bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Marketing of New Insurance Schemes and Distribution: An Empirical Study on Indian Life Insurance Sector
Authors: Chaudhury Suman Kalyan , Das Sanjay Kanti
Published: December 2015

Insurance has been an integral part of financial services system and recognised as a cornerstone of a countrys financial health and symbol of progress. Insurance provides for the financial security of citizens and their families. The present paper discusses the role of marketing in insurance distribution of life insurance sector in India as insurance offers a valuable investment advices and serves as an effective step towards both individual and national financial stability. The waves of globalisation have deeply influenced the insurance sector worldwide. Financial globalisation has been strongly supported by globalisation of insurance. With the increase in trade, direct investment and portfolio investment, there has been an ever growing demand for insurance services particularly in the emerging markets. Globalisation of insurance market, as a part of the overall process of liberalisation in emerging and other countries enabled the foreign insurance companies to enter in those countries and benefited both. Triggered by the sound fundamentals in global economy and internationalisation of world markets, several countries turned towards free market regimes in banking and insurance, putting an end to several decadeold state-owned controlled markets. There was a remarkable progress in the Indian insurance industry soon after the acceptance and adaptation of LPG in the year 1991. After 1991, the Indian life insurance industry has geared up in all respects, as well as it has been forced to face a lot of healthy competition from many national as well as international private insurance players. It is also reported by Swiss Re and Munich Re that there would be 20-25 percent growth in life and health insurance market by 2015, particularly in India and China. In this paper an effort is made to study the current status and challenges faced by the life insurance business houses in India.Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) Vol.9(2) 2014; 61-81
The Role of Festivals in Drought-affected Australian Communities
Authors: Gibson Chris , Connell John
Published: December 2015

Event management research increasingly recognizes place embeddedness as critical to success. Less well understood is the significance of the festivals and events sector in places suffering from environmental crises. A major empirical survey of 480 festivals in rural Australia, conducted
in 2008 at the height of the Millennium Drought, elucidates the role and significance of festivals under conditions of extreme environmental stress. It centers on a qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions on the impacts of that drought. Over 70% of participating festival
and event managers indicated that their community had suffered from drought, while 43% cited drought as adversely affecting the organization and management of their event. Impacts varied geographically and by event type (with inland agricultural shows especially hard hit). Nearly half of event
managers also explained how their festival played a constructive role in helping their community cope with drought. Festivals stimulated much-needed economic activity and encouraged "creative frugality" in difficult times. Festivals also fulfilled an important civic emotional and psychological
role in lifting community spirits and bringing communities together in otherwise adverse circumstances. Biophysical extremity is thus both a constrainer and a catalyst for the festivals and events sector in trying social circumstances.
Are All My Volunteers Here to Help Out? Clustering Event Volunteers by Their Motivations
Authors: Lockstone-Binney Leonie , Holmes Kirsten , Smith Karen , Baum Tom , Storer Christine
Published: December 2015

Posed as a question that an event organizer might contemplate in terms of how best to attract and retain event volunteers, this study adds to the event volunteering literature by cluster analyzing volunteers sampled at four sports events using items from the Special Event Volunteer
Motivation Scale (SEVMS). The 28 items were first subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis resulting in four factors (Solidary, Purposive, External Traditions/Commitments, and Spare Time), followed by a two-step clustering procedure and a series of post hoc tests to describe and validate the
clusters. As a result of this procedure, three distinct clusters were formed: the Altruists, Socials, and Indifferents. The Altruists and Socials were primarily driven by two distinct internal factors, which respectively represented the Purposive and Solidary factors. The Indifferents appeared
to be pushed into volunteering by external forces, rather than intrinsic motivations. Validation revealed that the Indifferents were significantly less satisfied with their volunteer experience than the other two clusters and were also less likely to volunteer in the future. Across the four
events sampled, there were distinct patterns of cluster representation, with one event in particular substantially overrepresented by the more negatively inclined Indifferents. The management and research implications of these findings are discussed.
On Positive Psychology of Events
Authors: Filep Sebastian , Volic Ivana , Lee Insun Sunny
Published: December 2015

Although contributions from the disciplines of sociology and anthropology have shaped the foundations of event studies as an academic field of inquiry, contributions from the discipline of psychology have played a minor role in the development of events scholarship. There is an opportunity
for a further development of psychology of events as part of the discipline-based discourse in the event studies field. In this conceptual article, an overview of positive psychology, a study of what makes life worth living, is first presented and the field is critically evaluated. A research
agenda, based on positive psychology theories and approaches, is then presented to the events reader. It is argued that the theories and approaches from this field could enhance understandings of how people anticipate events, enjoy events, and how they acquire psychological rewards and benefits
from event experiences. New directions for research about visitor motivations, humor, and cocreation of events as well as visitor well-being are proposed in the article. The role and the value of appreciative inquiry, a strength-based methodological approach, to inform future event planning
and design is also discussed. It is argued that the contributions from positive psychology could help develop psychology of events scholarship in a meaningful and theoretically informed manner.
Tourism Events and the Nature of Stakeholder Power
Authors: Tiew Fidella , Holmes Kirsten , de Bussy Nigel
Published: December 2015

