bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of circular economy in construction sector: review of current trends and future research direction.
Authors: Vashishth Ritvik , Goel Manika
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, a global problem of resource scarcity and a need to reduce waste generation make a discussion about eco-friendly production models more severe than ever before. One of the world's largest waste generators is the construction sector, the Circular Economy can help diminish its environmental impact. In the world, large amountof solid waste is generated, and the extraction of natural resources takes place due to the construction sector. This procedure happens because the construction sector primarilyacquires a linear economic model of "take, make and waste," using materials for the construction of buildings and disposing of them, as they are fabricated for one-time use and do not preserve the potential for reuse. A paradigm shift has been occurring in the industry at large over the last few decades with the acquisition of a Circular Economy model that objects to keeping the materials in a closed loop to maintain their maximum value.Therefore with a more significant potential of diminishing the waste generation and resources extraction for the Construction Sector.This research paper draws the attention towardsenvironmental impact; innovative designs; utilization and manufacturing of sustainable, recyclable, and reusable products, components, and materials.
A Study to Evaluate Urban Heat Mitigation Design Strategies, In Commercial Centers.
Authors: Sahoo Shibani
Published: August 2024

The rapid rate of urbanization, especially continued growth and anthropogenic activities hasgiven rise tonumerous urban climate impacts across different cities round the world. In India most of the cities specifically thosewith commercial centersare more at risk of induced urban heat effects thanksto intense radiation during most of the year, resulting inincreased atmosphericair temperature and outdoor/indoor discomfort.The auto –dependent planning of the towncontributed negatively to the externalthermal comfort and to people’s daily social lives. One in every of the largestchallenges for cities with hot climate is to search outeffective solution against the induced urban heat increase and to boostthe outdoor thermal. Considering the presentscenario, overhalf of the earth’s population residesinurban areas. The amountof urban inhabitantsis predictedto grow exponentially, especially in developing countries. The enlargingurban population would require an extensive arrayof infrastructure, services, housing and jobs etc. The urban land expansion could be a threat toland supply, causingintra-growth of the traffic volumes and increment in adversepressure on the environment and maybecome immenselyunsustainable for any city. Thus, the need of the hour is to take measureson variety of indicators that have outreached critical levels, especiallythe UHI and subsequently responsible choices needto be made for the new future so-as to push human and environmental resilience as we all mustheal this warming world.
Farm economic efficiency gap due to gender discrimination-evidence from USAID markets II Programme participating small-scale farmers in Kano state of Nigeria
Authors: Sadiq M.S , Singh I.P , Ahmad M.M , Sarki M.
Published: August 2024

The study explores the influence of gender discrimination on the agricultural economic efficiency gap between women and men farmers in Nigeria's Kano State, as part of the USAID MARKETS II initiative. A structured questionnaire supported by an interview schedule was utilized to extract cross-sectional data from 189 participants selected by a multi-stage sample technique using a simple cost-route strategy. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the acquired data. Gender disparity has both an effect and an impact on the farm economic efficiency of women farmers, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts, according to scientific research. Besides, the extension gap which affected the farm economic efficiency of the women farmers against the men gender owes to gender stereotype. Further, in isolating the impact of gender differential, it was observed that efficiency gaps of technical and cost efficiencies between the two genders owe majorly to gender discrimination. Besides, both gender discrimination and the endowment factor had an equal contribution to the yield gap between the two groups. However, profit efficiency gap between the genders owes majorly to endowment effect. In general, it can be concluded that gender discrimination, i.e. gender inequality and gender stereotype, has slowed the active engagement of women beneficiaries in the program, hence impeding the continuation of their farm businesses. As a result, in order for the program to be sustainable, it should include a gender budget in its strategy, allowing women to break the curse of gender inequality, which is limited access to and control over productive resources.
Effect of final batch size heterogeneity of Clarias gariepinusreared in concrete tanks on sales.
Authors: Anwa-Udondiah E. P. , Okoro C. B. , Achilike N. M. , Awonuga A. A.
Published: August 2024

An evaluation of sizes at harvest following commercial production of Clarias gariepinusin 12 m3capacity indoor concrete tanks was conducted. Initial mean weight, standard length and total length of the fish averaged 8.21±0.65 g, 9.51±0.20 cm and 10.82±0.27 cm (mean±SEM) respectively. The culture period was fifteen weeks with the fish attaining various sizes ranging from 151.54 g to 1 kg. Results indicated that the three size classes (large, medium and small) generated mid culture exhibited varying survival rates and widecoefficient of variationthereby impacting sales.
Enhancing Climate Resilience: A Systematic Review of Community-Based and Knowledge-Attitude-Practice Approaches to Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Nur Dahlia , Nurwulandari Andini , Hasanudin E.
Published: August 2024

