bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a complexity theory for local distributed computing
Authors: Fraigniaud Pierre , Korman Amos , Peleg David
Published: October 2013

A central theme in distributed network algorithms concerns understanding and coping with the issue of
locality
. Yet despite considerable progress, research efforts in this direction have not yet resulted in a solid basis in the form of a fundamental computational complexity theory for locality. Inspired by sequential complexity theory, we focus on a complexity theory for
distributed decision problems
. In the context of locality, solving a decision problem requires the processors to independently inspect their local neighborhoods and then collectively decide whether a given global input instance belongs to some specified language.

We consider the standard LOCAL model of computation and define LD(
t
) (for
local decision
) as the class of decision problems that can be solved in
t
communication rounds. We first study the intriguing question of whether randomization helps in local distributed computing, and to what extent. Specifically, we define the corresponding randomized class BPLD(
t
,
p
,
q
), containing all languages for which there exists a randomized algorithm that runs in
t
rounds, accepts correct instances with probability at least
p
, and rejects incorrect ones with probability at least
q
. We show that
p
2
+ q = 1 is a threshold for the containment of LD(
t
) in BPLD(
t
,
p
,
q
). More precisely, we show that there exists a language that does not belong to LD(
t
) for any
t
=
o
(
n
) but does belong to BPLD(
0
,
p
,
q
) for any
p
,
q
∈ (0,1) such that
p
2
+ q ≤ 1. On the other hand, we show that, restricted to hereditary languages, BPLD(
t
,
p
,
q
)=LD(
O
(
t
)), for any function
t
, and any
p
,
q
∈ (0,1) such that
p
2
+ q > 1.

In addition, we investigate the impact of nondeterminism on local decision, and establish several structural results inspired by classical computational complexity theory. Specifically, we show that nondeterminism does help, but that this help is limited, as there exist languages that cannot be decided locally nondeterministically. Perhaps surprisingly, it turns out that it is the combination of randomization with nondeterminism that enables to decide all languages
in constant time
. Finally, we introduce the notion of local reduction, and establish a couple of completeness results.
Future-proof encryption
Authors: Mone Gregory
Published: October 2013

Researchers are relying on quantum mechanics to generate unhackable methods of communication.
Adopting DevOps practices in quality assurance
Authors: Roche James
Published: October 2013

Merging the art and science of software development.
No limits to watching?
Authors: Michael Katina , Michael MG
Published: October 2013

Considering the ethical questions raised by technologies that are moving from knowing what we are doing (and where) to knowing who we are.
Augmented reality browsers
Authors: Langlotz Tobias , Grubert Jens , Grasset Raphael
Published: October 2013

How lessons learned from the evolution of the Web and Web browsers can influence the development of AR browsers.
Fast matrix rank algorithms and applications
Authors: Cheung Ho Yee , Kwok Tsz Chiu , Lau Lap Chi
Published: October 2013

We consider the problem of computing the rank of an
m
×
n
matrix
A
over a field. We present a randomized algorithm to find a set of
r
= rank(
A
) linearly independent columns in
Õ
(|
A
| +
r
ω
) field operations, where |
A
| denotes the number of nonzero entries in
A
and ω < 2.38 is the matrix multiplication exponent. Previously the best known algorithm to find a set of
r
linearly independent columns is by Gaussian elimination, with deterministic running time
O
(
mnr
ω-2
). Our algorithm is faster when
r
< max{
m
,
n
}, for instance when the matrix is rectangular. We also consider the problem of computing the rank of a matrix dynamically, supporting the operations of rank one updates and additions and deletions of rows and columns. We present an algorithm that updates the rank in
Õ
(
mn
) field operations. We show that these algorithms can be used to obtain faster algorithms for various problems in exact linear algebra, combinatorial optimization and dynamic data structure.
A role for the circadian clock protein Per1 in the regulation of aldosterone levels and renal Na+ retention
Authors: Richards Jacob , Cheng Kit-Yan , All Sean , Skopis George , Jeffers Lauren , Jeanette Lynch I. , Wingo Charles S. , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: October 2013

