bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interhemispheric Propagation of Stationary Rossby Waves in a Horizontally Nonuniform Background Flow
Authors: Li Yanjie , Li Jianping , Jin Fei Fei , Zhao Sen
Published: February 2015

Significant interhemispheric teleconnections are identified that span the tropical easterlies in the boreal summer 300-hPa streamfunction, such as the North Africa–Antarctic (NAA) and the North Pacific–South America (NPSA) patterns. These patterns are not supported by traditional wave theory, since stationary waves in a basic state without meridional wind would be trapped in the easterlies. To describe the interhemispheric responses more realistically, two-dimensional spherical Rossby wave theory in a horizontally nonuniform basic state is considered. Conditions sufficient for the existence of one propagating wave are obtained, and the meridional group velocity of the wave is shown to have the same direction as the meridional basic wind at the traditional critical latitude. It is concluded that stationary waves with a specific wavelength can propagate across the easterlies from south (north) to north (south) via southerly (northerly) flows. Hence, energy transport by stationary waves on a horizontally nonuniform basic state may produce interhemispheric responses that could pass through the tropical easterly belt.

The wave theory and a barotropic model are then applied to idealized and climatological flows. Model results agree well with the theory. In boreal winter and summer, cross-equatorial flows steer stationary waves propagating from one hemisphere to the other across the tropical easterlies, especially over the Australian–Asian monsoon region. It seems that the large-scale monsoonal background flows play a critical role in the interhemispheric teleconnection. Additionally, the wave ray trajectory and model results suggest that the NAA pattern may result from Rossby wave energy dispersion.
The Influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole on Antarctic Sea Ice*
Authors: Nuncio M. , Yuan Xiaojun
Published: February 2015

This study explores the impact of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) on the Southern Hemisphere sea ice variability. Singular value decomposition (SVD) of September–November sea ice concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies reveals patterns of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific and the IOD in the equatorial Indian Ocean. The relative importance of the IOD’s impact on sea ice in the Pacific sector of Antarctica is difficult to assess for two reasons: 1) ENSO generates larger anomalies in the Pacific and Weddell Sea and 2) many of the positive (negative) IODs co-occur with El Niño (La Niña). West of the Ross Sea, sea ice growth can be attributed to the negative heat fluxes associated with cold meridional flow between high and low pressure cells generated by the effects of the IOD. However, the locations of these positive and negative pressure anomaly centers tend to appear north of the sea ice zone during combined ENSO–IOD events, reducing the influence of the IOD on sea ice. The IOD influence is at a maximum in the region west of the Ross Sea. When ENSO is removed, sea ice in the Indian Ocean (near 60°E) increases because of cold outflows west of low pressure centers while sea ice near 90°E decreases because of the warm advection west of a high pressure center located south of Australia.
Polyamide 12 modified with nanoparticles: Effect on impact behaviour and on the electrical conductivity of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Arnold Marcus , Henne Markus , Bender Klaus , Drechsler Klaus
Published: February 2015

Modifying the impact toughness of carbon composite by means of introducing thermoplastic inserts in the interlaminar layer is state of the art. However, these inlayers reduce the electrical conductivity through the thickness of the composite. Because the combination of good electrical conductivity and high fracture toughness is desirable, a detailed investigation was carried out into additive-enhanced polyamide 12 compound. The modification consisted in compounding graphite, graphene and carbon nanotubes with polyamide 12 in various proportions. After it was introduced into the interlaminar layer, the samples' electrical conductivity was measured and their mechanical properties assessed. Afterwards, these results were compared with various inserts made with unmodified polyamide 12. It turned out that the coarse-mesh laid scrim showed only a slight fall in conductivity. Furthermore, it provided promising results regarding the increase of the interlaminar toughness. Thus, the expensive modification of polyamide 12 can be avoided by using discrete laid scrim.
Providing places for structures of feeling and hierarchical complementarity in urban theory: Re-reading Williams’ The Country and the City
Authors: Dirksmeier Peter
Published: February 2015

This paper reflects upon intellectual possibilities of Raymond Williams’ classic study The Country and the City (1975) within current urban and regional research. First, the paper canvasses the relevance of the book by constructing a frame of reference based on its citations in urban and regional studies. The principal findings of this approach discern frequent use of the main points developed by Williams in recent discourse. Thereafter the paper raises two issues that have been somewhat neglected in the present adoption of The Country and the City. First, the possibilities of the concept of structure of feeling still seem underdeveloped in urban and regional research today. The idea of generation-specific structures aims at the heart of the habit of urban theory-making. Second, drawing on the work on hierarchies of French anthropologist Louis Dumont the binary relationship between country/city shown in the book could be used as a fruitful methodological starting point for thinking about representation in more recent studies of spatial relationships.
Should Social Science and Jurisprudence Imitate Natural Science?
Authors: Huang Philip C. C. , Gao Yuan
Published: February 2015

