Showing papers by "University of Hartford published in 2015"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on two under-researched areas of tourism management, namely, the management of music festivals and the influence of social media on customer relationships.
390 citations
TL;DR: CoQ10 supplementation does not reduce muscle pain in patients with statin myalgia and a similar lack of CoQ10 effect was observed in 24 subjects who were then crossed over to the alternative treatment.
162 citations
TL;DR: In this article, single-lap direct-shear tests were carried out on FRCM strips, comprised of one layer of fiber net embedded within two layers of matrix, bonded to a concrete block.
Abstract: Fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites represent a newly developed promising technique for strengthening RC structures. The FRCM composites are comprised of high-strength fibers applied to the concrete substrate through an inorganic cementitious matrix. In this work, single-lap direct-shear tests were carried out on FRCM strips, comprised of one layer of fiber net embedded within two layers of matrix, bonded to a concrete block. The weakness of FRCM-concrete joints was observed to be the debonding at the matrix-fiber interface. The experimental results indicated that the role of each matrix layer is different. The stress-transfer mechanism between the fiber filaments and the matrix layers on either side of the fiber net was studied by means of a fracture mechanics approach, and three models of the interfacial cohesive material law were proposed for each matrix-fiber interface.
94 citations
TL;DR: This study provides evidence of differing trajectories in AAA expansion over time, a finding that merits further investigation and smoking cessation and control of diastolic blood pressure are direct actions that should be taken to reduce the rate of AAA expansion.
Abstract: Importance Because of the high mortality rate after rupture of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), surveillance is recommended to detect aneurysm expansion; however, the effects of clinical risk factors on long-term patterns of AAA expansion are poorly characterized. Objective To identify significant clinical risk factors associated with the AAA expansion rate for both constant and accelerated expansion trajectories. Design, Setting, and Participants A multivariate mixed-effects model was established to identify clinical risk factors associated with the AAA expansion rate. Separate shape factor analysis was used to characterize steady vs accelerated expansion over time. Five hundred sixty-seven patients hospitalized at Veterans Affairs medical centers were randomized to the surveillance arm of the Aneurysm Detection and Management (ADAM) study conducted by the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program from 1992 to 2000. The patients had an AAA with a maximum diameter from 3.0 to 5.4 cm, which was monitored until a 5.5-cm maximum diameter was reached or the aneurysm became symptomatic. Thirty-three participants were not included in this analysis owing to missing or extraneous values in key predictor variables. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 3.7 (2.0) years. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was the AAA expansion rate, determined by measurement of the maximum diameter by ultrasonography at regular intervals. The objective to assess the association of clinical variables with the expansion of the AAA was formulated after data collection. Results The mean (SD) linear expansion rate of AAAs was 0.26 (0.01) cm/y. Current smoking was associated with a 0.05 (0.01)–cm/y increase in the linear expansion rate (95% CI, 0.25-0.28; P P = .001), and diabetes mellitus with a 0.11 (0.02)–cm/y decrease (95% CI, 0.07-0.16; P P = .001 and P Conclusions and Relevance Smoking cessation and control of diastolic blood pressure are direct actions that should be taken to reduce the rate of AAA expansion. Other clinical risk factors, except for diabetes, were not associated with the AAA expansion rate. This study also provides evidence of differing trajectories in AAA expansion over time, a finding that merits further investigation.
92 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that trunk control is acquired in a segmental sequence across the development of upright sitting, and it is tightly correlated with reaching performance.
Abstract: The development of reaching is crucially dependent on the progressive control of the trunk, yet their interrelation has not been addressed in detail. Previous studies on seated reaching evaluated infants during fully supported or unsupported conditions; however, trunk control is progressively developed, starting from the cervical/thoracic followed by the lumbar/pelvic regions for the acquisition of independent sitting. Providing external trunk support at different levels to test the effects of controlling the upper and lower regions of the trunk on reaching provides insight into the mechanisms by which trunk control impacts reaching in infants. Ten healthy infants were recruited at 2.5 months of age and tested longitudinally, until 8 months. During the reaching test, infants were placed in an upright seated position and an adjustable support device provided trunk fixation at pelvic and thoracic levels. Kinematic and electromyographic data were collected. Results showed that prior to independent sitting, postural instability was higher when infants were provided with pelvic compared to thoracic support. Associated reaches were more circuitous, less smooth and less efficient. In response to the instability, there was increased postural muscle activity and arm muscle co-activation. Differences between levels of support were not observed once infants acquired independent sitting. These results suggest that trunk control is acquired in a segmental sequence across the development of upright sitting, and it is tightly correlated with reaching performance.