The circadian clock plays an important role in the regulation of physiological processes, including renal function and blood pressure. We have previously shown that the circadian protein period (Per)1 regulates the expression of multiple Na+ transport genes in the collecting duct, including the α-subunit of the renal epithelial Na+ channel. Consistent with this finding, Per1 knockout mice exhibit dramatically lower blood pressure than wild-type mice. We have also recently demonstrated the potential opposing actions of cryptochrome (Cry)2 on Per1 target genes. Recent work by others has demonstrated that Cry1/2 regulates aldosterone production through increased expression of the adrenal gland-specific rate-limiting enzyme 3β-dehydrogenase isomerase (3β-HSD). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that Per1 plays a role in the regulation of aldosterone levels and renal Na+ retention. Using RNA silencing and pharmacological blockade of Per1 nuclear entry in the NCI-H295R human adrenal cell line, we showed that Per1 regulates 3β-HSD expression in vitro. These results were confirmed in vivo: mice with reduced levels of Per1 had decreased levels of plasma aldosterone and decreased mRNA expression of 3β-HSD. We postulated that mice with reduced Per1 would have a renal Na+-retaining defect. Indeed, metabolic cage experiments demonstrated that Per1 heterozygotes excreted more urinary Na+ compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that Per1 regulates aldosterone levels and that Per1 plays an integral role in the regulation of Na+ retention.
Predictors of Treatments Acceptable to Patients for Late‐Life Depression
Authors: Jogerst Gerald J. , Zheng Shimin , Vanderlip Erik
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Describe older patients’ perceptions about depression and characteristics associated with acceptance of treatments. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Three primary care clinics in Iowa. Participants. Consecutive sample of 529 primary care patients. Measurements. Depression screening tool (a 9‐item patient health questionnaire [PHQ‐9]) and questionnaire including sociodemographic data, patient attitudes about depression, and acceptability of different treatments. Results. Mean age was 71.9 years (range 60–93 years), 314 (59%) female. Among the 529 participants, 93 (17.5%) had history of depression and 60 (11.3%) had PHQ‐9 scores of 10 or greater. Participants believed depression is a disease for which they would use medication and counseling. Accepting medications from primary physicians was strongly associated with a past history of depression (P < 0.01) and with agreeing that depression needs treatment (P < 0.01). Counseling was not acceptable for those believing that they can control depression on their own (P < 0.01). Older patients (P < 0.001) and those with higher education levels (P < 0.01) were less likely to accept herbs or supplements as treatment options. Willingness to discuss treatments with family was associated with not using alcohol as a treatment and acceptance of all other treatment options (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Attitude that depression is a disease and the willingness to discuss depression with family may enhance treatment acceptance.
Nonisothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis of Thai Lignite with High CaO Content
Authors: Pintana Pakamon , Tippayawong Nakorn
Published: October 2013

Thermal behaviors and combustion kinetics of Thai lignite with different SO3‐free
CaO contents were investigated. Nonisothermal thermogravimetric method was carried out under
oxygen environment at heating rates of 10, 30, and 50°C min−1 from
ambient up to 1300°C. Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS)
methods were adopted to estimate the apparent activation energy (E) for the thermal decomposition of these coals. Different thermal
degradation behaviors were observed in lignites with low (14%) and high
(42%) CaO content. Activation energy of the lignite combustion was found
to vary with the conversion fraction. In comparison with the KAS method, higher E values were obtained by the FWO method for all conversions considered.
High CaO lignite was observed to have higher activation energy than the low CaO coal.
The Effect of an Educating versus Normalizing Approach on Treatment Motivation in Patients Presenting with Delusions: An Experimental Investigation with Analogue Patients
Authors: Lüllmann Eva , Lincoln Tania M.
Published: October 2013

Until recently a widespread recommendation for clinicians was not to respond to the content of patients' delusions but to stress at an early time point that the patient has a mental illness (educating approach). An opposed recommendation is to validate the patients’ symptoms and normalize them (normalizing approach). This study used an experimental design to compare the impact of these two approaches on treatment motivation (TM). A cover story about a person who develops persecutory delusions was used to guide a sample of 81 healthy participants who served as analogue patients into imagining experiencing delusions. This was followed by a random assignment to either an educating or a normalizing consultation with a fictive clinician. Consultations only differed in content. Finally, we assessed the participants' motivation to accept medication (Medication TM), psychological treatment (Psychological TM), and treatment offered by this particular clinician independent of the kind of treatment (Clinician-related TM). Participants in the normalizing condition showed higher Clinician-related and Psychological TM than those in the educating condition. Medication TM was unaffected by condition. Following our results using a normalizing approach seems to be advisable in a first-contact situation with patients with delusions and favourable to a simple educating approach.
Biosorption of Arsenic(III) from Aqueous Solutions by Modified Fungal Biomass ofPaecilomycessp.
Authors: Acosta Rodríguez Ismael , Martínez-Juárez Víctor M. , Cárdenas-González Juan F. , Moctezuma-Zárate María de Guadalupe
Published: October 2013

The biosorption of As(III) on iron-coated fungal biomass ofPaecilomycessp. was studied in this work. It was found that the biomass was very efficient removing the metal in solution, using Atomic Absorption, reaching the next percentage of removals: 64.5%. The highest adsorption was obtained at pH 6.0, at 30°C after 24 hours of incubation, with 1 mg/L of modified fungal biomass.
Computer Breakdown as a Stress Factor during Task Completion under Time Pressure: Identifying Gender Differences Based on Skin Conductance
Authors: Riedl René , Kindermann Harald , Auinger Andreas , Javor Andrija
Published: October 2013