Scientism—the belief that social science and jurisprudence can discover universal and deterministic laws about the human world in the same way as natural science has about the physical world—carries enormous influence today. It is most evident in the “formalist” traditions of social science and jurisprudence, which have managed to occupy “mainstream” positions, despite an abundance of contrary evidence and “alternative” theoretical challenges. They have done so mainly by resort to deductive, even mathematicized, logic modeled after the axiomatic system of Euclidean geometry, which many consider the unique resource of Western civilization, absent in non-Western civilizations. In natural science, there has been a close and organic working together of deduction and induction, but that has not been possible in the much more complex and paradoxical social world, in which the subjective and the objective, the contingent and the necessary, the particular and the universal coexist and interact. The stubborn attempt to impose universal laws on the social world is what has driven formalist theories’ reliance one-sidedly on deduction over induction. To correct that tendency, this article argues for a social science that begins instead from induction based on empirical evidence, thence to apply deduction to draw out the logical implications and hypotheses, and then to return to the practical world to test the formulations, in an unending process, thereby to construct not universal and absolute theories, but theories and insights with delimited empirical conditions and boundaries. That, we argue, would be the genuine application of a truly “scientific method”—the essence of which is mutually propelling deduction and induction, not the insistence on defining deterministic universal laws to the disregard of contrary evidence.
Labelling and water conservation: A European perspective on a global challenge
Authors: Kelly DA
Published: February 2015

The European Commission has identified labelling as a means of encouraging consumers to opt for water-efficient products. A common water label at the European level would help countries achieve water efficiency in a cohesive way. This paper examines some of the water labelling schemes currently implemented in countries around the world in order to draw together a knowledge-base of water labelling best practice. Mandatory labels are shown to be most effective at encouraging consumer uptake, while additional supportive information (such as product performance data and potential financial savings) would help inform consumer purchase decisions. Consideration of national implications, economic impact, regulation and enforcement and establishing impact indicators, are all shown to be vital components of an effective water labelling scheme.

Practical application: A Europe-wide water label would help promote the uptake of water-efficient products by providing consumers with information about the water consumption characteristics of products at the point of sale. It is intended that the water labelling best practice presented here is used by policy makers and regulators to help inform future initiatives in introducing a Europe-wide water label. Incorporating lessons from best practice will help ensure that such an initiative will achieve its full water-saving potential by encouraging consumer purchasing, and pushing market development, towards highly water-efficient products and, ultimately, reducing household water consumption.
A systematic review of evidence for the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Kersten Paula , Czuba Karol , McPherson Kathryn , Dudley Margaret , Elder Hinemoa , Tauroa Robyn , Vandal Alain
Published: February 2015

This article synthesized evidence for the validity and reliability of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in children aged 3–5 years. A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines was carried out. Study quality was rated using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. In total, 41 studies were included (56 manuscripts). Two studies examined content and cultural validity, revealing issues with some questions. Six studies discussed language validations with changes to some wording recommended. There was good evidence for discriminative validity (Area Under the Curve ≥ 0.80), convergent validity (weighted average correlation coefficients ≥ 0.50, except for the Prosocial scale), and the 5-factor structural validity. There was limited support for discriminant validity. Sensitivity was below 70% and specificity above 70% in most studies that examined this. Internal consistency of the total difficulty scale was good (weighted average Chronbach’s alpha parents’ and teachers’ version 0.79 and 0.82) but weaker for other subscales (weighted average parents’ and teachers’ range 0.49–0.69 and 0.69–0.83). Inter-rater reliability between parents was moderate (correlation coefficients range 0.42–0.64) and between teachers strong (range 0.59–0.81). Cross-informant consistency was weak to moderate (weighted average correlation coefficients range 0.25–0.45). Test-retest reliability was mostly inadequate. In conclusion, the lack of evidence for cultural validity, criterion validity and test-retest reliability should be addressed given wide-spread implementation of the tool in routine clinical practice. The moderate level of consistency between different informants indicate that an assessment of a pre-schooler should not rely on a single informant.
The causes of bourgeois culture
Authors: Aroosi Jamie
Published: February 2015

This article explores the pervasive interpretations of Søren Kierkegaard’s social and political thought, examining how they have prevented a substantive conversation between him and his contemporary, Karl Marx. Describing how they lack political nuance, this article then explores Kierkegaard’s early work, in order to demonstrate that Kierkegaard understands economic life in similar terms to Marx. Moreover, not only does Kierkegaard view economic life as the antithesis of the type of authentic life he aims to cultivate, but, in line with Marx, his vision of authenticity is also similar to Marx’s vision. Finally, this article ends by demonstrating how both Marx and Kierkegaard are working through this criticism in explicitly Hegelian terms, and that their correlative notions of authenticity are likewise indebted to Hegel. In this way, this article begins the long-overdue conversation between Kierkegaard’s and Marx’s respective receptions of Hegel, while demonstrating how social and political thinkers can more fully integrate Kierkegaard’s ethical and spiritual insight into mainstream political thought.
Coronary ostial compromise in aortic valve replacement: An avoidable complication
Authors: Farid Shakil , Page Aravinda , Howell Neil , Goddard Martin , Abu-Omar Yasir , Jenkins David P , Nashef Samer AM
Published: February 2015