Aims: This study aims to examine the impact of Community-Based Approach (CBA) and community’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) techniques in enhancing climate change adaptation and resilience among local communities.
Study Design: This is a systematic review of ten research journal articles analyzing the role of CBA and KAP in climate change adaptation across various geographical locations.
Place and Duration of Study: The review includes studies conducted in diverse regions globally, published between 2010 and 2020.
Methodology: The research involved a critical evaluation of each selected study’s objectives, approaches, outcomes, and significance, with a particular focus on the involvement of local stakeholders in the adaptation process. Data was collected from ten journal articles that addressed climate change adaptation through CBA and KAP methods. The analysis focused on how these methods mobilize stakeholders and implement participatory adaptation strategies.
Results: The studies reviewed indicate that CBA and KAP approaches lead to improved community resilience in several ways: enhanced hurricane readiness, significant development of climate-resilient agriculture, and effective human-wildlife conflict resolution. These approaches ensure that the adaptation strategies implemented are culturally relevant and widely supported by the target communities. Additionally, the review supports proactive community engagement in adaptation planning, sustained financing for local initiatives, and continuous involvement of communities in local projects.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that CBA and KAP methods are effective in enhancing community resilience to climate change. These approaches facilitate the implementation of culturally relevant adaptation strategies that garner broader community support. Future studies should explore the long-term impacts of these methods, their scalability, and the role of technology in supporting community-based adaptations. This systematic review is valuable for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers focusing on strategic advancements towards climate resilience.
Understanding Poverty among Fishing Communities in Indonesia: A Critical Review
Authors: Obie Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Poverty among fishing communities is a complex and multifaceted problem, which is influenced by various social, economic, and environmental factors. The study aims to provide a critical review of poverty conditions in fishing communities, focusing on the causative factors, impacts, and potential solutions. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines relevant literature and empirical data from various sources. The researcher used qualitative methods, in which the data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and literature studies. The data were analyzed using a descriptive approach to understand the dynamics of poverty and effective interventions. The study results show that fishermen's poverty is caused by a combination of factors such as lack of access to modern technology, climate change, and less supportive policies. In addition, the study found that empowerment programs involving the active participation of fishers and local capacity building can significantly improve their well-being. This research is expected to be the basis for policymakers and other stakeholders in formulating more effective strategies to alleviate poverty among fishermen.
Climate Perceptions and Adaptation Practices of Traditional Marine Fishermen in Coastal Bengal, India: Toward Participatory Policy Recommendations
Authors: Malakar Kousik Das , Kumar Manish , Kuzur Gloria
Published: August 2024

Traditional marine fishing communities in the global south heavily rely on fisheries for survival, facing threats from climate change and associated coastal challenges. Effective adaptation hinges on understanding fishermen’s perceptions of these changes. The present study investigates fishermen’s perceptions of fish catches and adaptation practices to climate change, proposing a participatory adaptation strategy to guide policy in Bengal's coastal region. For strategy development, two field surveys collected climate perception data from households, focus group discussions and community engagement meetings on fishing activities and adaptation measures. Further, the CRU, PSMSL, and IMD data assessed scientific climate evidence. The study employed a mixed-method approach encompassing general descriptive statistical techniques and Garrett ranking techniques to determine climate perceptions. Furthermore, climatic trend analysis was conducted using the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope estimator, while a modified catch variation empirical model was utilized to evaluate variations in fish catches and their socio-environmental perceptions among fishermen. Additionally, a participatory approach was employed to develop an adaptation strategy for the study area. The analysis of climate perception and evidence data revealed that climate variability and change are the primary drivers behind disruptions in traditional fish catches and adaptive practices. Notably, nearly 45.63% of respondents had not embraced any adaptation measures, primarily due to limited knowledge and education. Furthermore, this study integrates community engagement perspectives to identify opportunities and potential for a participatory adaptation strategy. This approach, which emphasizes spatial considerations and active community involvement, assists policymakers in safeguarding the living conditions and livelihoods of fishing communities.
Gynandromorphism in Sericulture: A Review
Authors: Kashyap Bidisha , Sut Rubi , Naan Toko
Published: August 2024