71 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that a brief, voluntary mind-body skills workshop specifically adapted for medical students is feasible, acceptable, and effective for reducing stress, increasing mindfulness, and enhancing student self-care.
Abstract: Objective Despite the well-known stress of medical school, including adverse consequences for mental and behavioral health, there is little consensus about how to best intervene in a way that accommodates students׳ intense training demands, interest in science, and desire to avoid being stigmatized. The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of an adapted, four-week stress management and self-care workshop for medical students, which was based on the science and practice of mind–body medicine. Methods The current study used a prospective, observational, and mixed methods design, with pretest and posttest evaluations. Participants ( n = 44) included medical and physician-scientist (MD/PhD) students from a large, southeastern medical school. Feasibility was assessed by rates of workshop enrollment and completion. Acceptability was assessed using qualitative ratings and open-ended responses that queried perceived value of the workshop. Quantitative outcomes included students׳ ratings of stress and mindfulness using validated self-report surveys. Results Enrollment progressively increased from 6 to 15 to 23 students per workshop in 2007, 2009, and 2011, respectively. Of the 44 enrolled students, 36 (82%) completed the workshop, indicating that the four-session extracurricular format was feasible for most students. Students reported that the workshop was acceptable, stating that it helped them cope more skillfully with the stress and emotional challenges of medical school, and helped increase self-care behaviors, such as exercise, sleep, and engaging in social support. Students also reported a 32% decrease in perceived stress ( P d = 1.38) and a 16% increase in mindfulness ( P d = 0.92) following the workshop. Changes in stress and mindfulness were significantly correlated ( r = −0.42; P = .01). Conclusion Together, these findings suggest that a brief, voluntary mind–body skills workshop specifically adapted for medical students is feasible, acceptable, and effective for reducing stress, increasing mindfulness, and enhancing student self-care.
69 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between segmental control of the trunk and the corresponding gross motor function in children with CP.
Abstract: AIM Improvement of gross motor function and mobility are primary goals of physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between segmental control of the trunk and the corresponding gross motor function in children with CP. METHOD This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on 92 consecutive referrals of children with CP in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V, 39 females, 53 males (median age 4y [range 1–14y]), and 77, 12, and 3 with spastic, dyskinetic, and ataxic CP respectively. The participants were tested using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo). RESULTS Linear regression analysis showed a positive relationship between the segmental level of trunk control and age, with both gross motor function and mobility. Segmental trunk control measured using the SATCo could explain between 38% and 40% of variation in GMFM and between 32% and 37% of variation in PEDI. INTERPRETATION This study suggests a strong association between segmental trunk postural control and gross motor function and mobility with significant clinical implications for the treatment of children with CP. One of the more recent and cited definitions of cerebral palsy (CP) includes the phrase ‘a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture’. 1 This disorder in the development of movement and posture produces a corresponding reduction in mobility, selfcare, and social function 2 in children with CP. Training interventions aim at improving the child’s motor function in the hope that this will improve the child’s levels of activity and participation, thus enhancing the child’s quality of life. There are a great variety of training interventions used by therapists to improve motor function by identifying and modifying deficits in the child’s motor system. A number of studies have shown a significant relationship between motor function and various impairments such as spasticity, quality of movement, postural stability, distribution of involvement, strength, range of motion limitations, and reduced endurance. 3,4 A review of the assessment of postural control in children with CP concluded that a link between postural control and functionality was evident but that there was a lack of studies assessing postural control by means of scales and functional tests or during daily functional activities. 5 One recent study has addressed this link between trunk control in sitting and gait in children with spastic diplegia and concluded that trunk movements during gait were not solely compensatory, but could also reflect an underlying trunk control deficit. 6 Another study from the same group concluded that trunk control is impaired in children with CP, and that the impairment is dependent on the topography and severity of the motor impairment. 7
67 citations
TL;DR: In a day when many are fatigued with discourse on racism, discrimination, and inequality, others face a socially and politically trenchant White backlash against the gains of the civil rights movement as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In a day when many are fatigued with discourse on racism, discrimination, and inequality but others face a socially and politically trenchant White backlash against the gains of the civil rights mo...
