bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social structure of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) off northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Authors: Augusto J.F. , Frasier T.R. , Whitehead H.
Published: April 2017

Cetacean social structures include fluid and stable elements. Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephalamelas) live in units that interact forming labile groups. In this study conducted off Cape Breton Island, between 1998–2011, we confirm unit membership predicts associations between individuals. We determine how units are structured and interact. We delineated 21 nearly-stable social units, with an average 7 members. For units where multiple individuals are sexed, both sexes are present. Most units showed long-term stability, while one showed evidence of splitting. Three units shared individuals with the largest unit (K, average size = 29). Splitting is likely triggered by size and difficulties maintaining associations between all individuals. Pilot whales face many pressures driving sociality at a range of temporal and social scales producing a multilevel society. While we have produced a more detailed model of long-finned pilot whale social structure, there are still unanswered questions, particularly whether units are strict matrilines.
Individual Differences in Sensory Substitution
Authors: Arnold Gabriel , Pesnot-Lerousseau Jacques , Auvray Malika
Published: April 2017

Sensory substitution devices were developed in the context of perceptual rehabilitation and they aim at compensating one or several functions of a deficient sensory modality by converting stimuli that are normally accessed through this deficient sensory modality into stimuli accessible by another sensory modality. For instance, they can convert visual information into sounds or tactile stimuli. In this article, we review those studies that investigated the individual differences at the behavioural, neural, and phenomenological levels when using a sensory substitution device. We highlight how taking into account individual differences has consequences for the optimization and learning of sensory substitution devices. We also discuss the extent to which these studies allow a better understanding of the experience with sensory substitution devices, and in particular how the resulting experience is not akin to a single sensory modality. Rather, it should be conceived as a multisensory experience, involving both perceptual and cognitive processes, and emerging on each user’s pre-existing sensory and cognitive capacities.
Observation of Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding Interactions in Biosynthesized and Biodegradable Poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] in Chloroform and 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP)
Authors: Sobieski Brian J. , Noda Isao , Rabolt John F. , Chase D. Bruce
Published: April 2017

In this work, we describe polymer–solvent interactions in biosynthesized and biodegradable poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate- co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (PHBHx) and the atactic homopolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (a-PHB), which were studied both as neat polymers and in solutions of chloroform and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). Specifically, infrared frequency shifts of the carbonyl band were observed in semi-crystalline PHBHx, but not in a-PHB, because it cannot form the helical conformation required for crystallization. The carbonyl band of PHBHx exhibited the high frequency associated with amorphous structure in chloroform and the lower frequency traditionally attributed to the helical crystalline structure in HFIP. The same results were obtained for a-PHB, demonstrating that the helical structure is not required for a lower frequency carbonyl-stretching mode. It is proposed that the band shift is due to hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl and hydroxyl hydrogen in HFIP. Therefore, the carbonyl frequency observed upon crystallization is most likely due to hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl and methyl hydrogen of the neighboring polymer chain in the crystal lattice as previously suggested.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Active Gold Nanoparticles Decorated on a Porous Polymer Filter
Authors: Chen Lei , Yan Huiying , Xue Xiangxin , Jiang Dayu , Cai Yuxi , Liang Dongmei , Jung Young Mee , Han Xiao Xia , Zhao Bing
Published: April 2017

In this work, we designed a process to assemble gold nanoparticles onto a three-dimensional (3D) polymer surface, which can then be monitored using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This work is the first demonstration of the assembly of gold nanoparticles on a filter film and in situ measurement with Raman spectroscopy. Herein, a polyhexamethylene adipamide (Nylon66) film embedded in the organic filter film was used as a template to fabricate a tunable SERS-active substrate. A “hotspot”-rich gold-nanoparticle-decorated polymer substrate for SERS was prepared; this substrate exhibited high sensitivity in trace detection of targets. The study was conducted using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as a probe molecule with the aim of comparing the scattering efficiency and the homogeneity of the Raman signal on selected substrates. In addition, we used the gold-decorated polymer film to detect a biotin-avidin complex. The most powerful advantage of the proposed microanalytical device is the in situ SERS application. The 3D nanoporous structures described in this work hold strong potential for use in various applications such as environmental monitoring and biomolecule detection.
Hybrid Muslim identities in digital space: The Italian blog Yalla
Authors: Evolvi Giulia
Published: April 2017

Islam is often regarded as being incompatible with European values. In Italy, for example, anti-Islamic points of view reiterate the religion’s alleged inconsistency with Catholicism and secularism. This article argues that narrative practices can challenge this idea by articulating Muslim hybrid identities that are compatible with Italian culture and society. The second-generation blog Yalla Italia represents a ‘third space’ where young Italian Muslims contrast dominant media stereotypes, thereby creating ‘disruptive flows of dissent’. A textual analysis of the blog and interviews with some of the bloggers reveal that three main topics are employed to overcome marginalization: (1) critiques of mainstream media (2) narratives about family lives and the practice of Islam, and (3) advocacy of a quicker procedure for gaining Italian citizenship. The bloggers adopt a storytelling style to press for social and institutional change and explain how they succeed in adapting Islam to Italian society. Their religious diversity is thus perceived as providing a potential for Italy, rather than being a mark of marginalization.
Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Addictive Behaviors Among Russian and Spanish Youth
Authors: Tsai Jennifer , Huh Jimi , Idrisov Bulat , Galimov Artur , Espada Jose P. , Gonzálvez María T. , Sussman Steve
Published: April 2017

