bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of analytic hierarchy process in daylighting performance assessment
Authors: Chung TM , Ng RTH
Published: March 2014

Daylighting is beneficial to humans and the environment. Various indicators have been proposed to evaluate its attributes. Studies on the weighting factors of these attributes are, however, sparse. This paper aims to develop a new daylighting performance assessment method by collecting the perceived importance of the attributes from occupants using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on two equally important criteria – visual comfort and electric lighting energy saving potential. The study has two parts. In the first part, a general survey was conducted to verify the attributes affecting occupants’ visual comfort and their acceptance of not turning on electric lights in daylit cellular offices. Brightness on desktop, brightness on surroundings, uniformity on desktop, uniformity on surroundings and perceived glare from windows were found to be the attributes. In the second part, an AHP survey was conducted to examine the weights of importance of these five attributes. The results showed that they were important to daylighting performance in the order of brightness on desktop (31%), perceived glare from windows (23%), uniformity on desktop (19%), brightness on surroundings (16%) and uniformity on surroundings (11%). The findings of this study would help to develop a comprehensive performance-based daylighting assessment method in the future.
Before the flood: Loss of place, mnemonics, and ‘resources’ ahead of the Metolong Dam, Lesotho
Authors: King Rachel , Eoin Luíseach Nic
Published: March 2014

Natural resource extraction projects such as dams and mines entail alteration to or destruction of natural and cultural landscapes. Heritage mitigation efforts often propose compensating for or salvaging material heritage, largely because this can be inventoried and evaluated alongside economic and environmental resources. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is often overlooked, despite the fact that tangibles, intangibles, and economic resources together constitute the impacted landscape. Writing from the perspective of western Lesotho’s Metolong Dam, we view landscape as an embodiment of intangible heritage to explore what ‘landscape loss’ consequent on dam-building entails. We contend that this process involves dissociating intangibles from their material correlates, and transforming landscape experiences by dissolving and re-constituting boundaries and ‘resources’ in line with developer perspectives. We suggest that considering interdisciplinary approaches to landscape theorisation and ICH achieves a more nuanced view of how landscape loss and ICH interrelate, and thus improves mitigatory practice.
Contested spaces: Housing rights and evictions law in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Strauss Margot , Liebenberg Sandra
Published: March 2014

The 1996 South African Constitution is renowned for entrenching a broad range of judicially enforceable socio-economic rights, including the right of everyone to have access to adequate housing and to be protected from arbitrary evictions in section 26. Although the South African Constitutional Court has issued a number of landmark housing rights decisions in recent years, an emphasis on spatial justice remains elusive in the jurisprudence and academic literature on section 26. This is despite the fact that spatial inequality continues to hold profound implications for South Africa’s urban poor. This article analyses the section 26 jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court in the context of the eviction of poor people from their homes in heavily populated urban areas to evaluate to what extent it contributes to the transformation of South Africa’s urban housing landscape by challenging spatial inequality and promoting integrated housing development. The evaluation of the jurisprudence suggests that addressing the spatial consequences of evictions and promoting integrated urban communities remains unfinished business for the development of evictions law in post-apartheid South Africa.
Online Child Sexual Exploitation
Authors: Kloess Juliane A. , Beech Anthony R. , Harkins Leigh
Published: March 2014

This review provides an overview of current knowledge and understanding of the process of sexual grooming and exploitation of children via the Internet. Specifically, the prevalence of online sexual grooming and exploitation is explored as well as associated challenges relating to the identification of its occurrence. This is complemented by a detailed outline and discussion of the process, both online and in the physical world, and legal responses to this phenomenon. A number of factors are examined to provide an explanation of the facilitating and contributing role they may play in offense processes online. Finally, current typologies are discussed in relation to characteristics of Internet offenders in general and “groomers”/chat room offenders specifically. This review concludes by offering suggestions for future research.
Story-Making on the iPad When Children Have Complex Needs
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Messer David , Critten Val , Harwood Jane
Published: March 2014

The two case studies reported in this clinical exchange describe the way in which iPads can foster children’s motivation to engage in communication and literacy-related activities such as story-sharing and story-creation. A detailed description of a particular iPad app (Our Story) is provided, along with observations of the implementation of this app in two special schools. The benefits and limitations of this approach for children with complex language and communication difficulties are identified. Recommendations are provided for future support of children’s literacy-related skills with iPads, with observations made about implementation issues related to the Our Story app.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Huifang , He Hongchen , Li Shasha , Yang Lin , Wang Pu , Liu Chuan , Wei Xiaofei , Wu Taixiang , He Chengqi
Published: March 2014

