bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh Model’s Ability to Predict Mesoscale Convective Systems Using Object-Based Evaluation
Authors: Pinto James O. , Grim Joseph A. , Steiner Matthias 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
An object-based verification technique that keys off the radar-retrieved vertically integrated liquid (VIL) is used to evaluate how well the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) predicted mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in 2012 and 2013. It is found that the modeled radar VIL values are roughly 50% lower than observed. This mean bias is accounted for by reducing the radar VIL threshold used to identify MCSs in the HRRR. This allows for a more fair evaluation of the model’s skill at predicting MCSs. Using an optimized VIL threshold for each summer, it is found that the HRRR reproduces the first (i.e., counts) and second moments (i.e., size distribution) of the observed MCS size distribution averaged over the eastern United States, as well as their aspect ratio, orientation, and diurnal variations. Despite threshold optimization, the HRRR tended to predict too many (few) MCSs at lead times less (greater) than 4 h because of lead time–dependent biases in the modeled radar VIL. The HRRR predicted too many MCSs over the Great Plains and too few MCSs over the southeastern United States during the day. These biases are related to the model’s tendency to initiate too many MCSs over the Great Plains and too few MCSs over the southeastern United States. Additional low biases found over the Mississippi River valley region at night revealed a tendency for the HRRR to dissipate MCSs too quickly. The skill of the HRRR at predicting specific MCS events increased between 2012 and 2013, coinciding with changes in both the model physics and in the methods used to assimilate the three-dimensional radar reflectivity.
Harassment, stalking, threats and attacks targeting New Zealand politicians: A mental health issue
Authors: Every-Palmer Susanna , Barry-Walsh Justin , Pathé Michele 
Published: May 2015

Objective: Due to the nature of their work, politicians are at greater risk of stalking, harassment and attack than the general population. The small, but significantly elevated risk of violence to politicians is predominantly due not to organised terrorism or politically motivated extremists but to fixated individuals with untreated serious mental disorders, usually psychosis. Our objective was to ascertain the frequency, nature and effects of unwanted harassment of politicians in New Zealand and the possible role of mental illness in this harassment. Methods: New Zealand Members of Parliament were surveyed, with an 84% response rate ( n = 102). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on Parliamentarians’ experiences of harassment and stalking. Results: Eighty-seven percent of politicians reported unwanted harassment ranging from disturbing communications to physical violence, with most experiencing harassment in multiple modalities and on multiple occasions. Cyberstalking and other forms of online harassment were common, and politicians felt they (and their families) had become more exposed as a result of the Internet. Half of MPs had been personally approached by their harassers, 48% had been directly threatened and 15% had been attacked. Some of these incidents were serious, involving weapons such as guns, Molotov cocktails and blunt instruments. One in three politicians had been targeted at their homes. Respondents believed the majority of those responsible for the harassment exhibited signs of mental illness. Conclusion: The harassment of politicians in New Zealand is common and concerning. Many of those responsible were thought to be mentally ill by their victims. This harassment has significant psychosocial costs for both the victim and the perpetrator and represents an opportunity for mental health intervention.
Introduction: Women, Mobilities, Immobilities and Empowerment
Authors: Sim Amy 
Published: May 2015

The articles in this volume are collated from field studies in East and Southeast Asia on several key aspects of women's experiences related to work and mobility. They highlight a range of issues based on women's labor as migrants, whose social or biological, paid or unpaid labor, are structural continuities that characterize the nature of women's role and status within households and families across cultural systems in East and Southeast Asia. The articles in this volume demonstrate how contemporary developments in work and mobility affect women migrants from developing countries. The 21st century has been said to be one that will see the rise and dominance of Asia. To fuel this systemic economic takeoff implies an increase in human flows within and to this region to respond to demographic and economic differentials across the region. Against this backdrop, this volume discusses the role that women in migration play as foreign wives, domestic workers and seasonal rural to urban migrants. It maps some of the issues that they confront in destination countries, as well as in their own homes as absent wives, mothers and daughters in expanded networks of global householding. On another level, this volume frames the overseas employment and settlement of women migrants in destination countries, in the contexts of contestations between States, organized labor exporters and emergent migrant women's movements, which for migrant women represent their individual and collective strategies for making a ‘bare life’1 (Agamben, 1998:177, 180) liveable. The studies here underscore the potential that migration offers to women in this region, while highlighting the complexities and contradictions in labor supply and its relationship to politics, culture and capital.
Global Householding and Care Networks: Filipino Women in Japan
Authors: Piquero-Ballescas Maria Rosario 
Published: May 2015

