bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RFID in toll/ticketing – a user-centric approach
Authors: Storm-Mathisen Ardis 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– This article aims to discuss challenges to Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based services from a user perspective located within sociology, anthropology and science and technology studies.Design/methodology/approach– Two cases of toll/ticketing RFID technologies are explored: the mature AutoPASS (tolling on public roads) and the newly implemented Flexus/Ruter Travelcard (public transport) in Norway. A methodologically triangulation of qualitative data is applied to trace the history of RFID implementation, and to compare the benefits proclaimed by suppliers with the hands-on experience of users.Findings– The RFID benefits proclaimed by suppliers were, to a large extent, shared by users in the case of AutoPASS, but to a lesser extent in the case of Flexus/Ruter Travelcard. The cases illustrate that RFID applications are heterogeneous products with different levels of maturity and complexity, applied to fields and services with varied user-groups, functional requirements and privacy concerns. Vital to the success of RFID-based services is good management, compliance with Data Protection Regulations and providing user’s an experience of greater ease-of use and added-value in their everyday lives in comparison to previous systems.Practical implications– Future research should broaden perspectives and methodologies to better grasp the complex interplay among RFID applications, users and the environment. This entails moving beyond a focus on discursive adoption to ethnographic studies of appropriation and how technology affects social practice.Originality/value– RFID is undergoing an extremely expansive usability phase – commercially and socially. Research on RFID is scare and fragmented with few contributions from social science. Studies that privilege user perspectives tend to address the needs and concerns of business rather than of users.
Flexible biosensor using inkjet printing of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Abadi Zahra , Mottaghitalab Vahid , Bidoki Mansour , Benvidi Ali 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a sophisticated methodology for inkjet printing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the range of 80-200 nm on different flexible substrate. AgNPs was chemically deposited by ejection of silver nitrate and ascorbic acid solutions onto different substrates such as paper and textile fabrics. The fabricated pattern was used to employ as electrode for electrochemical sensors.

Design/methodology/approach
– The morphology of deposited AgNPs was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, conductivity and electrochemical behavior were identified, respectively, using four probe and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Acquired image shows a well-defined shape and size for the deposited AgNP.

Findings
– The conductivity of the paper substrate after printing process reached 5.54 × 105 S/m. This printed electrode shows a sharp electrochemical response for early determination of glucose. The proposed electrode provides a new alternative to develop electrochemical sensors using AgNPs chemically deposited on paper and textile fabric surfaces.
A capacitive angular sensor with flexible digitated electrodes
Authors: Krklješ Damir , Vasiljević Dragana , Stojanović Goran 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to present a prototype of a capacitive angular-position sensor which exploits advantages of flexible/printed electronics. The novelty of the sensor is that the capacitor structure is placed at the circumference of the rotor and stator, that it posses two channels (capacitor structures) electrically shifted for p/4 and that the rotor is common for both channels. The electrodes of the sensing capacitor are digitated, providing a triangular transfer function.

Design/methodology/approach
– This sensor prototype consists of two flexible inkjet-printed silver electrodes forming a cylindrical capacitor structure. One of them is wrapped around the stator and another is wrapped around the rotor part of a simple mechanical platform used to precisely adjust the angular displacement.

Findings
– The capacitance as a function of angular position was measured using an inductance capacitance impedance (LCZ) Meter, and results are presented for a full-turn measurement range. The experimental results are compared with analytical ones and very good agreement has been achieved.

Originality/value
– The proposed capacitive sensor structure can be used as an absolute or an incremental encoder with different resolutions, and it can be applied in automotive industry or robotics.
Micro-pressure sensor dynamic performance analysis
Authors: Tian Bian , Zhao Yulong , Niu Zhe , Zhuangde Jiang 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report on a piezoresistive pressure sensor for micro-pressure measurement with a cross-beam membrane (CBM) structure. This study analyzes the dynamic characteristics of the proposed device.