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have been reported to be involved in the development of many musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA). However, results were inconsistent and there is no definite conclusion regarding the association between any VDR polymorphism and the risk of OA. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether BsmI, TaqI, and ApaI polymorphisms in the VDR gene are associated with OA susceptibility. Literature research was performed using PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies illustrating the association between the three VDR polymorphisms and OA were included, and their qualities were assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Eight eligible studies, recruiting 1626 cases and 2024 controls were identified. Their methodological qualities were generally good, with scores ranging from 6 to 8 points. However, throughout all summary analyses, which were performed for multiple categories and on four contrasts (allele contrast, contrast of homozygotes, recessive and dominant models), none of the VDR BsmI, TaqI, and ApaI gene polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with the risk of OA. On the other hand, there was no significant publication bias. Results from this meta-analysis suggested that the VDR BsmI, TaqI, and ApaI gene polymorphisms might not be important predictors of OA. More studies further investigating these associations, especially taking into account of gene–gene, gene–environment interactions, and other confounding factors are warranted.
Ethanol extract of Liuwei Dihuang reduces weight gain and visceral fat in obese-prone CD rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Nair Sandhya VG , Zhang Junzeng , Wang Yanwen
Published: March 2014

The current study investigated the effect and mechanisms of action of Liuwei Dihuang ethanol extract (LWDH-EE) on obesity and related metabolic phenotypes in male obese-prone CD rats. The rats were fed a high-fat diet and treated with 0 (obese control), 350 (EE350), or 700 (EE700) mg/kg/d of LWDH-EE in water once a day by gavage feeding for 10 weeks. The EE700 decreased body weight after 3 weeks of the treatment and the effect was maintained throughout the remaining study period. The EE700 also significantly reduced visceral fat and improved metabolic phenotypes by lowering the serum total cholesterol (T-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), and leptin levels. The EE350 reduced epididymal fat, serum T-C, and FFA but did not significantly affect other parameters. LWDH-EE dose-dependently increased fat and carbohydrate oxidations, energy expenditure, and the relative efficiency of fat oxidation for energy expenditure. EE350 and EE700 reduced food intake only in week 5 and did not affect the accumulative food intake in every week and the entire treatment period. Taken together, the results suggest that LWDH-EE is a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity possibly through a primary action of increasing energy metabolism and expenditure, along with a possible effect of decreasing energy intake.
Using Correspondence Analysis of Scales as Part of Mixed Methods Design to Access Cultural Models in Ethnographic Fieldwork
Authors: Maltseva Kateryna
Published: March 2014

While most research on cultural models isolates qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this study applies mixed techniques to integrate qualitative and quantitative data to analyze cultural dimensionality. In a sequential research design, the data obtained in qualitative interviews, free-listing, and focus groups are validated by using triangulation method and further formalized to create survey items. Correspondence analysis of multi-item scales is then employed to explore the Swedish cultural model of prosocial cooperation and to represent the dynamic relationship among its facets and different categories of informants. Besides its contents-rich structured output, the advantages of this technique include increased reliability of qualitative findings. The study illustrates applicability of mixed methods to research the patterns of stability and change in cultural models.
Life-long battle: Perceptions of Type 2 diabetes in Thailand
Authors: Suparee Nitima , McGee Paula , Khan Salim , Pinyopasakul Wanpen
Published: March 2014

Background

The number of people in Thailand who have Type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically making it one of the country’s major health problems. The rising prevalence of diabetes in Thailand is associated with dietary changes, reduced physical activity and health education. Although there is much research about health education programmes, the most effective methods for promoting sustainability and adherence to self-management among diabetics remains unclear.

Objectives

To examine the perceptions of participants in Thailand regarding Type 2 diabetes and to utilize the findings to formulate a model for patient education.

Methods

A grounded theory approach was selected and semi-structured face to face interviews and focus group were used to gather data from 33 adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Results

Five explanatory categories emerged from the data: causing lifelong stress and worry, finding their own ways, after a while, still cannot and wanting a normal life.

Conclusion

A new approach to patient education about Type 2 diabetes in Thailand is needed to give patients a better understanding, provide recommendations that they can apply to their daily lives, and include information about alternative medication. The Buddhist way of thinking and effective strategies enhancing self-efficacy should be applied to patient education to promote sustainability and adherence to self-management.
Comment: Constructionism is a Multilevel Framework for Affective Science
Authors: Lindquist Kristen A. , MacCormack Jennifer K.
Published: March 2014

We point out that constructionist models from experimental psychology account for the sociocultural, psychological, and neural levels of analysis in emotion. Individual constructionist models form a “metamodel” that integrates the levels of analysis important to a science of emotion. By clarifying the multilevel nature of constructionism, we hope to help lay a strong foundation for future cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Comment: Growing a Multilevel Science of Emotion
Authors: Robinson Dawn T.
Published: March 2014