This exploratory case study examines the power relations among the stakeholders of a tourism event in Borneo. It examines the sources of stakeholder power and the pattern of interdependence of various stakeholders, primarily based on interviews with event managers and stakeholders,
as well as field visits. An analysis of the different types and amount of resource control, dependency, and network centrality resulted in four different categories of stakeholder power patterns—executive, asset based, referral, and diffuse stakeholders. The study also found that resource-based
power was the primary source of power, whereas network-based power was a secondary and supplementary source. The case study revealed that the salience of event stakeholders based on their power was highly variable due to the different types of power that they had. This article contributes
to the literature of event tourism, a typology of the event stakeholder powers in a predominately government-owned music festival, and offered practical suggestions to event management. It also advances the stakeholder power concept within event tourism studies.
Events in the Network Society: The Role of Pulsar and Iterative Events
Authors: Richards Greg
Published: December 2015

This conceptual article argues for a broader view of the role of events in social systems. When analyzed as social phenomena, events can be seen as social actors that have the potential to both sustain and transform social systems. The maintenance of social systems is often reliant
on iterative events, regularly occurring celebrations that tend to confirm social structures. In contrast, pulsar events have the potential to transform social structures. In this sense events can be seen as actors that have important influences on social systems, particularly in linking localized
small world networks with the global space of flows. These ideas are explored through the case of Barcelona, which illustrates the interplay between these different types of events in their total portfolio, and how the extension of ritual in the sense of Collins can also contribute to the
generation of new relationships and practices in the contemporary network society. Barcelona is examined as an eventful city in which the alternation of continuity through iterative events and change through pulsar events contributes to increasing the network effects of events.
THE SMALL SCATTER OF THE BARYONIC TULLY–FISHER RELATION
Authors: Lelli Federico , McGaugh Stacy S. , Schombert James M.
Published: December 2015

In a Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmology, the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (BTFR) is expected to show significant intrinsic scatter resulting from the mass–concentration relation of dark matter halos and the baryonic-to-halo mass ratio. We study the BTFR using a sample of 118 disk galaxies (spirals and irregulars) with data of the highest quality: extended

rotation curves (tracing the outer velocity) and Spitzer photometry at 3.6 μm (tracing the stellar mass). Assuming that the stellar mass-to-light ratio (

) is nearly constant at 3.6 μm, we find that the scatter, slope, and normalization of the BTFR systematically vary with the adopted

. The observed scatter is minimized for

, corresponding to nearly maximal disks in high-surface-brightness galaxies and BTFR slopes close to ∼4. For any reasonable value of

, the intrinsic scatter is ∼0.1 dex, below general ΛCDM expectations. The residuals show no correlations with galaxy structural parameters (radius or surface brightness), contrary to the predictions from some semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. These are fundamental issues for ΛCDM cosmology.
Incidentally Discovered Middle Mesenteric Artery In A Renal Donor
Authors: Abdel Aal Ahmed Kamel , Moustafa Amr Soliman
Published: December 2015

The middle mesenteric artery is a very rare anomalous artery originating from the ventral surface of the abdominal aorta in-between the superior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric artery. We identified a middle mesenteric artery during abdominal computed tomographic angiography in a renal donor patient as a part of his work up. The middle mesenteric artery branched out into ileal and ileocolic arteries, supplying the terminal ileal loops as well as the cecum. The anomalous artery had no effect on patient's eligibility as a renal donor candidate.
A Torted Ruptured Intra-abdominal Testicular Seminoma Presenting As An Acute Abdomen
Authors: Nickalls Oliver James , Tan Char Loo , Thian Yee Liang
Published: December 2015

The susceptibility of the undescended testis to malignant transformation is well documented. The most common location of the undescended testis is within the inguinal canal, with only a minority located within the abdominal cavity. When a testicular mass develops, the risk of torsion increases. We describe a large intra-abdominal testicular seminoma that had undergone torsion, rupture and haemorrhage, presenting as an acute abdomen. A 30 year old man presented to the emergency department with right iliac fossa pain. Computed tomography in the emergency department showed haemoperitoneum and a torted large left testicular mass, likely malignant. The patient underwent laparotomy and excision of the mass. Histologic examination revealed a grossly enlarged seminomatous testis which had torted and ruptured. While pre-operative imaging diagnosis of an intra-abdominal testicular seminoma has been published, reports are few. To the best of the author's knowledge pre-operative imaging diagnosis of a malignant testicular mass with torsion and intra-abdominal haemorrhage presenting as an acute abdomen has not been described before.
MicroRNA-34a Negatively Regulates Efferocytosis by Tissue Macrophages in Part via SIRT1
Authors: McCubbrey Alexandra L. , Nelson Joshua D. , Stolberg Valerie R. , Blakely Pennelope K. , McCloskey Lisa , Janssen William J. , Freeman Christine M. , Curtis Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2015

