bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“That’s Just the Tip of It Because It Goes Deeper Than That”: A Qualitative Exploration Into the Role of Mental Illness in Offending Onset and Subsequent Offending Behavior
Authors: Calhoun Stacy
Published: February 2016

There continues to be considerable debate regarding the most effective ways to reduce the number of mentally ill offenders in the adult criminal justice system. What is often missing from this national discussion is an examination of the factors associated with their initial involvement in illegal activities. This qualitative study assesses the self-perceived role that psychiatric symptoms had in the onset and continued offending of a sample of 28 parolees with mental illness. The findings showed that psychiatric symptoms rarely played a direct role in the onset and continued offending in this sample. Furthermore, the majority of the sample started offending prior to the age of 18, highlighting the need to devote more resources toward delivering evidence-based interventions to youth at risk of becoming involved in a criminal lifestyle as one strategy for reducing the number of mentally ill who become involved in the adult criminal justice system.
A new discrete double-population firefly algorithm for assembly sequence planning
Authors: Zhang Zaifang , Yuan Baoxun , Zhang Zhinan
Published: February 2016

Assembly sequence planning is a critical step of assembly planning in product digital manufacturing. It is a combinational optimization problem with strong constraints. Many studies devoted to propose intelligent algorithms for efficiently finding a good assembly sequence to reduce the manufacturing time and cost. Considering the unfavorable effects of penalty function in the traditional algorithms, a new discrete firefly algorithm is proposed based on a double-population search mechanism for the assembly sequence planning problem. The mechanism can guarantee the population diversity and enhance the local and global search capabilities by using the parallel evolution of feasible and infeasible solutions. All parts composed of the assembly are assigned as the firefly positions, and the corresponding movement direction and distance of each firefly are defined using vector operations. Three common objectives, including assembly stability, assembly polymerization and change number of assembly direction, are taken into account in the fitness function. The proposed approach is successfully applied in a real-world assembly sequence planning case. The sizes of feasible and infeasible populations are adequately discussed and compared, of which the optimal size combination is used for initializing the firefly algorithm. The application results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the discrete double-population firefly algorithm for solving assembly sequence planning problem.
Feedrate scheduling for interpolation of parametric tool path using the sine series representation of jerk profile
Authors: Huang Jie , Zhu Li-Min
Published: February 2016

This article proposes the sine series representation of jerk profile for acceleration/deceleration feedrate scheduling of parametric interpolator used in computer numerical control machining tools. By selecting the geometric sequence as the coefficients of the sine series, the closed-form expressions of the feedrate, acceleration and jerk profiles are obtained. The resulting feedrate profile is more concise compared with the polynomial profile and more efficient compared with the trigonometric profile. It can be well accepted by the conventional acceleration/deceleration feedrate scheduling algorithms. Also, an approach is proposed to determine the optimal geometric sequence that makes the tracking time as small as possible. Simulations and experiments of tracking complex contours expressed as free-form non-uniform rational B-spline curves are conducted. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed feedrate profile and the resulting feedrate scheduling strategy.
Prediction of medial and lateral contact force of the knee joint during normal and turning gait after total knee replacement
Authors: Purevsuren Tserenchimed , Dorj Ariunzaya , Kim Kyungsoo , Kim Yoon Hyuk
Published: February 2016

The computational modeling approach has commonly been used to predict knee joint contact forces, muscle forces, and ligament loads during activities of daily living. Knowledge of these forces has several potential applications, for example, within design of equipment to protect the knee joint from injury and to plan adequate rehabilitation protocols, although clinical applications of computational models are still evolving and one of the limiting factors is model validation. The objective of this study was to extend previous modeling technique and to improve the validity of the model prediction using publicly available data set of the fifth “Grand Challenge Competition to Predict In Vivo Knee Loads.” A two-stage modeling approach, which combines conventional inverse dynamic analysis (the first stage) with a multi-body subject-specific lower limb model (the second stage), was used to calculate medial and lateral compartment contact forces. The validation was performed by direct comparison of model predictions and experimental measurement of medial and lateral compartment contact forces during normal and turning gait. The model predictions of both medial and lateral contact forces showed strong correlations with experimental measurements in normal gait (r = 0.75 and 0.71) and in turning gait trials (r = 0.86 and 0.72), even though the current technique over-estimated medial compartment contact forces in swing phase. The correlation coefficient, Sprague and Geers metrics, and root mean squared error indicated that the lateral contact forces were predicted better than medial contact forces in comparison with the experimental measurements during both normal and turning gait trials.
Control-oriented modelling and development of a model-based switching algorithm for a digital hydraulic independent metering cylinder drive
Authors: Stauch Christian , Rudolph Joachim
Published: February 2016

