bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reality of Well-Being-Focused Design in Dementia Care: A Case Study of Acute Dementia Wards in the United Kingdom
Authors: Catt Megan , Giridharan Renganathan
Published: June 2018

Objective:

The study explored design for well-being within dementia care by investigating the adoption of well-being-focused design in real-world practice, through observing National Health Service (NHS) wards.

Background:

Design for well-being is an approach that considers the psychological and physiological effects of architecture to improve health and well-being. The high psychological care requirement for dementia patients makes them a significant group to study in the evaluation of current hospital facilities.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted to frame the current theoretical perception of the key characteristics of a good environment for dementia care. A framework was generated to summarize and used as an assessment tool in a series of observational visits to NHS wards. Interviews with clinical staff focused on care outcomes and practicalities of implementing well-being-focused design, considering the historical and economical context. Key findings from the observations and interviews were analyzed for recurring themes.

Results:

The ward observations and interviews provided insight into the current progression of well-being-led design in NHS hospitals in England. The research highlights key areas of success and factors that inhibit further progression.

Conclusions:

The case studies showed a good degree of ambition to utilize well-being-focused design, with belief among staff that the physical environment has a substantial role in the health and well-being of patients. Staff also felt that this approach is most effective for those in the less advanced stages of dementia. Despite the high level of support, the current degree of implementation appears to be varied.
Physical Activity in Patients Treated With Peritoneal Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Thangarasa Tharshika , Imtiaz Rameez , Hiremath Swapnil , Zimmerman Deborah
Published: June 2018

Background:

Exercise has been shown to be of benefit in the general population and in patients with chronic diseases. Despite a lack of compelling evidence, patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) are often discouraged from participating in exercise programs that include weight lifting due to concerns about the development of hernias and leaks. The actual effects of physical activity with or without structured exercise programs for patients on PD remain unclear.

Objective:

To determine the risks and benefits of physical activity in the ESKD population treated with PD.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting:

Included all studies that met our criteria regardless of country of origin.

Patients:

Adult patients with ESKD treated with PD.

Measurements:

Descriptive and quantitative analysis of our primary and secondary outcome variables.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for observational and interventional studies examining the effects of physical activity in patients on PD. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of the identified studies. The primary outcomes of interest included patient-centered outcomes of mental health, physical functioning, fatigue, quality of life, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included nutritional measures, lipid profile, blood pressure changes, maximum heart rate, resting heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, muscle development, cognitive function, and markers of inflammation.

Results:

Of 1828 studies identified by the literature search, 12 met the inclusion criteria including 6 interventional and 6 observational studies. There was limited information on the patient important outcomes. However, there is some evidence for improvements in burden of kidney disease, physical function, and some mental health measures with physical activity.

Limitations:

Lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials impaired our ability to determine the benefits and risks of increasing physical activity.

Conclusions:

There is limited evidence of benefit with increased levels of physical activity in PD patients. Further research is needed to define the exercise program that is likely to be of most benefit to patients treated with PD.
A review of sideline assessment measures for identifying sports-related concussion
Authors: Albicini Michelle , McKinlay Audrey
Published: June 2018

Currently, there is a lack of clear, “gold standard” guidelines for the identification and management of sports-related concussion. This is of concern considering the importance of preventing further injury during game-play. Moreover, a number of assessment measures and tools aim to detect concussion in athletes and help inform return to play decisions, including the assessment of posture and balance, eye-saccades, memory, attention, orientation and post-concussive symptomatology. However, they have often not been widely disseminated for validity studies, and their utility or sensitivity in detecting concussion is limited due to a number of factors. As such, this review will examine current guidelines and sideline assessments measures which aim to inform decisions about return to play following sports-related concussion.
Student–Teacher Interaction in Public Schools in Lebanon: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective in Grade 6 Classes
Authors: Hashash Mona , Abouchedid Kamal , Abourjeily Suzanne
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the patterns of student–teacher interaction in five elementary public schools in Lebanon along four dimensions of classroom environment: teachers’ expectations, teachers’ feedback, use of the students’ ideas, and students’ attitude toward school using Grounded Theorizing and Symbolic Interactionist approaches. Thirty-three teachers were interviewed about their expectations and feedback to students, and their use of the students’ ideas in class. They were also observed in classes during instruction and feedback delivery; 196 students filled questionnaires about the way they perceive their teachers’ expectations, feedback, and use of their ideas in class, and about their attitude toward their schools. Results indicated interpatterns of interaction common to all of the public schools chosen in this study. They revealed positive students’ attitude toward their schools, and a positive perception of their teachers’ expectations and feedback. In addition, results not only pointed to negative teacher expectations accorded to students but also revealed mismatched accounts of positive types of feedback delivery, this feedback regarded negative from the observer’s perspective. Classroom observations revealed a big discrepancy between what has been reported by the teachers and the students and what has been practiced; it also revealed more points of convergence between the teachers’ accounts and the students’ accounts than between both perspectives and the observer’s. Recommendations for improving the classroom environment in the elementary public schools in Lebanon are made.
Does Your Research Really Matter? Revitalizing Public Engagement in the Study of Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Morgan Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2018