Recently, an addiction matrix measure was assessed among U.S. former alternative high school youth. This presentation seeks to examine the generalizability of findings using this measure among Russian and Spanish high school adolescents. Latent class analysis was used to explore addiction subgroups among adolescents in Russia (average age = 16.27; n = 715) and Spain (average age = 14.9; n = 811). Last 30-day prevalence of one or more of 11 addictions reviewed in the previous work was the primary focus (i.e., cigarettes, alcohol, hard drugs, eating, gambling, Internet, love, sex, exercise, work, and shopping) among Russian youth, and last-30 prevalence of one or more of 8 addictions among Spanish youth (the three drug use items had not been included in the questionnaire for these youths). Results confirmed a two-class model (addicted class and non-addicted class) among both Russian and Spanish adolescents. The mean number of addictions reported was 1.39 ( SD = 1.78) addictions among Russian youth and 1.56 ( SD = 1.68) addictions among Spanish youth. The prevalence of the sample that constituted the “addicted group” in Russia and Spain was 32.2% and 28.6%, respectively. The most prevalent addictions (i.e., love, Internet, exercise) were similar. These results are similar to the findings previously reported for U.S. sample. Latent class structures for addictive behaviors are similar across international adolescent populations. Our results highlight the need to address multiple addictions in health education programming.
Bridging the digital disconnect: Exploring the views of professionals on using technology to promote young people’s mental health
Authors: Clarke Aleisha M. , Chambers Derek , Barry Margaret M.
Published: April 2017

The increasing role of online technologies in young people’s lives has significant implications for professionals’ engagement with technologies to promote youth mental health and well-being. However, relatively little is known about professionals’ views on the role of technologies in supporting youth mental health. This article outlines key findings from a needs assessment survey carried out in Ireland that sought to determine the views of professionals working with young people on the use of online technologies in supporting young people’s mental health and well-being.

A total of 900 professionals from across the education, health, and mental health professions completed an online survey. The findings demonstrate the importance of the internet as a resource for professionals working with young people, with over 98% of those surveyed expressing a readiness to use online resources to support young people’s mental health. The nature of preferred online technologies differed according to professional groupings, however, 63% of overall respondents indicated they would look for help on a dedicated mental health website. Guidelines on working with young people and their parents on the promotion of positive mental were requested with the most frequency. Among the barriers identified were concerns about access to reliable information that was relevant to specific professional roles, and the need for organizational support of professionals’ use of online evidence-based resources. Concerns were also expressed that online resources could replace face-to-face support services for young people, and the need for training professionals in their appropriate use. The results highlight the potential role of technology in assisting professionals through the provision of online training, reliable information, and practical resources on the promotion of positive youth mental health.
Self‐Evaluation of Quality of Life Among Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Validation Study
Authors: Theilla Miriam , Kagan Ilya , Chernov Karina , Cohen Jonathan , Kagan Ilya , Singer Pierre
Published: April 2017

Background: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) can increase survival and quality of life (QOL) in cases of chronic intestinal failure. The present study compares a gold standard—a validated QOL assessment by Baxter et al (hereafter, HPN‐QOL)—with a shorter questionnaire for QOL evaluation (hereafter, New QOL). Materials and Methods: Both questionnaires were completed by 58 patients attending the nutrition clinic of the Rabin Medical Center (Israel). A z score was used to equate means and variances. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson correlation between variances. Stepwise regression was used to evaluate the best value predictor in the New QOL for QOL during HPN. Cronbach’s α was used for internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis was used for structural validity. Results: Results from the sections of the New QOL that relate to the patient’s general health, level of independence, and experience with handling the parenteral nutrition therapy are highly correlated with the HPN‐QOL (r = 0.43 and r = 0.50, respectively). In addition, there was good correlation between the questionnaires with reference to the patient’s social state, mental state, and everyday functioning (r = −0.43, New QOL; r = −0.39, HPN‐QOL). However, the New QOL results show no correlation between the patient’s physical symptoms and QOL during HPN. This was hypothesized to result from the nature of the study population. Conclusion: The results of our new questionnaire are well correlated with the gold standard HPN‐QOL. The New QOL appears to be simple and easy to use.
Does Exercise During Pregnancy Affect Placental Weight?: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Barakat Ruben , Vargas Marina , Brik Maia , Fernandez Irene , Gil Javier , Coteron Javier , Santacruz Belen
Published: April 2017

