bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Genotype and Phenotype Based Risk Factors in Patients Suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Roy Puspita Das , Basu Cynthia , Das Sonali , Dasgupta Anjan Kr. , Ganguli Bhaswati
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

In this paper we apply statistical classification techniques to a case-control study. The data analysed relates to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). We discuss an adaptation of the Naive Bayes method, and assess the results using an analysis of deviance based approach. Analysis of deviance is used to rank the driver variables, such as phenotype and genotype variables to their relative contribution to classify a new case into one of ACS or non-ACS group. Results from the case-study reveal that a combination of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) 2 and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism 4 is the most important, and the aggregation of platelets on addition of Adenosine-di-phosphate along with nano particles the next most important factors in classifying an unseen patient into one of the two groups. Some limitations and future analyses are also discussed.
Time Series Models Using Geometric Stable Distributions
Authors: Kuttykrishnan A.P.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

Geometric stable distributions received much attention in recent years and their applications in different fields ranging from reliability to financial mathematics are well established by several researchers. It can be used in modeling peaked and heavy tailed observations that may be a result of a random number of independent innovations. Although the theory and applications of geometric stable distributions are well developed and appeared in many literature in recent years, their applications in time series modeling are not developed. Present work aims at developing autoregressive model using geometric stable distributions as marginal distributions.
A Class of Distributions Defined by Quantile Density Function
Authors: Midhu N.N. , Sankaran P.G.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

In the present paper, we introduce and study a class of distributions that has simple quantile density function. Various distributional properties and reliability characteristics of the class are studied. The method of L-moments is employed to estimate parameters of the proposed class of distributions. Finally, we apply the proposed class to two real data sets.
Barndorff-Nielsen's form of the Law of the Iterated Logarithm for rth Moving Maxima
Authors: Vasudeva R. , Srilakshminarayana G.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

Let { Xn} be a sequence of independent identically distributed random variables, defined over a common probability space (Ω,ℱ, P) with a continuous distribution function F and let η r,n denote the r th upper order statistic among ( Xn-an+1, Xn-an+2,... Xn); n, ≥ 1, where { a n} is a non-decreasing sequence of integers such that 0 < a n ≤ n. For a large class of distributions, we obtain Barndor-Nielson's form of the law of the iterated logarithm for {η r,n}.
A two Sample Test Based on Mutual Information
Authors: Guha Apratim , Chothia Tom
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

For two independently drawn samples from continuous distributions, a permutation test based on the mutual information statistic is proposed for the null hypothesis that both the samples originate from the same population. It is demonstrated through simulation that this test is more powerful than the commonly used nonparametric tests in many situations. We also discuss the test in a real life setup.
Clustering Based Small Area Estimation : an Application to Meap Data
Authors: Maiti Tapabrata , Ren Hao , Dass Sarat C. , Lim Chae Young , Maier Kimberly S.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program, known as MEAP, conducted by the state department of education, is a standardized test. The test is taken by all public school students in Michigan and the results are being used for comparing schools and school districts. Because of widely varying school districts in size, the direct use of average score could be misleading. The direct averages for small school districts are, in particular, quite unstable. This requires “smoothing” the data before they can be used. There are several smoothing procedures available in statistical literature that “borrow strength” from other areas. We choose to apply small area estimation technique to analyze 4-th grade average math score available in MEAP. The standard small area estimation methods shrunk the direct averages towards overall statewide average but it can suffer from over-shrinkage problem. To resolve over-shrinkage, a clustering based small area estimation technique has been applied to the data. This allows borrowing strength both locally and globally. In terms of mean squared error and coefficient of variation, the resultant estimates are more stable and hence are more reliable to use.
A Discrete Analogue of Reciprocal Coordinate Subtangent and its Role in Characterization Problems
Authors: Sunoj S.M. , Sreejith T.B.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

The concept of reciprocal coordinate subtangent (RCST) has been used in statistical literature as a useful tool to study the monotone behaviours of a continuous density function and for characterizing probability distributions through its functional forms. Motivated by this, in the present paper, we consider a discrete analogue of RCST introduced by Gupta et al. (1997) and study its usefulness in modeling probability mass functions. Characterization results are proved for models viz. geometric, discrete Burr and modified power series. The concept is also extended to the weighted models and proves some useful results as models such as logarithmic series, residual lifetime and partial sum (renewal) distributions. Finally, a new definition for discrete analogue of RCST is introduced and examined its usefulness in modeling proportional hazard models in discrete time.
Finite Population Distribution Function Estimation Using P-Splines
Authors: Adhya Sumanta , Banerjee Tathagata , Chattopadhyay Gaurangadeb
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