The broad goal of researchers of emerging adulthood can be construed as wanting to advance the understanding of development in emerging adulthood with the outcome of bettering the lives of emerging adults throughout the world. However, the information we amass during the research process is rarely extracted into the public sphere to influence policy or practice. My goal in this article is to revitalize motivations to conduct research that matters and provide an overview of practices that enhance the societal relevance and translational nature of our research via public engagement. First, I will discuss what public engagement by researchers is and why it matters. Second, I will identify barriers to engaging in public engagement. Third, I will review practices that can move us toward greater public engagement as researchers of emerging adulthood. Overall, though it presents many challenges, public engagement is critical for using our research to invoke social change.
Filial Responsibilities, Familism, and Depressive Symptoms Among Latino Young Adults
Authors: Toro Rosa I. , Schofield Thomas J. , Calderon-Tena Carlos O. , Farver JoAnn M.
Published: June 2018

The current study examined the relations among engagement in and perceived fairness of filial responsibilities on Latino young adults’ depressive symptoms and the moderating role of familism. A sample of 419 Latino young adults ( M age = 19.04 years, 70% female) of immigrant families reported on their filial responsibilities, familism, and depressive symptoms. Results demonstrated that perceived fairness was a stronger predictor of depressive symptoms than engagement in filial responsibilities. Next, familism attenuated the relationship between perceived fairness and depressive symptoms, but only among participants who highly endorsed familism. Furthermore, average and high levels of familism were associated with greater depressive symptoms when engaging in expressive caregiving. Findings support the influence of perceived fairness in the study of filial responsibilities and for children of Latino immigrant families, the nuanced influence of familism. These results have important programmatic implications that may promote the well-being of children of Latino immigrant families.
Serum interleukin 6 and cancer antigen 125 in the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis
Authors: Tanmahasamut Prasong , Preukthanathorn Ratthiporn , Dangrat Chongdee
Published: June 2018

Background:

The role of interleukin 6 in endometriosis has been extensively studied but results were inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of serum interleukin 6 and serum cancer antigen 125 for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

Methods:

In this prospective diagnostic study, 100 reproductive women who underwent laparoscopy were studies. Patients were divided into endometriosis group (n = 60) and control group (n = 40). Blood samples were taken preoperatively for analysis of serum interleukin 6 and cancer antigen 125 levels.

Results:

Level of serum interleukin 6 and cancer antigen 125 in endometriosis group were significantly higher than those in control group (1.93 versus <1.50 pg/mL and 41.85 versus 11.86 IU/mL, respectively). A cutoff level of interleukin 6 at 1.52 pg/mL provided sensitivity of 63.3%, specificity of 55%, positive predictive value of 67.9%, and negative predictive value of 50%. The threshold level of cancer antigen 125 at 31 IU/mL had sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 69%. The combined test had sensitivity of 86.7%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 76.5%, and negative predictive value of 75%. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of serum interleukin 6, cancer antigen 125, and combined test were 0.614, 0.945, and 0.945, respectively.

Conclusion:

Serum interleukin 6 is not suitable to be a candidate of serum marker for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Serum cancer antigen 125 is better than interleukin 6 for detection of endometriosis stage III/IV. Both of them had low performance for diagnostic test in minimal to mild endometriosis. The combined test does not add more benefit than using cancer antigen 125 alone.
The role of fractures on pathologic bone in healing of proximal humerus unicameral bone cysts
Authors: Kim Min-Cheol , Joo Sang-Don , Jung Sung-Taek
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the role of fractures on pathologic bone in healing of proximal humerus unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) and investigate the clinical factors that affect healing of UBCs after fractures on pathologic bone.

Methods:

This prospective study was carried out between 2002 and 2014. We evaluated 56 patients with a UBC accompanying fractures on pathologic bone in the proximal humerus. Clinical data were collected from the patients’ medical records. Age, gender, degree of fracture displacement, location of cyst, and cyst size were investigated, and we assessed how these factors affected cyst healing.

Results:

The overall healing rate of UBCs 1 year after fracture was 66% (37 of 56 cases). The healing rate was significantly lower in pubescent patients (10–14 years old; 45%) than in those who were 9 years old (76%) or 15 years old (80%). The rate of healing of fractures in the metaphysis (53%) was lower than that of breaks in the diaphysis (85%). The mean cyst ratio was 1.31 in the 37 patients who experienced cyst healing within 1 year and 1.79 in the 19 patients who needed surgical treatment within 1 year.