Women's movement away from their own home has been described as migration and the reason for their migration often labeled as economic. Despite testimonies that point to emotion, particularly care and concern for the members of their households as the primary reason for their decision to move, women's move beyond their homes is still considered as basically economic, and still confined within the conventional rubric of migration studies, rather than viewed as expanded householding. Analyzing past and recent data collated since the 1990s up to the present, this paper follows the trail of care and householding from the homes of origin of women from the Philippines to Japan to show the importance of care and emotion for understanding human movements, to further analyze the link between domestic and global care and householding, and to further explore the interrelationship of globalization, the international division of care, and householding.
A New Zealand pilot randomized controlled trial of a web-based interactive self-management programme (MSInvigor8) with and without email support for the treatment of multiple sclerosis fatigue
Authors: van Kessel Kirsten , Wouldes Trecia , Moss-Morris Rona 
Published: May 2015

Objective: To pilot and compare the efficacy of an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-management programme with (MSInvigor8-Plus) and without (MSInvigor8-Only) the use of email support in reducing fatigue severity and impact (primary outcomes), and depressed and anxious mood (secondary outcomes). Design: Randomized controlled trial using an independent randomization system built into the website and intention-to-treat analysis. Setting: Participants were recruited through the local Multiple Sclerosis Society and hospital neurological services in New Zealand. Subjects: A total of 39 people (aged 31–63 years), experiencing multiple sclerosis fatigue, able to walk with and without walking aids, were randomized to MSInvigor8-Only ( n = 20) or to MSInvigor8-Plus ( n = 19). Interventions: MSInvigor8 is an eight-session programme based on cognitive behaviour therapy principles including psycho-education, self-monitoring, and changing unhelpful activity and thought patterns. Main measures: Outcome measures included fatigue severity (Chalder Fatigue Scale) and impact (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 10 weeks. Results: The MSInvigor8-Plus condition resulted in significantly greater reductions in fatigue severity ( F [1,36] = 9.09, p < 0.01) and impact ( F [1,36] = 6.03, p < 0.02) compared with the MSInvigor8-Only condition. Large between-group effect sizes for fatigue severity ( d = 0.99) and fatigue impact ( d = 0.81) were obtained. No significant differences were found between the groups on changes in anxiety and depression. Conclusions: MSInvigor8 delivered with email-based support is a potentially promising, acceptable, and cost-effective approach to treating fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis in New Zealand.
Toward an evidence-based patient-provider communication in rehabilitation: linking communication elements to better rehabilitation outcomes
Authors: Jesus Tiago Silva , Silva Isabel Lopes 
Published: May 2015

Background: There is a growing interest in linking aspects of patient-provider communication to rehabilitation outcomes. However, the field lacks a conceptual understanding on: (a) ‘how’ rehabilitation outcomes can be improved by communication; and (b) through ‘which’ elements in particular. This article elaborates on the conceptual developments toward informing further practice and research. Methods: Existing models of communication in healthcare were adapted to rehabilitation, and its outcomes through a comprehensive literature review. Results: After depicting mediating mechanisms and variables (e.g. therapeutic engagement, adjustment toward disability), this article presents the ‘4 Rehab Communication Elements’ deemed likely to underpin rehabilitation outcomes. The four elements are: (a) knowing the person and building a supportive relationship; (b) effective information exchange and education; (c) shared goal-setting and action planning; and (d) fostering a more positive, yet realistic, cognitive and self-reframing. Discussion: This article describes an unprecedented, outcomes-oriented approach toward the design of rehabilitation communication, which has resulted in the development of a new intervention model: the ‘4 Rehab Communication Elements’. Further trials are needed to evaluate the impact of this whole intervention model on rehabilitation outcomes.
Comparing treatment fidelity between study arms of a randomized controlled clinical trial for stroke family caregivers
Authors: McLennon Susan M , Hancock Rebecca D , Redelman Kathleen , Scarton Lisa J , Riley Elizabeth , Sweeney Bobbie , Habermann Barbara , Jessup Nenette M , Bakas Tamilyn 
Published: May 2015