Background

We sought to determine the incidence of hospital death due to surgical compromise of the coronary ostia in aortic valve replacement. The mechanism of coronary ostium blockage was also investigated.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of prospectively collected clinical data and autopsy findings in 322 patients who died in hospital after aortic valve replacement with or without concomitant procedures in a single institution from January 1998 to March 2013.

Results

Over the 15-year period, more than 17 surgeons performed 7507 aortic valve replacements with or without other procedures. The mean age of the patients was 70.8 ± 11.78 years and 63% were male. Bioprosthetic valves were used in 75%, mechanical valves in 24.7%, and homografts in only 0.3%. Early mortality for all patients (combined, emergency, and redo procedures) was 4.29% (mean logistic EuroSCORE 10.7). There were 322 deaths after procedures involving the aortic valve. Autopsy examinations were carried out in all patients and showed that 3.4% ( n = 11) of deaths were at least partly attributed to encroachment on one or both coronary ostia. Causes of ostial compromise included the valve sutures, the valve sewing ring, and the aortotomy suture line.

Conclusions

Coronary ostial compromise in aortic valve replacement is a very rare but real problem occurring in at least 0.15% of aortic valve replacements and contributing to or directly causing one in every 29 aortic valve replacement deaths. Surgeons should have a high level of awareness of the risk of this rare but fatal and avoidable complication.
Brazilian Youth Activism
Authors: Silva Conceição Firmina Seixas , de Castro Lucia Rabello
Published: February 2015

This article discusses alternative forms of political participation among Brazilian youth today. The prevailing context of social and economic inequalities in Latin America stands as a key factor for understanding young people’s experimentations with new forms of activism. The article considers research based on in-depth interviews with twenty young residents of Rio de Janeiro about new youth collectives engaging with issues of social change. The analysis shows that the meanings of politics and political action are extended to encompass direct and effective action motivated by a personal interpellation against social injustice. It also shows the importance of experiencing politics as a “bottom-up” undertaking resistant to hierarchical constraints and characterized by individual autonomy. Finally, the article discusses whether this new political engagement may evade a broader political view of conflicting social forces at play and impose limitations on the construction of a political project that can be embraced by different collectives.
Determination of non-gaseous and gaseous mercury fractions in unused fluorescent lamps: A study of different lamp types
Authors: Figi Renato , Nagel Oliver , Schreiner Claudia , Hagendorfer Harald
Published: February 2015

Since incandescent light bulbs have been phased out in the European Union from 2009, the use of fluorescent lamps has drastically increased as a reliable, more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative. State-of-the-art fluorescent lamps are dependent on mercury/mercury alloys, posing a risk for the consumer and the environment, and appropriate waste management is challenging. Consequently analytical methods to determine possible mercury species (non-gaseous/gaseous) in these lamps are of need. Here, a straightforward and wet-chemistry-based analytical strategy for the determination of gaseous and non-gaseous mercury in commercially available fluorescent lamps is presented. It can be adapted in any analytical laboratory, without or with only minimum modifications of already installed equipment. The analytical figures of merit, as well as application of the method to a series of commercially available fluorescent lamps, are presented. Out of 14 analysed and commercially available lamp types, results from this study indicate that only one contains a slightly higher amount of mercury than set by the legislative force. In all new lamps the amount of gaseous mercury is negligible compared with the non-gaseous fraction (88%–99% of total mercury).
How Do Young Poles Perceive Their Adulthood?
Authors: Oleszkowicz Anna , Misztela Anna
Published: February 2015

The present study focuses on three issues: sense of adulthood, self-perception within five features of emerging adulthood, and conceptions of adulthood. The sample consisted of 684 subjects (349 late adolescents, 207 emerging adults, and 128 young adults). The results show that emerging adults differ in their perceived adult status from both late adolescents and young adults, being situated in-between those two groups. The findings also confirm that age groups differ with respect to self-perception within the features of emerging adulthood but they do not show a predominance of any of the features in emerging adults. Furthermore, young people who have already settled down into the roles and responsibilities of adult life demonstrate lower frequencies of features of emerging adulthood and a greater sense of adulthood. When compared with the results of research conducted in the United States and Western European countries, the present study shows that young Poles display the features characteristic of the developmental period called emerging adulthood only to an extent.
Magnesium-containing mixed coatings on zirconia for dental implants: mechanical characterization and in vitro behavior
Authors: Pardun Karoline , Treccani Laura , Volkmann Eike , Streckbein Philipp , Heiss Christian , Gerlach Juergen W , Maendl Stephan , Rezwan Kurosch
Published: February 2015