Conclusion:

In latent lesions and in patients who are older (after puberty), UBCs of the humerus after fracture have better clinical results than do active lesions and those in younger patients (before puberty). Fractures on pathologic bone in proximal humerus UBCs often dramatically decrease cyst size, and patients with such fractures have excellent clinical results in terms of healing rate.
Hamstring Autograft in ACL Reconstruction: A 13-Year Predictive Analysis of Anthropometric Factors and Surgeon Trends Relating to Graft Size
Authors: Ramkumar Prem N. , Hadley Michael D. , Jones Morgan H. , Farrow Lutul D.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Small-diameter autograft hamstring grafts have been linked to graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The frequency of hamstring autografts that actually meet ideal size criteria remains unknown.

Purpose:

To examine a large cohort of patients to (1) evaluate sizing variability among a large cohort of surgeons and (2) identify patient factors most predictive of hamstring autograft size.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 1681 ACL reconstructions with hamstring autograft were analyzed as completed by 11 surgeons over a 13-year period. Patient demographics (age, height, weight, body mass index, sex) and intraoperative details (including graft diameter and strands) were extracted. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to correlate patient demographics with graft size and to develop a predictive model for hamstring graft size.

Results:

The mean height and weight of patients included in this study were 172.7 cm and 80.1 kg, respectively; 59% of patients were male. The mean diameters of hamstring autografts were 8.4 mm and 8.2 mm for the tibial and femoral ends of the graft, respectively. A total of 55.1% of grafts were ≤8 mm. Mixed-effects linear modeling revealed that height, weight, sex, and use of ≥5 strands correlated with graft size ( P < .001), while age did not. The predictive multivariate model based on the statistically relevant factors demonstrated a moderate correlation ( r = 0.39, R2 = 0.150), illustrated a predictive equation, and proved height to be the greatest determinant of graft size.

Conclusion:

Marked variability in graft size distribution was found among surgeons, and more than half of all grafts did not reach the ideal size for hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. A predictive equation including anthropometric factors may be able to provide the expected graft size. The risk of early graft failure may be mitigated with preoperative consideration of anthropometric factors—most importantly, height—in preparation for possible augmentation, additional strands, or alternative graft sources.
When Teacher Enthusiasm Is Authentic or Inauthentic: Lesson Profiles of Teacher Enthusiasm and Relations to Students’ Emotions
Authors: Keller Melanie M. , Becker Eva S. , Frenzel Anne C. , Taxer Jamie L.
Published: June 2018

It was recently proposed that teacher enthusiasm encompasses an experienced component as well as a behaviorally displayed component. Aiming to validate this proposition, the present study utilized lesson diaries to explore patterns of teacher-reported experienced enthusiasm and student-reported enthusiastic teaching behaviors and to investigate whether those patterns were related to students’ enjoyment and boredom. Findings imply that the two enthusiasm components do not always co-occur. Four lesson profiles were identified: (1) experienced enthusiasm and enthusiastic teaching coinciding at a high level, (2) teachers reporting high levels of experienced enthusiasm but not being perceived as enthusiastic, (3) teachers being perceived as enthusiastic but not reporting high levels of experienced enthusiasm, and (4) low levels of experienced enthusiasm and enthusiastic teaching. The first pattern was superior to the other profiles regarding students’ emotions. Study findings are discussed with respect to teachers’ emotional well-being and teaching effectiveness.
Implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative for Japan’s Involvement in the Middle East
Authors: Evron Yoram
Published: June 2018

In recent years, the ties between Asian powers and Middle Eastern countries have grown significantly, and the consequence of this development is a gradual spin-off of intra-Asian political process to the Middle East. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides an intriguing illustration of such a possible spin-off. Japan’s response to BRI is mostly negative but less clear is the possible implications of the China–Japan confrontation over BRI for their interaction with the Middle East. Japan’s responses to the BRI and China’s perceptions thereof can expand the set of factors that shape the two Asian powers’ involvement in that region.
Cannabinoid ligands, receptors and enzymes: Pharmacological tools and therapeutic potential
Authors: Hourani Wafa , Alexander Stephen P. H.
Published: June 2018

Endocannabinoids have been identified to have roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Largely due to the association of the effects of Cannabis administration on mental states, the CNS impact of the endocannabinoid system has been the most intensively studied. Here, we provide a brief summary of the endocannabinoid system, comprising the receptors and the multiple endogenous lipid derivatives which activate them, as well as the enzymes which control the levels of these lipid derivatives. We identify pharmacological tools which may be used to interrogate the endocannabinoid system, as well as current and future options to exploit the system in the clinic.
Delhi’s Marginalized Women Excluded from Training on Adapting to Climate Change
Authors: Saini Sakshi
Published: June 2018