This comment identifies and elaborates three assumptions that underlie the proposal made by the Rogers, Schröder, and von Scheve (2014) article. First, our theories of emotion need to take into account, and be consistent with, supported theories of social outcomes and processes. Second, a thorough understanding of affective processes requires investigation at multiple levels of analysis, which in turn requires multilevel theories—or single-level theories that interact well with theories at other levels. Third, our broad understanding of emotion will be served best when we cultivate a field of intersecting and interacting theories of emotion.
Are your IPC policies fit for purpose?
Authors: Cochrane Joan Margaret
Published: March 2014

Infection prevention and control practitioners are well versed in protecting patients from harm. Recent political, public and media attention about unsafe organisations has brought doubts into many minds as to the safety of our healthcare services. Infection prevention and control policies are the mainstay in ensuring compliance with best evidence-based practices, but with many mergers of community and secondary care infection prevention and control teams, policies have to be reviewed and revised to ensure they meet both organisational and patient/employer safety needs. This paper reflects contemporary literature around policy development. It will discuss how to develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive policies that will fit the needs of organisations while protecting their population of employees and patients.
An analysis of acromioclavicular joint morphology as a factor for shoulder impingement syndrome
Authors: Colegate-Stone Toby J , Tavakkolizadeh Adel , Sinha Joydeep
Published: March 2014

Background

The present study aimed to determine whether acromioclavicular (AC) joint morphology was a factor in the development of symptomatic impingement necessitating AC joint excision.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study on all patients undergoing AC joint excision for symptomatic joint pain unresponsive to conservative treatment between 2009 and 2011. This involved 106 consecutive patients (57 women, 49 men, average age 54 years, age range 33 to 76 years). Prior to surgery, radiographic classification of the AC joint was performed producing three main groups: oblique, flat or curved. Pre- and postoperative assessment was performed using the Oxford Shoulder Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire.

Results

A significantly ( p < 0.05) higher frequency of oblique AC joint morphology was seen in the AC joint excision study population compared to the normal population. Postoperative outcome demonstrated no significant difference ( P > 0.05) between any of the three AC joint morphologies.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates a significant association between the oblique AC joint morphology and those patients who develop AC joint pain requiring surgery. Outcomes of surgery were independent of joint morphology, gender or age, with all patient subgroups demonstrating significant improvement by the end of the study.
Intraportal Islet Oxygenation
Authors: Suszynski Thomas M. , Avgoustiniatos Efstathios S. , Papas Klearchos K.
Published: March 2014

Islet transplantation (IT) is a promising therapy for the treatment of diabetes. The large number of islets required to achieve insulin independence limit its cost-effectiveness and the number of patients who can be treated. It is believed that >50% of islets are lost in the immediate post-IT period. Poor oxygenation in the early post-IT period is recognized as a possible reason for islet loss and dysfunction but has not been extensively studied. Several key variables affect oxygenation in this setting, including (1) local oxygen partial pressure ( pO2), (2) islet oxygen consumption, (3) islet size (diameter, D), and (4) presence or absence of thrombosis on the islet surface. We discuss implications of oxygen-limiting conditions on intraportal islet viability and function. Of the 4 key variables, the islet size appears to be the most important determinant of the anoxic and nonfunctional islet volume fractions. Similarly, the effect of thrombus formation on the islet surface may be substantial. At the University of Minnesota, average size distribution data from clinical alloislet preparations (n = 10) indicate that >150-µm D islets account for only ~30% of the total islet number, but >85% of the total islet volume. This suggests that improved oxygen supply to the islets may have a profound impact on islet survivability and function since most of the β-cell volume is within large islets which are most susceptible to oxygen-limiting conditions. The assumption that the liver is a suitable islet transplant site from the standpoint of oxygenation should be reconsidered.
2014 Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutic Update
Authors: Cree Bruce A. C.
Published: March 2014

Rapid advances are occurring in multiple sclerosis disease modifying therapies. Recent therapeutic advances include modifications to improve tolerability of existing products (e.g. interferon beta and glatiramer acetate), development of novel anti-neuroinflammatory medications (e.g. fingolimod, teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate, daclizumab, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab) and investigation of treatments in progressive MS (e.g. natalizumab, mastinib, natalizumab, siponimod). The impact of vitamin D supplementation on the disease course in relapsing MS patients is also being studied in several clinical trials. This article reviews the current state of the field with a forward look to the next phase of MS research that could focus on strategies to promote remyelination and provide neuronal protection.
Gender Studies Course at UG/PG Levels and Gender Awareness Training to Teachers
Authors: Kuruvilla Moly
Published: March 2014

While the UGC is committed to the cause of promoting gender equity through higher education and is in the process of reviewing the existing arrangements in the campuses of higher learning to ensure the freedom, safety and security of girls and women, the proactive role of teachers in solving the problems of gender based violence and other inequalities prevailing in the society is stressed in the article. The author substantiates the need for introducing Gender Studies components at UG and PG levels of education and the need for providing gender awareness/sensitization training programmes for teachers so as to equip them fully to meet the needs of the twenty-first century, especially in the context of ensuring gender justice.
Treatment and outcome of malignant bone tumors of the proximal humerus: biological versus endoprosthetic reconstruction
Authors: Liu Tang , Zhang Qing , Guo Xiaoning , Zhang Xiangsheng , Li Zhihong , Li Xiaoyang
Published: March 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome, complications and survival of the commonly used surgical reconstructions of the proximal humerus after intrarticular tumour resection in our hospital.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2010, 41 consecutive proximal humeral reconstructions using prosthesis (group P, n = 25) or recycled pasteurized autograft combined with non-vascularised fibula autograft (group B, n = 16) were performed.

