bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The punishment marketplace: Competing for capitalized power in locally controlled immigration enforcement
Authors: Stageman Daniel L
Published: October 2017

Neoliberal economics play a significant role in US social organization, imposing market logics on public services and driving the cultural valorization of free market ideology. The neoliberal ‘project of inequality’ is upheld by an authoritarian system of punishment built around the social control of the underclass—among them unauthorized immigrants. This work lays out the theory of the punishment marketplace: a conceptualization of how US systems of punishment both enable the neoliberal project of inequality, and are themselves subject to market colonization. The theory describes the rescaling of federal authority to local centers of political power. Criminal justice policy activism by local governments is punishment entrepreneurship: an accumulative approach to securing fiscal gain, political hegemony, security, and capitalized power. Local immigration enforcement entrepreneurship targets unauthorized and other deportable immigrants. This punitive immigration control reinforces racially structured social relations by obscuring the diminishing returns neoliberal globalization provides working class whites.
Positive and negative ion mode comparison for the determination of DNA/peptide noncovalent binding sites through the formation of “three-body” noncovalent fragment ions
Authors: Brahim Bessem , Tabet Jean-Claude , Alves Sandra
Published: October 2017

Gas-phase fragmentation of single strand DNA–peptide noncovalent complexes is investigated in positive and negative electrospray ionization modes.Collision-induced dissociation experiments, performed on the positively charged noncovalent complex precursor ions, have confirmed the trend previously observed in negative ion mode, i.e. a high stability of noncovalent complexes containing very basic peptidic residues (i.e. R > K) and acidic nucleotide units (i.e. Thy units), certainly incoming from the existence of salt bridge interactions. Independent of the ion polarity, stable noncovalent complex precursor ions were found to dissociate preferentially through covalent bond cleavages of the partners without disrupting noncovalent interactions. The resulting DNA fragment ions were found to be still noncovalently linked to the peptides. Additionally, the losses of an internal nucleic fragment producing “three-body” noncovalent fragment ions were also observed in both ion polarities, demonstrating the spectacular salt bridge interaction stability. The identical fragmentation patterns (regardless of the relative fragment ion abundances) observed in both polarities have shown a common location of salt bridge interaction certainly preserved from solution. Nonetheless, most abundant noncovalent fragment ions (and particularly three-body ones) are observed from positively charged noncovalent complexes. Therefore, we assume that, independent of the preexisting salt bridge interaction and zwitterion structures, multiple covalent bond cleavages from single-stranded DNA/peptide complexes rely on an excess of positive charges in both electrospray ionization ion polarities.
Damage and ice detection on wind turbine rotor blades using a three-tier modular structural health monitoring framework
Authors: Tsiapoki Stavroula , Häckell Moritz W , Grießmann Tanja , Rolfes Raimund
Published: October 2017

The increasing number of installed wind turbines has led to a greater need for monitoring of their subcomponents. In particular, damages on rotor blades should be detected as early as possible, since they can cause long and hence expensive standstill times. In this work, a three-tier structural health monitoring framework is employed on the experimental data of a 34-m rotor blade for damage and ice detection. The structural health monitoring framework includes the functions of data normalization by clustering according to environmental and operational conditions, feature extraction, and hypothesis testing. In order to assess the framework and the methods applied with respect to ice detection, an ice accretion test was performed by gradually adding masses at the blade tip. First, a modal test by means of manual and impulse excitation was performed on the healthy blade and for all steps of the ice test. Subsequently, to induce damage, the blade was cyclically excited in edgewise direction for over 1 million cycles until failure occurred at the trailing edge. Finally, the initial modal test was repeated on the damaged blade. Modal parameters from system identification and further damage features, also called condition parameters, are presented and compared to each other. Results from the modal test show that structural changes due to damage at the trailing edge and added mass can be detected by changes in the condition parameters. Nevertheless, it is shown that some condition parameters exhibit higher sensitivity to damage than natural frequencies. Furthermore, a correlation between the amount of added mass and the changes in natural frequencies and some of the condition parameters is shown. For the analysis of the fatigue test, condition parameters were determined with and without prior data clustering according to the applied damage equivalent load, resulting in two realizations of the structural health monitoring framework. Results from the fatigue test show that the majority of condition parameters have good detection performance regarding structural change due to fatigue cracks and due to damage at the trailing edge for various confidence intervals. Finally, it is shown that the detection performance in the case of data clustering according to applied damage equivalent load is higher than without data clustering. This emphasizes the need of data normalization by clustering according to the environmental and operational conditions.
Development of Design Requirements for a Cognitive Assistant in Space Missions Beyond Low Earth Orbit
Authors: Tokadlı Güliz , Dorneich Michael C.
Published: October 2017