Design/methodology/approach
– This CBM sensor possesses high stiffness and sensitivity, measuring dynamic pressure more effectively in a high-frequency environment compared with other piezoresistive structures. The dynamic characteristics are derived using the finite element method to analyze the dynamic responses of the new structure, including natural frequency and lateral effect performances. The CBM dynamic performances are compared with traditional structures.

Findings
– The pressure sensor performance was evaluated, and the experimental results indicate that they all exhibit similar dynamic characteristics as the designed model. Compared with traditional structures such as the single island, the CBM proves to be superior in evaluating the dynamic performances of pressure sensors at high frequencies of > 30 kHz.

Originality/value
– Most studies of this micro pressure sensors attempt to promote the sensitivity or focus on the static performance of pressure sensor with micro gauge. This study is concerned with analyze the dynamic characterism of micro pressure sensor and compared with the traditional structures, that prove the CBM structure has stable dynamic performance and is a better option for measuring dynamic micro pressure in biomedical applications.
Reduced Left Executive Control Network Functional Connectivity Is Associated with Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Weiland Barbara J. , Sabbineni Amithrupa , Calhoun Vince D. , Welsh Robert C. , Bryan Angela D. , Jung Rex E. , Mayer Andrew R. , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAltered functional connectivity in critical networks has been associated with chronic alcohol abuse. In turn, changes in connectivity in executive control networks (ECNs) may undermine the ability to control alcohol consumption. It was hypothesized that network connectivity would be reduced in individuals with problematic alcohol use (ALC) compared with controls and that diminished network connectivity would be associated with greater failure to control drinking.MethodsResting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed to identify 14 previously identified intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) using a priori regions of interest in cases ranging from binge drinkers to those with severe alcohol use disorder, as well as control subjects. Analyses tested for differences in network connectivity strength between 255 ALC cases and 87 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Further, structural equation analysis, using 383 ALC cases, tested whether functional connectivity strength mediated the relationship between years of regular drinking and alcohol problems.ResultsThe age‐ and gender‐matched analysis showed that ALC had significantly lower network connectivity strength than controls in the left executive control (LECN), basal ganglia, and primary visual networks. For all ALC, LECN connectivity strength is negatively correlated with failed control and alcohol disorder severity. Edges connecting parietal regions with dorsolateral prefrontal, middle frontal, and temporal regions within the LECN drove these relationships. A positive association between years of drinking and severity of alcohol problems was mediated by reduced ECN connectivity.ConclusionsThis study reports relationships between network strength and problematic alcohol use, suggesting that chronic drinking negatively impacts brain connectivity, specifically in the LECN. Altered functional connectivity, related to chronic alcohol abuse, may contribute to the etiology of alcohol dependence and relapse.
First Drink to First Drunk: Age of Onset and Delay to Intoxication Are Associated with Adolescent Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking
Authors: Morean Meghan E. , Kong Grace , Camenga Deepa R. , Cavallo Dana A. , Connell Christian , Krishnan‐Sarin Suchitra 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundQuickly progressing from initiating alcohol use to drinking to intoxication recently was identified as a novel risk factor for hazardous drinking in college students (ME Morean et al. [2012] Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 36, 1991–1999). The current study evaluated the risk associated with age of onset (AO) and delay to first intoxication (Delay) in a high school sample.MethodsAdolescent drinkers (N = 295, age 16.29 [1.14], 55.3% female, 80.3% Caucasian, AO = 13.51 [2.29] years, Delay = 0.80 [1.43] years) completed an anonymous survey about their substance use in February of 2010. Self‐report questions assessed AO and age of first intoxication (AI) (i.e., “How old were you the first time you tried alcohol/got drunk?”) and past‐month alcohol use/binge drinking (i.e., How often did you drink alcohol/drink ≥5 drinks?).ResultsBivariate correlations indicated that AO was positively correlated with AI and inversely correlated with Delay, the frequency of any drinking, and the frequency of binge drinking. When considered alone, Delay was not significantly correlated with either alcohol use outcome. In contrast, hierarchical regression analyses indicated that when considered in concert, an earlier AO and a shorter Delay were each associated with heavier drinking (any drinking adjusted R2 = 0.08; binge drinking R2 = 0.06, p‐values <0.001) beyond demographic characteristics. Two‐way interactions among study variables were nonsignificant, suggesting that AO and Delay conferred risk similarly by racial/ethnic status, gender, and grade in high school.ConclusionsWhen considered simultaneously, both an early AO and a quick progression to drinking to intoxication appear to be important determinants of high school student drinking. In addition to continuing efforts to postpone AO, efforts designed to delay intoxication may modulate alcohol‐related risk associated with early drinking.
