bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between the Transsexual Voice Questionnaire (TVQMtF) and self‐report of voice femininity and acoustic voice measures
Authors: Dacakis Georgia , Oates Jennifer , Douglas Jacinta 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe Transsexual Voice Questionnaire (TVQMtF) was designed to capture the voice‐related perceptions of individuals whose gender identity as female is the opposite of their birth‐assigned gender (MtF women). Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the TVQMtF is ongoing.AimsTo investigate associations between TVQMtF scores and (1) self‐perceptions of voice femininity and (2) acoustic parameters of voice pitch and voice quality in order to evaluate further the validity of the TVQMtF. A strong correlation between TVQMtF scores and self‐ratings of voice femininity was predicted, but no association between TVQMtF scores and acoustic measures of voice pitch and quality was proposed.Methods & ProceduresParticipants were 148 MtF women (mean age 48.14 years) recruited from the La Trobe Communication Clinic and the clinics of three doctors specializing in transgender health. All participants completed the TVQMtF and 34 of these participants also provided a voice sample for acoustic analysis. Pearson product‐moment correlation analysis was conducted to examine the associations between TVQMtF scores and (1) self‐perceptions of voice femininity and (2) acoustic measures of F0, jitter (%), shimmer (dB) and harmonic‐to‐noise ratio (HNR).Outcomes & ResultsStrong negative correlations between the participants’ perceptions of their voice femininity and the TVQMtF scores demonstrated that for this group of MtF women a low self‐rating of voice femininity was associated with more frequent negative voice‐related experiences. This association was strongest with the vocal‐functioning component of the TVQMtF. These strong correlations and high levels of shared variance between the TVQMtF and a measure of a related construct provides evidence for the convergent validity of the TVQMtF. The absence of significant correlations between the TVQMtF and the acoustic data is consistent with the equivocal findings of earlier research. This finding indicates that these two measures assess different aspects of the voice‐related experience.Conclusions & ImplicationsEvidence supporting the validity of the TVQMtF is strong and indicates that it is a sound measure for capturing the MtF woman's self‐perceptions of her vocal functioning and how her voice impacts on her everyday life.
The Nutrition Care Process Terminology: Changes in perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and implementation amongst Australian dietitians after three years
Authors: Vivanti Angela , Lewis Jessica , O'Sullivan Therese A. 
Published: April 2017

AimAssessing changes in dietetic perceptions, attitudes and knowledge regarding the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT) is important to determine implementation effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate changes in the perceptions and attitudes of Australian dietitians over a three‐year period, identify changes in benefits and barriers to support successful NCPT implementation and determine future directions for NCPT progression.MethodsAn online survey was performed in 2011 and repeated in 2014 by recruiting members of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) through an email link. The survey assessed familiarity, knowledge, attitudes, benefits, barriers, concerns and use of educational enablers around the NCPT.ResultsThe survey was completed by 218 respondents in 2011 and 205 respondents in 2014. Survey respondents from both years were representative of overall DAA membership. Respondent knowledge of NCPT increased significantly over the three‐years, as did confidence, preparation, access to support and training and NCPT usage. Respondent's identification of benefits to implementation increased whilst barriers reduced. Attitudes regarding NCPT implementation were conflicting.ConclusionsOver three years, improvements were evident in NCPT knowledge, attitudes and usage. However, not all dietitians saw reason to implement NCPT in their practice, and some attitudes have become less supportive. A collective vision is required to foster positive attitudes towards the transformational professional benefits possible from NCPT. With ongoing uptake of electronic health records, the potential for NCPT to evaluate and justify dietetic interventions is increasing.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate‐associated phasins as phylogenetically heterogeneous, multipurpose proteins
Authors: Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural polyesters of increasing biotechnological importance that are synthesized by many prokaryotic organisms as carbon and energy storage compounds in limiting growth conditions. PHAs accumulate intracellularly in form of inclusion bodies that are covered with a proteinaceous surface layer (granule‐associated proteins or GAPs) conforming a network‐like surface of structural, metabolic and regulatory polypeptides, and configuring the PHA granules as complex and well‐organized subcellular structures that have been designated as ‘carbonosomes’. GAPs include several enzymes related to PHA metabolism (synthases, depolymerases and hydroxylases) together with the so‐called phasins, an heterogeneous group of small‐size proteins that cover most of the PHA granule and that are devoid of catalytic functions but nevertheless play an essential role in granule structure and PHA metabolism. Structurally, phasins are amphiphilic proteins that shield the hydrophobic polymer from the cytoplasm. Here, we summarize the characteristics of the different phasins identified so far from PHA producer organisms and highlight the diverse opportunities that they offer in the Biotechnology field.