This study describes the development of requirements for a cognitive assistant (CA) for use onboard a space vehicle/station. For missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), delayed communication will limit mission control’s ability to support the space crew in real time. During off-nominal situations, where no procedures have been developed prior to missions, crews must develop responses in real time and may increasingly rely on automation. A systematic approach was used to model the domain knowledge of the collaborative decision-making process of current space operations, extrapolate to missions beyond LEO, and develop the design requirements for a CA. Document analysis and interviews were conducted to create an abstraction hierarchy and a decision-action diagram of the cognitive functions currently performed by space crew, mission control, and onboard automation. These domain models were extrapolated to missions beyond LEO by identifying the breakpoints where current decision-making processes would break down due to increased communication delay between mission control and the space crew. Design requirements were identified for future CA systems that offer real-time decision-making support to mitigate the negative effect of limited support in off-nominal situations. The approach developed for this research can be generalized to identify the design requirements for future support systems in domains beyond space operations.
Fibromyalgia as a Predictor of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Lipman Marc D. , Hess Daniel E. , Werner Brian C. , Deal D. Nicole
Published: October 2017

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be a devastating complication following extremity injury, but risk factors are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between fibromyalgia and the development of CRPS after distal radius fracture. Methods: The PearlDiver Medicare database was queried using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for diagnoses and treatments of distal radius fractures. Patients were separated into fibromyalgia and control cohorts, and the prevalence of CRPS was measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from the date of injury or procedure. Demographic factors, treatment modality, and comorbid conditions were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to reduce confounding and identify additional risk factors. Results: Database queries yielded 853 186 patients diagnosed or treated for distal radius fracture, with 6% having previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The prevalence of CRPS following distal radius fracture was increased at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months in the fibromyalgia cohort compared with the control c, with a 1-year incidence of 0.51% compared with 0.20% (odds ratio [OR], 2.54, P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression supported the association, with estimated OR of 2.0 ( P < .001). In addition, female gender, surgical or manipulative treatment, and anxiety were positively associated with CRPS, and age >65, diabetes, and heart failure were negatively associated. Conclusions: While the basis of the association between fibromyalgia and CRPS is unknown, our data suggest that it could serve as a useful predictor of CRPS risk, promoting increased vigilance for CRPS symptoms and earlier recognition and treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor plasticity after peripheral inflammation alters nociceptive transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in adult rats
Authors: Radwani Houda , Roca-Lapirot Olivier , Aby Franck , Lopez-Gonzalez Maria Jose , Bouali-Benazzouz Rabia , Favereaux Alexandre , Errami Mohammed , Landry Marc , Fossat Pascal
Published: October 2017

The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a crucial site for pain transmission and modulation. Dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord express group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (group I mGluRs) that exert a complex role in nociceptive transmission. In particular, group I mGluRs promote the activation of L-type calcium channels, voltage-gated channels involved in short- and long-term sensitization to pain. In this study, we analyzed the role of group I mGluRs in spinal nociceptive transmission and the possible cooperation between these receptors and L-type calcium channels in the pathophysiology of pain transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We demonstrate that the activation of group I mGluRs induces allodynia and L-type calcium channel-dependent increase in nociceptive field potentials following sciatic nerve stimulation. Surprisingly, in a model of persistent inflammation induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant, the activation of group I mGluRs induced an analgesia and a decrease in nociceptive field potentials. Among the group I mGluRs, mGluR1 promotes the activation of L-type calcium channels and increased nociceptive transmission while mGluR5 induces the opposite through the inhibitory network. These results suggest a functional switch exists in pathological conditions that can change the action of group I mGluR agonists into possible analgesic molecules, thereby suggesting new therapeutic perspectives to treat persistent pain in inflammatory settings.
Ensembles of climate change models for risk assessment of nuclear power plants
Authors: Vagnoli Matteo , Di Maio Francesco , Zio Enrico
Published: October 2017

Climate change affects technical systems, structures and infrastructures, changing the environmental context for which systems, structures and infrastructure were originally designed. In order to prevent any risk growth beyond acceptable levels, the climate change effects must be accounted for into risk assessment models. Climate models can provide future climate data, such as air temperature and pressure. However, the reliability of climate models is a major concern due to the uncertainty in the temperature and pressure future projections. In this work, we consider five climate change models (individually unable to accurately provide historical recorded temperatures and, thus, also future projections) and ensemble their projections for integration in a probabilistic safety assessment, conditional on climate projections. As case study, we consider the passive containment cooling system of two AP1000 nuclear power plants. Results provided by the different ensembles are compared. Finally, a risk-based classification approach is performed to identify critical future temperatures, which may lead to passive containment cooling system risks beyond acceptable levels.
Palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flap to reconstruct the interphalangeal collateral ligament in composite defects
Authors: Woo Sang Hyun , Lee Young Keun , Kim Joo Yong , Kim Young Woo , Cheon Ho June
Published: October 2017