Results

The mean follow-up was 57.7 months. Fourteen patients (8 patients in group P and 6 in group B) died during the follow-up period, the disease-specific survival of patients in group P was 74.5% at 5 years and in group B was 67.0%. Local recurrences were occurred in 3 cases (12.0%) in group P and 2 (12.5%) in group B. Pulmonary metastases were observed in 4 patients (16.0%) in group P and 4 (25.0%) in group B. There was no significant difference in the incidence of local recurrence, pulmonary metastasis or death of disease. Revisions were indicated in 9 patients (36.0%) in group P and 5 (31.25%) in group B. Thought the incidence of revisions was higher in group P, there was no significant difference in these two groups. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year implant survival estimates, with revision for any reason as the end point, were 80.6% and 68.8% for group P and group B, respectively. The mean MSTS Score was 63.6% in group P and 63.0% in group B. These differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The study could show that prosthetic reconstruction and reconstruction with recycled pasteurized autograft are similar in terms of their local recurrence and metastasis, while the incidence of revisions was higher for patients with prosthetic reconstruction.
The role of exergaming in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Barry Gillian , Galna Brook , Rochester Lynn
Published: March 2014

Evidence for exercise based computer games (exergaming) as a rehabilitation tool for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is only now emerging and is yet to be synthesised. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of the exergaming literature to establish what is known about the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of exergaming for rehabilitation of motor symptoms experienced by people with PD. Seven electronic databases were searched for key terms surrounding exergaming and PD. Data were extracted by two reviewers independently. From an initial yield of 1217 articles, seven were included in the review. Six studies used commercial games with the Nintendo Wii fit platform. The scientific quality of reporting was generally good, however the overall methodological design of studies was weak, with only one randomised controlled trial being reported. Safety: Participant safety was not measured in any of the studies. Feasibility: People with PD were able to play exergames, improve their performance of gameplay and enjoyed playing. However, one study observed that people with PD had difficulty with fast and complex games. Effectiveness: Six studies showed that exergaming elicited improvements in a range of clinical balance measures or reduction in the severity of motor symptoms. Results from the only randomised controlled trial showed that exergaming was as effective as traditional balance training for people with PD to improve the UPDRS II, standing balance and cognition, with improvements in both groups retained 60 days after the training ended. In conclusion, exergaming is an emerging tool to help rehabilitate motor skills in people with PD. Although we were able to establish that exergaming is feasible in people with PD, more research is needed to establish its safety and clinical effectiveness, particularly in the home. The use of commercial games may be too difficult for some people with PD and exergames tailored specifically to the rehabilitation needs and capabilities of people with PD are required for optimal efficacy, adherence and safety.
Optimising the radiolabelling properties of technetium tricarbonyl and His-tagged proteins
Authors: Badar Adam , Williams Jennifer , de Rosales Rafael TM , Tavaré Richard , Kampmeier Florian , Blower Philip J , Mullen Gregory ED
Published: March 2014

Background

To date, the majority of protein-based radiopharmaceuticals have been radiolabelled using non-site-specific conjugation methods, with little or no control to ensure retained protein function post-labelling. The incorporation of a hexahistidine sequence (His-tag) in a recombinant protein can be used to site-specifically radiolabel with 99mTc-tricarbonyl ([99mTc(CO)3]+). This chemistry has been made accessible via a technetium tricarbonyl kit; however, reports of radiolabelling efficiencies and specific activities have varied greatly from one protein to another. Here, we aim to optimise the technetium tricarbonyl radiolabelling method to produce consistently >95% radiolabelling efficiencies with high specific activities suitable for in vivo imaging.

Methods

Four different recombinant His-tagged proteins (recombinant complement receptor 2 (rCR2) and three single chain antibodies, α-CD33 scFv, α-VCAM-1 scFv and α-PSMA scFv), were used to study the effect of kit volume, ionic strength, pH and temperature on radiolabelling of four proteins.

Results

We used 260 and 350 μL [99mTc(CO)3]+ kits enabling us to radiolabel at higher [99mTc(CO)3]+ and protein concentrations in a smaller volume and thus increase the rate at which maximum labelling efficiency and specific activity were reached. We also demonstrated that increasing the ionic strength of the reaction medium by increasing [Na+] from 0.25 to 0.63 M significantly increases the rate at which all four proteins reach a >95% labelling efficiency by at least fourfold, as compared to the conventional IsoLink® kit (Covidien, Petten, The Netherlands) and 0.25 M [Na+].