An important challenge in the field of dental and orthopedic implantology is the preparation of implant coatings with bioactive functions that feature a high mechanical stability and at the same time mimic structural and compositional properties of native bone for a better bone ingrowth. This study investigates the influence of magnesium addition to zirconia-calcium phosphate coatings. The mixed coatings were prepared with varying additions of either magnesium oxide or magnesium fluoride to yttria-stabilized zirconia and hydroxyapatite. The coatings were deposited on zirconia discs and screw implants by wet powder spraying. Microstructure studies confirm a porous coating with similar roughness and firm adhesion not hampered by the coating composition. The coating morphology, mechanical flexural strength and calcium dissolution showed a magnesium content-dependent effect. Moreover, the in vitro results obtained with human osteoblasts reveal an improved biological performance caused by the presence of Mg2+ ions. The magnesium-containing coatings exhibited better cell proliferation and differentiation in comparison to pure zirconia-calcium phosphate coatings. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that magnesium addition increases the bioactivity potential of zirconia-calcium phosphate coatings and is thus a highly suitable candidate for bone implant coatings.
Research on performance and preparation of graphene/epoxy high dielectric permittivity polymer composites
Authors: Wei Hong , Zhang Yunhe , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: February 2015

Graphene/epoxy (EPO) composites were prepared by solution casting method. Dielectric constant of graphene/EPO composite show a slight increase with the increasing content of graphene due to poor distribution and dispersion of graphene in the EPO. Graphene/EPO composites treated with dilution had a significant performance in dielectric constant of 600 but with a relatively higher dielectric loss compared with that of graphene/EPO composites. Further dilution with different diluting concentrations were introduced into the preparation of graphene/EPO composites. The dielectric constant was closely influenced by the dilution concentration, which shows the highest dielectric constant of 700 at the highest dilution concentration of 0.015(g/ml) but decreased down to 200 with further dilution. The dielectric loss was obviously reduced within the whole system at low diluted concentration compared with that of the two systems mentioned but soared up to 100 with further dilution. It could contribute to the cooperation of well distribution and dispersion effects, thereby generating improved dielectric properties. However, the extreme dilution caused the degeneration of the conductive path, which jeopardized the dielectric properties with decreased dielectric constant and the increasing dielectric loss.
Synthesis and biodegradation studies of optically active poly(amide–imide)s based on N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-l-amino acid
Authors: Wu Qiuxiang , Yang Zhizhou , Yao Jinshui , Yu Donghong
Published: February 2015

Five new optically active poly(amide–imide)s (PAIs) (PAI3a–PAI3e) were synthesized through the direct polycondensation reaction between chiral N, N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-l-amino acids and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether. The resulted polymers were fully characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis, inherent viscosity measurement, solubility tests, specific rotation, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biodegradation studies of the PAIs were performed in soil and in phosphate buffer solution. The surface morphology and hydrophobicity of the biodegraded PAI films were investigated. FTIR spectra showed structural changes on PAI powders being treated in phosphate buffer solution. The TGA data showed that the thermal stability of PAI powders decreased with the degradation time. The collected degradation products were soluble in water and had absorption in ultraviolet and visible light region. Possible biodegradation mechanism of amino acid-based PAIs was explored.
History of leucotomies in Greece
Authors: Ploumpidis D , Tsiamis C , Poulakou-Rebelakou E
Published: February 2015

In order to present the social, scientific and institutional context which permitted the use of leucotomies in Greece, we have reviewed the Archives of the Medical Associations, the medical literature of the years 1946–56, a reader’s dissertation and the memoirs of two psychiatrists. More than 250 leucotomies were done in the two public psychiatric hospitals in Athens from 1947 to 1954, as well as 40 leucotomies in the public psychiatric hospital in Thessaloniki. Although aware of the side effects, psychiatrists justified the use of the procedure. The performance of leucotomies in Greece declined because of reports of the dangers of the operation and its unpredictable outcome for the patients, but mainly because of the encouraging results with psychotropic drugs in the early 1950s.
The Jewish psychiatric hospital, Zofiówka, in Otwock, Poland
Authors: Seeman Mary V
Published: February 2015

The T4 euthanasia programme within Nazi Germany has been well researched, but much less is known about the extermination of psychiatric patients in Nazi-occupied territories during the same period. In Poland 20,000 mentally ill patients were deliberately killed during the German occupation. This paper traces the history of one psychiatric hospital, Zofiówka, in Otwock, south-east of Warsaw. The hospital once served the Jewish population of Poland and was the largest, most prestigious neuropsychiatric centre in the country. It is now in ruins and said to be haunted by ghosts.
From paranoia querulans to vexatious litigants: a short study on madness between psychiatry and the law. Part 2
Authors: Lévy Benjamin
Published: February 2015