Objective: To compare treatment fidelity among treatment arms in the Telephone Assessment and Skill-Building Kit study for stroke caregivers (TASK II) with respect to: 1) protocol adherence; 2) intervention dosage and 3) nurse intervener perspectives. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial design. Setting: Urban, community, midwestern United States. Subjects: A total of 254 stroke caregivers (mean ±SD age, 54.4 ±11.8 years), 55 (22.0%) males and 199 (78.4%) females) randomized to the TASK II intervention ( n=123) or an Information, Support, and Referral comparison group ( n=131). Interventions: TASK II participants received the TASK II Resource Guide; Information, Support, and Referral participants received a standard caregiver brochure. At approximately 8 weeks after discharge, both groups received 8 weekly calls from a nurse, with a booster call 4 weeks later. Measures: Protocol adherence was evaluated with the TASK II Checklist for Monitoring Adherence. Intervention dosage was measured by the number of minutes caregivers spent reading materials and talking with the nurse. Nurse intervener perspectives were obtained through focus groups. Results: Protocol adherence was 80% for the TASK II and 92% for the Information, Support, and Referral. As expected, intervention dosage differed between TASK II and Information, Support, and Referral with respect to caregiver time spent reading materials (t=-6.49; P<.001) and talking with the nurse (t=-7.38; P<.001). Focus groups with nurses yielded further evidence for treatment fidelity and recommendations for future trials. Conclusions: These findings substantiate treatment fidelity in both study arms of the TASK II stroke caregiver intervention trial (NIH R01NR010388; ClinicalTrials.govNCT01275495).
The Use of Computer-Assisted Learning within Undergraduate Thermofluids Courses
Authors: Allwright R. D. , Tubman K. A. 
Published: May 2015

This article describes the results of a 1992 survey into the use of computer-assisted teaching of undergraduate thermofluids within UK universities. The results do not include computer packages which are of a general scientific nature and used as aids to calculations. It is assumed that all universities are using these computer aids. The analysis of 44 responses to a questionnaire sent out to 65 UK universities reveals that very few are using any thermofluids computer packages in the first and second undergraduate years, but about three-quarters are using some (typically 1, 2 or 3 packages) in the final year. About one-third of the packages are ‘home-produced’ by individual universities, tailored to their particular courses. Two-thirds are educational licensed versions of bought commercial packages. No single commercial package is in widespread use across the university sector, but six separate packages are in limited use. The authors conclude this paper with their views on future developments.
Engineering Science-Led Computer-Aided Design: A Project-Based Approach
Authors: Dunne F. P. E. , Taylor D. A. W. 
Published: May 2015