Estimating finite population distribution function (hereafter FPDF) is an important problem to the survey samplers since it summarizes almost all the relevant information of interest about the finite population. Chambers and Dunstan (1986) (henceforth CD) in their seminal paper propose a predictive estimator of FPDF incorporating the unit level auxiliary information available for the entire population. CD estimator assumes a linear regression model in the superpopulation. However, even for moderate deviation from linearity assumption, significant performance deterioration of CD estimator is observed. Here we propose a predictive estimator of FPDF based on a semiparametric regression model. For this we use recently developed penalized splines (P-splines) regression. The proposed estimator performs better than CD estimator if the linearity assumption fails. We find its asymptotic bias and variance. Finally, we compare the performance of the proposed estimator with other alternative estimators through simulation studies and illustrate its use with a real data set.
An Alternate Way of Obtaining Gomez-Deniz form of Generalized Geometric Distribution
Authors: Sastry D.V.S. , Bhati Deepesh
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

In this paper we propose another approach to obtain a generalized geometric distribution. Starting with a Poisson distribution and assuming that the parameter (λ) of the Poisson distribution follows geometrically (declining) weighted exponential distribution, we obtain a generalized geometric distribution.
A Purely Sequential Estimation Procedure for the Parameter of U(θ,mθ) Distribution
Authors: Patil H.S.
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat

In the literature, an extensive work on sequential fixed width confidence interval (CI) for the parameter of U(0, θ) model is available. In this article we propose a fixed width (1-) level sequential CI for the parameter θ of U(θ, mθ) distribution, where m > 1 is known, based on the large-sample approximation of coverage probability.
Redefining cultural, national, and religious identity: The Christian–Vodouist dialogue?
Authors: Joseph Celucien L.
Published: August 2016

This essay examines the work of two prominent progressive Haitian Theologians: Laënnec Hurbon, a Catholic Theologian and former Priest, and Jean Fils-Aimé, a Protestant Theologian and former Pastor in Montreal, and their interaction with the Vodou religion. Both thinkers have written prolifically about the three major religious expressions in Haiti and the enduring religious conflict between Protestantism, Catholicism, and Vodou in the Caribbean nation. The history of relations between Christianity—both Protestant and Catholic—and Vodou in Haiti is marked by a high degree of combativeness, hostility, and discomfort.

To resolve the religious tension between Haitian Vodou and Haitian Christianity, Hurbon has suggested a frank ecumenical dialogue between Vodou, Catholicism, and Protestantism, and carefully demonstrated the legitimation of Vodou in the Haitian experience and life. In the same line of thought, Fils-Aimé has recommended an interreligious dialogue between the two religious traditions, and brilliantly argued for the inculturation of the Vodou faith in Haitian Protestantism and culture. Through their work, both thinkers continue to campaign for more religious tolerance, pluralism, and religious inclusivism in Haitian society. I am suggesting that the Catholic theologian Laënnec Hurbon in his classic work Dieu dans le vaudou haïtien (1972) has inaugurated what we phrase the Christian–Vodouist compromissory tradition. Following the footsteps of Hurbon, Fils-Aimé in his controversial and learned work Vodou, je me souviens, published in 2007, has done for Haitian Protestantism what Hurbon has achieved for Haitian Catholicism—pushing forward the idea of the inculturation of Vodou culture and practices in Protestant Christianity in Haiti—within the framework of a Protestant–Vodouist compromissory tradition.
St. John Chrysostom and the Responsibility of a free Conscience
Authors: Dumitraşcu Nicu
Published: August 2016

St. John Chrysostom was a free man, free from prejudices, convinced that there must be a perfect balance between word and deed, and because he was a righteous man, he had a clear conscience, in which there was no place for lies, duplicity, imposture, cowardice, or contempt. He believed that the power of personal example could change people for better or worse. That is why he asked everyone who held high positions in society and the church to behave responsibly because the evolution or involution of society largely depended on them. For these reasons, he never changed his principles of life, not even when he reached the highest ecclesiastical position in the Eastern Church, Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople. This is a remarkable fact, knowing that the higher the role, the greater the responsibilities and the temptation to compromise oneself.
Melanchthon’s contribution to the art of catechesis: A study of Catechesis puerilis
Authors: Oseka Matthew
Published: August 2016

The present paper explores Melanchthon’s contribution to the art of catechesis as typified by his Catechismus puerilis and by his Catechesis puerilis. It also examines the origin of Protestant catechisms in light of instruments of theological instruction employed in the ancient and mediaeval church. Furthermore, theological highlights of both catechetical manuals authored by Melanchthon were presented as far as the Protestant concept of vocation was concerned.
Dengue fever in infants: report of three cases
Authors: Mehndiratta Sumit , Singhal Ritika , Rajeshwari Krishnan , Dubey Anand P
Published: August 2016

