bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction Modeling for Academic Success in Professional Master's Athletic Training Programs
Authors: Bruce Scott L. , Crawford Elizabeth , Wilkerson Gary B. , Rausch David , Dale R. Barry , Harris Martina
Published: January 2017

Context: A common goal of professional education programs is to recruit the students best suited for the professional career. Selection of students can be a difficult process, especially if the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of available positions. The ability to predict academic success in any profession has been a challenging proposition. No studies to date have examined admission predictors of professional master's athletic training programs (PMATP).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify program applicant characteristics that are most likely to predict academic success within a PMATP.

Design: Cohort-based.

Setting: University professional PMATP.

Patients or Other Participants: A cohort of 119 students who attended a PMATP for at least 1 year.

Intervention(s): Common application data from subjects' applications to the university and the PMATP were gathered and used to create the prediction models.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Sensitivity, specificity, odds ratio, and relative frequency of success were used to determine the strongest set of predictors.

Results: Multiple logistic regression analyses yielded a 3-factor model for prediction of success in the PMATP (undergraduate grade point average ≥ 3.18; Graduate Record Examination quantitative [percentile rank] ≥ 141.5 [≥12]; taking calculus as an undergraduate). A student with ≥2 predictors had an odds ratio of 17.94 and a relative frequency of success of 2.13 for being successful in the PMATP. This model correctly predicted 90.5% of PMATP success.

Conclusions: It is possible to predict academic success in a PMATP based on common application data.
Disseminated gestational choriocarcinoma presenting with hepatic and uveal metastases, hook effect, and choriocarcinoma syndrome
Authors: Aswani Yashant , Thakkar Hemangini , Hira Priya
Published: January 2017

Choriocarcinoma is a human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)-secreting tumor that comprises vascular channels. It has a tendency for widespread metastasis, common sites for which include the lung, vagina, brain, liver, bone, intestine, and kidney. We describe a 30-year-old female who presented with hepatitis-like features and bilateral diminution of vision, and subsequently developed hemothorax and hemoperitoneum—all rare and seemingly unrelated manifestations which were finally attributable to metastases from gestational choriocarcinoma. To further complicate the clinical scenario, the serum HCG of the patient was mildly raised (due to a phenomenon called hook effect). Subsequently, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and succumbed to her illness. In this report, we discuss the imaging findings of choriocarcinoma, its potential sites of metastases, and the hook effect.
The Climatology of Australian Aerosol
Authors: Mitchell Ross M. , Forgan Bruce W. , Campbell Susan K.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Airborne particles or aerosols have long been recognized for their major contribution to uncertainty in climate change. In addition, aerosol amounts must be known for accurate atmospheric correction of remotely sensed images, and are required to accurately gauge the available solar resource. However, despite great advances in surface networks and satellite retrievals over recent years, long-term continental-scale aerosol data sets are lacking. Here we present an aerosol assessment over Australia based on combined sun photometer measurements from the Bureau of Meteorology Radiation Network and CSIRO/AeroSpan. The measurements are continental in coverage, comprising 22 stations, and generally decadal in time-scale, totalling 207 station-years. Spectral decomposition shows that the time series can be represented as a weighted sum of sinusoids with periods of 12, 6 and 4 months, corresponding to the annual cycle and its second and third harmonics. Their relative amplitudes and phase relationships leads to sawtooth-like waveforms sharply rising to an austral spring peak, with a slower decline often including a secondary peak during the summer. The amplitude and phase of these periodic components show significant regional change across the continent. Fits based on this harmonic analysis are used to separate the periodic and episodic components of the aerosol time series. Classification of the aerosol types is undertaken based on (a) the spectral variation of the optical depth expressed in the Ångström exponent, (b) the Fourier decomposition, and (c) the ratio of episodic to periodic variation in aerosol optical depth. It is shown that Australian aerosol can be broadly grouped into three classes: Temperate, Arid, and Tropical. The Temperate class is characterised by a small amplitude periodic component, with an increasing episodic component toward the fire-prone Eucalypt forests of the south-east. Arid zone aerosol has a larger periodic component, with pronounced twin spring-summer peaks, and an increasing episodic component towards active dust source regions. Tropical aerosol is characterised by a very large periodic component due to seasonal biomass burning in the savanna belt, with significant interannual variability due to variation in the strength of the monsoon and its effect on the fuel source. Statistically significant decadal trends are found at 4 of the 22 stations. Despite the apparently small associated declining trends in mid-visible aerosol optical depth of between 0.001 to 0.002 per year, these trends are much larger than those projected to occur due to declining emissions of anthropogenic aerosols from the northern hemisphere. There is remarkable long-range coherence in the aerosol cycle across the continent, suggesting broadly similar source characteristics, including a possible role for inter-continental transport of biomass burning aerosol.
Global Atmospheric Chemistry – Which Air Matters
Authors: Prather Michael J. , Zhu Xin , Flynn Clare M. , Strode Sarah A. , Rodriguez Jose M. , Steenrod Stephen D. , Liu Junhua , Lamarque Jean-Francois , Fiore Arlene M. , Horowitz Larry W. , Mao Jingqiu , Murray Lee T. , Shindell Drew T. , Wofsy Steven C.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. An approach for analysis and modeling of global atmospheric chemistry is developed for application to measurements that provide a tropospheric climatology of those heterogeneously distributed, reactive species that control the loss of methane and the production and loss of ozone. We identify key species (e.g., O3, NOx, HNO3, HNO4, C2H3NO5, H2O, HOOH, CH3OOH, HCHO, CO, CH4, C2H6, acetaldehyde, acetone), and presume that they can be measured simultaneously in air parcels on the scale of a few km horizontally and a few tenths vertically. Six global models have prepared such climatologies (at model resolution) for August with emphasis on the vast central Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. We show clear differences in model generated reactivities as well as species covariances that could readily be discriminated with an unbiased climatology. A primary tool is comparison of multi-dimensional probability densities of key species weighted by frequency of occurrence as well as by the reactivity of the parcels with respect to methane and ozone. The reactivity-weighted probabilities tell us which parcels matter in this case. Testing 100-km scale models with 2-km measurements using these tools also addresses a core question about model resolution and whether fine-scale atmospheric structures matter to the overall ozone and methane budget. A new method enabling these six global chemistry-climate models to ingest an externally-sourced climatology and then compute air parcel reactivity is demonstrated. Such an observed climatology is anticipated from the NASA Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) aircraft mission (2015–2020), measuring the key species, executing profiles over the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. This work is a core part of the design of ATom.
Heterogeneous freezing of super cooled water droplets in micrometre range-freezing on a chip
Authors: Häusler Thomas , Witek Lorenz , Felgitsch Laura , Hitzenberger Regina , Grothe Hinrich
Published: January 2017