In today’s society, as computers, the Internet, and mobile phones pervade almost every corner of life, the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on humans is dramatic. The use of ICT, however, may also have a negative side. Human interaction with technology may lead to notable stress perceptions, a phenomenon referred to as technostress. An investigation of the literature reveals that computer users’ gender has largely been ignored in technostress research, treating users as “gender-neutral.” To close this significant research gap, we conducted a laboratory experiment in which we investigated users’ physiological reaction to the malfunctioning of technology. Based on theories which explain that men, in contrast to women, are more sensitive to “achievement stress,” we predicted that male users would exhibit higher levels of stress than women in cases of system breakdown during the execution of a human-computer interaction task under time pressure, if compared to a breakdown situation without time pressure. Using skin conductance as a stress indicator, the hypothesis was confirmed. Thus, this study shows that user gender is crucial to better understanding the influence of stress factors such as computer malfunctions on physiological stress reactions.
Stable Suppression of Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity during Anoxia in the Foot Muscle ofLittorina littoreaand the Potential Role of Acetylation as a Novel Posttranslational Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: Shahriari Ali , Dawson Neal J. , Bell Ryan A. V. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: October 2013

The intertidal marine snail,Littorina littorea, has evolved to withstand extended bouts of oxygen deprivation brought about by changing tides or other potentially harmful environmental conditions. Survival is dependent on a strong suppression of its metabolic rate and a drastic reorganization of its cellular biochemistry in order to maintain energy balance under fixed fuel reserves. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial enzyme of anaerobic metabolism as it is typically responsible for the regeneration of NAD+, which allows for the continued functioning of glycolysis in the absence of oxygen. This study compared the kinetic and structural characteristics of the D-lactate specific LDH (E.C. 1.1.1.28) from foot muscle of aerobic control versus 24 h anoxia-exposedL. littorea. Anoxic LDH displayed a near 50% decrease inVmax(pyruvate-reducing direction) as compared to control LDH. These kinetic differences suggest that there may be a stable modification and regulation of LDH during anoxia, and indeed, subsequent dot-blot analyses identified anoxic LDH as being significantly less acetylated than the corresponding control enzyme. Therefore, acetylation may be the regulatory mechanism that is responsible for the suppression of LDH activity during anoxia, which could allow for the production of alternative glycolytic end products that in turn would increase the ATP yield under fixed fuel reserves.
Strong Convergence of a General Iterative Method for a Countable Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Pang Chin-Tzong , Naraghirad Eskandar
Published: October 2013

We introduce a general algorithm to approximate common fixed points for a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in a real Banach space. We prove strong convergence theorems for the sequences produced by the methods and approximate a common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings which solves uniquely the corresponding variational inequality. Furthermore, we apply our results for finding a zero of an accretive operator. It is important to state clearly that the contribution of this paper in relation with the previous works (Marino and Xu, 2006) is a technical method to prove strong convergence theorems of a general iterative algorithm for an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. Our results improve and generalize many known results in the current literature.
Modified Chitosan‐Clay Nanocomposite as a Drug Delivery System Intercalation and In Vitro Release of Ibuprofen
Authors: Abdeen Rehab , Salahuddin Nehal
Published: October 2013

The present paper focused on the intercalation of ibuprofen into sodium montmorillonite, chitosan, and chitosan montmorillonite nanocomposites as a sustained release drug carrier. The compounds were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The basal spacing of montmorillonite increased from 9.6 Å to 19.6 Å indicating the intercalation of modified chitosan and ibuprofen between lamellar layers. UV spectroscopy was employed to monitor the in vitro drug release processes in both pH 5.4 and 7.8 solutions. The results revealed that ibuprofen was released from MMT, CS, and Mod‐CS/MMT steadily and was pH dependent.
Immunization with a Neural-Derived Peptide Protects the Spinal Cord from Apoptosis after Traumatic Injury
Authors: Rodríguez-Barrera Roxana , Fernández-Presas Ana M. , García Elisa , Flores-Romero Adrian , Martiñón Susana , González-Puertos Viridiana Yazmín , Mestre Humberto , Flores-Dominguez Carmina , Rodriguez-Mata Verónica , Königsberg Mina , Solano Sandra , Ibarra Antonio
Published: October 2013