How Unequal Perceptions of User Reviews Impact Price Competition
Authors: Pekgün Pelin , Galbreth Michael R. , Ghosh Bikram P. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTWhen a consumer cannot fully assess her valuations of competing products prior to purchase, she must make a purchase decision based on imperfect product information. However, with the advent of online channels for widely disseminating individual user reviews, consumers are now able to learn from the experiences of others and update their expectations regarding product valuations. We analyze the interaction of user reviews and experience uncertainty, with a specific focus on the potential for negative and positive reviews to be weighted differently in a consumer's assessment of the valence of the posted reviews. We find that overweighting of negative reviews by consumers can lead to surprising results in terms of pricing and profits in a competitive context. In particular, if consumer awareness is higher for the lower quality product, it can charge higher prices and realize higher profits in equilibrium than its higher quality competitor when consumers are strongly influenced by negative reviews. We also show that a higher weighting on positive reviews by consumers always helps the firm with a lower consumer awareness.
Length of stay for patients undergoing invasive electrode monitoring with stereoelectroencephalography and subdural grids correlates positively with increased institutional profitability
Authors: Chan Alvin Y. , Kharrat Sohayla , Lundeen Kelly , Mnatsakanyan Lilit , Sazgar Mona , Sen‐Gupta Indranil , Lin Jack J. , Hsu Frank P. K. , Vadera Sumeet 
Published: April 2017

SummaryObjectiveLowering the length of stay (LOS) is thought to potentially decrease hospital costs and is a metric commonly used to manage capacity. Patients with epilepsy undergoing intracranial electrode monitoring may have longer LOS because the time to seizure is difficult to predict or control. This study investigates the effect of economic implications of increased LOS in patients undergoing invasive electrode monitoring for epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively collected and analyzed patient data for 76 patients who underwent invasive monitoring with either subdural grid (SDG) implantation or stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) over 2 years at our institution. Data points collected included invasive electrode type, LOS, profit margin, contribution margins, insurance type, and complication rates.ResultsLOS correlated positively with both profit and contribution margins, meaning that as LOS increased, both the profit and contribution margins rose, and there was a low rate of complications in this patient group. This relationship was seen across a variety of insurance providers.SignificanceThese data suggest that LOS may not be the best metric to assess invasive monitoring patients (i.e., SEEG or SDG), and increased LOS does not necessarily equate with lower or negative institutional financial gain. Further research into LOS should focus on specific specialties, as each may differ in terms of financial implications.
Prey‐baiting as a conservation tool: selective control of invasive ants with minimal non‐target effects
Authors: Buczkowski Grzegorz 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Invasive ants are considered a significant threat to urban, agricultural, and natural habitats worldwide and the control of invasions is often a priority for conservation management. The spread and impact of invasive ants is often controlled using chemical management tools, predominantly toxic baits. The preferred outcome of such interventions is the recovery of indigenous species following the removal of the alien invader. Nonetheless, management actions may have unintended consequences such as non‐target impacts. Non‐target impacts are often a significant concern in areawide eradication programs because toxic baits are typically attractive to a wide range of animals and may kill non‐target fauna, especially other invertebrates.

Development of effective techniques to control populations of invasive ants while protecting the non‐target fauna is important for conservation of native biodiversity. This study utilised laboratory and field experiments to evaluate a novel approach for managing invasive Asian needle ants (Brachyponera chinensis) utilising live, insecticide‐treated termite prey. The goal was to examine the potential ecological impact of toxic prey‐baiting on native ant fauna and to determine if toxic prey‐baiting is adequately selective to be used as a tool for eradicating Asian needle ants while preserving native ant communities. Protein marking was used to track the consumption of termite prey by target and non‐target ant species.

Results demonstrate that prey‐baiting using live, fipronil‐treated termites is highly effective against Asian needle ants. Furthermore, prey‐baiting is highly specific with detrimental effects against the target species and negligible effects on native ants.

Results demonstrate a novel management tool for conservation agencies working to eradicate invasive ants globally. While traditional bait treatments are typically non‐selective and eradicate a wide range of non‐targets, prey‐baiting is highly effective and target specific and may offer an effective alternative to traditional bait treatments. Additionally, prey‐baiting may provide environmental benefits with regard to pesticide residues in ecologically sensitive environments and other protected landscapes where invasive ants pose a threat to native organisms and must be carefully managed to avoid non‐target effects.
