkin lymphoma (5), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (4), and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (1). Eight patients had unilateral left vocal fold paralysis, and 2 had bilateral neuropathy; none recovered spontaneously. All patients had dysphonia, and nearly all patients also complained of dysphagia. Six elected not to be treated. Four underwent injection augmentation with resolution of voice complaints.

Conclusions

Radiation therapy has the potential to cause laryngeal neuropathy years to decades after treatment. The potential for recovery is low, but injection augmentation can relieve symptoms. Development of contralateral neuropathy and altered tissue response are considerations in treatment.
Psycholinguistic profiling reveals underlying impairments for Greek children with speech disorders
Authors: Geronikou Eleftheria , Rees Rachel
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the possibility that similar speech error patterns in children may arise from different patterns of underlying speech processing difficulties. Four Greek children (aged 4;7–5;6 years) with similar speech output difficulties were assessed with a range of experimental tasks with phonologically matched items in order to profile a selection of the consonants and clusters, with which they experienced production difficulties. To check that the skills and words tested were typically acquired by this age, the tasks were also conducted on a control group of five typically developing children (aged 4;4–5;11 years). Tasks included nonword auditory discrimination, mispronunciation detection, naming, real word repetition and nonword repetition. For the experimental group, comparison of performance across tasks for each consonant or cluster identified different loci of difficulty across children. The findings suggest that this kind of profiling could reveal underlying speech processing difficulties, leading to implications for intervention.
Innovation activities and the creation of new employment: An empirical assessment of South Korea’s manufacturing industry
Authors: Kwon Sang Jib , Park Eunil , Ohm Jay Y. , Yoo Kyeongsik
Published: May 2015

The study proposes an integrated model to explore the effects of different innovation strategies on the creation of new employment. To verify the model, 532 manufacturing firms in South Korea were investigated. The results indicated that firms’ product innovation strategies had notable positive effects on firms’ creation of new employment, whereas firms’ process innovation strategies were negatively associated with the creation of new employment. Compared with the significant effects of the process innovation and product innovation processes, the activities of both user-centred innovation and organizational innovation were not significantly related to the creation of new employment. On the basis of the statistical results, both practical and academic implications are presented.
Compensation and Benefits Program a Mediating Variable for Talent Retention
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipak Kumar
Published: May 2015

Talent retention is avoiding the loss of talented employees. Retention is enhanced when organizations embrace certain proactive talent management practices, including employee engagement, empowerment, career development opportunities, competitive compensation and benefits, among others. Retention prospects are also enhanced when employers maintain a positive brand or reputation in the labor market. Talent retention strategies help organizations sustain and grow, avoiding wasteful expenses triggered by the loss of talent. This article examines talent retention strategies of two century-old Indian organizations, focusing on their compensation and benefits programs.
Synthesis, thermal properties, and ceramization of a novel ethynylaniline-terminated polysilazane
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Song Ning , Ni Lizhong , Bao Chaojun
Published: May 2015

A novel ethynylaniline-terminated polysilazane (PCSN) was synthesized from the ammonolysis reaction of dichloromethylsilane (MeSiHCl2) and p-phenylenediamine, by which terminal ethynyl groups were introduced into the resultant PCSN. Different average molecular weight PCSNs obtained with adjusting the molar ratios between p-phenylenediamine and MeSiHCl2 were used to investigate the influence of average molecular weights and contents of terminal ethynyl groups on thermal properties and ceramic conversions of PCSNs. The structure of PCSN was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, proton, carbon-13, and silicon-29 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Among all the PCSN precursors, PCSN-4 has the lowest curing temperature (237.1°C) and the highest enthalpy (863.0 J g−1) because of its highest content of terminal ethynyl groups, improving its cross-linking. The thermal properties of cured PCSN were studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis under nitrogen atmosphere. The collaborative effect from both the average molecular weight and the contents of terminal ethynyl groups gave PCSN-3 the best thermal stability. The temperature of 5% mass loss was 564°C and the residual mass at 900°C was 84.4%. After sintering at 1450°C in argon atmosphere, PCSN-3 thermoset turned into black solids composited of β-silicon carbide (β-SiC), α-silicon nitride, α-SiC, and free carbon with a yield of 78.4%, indicating PCSN had the potential to be used as ceramic precursors.
The effect of temperature on the performance of glass-fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite railroad crossties
Authors: Lotfy Ibrahim , Farhat Maen , Issa Mohsen A
Published: May 2015