The second part of this paper examines the history of querulous paranoia and vexatious litigation in the English-speaking countries from the nineteenth century to today. This study suggests that the lack of thorough research on querulous paranoia in these countries is due to a broad cultural, legal and medical context which has caused unreasonable complainants to be considered a purely legal, rather than a medical issue. To support this hypothesis, I analyse how legal steps have been taken throughout the English-speaking world since 1896 to keep the unreasonable complainants at bay, and I present reasons why medical measures have scarcely been adopted. However, I also submit evidence that this division of responsibilities between the judges and the psychiatrists has taken a new turn since the dawn of the twenty-first century.
Mobilizing Clouston in the colonies? General paralysis of the insane at the Auckland Mental Hospital, 1868–99
Authors: O’Connor Maree
Published: February 2015

This article examines the diagnosis of general paralysis of the insane (GPI) at the Auckland Mental Hospital, New Zealand, between 1868 and 1899, and changes in the identified causes of this condition. It argues that despite long-standing evidence citing the role of syphilis, asylum doctors working in New Zealand were as reluctant as their English and Scottish colleagues to blame syphilis alone for GPI. It also argues that although syphilis became a more popular cause in the aetiology of GPI by the end of the nineteenth century, medical and non-medical sources continued to cite other causes for GPI.
Shell shock in Ireland: The Richmond War Hospital, Dublin (1916–19)
Authors: Kelly Brendan D
Published: February 2015

The history of mental disorders occasioned by World War I is a complex and important history, indelibly linked with social, political and cultural circumstances, and the history of the war itself. The Richmond War Hospital was a 32-bed establishment on the grounds of the large Richmond District Asylum in Dublin which, from 16 June 1916 until 23 December 1919, treated 362 soldiers with shell shock and other mental disorders, of whom more than half were considered to have recovered. Despite the limitations of the Richmond War Hospital, it was a generally forward-looking institution that pointed the way for future reform of Ireland’s asylum system and, along with the other war hospitals, brought significant changes to the practice of psychiatry.
David Hartley’s views on Madness
Authors: Berrios GE
Published: February 2015

The psychiatric aspects of David Hartley’s writings have received less attention than the rest of his work. This Classic Text deals with Section VI of his Observations on Man …, namely, the ‘Imperfections of the rational Faculty’. Hartley defines madness as an imperfection of reason that can be temporary or enduring. He makes use of his model of mental functioning to differentiate between eight clinical categories of madness, each representing a different pattern of vibrations of the nerves. Hartley developed this model based on Newton’s theory of vibrations and, to explain the complexity of mental acts and entities, he combined it with his own version of the mechanism of Association of Ideas borrowed from John Locke. Much work needs to be done to identify the provenance of Hartley’s nosology and nosography.
The role of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in the cognitive deficits of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Coín M A , Vilar-López R , Peralta-Ramírez I , Hidalgo-Ruzzante N , Callejas-Rubio J L , Ortego-Centeno N , Pérez-García M
Published: February 2015

Objective: To analyze the role of the antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) on the neuropsychological deficits in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, comparing groups of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS; n = 15), SLE with aPL ( n = 12), and SLE without aPL ( n = 27), and a healthy control group ( n = 31). Methods: Patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology SLE classification criteria or the Sydney criteria for APS. All participants were woman, and groups were matched on age and education. A standardized cognitive examination classified patients as cognitively declined or impaired according to the American College of Rheumatology. Results: Differences between the groups were found in all of the studied variables, comprising attention and executive functions (sustained and selective attention, fluency, and inhibition), and memory (verbal and visual). Post-hoc analyses showed cognitive performance was equivalent between APS and SLE with aPL. Differences between SLE without aPL and control groups were found only in four of the 10 studied variables, while differences in all but two memory variables were found between SLE without aPL and control groups. Furthermore, cognitive deficit was three times more frequent in APS and SLE with aPL patients than for the control group (80%, 75%, and 16%, respectively), and two times more frequent compared to SLE patients without aPL (48%). Conclusions: Our results support the relationship between aPL and cognitive symptoms in SLE. Also, almost half of the patients with SLE and no aPL showed cognitive problems, pointing to the multifactorial causes of cognitive problems in SLE. Future research with larger sample size is guaranteed to replicate our results.
Anthropocentric and Ecocentric
Authors: Cocks Samuel , Simpson Steven
Published: February 2015