Various policies and programmes have been launched in India to enhance the adaptive capacities of vulnerable groups to climate change. However, an assessment of the adaptive abilities of urban poor women living in the National Capital Region of Delhi, India, to climate change shows that marginalized groups have been excluded from access to required information. It recommends the urgent need to provide knowledge on how to adapt to the effects of climate change to the most vulnerable sections of society.
Has India’s Surrogacy Bill Failed Women Who Become Surrogates?
Authors: Nair Smitha Sasidharan , Kalarivayil Rajesh
Published: June 2018

Surrogacy in India is a 2.5-billion-dollar industry. The article highlights how India’s Surrogacy Bill, 2016, has failed the women who become surrogates. The bill constructs the image of a ‘good woman’ who is ready to bear the child of a relative as a ‘good deed’ for the perpetuation of the family name. It fails to address the fact that the woman consents to surrogacy under the unequal circumstances of poverty, casteism and the patriarchal exploitation of women within the family.
Women Empowerment and Governance in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Syed Muhammad Sajjad , Aziz Md. Abdul , Shathi A. K. M. Shadika Jahan
Published: June 2018

This article is based on a research undertaken to promote and facilitate linkages between gender, poverty reduction and good governance at the local level. The 569 unions under study were included from Dhaka, Barisal, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet divisions. The research focused on analysis by combining feminist research techniques such as participant field observation, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and case studies of women’s life history. The findings showed that most of the women were under the control of their husbands, and they were mere proxies. Women’s voices in governance were not so far heard due to their under-representation and non-participation in institutional structures of decision-making. In governance, women still had limited and insufficient access to resources, public debate and political decision-making processes.
Political Quota for Women and Gender-equitable Policies in Bangladesh
Authors: Akbar Tahsina
Published: June 2018

Ensuring women’s participation in the parliament has been an important part of the women’s movement around the world. Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number 3 further highlighted the significance of quota for women in the parliament to increase their average proportion. However, it has been a long-standing debate whether political quota for women helps promote more gender-equitable policies. This article intends to explore this critical question by discussing the quota system in Bangladesh and the translation of gender-equitable policies as an outcome. It uses the feminist institutionalism framework to analyse the national level political and social institutions. The article also discusses why increasing women’s representation in the political arena alone (through quota system) does not automatically ensure gender-equitable policies; rather this transformation requires a combination of several policies.
Forced Displacement: Impact on Rural Women in India
Authors: Kumar Sudesh , Mishra Anindya J.
Published: June 2018

The article explores the loss of traditional occupations and customary rights among displaced women and the socio-economic consequences of being forced into the labour market in the absence of a uniform rehabilitation and resettlement policy in India.
The Fighting Girls
Authors: Mas Toni
Published: June 2018

In this photo essay, the author portrays daughters of prostituted women from Delhi and Kolkata in India’s red-light districts as ‘the fighting girls’.
NK-cell activation is associated with increased HIV transcriptional activity following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Hogan Louise E. , Körner Christian , Hobbs Kristen , Simoneau Camille R. , Thanh Cassandra , Gibson Erica A. , Palmer Christine D. , Pandit Alisha , Marty Francisco M. , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Jost Stephanie , Ritz Jerome , Henrich Timothy J.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Graft-versus-host effects may lead to HIV-1 reactivation and cell death of infected pre-HCT CD4+ T cells. Natural killer cell activation correlates with in vitro HIV-1 transcriptional activity in the setting of HCT.
Sarcopenia increases the risk for mortality in patients who undergo amputation for diabetic foot
Authors: Kim You Keun , Lee Ho Seong , Ryu Jae Jung , In Lee Hye , Seo Sang Gyo
Published: June 2018

Background

Although there have been reports that diabetes affects the prevalence of sarcopenia, no studies have examined the relationship between sarcopenia and mortality in patients undergoing leg amputation. The purpose of this study is to determine whether sarcopenia affects the mortality rate of patients undergoing diabetic foot amputation.

Methods

From among patients who underwent limb amputation for diabetes complications, this study included 167 patients who underwent abdominal CT within 1 year of amputation. We defined sarcopenia using sex‐specific cut‐off points for the L3 skeletal muscle index. The 5‐year survival rate was analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups and compared according to the presence of sarcopenia. The mortality rate according to sarcopenia was assessed via the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analyses evaluated factors associated with survival rate.