58 citations
12 Jun 2015
TL;DR: It is argued that ethically significant behavior of autonomous systems can be guided by explicit ethical principles abstracted from a consensus of ethicists.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to propose a paradigm of case-supported principle-based behavior (CPB) to help ensure ethical behavior of autonomous machines. The requirements, methods, implementation and evaluation components of the CPB paradigm are detailed. Design/methodology/approach – The authors argue that ethically significant behavior of autonomous systems can be guided by explicit ethical principles abstracted from a consensus of ethicists. Particular cases of ethical dilemmas where ethicists agree on the ethically relevant features and the right course of action are used to help discover principles needed for ethical guidance of the behavior of autonomous systems. Findings – Such a consensus, along with its corresponding principle, is likely to emerge in many areas in which autonomous systems are apt to be deployed and for the actions they are liable to undertake, as we are more likely to agree on how machines ought to treat us than on how human beings ought to treat one another. Practical implication...
55 citations
TL;DR: The Incredible Years (IY) parent, teacher, and child training series, developed by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, has been studied extensively over the past several decades by the developer, her associates, and by other researchers as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Incredible Years (IY) parent, teacher, and child training series, developed by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, has been studied extensively over the past several decades by the developer, her associates, and by other researchers. While Webster-Stratton has recently summarized much of her work, this paper provides a brief description of the IY programs and focuses on studies published by independent researchers. We review peer-reviewed papers that included either a control group or another intervention group in their design, with particular attention to each training program, combinations of training programs, multicultural applications, and interventions with special populations (e.g., foster parents, children with neurodevelopmental disorders). We also consider the literature on cost-benefit analyses of the program. There is solid evidence for the training program for parents of young children, and the literature provides support for its international applicability, but there is a paucity of independent research addressing the parent programs for children of other ages, the teacher program, the Dina Dinosaur program for young children, and combined programs. We conclude the review with directions for future research and a discussion of the limitations of our own review.
54 citations
TL;DR: In a 2-wave study of 161 human service employees, it was found that individuals high in positive affectivity were more likely to experience both work-to-family and family to-work enrichment, whereas those with preferences toward integration were morelikely to experience work- to-family enrichment (but not family to -work enrichment).
Abstract: More individuals than ever are managing work and family roles, but relatively little research has been done exploring whether boundary preferences help individuals benefit from multiple role memberships. Drawing on Greenhaus and Powell's (2006) work-family enrichment theory, along with Boundary Theory (Ashforth, Kreiner, & Fugate, 2000) and Conservation of Resources Theory (Hobfoll, 2002), we explore the impact of personal characteristics as enablers of work-family enrichment, and in turn, work outcomes relevant to human service workers: turnover intentions and emotional exhaustion. In a 2-wave study of 161 human service employees, we found that individuals high in positive affectivity were more likely to experience both work-to-family and family to-work enrichment, whereas those with preferences toward integration were more likely to experience work-to-family enrichment (but not family to-work enrichment). In turn, work-to-family enrichment (but not family to-work enrichment) was related to lower turnover intentions and emotional exhaustion. Enrichment served as a mediating mechanism for only some of the hypothesized relationships. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine expectations that romantic partners have of cell phone usage during time spent together and how they manage violations of expectations, using Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT; Burgoon, 1978) as the analytical framework.
Abstract: Cell phones are essential in maintaining ties with romantic partners but they can also detract from quality time we spend with them. The purpose of this study was to examine expectations that romantic partners have of cell phone usage during time spent together and how they manage violations of expectations. Using Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT; Burgoon, 1978) as the analytical framework, in-depth, qualitative analysis of transcripts of focus groups with college students (N = 51) revealed that participants have expectations for undivided attention on formal dates and when spending intimate time together and divided attention when informally “hanging out” with one another. In addition, results identified ways that individuals respond to expectancy violations and manage their expectations with romantic partners.
TL;DR: There are likely multiple and interactive mechanisms underlying statin myalgia, and recent studies have produced equivocal data regarding prevalence of statin-associated muscle side-effects, contributing factors and effectiveness of common interventions.