Conclusion

We have found optimised kit and protein radiolabelling conditions suitable for the reproducible, fast, efficient radiolabelling of proteins without the need for post-labelling purification.
Public Health and Agenda Setting: Determinants of State Attention to Tobacco and Vaccines
Authors: Pacheco Julianna , Boushey Graeme
Published: March 2014

What determines government attention to emerging health issues? We draw on research in agenda setting and policy diffusion to explore the determinants of public health attention in the fifty American states. We find that intergovernmental influence has a strong and consistent influence over state attention to tobacco and vaccines from 1990 to 2010. While national attention to tobacco or vaccines also sparks attention in the states, this effect is smaller than the internal impact of gubernatorial attention and the horizontal influence of neighboring state attention. We find some support that problem severity matters; however, these results are highly dependent on the measures used. Finally, we find no evidence that interest groups influence the attention that states pay to tobacco or vaccines. Our results suggest that institutions play a critical role in explaining government attention to health policy.
Supporting the Needs of State Health Policy Makers Through University Partnerships
Authors: Heller David J. , Hoffman Catherine , Bindman Andrew B.
Published: March 2014

State Medicaid programs and other state health agencies need to monitor and evaluate changes in health insurance coverage, access to care, financing, and the quality of health care delivery. The availability of new financial resources through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is accompanied by raised expectations for such accountability. While state agencies often contract with universities on an ad hoc basis for specific policy projects, fourteen states have established formal state-university partnerships so that their analytic and technical needs can be addressed more readily. After a brief overview of these partnerships, this article provides examples of their projects, which most often affect Medicaid policy, including work on program eligibility, provider payments, and optional benefits. State-university partnerships are working on policy-relevant projects that influence decision making. Like the variation in Medicaid programs across the country, no two partnerships are alike. They thrive in a mix of structures, using different means of contracting, and with varied degrees of data access. All partnerships are interested in building a national network to share innovative practices and projects, spawn comparative policy studies across states, and support the development of new state-university partnerships.
Origins, Mission and Tasks of the School of Thought «Research of Public Policy and Current Public Administration Problems»
Authors: Омельченко  , Omyelchyenko Nikolay
Published: March 2014

The paper concerns the history, scientific groundwork, mission and major development goals of the school

of thought “Research of Public Policy and Current Public Administration Problems”, emerged on the basis

of Administering sub-department of Public administration and political technologies at the State University

of Management. Intellectual capital of the department’s personnel is characterized as the main contributor

to the leading position, gained by the Department in the said field and the source of objective prerequisites

for formalization of this school of thought. The author, professor N.A. Omelchenko, Doctor of Sciences

(History) and the head of the Department of Public administration and political technologies — is hopeful,

that scientific results produced by this school of thought would bу demanded in the public administration

realm and help encourage research activities in the State University of Management and integration of

science and education.
Methodological Basics for Modern Public Administration Studying
Authors: Глазунова  , Glazunova Nelli
Published: March 2014

Urgency of and the need for maintaining the Public Administration and State Policy school of thought are

substantiated; the most important directions and issues of research in the public administration field are

outlined; rationale for deep and comprehensive analysis of public administration process as a system as well

as its essence as a distinct political and administrative phenomenon are given.
Consumer Attitude Metrics for Guiding Marketing Mix Decisions
Authors: Hanssens Dominique M. , Pauwels Koen H. , Srinivasan Shuba , Vanhuele Marc , Yildirim Gokhan
Published: March 2014

Marketing managers often use consumer attitude metrics such as awareness, consideration, and preference as performance indicators because they represent their brand's health and are readily connected to marketing activity. However, this does not mean that financially focused executives know how such metrics translate into sales performance, which would allow them to make beneficial marketing mix decisions. We propose four criteria—potential, responsiveness, stickiness, and sales conversion—that determine the connection between marketing actions, attitudinal metrics, and sales outcomes.

We test our approach with a rich data set of four-weekly marketing actions, attitude metrics, and sales for several consumer brands in four categories over a seven-year period. The results quantify how marketing actions affect sales performance through their differential impact on attitudinal metrics, as captured by our proposed criteria. We find that marketing–attitude and attitude–sales relationships are predominantly stable over time but differ substantially across brands and product categories. We also establish that combining marketing and attitudinal metrics criteria improves the prediction of brand sales performance, often substantially so. Based on these insights, we provide specific recommendations on improving the marketing mix for different brands, and we validate them in a holdout sample. For managers and researchers alike, our criteria offer a verifiable explanation for differences in marketing elasticities and an actionable connection between marketing and financial performance metrics.
Strengthening top-level guidance in geographically hierarchical large scale forest planning: experiences from the Finnish state forests
Authors: Hiltunen Veikko , Kurttila Mikko , Pykäläinen Jouni
Published: March 2014

