bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Globally Efficient Non-Parametric Inference of Average Treatment Effects by Empirical Balancing Calibration Weighting
Authors: Chan Kwun Chuen Gary , Yam Sheung Chi Phillip , Zhang Zheng 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe estimation of average treatment effects based on observational data is extremely important in practice and has been studied by generations of statisticians under different frameworks. Existing globally efficient estimators require non-parametric estimation of a propensity score function, an outcome regression function or both, but their performance can be poor in practical sample sizes. Without explicitly estimating either function, we consider a wide class of calibration weights constructed to attain an exact three-way balance of the moments of observed covariates among the treated, the control and the combined group. The wide class includes exponential tilting, empirical likelihood and generalized regression as important special cases, and extends survey calibration estimators to different statistical problems and with important distinctions. Global semiparametric efficiency for the estimation of average treatment effects is established for this general class of calibration estimators. The results show that efficiency can be achieved by solely balancing the covariate distributions without resorting to direct estimation of the propensity score or outcome regression function. We also propose a consistent estimator for the efficient asymptotic variance, which does not involve additional functional estimation of either the propensity score or the outcome regression functions. The variance estimator proposed outperforms existing estimators that require a direct approximation of the efficient influence function.
Is a Policy of Free Movement of Workers Sustainable?
Authors: Picard Pierre M. , Worrall Tim 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we study the costs and benefits of the adoption of a policy of free movement of workers. For countries to agree on uncontrolled movements of workers, short‐run costs must be outweighed by the long‐term benefits of better labor‐market flexibility and income smoothing. We show that such a policy is less likely to be adopted when workers are more impatient and less risk‐averse, when production technologies display stronger decreasing returns, and when countries trade a significant share of their products.
On the Estimation Accuracy of Causal Effects using Supplementary Variables
Authors: Kuroki Manabu , Hayashi Takahiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper focuses on a situation in which a set of treatments is associated with a response through a set of supplementary variables in linear models as well as discrete models. Under the situation, we demonstrate that the causal effect can be estimated more accurately from the set of supplementary variables. In addition, we show that the set of supplementary variables can include selection variables and proxy variables as well. Furthermore, we propose selection criteria for supplementary variables based on the estimation accuracy of causal effects. From graph structures based on our results, we can judge certain situations under which the causal effect can be estimated more accurately by supplementary variables and reliably evaluate the causal effects from observed data.
Revision of the Bicyclus sciathis species group (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) with descriptions of four new species and corrected distributional records
Authors: BRATTSTRÖM OSKAR , ADUSE‐POKU KWAKU , COLLINS STEVE C. , DI MICCO DE SANTO TERESA , BRAKEFIELD PAUL M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper we present a thorough revision of the sciathis species group of the butterfly genus Bicyclus (Kirby). Type materials are discussed and in several cases lectotypes are assigned to specimens from original type series. Four new, and morphologically distinct, species are described (B. elishiae Brattström sp.n., B. heathi Brattström sp.n., B. sigiussidorum Brattström sp.n. and B. subtilisurae Brattström sp.n.), along with a comprehensive molecular phylogeny that includes exemplar taxa of all currently recognized species. We also investigate the types of all previously synonymized taxa and in the process invalidate the name B. ewondo Libert. This was done after finding the previously missing holotype of B. makomensis (Strand), which clearly belongs to the same species and thereby gives the older name priority. The phylogeny showed that some distinctly different species were surprisingly closely related, suggesting a high rate of morphological evolution in parts of the sciathis group. The distributional records for the group are updated after investigating over 1700 specimens kept in a range of museum collections. Many species previously thought to be broadly sympatric were found to have much more restricted ranges, with the previous overestimations probably based on misidentified specimens. The higher level of allopatry now established will make identification of many morphologically similar species easier. The fact that species often have smaller ranges than previously known, meaning that the level of endemism for African butterflies is likely to be higher than current estimates, has important implications for conservation management. An identification key for males of all 13 currently recognized species in the species group is included.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:837A9D4C‐779A‐4497‐8176‐7151D409DFA5.
HYPOFRACTIONATED RADIOTHERAPY FOR MACROSCOPIC CANINE SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 50 CASES TREATED WITH A 5 × 6 GY PROTOCOL WITH OR WITHOUT METRONOMIC CHEMOTHERAPY
Authors: Cancedda Simona , Marconato Laura , Meier Valeria , Laganga Paola , Roos Malgorzata , Leone Vito F. , Rossi Federica , Bley Carla Rohrer 
Published: November 2015