Apoptosis is one of the most destructive mechanisms that develop after spinal cord (SC) injury. Immunization with neural-derived peptides (INDPs) such as A91 has shown to reduce the deleterious proinflammatory response and the amount of harmful compounds produced after SC injury. With the notion that the aforementioned elements are apoptotic inducers, we hypothesized that INDPs would reduce apoptosis after SC injury. In order to test this assumption, adult rats were subjected to SC contusion and immunized either with A91 or phosphate buffered saline (PBS; control group). Seven days after injury, animals were euthanized to evaluate the number of apoptotic cells at the injury site. Apoptosis was evaluated using DAPI and TUNEL techniques; caspase-3 activity was also evaluated. To further elucidate the mechanisms through which A91 exerts this antiapoptotic effects we quantified tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). To also demonstrate that the decrease in apoptotic cells correlated with a functional improvement, locomotor recovery was evaluated. Immunization with A91 significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells and decreased caspase-3 activity and TNF-αconcentration. Immunization with A91 also improved the functional recovery of injured rats. The present study shows the beneficial effect of INDPs on preventing apoptosis and provides more evidence on the neuroprotective mechanisms exerted by this strategy.
MCNC: Data Aggregation and Dissemination in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks Using Multicast Network Coding
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Zhang Shukui , Zhu Yanqin , Yang Zhe
Published: October 2013

Nowadays, more and more APs are deployed for the wireless access. The roadside APs are able to improve the bandwidth of VANETs. In this paper, we design a Multicast Network Coding (MCNC) method to aggregate and disseminate data in VANETs. It is appropriate for the areas where APs have been deployed but cannot cover the all range of vehicles movement. Data transmission is divided into 3 stages in MCNC. Network coding, multicast aggregating, and decoding are implemented in the 3 stages, respectively. Simulation results show that MCNC is able to cut down 2/3 overhead messages of Epidemic when the cover area of the APs is only 1/5. Its loss rate and delay are lower than the other methods. We also discuss its benefit for the deployment of VANETs.
Service Differentiated and Adaptive CSMA/CA over IEEE 802.15.4 for Cyber‐Physical Systems
Authors: Xia Feng , Li Jie , Hao Ruonan , Kong Xiangjie , Gao Ruixia
Published: October 2013

Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPS) that collect, exchange, manage information, and coordinate actions are an integral part of the Smart Grid. In addition, Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning in CPS, especially in the wireless sensor/actuator networks, plays an essential role in Smart Grid applications. IEEE 802.15.4, which is one of the most widely used communication protocols in this area, still needs to be improved to meet multiple QoS requirements. This is because IEEE 802.15.4 slotted Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) employs static parameter configuration without supporting differentiated services and network self‐adaptivity. To address this issue, this paper proposes a priority‐based Service Differentiated and Adaptive CSMA/CA (SDA‐CSMA/CA) algorithm to provide differentiated QoS for various Smart Grid applications as well as dynamically initialize backoff exponent according to traffic conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed SDA‐CSMA/CA scheme significantly outperforms the IEEE 802.15.4 slotted CSMA/CA in terms of effective data rate, packet loss rate, and average delay.
Abiraterone Acetate in Combination with Prednisone for the Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Drug Approval Summary
Authors: Kluetz Paul G. , Ning Yang-Min , Maher V. Ellen , Zhang Lijun , Tang Shenghui , Ghosh Debasis , Aziz Robeena , Palmby Todd , Pfuma Elimika , Zirkelbach Jeanne Fourie , Mehrotra Nitin , Tilley Amy , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Ibrahim Amna , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: October 2013

On December 10, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval for a modified indication for abiraterone acetate (Zytiga tablets; Janssen Biotech, Inc.) in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The approval was based on clinical trial COU-AA-302, which randomly allocated asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC and no visceral metastases to either abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (N = 546) or placebo plus prednisone (N = 542). The coprimary endpoints were radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS). The median rPFS was 8.3 months in the placebo arm and had not yet been reached in the abiraterone acetate arm {HR, 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.52]; P < 0.0001}. A prespecified interim analysis demonstrated an improvement in OS favoring the abiraterone acetate arm [HR, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66–0.96)] but did not cross the O'Brien-Fleming boundary for statistical significance. Safety data confirmed the known adverse reaction profile of abiraterone acetate. Full approval was granted on the basis of a large magnitude of effect on rPFS, a favorable trend in OS, and internal consistency across multiple secondary endpoints and exploratory patient-reported pain data. This is the first drug approval for mCRPC to use rPFS as the primary endpoint. Importantly, this approval was granted in the context of a prior statistically significant OS benefit that formed the basis of the original April 28, 2011, approval of abiraterone acetate for patients with mCRPC who had received prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6650–6. ©2013 AACR.
Do Repeated Skin Barrier Measurements Influence Each Other's Results? An Explorative Study
Authors: Kottner Jan , Ludriksone Laine , Garcia Bartels Natalie , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike
Published: October 2013