We present 12 cases in which palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flaps were used for the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in compound defects of digits. There were nine cases involving the interphalangeal joint of the fingers and three of the interphalangeal joints of the thumb. The venous flaps survived completely in 10 of the 12 cases. In 11 cases, there were excellent functional results for joint stability, pain, total active motion and pinch power. In all 12 cases, a pain-free joint with excellent stability was achieved after surgery. The palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flap is a good option for reconstruction of composite defects of the collateral ligament of the interphalangeal joint.

Level of evidence: IV
Peripheral deiodinase activity: A potential explanation for the association between maternal weight and gestational hyperglycemia
Authors: Haddow James E , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn , Eklund Elizabeth , Neveux Louis M , Palomaki Glenn E
Published: October 2017

Background

High maternal weight is known to associate with both low free thyroxine and gestational diabetes mellitus. We explore a deiodinase-related mechanism that may help explain these associations.

Methods

Among 108 women receiving routine oral glucose tolerance testing for gestational diabetes mellitus, we collected biophysical data and measured free thyroxine and total triiodothyronine, using residual plasma samples.

Results

Fasting triiodothyronine/free thyroxine ratio and triiodothyronine were higher among women with gestational diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.02; p = 0.04). The triiodothyronine/free thyroxine ratio and triiodothyronine measurements at 2 h were associated with weight ( r = 0.20, p = 0.04; r = 0.22, p = 0.02); free thyroxine showed a non-significant inverse weight relationship ( r = −0.06, p = 0.55). Glucose at all four intervals was associated with triiodothyronine/free thyroxine ratios, and triiodothyronine at 2 h. In stepwise regression, triiodothyronine/free thyroxine ratio predicted glucose more strongly than did weight.

Conclusion

These relationships may be explained by higher maternal weight inducing peripheral deiodinase activity, resulting in higher plasma glucose (via triiodothyronine stimulation) and thereby increasing gestational diabetes mellitus risk.
The Impact of Environmental Design on Teamwork and Communication in Healthcare Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gharaveis Arsalan , Hamilton D. Kirk , Pati Debajyoti
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the current knowledge about the impact of healthcare facility design on teamwork and communication by exploring the relevant literature. Teamwork and communication are behavioral factors that are impacted by physical design. However, the effects of environmental factors on teamwork and communication have not been investigated extensively in healthcare design literature. There are no published systematic reviews on the current topic. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases in addition to targeted design journals including Health Environmental Research & Design, Environment and Behavior, Environmental Psychology, and Applied Ergonomics. Inclusion criteria were (a) full-text English language articles related to teamwork and communication and (b) involving any healthcare built environment and space design published in peer-reviewed journals between 1984 and 2017. Studies were extracted using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the first phase, 26 of the 195 articles most relevant to teamwork and 19 studies of the 147 were identified and reviewed to understand the impact of communication in healthcare facilities. The literature regarding the impact of built environment on teamwork and communication were reviewed and explored in detail. Eighteen studies were selected and succinctly summarized as the final product of this review. Environmental design, which involves nurses, support staff, and physicians, is one of the critical factors that promotes the efficiency of teamwork and collaborative communication. Layout design, visibility, and accessibility levels are the most cited aspects of design which can affect the level of communication and teamwork in healthcare facilities.
Couple Roles in Subdecisions on Family Vacations
Authors: Rojas-de-Gracia María-Mercedes , Alarcón-Urbistondo Pilar
Published: October 2017

This article studies the roles within couples, the main decision makers in family vacations, for each of the subdecisions into which the purchase process can be divided. This implies not only identifying the role played by each member of the couple in each subdecision but also determining the variables behind whether the man, the woman, or both jointly, have the greatest influence in each case. To this end, the use of 375 sets of questionnaires completed by each partner separately provided greater validity and reliability than other studies that have depended on only one answer per couple. The results show that vacations tend to follow a joint decision-making process, except for when it comes to searching for information, which is done autonomously by either partner. Women’s work situation and differences in education level within the couple are the variables that best explain how couples make decisions when purchasing family vacations.
Successful discontinuation of immunoglobulin G replacement at age 10 in a patient with immunoglobulin G2 deficiency
Authors: Shinjoh Masayoshi , Sakiyama Yukio , Sekiguchi Shinichiro , Takahashi Takao
Published: October 2017

Context:

Immunoglobulin G2 deficiency that persists beyond the age of 6 years is likely to be permanent.