The article concerns the modelling and control of a digital hydraulic cylinder drive involving a standard differential cylinder controlled by four digital flow control units in a full bridge circuit. A special focus of the modelling lies in the compromise between the prediction accuracy of the model and the computational efficiency of the control algorithms based on the models. A physically motivated model for the static pressure-flow-characteristic of digital flow control units is derived and compared to conventional models. Based on this model, a switching algorithm is developed which finds an optimal switching combination for each DFCU, if certain dimensioning conditions are fulfilled. The algorithm forms the inner loop of a hierarchical controller for the overall system. In an outer loop, a flatness-based tracking controller is used for the independent metering control of the cylinder. The models and algorithms developed in this article are validated in experimental investigations using a laboratory test rig.
Nurses’ care practices at the end of life in intensive care units in Bahrain
Authors: O’Neill Catherine S , Yaqoob Maryam , Faraj Sumaya , O’Neill Carla L
Published: February 2016

Background:

The process of dying in intensive care units is complex as the technological environment shapes clinical decisions. Decisions at the end of life require the involvement of patient, families and healthcare professionals. The degree of involvement can vary depending on the professional and social culture of the unit. Nurses have an important role to play in caring for dying patients and their families; however, their knowledge is not always sought.

Objectives:

This study explored nurses’ care practices at the end of life, with the objective of describing and identifying end of life care practices that nurses contribute to, with an emphasis on culture, religious experiences and professional identity.

Research Design and context:

Grounded theory was used. In all, 10 nurses from intensive care unit in two large hospitals in Bahrain were participated.

Ethical Considerations:

Approval to carry out the research was given by the Research Ethics Committee of the host institution, and the two hospitals.

Findings:

A core category, Death Avoidance Talk, was emerged. This was supported by two major categories: (1) order-oriented care and (2) signalling death and care shifting.

Discussion:

Death talk was avoided by the nurses, doctors and family members. When a decision was made by the medical team that a patient was not to be resuscitated, the nurses took this as a sign that death was imminent. This led to a process of signalling death to family and of shifting care to family members.

Conclusion:

Despite the avoidance of death talk and nurses’ lack of professional autonomy, they created awareness that death was imminent to family members and ensured that end of life care was given in a culturally sensitive manner and aligned to Islamic values.
Non-parametric Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Mahendru Megha
Published: February 2016

The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate technical efficiency scores of public sector banks (PSBs) in India. The study also determines the nature of return to scale (RTS) of individual banks and thereby identifies the leaders and laggards in the PSBs. To measure the extent of overall technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency (SE), the non-parametric approach, that is, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to determine the causes of inefficiency. The sample of the study includes 26 PSBs operating in India during the time period from 2007–2008 to 2011–2012. The results show that although the PSBs have more or less similar efficiency scores, that is, higher than 0.900, still out of 22 banks falling in the category of efficient banks in 2007–2008, only 7 of them were left by the year 2011–2012. Overall analysis of PSBs during the time period of the study explains that a greater part of inefficiency among PSBs is attributed to scale inefficiency. In addition, the number of banks operating at constant return to scale (CRS) came down to 9 in 2011–2012 from 23 in 2007–2008. Simultaneously, there was a reduction in leaders and increase in laggards. It is suggested that banks must optimize their scale of operations and adopt technological innovations.
Correlates of rehospitalisation in schizophrenia
Authors: Dey Sangeeta , Menkes David B , Obertova Zuzana , Chaudhuri Sreemanti , Mellsop Graham
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Schizophrenia typically has a fluctuating course; rehospitalisation is common. We studied associations between discharge variables and subsequent two-year rehospitalisation rates.

Method:

Using a New Zealand national database, we obtained rehospitalisation rates and bed days for 451 patients with schizophrenia discharged from three inpatient facilities between July 2009 and December 2011.

Results:

Nearly half (44%) of the cohort were rehospitalised within two years. Patients over 50 were less likely [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.35–0.97, p = 0.04] to be rehospitalised. Patients whose index admission included compulsory treatment appeared more likely (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.98–1.71, p = 0.06) to be rehospitalised and spent longer rehospitalised ( p = 0.05). Those whose index admission was three weeks or longer were less likely (HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.39–0.72, p = 0.001) to be rehospitalised. Antipsychotic types, routes and dosages were not significantly associated with rehospitalisation rate, except for those prescribed clozapine (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.89, p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Rehospitalisation rates were higher for patients under the age of 50 and those with shorter index admissions; the latter finding requires further study. Other than the beneficial effect of clozapine, the type and route of prescribed antipsychotics did not significantly affect rehospitalisation rates.
Adult Graduate Student Voices
Authors: Reiff Marianne , Ballin Amy
Published: February 2016

