bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban poverty, issues, policies and actions
Authors: Kumar T. M. Vinod , Gayatri
Published: August 2017

“Urban poverty and its attendant human cost is perhaps the single greatest challenge of our time. The future of our towns and cities, which is where most humanity will live in the next century, hinges on our tackling it successfully. The centerpiece of urban policy as we enter the 21st Century must therefore be the struggle against poverty, with goals such as the integration of the informal city, the recovery and democratic use of public space, and the reversal of the trend towards the concentration of wealth and opportunities, which so often ends in a spiral of violence….

“The struggle against urban poverty is a world challenge. To succeed, we need to tap the experience of individuals and organizations in the South as well as in the North, promoting an exchange that, more than the answers, will teach us what questions to ask. To this end, people living in poverty must take part in communications networks, which are often monopolized by intermediaries and experts. The role of experts is important, but mechanisms should be developed to facilitate direct, horizontal, global exchange….

“Such horizontal, direct contacts must involve local governments, the pivate sector, non-governmental and community organizations. And if public pollicies are to respond to real needs, these must be built out of experience, and their formulation and implementation must involve the people for whom they are intended….

“To do this, safety nets are not enough. Let us resolve to invest in the struggle against urban poverty, to invest in the poor themselves. Let us help people confronted with poverty in their efforts. New means of communication and successful experiences demonstrate that this can be done in a demoy-lXcratic and affordable manner. The struggle against poverty cannot be relegated to second-class expertise and technology. It is a huge challenge. It deserves the best.” (’Recife Declaration March 1996 Habitat II on ‘Urban Poverty-a World Challenge’).
Urban poverty alleviation and shelter issue
Authors: Gurumukhi K. T.
Published: August 2017

The migration of people from rural as well as urban settlements assumed unmanageable proportions resulting in urban chaos, sub-standard and dehumanising envionment which has further resulted into distinctive hange in the living style of urban people thus ruralising the urban way of life. There is also a noticeable change of urban population living in slums due to wide spread poverty and neglect of urban basic servcices. Housing being one of the most important sector of urban development present itself a critical situation in urban India and for decades it remained as a neglected sector in the development programmes. Urban management tasks call for improvement in the institutional capacity for organising, undertaking, planning, programming and implementing the whole range of urban services which requires structural improvement of the local bodies including improving internal working system. The involvement of community at each stage of planning and development is necessary to enhance the success of the programme and maximising the community understanding.
Equity and access to basic services : Issues and options
Authors: Dhar V. K.
Published: August 2017

Infrastructure and services are the most important factors determining the quality of environment of urban settlements. With the fast growth of urban population, there has been increasing need to expand the infrastructure and services at a rapid rate. Further, the slum population is growing twice as fast as the general rate of growth of the urban areas. Therefore, problems of providing services to the economically weaker sections assumed much importance. This paper analyses the present production and distribution strategies and their impact on the delivery of the economic and social services to the economically weaker sections of the society and raises issues in terms of pricing strategies, norms and standards, legal framework and the administrature machinery for planning and distribution.
Why women stay poor: An examination of urban poverty in India
Authors: Mitra Koumari , Pool Gail R.
Published: August 2017

In this paper the relationship of women to poverty in urban areas is explored and the need to understand the gender dimension of poverty in a specific cultural context is emphasised. In recent years there has been an increasing trend to incorporate the gender dimension in the analysis of poverty. The féminisation of poverty is a term used to describe the overwhelming representation of women among the poor. The present study examines the gender bias of poverty which underlies the social and economic subordination of women and the effects of gender on access to basic amenities such as education, health care and labour force participation. The 1996 World Bank publication, Poverty Reduction and the World Bank, identified three components to urban poverty: 1) provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, drainage and roads; 2) taking action on the top threats to health (lead, dust and microbial diseases); 3) making municipal finance more businesslike and inclusive. While these are commendable objectives, the problems of urban poverty for women can be examined in a qualitative way from the point view of how these goals are absorbed into the social and cultural surroundings of the urban poor. Why women are more vulnerable to poverty will be considered here and how the causes and experience of poverty differ by gender are determined, followed by some remarks on how to alleviate women's poverty.
Economic development- A plea for a human(e) policy
Authors: Dey Bata K.
Published: August 2017