A project-based learning approach has been developed in which a commercial CAD package is employed to analyse and redesign a shaft and bearing system which is known to fail in service after short term use. The principal aim of the project is to emphasize the importance of the appraisal of design software packages. The students are required to apply their knowledge and understanding of the relevant engineering science to check and validate the results predicted by the software package. The project is therefore used to emphasize the importance of questioning the output obtained from software packages, and the need for validation. In addition, the project aims to introduce students to the power of the microcomputer in quickly carrying out the many iterative analyses that are often required at the detailed stages of design. The importance of project-based design work in enabling the acquisition of skills, and the development of understanding of fundamental engineering concepts is discussed and an approach is proposed for enabling integration of design teaching with first- and second-year engineering science courses within an engineering degree course. The approach presented seeks to exploit student interest and enthusiasm for engineering project work in order to aid, and enhance the development of understanding for a particular domain of engineering science. The design project considers a ‘real’ design problem, and the hardware is made available to the students for viewing and handling. It is argued that reality plays an important role in maintaining student interest and commitment, which is essential for effective learning in design. The paper gives an overview of the design project, and hence demonstrates how design teaching can provide an integrating theme within engineering science courses. The emphasis of the current approach on student-centred, active learning, rather than the traditional passive learning methods, is also discussed. Finally, an assessment is made of the project-based approach to design teaching and of its ability to develop understanding of engineering principles, to develop skills in CAD, and to maintain student enthusiasm using active learning techniques.
A Simple Experiment on Heat Transfer Using a Phase Change Material
Authors: Macías-Machín A. , Henríquez V. , Lozano A. 
Published: May 2015

An experiment to calculate the heat transfer coefficient using a phase change material is described. The various tests use a naphthalene ball which changes from solid to gas. The technique is simple and inexpensive, and it is capable of yielding meaningful results. It will be seen that the heat transfer rises with the temperature and air flowrate. Also, students will be encouraged to analyse their own results and to find other variations to this experiment. This will considerably enhance the students' understanding of the processes at work.
Characterization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine-Related Consultations in an Academic Drug Information Service
Authors: Gregory Philip J. , Jalloh Mohamed A. , Abe Andrew M. , Hu James , Hein Darren J. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose: To characterize requests received through an academic drug information consultation service related to complementary and alternative medicines. Methods: A retrospective review and descriptive analysis of drug information consultations was conducted. Results: A total of 195 consultations related to complementary and alternative medicine were evaluated. All consultation requests involved questions about dietary supplements. The most common request types were related to safety and tolerability (39%), effectiveness (38%), and therapeutic use (34%). Sixty-eight percent of the requests were from pharmacists. The most frequent consultation requests from pharmacists were questions related to drug interactions (37%), therapeutic use (37%), or stability/compatibility/storage (34%). Nearly 60% of complementary and alternative medicine-related consultation requests were able to be completely addressed using available resources. Among review sources, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Clinical Pharmacology, Micromedex, and Pharmacist’s Letter were the most common resources used to address consultations. Conclusion: Utilization of a drug information service may be a viable option for health care professionals to help answer a complementary and alternative medicine-related question. Additionally, pharmacists and other health care professionals may consider acquiring resources identified to consistently answering these questions.
Famciclovir and Penciclovir. The Mode of Action of Famciclovir Including Its Conversion to Penciclovir
Authors: Hodge R. A. Vere 
Published: May 2015

Famciclovir is the oral form of penciclovir, a highly selective antiherpesvirus agent. Both famciclovir and penciclovir are being evaluated in clinical studies. This review covers the conversion of famciclovir to penciclovir, the formation and stability of penciclovir-triphosphate, its effect on herpesvirus DNA polymerases and the inhibition of viral DNA synthesis in cell cultures. The conversion of famciclovir into penciclovir is described, emphasising work with human tissues and including the elucidation of the structures of its chiral monoacetylated derivatives. To reflect its metabolism during oral absorption, famciclovir was incubated in duodenal contents, extracts of intestinal wall and liver, and in blood. The major metabolic route was by de-acetylation followed by oxidation of the purine to form penciclovir. This work with human tissues was predictive of the major metabolic pathway in humans. Penciclovir is phosphorylated much more efficiently than acyclovir in herpesvirus-infected cells yet the host cell kinases phosphorylate the two compounds to a small but comparable extent. This highly preferential metabolism in herpesvirus infected cells is a major factor in its selective antiviral activity. The ( S) enantiomer of penciclovir-triphosphate is the major metabolite and it has good stability in HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV infected cells. At the high concentrations found in infected cells, penciclovir-triphosphate was an effective inhibitor of viral DNA polymerases and of viral DNA synthesis. The efficient entrapment of the active moiety can account for the markedly better antiviral activity of penciclovir than acyclovir when infected cell cultures were treated for a short time. Such assays reflect more closely the clinical situation after oral dosing than do standard assays in which the test compounds are present continuously. The role of these studies in compound selection and development is discussed.
A Comparative Study of 5-ethyl-2′-Deoxyuridine and Selected Lipophilic 5,6-Dihydro Double/Triple Prodrugs
Authors: Cheraghali A. M. , Kumar R. , Morin K. W. , De Clercq E. , Knaus E. E. , Wiebe L. I. 
Published: May 2015