Case report:

We report on a young Japanese female, diagnosed as having immunoglobulin G2 deficiency and low anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulin G2 antibody levels when 3 years old, with a subsequent medical history of frequent respiratory infections and asthma. Monthly intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy was started at 4 years of age. After 8 years of age, an anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulin G2 trough level could be maintained with administration intervals longer than 6 weeks, and after 9 years and 10 months of age, therapy was discontinued. The frequency of hospital admissions was reduced by the introduction of the replacement therapy (from 8.4 times/year before the introduction to 1.1 times/year during the therapy). The patient was also able to discontinue daily medications for asthma, and serum immunoglobulin G2 was maintained at a normal level even after the cessation of replacement therapy.

Conclusion:

Termination of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a patient with a symptomatic immunoglobulin G2 deficiency is possible, even for a child older than 6 years.
Poverty Dynamics, Parenting, and Child Mental Health in Canada
Authors: Strohschein Lisa , Gauthier Anne H.
Published: October 2017

Although the detrimental effects of poverty on child mental health are well established, questions remain as to which aspects of poverty matter most and which mechanisms account for the association. This study tested the relative influence of depth of current poverty and poverty duration on child anxiety/depression and antisocial behavior, then evaluated whether parenting practices mediated observed associations. Data come from four waves of the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (1994–2000), with analysis restricted to children who were aged 2 to 5 at initial interview and lived with both biological parents throughout (n = 1,901). Depth of current poverty was associated with child anxiety/depression, whereas persistent poverty was associated with child antisocial behavior. Parenting behaviors were significant predictors but did not mediate the association between poverty dynamics and child mental health. The research and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
In-School Predictors of Postschool Employment for Youth Who Are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Cmar Jennifer L. , McDonnall Michele C. , Markoski Kasey M.
Published: October 2017

Youth with deaf-blindness have difficulty transitioning to adulthood and experience poor employment outcomes, yet research on this population is limited. To identify predictors of postschool employment outcomes for transition-age youth who are deaf-blind, we conducted multiple logistic regression analyses using data from Waves 1 through 5 of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2. Significant predictors of postschool employment were paid high school work experiences and parent expectations. Significant predictors of continuous employment were number of additional disabilities, vocational education services, and parent expectations. Implications for practice include educating parents about employment options early in youths’ lives, encouraging youth to obtain early work experiences, and ensuring that youth have access to vocational education services.
The Better Angels of Their Natures? The Declining Rate of Homicides against India’s Dalits
Authors: Mayer Peter
Published: October 2017

There is a common perception—made the more acute by the growing focus on rapes since the horrific gang rape incident in Delhi in 2012—that India is an increasingly violent society. One can even see aspects of this perspective in official documents. Crime in India, 2009 for example observed that ‘The quantum of total violent crimes [increased] continuously … from 2005 to 2009’.

This article focuses on serious, violent crimes against India’s Dalits (Scheduled Castes), especially homicides, as they appear in official statistics. It suggests that contrary to popular understanding, murder, rape and arson directed against Dalits have declined significantly since a peak in the early 1990s. The article argues that, in part, the declines are due to the social mobilization of Dalits, the emergence of lower caste and Dalit political parties in north India and specific aspects of political competition.

But another, broader and important influence, perhaps related to what Steven Pinker has called ‘the better angels of our nature’, is an unnoticed but significant decline in overall rates of interpersonal violence in India.
Sonographic Findings of Gallbladder Perforation With Hepatic Abscesses
Authors: Gayler Trisha
Published: October 2017

Gallbladder perforation is a complication of gallbladder disease. There are high morbidity and mortality rates, and it is believed that this is due to the delay in diagnosis and when the condition is managed conservatively. Sonography combined with computed tomography can be used to identify gallbladder perforation and the presence of hepatic abscesses. Sonographic findings for gallbladder perforation may include the presence of a stone outside of the gallbladder, an obvious defect in the gallbladder wall, and other signs such as distended gallbladder, thickened gallbladder wall, striated appearance of the gallbladder wall, gallstones, debris/sludge, and adjacent abscesses. It is important for a sonographer to recognize these signs so that prompt treatment can be initiated. This case presents the sonographic and computed tomography findings of a type II perforated gallbladder as a result of a large stone that eroded into the liver with the subsequent development of two hepatic abscesses.
NO donors exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating inflammatory signatures and by regulating the life cycle of dendritic cells
Authors: Ripamonti Chiara , Papagna Angela , Storini Claudio , Miglietta Daniela , Foti Maria
Published: October 2017