The effect of temperature on structural materials is a major concern in engineering applications. Thermoplastic composites are highly sensitive to temperature changes and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is no different in that respect. Temperature variations may alter the mechanical properties for even the best designed HDPE compositions. Thermoplastic materials usually experience a lower modulus of elasticity and higher ductility at elevated temperatures and a higher modulus of elasticity and lower ductility at low temperatures. Therefore, it is of vital importance to study and fully understand the nature and extent of this effect. This knowledge will enable the safe implementation of these materials in structural applications where low or elevated temperature exposure is expected. In this paper, an experimental testing program that aims to assess the effect of temperature variation on the performance of HDPE composite railroad crosstie is presented. It employs an AREMA-recommended flexural testing method for crossties; center bending, to investigate a practical operating temperature range; from 10 °F (−12.22 ℃) to 125 °F (51.67 ℃). The effect of the temperature variation has been studied for several vital performance criteria: initial modulus; modulus of elasticity; secant modulus; ultimate strain; and modulus of rupture. Finally, the development and calibration of temperature-scaling models capable of predicting these vital parameters at an arbitrary exposure temperature within the investigated range is also presented. The HDPE composite crossties exhibited favorable qualities and predictable performance variation due to temperature changes. Moreover, optimization strategies are recommended to limit and control the effect of temperature on the HDPE crossties.
Subject-specific finite element model with an optical tracking system in total hip replacement surgery
Authors: Miles Brad , Kolos Elizabeth , Walter William L , Appleyard Richard , Li Qing , Chen Youngang , Ruys Andrew J
Published: May 2015

Intra-operative peri-prosthetic femoral fractures are a significant concern in total hip arthroplasty and can occur at any time during surgery, with the highest incidence during implant insertion. This study combines subject-specific finite element analysis modeling with an optical tracking system to characterize the resultant strain in the bone and results of impaction during total hip replacement surgery. The use of ABG II femoral stem (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ, USA) in the model yielded the following results. Hammer velocity was measured experimentally using a three-dimensional optical tracking system and these data were input into the finite element analysis model so that intra-operative loading scenario could be simulated. A quasi-static explicit simulation and a dynamic loading step using two implant–bone interface friction (0.1 and 0.4 friction coefficients) states were simulated. The maximum swing velocity of a mallet was experimentally measured at 1.5 m/s and occurred just before impaction of the hammer with implant introducer. Two friction states resulted in different results with the lower friction coefficient generating higher strains in the anterior regions of the model and higher displacement of the implant with respect to the femur when compared to the high friction state.
Effect of SiC interlayer between Ti6Al4V alloy and hydroxyapatite films
Authors: Azem Funda Ak , Birlik Isil , Braic Viorel , Toparli Mustafa , Celik Erdal , Parau Anca , Kiss Adrian , Titorencu Irina , Vladescu Alina
Published: May 2015