During their master’s degree work, cohorts of adult graduate students participated in a common learning task in which they listed their factors of good and bad learning experiences. The lead author collected these factors from students over the course of 3 years. The purpose of our inquiry was to examine and document what adult graduate students listed as factors contributing to good and bad experiences in adult learning classrooms. The finding revealed emergent high-frequency themes that were identified and named relating to student experience (Student Self), perceptions of and experience with instructors (Instructors), and respondent’s content learning (Course Content). Each factor was sorted into themes; frequency count analysis of factors from both good and bad lists identified three strong subthemes—Respect, Safety, and Engagement. Overall, adult graduate student voices call for attention to the affective domain of learning when designing and implementing active and engaged experiences for adult learners.
“The sun has set even though it is morning”: Experiences and explanations of perinatal depression in an urban township, Cape Town
Authors: Davies Thandi , Schneider Marguerite , Nyatsanza Memory , Lund Crick
Published: February 2016

This study examined experiences and explanations of depression amongst Xhosa-speaking pregnant women, mothers, and health workers in an urban township in Cape Town, South Africa. The study was conducted as part of formative research for a randomised controlled trial to develop and evaluate a task-sharing counselling intervention for maternal depression in this setting. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 12 depressed and 9 nondepressed pregnant women and mothers of young babies, and 13 health care providers. We employed an in-depth framework analysis approach to explore the idioms, descriptions, and perceived causes of depression particular to these women, and compared these with the ICD-10 and DSM-5 criteria for major depression. We found that symptoms of major depression are similar in this township to those described in international criteria (withdrawal, sadness, and poor concentration), but that local descriptions of these symptoms vary. In addition, all the symptoms described by participants were directly related to stressors occurring in the women’s lives. These stressors included poverty, unemployment, lack of support from partners, abuse, and death of loved ones, and were exacerbated by unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and the discovery of HIV positive status at antenatal appointments. The study calls attention to the need for specifically designed counselling interventions for perinatal depression that are responsive to the lived experiences of these women and grounded in the broader context of poor socioeconomic conditions and living environments in South Africa, all of which have a direct impact on mental health.
Evaluation of new spiral shear reinforcement pattern for reinforced concrete joints subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Azimi Mohammadamin , Bagherpourhamedani Asma , Tahir Mahmood Md. , Bin Mohd Sam Abdul Rahman , Ma Chau-Khun
Published: February 2016

Using continuous spiral reinforcements can greatly improve the seismic performance of reinforced concrete columns, in terms of ductility and energy dissipation capacity. The simultaneous incorporation of this method in beams and columns might influence the behaviour of beam–column connections as wide spectrums of brittle failure were observed in this region. A new proposed beam–column connection introduced as ‘twisted opposing rectangular spiral’ was investigated in this research in both experimental and numerical manners along with comparing its seismic performance with both normal rectangular spiral and conventional shear reinforcement systems. The design of three full-scale beam–column connections was performed according to Eurocode (EC8-04) for high ductility classes, and the quasi-static cyclic loading recommended by American Concrete Institute Building Code (ACI 318-08) was hired to conduct the seismic tests. Finally, the experimental results were validated by numerical results obtained from the finite element analysis of the three specimens. The results revealed improved ultimate lateral resistant, energy dissipation capacity and ductility for the new proposed connection.
Experimental study on application of reduced section in long link-to-column connections
Authors: Naserifar Ali , Danesh Fakhreddin
Published: February 2016

Link-to-column connections in steel eccentrically braced frames must sustain large moments and shear forces to support link rotation. Recent studies showed that link-to-column connections are prone to failure at low drift levels due to their susceptibility to fracture at the link flange-to-column connections. The most promising method to overcome this problem is to utilize reduced beam section in link, in order to keep away stress concentration from the link ends. In this investigation, the application of reduced beam section in long link beams is studied experimentally. Two full-scale specimens with different reduced beam section locations are constructed and tested under cyclic loading. In one specimen, reduced beam section is placed at both ends of the link beam; and in the other specimen, reduced beam section is solely placed at the link end which is near the column. The results show that both specimens have satisfied the seismic code requirements for the link inelastic rotation, which in turn leads to improvement in seismic performance.
Using Eco-indicator 99 and a two-stage nested analysis of variance test to evaluate building mitigation measures under hazard risks
Authors: Ribakov Y , Halperin I , Pushkar S
Published: February 2016

The study deals with life cycle assessment evaluation of mitigation measures for sustainable structural performance under earthquakes. A case study building using four different mitigation measures was evaluated. To analyze the mitigation measures, CO2 emissions, and environmental damages, six methodological options of Eco-indicator 99 addressing life cycle assessment uncertainties are employed. To compare the mitigation measures, a two-stage nested mixed balanced analysis of variance test is used. Three natural ground motion records were used for analysis. Percentages of the new environmental impact compared to the total building impact were obtained for each mitigation measure under the considered earthquakes. The results obtained on the Eco-indicator 99 damage evaluation level were not consistent with those on the CO2 emission. Along with the results of CO2 emission level, the Eco-indicator 99 damage level results should be disclosed by building designers and practitioners in the design process of mitigation measures.
Behaviour of composite frames with castellated steel beams at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ellobody Ehab , Young Ben
Published: February 2016