Development, though a many-splendoured and multi-linear concept, has been taken, in common parlance, to mean mainly ‘economic development’ with its usual parameters explained interms of GNP, incomes, growth, wealth and material prosperity, increased trade and commerce, etc., as also a transition from ‘agraria’ to ‘industria’, a movement for modernisation, a signature of progress. It, however, fails to address the core issue, the summum bonum of development, the man and his life, its enrichment, fulfilment, and quality and his freedom of choice to live the way he likes. Unless development concentrates on individual's unfettered entitlement unfreezing all forms of ‘unfreedom’ and eliminating basic ‘capability deprivation’, paving the way to flourish as ‘fuller social persons’, it will fall short of its raison detre, as demonstrated by the Human Development Reports of United Nations since 1990s, indeed, the paradigm shift makes Man the measure of all development and rightly, therefore, the moral ethical, cultural, inter-relational, even the environmental aspects must have to be accepted as the central foci of development's basic concerns. Developmental futurism must necessarily, and undoubtedly, be woven around conceptualisation and realisation of good life of man-in-society, its hope and optimism, its visions and mission, its efflorescence and vibrance, in an altruistic ambience of harmonious human symbiosis.
Women's empowerment through self help groups-A participatory approach
Authors: Vijayanthi K. N.
Published: August 2017

This paper attempts to explain the process of women's empowerment and find out the levels of awareness creation, decision making, self and group empowerment among women from Self Help Groups formed under Comprehensive Community Development Programme implemented in five slum areas of Chennai.
Mainstreaming the corporate initiatives in social development: Insights from experiences in Gujarat
Authors: Shah Amita
Published: August 2017

The corporate initiatives in social development in Gujarat indicates that the state with its long drawn traditions in entrepreneurship as well as philanthropic traditions, emanating from both harsh economic conditions as well as close links with religious and national movements, have given rise to a sustained contribution from the industrial/trading community for social development. In the process, it has also shown a definite shift from mainly ‘charity’ to developmental orientation. To a large extent, these have been prompted by a deep rooted understanding that economic prosperity of the few in the midst of sufferings of the large mass of the people, cannot be sustained unless it is greased with some kind of positive contribution towards people's development. This understanding has become sharper and more explicit in the recent period, especially in the context of environmental issues. The need therefore, is to widen this understanding and identify the specific role that the corporate sector “ought” to play in social development, rather than make “voluntary contribution at its free will, towards whatever it finds convenient to do for the society”. This kind of a shift in perspective may necessitate simultaneous changes in the policy framework.
Development induced displacement and sustainable development
Authors: Fernandes Walter
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the state of displacement and its impact on the already marginalised communities particularly women.

Data available on displacement indicate that at least 213 lakhs have been displaced or otherwise deprived of livelihood by development projects between 1951 and 1990. By now they must have crossed 300 lakhs. Most of the Displaced Persons (DPs) are from the assetless rural poor. Tribals constitute more than 40% DPs and Project Affected People (PAP)of dams and mines and 90% of the DPs from Wild Life Sanctuaries. Dalits constitute 20% of DPs and PAPs.

Displacement without an alternative to their sustenance is impoverishment Linked to impoverishment is environmental degradation. Thus it results not merely in poverty and ecological degradation but also in the weakening of the culture that ensured renewability.

More than men, women are more seriously affected by displacement. This is mainly because of their dependence on the informal economy. The natural resources from which land acquisition alienates them are the very foundation of tribal women's economy, culture, social systems and political structures. Both tribal and dalit women contribute to the family economy and are considered as economic assets. Because of this the tribal and to a lesser extent dalit women enjoy a higher status (not equality) in their society. This economy depended on abundant natural resources among the tribals and traditional skills among the dalits. Alienation from their economic base leads to their downward social mobility.

In order to ensure that the DPs/DAPs in general and women in particular are the first beneficiaries in displacement policies, there are certain alternatives starting with a deeper understanding of impoverishment and displacement as a process and the minimising of displacement, and finally rehabilitation as a right.
The larger politics of environment in India: A tentative audit
Authors: Nandy Ashis , Kapoor Rakesh , Ray Parshuram
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the nature and concerns of environmental discourse and action in India and locates them within the politics and sociology of knowledge. We examine the gaps in research and the lack of attention to certain issues relating to the macropolitics of environment are examined. The paper ends up by suggesting specific areas and questions which need to be explored to deepen our understanding of this politics, especially to facilitate the emergence and institutionalisation of a democratic politics of the environment.
Quality of life of Indian elderly: A factor analytic approach
Authors: Easwaramoorthy M. , Chadha N.K.
Published: August 2017

The concept of quality of life has gained significance in aging due to the need for integrated approach towards understanding the aged. For this purpose, 580 individuals from Tamil Nadu state were interviewed. Four dimensions of quality of life were assessed, namely-economic well-being, physical well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being by administering various psychological tools. The data was subjected to factor analysis. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of elderly and carries various implications for research and policy making.
Well being of the elderly
Authors: Bali Arun P.
Published: August 2017