Apoptotic cell (AC) clearance (efferocytosis) is an evolutionarily conserved process essential for immune health, particularly to maintain self-tolerance. Despite identification of many recognition receptors and intracellular signaling components of efferocytosis, its negative regulation remains incompletely understood and has not previously been known to involve microRNAs (miRs). In this article, we show that miR-34a (gene ID 407040), well recognized as a p53-dependent tumor suppressor, mediates coordinated negative regulation of efferocytosis by resident murine and human tissue macrophages (Mø). The miR-34a expression varied greatly between Mø from different tissues, correlating inversely with their capacity for AC uptake. Transient or genetic knockdown of miR-34a increased efferocytosis, whereas miR-34a overexpression decreased efferocytosis, without altering recognition of live, necrotic, or Ig-opsonized cells. The inhibitory effect of miR-34a was mediated both by reduced expression of Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase known to recognize AC, and of the deacetylase silent information regulator T1, which had not previously been linked to efferocytosis by tissue Mø. Exposure to AC downregulated Mø miR-34a expression, resulting in a positive feedback loop that increased subsequent capacity to engulf AC. These findings demonstrate that miR-34a both specifically regulates and is regulated by efferocytosis. Given the ability of efferocytosis to polarize ingesting Mø uniquely and to reduce their host-defense functions, dynamic negative regulation by miR-34a provides one means of fine-tuning Mø behavior toward AC in specific tissue environments with differing potentials for microbial exposure.
Epitope-Specific Evolution of Human B Cell Responses to Borrelia burgdorferi VlsE Protein from Early to Late Stages of Lyme Disease
Authors: Jacek Elzbieta , Tang Kevin S. , Komorowski Lars , Ajamian Mary , Probst Christian , Stevenson Brian , Wormser Gary P. , Marques Adriana R. , Alaedini Armin
Published: December 2015

Most immunogenic proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, are known or expected to contain multiple B cell epitopes. However, the kinetics of the development of human B cell responses toward the various epitopes of individual proteins during the course of Lyme disease has not been examined. Using the highly immunogenic VlsE as a model Ag, we investigated the evolution of humoral immune responses toward its immunodominant sequences in 90 patients with a range of early to late manifestations of Lyme disease. The results demonstrate the existence of asynchronous, independently developing, Ab responses against the two major immunogenic regions of the VlsE molecule in the human host. Despite their strong immunogenicity, the target epitopes were inaccessible to Abs on intact spirochetes, suggesting a lack of direct immunoprotective effect. These observations document the association of immune reactivity toward specific VlsE sequences with different phases of Lyme disease, demonstrating the potential use of detailed epitope mapping of Ags for staging of the infection, and offer insights regarding the pathogen’s possible immune evasion mechanisms.
Expression of Early Growth Response Gene-2 and Regulated Cytokines Correlates with Recovery from Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Authors: Doncel-Pérez Ernesto , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Pareja Eduardo , García-Forcada Ángel , Villar Margarita , Tobes Raquel , Romero Ganuza Francisco , Vila del Sol Virginia , Ramos Ricardo , Fernández de Mera Isabel G. , de la Fuente José
Published: December 2015

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. The goal of this research was the identification of biomarkers associated with recovery from GBS. In this study, we compared the transcriptome of PBMCs from a GBS patient and her healthy twin to discover possible correlates of disease progression and recovery. The study was then extended using GBS and spinal cord injury unrelated patients with similar medications and healthy individuals. The early growth response gene-2 (EGR2) was upregulated in GBS patients during disease recovery. The results provided evidence for the implication of EGR2 in GBS and suggested a role for EGR2 in the regulation of IL-17, IL-22, IL-28A, and TNF-β cytokines in GBS patients. These results identified biomarkers associated with GBS recovery and suggested that EGR2 overexpression has a pivotal role in the downregulation of cytokines implicated in the pathophysiology of this acute neuropathy.
Anthropometry of arm: nutritional risk indicator in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Salvioni Cristina Cleide dos Santos , Stanich Patricia , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle , Orsini Marco
Published: December 2015