Results

Among the total of 167 patients, the overall 5‐year mortality rate was 52.7%. Of the 112 patients with sarcopenia, the 5‐year mortality rate was 60.7%. Of the 55 patients without sarcopenia, the 5‐year mortality rate was 36.4%. Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed a high mortality of the sarcopenia group in the univariate (p = 0.016) and multivariate (p = 0.047) analysis.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to analyze the relationship between diabetic amputation and sarcopenia. Sarcopenia increases the risk of mortality in patients who undergo amputation for diabetic foot. Therefore, patients with diabetes should be careful to prevent sarcopenia with enough regular exercise as well as prevent diabetic foot disease.
Supervoxel-based segmentation of 3D imagery with optical flow integration for spatiotemporal processing
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , Yang Chengliang , Ranka Sanjay , Rangarajan Anand
Published: June 2018

The past 20 years has seen a progressive evolution of computer vision algorithms for unsupervised 2D image segmentation. While earlier efforts relied on Markov random fields and efficient optimization (graph cuts, etc.), the next wave of methods beginning in the early part of this century were, in the main, stovepiped. Of these 2D segmentation efforts, one of the most popular and, indeed, one that comes close to being a state of the art method is the ultrametric contour map (UCM). The pipelined methodology consists of (i) computing local, oriented responses, (ii) graph creation, (iii) eigenvector computation (globalization), (iv) integration of local and global information, (v) contour extraction, and (vi) superpixel hierarchy construction. UCM performs well on a range of 2D tasks. Consequently, it is somewhat surprising that no 3D version of UCM exists at the present time. To address that lack, we present a novel 3D supervoxel segmentation method, dubbed 3D UCM, which closely follows its 2D counterpart while adding 3D relevant features. The methodology, driven by supervoxel extraction, combines local and global gradient-based features together to first produce a low-level supervoxel graph. Subsequently, an agglomerative approach is used to group supervoxel structures into a segmentation hierarchy with explicitly imposed containment of lower-level supervoxels in higher-level supervoxels. Comparisons are conducted against state of the art 3D segmentation algorithms. The considered applications are 3D spatial and 2D spatiotemporal segmentation scenarios. For the latter comparisons, we present results of 3D UCM with and without optical flow video pre-processing. As expected, when motion correction beyond a certain range is required, we demonstrate that 3D UCM in conjunction with optical flow is a very useful addition to the pantheon of video segmentation methods.
Regional Multiseverity Casualty Estimation Due to Building Damage following a Mw 8.8 Earthquake Scenario in Lima, Peru
Authors: Ceferino Luis , Kiremidjian Anne , Deierlein Gregory
Published: June 2018

This paper presents the application of a rigorous probabilistic framework that estimates the number, severity, and distribution of casualties over a region. A brief summary of the model is included in this paper. The application is for casualties resulting from a Mw 8.8 earthquake scenario occurring on the sub-duction fault along the coastline of Lima, Peru. The case study demonstrates an application of the casualty model, including the procedures for acquiring the required information, the selection of model parameters, and a step-by-step explanation of the model-solving algorithms. The model provides an estimate of the joint probability distribution of multiseverity casualties, including spatial and across-severity correlations. This paper also shows how the model can be useful for (1) estimating 90th-percentile casualties, (2) identifying unsafe communities and structural typologies, and (3) providing evidence to support hospital collaboration policies across different districts to increase the patient treatment reliability. Additionally, the results demonstrate that empirical fatality prediction methodologies can underestimate fatality rates in countries with scarce and outdated fatality data.
A semi-automatic and quantitative method to evaluate behavioral photosensitivity in animals based on the optomotor response (OMR)
Authors: Matsuo Megumi , Ando Yoriko , Kamei Yasuhiro , Fukamachi Shoji
Published: June 2018

The optomotor response (OMR) is a locomotor behavior of animals that is induced by moving repetitive visual stimuli. This characteristic helps animals particularly when stabilizing and maintaining position in schools and herds. Here, we developed a simple but sensitive method for quantifying the OMR using medaka (Oryzias latipes) as a model. This method, which simply requires video-recorded behavior, free tracking software, and a generic spreadsheet program, enables the evaluation of spectral sensitivity by researchers with little knowledge about the behavioral characteristics of the test animal or of the OMR. Based on a manual method, we reported previously that wild-type and red-colorblind medaka exhibited an OMR up to λ=830 and 740 nm, respectively. However, the present method, which quantifies the OMR according to three parameters (starting time, duration, and total distance of swimming) that are calculated based on a series of x–y coordinates of the moving fish, supported that conclusion and further indicated that both strains perceive light at even longer wavelengths. This low-cost, quantitative, and semi-automatic method would widen the opportunities to unveil behavioral photosensitivity in animals of interest.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The evolution of culture
Authors: Борзых Станислав , Borzyh Stanislav
Published: June 2018