Well being of the elderly is complex and multidimensional. The factors affecting their well being singly or in combination could have differential impact on the elderly. This paper seeks to examine the well being of the elderly in the domain of the family. It seeks to understand the various facets of the problem of their well being and the role of the family in enhancing it. Finally, it suggests certain strategies for enhancing their well being.
Ageing issues and challenges: Gender bias in the care of elderly
Authors: Bambawale Usha
Published: August 2017

This paper traces the consequences of ageing on women after briefly describing the place of aged within the joint family structure and the changes seen in the recent years. The aged have become a burden. While examining population structure and its projections for 2025 AD, it is seen that women who survive longer and have better use in a household also become an impediment if they are not economically independent.The family structure and mental status of the women make them dependent on the younger generation. Women before sixty and after sixty seem to be coping with house-work. At the same time working and wage earning women have more time now than they had earlier. Economically a greater number of women are dependent. Even those who earn a separate wage are economically dependent. Woman who inherited (any) property which came from her father's home. Genetic and other diseases are not very dangerous, for this sample is comparatively healthy. Yet some signs of senility started creeping in. There are more women in the old category who require help other than what is available today. There is a need for support systems to help out the caregiver. Since the entire burden falls on the caregiver, suggestions are given for the relief of the caregivers. Some interventions have to be undertaken by agencies.
Contributants to good caregiving: An analysis of dyadic relationships
Authors: Jamuna D. , Ramamurti P.V.
Published: August 2017

Few empirical studies are available on the caregiver (CG) and care receiver (CR) dyadic interrelationships and their impact on the outcome of caregiving. The sample for the present study consists of 120 care dyads, where the daughters-in-law who were caring for their dependent mothers-in-law, were picked up from the households of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. The quality and quantity of care rendered, dyadic inter perceptions, degree of disability, perceived social supports, sense of altruism and temperaments of care dyads were assessed through the standardized instruments developed as part of a research project on elder care. Results indicate that quality of care depended upon the inter perceptions, kinship ties between CG and CR, altruistic value of CG, health status of CG and employment status of the CG. These findings have important implications for caregiving families.
A note on aging and the elderly in the less developed world
Authors: Balakrishnan Rajiv
Published: August 2017

The elderly in the less developed world are profiled, not merely as dependent on family support, but as care providers and productive agents as well. Evidence is then cited to argue that the family support entitlements of the elderly depends on their contributions to the household. A concluding section briefly comments on the distinct needs of the ailing elderly as compared to the productive or potentially productive old, and argues that policy initiatives for the former will have to be very different from those for the latter.
Agricultural economy of Jharkhand region: Constraints and potential
Authors: Singh M.L.
Published: August 2017

Despite endowed with rich minerals, the economy of Jharkhand region is predominantly agricultural with 71 % of its population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and 43 % of income being delivered from agriculture. Agriculture of this region is characterised by its low productivity and a quasi-stagnation of its growth rate over a long period. The region has suffered due to neglect of investment in rural infrastructure like irrigation, rural roads, rural electrification, market improvement etc. It has no as adverse geo-physical conditions, soil, topography ground water, rivers as many other regions of our country have, yet the latter have achieved high productivity and growth rate of agriculture by harnessing their resources. The potential of Jharkhand region for agricultural development remains largely untapped. The same can be utilised by making heavy investment in rural infrastructure.
Status of environment in Chotanagpur-Santal Pargana region of Jharkhand
Authors: Kumar Uday , Prasad Kalpana , Kumar Binay
Published: August 2017

The Chotanagpur-Santal Pargana (CSP), the ‘Ruhr of India’ has been the cradle of mineral exploitation and mineral based industries since the dawn of 20th century. The post-Independence era witnessed a rapid growth in heavy industries and subsequent urbanisation. To cater the energy need, coal based power stations were installed in Damodar valley.

Such economic ventures were concentrated mainly in the Damodar and Subernarekha river valleys. These anthropogenic activities triggered a series of environmental degradation. Large scale deforestation led to wide spread soil erosion due to which loss of valuable topsoil and lowering of water table has taken place. The preference for open cast mining practice for more mineral exploitation especially coal, iron ore and bauxite has further aggravated the problem in this fragile eco-system.