Dengue fever has classically been described as a disease of children and young adults. Infants are naturally protected by virtue of maternally derived immunoglobulins, especially in endemic countries. The resurgence of dengue, coupled with the availability of early and sensitive diagnostic methods and a high degree of clinical suspicion, has led to an increasing number of infants being diagnosed. There is a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, particularly in infancy. Here we describe three cases presenting with diverse clinical features, their subsequent management and outcome.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with tuberculosis: a 10-year experience from an Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chopra Seema , Siwatch Sujata , Aggarwal Neelam , Sikka Pooja , Suri Vanita
Published: August 2016

Our study sought to determine the characteristics of antenatal patients with tuberculosis (TB) and their pregnancy outcomes. Case records of 50 antenatal women with extra-pulmonary and pulmonary TB at a tertiary centre in India were compared to 150 antenatal women not suffering from TB, for adverse medical, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of TB was 1.16 per 1000 deliveries. Of these, 62% had extra-pulmonary TB. There were two maternal deaths. TB in pregnancy was associated with a five times higher risk of prematurity and three times higher risk of intrauterine growth restriction than the norm. Maternal prognosis depends on the complications of tuberculosis and treatment compliance.
Epilepsy in transition from child care to adult service: a missing link in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adebiyi Ayoade , Lagunju IkeOluwa , Ogunniyi Adesola
Published: August 2016

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disease which predominantly affects children and young adults. The disease is highly stigmatised and transition from child care to adult services is not routine in many low- and middle-income countries. Where a treatment system follows routines which cannot be sustained in such countries because of specialised manpower challenges, it becomes imperative that appropriate care models be sought for patients whose seizures fail to remit in childhood. In teaching hospitals, well-organised, multidisciplinary meetings and a planned transfer between paediatric and adult neurologists will be feasible. However, an alternative model is advocated at the community level where the majority of the patients reside which involves task shifting to general practitioners and community healthcare workers. The latter can organise home visits to ensure management compliance. This will ensure better seizure outcomes and a good quality of life for epileptic patients.
How Does the Primary Market Value Innovations of Newly Public Firms?
Authors: Lian Qin , Wang Qiming
Published: August 2016

We investigate whether and how the primary market values the innovations of newly public firms at their initial public offerings (IPOs) by examining the link between the size (the number of patents) and the quality (citation count) of their patent portfolios and IPO valuations. We find that the number of patents, the citation count, and innovation efficiency (IE; patents or citations scaled by research and development expenditure) are positively associated with offer price multiples but the effect of the number of patents subsumes that of the citation count/IE. There is no significant effect of patent portfolios on price revisions or first-day returns, suggesting that underwriters/firms price information on innovation quantity and quality in the offer prices and the market makes no further price adjustment on innovation information. The positive effect of innovation quantity on IPO valuation subsumes that of innovation quality. We also demonstrate that the link between patent portfolios and IPO valuations is stronger in the later sample period. Using Tobin’s Q as another IPO valuation measure produces similar results. We obtain no evidence that an IPO’s patent portfolio is overvalued in the primary market, as the number of patents and the citation count are not significantly associated with long-run stock and operating performances.
Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences
Authors: Carbonaro Theresa M , Bradstreet Matthew P , Barrett Frederick S , MacLean Katherine A , Jesse Robert , Johnson Matthew W , Griffiths Roland R
Published: August 2016

Acute and enduring adverse effects of psilocybin have been reported anecdotally, but have not been well characterized. For this study, 1993 individuals (mean age 30 yrs; 78% male) completed an online survey about their single most psychologically difficult or challenging experience (worst “bad trip”) after consuming psilocybin mushrooms. Thirty-nine percent rated it among the top five most challenging experiences of his/her lifetime. Eleven percent put self or others at risk of physical harm; factors increasing the likelihood of risk included estimated dose, duration and difficulty of the experience, and absence of physical comfort and social support. Of the respondents, 2.6% behaved in a physically aggressive or violent manner and 2.7% received medical help. Of those whose experience occurred >1 year before, 7.6% sought treatment for enduring psychological symptoms. Three cases appeared associated with onset of enduring psychotic symptoms and three cases with attempted suicide. Multiple regression analysis showed degree of difficulty was positively associated, and duration was negatively associated, with enduring increases in well-being. Difficulty of experience was positively associated with dose. Despite difficulties, 84% endorsed benefiting from the experience. The incidence of risky behavior or enduring psychological distress is extremely low when psilocybin is given in laboratory studies to screened, prepared, and supported participants.
Canadian Studies on the Effectiveness of Community Treatment Orders
Authors: Kisely Steve
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

Community treatment orders (CTOs) for people with severe mental illnesses are used across most of Canada. It is unclear if they can reduce health service use, or improve clinical and social outcomes. This review summarizes the evidence from studies conducted in Canada.