Abstract. A new setup to analyse the freezing behaviour of ice nucleation particles (INPs) dispersed in aqueous droplets has been developed with the aim to analyse ensembles of droplets with sizes in the micrometre range, in which INPs are immersed. Major disadvantages of conventional drop-freezing experiments like varying drop sizes or interactions between the water-oil mixture and the INP, were solved by introducing a unique freezing-chip consisting of an etched and sputtered 15 × 15 × 1 mm gold-plated silicon or pure gold film. Using this chip, isolated micrometre-sized droplets can be generated with sizes similar to droplets in real world clouds. The experimental set-up for drop-freezing experiments was revised and improved by establishing automated process control and image evaluation. The new set-up is economical, quick in handling the sample, precise in measurement and the results are more next to real conditions than former approaches. We were able to show the efficiency and accuracy of our setup by comparing measured freezing temperatures of different INPs (Snomax®, K-feldspar, birch pollen (Betula pendula) washing water, juniper pollen suspension (Juniperus communis) and ultrapure water) with already published results. The T50 values of ultrapure water (T50 = −37.2 °C), birch pollen washing water (T50 = −18 °C) and juniper pollen (T50 = −22.7 °C) match the data given in literature. Microcline shows higher freezing temperatures (T50 = −16.4 °C) than literature values from us and others, which can be explained by different preparing/milling parameters. The slightly lower freezing temperature of Snomax® (T50 = −8.9 °C) received by using the freezing-chip, compared to measurements already published, can be explained by different concentrations and droplet sizes. Our measurements and comparisons with the literature data show the important impact of droplet size, INP concentration and number of active sites on the T50 values. Here, the new set-up exhibits its strength in reproducibility and accuracy which is due to the defined and isolated droplets. Finally, it opens a temperature window down to −37 °C for freezing experiments which was not accessible with many former approaches and allows determination of IN also with weak nucleation activity.
Process-based modelling of NH3 exchange with grazed grasslands
Authors: Móring Andrea , Vieno Massimo , Doherty Ruth M. , Milford Celia , Nemitz Eiko , Twigg Marsailidh M. , Horváth László , Sutton Mark A.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. In this study the GAG model, a process-based ammonia (NH3) emission model for urine patches was extended and applied for the field scale. The new model (GAG_field) was tested over two modelling periods, for which micrometeorological NH3 flux data were available. Acknowledging uncertainties in the measurements, the model was able to simulate the main features of the observed fluxes. The temporal evolution of the simulated NH3 exchange flux was found to be dominated by NH3 emission from the urine patches, offset by simultaneous NH3 deposition to areas of the field not affected by urine. The simulations show how NH3 fluxes over a grazed field in a given day can be affected by urine patches deposited several days earlier, linked to the interaction of volatilization processes with soil pH dynamics. Sensitivity analysis showed that GAG_field was more sensitive to soil buffering capacity (β), field capacity (θfc) and permanent wilting point (θpwp) than the patch scale model. This can be explained by the different initial soil pH and physical characteristics which determine the maximum volume of urine that can be stored in the NH3 source layer. It was found that in the case of urine patches with a higher initial soil pH and higher initial soil water content, the sensitivity of NH3 exchange to β was stronger. Also, in the case of a higher initial soil water content, NH3 exchange was more sensitive to the changes in θfc and θpwp. The sensitivity analysis showed that the nitrogen content of urine (cN) is associated with high uncertainty in the simulated fluxes. However, model experiments based on cN values randomized from an estimated statistical distribution indicated that this uncertainty is considerably smaller in practice. Finally, GAG_field was tested with a constant soil pH of 7.5. The variation of NH3 fluxes simulated in this way showed a good agreement with those from the simulations with the original approach, accounting for a dynamically changing soil pH. These results suggest a way for model simplification when GAG_field is applied later for regional scale.
Climatic variability in Princess Elizabeth Land (East Antarctica) over the last 350 years
Authors: Ekaykin Alexey A. , Vladimirova Diana O. , Lipenkov Vladimir Y. , Masson-Delmotte Valérie
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We use isotopic composition (δD) data from six sites in Princess Elizabeth Land (PEL) in order to reconstruct air temperature variability in this sector of East Antarctica over the last 350 years. First, we use the present-day instrumental mean annual surface air temperature data to demonstrate that the studied region (between Russia's Progress, Vostok and Mirny research stations) is characterized by uniform temperature variability. We thus construct a stacked record of the temperature anomaly for the whole sector for the period of 1958–2015. A comparison of this series with the Southern Hemisphere climatic indices shows that the short-term inter-annual temperature variability is primarily governed by the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) modes of atmospheric variability. However, the low-frequency temperature variability (with period  >  27 years) is mainly related to the anomalies of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mode. We then construct a stacked record of δD for the PEL for the period of 1654–2009 from individual normalized and filtered isotopic records obtained at six different sites (PEL2016 stacked record). We use a linear regression of this record and the stacked PEL temperature record (with an apparent slope of 9 ± 5.4 ‰ °C−1) to convert PEL2016 into a temperature scale. Analysis of PEL2016 shows a 1 ± 0.6 °C warming in this region over the last 3 centuries, with a particularly cold period from the mid-18th to the mid-19th century. A peak of cooling occurred in the 1840s – a feature previously observed in other Antarctic records. We reveal that PEL2016 correlates with a low-frequency component of IOD and suggest that the IOD mode influences the Antarctic climate by modulating the activity of cyclones that bring heat and moisture to Antarctica. We also compare PEL2016 with other Antarctic stacked isotopic records. This work is a contribution to the PAGES (Past Global Changes) and IPICS (International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences) Antarctica 2k projects.
Three distinct Holocene intervals revealed in NW Madagascar: evidence from two stalagmites from two caves, and implications for ITCZ dynamics
Authors: Voarintsoa Ny Riavo G. , Railsback L. Bruce , Brook George A. , Wang Lixin , Kathayat Gayatri , Cheng Hai , Li Xianglei , Edwards R. Lawrence , Rakotondrazafy Amos Fety Michel , Madison Razanatseheno Marie Olga
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Petrographic features, mineralogy, and stable isotopes from two stalagmites collected from Anjohibe and Anjokipoty Cave allow distinction of three intervals of the Holocene in northwestern Madagascar. The Malagasy early Holocene interval (between ca. 9.8 and 7.8 ka) was wet, and vegetation changes seem to have been controlled by changes in climate. The Malagasy late Holocene interval (after ca. 1.6 ka) also records evidence of wet conditions, but changes in vegetation were influenced by anthropogenic effects, as suggested by the stalagmite δ13C shift. The Malagasy middle Holocene interval seems to be characterized by drier conditions, relative to the early and late Holocene. The alternating wet/dry/wet conditions in northwestern Madagascar during each of these Holocene intervals could be linked to the long-term migration of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Higher southern hemisphere (SH) insolation and globally colder conditions drove the ITCZ's mean position further south, bringing more rainfall to northwestern Madagascar. This condition was favorable for stalagmite deposition. In contrast, higher northern hemisphere (NH) insolation and globally warmer conditions displaced the ITCZ further north, bringing less rainfall to northwestern Madagascar. This condition was not favorable for stalagmite deposition. The linkage between global cooling and wet conditions in regions of the SH, in response to the southward migration of the ITCZ, is further exemplified at centennial scale by the negative δ18O and δ13C values in northwestern Madagascar during the 8.2 ka cold event when the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) weakened. Weakening of the AMOC led to an enhanced temperature gradient between the two hemispheres, i.e. cold NH and warm SH, shifting the mean position of the ITCZ further south. This brought wet conditions in the SH monsoon regions, such as northwestern Madagascar, and dry conditions in the NH monsoon regions, including the Asian Monsoon and the East Asian Summer Monsoon. This climatic relationship is useful to test for climate models that are used to predict changes in future climate.