Wide surgical resection or a marginal/incomplete resection followed by full‐course radiation therapy is the current standard of care for canine soft tissue sarcoma. The purpose of this retrospective, descriptive, bi‐institutional study was to determine the effectiveness and toxicity of a hypofractionated 5 × 6 Gy protocol on macroscopic canine soft tissue sarcoma in terms of progression‐free interval (PFI) and overall survival (OS), and to identify prognostic factors for patient outcome. Dogs with macroscopic soft tissue sarcoma irradiated with 5 × 6 Gy were eligible for the study. Progression‐free interval and OS were compared with respect to different tumor and patient characteristics by the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Fifty dogs with macroscopic disease were included. All dogs received the same radiation therapy protocol; part of the group (n= 20) received postradiation metronomic chemotherapy. Median PFI for all cases was 419 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 287–551) and median OS was 513 days (95% CI: 368–658). Dogs with tumors on the limbs had significantly longer PFI and OS, compared with head or trunk. Increasing tumor burden decreased OS. The addition of metronomic chemotherapy yielded a significantly longer OS (757 days (95% CI: 570–944) compared with dogs that did not receive systemic treatment (286 days (95% CI: 0–518), (P= 0.023)), but did not influence progression‐free interval. Toxicity was low throughout all treatments. The 5 × 6 Gy radiation therapy protocol was well tolerated and provided long PFI and OS in dogs with macroscopic soft tissue sarcoma.
PRACTICES PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN OUTSOURCING BEST PRACTICES
Authors: Hassan Mohd Ghozali , Ojeniyi Adegoke , Razalli Mohd Rizal 
Published: November 2015

The successful implementation of outsourcing project within the manufacturing industries has lot of benefits to all party involved however, the management of such project come with huge pain and losses to the parties. Thus, this paper explores project management strategies in outsourcing best practices within Malaysia manufacturing sector. The study made use of quantitative research methodology by utilizing questionnaire for data collection through postal survey medium. The Malaysian Electrical and Electronic industries were chosen as the sample population where 865 organizations were considered based on Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer directory. The result of this study identified seven major project management strategies for outsourcing best practices namely communication management, performance management, knowledge transfer management, relationship management, crisis management, risk management and cost management. These strategies will guide the relationship between supplier-manufacturer to ensure best outsourcing practices within the manufacturing sector.
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY, LEAN AND STRATEGIC FLEXIBILY THE SILVER BULLET FOR MALAYSIA LEAN MANUFACTURERS
Authors: Mohamed Ismail Risyawati , Che Razak Razli , Mad Lazim Halim 
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to conceptually propose the elements that constitute an ideal manufacturing strategy framework needed by Malaysian manufacturing sector. Malaysian manufacturing sector has so far underwent various challenges and exhibited fluctuating performance as reaction to these challenges. This paper is the product of an extensive literature review done on previous researches on the subject of manufacturing strategy and performance. In this review, the subject matter was comprehensively studied, and thoroughly discussed from the strategic perspective of Malaysian manufacturing sector. This paper manages to provide a fundamental framework, for expert in the area of manufacturing strategy and performance, emphasising on the complementary effect of multiple strategies on performance. The subject approach is relatively new in Malaysia, however based on previous studies and the critical impact of manufacturing towards the economic health of Malaysia, the sector is in dire need of suitable and favourable manufacturing strategy in order to continue to compete globally. Malaysian manufacturing sector is still lacking of a strategic approach on its national manufacturing direction and guideline, to serve as the launching pad for the sector's sustainable growth. This paper not only ventures into a new perspective of strategy-performance research, but it also explores the possibility of studying different complementing strategies impact on the performance of manufacturers.
ASCENDANCY OF ULTRASONIC REACTOR FOR MICRO BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Authors: Abdullah C. S. , Baluch N. , Mohtar S. 
Published: November 2015

Biodiesel is a form of biofuel; diesel fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled greases. Biodiesel is produced through a process called transesterification which involves taking naturally occurring carbon chain molecules, known as triglycerides, found in such feed stocks as seed oils and animal fats, and converting them into methyl esters, which is the chemical term for biodiesel. The conventional transesterification of the triglycerides to fatty methyl esters and glycerin is slow and not complete. During the conversion process not all fatty acid chains are turned into alkyl esters (biodiesel) reducing biodiesel quality and yield, significantly. In considering a new biodiesel facility or an upgrade of existing biodiesel plant, it is imperative that ultrasonic mixing technology be considered; it is efficient and ideal for micro scale biodiesel processing. This paper infers the efficiency of Ultrasonics for the ultrasonication of liquids and gleans that Ultrasonic cavitational mixing is the most advanced means to form fine-size emulsions at micro processing scale. The paper construes the innovative ascendancy of ‘Ultrasonic Reactor’ for micro scale production of biodiesel and demonstrates that there is a direct link between methanol droplet size, biodiesel yield, and conversion speed which makes ultrasonic reactors the most productive technology in the biodiesel industry. The paper concludes that biofuels are sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and biodiesel is a green energy source for agriculture, transport and power generation at micro level use in rural communities.
Composite dark matter and direct-search experiments
Authors: Wallemacq Quentin 
Published: November 2015