Placental weight (PW) is a measure commonly used to summarize growth and aspects of placental function. In a normal pregnancy, it is reasonable to assume that PW is related to aspects of the functional capacity of the placenta. The placenta, as the site for all maternal–fetal oxygen and nutrient exchange, influences birth weight and is thus central to a successful pregnancy outcome. PW is the most common way to characterize placental growth, which relates to placental function. With physical exercise becoming an integral part of life for many women, the question of whether exercise during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the growing fetus is very important. The aim was to examine the influence of an aerobic exercise program throughout pregnancy on PW among healthy pregnant women. A randomized control trial was used (registration trial number: NCT02420288). Women were randomized into an exercise group (EG; n = 33) or a control group (CG; n = 32) that received standard care. The EG trained 3 days/week (55–60 min/session) from gestational Weeks 9–11 until Weeks 38–39. The 85 training sessions involved aerobic, muscular and pelvic floor strength, and flexibility exercises. PW and other pregnancy outcomes were measured. There was high attendance to the exercise program, and no differences in the PW at delivery were observed between study groups (CG = 493.2 ± 119.6 g vs. EG = 495.4 ± 150 g, p = .95). A regular, supervised exercise program throughout pregnancy does not affect the PW in healthy pregnant women.
Turnout and social fractionalisation
Authors: Lago Ignacio , Bermúdez Sandra , Guinjoan Marc , Simón Pablo
Published: April 2017

Social fractionalisation has been omitted in most influential cross-sectional studies on turnout, and when it has been included, evidence is, at best, mixed. This article addresses this gap from two perspectives. First, using aggregated data from 22 countries we show that turnout is inversely related to ethnolinguistic fractionalisation, even after controlling for institutional, political and socioeconomic determinants. Second, we rely on data from elections in two multilingual territories, Catalonia and Quebec, to examine both the direct and indirect causal mechanisms for which voting and the sense of duty of vote are affected by the individuals’ aversion to the opposite ethnicity and the relative size of ethnicities. Analyses show that those relatively more averse to mixing with others who are different to themselves have a lower propensity to vote and are less likely to construe voting as a civic duty when they belong to the minority group.
Synthesis, characterization and adsorption studies of an acrylic acid-grafted sodium alginate-based TiO2 hydrogel nanocomposite
Authors: Thakur Sourbh , Arotiba Omotayo
Published: April 2017

Hydrogel nanocomposites were synthesized by solution polymerization of acrylic acid in the presence of sodium alginate biopolymer and TiO2 nanoparticle. TiO2 nanoparticle and N, N-methylene-bis-acrylamide was used as an inorganic and organic crosslinker, respectively. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The nanocomposites hydrogel was used for the adsorption of methyl violet dye from water. The influence of TiO2 nanoparticle, sodium alginate content and grafting on adsorption were studied. The results showed that a pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic was predominant in the adsorption of methyl violet onto the nanocomposite hydrogel. The experimental equilibrated adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite hydrogel agrees with Langmuir isotherm. Maximum adsorption capacity of 1156.61 mg g−1 and adsorption efficiency of 99.6% towards methyl violet were obtained for the hydrogel nanocomposite.
Epoxidation of cyclopentene by a low cost and environmentally friendly bicarbonate/peroxide/manganese system
Authors: Hincapie Beatriz , Llano Sandra M , Garces Hector F , Espinal Diego , Suib Steven L , Garces Luis J
Published: April 2017

The system hydrogen peroxide/sodium bicarbonate/manganese sulfate was used for the first time to epoxidize cyclopentene. Effects of parameters such as type and amount of solvent, ratio of hydrogen peroxide and manganese sulfate to cyclopentene, presence of additives, and reaction time and temperature on the selectivity to cyclopentene oxide were evaluated. Gas chromatography was used to quantify residual cyclopentene and produced cyclopentene oxide using the internal standard method. Type and amount of solvent, addition method, and temperature were important factors to increase the selectivity to cyclopentene oxide. Unlike previous reports on epoxidation of different substrates, additives like sodium acetate and salicylic acid did not improve the selectivity to cyclopentene oxide. One time, single-step addition of hydrogen peroxide/sodium bicarbonate to the solution of cyclopentene/solvent/manganese sulfate produced more cyclopentene oxide than stepwise addition. The maximum selectivity obtained was 56%, possibly due to the high reactivity of cyclopentene that causes the formation of oxidation products different to cyclopentene oxide, which were not detected in the analyzed phase.
Sorption of heavy metals by natural biopolymers
Authors: Efimova Natalya V , Krasnopyorova Alla P , Yuhno Galina D , Scheglovskaya Anastasia A
Published: April 2017