Creative computing with Landlab: an open-source toolkit for building, coupling, and exploring two-dimensional numerical models of Earth-surface dynamics
Authors: Hobley Daniel E. J. , Adams Jordan M. , Nudurupati Sai Siddhartha , Hutton Eric W. H. , Gasparini Nicole M. , Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Tucker Gregory E.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The ability to model surface processes and to couple them to both subsurface and atmospheric regimes has proven invaluable to research in the Earth and planetary sciences. However, creating a new model typically demands a very large investment of time, and modifying an existing model to address a new problem typically means the new work is constrained to its detriment by model adaptations for a different problem. Landlab is an open-source software framework explicitly designed to accelerate the development of new process models by providing (1) a set of tools and existing grid structures – including both regular and irregular grids – to make it faster and easier to develop new process components, or numerical implementations of physical processes; (2) a suite of stable, modular, and interoperable process components that can be combined to create an integrated model; and (3) a set of tools for data input, output, manipulation, and visualization. A set of example models built with these components is also provided. Landlab's structure makes it ideal not only for fully developed modelling applications but also for model prototyping and classroom use. Because of its modular nature, it can also act as a platform for model intercomparison and epistemic uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. Landlab exposes a standardized model interoperability interface, and is able to couple to third-party models and software. Landlab also offers tools to allow the creation of cellular automata, and allows native coupling of such models to more traditional continuous differential equation-based modules. We illustrate the principles of component coupling in Landlab using a model of landform evolution, a cellular ecohydrologic model, and a flood-wave routing model.
Analysing surface energy balance closure and partitioning over a semi-arid savanna FLUXNET site in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Majozi Nobuhle P. , Mannaerts Chris M. , Ramoelo Abel , Mathieu Renaud , Nickless Alecia , Verhoef Wouter
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Flux towers provide essential terrestrial climate, water and radiation budget information needed for environmental monitoring and evaluation of climate change impacts on ecosystems and society in general. They are also intended for calibration and validation of satellite-based earth observation and monitoring efforts, such as assessment of evapotranspiration from land and vegetation surfaces using surface energy balance approaches. In this paper, 15 years of Skukuza eddy covariance data, i.e. from 2000 to 2014, were analysed for surface energy balance closure (EBC) and partitioning. The surface energy balance closure was evaluated using the ordinary least squares regression (OLS) of turbulent energy fluxes (sensible (H) and latent heat (LE)) against available energy (net radiation (Rn) less soil heat (G)), and the energy balance ratio (EBR). Partitioning of the surface energy during the wet and dry seasons was investigated, as well as how it is affected by atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and net radiation. After filtering years with bad data (2004–2008), our results show an overall mean EBR of 0.93. Seasonal variations of EBR also showed summer (0.98) and spring (1.02) were closest to unity, with winter (0.70) having the least closure. Nocturnal surface energy closure was very low at 0.11, and this was linked to low friction velocity during night-time, with results showing an increase in closure with increase in friction velocity. The surface energy partitioning of this savanna ecosystem showed that sensible heat flux dominated the energy partitioning between March and October, followed by latent heat flux, and lastly the soil heat flux, and during the wet season where latent heat flux dominated the sensible heat flux. An increase in net radiation was characterized by an increase in both LE and H, with LE showing a higher rate of increase than H in the wet season, and the reverse happening during the dry season. An increase in VPD is characterized by a decrease in LE and increase in H during the wet season, and an increase of both fluxes during the dry season.
Attributing regional trends of evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity with remote sensing: a case study in the North China Plain
Authors: Mo Xingguo , Chen Xuejuan , Hu Shi , Liu Suxia , Xia Jun
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Attributing changes in evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary productivity (GPP) is crucial for impact and adaptation assessment of the agro-ecosystems to climate change. Simulations with the VIP model revealed that annual ET and GPP slightly increased from 1981 to 2013 over the North China Plain. The tendencies of both ET and GPP were upward in the spring season, while they were weak and downward in the summer season. A complete factor analysis illustrated that the relative contributions of climatic change, CO2 fertilization, and management to the ET (GPP) trend were 56 (−32) %, −28 (25) %, and 68 (108) %, respectively. The decline of global radiation resulted from deteriorated aerosol and air pollution was the principal cause of GPP decline in summer, while air warming intensified the water cycle and advanced the plant productivity in the spring season. Generally, agronomic improvements were the principal drivers of crop productivity enhancement.
Estimating the state of a geophysical system with sparse observations: time delay methods to achieve accurate initial states for prediction
Authors: An Zhe , Rey Daniel , Ye Jingxin , Abarbanel Henry D. I.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The problem of forecasting the behavior of a complex dynamical system through analysis of observational time-series data becomes difficult when the system expresses chaotic behavior and the measurements are sparse, in both space and/or time. Despite the fact that this situation is quite typical across many fields, including numerical weather prediction, the issue of whether the available observations are "sufficient" for generating successful forecasts is still not well understood. An analysis by Whartenby et al. (2013) found that in the context of the nonlinear shallow water equations on a β plane, standard nudging techniques require observing approximately 70 % of the full set of state variables. Here we examine the same system using a method introduced by Rey et al. (2014a), which generalizes standard nudging methods to utilize time delayed measurements. We show that in certain circumstances, it provides a sizable reduction in the number of observations required to construct accurate estimates and high-quality predictions. In particular, we find that this estimate of 70 % can be reduced to about 33 % using time delays, and even further if Lagrangian drifter locations are also used as measurements.
An Ensemble Observing System Simulation Experiment of Global
Ocean Heat Content Variability
Authors: Nelson Arin D. , Weiss Jeffrey B. , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Zia Royce K. P. , Gaillard Fabienne
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We quantify skill and uncertainty in observing the statistics of natural variability using observing system simulation experiments on an ensemble of climate simulations and an observing strategy of in situ measurements and objective mapping. The targeted statistic is the 0–700 m global ocean heat content anomaly as observed by the In Situ Analysis System 2013 (ISAS13) strategy of a long, equilibriated simulation of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) version 3.5. Subannual variability is found to be significantly contaminated by the observing strategy, especially before 2005, primarily due to the sparseness and seasonality in the number and location of pre-Argo observations. However, one-year running means from 2005 onward are found to faithfully capture the natural variability of the model's true ocean heat content variability. During these years, synthetic observed annual running means are strongly correlated with the actual annual running means of the model, with a median correlation of 95 %, versus only 60 % for the observational record before 2005. When scaled to account for the fact that the real ocean is more variable than the model, root mean square errors in observing the annual-running mean natural variability of the global ocean heat content are estimated to be 6.2 ZJ for the pre-Argo era (1990–2005) and 2.1 ZJ for the Argo era (2005–2013) with relative signal-to-noise ratios of 1.9 and 14.7. Combining the estimated, scaled uncertainties of the observing strategy with its estimated trend, the 1990–2013 trend in global ocean heat content is found to be 5.3 ± 1.0 ZJ/yr.
Africa as Tradition in U.S. African American Muslim Identity
Authors: Khabeer Su’ad Abdul
Published: January 2017