The discharge of large volume of untreated or semi-treated industrial effluents has literally turned the river Damodar into an “industrial effluent channel.’ Besides being unethical and inhumane, these acts are a gross violation of environmental laws. Ironically, the major culprit industries are public sector undertakings. Even the highly polluted ambient air in the mining and associated industrial areas, especially in the Damodar valley has made the region a virtual gas chamber gradually pushing the local populace towards ‘extinction’. The vast surface water resources are trapped or are in a process to be trapped leading to submergence of large agricultural and forest area and displacement of local inhabitants which are mostly tribals. Almost all such act of ‘development’ has led to delinking of tribals from their root as well as distortion of socio-cultural fabric.
Estimating the Prevalence of Serious Mental Illness and Dementia Diagnoses Among Medicare Beneficiaries in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Brown Maria Teresa , Wolf Douglas A.
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of serious mental illness and dementia among Medicare beneficiaries in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Methods:

This study utilizes HRS-linked Medicare claims data sets and inverse probability weighting to estimate overall and age-specific cumulative prevalence rates of dementia and serious mental illnesses among 18,740 Medicare beneficiaries. Two-way tabulations determine conditional probabilities of dementia diagnoses among beneficiaries diagnosed with specific mental illnesses, and binary logistic regressions determine conditional probabilities of dementia diagnoses among beneficiaries diagnosed with specific mental illnesses, controlling for covariates.

Results:

Weighted prevalence estimates for dementia, schizophrenia (SZP), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) are similar to previous studies. Odds of dementia diagnosis are significantly greater for beneficiaries diagnosed with SZP, BPD, or MDD.

Conclusions:

Co-occurring mental disabilities require further investigation, as in the near future increasing numbers of mentally ill older adults will need appropriate and affordable community-based services and supports.
Opioid system contribution to the antidepressant-like action of m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide in mice: A compound devoid of tolerance and withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Rosa Suzan G , Pesarico Ana P , Tagliapietra Carolina F , da Luz Sônia CA , Nogueira Cristina W
Published: August 2017

Animal and clinical researches indicate that the opioid system exerts a crucial role in the etiology of mood disorders and is a target for intervention in depression treatment. This study investigated the contribution of the opioid system to the antidepressant-like action of acute or repeated m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide administration to Swiss mice. m-Trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (50 mg/kg, intragastric) produced an antidepressant-like action in the forced swimming test from 30 min to 24 h after treatment. This effect was blocked by the µ and δ-opioid receptor antagonists, naloxonazine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and naltrindole (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and it was potentiated by a κ-opioid receptor antagonist, norbinaltrophimine (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously ). Combined treatment with subeffective doses of m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (10 mg/kg, intragastric) and morphine (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) resulted in a synergistic antidepressant-like effect. The opioid system contribution to the m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide antidepressant-like action was also demonstrated in the modified tail suspension test, decreasing mouse immobility and swinging time and increasing curling time, results similar to those observed using morphine, a positive control. Treatment with m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide induced neither tolerance to the antidepressant-like action nor physical signs of withdrawal, which could be associated with the fact that m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide did not change the mouse cortical and hippocampal glutamate uptake and release. m-Trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide treatments altered neither locomotor nor toxicological parameters in mice. These findings demonstrate that m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide elicited an antidepressant-like action by direct or indirect μ and δ-opioid receptor activation and the κ-opioid receptor blockade, without inducing tolerance, physical signs of withdrawal and toxicity.
Distinct modifications of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation and FKBPs by lipopolysaccharide in depressive female and male rats
Authors: Brkic Zeljka , Francija Ester , Petrovic Zorica , Franic Dusanka , Lukic Iva , Mitic Milos , Adzic Miroslav
Published: August 2017

Inflammation plays a critical role in pathogenesis of depression and can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Accordingly, in this study we investigated the role of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor in mediating the effects of inflammation on behaviour of female and male Wistar rats. We studied the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the levels of glucocorticoid receptors and its co-chaperones FK506 binding protein 52 and FK506 binding protein 51, the levels of glucocorticoid receptor phospho-isoforms, pGR-232 and pGR-246, and glucocorticoid receptor up-stream kinases. In order to assess transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid receptor, we measured mRNA levels of several glucocorticoid receptor-regulated genes. We demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide induced depressive-like behaviour and elevated serum corticosterone in both sexes. However, it affected glucocorticoid receptor signalling in the nucleus of females and males differently – in females it elevated levels of glucocorticoid receptors, pGR-246 and FK506 binding protein 52, while in males it decreased levels of glucocorticoid receptor, both co-chaperons and pGR-246. Alterations in pGR-246 were associated with alterations of c-Jun N-terminal kinases. Altered nuclear levels of total glucocorticoid receptors and pGR-246 were accompanied by sex-specific reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA and sex-unspecific reduction in the expression of p11 and glucocorticoid receptor genes. These alterations may ultimately affect different glucocorticoid receptor -associated processes involved in depressive-like behaviour in males and females.
Efficacy of ondansetron for spinal anesthesia during cesarean section: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Zhou Chengmao , Zhu Yu , Bao Zeqing , Wang Xianxue , Liu Qili
Published: August 2017

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ondansetron during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

We sought randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ondansetron during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science from their inception to September 2016.