Background: Biophysical skin measurement techniques are widely used to quantify the skin barrier function. In clinical research usually several parameters are subsequently measured in the same skin areas. In this study, possible interfering effects of subsequent measurement procedures on transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and skin surface pH were investigated. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted. Twelve young (mean age 32.9 ± 7.2 years) and 12 elderly (mean age 68.3 ± 2.5 years) subjects without any skin diseases were enrolled. The parameters TEWL, skin surface pH, SCH, sebum content, and surface evaluation of living skin were obtained successively in pairs from 4 contralateral volar forearm skin areas. Results: SCH and skin surface pH seemed to be unaffected by previous measurement procedures. TEWL was systematically increased after pH and systematically decreased after stratum corneum measurements. Conclusions: Measurements per se might interact with the skin, thus changing its characteristics. If several skin barrier function parameters need to be assessed subsequently in the same skin areas, we recommend that TEWL should be measured first followed by all others.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Koch Till , Derer Stefanie , Staudinger Matthias , Rossen Kai , Glorius Pia , Peipp Matthias , Kellner Christian , Kunzendorf Ulrich , Valerius Thomas , Dechant Michael
Published: October 2013

Background: Antibody (Ab)-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is considered to be a relevant mechanism of action of Ab-based tumor therapies. However, knowledge about ADCC capacity of dialysis patients (DP) is limited. The aim of our study was to investigate if ADCC capacity of effector cells obtained from DP differed from those of healthy individuals (HI). Methods: First, we performed ADCC assays with isolated polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor Ab cetuximab or panitumumab. As cetuximab is of human IgG1 and panitumumab of human IgG2 isotype, both Abs differ in their affinity to Fcγ receptors and effector cell recruitment. Results: Using PMN as effectors, ADCC levels via panitumumab proved to be higher than via cetuximab, but did not differ between DP and HI. In contrast, IgG2-mediated ADCC with PBMC from DP was significantly enhanced compared to HI. IgG2 Abs predominantly bind to FcγRIIa. Within the PBMC, monocytes are the only cytotoxic cells physiologically expressing this receptor. ADCC experiments with isolated monocytes confirmed them to be the pivotal cells for the observed effect. Analysis of monocytes' Fc receptor expression demonstrated no difference between DP and HI, but monocytes of DP proved to be numerically increased and appeared preactivated. Conclusion: Our studies implicate that ADCC capacity is not impaired in DP and that it might particularly be reasonable to apply human IgG2 Abs as therapeutics for these patients.
Spontaneous Closure of a Full-Thickness Stage 2 Idiopathic Macular Hole without Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Authors: Kelkar Aditya Shreekant , Bhanushali Devanshi Ramji , Kelkar Jai Aditya , Shah Rachana Bharat , Kelkar Shreekant Bhaskar
Published: October 2013

Objective: We report a 50-year-old female patient with a stage 2 idiopathic macular hole that closed spontaneously. Method: The case is presented on the basis of an observational case report. Results: The stage 2 idiopathic macular hole closed spontaneously in 6 weeks with a lamellar defect in the outer retina due to the formation of the bridging retinal tissue, but without any evidence of the common mechanisms of spontaneous closure such as posterior vitreous detachment or epiretinal membrane formation.
Islam and Germany’s War in the Soviet Borderlands, 1941–5
Authors: Motadel David
Published: October 2013

The article examines Germany’s policy towards Islam in the Soviet Union during the Second World War. At the height of the war, when German troops entered Muslim territories in the Crimea and the Caucasus, officials in Berlin began to see Islam as politically and strategically significant. In both areas, Nazi Germany started to promote a military alliance with the Muslim population against the Soviet Union. The article enquires into the ways in which German authorities, most notably in the Wehrmacht and the SS but also in the Ministry of the East and the Foreign Office instrumentalized religious practice, custom and iconography, as well as religious rhetoric and terminology, for political and strategic ends. It adds a crucial dimension not only to the history of the Second World War, but also to the history of the engagement of the great powers with Islam in the modern age.
Multi-robot coverage and exploration on Riemannian manifolds with boundaries
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhrajit , Ghrist Robert , Kumar Vijay
Published: October 2013

Multi-robot coverage and exploration are fundamental problems in robotics. A widely used, efficient and distributable algorithm for achieving coverage of a convex environment with Euclidean metrics is that proposed by Cortes which is based on the discrete-time Lloyd’s algorithm. This algorithm is not directly applicable to general Riemannian manifolds with boundaries that are non-convex and are intrinsically non-Euclidean. In this paper we generalize the control law based on minimization of the coverage functional to such non-Euclidean spaces punctured by obstacles. We also propose a practical discrete implementation based on standard graph search-based algorithms. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm by solving efficient coverage problems on a sphere and a torus with obstacles, and exploration problems in non-convex indoor environments.
New insights into the climate–attitudes–outcome framework: Empirical evidence from the Australian service sector
Authors: Mathies Christine , Ngo Liem Viet
Published: October 2013