The behaviour of composite frames with castellated steel beams at elevated temperatures is investigated, and the results obtained were compared with the companion results of simply supported composite castellated steel beams. Overall, it is aimed to investigate the effect of axial and rotational restraining of the steel beam via rigid connections with protected steel columns at elevated temperatures. A previously reported finite element model for the analysis of composite beams in fire was extended to perform the nonlinear analyses of composite frames at elevated temperatures. The finite element model has accounted for the frame geometries and boundary conditions, nonlinear material properties of steel, concrete, profiled steel sheeting, longitudinal and lateral reinforcement bars as well as shear connection behaviour at ambient and elevated temperatures. The thermal properties at the steel beam top flange/profiled steel sheeting and profiled steel sheeting/concrete elements interfaces were considered in the thermal heat transfer analysis that allowed the temperatures to be accurately predicted in the composite slab during fire exposure. The comparison of composite frames and composite beams behaviour has shown that if the columns were sufficiently protected and the connection maintained its rigidity during fire exposure, such that it can restrain the composite beam thermal expansions, this would result in considerable reduction in fire resistances of the composite frames compared with that of simply supported composite beams. This is attributed to the premature failure at elevated temperatures due to local buckling at the bottom flange of the steel beams in the frame connections. Furthermore, the variables that influence the fire resistance and behaviour of the composite frames comprising different load ratios during fire, different fire curves, presence of web openings and different steel grades were investigated by parametric studies. It is shown that the strength of steel and the fire scenarios have a considerable effect on the time–displacement behaviour and fire resistances of the composite frames.
Vertical beam modal response in a broadband energy harvester
Authors: Litak Grzegorz , Rysak Andrzej , Borowiec Marek , Scheffler Michael , Gier Joachim
Published: February 2016

We examined energy harvesting using a vertical composite laminate beam with an additional moving mass subjected to kinematic harmonic excitation. The gravity effect and the moving tip mass applied to the system cause considerable changes in effective spring-mass characteristics of the bending beam. Simultaneously, we observed dynamical beam damping by an additional degree of freedom and non-linear effects including friction between the moving mass and the beam structure. The experiments were performed on the beam excited kinematically by a shaker, while beam velocity measurements were made by a scanning laser vibrometer. We applied modal analysis in the limit of a fairly low excitation level. The selected modal vibrations are illustrated by corresponding output time series.
The hollow university: Disaster capitalism befalls American higher education
Authors: Letizia Angelo J
Published: February 2016

Over the last 40 years, American institutions of higher education have been encouraged to align with the private sector by policymakers, think tank experts and businessmen in order to become more efficient and more accountable. In a wider sense, this new partnership may be evidence of what has been termed “disaster capitalism.” In disaster capitalism, crises are treated as economic opportunities. Governing bodies become “hollow states” which serve only to regulate contracts and provide further opportunities to entrepreneurs. The supposed crisis of accountability in American higher education may be such an opportunity. This paper argues for the emergence of the “hollow university” in American higher education. In the hollow university, state legislatures, think tank experts, leaders from the private sector and higher education administrators help to create a climate where institutions are more amendable to private sector partnerships. In order to determine this, I examine the desired inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes of four performance-based funding policies in the United States and demonstrate how the wording of these policies allow for and encourage private sector partnerships, specifically with emerging data companies such as Civitas Learning. Implications for the public mission of universities are discussed.
Biaxial system using the Benchmark intracranial guide catheter for placement of a Pipeline Embolization Device for intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Patel Apar S , Griessenauer Christoph J , Ogilvy Christopher S , Thomas Ajith J
Published: February 2016

Background

The Benchmark (Penumbra, Alameda, CA) is a novel intracranial guide catheter that provides optimized proximal stability combined with a hyperflexible and atraumatic tip. We assessed the use of a biaxial catheter system consistent with the Benchmark and Marksman microcatheter for placement of a Pipeline embolization device (PED) for intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive patients with aneurysms undergoing Pipeline embolization for an aneurysm using the biaxial system from April to October 2015 at a major academic institution in the United States. Benchmark performance was measured by the number of 90° turns the catheter could safely cross. Landing and final positions of the Benchmark were recorded.

Results

A total of 26 procedures were performed in 25 patients (mean age 59.5 ± 10.3 years; male:female = 1:4). In one case (3.8%) the biaxial system had to be substituted for a traditional triaxial system. The Benchmark was able to cross one, two, or three 90° turns in 48%, 40%, and 8% of cases, respectively. There was one (3.8%) thromboembolic event and no arterial dissections. In the period from January 2014 to March 2015 and prior to adopting the biaxial system we encountered three thromboembolic events (6.4%) and one (2.1%) dissection potentially related to the triaxial system in 47 PED procedures.