The sorption properties of modified hydrolysis lignin towards Cu[Formula: see text], Zn[Formula: see text], Ni[Formula: see text], Co[Formula: see text] ions in the pH range from 2 to 8 at temperature of 298.15 K solution are studied. The analysis of kinetic curves of ions sorption on modified lignin at pH 7 shows that sorption equilibrium in heterogenic system ion–metal–sorbent is attained in 30–60 min. Obtained results indicate good equilibrium kinetic properties of sorbent. Supposed that reaction between sorbate and functional group of sorbent are the second-order reaction and they interact between each other in ratio 1:1. The character of the obtained electrokinetic curve suggests that the zeta potential of modified lignin strongly depends on the pH. The dependencies of cations metals sorption coefficients on the pH value of water phase are S-shaped. Maximal extraction of studied cations is observed at pH values of equilibrium solutions close to neutral ones.
Solid phase extractive preconcentration of silver from aqueous samples and antimicrobial properties of the clinoptilolite–Ag composite
Authors: Vasylechko Volodymyr O , Fedorenko Viktor O , Gromyko Oleksandr M , Gryshchouk Galyna V , Kalychak Yaroslav M , Zaporozhets Olga A. , Lototska Mariya T
Published: April 2017

Sorptive properties of the Transcarpathian clinoptilolite compared to Ag(I) were studied in a dynamic way. The sorptive capacity value of clinoptilolite under the optimal conditions is 11.7 mg of Ag per 1 g of zeolite. The solid-phase extraction procedure with natural clinoptilolite thermally activated at 550℃ was used to preconcentrate trace amounts of silver ions in aqueous solutions to be finally determined by the atomic absorption method. It was established that the Ag–clinoptilolite composite has a powerful antimicrobial effect against gram-negative bacteria and yeasts as well as affects significantly vital activity of Staphylococcus aureus.
Adsorption–desorption of ethanol on sulfonated resin catalysts for ethyl-tert-butyl ether synthesis
Authors: Vlasenko Nina V , Kochkin Yuri N , Filippov Aleksey P , Serebrii Tamila G , Strizhak Peter E
Published: April 2017

Ethanol adsorption on sulfonic resins of different morphological types, such as gel, macroporous sulfonic resin, mixed sample (1:1 mixture of gel-type sulfonic resin with aerosil) and sulfonic resin loaded on wide-porous mineral carrier was studied using the methods of quasi-equilibrium thermal desorption and quartz crystal microbalance. It has been observed that the faster ethanol adsorption proceeds on the macroporous sulfonic resin and the slower ethanol adsorption on the gel-type one. It is due to different swelling ability. It was found that the transfer of the ethanol molecules through the gel phase of sulfonic resin proceeds by means of the adsorption–desorption mechanism. The ratio of ethanol adsorption on sulfonic resin is one molecule per one acid site. During the ethanol adsorption on the gel and mixed sulfonic resin, one type of adsorbed complex is formed, whereas on the macroporous and loaded samples two adsorbed complexes with different energies are formed. This is probably because of the different localization of the acid sulfonic groups.
Sorption extraction of 137Cs and 90Sr radionuclides from aqueous solutions by MnO(OH) nanoparticles
Authors: Krasnopyorova AP , Sofronov DS , Odnovolova AM , Efimova NV , Yuhno GD , Kogol OS
Published: April 2017

In this study, nano-sized particles of manganese oxyhydroxide (MnO(OH)) are synthesized. Sorption properties of this material towards 90 Sr and 137 Cs radionuclides in the pH range from 2 to 9 at a temperature of 293.15 K solution are studied. The time of sorption achievement equilibrium in the radionuclide sorbent system depends on the nature of sorbed cation, but does not exceed 60 min.
Using the Payoff Time in Decision-Analytic Models: A Case Study for Using Statins in Primary Prevention
Authors: Thompson Alexander , Guthrie Bruce , Payne Katherine
Published: April 2017

Background. The payoff time represents an estimate of when the benefits of an intervention outweigh the costs. It is particularly useful for benefit-harm decision making for interventions that have deferred benefits but upfront harms. The aim of this study was to expand the application of the payoff time and provide an example of its use within a decision-analytic model. Methods. Three clinically relevant patient vignettes based on varying levels of estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk (10%, 15%, 20%) were developed. An existing state-transition Markov model taking a health service perspective and a life-time horizon was adapted to include 3 levels of direct treatment disutility (DTD) associated with ongoing statin use: 0.005, 0.01, and 0.015. For each vignette and DTD we calculated a range of outputs including the payoff time inclusive and exclusive of healthcare costs. Results. For a 10% 10-year cardiovascular risk (vignette 1) with low-levels of DTD (0.005), the payoff time was 8.5 years when costs were excluded and 16 years when costs were included. As the baseline risk of cardiovascular increased, the payoff time shortened. For a 15% cardiovascular risk (vignette 2) and for a low-level of DTD, the payoff time was 5.5 years and 9.5 years, respectively. For a 20% cardiovascular risk (vignette 3), the payoff time was 4.2 and 7.2 years, respectively. For higher levels of DTDs for each vignette, the payoff time lengthened, and in some instances the intervention never paid off, leading to an expected net harm for patients. Conclusions. This study has shown how the payoff time can be readily applied to an existing decision-analytic model and be used to complement existing measures to guide healthcare decision making.
New Metrics for Economic Evaluation in the Presence of Heterogeneity: Focusing on Evaluating Policy Alternatives Rather than Treatment Alternatives
Authors: Kim David D. , Basu Anirban
Published: April 2017