Determinants of the levels and changes in non‐executive director compensation
Authors: Bugeja Martin , Fohn Stephanie , Matolcsy Zoltan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study examines the economic and director‐specific determinants of non‐executive director (NED) compensation in the Australian setting. We find that NED compensation is associated with firm size, complexity, growth, risk and liquidity. It is also associated with director reputation, experience, connectedness and the directors' involvement with the firm. The additional compensation paid to the chairperson is positively associated with their prior experience and negatively associated with NED reputation and involvement. We find inconclusive evidence on the association between changes in NED compensation and firm performance.
The Nature and Value of Bioethics Expertise
Authors: Vogelstein Eric 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this article, I address the extent to which experts in bioethics can contribute to healthcare delivery by way of aid in clinical decision‐making and policy‐formation. I argue that experts in bioethics are moral experts, in that their substantive moral views are more likely to be correct than those of non‐bioethicists, all else being equal, but that such expertise is of use in a relatively limited class of cases. In so doing, I respond to two recent arguments against the view that bioethicists are moral experts, one by Christopher Cowley and another by David Archard. I further argue that bioethics experts have significant additional contributions to make to healthcare delivery, and highlight a hitherto neglected aspect of that contribution: amelioration of moral misconception among clinicians. I describe in detail several aspects of moral misconception, and show how the bioethicist is in a prime position to resolve that sort of error.
Against Harmful Research on Non‐Agreeing Children
Authors: Chwang Eric 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe Code of Federal Regulations permits harmful research on children who have not agreed to participate, but I will argue that it should be no more permissive of harmful research on such children than of harmful research on adults who have not agreed to participate. Of course, the Code permits harmful research on adults. Such research is not morally problematic, however, because adults must agree to participate. And, of course, the Code also permits beneficial research on children without needing their explicit agreement. This sort of research is also not problematic, this time because paternalism towards children may be justifiable. The moral problem at the center of this paper arises from the combination of two potential properties of pediatric research, first that it might be harmful and second that its subjects might not agree to participate.In Section 2 of this article I explain how the Code permits harmful research on non‐agreeing children. Section 3 contains my argument that we should no more permit harmful research on non‐agreeing children than on non‐agreeing adults. In Section 4, I argue that my thesis does not presuppose that pediatric assent has the same moral force that adult consent does. In Section 5, I argue that the distinction between non‐voluntary and involuntary research is irrelevant to my thesis. In Section 6, I rebut an objection based on the power of parental permission. In Section 7 I suggest how the Code of Federal Regulations might be changed.
With great control comes great responsibility: The relationship between perceived academic control, student responsibility, and self‐regulation
Authors: Fishman Evan J. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundStudents' perceived control over academic outcomes has been linked to their use of self‐regulated strategies. However, students’ sense of responsibility, or internal commitment to produce such outcomes, has not often been considered in this relationship.AimsThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between perceived academic control (PAC), student responsibility (SR), and knowledge building (KB).SampleParticipants were 152 undergraduate students enrolled in an educational technology course.MethodsAn exploratory factor analysis was conducted to demonstrate the distinction between the PAC and SR constructs. A series of regression analyses were conducted to address the research hypotheses, and a bootstrap test was used to assess the mediating role of SR in the relationship between the PAC variables and KB.ResultsInitial evidence regarding the uniqueness of the PAC and SR constructs was provided. PAC (both primary control and secondary control [SC]) were positively and significantly related to SR. KB was positively and significantly related to SR, as was SC. Additionally, SR partially mediated the relationship between the PAC variables and KB.ConclusionsThe findings showed that those who perceived the capability to achieve academic outcomes were more likely to feel internally obligated to produce such outcomes. The same was true for students who perceived the capability to psychologically adjust to academic situations. The results also demonstrated that students’ sense of responsibility for academic outcomes played a partially mediating role in the relationship between their perceptions of control and reported use of self‐regulated behaviour.
In vitro TNF blockade enhances ex vivo expansion of regulatory T cells in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhong Hui , Bussel James , Yazdanbakhsh Karina 
Published: September 2014

SummaryTumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine that is elevated in a number of autoimmune diseases including immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a bleeding disorder characterized by low platelet counts. In vitro TNF blockade increases expansion of the regulatory T cell (Treg) IKZF2 (also termed Helios) subset in T cell‐monocyte cocultures from healthy donors, but its role on proliferative responses of Tregs in ITP patients, who have altered immunoregulatory compartment, remains unclear. TNF in CD4+ T cells from patients with chronic ITP were elevated and negatively correlated with peripheral Treg frequencies, suggesting a possible inhibitory effect of TNF on ITP Tregs. In vitro antibody neutralization with anti‐TNF in T cell‐monocyte cocultures resulted in a robust expansion of pre‐existing ITP Tregs, higher than in healthy controls. Similar to the effects of anti‐TNF antibodies, TNF blockade with antibodies against TNFRSF1B (anti‐TNFRSF1B, previously termed anti‐TNFRII) almost doubled ITP Treg expansion whereas neutralization with anti‐TNFRSF1A (anti‐TNFRI) antibodies had no effect on proliferative responses of Tregs. In addition, TNFRSF1B levels on ITP Tregs were significantly elevated, which may explain the increased susceptibility of patient Tregs to the actions of TNF blockade. Altogether, these data raise the possibility that TNF blockers, through their ability to increase Treg proliferation, may be efficacious in ITP patients.
A prospective trial of temporary sacral nerve stimulation for constipation associated with neurological disease
Authors: Khan U. , Mason J. M. , Mecci M. , Yiannakou Y. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThis study assessed the effectiveness of temporary sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in patients with constipation associated with neurological disease using an off–on–off design, and evaluated the long‐term response in patients undergoing permanent SNS.MethodPatients with chronic constipation associated with neurological disease receiving specialist clinic care at the University Hospital North Durham over a 2‐year period were recruited to a trial of SNS. Recordings of bowel function were made for 6 weeks (baseline) and a temporary electrode was then inserted and recordings were made for the next 3 weeks (stimulation). The electrodes were then removed and assessment was continued for a further 3 weeks (posttreatment). Patient‐completed questionnaires were used to determine the severity of constipation (Global Assessment of Symptoms, Constipation, GA Constipation), symptoms (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms score, PAC‐SYM) and quality‐of‐life (Patient Assessment of Constipation–Quality Of Life score, PAC‐QOL; European Quality of Life–Five‐Domain score; European Quality of Life–Visual Analogue Score). Information was obtained on bowel function and medication. Physiological data were also available for transit and laser Doppler flow cytometry to measure mucosal blood flow.ResultsTwenty‐two patients were recruited, of whom 18 completed the trial. GA Constipation reduced significantly during temporary SNS: −1.09 (95% CI −1.59 to −0.59; P = 0.0003). PAC‐SYM and PAC‐QOL scores showed similar improvements. There was also a significant fall in the time spent in the toilet (P = 0.04) and a decrease in laxative use (P = 0.03). Twelve (67%) patients responded to temporary SNS and received a permanent implant with long‐term success in 50%.ConclusionSacral nerve stimulation can be effective in treating some patients with refractory severe neuroconstipation. A response to temporary SNS may predict long‐term benefit in only half the patients undergoing permanent SNS.
Emergency double‐balloon enteroscopy combined with real‐time viewing of capsule endoscopy: A feasible combined approach in acute overt‐obscure gastrointestinal bleeding?
Authors: Pérez‐Cuadrado Robles Enrique , Bebia Conesa Paloma , Esteban Delgado Pilar , Zamora Nava Luis E. , Martínez Andrés Blanca , Rodrigo Agudo Jose L. , López Higueras Antonio , López Martin Aurelio , Latorre Rafael , Soria Federico , Pérez‐Cuadrado Martínez Enrique 
Published: September 2014