NO mediates a variety of physiologic processes and is considered an important intracellular messenger in different cellular systems. Because of its complex regulation and multiple molecular and cellular targets, NO provides both stimulatory and suppressive properties in the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered the most potent APCs, whose regulation has important implications in the induction of an effective immune response. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the compound NCX 2057, a new class of NO-releasing derivatives of ferulic acid, on activation and functional properties of DCs. NCX 2057 was able to modulate the inflammatory program, the cytokines production, and the cellular life cycle but not the maturation markers and the T cells stimulatory capacity of DCs in the presence or absence of LPS. The results indicate that NCX 2057 may modulate different aspects of the activation of DCs and suggest novel applications of NO donors in the contest of inflammatory response modulation through the life cycle regulation of DCs.
Multiple level-set joint inversion of traveltime and gravity data with application to ore delineation: A synthetic study
Authors: Zheglova Polina , Lelièvre Peter G. , Farquharson Colin G.
Published: October 2017

We have developed a multiple level-set method for simultaneous inversion of gravity and seismic traveltime data. The method recovers the boundaries between regions with distinct physical properties assumed constant and known, creating structurally consistent models of two subsurface properties: P-wave velocity and density. In single level-set methods, only two rock units can be considered: background and inclusion. Such methods have been applied to examples representing various geophysical scenarios, including in the context of joint inversion. In multiple level-set methods, several units can be considered, which make them far more applicable to real earth scenarios. Recently, a multiple level-set method has been proposed for inversion of magnetic data. We extend the multiple level-set formulation to joint inversion of gravity and traveltime data, improving upon previous work, and we investigate applicability of such an inversion method in ore delineation. In mineral exploration environments, traditional seismic imaging and inversion methods are challenging because of the small target size and the specific physical property contrasts involved. First-arrival seismic traveltime and gravity data complement each other, and we found that joint multiple level-set inversion is more beneficial than separate inversions, especially with limited data and slow targets. Our method is more robust than the joint inversion method based on clustering of physical properties in recovery of piecewise homogeneous models not well-constrained by the data. To justify the known property assumption, we found the degree of robustness of the multiple level-set joint inversion to uncertainties arising from incomplete knowledge of small-scale subsurface physical property variations and target composition.
EMD-seislet transform
Authors: Chen Yangkang , Fomel Sergey
Published: October 2017

The seislet transform uses a prediction operator that is connected to the local slope or frequency of seismic events. We have combined the 1D nonstationary seislet transform with empirical-mode decomposition (EMD) in the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] domain. We used EMD to decompose data into smoothly variable frequency components for the following 1D seislet transform. The resultant representation showed remarkable sparsity. We developed a detailed algorithm and used a field example to demonstrate the application of the new seislet transform for sparsity-promoting seismic data processing.
Resolving the clinico-radiological paradox in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chard Declan , Trip S Anand
Published: October 2017

Understanding the clinico-radiological paradox is important in the search for more sensitive and specific surrogates of relapses and disability progression (such that they can be used to inform treatment choices in individual people with multiple sclerosis) and to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis of disability in multiple sclerosis (to identify and assess key therapeutic targets). In this brief review, we will consider themes and issues underlying the clinico-radiological paradox and recent advances in its resolution.
Direct and Indirect Information System Use: A Multimethod Exploration of Social Power Antecedents in Healthcare
Authors: Tong Yu , Tan Chuan-Hoo , Teo Hock-Hai
Published: October 2017

When an organization introduces an information system (IS), management often expects employees to utilize the system. However, rather than use the system directly, designated users may delegate some parts of their IS use to other users while assuming primary responsibility and accountability for the system use tasks. This behavior is called indirect IS use, a behavior that is acknowledged in some studies but not adequately scrutinized. This research distinguishes between direct and indirect IS use and proposes a model of their respective antecedents. The research was carried out in three stages. First, we conceptually distinguished direct and indirect IS use and drew on a social power lens to develop a theoretically driven research framework. Second, we contextually refined the research framework with a case study in a Confucian society. Third, we validated the research model through a survey of 213 Chinese physicians. Results revealed that direct and indirect IS use are partially substitutive, as demonstrated by the varying effects of social power and physiological power on these types of IS use. Further insights were gained by splitting the two forms of IS use based on the extent of clinical accountability risks and combining the two types of IS use based on their sum or relative amount. With the distinct relationships between social power and different forms of IS use, management could employ the appropriate strategies to influence the desired system usage behavior from its employees.
Health dialogue as a tool for health promotion on individual, group and organisational levels
Authors: Olander Åsa , Koinberg Ingalill
Published: October 2017

Background:

School health service in Sweden has transformed into medical expertise of pupils’ health to emphasise that there are other professions in school who work with health. To promote health and prevent illness, health dialogues is used by school nurses.

Aim:

To explore school nurse’s perception of health dialogues with pupils as well as the use of it as an instrument to promote health and prevent illness on different levels.