Method:

A systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE to March 2015 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were quantitative and qualitative studies undertaken in Canada that presented data on the effect of CTOs on outcomes.

Results:

Nine papers from 8 studies were included in the review. Four studies compared health service use before and after compulsory treatment as well as engagement with psychosocial supports. Three were qualitative evaluations of patients, family, or staff and the last was a postal survey of psychiatrists. Hospital readmission rates and days spent in hospital were all reduced following CTO placement, while outpatient attendance and participation in psychiatric services and housing all improved. Family members and clinicians were generally positive about the effect of CTOs but patients were ambivalent. However, the strength of the evidence was limited as many of the studies were small, only one included control subjects, and there was no adjustment for potential confounders using either matching or multivariate analyses. Only 2 qualitative studies included the views of patients and their families.

Conclusions:

The evidence base for the use of CTOs in Canada is limited and this lack of Canadian research is in marked contrast to other countries where there have been large studies that have used randomized or matched control subjects. Their use should be kept under review.
Factors Associated with Suicidal Thought and Help-Seeking Behaviour in Transition-Aged Youth versus Adults
Authors: MacKinnon Nathalie , Colman Ian
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Suicide is a leading cause of death for transition-aged youth (TAY), and yet few studies examine correlates of suicidal ideation specifically in this age demographic (age 18-24 years). The transition to adulthood is a unique context, marked by novel stressors (e.g., joining the workforce) and increased independence, which may influence risk factors for suicidal ideation. This study examined correlates of suicidal ideation in TAY and adults and contrasted profiles across age.

Methods:

We used 4 biannual cycles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey on health. We used logistic regression to assess the association between suicidal ideation and depression, distress, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, sedentary behaviour, chronic illness, restrictions to daily living, perceived physical and mental health, and perceived social support independently in both TAY ( n = 4427) and adults ( n = 14,452). We subsequently assessed possible interactions with age (18-24 v. 25-44 years) and sex and differences in help-seeking behaviour in a combined model.

Result:

TAY exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation than adults did ( P < 0.001). Numerous factors were associated with suicidal ideation in TAY. Notably, alcohol abstinence was associated with decreased suicidal ideation in TAY but not for adults. Moreover, when depressed, TAY were significantly less likely to have received professional mental health help than adults (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94).

Conclusions:

Suicidal ideation is more prevalent in TAY than adults, and its consequences may be aggravated by poor treatment-seeking behaviour in at-risk (i.e. depressed) individuals. These different risk profiles substantiate the recent shift toward clinical interventions focusing on transition-aged youth, rather than traditional child (<18 years) and adult (>18 years) services.
Resilience in American Indian and Alaska Native Public Health: An Underexplored Framework
Authors: Teufel-Shone Nicolette I. , Tippens Julie A. , McCrary Hilary C. , Ehiri John E. , Sanderson Priscilla R.
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To conduct a systematic literature review to assess the conceptualization, application, and measurement of resilience in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) health promotion.

Data Sources:

We searched 9 literature databases to document how resilience is discussed, fostered, and evaluated in studies of AIAN health promotion in the United States.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

The article had to (1) be in English; (2) peer reviewed, published from January 1, 1980, to July 31, 2015; (3) identify the target population as predominantly AIANs in the United States; (4) describe a nonclinical intervention or original research that identified resilience as an outcome or resource; and (5) discuss resilience as related to cultural, social, and/or collective strengths.

Data Extraction:

Sixty full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by 3 reviewers. Data were extracted by 2 reviewers and verified for relevance to inclusion criteria by the third reviewer.

Data Synthesis:

Attributes of resilience that appeared repeatedly in the literature were identified. Findings were categorized across the lifespan (age group of participants), divided by attributes, and further defined by specific domains within each attribute.

Results:

Nine articles (8 studies) met the criteria. Currently, resilience research in AIAN populations is limited to the identification of attributes and pilot interventions focused on individual resilience. Resilience models are not used to guide health promotion programming; collective resilience is not explored.