Results

Altogether, 21 RCTs were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the ondansetron group had a lower incidence of nausea/vomiting and bradycardia than the placebo group during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia [relative risk (RR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.36, 0.51) and RR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.26, 0.80), respectively]. There were no significant differences in the incidences of pruritus, hypotension, or shivering during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia [RR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.83, 1.02); RR = 0.72 (0.50, 1.06), 95% CI (0.50, 1.06); and RR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.71, 1.11), respectively].

Conclusion

Ondansetron effectively reduces the incidences of nausea/vomiting and bradycardia under spinal anesthesia during cesarean section.
Total flavonoids from Astragalus alleviate endothelial dysfunction by activating the Akt/eNOS pathway
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Ling , Shan Qiyuan , Ding Yuxia , Zhang Zhaocai , Zhu Meifei , Mao Yuanjie
Published: August 2017

Objective

To investigate the vasodilative and endothelial-protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of total flavonoids from Astragalus (TFA).

Methods

The vasodilative activities of TFA were measured with a myograph ex vivo using rat superior mesenteric arterial rings. The primary human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viabilities were assayed using the cell counting kit-8 after hypoxia or normoxia treatment with or without TFA. Akt, P-Akt, eNOS, P-eNOS, Erk, P-Erk, Bcl-2 and Bax expression were analyzed using western blotting.

Results

TFA showed concentration-dependent vasodilative effects on rat superior mesenteric arterial rings, but had no effects on normal or potassium chloride precontracted arterial rings. TFA did not affect HUVEC viabilities in normoxia, but dramatically promoted cell proliferation in the concentration range of 1 to 30 µg/mL under hypoxia. Moreover, TFA significantly increased the ratios of P-Akt/Akt and P-eNOS/eNOS in vascular endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions, but did not change the P-Erk/Erk or Bcl-2/Bax ratios.

Conclusions

TFA might exhibit vasorelaxant and endothelial-protective effects via the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
Serum long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1: A novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Zhi-kun , Pang Cui , Yang Yang , Duan Qiong , Zhang Ju , Liu Wen-chao
Published: August 2017

Objective

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) offer great potential as cancer biomarkers. This study was performed to assess the applicability of serum lncRNA urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We examined UCA1 expression in serum samples from 105 patients with HCC, 105 patients with benign liver disease (BLD), and 105 healthy volunteers using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and analyzed the relationship between serum UCA1 and clinicopathological parameters of HCC as well as survival.

Results

Expression of serum UCA1 was significantly higher in patients with HCC and allowed for discrimination of HCC from BLD and healthy controls. High expression of serum UCA1 was significantly associated with a high tumor grade, large tumor size, positive vascular invasion, and advanced TNM stage. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high serum UCA1 level was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for HCC.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the upregulation of serum UCA1 expression in HCC and indicate its clinical value as a noninvasive biomarker for HCC screening and prognostic prediction.
An exploration of fall-related, psychosocial variables in people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen
Authors: Comber Laura , Coote Susan , Finlayson Marcia , Galvin Rose , Quinn Gillian , Peterson Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Psychosocial contributors to fall risk for people with multiple sclerosis are often overlooked in falls prevention practice. This study explored several fall-related, psychosocial variables and their association with falls self-efficacy in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis reporting a fall.

Method

A cross-sectional, structured telephone survey was employed. The survey explored socio-demographics, multiple sclerosis characteristics, and fall-related psychosocial variables. Multiple linear regression was employed to investigate associations with Falls Efficacy Scale – International scores.

Results

The mean Falls Efficacy Scale – International score for 140 participants was 38.14(SD = 10.16), and the mean Falls Control Scale score was 5.38(SD = 2.22). Fear of falling was expressed by 129 (92%) participants, with 111 (79%) reporting associated activity curtailment. A regression model including six predictors explained 47% of the variance in the Falls Efficacy Scale – International scores. Results of the multiple linear regression showed that fear of falling, associated activity curtailment, balance interference, falls control, and health status were associated with falls self-efficacy.