The aim of the paper is to examine the correlation between clinical data, nutritional, respiratory and functional parameters in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is a descriptive study of 111 ALS patients [91 spinal onset (GS) and 20 bulbar onset (GB)] carried on using nutritional and respiratory parameters and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS). ALSFRS was analyzed in the main domains (D1, D2 and D3). Forced vital capacity and anthropometric measurements, there was significant association for GS and GB, and in GS there was positive correlation with midarm circumference (MAC) (r=0.30; P=0.020), midarm muscle circumference (r=0.29; P=0.026), arm muscle area (r=0.28; P=0.033) and protein-caloric malnutrition score (r=0.27; P=0.039), while for GB only with body weight (r=0.64; P=0.024). On correlation of nutritional parameters and ALSFRS for GS patients we observed that MAC and %MAC presented positive association with both issues of D1 and D2. For GB, the total score in addition to correlate positively with anthropometric parameters related to lean body mass also presented negative association with a parameter associated with body fat. In summary, it is suggested that the application of anthropometry of arm could be useful in routine monitoring of ALS patients.
The influence of fear of falling on orthostatic postural control: a systematic review
Authors: De Souza Nélio Silva , Martins Ana Carolina Gomes , Alexandre Dângelo J.A. , Orsini Marco , Bastos Victor Hugo Do Vale , Leite Marco Antônio A. , Teixeira Silmar , Velasques Bruna , Ribeiro Pedro , Bittencourt Juliana , Matta André Palma da Cunha , Filho Pedro Moreira
Published: December 2015

Posture is a complex sensory-motor behavior that can be influenced by the fear of falling (FoF) during environmental changes. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of FoF on orthostatic postural control in healthy individuals by a systematic review. Thirteen articles were selected. Some other articles (31 references) were used to contextualize and discuss the topic. Studies in the environment made changes on the environment, in which participants were positioned in high hydraulic platforms at different heights, showed a decrease in the center of pressure in the anteroposterior oscillation where the platform was higher. This change in postural control strategy and the FoF are correlated. It can modulate the activity of the muscle spindle (H-reflex) and probably induce postural freezing phenomenon (anticipated postural anxiety). We can conclude that further studies are needed to understand the physiological mechanisms involved in FoF and its relation to changes in postural control strategy.
The behavior of migraine in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vilaça Celmir De Oliveira , Araujo Leite Marco Antonio , De Souza Jano Alves , Orsini Marco , Pereira João Santos , Amaral Clayton
Published: December 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic systems in the central nervous system. In migraine it is supposed to occur hyperactivation of central dopaminergic pathways. We verified the hypothesis of improved migraine in patients who manifest PD. We evaluated 109 patients with PD over 40 years (57 men and 52 women) about the presence throughout the life of migraine, as well as the possibility of improvement in migraine after the onset of motor symptoms of PD. This group was compared to a control group of 152 people (41 men and 152 women) without PD regarding the presence of migraine and its improvement. Twenty-one patients manifested migraine in the group with PD (16 women and 5 men) in which 13 reported improvement in migraine after the onset of symptoms of PD. Among the controls, 37 interviewed had migraine history (32 women and 5 men) among which 20 showed improvement. There was no significant difference when comparing the two groups (χ21:0,05=0.337; P<0.382). We were unable to relate the improvement of migraine with the emergence of PD motor signs, despite the degeneration of dopaminergic pathways of the central nervous system.
Adherence of Academic Radiologists in a Non-English Speaking Imaging Center to the BI-RADS Standards of Reporting Breast MRI
Authors: Sefidbakht Sepideh , Jalli Reza , Izadpanah Ensieh
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

To assess the adherence of academic radiologists in a university center to BI-RADS lexicon (BLA) and to evaluate the structural completeness of breast MRI reports.

Materials and Methods:

Breast MRI reports made during 2012 in a single academic center by six readers were scored for formal completeness (FS) including recording the MRI protocol, making relevant clinical correlation, and describing background enhancement; BLA including mass rather than lesion, describing lesion outline, enhancement characteristics, and dynamic curve; and also expressing the final conclusion using BLA, resulting in a maximal total score of 8. FS and BLA were correlated with reader characteristics including breast imaging background, years of academic experience, and number of breast MRIs reported yearly. Tests used for statistical analysis were the Mann–Whitney U test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

Overall BLA was 38.9%. This percentage was 60.1% and 3.7% in radiologists with and without breast imaging background, respectively (P = 0.000). Mean FS among all readers was 3.81 ± 1.75. This score was 2.54 ± 1.1 for readers without breast imaging background and 4.6 ± 1.6 for the readers regularly involved in breast imaging (P = 0.000).