Different planning approaches conclude to different results. The top-down approach allocates resources efficiently from the top-level perspective, while the bottom-up approach provides optimal results for the lower levels. Integrated approach that combines the elements of these two basic approaches provides compromise solutions for decision makers. The aim of this study was to examine potential efficiency improvements in hierarchically structured large scale forest management through increased top-level guidance. The resulting effects on the acceptability of the plans on the lower level were also studied. Large scale planning typically considers forests owned by states, companies and municipalities. In the case study of the Finnish state forests, alternative country level solutions were generated by combining regional forest plans in different ways. The results showed that the currently applied bottom-up approach, which produces regionally optimal management strategies, did not result in the most efficient use of resources on the country level. However, the new country level solutions did not produce huge improvements in the country level objective values compared to the results of the current approach. Furthermore, if country level efficiency improvements were emphasized more, together with wide approval by regional stakeholders and local residents, new kind of interaction and participation between the planning levels and also between the regions would be needed.
A Liouville comparison principle for solutions of semilinear parabolic inequalities in the whole space
Authors: Kurta Vasilii V.
Published: March 2014

We obtain a new Liouville comparison principle
for weak solutions (u,v) of semilinear parabolic second-order
partial differential inequalities of the form

u
t

-
ℒ
u
-

|
u
|

q
-
1

u
≥

v
t

-
ℒ
v
-

|
v
|

q
-
1

v

(
*
)

$u_t -{\mathcal {L}}u- |u|^{q-1}u\ge v_t -{\mathcal {L}}v- |v|^{q-1}v\qquad (*)$

in the whole space

ℝ
×

ℝ
n

${{\mathbb {R}} \times \mathbb {R}^n}$

. Here,

n
≥
1

${n\ge 1}$

,

q
>
1

${q>1}$

and

ℒ
=

∑

i
,
j
=
1

n

∂

∂

x
i

a

i
j

(
t
,
x
)

∂

∂

x
j

,

$
{\mathcal {L}}=\sum _{i,j=1}^n\frac{\partial }{{\partial }x_i}\biggl [ a_{ij}(t, x) \frac{\partial }{{\partial }x_j}\biggr ],$

where

a

i
j

(
t
,
x
)

${a_{ij}(t,x)}$

,

i
,
j
=
1
,
...
,
n

${i,j=1,\ldots ,n}$

, are
functions that are defined measurable and locally bounded in

ℝ
×

ℝ
n

${{\mathbb {R}} \times \mathbb {R}^n}$

, and such that

a

i
j

(
t
,
x
)

=

a

j
i

(
t
,
x
)

${a_{ij}(t,x)=a_{ji}(t,x)}$

and

∑

i
,
j
=
1

n

a

i
j

(
t
,
x
)

ξ
i

ξ
j

≥
0

$
\sum _{i,j=1}^n a_{ij}(t,x)\xi _i\xi _j\ge 0
$

for almost all

(
t
,
x
)

∈
ℝ
×

ℝ
n

${(t,x)\in {\mathbb {R}} \times \mathbb {R}^n}$

and all

ξ
∈

ℝ
n

${\xi \in \mathbb {R}^n}$

. We show that the critical exponents in the
Liouville comparison principle obtained, which are responsible for
the non-existence of non-trivial (i.e., such that

u
¬
≡
v

${{u\lnot \equiv v}}$

) weak solutions to (*) in the whole space

ℝ
×

ℝ
n

${{\mathbb {R}} \times \mathbb {R}^n}$

, depend on the behavior of the coefficients of the
operator

ℒ

${\mathcal {L}}$

at infinity and coincide with those obtained
for solutions of (*) in the half-space

ℝ
+

×

ℝ

n

${{\mathbb {R}}_+\times {\mathbb {R}}^n}$

. As direct corollaries we obtain new Liouville-type
theorems for non-negative weak solutions u of inequality (*)
in the whole space

ℝ
×

ℝ
n

${{\mathbb {R}} \times \mathbb {R}^n}$

in the case when

v
≡
0

${v\equiv 0}$

. All the results obtained are new and sharp.
A multifactorial approach to linguistic structure in L2 spoken and written registers
Authors: Deshors Sandra C.
Published: March 2014

In this study, I contrast the uses of
Uniqueness of self-similar shrinkers with asymptotically cylindrical ends
Authors: Wang Lu
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we show the uniqueness of smooth embedded self-shrinkers asymptotic to infinite order to a generalized cylinder. Also, we construct non-rotationally symmetric self-shrinking ends asymptotic to a generalized cylinder with rate as fast as any given polynomial.
Venlafaxine pharmacokinetics focused on drug metabolism and potential biomarkers
Authors: Magalhães Paulo , Alves Gilberto , Llerena Adrián , Falcão Amílcar
Published: March 2014