Drawing on the climate–attitudes–outcome framework, this article examines the mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between psychological climate perceptions (i.e., service climate, team support, and job security) and the job performance of frontline service employees. The authors further consider whether the link between psychological climate perceptions and job satisfaction may be moderated by three core self-evaluation traits of frontline service staff (emotional labor, self-efficacy, and personal achievement orientation). A survey of 874 frontline service employees reveals that service climate, team support, and job security indirectly contribute to job performance through job satisfaction. When more emotional labor deep acting is performed, the effects of the service climate on job satisfaction grow stronger. However, the effects of team support and job security on job satisfaction are not contingent on self-efficacy or personal achievement orientation, respectively.
Training Effectiveness and Trainee Performance in a Voluntary Training Program
Authors: Huang Yunchen , Strawderman Lesley , Babski-Reeves Kari , Ahmed Shaheen , Salehi Arash
Published: October 2013

Effective training programs are critical for successful employee performance. The same can be said for volunteer programs. Volunteers need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the mission of the organization. In this study, we examine the impact of training methods and trainees’ demographic factors on the effectiveness of a training program for a voluntary program. Survey results ( N = 5,727) indicate a very low percentage of participation (16.46%) in the voluntary program after training. Responses also indicate that content knowledge recall after training is affected by training year (the year receiving training), industrial sector, calling history, and training delivery method. Participants’ desires for retraining are also impacted by the type of training received, the industry sector, as well as past participation in the program. Recommendations for voluntary training programs based on study results and future research directions are presented.
Mechanical and thermal properties improvement of nano calcium carbonate-filled epoxy/glass fiber composite laminates
Authors: Zulfli N. H. Mohd , Bakar A. Abu , Chow W. S.
Published: October 2013

In this work, the influence of precipitated nano calcium carbonate (PNCC) on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/glass fiber (GF) laminates was studied. The mechanical properties of the epoxy/GF/PNCC composites were characterized by flexural and impact tests. The fracture toughness of the epoxy hybrid composites was evaluated by the principle of linear elastic fracture mechanics via single-edge notched bending tests. The thermal properties of the epoxy hybrid composites were studied using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The flexural properties, impact strength, and fracture toughness of the epoxy/GF laminates were increased profoundly in the presence of PNCC. Additionally, from the DMA and TGA results, it was found that the storage modulus and thermal decomposition temperature of the epoxy/GF increased remarkably with the addition of PNCC.
Identities and Identifications in Organizations
Authors: Lok Jaco , Willmott Hugh
Published: October 2013

We examine the dynamics of identity formation in organizations, with a particular focus on the development of antipathies and deadlocks, by engaging a well-regarded study of identity in organizations. By revisiting this study through the lens of a social theory of hegemony (STH), we show how this theory can bring fresh insights to studies of identity, resistance, and deadlock in organizations. We argue that the “othering” and scapegoating involved in organizational deadlocks can be driven by fantasmatic identifications that dim the prospects for discerning and exploring areas of common cause. A condition of possibility of breaking such deadlocks is, conversely, a traversing of the fantasies that cement the impasse.
Limited Sinus Tarsi Approach for Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Kikuchi Christian , Charlton Timothy P. , Thordarson David B.
Published: October 2013

Background:

Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures has a historically high rate of wound complications, so the most optimal operative approach has been a topic of investigation. This study reviews the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the use of the sinus tarsi approach for operative fixation of these fractures with attention to the rate of infection and restoration of angular measurements.

Methods:

The radiographs and charts of 20 patients with 22 calcaneal fractures were reviewed to assess for restoration of angular and linear dimensions of the calcaneus as well as time to radiographic union. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of postoperative infection, osteomyelitis, revision surgeries, and nonunion.

Results:

We found a statistically significant restoration of Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width. Three of the 22 cases had a superficial wound infection. One patient had revision surgery for symptomatic hardware removal. There were no events of osteomyelitis, deep infection, malunion, or nonunion.

Conclusion:

We found that the sinus tarsi approach yielded similar outcomes to those reported in the literature.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Subjective Norms as a Driver of Mass Communication Students’ Intentions to Adopt New Media Production Technologies
Authors: Hopp Toby M.
Published: October 2013

In this study, the impact of subjective norms on mass communication students’ intentions to adopt new media production technologies was explored. The results indicated that subjective norms play an instrumental role in explaining behavioral intentions to adopt new media technologies. Moreover, the data indicated that public relations students scored slightly lower on the behavioral intentions scale than their advertising and journalism colleagues. However, no evidence was found that the relationship between subjective norms and behavioral intentions differs on the basis of major classification. This study concludes by discussing practical implications for educators tasked with providing instruction on new media production tools.
Researching Rural Places
Authors: Roberts Philip , Green Bill
Published: October 2013