Method:

A questionnaire was constructed, it consisted of multiple choice questions that were evaluated by frequency analysis and open-ended questions, which were categorised.

Result:

Progression of using aggregated data was identified. Major knowledge of making health dialogues an opportunity for promoting health and preventing illness was confirmed.

Conclusions:

Aggregated data was presented to pupil health teams in a higher degree than before and activities were taken to support health on different levels.
What Are Women Told When Requesting Family Planning Services at Clinics Associated with Catholic Hospitals? A Mystery Caller Study
Authors: Guiahi Maryam , Teal Stephanie B. , Swartz Maryke , Huynh Sandy , Schiller Georgia , Sheeder Jeanelle
Published: October 2017

CONTEXT

Catholic Church directives restrict family planning service provision at Catholic health care institutions. It is unclear whether obstetrics and gynecology clinics that are owned by or have business affiliations with Catholic hospitals offer family planning appointments.

METHODS

Mystery callers phoned 144 clinics nationwide that were found on Catholic hospital websites between December 2014 and February 2016, and requested appointments for birth control generally, copper IUD services specifically, tubal ligation and abortion. Chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests assessed potential correlates of appointment availability, and multivariable logistic regressions were computed if bivariate testing suggested multiple correlates.

RESULTS

Although 95% of clinics would schedule birth control appointments, smaller proportions would schedule appointments for copper IUDs (68%) or tubal ligation (58%); only 2% would schedule an abortion. Smaller proportions of Catholic‐owned than of Catholic‐affiliated clinics would schedule appointments for birth control (84% vs. 100%), copper IUDs (4% vs. 97%) and tubal ligation (29% vs. 72%); for birth control and copper IUD services, no other clinic characteristics were related to appointment availability. Multivariable analysis confirmed that tubal ligation appointments were less likely to be offered at Catholic‐owned than at Catholic‐affiliated clinics (odds ratio. 0.1); location and association with one of the top 10 Catholic health care systems also were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to church directives is inconsistent at Catholic‐associated clinics. Women visiting such clinics who want highly effective methods may need to rely on less effective methods or delay method uptake while seeking services elsewhere.
Qualidade da Água da Bacia do Rio Pindaré, nos trechos correspondentes aos Municípios de Pindaré- Mirim, Tufilândia e Alto Alegre no Estado do Maranhão
Authors: Silva Maria Raimunda Chagas , Da Silva Leonilde Vatanabe , Barreto Larissa Nascimento , Rodrigues Eduardo Henrique Costa , De Miranda Rita de Cássia Mendonça , Bezerra Denilson Silva , Pereira Dagolberto Calazans Araujo
Published: October 2017

O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar físico-quimicamente a água da região do médio curso do Rio Pindaré sob jurisdição dos municípios de Pindaré- Mirim, Tufilândia, e Alto Alegre/MA. A fim de obter uma amostra representativa, foi coletada água em dez pontos distintos distribuídos no Rio Pindaré, ao longo de 24 meses em diferentes períodos sazonais, nos anos de 2010 e 2011. Os parâmetros físico-químicos analisados foram: temperatura, pH, turbidez, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido e os íons amônio (NH4+), nitrito (NO2-), nitrato (NO3-) e fósforo total (PO43-). Durante o período de estudo, foi observada ampla variação na maioria das variáveis analisadas, com destaque para o fósforo total (PO43-) e a condutividade elétrica que apresentou resultados superiores aos estabelecidos pela resolução CONAMA 357/05. Quanto ao pH, as águas do Rio Pindaré foram na maior parte do tempo ácidas. As concentrações médias de nitrato variaram de 0,249 mgL-1 (período seco) e 0,267 mgL-1 (período chuvoso). Dos pontos coletados nos diferentes períodos, apenas no município de Alto Alegre se observou diferença estatística significativa quando o parâmetro testado foi o pH. Quando os parâmetros testados foram a condutividade elétrica e os ions amônio, nitrito e nitrato, observou-se diferença estatística significativa em todos os pontos testados nos três municípios com p≤0,05. Os resultados mostraram que o Rio Pindaré possui uma boa qualidade ambiental, apesar de apresentar desmatamento em suas margens comprometendo assim a sustentabilidade da bacia. As características físicas e químicas foram de extrema importância na dinâmica do ecossistema aquático sendo que os valores encontrados são considerados adequados para manutenção da vida aquática, segundo a resolução do CONAMA 357/2005.
Carbonate Minerals with Magnesium in Triassic Terebratula Limestone in the Term of Limestone with Magnesium Application as a Sorbent in Desulfurization of Flue Gases
Authors: Stanienda-Pilecki Katarzyna
Published: October 2017