Abstract: Purpose of reviewThis article highlights the recent findings regarding statin-associated muscle side effects, including mechanisms and treatment as well as the need for more comprehensive clinical trials in statin myalgia.Recent findingsStatin myalgia is difficult to diagnose and treat, as major cli
TL;DR: The results show that C. elegans undergo significant metabolic and defense response changes when the maintenance temperature fluctuates within the physiological range and that the degree of pathogenicity of the bacterial diet can further alter the worm transcriptome.
Abstract: The transcriptomes of model organisms have been defined under specific laboratory growth conditions. The standard protocol for Caenorhabditis elegans growth and maintenance is 20°C on an Escherichia coli diet. Temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C or feeding with other species of bacteria are considered physiological conditions, but the effect of these conditions on the worm transcriptome has not been well characterized. Here, we compare the global gene expression profile for the reference Caenorhabditis elegans strain (N2) grown at 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C on two different diets, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. When C. elegans were fed E. coli and the growth temperature was increased, we observed an enhancement of defense response pathways and down-regulation of genes associated with metabolic functions. However, when C. elegans were fed B. subtilis and the growth temperature was increased, the nematodes exhibited a decrease in defense response pathways and an enhancement of expression of genes associated with metabolic functions. Our results show that C. elegans undergo significant metabolic and defense response changes when the maintenance temperature fluctuates within the physiological range and that the degree of pathogenicity of the bacterial diet can further alter the worm transcriptome.
28 Feb 2015
TL;DR: A first design-based research (DBR) pilot deployment of TrACE is examined in two post-secondary courses, indicating that students do take advantage of the system's affordances to interact in meaningful ways, though overall student annotation authoring was limited.
Abstract: The use of multimedia content such as video is becoming more prevalent in educational environments. However, current platforms for hosting these media provide few collaborative tools to foster social learning between students or request help from instructors. In this paper, we explore the potential of spatiotemporal anchored collaboration, and we present a prototype media-playback environment called TrACE that exemplifies the approach. We examine a first design-based research (DBR) pilot deployment of TrACE in two post-secondary courses. Results indicate that students do take advantage of the system's affordances to interact in meaningful ways, though overall student annotation authoring was limited. Using the pilot data, we propose socio-technical modifications for the next iteration in the DBR cycle. Specifically we focus on tools to support instructors' use of the system and for promoting collaboration between students.
TL;DR: This paper analyzed how faculty, staff and students at one American University define the term sustainability and found that their definitions do not rate highly when compared to a list of the most frequent words from published definitions, but examining them more closely highlights nuances in understanding.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze how faculty, staff and students at one American University define the term sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyze student, staff and faculty definitions by comparing word frequency counts to a list of the 25 most frequently found words in over 100 definitions of sustainability. Next, the authors analyze the definitions through content analysis, producing a list of emergent themes. Findings – The authors find that our definitions do not rate highly when compared to a list of the most frequent words from published definitions, but examining them more closely highlights nuances in understanding. Research limitations/implications – These results can only speak to one university’s population, but may be similar to that of comparable schools. Further studies should include comparisons to a range of campus communities, including environmental leaders and laggards. Practical implications – Administrators and educators at institutes of hi...
TL;DR: The authors investigated the influence of specific macro-level socio-cultural and business ideology factors upon the triple-bottom-line of corporate responsibility (CR) across the BRIC countries, and investigated the meso-level trending similarities/differences in CR attitudes within and across these countries for both present generation and future generation business professionals.
Abstract: Research on corporate responsibility (CR), a topic that has grown in importance over the past few decades, has focused primarily on developed countries. In this study, we look to the future and direct our attention to the values/attitudes of business professionals in two high-growth economies of the Asia Pacific; namely, China and India. These two countries, coupled with Brazil and Russia, make up the BRIC countries, which together and individually are increasingly becoming integral members of the global economic powerbase. Our attention in this paper is upon the triple-bottom-line—economic, social, and environmental—of CR. Using crossvergence theory as our theoretical foundation, we investigate the influence of specific macro-level socio-cultural and business ideology factors upon the triple-bottom-line of CR across the BRICs. We also investigated the meso-level trending similarities/differences in CR attitudes within and across these countries for both present generation and future generation business professionals. At the macro-level, we found that socio-cultural values were the best predictor of CR attitudes. At the generational level, we found that the future generation in these developing/transitioning countries placed more importance on economic CR than on social or environmental CR. In sum, the BRIC countries provide potentially fruitful contexts for future research, for which this study lays a foundation.
