bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SETI, Evolution and Human History Merged into a Mathematical Model
Authors: Maccone Claudio 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper we propose a new mathematical model capable of merging Darwinian Evolution, Human History and SETI into a single mathematical scheme:(1) Darwinian Evolution over the last 3.5 billion years is defined as one particular realization of a certain stochastic process called Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM). This GBM yields the fluctuations in time of the number of species living on Earth. Its mean value curve is an increasing exponential curve, i.e. the exponential growth of Evolution.(2) In 2008 this author provided the statistical generalization of the Drake equation yielding the number N of communicating ET civilizations in the Galaxy. N was shown to follow the lognormal probability distribution.(3) We call “b-lognormals” those lognormals starting at any positive time b (“birth”) larger than zero. Then the exponential growth curve becomes the geometric locus of the peaks of a one-parameter family of b-lognormals: this is our way to re-define Cladistics.(4) b-lognormals may be also be interpreted as the lifespan of any living being (a cell, or an animal, a plant, a human, or even the historic lifetime of any civilization). Applying this new mathematical apparatus to Human History, leads to the discovery of the exponential progress between Ancient Greece and the current USA as the envelope of all b-lognormals of Western Civilizations over a period of 2500 years.(5) We then invoke Shannon's Information Theory. The b-lognormals' entropy turns out to be the index of “development level” reached by each historic civilization. We thus get a numerical estimate of the entropy difference between any two civilizations, like the Aztec-Spaniard difference in 1519.(6) In conclusion, we have derived a mathematical scheme capable of estimating how much more advanced than Humans an Alien Civilization will be when the SETI scientists will detect the first hints about ETs.
The treatment of depression and simple phobia through an interpreter in the North East of England: a case study
Authors: Mofrad Layla , Webster Lisa A. D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA 35-year-old Middle Eastern woman, experiencing moderate depression compounded by animal phobia was referred to an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. Shared understandings were gradually developed using written functional analyses translated in session. Activity scheduling was integrated with graded exposure to increase access to positive reinforcement. Questionnaires and subjective data indicated a reduction in phobic avoidance and functioning increased. Despite the complexity of working as a triad, a positive therapeutic relationship was achieved with increased mutual cultural understanding. Indirect communication led to difficulties maintaining guided discovery and focus. There is limited evidence to support CBT when delivered through an interpreter. IAPT recommendations suggest staff reflect the community; the North East has one of the lowest foreign-born populations in the UK indicating that IAPT services may be ill prepared to work with ethnic minorities. Learning points for the therapist were: maintain simplicity, take time to formulate incorporation of cultural difference, and use transcultural interventions. The interpreter brought advantages; providing means of communication and understanding of cultural differences. Disadvantages were the potential for bias or lost information, increased time and complexity of delivering therapy. This case indicates a deficit in high intensity training and lack of literature to support therapists.
The Theory of Finance
Authors: King George 
Published: April 2013

1. Capital is wealth appropriated to reproductive employment, and, in the words of the late J. S. Mill, “the gross profit on capital may be distinguished into three parts, which are respectively the remuneration for risk, for trouble, and for the capital itself, and may be called insurance, wages of superintendence, and interest.”It is with the last of these, Interest, that we have at present to do.2. In civilized communities wealth is measured in money, and therefore in our investigations it is of money that we shall speak; but evidently it is immaterial, in laying down general propositions, whether the standard units are of one actual value or of another, so long as we remain consistent with ourselves, and use the same standard throughout. We shall therefore, as the most convenient course to suit all currencies, treat of units of value, without specifying to what currency these units belong.
The Present Position of the Silver Question
Authors: Nicholson J. Shield 
Published: April 2013

The Silver Question, as it is called, like the Land Question and the Labour Question, is really a group of several complex and difficult problems, and it would be absurd to attempt to give in an address of a popular kind an adequate account even of the main issues in the controversy. I have used the term popular with some trepidation, for after many attempts I doubt if it is possible—at any rate for me—to give even the semblance of popularity to the intricacies of the currency. In the whole subject there is, I believe, only one recognised joke, namely, that any considerable attention given to it is sure to end in lunacy, and a good many people imagine that this is not a joke at all, but a very solemn warning. Again, there is no scope for quoting little bits of poetry which are often so effective in popular discourses. The only lines I ever felt inclined to quote are those of the well-worn couplet—He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still.There is no one so stubborn in opinion as the budding lunatic of currency. It is obvious that a problem which in some parts can be most clearly explained by the use of algebraic symbols will not readily lend itself to eloquence, and the statistics of foreign countries are not likely to arouse enthusiasm in the insular mind. In fact, a careful survey of the different devices for making an address popular leads to the conclusion that in currency only one is available. Being the only one, it has naturally been very widely adopted.
The Evolution of Premium Rates, a chapter in the History of Life Insurance
Authors: Sorley James 
Published: April 2013