Background. Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) methods fail to acknowledge that where cost-effectiveness differs across subgroups, there may be differential adoption of technology. Also, current CEA methods are not amenable to incorporating the impact of policy alternatives that potentially influence the adoption behavior. Unless CEA methods are extended to allow for a comparison of policies rather than simply treatments, their usefulness to decision makers may be limited. Methods. We conceptualize new metrics, which estimate the realized value of technology from policy alternatives, through introducing subgroup-specific adoption parameters into existing metrics, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and Incremental Net Monetary Benefits (NMBs). We also provide the Loss with respect to Efficient Diffusion (LED) metrics, which link with existing value of information metrics but take a policy evaluation perspective. We illustrate these metrics using policies on treatment with combination therapy with a statin plus a fibrate v. statin monotherapy for patients with diabetes and mixed dyslipidemia. Results. Under the traditional approach, the population-level ICER of combination v. monotherapy was $46,000/QALY. However, after accounting for differential rates of adoption of the combination therapy (7.2% among males and 4.3% among females), the modified ICER was $41,733/QALY, due to the higher rate of adoption in the more cost-effective subgroup (male). The LED metrics showed that an education program to increase the uptake of combination therapy among males would provide the largest economic returns due to the significant underutilization of the combination therapy among males under the current policy. Conclusion. This framework may have the potential to improve the decision-making process by producing metrics that are better aligned with the specific policy decisions under consideration for a specific technology.
Cardiac magnetic resonance based evaluation of aortic stiffness and epicardial fat volume in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and myocardial infarction
Authors: Homsi Rami , Sprinkart Alois M. , Gieseke Juergen , Meier-Schroers Michael , Yuecel Seyrani , Fischer Stefan , Nadal Jennifer , Dabir Darius , Luetkens Julian A , Kuetting Daniel L , Schild Hans H , Thomas Daniel K
Published: April 2017

Background

Aortic stiffness and epicardial fat relate to cardiovascular risk. Their relationship with each other and their role with hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and myocardial infarction (MI) can be evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Purpose

To explore an association between aortic stiffness and epicardial as well as paracardial fat volume (EFV and ParaFV, respectively) in hypertensive patients and to relate the results to the presence of DM and MI.

Material and Methods

A total of 156 hypertensive and 20 non-hypertensive participants were examined at 1.5 Tesla. A 2D-velocity-encoded sequence was acquired to assess aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV in m/s) as a measure of aortic stiffness. A 3D-Dixon sequence was used to determine EFV and ParaFV.

Results

PWV correlated with EFV (R = 0.474; P < 0.001), but not with ParaFV. Fat volumes (in mL/m2) and PWV were lower in non-hypertensive controls compared to hypertensive patients. EFV and PWV were significantly higher in diabetic hypertensive patients without MI (n = 19; PWV: 10.4 ± 2.9; EFV: 92.5 ± 19.3) compared to hypertension-only patients (n = 84 [no DM or MI]; EFV: 64.8 ± 25.1, PWV: 9.0 ± 2.6; P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the presence of a MI and a higher EFV ( P < 0.05), but not with PWV ( P = 0.060) or ParaFV ( P = 0.375).

Conclusion

A relationship between aortic stiffness and EFV was found in hypertensive patients. Both were increased in the presence of DM; however, only EFV was increased in the presence of MI. This may relate to the PWV lowering effect of the antihypertensive medication used by hypertensive patients and underscores the benefit of EFV assessment in this regard.
Temporal Progression of Lesions in Guinea Pigs Infected With Lassa Virus
Authors: Bell T. M. , Shaia C. I. , Bearss J. J. , Mattix M. E. , Koistinen K. A. , Honnold S. P. , Zeng X. , Blancett C. D. , Donnelly G. C. , Shamblin J. D. , Wilkinson E. R. , Cashman K. A.
Published: April 2017

Lassa virus (LASV) infection causes an acute, multisystemic viral hemorrhagic fever that annually infects an estimated 100 000 to 300 000 persons in West Africa. This pathogenesis study evaluated the temporal progression of disease in guinea pigs following aerosol and subcutaneous inoculation of the Josiah strain of LASV as well as the usefulness of Strain 13 guinea pigs as an animal model for Lassa fever. After experimental infection, guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus; n = 67) were serially sampled to evaluate the temporal progression of infection, gross and histologic lesions, and serum chemistry and hematologic changes. Guinea pigs developed viremia on day 5 to 6 postexposure (PE), with clinical signs appearing by day 7 to 8 PE. Complete blood counts revealed lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. Gross pathologic findings included skin lesions and congested lungs. Histologic lesions consisted of cortical lymphoid depletion by day 6 to 7 PE with lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia at 7 to 8 days PE. Scattered hepatocellular degeneration and cell death were also noted in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in other tissues including the haired skin, lung, heart, adrenal gland, lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen. The first cell types to demonstrate staining for viral antigen were fibroblastic reticular cells and macrophages/dendritic cells in the lymph nodes on day 5 to 6 PE. This study demonstrates similarities between Lassa viral disease in human infections and experimental guinea pig infection. These shared pathologic characteristics support the utility of guinea pigs as an additional animal model for vaccine and therapeutic development under the Food and Drug Administration’s Animal Rule.
Dual Burden of Malnutrition Among Adolescents of Smallholder Coffee Farming Households of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Kalkidan , Gizaw Getu , Belachew Tefera
Published: April 2017