TL;DR: In a prevention program for first-time families, DV, paternal risk, maternal criminal history, and an increased number of caregivers were associated with maltreatment outcomes in families in Connecticut's child abuse prevention program.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the psychosocial and instructional consequences of test-based accountability policies and the role that school psychologists may have in supporting schools and teachers in promoting student learning, test performance, and educational advancement.
Abstract: Despite the recent rollout of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), CCSS-aligned assessments, and test-based teacher evaluation systems, questions remain regarding the impact that these accountability policies will have on teachers and students. This article discusses the psychosocial and instructional consequences of test-based accountability policies and the role that school psychologists may have in supporting schools and teachers. Research on the influence of high-stakes testing and accountability practices on teacher well-being and stress is first reviewed. Then, research on the use of counterproductive instructional practices and the impact of these counterproductive instructional practices on student learning, test performance, and educational advancement is discussed. School psychologists may provide leadership, consultation, and support to assist schools and teachers in promoting student learning and addressing expected and unexpected challenges faced by the new policies and practices resulting from the CCSS and CCSS-aligned assessments.
TL;DR: It is found that being in an honors class significantly predicts learning gains but being in a non-honors SimCalc class significantly predict learning gains versus all other groups, and significant effects of treatment on difference scores for problems which demanded simple procedural approaches and those that demanded complex conceptual understanding.
Abstract: We report on two large studies conducted in advanced algebra classrooms in the US, which evaluated the effect of replacing traditional algebra 2 curriculum with an integrated suite of dynamic interactive software, wireless networks and technology-enhanced curriculum on student learning. The first study was a cluster randomized trial and the second was a quasi-experimental replication study using a subset of the original treatment teachers. Both studies demonstrated significant impact on student learning of core algebra concepts including both procedural and conceptual problems. Various variables were modeled to understand the impact of such an intervention including demographic factors and class level. We found that being in an honors class significantly predicts learning gains but being in a non-honors SimCalc class significantly predicts learning gains versus all other groups. We also found significant effects of treatment on difference scores for problems which demanded simple procedural approaches and those that demanded complex conceptual understanding.
TL;DR: The results indicate that after a short-term treatment with statin therapy, a rigorous muscle strength protocol does not show decrements of muscle strength in subjects withstatin myalgia, and future studies should examine the effects of prolongedstatin therapy on muscle strength.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey was developed to assess brand awareness of Portuguese green wine brands and brand personality using Aaker's brand personality framework and multiple correspondence analysis was used in this study to present the relative positioning of the top-of-mind green wine labels.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine brand knowledge of wines produced in a selected Portuguese viticulture area. More specifically, we intend to understand how consumers organise brands that have the highest awareness in their memory in terms of perceived personality traits. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was developed to assess brand awareness of Portuguese green wine brands and brand personality using Aaker’s brand personality framework. Multiple correspondence analysis was used in this study to present the relative positioning of the top-of-mind green wine brands. Findings – Despite the large number of green wine brands available on the market, six brands dominate in terms of brand awareness. Top-of-mind green wine brands are marked with clear and distinctive brand personality, and a small subset of brand personality attributes serve as significant criteria for brand positioning. Practical implications – The results of the present study could be beneficial for academics and practi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on the perceptions of elementary teachers from the same teacher education program that educates linguistically diverse students (LDS) they educate, which have particular implications for the learners they educate.