Low‐Dose Aspirin Use and Cognitive Function in Older Age: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Stubbs Brendon , Maggi Stefania , Thompson Trevor , Schofield Patricia , Muller Christoph , Tseng Ping‐Tao , Lin Pao‐Yen , Carvalho André F. , Solmi Marco 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate whether low‐dose aspirin (<300 mg/d) can influence the onset of cognitive impairment or dementia in observational studies and improve cognitive test scores in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in participants without dementia.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.SettingObservational and interventional studies.ParticipantsIndividuals with no dementia or cognitive impairment initially.MeasurementsOdds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for the maximum number of covariates from each study, were used to summarize data on the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment in observational studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used for cognitive test scores in RCTs.ResultsOf 2,341 potentially eligible articles, eight studies were included and provided data for 36,196 participants without dementia or cognitive impairment at baseline (mean age 66, 63% female). After adjusting for a median of three potential confounders over a median follow‐up period of 6 years, chronic use of low‐dose aspirin was not associated with onset of dementia or cognitive impairment (5 studies, N = 26,159; OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.55–1.22, P = .33, I2 = 67%). In three RCTs (N = 10,037; median follow‐up 5 years), the use of low‐dose aspirin was not associated with significantly better global cognition (SMD=0.005, 95% CI=–0.04–0.05, P = .84, I2 = 0%) in individuals without dementia. Adherence was lower in participants taking aspirin than in controls, and the incidence of adverse events was higher.ConclusionThis review found no evidence that low‐dose aspirin buffers against cognitive decline or dementia or improves cognitive test scores in RCTs.
Context Factors and the Performance of Mobile Individuals in Research Teams
Authors: Franzoni Chiara , Scellato Giuseppe , Stephan Paula 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe use survey data for 4336 scientific teams, located in 16 countries, where all members were working within a single lab, to test three context factors that potentially affect the capability of internationally mobile individuals to enhance the innovation performance of their research units. We formulate hypotheses on context factors rooted in the knowledge recombination and learning‐by hiring theories. The results show that three context factors are positively associated with international mobility and the performance of the research units: the degree to which knowledge in the relevant subfield of science is geographically concentrated, the creative intent of the activities performed and the decision power of the mobile individual.
Coronal Transcranial Sonography and M‐Mode Tremor Frequency Determination in Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor
Authors: Richter Daniel , Woitalla Dirk , Muhlack Siegfried , Gold Ralf , Tönges Lars , Krogias Christos 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe axial mesencephalic transcranial sonography plane is an established and sensitive diagnostic tool for the differentiation of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. However, the substantia nigra can also be depicted in a second coronal examination plane, whose diagnostic value has not yet been evaluated. Furthermore, the M‐mode tremor frequency determination represents another sonographic tool, which might yield additional diagnostic value.METHODSWe included patients with diagnosed Parkinson's disease (n = 31), essential tremor (n = 16), and healthy age‐matched controls (n = 16). All were examined by transcranial sonography in the axial and coronal plane. Tremor frequencies were quantified by an M‐mode tremor frequency determination examination protocol. A clinical assessment was conducted in all participants.RESULTSThe utilization of a coronal examination plane improved the diagnostic strength in discriminating of Parkinson's disease from essential tremor and healthy controls. In combination with the determination of tremor frequency, best discriminative results were achieved (sensitivity, 90.3%; specificity, 96.9%). In the Parkinson's disease group, we found a significant positive correlation between hyposmia and coronal hyperechogenicity.CONCLUSIONThe combined usage of coronal transcranial sonography and M‐mode tremor frequency determination should be considered to improve diagnostic strength of sonographic techniques for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Linking Magazine Exposure to Social Appearance Anxiety: The Role of Appearance Norms in Early Adolescence
Authors: Trekels Jolien , Eggermont Steven 
Published: April 2017

Early adolescents (N = 1,591;Mage = 11.698;SD = 0.892) participated in a two‐wave panel study (6‐month interval) to examine the longitudinal association between appearance‐focused magazine exposure and social appearance anxiety. We revealed that magazine exposure positively correlated with the internalization of appearance ideals and the attribution of social rewards to attractiveness which, in turn, related to social appearance anxiety. Internalization and attribution of social rewards formed a reinforcing spiral; once internalized, early adolescents associate positive things with appearance ideals (e.g., peer acceptance) and the perception of rewards increases early adolescents' inclination to internalize ideals. Given the adverse consequences of social appearance anxiety, the findings warrant research on the role of media in the occurrence of social appearance anxiety.