In this article I take up David Scott's “heuristic of tradition” to examine Africa as tradition in African American Muslim identity. First, I explore the structure and narrative of claims made for and to Africa by U.S. African American Muslims. Second, I ask: When U.S. African American Muslims claim an Islamic African past, to whom are they speaking and to what ends? I contend that U.S. African American Muslims find themselves neither Muslim enough to be authoritative to non-Black Muslims nor Muslim enough to be representative of U.S. American Muslims in the U.S. American popular imagination. In this context, I also trace the genealogical claims to an Africa made through hip-hop to demonstrate how a sonic religious lineage recenters U.S. African American Muslims within the broader U.S. Muslim community. Thus, I argue that as tradition, Africa labors against the erasure of the U.S. African American Muslim as legitimately Muslim.
Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI): A case report and review of literature
Authors: Priyambada Priya , Joshi Krishna , Ozdemeir Brucu
Published: January 2017

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is characterized by excess growth of the frontal bone. Although the exact cause of HFI is not known, it has been found to be associated with increased age, prolonged estrogen stimulation and elevated leptin. Literature shows its association with seizure, dementia, obesity, headache and endocrine abnormalities. HFI may be syndromic and non-syndromic. Timely identification of HFI can prevent unnecessary diagnostic tests. We report a case of non-syndromic HFI in an elderly female who presented with headache.
Innovation in wound management with disposable, portable, cost-effective and non-powered NPWT device: Experience in general surgery
Authors: Y Bashir , Q Ulain , G O’Brien , H Chonchubhair , O Al-Sahaf
Published: January 2017