Venlafaxine (VEN) is one of the safest and most effective drugs used in the treatment of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors-resistant depression, and thereby it is nowadays one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Nevertheless, patients treated with antidepressant drugs including VEN have exhibited large inter-individual variability in drug outcomes, possibly due to the influence of genetic and nongenetic factors on the drug pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics. Among them, an increased interest has emerged over the last few years on the genetic and/or phenotypic profile for drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters such as potential predictive pharmacokinetic-based biomarkers of the variability found in drug biodisposition and antidepressant response. The integration of some of these key therapeutic biomarkers with classic therapeutic drug monitoring constitutes a promising way to individualization of VEN’s pharmacotherapy, offering to clinicians the ability to better predict and manage pharmacological treatments to maximize the drug effectiveness. Thus, this review provides an extensive discussion of the pharmacokinetics of VEN focusing in particular on metabolism issues, without forgetting the clinically relevant sources of pharmacokinetics variability (mainly the genetic sources) and aiming on the identification of phenotypic and/or genetic biomarkers for therapy optimization.
Central clearing of OTC derivatives: Bilateral vs multilateral netting
Authors: Cont Rama , Kokholm Thomas
Published: March 2014

We study the impact of central clearing of over-the-counter (OTC) transactions on
counterparty exposures in a market with OTC transactions across several
asset classes with heterogeneous characteristics.
The impact of
introducing a central counterparty (CCP) on expected interdealer exposure is determined by the tradeoff between multilateral netting across dealers on one hand and bilateral netting across asset classes on the other hand. We find this tradeoff to be
sensitive to assumptions on heterogeneity of asset
classes in terms of `riskyness' of the asset class as well as
correlation of exposures across asset classes.
In particular, while an analysis assuming independent,
homogeneous exposures suggests that central clearing is efficient only if one has an unrealistically high
number of participants, the opposite conclusion is reached if
differences in riskyness and correlation across asset classes are realistically taken into account.
We argue that empirically plausible specifications of model parameters lead to the conclusion that central clearing does reduce interdealer exposures: the
gain from multilateral netting in a CCP overweighs the loss of netting across asset classes in bilateral netting agreements.
When a CCP exists for interest rate derivatives, adding a CCP for credit
derivatives is shown to decrease overall exposures.
These findings are shown to be robust to the statistical assumptions of the model as well as the choice of risk measure used to quantify exposures.
Atypical Expanded-Spectrum Hemifacial Microsomia: A Case Report
Authors: Magge Keshav T. , Kim Jacqueline , Rogers Gary F. , Oh Albert K.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To present the case report of a patient with expanded hemifacial microsomia (HFM) that illustrates the complex interactions of these embryogenic factors and to review current theories and mechanism regarding the etiopathogenesis of HFM.

Design and Method

We present the case of an African American girl who was born at full term by cesarean section and transferred to our institution for systemic malformations. Her craniofacial findings include holoprosencephaly, cleft lip and palate, low set and posteriorly rotated ears, flat midfacial features, micrognathia, left HFM with grade 1 microtia, hypoplastic mandible, and a small preauricular pharyngeal arch remnant. Systemic anomalies included ectopic kidney, atrial-septal defect, bilateral hip dysplasia, bilateral humeroradial fusion, bilateral club feet, and bilateral low-set thumbs with the right side also being triphalangeal. Genetic evaluation did not identify a molecular diagnosis or other known syndrome.

Conclusions

Although vasculogenic disruption of the stapedial artery during early fetal gestation has been implicated in the etiology of HFM, the grouping and bilateral findings seen in our patient argue against this relatively simple and localized phenomenon. Instead, such diverse and widespread anomalies in the setting of expanded spectrum HFM seem to support the theory of a disorder in blastogenesis as the cause of HFM.
Triaxial response of clays reinforced with granular columns
Authors: Najjar Shadi S. , Skeini Hassan
Published: March 2014

The response of soft clays that are reinforced with granular columns is expected to be affected by the rate of loading and drainage conditions. The objective of this paper is to bracket the range of loading conditions in the field by analysing the results from 114 drained and undrained triaxial tests that were compiled in a state-of-the-knowledge database. For a given reinforcement condition, the percentage improvement in load-carrying capacity was found to be higher for undrained conditions than for drained conditions. The variation in the magnitude of the percentage improvement in strength with area replacement ratio indicated that, for drained conditions, there could be an upper bound area replacement ratio beyond which the benefits of increasing the area ratio become economically unjustifiable. The database was also utilised to test the validity of the concept of the critical column length. For both drained and undrained tests, results showed clear evidence that the rate of the percentage improvement in strength decreases significantly as the ratio of the column height to diameter increases beyond values of 5·0–6·0 for undrained tests and 7·0–10·0 for drained tests.
Parental Emotion Regulation Strategy Use and Responses to Youth Negative Affect
Authors: Remmes Cara S. , Ehrenreich-May Jill
Published: March 2014