Sometimes environmental philosophers write only for other environmental philosophers, and their insights on the nature–human relationship do not reach environmental educators and adventure programmers. This article investigates one aspect of environmental philosophy and the differences between anthropocentric and ecocentric thinking, and applies it to the outdoor recreation and environmental education fields. Even some philosophers themselves believe that the anthropocentric/ecocentric debate is a theoretical discussion with few practical implications, but there are several reasons that outdoor recreation professionals and environmental educators might consider anthropocentric and ecocentric distinctions in their work. They include an appreciation of motivations behind environmental action and the practical value of discussing philosophical differences.
Damage modelling in thermoplastic composites reinforced with natural fibres under compressive loading
Authors: Mokhtari Ahcene , Ould Ouali Mohand , Tala-Ighil Nacer
Published: February 2015

In this work, the compression failure of thermoplastic composites made of jute/polypropylene is investigated by experimental and numerical studies. Two laminate specimen’s lengths with different fibre orientations have been considered to analyse this composite type response to a compressive solicitation. The applied numerical model permits to understand the mechanisms of damage and evolution in the laminate. The interlayer damage (delamination) and the intra-layer damage (matrix cracking) have been modelled by the combined use of the Cohesive Zones model (CZM) and the Matzenmiller, Lubliner and Taylor (MLT) mechanical model. It was found that the loading conditions of laminates and the fibres orientation affect the compression failure load of the thermoplastic composites.
Technical aspects of clinical videoconferencing: a large scale review of the literature
Authors: Fatehi Farhad , Armfield Nigel R , Dimitrijevic Mila , Gray Leonard C
Published: February 2015

Summary

Telemedicine has been increasingly researched during the past few decades and the technology used by health care providers and recipients has changed dramatically. However, little has been published on technical characteristics of video consultations and how these characteristics have changed over time due to rapid advancement of information and communication technology. We aimed to summarize various types of technologies used for interactive videoconferencing between health care providers and patients, and identify the trend of their change from 2002 to 2012. A comprehensive electronic search was performed using PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases which yielded 2,411 unique records. After screening at title/abstract level, full texts of 505 articles were retrieved and explored for technical information of videoconferencing. The trend of number of publications fluctuated between 41 and 47 articles with no specific pattern, though a dip in 2004 (n = 35) and drastic increase in 2012 (n = 68) was evident. The equipment used for videoconferencing was not mentioned in 15% of the papers. Dedicated VC systems (CODECs), were the most commonly used hardware, followed by computer/laptop/notebook. The connection speed (bandwidth) was not reported in 46% of the papers. The proportion of articles reporting the connection speed declined over time. Details of image quality and frame rate were mentioned in 11% and 5% of the papers, respectively. The results of this study showed that a high proportion of telemedicine papers lack sufficient technical details that limits their repeatability and generalizability.
Traditional Herbal Medicine as Adjunctive Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Kim Woojin , Lee Won-Bock , Lee Jungwoo , Min Byung-Il , Lee HyangSook , Cho Seung-Hun
Published: February 2015

The effectiveness of traditional herbal medicine (THM) as treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of THM as adjunctive therapies for NPC using the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five electronic databases, including English and Chinese databases, were systematically searched up to February 2014. All RCTs involving traditional herbal medicine in combination with conventional cancer therapy for NPC were included. Twenty-two RCTs involving 2,298 NPC patients were systematically reviewed. Of these 22 studies, 15 on 1482 patients reported a significant increase in the number surviving patients with survivals of more than 1, 3, or 5 years. Seven studies on 595 patients reported a significant increase in immediate tumor response, and three studies on 505 patients reported a significant decrease in distant metastasis. This meta-analysis of 22 studies suggests that THM combined with conventional therapy can provide an effective adjunctive therapy for NPC. More research and well-designed, rigorous, large clinical trials are required to address these issues
Reimbursement Programs and Health Technology Assessment for Diabetes Devices and Supplies
Authors: Cheung Richard Y. , Mui Vanessa
Published: February 2015

The reimbursement model for medical devices and supplies used in the management of diabetes in Canada, along with the process for assessing new health technologies, can be complicated. Various provincial programs, including Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program and the Ontario Monitoring for Health Program, reimburse the costs associated with certain devices and supplies for diabetes management. In addition, provincial advisory committees, such as the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, review and make recommendations on the adoption of new health technologies in each province. This article provides an overview of the reimbursement programs available for diabetes devices and supplies and reviews the process for assessing new health technologies using the province of Ontario as an example.
Plant-based oral tolerance to hemophilia therapy employs a complex immune regulatory response including LAP+CD4+ T cells
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Su Jin , Sherman Alexandra , Rogers Geoffrey L. , Liao Gongxian , Hoffman Brad E. , Leong Kam W. , Terhorst Cox , Daniell Henry , Herzog Roland W.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Coadministering FIX orally and systemically induces tolerance via complex immune regulation, involving tolerogenic dendritic and T-cell subsets. Induced CD4+CD25−LAP+ regulatory T cells with increased IL-10 and TGF-β expression and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells suppress antibody formation against FIX.
Mild cognitive impairment and deficits in instrumental activities of daily living: a systematic review
Authors: Jekel Katrin , Damian Marinella , Wattmo Carina , Hausner Lucrezia , Bullock Roger , Connelly Peter J , Dubois Bruno , Eriksdotter Maria , Ewers Michael , Graessel Elmar , Kramberger Milica G , Law Emma , Mecocci Patrizia , Molinuevo José L , Nygård Louise , Olde-Rikkert Marcel GM , Orgogozo Jean-Marc , Pasquier Florence , Peres Karine , Salmon Eric , Sikkes Sietske AM , Sobow Tomasz , Spiegel René , Tsolaki Magda , Winblad Bengt , Frölich Lutz
Published: February 2015