Sericulture is an agro-based industry. It is based on cultivation of host plants, rearing of silkworms and production of silk. There are four types of commercial silkworm i.e., mulberry, eri, muga and tasar. Among them, mulberry is only monophagous and the rest are polyphagous. In sericulture, gynandromorphism is too rare. Gynandromorphs are aberrant behaviours or traits that show both male and female features in a certain individual. There are mainly three types of gynandromorph- 1. Bilateral 2. Anterior-posterior 3. Sex piebald. Till now gynandromorphic moth is found only in Tasar, muga, mulberry and Attacus moth. If we compare the normal one with gynandromorphic moth then it is found that gynandromorphic moth is less active (characteristics) than normal ones. In 2010 only one muga gynandromorph was found at Lahdoigarh. There is no any evidence of eri gynandromorph. The causes of the Gynandromorphism are varied. It occurs due to mutation, UV radiation, temperature, or in interspecific hybrid cross. In this paper, Gynandromorphy in sericulture is discussed in brief manner.
Empowering MSMEs in Indonesia Hoder Village: Accelerating Product Marketing through Smartphone Photography and Videography Training
Authors: Gobang Yonas Klemens Gregorius Dori
Published: August 2024

This article addresses the challenge faced by MSMEs in Hoder Village, Waigete District, in enhancing the visual appeal and marketability of their products through effective photography and videography using smartphones. The limited knowledge and skills in this area have hindered optimal product promotion on social media platforms. A six-month community service program was implemented by lecturers from the Visual Communication Design and Informatics Engineering Study Programs at Nusa Nipa University to provide training and mentoring on smartphone photography and videography techniques, including angle techniques and the use of mini studios. The program culminated in a successful event on May 18, 2024, with 25 out of 30 participants demonstrating improved skills in capturing and editing product images and videos. The training not only enhanced technological proficiency but also boosted the participants' confidence and empowerment, contributing to the economic development of the region. However, challenges such as the quality of smartphone cameras and the complexity of editing applications were noted. The article concludes that continuous support and further training, particularly in photo and video editing, are essential for sustaining these improvements and recommends ongoing initiatives to bolster the capabilities of MSMEs in Hoder Village.
Impact of Foliar Application of Nano Urea on Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Fruit Quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha, India
Authors: Panda Sai Ashish , Sinha Bishwajit , Sahoo Bibhuti Bhusan , Phonglosa Amit , Nayak Bhabani Sankar , Nayak Rabindra Kumar , Dash Ashish Kumar , Dalei Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the impact of using nano urea along with conventional urea on brinjal farming in the Western Undulating Agro-climatic Zone of Odisha. The research was conducted at the Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT) in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Odisha, India during October, 2022-23 (rabi season). Results showed that application of 50% STD of nitrogen + nano-urea spray at 3-4 weeks after transplanting at the rate of 8 ml L-1 of water recorded highest leaf area index, SPAD, nutrient uptake and yield of brinjal followed by 75% STD of nitrogen + nano-urea spray at 3-4 weeks after transplanting at the rate of 6 ml L-1. Result clearly showed that in T9 where foliar application of nano urea with the reduced supplementation of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer @ 50% has been applied increased the fruit yield of brinjal to the tune of 27% over the soil test dose of NPK (STD) and achieved maximum B:C ratio of 1.55. Results also showed that there is no significant impact was observed in fruit quality parameters of brinjal and post-harvest soil properties due to nano urea application.
Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrition on Cabbage Production in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Chaturvedi Abhimanyu , Tripathi AN , Singh Ajeet Pratap
Published: August 2024

The present investigation was carried out during Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh to find out the best doses of Rock phosphate and FYM for cabbage production. Total three treatments-T1 (Rock phosphate@ 375 Kg/ha + FYM @ 10 Tonnes/ha), T2 (Rock phosphate@200 Kg/ha + FYM @ 10 Tonnes/ha) and T3 (Control -no use of any manure & fertilizer) were replicated thrice during both years of study. The T3 resulted maximum in all parameters viz. - maximum plant height (31.4 cm), average weight of head (304.7 gm), total yield (162.8 q/ha) and marketable yield (149.3 q/ha) while control yielded minimum (31.4 cm, 304.7 gm, 162.8 gm, 149.3 gm respectively).
Export Competitiveness of Indian Coffee: Analysing Trade Potential in the Global Market
Authors: M S Jagadeesh , A P Jahnavi , H T Vinay , G J Abhishek , S S Abhishek , Chikkalaki Anil Sidaray
Published: August 2024