Bioactive coatings are frequently used to improve the osseointegration of the metallic implants used in dentistry or orthopaedics. Among different types of bioactive coatings, hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is one of the most extensively used due to its chemical similarities to the components of bones and teeth. In this article, production and characterization of hydroxyapatite films deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy prepared by magnetron sputtering were reported. Besides, SiC was deposited on substrate surface to study the interlayer effect. Obtained coatings were annealed at 600 °C for 30 and 120 min in a mixed atmosphere of N2 + H2O vapours with the heating rate of 12 °C min−1. The effects of SiC interlayer and heat treatment parameters on the structural, mechanical and corrosion properties were investigated. After heat treatment process, the crystalline hydroxyapatite was obtained. Additionally, cell viability tests were performed. The results show that the presence of the SiC interlayer contributes a decrease in surface roughness and improves the mechanical properties and corrosion performance of the hydroxyapatite coatings. Biological properties were not affected by the presence of the SiC interlayer.
Automated hand thermal image segmentation and feature extraction in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Snekhalatha U , Anburajan M , Sowmiya V , Venkatraman B , Menaka M
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was (1) to perform an automated segmentation of hot spot regions of the hand from thermograph using the k-means algorithm and (2) to test the potential of features extracted from the hand thermograph and its measured skin temperature indices in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis. Thermal image analysis based on skin temperature measurement, heat distribution index and thermographic index was analyzed in rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls. The k-means algorithm was used for image segmentation, and features were extracted from the segmented output image using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix method. In metacarpo-phalangeal, proximal inter-phalangeal and distal inter-phalangeal regions, the calculated percentage difference in the mean values of skin temperatures was found to be higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients (5.3%, 4.9% and 4.8% in MCP3, PIP3 and DIP3 joints, respectively) as compared to the normal group. k-Means algorithm applied in the thermal imaging provided better segmentation results in evaluating the disease. In the total population studied, the measured mean average skin temperature of the MCP3 joint was highly correlated with most of the extracted features of the hand. In the total population studied, the statistical feature extracted parameters correlated significantly with skin surface temperature measurements and measured temperature indices. Hence, the developed computer-aided diagnostic tool using MATLAB could be used as a reliable method in diagnosing and analyzing the arthritis in hand thermal images.
Short-term patient-centered nutrition counseling impacts weight and nutrient intake in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Everett S T , Wolf R , Contento I , Haiduc V , Richey M , Erkan D
Published: May 2015

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to increased prevalence of traditional and nontraditional CVD risks factors.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of patient-centered nutrition counseling methods on changes in select nutrient, anthropometric, and clinical outcomes in SLE patients enrolled in a CVD prevention counseling program (CVD PCP).

Methods

From March 2009 to June 2011 a subgroup of SLE patients enrolled in our CVD PCP were referred to a registered dietitian for individualized nutrition counseling. Outcomes of interest were assessed at baseline and six months. A primary analysis evaluated the six-month changes in nutrient intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid levels. A secondary analysis compared the same measurements between the nutrition counseling patients and the group that was referred but did not attend.

Results

Of 71 referrals, 41 (58%) attended nutrition counseling (female: 89%, African American/Hispanic: 72%, mean age of 39.7 ± 12.82 years, and a mean disease duration of 11.49 ± 8.02 years). Over a six-month period, patients attending nutritional counseling: (a) reduced their intake of sodium ( p = 0.006), total calories ( p = 0.07), and percent calories from fat ( p = 0.011) and saturated fat ( p = 0.068); (b) had decreased weight (−1.64 kg, p = 0.025); and (c) were more likely to report increases in eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables ( p < 0.001), a high fiber diet ( p = 0.011), ≥two servings of fish/week ( p = 0.002), and a low cholesterol diet ( p = 0.034). There were no significant changes observed over the six months in BMI and clinical outcomes among nutrition counseling patients. When comparing nutrition counseling patients to those who were referred but did not attend, we found at six months a higher percentage of nutrition counseling patients reportedly followed a high-fiber diet ( p = 0.03), consumed two or more servings of fish per week ( p = 0.01), followed a low-cholesterol diet ( p = 0.03), and achieved a greater weight loss ( p = 0.04) compared to the group that did not attend.