Conclusion

Preliminary experience shows that a biaxial system using the Benchmark is a safe and efficacious alternative to the traditional triaxial guide catheter system for placement of PED and may reduce the complexity and duration of the procedure.
Transition From Intravenous to Subcutaneous Insulin in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Doolin Meagan K. , Walroth Todd A. , Harris Serena A. , Whitten Jessica A. , Fritschle-Hilliard Andrew C.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Glycemic control decreases morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. However, limited guidance exists regarding the transition from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous insulin therapy. A validated protocol for transition is necessary since glycemic variability, hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia adversely impact patient outcomes.

Method:

The objective was to determine the safest and most effective method to transition critically ill adults from IV to subcutaneous insulin. This single-center, retrospective, observational study included adults admitted to the burn, medical, or surgical/trauma intensive care units from January 1, 2011, to September 30, 2014. A computer-based program provided a reflection of the patient’s total daily IV insulin requirements. This information was then utilized to stratify patients into groups according to their initial dose of subcutaneous insulin as a percentage of the prior 24-hour IV requirements (group stratification: 0-49%, 50-59%, 60-69%, 70-79%, ≥80%). The primary endpoint was the percentage of blood glucose (BG) concentrations within target range (70-150 mg/dL) 48 hours following transition.

Results:

One hundred patients with 1394 BG concentrations were included. The 50-59% group achieved the highest rate of BG concentrations in goal range (68%) ( P < .001). The 0-49% group, which was the transition method utilized most often, resulted in the lowest rate of goal achievement (46%).

Conclusions:

This retrospective study suggests critically ill adults may be safely transitioned to 50-59% of their 24-hour IV insulin requirements. A dosing protocol will be implemented to transition to 50-70% subcutaneous insulin. Follow-up data will be reviewed to assess the protocol’s safety and efficacy.
The Effects of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Point-of-Care Glucose Measurements in Hospital Practice in a Tropical Clinical Setting
Authors: Pratumvinit Busadee , Charoenkoop Nattakom , Niwattisaiwong Soamsiri , Kost Gerald J. , Tientadakul Panutsaya
Published: February 2016

Background:

Hospitals in tropical countries experience conditions that exceed manufacturer temperature and humidity limits for point-of-care (POC) glucose reagents. Our goal was to assess the effects of out-of-limits storage temperature, operating temperature, and operating humidity on POC glucose measurement reliability.

Methods:

Quality control measurements were performed monthly using glucose test strips stored under controlled conditions and in inpatient wards under ambient conditions. Glucose test strips were evaluated in groups organized by operating temperatures of 24-25 (group 1), 28-29 (group 2), and 33-34°C (group 3), and relative humidity (RH) of ≤70 (group A), ~80 (group B), and ~90% (group C).

Results:

Glucose results for different storage conditions were inconsistent. Measurements at higher operating temperatures had lower values with mean differences of −2.4 ( P < .001) and −36.5 ( P < .001) mg/dL (28-29 vs 24-25°C), and −3.6 ( P < .001) and −37.4 ( P < .001) mg/dL (33-34 vs 24-25°C) for low and high control levels, respectively. Measurements at higher RH had lower values with mean differences of −4.0 ( P < .001) and −13.2 ( P < .001) mg/dL (~80 vs ≤70% RH), and −5.8 ( P < .001) and −16.6 ( P < .001) mg/dL (~90 vs ≤70% RH) for low and high levels, respectively.

Conclusions:

High temperature and high RH decreased glucose concentrations for the POC oxidase-based system we evaluated. We recommend that individual hospitals perform stress testing, then determine if maximum absolute differences, which represent highest risk for patients, are clinically significant for decision making by using error grid analysis.
The Content of Dream in Islamic Mystic Prose Texts (Pre–Seventh ah/13th ad Century)
Authors: Mirbagherifard S. M. , Rozatian S. M. , Mani Mahnoush
Published: February 2016

Dream is one of the important topics of mystic texts and is of great significance in Islamic mysticism. Most writers of such texts have allocated a section of their books to it. Dream could be viewed from different perspectives, but it seems, what attracts mystics the most is the content of dream. The important issues considered the content of dream are seeing God, the Prophet, the Imams, the saints; the state of mystics after death; seeing angels and Paradise huris (the beauties); seeing what helps the Wayfarer in his difficulties; gaining knowledge of the future; and, finally, seeing Iblis (the Satan). In this article, an attempt is made to analyze the reactions of dreamers to each type of content by comparing the content of mentioned dreams in mystic prose texts of pre-seventh century. The results show that dreaming the beloved (God) is of the most importance whereas dreaming the Satan is the least desirable one. As for the reactions, the most frequent reactions are fear, enthusiasm, hope, confidence, pride, and joy.
Emotions and the Urban Lighting Environment
Authors: Calvillo Cortés Amparo Berenice , Falcón Morales Luis Eduardo
Published: February 2016