This paper explores some of the political and methodological challenges involved in researching rural education. It begins by outlining the situation in Australia regarding the relationship between social justice and rural education. It first describes the disadvantages experienced by many rural communities and presents an analysis of rural educational achievement in Australia. The paper then argues the limitations of traditional and established notions of social justice and, in this context, presents Soja’s proposal that spatiality is a third way of understanding the world. The paper is organized and informed by the principle that what matters, first and foremost, is the nature of the research problem, with decisions about methodology following, and shaped accordingly.
Space, Place, and Social Justice
Authors: Christie Pam
Published: October 2013

This article develops a methodological approach based on the spatial theory of Henri Lefebvre to address relationships between space, place, and social justice in education. In understanding the contradictory effects of globalization on local education policies and the continuing effects of historical geographies in education, Lefebvre’s theory foregrounds the multiple scales and rhythms of practice that produce social space. The article illustrates this by sketching the broad patterns of South African education and their spatial production. It suggests that the notion of affordances may be used in analyzing and interrupting the production of inequalities in schooling. In conclusion, the article considers methodological directions that a Lefebvrean rhythmanalysis might entail.
Becoming-Learner
Authors: Fendler Rachel
Published: October 2013

How can the process of “becoming learner” be observed, documented, and shared? What methodology could be used to discuss nomadic qualities of learning mobilities? This article argues in favor of an arts-based research approach, specifically social cartography, as a tool that can encourage young people to reflect on their identity as learners. Attentive to the deterritorializations, transgressions, and disruptions that characterize the learning process, it develops a mobile strategy for following the learner. This argument engages the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari to explore a pedagogical framework that expands our social imaginary of learning.
The Case as Space
Authors: Taylor Liz
Published: October 2013

This article considers the potential of Doreen Massey’s work on the relational conceptualization of space as a multiplicity of trajectories to inform case study research in educational settings. I argue that the conceptualization can be useful at two levels: methodology and methods. At a methodological level, the case itself can be conceptualized as space. The heterogeneity and dynamism of space thought of in this way has implications for familiar case study issues such as the bounding of the case, the positioning of the researcher, issues of generalization, approach to triangulation, and ethical practices. At the level of methods, implications include the need for multiple methods that explore relationships and change over time. When the substantive topic of research is itself children and young people’s understanding of place, congruence between the conceptualization of place/space and methods of data collection used is particularly important. Overall, it is argued that Massey’s ideas have potential to inform, challenge, and enliven the practice of case study research.
(Dis)Orientations in Past, Present, and Future Encounters
Authors: Taylor Yvette
Published: October 2013

This article is based on the Economic and Social Research Council–funded research Fitting Into Place? Class and Gender Geographies and Temporalities that charts gendered, generational transitions from the North East England industrial landscapes of one or two generations ago, to a current present and “regenerated” future. Here, I discuss young women’s experiences of and claims to place and belonging, where the central narrative of regeneration/degeneration has foregrounded “crisis in masculinity” in de-industrialized areas. I highlight the importance of attending to young women’s experiences of place and responses to regeneration, coded and understood through classed and gendered embodiment and experience. While futurity and mobility are endorsed by regeneration policy, practices, and narratives, class intersects with gender to shape access to and experience of place and acts as a (dis)orientation through past–present–future encounters. The temporal dimensions of (re)generation disrupt a linear chronological experience of space as class and gender impact on the ability to travel through, orientate, and claim space as one’s own as a “fit” with (regenerative) futures, as opposed to a misfitting (degenerative) “failure.”
Upper Respiratory Tract Endoscopy in the Cat
Authors: Sobel David S
Published: October 2013

Clinical challenges:

Endoscopy of the feline upper respiratory tract has always taken a bit of a back seat to exploration of the canine nose and paranasal sinuses, pharynx and trachea, due to some anatomic limitations and lack of availability of appropriate-sized equipment.

Practical relevance:

With proper training, however, even the inexperienced endoscopist can find that endoscopy and endoscopic surgery can be of tremendous utility in feline practice. What had previously been largely off-limits sites, in terms of direct visualization and surgical intervention, the feline rhinarium, paranasal sinuses, pharynx and trachea are now anatomic areas that can be effectively visualized in most clinical scenarios. Moreover, endoscopic surgery is now an area gaining significant appreciation for its diagnostic and therapeutic benefits.

Audience:

This article will not serve as a complete treatise on disease processes of the upper respiratory tract in cats, but rather is intended as a technical and instructional reference point on upper airway endoscopy for veterinary surgeons, both in first opinion as well as referral small animal practice.
Erratum: 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report
Authors: Scherk M A , Ford R B , Gaskell R M , Hartmann K , Hurley K F , Lappin M R , Levy J K , Little S E , Nordone S K , Sparkes A H
Published: October 2013

Regrettably, an error appeared in the ‘Injectable vaccine administration’ box on page 798: the pictures in Figures 8 and 9 were swapped with each other. ( The error appears in the printed copies of the journal, and in online versions downloaded before mid-October 2013.) The amended box is reproduced here in full.