Conclusions:

Higher degree of BLA and higher mean FS were associated with radiologists regularly involved in breast imaging. No association was found with years of academic experience or number of breast MRIs interpreted yearly.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of a Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumor
Authors: Kang Suhai , Guo Aitao , Wang Haiyi , Ma Lu , Xie Zongyu , Li Jinglong , Tonge Xinyuan , Ye Huiyi
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To retrospectively determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can help differentiate a juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JCT) from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Materials and Methods:

Eight patients with JCTs and 24 patients with pathologically proven ccRCC were included for image analysis. All patients underwent unenhanced MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), in- and opposed-phase imaging, and fat-suppressed preliver acquisitions with volume acceleration sequences were performed before enhancement. After the administration of contrast, dynamic imaging was performed in the corticomedullary, nephrographic, and excretory phases. Student's t-test, t′-test, Chi-square test, and nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis H-test were used to determine the significance of the difference between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity of the MRI findings were calculated.

Results:

In patients with a JCT, a cystic part of the lesion of <10%, isointensity or mild hyperintensity on T2WI, heterogeneous hyperintensity on DWI, less signal drop (<10%) in in- and opposed-phase imaging, and a degree of enhancement <200% in the corticomedullary phase showed statistically significant differences compared with those of ccRCC (P < 0.05). After combining a lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value (heterogeneous hyperintensity) on DWI and a degree of enhancement <200% in the corticomedullary phase using a parallel test, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.9% and 91.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Isointensity or mild hyperintensity on T2WI, a lower ADC value (heterogeneous hyperintensity) on DWI, and a degree of enhancement <200% in the corticomedullary phase are the major MRI findings for JCTs, combined with relative clinical manifestations and excluding other renal masses. A main solid tumor, less signal drop (<10%) in in- and opposed-phase imaging, and a less-washout pattern of <10% in the delayed phase are secondary MRI findings for JCTs.
Activities of Daily Living in Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor
Authors: Demers Catherine , Gélinas Isabelle , Carret Anne-Sophie
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE. This cross-sectional, descriptive study evaluated the performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) of youth and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT) and explored associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHOD. Thirty-six participants were examined using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to evaluate their quality of ADL task performance and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF–12) to evaluate HRQoL.

RESULTS. Participants had significantly lower performance in ADLs compared with age norms (p < .05), and their functional level was positively associated with the SF–12 Physical (r 2 = .5) and Mental (r 2 = .3) scales.

CONCLUSION. Participants had significant limitations in both motor and process skills, which affected their performance in ADLs. Study results emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and rehabilitation services aimed at improving the functional level and HRQoL of BT survivors.
Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Frequency Modulation Devices in Improving Academic Outcomes in Children With Auditory Processing Difficulties
Authors: Reynolds Stacey , Miller Kuhaneck Heather , Pfeiffer Beth
Published: December 2015

This systematic review describes the published evidence related to the effectiveness of frequency modulation (FM) devices in improving academic outcomes in children with auditory processing difficulties. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards were used to identify articles published between January 2003 and March 2014. The Cochrane Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, Study Design approach and the American Occupational Therapy Association process forms were used to guide the article selection and evaluation process. Of the 83 articles screened, 7 matched the systematic review inclusion criteria. Findings were consistently positive, although limitations were identified. Results of this review indicate moderate support for the use of FM devices to improve children’s ability to listen and attend in the classroom and mixed evidence to improve specific academic performance areas. FM technology should be considered for school-age children with auditory processing impairments who are receiving occupational therapy services to improve functioning in the school setting.
Postoperative Therapy for Chronic Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint Dislocation
Authors: Wollstein Ronit , Michael Dafna , Harel Hani
Published: December 2015

Surgical arthroplasty of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis is commonly performed. Postoperative therapeutic protocols aim to improve range of motion and function of the revised thumb. We describe a case in which the thumb CMC joint had been chronically dislocated before surgery, with shortening of the soft-tissue dynamic and static stabilizers of the joint. The postoperative protocol addressed the soft tissues using splinting and exercises aimed at lengthening and strengthening these structures, with good results. It may be beneficial to evaluate soft-tissue tension and the pattern of thumb use after surgery for thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis to improve postoperative functional results.
Why Has So Little Progress Been Made in the Practice of Occupational Therapy in Relation to Sexuality?
Authors: Mc Grath Margaret , Sakellariou Dikaios
Published: December 2015

Despite recognition of the rights of disabled people to sexuality, occupational therapists continue to not address sexuality in practice. This failure can be understood as a consequence of social discourses relating to sexuality and disability and a professional discourse that values certain occupations over others. Given the importance of sexuality to the human experience and the evidence of the link between the opportunity for sexual expression and well-being, occupational therapists need to change their practice in relation to sexuality and disability. One method of achieving this change may be to adopt a rights-based approach to sexuality and disability. This article presents the possibilities offered by such an approach, discusses implications for occupational therapy practitioners, and proposes suggestions for future actions to ensure that the rights of disabled people to sexuality are embedded in occupational therapy practice.
Sensory Processing Patterns in Children Born Very Preterm
Authors: Crozier Stephanie C. , Goodson Jennifer Z. , Mackay Margot L. , Synnes Anne R. , Grunau Ruth E. , Miller Steven P. , Zwicker Jill G.
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE. We describe the prevalence and type of sensory processing differences in children born very preterm and determine associations with neonatal risk factors.