Gentlemen,—For the honour which you have done me by electing me Honorary President of our Society for the new Session which we inaugurate to-night, I return you my most sincere and cordial thanks. All the more do I appreciate the compliment in that, during the greater portion of my business life, I have been more or less intimately connected with the Societ, and have learned much from the many important papers which have been read at its meetings, and from the discussions which have taken place upon them.It has occurred to me that a fitting subject for this evening would be an historical sketch of the rates of premiums charged for Life Assurances, and a consideration of the grounds upon which such premiums have from time to time been adjusted, together with an examination of tendencies at work which may yet lead to further modifications in our methods or our results.Life Assurance appears to have been practised to a limited extent in the seventeenth century, and earlier part of the eighteenth, as a simple branch of underwriting. Those whose business it was to insure ships against loss at sea, came in due course to be asked to insure also masters of vessels—not against death, but against the risk of their being taken by the Moorish or Turkish pirates, etc., in order that, in such an event, a fund might be available to pay their ransom.
Forms of Life Office Books
Authors: Nicol William Smith 
Published: April 2013

Eleven years have elapsed since anything on the subject of Office Books was before you. Mr. M'Lauchlan's paper, which was read in April 1886, has long since become a classic, and has been of incalculable service as a text-book for the Faculty and Institute Examinations. All-embracing as it is, however, its great scope rendered it impossible to treat, within the limits of one paper, all aspects of Life Office Book-keeping and its kindred topic Life Office Records, so fully as may be done by taking the subjects in sections. I shall be glad, therefore, if my contribution be looked upon as a practical tribute of my sense of indebtedness to Mr. M'Lauchlan's paper, and as an attempt to expand a small portion of it. I hope my example may be the means of inducing others to do likewise.Mr. R. P. Hardy recently said (J.I.A., vol. xxxii, p. 443) that to frame a scheme of books and forms that were at once analytical and interlocking, presenting at the same time the maximum of convenience for the needs of to-day, encumbered by the mere minimum of what was indispensable for the emerging wants of the future, was in itself a liberal and highly stimulating education.
Has Improved Hand Hygiene Compliance Reduced the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections among Hospitalized Patients in Ontario? Analysis of Publicly Reported Patient Safety Data from 2008 to 2011
Authors: DiDiodato Giulio 
Published: April 2013

Design.Prospective, observational, ecological, time series, cross-sectional study examining the association between hand hygiene compliance (HHC) rates and the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.Setting.Acute care hospitals (N = 166) located in the province of Ontario, Canada.Methods.All data were extracted from the Ontario patient safety indicator database (http://www.hqontario.ca/public-reporting/patient-safety). Complete data were available for 166 acute care hospitals from October 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. The rates of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are reported monthly, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia quarterly, and HHC rates yearly. Trends and associations for each indicator were evaluated by ordinary least squares regression (HHC), zero-inflated Poisson regression (MRSA bacteremia), or Poisson regression (CDI). Dependent variables included in the regression analyses were extracted from the same database and included year, healthcare region, and type of hospital (teaching or small or large community).Results.Compared to those in 2008, reported HHC rates improved every year both before and after environment/patient contact (range, 10.6%–25.3%). Compared to those in 2008, there was no corresponding change in the rates of MRSA bacteremia; however, the rates of CDI decreased in 2009 but were not statistically significantly decreased from baseline in either 2010 or 2011. No consistent association was demonstrated between changes in the rates of HHC and these two healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).Conclusions.Despite significant improvements in reported rates of HHC among healthcare personnel in Ontario's hospitals, we could not demonstrate a positive ecological impact on rates of these two HAIs.
The effect of long‐term left ventricular assist device support on myocardial sympathetic activity in patients with non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: George Robert S. , Birks Emma J. , Cheetham Andrew , Webb Carole , Smolenski Ryszad T. , Khaghani Asghar , Yacoub Magdi H. , Kelion Andrew 
Published: April 2013

AimsDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients have abundant levels of norepinephrine secondary to failure of the norepinephrine transporter uptake mechanism. Little is known about the effects of an LV assist device (LVAD) on cardiac sympathetic innervations and norepinephrine transporter dysfunction. This study examines the effects of continuous‐flow HeartMate II LVAD on cardiac sympathetic innervations using [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine ([123I]MIBG) nuclear imaging.Methods and resultsAfter injecting 431 ± 21 MBq of [123I]MIBG, planar scintigraphy was performed at 15 min and 4 h in 14 consecutive non‐diabetic non‐ischaemic DCM patients. Scans were executed early post‐LVAD implantation (T1) and prior to either device explantation for myocardial recovery or transplant listing (T2). [123I]MIBG measured parameters included early and delayed heart–mediastinum (H/M) ratios and washout rate (W/O). Catecholamine levels were measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Following 208.4 ± 85.5 days of LVAD support, both early and delayed H/M ratios increased by 42.1% (P < 0.001) and 54.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. The W/O rate decreased by 46% (P = 0.003). Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine decreased significantly in correlation with [123I]MIBG parameters. Ten patients had recovered and had their device explanted as they had demonstrated a higher percentage change in delayed H/M ratio, W/O rate, and norepinephrine levels. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between percentage changes in both norepinephrine and epinephrine and myocardial recovery.ConclusionCombination therapy with LVAD and drug resulted in enhancement of [123I]MIBG uptake in DCM patients.
The Thoracic Lordosis Correction Improves Sacral Slope and Walking Ability in Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Authors: Kim Do Yeon , Moon Eun Su , Park Jin Oh , Chong Hyon Su , Lee Hwan Mo , Moon Seong Hwan , Kim Sung Hoon , Kim Hak Sun 
Published: April 2013

Study Design:
Retrospective study.

Objective:
To report on neuromuscular patients with preserved walking ability, but forward bending of the body due to thoracic lordosis, and to suggest thoracic lordosis correction as the surgical treatment.

Summary of Background Data:
It is an established fact that lumbar lordosis or pelvic parameter is directly related to thoracic sagittal balance. However, the reverse relationship has not been fully defined yet. Loss of thoracic kyphosis results in positive sagittal balance, which causes walking difficulty. Neuromuscular patients with thoracic lordosis have not been reported yet, and there have been no reports on their surgical treatments.

Methods:
This study analyzed 8 patients treated with thoracic lordosis correction surgery. Every patient was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. In thoracic lordosis correction surgery, anterior release was performed in the first stage and posterior segmental instrumentation was performed in the second stage. Radiographic parameters were compared and walking ability was evaluated with gait analysis. All patients were classified according to the modified Rancho Los Amigos Hospital system preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively to evaluate functional ability. The average follow-up period was 2.9 years.