Conclusion

Fear of falling and associated activity curtailment, low falls self-efficacy, and compromised falls control are common among people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen. These fall-related psychosocial variables are distinct and each warrants attention during assessment. Findings suggest that falls self-efficacy among people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen is a complex construct associated with physical and psychosocial factors.
Natural resource industries as global value chains: Frontiers, fetishism, labour and the state
Authors: Baglioni Elena , Campling Liam
Published: August 2017

Despite 30 years of research on global value chains, the appropriation of nature in general and natural resource industries in particular remain marginal both theoretically and empirically. There is a parallel ecological deficit in labour process theory and a lack of applied research on natural resource industries. But since historical capitalism is based on the expanding appropriation and transformation of nature by labour, these lacunae must be redressed. Contributing to an emerging body of work in environmental economic geography and the international political economy of the environment, this article theorises global value chains through the lens of the circuit of capital as a tool to unravel some distinctive features of natural resources industries. We propose a framework for the study of natural resource industries as global value chains based on five propositions: (a) commodity frontier theory, (b) the fetishism of natural resources, (c) the socio-ecological indeterminacy of the labour process, (d) distance and durability in the production of time and (e) the contingency of the capitalist state in (re)producing global value chains. While far from exhaustive, we argue that this original synthetic framework provides crucial bases for a research agenda on global value chains in natural resources.
Nuclear landscapes
Authors: Pitkanen Laura , Farish Matthew
Published: August 2017

This article brings together the geographic literature on nuclear topics, and draws out the geographical dimensions of broader scholarship on ‘nuclearity’, to consider the premise of a nuclear landscape, and to offer a partial history of such landscapes. Places such as New Mexico’s Trinity Site have become iconic, at least in the United States, and a study of nuclear landscapes must consider the cultural force of spectacular weapons tests and related origin stories. But critical scholars have also looked beyond and below the distractions of mushroom clouds, to additional and alternative landscapes that are obscured by secrecy and relative banality.
Ten years of follow-up in a large family with familial hemiplegic migraine type 1: Clinical course and implications for treatment
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Eigentler Andreas , Donnemiller Evelin , Wagner Michaela , Unterberger Iris , Boesch Sylvia
Published: August 2017

Background

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare, genetic form of migraine with aura. The severity of the aura imposes an effective prophylaxis that is currently based on standard anti-migraine drugs. To this concern, only short-term reports are currently available.

Methods

Eight patients from a multigenerational FHM type 1 family harbouring a T666M mutation in the CACNA1A gene were referred to our ataxia outpatient clinic. Medical history, general and neurological examination as well as therapeutic approaches were recorded regularly on a routine basis for an average period of 13 years (range 9–15 years). Brain imaging studies and EEG data were also collected.

Results

Our long-term follow-up revealed that ictal manifestations, which usually improve after the adolescence, may reoccur later in the adulthood. Permanent neurological signs as assessed by means of clinical evaluation as well as follow-up MRIs, EEGs and neuropsychological testing remained stable. Interval therapy with non-selective calcium antagonists reduced the burden of migraine attacks and was well tolerated in the long term.
Feasibility study of delamination in rotary ultrasonic-assisted drilling of glass fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: Baraheni Mohammad , Amini Saeid
Published: August 2017

Glass fiber reinforced plastics are used in variety of industrial and constructional applications for their superb mechanical and physical properties. Delamination is one of the most important and prevalent damages in machining of glass fiber reinforced plastics. Diamond core drills have the capability of simultaneously drilling and grinding of fiber reinforced plastics, which results in hole quality improvement. Rotary ultrasonic-assisted drilling is the new machining process to drill holes on fiber reinforced plastics and has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this paper, thrust force and delamination in rotary ultrasonic-assisted drilling of glass fiber reinforced plastics using diamond core drill have been investigated. A proper ultrasonic system for a core drill in ABAQUS was designed and fabricated. Influence of ultrasonic vibration and then tool grain size, fiber-volume fraction and machining parameters including spindle speed and feed rate on thrust force and delamination was investigated. Higher thrust force induces more delamination. As a result of the study, less delamination was achieved in ultrasonic-assisted mode by using a tool with larger grain size onto lower fiber-volume fraction composites. Additionally, experiments showed that lower spindle speed and higher feed rate induce more delamination.
Ascorbic acid prevents zinc oxide nanoparticle–induced intracellular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses
Authors: Fukui Hiroko , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Nishio Keiko , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Yoshida Yasukazu , Horie Masanori
Published: August 2017

Exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) promotes acute pulmonary toxicity through oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, dissolved zinc from ZnO NPs induces the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). We previously reported that supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) inhibits ZnO NP-induced acute pulmonary toxicity in a rat model; however, the mechanism of this action remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of AA on ZnO NP-induced cytotoxicity in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. AA was found to suppress intracellular production of ROS, and thus reduce the subsequent inflammation of ZnO NPs. However, intracellular Zn2+ concentrations were higher in AA-treated cells than in AA-untreated cells. AA was found to react with Zn2+ but not with the ZnO NPs themselves. These results suggest the possibility that AA-chelated extracellular Zn2+ and the Zn–AA complex was readily taken up into cell. Even if the intracellular Zn2+ level was high, cytotoxicity might be reduced because the Zn–AA complex was stable. Co-treatment of AA to A549 inhibited ROS production and subsequent intracellular inflammatory responses. These results are consistent with those previously reported from an in vivo model. Thus, two possibilities can be considered about the cytotoxicity-reducing the effect of AA: antioxidant efficacy and chelating effect.
Structure and properties of composites based on polyphenylene sulfide reinforced with Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline particles
Authors: Chukov DI , Stepashkin AA , Tcherdyntsev VV , Olifirov LK , Kaloshkin SD
Published: August 2017

Structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) filled with Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals particles were studied. It was shown that the introducing of quasicrystalline fillers into the polymer matrix results in the increase in Young’s modulus, hardness, and toughness of the polymer. Quasicrystalline fillers can improve thermal properties of PPS, including heat resistance index, Vicat softening temperature, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity.
Differential Impacts of Functional, Geographical, and Hierarchical Diversity on Knowledge Sharing in the Midst of Organizational Change
Authors: Kim Heewon
Published: August 2017

Organizations have been diversifying their workforce to better respond to fast-changing environments. However, research has indicated that the effects of diversity can vary by a number of contextual influences. This study examines the differential impacts of functional, geographical, and hierarchical diversity on expertise awareness, knowledge transfer, and knowledge acquisition during a large-scale organizational change. The analysis of full network data ( N = 211) collected from a multinational high-tech organization demonstrated that (a) geographical diversity was negatively associated with expertise awareness and knowledge sharing, (b) functional diversity was negatively related to expertise awareness, (c) hierarchical diversity had a positive effect on knowledge acquisition and expertise awareness, and (d) emotionally close ties contributed to expertise awareness and knowledge sharing. The findings indicate that hierarchical diversity and emotional closeness can promote knowledge sharing when members face new demands in the midst of organizational change.
Future Orientation as a Mediator Between Career Adaptability and Life Satisfaction in University Students
Authors: Cabras Cristina , Mondo Marina
Published: August 2017

Studies have emphasized that career adaptability and future orientation are important factors in one’s ability to deal with difficulties and achieve life satisfaction. This study examines the relationships among future orientation, career adaptability resources, and life satisfaction. Survey data from 373 Italian and Spanish university students were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that future orientation fully mediated the relationship between career adaptability and life satisfaction in the Italian and the Spanish students. These findings suggest that university students who are confident in their career adaptability are satisfied with life because they are confident about their future prospects. The implications of these observed relationships for counseling interventions and further research are discussed.
The drilling of carbon fibre composite–aluminium stacks and its effect on hole quality and integrity
Authors: Soo Sein Leung , Abdelhafeez Ali M , Li Maojun , Hood Richard , Lim Chong Meng
Published: August 2017

The article details experimental work to evaluate tool wear, cutting forces/torque and associated hole quality/accuracy following single-shot drilling of twin layer CFRP/AA7010 stacks. A full factorial experiment was initially planned involving variation in cutting speed (60 and 120 m/min), feed rate (0.15 and 0.30 mm/rev) and drill tip geometry (double cone and flat point drills). While flank wear for the flat point drills did not exceed 40 µm even after 120 holes irrespective of operating conditions, the double cone geometry suffered catastrophic failure after only four holes at the lowest parameter combination. Therefore, the remaining tests involving the double cone drill at higher operating parameters were subsequently halted. Feed rate had a significant influence on torque in both the CFRP and Al layers, although thrust force and torque generally remained stable over the test duration. Hole diameter was typically up to 34 µm above the nominal value of 6.38 mm with corresponding out of roundness of <60 µm. Burrs were prevalent at hole exit in all tests, with an average height of ∼120 µm when drilling at the highest cutting speed–feed rate parameter combination. Similarly, the delamination factor at hole entry increased by up to 23% when operating at the higher feed rate level.
Emergent groups and spontaneous volunteers in urban disaster response
Authors: Twigg John , Mosel Irina
Published: August 2017