Abstract: In order to understand teacher practice and learning, teachers' social activities, previous experiences, and teaching context must be considered Sociocultural theory (SCT) provides a lens to examine these interactions, founded on the belief that "higher-order mental functions, including voluntary memory, logical thought, learning, and attention, are organized and amplified through participation in culturally organized activity" (Lantolf & Thorne, 2007, p 220) On a daily basis, teachers are participating in one of society's largest culturally organized activity--schooling Nested within school cultures are diverse students and families, including those who are linguistically diverse Therefore, teachers' perceptions are ongoing, derived from their interactions within their school context, which have particular implications for the linguistically diverse students (LDS) they educate This article reports on the perceptions of elementary teachers from the same teacher education program that educates LDS Definitions Before beginning a discussion about linguistically diverse students and the teachers who serve them, it is important to operationalize the definitions integral to this discussion A linguistically diverse student (LDS) is defined as a student who, at the very least, speaks a language other than English Some LDS also possess literacy skills in their heritage languages Finally, a LDS is a student who is learning English in the US educational system Linguistically diverse students represent a group of high, middle, and low achieving students (Suarez-Orozco & Suarez-Orozco, 2001) Low achievers often perform much lower relative to their monolingual peers and higher achieving LDS show performance trends that are much higher than monolingual peers Their presence in schools expand traditional notions of the normal distribution curve (Dudley-Marling & Gurn, 2010), meaning LDS under- and over-perform compared to their monolingual peers, expanding the tails of the curve "Linguistically diverse" is an encompassing term that includes other, more narrowly defined terms For example, LDS are often referred to as English Language Learners (ELLs), English as Second Language (ESL) students, bilingual learners (BLs), language minority (LM) students, and/or limited English proficiency (LEP) students LEP refers to the limited English proficiency of a student, according to the US Department of Education BLs are defined as students who are developing proficiency and use of more than one language (Brisk & Harrington, 2000) All of the different definitions offered above are distinctive (eg, not all BLs are ELLs), however, the term LDS provides a broader umbrella, a perspective characterizing the individuality of each LDS Broader US Context From 1980 and 2009, the number of school-aged (5-17 years old) students who spoke a language other than English at home increased from 47 to 112 million (US Department of Education, 2011) and 21 percent of the school-aged population were defined as ELLs These demographics and recent policy changes create additional layers of pressure and accountability for both teachers and students For example, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) requires that immigrants be tested in English three years after their arrival to the US Combined with the waning of native language (L1) instruction in states like Massachusetts, Arizona and California, NCLB creates an environment where teachers must provide the vast majority of instruction in English while preparing LDS to be successful with federal and state assessments While bilingual education has been shown to have positive implications for both learning English and developing a student's L1 (Cheung & Slavin, 2005; Cummins, 2000; Krashen, 2003; Oller & Eilers, 2002; Rolstad, Mahoney, & Glass, 2005), public opinion of bilingual education continues to be negative (Crawford & Krashen, 2007) …
TL;DR: The National Strength and Conditioning Association's resistance training guidelines for youth are discussed as specifically related to optimal dosing for muscle strength versus muscle power.
TL;DR: Evidence of direct mortality due to systemic lesions associated with retained fishing gear in a prohibited shark species is provided and impact of delayed post-release mortality on shark populations is an important consideration.
Abstract: A female longfin mako shark Isurus paucus (Guitart-Manday, 1966) was found moribund on the Atlantic Ocean beach near Canaveral National Seashore, Florida; the shark died shortly after stranding. Macroscopic lesions included a partially healed bite mark on the left pectoral fin, a clefted snout, pericardial effusion and a pericardial mass surrounding a 12/0 circle fishing hook. The heart, pericardial mass, gills, ovary, oviduct, shell gland, epigonal organ, liver, kidney and intrarenal and interrenal glands were processed for histopathology and examined by brightfield microscopy. Microscopic examination revealed chronic proliferative and pyogranulomatous pericarditis and myocarditis with rhabdomyolysis, fibrosis and thrombosis; scant bacteria and multifocal granular deposits of iron were found intralesionally. In addition, acute, multifocal infarcts within the epigonal organ and gill filaments were found in association with emboli formed by necrocellular material. The ovary had high numbers of atretic follicles, and the liver had diffuse, severe hepatocellular degeneration, multifocal spongiosis and moderate numbers of melanomacrophage cells. This report provides evidence of direct mortality due to systemic lesions associated with retained fishing gear in a prohibited shark species. Due to the large numbers of sharks released from both recreational and commercial fisheries worldwide, impact of delayed post-release mortality on shark populations is an important consideration.
TL;DR: The use of external perturbations supported the idea that certain differences in balance control mechanisms can only be detected in more challenging situations, which is an important consideration for approaches to investigating sensory contribution to balance during gait.