Coffee plays a vital role in the Indian economy, serving as a significant agricultural export and a major source of income for millions of farmers, particularly in the southern states. The coffee industry not only contributes to India's foreign exchange earnings but also supports rural development and employment in various regions of the country. This study investigates the export competitiveness of Indian coffee in the global market, focusing on production volumes, trade potential, and comparative advantage. The study is mainly based on the secondary data obtained from ITC trademap, Coffee Board of India, etc. India ranks among the top coffee producers globally, with Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as the leading coffee-producing states. Despite consistent production growth, India's export competitiveness, measured through Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) indices, remains below that of major coffee-exporting countries like Honduras, Ethiopia, and Colombia. The study employs the gravity model, analysing India's coffee exports to 178 trading partners from 2014 to 2023. The Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method addresses zero trade observations, providing robust estimates. The results indicate that larger economies import more coffee from India, while greater geographical distance negatively impacts trade. Interestingly, the analysis reveals a disconnect between India’s current export focus and its untapped trade potential. India has exhausted its trade potential in key markets like Italy and Belgium, yet these remain major export destinations. Conversely, significant untapped potential exists in markets like the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. This misalignment suggests an opportunity for India to redirect its export strategies towards underutilized markets. The study concludes that enhancing production efficiency, improving product quality, and aligning export strategies with markets offering the greatest growth potential are critical for strengthening India’s position in the global coffee trade.
Anetoderma in a patient with terminal osseous dysplasia with pigmentary defects
Authors: Connor Cody J. , Shchelochkov Oleg A. , Ciliberto Heather
Published: June 2015

Terminal osseous dysplasia with pigmentary defects (TODPD) is a rare, X‐linked syndrome classically characterized by distal limb anomalies, pigmented skin defects of the face, and recurrent digital fibromas. X‐inactivation plays a major role in determining the range of phenotypic expression. Thus, patients can demonstrate a wide spectrum of disease severity, making accurate diagnosis more challenging. Recent studies have identified a FLNA c.5217G>A mutation as the cause of TODPD, allowing for diagnostic genetic testing. We present a case of molecularly confirmed TODPD in a girl with the 47,XXX chromosomal complement and deformities of the hands and feet, craniofacial abnormalities, and discolored, linear facial lesions. Skin biopsy of the patient's facial lesion revealed absent papillary dermal elastic fibers, consistent with anetoderma, which contrasts with the dermal hypoplasia described in the only other such facial biopsy reported in the literature. The finding of absent elastic fibers in the skin lesions suggests that mutated filamin A, in part, exerts its effects through dysregulated elastin biology, which may explain the nature of many connective tissue pleotropic effects in FLNA‐related disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conversion of 2‐Iodobiaryls into 2,2′‐Diiodobiaryls via Oxidation‐Iodination Sequences: A Versatile Route to Ladder‐Type Heterofluorenes
Authors: Wu Bin , Yoshikai Naohiko
Published: June 2015

Even though 2,2′‐diiodo‐ and 2,2′‐dibromobiaryls represent accomplished precursors for heterofluorenes and other extended π‐conjugated systems, their preparation still remains nontrivial when structural diversity of the biaryl backbone is required. Herein, we report a convenient method for the preparation of various 2,2′‐diiodobiaryls from 2‐iodobiaryls via cyclic diaryliodonium intermediates. An iodinative ring‐opening of the diaryliodonium salts, mediated by a copper/diamine catalyst system, is able to afford the corresponding 2,2′‐diiodobiaryls under mild conditions. The versatility of this two‐step approach is demonstrated by the preparation of hitherto unexplored tetraiodoteraryls and their conversion into ladder‐type π‐conjugated systems.
Variable selection for zero‐inflated and overdispersed data with application to health care demand in Germany
Authors: Wang Zhu , Ma Shuangge , Wang Ching‐Yun
Published: June 2015

In health services and outcome research, count outcomes are frequently encountered and often have a large proportion of zeros. The zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model has important applications for this type of data. With many possible candidate risk factors, this paper proposes new variable selection methods for the ZINB model. We consider maximum likelihood function plus a penalty including the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD), and minimax concave penalty (MCP). An EM (expectation‐maximization) algorithm is proposed for estimating the model parameters and conducting variable selection simultaneously. This algorithm consists of estimating penalized weighted negative binomial models and penalized logistic models via the coordinated descent algorithm. Furthermore, statistical properties including the standard error formulae are provided. A simulation study shows that the new algorithm not only has more accurate or at least comparable estimation, but also is more robust than the traditional stepwise variable selection. The proposed methods are applied to analyze the health care demand in Germany using the open‐source R packagempath.
Minimal clinically important differences in the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale in cancer patients: A prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Hui David , Shamieh Omar , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Perez‐Cruz Pedro Emilio , Kwon Jung Hye , Muckaden Mary Ann , Park Minjeong , Yennu Sriram , Kang Jung Hun , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) is widely used for symptom assessment in clinical and research settings. A sensitivity‐specificity approach was used to identify the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for improvement and deterioration for each of the 10 ESAS symptoms.

METHODS

This multicenter, prospective, longitudinal study enrolled patients with advanced cancer. ESAS was measured at the first clinic visit and at a second visit 3 weeks later. For each symptom, the Patient's Global Impression (“better,” “about the same,” or “worse”) was assessed at the second visit as the external criterion, and the MCID was determined on the basis of the optimal cutoff in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A sensitivity analysis was conducted through the estimation of MCIDs with other approaches.