This book offers a special view on the culture from the position of evolution theory. It begins with definition of culture and concludes that it is a way, by which those species who possess it survive like that do those who have, say, claws, teeth or wings or any other such device and contraption. In this light culture is the same as these features and nothing more. Therefore, it can be recognized and detected in many species and not only in humans. Culture also consists of special units, which can be comparable to instruments or technologies we have. They too are the subjects to evolutionary processes and so they develop and become more complicated during the time. Thus, it is supposed that culture has developed as it is characteristic for all living organisms and all their organs and treats. In fact and in essence culture is a specifically human or otherwise way of survival, our own answer on those natural conditions, in which we found ourselves in the past and which surrounded us in those times we became separate species. Besides there are scrutinized the past, the present and the future of culture through the lens of its new understanding. All what happened in our history though wasn’t in any sense anticipated nevertheless was logical and consistent with stimuli on which we reacted. And this includes civilization as well as the present state of things and affairs without some exceptions. We are only primates who try to survive with those instruments and means we possess, and nothing more than this.
Disruptive Entrepreneurship and Dual Purpose Strategies: The Case of Uber
Authors: Baron David P.
Published: June 2018

Uber provides a two-sided platform that matches travelers with drivers who choose when, where, and how long to drive using their own vehicles. Uber disrupts local markets with an incumbent taxi industry, and the industry fights back in both its market and institutional environments. This paper focuses on Uber’s strategy for addressing the challenges from the taxi industry with an emphasis on dual-purpose strategies that provide in a complementary manner benefits both in the marketplace and in the institutional environment. The focus is on three issues important to Uber’s success. The first is whether Uber is a platform company or a transportation service that falls under the jurisdiction of local regulators. The second is whether Uber drivers are classified under the law as independent contractors or as employees. The third is passenger safety and the qualifications required for ride-hailing drivers. The corresponding dual-purpose strategies considered are market engagement, work enhancement, and accommodation. Implementing these dual-purpose strategies involves lobbying, stakeholder mobilization, and institutional venue shifting. A model of a local transportation market is presented as a framework for analyzing market competition and for identifying the incentives of market and institutional participants, including Uber, its drivers and passengers, taxi companies and their drivers, and safety advocates, to challenge or support Uber and ride-hailing. The model distinguishes between full-time and part-time drivers, frequent and infrequent travelers, and whether taxi drivers or taxi companies own the taxi medallions.
For better and for worse: director's duties upon insolvency
Authors: Windatt Peter
Published: June 2018

Directors carry great responsibility towards both their clients and their creditors; misconduct has grave consequences and can lead to disqualification or even imprisonment. Peter Windatt explains the duties of a director in good and bad times.
Evaluation of Simulation-Based Optimization in Grafting Labor Allocation
Authors: Masoud Sara , Son Young-Jun , Kubota Chieri , Tronstad Russell
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Vegetable grafting is a labor-intensive operation with many management decisions. Labor management and resource planning are critical allocations in grafting nurseries, yet optimization is challenging due to the dynamic nature of workers’ performance in vegetable seedling propagation. To this end, we developed a simulation-based optimization framework for labor management to optimize labor allocation. This approach was evaluated by comparing its result with those suggested by selected domain experts (a plant scientist and a nursery manager). Furthermore, the simulation models were validated with a dataset from a developing tomato grafting company. Simulation-based optimization is demonstrated as an effective approach to find the optimal/near optimal labor allocation for horticultural nurseries, where discrete event simulation is used to represent the dynamics of the grafting work environment and meta-heuristics are used to devise optimal/ near optimal resource allocation strategies. Results reveal that a potential annual savings between $2,510 (0.6%) and $97,388 (20%) can be achieved for a grafting facility of 6 million plants per year. Keywords: Simulation-based optimization, Grafting, Labor allocation, Discrete event simulation.
La consolidación turística en los territorios que conforman el Programa Pueblos Mágicos (México). Un análisis de sus estrategias competitivas
Authors: Shaadi Rodríguez Rosa María , Pulido Fernández Juan Ignacio , Rodríguez Herrera Ismael Manuel
Published: June 2018

Esta investigación busca señalar la fase del ciclo de vida de localidades adscritas al Programa Pueblos Mágicos, identificando a aquéllas en consolidación, sus estrategias competitivas y los ámbitos con los que éstas se relacionan. La metodología se basó en el análisis de los estudios diagnósticos de la Secretaría de Turismo Federal para los Pueblos Mágicos en los que, por un lado, se identificaron variables de Competitividad y Sustentabilidad que aportarían información relativa a las características del ciclo de vida y, por otro, se analizaron los apartados de conclusiones, propuestas y proyectos de los mismos diagnósticos para identificar estrategias competitivas efectuadas por las localidades consolidadas. Los resultados revelan que de las localidades de la muestra, el menor porcentaje se encuentra en consolidación, mientras que la mayoría se ubican en etapa de desarrollo. De las estrategias competitivas generadas por los Pueblos Mágicos consolidados, la mayor parte de ellas guardan relación con los ámbitos de la Gestión, de los Recursos de Soporte y de los Recursos y Atractivos Esenciales. El desarrollo de estrategias enfocadas en factores clave, ha influido en la madurez de estos territorios, en busca de competitividad y posicionamiento en el sector turismo y de una mejor calidad de vida para sus residentes.
Una revisión a la planificación de los recursos: sobre los enfoques de evaluación y los modelos de adaptación al uso turístico
Authors: Arnandis-i-Agramunt Ruben
Published: June 2018