Background:

Substantial evidence is emerging on the coexistence of double burden of malnutrition on adolescents of low-income countries, shaping the health challenges of the upcoming adult generation for the worst. Whether nutritional status markers of adolescents in the cash crop setting are on par with economic gains remains uncertain. Thus, we investigated the nutritional outcomes of adolescents and their determinants in coffee farming households.

Methods:

The survey was carried out in 3 top coffee-producing districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty mothers/caregivers and their respective adolescents were selected using multistage random sampling. Anthropometric data were converted into height-for-age and body-mass-index-for-age Z scores using WHO Anthroplus software and analyzed by SPSS for windows.

Results:

Prevalence of thinness, stunting, and overweight/obesity were 11.6%, 15.6%, and 7.1%, respectively. The odds of stunting among adolescents in households in the lowest wealth tertile was nearly 6-fold higher compared to the highest tertile (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.6 [2.6-12]). Conversely, the odds of overweight/obesity was higher among adolescents in the households in the middle wealth tertile (AOR = 2.72 [1.08-6.86]) compared to the highest tertile. Adolescents living in households with low-dependent age-groups were more than twice likely to be overweight/obese (AOR = 2.58 [1.06-6.24]).

Conclusion:

The current study revealed the presence of substantial dual burden of malnutrition. In such a setting, it is critical to draw a fine line and trade-off for eliminating morbidity and mortality of undernutrition, without triggering the risk of overweight/obesity.
Measuring the Needs of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: An Assessment of Current Methodological Strategies and Key Recommendations
Authors: Bangerter Lauren R. , Griffin Joan M. , Zarit Steven H. , Havyer Rachel
Published: April 2017

While dementia caregivers are regarded as a population with high unmet needs, there is little consensus as to how caregivers’ needs should be conceptualized and measured. This article describes how dementia caregivers’ needs are currently assessed in the scientific literature with the goal of suggesting guidelines for the enhancement of future measurement of caregiver needs. A review of 26 articles identified overarching themes within measurement approaches including variation in methodological rigor, proxy indicators of need, dual needs assessment of caregiver and person with dementia (PWD), and third-party needs assessment. We recommend future research dedicate theoretical attention to the conceptualization and classification of caregivers’ needs to build a stronger foundation for measurement. The measurement development process should capitalize on mixed-methodology and follow instrument development and validation guidelines set forth by measurement theory. Reliable and valid instruments are essential to developing services and policies that address dementia caregivers’ needs.
Fabrication of magnetite nanoparticles/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite nanofibers and their application as electromagnetic interference shielding material
Authors: Nasouri Komeil , Shoushtari Ahmad Mousavi
Published: April 2017

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers (FCNFs) have been fabricated to evaluate the potential of FCNFs as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. The scanning electron microscope and viscosity analyses confirmed the presence of good dispersion Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated within the electrospun nanofibers and showed FCNF morphologies with diameters of 150–500 nm. The magnetic properties and electrical conductivity of FCNFs were found to be dependent on Fe3O4 nanoparticles concentration and showed an increase with increasing Fe3O4 nanoparticles loading. The EMI shielding efficiency of FCNFs increased up to approximately 22 dB. The EMI shielding results for FCNFs showed that absorption was the major shielding mechanism and reflection was the secondary shielding mechanism. The present study has shown the possibility of utilizing magnetic FCNFs as EMI shielding/absorption materials.
Smartphone Display Size Influences Attitudes Toward Information Consumed on Small Devices
Authors: Naylor Jamie S. , Sanchez Christopher A.
Published: April 2017

Previous research has suggested that differences in the size of extremely large displays can change how individuals perceive and react to the displayed content. However, are such effects also observed on small screen devices (i.e., smartphones)? Participants read a news article on either a small or a large smartphone display and rated their attitudes toward the material before and after reading. Results indicated that although participants remembered information equally well across the different smartphone displays, the larger smartphone display did produce a larger change in attitude toward the material. These results suggest that characteristics of smartphone design can impact perceptions of the content being viewed, fundamentally changing how one views some information that has been gathered on these mobile devices.
Development of technology of polysulfone production for 3D printing
Authors: Zhansitov Azamat A , Khashirova Svetlana Y , Slonov Azamat L , Kurdanova Zhanna I , Shabaev Albert S , Khashirov Azamat A , Mikitaev Abdulah K
Published: April 2017