RESULTS

For the 796 participants, the median duration between the 2 study visits was 21 days (interquartile range, 18‐28 days). The area under the ROC curve varied from 0.70 to 0.87, and this suggested good responsiveness. For all 10 symptoms, the optimal cutoff was ≥1 point for improvement and ≤–1 point for deterioration, with sensitivities of 59% to 85% and specificities of 69% to 85%. With other approaches, the MCIDs varied from 0.8 to 2.2 for improvement and from −0.8 to −2.3 for deterioration in the within‐patient analysis, from 1.2 to 1.6 with the one‐half standard deviation approach, and from 1.3 to 1.7 with the standard error of measurement approach.

CONCLUSIONS

ESAS was responsive to change. The optimal cutoffs were ≥1 point for improvement and ≤–1 point for deterioration for each of the 10 symptoms. Our findings have implications for sample size calculations and response determination. Cancer 2015;121:3027–3035. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Low‐memory iterative density fitting
Authors: Grajciar Lukáš
Published: June 2015

A new low‐memory modification of the density fitting approximation based on a combination of a continuous fast multipole method (CFMM) and a preconditioned conjugate gradient solver is presented. Iterative conjugate gradient solver uses preconditioners formed from blocks of the Coulomb metric matrix that decrease the number of iterations needed for convergence by up to one order of magnitude. The matrix‐vector products needed within the iterative algorithm are calculated using CFMM, which evaluates them with the linear scaling memory requirements only. Compared with the standard density fitting implementation, up to 15‐fold reduction of the memory requirements is achieved for the most efficient preconditioner at a cost of only 25% increase in computational time. The potential of the method is demonstrated by performing density functional theory calculations for zeolite fragment with 2592 atoms and 121,248 auxiliary basis functions on a single 12‐core CPU workstation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative sodium MRI of the human brain at 9.4 T provides assessment of tissue sodium concentration and cell volume fraction during normal aging
Authors: Thulborn Keith , Lui Elaine , Guntin Jonathan , Jamil Saad , Sun Ziqi , Claiborne Theodore C. , Atkinson Ian C.
Published: June 2015

Sodium ion homeostasis is a fundamental property of viable tissue, allowing the tissue sodium concentration to be modeled as the tissue cell volume fraction. The modern neuropathology literature using ex vivo tissue from selected brain regions indicates that human brain cell density remains constant during normal aging and attributes the volume loss that occurs with advancing age to changes in neuronal size and dendritic arborization. Quantitative sodium MRI performed with the enhanced sensitivity of ultrahigh‐field 9.4 T has been used to investigate tissue cell volume fraction during normal aging. This cross‐sectional study (n = 49; 21–80 years) finds that the in vivo tissue cell volume fraction remains constant in all regions of the brain with advancing age in individuals who remain cognitively normal, extending the ex vivo literature reporting constant neuronal cell density across the normal adult age range. Cell volume fraction, as measured by quantitative sodium MRI, is decreased in diseases of cell loss, such as stroke, on a time scale of minutes to hours, and in response to treatment of brain tumors on a time scale of days to weeks. Neurodegenerative diseases often have prodromal periods of decades in which regional neuronal cell loss occurs prior to clinical presentation. If tissue cell volume fraction can detect such early pathology, this quantitative parameter may permit the objective measurement of preclinical disease progression. This current study in cognitively normal aging individuals provides the basis for the pursuance of investigations directed towards such neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for lung function decline in a large cohort of young cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Cogen Jonathan , Emerson Julia , Sanders Don B. , Ren Clement , Schechter Michael S. , Gibson Ronald L. , Morgan Wayne , Rosenfeld Margaret ,   for the EPIC Study Group
Published: June 2015

Objective

To identify novel risk factors and corroborate previously identified risk factors for mean annual decline in FEV1% predicted in a large, contemporary, United States cohort of young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of participants in the EPIC Observational Study, who were Pseudomonas‐negative and ≤12 years of age at enrollment in 2004–2006. The associations between potential demographic, clinical, and environmental risk factors evaluated during the baseline year and subsequent mean annual decline in FEV1 percent predicted were evaluated using generalized estimating equations.