Introduction

There is a growing body of evidence that subtle deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) may be present in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, it is not clear if there are IADL domains that are consistently affected across patients with MCI. In this systematic review, therefore, we aimed to summarize research results regarding the performance of MCI patients in specific IADL (sub)domains compared with persons who are cognitively normal and/or patients with dementia.

Methods

The databases PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature in December 2013. Publications from 1999 onward were considered for inclusion. Altogether, 497 articles were retrieved. Reference lists of selected articles were searched for potentially relevant articles. After screening the abstracts of these 497 articles, 37 articles were included in this review.

Results

In 35 studies, IADL deficits (such as problems with medication intake, telephone use, keeping appointments, finding things at home and using everyday technology) were documented in patients with MCI. Financial capacity in patients with MCI was affected in the majority of studies. Effect sizes for group differences between patients with MCI and healthy controls were predominantly moderate to large. Performance-based instruments showed slight advantages (in terms of effect sizes) in detecting group differences in IADL functioning between patients with MCI, patients with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy controls.

Conclusion

IADL requiring higher neuropsychological functioning seem to be most severely affected in patients with MCI. A reliable identification of such deficits is necessary, as patients with MCI with IADL deficits seem to have a higher risk of converting to dementia than patients with MCI without IADL deficits. The use of assessment tools specifically designed and validated for patients with MCI is therefore strongly recommended. Furthermore, the development of performance-based assessment instruments should be intensified, as they allow a valid and reliable assessment of subtle IADL deficits in MCI, even if a proxy is not available. Another important point to consider when designing new scales is the inclusion of technology-associated IADL. Novel instruments for clinical practice should be time-efficient and easy to administer.
Seismic wave propagation concepts applied to the interpretation of marine controlled-source electromagnetics
Authors: Mittet Rune
Published: February 2015

Concepts such as reflections, refractions, diffractions, and transmissions are very useful for the interpretation of seismic data. Moreover, these concepts play a key role in the design of processing algorithms for seismic data. Currently, however, the same concepts are not widely used for the analysis and interpretation of marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data. Connections between seismic and marine CSEM data are established by analytically transforming the diffusive Maxwell equations to wave-domain Maxwell equations. Seismic data and wave-domain electromagnetic data are simulated with 3D finite-difference schemes. The two data types are similar; however, the wave-domain electromagnetic data must be transformed back to the diffusive domain to properly describe realistic field propagation in the earth. We analyzed the inverse transform from the wave domain to the diffusive domain. Concepts like reflections, refractions, diffractions and transmissions were found to be valid also for marine CSEM data but the properties of the inverse transform favored refracted and guided events over reflected and diffracted events. In this sense, marine CSEM data were found to be similar to refraction seismic data.
Religion and the risk of suicide: longitudinal study of over 1 million people
Authors: O'Reilly Dermot , Rosato Michael
Published: February 2015

Background

Durkheim's seminal historical study demonstrated that religious affiliation reduces suicide risk, but it is unclear whether this protective effect persists in modern, more secular societies.

Aims

To examine suicide risk according to Christian religious affiliation and by inference to examine underlying mechanisms for suicide risk. If church attendance is important, risk should be lowest for Roman Catholics and highest for those with no religion; if religiosity is important, then ‘conservative’ Christians should fare best.

Method

A 9-year study followed 1 106 104 people aged 16–74 years at the 2001 UK census, using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for census-based cohort attributes.

Results

In fully adjusted models analysing 1119 cases of suicide, Roman Catholics, Protestants and those professing no religion recorded similar risks. The risk associated with conservative Christians was lower than that for Catholics (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.97).