The results of the direct searches for dark matter are reinterpreted in the framework of composite dark matter, i.e. dark matter particles that form neutral bound states, generically called “dark atoms”. Two different scenarios are presented: milli-interacting dark matter and dark anti-atoms. In both of them, dark matter interacts sufficiently strongly with terrestrial matter to be stopped in it before reaching underground detectors, which are typically located at a depth of 1 km. As they drift towards the center of the Earth because of gravity, these thermal dark atoms are radiatively captured by the atoms of the active medium of underground detectors, which causes the emission of photons that produce the signals through their interactions with the electrons of the medium. This provides a way of reinterpreting the results in terms of electron recoils instead of nuclear recoils. The two models involve milli-charges and are able to reconcile the most contradictory experiments. We determine, for each model, the regions in the parameter space that reproduce the experiments with positive results in consistency with the constraints of the experiments with negative results.
Statin Use and Adrenal Aldosterone Production in Hypertensive and Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Baudrand Rene , Pojoga Luminita H. , Vaidya Anand , Garza Amanda E. , Vöhringer Paul A. , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Hopkins Paul N. , Yao Tham M. , Williams Jonathan , Adler Gail K. , Williams Gordon H. 
Published: November 2015

Background—
Statins substantially reduce cardiovascular mortality and appear to have beneficial effects independent of their lipid-lowering properties. We evaluated the hypothesis that statin use may modulate the secretion of aldosterone, a well-known contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

We measured adrenal hormones in 2 intervention studies. In study 1 in hypertensive subjects, aldosterone was analyzed at baseline and after angiotensin II stimulation on both high- and low-sodium diets (1122 observations, 15% on statins for >3 months). Statin users had 33% lower aldosterone levels in adjusted models (
P
<0.001). Cortisol was not modified by statins. In secondary analyses, the lowest aldosterone levels were seen with lipophilic statins and with higher doses. Statin users had lower blood pressure and reduced salt sensitivity of blood pressure (both
P
<0.001). In study 2, aldosterone was measured in diabetic patients on a high-sodium diet, before and after angiotensin II stimulation (143 observations, 79% statin users). Again, statin users had 26% lower aldosterone levels (
P
=0.006), particularly those using lipophilic statins. Ex vivo studies in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells confirmed that lipophilic statins acutely inhibited aldosterone, but not corticosterone, in response to different secretagogues.

Conclusions—
Statin use among hypertensive and diabetic subjects was associated with lower aldosterone secretion in response to angiotensin II and a low-sodium diet in 2 human intervention studies. This effect appeared to be most pronounced with lipophilic statins and higher doses. Future studies to evaluate whether aldosterone inhibition may partially explain the robust cardioprotective effects of statins are warranted.
Reflections on the SAGE Encyclopedia of Action Research and what it says about action research and its methodologies
Authors: Dick Bob 
Published: November 2015

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Action Research consists of 314 entries totalling around 600,000 words by people expert in their topic. What if it was treated as a corpus of data about the current state of action research and related matters? So treated, it can provide a valuable current perspective on what action research is, who uses it for what purpose, and how it is done. A companion paper by Davydd Greenwood reports on what the Encyclopedia has to say about theory in current action research. This paper does the same for action research methodology. I report and reflect on what the Encyclopedia says about the broad family of action research approaches, and its key features of participation, an action orientation, the use of critical reflection and the integration of those features within a cyclic process.
Transplantation of rat embryonic stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells preserves the retinal structure and function in rat retinal degeneration
Authors: Qu Zepeng , Guan Yuan , Cui Lu , Song Jian , Gu Junjie , Zhao Hanzhi , Xu Lei , Lu Lixia , Jin Ying , Xu Guo-Tong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionDegenerative retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the leading cause of blindness. Cell transplantation showed promising therapeutic effect for such diseases, and embryonic stem cell (ESC) is one of the sources of such donor cells. Here, we aimed to generate retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from rat ESCs (rESCs) and to test their therapeutic effects in rat model.MethodsThe rESCs (DA8-16) were cultured in N2B27 medium with 2i, and differentiated to two types of RPCs following the SFEBq method with modifications. For rESC-RPC1, the cells were switched to adherent culture at D10, while for rESC-RPC2, the suspension culture was maintained to D14. Both RPCs were harvested at D16. Primary RPCs were obtained from P1 SD rats, and some of them were labeled with EGFP by infection with lentivirus. To generate Rax::EGFP knock-in rESC lines, TALENs were engineered to facilitate homologous recombination in rESCs, which were cotransfected with the targeting vector and TALEN vectors. The differentiated cells were analyzed with live image, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometric analysis, gene expression microarray, etc. RCS rats were used to mimic the degeneration of retina and test the therapeutic effects of subretinally transplanted donor cells. The structure and function of retina were examined.ResultsWe established two protocols through which two types of rESC-derived RPCs were obtained and both contained committed retina lineage cells and some neural progenitor cells (NPCs). These rESC-derived RPCs survived in the host retinas of RCS rats and protected the retinal structure and function in early stage following the transplantation. However, the glia enriched rESC-RPC1 obtained through early and longer adherent culture only increased the b-wave amplitude at 4 weeks, while the longer suspension culture gave rise to evidently neuronal differentiation in rESC-RPC2 which significantly improved the visual function of RCS rats.ConclusionsWe have successfully differentiated rESCs to glia enriched RPCs and retinal neuron enriched RPCsin vitro. The retinal neuron enriched rESC-RPC2 protected the structure and function of retina in rats with genetic retinal degeneration and could be a candidate cell source for treating some degenerative retinal diseases in human trials.
What is the ideal interval between dressing changes during negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic fractures?
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Hwang K. T. , Kim J. T. , Kim S. W. 
Published: November 2015