Wound management is vital part of surgery. We used a non-powered, disposable, portable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy dressing (NPWT) (“Nanova™”, KCI™) on different types of surgical wounds treated in one Secondary Care Hospital in Ireland. It is easy to use and is self-operated by patients. It was trialled on three patients, was well tolerated, resulting in early mobility and return to daily activities, along with rapid recovery. There was no non-compliance or adverse effects to surrounding skin. The recovery time ranged from 2-3 weeks. The use of this device positively affected the clinical outcome and resulted in early discharge from hospital, quicker recovery and early return to daily activities.
Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine uptake or intent among parents of preadolescents and adolescents
Authors: Dayal Kimberlee , Robinson Sarah , Schoening Jessica , Smith Mary Catherine , Kim Son Chae
Published: January 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine predictors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake or intent among parents of pre-adolescents and adolescents.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among parents of girls aged 9 to 18 years, visiting two primary care clinics in central Texas from September to November 2015. Pearson’s product-moment correlation procedures and path analyses based on Health Belief Model were performed.Results: Path analysis showed that provider recommendation for HPV vaccination (β = 0.37; p < .001) and perceived HPV vaccine harm (β = -0.48; p < .001) had statistically significant direct effects on HPV vaccine uptake or intent. The perceived HPV vaccine effectiveness was directly influenced by HPV knowledge (β = 0.39; p < .001), empowerment in parent-provider relationships (β = 0.30; p = .006) and parental college education (β = 0.23; p = .039).}Conclusions: Together with parental empowerment fostering an equal partnership with providers, targeted education to improve parental HPV knowledge may convince them of the HPV vaccine effectiveness. This, in turn, may help them put the perceived HPV vaccine harm in proper perspective and allow them to make informed decisions regarding the timely HPV vaccination of their children. Because provider recommendation is one of the most important contributing factors for HPV vaccine uptake or intent, parental education and recommendations from nurses will help reduce the knowledge gaps and empower parents to make the timely decisions to vaccinate their children.
Breast cancer mortality disparities: Providers' perspective
Authors: White-Means Shelley , Dapremont Jill , Rice Muriel , Davis Barbara , Stoddard Okoia
Published: January 2017