This article shows the main results of an empirical research about the relation between emotions and urban lighting scenarios. The focus is on the emotions experienced by participants in outdoor public spaces, such as pedestrian areas, parks, and other spaces. To understand subjects’ emotions, we followed a procedure of surveys using situation–response questionnaires in a closed, controlled environment with participants ( N = 217) belonging to three universities of different countries: the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico; Polytechnic University of Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain; and Via Domitian University in Perpignan, France. The set of 10 frequent emotions related to urban lighting mentioned by Calvillo Cortés was used for the study. Cross-cultural comparison of answers about the emotions felt by participants allowed us to classify the emotions in two types: the emotions commonly perceived among the three groups and the emotions particularly perceived by each group attributable to their cultural background. Based on that, we present conclusions about the relation between the emotions and the lighting parameters of the scene. In addition, we present a theoretical exploration of other researches related to subjective approaches on lighting, pointing out that emotions are not as widely studied as other psychological responses to lit places. This requires further conceptualization of the theoretical framework to increase the focus on the importance of emotions in the design of urban lighting spaces, providing more pleasant and healthy user experience.
Can Teachers “Lean in”? Family Responsibilities Discrimination
Authors: Mullins Lauren Bock
Published: February 2016

This qualitative study uses grounded theory to explore family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) as it relates to school teacher discretion at work and at home, and career advancement within the context of leaning in. The results of the analysis of the data from semi-structured interviews and exit surveys provide preliminary evidence that teachers’ discretion is affected by their family responsibilities and perception of FRD, and that career advancement is directly and indirectly affected by FRD. Impediments to school teachers’ willingness and ability to lean in are identified as themes, and suggestions are offered to improve workplace rights for teachers with family responsibilities.
Water-adsorption properties of Xiazijie montmorillonite intercalated with polyamine
Authors: Zhang Shifeng , Qiu Zhengsong , Huang Weian
Published: February 2016

Polyamine is a novel inhibitor applied to water-based drilling fluids in order to reduce hydration of clays, especiallymontmorillonite (MT). In the present study, thewater-adsorption properties of montmorillonite intercalated with polyamine were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) and adsorption isotherm tests using water, benzene and heptane. According to the XRD, DRIFT and water-adsorption test results, polyamine (PA)- intercalated montmorillonite (PA-MT) adsorbs less water than either K+- or NH+4-intercalated montmorillonite (K-MT, NH4-MT). The surface energy of MT was analysed using the van Oss- Chaudhury-Good (VCG) approach based on thewater, benzene and heptane adsorption results. The surface energy between PA-MTand water was less than that of NH4-MT and K-MT. Compared with K-MT and NH4-MT, the surface energy of the Lewis acid portion of PA-MT underwent a more significant decrease, suggesting that the hydration of unexchanged Na+ did not make a discernible contribution. The experimental water-adsorption data were fitted using Langmuir, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and Freundlich adsorption models. The Langmuir adsorption models can be used to fit the data for water adsorption on PA-MTacross the entire p/p0 range. After plotting the experimental data in the linear format of the Freundlichmodel, only one linear region for PA-MTwas observed, indicating a singlewater-adsorption mechanism for PA-MT. When compared with PA in the absence of clay, DRIFT spectroscopy showed that the NH2 bending mode for PA-MT shifted from 1571 cm–1 to 1619.7 cm–1. This suggested an increase in hydrogen bonding (H bonding) between the ammonium group and the interlayer water. Across the entire p/p0 range, water is suggested to have adsorbed onto PA-MT through H-bonding interactions between the ammonium group and the interlayer water.
Computational prediction and experimental validation of novel Hedgehog-responsive enhancers linked to genes of the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Gurdziel Katherine , Vogt Kyle R. , Schneider Gary , Richards Neil , Gumucio Deborah L.
Published: February 2016

Background

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, acting through three homologous transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, GLI3) in vertebrates, plays multiple roles in embryonic organ development and adult tissue homeostasis. At the level of the genome, GLI factors bind to specific motifs in enhancers, some of which are hundreds of kilobases removed from the gene promoter. These enhancers integrate the Hh signal in a context-specific manner to control the spatiotemporal pattern of target gene expression. Importantly, a number of genes that encode Hh pathway molecules are themselves targets of Hh signaling, allowing pathway regulation by an intricate balance of feed-back activation and inhibition. However, surprisingly few of the critical enhancer elements that control these pathway target genes have been identified despite the fact that such elements are central determinants of Hh signaling activity. Recently, ChIP studies have been carried out in multiple tissue contexts using mouse models carrying FLAG-tagged GLI proteins (GLIFLAG). Using these datasets, we tested whether a meta-analysis of GLI binding sites, coupled with a machine learning approach, could reveal genomic features that could be used to empirically identify Hh-regulated enhancers linked to loci of the Hh signaling pathway.