TL;DR: The observations show that sensory information on the task-specific performance variable is sufficient for the organization of performance-stabilizing synergies, but suggest, however, that two actors are less likely to follow a single optimization criterion as compared to a single performer.
Abstract: We investigated the ability of two persons to produce force-stabilizing synergies in accurate multi-finger force production tasks under visual feedback on the total force only. The subjects produced a time profile of total force (the sum of two hand forces in one-person tasks and the sum of two subject forces in two-person tasks) consisting of a ramp-up, steady-state, and ramp-down segments; the steady-state segment was interrupted in the middle by a quick force pulse. Analyses of the structure of inter-trial finger force variance, motor equivalence, anticipatory synergy adjustments (ASAs), and the unintentional drift of the sharing pattern were performed. The two-person performance was characterized by a dramatically higher amount of inter-trial variance that did not affect total force, higher finger force deviations that did not affect total force (motor equivalent deviations), shorter ASAs, and larger drift of the sharing pattern. The rate of sharing pattern drift correlated with the initial disparity between the forces produced by the two persons (or two hands). The drift accelerated following the quick force pulse. Our observations show that sensory information on the task-specific performance variable is sufficient for the organization of performance-stabilizing synergies. They suggest, however, that two actors are less likely to follow a single optimization criterion as compared to a single performer. The presence of ASAs in the two-person condition might reflect fidgeting by one or both of the subjects. We discuss the characteristics of the drift in the sharing pattern as reflections of different characteristic times of motion within the subspaces that affect and do not affect salient performance variables.
TL;DR: This article examined the impact of small loans on new firm performance using data from the second Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, a large longitudinal data set of new firms in the USA.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of small loans on new firm performance using data from the second Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, a large longitudinal data set of new firms in the USA. Contrary to prior research which suggests that small or microloans primarily benefit entrepreneurs who experience disadvantages in the marketplace, the findings revealed no significant differences in loan source or loan amount by gender, ethnicity, or employment status during the early years of the firm. The findings did reveal, however, that the motivations (push vs pull) of the entrepreneur were a determinant of loan source. From this, the authors begin to develop a theory of financial bricolage based on the premise that small loans secured at key points in time can make a significant difference on firm performance for all types of entrepreneurs, not just those who have traditionally be classified as “disadvantaged.” Design/methodology/approach – The data for this study was taken from...
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the governing equilibrium conditions of this model with security information asymmetry can be formulated as a variational inequality problem and an algorithmic scheme that is easy to implement is proposed.
Abstract: In this paper, we develop a game theory model consisting of sellers and buyers with sellers competing non-cooperatively in order to maximize their expected profits by determining their optimal product transactions as well as cybersecurity investments. The buyers reflect their preferences through the demand price functions, which depend on the product demands and on the average level of security in the marketplace. We demonstrate that the governing equilibrium conditions of this model with security information asymmetry can be formulated as a variational inequality problem. We provide qualitative properties and propose an algorithmic scheme that is easy to implement. Three sets of numerical examples are presented which reveal the impacts of the addition of buyers and sellers and a variety of changes in demand price and investment cost functions on the equilibrium product transaction and security level patterns.
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: It is proved that the governing Nash equilibrium conditions of this model can be formulated as a variational inequality problem, provide qualitative properties of the equilibrium product transaction and security investment pattern, and propose an algorithm with nice features for implementation.
Abstract: In this paper, we develop a supply chain game theory framework consisting of retailers and consumers who engage in electronic transactions via the Internet and, hence, may be susceptible to cyberattacks. The retailers compete noncooperatively in order to maximize their expected profits by determining their optimal product transactions as well as cybersecurity investments in the presence of network vulnerability. The consumers reveal their preferences via the demand price functions, which depend on the product demands and on the average level of security in the supply chain network. We prove that the governing Nash equilibrium conditions of this model can be formulated as a variational inequality problem, provide qualitative properties of the equilibrium product transaction and security investment pattern, and propose an algorithm with nice features for implementation. The algorithm is then applied to two sets of numerical examples that reveal the impacts on the equilibrium product transactions, the security levels, the product prices, the expected profits, and the retailer vulnerability as well as the supply chain network vulnerability, of such issues as: increased competition, changes in the demand price functions, and changes in the security investment cost functions.