This research is part two of a study to gain understanding of reasons for the large breast cancer mortality disparity between African-American and White women who live in Memphis, Tennessee. Among the country’s 25 largest cities, the breast cancer mortality disparity is highest in Memphis, Tennessee, where African-American women are twice as likely to die from breast cancer as White women. In part one of this study, we sought to gain the perspective of African-American breast cancer survivors. Now we explore the perspective from the providers of care who interface with breast cancer patients, health systems, and health insurers. This is a descriptive research study that used qualitative methodology to inteview seven medical, surgical and radiation oncologists who serve African-American breast cancer patients in Memphis. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Themes included: (1) socioeconomic factors; (2) lack of knowledge about treatment, progression and side effects, and diagnosis; (3) information/communication about the diagnosis; (4) support system: need for another person to process information given; (5) limited access and resources: no insurance and no available services for treatment in African-American neighborhoods; and (6) fear of the unknown: fear of cancer, fear of losing breast, and fear about the disease’s impact on personal relationships. These results suggest that resources that aid geographical access to services need to change in order for disparities to decrease. A new model for health care delivery for African-American women at high risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer needs to be developed to address these findings.
Motivation and Autonomy in Learning English as Foreign Language: A Case Study of Ecuadorian College Students
Authors: Bravo Jorge Cevallos , Intriago Eder A. , Holguin Jhonny Villafuerte , Garzon Gustavo Molina , Arcia Luis Ortega
Published: January 2017

This quantitative research aims to examine how different levels of motivation relate to frequency of occurrence of autonomous language learning activities undertaken by undergraduate students. Eight hundred and sixty-two college students from 10 vocational training programs of a public university located in Ecuador, South America, participated in this study. Spratt’s questionnaire that regards ‘autonomy and motivation’ as a cyclical interaction in the language learning process, was updated by the researchers, adding digital education elements. The data were analyzed using the program SPSS v24.0.0 The results showed that there was a significant relationship between: the language learning stimulation generated by professors and the participants’ learning attitudes. In addition, it was determined that the most frequent language practices in which the participants showed greatest autonomy were: listening to songs in English language, worrying about the correct pronunciation, and noting down interesting words or expressions in English.
Metacognitive Listening Strategies Used by Saudi EFL Medical Students
Authors: Alhaisoni Eid
Published: January 2017

The present study investigated the metacognitive listening strategies among Saudi EFL medical students. The participants were 104 males and females, randomly selected to fill in the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ), developed and validated Vandergrift Goh, Mareschal, and Tafaghodtari (2006). The results revealed that participants use problem-solving and direct attention strategies more frequently than other metacognitive listening strategies. On the other hand, mental translation and personal knowledge strategies were reported to be the least used strategies. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
UWB Single Port Log Periodic Toothed Terahertz Antenna Design Based on Graphene Artificial Magnetic Conductor
Authors: Abdulnabi Hussein A. , Hussein Refat T. , Fyath Raad S.
Published: January 2017

In this work, a single port exponential tapered toothed log periodic antenna based on graphene artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is suggested for ultra-wideband (1–10) THz operation. The resonance frequency of the proposed antenna can be tuned by changing the connected DC voltage which leads to variation in the chemical potential of the graphene.The radiating toothed log periodic antenna consists of gold patch placed on 25x25 graphene patches which act as an AMC surface unit. Exponential taper is used to satisfy impedance matching between the antenna and the feeder over the frequency range. The simulation results reveal that 90% of frequency range satisfies when the chemical potential is1eV.
Fuel Prices and Station Heterogeneity on Retail Gasoline Markets
Authors: Haucap Justus , Heimeshoff Ulrich , Siekmann Manuel
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

We empirically investigate how and why price levels differ across gasoline stations, using the first full year from a novel panel data set including price quotes from virtually all gas stations in Germany. Our analysis specifically explores the role of station heterogeneity in explaining price differences across gasoline stations. Key determinants of price levels are found to be ex-refinery prices as key input costs, a station’s location on roads or highway service areas, and brand recognition. A lower number of station-specific services implies lower fuel price levels, as does a more heterogeneous local competitive environment.
The Effect of Information on TOU Electricity Use: An Irish Residential Study
Authors: Pon Shirley
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