DOI of original article: 10.1177/1098612X13500429
Integrated Treatment for Substance Abuse and Partner Violence (I-StoP)
Authors: Kraanen Fleur L. , Scholing Agnes , Hamdoune Mostafa , Emmelkamp Paul M. G.
Published: October 2013

Substance use disorders and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration frequently co-occur, and it has been hypothesized that alcohol use and IPV perpetration are causally related. This led to the development of an Integrated treatment for Substance abuse and Partner violence (I-StoP). This case study describes the treatment of Henry, who repeatedly abused his partner and was diagnosed with alcohol and cannabis dependence. Treatment with I-StoP was highly successful with respect to IPV: At posttreatment and 6 months follow-up, no IPV had taken place. However, Henry had not changed substance use. This can be explained by the spurious model that states that a third variable, such as inadequate problem-solving skills (which was addressed in I-StoP), may be responsible for both IPV and substance abuse. In addition, Henry’s partner was involved in treatment and became more assertive and, in contrast, he did change substance use. This case study illustrates that IPV is a very complex problem and that it is important to involve the partner.
Attacking Distribution
Authors: Donofrio Gregory
Published: October 2013

Using studies, testimonies, and plans started in the 1950s to replace Philadelphia’s Dock Street Market, this article critically examines motives and trends that culminated in federally generated studies recommending the forced displacement of the nation’s largest inner-city food districts. While markets had served important social functions in addition to food, the consensus among postwar agricultural experts, downtown business leaders, and city planners was that urban food markets were slums associated with high prices, unsanitary conditions, and underperforming real estate. Market redevelopment was motivated by desires to increase land values and assert middle-class values and social norms in addition to concerns about efficiency and public safety. Public authorities and nonprofit organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Movement influenced the planning around Dock Street. Demolishing aging inner-city markets created large tracts of land coveted by postwar city planners for development of residential and commercial amenities like Society Hill that they hoped would lure the middle class back to the city. Unobstructed land that could be obtained cheaply and enclosed entirely like former trash dumps and underperforming industrial areas on the urban periphery were recommended sites for construction of new markets. This case study offers a relevant historical context for the causes of modern urban food desserts.
Beauty Controlled
Authors: Reitan Meredith Drake
Published: October 2013

In the first two decades of the twentieth century, more than twenty plans were prepared for the Los Angeles Civic Center. With their monumental architectural style, broad boulevards and landscaped public plazas, these proposals draw heavily from planning’s early City Beautiful roots and challenge the idea that Los Angeles had only a “brief infatuation” with the movement. This article considers a number of these proposals, paying particular attention to two schemes that bookend the local movement: the 1907 plan prepared by Charles Mulford Robinson for the Municipal Art Commission and the plan prepared by the Allied Architects Association in the mid-1920s. While neither was implemented in full, the discussions that surrounded their adoption demonstrate a continued local interest in aesthetically oriented planning at a grand scale. A close reading of these plans, and especially the ways in which the authors attempt to communicate their ideas visually provides an opportunity to consider how the profession incorporated competing ideas about art and science, professional expertise, race and real estate, in its attempt to persuade public officials and the public at large to act.
Does Fun Pay? The Impact of Workplace Fun on Employee Turnover and Performance
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Michel John W. , Stafford Kathryn
Published: October 2013

This research demonstrated that fun in the workplace has both beneficial and potentially negative effects on employees in the hospitality industry. This research focused on the impact of fun activities and manager support for fun on employee performance and turnover. Fun activities include such endeavors as productivity contests, social events, teambuilding activities, and public celebrations of work achievements and personal milestones. In turn, manager support for fun reflects whether managers in general allow and encourage employees to have fun on the job. With a sample of 195 servers from a national restaurant chain, we found that fun activities had a favorable impact on performance and manager support for fun had a favorable impact in reducing turnover. Interestingly, manager support for fun had an adverse impact on performance. Thus, whether fun ultimately is beneficial depends on the type of fun and the desired human resource outcome.
Risk-assessment score for screening diabetes mellitus among Omani adults
Authors: D’Souza Melba S , Amirtharaj Anandhi , Venkatesaperumal Ramesh , Isac Chandrani , Maroof Samira
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a self-administered risk-assessment scoring system for identifying Omani adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

An exploratory cross-sectional design was used. Simple random sampling was used to select 93 adults in Muscat. Ethical approval was obtained from the College of Nursing Research and Ethics Committee. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) was used to collect the data in 2009. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Data were analysed with the Pearson chi-square test.

Results:

A total of 9.7% of the adults had very high FINDRISC and 17.2% had slightly elevated risk of developing T2DM within 10 years. The risk assessment (family history, waist circumference, body mass index, physical activity, dietary intake, hypertension and high blood glucose) of T2DM was significant and positively related to the prediction of T2DM among Omani adults.