This article discusses the results of experimental research on the synthesis of polyether sulfones and the molten polymer filament layering 3-D printing technology. The regularities of influence of the polycondensation conditions in the synthesis of polyphenylene sulfone on the processes of cross-linking, thermal degradation of the polymer at processing temperatures, and 3-D printing were revealed. It is shown that introduction of cardo fragments increases the glass transition temperature and heat resistance of the copolymers, and the elastic-strength properties, due to the increased chain rigidity. It determined the influence of technological modes of 3-D printing by layering molten polymer filaments on the physico-mechanical properties of polyether sulfones.
Impact of sector-based upgrading on home-based enterprises: a case study of Chaisa Settlement
Authors: Mpembamoto Kelvin , Nchito Wilma , Siame Gilbert , Wragg Emma
Published: April 2017

While upgrading approaches have evolved over the years, and often include a focus on improving the livelihoods of people living in informal settlements, there remains little attention or understanding in the literature of how upgrading can influence the livelihoods of residents in informal settlements. This paper examines the extent to which upgrading can contribute to improvement in economic activities, looking specifically at the case of the Chaisa settlement in Zambia, where various upgrading projects were conducted in recent years. It investigates the extent to which this upgrading has contributed to the establishment and expansion of such home-based enterprises as shops, kiosks, saloons and barbershops, as well as its impact on room renting and on livelihoods generally, and discusses the dynamics underlying these improvements.
Stability analysis of virtual passive actuator with time delay and parameter uncertainties
Authors: Cao Xiaoxu , Gu Linyi , Wang Yaoyao , Xu Yihong , Di Qingxun , Cheng Cunxin , Wang Liangchun
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to present a virtual passive actuator which enables the manipulator joint to behave as a desired spring-damper system. When the manipulator interacts with an unknown environment or human operator, huge contact force will be generated with a high-stiffness trajectory tracking controller: to avoid violent collisions, the virtual passive actuator is proposed to diminish the interaction force, and adjust the system stiffness to adapt to the environment. With the mathematical model of the virtual passive actuator, the system’s stable region is determined based on the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. The influence of operation time delay, filter and model uncertainty is taken into consideration. Finally, the virtual passive actuator is incorporated into a manipulator, and validity is verified through a set of experiments. Experiment results show that, with the proposed controller, virtual passive actuator joint deformation is proportional to the external torque, and the proportional ratio is close to the stiffness setting: it can perform dynamic behavior just like a spring-damper system when subject to step external torque.
A metaheuristic approach to solve inverse kinematics of continuum manipulators
Authors: Amouri Ammar , Mahfoudi Chawki , Zaatri Abdelouhab , Lakhal Othman , Merzouki Rochdi
Published: April 2017

Continuum robot modeling is a research topic that focuses on ways to develop kinematic models while respecting some kinematics specificity as well as mechanical properties of such class of robots. The purpose of this article is to present a new alternative approach for solving inverse kinematic models for multi-sections of continuum manipulators. To achieve this work, it is assumed that each constitutive section is curved in a circular arc shape with an inextensible central structure axis. At first, the article presents a solution of an inverse kinematic model for one bending section and details some adopted methodologies, based on the identical inverse kinematic model of parallel robots, used for computation of the links’ length. The latter allows concatenating between multiple platforms to realize a bending section. The inverse kinematic model of the multi-section manipulator is then developed using a modular concept where the endpoint coordinates of each bending section are determined using a metaheuristic method. Finally, to validate the proposed approach, some simulation and experimental studies have been carried out on the Compact Bionic Handling Arm. From this investigation, it was found that the multiple test results show the ability of the developed metaheuristic approach to avoid obstacles and to adopt a real-time implementation with multi-section configuration. On the other hand, this type of concept can enable to model all continuum robots with multiple bending sections.
Crafting alternatives to corporate restructuring: Politics, institutions and union power in France and Canada
Authors: Dupuis Mathieu
Published: April 2017

This article explores how local trade unionists mobilize politics and institutions in the face of threats of restructuring. I focus on three issues: first, how differences in regime types and institutional ‘densities’ affect plant closures; second, power and the social relationships of local actors; and third, contingencies relating to the organizational characteristics of multinational corporations. I compare two workplaces in France and two in Canada in order to explain variations in union strategy, and find that the power resources and strategic capabilities of local unions that were decisive: unions that could effectively ‘invent’ alternative visions for their plants’ futures were most successful in mitigating negative outcomes from restructuring. I conclude by discussing the role of the state in plant closures and how unions can engage in contentious politics in an era of economic restructuring.
Modern pollen from small hollows reflects Athrotaxis cupressoides density across a wildfire gradient in subalpine forests of the Central Plateau, Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Morris Jesse L , Higuera Philip E , Haberle Simon , Whitlock Cathy
Published: April 2017