The disconnect between the time of use and the time of payment is sometimes blamed for the little awareness that many consumers appear to have about their usage of electricity. Real time information feedback combined with various pricing schemes has been found to reduce residential energy consumption more than information and pricing policies alone. I examine the effect of information provision with bi-monthly billing, monthly billing, and in-home displays in addition to a time-of-use pricing scheme on consumption over each month of the Irish Consumer Behavior Trial. I find that time-of-use pricing with real time usage information reduces electricity usage up to 8.7 percent during peak times at the start of the trial but the effect becomes indistinguishable from other treatment groups after the first three months. Increasing billing reports to the monthly level or a web application providing real time information may be more cost effective than in-home displays.
Distribución mundial de la población con discapacidades en relación con los patrones geográficos del desarrollo humano
Authors: Cutillas Orgilés Ernesto
Published: January 2017

Distintos enfoques científicos han estudiado los espacios de vida en donde existen factores ambientales y sociales que dificultan el acceso y la participación de las personas con discapacidades. En dicho sentido, la distribución de esta población mantiene cierto paralelismo con el reparto de determinados indicadores sociales y de desarrollo a nivel mundial. En el presente trabajo, se consideran una serie de indicadores procedentes del Informe mundial sobre la discapacidad para identificar a aquellos que contribuyen mejor a explicar la distribución geográfica de los años vividos con discapacidad a escala global. Pese a las limitaciones de las fuentes de información utilizadas y a la dificultad de establecer relaciones causaefecto, los resultados obtenidos describen que la prevalencia de la discapacidad no siempre se vincula con el envejecimiento demográfico en los países en desarrollo, mientras que la población con elevados años vividos con discapacidad se incrementa en aquellas regiones donde los niveles de desarrollo humano y el índice de desigualdad de género reflejan notables contrastes sociales.
La ecología política urbana: veinte años de crítica, autocrítica y ampliación de fronteras en el estudio del metabolismo urbano
Authors: Villar Navascués Rubén Alejandro
Published: January 2017

La ecología política urbana (EPU) es una disciplina que explora las interacciones entre factores sociales, políticos, económicos y naturales en la producción y en la reproducción de los entornos urbanos, que son entendidos como híbridos socionaturales. El objetivo de este artículo es, a partir de una revisión bibliográfica de la producción científica, identificar las principales temáticas y líneas de investigación para poner de relieve nuevos enfoques desde los que abordar críticamente las interacciones socioecológicas en las ciudades para poder plantear nuevos modelos urbanos sostenibles, tanto desde el punto de vista ecológico como social.
Les externalitats de l’agricultura periurbana: El cas de l’Horta de Lleida
Authors: Torres Solé Teresa , Fernandez González Olga
Published: January 2017

L’agricultura periurbana, a través de la funció econòmica, social i mediambiental que porta a terme, desenvolupa un nombre elevat d’externalitats positives i negatives. Atès que es tracta de falles del mercat, l’estudi s’ha centrat en l’àmbit de l’Horta de Lleida, on, a través de l’avaluació participativa d’un grup d’experts, s’han detectat trenta-una externalitats generades per aquest espai agrari periurbà. La funció mediambiental és la que genera el benefici social més gran entre la població de l’entorn, sense que aquest benefici suposi un retorn al titular de l’explotació agrària. D’altra banda, una de cada cinc externalitats de l’Horta lleidatana és negativa i genera costos socials que no internalitza el mercat.
Haba, Juan de la; Santamaría, Enrique y Yufra, Laura C. (2014). Parlem-ne: Intervenció socioantropològica i conflictes relacionats amb els llocs de culte
Authors: Solana Solana Miguel
Published: January 2017

Haba, Juan de la; Santamaría, Enrique y Yufra, Laura C. (2014)Parlem-ne: Intervenció socioantropològica i conflictes relacionats amb els llocs de culteBarcelona: Pol·len Edicions / Institut Català d’Antropologia, 148 p.ISBN 9788486469771
The revision of specimens of the Cladonia pyxidata-chlorophaea group (lichenized Ascomycota) from northeastern Poland deposited in the herbarium collections of University in Bialystok
Authors: Matwiejuk Anna
Published: January 2017

In northeastern Poland, the chemical variation of the Cladonia chlorophaea-pyxidata group was much neglected, as TLC has not been used in delimitation of species differing in the chemistry. As a great part of herbal material of University in Bialystok from NE Poland was misidentified, I found my studies to be necessary. Based on the collection of 123 specimens deposited in Herbarium of University in Bialystok, nine species of the C. pyxidata-chlorophaea group are reported from NE Poland. The morphology, secondary chemistry, and ecology of examined lichens are presented and the list of localities is provided. The results revealed that C. fimbriata is the most common species in the northeastern Poland, comprising around 33% of the studied specimens. Cladonia conista, C. cryptochlorophaea, and C. merochlorophaea are known only from very few locations. This study shed light on the role of the lichens substances to diagnosis of the species of C. pyxidata-chlorophaea group.
Mortality-risk valuation, age and cause of death: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Sund Björn
Published: January 2017