(+)- Trans-(5R,6R)-5-bromo-5-ethyl-6-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-5′-O-valeryl-2′-deoxyuridine (3) and (+)- trans-(5R,6R)-5-bromo-5-ethyl-6-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-3′,5′-di-O-valery[-2′-deoxyuridine (4) were synthesized in 55% and 8.6% yield, respectively, by esterification of the 5′-hydroxyl group of (+)- trans-(5R,6R)-5-bromo-5-ethyl-6-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-2′-deoxyuridine (2) using valeryl chloride. [4-14C]-3 and [4-14C]-4 were synthesized in 79% and 64% chemical and radiochemical yield, respectively, by similar esterifications of [4-14C]-2. The double prodrug 3 was readily hydrolysed (> 95% in 8 min) to 5-ethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) by porcine liver esterase in vitro. The biotransformations of 2 and 3 were studied following i.v. injection of a 0.4 mmol/kg i.v. dose to male Balb/c mice. The single prodrug 2 was rapidly cleared (<10 min) from the blood. The area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) for EDU, as a metabolite of 2, was higher (2.1 ± 0.4 μmol.h.g−1) than the AUC observed when EDU itself was injected (1.7 ± 0.2 μmol.h.g−1). The double prodrug 3 provided a sustained high concentration of EDU in blood, with an AUC for EDU, as a metabolite of 3, of 1.8 ± 0.2 μmol.hr.g−1. 5′-O-Valeryl-5-ethyl-2′-deoxyuridine and 3 were both detected in blood samples collected up to 35 min post i.v. injection. 5-Ethyluracil and 5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-uracil were identified as secondary metabolites of EDU, 2 and 3. Compared to [4-14C]-EDU, i.v. injection of [4-14C]-3 or [4-14C]-4 provided significantly higher (P < 0.001) radioactivity levels in the brain, but neither EDU, 2 or 3 protected mice against intracerebral herpes simplex virus infection. Hepatic uptakes of 2, 3 and 4, in mice, were similar to each other despite the respective substantial increases in both molecular weight and lipophilicity of this series. In rats, biliary excretion over the 0-4 h period after i.v. injection accounted for only 2.9-3.9% of the injected dose for these prodrugs.
Content and Feedback Analysis of YouTube Videos: Football Clubs and Fans as Brand Communities
Authors: Checchinato Francesca , Disegna Marta , Gazzola Paola 
Published: May 2015

The use of Web 2.0 tools has been transforming the interaction between companies and their clients, especially for those that are selling emotional products. Consumers are generating and sharing contents concerning their favourite products on the web. Even if this process has been widely acknowledged, only a few studies have been specifically devoted to the analysis of both the contents and the feedback the consumers receive from other users. This article analyzes the online presence of sport brands through contents that are generated by sport clubs (official contents) and their fans (User Generated Content, UGC) on YouTube. After a description and classification of video contents, it examines the factors that influence the performance of the videos in terms of passive (videos views) and active behaviour (any kinds of interaction with videos) among the viewers. In order to carry out this analysis, 125 YouTube channels were considered thereby accounting for a total of 375 videos. Results show that official contents are those preferred by the users/consumers and that if the video displays a passive/purely informative content, the chance of getting an active behaviour from the users tends to decrease. These findings may help companies manage their online presence, creating awareness about contents and information that should be spread and shared on the web.