Results

A meta-analysis of four existing GLIFLAG datasets revealed a library of GLI binding motifs that was substantially more restricted than the potential sites predicted by previous in vitro binding studies. A machine learning method (kmer-SVM) was then applied to these datasets and enriched k-mers were identified that, when applied to the mouse genome, predicted as many as 37,000 potential Hh enhancers. For functional analysis, we selected nine regions which were annotated to putative Hh pathway molecules and found that seven exhibited GLI-dependent activity, indicating that they are directly regulated by Hh signaling (78 % success rate).

Conclusions

The results suggest that Hh enhancer regions share common sequence features. The kmer-SVM machine learning approach identifies those features and can successfully predict functional Hh regulatory regions in genomic DNA surrounding Hh pathway molecules and likely, other Hh targets. Additionally, the library of enriched GLI binding motifs that we have identified may allow improved identification of functional GLI binding sites.
An ethnobotanical analysis of parasitic plants (Parijibi) in the Nepal Himalaya
Authors: O’Neill Alexander Robert , Rana Santosh Kumar
Published: February 2016

Background

Indigenous biocultural knowledge is a vital part of Nepalese environmental management strategies; however, much of it may soon be lost given Nepal’s rapidly changing socio-ecological climate. This is particularly true for knowledge surrounding parasitic and mycoheterotrophic plant species, which are well represented throughout the Central-Eastern Himalayas but lack a collated record. Our study addresses this disparity by analyzing parasitic and mycoheterotrophic plant species diversity in Nepal as well as the ethnobotanical knowledge that surrounds them.

Methods

Botanical texts, online databases, and herbarium records were reviewed to create an authoritative compendium of parasitic and mycoheterotrophic plant species native or naturalized to the Nepal Central-Eastern Himalaya. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with 141 informants to better understand the biocultural context of these species, emphasizing ethnobotanical uses, in 12 districts of Central-Eastern Nepal.

Results

Nepal is a hotspot of botanical diversity, housing 15 families and 29 genera of plants that exhibit parasitic or mycoheterotrophic habit. Over 150 of the known 4500 parasitic plant species (~3 %) and 28 of the 160 mycoheterotrophic species (~18 %) are native or naturalized to Nepal; 13 of our surveyed parasitic species are endemic. Of all species documented, approximately 17 % of parasitic and 7 % of mycoheterotrophic plants have ethnobotanical uses as medicine (41 %), fodder (23 %), food (17 %), ritual objects (11 %), or material (8 %).

Conclusions

Parasitic and mycoheterotrophic plant species exhibit high diversity in the Nepal Central-Eastern Himalaya and are the fodder for biocultural relationships that may help inform future environmental management projects in the region.
Labor market integration of new immigrants in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Planas Núria , Nollenberger Natalia
Published: February 2016

Immigrants’ employment status has worsened during the Great Recession in Spain. How much of this worsening is due to the recession, and how much to a composition effect? Using Spanish Labor Force Survey data from 2000 through 2011, we compare the employment trajectories of different cohorts of immigrants and natives and find that those who arrived before the 2008 recession had little trouble finding work immediately. In contrast, those who arrived after 2008 struggled to find work as Spanish unemployment rates skyrocketed. In addition, although many immigrants who arrived in Spain between 2000 and 2007 were able to find work and eventually move out of the low-skilled positions, the nature of their jobs did not shield them from the recession. Hence, many became unemployed as the economy shed low- and middle-skilled jobs in sectors dominated by immigrants. Immigrants’ individual characteristics, such as gender, country of origin, or educational level, had a limited effect on their employment trajectories. These findings suggest that for many workers, finding middle-skilled work alone isn’t enough. Hence, integration policies could aim to help workers transition from the secondary to the primary labor market in order to find their way into more stable employment.

JEL codes: J15, J24, J61, J62
Challenges of medicines management in the public and private sector under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme – A qualitative study
Authors: Ashigbie Paul G. , Azameti Devine , Wirtz Veronika J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Ghana established its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2003 with the goal of ensuring more equitable financing of health care to improve access to health services. This qualitative study examines the challenges and consequences of medicines management policies and practices under the NHIS as perceived by public and private service providers.

Methods

This study was conducted in health facilities in the Eastern, Greater Accra and Volta regions of Ghana between July and August 2014. We interviewed 26 Key Informants (KIs) from a purposively selected sample of public and private sector providers (government and mission hospitals, private hospitals and private standalone pharmacies), pharmaceutical suppliers and NHIS district offices. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guides which covered facility accreditation, reimbursement practices, medicines selection, purchasing and pricing of medicines, and utilization of medicines. Codes for data analysis were developed based on the study questions and also in response to themes that emerged from the transcripts and notes.