Use and Acceptability of Writing Adaptations for Students with Disabilities: Survey of Grade 3–8 Teachers
Authors: Troia Gary A. , Graham Steve 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOne hundred forty‐one teachers in grades 3–8 indicated how frequently they made 24 writing instructional adaptations for students with disabilities. They also rated the acceptability of each of the 24 adaptations on three dimensions: effectiveness, effort needed to implement, and implementation knowledge. Teachers reported making 16 different adaptations monthly or more often, and 10 at least weekly. The most common adaptation was allowing extra time to complete writing assignments. The least common adaptations included extra handwriting instruction, opportunities to compose via dictation, and homework to reinforce skills. Teachers viewed most of the adaptations as acceptable, and views on acceptability made a unique contribution to predicting reported use of adaptations, after variance due to student and other teacher variables was controlled.
Practical Reason, Sympathy and Reactive Attitudes
Authors: Hayward Max Khan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper has three aims. First, I defend, in its most radical form, Hume's scepticism about practical reason, as it applies to purely self‐regarding matters. It's not always irrational to discount the future, to be inconstant in one's preferences, to have incompatible desires, to not pursue the means to one's ends, or to fail to maximize one's own good. Second, I explain how our response to the “irrational” agent should be understood as an expression of frustrated sympathy, in Adam Smith's sense of sympathy, rather than a genuine judgement about Reason. We judge these people because we cannot imaginatively identify with their desires and attitudes, and this is frustrating. Third, compared to the standard cognitive view, my account better explains the nature of our criticism of the “irrational,” and, by portraying “irrationality” as a cause of upset to other people, provides a better normative basis for being “rational.”
Common care practices among effective community-based specialist palliative care teams: a qualitative study
Authors: Seow Hsien , Bainbridge Daryl , Brouwers Melissa , Bryant Deanna , Tan Toyofuku Sue , Kelley Mary Lou 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveEvidence has shown that, despite wide variation in models of care, community-based specialist palliative care teams can improve outcomes and reduce acute care use at end of life. The goal of this study was to explore similarities in care practices among effective and diverse specialist teams to inform the development of other community-based teams.MethodsInterviews with 78 providers and administrators from 11 distinct community-based specialist palliative care teams from Ontario, Canada were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach to identify common themes.Results3 key themes across all teams emerged. First, the distinct models of care were generally summarised into 3 models: primary care and specialist providers either collaborated by transferring, sharing or consulting in care. Second, teams explicitly or implicitly followed 7 common care practices related to: specialised expertise 24/7; intrateam communication; timeliness; physical symptom and psychosocial–spiritual management; education; peace and fulfilment; and advocacy for patient preferences. Third, all teams emphasised the importance of team building, even more than using clinical tools and processes.ConclusionsDespite wide variation in models of care among community-based specialist palliative care teams, this large qualitative study identified several common themes in care practices that can guide the development of other teams.
On the Initiation of the 20 June 2015 Great Plains Low-Level Jet
Authors: Parish Thomas R. , Clark Richard D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractExtensive measurements were made of the summertime Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) in central Kansas during June and July 2015 as a component of the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field study. Here, the authors describe the early phase of the LLJ development on 20 June 2015. Half-hourly soundings were launched to monitor the progress of the jet. An airborne mission was also conducted using the University of Wyoming King Air research aircraft. Vertical sawtooth patterns were flown along a fixed track at 38.7°N between longitudes 98.9° and 100.3°W to document changes in the potential temperature and wind profiles. Ageostrophic winds during the LLJ formation were also assessed. In addition, a high-resolution numerical simulation of the 20 June 2015 LLJ case was conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Observations and model results show that the early stage of development consisted of a rapid increase in wind speed in the hours just after sunset with less pronounced directional change. The LLJ evolution is similar to that expected from an inertial oscillation of the ageostrophic wind following the stabilization of the near-surface layer.
Learning the Language of Nonviolence
Authors: Muller Jean-Marie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article posits a number of theoretical pointers towards a conceptual clarification of the concept of non-violence, in particular in relation to notions of conflict, pact, mediation, compromise, strength, benevolence, and truth. It sets them against the concept of violence and the behaviours which are associated with it, and is based on the thought of M. K. Gandhi and E. Weil. Finally it presents some pointers towards a strategy for non-violence and explains the sense of the principle of non-cooperation.
Pointers for Non-Violent Action in Iraq
Authors: Muller Jean-Marie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHerein is reproduced the text of the address of Jean-Marie Muller during the General Assembly of Iraqi groups dedicated to non-violence which took place in Erbil on 9 and 10 November 2009. Jean-Marie Muller defines six prospective forms of action for the non-violent movement in Iraq: training, information, sensitization, education, protest, and non-violent direct action.