Conclusion

At six months we found that nutrition counseling using patient-centered methods appears to be an effective method for promoting changes in nutrient intake, diet habits, and, possibly, anthropometric measures in SLE patients. However, the counseling did not show a significant improvement in lipid levels, possibly due to short follow-up and/or SLE related factors.
Envisioning the Future at Topical Printers
Authors: Qureshi Zafar I.
Published: May 2015

The case relates to the life of an entrepreneur, Mr Naseer Baloch, who has set up an enterprise by the name Topical Company. It is a printing business and Mr Baloch aspires it to become the best printing house not only in Pakistan but also globally, using the best technology. Having gone through the vicissitudes of life, his personal problems did not deter him from putting in hard work and showing resilience against all odds to succeed. Now he wants to turn his business into a global venture. For this he has also envisioned to setup an academy to develop the human capital that he thinks is critical for any business to be recognized worldwide.
US Denim Mills: Quest for Alternative Fuel Sources in the Wake of Energy Crisis (A)
Authors: Saleem Ashar , Hassan Syed Zahoor
Published: May 2015

This case describes how one company in the textile sector of Pakistan is employing innovative ways to overcome the energy crisis which is seriously impacting its production processes. The case starts in August 2008 when the company’s Chief Executive, Shujaat Mirza, in consultation with his team members, had to take a number of decisions about an alternative energy source for steam generation. Steam is an important component required in the process of manufacturing denim jeans. The decisions were about procurement of alternative biomass-based fuel and the related machinery to effectively burn the biomass fuel and produce process steam. Part A of the case ends at the point where all the important factors affecting decisions have been laid out. Part B explains what actually happened after the team had taken up and implemented the alternative system. This part also offers a follow-up to this alternative steam generation system regarding its status in September 2014. The case can be taught to explain the processes, prospects and problems of innovative ventures and to highlight the strengths and limitations of managerial decision-making.
Clinical Outcomes and Adherence to Guideline Recommendations During the Initial Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Martinez Kerri , Kosirog Emily , Billups Sarah J. , Clark Nathan P. , Delate Thomas , Witt Daniel M.
Published: May 2015

Background: Adherence to American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) guidelines for treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been formally assessed in the United States, specifically in the subset of patients with renal impairment. Objective: Evaluate adherence to CHEST VTE treatment guidelines. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with acute VTE between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, for the primary outcome of adherence to CHEST VTE treatment guidelines defined as (1) patients receiving an appropriate parenteral anticoagulant and dose based on renal function and weight, (2) at least 5 days of parenteral anticoagulation during warfarin initiation, and (3) an international normalized ratio (INR) value ≥2 documented before discontinuing parenteral agents. Secondary outcomes included recurrent thromboembolism and major bleeding across renal function categories. Results: Of the 1683 patients included in the final analysis, 1483 (88%) had complete data for all 3 elements of the primary outcome (dose, overlap duration, and INR ≥2.0). VTE guideline adherence was identified in 95% (1408/1483) of these patients. There were 20 major bleeds overall, which occurred in 1.1%, 1.1%, and 1.3% in patients with CrCl <30 mL/min, 30 to 59 mL/min, and ≥60 mL/min, respectively ( P = 0.929). Also, 7 recurrent VTE events occurred—3 in patients with CrCl values of 30 to 59 mL/min (0.5%) and 4 in patients with CrCl ≥60 mL/min (0.4%; P = 0.797 across groups). Conclusions: Adherence to CHEST guidelines was high and resulted in low rates of bleeding and recurrent VTE complications across renal function categories. Further studies of patients with CrCl <30 mL/min are needed.
Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Dickson Sandra , Willis Gwenda M.
Published: May 2015

The extensive and sometimes profoundly damaging effects of sexual violence and large numbers of victims necessitate dedicated attention to primary prevention efforts. Few studies have examined the scope of current prevention activities or their fit with empirical research into effective prevention strategies. The current article presents findings from a survey of primary prevention activities in non-Māori and bicultural communities within Aotearoa New Zealand. Forty-four respondents representing 42 agencies responded to a comprehensive survey that canvased types of sexual violence primary prevention activities undertaken, sexual violence primary prevention programs, and barriers and supports to sexual violence prevention work. Consistent with findings from previous international surveys, the focus of primary prevention work in New Zealand was on sexual violence education and increasing awareness. Findings are discussed in the context of the sexual violence prevention literature and what works in prevention more broadly to help identify promising initiatives as well as gaps in current practices. Recommendations for advancing sexual violence primary prevention research are also provided.
Residents’ Emotional Solidarity with Tourists: Explaining Perceived Impacts of a Cultural Heritage Festival
Authors: Woosnam Kyle M. , Aleshinloye Kayode D.
Published: May 2015