Parental responses to youth negative affect have been associated with social and emotional outcomes in youth. However, the association between such parenting behaviors and essential components of youth emotion regulation is not well studied, especially in youth with anxiety and depressive disorders. This investigation examined the influence of parents’ emotion regulation strategies and their responses to youth negative affect on adolescent-reported emotional awareness and emotional expression in a clinical sample of youth with anxiety disorders. In addition, this study examined the relationship between parent-reported use of emotion regulation strategies and parental reactions to youth negative affect. Questionnaires were completed by 67 adolescents (ages 12–18 years) and by one of their parents during an intake assessment at a university-based clinic. Adolescents had a primary anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis. Results indicated a positive relationship between parent-reported use of suppression and youth report of poor emotional understanding in adolescents with a primary anxiety or depressive disorder. A positive relationship between parent-reported use of reappraisal and emotion-coaching responses to youth negative affect was also found. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed in the context of parental socialization of youth emotion regulation and in terms of prevention and intervention efforts.
Relationship Between Chemokines and Dendritic Cells in Human Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , Queiroz Celso Martins , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: March 2014

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between chemokines and dendritic cells (DCs) in human chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Gingival samples were obtained from 23 individuals with CP, and six samples of normal mucosa (NM) overlapping the third molar were used to control for the chemokine levels. Periodontal examination was conducted. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Factor XIIIa+ and cluster of differentiation (CD)1a+ immature DCs and CD83+ mature DCs. Levels of the CC chemokine ligand (CCL)2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL19, CCL20, and CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)8 were measured in gingival tissues using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory infiltrate, DCs, chemokines, classification of human CP, and clinical parameters were correlated and compared.

Results: The expression of CCL2 and CCL20 was positively correlated with increased densities of CD1a+ DCs. CCL3 and CXCL8 were positively related to the clinical attachment level. CCL3, CCL5, CCL19, and CXCL8 levels increased in the gingival samples of patients with CP compared with NM, whereas CCL20 levels increased in advanced CP compared with mild–moderate CP.

Conclusions: More CD1a+ immature DCs are related to CCL2 and CCL20. CCL3 and CXCL8 chemokines are related to a greater severity of human CP.
Care of Drug-Addicted Pregnant Women: Current Concepts and Future Strategies – an Overview
Authors: Goettler Simone M , Tschudin Sibil
Published: March 2014

This review focuses on drug use during pregnancy and the perinatal period, a constellation that is seen more often. Drug use in pregnant women poses an increased risk for adverse health outcomes both for the mother and child. Care is often complicated by social and environmental factors, as well as psychiatric comorbidities. It is, therefore, very important to provide drug-using pregnant women with optimal ante-, peri- and post-natal care. Health professionals should approach them in a nonjudgmental and supportive way, and provide them with the same care and attention as nondrug-using women. Adequate care requires interdisciplinary teams. Ideally, healthcare providers should be specialized in the care of drug-using pregnant women.
Treatment of Vaginal Atrophy
Authors: Domoney Claudine
Published: March 2014

Vaginal or vulvovaginal atrophy is a widespread but poorly recognized condition of peri- and post-menopausal women. It causes urogenital symptoms of dryness, reduced lubrication, itching, burning, irritable bladder symptoms and painful intercourse. This impacts quality of life and sexual health, but increases with time rather than reduces, as with most other menopausal symptoms. With early identification, treatments can improve these symptoms and reverse the physical changes. However, when embedded, bladder and sexual changes have occurred and these may be more difficult to remedy. Therefore, it is important to educate both healthcare professionals and women about these symptoms and advise on the range of interventions available.
Attitudes of principals and teachers toward approaches used to deal with teacher incompetence
Authors: Cheng Jao-Nan
Published: March 2014

My main purpose in this study was to investigate school principals' approaches to dealing with incompetent teachers and the effects of such approaches. I conducted a survey with 2,180 elementary and junior-high school principals and teachers in Taiwan. The results revealed that, besides
using active approaches of encouragement and assistance, soliciting support from senior teachers to invite incompetent teachers to join their teaching teams to improve teaching skills, and initiating a process of teaching improvement, school principals should also show tolerance with incompetent
teachers. The use of 2 approaches concurrently was found to be more effective than using just 1 approach in dealing with incompetent teachers. According to structural equation modeling, the 3 following approaches should be involved in, and may improve, the effectiveness of dealing with incompetent
teachers: minimizing the difference in principals' and teachers' attitude toward dealing with incompetent teachers; ensuring that there is fairness in the workload allocation for incompetent teachers; and increasing teachers' satisfaction with the approaches used for dealing with incompetent
teachers. Use of these approaches may also raise the morale of teachers and enhance teaching quality.