Conclusion:

Attributes of AIAN resilience should be considered in the development of health interventions. Attention to collective resilience is recommended to leverage existing assets in AIAN communities.
An appraisal of the importance of graduates’ language skills and ERASMUS experiences
Authors: Mattern Delfina
Published: August 2016

This article discusses the importance of graduates’ language skills and their European Regional Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS) experiences. The purpose of the research is to establish whether the potential benefits of ERASMUS participation for employability, particularly with regard to language skills, mean that organizations have a propensity to employ ex-ERASMUS students. The academic literature does not provide a conclusive answer regarding the specific benefits of student mobility participation. To test the claims that mobile students are statistically more employable on graduation, primary research was conducted on the perspectives of higher education institutions, businesses and students. The findings suggest that businesses do value language skills especially but put little emphasis on their origin.
Development and growth time optimization of boron-doped micro-crystalline, undoped micro-crystalline and undoped nano-crystalline composite diamond film
Authors: Wang Xinchang , Wang Chengchuan , Sun Fanghong
Published: August 2016

Based on a well-designed growth procedure, a tri-material, namely, a three-layer boron-doped micro-crystalline, undoped micro-crystalline and undoped nano-crystalline composite diamond film, is deposited on the pretreated WC–6 wt% Co substrate, the basic characters of which are systematically studied and compared with some other commonly used diamond films. Besides, the growth times for three respective layers are accordingly determined. It is further clarified that the underlying boron-doped micro-crystalline diamond layer can well adhere to the WC–Co substrate due to either the reduction in the residual stress or the formation of B–Co compounds. There is no doubt that the surface undoped nano-crystalline diamond layer with relatively lower hardness and initial surface roughness is more convenient to be polished to the required surface roughness. Moreover, when the growth times for the middle undoped micro-crystalline diamond layer and the surface undoped nano-crystalline diamond layer are both appropriate, the undoped micro-crystalline diamond layer with extremely high diamond quality and hardness can effectively reinforce the surface hardness of the whole composite film. Based on the discussions on the influences of the growth times for the different layers on the performance of the composite diamond film, the growth times for the boron-doped micro-crystalline diamond, undoped micro-crystalline diamond and undoped nano-crystalline diamond layers are, respectively, determined as 4, 4 and 2 h. Under such conditions, the reinforcement effect of the middle layer on the surface hardness can be guaranteed, and the undoped nano-crystalline diamond grains have totally covered the undoped micro-crystalline diamond layer.
On the theoretical foundation for the microcutting of calcium fluoride single crystals at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wang H , Senthil Kumar A , Riemer O
Published: August 2016

The machining of a CaF2 lens with the near-perfect crystal structure poses a more challenging task than simply performing a ductile-regime cutting on brittle materials to achieve an optical surface finish without microcracks in the subsurface layer. This research advances the understanding of the ductile–brittle transition mechanism through material characterisation. The convincing evidence for the advantage of ultraprecision diamond turning over the optical polishing process is disclosed in the comparative experimental tests. A promising solution of thermally enhanced microcutting is proposed to meet both the ubiquitous and ad hoc requirements for the fabrication of the CaF2 lens. The theoretical foundation for the CaF2 microcutting at elevated temperatures is for the first time established based on a semi-quantitative modelling and simulation with the crystal plasticity finite element method.
A valid method of gas foil bearing parameter estimation: A model anchored on experimental data
Authors: Hoffmann Robert , Munz Oliver , Pronobis Tomasz , Barth Enrico , Liebich Robert
Published: August 2016

Gas foil bearings are a smart green technology and suitable for the next generation of small turbo machinery e.g. turbochargers, micro gas turbines, range extenders and compressors of fuel cells. A combination of low power loss, high speed operation and the omission of an oil system are the major advantages. To enable access to this technology, it is essential to evaluate critical speeds and onset speeds of subharmonic vibration of the rotor system in the first design stage. Hence, robust and valid models are necessary, which correctly describe the fluid structure interaction between the lubrication film and the elastic bearing structure. In the past three decades several experimental and numerical investigations of bearing parameters have been published. But the number of sophisticated models is small and there is still a lack of validation towards experimental works. To make it easy for designers dealing with this issue, the bearing parameters are often linearised about certain operating points. In this paper a method for calculating linearised bearing parameters (stiffness and damping) of gas foil bearing is presented. Experimental data are used for validation of the model. The linearised stiffness and damping values are calculated using a perturbation method. The pressure field is coupled with a two-dimensional plate model, while the non-linear bump structure is simplified by a link-spring model. It includes Coulomb friction effects inside the elastic corrugated structure and captures the interaction between the single bumps. For solving the separated perturbed Reynolds equation a static stiffness is used for the 0. order equation (stationary case) and a dynamic stiffness is applied for 1. order equation (dynamic case). Therefore, an additional dynamic structural model is applied to calculate the dynamic stiffness. The results depend on the load level and friction state of each bump. Different case studies including the impact of clearance, frictional contacts and the comparison of a linear and non-linear structure are carried out for infinitesimal perturbations. The results show, that the linear structure underestimates main and cross-coupling effects. The impact of the clearance is notable, while the impact of the overall frictional contacts is small due to relatively small loadings. The infinitely small perturbation model is adapted to the experimental setup by using a superposition of two resulting bearing parameters identifications of two total loadings including shaker forces. Due to this adaptation a good correlation with the experimental results of the bearing parameters is achieved.
A flexible pipeline dream: Iran’s LNG goals
Authors: Shokri Kalehsar Omid
Published: August 2016