Background and AimThere are few data concerning emergency double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and its usefulness in the management of severe acute obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate emergency DBE and capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with overt OGIB, analyzing the feasibility of this combined approach.MethodsEmergency DBE in patients with overt OGIB was defined as performance within 24 h of symptom onset. We reported 27 patients (16 men, mean age: 64.6 ± 17.9 years) with overt severe bleeding who underwent 29 emergency DBE (22 anterograde, 7 retrograde). Of 27 patients, 16 (59.3%) underwent CE with real time (RT) viewing.ResultsPatients were diagnosed with the following: Dieulafoy's lesion (DL; n = 11, 40.7%), angioectasia (n = 7, 25.9%), tumors (n = 4, 14.8%), diverticulum (n = 3, 11.1%), ulcers (n = 2, 7.4%). We diagnosed 23 lesions amenable to endoscopic hemostasis and successfully treated 21 of them (77.8%). DL detection rate was statistically higher in the emergency DBE group than in OGIB patients with DBE done 24 h after symptom onset (40.7% vs 0.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). Combined approach with RT viewing by CE correctly modified DBE management in four patients (25%).ConclusionsEmergency DBE is feasible, safe and effective in acute OGIB and may avoid major surgery, diagnosing and successfully treating most patients. Combined approach with RT viewing by CE is especially useful to identify recurrent bleeding vascular lesions such as DL that may be easily misdiagnosed by non‐emergency DBE.
The use of weighted health‐related Quality of Life scores in people with diabetic macular oedema at baseline in a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Scanlon P. H. , Loftus J. , Starita C. , Stratton I. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine the relationship between visual acuity in each eye and Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes in people with diabetic macular oedema.MethodsCross sectional retrospective analysis of data collected at baseline in 289 people entered into a randomized clinical trial with diabetic macular oedema which investigated the safety and efficacy of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, pegaptanib sodium. At the baseline visit, visual acuity was measured through refraction and using retro‐illuminated modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Log MAR charts, and patient health‐related QoL was determined using the European Quality of Life EQ–5D–3L and the Visual Functioning Questionnaire–25 (NEI–VFQ25). A regression analysis with QoL score from each vision‐related domain as the dependent variable was fitted using linear and quadratic terms of the better and worse eye, age, gender, adjusted for number of concurrent conditions, ethnicity and level of diabetes control.ResultsFor all vision‐related QoL domains from NEI–VFQ25 and EQ–5D–3L except ocular pain, both visual acuity in the better‐seeing and the worse‐seeing eye gave a significant increase in correlation coefficient over that obtained from clinical and demographic data. The NEI–VFQ25 correlation was most closely associated with a weighted visual acuity measure of 0.75 in the better and 0.25 in the worse eye or 0.60 in the better and 0.40 in the worse eye.ConclusionsWe recommend that a weighted visual acuity measure from both eyes is considered in future diabetic macular oedema trials.
A Thrombotic Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Polat Nihat , Yildiz Abdulkadir , Yuksel Murat , Acet Halit , Alan Sait 
Published: September 2014

Mini‐AbstractAneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (ASV) is an uncommon condition which may be congential or acquired. Here, we describe a case of ASV thrombosis presented with both acute myocardial infarction and acute stroke.