Conclusions

The relationship between religious affiliation and suicide established by Durkheim may not pertain in societies where suicide rates are highest at younger ages. Risks are similar for those with and without a religious affiliation, and Catholics (who traditionally are characterised by higher levels of church attendance) do not demonstrate lower risk of suicide. However, religious affiliation is a poor measure of religiosity, except for a small group of conservative Christians, although their lower risk of suicide may be attributable to factors such as lower risk behaviour and alcohol consumption.
Cognitive–behavioural therapy for anxiety in dementia: pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Spector Aimee , Charlesworth Georgina , King Michael , Lattimer Miles , Sadek Susan , Marston Louise , Rehill Amritpal , Hoe Juanita , Qazi Afifa , Knapp Martin , Orrell Martin
Published: February 2015

Background

Anxiety is common and problematic in dementia, yet there is a lack of effective treatments.

Aims

To develop a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) manual for anxiety in dementia and determine its feasibility through a randomised controlled trial.

Method

A ten-session CBT manual was developed. Participants with dementia and anxiety (and their carers) were randomly allocated to CBT plus treatment as usual (TAU) (n= 25) or TAU (n= 25). Outcome and cost measures were administered at baseline, 15 weeks and 6 months.

Results

At 15 weeks, there was an adjusted difference in anxiety (using the Rating Anxiety in Dementia scale) of (–3.10, 95% CI −6.55 to 0.34) for CBT compared with TAU, which just fell short of statistical significance. There were significant improvements in depression at 15 weeks after adjustment (–5.37, 95% CI −9.50 to −1.25). Improvements remained significant at 6 months. CBT was cost neutral.

Conclusions

CBT was feasible (in terms of recruitment, acceptability and attrition) and effective. A fully powered RCT is now required.
Structural Heterogeneity Between EU 15 and 12 New EU Members – the Obstacle to Lisbon Strategy Implementation?
Authors: Olczyk Magdalena
Published: February 2015

The aim of this article is to identify diversity between the EU-15 and the New Members in their implementation of the Lisbon Strategy in the period 2000-2010. By analyzing a set of structural indicators, we aim to fill a gap in the literature: the lack of publications providing complex evaluation of the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy using measurable indicators. Given their suitability for international comparisons, we use two taxonomic methods: Ward’s cluster analysis and the synthetic variable method proposed by Hellwig. The results of our analyses confirm the hypothesis of a large gap between the EU-15 countries and the 12 New Members in the key areas of the Lisbon Strategy. According to rankings given by our taxonomic analyses, a high level of the indicators selected is confirmed only for the EU-15 countries and only three New Members belong to a group presenting the average level of these indicators. This study demonstrates a need for a significant intensification of the EU cohesion policy, which is one of the main tools for achieving the Lisbon Strategy goals.
Institutions: Uncertainty in Definition of the Term. A Brief Look at the History: 1890-1930
Authors: Arnania-Kepuladze Tamila
Published: February 2015

Despite the fact that the significance of institutional economics is commonly recognized, the uncertainty of basic concepts of institutional economics – institutions – and its investigation sphere is widely mentioned today. The paper aims to trace the process of evolution in the understanding of the notion of institution, from its spontaneous mentions and pragmatic use of the so-called pre-institutional era to the desire to understand and to define the essence of the institution in the period of early institutionalism. Based on the analyses of appropriate literature, the paper tries to study how the term “institution” was understood at the three initial historical period of its usage. For this purpose, the first part of the paper analyses how the term “institution” was used at the start by religious figures in VII and XIII centuries and then by thinkers in XVII-XVIII centuries which are considered as a pre-history of the term “institution” wide usage. The second part of the study is focused on the investigation how the term was understood by immediate predecessors of institutional economics – German Historical School, and the third part of the paper investigates scholars-institutionalists’ efforts in the intellectual context on the period 1890-1930.
The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem – Analysis of Correlation and Regression
Authors: Pietrzak Michał Bernard
Published: February 2015

The paper focuses on the issue of the modifiable areal unit problem, which means a possibility of obtaining various results for spatial economic analyses depending on the assumed composition of territorial units. The major research objective of the work is to examine the scale problem that constitutes one of the aspects of the modifiable areal unit problem. Analysis of the scale problem will be conducted for two research problems, namely, for the problem of the causal relationships between the level of investment outlays in enterprises per capita and the number of entities of the national economy per capita, and the issue of the dependence between the registered unemployment rate and the level of investment outlays per capita. The calculations based on the empirical values of those variables have showed that moving to a higher level of aggregation resulted in a change in the estimates of the parameters. The results obtained were the justification for undertaking the realisation of the objective. The scale problem was considered by means of a simulation analysis with a special emphasis laid on differentiating the variables expressed in absolute quantities and ones expressed in relative quantities. The study conducted allowed the identification of changes in basic properties as well as in correlation of the researched variables expressed in absolute and relative quantities. Based on the findings, it was stated that a correlation analysis and a regression analysis may lead to different conclusions depending on the assumed level of aggregation. The realisation of the research objective set in the paper also showed the need to consider the adequate character of variables in both spatial economic analyses and during the examination of the scale problem.