It is no secret that Iran has expressed interest in becoming a leading producer of LNG. Although currently not a producer at all, the country has made it repeatedly that transporting its gas reserves by sea is the best logical short-term goal vis-a-vis the many geopolitical, technical, and financial obstacles set against its international pipeline projects, which will take the best part of a decade to come to fruition, if at all. However, this by no means makes LNG a plan-B in the minds of policy-makers. LNG carries with it a unique set of advantages which make it a much-sought asset in oil diplomacy: Simply put, unlike with pipeline transit, suppliers can send their shipments wherever the price is right, making LNG supplies a “flexible pipeline” which will no doubt have an impact at the bargaining table. Indeed, it is not only investment and infrastructure which Iran needs to reclaim its position on the global market, but a comprehensive oil diplomacy to consolidate any headway made in the post-sanctions era.
European Union funds in the development of renewable energy sources in Poland in the context of the cohesion policy
Authors: Chodkowska-Miszczuk Justyna , Biegańska Jadwiga , Środa-Murawska Stefania , Grzelak-Kostulska Elżbieta , Rogatka Krzysztof
Published: August 2016

The paper aims at determining the role played by funds from the European Union in the development of renewable energy sources in Poland in the context of European Union cohesion policy. We have derived data from the official European Funds Portal for the size of projects and the financial support obtained from the European Union for the use of a specific renewable energy source. We have analyzed all (928) projects related to hydro- and geothermal energy, biomass (together with biogas), wind, and solar energy implemented in all 16 voivodships (administrative regions of the second order, NUTS 2). It must be mentioned that, in the programming period 2007–2013, the available European Union funds made it possible to obtain the largest support for all investments in renewable energy sources in Poland so far. The total value of the projects co-financed from these funds has amounted to 2 billion euro. Analyzing the value of investments in technologies based on varied renewable energy sources, an evident disproportion in either the size of particular installations or the costs of investments is observed. We demonstrate that large wind farms constitute more than 60% of the total value of investments in renewable sources subsided by the European Union. Small projects have also been subsided, but mainly those related to solar energy. Generally, the wind energy investments are established in northern and western parts of Poland, including Zachodniopomorskie, Pomorskie, Dolnośląskie, and Łódzkie voivodships, while the solar energy investments are found in the eastern and southern parts of Poland.
Expert-based evaluation of the impacts of hydropower plant construction on natural systems in Turkey
Authors: Kurdoglu Oguz
Published: August 2016

Turkey, like most countries that run an energy deficit and are dependent on foreign energy sources, is seeking short-term solutions to solve a long-term problem. One of the solutions is to activate renewable energy resources such as small- and mid-sized hydroelectric power plants providing part of a possible long-term solution. However, the speed at which new hydropower plants have been constructed in Turkey has resulted in negative environmental impacts on natural ecosystems. The Environmental Impact Assessment process for Turkey’s hydropower plants involves, at least in principle, the expertise of foresters, biologists, fisheries, and aquaculture experts and landscape architects. In this study, 60 experts representing different sectors (government, private, and academic) assessed Turkey’s hydropower plants. Results of surveys show that experts rate insufficient minimum environmental flow (75%) and destruction of mountain and riparian forest (51.6%) as the most serious problems related to hydropower plant development; other high-ranking secondary problems include fragmentation and loss of biodiversity (61.7%) and negative impacts on tourism (60%), while negative impacts on wildlife (35%) was the lowest ranking secondary problem.
Exploring undergraduate students’ usage pattern of mobile apps for education
Authors: Wai Iris Shuk Han , Ng Sara Sze Yan , Chiu Dickson K. W. , Ho Kevin K. W. , Lo Patrick
Published: August 2016