METHOD. We assessed sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile in a retrospective cohort of 160 children age 4 yr born very preterm (≤32 wk gestational age). Data analyses included descriptive statistics to describe the prevalence of sensory processing patterns and logistic regression to examine associations with neonatal risk factors.

RESULTS. Almost half of our cohort (46%) exhibited atypical sensory processing patterns. Lower Apgar scores (p = .03) and longer length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; p = .02) independently predicted atypical sensory processing patterns.

CONCLUSION. Children born very preterm are at increased risk for sensory processing differences, which are associated with perinatal risk factors and length of stay in the NICU. Routine evaluation for sensory processing differences of children born preterm is recommended.
Population Health and Occupational Therapy
Authors: Braveman Brent
Published: December 2015

Occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in improving the health of populations through the development of occupational therapy interventions at the population level and through advocacy to address occupational participation and the multiple determinants of health. This article defines and explores population health as a concept and describes the appropriateness of occupational therapy practice in population health. Support of population health practice as evidenced in the official documents of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the relevance of population health for occupational therapy as a profession are reviewed. Recommendations and directions for the future are included related to celebration of the achievements of occupational therapy practitioners in the area of population health, changes to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and educational accreditation standards, and the importance of supporting, recognizing, rewarding, and valuing occupational therapy practitioners who assume roles in which direct care is not their primary function.
Autobiographical Memory Specificity and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Van Den Broeck Kris , Claes Laurence , Pieters Guido , Berens Ann , Raes Filip
Published: December 2015

It has been suggested that patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) use a variety of maladaptive affect-regulation strategies, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Another, cognitive manner considered to regulate negative affect, is overgeneral memory (OGM). OGM refers to the tendency to recall categories of events, rather than specific episodes. OGM is frequently observed in depressed and traumatised patients. Contrary to the expectations, patients with BPD only inconsistently show OGM. This study investigated how NSSI and OGM relate to each other in BPD patients. Based on earlier findings (Startup et al., 2001), we hypothesized that NSSI and OGM would be inversely related. Fifty three BPD patients completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, the Autobiographical Memory Test to assess OGM, and the Self-Injury Questionnaire – Treatment Related (SIQ-TR) to assess NSSI. We found no significant differences in OGM between patients with and without NSSI. However, we found that participants who used more NSSI methods showed less OGM, but this association disappeared when we controlled for age. We propose a balance-model of affect-regulation as one possible explanation for the negative relationship between these two affect-regulation strategies.
FLEXIBLE OIL SENSORS BASED ON MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBE–FILLED ISOPRENE ELASTOMER COMPOSITES
Authors: Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Thomas Sabu , Krupa Igor , AlMa'adeed Mariam Al-Ali
Published: December 2015

Oil spills due to either accidents or deliberate oily discharges cause severe pollution and can be thwarted if proper detection facilities are applied. This article reports new flexible oil sensor capabilities of three different elastomer (natural rubber, butyl rubber, and styrene–isoprene–styrene copolymer) composites of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). We highlight the sensor manufacturing by simple means of solution mixing, and the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in the elastomers is substantiated with the help of morphology and structural analyses. Electrical percolation and semiconductor characteristics were also examined for composites. The developed materials show better oil sensing above the percolation level, and the filler–polymer interfacial interaction is the main factor regulating the oil-detecting capability. The efficiency of the sensors was also tested after many instances of bending.
Implications of Climate Change on Water Resource Management in Megacities in Developing Countries: Mexico City Case Study
Authors: Gloria Soto-Montes , Marina Herrera-Pantoja
Published: December 2015

More than half of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas. The fastest growing megacities are occurring mainly in developing countries, where stresses on water systems already pose major challenges for governments and water utilities. Climate change is expected to further burden water resource management, putting at risk governments’ ability to guarantee secure supplies and sustainable development. In this study, the significance of assessing the implications of climate change on water resources in megacities as an important component of the adaptation process is explored. The Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA), one of the largest cities in the world, is presented as a case study. The downscaled outputs of the General Circulation Model GFDLCM2a for the A1B and B1 gas emissions scenarios for the period 2046–2081 and a statistical model were used to simulate the likely impacts of climate change in water resources and domestic water demand. The results showed that an increase in temperature and changes in precipitation patterns could increase household water demand for both scenarios, between 0.8% and 6.3% in the MCMA. The future projections also estimated increases of 150% and 200% in events with rainfall intensity of more than 60 mm d-1 and 70 mm d-1 respectively, drawing attention to the critical impacts these changes may have on flood events. Despite the uncertainty of models projections, future climate change scenarios have proven to be a flexible guide to identify vulnerabilities of water resources and support strategic adaptation planning. In order to increase their adaptive capacity and resilience to the effects of an uncertain climate change, megacities should consider implementing an integrated water resources management approach that creates opportunities through adequate policies, new technologies, flexible frameworks and innovative actions. 
The Direct and Combined Effects of Training on Hotel Performance
Authors: García Dolores , Tugores María
Published: December 2015