Pollen assemblages from 50 small hollows were used to resolve fire-caused vegetation patterns in a ~2-km2 subalpine landscape on the Central Plateau of Tasmania, Australia. Sites were characterized by varying abundance of the dominant tree species, Athrotaxis cupressoides, reflecting mortality from a wildfire that occurred 53 years prior to sampling. Sites were classified a priori based on fire-related Athrotaxis mortality as burned (100% standing dead), unburned (<5% standing dead), and mixed (intermediate proportions). Non-parametric analysis of variance and discriminant analysis were used to quantify the variability in key pollen taxa and pollen ratios among burn classifications. The ratio of Athrotaxis to Poaceae pollen was the clearest metric distinguishing among burn classifications. When discriminant analysis was informed with data from the eight most dominant pollen data, samples were classified with high accuracy (0.96–0.98). Macroscopic charcoal concentrations varied widely among sites, but median values were consistent with inferred fire patterns, increasing in abundance from unburned to burned sites. The results support the use of small hollows to resolve fine-scale vegetation patterns (e.g. within 100 m of a site). The discriminant analysis function was also applied to five late-Holocene pollen samples from the study area, to test the potential of these methods to classify samples with unknown group assignments. The posterior probability of assigned group membership ranged from 0.85 to 0.99, demonstrating the similarity of the fossil pollen to the calibration dataset. Our calibration dataset provides a means to classify fossil samples from the region in terms of Athrotaxis cover and fire-caused mortality. This approach could be applied to other regions to quantify disturbance-related vegetation patterns or spatial heterogeneity over Holocene timescales.
The value of metaphorical reasoning in bioethics: An empirical-ethical study
Authors: Olsman Erik , Veneberg Bert , van Alfen Claudia , Touwen Dorothea
Published: April 2017

Background:

Metaphors are often used within the context of ethics and healthcare but have hardly been explored in relation to moral reasoning.

Objective:

To describe a central set of metaphors in one case and to explore their contribution to moral reasoning.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 parents of a child suffering from the neurodegenerative disease CLN3. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and metaphors were analyzed. The researchers wrote memos and discussed about their analyses until they reached consensus.

Ethical considerations:

Participants gave oral and written consent and their confidentiality and anonymity were respected.

Findings:

A central set of metaphors referred to the semantic field of the hands and arms and consisted of two central metaphors that existed in a dialectical relationship: grasping versus letting go. Participants used these metaphors to describe their child’s experiences, who had to “let go” of abilities, while “clinging” to structures and the relationship with their parent(s). They also used it to describe their own experiences: participants tried to “grab” the good moments with their child and had to “let go” of their child when (s)he approached death. Participants, in addition, “held” onto caring for their child while being confronted with the necessity to “let go” of this care, leaving it to professional caregivers.

Discussion:

The ethical analysis of the findings shows that thinking in terms of the dialectical relationship between “grasping” and “letting go” helps professional caregivers to critically think about images of good care for children with CLN3. It also helps them to bear witness to the vulnerable, dependent, and embodied nature of the moral self of children with CLN3 and their parents.

Conclusion:

Metaphorical reasoning may support the inclusion of marginalized perspectives in moral reasoning. Future studies should further explore the contribution of metaphorical reasoning to moral reasoning in other cases.
Military Expenditure, Export, FDI and Economic Performance in Cameroon
Authors: Pacific Yapatake Kossele Thales , Shan Li Jin , Ramadhan Abeid Ahmed
Published: April 2017

To investigate the possible relationship among military expenditure, exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in Cameroon covering the period of 1996–2014, the vector autoregresssion (VAR) model was employed. The results show that military expenditure and the exports are significant at 0.0000 and 0.01 per cent, respectively, and have a positive relationship with gross domestic product growth and the FDI is not significant but has a positive relationship with the economic growth in short run. However, many efforts should be directed towards energy production and infrastructure developments in order to benefit plenty for FDI in the long run for economic sustainability.
Management Controls of Teachers—Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Baid Devesh , Rao S. V. D. Nageswara
Published: April 2017

Teachers are an important determinant of school outcomes, and their behaviour and actions need to be controlled to ensure desired performance. New public management (NPM) and new institutional theory propose that practices used by ‘for profit’ organizations should also be adopted by ‘not for profit’ organizations, which also include schools. Anthony’s (1965) model of management control has been applied to schools but has been found to have loose coupling with outcomes. This article proposes a scale that covers both formal and informal controls and is contextual. Second, it uses Merchant’s (1998, p. 14) ‘objects of control’ framework to develop such a scale for private unaided schools. An instrument has been developed by operationalizing constructs of action controls, result controls, personnel controls and cultural controls. Items were drawn from school effectiveness and school improvement literature. Data have been collected from the 10th class teachers of private unaided schools affiliated to a state examination board in India. The scale has met reliability and validity measures and is found appropriate for future use. The instrument will help school managements understand the extent of control in their schools, which control dimensions to focus on, and how these aspects of control influence other dimensions such as teacher’s satisfaction, role stress and school performance.