Results:
Before surgery, the mean thoracic sagittal alignment was −2.1-degree lordosis, the mean Cobb angle and sacral slope increased to 36.3 and 56.6 degrees, respectively. The anterior pelvic tilt in gait analysis was 29.3 degrees. At last follow-up after surgery, the mean thoracic sagittal alignment changed to 12.6-degree kyphosis, and the Cobb angle and sacral slope decreased to 18.9 and 39.5 degrees, respectively. Lumbar lordosis and the sacral slope showed significant positive correlation (P<0.001). The improvement in thoracic lordosis showed a significant correlation to the preoperative flexibility of the major curve (P=0.028). The anterior pelvic tilt in gait analysis improved to 15.4 degrees. The functional ability improved in 2 (50%) of 4 patients in class 2 and maintained in remaining 6 patients 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions:
Thoracic lordosis correction surgery in neuromuscular scoliosis patients with thoracic lordosis improved the sacral slope in the standing position and the anterior pelvic tilt in gait. Sagittal imbalance was compensated by the spinopelvic mechanism, and back and hip extensor muscles seem to play a major role in this compensation.
Autonomous golf ball picking robot design and development
Authors: Pereira Nino , Ribeiro Fernando , Lopes Gil , Whitney Daniel , Lino Jorge 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the methodology and the results on the design and development of an autonomous, golf ball picking robot, for driving ranges.Design/methodology/approachThe strategy followed to develop a commercial product is presented, based on prior identification requirements, which consist of picking up golf balls on a driving range in a safe and efficient way.FindingsA fully working prototype robot has been developed. It uses two driving wheels and a third cast wheel, and pushes a standard gang which collects the balls from the ground. A hybrid information system was implemented in order to provide a statistically relevant prediction of golf balls location, to optimize the path the robot has to follow in order to reduce time and cost. Autonomous navigation was developed and tested on a simulation environment.Research limitations/implicationsPreliminary results showed that the new path planning algorithm Twin‐RRT* is able to form closed loop trajectories and improve the result over time. Kinematic constraints were already taken into account on the algorithm. This sampling based algorithm has potential usage in solving other TPP (Travelling Purchaser Problem) related problems.Practical implicationsThe prototype feasibility is being tested in real driving ranges. It has autonomy of up to 8 h per day. It is capable of collecting up to 1,200 balls in one single journey. It weighs 130 kg and is capable of climbing slopes of up to 22°. The maximum speed is 8 km/h and the robot takes 140 min to completely sweep a 25,000 m2 field at 7.2 km/h (2 m/s) average speed.Social implicationsThere are about 30,000 golf practice fields, of which 18,000 are located in the USA and Canada. In some countries the golf industry represents more than 15 per cent of tourism GNP. In a typical practice field, about 10,000 balls have to be picked up every day.Originality/valueAn important contribution of this paper is the algorithm for path planning in order to optimize the ball pick up task, reducing time and cost. There are two patents are pending concerning the technological novelties of this work.
Control investigation of a customizable/adjustable exoskeleton upper‐limb
Authors: Stopforth Riaan 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical, kinematic and biological aspects that would be required for a customized upper limb exoskeleton prototype operation.Design/methodology/approachThe research contained a literature survey, design, simulation, development and testing of an exoskeleton arm.FindingsAn adjustable/customizable exoskeleton arm was developed with a kinematic model to allow the desired motion. Tests were performed to determine the feasibility of the system.Originality/valueThe paper shows how the authors researched, designed and developed an exoskeleton arm that had similar mechanical properties to those of a biological arm. The exoskeleton must allow customization and be adaptable to the operator, without the need for major alterations.
Re‐thinking the role of the corporate sector in international development
Authors: Davis Peter 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper explores the paradigm of international development that has persisted for the past five decades, and asks whether a fresh approach is needed – one that builds on the developmental potential of the corporate sector, not just on donor aid.Design/methodology/approachThis article explores both how corporations contribute to development and also the challenges in incorporating them into the wider processes of international development. This is achieved through the examination of two key sets of literature. The first is that regarding the effectiveness of the existing approach to international development. The second, smaller but growing, explores the impact that the corporate sector has had on raising countries out of poverty.FindingsThis paper finds that despite the cost and effort, most developing countries remain just that – developing. Where countries have developed, there is strong evidence to suggest that this has been the result, not of international aid, but of a thriving corporate sector. Yet companies remain outside the prevailing development paradigm, and their contribution to lifting countries out of poverty remains poorly understood. This paper makes a number of recommendations in relation to further research that is needed, and also policy approaches that need to be explored.Research limitations/implicationsIt is apparent from this paper that more and detailed scholarly work is needed to improve further our understanding of how companies contribute to development.Practical implicationsFor policy makers this paper demonstrates an urgent need to develop better and more thorough‐going processes to engage with the corporate sector.Originality/valueThe role that companies play in international development remains under‐explored. This paper is therefore a novel contribution to this debate, and one that has significant implications for both the academic and policy communities.
Novel linkages for development: corporate social responsibility, law and governance: exploring the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill
Authors: Okoye Adaeze 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the question of the role of business in development from a contextual point of view. The context is Nigeria and its development challenges contrasted with the Nigerian oil industry, which dominates the Nigerian economy as the core resource. It examines the country's attempt to reconnect the oil industry business with development through the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).Design/methodology/approachThis paper primarily examines the attempt to re‐orient the oil industry in Nigeria through the Nigerian PIB. It adopts a conceptual approach analyzing the current debates and delays surrounding the bill in line with themes of human development and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It therefore examines and questions the linkages between business, development, law and governance.FindingsThe main findings suggest that development is best viewed in context of the needs of the relevant country and therefore if corporations through CSR are to engage more meaningfully with the developmental agenda then it must move beyond “self‐interested” models of CSR and engage meaningfully and fairly with facilitative frameworks in the “local” contexts, including the use of law.Originality/valueThis paper is an exploratory discussion that examines the potential and limitations of linking business to development agendas in an ongoing context. This is because the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill, originally drafted in 2008, has not yet passed into law at the end of 2011. This is the result of delays and uncertainty, which is costing the industry and the country significantly at a time when the developmental needs are paramount.