The role of human capital variables in the economic performance of agents has been widely analysed in the economics literature. In the field of tourism, various studies have addressed these relationships. However, studies focusing on the direct impact of human capital on firm performance in the industry are scarce. This paper analyses the determinants of the economic performance of firms for a representative sample of hotels in Majorca, focusing on human capital aspects, and on-the-job training in particular. Several measures are used to capture different aspects of the hotels' performance. The results show that, while several human capital variables help to explain performance to a certain extent, training stands out, both by itself and in combination with the innovation and category variable. Interestingly, training and innovative investments behave as complementary or substituting factors depending on the nature of innovations. On the other hand, returns from training decrease with the rise of hotel category.
Tourism Demand Analysis of Chinese Arrivals in Thailand
Authors: Untong Akarapong , Ramos Vicente , Kaosa-Ard Mingsarn , Rey-Maquieira Javier
Published: December 2015

This paper analyses Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand during the last 25 years using various quantitative techniques. The number of Chinese tourists in Thailand has been increasing for two decades but since 2009 the trend has been particularly dramatic, with a 56.84% annual growth rate. The study found an increase of seasonality, but arrivals showed the same yearly pattern. Income elasticity indicates that Thailand will continue to benefit from China's economic growth. In addition, Chinese tourists respond less to a change in Thailand's prices than to changes in competitors' prices. In 2017, Chinese arrivals are forecast to reach 7.9 million with an annual growth rate of 19.98% since 2013. Therefore, Thailand should focus on capacity preparation for this market growth while monitoring the policies of its major competitors in the China outbound market.
Analysis of Core Stakeholder Behaviour in the Tourism Community Using Economic Game Theory
Authors: Yang Zhenzhi , Shi Hong , Yang Dan , Ren Xuanyu , Cai Yinchun
Published: December 2015

In a Nash equilibrium, every participant's strategy is the optimal reaction to the strategies of others. Based on economic theory, this paper analyses core stakeholders' behaviour in the tourism community at Qingcheng Mountain, Chengdu, China. Taking taxation, land prices and employment as the payoffs, and the local government, the community and the investors as the players, the incomplete information static game model is applied to outline the stakeholders' behaviour. The paper also examines who benefits the most and who occupies a dominant position. The results indicate that the game strategy of residents in Qingcheng Mountain is influenced by the investors. The influence of the investors is also crucial in the decision making mechanism of the tourism community to maintain sustainable tourism development.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 8, No. 1
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: December 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2016.
The Impact of Government Expenditures on Economic Growth in Jordan (1980-2013)
Authors: Al-Fawwaz Torki M.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study is to measure the impact of government expenditures on economic growth in Jordan during the period between 1980-2013. To achieve the goal of this study, the multiple linear regression model, linking the study variables was used. Then, the model was analyzed using the OLS model. The results indicate that there is a positive impact for both total government expenditure and current government expenditure on economic growth. This result supports the Keynesian model. Based on the findings of the empirical analysis, the study recommends that capital government expenditure should be directed mainly to current productive economic activities in order to stimulate activities in the economic sectors.
Analyzing the Downside Risk of Exchange-Traded Funds: Do the Volatility Estimators Matter?
Authors: Wang Jying-Nan , Chen Lu-Jui , Liu Hung-Chun , Hsu Yuan-Teng
Published: December 2015

This paper aims to propose the augmented GJR-GARCH (GJR-GARCHM) model that extends the GJR-GARCH model by comprising overnight returns volatility (ONV), daily high-low prices range (PK), and fear index (VIX) as explanatory variables for the GJR’s variance equation, respectively. The proposed models are used to estimate the daily value-at-risk values and evaluate their downside risk management performance for the SPDRs covering the period from 2009 to 2014. Empirical results show that the GJR-GARCHM model outperforms the GJR-GARCH model for most cases, suggesting that the GJR-GARCH-based VaR forecasts can be moderately improved with the additional information embodied in the ONV, PK and VIX volatility estimators. In addition, daily high-low prices range and VIX are far more informative than the overnight volatility estimator for improving the GJR-GARCH-based VaR forecasts. Risk managers can employ the proposed models for estimating and controling the potential loss of ETFs in the face of financial catastrophes.
Effect of Education and Training, Discipline Working and Job Satisfaction of Members of the Organization of Work Performance Bonding Kindergarten Teacher Indonesia (IGTKI) SUB Krembung
Authors: Wardoyo Dewi Tri Wijayati
Published: December 2015

This research attempts to know if there are no influence or between education and training discipline of work and the satisfaction work simultaneously and partial achievement work against member organization of IGTKI Krembung Distric. The population of this study is all member organization of IGTKI Krembung Distric and sample 98 employees. An instrument data collection is the questionnaire, and data analysis technique available for analysis is linear regression worship of idols with the program statistic spss.