In recent years, with the general adoption of smartphones with computing power comparable to desktop computers, mobile applications (apps) have experienced a surge in popularity. However, there are few studies conducted about their educational use, especially in Southeast Asia. To close this research gap, this study aims to provide a current overview of mobile apps usage in higher education. Besides exploring the actual use of apps, the technology acceptance model was applied to examine (1) undergraduate students’ perceptions, which involve perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, towards adopting mobile apps for educational purposes, and (2) their overall attitude toward such adoption. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data from 150 undergraduate students in Business, Education, and Engineering in Hong Kong. The results show undergraduate students use mobile apps frequently to engage in learning activities related to their academic studies, with a particularly focus on communication and collaborative working, accessing academic resources, and checking a dictionary. However, the discrepancies in using apps for academic purposes are not significant between the three faculties. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness has a more positive impact on overall attitude compared with the impact of perceived ease of use. The investigation will help tertiary institutions, library service providers, and educators develop and assess strategic planning for education collaborating with mobile apps. This paper could also give app developers some suggestions for app design based on actual usage and students’ information needs.
Trust Building Recruitment Strategies for Researchers Conducting Studies in African American (AA) Churches
Authors: Bonner Gloria , Williams Sharon , Wilkie Diana , Hart Alysha , Burnett Glenda , Peacock Geraldine
Published: August 2016

Background:

An initial and vital important step in recruiting participants for church-based hospice and palliative care research is the establishment of trust and credibility within the church community. Mistrust of medical research is an extremely important barrier hindering recruitment in African American (AA) communities. A church-based EOL dementia education project is currently being conducted at four large urban AA churches. Church leaders voiced mistrust concerns of previous researchers who conducted investigations in their faith-based institutions. We explored strategies to ameliorate the mistrust concerns.

Specific aim:

To identify trust-rebuilding elements for researchers following others who violated trust of AA church leaders.

Methods:

Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted from a convenient sample of four established AA church leaders. Interviews were held in the informants’ churches to promote candor and comfort in revealing sensitive information about trust /mistrust. Content analysis framework was used to analyze the data. Elements identified from the analysis were then used to create themes.

Results:

Multidimensional overarching themes emerged from the analysis included: Experience with researchers (positive and extremely negative), violation of trust and trust building strategies.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that researchers who wish to conduct successful studies in the AA religious institutions must implement trust rebuilding strategies that include mutual respect, collaboration and partnership building. If general moral practices continue to be violated, threat to future hospice and palliative care research within the institutions may prevail. Thus, potential benefits are thwarted for the church members, AA community, and advancement of EOL care scholarship.
On nonlinear horizontal dynamics and vibrations control for high-speed elevators
Authors: Santo DR , Balthazar JM , Tusset AM , Piccirilo V , Brasil RMLRF , Silveira M
Published: August 2016

In this work, the horizontal nonlinear response of a three-degree-of-freedom vertical transportation model excited by guide rail deformations is investigated. The equation of motion contains nonlinearities in the form of Duffing stiffness for the translational spring in tilting motion of the cabin. In order to improve the comfort for passengers a control strategy based on the State-dependent Ricatti Equation (SDRE) is proposed. Numerical simulations are performed to study the nonlinear behavior of the adopted mathematical model. In addition, we test the robustness of the SDRE control technique considering parametric errors and noise. The obtained results confirm that the proposed strategy can be effective in controlling the response of the system.
Understanding the Limits of Technology’s Impact on Police Effectiveness
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Koper Christopher S. , Willis James
Published: August 2016

Technology has become a major source of expenditure and innovation in law enforcement and is assumed to hold great potential for enhancing police work. But does technology achieve these expectations? The current state of research on technology in policing is unclear about the links between technologies and outcomes such as work efficiencies, effectiveness in crime control, or improved police–community relationships. In this article, we present findings from a mixed-methods, multiagency study that examines factors that may mediate the connection between technology adoption and outcome effectiveness in policing. We find that police view technology through technological and organizational frames determined by traditional and reactive policing approaches. These frames may limit technology’s potential in the current reform era and cause unintended consequences.
Association between change in self-efficacy to resist drinking and drinking behaviors among an HIV-infected sample: Results from a large randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gause Nicole K , Elliott Jennifer C , Delker Erin , Stohl Malka , Hasin Deborah , Aharonovich Efrat
Published: August 2016

Heavy drinking among HIV-infected individuals is associated with health complications. Health-behavior self-efficacy may be characteristically low among this population or negatively affected by HIV-infected status. We assessed whether self-efficacy to resist drinking increased during brief educational and motivational drinking-reduction interventions within HIV primary care and whether increases in self-efficacy predicted drinking among HIV-infected heavy drinkers. Results indicate that increases in self-efficacy from baseline to end-of-intervention inversely predicted drinking at end-of-intervention and at follow-up. Findings suggest that brief treatment interventions within HIV primary care may promote self-efficacy and that increases in self-efficacy predict initiation and maintenance of drinking reductions among HIV patients.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in South African communities
Authors: De Wet Henri , Kagee Ashraf
Published: August 2016