In an effort to attract tourists, rural communities promote their festivals that are unique to the area and local culture. An examination of impacts beyond those of a monetary nature is rarely undertaken by these communities. Furthermore, the role that the relationship between residents and tourists plays in explaining perceived impacts of these festivals is nonexistent. The current work utilizes the Emotional Solidarity Scale in an effort to predict Caldwell, Texas, residents’ perceived impacts of hosting the Kolache Festival through the Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale. Results reveal strong measures of reliability and validity for each scale. Considering the relationship between emotional solidarity and perceived impacts of the festival, results showed that Emotional Solidarity Scale factors explained a considerable degree of variance (i.e., 29% to 36%) in the resulting Festival Social Impact Attitude Scale factors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed along with limitations and opportunities for future research concerning this line of research.
The Effect of Engagement in Online Social Network on Susceptibility to Influence
Authors: Tussyadiah S P. , Kausar Devi Roza , Soesilo Primidya K. M.
Published: May 2015

The effect of consumer participation in online social networking activities on their susceptibility to influence is investigated in a context of restaurant consumption. This research identified a positive relationship between consumers engagement in social networking sites (SNS) on their susceptibility to global consumption influence, which is a multidimensional factor consisting of conformity to trend, social prestige, and quality perception. Furthermore, consumer engagement in SNS and susceptibility to global consumption influence positively affect social influence on SNS. That is, consumers with higher participation in SNS are more prone to global consumer convergence and peer influence on SNS. As implications for tourism and hospitality businesses, strategies to manage consumer-to-consumer communication on social media are suggested.
Numericalizing the other: A critical analysis of a strategy discourse in a UK bank
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: May 2015

This article explores how a strategy discourse in a UK bank reproduced a managerial preoccupation with costs, control and numbers that was grounded in the extant culture. Through engaging with this discourse, strategists displayed numerical ways of thinking, which suggested that they did not ‘see’ those on the receiving end of the strategy as human beings. The article contributes to the strategy literature first by exploring how ‘strategists’ are constituted and how they forge themselves as particular types of subject through participating in strategy discourses. Second, it examines the consequences of numericalization for those on the receiving end of strategic discourses. It is argued that the accountability that numbers seek to generate can undermine accountability, and so numbers are not entirely the servant of strategists or frontline staff but instead reflect and contribute to ongoing workplace struggles. Finally, it is argued that both strategists and academics need to reflect on the discourses that they (we) employ because otherwise we risk further numericalizing the other.
A qualitative study of the experience of psychological distress post-stroke
Authors: Crowe Claire , Coen Robert F , Kidd Nick , Hevey David , Cooney John , Harbison Joseph
Published: May 2015

There is little qualitative data on the emotional effect of stroke upon which to base hypotheses for psychological interventions. We used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals in the clinical range for psychological distress on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to explore their experiences of psychological distress. Three super-ordinate themes (the fear of stroke, loss of self and sense of isolation and aloneness) emerged. Processes involving a lack of acceptance and self-compassion underlined these themes. Internal isolation was found as a great problem. These themes may indicate targets for directed psychological interventions in people following stroke.
Syringe drivers
Authors: Doherty Catherine , Watson Max
Published: May 2015

Palliative care in general practice has been compared to standing at a bus stop. You may have a long wait for a palliative care patient to arrive, but when they do they often come in gatherings of two or three. This can lead to the knowledge and expertise obtained in recent palliative care experience to dissipate while waiting for the next patient. An area of specific knowledge within palliative care that causes a lot of concern for GPs is the use of syringe drivers (also known as continuous subcutaneous infusions). A syringe driver is a small, portable battery-operated device that administers medicines subcutaneously over a selected time period, usually 24 hours. This article looks at indications for considering use of a syringe driver, practicalities of use and common medications and doses used in a syringe driver.