This research result indicates that the education and training, discipline of work and the satisfaction of work achievement of work affecting employees simultaneously and partial.proven the analysis that shows the education and training that the value of work is 2,444 t-test 0,016 with a sig value so (0,016 &< 0.05), discipline that the value of work is 2,947 t-test 0.004 with a sig value so (0.004 & < 0.05), and the satisfaction of work is the value of t-test 0,012 2,569 with a sig value so (0,012 & < 0.05) that means each variable x impact on the achievement of working.

But the results obtained by the simultaneous or f-test 7,045 with the significance of 0,000 & < 0.05 so ho rejected ha accepted. So, can be concluded that the results of this research work is education and training, discipline of work and the satisfaction of work achievement of having influence in the work of employees. As we know that the education and training, discipline and satisfaction to improve the quality of work achievement and quality of the company.
The Effect of Value Add Tax on Economic Growth and Its Sources in Developing Countries
Authors: Kolahi Seyed Hossein Ghaffarian , Noor Zaleha Bt Mohd
Published: December 2015

Today the role of economic growth for its effect on social welfare is undeniable. For this reason, the factors influencing the economic growth are taken into account by policy makers and researchers. On the other hand, the VAT has been considered by most of the countries due to its numerous advantages and benefits. Hence, investigating how this type of tax affects the economic growth seems to be indispensable, particularly in developing countries. In this study, the effect of value added tax on economic growth was examined especially on the developing countries. In details, the effects of VAT on the economic growth of 19 developing countries for duration of 1995 to 2010 were investigated. For analysing the data, the GMM panel was employed because of the structure of the model. Afterwards, the effect of VAT through the channel of saving on the capital accumulation and productivity and ultimately the economic growth was examined. The results revealed that VAT has a negative effect on capital accumulation growth in the level; the positive effect of VAT on the level of economic growth seems to have been imposed through channels other than the increase of saving and its effect on capital accumulation.
Small Credit for Big Opportunities: A Case of BRAC’s Agribusiness Program in Bangladesh
Authors: Husain Shaiara , Mahmud Kazi Tanvir , Islam Md. Taufiqul , Shihab Md. Abdullah
Published: December 2015

BRAC provides microcredit to the landless and marginal borrowers to accelerate agribusiness activities in the rural areas. The prime objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of microcredit program on household income of the female borrowers of BRAC. Survey was conducted in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected from 417 borrowers who were engaged in agribusiness. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique was used to assess the impact of credit on household income. The study shows that the amount of microcredit received by the borrowers made a significant contribution in enhancing their household income. Besides credit, value of agricultural assets, compulsory saving, number of agribusiness pursued by household and training appeared as the key factors in determining income. The study also shows that non-institutional loan and operating cost of agribusiness adversely influenced the household income.
Intra-SADC Foreign Direct Investment: A Gravity Approach to South Africa Outward Investment
Authors: Nkuna Onelie
Published: December 2015

This paper looks at intra-SADC FDI, focusing at South Africa outward FDI into SADC countries. LSDV and GMM estimation techniques are applied in a gravity model for the period 1999 to 2010. The study finds strong evidence that intra-trade and intra-FDI are negatively related, suggestive of a substitutive relationship between intra-SADC trade and intra-SADC FDI. The study also reveals that capital account openness, bilateral investment treaties, and labour availability are key in promoting intra-SADC FDI flows. Further, the study finds evidence that agglomeration effects are important for South African investors into SADC despite the fact that they are operating in a common region. The study also finds that FDI from developed countries complement with FDI from South Africa.
lts indicate that there is long-run level equilibrium relationship between the stock price of Taiwan and the NTD/USD exchange rates at lower distribution of stock prices, and at higher and lower distribution of exchange rates. The causality results show that there is unidirectional causality running from Taiwan stock price to the NTD/USD exchange rate at higher distribution of exchange rates. The result shows that there is evidence in favor of the portfolio hypothesis.
 
Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Materials Science Research, Vol. 5, No. 1
Authors: Green Lily
Published: December 2015

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Materials Science Research, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2016