We interviewed 15 South Africans seeking HIV testing to understand the factors that influenced their seeking an HIV test. Reasons in favour of testing included having had unprotected sex, availability of social support if testing HIV positive and modelling test-seeking behaviour to others. Reasons against seeking testing included fear testing HIV positive, the possibility of receiving treatment too late, HIV-related stigma and long distances to testing sites. Participants also discussed ways to increase the uptake of HIV testing, such as workplace testing, the role of the media and the role of cultural rituals such as male circumcision.
An equal marriage retrospective in two voices: Where have ten years taken us?
Authors: Onishenko Dawn M , Erbland Julie A
Published: August 2016

This article represents the reflexive journey of one of six couples that launched a Constitutional Challenge to the definition of marriage. An account of our motivation for marriage deconstructs the experience from two disparate, yet shared, spaces. Using reflection and documentation, we explore multiple truths and realities of what the case, and the ‘right to marry’, meant to us: then, and now – 10 years later. In recounting our story, we expose the embodiment of risk taken by sexual minorities when engaging in activism and claiming heteronormative public spaces. Each with our own epistemological foundation, we explore the pitfalls and possibilities of marriage activism and consider its role as a space of queer liberation. Illustrating how the struggle for equal marriage is situated in the messy notion of what it means to be queer, we posit two narratives as a means of challenging dominant discourse. To research marriage as an objective ‘reality’ is to desexualize and depersonalize queer identity; an autoethnographic account claims the subjective sexual identity and facilitates a discussion of the nuances and complexities of queer lives and choices.

Given the vitriolic marriage debate, documenting and deconstructing our experience is an important element of queer history and praxis. Using reflexivity to explore our individual and collective perspectives and reflect upon how those experiences were shaped through intersection with family, friends, each other, community and society allows us to claim our insider positionality and challenge queer/straight binaries, force conversations about these binaries, and demonstrate how the personal is political.
Examining relationship quality across three types of relationship agreements
Authors: Séguin Léa J , Blais Martin , Goyer Marie-France , Adam Barry D , Lavoie Francine , Rodrigue Carl , Magontier Céline
Published: August 2016

While past studies have measured several indicators of relationship quality in relation to types of relationship agreement, most have not included polyamorous relationships, and have almost exclusively included samples of gay men. The purpose of this study was to address this gap by examining five dimensions of relationship quality and eight dimensions of relationship equity in a sexually diverse Canadian sample (N = 3463) across three types of relationship agreements (monogamous, open, and polyamorous). The data were collected online as part of a larger study. In order to compare relationship types on relationship dimensions, MANCOVAs were computed using age, relationship duration, cohabitation status, sex, sexual orientation, and an interaction term of sex and sexual orientation as control variables. High scores of relationship quality and equity were reported by the overall sample, and scores on all scales did not significantly differ by types of relationship agreements. Overall, these results strongly suggest that these types of relationship agreements are equally healthy viable options.
A unified method to compute limits of acceptability for thermal comfort and indoor air quality at the workplace
Authors: Freda Daniela , Capone Pasquale , del Gaudio Michele , Lenzuni Paolo
Published: August 2016

As a part of their very wide range of applications, international standards also represent an excellent technical support to the legislation on comfort and health at the workplace. The existing standards on thermal comfort and on indoor air quality both include limits of acceptability which strongly depend on the category chosen for the investigated work environment. Therefore, the same situation can easily meet compliant or largely exceed specified limits depending on which category is applied. Unfortunately, no clue is currently provided on how to select the appropriate category, and the end-user is left uninformed. In this paper, we present a method to assign limits of acceptability to any work situation whose thermal comfort and indoor air quality must be assessed. The method extends previous work developed specifically for thermal comfort and is based on an algorithm which takes into account three quantities that provide a comprehensive description of the work environment, the activity which is carried out and the sensitivity of individuals. The scheme’s simple modular structure can easily accommodate both changes and additions, should other hypothetical elements be identified to be as relevant to the classification scheme.
How free is Beauvoir’s freedom? Unchaining Beauvoir through the erotic body
Authors: Shabot Sara Cohen
Published: August 2016

One of the most important concepts in Simone de Beauvoir’s existentialist and phenomenological ethics is the concept of freedom. In this article, I would like to argue that Beauvoir’s concept of freedom is problematic in being strongly constrained by its essentially active character. This constraint contradicts some of Beauvoir’s major ideas, such as the one that considers the body as a situation, as a source of activity and of freedom in itself, as well as the idea of eroticism as one of the most important expressions of authenticity. I will show that Beauvoir’s concept of freedom can appear to be less constrained by the necessity to be inherently active if we look at it through the ‘crack’ provided by her conception of the erotic body as already embodying freedom. Using this ‘crack’, I will attempt to shed new light on the aspects of Beauvoir’s idea of the erotic that are productive for her conceptions of ethics and of freedom.