Economic evaluation of policies regarding out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important. The value of a statistical life (VSL) for OHCA victims is the most important component in a cost-benefit analysis of interventions that have the possibility to reduce mortality from this cause. This value is not known. We use responses to a national Swedish mail survey, based on the stated-preference technique to directly elicit individuals’ hypothetical willingness to pay for a reduced risk of dying from OHCA. A lower-bound estimate of VSL for OHCA would be in range of SEK 30 to 50 million. The value is found to be higher than for comparable VSL estimates from the transport sector, even though individuals who suffer OHCAs are generally older and less healthy than people who die in road traffic accidents. The results indicate that it is not an overestimation to use the ‘baseline’ VSL value from the transport sector (SEK 24 million) in cost-benefit analysis of OHCA policy decisions and that the cause of death is important when examining willingness to pay for death risk reductions. We do not support a general declining VSL due to the age of the victims, i.e. a ‘senior death discount’, for this cause of death.Published: Online January 2017. In print December 2017.
Competencias socioemocionales y percepción de la comunidad ante la conducta agresiva en adolescentes que viven en entornos de riesgo
Authors: Ruvalcaba-Romero Norma A. , Murrieta-Cummingsy Patricia , Arteaga-Velázquez Alejandra
Published: January 2017

ResumenSegún las encuestas internacionales, los jóvenes de América latina se muestran preocupados por el clima de violencia en sus comunidades. Este trabajo busca identificar el rol de las competencias socioemocionales como factor de protección ante las conductas agresivas en los jóvenes. Se encuestaron a 970 estudiantes de secundaria que residen en contextos considerados como de riesgo psicosocial. Los resultados apuntan a que la percepción del riesgo parece tener un mayor impacto en los varones, manteniendo su nivel predictivo incluso al controlar las competencias socioemocionales, no así con las mujeres. Estos hallazgos se discuten a la luz de otros estudios en los que se señala la vulnerabilidad del sector masculino ante la violencia comunitaria. Así mismo se destaca el rol del manejo del enojo, las competencias interpersonales y la generación de un estado de ánimo positivo con la finalidad de sugerir acciones sociales destinadas a la reducción de la violencia.  AbstractAccording to international statistics, Latin America young people are shown concerned by the violence climate in their communities. This paper seeks to identify the role of socioemotional competences as a protection factor against aggressive behaviors in young people. 970 middle school students which inhabit in a context of psychosocial risk were inquired. The results showed that risk perception seems to have bigger impact in men, keeping its predictive level, even when it controls socioemotional capabilities, unlike women. These findings are discussed at the light of other studies in which vulnerability of male sector against communitarian violence is highlighted. Likewise, anger management’s role, interpersonal capabilities and the formation of a positive mood with the aim of suggesting social actions targeted towards violence reduction are pointed out.
Ciencias no divinas: ciencia y cultura en el helenismo
Authors: Rada García Eloy
Published: January 2017

La evolución de la cultura humana es un largo proceso cuya explicación han intentado los historiadores desde los más diversos puntos de vista. La complejidad del desarrollo y sucesión de las culturas exige comprender por igual lo que surge como novedad y lo que permanece, explícito o implícito, en las sucesivas formas culturales. La Historia heroica (de los hechos gloriosos o catastróficos) no basta para ello. Otra forma de ver el continuo socio-cultural (darwiniano o cuasi-darwiniano, en clara analogía con el biológico) permite comprender el proceso en términos de “descendencia con variación” de “supervivencia del mejor adaptado”, etc., siempre que estas categorías explicativas se entiendan también analógicamente en su contexto cultural-antropológico. Se ha repetido innumerables veces que nuestra cultura es de origen griego y se habla de la “herencia clásica”, como si de una dote conocida y compartida se tratase. Aquí pretendo mostrar, primero y esquemáticamente, la complejidad cultural acumulada en la cultura historiográfica helenística y, después, señalar algunos factores, tanto griegos como exógenos, incorporados a ese legado y trasmitidos en él hasta nuestros días. La consideración memética, aquí implícita, de todos estos factores permite una interpretación naturalista de la evolución cultural que ha llegado hasta el presente. Puede ser relevante que, además de los entramados sociales, entre esos factores se hallen principalmente la ciencia, las técnicas o los cultos sociales junto con las concepciones filosóficas o religiosas. Sin embargo, la mayor relevancia reside, tal vez, en la posibilidad metodológica de comprender más radicalmente los procesos culturales en términos naturalizados.  Tomamos al Helenismo como ensayo.