Results

The 946 participants in the current analysis were followed for a mean of 6.2 (SD 1.3) years. Mean annual decline in FEV1% predicted was 1.01% (95%CI 0.85–1.17%). Children with one or no F508del mutations had a significantly smaller annual decline in FEV1 compared to F508del homozygotes. In a multivariable model, risk factors during the baseline year associated with a larger subsequent mean annual lung function decline included female gender, frequent or productive cough, low BMI (<66th percentile, median in the cohort), ≥1 pulmonary exacerbation, high FEV1 (≥115% predicted, in the top quartile), and respiratory culture positive for methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Conclusions

We have identified a range of risk factors for FEV1 decline in a large cohort of young, CF patients who were Pa negative at enrollment, including novel as well as previously identified characteristics. These results could inform the design of a clinical trial in which rate of FEV1 decline is the primary endpoint and identify high‐risk groups that may benefit from closer monitoring. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:763–770. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of different irrigation solutions on triple antibiotic paste removal from simulated immature root canal
Authors: Ok Evren , Altunsoy Mustafa , Nur Bilge Gülsüm , Kalkan Abdussamed
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigation solutions and ultrasonic activation of irrigation solutions on removal of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) from root canals of the simulated immature teeth. Fifty single‐rooted teeth were used. TAP was placed into each root canal, and specimens were stored in distilled water for 4 weeks at 37°C. After 4 weeks, the temporary coronal seal was removed and the samples were randomly divided into five groups as follows: (i) saline; (ii) ultrasonic activation of saline; (iii) NaOCl; (iv) ultrasonic activation of NaOCl; (v) chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). The amount of remaining TAP on the canal walls was measured under stereomicroscope with 30× magnification. The data were analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. There were statistically differences among CHX and ultrasonic activation of NaOCl and other groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the ultrasonic activation of saline, NaOCl, and saline groups (p > 0.05). Irrigation solutions and ultrasonic activation of the irrigation solutions could not completely remove the triple antibiotic paste from simulated immature root canals. Ultrasonic activation of the NaOCl gave the best and CHX was the worst results. SCANNING 37:409–413, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sacred Sound: Tuning the Cosmic Strings of the Subtle Dancing Body
Authors: Seidel Andrea Mantell
Published: June 2015

A. K. Coomaraswamy writes in The Dance of Shiva that Nataraja, the Hindu dancing figure, is the “clearest image of the activity of God which any art or religion can boast of.” Nataraja's dance activates dormant vital energy (kundalini) and resonates with the primordial sacred seed sounds (bijas) of the cosmos. Sanskrit seed sounds such as Aum are described in the Katha Upanishads as “consciousness or God (Brahman) itself.” In his book, Healing Mantras, Ashley-Farrand writes that the practice of mantra brings about positive changes in matter and consciousness by the agency of a subtle vibration. Cyndi Dale in The Subtle Body correlates each note of the ancient Solfeggio scale used in Gregorian chants to the energy centers (chakras) in the body. Sacred sounds are recited in Buddhist chants, Jewish hymns (Zemirot), and the dances of Sufi whirling dervishes, among other traditions. The dancer, through mastery of breath, form, and heightened awareness of sound, possesses the potential to “ride” on the crests of musical waves of sacred sound and harmoniously vibrate with wavelike patterns of energy or “cosmic strings,” identified in quantum physics as the essence of matter, and thereby facilitate healing and self-integration. However, in mainstream dance practice and research, sound/movement spiritual practices are largely relegated to the separate category of “new age,” dance therapy, or yoga. This performative paper discusses how the integration of the mindful use of sacred sound in contemporary dance training has profound implications for expanding consciousness, heightening creativity, and enhancing physical capabilities.
Capoeira as an Emerging Possibility to Decentering Contemporary Dance Experiences (Workshop)
Authors: Roble Odilon José , e Silva Jéssica Bonvino , Amstalden Maisa
Published: June 2015

Capoeira is a Brazilian art, expressed by game, fight, and dance. Its movements comprise a wide range of possibilities, alternating planes, turns, balances, supports, and floor-work, pointing to its relevance for technical processes in dance. However, capoeira is also deeply marked by an aesthetic that goes beyond the movement itself. Values, beliefs, habits, and Brazilian customs are rooted in its practice. Authors such as Frigerio show characteristics such as theatricality and malice, noting that a certain ritual role of capoeira seems to be more important in practice than a combative efficiency. In the Unicamp Physical Education Faculty, a survey is being developed in which capoeira serves as contribution to the dancer's work. Besides the physical skills, we are identifying the formation of an aesthetic expression corresponding to this identity in the process of capoeira, which sent us to the concepts of “kinesthetic transit” and “resonance.” Our proposal for this conference is to present our practical research that understands capoeira, including its rituals, theatricality, and values, as an emerging possibility to decentering dance experiences, due to this traditional phenomenon as not being exclusively a local practice anymore, but also a possible source to contemporary dance in the current cultural interchange.
Clearing the Path: The Perils of Positing Civil Society in Conflict and Transition
Authors: Waters Timothy William
Published: June 2015

Can there be a general theoretical perspective on civil society's involvement in transitional justice? This article considers this question in its application to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Within the study of transitional justice and conflict resolution, civil society – a notoriously plastic concept – can be understood narrowly as rights-oriented groups working ‘for’ peace, but the term is equally available to describe a broader array of communities that can either promote or prevent peace and justice.