Spontaneous responses by self-organizing, “emergent” voluntary groups and individuals are a common feature of urban disasters. Their activities include search and rescue, transporting and distributing relief supplies, and providing food and drink to victims and emergency workers. However, informal actors are rarely incorporated into formal disaster and humanitarian planning. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning the nature and scale of emergent activity around the world, its impact in the short and long terms, challenges associated with it in different contexts, and lessons for future urban humanitarian practice.
More Is Meaningful: The Magnitude Effect in Intertemporal Choice Depends on Self-Control
Authors: Ballard Ian C. , Kim Bokyung , Liatsis Anthony , Aydogan Gökhan , Cohen Jonathan D. , McClure Samuel M.
Published: August 2017

Impulsivity is a variable behavioral trait that depends on numerous factors. For example, increasing the absolute magnitude of available choice options promotes farsighted decisions. We argue that this magnitude effect arises in part from differential exertion of self-control as the perceived importance of the choice increases. First, we demonstrated that frontal executive-control areas were more engaged for more difficult decisions and that this effect was enhanced for high-magnitude rewards. Second, we showed that increased hunger, which is associated with lower self-control, reduced the magnitude effect. Third, we tested an intervention designed to increase self-control and showed that it reduced the magnitude effect. Taken together, our findings challenge existing theories about the magnitude effect and suggest that visceral and cognitive factors affecting choice may do so by influencing self-control.
The ghost of the machine: The relevance of material systems for psychology
Authors: Sullivan Daniel
Published: August 2017

Contemporary psychology theorizes and researches social oppression in terms of culturally and linguistically mediated phenomena (e.g., stereotypes, identities, norms, attitudes). Although social constructionist and embodied cognition perspectives correct certain deficits of mainstream approaches, they still consider embodiment only in terms of linguistic or cognitive mediation. As a result, the role played by human embodiment in material systems is largely overlooked in psychological analyses of capitalist oppression. Roberto Esposito and Maurizio Lazzarato propose that similarities (rather than differences) between humans and non-human entities, especially machines, should be the starting place for a critique of capitalism. Esposito traces the longstanding history of cultural divisions between persons and things, which contributes to our current blindness to embodiment. Lazzarato details how signs and diagrams—once thought to belong to the abstract province of symbols—now play a direct, vital role in material reality under capitalism.
Competencies for bibliometrics
Authors: Cox Andrew , Gadd Elizabeth , Petersohn Sabrina , Sbaffi Laura
Published: August 2017

Universities are increasingly offering support services for bibliometrics, often based in the library. This paper describes work done to produce a competency model for those supporting bibliometrics. The results of a questionnaire in which current practitioners rated bibliometric tasks as entry level, core or specialist are reported. Entry level competencies identified were explaining bibliometric concepts, doing basic calculations and some professional skills. Activities identified by participants as core are outlined. Reflecting on items that were considered in scope but specialist there was less stress on evaluating scholars, work at a strategic level, working with data outside proprietary bibliometric tools and consultancy-type services as opposed to training for disintermediated use. A competency model is presented as an appendix.
Sustained complete renal remission is a predictor of reduced mortality, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in lupus nephritis
Authors: Pakchotanon R , Gladman D D , Su J , Urowitz M B
Published: August 2017

Objective

The objective of this paper is to identify the relationship between patients with lupus nephritis (LN) who achieve sustained complete renal remission (CR) and renal outcome and survival.

Methods

From a longitudinal cohort study we identified patients with LN with CR. We compared the outcomes of patients who achieved sustained CR for at least five years (Group A) with those less than five years (Group B). The outcomes were death, SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI), renal flare, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 50 ml/min, and doubling of serum creatinine. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of the outcomes.

Results

A total of 345 patients were identified, 132 patients in Group A and 213 patients in Group B. The duration of CR in Group A was 11.76 ± 7.34 years but only 1.24 ± 1.24 years in Group B ( p < 0.001). Death, increasing renal SDI, renal flare, renal transplantation, ESRD or eGFR < 50 ml/min, and doubling of serum creatinine in Group A were significantly lower than Group B. Multivariable analysis revealed that Group A patients were at a lower risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07–0.61; p = 0.004), increasing renal SDI (HR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21–0.76; p = 0.01), developing ESRD or eGFR < 50 ml/min (HR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12–0.61; p = 0.001), and doubling of serum creatinine (HR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.61; p = 0.001) compared with Group B.

Conclusion

Sustained CR for at least five years is a predictor of better prognosis in patients with LN.