Mucho se ha hablado de la planificación del turismo. Solo cabe echar una mirada a la literatura académica para encontrar decenas de propuestas metodológicas que, desde inicios de los años 50 del siglo pasado, vienen exponiéndose. A pesar de esta vorágine creativa, todas ellas acaban, finalmente, enmarcándose en uno de los cinco enfoques identificados por Hall (2008). Sin embargo, al realizar ese mismo ejercicio para el caso de los recursos, considerados la base sobre la que asentar cualquier proceso de desarrollo turístico, los resultados sobre cómo planificarlos difieren considerablemente. Esta investigación, de carácter teórico, realiza una revisión bibliográfica de los trabajos académicos de las últimas décadas sobre recursos, con el objeto de identificar qué modelos existen hoy en día en torno a su planificación, sus similitudes y diferencias. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan una diversidad de modelos de planificación del turismo, así como los vinculados con la evaluación de la atractividad de los recursos, pero muy pocos asociados a su planificación específica para convertirlos en turísticos. Queda, todavía, un camino largo que recorrer sobre la aplicación de principios para adecuar al uso turístico la materia prima del turismo.
Contribución de Gilberto Freyre en la construcción de una política exterior brasileña en defensa del colonialismo portugués (1950-1960)
Authors: Luna De Oliveira Sarah
Published: June 2018

Gilberto Freyre defendió la positividad del mestizaje en la formación étnico-cultural de Brasil, un proceso que en su concepción resultó de las capacidades de adaptación e integración del carácter luso con otros pueblos en las regiones tropicales. Como es bien sabido, el desarrollo teórico de las tesis “lusotropicalistas” de Freyre fue utilizado por los ideólogos de la dictadura de Salazar contra las presiones de descolonización de los EE. UU., la URSS y de la ONU. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo será analizar cómo el sociólogo de Recife ayudó a elaborar una política exterior brasileña capaz de justificar las estrategias de autodefensa del Imperio portugués.
¿Continuidad electoral en Brasil?
Authors: Alcántara Sáez Manuel
Published: June 2018

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La metrópoli y la vida electoral: los barrios de las capitales en las elecciones a presidente en 2014
Authors: Rodrigues-Silveira Rodrigo
Published: June 2018

Este trabajo ha indagado sobre la relación entre demografía y voto en las elecciones presidenciales de 2014 en Brasil, teniendo como unidad de análisis los barrios de tres capitales: Belém, Recife y São Paulo. El análisis de datos electorales y demográficos empleando diversas técnicas –entre las cuales se encuentran la cartografía temática y los análisis exploratorio y multivariado de datos– ha revelado un vínculo coherente y significativo entre el perfil demográfico de los barrios de las capitales y los patrones de voto de los tres candidatos a presidente: Aécio Neves, Dilma Rousseff y Marina Silva.
A Standardized Ecosystem Classification for the Coordination and Design of Long-term Terrestrial Ecosystem Monitoring in Arctic-Subarctic Biomes
Authors: McLennan Donald S. , MacKenzie William H. , Meidinger Del , Wagner Johann , Arko Christopher
Published: June 2018

A Canadian Arctic-Subarctic Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (CASBEC) is proposed as a standardized classification approach for Subarctic and Arctic terrestrial ecosystems across Canada and potentially throughout the circumpolar area. The CASBEC is grounded in long-standing terrestrial ecosystem classification theory and builds on concepts developed for ecosystems in British Columbia, Quebec, and Yukon. The fundamental classification unit of the CASBEC, the plant association, is compatible with the lower-level classifications of the Arctic Vegetation Classification (AVC), the Canadian National Vegetation Classification (CNVC), and the United States National Vegetation Classification (USNVC) and is used to generate a classification and nomenclature for Arctic and Subarctic terrestrial ecological communities. The use of a multi-scalar ecosystem framework, such as that developed by the British Columbia Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification, provides an ecological context to use classified plant associations to delineate and define climatically equivalent regional scale climate units (biogeoclimatic subzones) and ecologically equivalent local-scale site units within biogeoclimatic subzones. A standardized framework and taxonomy of ecosystem classification for Subarctic and Arctic terrestrial ecological communities will facilitate the planning, coordination, and applicability of terrestrial ecological monitoring and research. The CASBEC classification and high-resolution ecosystem mapping are being used to develop an effective experimental design, to select ecosite types for long-term monitoring, and to extrapolate results to landscape scales in the Experimental and Reference Area of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay. Widespread adoption of the CASBEC could provide a spatial and functionally scalable framework and a common language for interpreting, integrating, coordinating, and communicating Arctic and Subarctic monitoring, research, and land management activities across the Canadian North and around the circumpolar area.
Neue Ansätze für die Nachhaltigkeitswende in großflächigen polyzentralen Mittelstädten
Authors: Yildiz Özgür , Kanning Helga , Ludwig Maria Christin , Richter-Harm Bianca , Schön Susanne , Walther Jörg , Wüstenhagen Sven
Published: June 2018