It is, in fact, quite difficult to sustain a theoretical distinction between them, because transitional justice does not escape the dictates of politics – of differing human desires expressed through power. Efforts to memorialise imply conflict over the particular memories to be privileged; claims for reparations are not only demands for justice, but for material redistribution that in turn may promote conflict. A narrow view of civil society problematically assumes we even know – let alone agree on – what constitutes positive change.

In the context of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, that is a fraught proposition. Both an accurate definition of civil society and the valence of justice work slip beyond the narrow confines of the received model's assumptions: both Jewish and Palestinian groups mobilise a spectrum of resources from political engagement, to overseas support, to violent self-help. On both sides, civil society groups are instrumentalised to advance not an agenda of peace or justice in some abstract sense but a parochial claim that, seen from the other side, is, in fact, an obstacle to resolution. Indeed, there may be no peace or justice initiatives that can be analytically separated from efforts the purpose and effect of which is the very opposite of our conventional understanding of the field. The range from vocal activism to violent action, the spectrum of activation, commitment and radicalism, must be understood as fraught but connected and unbroken – as, at most, a kind of punctuated continuum.

The real work performed by civil society in promoting agendas of peace and justice cannot properly be understood without locating it in a defensible theoretical and empirical framework. Imagining a narrow civil society risks skewing our analysis of what civil society can do and actually does in relation to conflict. Civil society can clear the path to peace, or can provide the principal obstacles to it – it can simultaneously do both. In this it very much shares the ambiguous, multivalent profile of its classic counterpart: politics in the public sphere.
A new measure of home care patients' dignity at the end of life: The Palliative Patients' Dignity Scale (PPDS)
Authors: Rudilla David , Oliver Amparo , Galiana Laura , Barreto Pilar
Published: June 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a new and brief instrument to be employed in dignity measurement, one based on the perceptions of patients, relatives, and professionals about dignity.

Method:

Surveys of patients receiving palliative care, family caregivers, and palliative care professionals were first carried out (sample 1). In the second step, palliative care patients were surveyed with a pilot questionnaire (sample 2). Finally, a survey design was used to assess patients admitted into a home care unit (sample 3). Sample 1 included 78 subjects, including patients, family caregivers, and professionals. Some 20 additional palliative patients participated in sample 2. Finally, 70 more patients admitted to a home care unit participated were surveyed (sample 3). Together with the Palliative Patients' Dignity Scale (PPDS), our survey included other measures of dignity, anxiety, depression, resilient coping, quality of life, spirituality, and social support.

Results:

After analyzing data from steps 1 and 2, an eight-item questionnaire was presented for validation. The new scale showed appropriate factorial validity (χ2(19) = 21.43, p = 0.31, CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.92, SRMR = 0.07, and RMSEA = 0.04), reliability (internal consistency estimations of 0.75 and higher), criterial validity (significant correlations with the hypothesized related variables), and a cutoff criteria of 50 on the overall scale.

Significance of Results:

The new PPDS has appropriate psychometric properties that, together with its briefness, encourages its applicability for dignity assessment at the end of life.
The EGFR mutation status affects the relative biological effectiveness of carbon-ion beams in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Amornwichet Napapat , Oike Takahiro , Shibata Atsushi , Nirodi Chaitanya S. , Ogiwara Hideaki , Makino Haruhiko , Kimura Yuka , Hirota Yuka , Isono Mayu , Yoshida Yukari , Ohno Tatsuya , Kohno Takashi , Nakano Takashi
Published: June 2015

Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) holds promise to treat inoperable locally-advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), a disease poorly controlled by standard chemoradiotherapy using X-rays. Since CIRT is an extremely limited medical resource, selection of NSCLC patients likely to benefit from it is important; however, biological predictors of response to CIRT are ill-defined. The present study investigated the association between the mutational status of EGFR and KRAS, driver genes frequently mutated in NSCLC and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon-ion beams over X-rays. The assessment of 15 NSCLC lines of different EGFR/KRAS mutational status and that of isogenic NSCLC lines expressing wild-type or mutant EGFR revealed that EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, but not KRAS-mutant cells, show low RBE. This was attributable to (i) the high X-ray sensitivity of EGFR-mutant cells, since EGFR mutation is associated with a defect in non-homologous end joining, a major pathway for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and (ii) the strong cell-killing effect of carbon-ion beams due to poor repair of carbon-ion beam-induced DSBs regardless of EGFR mutation status. These data highlight the potential of EGFR mutation status as a predictor of response to CIRT, i.e., CIRT may show a high therapeutic index in EGFR mutation-negative NSCLC.
Music Therapy for Hospitalized Children
Authors: Edwards Jane , Kennelly Jeanette
Published: June 2015