Objective: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is effective in infection control during treatment of severe open fractures. However frequent dressing changes during NPWT are costly and cause patient discomfort. If the interval between dressing changes could be extended, these problems would be reduced. In this article we compare the outcomes of open IIIB fractures with 3-day versus 7-day intervals between dressing changes. Method: Patients who sustained Gustilo IIIB open fractures were included. All underwent conventional orthopaedic fixation with delayed latissimus dorsi flap coverage. Group 1 had 3-day intervals between dressing changes and group 2 had 7-day intervals. The final outcomes in the two groups were analysed. Results: There were 38 patients in group 1 and 34 patients in group 2. Although the period between admission and final operation was similar in the two groups, the mean number of NPWT changes was 4.54 in 3 day in group 1 and 1.95 in group 2 (p<0.001). This led to a difference in NPWT-related costs; $341.26 in group 1 and $237.49 in group 2(p<0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of complications such as infection or non-union of fractures. Conclusion: NPWT is useful treatment option for open fractures, to bridge between initial debridement and final microsurgical tissue transfer. Considering patient comfort, the costs related to the NPWT, and the final flap results, a 7-day interval between changes of the NPWT is acceptable.
MENTALIDADE EMPREENDEDORA NO LITORAL NORTE PAULISTA: UMA INVESTIGAÇÃO COM DISCENTES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo de Lima , Araujo Elvira Aparecida Simões de , Oliveira Edson Aparecida de Araujo Querido 
Published: November 2015

A existência de uma mentalidade favorável à atividade empreendedora pode ser considerada como elemento relevante para a geração e desenvolvimento de riqueza. Isso porque a literatura acerca do tema aponta que parte significativa dos empreendimentos nascidos no Brasil é gerada por pequenos empreendedores, que se tornam os grandes propulsores da economia e do desenvolvimento da região. Nesta pesquisa, busca identificar o grau da mentalidade empreendedora dos discentes de cursos presenciais de ensino superior concluintes em 2013, do Litoral Norte Paulista. Esta amostra foi considerada em virtude do alto potencial empreendedor, proveniente do nível educacional e da faixa etária. Para alcançar o objetivo desta produção acadêmica, foram mensurados os componentes da mentalidade empreendedora destes discentes. Quanto maior o percentual de afirmativas positivas, maior o grau de mentalidade empreendedora. A abordagem utilizada foi a quantitativa, por meio de uma pesquisa de campo e empregou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados, um questionário adaptado do estudo sobre mentalidade empreendedora do Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Os dados foram examinados por meio da estatística descritiva. Os resultados alcançados demonstram que os discentes do Litoral Norte possuem elevada mentalidade empreendedora.
Rozvíjení environmentálních postojů z pohledu učitelů na 2. stupni základních škol
Authors: Bartoš Jan , Matějček Tomáš 
Published: November 2015

This paper summarizes the results of original research focused on the issue of environmental attitudes. It concerns qualitative research which has been conducted by semi-structured interviews with 10 respondents (teachers) who are environment education coordinators. Questions were focused on their understanding of the concepts of attitude, beliefs, values and interest. It also ascertained whether respondents considered their teaching systematically focused on the development of environmental attitudes and how they develop the attitudes of pupils. Based on an analysis of the interviews the respondents can be divided into several groups according to several criteria (primarily whether they think about attitudes at a theoretical level and to what extent their plans are put into practice). What impact the introduction of the Framework Educational Programme for Basic Education had on the teaching of attitudes was also observed. Most respondents believe that the introduction of this document does not significantly affect the development of attitudes in teaching. The transfer of attitudes between pupils and their parents was also observed in which the predominant transmission of attitudes was from pupils to their parents.