Re-Produktionsketten verwerten bisher nur wenig oder ungenutzte Reststoffe für dezentraleVersorgungskonzepte im ländlichen Raum. Wie können solche Konzepte auf urbane Räumeübertragen werden und welche Herausforderungen ergeben sich unter anderem für Energietechnikund Stadtplanung?
Geschichtszeichen
Authors: Brunkhorst Hauke
Published: June 2018

The following paper tries to bring Marx’s crisis theory up to date from a sociological and social-philosophy point of view. Crisis, in line with Marx and Kant, is interpreted as a negative sign of history. Marx’s crisis scenario, while founded in an ever pertinent critique of the destruction of egalitarian individualism by the capitalist system must be considered lacking in complexity for today’s world. Marx underestimated the historical role of the state. A revision of his crisis theory leads to a re-evaluation of the latest two large-scale historical attempts to deal with the crises of modern capitalism; the mixed economy of the Keynesian welfare state, the crisis of which prepared the field for the succeeding crisis, the preventive counterrevolution of neoliberalism. This counterrevolution has plunged democracy into a crisis with slim prospects of escape.
Grade Incentive to Boost Course Evaluation Response Rates
Authors: Gordon Helen , Stevenson Eleanor , Brookhart Ann , Oermann Marilyn H
Published: June 2018

Abstract In most schools of nursing, students rate their satisfaction with courses and teachers at the end of the semester. Low response rates on these evaluations make it difficult to interpret the results. Students were incentivized to complete their course evaluations by adding 1–2 points to one test score in the course in exchange for 85 % or higher participation by the total cohort. Ongoing monitoring and communication to students by faculty during the process was critical to motivating students to complete course evaluations. When the incentive was employed, student participation ranged from a low of 90 % to a high of 100 % response rate. The added points did not change any of the students' grades. Incentivizing students to complete course evaluations is an effective strategy to boost response rates without changing final course grades.
Transitive groups of similitudes generated by octonions
Authors: Blunck Andrea , Knarr Norbert , Stroppel Bernhild , Stroppel Markus J.
Published: June 2018

We study the structure of various groups generated by (left) multiplications in alternative division algebras, and construct
epimorphisms onto orthogonal and special orthogonal groups. Throughout, we include the characteristic two case in our treatment.
Numerical resolution of optimal control problem for the in-stationary Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Satouri Jamil
Published: June 2018

In this paper we present a study of optimal control problem for the unsteady
Navier–Stokes equations. We discuss the existence of the solution, adopt a
new numerical resolution for this problem and combine Euler explicit scheme in
time and both of methods spectral and finite elements in space. Finally, we give
some numerical results proving the effectiveness of our approach.
Iuwers zornes unmâze / missevellet uns sêre – Legitimität von Maßlosigkeit im mittelalterlichen Erzählkosmos
Authors: Bendheim Amelie
Published: June 2018

Starting from the deficiencies of current approaches regarding the description of the hero in medieval narratives, this article aims to functionalise exorbitance (unmâze) as a new category of literary history. Unlike the conceptual and binary typing of the protagonist as ‘hero’ resp. ‘knight’, this category promotes a flexible model that operates relationally and hence enables gradual differentiations between the texts.Examples of medieval (heroic) epic (‘Nibelungenlied’) and (chivalric) romance (‘Flore und Blanscheflur’, ‘Wigalois’) will show the narrative treatment and stylisation of the exorbitant hero. The focus will be on the varying assessments of his acts: If the epic hero is able to defy social norms and current laws (cf. Siegfried’s courtship, Hagen’s murdering of Siegfried) without being penalised, the exorbitance in the romance falls within the scope of ‘ratio’. Thus, exorbitance is on the one hand confined and ‘assessed’, on the other hand excessive acts are rigorously sanctioned and inhibited. Referring to the current manifestations of exorbitance in the socio-political context, the concept of exorbitance emerges as an unchanged productive pattern. Its socio-political relevance encourages a literary-historical, epoch-spanning use of this concept, whose scope is a re-assessment of the history of literature as the history of exorbitance.