This chapter provides information about music therapy practice with children receiving care in a hospital, including information about music therapy service development in new settings. Music therapy offers opportunities for children and their families to be supported while undergoing difficult experiences following an injury or during an illness. Children with life-limiting conditions, and with chronic illness are also treated in hospitals, and can benefit from specialized support and help to cope with their circumstances. Music therapy can be provided to address treatment goals relating to psychosocial care, rehabilitation, pain management, developmental skill attainment, palliative care, and family issues. Music therapists use music improvisation, song singing, instrumental playing, music listening, and music composition, particularly song writing, to support young patients and their families. There is an emerging evidence base to support the role of music therapy as helpful to children and families needing support to cope with hospitalization and treatments.
Magnetoencephalography and Magnetic Source Imaging
Authors: Cheyne Douglas O. , Papanicolaou Andrew C.
Published: June 2015

This chapter focuses on magnetoencephalography (MEG) used in brain imaging and its use in localizing the brain sources of externally recorded spontaneous activity and stimulus and task –induced activation. The chapter first describes the instruments used for recording the magnetoencephalographic signals and the neurogenesis of these signals. It then considers proposed solutions for the “inverse” problem and describes approaches for MEG source estimation, including a method that specifies only one or many equivalent current dipoles. It also explains the signal source-localizing technique known as beamforming and concluding with a discussion of practical issues in MEG/MSI, with emphasis on those arising in clinical applications of the method.
Doctor-patient communication: a study of Australian ethnic urological cancer patients
Authors: Cerimagic Sabina , Ahmadi Nariman , Gurney Howard , Patel Manish I.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine doctor-patient communication, focusing on ethnic Australian urological cancer patients.

Design/methodology/approach

– Samples of 50 Australian urological cancer patients of ethnic origin were chosen to participate in this study. The patients completed a 31-question survey, followed by a one-on-one semi-structured 30-40-minute interview with the patient.

Findings

– Most (90 per cent,n=45) of the patients indicated that they can communicate with their doctor without feeling stereotyped or judged. However, despite these responses 48 per cent (n=24) of the patients reported they did not ask for the doctor to explain the medical terms or meanings they did not understand. This resulted in 46 per cent (n=23) of the patients not knowing the stage of their cancer.

Research limitations/implications

– This is only a pilot study and the sample was limited to 50 patients. The limitations of this study make the results of the findings more suggestive rather than definitive. Further research would benefit by repeating this study with a larger sample size, to address the shortcomings of the study and to venture further into the realm of doctor and overseas patients communication in Australia.

Practical implications

– This research found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds for whom English is not their first language have low levels of medical literacy and therefore require additional written information about their illness and treatment such as informative brochures, educational booklets and educational videos on their illness.

Originality/value

– To the knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on ethnic Australian urological cancer patients and their doctor-patient communication.
The importance of integrated therapies for personality disorder in forensic populations: attending to content and structure of delivery
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Hansen Elisabeth
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide some practice considerations for working with personality disorder, focusing on the application of assessment, formulation and therapy to complex populations such as forensic clients. In addressing this it outlines the concept of a Multi-Modal Integrated Therapy (MMIT) and how this is applied to personality disorder intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The core elements to consider in the provision of an integrated approach are outlined, informed by a review of the relevant literature. The paper does not aim to provide evaluation data but is intended to be a clinical practice document.

Findings

– The value of integrating the effective components of therapy to address all aspects of working with forensic populations is evidenced. It is argued that appropriate approaches will capture cognitive components (including Early Maladaptive Schemas and also adaptive schemas), Cognitive Analytic Therapeutic approaches and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy components to produce an effective framework to capture the complexities of personality disorder in forensic populations.

Practical implications

– The paper outlines how a move away from focusing on a single approach to understanding and intervening with personality disorder is key with complex populations, such as those found within forensic settings. The authors argue that practitioners should focus routinely on the importance of integration of principles relevant to personality disorder work.

Originality/value

– The paper argues for: Adopting a truly multi-modal integrated approach to interventions with personality disorder, highlighting the importance of MMIT. The importance of accounting for complexity in personality presentation in forensic populations and capturing positive as well as negative functioning. The value in identifying what is effective within existing therapies and applying these components as part of a wider package. The core elements of an effective approach are indicated.