This article presents the results of studies of Triassic (Muschelkalk) carbonate rock samples of the Terebratula Beds taken from the area of the Polish part of the Germanic Basin. It is the area of Opole Silesia. The rocks were studied in the term of possibility of limestone with magnesium application in desulfurization of flue gases executed in power plants. Characteristic features of especially carbonate phases including magnesium-low-Mg calcite, high-Mg calcite, dolomite and huntite were presented in the article. They were studied to show that the presence of carbonate phases with magnesium, especially high-Mg calcite makes the desulfurization process more effective. Selected rock samples were examined using a microscope with polarized, transmitted light, X-ray diffraction, microprobe measurements and FTIR spectroscopy. The results of studies show a domination of low magnesium calcite in the limestones of the Terebratula Beds. In some samples dolomite and lower amounts of high-Mg calcite occurred. Moreover, huntite was identified. The studies were very important, because carbonate phases like high-Mg calcite and huntite which occurred in rocks of the Triassic Terebratula Beds were not investigated in details by other scientists but they presence in limestone sorbent could influence the effectiveness of desulfurization process.
The Impact of Variability of Selected Geological and Mining Parameters on the Value and Risks of Projects in the Hard Coal Mining Industry
Authors: Kopacz Michał
Published: October 2017

The paper attempts to assess the impact of variability of selected geological (deposit) parameters on the value and risks of projects in the hard coal mining industry. The study was based on simulated discounted cash flow analysis, while the results were verified for three existing bituminous coal seams.

The Monte Carlo simulation was based on nonparametric bootstrap method, while correlations between individual deposit parameters were replicated with use of an empirical copula. The calculations take into account the uncertainty towards the parameters of empirical distributions of the deposit variables. The Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were selected as the main measures of value and risk, respectively.

The impact of volatility and correlation of deposit parameters were analyzed in two aspects, by identifying the overall effect of the correlated variability of the parameters and the indywidual impact of the correlation on the NPV and IRR. For this purpose, a differential approach, allowing determining the value of the possible errors in calculation of these measures in numerical terms, has been used.

Based on the study it can be concluded that the mean value of the overall effect of the variability does not exceed 11.8% of NPV and 2.4 percentage points of IRR. Neglecting the correlations results in overestimating the NPV and the IRR by up to 4.4%, and 0.4 percentage point respectively. It should be noted, however, that the differences in NPV and IRR values can vary significantly, while their interpretation depends on the likelihood of implementation.

Generalizing the obtained results, based on the average values, the maximum value of the risk premium in the given calculation conditions of the „X“ deposit, and the correspondingly large datasets (greater than 2500), should not be higher than 2.4 percentage points. The impact of the analyzed geological parameters on the NPV and IRR depends primarily on their co-existence, which can be measured by the strength of correlation. In the analyzed case, the correlations result in limiting the range of variation of the geological parameters and economics results (the empirical copula reduces the NPV and IRR in probabilistic approach). However, this is due to the adjustment of the calculation under conditions similar to those prevailing in the deposit.
Determinants of Interest Rates on Corporate Bonds of Mining Enterprises
Authors: Ranosz Robert
Published: October 2017

This article is devoted to the determinants of interest rates on corporate bonds of mining enterprises. The study includes a comparison between the cost of foreign capital as resulting from the issue of debt instruments in different sectors of the economy in relation to the mining industry. The article also depicts the correlation between the rating scores published by the three largest rating agencies: S&P, Moody's, and Fitch. The test was based on simple statistical methods. The analysis performed indicated that there is a dependency between the factors listed and the amount of interest rates on corporate bonds of global mining enterprises. Most significant factors include the rating level and the period for which the given series of bonds was issued. Additionally, it is not without significance whether the given bond has additional options. Pursuant to the obtained results, is should be recognized that in order to reduce the interest rate on bonds, mining enterprises should pay particular attention to the rating and attempt to include additional options in issued bonds. Such additional options may comprise, for example, an ability to exchange bonds to shares or raw materials.
Production of high-lysine-content biscuit and examination of the absorption of lysine in humans
Authors: Prokisch J. , Csiki Z. , Albert Cs. , Csapó J.
Published: October 2017