Results

Most KIs agreed that the introduction of the NHIS has increased access to and utilization of medicines by removing cost barriers for patients; however, some pointed out the increased utilization could also be corollary to moral hazard. Common concerns across all facilities were the delays in receiving NHIS reimbursements, and low reimbursement rates for medicines which result in providers asking patients to pay supplementary fees. KIs reported important differences between private and public sectors including weak separation of prescribing and dispensing and limited use of drugs and therapeutic committees in the private sector, the disproportionate effects of unfavorable reimbursement prices for medicines, and inadequate participation of the private sector providers (especially pharmacies and licensed chemical sellers) in the NHIS.

Conclusions

Health providers generally perceive the NHIS to have had a largely positive impact on access to medicines. However, concerns remain about equity in access to medicines and the differences in quality of pharmaceutical care delivered by private and public providers. Routine monitoring of medicines use during the implementation of health insurance schemes is important to identify and address the potential consequences of medicines policies and practices under the scheme.
Establishing a Continuum of Acute Kidney Injury – Tracing AKI Using Data Source Linkage and Long-Term Follow-Up: Workgroup Statements from the 15th ADQI Consensus Conference
Authors: Mehta Ravindra , Bihorac Azra , Selby Nicholas M. , Quan Hude , Goldstein Stuart L. , Kellum John A. , Ronco Claudio , Bagshaw Sean M. ,   For the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) Consensus Group
Published: February 2016

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is independently associated with the development of chronic kidney disease, endstage kidney disease and increased all-cause and cardiovascular-specific mortality. The severity of the renal insult and the development of multiple AKI episodes increase the risk of occurrence of these outcomes. Despite these long-term effects, only a minority of patients receive nephrologist follow up after an episode of AKI; those that do may have improved outcomes. Furthermore, relatively simple quality improvement strategies have the potential to change this status quo.

Methods:

On this background, a working group of the 15th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) conference applied the consensus-building process informed by review of English language articles identified through PubMed search to address questions related to the opportunities, methodological requirements and barriers for longitudinal follow-up of patients with AKI in the era of electronic health records and Big Data.

Results:

Four consensus statements answering the key questions identified by the working group are developed.

Conclusions:

We have identified minimal data elements and potential data sources necessary to trace the natural history of patients from onset of AKI to long-term outcome. Minimum infrastructure and key barriers to achieving these goals are outlined together with proposed solutions.
Isolation and complete genome sequence of the thermophilic Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1 from an Arctic deep-sea hydrothermal vent site
Authors: Wissuwa Juliane , Stokke Runar , Fedøy Anita-Elin , Lian Kjersti , Smalås Arne Oskar , Steen Ida Helene
Published: February 2016

Members of the genus Geobacillus have been isolated from a wide variety of habitats worldwide and are the subject for targeted enzyme utilization in various industrial applications. Here we report the isolation and complete genome sequence of the thermophilic starch-degrading Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1. The strain 12AMOR1 was isolated from deep-sea hot sediment at the Jan Mayen hydrothermal Vent Site. Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1 consists of a 3,410,035 bp circular chromosome and a 32,689 bp plasmid with a G + C content of 52 % and 47 %, respectively. The genome comprises 3323 protein-coding genes, 88 tRNA species and 10 rRNA operons. The isolate grows on a suite of sugars, complex polysaccharides and proteinous carbon sources. Accordingly, a versatility of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) and peptidases were identified in the genome. Expression, purification and characterization of an enzyme of the glycoside hydrolase family 13 revealed a starch-degrading capacity and high thermal stability with a melting temperature of 76.4 °C. Altogether, the data obtained point to a new isolate from a marine hydrothermal vent with a large bioprospecting potential.
Στοιχεία οργάνωσης της καθημερινής ζωής σε μεσαίο αστικό κέντρο (Λαμία)
Authors: Ρόκος Κώστας , Αργυράκος Γεώργιος
Published: February 2016

Ή καθημερινή ζωή, ακόμη καί στίς συνθήκες μεσαίου αστικού
κέντρου, διαφοροποιείται έντονα μέσα στην πόλη, παρουσιάζει
σημαντική έλλειψη συνοχής καί έπιδρα διαλυτικά στίς κοινωνικές
σχέ&εις.
Σέ αντίθεση μέ τρέχουσες άντιλήψεις καί τυπικά σχήματα, ή
συστηματική ανάλυση τής όργάνωσης τής καθημερινής ζωής φα­
νερώνει τόν καθοριστικό ρόλο του τρόπου ζωής καί τών προσδο­
κιών στή διαμόρφωσή της· ιδιαίτερα σέ δ,τι άφορά στίς σχέσεις
τρόπου ζωής/προσδοκιών μέ κοινωνικο-οικονομικά, οικιστικά καί
κυκλοφοριακά χαρακτηριστικά.
Στό βαθμό πού ή άναδιάρθρωση καί ή έξισορρόπηση τής καθη­
μερινής ζωής είναι θέμα σχεδιασμοΰ κρίνεται δτι άπαιτεϊται ριζική
άλλαγή τής σχεδιαστικής πρακτικής στόν τόπο μας.