In the Medical and Health Centre of the University of Debrecen, we examined the changes in the free amino acid content of the blood serum of control and experimental individuals after consumption of 2,000 mg of lysine-laden biscuits. We baked the biscuits at 130 °C, during which the greater part (70–75%) of the lysine was not converted into Maillard reaction products. After 30–60 minutes of consumption of the biscuits, the free lysine content of the blood serum increased significantly in the experimental and control group with 41–46%, and even after three hours of consumption the level was 20% higher than in the initial concentration. The free arginine content of the blood serum did not change after the consumption of control and lysine biscuits neither in the control nor in the experimental group. Therefore, the free lysine/free arginine ratio of the individuals consuming lysine increased significantly compared to the initial and the control group’s value. The antioxidant level of the blood serum in the control group remained unchanged after the consumption of the control biscuit, while in the case of the experimental individuals who consumed lysine-fortified biscuits it increased by 40–45% compared to the initial level. Summing up: After consumption of the biscuits with 2,000 mg of free lysine, the concentration of free lysine in the blood serum, its free lysine/free arginine ratio and antioxidant level increased significantly. Our researches have clearly demonstrated that the active substances of the biscuit got into the blood serum, so the investigation of the active substance and the evaluation of the physiological effects are definitely recommended in the long run.
Vegetation of Croatia: Phytosociological classification of the high-rank syntaxa
Authors: Škvorc Željko , Jasprica Nenad , Alegro Antun , Kovačić Sanja , Franjić Jozo , Krstonošić Daniel , Vraneša Ana , Čarni Andraž
Published: October 2017

Croatia is among the most ecologically diverse and floristically rich countries in Europe, with a great variety of communities. The vegetation elaboration according to the standard central European method was initiated in Croatia at the beginning of the 20thcentury. In previous overviews of Croatian vegetation, the number of classes and alliances was underrepresented in relation to the country’s floristic richness. Furthermore, the level of knowledge and the amount of available data varied greatly among the various types of vegetation. The aims of this paper are mainly to compile a stabile syntaxonomic list of classes, orders and alliances dominated by vascular plants in Croatia and to adjust Croatian vegetation to the new European syntaxonomic system (EuroVegChecklist). It introduces a consistent description of high-rank syntaxa in Croatian. In conclusion, the vegetation of Croatia comprises 66 classes, 121 orders and 201 alliances. The number of syntaxa shows vegetation diversity that is rather high compared to most other European countries; this is related to the high floristic richness and endemism. The list points out the obvious problems and gaps in our knowledge of vegetation in Croatia and can serve as a baseline for the future vegetation studies.
Savoir disciplinaire au service de la pensée critique en cours de français juridique : Leçons de la psychologie cognitive
Authors: Sedláčková Kateřina
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to demonstrate and defend the importance of disciplinary knowledge for the development of students' critical thinking in the context of a B2 level course in legal French. In this study, I rely, though not exclusively, on the findings of cognitive psychology. In order to demonstrate the relevance of my approach, I present a set of activities corresponding to these aims carried out within the framework of a legal French course offered by the Masaryk University Language Centre (Brno, Czech Republic). The activities are based on navigation in an online database of French legal texts. Their objectives vary. Students seek laws and court decisions according to given criteria, analyse them, reconstruct procedures and present facts on a timeline. Differences in form and substance between the two national systems are also compared and discussed. The paper also explicitly considers processes that develop and strengthen critical thinking, namely dealing with concepts and creation of a problem schema, while giving consideration to the language objectives of a LSP course.
Certifying the linguistic and communicative competencies of teachers in English-medium instruction programmes
Authors: Dubow Gregg , Gundermann Susanne
Published: October 2017

Language teaching centres have been tasked predominantly with ensuring that prospective and enrolled students are able to fulfil established language criteria required for both domestic and international study programmes. It is less common, however, that language centres are responsible for ensuring the language and communicative skills of teaching staff in English-taught programmes as it is widely assumed that teaching staff possess such skills at a high level. In order to address this gap in internationalized higher education, the English Medium Instruction (EMI) unit from the Language Teaching Centre at the University of Freiburg has developed a procedure to certify the quality of language use in English-taught programmes. This certification procedure (referred to as English Medium Instruction Quality Management or EMI
Computation of Green’s Function of the Bounded Solutions Problem
Authors: Kurbatov Vitalii G. , Kurbatova Irina V.
Published: October 2017

It is well known that the equation

x
′

⁢

(
t
)

=

A
⁢
x
⁢

(
t
)

+

f
⁢

(
t
)

{x^{\prime}(t)=Ax(t)+f(t)}

, where A is a square matrix, has a unique bounded solution x for any bounded continuous free term f, provided the coefficient A has no eigenvalues on the imaginary axis. This solution can be represented in the form

x
⁢

(
t
)

=

∫

-
∞

∞

𝒢
⁢

(

t
-
s

)

⁢
f
⁢

(
s
)

⁢

𝑑
s

.

x(t)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\mathcal{G}(t-s)f(s)\,ds.

The kernel

𝒢

{\mathcal{G}}

is called Green’s function. In this paper, for approximate calculation of

𝒢

{\mathcal{G}}

, the Newton interpolating polynomial of a special function

g
t

{g_{t}}

is used. An estimate of the sensitivity of the problem is given. The results of numerical experiments are presented.